www.scribd.

com/PrisonersOfHope

PRISONERS OF HOPE February 2011

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
I had the opportunity, about two months ago, of going to collect my brother, whom I had not seen
for close on six years at the airport. His plane happened to be delayed so I stood at the international
arrivals waiting and watching. As I observed those around me and those coming through from im-
migration, I was struck by the great joy that was evident when people were re-united with their
loved ones. Many would run towards each other and hug each other, others would kiss and take
photos, others would let out screams of great joy, and yet others seemed momentarily paralysed,
almost as if they could not believe that they were seeing their loved ones in the flesh.
One could not help but be moved by the scenes of euphoria in that arrival terminal. As I stood there
in contemplative mood, with an involuntary smile on my face, a thought struck me. “If we express
such joy at re-uniting with mortals in this sin-sick world, what will our joy be like when the Saviour
shall return to take us home?” Can you imagine what it will be like to see Him in the sky in all His
glory and splendour? Can you imagine what it will be like to be able to see the angles hovering
round, some carrying little children in their hands? Can you imagine what it will be like to see family
and friends that had been cruelly ripped away from you? The elation on that day will be unsur-
passed. I am convinced there will be much singing and shouting and hugging and happiness beyond
compare.
As I stood there in my own world, trying to imagine a scene, which will in reality, will be much more
abundantly joyful that I could ever see in my mind‟s eye, a sad realisation struck me. It was the reali-
ty that the majority of those expressing such abundant joy on that day would unlikely arises at the
first resurrection. For “broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat” and “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
find it.”
I found myself asking the question that haunts me often; have we done enough as Adventists to get
our message out to a dying world. I found myself wondering how many of the people in that termi-
nal building even knew of the SDA church, let alone any of our teachings. Are we doing enough (not INSIDE THIS ISSUE
that anything we ever do could be) to spread the word of God both as individuals and as a corpo- Editorial ........................ ……1
rate? Do we take our commission given us by Jesus seriously enough to live our lives as missionaries Stop Beating Yourself ... .….2
in whatever sphere we find ourselves in, or are we merely satisfied to live like the rest of the world Perfection ...................... .….3
throughout the week and attend church on Sabbath? Health In Jesus ............. …..4
Live Like You‟re Dying .. .….5
We have now entered a new year, and the question that I would like to pose is the following; firstly,
Are you Born Again ....... .….7
how many people did you interact with throughout the past year? The second is a follow up, how
Purity ............................ ….8
many of those people that you interacted with did you tell about what Jesus has done for you? The
third picks up on the same theme. How many of those whom you told about Jesus, did you give spir-
itual material, conduct a Bible study with, or invite to attend one of our services or other meetings
that we may have had? As members of the remnant, that expect to be changed in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, these are things that we should be reflecting on as we enter into the new year.
Our time on this earth is fast running out and as the remnant we have much work to do. The truth of
the matter is that if we do not make use of the talents that we have been blessed with to multiply
them for our Saviour, we will miss out on the joyful reunions that we would all like to be part of. I do
not believe that any of us desires to arise with those that shall be pleading for the rocks to fall upon
him/her. As such, my challenge for us through the coming year is that we all make a more deter-
mined effort to truly work in the Lord‟s vineyard. It is very true that the fields are white but the la-
bourers are few. Let us truly desire to share our faith with others and pray that the Holy Spirit give
us both opportunity and the right words to say that will introduce Jesus in verity to others. It is in
sharing and living right that we will be strengthened and grounded in our faith.
