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any case, you and I can ensure that every time we stay in a hotel room we leave a copy of one of our Sweet Vegan Delight ..... ….10
SoP books in the drawer for the next visitor and also some literature for those that will change the bed-
ding when we leave.
5) Many libraries in around us are begging for books and they are more than willing to accept our books to
be loaned out to the various communities. All we have to do is to drop off the books at the library and
they will take care of the rest.
6) We have a wonderful resource available to us in the form of the Voice of Prophecy. Our individual
churches, via our suggestions, should get involved in acquiring VoP material. We should then intro-
duce systematic enrolling of students whereby, every week, each of us are required to give an enrol-
ment card to someone, or else bring to the church the name and address of someone that you would
like enrolled.
These are a few, but not exhaustive, ways in which we can practically get involved in evangelism and my
prayer is that we will add to these and think how we can get involved in spreading the truth about our risen
and soon coming Saviour to a dying world. The one thing though, to remember throughout the process, is
that our duty is to plant; and to pray that the Holy Spirit attend to the germination of the seed in the heart.
DEAR LAODECIA... BY SR T NKOMO
Dear Luke Warm, you, don‟t really talk TO you, but rather, AT you. They come
with assumptions, and never ask how you really are. I know it
How are you? I‟m ok, just busy working on a presentation. took me a while to realise that some people have company
My family is fine, the kids are talking too much for me, there‟s cars, not their own personal cars, yet people assume that just
constant jabbering unless they‟re asleep, which is when I get because one has a vehicle, those people are well-off and don‟t
time to study. I‟ve done all my compulsory assignments al- have a care in the world. So I guess that‟s what‟s happening-
ready and I think I‟m on track. Homeschooling is a pleasure that people just assume…It‟s the same with the assumption
right now because they‟re still at a young age, we just do one that stay at home mothers do it because they can afford it.
or two official school activities during the day then the rest of They don‟t see the tears we shed because we can‟t get our
the time they play or we cook together. I hope your family is children that container of yoghurt they‟re asking for. They
well, please greet them for me. don‟t see the tears we shed because we have to ask others for
money to buy our children jerseys when winter comes rolling
I hope you had a blessed Sabbath, mine was blessed indeed by. The sadness at not being able to afford all the
and I think God that we have this day of rest and fellowship. homeschooling equipment they would like to enhance their
How was the sermon? Who preached? I didn‟t go to church children‟s learning and playtime experience. The Bible re-
this week, I stayed home with one of my friends who wasn‟t sources they will never be able to buy…
going to be able to make it to church for
a few weeks. You have no idea how wor- But that‟s nothing compared to those
ried I am about your state. Testimonies who don‟t even have a husband who‟s
to the Church volume 1 is very clear that working. How do they survive? At least
we are our brothers‟ keepers, but I don‟t we have family members who help feed
see much „keeping‟ going on amongst and clothe us and our children. What
us. My new friend has had a tough time, about immigrants and refugees who
and no-one has taken the time to know have nothing and no-one? I remember
her properly. It seems as if no-one cares an elder at church saying that we stay in
for each other. I know the Bible did our cliques and don‟t talk to others. I
prophecy that among the members, the remember thinking “Well, that‟s a gener-
love of many would wax cold, but the alization because I don‟t do that. I do try
MANY part had never clicked till now. to find those who I don‟t know and en-
Now I see it. Please pray for them, her gage with them. So obviously there are
husband will be going for a job inter- many others that do it too. You can‟t be
view very soon and I pray that it works out, because it seems a Christian without loving each other-that doesn‟t work!”
that they only have themselves, to rely on, unemployed as But ,that was till l I visited this friend I mentioned in the
they both are. So much for this General Conference Resolu- other paragraph. Do you know what it‟s like to stand outside
tion from the 1880‟s “That we strenuously urge the offi- church and have no-one say anything kind to you? And not
cers of every church, and of the Sabbath-school, and only that, to have those who do talk to you, making sarcastic
the missionary society connected therewith, to meet comments? When someone feels so unhappy that they end up
together for prayer and counsel, as often as once a walking to a far away church to try and find fellowship, then
month; and that proper steps be taken by the officers you know you have failed as a church. I remember my hus-
to ascertain the standing, both spiritual and band, receiving a text message from a stranger, asking if it‟s
temporal, of every member, so that assistance may right that no-one greeted him. The man had taken his num-
be rendered when necessary [Oct. 23]” ber from the bulletin…Maybe it‟s because it‟s never happened
to others. I know what it‟s like because it happened in Kenya.
