Counsels on
The Celebration Church
(First compiled and published in 1990, this counsel is
more important for us today than it was even then! Pilgrims’ webservant)
In this study we will view
several important topics, which are central to the modernistic
celebration-type worship services, which are rapidly entering our local
Seventh-day Adventist churches. Key aspects of the celebration pattern
would include the following:
(1) Music that is frequently
loud, and accompanied by the strong beat of drums and the sliding notes of
guitars.
(2) An emphasis on
entertainment instead of worship. Novel theatrical skits, and dramatic
musical performances are center stage much of the time during the service.
(3) An atmosphere of excitement
is fostered by the use of clapping during the musical performances and
congregational singing, and applause after each performance- including the
sermon and even routine announcements.
(4) The raising of hands and
swaying of bodies by performers and audience during musical activities.
In the following study we will
try to bring you definitive statements to guide you so that you and your
local church board can make a wise decision when your local pastor, backed
by the conference president, attempts to urge you to adopt
celebration-type services into your church. This will be an important
decision, for once you transform your Sabbath morning services Into this
type of Pentecostal entertainment, It will be difficult to reverse the
decision later. And the results of your decision may affect your children
and loved ones for years to come.
We live in an era when men,
women, and children are searching for excitement. As each level becomes
tame, they try something more exciting, until many end up with alcohol and
hard drugs, devil worship and insanity.
In quietness of heart and
dedicated obedience we shall possess our souls. It is not living to see
how much entertainment we can get for our poor selves that counts; it is
living for God and the service of man that is needed in these last days.
That is where you will find genuine happiness. At the heart of it,
Celebration worship services attract the curious; appeal to entertainment
seekers, and engrain the soul in living for self.
THE RAISING OF HANDS
At this point, it is well to
discuss a special point: What about the raising of hands? There is hardly
anything on this in the Spirit of Prophecy, so it must not be of great
significance. Celebration pastors declare that it is Biblical, and cite 1
Timothy 2:8 as their reference. That is because it is the outstanding
verse on the subject. Here is the passage:
"I will therefore that men
pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting"-1
Timothy 2:8
Here is the verse after it:
"In like manner also, that
women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly
array."-1 Timothy 2:9.
1 Timothy 2:8-9 teaches us
this: (1) When you come God in most earnest prayer, pleading for help, it
is well to lift up your hands along with your verbal petitions. The very
intensity of the heart is reflected in the lifted hands. In contrast, let
it not be a form--merely to raise your hands when other people are praying,
thinking that this is the thing to do. It is the earnestness of the heart
that is to push those hands up, not a formality to raise them when in
prayer. It is an effect of earnest prayer, not a provoker of earnest
prayer. It is a movement of the hands that may all unconsciously accompany
prayer. Let it never degenerate to a mere form; something that is always
done because it has to be done, or something that is done as an evidence
in the eyes of others that you are very dedicated in your prayers. To do
so, is to turn an accompaniment of a beautiful experience alone with God-
into something akin to a works program.
(2) There is nothing in that
verse about raising hands when people are playing the guitar and drums and
crooning through microphones, or when you are involved in congregational
singing. The verse is talking about earnest prayer to God. In our time the
raising of hands has become a device used by certain religious groups to
deepen their excitement in religious meetings. But that is not what Paul
had in mind. It is not to be a signal to show others you are having a good
time. That is not what the verse is speaking about! You are to get on your
knees before God and plead with Him for help. You will probably be doing
this alone, so let the earnestness of your heart raise those hands, not
the formality of a requirement, or the fact that you are in a group with
others and may be seen.
The next verse after 1 Timothy
2:8 provides instruction in regard to modesty of apparel by women. (The
verses after that are of interest also.) The Celebration churches seem to
be stuck on the phrase, "lifting up holy hands; " in verse 8,
but have blinders In regard to the occasion (prayer) when it Is to be
done, given in the first part of the verse, the type of prayer (Intense
earnestness of prayer), given in the last part of the verse, and the
admonitions given In the subsequent verses. During a worship service, to
have women in the audience adorned with cosmetics and jewelry, while other
women are standing in front of the congregation swaying their bodies back
and forth for the congregation to view- is not in harmony with the
principles stated in 1 Timothy 2:9-12. Such Pentecostal services are
totally opposite to the instructions given in those verses.
MUSIC AND THEATRICAL DISPLAY
"It is impossible to
estimate too largely the work that the Lord will accomplish through His
proposed vessels carrying out His mind and purpose. The things you have
described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take
place Just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be
demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The
senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be
trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy
Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit never
reveals Itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise.