 STOP BEATING YOURSELF!!... BY SR T NKOMO
I was born 'in' the church. It's really a silly statement because ter them, His word speaks to us. I urge you to re-read Psalm
I was born in a hospital...but you know what it means. So Sat- 51. That is the prayer of someone who loves God. That is the
urday observance was never an issue for me. I knew and prayer that we ought to utter when we fall. Yes, we are called
loved the Sabbath and have never been tempted to stop keep- to holiness, but sadly, we sometimes let go of Jesus' hand. It
ing the Sabbath holy. On the other hand, I loved Jesus, but doesn't mean we should keep going backwards and falling
not in the right way because I didn't really know him. The into the same hole. It means we repeat David's sorrowful
pastors, elders, evangelists presented a picture of a Jesus who words; we cling tightly to God's hand, and walk FORWARD
keeps forgiving you for the same sins, knowingly committed and AWAY from that hole.
over and over again. I told myself "Ok, at the end of each day,
just ask God to forgive you for everything you did wrong in It's not easy, especially when the devil reminds you of how
the day and you'll be set." It didn't help that I was surrounded enjoyable or „stress-free‟ being in that hole is. But that hole is
by this type of Christian. No-one seemed to be walking the not where God wants you to be. And so you keep praying,
truly narrow way. In fact, looking back, I probably thought asking Him to shield you from the evil one. And by faith you
Sabbath-keeping WAS the narrow way! grab that hand, forsaking all others' on this earth, and you
step out. You may weep as you see how filthy you are, you
Until I met my husband. He gave me the book The Lord Our may wonder how you'll ever get clean. But the prayer of a
Righteousness and it's like a huge light bulb flashed in my penitent soul is heard and more importantly, it is answered.
head-the first of many. Christ loves me so much that He actu- You're not the only one who has struggled with letting the
ally gives me the strength to 'be perfect' as He told me to be in Saviour down.
Matt 5:48. And so the growth in practical godliness began. He
trusted me so much that He decided to use me as an example Remember Peter. So sure that he would die for His master.
to the devil and to the unfallen worlds. He forgave me and Yet, as soon as the opportunity to truly die for His master
expected me to live like He did, so that I could be WITH came, he rejected Him. Imagine the agony he felt when He
Him. caught Jesus' eye. It's the same agony you feel when you
acknowledge your sin, acknowledge how you let Jesus down.
I realised that sanctification was a lifetime process, but not a Yet Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter forgave himself…and he
lifetime of committing the very same errors without true re- went on to become a powerful worker for Christ. When you
pentance. It's a lifetime of growing, gaining more truth and come out of that hole, you
being transformed accordingly. I went through the Spirit of not only never go back in
Prophecy Library (The big blue books) and felt like I'd been again, but you have a strong
born again. This Jesus I now knew loved me just as I was, but desire to pull others out too.
desired me to improve, He wanted the best for me! I was/am And remember this; Peter
special. I am worthy of His notice, His love, His death and didn't become 'perfect' over-
His resurrection. night. God still had to get
rid of his racial/ethnic prej-
This was wondrous news indeed. I wanted to get re-baptised, udices. But Peter allowed
now that I truly understood what dying meant. God to rid him of his flaws.
Painful as it was.
Then the problems began. I began the journey with good in-
tentions. But I kept falling. I didn't cling tightly enough and I So stop beating yourself up. God forgave, God still forgives,
allowed the devil's temptations to sweep me away. And I then the Son of God died in order to forgive, and He will forgive
hated myself. "How stupid can I be? How could I spit in God's you. Don‟t' look at the hole you were in yesterday, look at the
face like this? He obviously doesn't love me, how could He Hand that is waiting to pull you out. Grab it. And move for-
when I keep crucifying Him afresh every day of my life? May- ward in faith. He is just and will forgive, and will give you the
be I should just die because I'm not living my profession. Or strength to stay away from that sin-filled hole.
better yet, why not just leave Christianity because I'm bound
for hell anyway." Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Of course, God wouldn't leave me in such a state of despair. Ps 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and
He hears our prayers even before we have the strength to ut- plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 

2
 PERFECTION IN THE LAST GENERATION PART 5…..BY BR E PREWITT
Appendix C
At least a few of the references to perfection in history speak
of an absolute not-sinning experience. Foremost among
them would be references to Lucifer‟s pre-fall experience as
typified by the king of Tyrus. Son of man, take up a lamenta-
tion upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the
Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and per-
fect in beauty. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day
that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezeki-
el 28:12-15
Compare the following two statements. A misunderstanding
of the first gave rise the latter. The Zion from which God has
shined was not the polluted Jerusalem of Isaiah 1:21, but
the church that directly precedes the coming of God with a
devouring fire (see v. 3), the time when God is judge himself
(v. 6).