Sadly, that has gone to the place where all the evangelistic Out of a church of more than 2000 members, we can count
zeal has gone…Now it seems that individuals have to do the on one hand the number of people who were friendly. Maybe
seeking out, and we‟re not doing a very good job either! I that experience has helped me to fully understand the isola-
don‟t think we know what it is to sacrifice for others. Maybe tion this friend of mine went through. Do you know what it‟s
it‟s because we don‟t care about each other anymore. Have we like to have no food in your cupboard at all? To need to bor-
let the cares of this world choke out any true love and interest row money just to buy bread? And to have no hope of any
for others? And some others that do take the time to talk to money at any time?
2
At least those who get salaries know that even though their me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
expenses are larger than the amount they get, at least they‟ll and his angels: 42For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no
have food on the table. What about those who are unem- meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a
ployed and are trying to find honest, non-Sabbath-breaking stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me
work? Where‟s their hope, if not in us, their fellow brothers not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall
and sisters? they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in
Remember what Matt 25 says? Beginning at verse 31 “When prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he an-
the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy an- swer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
gels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but
separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his the righteous into life eternal.
sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his
right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then shall the King How will we wake each other up to our duties, if we can‟t
say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my take care of each other here in the family? Is it any wonder
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the that we have very few Adventist orphanages in our land?
foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye
35 And it‟s not because we‟ve adopted these parentless chil-
gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a dren either. My heart breaks for the suffering ones. And for
stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I us, because we will have to face a day of reckoning. What
36
was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came will our excuse be?
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,
37
Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or While you ponder on these words, let us please pray for
thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a each other to have our eyes opened so that we can see
stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 where there‟s a genuine need. Please pray that we will all
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto have willing feet that will go the extra mile to help others.
thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily And please pray that we will all have loving hearts that will
I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the act prompted by principle, not by avarice. And don‟t ever
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41Then forget, you‟re in my prayers “Luke”, you and the rest of the
shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from “Warm” family. God bless
7
DO NOT BLASPHEME THE HOLY SPIRIT.... BY SR EG WHITE
Mk 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven convict and convert the sinner. "Let him alone" (Hosea 4:17)
unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever is the divine command. Then "there remaineth no more sac-
they shall blaspheme:mBut he that shall blaspheme against rifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment
the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean Hebrews 10:26-27. PP, p405
spirit.
In this our day men have placed themselves where they are
Christ told them plainly that in attributing the work of the wholly unable to fulfill the conditions of repentance and con-
Holy Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off from fession: therefore they cannot find mercy and pardon. The
the fountain of blessing. Those who had spoken against Jesus sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any
Himself, not discerning His divine character, might receive sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of
forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might be truth and evidence. 5BC, p1093
brought to see their error and repent. Whatever the sin, if the
It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their
soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away in the
hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to
blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy
lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that
Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith cannot
the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the proc-
come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the
ess is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the
heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare It to
soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the di-
be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can
rect agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disre-
communicate with them. When the
garded, there is a partial benumbing of
Spirit is finally rejected, there is no
the spiritual perceptions, and the sec-
more that God can do for the soul.
ond revealing of light is less clearly dis-
The Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke cerned. So the darkness increases, until
this warning did not themselves believe it is night in the soul. Thus it had been
the charge they brought against Him. with these Jewish leaders. They were
There was not one of those dignitaries convinced that a divine power attended
but had felt drawn toward the Saviour. Christ, but in order to resist the truth,
They had heard the Spirit's voice in they attributed the work of the Holy
their own hearts declaring Him to be Spirit to Satan. In doing this they delib-
the Anointed of Israel, and urging them erately chose deception; they yielded
to confess themselves His disciples. In themselves to Satan, and henceforth
the light of His presence they had real- they were controlled by his power. DA,
ized their unholiness, and had longed p322/3
for a righteousness which they could
not create. But after their rejection of Every day, in their refusal to repent,
Him it would be too humiliating to receive Him as the Mes- they took up their rebellion afresh.
