Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Inheritance

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." Proverbs 13:22.

"In apportioning the inheritance of His people, it was God's purpose to teach them, and through them the people of after generations, correct principles concerning the ownership of the land. . . . Though one might for a season dispose of his possession, he could not barter away the inheritance of his children. When able to do so, he was at liberty at any time to redeem it; debts were remitted every seventh year, and in the fiftieth, or year of jubilee, all landed property reverted to the original owner. Thus every family was secured in its possession, and a safeguard was afforded against the extremes either of wealth or of poverty." Ed 43.

"Naboth valued his vineyard highly because it had belonged to his fathers, and he refused to part with it. ‘The Lord forbid it me,’ he said to Ahab, ‘that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.’ According to the Levitical code no land could be transferred permanently by sale or exchange; every one of the children of Israel must ‘keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.’ Numbers 36:7." PK 205.

"Were the principles of God's laws regarding the distribution of property carried out in the world today, how different would be the condition of the people! An observance of these principles would prevent the terrible evils that in all ages have resulted from the oppression of the poor by the rich and the hatred of the rich by the poor. While it might hinder the amassing of great wealth, it would tend to prevent the ignorance and degradation of tens of thousands whose ill-paid servitude is required for the building up of these colossal fortunes. It would aid in bringing a peaceful solution of problems that now threaten to fill the world with anarchy and bloodshed." Ed 44.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Land-Based Economy

"In God's plan for Israel every family had a home on the land with sufficient ground for tilling. Thus were provided both the means and the incentive for a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. To the world's departure from it is owing, to a large degree, the poverty and wretchedness that exist today." CT 275, 276.

"The people were not crowded together in cities, but each family had its own landed possession, ensuring to all the health-giving blessing of a natural, unperverted life." AH 133.

"The plan of life that God gave to Israel was intended as an object lesson for all mankind. If these principles were carried out today, what a different place this world would be!" MH 188.

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16.

"The people who were under His direction still pursued the plan of life that He had appointed in the beginning. Those who departed from God built for themselves cities. . . . But the men who held fast God's principles of life dwelt among the fields and hills. They were tillers of the soil and keepers of flocks and herds, and in this free, independent life, with its opportunities for labor and study and meditation, they learned of God and taught their children of His works and ways." Ed 33, 34.

"Upon receiving the curse of God, Cain had withdrawn from his father's household. He had first chosen his occupation as a tiller of the soil, and he now founded a city, calling it after the name of his eldest son." PP 81.

"I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets." Psalm 55:9-11.

"Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place!" Isaiah 5:8.

"There are multitudes of poor families for whom no better missionary work could be done than to assist them in settling on the land and in learning how to make it yield them a livelihood." MH 192.

"Christian farmers can do real missionary work in helping the poor to find homes on the land and in teaching them how to till the soil and make it productive. Teach them how to use the implements of agriculture, how to cultivate various crops, how to plant and care for orchards." MH 193.

"If the poor now crowded into the cities could find homes upon the land, they might not only earn a livelihood, but find health and happiness now unknown to them." MH 190.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Most Favorable Occupation

"To Adam was given the work of caring for the garden." AH 27.

"It was the design of God that man should find happiness in the employment of tending the things He had created, and that his wants should be met with the fruits of the trees of the garden." AH 27.

"The tilling of the soil, the employment that God appointed to man in Eden, opens a field in which there is opportunity for multitudes to gain a subsistence." MH 189.

"By the distribution of the land among the people, God provided for them, as for the dwellers in Eden, the occupation most favorable to development--the care of plants and animals." Ed 43.

"Many kinds of labor adapted to different persons may be devised. But the working of the land will be a special blessing to the worker. There is a great want of intelligent men to till the soil, who will be thorough." FE 323.

"The occupations requiring sedentary habits are the most dangerous, for they take men away from the open air and sunshine, and train one set of faculties, while other organs are becoming weak from inaction. Men carry on their work, perfect their business, and soon lie down in the grave. Much more favorable is the condition of one whose occupation keeps him in the open air, exercising his muscles, while his brain is equally taxed, and all the organs have the privilege of doing their work." FE 319.

