PRISONERS OF HOPE Dec 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
I recently mentioned the widows of Matanana in an editorial, and my wife has written a series of articles about
them, but I am impressed to write about them again because of the work that we are doing with them. A few
weeks ago, they met again with Steward, our point of contact in the village and had a discussion about improving
the utilisation of their land and other difficulties that they face. The latter discussion will be the subject of this
editorial.
Growing up I never really understood the oft repeated requirement in the Bible that we ought not to neglect wid-
ows. Maybe it had something to do with my youth, or possibly my naivety. It is only now, as I live close to a large
number of widows and begin to “interact” more and more with them that the full import of those words strikes
me. Maybe I am a little like Thomas. and needed to live here in order to appreciate more fully the Biblical injunc-
tion.
One of the biggest challenges that the widows face is manpower to carry out the duties that would normally be
carried out by the man of the house. This is a greater problem for the widows we work with as they do not have
male children old enough to perform these duties. Take for example digging of ablution facilities which is a ne-
cessity in these parts. Without a man to do it, one has to hire help which comes at a price that none of our wid-
ows can really afford. The same applies for thatching and re-thatching of roofs in order to cover up holes that let
rain in. The widows find themselves in an unenviable position as they do not have the ready funds to hire help,
and the men in the village are not willing to do the work on credit. When they do manage to scrape together suf-
ficient money, the men often prove unreliable and much time is wasted by them waiting for “workers” who never
pitch up; time that could have been better spent on other activities.
As we have mentioned previously, the major reason that there are so many widows in Matanana, is that AIDS is a
big problem in the local population. Just about all the widows we are helping have lost their husbands to the dis-
ease and a number of them are HIV positive. A number of the widows mentioned that what makes their plight
the worse, is that the men in the village generally insist on sexual favours in exchange for them even considering
assisting them. I cannot even begin to fathom what would possess a man to act in such a despicable manner to
someone so obviously in need. I am unable to even imagine what the poor widows feel like. They must feel so
debased and helpless and wonder what they have done to deserve what has befallen them. The words apparently
uttered by these grotesque men I am fearful to ever repeat. I pray none of them have ever given in “for the sake of INSIDE THIS ISSUE
their families”, and I keep wandering what it is that we can do to make their lives easier. To make matters worse,
Editorial ......................... ……1
the wives in the village have don‟t trust the widows and therefore do not want their husbands anywhere near
Feed My Children.......... .….2
them, making it even harder to get the assistance that they need.
Lessons From Loons .... .….3
The widows‟ lives, like those of all the other villagers, hinge on subsistence farming. Being destitute, they have to Fornication .................... ..…4
till their land by hand. Those that have ever tried to till an acre by hand and prepare it for planting will under- Go Nuts .......................... …..5
stand the difficulty that this presents. Their failure to till enough land for planting, means that they are unable to
Demon Possession ........ …..6
grow sufficient food to last them most of the year. This means that they need to find money elsewhere to survive,
John, Filled With Spirit …..8
reducing the cash they have for other things and deepening their cycle of poverty.
Child Training ............... …..9
Our aim when we started working with these widows, asides from introducing them to Adventism, was to pro-
vide them with the capital to begin a revenue generating business that would help them become self-reliant. Be-
cause of market conditions and remoteness of the village, we are still struggling to find a viable trade to skill
them in. However, having listened to their predicament, our thoughts have turned to providing them with cattle
that they will be able to use for their agricultural needs. Our aim is to purchase a minimum 4 cows for them
which we believe will greatly assist them both during the main planting season, and at other times for clearing
fields for planting things like potatoes. Each cow costs in the region of R2-2.5k (USD270-340). God has already
answered us in providing sufficient for the first “one and a half” cows; and we would like to ask that if you or any-
one you know has the desire of helping us realise our goal for these widows, that you get in touch with us for de-
tails on how you can assist.
My prayer and challenge this month is that if you cannot help either the Widows of Matanana, or widows in your
midst monetarily, that you will dedicate some of your time to help them in chores and other physical duties that
they may not be able to perform alone.
P.S We are working on a visitors day next month with the church when we will invite all the widows we are work-
ing with. Also, one of the widows‟ daughters has visited our church already.
 FEED MY CHILDREN PART 3 OF 3... BY SR T NKOMO
Sabbath-keepers, what are you doing for the widows in
your area? Have you sought them out, have you found
those who cannot help themselves no matter how hard they
try? Have you cared for the needy, shown them how they
can take care of themselves? God tells us that we will al-
ways have the poor with us, and our job is to make their
lives a little bit easier. I remember when we returned from
Kenya and job-hunting was not going well. But God raised
up friends who took care of our nutritional needs, as well as
our emotional needs. Some were telling us to take work
that entailed breaking the Sabbath, but that was some-
where our family would never step. Thankfully these
friends understood that very well and were always support-
ive.