siah. Having set their feet in the path of unbelief, they were They were preparing to reap that which they had sown. The
too proud to confess their error. And in order to avoid ac- wrath of God is not declared against men merely because of
knowledging the truth, they tried with desperate violence to the sins which they have committed, but for choosing to con-
dispute the Saviour's teaching. The evidence of His power tinue in a state of resistance, and, although they have light
and mercy exasperated them. They could not prevent the and knowledge, repeating their sins of the past. If they would
Saviour from working miracles, they could not silence His submit, they would be pardoned; but they are determined
teaching; but they did everything in their power to misrepre- not to yield. They defy God by their obstinacy. These souls
sent Him and to falsify His words. Still the convicting Spirit have given themselves to Satan, and he controls them ac-
of God followed them, and they had to build up many barri- cording to his will. TM, p74
ers in order to withstand its power. The mightiest agency The most common manifestation of the sin against the Holy
that can be brought to bear upon the human heart was striv- Spirit is in persistently slighting Heaven's invitation to re-
ing with them, but they would not yield. DA, p321/322 pent. Every step in the rejection of Christ is a step toward the
God works by the manifestation of His Spirit to reprove and rejection of salvation, and toward the sin against the Holy
convict the sinner; and if the Spirit's work is finally rejected, Spirit. In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the
there is no more that God can do for the soul. The last re- unpardonable sin; and by refusing the invitation of mercy,
source of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor we may commit the same error. DA, p324/5
has cut himself off from God, and sin has no remedy to cure
Cont: p10
itself. There is no reserved power by which God can work to
8
SOCIAL PURITY
How much is included in the seventh command- "And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
ment? of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5.
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you, That whoso- Does God know the thoughts?
ever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed "Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou
adultery with her already in his heart." Matt. 5:27, 28. understandest my thought afar off." Ps. 139:2.
What are the people of God exhorted to omit? Then how should one treat him who indulges in
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let low, impure conversation?
it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; nei- "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark-
ther filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are ness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to
not convenient; but rather giving of thanks." Eph. 5:3, 4. speak of those things which are done of them in secret."
Eph. 5:11, 12.
What does the apostle class this inclination?
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: In conversation, against what should one be
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness." Gal. strenuously guarded?
5:19. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may
Of what will those who are guilty in this direction minister grace unto the hearers." Eph. 4:29.
be deprived?
"I have also told you in time past, that they which do such What are the proper things to engage one's mind?
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Gal. 5:21. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
If one professing godliness is known to be impure, things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
what is our duty regarding Him? things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
any man that is called a brother be a fornicator." 1 Cor.
5:11. NOTE. - To male and female alike this rule applies. All
should avoid associating with those who indulge in low,
If one received evil communications, how will they
impure thoughts, as their presence and influence are alike
affect him?
contagious. One soon receives the mould of a frequent
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good man-
companionship, whether the companion be good or bad.
ners." 1 Cor. 15:33.
All should strive against the reception of grovelling, vulgar
thoughts; for, as has been truthfully said, "no one can suc-
When a person allows corrupt thoughts to be sown
ceed long in keeping himself from vicious acts whose
in his heart, what may he expect to reap?
thoughts dwell, without restraint, upon unchaste subjects.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man
Purity of life depends upon purity of mind; and the only
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his
way to secure the first is by the cultivation of the second.
flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth
Incessant mental occupation is the only safeguard against
to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal.
sin.
6:7, 8.
What is even the thought of foolishness said to be? What is promised to the pure in heart?
"The thought of foolishness is sin." Prov. 24:9. "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."
Matt. 5:8.
On what condition does God accept the sinner?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man From what source come our words?
his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good
have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abun- things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
dantly pardon." Isa. 55:7. speaketh." Matt. 12:34.
In a small saucepan, place the water and sugar, and bring to a boil. Stir the mixture to
help dissolve the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the
mixture from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. In a blender or food processor,
place the nectarines, mango, and cooled sugar mixture, and process for 1 minute. Add
the orange juice and lemon juice and puree the mixture until very smooth. Pour the
mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
Or if you do not have an ice cream maker, place sorbet mixture in a plastic container,
cover, and chill for 3-4 hours or until partially frozen. Process sorbet mixture in a
blender or food processor. Return the mixture to the plastic container, cover, and freeze
3 additional hours. Repeat the processing procedure, transfer back to the plastic con-
tainer, cover, and freeze until solid