SDARM Qtr. 1 1991 Bible Study

Sabbath Bible Lessons
THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD
Lesson Titles Page
1 God's People Identified 5

2 A Living Structure 8
3 The Character ofthe Church 11
4 The Purpose of God for His People 14
5 The Appointed Work ofthe Church 17
6 The Church, a Mixed Body 21
7 The True Church in Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
8 Some Names of the Church 27
9 Other Names ofthe Church 30
10 The Pillar and Ground of the Truth 32
11 The Relationship of the Church to God 35
12 The Changing Stand of the Church 38
13 Characteristics of the Last Remnant 42
Volume 66 Number 1
The Sabbath Bible Lessons is published quarterly by the Seventh Day Adventist
Reform Movement General Conference, Sabbath School Department, 5248 Hollins
Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.
Annual subscriptions: U.S.A. $7.00. Other countries $8.00.
It is printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240
Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A. Telephone (703) 366-9400.
Send subscription requests and payments in United States currency to the address
below. Application to mail at second-class postage rate is pending at Roanoke,
VA 24022-9651.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Sabbath Bible Lessons _ PO Box 7240 _ Roanoke, VA 24019-0240
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
-2-
FOREWORD
As a newborn baby is entrusted to the mother's care by divine
plan, so the one who is born again is joined by Christ to His
church. "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should
be saved" (Acts 2:47). It is the duty of the church to care for and
train such ones for the Lord's service. As it so often happens in
nature, the mother is not entirely left alone to bear this respon-
sibility. It is such a joint mission that always calls for the closest
cooperation between mother and father.
So it is with the church. She has been entrusted by God and
should ever be faithful in this trust and realize that she depends
on His support as a chosen wife does on her husband. The impor-
tance of the church is shown in the letter of Paul to the Galatians
where the church is likened to the New Jerusalem. "But
Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all"
(Galatians 4:26).
This series of lessons, and the one to follow, on the subject of
The Church of the Living God, is designed to refresh our minds
concerning the church, her identity, her responsibility and her
dependence upon the living God. She was chosen to be His
representative among lost fallen men. He has the greatest in-
terest in her well-being and success in the task to which He has
appointed her.
At the same time, we are warned that Satan will, if possible,
deceive the elect. This implies that he will have a counterfeit
church that resembles the true church as closely as possible. She
must profess present truth and the known specifications for the
remnant church of God. However, her power and light are sup-
plied by Satan.
The elect, faithful believers need the eyesalve-the spiritual
discernment-to distinguish between the true and the counterfeit
or false church. Close attention to the light given in the word of -
God and by inspiration will enable us to detect the false; but
without the closest scrutiny, we could be deceived. While we do
not say that we are saved, we must have the personal assurance
that we are walking with the Lord. "The Spirit itself beareth
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if
children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so
be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together" (Romans 8:16, 17).
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
-3-
Special Project Offering
for the
Missionary School in Brazil
The Federative Republic of Brazil occupies nearly half of the land of

South America, covering an area of 3,286,488 square miles (8,511,965 square
kilometers). It is bounded by all the countries of that region of the world,
except Chile and Ecuador. For almost 2,700 miles it extends from north to
south and about the same distance from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic
Ocean. By the end of this year (1991), the population projection of Brazil
will exceed 150 million people.
The message of the Reform Movement reached this country in the mid
twenties. Currently some 6,000 baptized souls are registered in the two
Brazilian unions, and about half of them are young people.
Since its establishment in 1951, the Missionary School in Brazil has pre-
pared young people for the Bible work and the ministry. This year, 1991,
the school is completing forty years of continuous service. During this pe-
riod, over two hundred workers were trained and are presently working in
all Brazilian states as well as in foreign countries such as Argentina,
Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Japan, Paraguay, Por-
tugal, South Africa, Spain, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Under temporary conditions, the school functioned first in Sao Paulo,
and then in Brasilia. At present it is located in the Parana state, some nine
miles from Curitiba. It is annexed to the Naturalistic Center "Oasis Para-
naense."
In order that the Missionary School may offer the students such condi-
tions as are stipulated in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy-a location
with agricultural land and facilities for vocational training, together with
due religious preparedness-the unions in Brazil need to invest regularly a
considerable amount of money. In view of the fact that our resources are
very limited and the country is going through another financial crisis, we
appeal to the dear brethren throughout the world to contribute with a gen-
erous thirteenth Sabbath offering, so that the school may continue its opera-
tion to prepare young men and women to serve the Lord either in the na-
tional field or in foreign missions.,
I
"We must advance the work, becoming laborers together with God."-
Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 219.