"No line of manual training is of more value than agriculture. A greater effort should be made to create and to encourage an interest in agricultural pursuits." Ed 219.

"If people only knew the value of the products of the ground, which the earth brings forth in their season, more diligent efforts would be made to cultivate the soil." CD 312.

"The people should learn as far as possible to depend upon the products that they can obtain from the soil." FE 325.

"It was God's plan for man to till the earth; . . . the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and . . . many of the world's greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil." Ed 219.

"The king himself is served by the field." Ecclesiastes 5:9.

"He who taught Adam and Eve in Eden how to tend the garden, would instruct men to-day. There is wisdom for him who holds the plow, and plants and sows the seed. The earth has its concealed treasures, and the Lord would have thousands and tens of thousands working upon the soil." FE 326.

"Men are needed in different communities to show the people how riches are to be obtained from the soil. The cultivation of land will bring its return." FE 317.

"Let the teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture; that it was God's plan for man to till the earth. . . . Show the opportunities in such a life." CG 356.

"In the study of agriculture, let pupils be given not only theory, but practice. While they learn what science can teach in regard to the nature and preparation of the soil, the value of different crops, and the best methods of production, let them put their knowledge to use. . . . Thus may be awakened a genuine interest, an ambition to do the work in the best possible manner. Such an ambition, together with the invigorating effect of exercise, sunshine, and pure air, will create a love for agricultural labor that with many youth will determine their choice of an occupation." Ed 219, 220.

"He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities." Ed 219.

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Strongest Meat Not For Babes

Those who have been educated in the truth by precept and example should make great allowance for others who have had no knowledge of the Scriptures except through the interpretations given by ministers and church members, and who have received traditions and fables as Bible truth. They are surprised by the presentation of truth, it is as a new revelation to them, and they cannot bear to have all the truth, in its most striking character, presented to them at the outset." 9T 240.

"Do not make prominent those features of the message which are a condemnation of the customs and practices of the people, until they have opportunity to know that we are believers in Christ." Ev 231.

Let our ministers bear in mind that the strongest meat is not to be given to babes who know not the first principles of the truth as we believe it. In every age the Lord has had a special message for the people of that time; so we have a message for the people in this age. But while we have many things to say, we may be compelled to withhold some of them for a time, because the people are not prepared to receive them now. Ev 200.

There is need now to give to the people patient, kind instruction; the education of a lifetime is not to be readily counteracted; great tact and patient effort are needed by those who shall present the truth in any manner. Ev 228.

In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. DA 299.

He did not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct. DA 84, 85.

It was not the apostles work to overturn arbitrarily or suddenly the established order of society. To attempt this would be to prevent the success of the gospel. But he taught principles which struck at the very foundation of slavery and which, if carried into effect, would surely undermine the whole system.  AA 459, 460.

Those who are acting a part in the great work for these last days need to counsel together in regard to every new thing that shall be introduced, for no one mans mind is to be left to judge of, or to place before the public, important matters which have a relation to the cause of God.2SM 91.

In the early days of this cause, if some of the leading brethren were present when messages from the Lord were given, we would consult with them as to the best manner of bringing the instruction before the people. 1SM 51.

Sometimes in ministers and physicians bearing responsibilities there has developed a disposition to discard the testimonies, and I have been instructed not to place testimonies in their hands; for having yielded to the spirit that tempted and overcame Adam and Eve, they have opened mind and heart to the control of the enemy. 1 SM 51.

It requires much wisdom and sound judgment, quickened by the Spirit of God, to know the proper time and manner to present the instruction that has been given. When the minds of persons reproved are under a strong deception, they naturally resist the testimony; and having taken an attitude of resistance, it is difficult for them afterward to acknowledge that they have been wrong. 1SM 51.

We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We must meet the people where they are. Some of us have been many years in arriving at our present position. . . . If we should allow the people as much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced state in reform, we would be very patient with them, and allow them to advance step by step, as we have done. . . . But we should be very cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the people. 3T 20, 21.

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

There are many things that we ought to be able to understand, that we do not comprehend because we are so far behind our privileges. Christ said to his disciples, I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.This is our condition. RH Oct. 8, 1889.

"The secret of The Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." Psalm 25:14.