So, whose friend are you. It is pointless keeping the Sab-
bath perfectly, not breaking any of the commandments if
we don‟t show our neighbour that we love them. The great
commission doesn‟t only involve preaching, but also taking
care of God‟s people‟s physical
needs. When Jesus multiplied the
loaves and the fish, He could have
just as easily said “Well, let‟s send
them home so they can eat then
they can come back later.” But He
didn‟t. Though they followed Him
in order to get healing for their
maladies, even when others came
to Him because of the loaves, He
never turned them away. Of
course, there‟s a responsibility
that comes with aiding the needy.
SOP warns us not to enable peo-
ple-not to help those who actually
CAN help themselves but are too
lazy or not trying hard enough. May God give us discern-
ment.
We will not be here for much longer. But thanks to those of
you who donated to the widow project and will continue to
do so, these struggling mothers will know that there are
Adventists all the way in South Africa, America who care
for them. Not only that, but their children know this too.
What a power for good there would be if the whole church
rose up, put their coins and notes together to help those
who need it most. And it‟s not only money that is needed.
Comforting the despondent, visiting the sick, cleaning the
homes of the elderly, this is a work that needs to be done. A
work that requires self-denial, humility, but it is the kind of
work Jesus would do. Do we want to be known for keeping
the Sabbath, or do we want to be known for keeping the
Sabbath and for our lives that reflect Christ‟s love for His
people?
1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and
shew my people their transgression, and the house of Ja-
cob their sins. 2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to
know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and
2
forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the
ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to
God. 3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest
not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest
no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find
pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4Behold, ye fast for
strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness:
ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be
heard on high. 5Is 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? 6Is 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? 7Is it
not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring
the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest
the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thy-
self from thine own flesh? 8Then shall thy light break
forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth
speedily: and thy righteousness
shall go before thee; the glory of
the LORD shall be thy re-
ward. 9Then shalt thou call, and
the LORD shall answer; thou shalt
cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If
thou take away from the midst of
thee the yoke, the putting forth of
the finger, and speaking vani-
ty; 10And if thou draw out thy soul
to the hungry, and satisfy the af-
flicted soul; then shall thy light rise
in obscurity, and thy darkness be
as the noon day.
May the Lord help us to reflect His
character to those who have lost
hope.
11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy
thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt
be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose
waters fail not.
12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste
places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many genera-
tions; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach,
The restorer of paths to dwell in.
P.S We managed to go and deliver a second load of 60 big
bags of manure to the widows of Matanana that we are as-
sisting. They are so grateful for what has been given them
and they have no idea how they could ever say “thank-you”
enough. Their crops are growing the best they have in a
long time and we are praying earnestly that they will har-
vest enough to feed themselves and their families for the
coming year. Thank you once again to all those that have
made it that much easier for us to get an opening to intro-
duce these widows and their families to a fuller knowledge
of Christ. They still need our prayers as some are struggling
with open sins of various kinds, but we know that Christ is
able to change hearts. 
 LESSONS FROM THE LOONS... BY SR A WATERS
Recently we were on a So, what are we doing as parents? Are we caught up with all the
family campout en- busyness of life, unaware of the temptations and dangers that
joying a few of the are preying on our children? Are we content that we are doing
glorious summer days as good as any of the other families in the church, so why be so
we appreciate so particular? Are we blind to the devil‟s attacks on our young? Or
much. We were at one are we, like the adult loons, constantly watchful of any danger and
of our favourite spots ready and willing to give the call to protect our young from be-
that has peaceful pri- coming a victim of the foe?
vacy, a beautiful blue,
tranquil lake, and Many years ago, my husband, Tom, and I made a commitment
gorgeous mountain to the Lord, to each other, and to our children that they would
vistas. As in years past, we enjoyed canoeing around the lake, to be our first priority under God for their spiritual, physical, and
the island, and down the various fingers of the lake. One of the character development. This commitment has been an on-going
highlights is hearing and seeing the family of loons that make challenge to us through the years as we have raised our chil-
this spot their summer home. dren. There have been times when separation from wrong, mis-
leading association was necessary to protect them. We have
But on this weekend we observed something that we had not been accused of being over-protective, too strict, and imbal-
been aware of in past years. This little family of loons-a father, anced.
mother and one chick-were swimming around the lake, espe- These strong accusations have at times shaken us, and also have
cially near to the end where we were camping. It seemed that driven us to seek the Lord and see what He has to say in His
not only did we hear the usual song of the loons at dawn and Word about such associations. As we have been willing to set
dusk, but often throughout the day. We also noticed as we ob- God‟s Word as our standard and foundation over the years, we
served them from our canoe, that they were not only watchful of have seen the blessing of being willing to honor Him and our
us, but of a family of bald eagles-a father, mother, and two near- children above the accusations of others and the pulls of our
ly full sized, yet immature young. We watched how the moment flesh wanting to fit in with other‟s expectations of us. But we
that one of the eagles would fly out of a tree over the lake the must realize that if we must protect against unprofitable associ-
father loon gave a warning cry. Immediately the mother and ation we must replace with positive ones. That begins with us as
baby loon, itself nearly half grown, were fully alert and attentive parents making time for our children and young people.