"God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Your brethren in the blessed hope
-4-
Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 5, 1991
GOD'S PEOPLE IDENTIFIED
God has always had His faithful followers who constitute the true church
recognized by Him
KEY TEXT: " ... Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command
you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God."-Jeremiah 11:4
(second part).
o Sunday
GOD'S WITNESSES December 30
1. What has God had in every age? In the Bible, what name is given to compa-
nies of believers? Acts 2:47; Isaiah 43:10.
"Christ has a church in every age."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 6, p. 1079.
"From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In
every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the
generation in which they lived."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11.
2. What is the object of God's special interest in this world? Deuteronomy

32:10; Zechariah 2:8 (last part).
"The church is the property of God, and God constantly remembers her as she
stands in the world, subject to the temptations of Satan."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 19.
"The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and coun-
seled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard."
-Ibid., p. 49.
o Monday
A CHOSEN PEOPLE December 31
3. What position do God's people hold in this world? How does this become
true? 1 Peter 2:9 (first part).
"Consider, my brethren and sisters, that the Lord has a people, a chosen people,
His church, to be His own, His own fortress, which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted
world; and He intended that no authority should be known in it, no laws be acknowl-
edged by it, but His own."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 16.
-5-
4. What characterizes God's people in a special way? What must they do? Titus
2:14; 1 John 3:3.
"But while the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves
to the control of evil. They have put away their sins, and have sought the Lord in
humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf."-Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 474.
o Tuesday
RECEIVING A MARK January 1
5. What makes the true people of God different from all others? Revelation 7:3.
"Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal inher-
itance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, whol-
ly His. Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixed up
with the world that they differ from them only in name?"-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 287.
6. Where are some of God's faithful few today, and what are they doing there?
What will they receive? Ezekiel 9:4.
"The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the
salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will
always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the peo-
ple of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one
hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of
God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people."-Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 266.
"Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought
in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen,
are those 'that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done' in the church."
-Ibid., p. 267.
o Wednesday
THE CHURCH AND THE REMNANT January 2
7. What distinction does prophecy make between the nominal church and the
remnant church? What history is repeated? Matthew 21:43; Romans 11:1-5.
a. Nominal church. "Through union with the world the church will become
corrupt, - 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.' "- The Review and Herald, February
26, 1895.
"[Eze. 9:5, 6 quoted.] Here we see that the church-the Lord's sanctuary-was
the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God
had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the
people, had betrayed their trust."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 211.
b. Remnant church. "The remnant church will be brought into great trial and
distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel
the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has
gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting
his supremacy."-Ibid., pp. 472, 473.
"The day of wrath to the enemies of God is the day of final deliverance to His
church [the remnant church]."-Prophets and Kings, pp. 727, 728.
-6-
c. The nominal church and the faithful remnant. "He [God] will take His Ho-
ly Spirit from the church, and give it to others who will appreciate it."- The Review and
Herald, July 16, 1895.
8. What must the sighing and crying ones in the nominal Adventist church do
before they can receive the seal of God? Ezekiel 9:1-6; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.
"The time of the judgment is a most solemn period, when the Lord gathers His
own from among the tares. Those who have been members of the same family are
separated. A mark is placed upon the righteous."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 234.
"The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from
sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old and
young."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 505.
o Thursday
OTHER FOLDS January 3
9. To whom else does the term "church" also apply apart from those considered
in questions 1 to 5 above? Isaiah 4:1; Revelation 17:5; 3:9.
"Satan has a large confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of
Satan because the members are the children of sin. The members of Satan's church
have been constantly working to cast off the divine law, and confuse the distinction
between good and evil."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 16.
"The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work [to sup-
press the message of the third angel], papists and Protestants unite."- The Great Con-
troversy, p. 607.
10. What people does God also want to liberate from that "church"? John 10:16;
Revelatio'n 18:4.
"Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the
churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ's true followers are still
to be found in their communion."-The Great Controversy, p. 390.
"[T]he light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and
all the children of the Lord that remain in Babylon will heed the call: 'Come out of
her, My people' (Revelation 18:4). "-Ibid.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS January 4
a. Why is the church the special object of God's interest in the world?
b. What is the purpose of God in choosing a people out of the world?
c. What identifies the true people of .God?
d. What is to distinguish the true people of God from the nominal church?
e. What may we know about the other churches and the people in them? •
-7-
A LIVING STRUCTURE
The church is compared with the building of a spiritual temple and the true
believers are the materials used in this building
KEY TEXT: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?"-l Corinthians 3:16.
o Sunday
THE ROCK January 6
1. What does the Bible teach concerning the foundation of the church? Matthew
16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 3:11.
"Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither
can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock
of Ages, was the church founded, 'and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'
Matthew 16: 18. The presence of God gives stability to His cause." -Prophets and Kings,
pp. 595, 596.
2. What does Christ mean by the "rock" in Matthew 16:18? Isaiah 28:16.
"The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith."