Psalms 50:2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God
hath shined.
Lamentations 2:15 All that pass by clap their hands at
thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusa-
lem, saying, Is this the city that men call
The perfection of beauty, The joy of the
whole earth?
Noah and Job, Precursors of the
Last Generation
These erring and fallen men were yet
called “perfect.” Both are made types in
the new testament, or examples, for those
that wait for Christ‟s coming. Both are
contrasted, by the Searcher of hearts, with
all other men alive at the time. But the
perfection of Job, particularly his faithful-
ness under intense pressure, was challenged by Satan and
forms the plot of the book. For this reason its statements re-
garding how a “perfect” man views his own character are of
interest.
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and
perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Gen-
esis 6:9
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and
that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God,
and eschewed evil. Job 1:1
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my
servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect
and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth
evil? Job 1:8
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my
servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect
and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth
evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou
movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. Job
2:3
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I
say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I
were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise
my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth
3
the perfect and the wicked. Job 9:20-22
The last statement rebukes all questions along the line of “do
you know anyone that is perfect? are you perfect?” Reason
with Job. He was accused of self-righteousness. His response
was that he never claimed to be perfect. In fact, he argues, if I
were perfect I would not know it. Job, unconscious that God
had declared his perfection, admits to only one thing—He
does confess that is possible for a man to be perfect, and that
the perfect man might receive judgments like his own. Self-
righteous “perfection” could not stomach the test of Job, for
it expects that it has earned God‟s blessing. This was Saul‟s
perfection before, like Abram, his name was changed. Phi-
lippians 3:6.
Abram, Called to be Perfect
Abram, remembered perhaps too often for his falls and the
affair that led to Ishmael‟s birth, was called when Ishmael
was four years old to be “perfect” and was then renamed
Abraham, the father of all faithful.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD
appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I
am the Almighty God; walk before me, and
be thou perfect. Genesis 17:1
His faith was “made perfect” after the call,
by the things that he suffered when re-
quired to offer up Isaac.
Seest thou how faith wrought with his
works, and by works was faith made per-
fect? James 2:22
Appendix D
Other Passages on Perfection and How Christians
may Attain It
Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the up-
right: for the end of that man is peace.
Psalms 119:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy
commandment is exceeding broad.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining
light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Revelation 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy
works perfect before God.
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man
offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also
to bridle the whole body.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye
may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which can-
not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do
his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Amen. {working: or, doing}. 
 Perhaps not Useful Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may
Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched
God.
were made perfectly whole.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all
1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be
things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons
sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be
unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect
brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; {to the
through sufferings.
end: Gr. perfectly}
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of lib-
author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
erty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hear-
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up
er, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his
himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among
deed. {deed: or, doing}
you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Hebrews 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests
1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was
lamb without blemish and without spot:
since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for ever-
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in
more. {consecrated: Gr. perfected}
his mouth:
Guile
Perfection of Jesus, or God the Father
Psalms 55:11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect:
and guile depart not from her streets.
for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without
John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith
iniquity, just and right is he.2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his
of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buck-
2 Corinthians 12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you:
ler to all them that trust in him. {tried: or, refined}
nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting
1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of de-
the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise
ceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
the simple. {law: or, doctrine} {converting: or, restoring}
Exodus 21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon
Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that
his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him
fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to
from mine altar, that he may die.
morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips
from speaking guile. 

HEALTH IN JESUS PART 5 .... BY BR J HACHOMBWA

4. FOUND IN GOD' S WORD. house of God,' the head of 'an unchangeable priesthood,' the
intercessor at 'the right hand of the Majesty on high.' Heb
(M) The moral law is found in both the Old and New Testa-
10:21, 7:24, 1:3." DA 165, 52. Today and through all the eter-
ments. Gen 26:5, Ex 20:1-17, Matt 5:17-19, 19:17-19; 22:37-
nal ages to come we will be depended on Jesus for life. Jesus
40, Rom 4: 15, 5:13.
said, "because I live you will live also." John 14:19.