to the father loon. He was always a distance away from the
mother and the young loon, often increasing his distance as the We have not gone through parenting flawlessly. We have at
danger of the predator eagle approached. He was trying to be a times failed to be vigilant and have also experienced the painful
decoy away from his family. Throughout the day we heard the results of a moment of carelessness. But we can learn from our
warning signal given, and on a couple of occasions it was with mistakes, confess and repent to our tender Saviour and our chil-
such urgency that we ran to the shore from our tent site to dren, and again be more determined to engage in the watch care
watch an incredible episode of the male eagle trying to attack necessary for our families.
the father loon. At the instant we thought the eagle's talons
would pierce the loon, he dove under the water with precise cal- There have been times when the danger to our children lies
culation and the eagle flew back “empty handed”. All the risks within our own hearts through impatience and irritation, or
the father loon took were to spare his family from the predator. perhaps in pampering and coddling. When we see the effects of
our weaknesses on our children, it is a wakeup call to us that the
Over the weekend, we observed this loon family had no rest. change must come in our hearts. As we are willing to let the
Constantly throughout the day the warning cry was echoing and Lord reveal the weaknesses in our own hearts especially as they
with each cry we saw the eagle taking flight over the lake. What affect our children, and ask Him to change us, He will answer
un-wearying vigilance and watchfulness! We found ourselves prayers and strengthen us to face our weaknesses and gain the
wanting to give the loon family a break, and protect them, but victory over them in His power. I am often encouraged that His
this could not be. It had to be their own personal involvement, grace (power) is sufficient for any of my problems and His
especially on the part of the father and then the mother, who at strength is made perfect in my weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).
times also gave specific calls to her young. With persevering dil- That means that there is no weakness that I have, no problem I
igence the father and mother worked together to protect their encounter that is not conquerable in Him. As I have believed
chick from harm and danger. We also noted that with each com- this and taken Him at His word I have continued to find victo-
mand from the mother and father the young loon had complete ries in my life personally, as a wife, and as a mother. I have ex-
obedience. If he had not, he would have been a meal for the ea- perienced Him change my feelings, my attitudes, and my opin-
gles. What a lesson it was for us! The message was clear and ions and give me better thoughts, words, and expressions that
pointed. bring peace and joy to my heart and in my home with my hus-
band and children.
This is the privilege and responsibility God has given us as par-
ents for our children. Peter understood this need of watchful- So whether the predator is from outside our homes or in our
ness and vigilance from his own experience and challenges us in own hearts, God has promised that He will enable us to over-
I Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the come every temptation and every trial. We can cooperate with
devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may Him to be the watchful parents we need to be to raise our young
devour.” Or we could say as a preying eagle seeking whom he in safety and prepare them for their future in Christ, both in this
may devour. world and in the world to come! 

3
 FORNICATION PART2... BY BR E MUELLER
In Heb 12:16 believers are warned not to be fornicators like
Esau was one. The context talks about holiness that believers
must exhibit, because without sanctification no one will see
the Lord (vs. 14). Heb 13:4 is a call to marital faithfulness,
contained in a passage of different exhortations: “Marriage is
to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be
undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” In
this text, fornication is different from adultery unless kai is
epexegetical. Adultery may refer to a married partner that
has intercourse with another person than the spouse, where-
as fornication may refer to a person not married but engag-
ing in sexual activities with a married person.
In Mt 5:32 and 19:9, Jesus warns against divorce. Both vers-
es talk about fornication (porneia) and committing adultery
(moicheu_ and moichaomai). The argument in 5:32 focuses
on the wife and seems to be: If you divorce your wife and she
has not committed fornication, by indirectly forcing her to
remarry she becomes an adulteress, because the first mar-
riage is still valid. An alternative reading would be: By di-
vorcing your wife you stigmatize her as an adulteress. On the
other hand, the argument in 19:9 concentrates on the hus-
band: A man that gets a divorce and remarries, while his wife
was not involved in fornication, commits adultery. What
does Jesus mean by the term fornication? Depending on its
precise nature the act of fornication can be adultery. This
might be the reason why even the latest revision of Martin
Luther‟s translation renders the term porneia as “adultery.”
But it may not be wise to limit the interpretation to adultery
only. Obviously, the word porneia was chosen deliberately in
order to differentiate it from moicheia (adultery). In Mt 5:32
Jesus quotes Dt 24:1. This text does not only mention a cer-
tificate of divorce but also the reason for divorce.
The respective Hebrew term ‘erw_h can be rendered naked-
ness, pudenda, shame, something indecent, or metaphorical-
ly the undefended areas. It is a negative term with strong
sexual associations. Its predominant translation is naked-
ness. The term is found most frequently in the context of sex-
ual immoralities in Lev 18 and 20 and in connection with
porneia in Ez and Hos. The phrase “an indecent thing” is on-
ly found in Dt 23:14 and 24:1. In the former text it refers to
fecal matter, whereas in chap. 24 it obviously describes some
kind of sexual misconduct. In Mt 5:32 Jesus uses porneia as
the only legitimate reason for divorce , rejecting at least the
interpretation of Dt 24:1 by the school of Hillel which per-
mitted a husband to divorce his wife for trivial matters such
as burning a dish of food. In Mt 19:9 Jesus uses a similar ex-
ception clauses–“except for fornication”–as in Mt 5:32. Since
in both cases the literary context does not specify what forni-
cation stands for, the NT and OT understanding of the word
stem -porn- must be considered. Porneia seems to include a
number of sexual sins as indicated in the OT summary sec-
tion of this article above and in the NT summary section be-
low, that is, sexual relations outside of the marriage relation.