- The Desire of Ages, p. 412.
o Monday
OUR CONNECTION WITH THE ROCK January 7
3. How do we build on Christ? Matthew 7:24, 25.
"It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words.... If you build upon human
theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests
of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure.
Receive Me; build on My words."-The Desire of Ages, p. 314.
4. What is the significance of the word "Peter"? What relationship existed

between Peter and the fundamental Rock, which is Christ? 1 Peter 2:4-6.
-8-
"The word Peter signifies a stone,-a rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon
which the church was founded. The gates of hell did prevail against him when he
denied his Lord with cursing and swearing. The church was built upon One against
whom the gates of hell could not prevail."- The Desire of Ages, p. 413.
o Tuesday
GOOD STONES January 8
5. What is written concerning those who counted the work of building this
temple dearer than life itself? Name some to which history bears record in
connection with the building of this temple. Hebrews 11:36-38.
"Like the apostles, many of them fell at their post, but the building of the temple
went steadily forward. The workmen were slain, but the work advanced. The Walden-
ses, John Wycliffe, Huss and Jerome, Martin Luther and Zwingli, Cranmer, Latimer,
and Knox, the Huguenots, John and Charles Wesley, and a host of others brought to
the foundation material that will endure throughout eternity. And in later years those
who have so nobly endeavored to promote the circulation of God's word, and those
who by their service in heathen lands have prepared the way for the proclamation of
the last great message-these also have helped to rear the structure."- The Acts of the
Apostles, p. 598.
6. What are the only kind of people approved as useful "stones" in the building
of this temple? Revelation 17: 14.
o Wednesday
BUILDING THIS TEMPLE January 9
7. What figure is often used in the Bible to illustrate the development of the
church? Zechariah 6:12, 15; Acts 15:14-17.
8. How does Paul explain the process of building the church? 1 Corinthians
3:10-13.
"In the quarry of the Jewish and the Gentile world the apostles labored, bringing
out stones to lay upon the foundation." ~ The Acts of the Apostles, p. 596.
o Thursday
REACHING THE PRESCRIBED DIMENSIONS January 10
9. In order to complete the structure, what part are we called'upon to act? 1 Co-
rinthians 3: 14, 15.
"Weare to bring to the foundation material that will stand the test of fire-gold,
silver, and precious stones, 'polished after the similitude of a palace.' Psalm 144:12.
To those who thus build for God, Paul speaks words of encouragement and warning:
'If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If
any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet
so as by fire.' 1 Corinthians 3:14, 15. The Christian who faithfully presents the word
of life, leading men and women into the way of holiness and peace, is bringing to the
foundation material that will endure, and in the kingdom of God he will be honored as
a wise builder." - The Acts of the Apostles, p. 599.
-9-
10. What factors ensure the proper growth of the spiritual temple? What is our
goal? Ephesians 2:20-22; 4:11-13.
"The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationship
that should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united to Christian and
church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be enabled to cooperate with
the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all the believers
will be united in an organized and well-directed effort to give to the world the glad
tidings of the grace of God."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 164.
o Friday
a. What is the foundation truth for God's church?
b. What explains the mistaken notion that the church is founded on Peter?
c. What are the qualifications for all who would be part of this temple?
d. How has this concept of a spiritual temple been explained in Scripture?
e. What controls are there for the quality of materials to be used in this build-
~ .
-10 -
THE CHARACTER OF THE CHURCH
The true church of God will have to manifest the characteristics of her Master
and be perfect
KEY TEXT: "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish." - Ephesians 5:27.
D Sunday
CLEANLINESS AND HOLINESS January 13
1. What characteristic, if possessed by the professed people of God, ensures

their recognition by the Lord? 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.
"Christ's followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate,
and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and daughters
of the Most High, members of the royal family. But if the conditions are not complied
with on their part, they will not, cannot, realize the fulfillment of the promise. A pro-
fession of Christianity is nothing in the sight of God; but true, humble, willing obe-
dience to His requirements designates the children of His adoption, the recipients of
His grace, the partakers of His great salvation. Such will be peculiar, a spectacle unto
the world, to angels, and to men. Their peculiar, holy character will be discernible,
and will distinctly separate them from the world, from its affections and lust."- Testi-
monies, vol. 2, p. 441.
" 'God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church. We cannot read
the heart of man. But the Lord has provided means to keep the church pure.' "-Ibid.,
vol. 1, p. 99.
2. What must be decidedly shut out if we want to keep our peculiar character
as God's people? James 4:4.
"Jesus is coming; and will He find a people conformed to the world? and will He
acknowledge these as His people that He has purified unto Himself? Oh, no. None but
the pure and holy will He acknowledge as His. Those who have been purified and made
white through suffering, and have kept themselves separate, unspotted from the world,
He will own as His."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 133.
