Reformation Faith For The Final Crisis.
CHAPTER 9
Lessons from the Life of a True Reformer - Part 6
A Man Sent From God
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John..” John 1:6.
“He was a burning and a shining light.” John 5.35.
“Then went out to him, Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matt. 3:5,6.
Here is an example of a marvelously successful ministry, the secret of which may be easily overlooked. This great harvest of souls did not come as a result of high attainments in worldly scholarship. Nor did it come as the culmination of many long years of an increasingly successful ministry. A MAN WAS SENT FROM GOD. HE WAS A BURNING AND A SHINING LIGHT. Thousands flocked to him and were converted.
We have an equally striking testimony concerning Christ, and also concerning ourselves.
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of HIM THAT SENT ME, and to finish HIS WORK “John 4.34.
The consciousness of the fact that He was sent from God never seemed absent from His mind, and is expressed about thirty-five times in thirteen chapters of the book of John. Let us study a few of these statements:
“I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me . “John 5:30.
“My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me.” John 7:16.
“I know Him: for I am from Him; and He hath sent Me.” John 7:29.
“Yet a hale while am I with you, and then I go unto Him that sent Me . “John 7:33.
“I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me . “John 8:26.
“He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him.” John 8:26.
“I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me.” John8: 42.
“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day.” John 9:4.
“He that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me.” John 12:45.
“I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. John 12:49.
There was not the slightest uncertainty in the mind of Christ on these two points:
(a) He was sent from God and
(b) He had a definite work to do for God
Obviously, this should be the ruling motive in the lives of all Christ’s disciples. A mere kindly disposition toward the unfortunate, or sympathy for those in need, or a conviction that one ought to help the lost, is inadequate. Since the Word of God is positive and explicit and personal, there must be a divine certainty on the part of the one called. Even if he is unsure of others’ calling or being used by God, he must be sure that he has been sent by God. What he says must bear the divine credentials. He must not be sent by the will of man, by the will of the flesh, by himself or by the devil but he must be sent BY GOD TO DO A SPECIFIC WORK, which work must be done fearlessly without fear of faces. He must be willing to make himself of no reputation, and never compromise truth for peace’s sake.
“Jesus himself never purchased peace by compromise. His heart overflowed with love for the whole human race, but He was never indulgent to their sins. HE WAS TOO MUCH THEIR FRIEND TO REMAIN SILENT WHILE THEY WERE PURSUING A COURSE THAT WOULD RUIN THEIR SOULS, — the course He had purchased with His own blood. He laboured that man should be true to himself true to his higher and eternal interest. The servants of Christ are called to the same work, and they should beware lest, in speaking to prevent discord, they surrender the truth. They are to follow after the things which made for peace (Romans 14:19); but real peace can never be secured by compromising principles. AND NO MAN CAN BE TRUE TO PRINCIPLE WITHOUT EXCITING OPPOSITION. A Christianity that is spiritual will be opposed by the children of disobedience. But Jesus bade His disciples, ‘Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” THOSE WHO ARE TRUE TO GOD NEED NOT FEAR THE POWER OF MEN NOR THE ENMITY OF SATAN. In Christ their eternal life is secure. Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust with which God has honoured them.” D.A. 356.
“Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church.” D.A. 805.
John the Baptist was taught by God in the wilderness (Luke 3:1-5). “Uninterrupted by the clamour of the world, he could here study the lessons of nature, of revelation, and of Providence.” D.A. p.101. and “in preparing the way for Christ’s first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord’s second coming.” D.A. p.101.
“He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was forgotten. . . He was ready to go forth as Heaven’s messenger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon the Divine. He could stand erect and fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs, because he had bowed low before the King of kings.” D.A. 103.
“John was to go forth as Heaven’s messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give new direction to their thoughts.” D.A. 100.
“From childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he accepted the holy trust.” D.A. 101.
So John was a man sent from God though he was born on this earth through a woman. He knew he was called and sent by God and that he had a definite work to do for God. That was John the Baptist, what about us? On one occasion when Jesus was praying to His Father, He said,
“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” John 17:18.
Later in speaking directly to His disciples, He said, “As My Father hath sent Me, even so sent I you.” John 20:21.
Christ was certain that He was sent of God into the world for a definite work. WE HAVE EQUAL GROUNDS FOR CERTAINTY that we are sent of Christ into the world for a definite work. How frequently and in how many ways has the Lord emphasized this truth!
“Not more surely is a place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” C.O.L. 327.