3. Summary
With regard to the word family -porn- the following picture
can be derived from the NT:
(1) Fornication depicts prostitution, playing the harlot.
4
(2) It is predominantly used in a literal sense, but in the Book
of Revelation it also has a figurative meaning. Both meanings
are found next each other in the letters to the seven church-
es.
(3) Fornication can stand for premarital sexual relations.
(4) In some cases, fornication is adultery or may include
adultery, in others it is distinct from it.
(5) Uncleanness and fornication may in some cases be used
as synonyms.
(6) Incest is fornication. The sexual sins listed in Lev 18 in-
cluding homosexuality may be included in the term fornica-
tion.
Conclusion
In this study we have looked at the word family -porn- in ex-
tra-biblical Greek literature, in the OT, and in the NT. In all
sources, porneia and the related terms refer to sexual acts
only. Both OT and NT
correspond largely
when it comes to the
word family. Though
the OT favors the fig-
urative sense and the
NT the literal meaning,
the different aspects of
porneia are found in
both testaments. They
include prostitution,
premarital sexual rela-
tions, adultery, incest,
and homosexuality, in
short, sexual relations
outside of the mar-
riage. Thus, OT and NT
enlarge the under-
standing of fornication
as found in the Greek
world. Obviously, in
Scripture fornication is a broad term describing all kinds of
sexual aberrations, but it can also be used in a more restrict-
ed sense and often may refer to illicit sexual acts outside the
marriage relationship, that is, by unmarried persons. Fre-
quently, a restricted meaning can be determined by investi-
gating the context.
In Scripture, the terms describing fornication are used in a
negative way. Fornication in all its forms must be avoided by
God‟s people (Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1Th 4:3). Scripture in con-
trast to the Greek world does neither condone porneia nor
does it make any compromises. Those who have committed
fornication are called to repent, to receive forgiveness for
these sins, and to change their lifestyle (Rev 9:21; 1Cor 6:9-
11). Christians are oftentimes particularly interested in the
sayings of Jesus with regard to porneia and divorce. Alt-
hough there are many evils in society and unfortunately also
in marriages, fornication describes only sexual sins and does
not address issues such as spouse battering and abandon-
ment. However, the good news of the gospel is that God is
willing to bless us with healing and forgiveness, which we in
turn are asked to extend to others. 
 GO NUTS!! ... BY SR T NKOMO
Consider the nut! Such a small food yet power-packed with eyesight isn‟t as good as
health. Can be used in so many different ways, there ar so it was in the younger
many varieties to suit our varied tastes. And relatively inex- years. It may start at
pensive. What‟s there not to like? But in case you‟re not al- about the age of 40,
ready a nut consumer. Here are some of the benefits of eating though usually it be-
them. comes a problem from
60 years of age . It usu-
Do you have a high risk of heart disease? Or do you want to
ally affects tasks such
lower your risk of ever having heart attack? They may be
as driving and reading.
high in fat, but it‟s the GOOD type of fat. Nuts contain un-
saturated fats that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cho- Almonds, pecans and
lesterol. It‟s this type of cholesterol that increases the risk of walnuts contain an
strokes and heart disease.Of course, the best diet is one that amino acid called tryp-
replaces the foods containing unhealthy fatty acids with nuts. tophan. This stimulates
The Lord‟s servant wrote “Nuts and nut foods are coming the production of serotonin, which helps to put you in a good
largely into use to take the mood, thereby warding off depression. Walnuts also contain
omega 6 fatty acids that aid in healthy brain function and
place of flesh-meats. With nuts may be combined grains, fruits, and
healthy joints. Almonds also aid in weight loss, they lower
some roots, to make foods that are healthful and nourishing. Care
should be taken, however, not to use too large a proportion of nuts. hunger. Pecans may aid in the fight against Alzheimers, and
Those who realize ill effects from the use of nut foods may find the Parkinson‟s disease.
difficulty removed by attending to this precaution. It should be re- Peanuts, besides being a good food for men, are a great
membered, too, that some nuts are not so wholesome as others. source of folates, niacin and riboflavins, all of which are a few
Almonds are preferable to peanuts, but peanuts in limited quanti-
B vitamins. These are needed for a good metabolism. These
ties, used in connection with grains, are nourishing and digesti-
vitamins can lead to fatigue and muscle degradation. Brazil
ble.” [Cf: Pacific Health Journal 07-01-05 para. 09] You can find
nuts contain iron and thiamine and may prevent cancers like
nut patties to take the place of meat burgers, cashew cheese
those of the bowel, the breast, the colon and the prostate.
to take the place of dairy cheese. Truly nuts are as versatile as
Cashews contain copper, biotin, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Sister White pronounced.