(H) "The principles of health reform are found in the word of
(C) The golden pot of manna -"Both the manna and the
God." CD 75.
showbread pointed to Christ, the living bread, who is ever in
5. WAS PLACED IN THE ARK the presence of God for us. John 6: 48-51," "It was an
acknowledgement of man's dependence upon God for both
(M) Tablets of moral law was placed in the ark. Ex 40:20
temporal and spiritual food." PP 354. In the training of the
(H) The golden pot of manna (unlike the ceremonial laws, Israelites "the Lord showed what was the best diet ... not
Deut 31: 24-26) was placed in the ark. Ex 16:33-34, Heb 9:4. flesh, but manna, „the bread of heaven.' Ps 78: 24." MH 311.
It was Almost 500 years later when the ark was being trans-
ferred from the Sanctuary into Solomon's Temple that the MANNA FOR TODAY is the light on healthful food prepa-
rations. "The Light that God has given and wilt continue to
golden pot of manna and the rod of Aaron were no longer in
give on the food question is to be to His people today what
the ark. 1 Kings 8:9; 2Chro 5:10.
the manna was to the children of Israel. The manna fell from
THE LAW, ROD, MANNA, AND CHRIST: heaven, and the people were told to gather it, and prepare it
(A) The tablets of stone had the law of God which "is as im- to be eaten. So in the different countries of the world, light
mutable as His throne." PP 365 "His law is changeless and will be given to the Lord's peo-
eternal." DA 308. Ps 111: 7-8. "The glory of Christ is revealed ple, and health foods suited to
in the law, which is a transcript of His character." 1SM240. these countries will be pre-
pared... Healthful foods, which
(B) The rod that budded (Numb.17: 5-8) represented the will take the place of flesh
priesthood of Aaron who in turn prefigured the then future meats, so that people will have
work of Jesus for our salvation. Remember that "the priest- no excuse for eating flesh
hood was established to represent the mediatorial character meat." CD 269. Continued on
and work of Christ." "He was the true 'high priest over the p6 

4
 LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING….. BR L FORBES
Occasionally when I am driving late at night I will turn on a
Country Music station** to help me stay awake. Since I do
not particularly care for that kind of music the annoyance
serves to keep me from falling asleep. It is rare that I ever
hear anything that I would consider palatable but recently I
heard a song that made a rather significant impact on my
thinking. The story line spoke of a fellow that was given a
short time to live and the way he approached life realizing
that he was soon to die. He focused on the experiences that
he wanted to have before he died and the quality of relation-
ships that he had neglected.
In a world where things are so uncertain would it not be wise
for everyone to approach life from this mind set? After all, do
we have any promise of tomorrow? In quoting 2 Corinthians
6:1&2 E.G. White makes this comment, "We then, as workers
together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain. (For He saith, I have heard thee in a
time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored
thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the
day of salvation)" (2 Cor. 6:1). {16MR 189.3}
Bear in mind [that] the Now is ever and ever the eternal Now.
There is no tomorrow that is ours. This whole chapter, from
the first verse to the last, is of great importance. These condi-
tions are scarcely thought of as principles that in no case
should be neglected. {16MR 190.1}
How often have you been asked how you
would live your life if you knew you were
soon to die? How have you responded? In
this song it is obvious that people of this
world do consider the possibility. But more
specifically, how do we consider the op-
tion?
I have the privilege of working with and
teaching young people both in the temporal
life as well as the spiritual life. I get to hear
the comments about the present as well as plans for the fu-
ture. Though I enjoy my work and ministry it does have one
major concern. The vast majority of the time there is little or
no inclusion of God and His desire in their plans for the fu-
ture. Have we become a generation that is so involved with
the creation that we forget the Creator and the very real point
in time that we are living? With the recent tragedies in all
parts of the world (Katrina and the Gulf Coast should bring it
home for some of us) do we not realize how instantly life can
change? One moment life can be great. The next moment
everything is gone.