“Whatever one’s calling in life, his first interest should be to win souls for Christ. He may not be able to speak to congregations, but he can work for individuals. To them he can communicate the instruction received from his Lord. Ministry does not consist alone in preaching. Those ministers who relieve the sick and suffering, helping the needy, speaking words of comfort to the desponding and those of little faith Nigh and afar off are souls weighed down by a sense of guilt. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity. It is guilt, wrongdoing. This brings unrest and dissatisfaction. Christ would have His servants minister to sin-sick souls. The disciples were to begin their work where they were. The hardest and most unpromising field was not to be passed by. So everyone of Christ’s workers is to begin where he is. In our own families may be souls hungry for sympathy, starving for the bread of life. There may be children to be trained for Christ. There are heathen at our very doors. Let us do faithfully the work that is nearest. Then let our efforts be extended as far as God’s hand may lead the way.” D.A. 822.
Take special note of this promise and this warning.
“It is in doing Christ’s work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations, He said; ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world’… the very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord’s commission.
“To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay. Where there is no active labour for others, love wanes, and faith grows dim.” D.A. 825.
So Christ has sent forth each one of us into the world (Jobs, schools, homes, neighborhood, foreign missions) to do a definite work for him and:
“Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” C.O.L. 327.
Knowing and believing with certainty that one is sent from God changes his relation to this world as a messenger of God.
“Then said Jesus again unto them, I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: Whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, will He kill Himself? because He saith, whither I go, ye cannot come. And He said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:21-24.
How striking and significant are those words! You are of this world; I am not of this world. You are from beneath I am from above.
In His prayer to His Father, Jesus m the most definite and personal way, includes His disciples with Himself:
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” John 17:16.
And directly addressing them, He said.
“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19.
We shall see why the conviction that He is not of this world belongs with the conviction that He is sent of God. One who is “of this world’ cannot help the world. It is because He is “from above” that He has power to rescue those “from beneath.” If men struggling in water could save themselves, there is no mission for those in the lifeboat. Our power to save, lies in the fact that we are not in the water struggling with them, but in the life boat Jesus Christ. Our power as Christ’s disciples to save men in the world lies in the fact that we are from above, and not of this world. What folly it is then, for a professed disciple to attempt work for God while compromising with the world! Many seem to think that the more closely they can affiliate with the world (its customs, fashions, traditions and practices) while still professing to be christians; the better they can win men; but the very opposite is true, as Jesus Himself taught.
Christ seemed never to be unconscious of those two vital facts, and often said them publicly: “I do not belong here. I am from above. My only reason for being here is that I am sent from God to save men. When that work is done, I shall return to Him.” How deeply such a conviction would affect the lives and ministry of all Christ’s disciples!
Christ’s disciples are to be a peculiar people; in this world, but not of the world. They are to be citizens and representatives of the heavenly world.
John was only a man, but he was “sent from God.” That gave him the assurance of God’s presence and power it made him invincible and victorious. It brought the multitudes to him. It clothed him with power to present truth that convicted and converted sinners.
There are three things which are essential to a really satisfactory Christian life:
1. COURAGE A person who is discouraged can neither be happy nor helpful. You can’t be filled with courage if you are conscious of defeat and condemnation. Courage abounds in the heart of him who through Christ is victorious over sin.
2. POWER Many have “a form of godliness” but deny “the power thereof.” The very name “christian” implies power to live a godly life. To practise sin means to acknowledge weakness and failure, but victory means power.
3. JOY The christian life is to be a fruitful life. This is the test of its success or failure. But one of the greatest essentials to fruitfulness in the Christian life is the exhibition of joy that attracts and wins to Christ. How can one experience overflowing joy while continually defeated by sin.
So these three great essentials — courage, power, joy — can be experienced fully only in the life that is victorious over sin. And this victory comes in the assurance that one is “sent from God.”
It is a great thing to be sent from God, and to know it. Every true disciple should be able to answer these questions at anytime with deep conviction and divine certainty: Why are you here? Because Christ sent me. What are you doing? I am doing the will of Him that sent me. What are you teaching by word and life? I am teaching only what He has taught me and given me to teach.
May we so learn these wonderful and precious lessons from THE TRUE REFORMER Jesus Christ exemplified in the life of John that we may be qualified with the Reformation faith that is needed for the final crisis and the finishing of the work.
(A recommended book to enhance our Christian experience is “The Life of Victory” by Meade MacGuire of which much of this chapter was based.).
APPENDIX A
PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH REFORM
It was through the indulgence of appetite that Eden was lost. By eating of the forbidden tree man became fallen, and so it is by the denial on the point of appetite that the victory can be assured.
One of the most significant signs of the end is that people would be “eating and drinking; marrying and giving in marriage.” There is little hope of complete victory while appetite and passion are unconquered, while conquering on this point insures victory over “Every other temptation.”