Friday, November 21, 2014

God's Covenant With Us

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8.

"Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep." Deuteronomy 7:11-13.

"And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good . . . if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul." Deuteronomy 30:9, 10.

"The covenant that God made with His people at Sinai is to be our refuge and defense. . . . This covenant is of just as much force today as it was when the Lord made it with ancient Israel." 1BC 1103.

"Obedience was the only condition upon which ancient Israel was to receive the fulfilment of the promises that made them the highly favored people of God; and obedience to that law will bring as great blessings to individuals and nations now as it would have brought to the Hebrews." SD 39.

"A solemn charge is made by the God of Israel: 'Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi. . . . Ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. . . . Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?' [Malachi 2:8-10] . . . All the sins here specified have been coming in among the people who claim to be the people of God. . . . Who among us, who are called commandment-keepers, have been 'partial in the law,' neglecting the living principles which are a transcript of the character of God? Has not the imperfect example of those who have departed from the law of God caused many to stumble at the law?" RH December 1, 1896.

"I have been instructed to direct the minds of our people to the fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah. . . . 'Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, . . . every one that . . . taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. . . .' 'And taketh hold of my covenant.' This is the covenant spoken of in the following scripture: [Quotes Exodus 19:3-6.] 'And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.' This is the pledge that God's people are to make in these last days." RH June 23, 1904.

"God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips. His word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne. At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence." PK 187.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Discovery of the Lost Law

"And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses." 2 Chronicles 34:14.

"'Seek ye out of the book of the law, and read.' . . . These words outline our work. This scripture is to be received by our people as a message for to-day." RH June 23, 1904.

"The book of Deuteronomy should be carefully studied by those living on the earth today." 1BC 1117.

"We do not make enough of Deuteronomy and Exodus." 1BC 1117.

"Let those who believe the word of the Lord read the instruction contained in Leviticus and Deuteronomy." 6T 273.

"We are to become familiar with the Levitical law in all its bearings; for it contains rules that must be obeyed." 1BC 1110.

"And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them." Ezekiel 20:11.

"He did not stop with giving them the precepts of the Decalogue. The people had shown themselves so easily led astray that He would leave no door of temptation unguarded. Moses was commanded to write, as God should bid him, judgments and laws giving minute instruction as to what was required. These directions relating to the duty of the people to God, to one another, and to the stranger were only the principles of the Ten Commandments amplified and given in a specific manner, that none need err. They were designed to guard the sacredness of the ten precepts engraved on the tables of stone." PP 364.

"Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law." RH May 6, 1875; 1 BC 1104.

"There are many who try to blend these two systems [the moral and the ceremonial laws] . . . but this is a perversion of the Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God. . . . Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ ‘took . . . out of the way, nailing it to His cross.' Colossians 2:14." PP 365.

"Concerning the law proclaimed from Sinai, Nehemiah says, ‘Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes, and commandments.' Nehemiah 9:13. And Paul . . . declares, ‘The Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.' Romans 7:12." PP 365.

"Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

"The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart." Psalm 19:8.

"The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." Psalm 19:9.

"The regulations observed in the encampment of the Israelites are an example to us. It was Christ who gave those special instructions to Israel, and He intended them for us also, upon whom the ends of the world are come. We should study carefully the specifications of God's word and practice these directions as the will of God." 6T 34, 35.

"In Leviticus 19 are recorded words given by Christ to Moses to speak to the children of Israel. Read what the people of God in ancient times were commanded to do and what not to do; for these are the principles contained in the royal law." RH December 1, 1896.

"God has not changed. He is as particular and exact in His requirements now as He was in the days of Moses." 1BC 1111.

"The instructions given to Moses for ancient Israel, with their sharp, rigid outlines, are to be studied and obeyed by the people of God today." 1BC 1103.

"The statutes concerning marriage, inheritance, and strict justice in deal with one another, were peculiar and contrary to the customs and manners of other nations, and were designed of God to keep His people separate from other nations. The necessity of this to preserve the people of God from becoming like the nations who had not the love and fear of God, is the same in this corrupt age, when the transgression of God's law prevails and idolatry exists to a fearful extent. If ancient Israel needed such security, we need it more, to keep us from being utterly confounded with the transgressors of God's law." RH May 6, 1875.