This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making
of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth
for this time. Better never have the worship of God blended with music
than to use musical instruments to do the work which last January was
represented to me would be brought into our camp meetings. The truth for
this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls. A
bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted
aright might be a blessing. The powers of satanic agencies blend with
the din and noise, to have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy
Spirit's working.
"When the camp meeting is
ended, the good which ought to have been done and which might have been
done by the presentation of sacred truth is not accomplished. Those
participating in the supposed revival receive Impressions, which lead them
adrift. They cannot tell what they formerly knew regarding Bible
principles.
"No encouragement should
be given to this kind of worship.
The same kind of influence came in after the passing of the time in 1844.
The same kind of representations were made. Men became excited, and
were worked by a power thought to be the power of God . .
"I will not go into all
the painful history; it is too much. But last January the Lord showed me
that erroneous theories and methods would be brought into our camp
meetings, and that the history of the past would be repeated. I felt
greatly distressed. I was instructed to say that at these demonstrations
demons in the form of men are present, working with all the ingenuity that
Satan can employ to make the truth disgusting to sensible people; that the
enemy was trying to arrange matters so that the campmeetings, which have
been the means of bringing the truth of the third angel's message before
multitudes, should lose their force and influence.
"The third angel's message
is to be given in straight lines. It is to be kept free from every thread
of the cheap, miserable inventions of men's theories, prepared by the
father of lies, and disguised as was the brilliant serpent used by
Satan as a medium of deceiving our first parents. Thus Satan tries to
put his stamp upon the work God would have stand forth in purity.
"The Holy Spirit has
nothing to do with such a confusion of noise and multitude of sounds as
passed before me last January. Satan works amid the din and confusion of
such music, which,
properly conducted, would be a praise and glory to God. He makes its
effect like the poison sting of the serpent.
"Those things which have
been in the past will be in the future. Satan will make music a snare by
the way in which it is conducted.
God calls upon His people, who have the light before them in the Word and
in the Testimonies, to read and consider, and to take heed. Clear and
definite instruction has been given in order that all may understand. But
the Itching desire to originate something new results in strange
doctrines, and largely destroys the influence of those who would be a
power for good if they held firm the beginning of their confidence in the
truth the Lord had given them."-2 Selected Messages, 36-38.
"There is nothing in these
demonstrations which will convince the world that we have the truth.
Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of the
descent of the Holy Spirit. Your wild demonstrations create only disgust
in the minds of unbelievers. The fewer of such demonstrations there are,
the better it will be for the actors and for the people in general.
"Fanaticism, once started
and left unchecked, Is as hard to quench as a fire which has obtained hold
of a building. Those
who have entered into and sustained this fanaticism, might far better be
engaged in secular labor; for by their inconsistent course of action they
are dishonoring the Lord and imperiling His people. Many such movements
will arise at this time, when the Lord's work should stand elevated, pure,
unadulterated with superstition and fables. We need to be on our guard, to
maintain a close connection with Christ, that we be not deceived by
Satan's devices.
"The Lord desires to have
in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.
We are not now able to describe with accuracy the scenes to be enacted in
our world in the future; but this we do know, that this is a time when we
must watch unto prayer; for the great day of the Lord is at hand. Satan is
rallying his forces. We need to be thoughtful and still, and to
contemplate the truths of revelation. Excitement is not favorable to
growth in grace, to true purity and sanctification of the spirit.
"God wants us to deal with
sacred truth. This alone will convince the gainsayer. Calm, sensible labor
must be put forth, to convince souls of their condition, to show them the
character building which must be carried on if a beautiful structure is
raised for the Lord. Minds that are awakened must be patiently instructed
if they rightly understand and duly appreciate the truths of the Word.
"God calls upon His people
to walk with sobriety and holy consistency. They should be very careful
not to misrepresent and dishonor the holy doctrines of truth by strange
performances, by confusion and tumult."-2 Selected Messages,
3536.
"We might see a different
order of things should a number consecrate themselves wholly to God, and
then devote their talents to the Sabbath school work, ever advancing in
knowledge, and educating themselves so that they would be able to instruct
others as to the best methods to employ in the work; but it is not for
the workers to seek for methods by which they can make a show, consuming
time in theatrical performances and musical display, for this benefits no
one. It does no good to train the children to make speeches for
special occasions. They should be won to Christ, and instead of expending
time, money, and effort to make a display, let the whole effort be made to
gather sheaves for the harvest." Fundamentals of Christian Education,
253.
"The superfluities which
have been brought Into the worship in must be strenuously avoided
.. Music is acceptable to God only when the heart is sanctified and made
soft and holy by its facilities. But many who delight in music know
nothing of making melody in their hearts to the Lord. Their heart is gone
'after their idols.'