An apt Bible illustration of this is the story of Job. One mo-
ment he was one of the most prosperous men on earth. The
next he is sitting in ashes because of the pain of his boils with
nothing left in life but his wife who wants him to curse God
and die. Why did he not? When every crutch in his life was
removed, what kept him up? Was it not his long established
relationship with God? The kind of faith that can say,
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will main-
tain mine own ways before him,” Job 13:15, does not just
happen over night.
5
What would you do differently if you had to live like you were
dying? Furthermore, are not we as Christians dying anyway?
In 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul makes this statement, “I protest
by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die
daily.” What does that mean to you? Does it mean that every-
day we are simply to die to that, “old man of sin?” Or does it
mean something more? Could it mean that we should live
everyday as the last day of our lives? If anyone knew how to
live as though his next few moments could be his last it was
Paul. He was shipwrecked, stoned, left for dead to name a few
yet listen to what he says in Colossians 4:5, “Walk in wisdom
toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
In an article entitled, “Talk to Ministers,” the Spirit of Proph-
esy makes this statement, “Let none here shut themselves
away from God by their perversity of spirit, and then keep
complaining that they have no light. Arise, dear souls; arise
by faith, and do what you ought to do. Christ says, Follow Me,
and you shall not walk in darkness. Let go your human wis-
dom, and ask God for that wisdom which is pure, elevating,
and ennobling, and it shall be given you. Come up out of the
cellar of doubt, of unbelief, of jealousy, and evil surmising,
into the upper chamber of faith, hope, courage, and thankful-
ness. Make melody to God in the heart. The garden of the
Lord is strewn with precious flowers. Gather the roses and
the lilies and the pinks from God's spiritual
garden. Rejoice in the Lord always, and
again I say, Rejoice. Let not the world re-
ceive the impression that there is no peace
nor joy nor happiness in serving the
Lord. {1888 145.1}
It is Satan's work to misrepresent the Fa-
ther and His Son, to misrepresent truth
and gloss over error, making it appear as
truth. But connected with God, we may dis-
tinguish between the genuine and the spu-
rious. Light will dispel darkness. Why
should we not avail ourselves of God's gracious promises, re-
turning the glory to Him in heartfelt thanksgiving? Christ
died for us that we might enter into possession of eternal
riches. With hearts filled with gratitude to God, let us use the
opportunities He has placed within our reach, that we may be
fitted and prepared for the mansions Jesus has gone to pre-
pare for those who love Him. If we fail through indolence,
unbelief, worldliness, or covetousness, we shall suffer irrepa-
rable loss, for we shall lose an eternity of bliss. I tell you in
the fear of God that day by day we are forming characters
that will decide our destiny for weal or for woe. {1888 145.2}
Heaven is a holy place, and there entereth into it nothing that
defileth. We cannot be truly happy here unless God's will is
our will, unless we are sanctified to God, body, soul, and spir-
it. The more we think of heaven, the more happiness we shall
have.--Manuscript 8a, 1888. {1888 145.3}”
 Friends we have precious little time left! Live it to the full-
est! And live it for God!
** Listening to country music not supported by PoH Team
…continued from p 4
6. EVERLASTING
(M) God's moral law "stand fast forever and ever. Ps111:7-8
(H) Health laws "they are as everlasting and inexorable as God
Himself." MH 129. They are" perpetual" statutes. Lev 3:17.
7. VIOLATION OF EITHER LAW IS SIN.
(M) Transgression of moral law is sin. Dan 9:11, Rom 4:15, 7:7,
1John 3:4.
(H) "It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to
break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God's
laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical
organism, will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken
from Sinai." "Every law governing the human machinery is to
be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in
importance as the word of God." CD 17. "Every needless trans-
gression of the laws which God has established in our being is
virtually a violation of the law of God, and is as great a sin in
the sight of Heaven as to break the Ten Com-
mandments. Ignorance upon this important
subject is sin." CH 40. "Men and Women cannot
violate natural law by indulging depraved appe-
tites and lustful passions, without violating the
law of God." CH 21.
8. JUDGED BY LAW.
(M) In the judgment we are "judged by law of
liberty" (moral law). James 2:12.