"Moses of himself framed no law. Christ . . . gave to Moses statutes and requirements necessary to a living religion and to govern the people of God. Christians commit a terrible mistake in calling this law severe . . . and then contrasting it with the gospel . . . of Christ . . . as though He were in opposition to the just precepts which they call the law of Moses." Ibid.

"Christ, to enforce the will of his Father, became the author of the statutes and precepts given through Moses to the people of God. Christians who extol Christ, but array themselves against the law governing the Jewish church, array Christ against Christ." Ibid.

"Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes." Psalm 119:155.

"Ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you." Ezekiel 11:12.

"Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Genesis 26:5.

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . . And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. 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, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Malachi 4:4, 5.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Testimonies and Today

For a more complete discussion of the relevance of the spirit of prophecy counsels today, see my Thoughtlines blog.

"Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever." Psalm 119:152.

"The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting." Psalm 119:144.

"Soon every possible effort will be made to discount and pervert the truth of the testimonies of God's Spirit." 1SM 41.

"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish' (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony. There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them, for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded." 1SM 48.

"Time and trial have not made void the instruction given, but . . . have established the truth of the testimony given. The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days." 1SM 41.

"The Lord desires His servants today to preach the old gospel doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. We want old-fashioned sermons, old-fashioned customs, old-fashioned fathers and mothers in Israel." Ev 179, 180.

"Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3.

"Bible truth is clearly and simply presented in the messages that since 1846 God has been sending His people." 1SM 42.

"Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last." 1SM 55.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Validity of the Scriptures

"In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God's word are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused and know not what to believe. . . . In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mystical construction upon many portions of Scripture. Because the plain teaching of God's word condemned their practices, they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today. The word of God is made to appear mysterious and obscure in order to excuse transgression of His law. Christ rebuked these practices in His day. He taught that the word of God was to be understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith." COL 39, 40.

"'It is written' was His reason for every act that varied from the family customs." DA 86.

"The mastermind in the confederacy of evil is ever working to keep out of sight the words of God, and to bring into view the opinions of men." MH 439.

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

"What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it." Deuteronomy 12:32.

"We should cling to the teaching of the Bible and not follow the customs and traditions of the world, the sayings and doings of men." FW 86.

"The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or for the life to come" Ed 123.

"It is the grandest, and yet the most simply arranged and easily understood book ever prepared for giving an education in proper behavior, in speech, in manners, in affection." MLT 339.

"Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right." Psalm 119:128.

"How shall we recover ourselves from the snare of Satan and break the chains that have bound us in slavery to fashion? . . . There is only one way, and that is to make the Bible our rule of life." 4T 631.

"As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world" 6T 146.

"It is impossible for a man to become loyal to God, rendering obedience to all His commandments, without finding himself immediately marked as odd from the rest of the world." RH January 13, 1885.

"All that we urge is compliance with the injunctions of God's word. Are we Bible readers and followers of Bible teachings? Will we obey God, or conform to the customs of the world? . . . Can we expect to enjoy peace of mind and the approval of God while walking directly contrary to the teachings of His word?" 4T 644.

"Many do not hesitate to sneer at the word of God. Those who believe that word just as it reads are held up to ridicule." PK 185.

"Many close their eyes to the plainest teachings of His Word because the cross stands directly in the way. If they lift it, they must appear singular in the eyes of the world; and they hesitate, and question and search for some excuse whereby they may shun the cross. Satan is ever ready, and he presents plausible reasons why it would not be best to obey the Word of God just as it reads. Thus souls are fatally deceived." FW 41.

"There is seen a spirit of opposition to the plain word of God, of idolatrous exaltation of human wisdom above divine revelation." PK 178.

"There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar course. They would have no difficulty in understanding their duty if it were in harmony with their inclinations. It is plainly set before them in the Bible or is clearly indicated by circumstances and reason. But because these evidences are contrary to their desires and inclinations they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn their duty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and earnestly for light. But God will not be trifled with. . . . When one clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to go to God with the prayer that he may be excused from performing it. He should rather, with a humble, submissive spirit, ask for divine strength and wisdom to meet its claims." PP 440, 441.