“As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion. Abstemiousness in diet and control of the passions, will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling men to bring all of their propensities under the control of the higher powers, and to discern between right and wrong, and the sacred and the common.”
“The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting christian character…. And as we near the close of time, Satan’s temptations to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome.” TV3 p. 491-492.
“If the members of our churches disregard the light on this subject, they will reap the sure result in both physical and spiritual degeneracy.” TV6 p. 370.
“If we pursue a wrong course, and indulge in wrong habits of eating, and thereby weaken the intellectual powers, you will not place that high estimate upon salvation and eternal life which would inspire you to conform your life to the life of Christ; you will not make those earnest, self-sacrificing efforts for entire conformity to the will of God which His word requires, and which are necessary to give you a moral fitness for the finishing touch of immortality.” TV2 p. 66.
The Bible exhorts us to “eat in due season, for strength and not for drunkenness.” But “due season” is sadly disregarded in many instances, and in this parents are educating their children not to deny appetite, but to indulge it.
“Your children should not be allowed to eat candy, fruits, nuts or anything in the line of food between their meals.” TV4 p. 502.
On the point of meat-eating we are told,
“The liability to take disease is increased tenfold by meat-eating. The intellectual, the moral, and the physical powers are depreciated by the habitual use of flesh-meats. Meat-eating deranges the system, beclouds- the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities. We say to you, dear brother and sister, your safest course is to let meat alone.” TV2. p.64.
If we place proper confidence in what the servant of the lord has told us on this point, we must conclude that those who are waiting for the coming of the lord will not be meat-eaters.
“Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to His original design - that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, MEAT-EATING WILL EVENTUALLY BE DONE AWAY; FLESH WILL CEASE TO FORMA PART OF THEIR DIET. We should ever keep this end in view and endeavor to work steadily toward it.” Counsels on Health p.504.
Those who are missionaries, pastors, Bible workers, definite instruction comes on this point.
“Only those who appreciate these principles (health principles) and have been trained to care for their bodies intelligently and in the fear of God, SHOULD BE CHOSEN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS WORK “ TV6 p. 375.
“No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servant 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.” TV6p. 378.
“Send into the churches workers who will set the principles of health reform in their connection with the third angel’s message, before every family and individual .”TM p. 416.
We cannot receive the Latter Rain, give the Loud Cry and be translated, and disregard these things.
“God demands that the appetites be cleansed and that self-denial be practised in regard to those things which are not good. THIS IS A WORK THAT WILL HAVE TO BE DONE BEFORE HIS PEOPLE CAN STAND BEFORE HIM A PERFECT PEOPLE.” TV9 p. 153-154.
“Much of the prejudice that prevents the truth of the third angel’s message from reaching the hearts of the people, might be removed if more attention were given to health reform when people become interested in this subject, the way is often prepared for the entrance of other truths. IF THEY SEE THAT WE ARE INTELLIGENT WITH REGARD TO HEALTH, THEY WILL BE MORE READY TO BELIEVE THAT WE ARE SOUND IN BIBLE DOCTRINES.” CDF p.76.
Definite instructions has been given us concerning overeating, eating between meals, eating late at night, eating meals and drinking liquids, the use of refined foods, spices and condiments, hygienic and sanitary conditions, and the use of simple natural remedies.
Health Reform forms part of the Laodicean Message (straight testimony) which must be heeded, for only those who “come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain and thus be fitted for translation.” TV1 pp.187-188.
APPENDIX B
PRINCIPLES OF DRESS REFORM
The question of dress reform falls into the category of our Christian witness since it is an outward manifestation of the Christian’s inner experience. For every inner principle there is an outward manifestation. The outward manifestation cannot save us, it is simply the fruit of the inward working of the spirit. Once there is faith the faith will produce works, but faith without works is dead being alone. The kind of outward witness we give will either draw others or push them further away from Christ. Thus the salvation of others hang on the kind of witness we give in our eating, drinking, speaking or dressing. The way how we dress cannot save us but it is important and essential for the salvation of others. The scriptures tell us.
“Whether therefore we are eating or drinking or whatsoever we do, we should do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31.
So there is a way of dressing that is NOT to the glory of God.
‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works 1 Tim. 2: 9, 10.
“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or the putting on of apparel but let it be the HIDDEN MAN OF THE HEART, in that which not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3- 4.
These passages of Scripture are also applicable to MEN and the principles must be followed wherever applicable.