Biotin helps prevent hair loss and provides energy, among
Not only can they substitute flesh-foods, but nuts also do con- other benefits.
tain protein, something that those who continue to disregard
Nut butters are a healthy spread to put on bread, though it is
the health message claim to need. Nuts are one of the best
better to buy those not containing salt, or to make one‟s own.
plant sources of protein. You can also find omega 3 oils in
This can be done by roasting the nuts, then blending/
nuts, so no need to continue eating that fish! Walnuts have
grinding /mincing them. Of course, as with all foods, nuts
the largest amount of omega 3 oils out of all the nuts. Nuts
also contain fibre, and vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E should be eaten in moderation.
neutralizes free radicals in the body that cause the damage of
tissues and cells. It also aids in blood clotting, lessens some
Here‟s a recipe containing nuts
aspects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and decreases cer-
tain types of breast disease. Almonds help reduce the symp-
toms of menopause. Selenium lowers the risk of getting can-
Simple Tofu-Broccoli Stirfry
cer, heart disease, neurological diseases and certain infec-
tions and inflammatory conditions.
Ingredients
A study was performed at Loma linda University in 1992, and 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
besides the lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, it was 1 large onion, finely chopped
found that nuts also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabe- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
tes-what was once called adult onset diabetes. Of course, reg- 1 small red chilli, very finely chopped
ular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight also go a long way a (roughly!) thumb sized piece of ginger, very finely chopped
in preventing this disease. PMSm symptoms of menopause 1 block of tofu
and breast diseases have been mentioned for the ladies, but about half a head of brocolli, chopped into little florets
husbands, take not, nuts, especially peanuts are part of a diet 1 small bag of cashew nuts (usually around 100g)
that‟s recommended to help prevent and/or treat erectile dys- about 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
function as well. This is because nuts contain arginine, which 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil
not only helps counteract impotence, but also boosts immuni-
ty and lowers blood pressure levels.
Fry the onion, garlic, chilli, and ginger in a little bit of oil for a
few minutes then add the tofu, brocolli, nuts and soy sauce
The risks of gallstones, dementia and advanced macular de- and cook for a further few minutes. The tofu should be firm-
generation were also found to be lower on a diet containing ing but the broccoli should not be too soft, best to add the
nuts. Advanced Macular Degeneration occurs with age-when broccoli 1 or 2 minutes later than the tofu. 
5
 DEMON POSESSION IN CHRISTIANS PART1... BY BR G HUNT
POSSESSION & OWNERSHIP CAUSE
Jesus in the synagogue … was interrupted by a shriek of terror. …
Luk 8:26 … at Gadarenes 27 … a certain man, which had devils
The attention of the people was diverted ... This was Satan's pur-
long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any
pose in leading his victim to the synagogue. … The secret cause of
house, but in the tombs. ... 29 (For he had commanded the un
the affliction … He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and
clean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had
had thought to make life a grand carnival. ... He thought his time
caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and
could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path,
he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the
his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted
wilderness.) 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name?
the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control
And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered
of him. {DA 256}
into him. … 35 Then they … found the man … clothed, and in his
The Lord had declared … of the disobedient: "Rebellion is as the
right mind … 36 They also which saw it told them by
sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idola-
what means he that was possessed 1139 of the devils was healed.
try." [1Sam 15:23] These words found their verification in the life
of [King] Saul. The uncontrolled passions of his wicked heart
POSSESSED G1139 δαιμονίζομαι daimonizomai - to be exer
made him unfit to receive counsel or advice. He refused all in-
cised by a demon (Another translation is Occupied or
struction, and acted as if possessed of a demon. Justice was per-
Demonised)
verted to cruelty, and order was turned into confusion. … anger …
Possession & Ownership are two different things. The landlord is
transforming those … made in the image of God, into the image of
the house owner, who leases it out. The renter, moves in and takes
the evil one. {ST, October 19, 1888}
possession. But occupying demons are just squatters. Once the
legal ground held by demons is removed by True REPENTANCE,
Various Emotions, can give opportunity to demon possesion: An-
the evil spirits have to depart when commanded to do so. Repent-
ger, Hate, Shame, Fear, Selfishness, Envy, Lust, Resentment, Bit-
ance, means “Being sorry enough to quit”. We are brought into a
terness, Revenge, Rage, etc. Our uncontrolled reactions, afford
state of demonic bondage through wilful disobedience, as well as
entry of an evil spirit, into our minds, within seconds.
through the sins others inflict upon us, usually traumatic experi-
Luk 9:52 And sent messengers … into a village of the Samaritans,
ences in childhood.
to make ready for him. 53 And
they did not receive him, because
FULL CONTROL
his face was as though he would
Demons can totally control us, & make us do things:
go to Jerusalem. And when his
Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down be-
disciples James and John saw
fore him, and cried …
this, they said, Lord, wilt thou
that we command fire to come
The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God,
down from heaven, and consume
had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the
them, even as Elias did? 55 But
passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agen-
he turned, and rebuked them,
cies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. … Human faces reflected
and said, Ye know not what man
the expression of the legions of evil with which they were pos-
ner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the
sessed. {DA 36}
Son of man is not come to destroy
men's lives, but to save them.