-11-
o Monday
UNITY IN THE TRUTH January 14
3. Wherein are the members of the true church united? Ephesians 4:3-6.
"The oneness and unity of God's truth-believing remnant people carries power-
ful conviction to the world that they have the truth, and are the peculiar, chosen peo-
ple of God. This oneness and unity disconcerts the enemy, and he is determined that
it shall not exist. The present truth, believed in the heart and exemplified in the life,
makes God's people one, and gives them a powerful influence."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 327.
"Thus the true Christian church are united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
- The Story of Redemption, p. 289.
4. What is the most convincing proof that God has sent His Son into the world?
How can this purpose be achieved? John 17: 17-21.
"Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the
most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ, and of His power
to take away sin."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1148.
o Tuesday
LOVE January 15
5. How can the real Christians be identified as the true followers of Christ?
John 13:35.
"This love is the evidence of their discipleship. 'By this shall all men know that
ye are My disciples,' said Jesus, 'if ye have love one to another.' When men are bound
together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an in-
fluence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence
that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has
been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the
supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness in-
herent in the natural heart.
"This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan."-The
Desire of Ages, p. 678.
6. What qualities are essential in all faithful believers? Matthew 7:12; John
15:10-14.
"The qualities which it is essential for all to possess are those which marked the
completeness of Christ's character-His love, His patience, His unselfishness, and
His goodness."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1141.
"Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant
this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with
us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, 'Love one another, as I have loved you'
(John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is ac-
complished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts."-The Desire
of Ages, p. 641.
-12 -
D Wednesday
THE SPIRIT OF JESUS January 16
7. How is the spirit of Jesus to be revealed in us? Matthew 23:8-10.
"Those who, in the spirit and love of Jesus, will become one with Him, will be in
close fellowship one with another, bound up by the silken cords of love. Then the ties
of human brotherhood would not be always on the strain, ready at any provocation to
snap asunder. 'All ye are brethren' will be the sentiment of every child of faith. When
the followers of Christ are one with Him, there will be no first and last, no less
respected or less important ones. A blessed brotherly fellowship one with another will
bind all who truly receive the Lord Jesus Christ in a firm loyalty that cannot be broken.
All will be equally one with Christ."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],
vol. 5, pp. 1097, 1098.
8. What will the remnant church be able to show and do when they follow
Christ more closely? What history will be repeated? Acts 17:6.
"When those who profess to serve God follow Christ's example, practicing the
principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love
God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to
move the world."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 340.
D Thursday
PERFECTION January 17
9. When will the remnant church be ready for the kingdom of glory? Matthew
5:48; Ephesians 5:27.
"Weare to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even
the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness."'-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 7, p. 965. .
"The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ that may be wrought into the
character. Purity of heart, purity of motive, will characterize everyone who is wash-
ing his robe, and making it white in the blood of the Lamb. "-Ibid.
"Remember that a church without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, will Jesus
present to His Father."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 163.
10. What will happen when God's remnant people have reached this stage of
perfection? John 14:1-3.
"When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then
He will come to claim them as His own."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69.
D Friday
a. To what must all church members pay particular heed so that the church
may be acceptable to God?
b. What is the evidence that the church must demonstrate before men, to
show that she is commissioned by God?
c. What differentiates between the true and the professed believers?
d. How may it be known that the Spirit of Christ is in the believers?
e. What must we know of the perfection of the church? •
-13 -
THE PURPOSE OF GOD FOR HIS PEOPLE
God designs that His people shall be a channel of light and grace by which the
world might know the way of salvation
KEY TEXT: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
-Matthew 5:14.
D Sunday
THE OBJECT OF GOD January 20
1. Why does God have a church on earth? 1 Peter 2:9 (last part); Titus 2: 11-13.
"The object of God in choosing a people before all the world was not only that He
might adopt them as His sons and daughters, but that through them the world might
receive the grace that bringeth salvation."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 35.
2. Through the revelation of what principles does God want to bless the world?
Deuteronomy 4:5-9; Matthew 22:36-40.
"It is God's purpose to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom.
That in life and character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate
them from the customs, habits, and practices of the world. He seeks to bring them
near to Himself, that He may make known to them His will."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 9.
D Monday
GOD'S PLAN FOR US January 21
3. From the beginning, what has been the plan of God for His church? Matthew
28:19,20.
"The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized
for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it
has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His full-
ness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out
of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory."-The Acts of the
Apostles, p. 9.
-14 -
4. What Scriptures reveal God's plan for His people, both in the past and in
our time? Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 67:1, 2.
"The purpose which God seeks to accomplish through His people today is the
same that He desired to accomplish through Israel when He brought them forth out of
Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God re-
vealed in the church, the world is to have a representation of His character. And when
the law of God is thus exemplified in the life, even the world will recognize the superi-
ority of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people on the
earth."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 12.
o Tuesday
CHANNELS OF LIGHT January 22
5. How are God's people to be channels for the outworking of the highest influ-
ence in the world? Zechariah 4:2, 3.