"When professing
Christians reach the high standard which it is their privilege to reach,
the simplicity of Christ will be maintained in all their worship. Forms
and ceremonies and musical accomplishments are not the strength of the
church. Yet these things have taken the place that God should have,
even as they did in the worship of the Jews.
"The Lord has revealed to
me that when the heart is cleansed and sanctified, and the members of the
church are partakers of the divine nature, a power will go forth from the
church, who believe the truth, that will cause melody in the heart. Men
and women will not then depend upon their Instrumental music but on the
power and grace of God, which will give fullness of joy. There is a
work to be done in clearing away the rubbish which has been brought into
the church . .
"This message is not only
for the church at____ but for every other church that has followed her
example."-Evangelism, 512
"The presentation before
me was that if Elder ________would heed the counsel of his brethren, and
not rush on in the way he does in making a great effort to secure large
congregations, he would have more influence for good, and his work
would have a more telling effect. He should cut off from his meetings
everything that has a semblance of theatrical display; for such
outward appearances - give no strength to the message that he bears .. He
will not place so much dependence on the musical program. This part of his
services is conducted more after the order of a concert in a theater,
than a song service in a religious meeting."-Evangelism, 501
"Still others go to the
opposite extreme, making religious emotions prominent, and on
special occasions manifesting intense zeal. Their religion seems to be
more of the nature of a stimulus rather than an abiding faith in
Christ.
"True ministers know the
value of the inward working of the Holy Spirit upon human hearts. They
are content with simplicity in religious services. Instead of making much
of popular singing, they give their principal attention to the study of
the Word, and render praise to God from the heart. Above the outward
adorning, they regard the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. In their
mouths is found no guile."-Evangelism, 502.
"The hearts of many in the
world as well as many church members are hungering for the bread of life
and thirsting for the waters of salvation. They are interested in the
service of song, but they are not longing for that or even prayer. They
want to know the Scriptures. What saith the Word of God to me? The
Holy Spirit is working on mind and heart, drawing them to the bread of
life. They see everything round them changing. Human feelings, human ideas
of what constitutes religion, change. They come to hear the Word just as
it reads." Evangelism, 501.
.... singing should not be
allowed to divert the mind from the hours of devotion. If one must be
neglected, let it be the singing. -Evangelism, 506
"The singing is not always
to be done by a few. As often as possible, let the entire congregation
join. Evangelism, 507.
"The singing should not be
done by a few only. All present should be encouraged to join in the song
service."-Evangelism, 507.
"Music has occupied the
hours which should have been devoted to prayer. Music Is the idol which
many professed Sabbathkeeping Christians worship. Satan has no
objection to music if he can make that a channel through which to gain
access to the minds of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that
will divert the mind from God and engage the time which should be
devoted to His service. He works through the means which will exert the
strongest influence to hold the largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation,
while they are paralyzed by his power."-1 Testimonies, 506.
"The work in the large
cities is to be done after Christ's order, not after the order of a
theatrical performance. It Is not a theatrical performance that glorifies
God, but the presentation of the truth in the love of Christ."-9
Testimonies, 142.
"Let not your efforts be
to follow the world's way but to follow God's way. Outward display will
not do the work the Lord desires to have done to arouse the higher classes
to a conviction that they have heard the truth. Do not divest the truth
of its dignity and impressiveness by preliminaries that are more after the
order of the world than after the order of heaven. Let your hearers
understand that you do not hold Sunday evening meetings to charm their
senses with music and other things, but to preach the truth in all its
solemnity, that it may come to them as a warning, arousing them from their
deathlike sleep of self-indulgence. It is the naked truth that, like a
sharp, two-edged sword, cuts both ways . .
"Those who in their work
for God depend on worldly plans for gaining success will make a failure.
The Lord calls for a change in your manner of labor. He desires you to
practice the lessons taught in the life of Christ. Then the mold of Christ
will be seen on all the meetings that you hold." Evangelism, 148.
"The Instruments of music
have taken time which should have been devoted to prayer.
Music, when not abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use,
it is a terrible curse. It excites, but does not impart that strength
and courage which the Christian can find only at the throne of grace
while humbly making known his wants and with strong cries and tears
pleading for heavenly strength to be fortified against the powerful
temptations of the evil one. Satan is leading the young captive. Oh, what
can I say to lead them to break his power of infatuation! He is a
skillful charmer, luring them on to perdition. Listen to the
instructions from the Inspired Book of God. I saw that Satan had blinded
the minds of the youth that they could not comprehend the truths of God's
word."-1 Testimonies, 497.
EXCITEMENT
"Our success will depend
on carrying forward the work in the simplicity in which Christ carried it
forward, without any theatrical display." Evangelism, 139.