How to get rid of Demons:
And they went to another village.
Jam 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
(It seems that Demon control can occur in seconds. Thereafter,
he will flee from you.
repentance & cleansing take place & the Holy Spirit can
again fill a person. But Demons can increase & strengthen their
INVITATION
hold, until repentance is nearly impossible. Then a person be
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon
comes a prisoner within their own bodies, with no control
your wrath: 27 Neither give place5117 to the devil.
of their actions.)
NOTE: This was written to Christians in Ephesus. Spirits of Fear, often cause Nightmares. Demons will change our
Thus anger leads to wrath, which is unthinking, unreasoning hate. perceptions, insert evil thoughts, and cause us to jump to wrong
The word PLACE can also be translated OPPORTUNITY. (Heb conclusions. The wrong perception of the Samaritans, created a
12:17 + Rom 12:19, Act 25:16 licence) wrong conclusion by the Apostles, leading to a Spirit of Revenge.
Place: G5117 τόπος topos - a spot (occupied), figuratively condi- The Spirit of Judgmentalism, Criticism, Superiority & Pride, all had
tion, opportunity; their part to play.
Thus, Sinful emotions can give the demons an opportunity to enter
in. The resultant wrong attitude, indicates a wrong spirit is pre- When Satan once has control of the mind he makes fools and de-
sent, and allows more demons to enter. mons of those who have been esteemed as excellent men. Preju-
dice, pride, and stubbornness are terrible elements to take posses-
AN EXAMPLE sion of the human mind. {3SM 164}
Mother‟s constant nagging, about Father‟s drinking problem,
caused him to be resentful & react negatively.
Ungodly control, causes rebellion (or fear) in the person who is There are multitudes today as truly under the power of evil spirits
being controlled. Witchcraft is simply getting others to do what as was the demoniac of Capernaum. All who willfully depart from
you want them to do, but using a wrong spirit in doing so. God's commandments … is lured on until … He cannot escape …
Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as
Dabbling in the occult, Curses, Possession of idols, Tattoos, & Sins was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hope-
of our ancestors & Own sins, are open invitations. less. {MH 92}
6
Mat 16:22 Then Peter began to rebuke him … 23 But he turned,
and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence
unto me …
Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart
to lie to the Holy Ghost …
Strong emotion, causes a release of Adrenalin, which if not used, is
converted to Reserpine, which causes depression, and weakens the
immune system. Then Demons can get a foothold. Today, we in
the West often call it “Multiple personalities” or “Manic-
Depressive” or “Scitsofrenic”. Note, the symptoms of Loss of con-
trol & Sickness are similar.
Remember, unforgiveness is a Sin. The battleground is in both our
Emotions & Understanding.
DID JESUS EVER GET ANGRY?
Mar 3:5 And when he had looked … on them with anger, being
grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man,
Stretch forth thine hand. … and his hand was restored ... 6 And
the Pharisees went forth …
Jesus controlled His Emotions, by proving His authority while do-
ing good.
ANGER G3709 ὀργή orgē - desire, ire - indignation, anger.
WRATH G2372 θσμός thumos - passion (as if breathing hard): -
fierceness
Joh 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove
them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured
out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all
them that sold and bought in the temple,
and overthrew the tables
of the moneychangers, and the seats … 14
And the blind and the
lame came to him in the temple; and he
healed them. 15 … and the
children
All this pre-meditated action, took much
time, thought & work. Jesus then taught
the blind & children. This was not uncon-
trolled Anger, as the children then came
to him. The Ardour of Zeal led Him to cleanse, not fight.
Joh 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The
zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Thus, to justify one‟s loss of control or temper, because of the sin of 10. Repeat, if the Spirit returns, or you become aware that other
others, is not „Righteous indignation”.
Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the Fellowship & Work for God,
truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (Eph 4:31,
Col 3:8)
There is „Natural anger‟ and also „Demonically magnified Wrath‟.
There is „Sex drive‟ and also „Demonically Selfish Lust‟. The Demon to) become new (Justification & Sanctification)
defiles & drives the victim deeper into sin.
RESULTS: The demoniacs of Gergesa …showed the depths of deg- through God to the pulling down of strong holds [arguments /
radation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race,
and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. … Pos-
sessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loath- God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of
some lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to
satanic jurisdiction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon
men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to
violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect,
and debases the soul. {DA 341}
NOTE: The main process is: Physical, Mental, then Spiritual.
But an advance in each, leads to more control.
FALSE EXORCISM: LETTER - Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Mackin: … in
visions ... I have been shown that you are making some sad mis-
takes. … a phase of fanaticism … You have even supposed that pow-
er is given you to cast out devils. Through your influence over the
human mind men and women are led to believe that they are pos-
sessed of devils, and that the Lord has appointed you as His agents
for casting out these evil spirits. I have been shown that just such
phases of error as I was compelled to meet among Advent believers
after the passing of the time in 1844, will be repeated in these last
days. --Letter 358, 1908.