(H) Health laws are part and parcel of the judg-
ment. "in the judgment we shall see how seri-
ously God regards the violation of the laws of
health." CD 40 (see also CH 610, Ecc 8:11).
9. CHRIST OBEYED.
(M) Christ did not destroy the moral law. He fulfilled the law.
Matt 5:17-19
(H) "His body was strong and health," the reason for this was
that "throughout His lifetime He lived in conformity to na-
ture's laws." DA 50. By God's grace, we should live like Jesus
lived because He is our example. John 13:15, 1Peter 2:21.
10. TAKES GRACE TO OBEY
(M) "Without the grace of Christ it is impossible to take one
step in obedience to the law of God." 1SM 372. Rom 8:7.
(H) "Apart from divine power, no genuine reform can be ef-
fected." MH 130. "Many will go down to ruin while hoping and
desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield
the will to God. They do not choose to serve Him... A pure and
noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to
every one who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the
omnipotent, unwavering will of God." MH 176. "Christ came to
make us 'partakers of the divine nature.' 2Peter 1: 4 and His
life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not
commit sin." MH 180.
Without the grace of Jesus we can do nothing. John 15:5. "I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil
4:13.
CONCLUSION
(A) VIOLATION: "It should be made plain that the violation of
God's law either natural or spiritual is sin." MH 228
(B) OBEDIENCE: "Obedience to natural laws is obedience to
divine laws." 3BC 111. "The path of obedience to nature's laws
is the direct path to heaven." CH 222.
DIET TEST
NOT A TEST OF FELLOWSHIP
"We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship,
but we should consider the influence that professed believers
who use flesh foods have over others." CD 404 (see CD 205,
462, 464).
1. ADAM AND EVE WERE TESTED ON FOOD
Gen 2:16-17. "The tree of knowledge, which stood near the tree
of life in the midst of the garden, was to be a test of the obedi-
ence, faith, and love of our first parents... Obedience, perfect
and perpetual, was the condition of eternal happiness." "They
could obey and live, or disobey and perish... The tree of
knowledge had been made a test of their love to
God." PP 48-49, 53. (Ed 23)
2. THE ISRAELITES WERE TESTED ON
FOOD
"The Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain
bread from heaven for you ... that I may test
them whether they will walk in My law or not.'"
Ex 16:4. "The Lord your God led you... in the
wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know
what was in your heart, whether you would
keep His commandments or not... and fed you
with manna..." Deut 8: 2-3.
3. THE SDA CHURCH MEMBERS ARE
BEING TESTED BY GOD ON FOOD
(A) ALL ARE BEING TESTED ON DIET.
"There are some who have never followed the light given on
the question of diet... The principles of healthful living mean a
great deal to us individually and as a people... All are being
proved." CD 23. "All are being proved to see whether they will
accept the principles of health reform or follow a course of self
-indulgence. Let no one think that he can do as he pleases in
the matter of diet." CD 34.
(B) TESTED AND TRIED IN MANY WAYS.
“Why do some of our ministering brethren manifest so little
interest in health reform? It is because instruction on temper-
ance in all things is opposed to their practice of self-
indulgence... No man should be set apart as a teacher of the
people white his own teaching or example contradicts the tes-
timony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet,
for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform
unfits him to stand as the Lord's messenger. The light that the
Lord has given on this subject (diet) in His word is plain, and
men will be tested and tried in many ways to see if they will
heed it... All should know how to eat and drink in order to pre-
serve health...Those who stand aloof from the great work of
instructing the people upon this question, do not follow
where the Great Physician leads the way." CD 453-454.TBC
6
 ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?
The power of Christ atmosphere.
alone can work the
transformation in 4. Victory where before was defeat.
heart and mind that "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to pre-
all must experience sent you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceed-
who would partake ing joy," Jude 1:24.
with Him of the
new life in the king- In His name and in His merits, bad habits and practices may be
dom of heaven. overcome. It is impossible for man to overcome without God's
"Except a man be strength, yet man is expected to exercise all the powers that God
born again," the has given him so that he can be an overcomer. Divine power,
Saviour has said, combined with human effort, so that through Jesus Christ, man
"he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. The religion that may stand a conqueror.
comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In or-
5. A frequent, instinctive desire to pray.
der to serve Him aright, we must be born of the Divine Spirit.