"I have a message for
those in charge of our work. Do not encourage the men who are to engage
in this work to think that they must proclaim the solemn, sacred message
in a theatrical style. Not one jot or tittle of anything theatrical is to
be brought into our work. God's cause is to have a sacred, heavenly
mold. Let everything connected with the giving of the message for this
time bear the divine impress. Let nothing of a theatrical nature be
permitted, for this would spoil the sacredness of the work.
"I am instructed that we
shall meet with all kinds of experiences and that men will try to bring
strange performances into the work of God. We have met such things in many
places. In my very first labors the message was given that all
theatrical performances In connection with the preaching of present truth
were to be discouraged and forbidden. Men who thought they had a wonderful
work to do sought to adopt a strange deportment and manifested oddities in
bodily exercise. The light given me was, 'Give this no sanction.' These
performances, which savored of the theatrical, were to have no place
in the proclamation of the solemn messages entrusted to
us."-Evangelism, 137-138.
"Some ministers make the
mistake of supposing that success depends on drawing a large congregation
by outward display, and
delivering the message of truth in a theatrical style. But this is
using common fire instead of the sacred fire of God's kindling. The
Lord is not glorified by this manner of working. Not by startling
notices and expensive display is His work to be carried to completion,
but by following Christlike methods. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by
My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.' It is naked truth which, like a
sharp, two-edged sword, cuts both ways, arousing to spiritual life those
who are dead in trespasses and sins. Men will recognize the gospel when it
is brought to them in a way that is in harmony with God's purposes."
Evangelism, 136.
"The enemy will watch
closely and will take every advantage of circumstances to degrade the
truth by the introduction of undignified demonstrations. None of these
demonstrations are to be encouraged. The precious truths given us are to
be spoken in all solemnity and with sacred awe."-Evangelism, 138.
"We are not to encourage a
spirit of enthusiasm that brings zeal for a while, but soon fades away,
leaving discouragement and depression.
We need the bread of life that comes down from heaven to give life to the
soul. Study the Word of God. Do not be controlled by feeling. All who
labor in the vineyard of the Lord must learn that feeling is not faith.
To be always in a state of elevation is not required. But it required
that we have firm faith in the Word of God as the flesh and blood of
Christ.
"Those who do the work of
the Lord in our cities must close and bolt the doors firmly against
excitement and fanaticism. The Word of God is our sanctification and
righteousness, because it is spiritual food. To study it is to eat the
leaves of the tree of life. Nothing is more uplifting to God's servants
than to teach the Scriptures just as Christ taught them. The Word of God
contains divine nourishment, which satisfies the appetite for spiritual
food."-Evangelism, 138-139.
"Those who are handling
the great, grand, ennobling truths of the Word must ever reveal a spirit
deep, earnest, fervent, but calm, and full of sound sense, that the mouths
of gainsayers may be stopped. Encourage not a wave of fanaticism that
will spoil a work begun as it should be, and carried on with the Word
of God in your hands."-Evangelism, 136.
"[In our meetings] we are
handling subjects which involve eternal interests, and we are not to
ape the world in any respect. We are to follow closely the footsteps
of Christ. He is a satisfying portion and can meet all our wants and
necessities."-Evangelism, 139.
"Never bring the truth
down to a low level in
order to obtain converts, but seek to bring the sinful and corrupted up to
the high standard of the law of God."-Evangelism, 137.
DRAMA
"The world is teeming with
errors and fables. Novelties In the form of sensational dramas are
continually arising to engross the mind, and absurd theories abound
which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement. The cause of God
needs men of intellect, men of thought, men well versed in the Scriptures,
to meet the inflowing tide of opposition. We should give no sanction to
arrogance, narrow-mindedness, and inconsistencies, although the garment of
professed piety may be thrown over them. Those who have the sanctifying
power of the truth upon their hearts will exert a persuasive influence.
Knowing that the advocates of error cannot create or destroy truth, they
can afford to be calm and considerate.
"It is not enough for our
ministers to have a superficial knowledge of the truth. Subjects which are
handled by men who have perverted their God-given powers to tear down
the truth are constantly coming up for investigation."-4
Testimonies, 415.
"Many of the amusements
popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be Christians,
tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed few
among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through
the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The
opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade,
the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of
principle and open the door to sensual Indulgence. In every gathering for
pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to
forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding
his chains about the soul. "-Patriarchs and Prophets, 459460.