EXORCISM
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my
name shall they cast out devils …
…in reference to Brother Davis. Evil angels … at times have control
of him … At times, he thinks, speaks, and acts under the influence
of satanic agencies, and does revolting things. This casts him into
despair. His only hope is to present his case before his brethren …
(and) earnest wrestling with God, and … be in connection with
those that could help him ... The more Brother Davis is pressed into
the work of God with those that are connected with God, the less
power Satan will have over him. But Satan must be rebuked as in
olden time, in the name of Jesus ... This in faith we must ask the
Lord to do … Brother Davis' connection [with] spirits, his experi-
ence in theosophy, is his curse. Labor we must to have the man
dispossessed. {15MR 343}
These things have been shown to assist in getting rid of Demons:
Jam 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for an
other, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a right
eous man availeth much. (Confess to God & the one you hurt, &
make right. Ex 22:1, Luk 19:8)
PROCESS OF DELIVERANCE.
(NB; Views listed below of deliverance process are those
of the author and not necessarily of PoH Editorial team)
1. List Traumatic events which could allow Demons in
2. Bible study & Prayer
3. Forgive others
4. Confess your sins out loud and turn away from them
5. Obtain forgiveness & Make right
6. List your Problem areas (habit, attitude or reaction)
7. List Inherited Spirits, Curses & Tendencies.
8. Pray for specific Problems, Traumas, Emotions, etc.
9. Get Assistance from faithful believers
areas need attention.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have (and continue
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the
flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty
mind-set];) 5 Casting down imaginations [reasoning], and every
high thing [pretension] that exalteth itself against the knowledge of
Christ;
After deliverance, it is possible to crucify the flesh & resist the sin.
Yet we have a part to play in order to stay free, and to continue to
be transformed. We must continue to CHOOSE daily to be free, &
allow God to re-create us. Temptations are just testings, to show us
our own heart‟s condition. Let us live vigilantly, constantly exam-
ining our thoughts & attitudes. Let us control our thoughts & emo-
tions, & not be controlled by them. Then we will have the fruits of
the Spirit. 
7
 JOHN WAS FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.... BY SR EG WHITE
Lk 1:5-15 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a
certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife
[was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the com-
mandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had
no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were
[now] well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he exe-
cuted the priest's office before God in the order of his course, ac-
cording to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn in-
cense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole
multitude of the people were praying without at the time of in-
cense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing
on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw
[him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said
unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife
Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy
Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell
as under the shadow of the Almighty through
the faith of the praying mother. John the Bap-
tist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his
birth. If we will live in communion with God,
we too may expect the divine Spirit to mould
our little ones, even from their earliest mo-
ments. DA, p512
John was the son of their old age, he was a
child of miracle, and the parents might have
reasoned that he had a special work to do for
the Lord and the Lord would take care of him.
But the parents did not thus reason; they
moved to a retired place in the country, where
their son would not be exposed to the tempta-
tions of city life, or induced to depart from the
counsel and instruction which they as parents would give him.
They acted their part in developing a character in the child that
would in every way meet the purpose for which God had designed
his life. . . . They sacredly fulfilled their obligation. CG, p23
John was called to do a special work; he was to prepare the way of
the Lord, to make straight His paths. The Lord did not send him to
the school of the prophets and rabbis. He took him away from the
assemblies of men to the desert, that he might learn of nature and
nature's God. God did not desire him to have the mold of the
priests and rulers. He was called to do a special work. The Lord
gave him his message. Did he go to the priests and rulers and ask if
he might proclaim this message?--No, God put him away from
them that he might not be influenced by their spirit and teaching.
1SM, p410
guiding of the Divine Spirit, he studied the scrolls of the prophets.
By day and by night, Christ was his study, his meditation, until
mind and heart and soul were filled with the glorious vision. He
looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was lost sight of. He
beheld the majesty of holiness and knew himself to be inefficient
and unworthy. It was God's message that he was to declare. It was
in God's power and His righteousness that he was to stand. He was
ready to go forth as Heaven's messenger, unawed by the human,
because he had looked upon the Divine. 8T, p331
In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representa-
tive of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second
coming. The world is given to self indulgence. Errors and fables
abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who
would perfect holinesss in the fear of God must learn the lessons of
temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be
held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-
discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight
which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred
truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in
the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. DA, p101
John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the
light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He
must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and
their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be
holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. DA,
p100
John the Baptist was a man filled with the Holy Ghost from his
birth, and if there was anyone who could remain unaffected by the
corrupting influences of the age in which he lived, it was surely he.
Yet he did not venture to trust his strength; he
separated himself from his friends and relatives,
that his natural affections might not prove a
snare to him. 4T, p108
In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he sought
to gird up his soul for the lifework before him.
Although in the wilderness, he was not exempt
from temptation. So far as possible, he closed
every avenue by which Satan could enter, yet he
was still assailed by the tempter. But his spiritu-
al perceptions were clear; he had developed
strength and decision of character, and through
the aid of the Holy Spirit he was able to detect
Satan's approaches, and to resist his power.