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul
This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew
after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living
the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving
God..." Psalms 42:1,2.
God. It will give us willing obedience to all His requirements.
This is true worship.
6. An interest in and turning to God's Word.
1. A sense of freedom -- peace in the soul. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." Jeremiah 15:16.
through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1.
When a person is at peace with God and his fellowman he can- The born again person, will enjoy reading the Word of God. It
not be made miserable. He will not display any of the works of may have been dull and uninteresting before his conversion, but
the flesh: "Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, now is his best friend. It is his standard for living. He grasps its
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, promises and they strengthen his soul. It is truly his life line.
seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel-
7. A growing sensitivity to sin.
lings." Galatians 5:19-21. But will display the fruits of the spirit:
The closer we come to Jesus, the more closely we will see the
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
purity of His character. Also, the closer we come to Him, the
meekness, temperance: Galatians 5:22-23.
more we will see the terrible sinfulness of sin. The born again
person will have new thoughts, feelings and motives. The mind
2. An experience of love for others.
will be changed and the conscience awakened.
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we
love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in 8. An attitude of willing obedience to God.
death." 1 John 3:14. "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my
heart." Psalms 40:8.
When the heart is renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling
principle of action. It will modify the character, govern the im- When we truly love God, our love to Him will be manifested by
pulses, control the passions and ennoble the affections. This our obedience. It will be plain and distinct between those who
love cherished in the soul will sweeten the life and shed a refin- love God and keep His commandments, and those who do not
ing influence on all around. The unconsecrated heart cannot love Him and disregard His laws and precepts.
originate it or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Je-
sus reigns. 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' 9. An impulse to witness to others.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
3. A turning of mind and heart from the world. upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." Acts 1:8.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If
any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 When we are Christians, witnessing to others will be our de-
John 2:15. light. As soon as one is converted, there is born within him a
desire to share and make known to others what a precious
A converted person will have a change of feelings, motives and Friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth
actions. It is a taking leave of worldly connections. A separation cannot be kept silent, he will have to tell others what Jesus has
from their controlling power, influences, opinions and unholy done for him. 

7
 PURITY
1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matt. 5:8.
2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That
whosoever: looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."Verses
27,28.
3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?
"Flee also youthful lusts." 2 Tim. 2:22. "Keep thyself pure." 1 Tim. 5:22.
4. To whom are all things pure?
"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their
mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15.
PRISONERS OF
5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?
"How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Gen. 39:9.
HOPE
6. Against what are the people of God warned?
This newsletter is authored "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
by members of the SDA neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Eph.
church whose desire is to 5:3,4.
provide a thought provoking 7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?
newsletter for Adventists "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviouness."
dwelling on the banks of Gal. 5:19.
Jordan; in the process ap-
8. What is said of those who do such things?
pealing to entire fidelity to
"They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."Verse 21.
the Bible and the Spirit of
9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?
Prophecy.
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator."1 Cor.
5:11.
10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."1 Cor. 15:33.
11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth
to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlast-
ing." Gal. 6:7,8.
12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to
speak of those things which are done of them in secret." Eph. 5:11,12.
13. How should we guard our conversation?
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it
may minister grace unto the hearers." Eph. 4:29.
14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?
"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they
chose. . . . And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created
from the face of the earth. . . . The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence"
Gen. 6:1-11.
15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?
"But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly."Gen. 13:13. "And they were
haughty, and committed abomination before Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good," Eze, 16:50, See also
verse 49.
NOTE.-Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.
16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?
"As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. . . . Likewise also as it was in the
days of Lot; . . . even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." Luke 17:26-30.
17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He
will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.
18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatso-
ever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things."Phil. 4:8.

+27(0)21 556 4628 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575 www.scribd.com/PrisonersOfHope
prisonersofhope@gmail.com  2 Silversands, Quuens Close, 7441, Cape Town, South Africa 8