"Instead of Indulging in
poetic descriptions and fanciful representations, which might please the
senses and feed the imagination,
but which would not touch the daily experience, Paul sought by the use of
simple language to bring home to the heart the truths that are of vital
importance. Fanciful representations of truth may cause an ecstasy of
feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not supply
the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles
of life. The immediate needs, the present trials, of struggling souls-
these must be met with sound, practical instruction in the fundamental
principles of Christianity. "-Acts of the Apostles, 252
"Fanciful representations
are not the bread of life; they cannot save the soul from sin
.. The truths that He proclaimed, as found in the Old Testament and the
New, we today are to proclaim as the word of the living God."-l
Selected Messages, 160.
"Those engaged in the work
in New York are not to suppose that some strange thing must be brought
in and mingled with their labor, as evidence of the supernatural
character of the work, setting on it the seal that it is of God. Their
work is to speak to the people in humble, trustful faith, asking counsel
of God, not following their own ideas, not trusting to the bringing out
of fanciful things to arouse the senses of those who are dead in
trespasses and sins. The system of truth found in the Word of God is
capable of making impressions such as the great Teacher desires to have
made upon the intellect."- Evangelism, 136
ENTERTAINMENT
"This is a lesson to all
in their spiritual experience. What an amount of worry would be saved if
men would only trust in God. The bread of life is to be given to needy
souls. And what a work is often made of the matter. There are long
councils for devising plans, inventing new methods. There is a constant
effort to get up entertainments to draw people to the church or the
Sabbath school. Like the disciples, the worker raises the question, Shall
we go to the villages and buy? What is the work to be done? Come unto
Jesus, Humble faith and prayer will accomplish very much more than your
long councils." Testimonies to Ministers, 345.
"He [Satan] is in every
sense of the word a deceiver, a skillful charmer. He has many finely woven
nets, which appear
innocent, but which are skillfully prepared to entangle the young and
unwary. The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self-gratification. It
is Satan's policy to fill the mind with desire for worldly amusement..
"-Counsels to Teachers, 325.
"You need to guard against
your Inclination for show and entertainment.
"-Medical Ministry, 167.
"What is the character of
the religious experience of those who take part in the Sabbath school
work? The light of the truth has been shining in the minds and hearts of
teachers and scholars, that they may diffuse it to those who are out of
Christ. The saving message is to be given to those who have not yet opened
their hearts to receive the heavenly gift. The truth must be urged upon
the attention of those who seem indifferent. If all felt a burden for the
souls for whom Christ died, how intense would be the interest in every
agency employed for the salvation of souls! How little our thoughts
would be upon the Indulgence of self, upon display in dress, and upon
seeking for amusement. How little money would be expended for
entertainments and pleasure if we realized the importance of investing
our means in the cause of God, which demands every penny not needed for
actual wants."—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 67.
"The plan of Moses in the
wilderness to raise means was highly successful. There was no compulsion
necessary. Moses made no grand feast. He did not invite the people to
scenes of gaiety, dancing, and general amusement. Neither did he
institute lotteries or anything of this profane order to obtain means to
erect the tabernacle of God in the wilderness. God commanded Moses to
invite the children of Israel to bring the offerings. Moses was to accept
gifts of every man that gave willingly from his heart. These freewill
offerings came in so great abundance that Moses proclaimed it was enough.
They must cease their presents; for they had given abundantly, more than
they could use.
"Satan's temptations
succeed with the professed followers of Christ on the point of indulgence
of pleasure and appetite. Clothed as an angel of light, he will quote
Scripture to justify the temptations he places before men to indulge the
appetite, and in worldly pleasures, which suit the carnal heart. The
professed followers of Christ are weak in moral power, and are
fascinated with the bribe which Satan has presented before them, and
he gains the victory.
"How does God look upon
churches that are sustained by such means? Christ cannot accept these
offerings, because they were not given through their love and devotion to
Him, but through their Idolatry of self. But what many would not do
for the love of Christ, they will do for the love of delicate luxuries
to gratify the appetite, and for the love of worldly amusements to please
the carnal heart. "-Counsels on Stewardship, 203-204.
"God's people are His
chosen instrumentalities for the enlargement of His church in the earth.
They are to seek the counsel of God. Worldly amusements and
entertainments are to have no place in the life of the Christian.
"In following the way of
the Lord is to be the strength of His people. Their faith in the gift of
God's only-begotten Son is to be manifest. This will make its impression
on the mind of the worldling. He who takes his position as separate from
the world, and strives to become one with Christ, will be successful in
drawing souls to God. The grace of Christ will be so apparent in his life
that the world will take knowledge of him that he has been with Jesus, and
has learned of Him."-Fundamentals of Christian Education, 514.
"All heaven is interested
in the salvation of man and is ready to pour upon him her beneficent gifts
if he will comply with the conditions Christ has made: 'Come out from
among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.'