"God's people are to be channels for the outworking of the highest influence in
the universe. In Zechariah's vision the two olive trees which stand before God are
represented as emptying the golden oil out of themselves through golden tubes into
the bowl of the sanctuary. From this the lamps of the sanctuary are fed, that they may
give a continuous bright and shining light. So from the anointed ones that stand in
God's presence the fullness of divine light and love and power is imparted to His peo-
ple, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing. They are to become
channels through which divine instrumentalities communicate to the world the tide of
God's love."-Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 11, 12.
6. What constant supply represents that which enables the church to impart
light? Zechariah 4:6.
"But no man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of
God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a
light bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into
the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctu-
ary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God contin-
ually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are
united to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good
works, in real, heartfelt service for God.
"In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's
resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His
grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become
filled with His Spirit."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 418, 419.
o Wednesday
A WONDERFUL WORK January 23
7. What work does God design to accomplish through the church and through
each individual member? Ezekiel 47:8-12.
"Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church,
that His name may be glorified. A picture of this work is given in Ezekiel's vision of
the river of healing: [Ezekiel 47:8-12 quoted].
-15 -
" ... Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His
love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he
receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth
the tide of spiritual life. "- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 13.
8. In these last days, wherein is the glory of God to be revealed? Isaiah 60:1, 2.
"The glory of the church of God is in the piety of its members; for there is the hid-
ing of Christ's power. The influence of the sincere children of God may be esteemed
as of little worth, but it will be felt throughout time, and rightly revealed in the day of
reward. The light of a true Christian, shining forth in steadfast piety, in unwavering
faith, will prove to the world the power of a living Saviour. In His followers Christ will
be revealed as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. Although scarcely
known to the world, they are acknowledged as God's peculiar people, His chosen ves-
sels of salvation, His channels whereby light is to come to the world." -Christian Serv-
ice, p. 19.
"Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God's glory is to shine forth through His
church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn."-Prophets and
Kings, p. 718.
D Thursday
A GREAT QUESTION January 24
9. Why is the gospel of truth ineffective in the hands of the nominal church?
Revelation 3:15.
"The world needs evidences of sincere Christianity. The poison of sin is at work
at the heart of society. Cities and towns are steeped in sin and moral corruption. The
world is full of sickness, suffering, and iniquity. Nigh and afar off are souls in poverty
and distress, weighed down with a sense of guilt and perishing for want of a saving in-
fluence. The gospel of truth is kept ever before them, yet they perish because the ex-
ample of those who should be a savor of life to them is a savor of death. Their souls
drink in bitterness because the springs are poisoned, when they should be like a well
of water springing up unto everlasting life."-Prophets and Kings, p. 232.
10. What question should be asked by all who profess the truth of the threefold
message? How can we qualify to fulfill God's purpose? 1 Corinthians 9:22;
2 Corinthians 2: 16.
" ... If we decide that in these last days we have no work assigned to us that is
out of the common course of the nominal churches, we shall meet with great disap-
pointment. The great question to be investigated, weighed, and decided is, What can
I do to reach souls that are lost? God calls for a work to be done by Seventh-day
Adventists that I need not define. Unless the work is first done in their own hearts, all
the specific directions that might be given to point out their course of action will be
labor in vain."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 125.
"But in order for us to fulfill God's purpose, there is a preparatory work to be
done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of aliena-
tion. He longs to pour upon us His Holy Spirit in rich measure, and He bids us clear
the way by self-renunciation."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 43.
(Continued on page 20)
-16 -
Lesson 5 Sabbath, February 2, 1991
THE APPOINTED
WORK OF THE CHURCH
The church, as the representative of Christ, must follow His example in med-
ical missionary work, ministering to the sick and preaching the gospel
KEY TEXT: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."-Matthew 28:19.
D Sunday
LIGHT VS. DARKNESS January 27
1. What are the followers of Christ to do in the face of the existing darkness?
Matthew 5:16; 25:4.
"Every witness for God is now to work intelligently in the lines which God has
appointed. We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfect-
ing Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil, that we may impart to
others. All may be light bearers to the world if they wilL" - Testimonies to Ministers, pp.
510, 511.
"So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world.
Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in
the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy
Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory-His character-
is to shine forth in His followers." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 414.
2. How is mankind to see the glory of God shine forth through us? What prac-
tical works does God expect in true religion? Isaiah 58:7,8.
"All around us are heard the wails of a world's sorrow. On every hand are the
needy and distressed. It is ours to aid in relieving and softening life's hardships and
misery.
"Practical work will have far more effect than mere sermonizing. Weare to give
food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are
called to do more than this." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 417.