DA, p102
In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a
sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength.
Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites
and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he
could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstanc-
es as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness. In the time of
John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and dis-
play had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and
drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumb-
ing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin.
John was to stand as a reformer. DA, p100
He saw his people deceived, self-satisfied, and asleep in their sins.
He longed to rouse them to a holier life. The message that God had
given him to bear was designed to startle them from their lethargy,
and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. Be-
fore the seed of the gospel could find lodgment, the soil of the heart
must be broken up. Before they would seek healing from Jesus,
they must be awakened to their danger from the wounds of sin.
DA, p103
With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national cor-
ruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain,
pointed, and convincing. DA, p104
John had by nature the faults and weaknesses common to humani-
ty, but the touch of divine love had transformed him. He dwelt in
an atmosphere uncontaminated with selfishness and ambition, and
far above the miasma of jealousy. DA, p179
8

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored by
members of the SDA church
whose desire is to provide a
thought provoking newsletter
for Adventists dwelling on the
banks of Jordan; in the process
appealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
CHILD TRAINING
1. How should parents train their children?
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22: 6. "And, ye
fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6: 4.
2. How diligently should parents teach children God's Word?
"These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shall teach them diligently unto thy
children." "Ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deut. 6:6,7; 11:19.
3. What high ideal should he placed before the young?
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spir-
it, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12.
4. What duty does God require of children?
"Honor thy father and thy mother." Ex. 20:12.
5. What is to be one of the prominent sins of the last days?
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-
thankful, unholy." 2 Tim. 3: 2.
6. Why did God reprove Eli?
"In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also
make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his
sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not." 1 Sam. 3:12,13.
7. How should the youth he taught to regard the aged?
"Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord." Lev.
19: 32.
8. What are some good fruits of proper child training?
"Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul." Prov. 29: 17.
9. What will result if correction is withheld?
"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame!' Verse 15. See Prov.
22: 15.
10. Is there danger of delaying correction too long?
"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." Prov. 19: 18. See Prov. 23:13, 14.
11. Does proper correction evidence a want of parental love?
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Prov. 13: 24.
NOTE - One Christian mother writes thus concerning the importance of child training: "Children who are allowed
to come up to manhood or womanhood with the will undisciplined and the passions uncontrolled, will generally in
after-life pursue a course which God condemns. The neglect of parents properly to discipline their children has been
a fruitful source of evil in many families. The youth have not been restrained as they should have been. Parents
have neglected to follow the directions of the Word of God in this matter, and the children have taken the reins of
government into their own hands. The consequence has been that they have generally succeeded in ruling their par-
ents, instead of being under their authority. False ideas and a foolish, misdirected affection have nurtured traits
which have made the children unlovely and unhappy, have embittered the lives of the parents, and have extended
their baleful influence from generation to generation. Any child that is permitted to have his own way will dishon-
our God and bring his father and mother to shame."
12. Whom does the Lord chasten?
"For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Heb. 12: 6.
NOTE - From this we may learn that all child training should be done in love, and that proper child training is an
evidence of true love.
13. Against what evil should fathers guard?
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." Col. 3:21.
NOTE - Correction should never be given in anger, for anger in the parent stirs up anger in the child. It is well to
pray with a child before correcting him, and frequently mild but faithful instruction, admonition, and prayer are all
the training necessary-are, in. fact, the best training that can be given. But in any case of perverseness, stubborn-
ness, or wilful disobedience, the correction, whatever it may be, should be persisted in until the child yields submis-
sively to the will and wishes of the parent. It is best, generally, that correction should be done in private, as this
tends to preserve the self-respect of the child, a very important element in character building. No correction or train-
ing should be violent or abusive, or given for the purpose of breaking the will of the child, but rather to direct the
will, bring it into proper subjection, and the child to a realization of what is right and duty.
14. How are the present effects and future results of chastisement contrasted?
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peace-
able fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Heb. 12:11.
15. What question must every unfaithful parent meet?
"Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?" Jer. 13:20.
NOTE - Happy will those parents be who can say, "Behold, here am I and the children Thou gavest me." See Isa.
8:18
THE oldest university was not on India's strand, Nor in the valley of the Nile, nor on Arabia's sand; From time's
beginning it has taught and still it teaches free Its learning mild to every child-the school of Mother's Knee.
The oldest school to teach the law, and teach it deeply, too, Dividing what should not be done from what each one
should do, Was not in Rome nor Ispahan nor by the Euxine Sea; But it held its sway ere history's day-the school of
Mother's Knee.
The oldest seminary, where theology was taught, Where love to God, and reverent prayer, and the Eternal Ought
Were deep impressed on youthful hearts in pure sincerity, Came to the earth with Abel's birth-the school of Moth-
er's Knee.
The oldest, and the newest, too, it still maintains its place, And from its classes, ever full, it graduates the race.
Without its teaching, where would all the best of living be? 'Twas planned by Heaven this earth to leaven-the school
of Mother's Knee.
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