"Those who bear the
responsibility at the sanitarium should be exceedingly guarded that the
amusements shall not be of a character to lower the standard of
Christianity, bringing this institution down upon a level with others
and weakening the power of true godliness in the minds of those who are
connected with it. Worldly or theatrical entertainments are not
essential for the prosperity of the sanitarium or for the health of
the patients. The more they have of this kind of amusements, the less
will they be pleased unless something of the kind shall be continually
carried on. The mind is in a fever of unrest for something new and
exciting, the very thing it ought not to have. And if these amusements are
once allowed, they are expected again, and the patients lose their
relish for any simple arrangement to occupy the time. But repose, rather
than excitement, is what many of the patients need.
"As soon as these
entertainments are introduced, the objections to theatergoing are removed
from many minds, and
the plea that moral and high-toned scenes are to be acted at the theater
breaks down the last barrier. Those who would permit this class of
amusements at the sanitarium would better be seeking wisdom from God to
lead these poor, hungry, thirsty souls to the Fountain of joy, and peace,
and happiness.
"When there has been a
departure from the right path, it is difficult to return.
Barriers have been removed, safeguards broken down. One step in the
wrong direction prepares the way for another.. The least deviation
from the right and principle will lead to separation from God and may end
in apostasy. What we do once, we more readily and naturally do again; and
to go forward in a certain path, be it right or wrong, is more easy than
to start. It takes less time and labor to corrupt our ways before God
than to engraft upon the character habits of righteousness and truth. Whatever
a man becomes accustomed to, be its influence good or evil, he finds it
difficult to abandon."-4 Testimonies, 577-578.
"The desire for excitement
and pleasing entertainment is a temptation and a snare to God's people,
and especially to the young. Satan is constantly preparing inducements to
attract minds from the solemn work of preparation for scenes just in the
future. Through the agency of worldlings he keeps up a continual
excitement to induce the unwary to join in worldly pleasures. There are
shows, lectures, and an endless variety of entertainments that are
calculated to lead to a love of the world; and through this union with
the world, faith is weakened."-Counsels to Teachers, 325.
"Our social
entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom,
but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. "-Ministry
of Healing, 352-353.
"You look upon
appearance as the great means of lifting you up to success. This is a
delusion. You seek to make an appearance that is not in any way
appropriate to the work God has given you to do, an appearance which it
would require a large sum of money to keep up. "-Medical Ministry,
167.
"He [Satan] is wide awake,
busily engaged in leading the world captive, and through the agency of
worldlings he keeps up a continual pleasing excitement to draw the unwary
who profess to believe the truth to unite with worldlings. The lust of
the eye, the desire for excitement and pleasing entertainment, Is a
temptation and snare to God's people. Satan has many finely woven,
dangerous nets which are made to appear innocent, but with which he is
skillfully preparing to Infatuate God's people. There are pleasing
shows, entertainments, . . lectures, and an endless variety of enterprises
constantly arising calculated to lead the people of God to love the world
and the things that are in the world."-1 Testimonies, 551.
"They do not prayerfully
consult the divine standard, to learn what Christ has said in regard to
the fruit to be borne on the Christian tree. They do not discern that
these entertainments are really Satan's banquet, prepared to keep
souls from accepting the call to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and
preventing them from receiving the white robe of character, which is the
righteousness of Christ. They become confused as to do what is right
for them as Christians to do. They do not want to be thought singular,
and naturally incline to follow the example of others. Thus they come
under the influence of those who have never had the divine touch on heart
or mind."-Counsels to Teachers, 341.
"There are modes of
recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body. An
enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for
entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but
instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the works of
God in nature, will be of the highest benefit."-4 Testimonies, 653.
"Some will urge that if
religious teaching is to be made prominent our schools will become
unpopular; that those who are not of our faith will not patronize them.
Very well; then let them go to other schools, where they will find a
system of education that suits their taste. It is Satan's purpose by these
considerations to prevent the attainment of the object for which our
schools were established. Hindered by his devices, the managers reason
after the manner of the world and copy its plans and Imitate Its customs.
Many have so far shown their lack of wisdom from above as to join with the
enemies of God and the truth in providing worldly entertainments for the
students. In doing this they bring upon themselves the frown of God,
for they mislead the youth and do a work for Satan. This work, with all
Its results, they must meet at the bar of God.--6 Testimonies, 142143.
"When the Lord requires us
to be distinct and peculiar, how can we crave popularity or seek to
imitate the customs and practices of the world?
'Know ye not that the friendship of the world is the enemy of God,
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.'
James 4:4.