-17 -
o Monday
AN INDIVIDUAL WORK January 28
3. What kind of medical missionary work does God require? Matthew 25:34-40.
"There is a work to be done by our churches that few have any idea of. 'I was an
hungred,' Christ says, 'and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I
was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited
me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.' We shall have to give of our means to sup-
port laborers in the harvest field, and we shall rejoice in the sheaves gathered in. But
while this is right, there is a work, as yet untouched, that must be done. The mission
of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the brokenhearted. This
work of restoration is to be carried on among the needy, suffering ones of humanity.
God calls not only for your benevolence, but your cheerful countenance, your hopeful
words, the grasp of your hand. Relieve some of God's afflicted ones. Some are sick,
and hope has departed. Bring back the sunlight to them. There are souls who have lost
their courage; speak to them, pray for them. There are those who need the bread of
life. Read to them from the Word of God. There is a soul sickness no balm can reach,
no medicine heal. Pray for these, and bring them to Jesus Christ. And in all your work,
Christ will be present to make impressions upon human hearts.
"This is the kind of medical missionary work to be done."-A Call to Medical
Evangelism, pp. 22, 23.
4. What type of work did Christ commit to His followers? Ecclesiastes 9:10
(first part); 11: 1.
"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for indi-

vidual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building
up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organiza-
tions the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world,
and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for
God and man dies out of the soul.
"Christ commits to His followers an individual work-a work that cannot be done
by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to
be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort,
personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel. "-The Ministry of Healing, p. 147.
o Tuesday
TRAINING January 29
5. What is the best medicine for the church in order that it may be prepared for II
the latter rain? 1 Corinthians 15:58.
"The best medicine you can give the church is not preaching or sermonizing, but
planning work for them. If set to work, the despondent would soon forget their despon-
dency, the weak would become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all would be pre-
pared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They would find an unfailing helper in Him
who has promised to save all who come unto Him."-TheReview and Herald, June 25,1895.
6. Where and how should church members be trained for the Lord's work?
What particular line of work should be given special attention? 2 Timothy
2:15; Matthew 10:8.
-18 -
"Every church should be a training school for Christian workers. Its members
should be taught how to give Bible readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath school
classes, how best to help the poor and to care for the sick, how to work for the uncon-
verted. There should be schools of health, cooking schools, and classes in various lines
of Christian help work. There should not only be teaching, but actual work under ex-
perienced instructors. "-The Ministry of Healing, p. 149.
"Begin to do medical missionary work with the conveniences which you have at
hand. You will find that thus the way will open for you to hold Bible readings. The
heavenly Father will place you in connection with those who need to know how to treat
their sick ones. Put into practice what you know regarding the treatment of disease.
Thus suffering will be relieved, and you will have opportunity to break the bread of life
to starving souls." -A Call to Medical Evangelism, p. 26.
D Wednesday
LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD January 30
7. How only can Christians become laborers together with God for the blessing
of mankind? 1 Corinthians 3:9; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2.
"Our Lord designed that His church should reflect to the world the fullness and
sufficiency that we find in Him. We are constantly receiving of God's bounty, and by
imparting of the same we are to represent to the world the love and beneficence of
Christ."- Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 731.
"Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and
deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord's purpose for them, and Christ takes plea-
sure in them."-The Review and Herald, May 26,1903.
8. What will happen to those who are too indifferent or too busy to cooperate
with God in the salvation of others? Matthew 21:28-31; 25:24-30.
"In the day of God not one will be excused for being shut up to his own selfish in-
terests. And it is by working for others that you will keep your own souls alive."-A
Call to Medical Evangelism, pp. 25, 26.
D Thursday
A SERIOUS APPEAL January 31
9. What complaint and call should we take to heart? Romans 10:14, 15; Acts
16:9,10.
"But very few of those who have received the light are doing the work entrusted
to their hands. There are a few men of unswerving fidelity who do not study ease,
convenience, or life itself, who push their way wherever they can find an opening to
press the light of truth and vindicate the holy law of God."- Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 456.
10. When will the glory of God be manifested in its fullness? Isaiah 6:8; Num-
bers 14:21; Acts 3:19.
"The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with
His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience
what it means to be laborers together with God."- The Review and Herald, July 21, 1896.
-19 -
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS February 1
a. By what means is the church to let her light shine?

b. What shows that this responsibility cannot be discharged by proxy?
c. Where must the experience and training be gained?
d. What cooperation is essential for success?
e. How is the appeal of those in darkness to be satisfied?
•
'* * '* * '* * '*

(Continued from page 16)
o Friday
a. Because the church is God's people, what should they be doing?