"Let not anyone be afraid of going to extremes while he is a close student of the Word, humbling the soul at every step." 2SM 22.

"Every word of God is pure." Proverbs 30:5.

"Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." Proverbs 30:6.

"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The Folly of Popular Customs

"As the condition of the people began to open to His mind, He saw that the requirements of society and the requirements of God were in constant collision." DA 84.

"The question now to be asked is, Are the professed followers of Christ complying with the conditions upon which the blessing is pronounced? Are they separating in spirit and practice from the world? How hard to come out and be separate from worldly habits and customs!" FW 41.

"I had relatives and friends there who did not realize the necessity of renouncing the customs of society to obey the commandments of God." RH January 13, 1885.

"Learn not the way of the heathen. . . . For the customs of the people are vain." Jeremiah 10:2, 3.

"Commit not any one of these abominable customs." Leviticus 18:30.

"When the Lord requires us to be distinct and peculiar, how can we crave popularity or seek to imitate the customs and practices of the world?" 6T 143.

"Errors may be hoary with age; but age does not make error truth, nor truth error. Altogether too long have the old customs and habits been followed." 6T 142.

"We are not at liberty to teach that which shall meet the world's standard or the standard of the church, simply because it is the custom to do so." 6T 142.

"Customs, practices, and fashions which lead the soul away from God have been for years gaining ground in defiance of the warnings and entreaties of the Holy Spirit, until at last their ways have become right in their own eyes, and the Spirit's voice is scarcely heard." 5T 103.

"Men have allowed their minds to become so darkened and confused by conformity to worldly customs and influences that they seem to have lost all power to discriminate between light and darkness, truth and error." PK 178.

"So long have men worshiped human opinions and human institutions that almost the whole world is following after idols." PK 186.

"Those who have yielded step by step to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will then yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death." PK 188.

"Many are saying by their course of action, that the line of demarkation between Christians and the world must not be too distinct. They conform to the customs and unite in the pursuits of the lovers of pleasure, in order to retain their friendship, and exert an influence to win them to the truth. The plea is not new. The same work has been often attempted since the opposing forces of good and evil first existed in the world. The result has ever been the same. Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world. It never converts the world to Christ." RH June 20, 1882.

"Many who imitate the customs and fashions of the world claim that they do this in order to have an influence with worldlings. But here they make a sad a fatal mistake. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them . . . make wide the distinction between the Christian and the world." RH December 12, 1882.

"We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world's standard, but we are to make the distinction decidedly apparent. The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that there has been so little decided difference between our practices and those of the world." 6T 146, 147.

"There is constant danger that professing Christians will come to think that in order to have influence with worldlings, they must to a certain extent conform to the world. But though such a course may appear to afford great advantages, it always ends in spiritual loss. Against every subtle influence that seeks entrance by means of flattering inducements from the enemies of truth, God's people must strictly guard. They are pilgrims and strangers in this world, traveling a path beset with danger. To the ingenious subterfuges and alluring inducements held out to tempt from allegiance, they must give no heed." PK 570.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Blog Introduction

"All that God's Word commands, we are to obey. All that it promises, we may claim. The life which it enjoins is the life that, through its power, we are to live." Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 188, 189.

This blog presents insights into rural economy as taught in the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White.

First we'll look at the subject of Custom vs. Inspiration. Under that heading we'll cover topics such as the Folly of Popular Customs, the Validity of the Scriptures, the Testimonies and Today, Discovery of the Lost Law, God's Covenant with Us, and the Strongest Meat Not for Babes.

Then we'll address The Biblical Lifestyle. We'll look at the Most Favorable Occupation, Land-Based Economy, the Inheritance, Meeting the Problems of Farmers, Stewardship of the Land, God's Care for the Poor, Family Businesses, Home the Center of Education, and Parents their Children's Physicians.

Finally, we'll deal with Economic Principles. Under that heading we'll discuss Wealth and Riches, Honesty in Trade, Making Money Without Working, Where to Put Our Money, Borrowing and Lending, Usury, Financial Slavery, Relieving the Oppressed, Separation from the World, Suretyship, Worldly Protection Policies, Forbidden Partnerships, and The Christian's Protection Plan.