"To lower the standard in
order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make
this increase a cause of rejoicing,
shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success,
Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for in this world his followers are
largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading a
school that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence,
and piety of the people composing our schools, not their numbers, that
should be a source of joy and thankfulness. Then shall our schools become
converted to the world and follow its customs and fashions? 'I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye . . be not conformed
to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.'
Romans 12:1,2.
"Men will employ every
means to make less prominent the difference between Seventh-day Adventists
and observers of the first day of the week.
A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh day
Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign, which makes us
a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they
claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure success to
our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our colors, to be
ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described In the words,
'Here Is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,' is to be borne through
the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be increased to
advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking of our faith to
secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to perish; and if it is
in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood of souls will be upon
our garments.
"Just as long as those in
connection with our institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly
intelligences will cooperate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact
that God has said, 'Them that honor Me I will honor.' 1 Samuel 2:30. Never
for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it would be
for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people
of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his
principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly
confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed
he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The
whole universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing
work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Every
Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put
on a candlestick, that light may be given to all who are in the house.
Never, from cowardice or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in
the background.
"Though in many respects
our institutions of learning have swung into worldly conformity, though
step by step they have advanced toward the world, they are prisoners of
hope. Fate has not so woven its meshes about their workings that they
need to remain helpless and in uncertainty. If they will listen to
His voice and follow In His ways, God will correct and enlighten them,
and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the
world. When the advantage of working upon Christian principles is
discerned, when self is hid in Christ, much greater progress will be made;
for each worker will feel his own human weakness; he will supplicate for
the wisdom and grace of God, and will receive the divine help that is
pledged for every emergency."-6 Testimonies, 143-145.
"You have been in a state
of uncertainty and distrust, and have frequently chosen the society of
those who are in darkness, those whom Satan uses to scatter from
Christ. You could live among the most corrupt, and remain unstained,
unsullied, if God in His providence thus directed you. But it is
dangerous for those who wish to honor God to find their pleasure and
entertainment with companions who fear Him not. Satan ever surrounds
such with great darkness; and if those who profess Christ go unbidden into
this darkness, they tempt the devil to tempt them."2 Testimonies, 222
APPLAUSE
"One great defect in
the character of Saul was his love of approbation.
This trait had had a controlling influence over his actions and thoughts;
everything was marked by his desire for praise and self-exaltation. His
standard of right and wrong was the low standard of popular applause.
No man is safe who lives that he may please men, and does not seek first
for the approbation of God. It was the ambition of Saul to be the first in
the estimation of men."-Patriarchs and Prophets, 650.
"I have been shown that
great caution should be used, even when it is necessary to lift a burden
of oppression from men and women, lest they lean to their own wisdom and
fail to make God their only dependence. It is not safe to speak in
praise of persons or to exalt the ability of a minister of Christ. In
the day of God, very many will be weighed in the balance and found wanting
because of exaltation. I would warn my brethren and sisters never to
flatter persons because of their ability, for they cannot bear it.
Self is easily exalted, and, in consequence, persons lose their balance. I
say again to my brethren and sisters: If you would have your souls clean
from the blood of all men, never flatter, never praise the efforts of
poor mortals; for it may prove their ruin. It is unsafe, by our
words and actions, to exalt a brother or sister, however apparently
humble may be his or her deportment. If they really possess the meek and
lowly spirit which God so highly esteems, help them to retain it. This
will not be done by censuring them nor neglecting to properly appreciate
their true worth. But there are few who can bear praise without being
injured.
"Some ministers of ability
who are now preaching present truth, love approbation. Applause
stimulates them, as the glass of wine does the Inebriate. Place these
ministers where they have a small congregation which promises no special
excitement and which provokes no decided opposition, and they will lose
their interest and zeal, and appear as languid in the work as the
inebriate when he is deprived of his dram. These men will fail to make
real, practical laborers until they learn to labor without the excitement
of applause."-3 Testimonies, 185-186.
"I ask you to study anew
the cross of Christ. If all the proud and vainglorious, whose hearts
are panting for the applause of men and for distinction above their
fellows, could rightly estimate the value of the Son of God, rejected,
despised, spit upon, by the very ones whom he came to redeem, how
insignificant would appear all the honor that finite man can
bestow."-4 Testimonies, 375.
"The kingdom of God comes
not with outward show. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration
of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of
the soul with Him who is its life. The greatest manifestation of its power
is seen in human nature brought to the perfection of the character of
Christ." Ministry of Healing, 36.