b. What knowledge was and is to be imparted to the world by His people?
c. What enables the church of God to be a light in the world?
d. How is the church to reveal the glory of God?
e. What must those who profess to believe the truth do so that they may fulfill
the purpose of the gospel? •
-20 -
THE CHURCH, A MIXED BODY
Although the evil one may introduce his agents into the church of God for a
time, this will not pervert the truth or prevent its ultimate triumph
KEY TEXT: "So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together
all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was
furnished with guests."-Matthew 22:10.
o Sunday
SATAN'S INTERFERENCE IN THE BUILDING February 3
1. How does Satan interfere with the building of this temple? What kind of
"stones" does he introduce? 2 Peter 3:1-3.
"It is his [the great deceiver's] plan to bring into the church insincere, unregen-
erate elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to
see the work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who have no real faith in
God or in His Word assent to some principles of truth and pass as Christians, and thus
they are enabled to introduce their errors as Scriptural doctrines."- The Great Con-
troversy, p. 520.
2. What parables did Christ use to show this interference and its effect? With
whom is Satan most successful? Matthew 13:24-26, 47-49; 24:45-51.
"Satan has many in his employ, but is most successful when he can use professed
Christians for his satanic work. And the greater their influence, the more elevated their
position, the more knowledge they profess of God and His service, the more success-
fully can he use them. Whoever entices to sin is his agent."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 137.
o Monday
AN APPARENT OR A REAL CONNECTION February 4
3. What vital connection is missing in the experience of many who join the
church? John 15:5, 6.
"Joining the church is one thing, and connecting with Christ is quite another. Not
all the names registered in the church books are registered in the Lamb's book of life.
Many, though apparently sincere believers, do not keep up a living connection with
- 21-
Christ. They have enlisted, they have entered their names on the register; but the in-
ner work of grace is not wrought in the heart. As the result they are not happy, and
they make hard work of serving God."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 278.
4. How do individuals in the church place themselves on the side of the arch·
deceiver? What profession keeps them unconscious of their dangerous con·
dition? John 8:42-44.
"One safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, a sin-
gle neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the beginning of a course of deception
that will pass you into the ranks of those who are serving Satan, while you are all the
time professing to love God and His cause."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 398.
·••
"He who does not give himself wholly to God is under the control of another
power, listening to another voice, whose suggestions are of an entirely different char-
acter. Half-and-half service places the human agent on the side of the enemy as a suc-
cessful ally of the hosts of darkness. When men who claim to be soldiers of Christ en-
gage with the confederacy of Satan, and help along his side, they prove themselves
enemies of Christ. They betray sacred trusts. They form a link between Satan and the
true soldiers, so that through these agencies the enemy is constantly working to steal
away the hearts of Christ's soldiers."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 94.
o Tuesday
TWO CLASSES OF BELIEVERS February 5
5. What two classes of believers have always been in the church even in her
best days? Matthew 13:36-43.
"There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of
Christ. While one class study the Saviour's life and earnestly seek to correct their de-
fects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which
expose their errors. Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly of
the true, pure, and sincere."- The Great Controversy, p. 43.
6. How long will this problem exist without giving anyone the right to doubt
the truth? 2 Timothy 2:20.
"The 'great house' represents the Church. In the Church will be found the vile as
well as the precious. The net cast into the sea gathers both good and bad."- The Review
and Herald, February 5, 1901.
"The world has no right to doubt the truth of Christianity because there are un-
worthy members in the church, nor should Christians become disheartened because
of these false brethren. How was it with the early church? Ananias and Sapphira joined
themselves to the disciples. Simon Magus was baptized. Demas, who forsook Paul,
had been counted a believer. Judas Iscariot was numbered with the apostles. The Re-
deemer does not want to lose one soul; His experience with Judas is recorded to show
His long patience with perverse human nature; and He bids us bear with it as He has
borne. He has said that false brethren will be found in the church till the close of time."
-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 72, 73.
- 22-
o Wednesday
SOME HISTORY February 6
7. What evils existed in the days of Israel, in the days of the apostles, and also
in the days of the early Adventist church? How did God help His people meet
these evils? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
"Satan holds under his control not a few who pass as friends of the truth, and
through them he works against its advancement. He employs them to sow tares among
the people of God. Thus when danger was not suspected, great evils have existed
among us. But while Satan was working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish, stanch advocates of truth have stemmed the tide of opposition and
held the word uncorrupted amid a deluge of heresies. Although the church has at times
been weakened through manifold discouragements and the rebellious element they
have had to meet, still the truth has shone brighter with every conflict. The energies
of God's people have not been exhausted. The power of His grace has quickened, re-
vived, and ennobled the steadfast and the true.
"Again and again was ancient Israel afflicted with rebellious murmurers. These
were not always persons of feeble influence. In many cases, men of renown, rulers in
Israel, turned against the providential leading of God and fiercely set to work to tear
down that which they had once zealouly built up. We have seen something of this
repeated many times in our experience. It is unsafe for any church to lean upon some
favorite minister, to trust in an arm of flesh. God's arm alone is able to uphold all who
lean upon it."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 594.