The issue of modesty can be a controversial subject in terms of its definition. However, let’s just say that anything which hurts a fellow Christian is wrong. Certainly any kind of dress which encourages or stimulates our fellowman to commit sin must be classified as wrong. Permit me to illustrate this principle of modesty. For example, the exposed human body is quite capable of stirring up sin in both thought and action. Jesus said, “whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matt. 5:27, 28. And what can be said for the women who dress in such a way that they stimulate this kind of thinking? They are equally guilty before God. For this reason, no true Christian woman, who understands the effect of bodily exposure to the mind of a man, will wear the revealing clothes which create such illicit desires. The carnal man who has not the power of the gospel in his life, there is no chance whatever of him resisting the temptation.
The second greatest commandment of Jesus is also violated by such a course. Christ said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” How could a woman wear clothing that was designed to cause/stimulate or encourage her neighbour husband to commit mental adultery, and not be guilty of breaking that Law of Love? Would she love her neighbour as herself if she willingly did something to encourage or cause her neighbour husband to sin against his wife and against God? We are here dealing with actions which cause or encourage others to sin. Moral issues are directly involved.
“Our example and influence must be a power on the side of reform. We must abstain from any practice which will blunt the conscience or encourage temptation. We must open no door that will give Satan access to the mind of one human being formed in the image of God.” Test.Vol5 p.360.
Only time and eternity will reveal how many minds have surrendered to the sensual appeal of immodest clothing.
“Immodest dress has a direct bearing on crime incitation, no matter how innocent the wearer may be.” Quote from, Dr. Luchenstein, Physician at Tombs Prison, N.Y.C. who worked with 170,000 prisons over 12 years.
The influence of provocative dress habitually prevails over the mind which is not fortified with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ parable of the pearl and the merchantman reveals that we must be willing to invest every single thing we have in obtaining that tremendous prize of eternal life. If we allow one thing or one person to come between us and doing the will Christ, we cannot be saved. Luke 14:26, 27, 33; Matt. 10:37.
The Christian therefore will do nothing that will “cause others to stumble.” He or she will “avoid all appearance of evil” and will not do anything to let their good be evil spoken of.” The Word of God has laid down precautionary advice so that we can follow the safest course. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thess 5:22.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:12.
“Let… no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” Rom. 14:13.
“Let not then your good be evil spoken of.” Rom. 14:16.
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” 1 Cor. 8:9. See also 1 Cor. 9:10-13.
“Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?” 1 Cor. 10:29.
“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. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15, 16.
“...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, unto God… and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” Rom. 12:1, 2.
“...let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1.
These principles must be applied by both men and women in all areas of Christian living.
“Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admiration, is excluded from the modest apparel which God’s word enjoins.” M. H. p. 287.
These would include the following:
1. Nakedness, half-nakedness, three-quarters or one-quarter nakedness. This is unbecoming of women professing godliness. The location does not justify the exposure of one’s body e.g. swim suits exposing one’s body. Swim suits should be covered thus showing modesty.
2. The wearing of jewelry in all forms.
3. The use of colorful cosmetics and makeup.
4. Worldly hair styles to be odd and different.
5. Wearing that which pertains in appearance to the opposite sex e.g. pants as an outer garment by females and pants suits. A plain distinction should be made between male and female in dress. 1T. 421-460. Deut. 22:5
6. The wearing of cap sleeves and arm hole blouses.
7. Low neck line blouses.
8. Wearing clothing exposing back and/or abdomen.
9. Wearing of high splits.
10. Wearing of light see through material.
11. Wearing of close fitting garments.
12. Wearing of too short clothing (above knee), these pose a problem when sitting.
“There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner inconsistent with their faith.” 4 Test. p. 648.
The above fashions are only a few of the many areas in dress where compromises have been and are being made between Christians and worldlings. Due to the fact that there has been a dimming of spiritual perceptions many professed Christians see nothing wrong with these practices.
“The minds of many have been darkened so and confused by worldly customs, worldly practices, and worldly influences that ALL POWER to discriminate between light and darkness, truth and error, seems destroyed.” Test Vol. 5 p. 62.
“By uniting with the world and parking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light.” G.C. 608.
“Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast.” Test. Vol. 5 p. 21.
Here are some guidelines in the application of the principles of dress reform.
1. What is my motive for dressing the way I do?
2. What kind of influence, example or impression am I giving or what kind of trend am I setting?
3.Where will it lead?
4. Should my decision be based on the weight of evidence or on my feelings and opinions or those of others.
5. Is there any word of God for this practice?
6. Should I not avoid all appearance of evil?
7. Should I be conformed to this world in a practice or fashion which is contrary to the word of God?
8. Should I not be listening to the voice of conscience enlightened by the Holy Spirit and thus follow the course of safety?
May God truly bless us as we examine our motives carefully, watch our influence and question the direction of where it would lead and avoid all appearance of evil. Let us give a correct Christian witness in all our outward conduct and dress.
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