"Wealth or high position,
costly equipment, architecture or furnishings, are not essential to the
advancement of the work of God; neither are achievements that win applause
from men and administer to vanity. Worldly display, however imposing, is
of no value In God's sight. Above the seen and temporal, He values the
unseen and eternal. The former is of worth only as it expresses the
latter. The choicest productions of art possess no beauty that can compare
with the beauty of character, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit's
working in the soul."-Ministry of Hearing, 37.
"In marked contrast to all
this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no
ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ
was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this
revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their
homage to be given."-Desire of Ages, 261.
"Jesus did not seek the
admiration or the applause of men.
He commanded no army."-Ministry of Healing, 197.
"In the heart of Christ,
where reigned perfect harmony with God, there was perfect peace. He was
never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment. Amid
the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment, He was still of good
courage. But many who profess to be His followers have an anxious,
troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They
do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the
consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this
surrender, they cannot find peace."- Desire of Ages, 330.
"So far possible, He
closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause
nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to
discern evil, and strong to resist it."-Desire of Ages, 72.
"They are forever
trying to secure position, to gain applause, to obtain credit for doing
some great work that others cannot do. But it disturbs the fine grain
of their refined organism to associate with the humble, the unfortunate.
They mistake the reason altogether. The reason why they shun any of these
duties not so agreeable is found in their supreme selfishness. Dear self
is the center of all their actions and motives.
"No fear of giving
offense, no desire for friendship or applause,
could lead Paul to withhold the words that God had given him for their
instruction, warning, or correction. From His servants today God requires
fearlessness in preaching the word and in carrying out its precepts. The
minister of Christ Is not to present to the people only those truths that
are the most pleasing, while he withholds others that might cause them
pain." Acts of the Apostles, 394.
"Both thought and action
will be necessary if you would attain to perfection of character. While
brought in contact with the world, you should be on your guard that you
do not seek too ardently for the applause of men and live for their
opinion. Walk carefully if you would walk safely; cultivate the grace
of humility, and hang your helpless souls upon Christ. You may be, in
every sense, men of God. In the midst of confusion and temptation in the
worldly crowd you may, with perfect sweetness, keep the independence of
the soul.- 4 Testimonies, 568.
"Self-sufficiency must be
overcome. Love of applause must be seen as a snare. There is always
danger of making grave blunders through conceit of our own wisdom and
qualifications. "-Testimonies to Ministers, 250-251.
"Unless the minister shall
fearlessly declare the whole truth, unless he shall have an eye single to
the glory of God and shall work under the direction of the great Captain
of his salvation, unless he shall move to the front, irrespective of
censure and uncontaminated by applause, he will be accounted an
unfaithful watchman."-5 Testimonies, 263.
"We are in the greatest
peril when we receive praise of one another, when we enter into a
confederacy to exalt one another the great burden of the Pharisees was to
secure the praise of men; and Christ told them that that was all the
reward they would ever receive."-5 Testimonies, 133.
"The enemy is buying souls
today very cheap. 'Ye have sold yourselves for nought,' is the language of
Scripture. One is selling his soul for the world's applause, another
for money; one to gratify base passions, another for worldly amusement.
Such bargains are made daily. Satan is bidding for the purchase of
Christ's blood and buying them cheap, notwithstanding the infinite price
which has been paid to ransom them."-5 Testimonies, 133.
"There are many who are
always ready to flatter and praise a minister who can talk.
"-4 Testimonies, 376.
"All the worth and
greatness of this life is derived from its connection with heaven and the
future, immortal life. God's everlasting arm encircles the soul that turns
to Him for aid, however feeble that soul may be. The precious things of
the hills shall perish; but the soul that lives for God, unmoved by
censure, unperverted by applause, shall abide forever with Him. The
city of God will open its gates to receive him who teamed while on earth
to lean on God for guidance and wisdom, for comfort and hope amid loss and
affliction. The songs of angels will welcome him there, and for him the
tree of life will yield its fruits."-4 Testimonies, 328.
THE SHAKING
"I saw some, with strong
faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale
and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle.
Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large
drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces
would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same
solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them.
"Evil angels crowded
around, pressing darkness upon them to shut Jesus from their view,
that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and
thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety
was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had charge over
His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil angels was pressed
around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting
their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.
"As the praying ones
continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to
them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some.
I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They
seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness
around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God
left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels
of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their
power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling
upon God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort
to help themselves, and I lost sight of them.
"I asked the meaning of
the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the
straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the
Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver,
and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth.
Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it,
and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people.
"I saw that the testimony
of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon
which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not
entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who
truly receive it will obey it and be purified.
"Said the angel, 'List
ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding
in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had
ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy
joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, "Look
ye!" My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were
mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and
praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had
been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their
feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their
countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the
agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked
with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of
heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them
the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy."-Early Writings,
269-271.
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