8. What specific problem did the pioneers of the third angel's message have to
face? How did God help the church? What history was repeated in that expe-
rience? Revelation 2:2.
"God's frown has been brought upon the church on account of individuals with
corrupt hearts being in it. They have wanted to be foremost, when neither God nor
their brethren placed them there. Selfishness and exaltation have marked their course.
A place is now open for all such where they can go and find pasture with those of their
kind. And we should praise God that in mercy He has rid the church of them."- Testi-
monies, vol. I, p. 122.
o Thursday
THE CHURCH MILITANT February 7
9. What will there be among us to the end of time? What compromise should
we never make for the sake of false peace? What unity is forbidden? John
10:12, 13; Acts 20:29,30.
"To the end of time, men will arise to create confusion and rebellion among
those who claim to be representatives of the true God. Those who prophesy lies will
encourage men to look upon sin as a light thing. When the terrible results of their evil
deeds are made manifest, they will seek, if possible, to make the one who has faithfully
warned them, responsible for their difficulties, even as the Jews charged Jeremiah with
their evil fortunes. "-Prophets and Kings, p. 442.
"Until Christ shall appear in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,
men will become perverse in spirit and turn from the truth to fables. The church will
yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth. But although she must meet
- 23-
heresies and persecutions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apostate,
yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. The Lord will have a people
as true as steel, and with faith as firm as the granite rock."- Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 594.
"Shall we choose to take our stand with Satan and his host? Shall we join with
the transgressors of God's law? Rather let it be our prayer: 'Lord, put enmity between
me and the serpent.' If we are not at enmity with his works of darkness, his powerful
folds encircle us, and his sting is ready at any moment to be driven to our hearts."
-Ibid., p. 595.
"[W]e are to make no compromise with evil. Weare not to unite with the rebel-
lious and call this charity. "-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 555.
10. Despite all defections, what assurance do we have? Why? 2 Timothy 2:19.
"Ministers who have preached the truth with all zeal and earnestness may apos-
tatize and join the ranks of our enemies, but does this turn the truth of God into a lie?
'Nevertheless,' says the apostle, 'the foundation of God standeth sure.' The faith and
feelings of men may change; but the truth of God, never. The third angel's message is
sounding; it is infallible."- Testimonies, yol. 4, p. 595.
o Friday
a. What results from the introduction of counterfeit believers?
b. What makes the difference between a true and.a false member?
c. What should encourage us in these difficulties?
d. What history, oft repeated, may be again fulfilled in our time?
e. What assurance is given the true believers?

•
-24-
THE TRUE CHURCH IN SYMBOLS
By means of symbolism the Lord reveals different aspects of His true church
.KEY TEXT: "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear
as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"-Song of Solomon
6:10.
o Sunday
SALT, LIGHT February 10
1. What commentary does Inspiration give concerning the "salt of the earth"?
Matthew 5:13.
"Salt is valued for its preservative properties; and when God calls His children
salt, He would teach them that His purpose in making them the subjects of His grace
is that they may become agents in saving others."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p.35.
2. What does the Inspired Word say about the "light of the world"? Matthew
5:14.
"God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a
light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second,
and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring
them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law
and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time."- Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 455.
o Monday
A WOMAN February 11
3. What does the Bible say about the symbolic "pure woman"? Revelation
12:1,6,17.
4. What should we learn from the symbolism of "a chaste virgin, a bride"? 2 Co-
rinthians 11:2.
"The bride is the church who is waiting for the second appearing of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ."- The Review and Herald, October 31, 1899.
- 25-
D Tuesday
A BODY, AN ARMY February 12
5. Under the symbol of the "body of Christ," how does Paul describe the
church? 1 Corinthians 12:20-27.
"We should all study carefully the instruction given in Corinthians and Ephesians
regarding our relation to one another as members of the body of Christ."-Testimonies
to Ministers, p. 500.
I
6. What is the significance of the reference to "an army with banners"? Song 1
of Solomon 6:10. •
"Then [under the final test] will the church of Christ appear 'fair as the moon,
clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.' "- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 82.
D Wednesday
A FORTIFIED CITY February 13
7. In what way does "a city on a hill" represent the purpose of God for His
church? Isaiah 52:1, 2.
"During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a
hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven
have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the
church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme re-
gard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to trans-
form hearts."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12.
8. What was the purpose of a fortress and how does this represent the church?
Zechariah 9: 12.
"The church is God's fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted
world."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11.
o Thursday
A TEMPLE, A VINEYARD February 14
9. What lessons may be learned from Paul's description of the church as "God's
building"? 1 Corinthians 3:9-16; Ephesians 2:21.
"Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, the building
of God's temple has never ceased. We may look back through the centuries and see
the living stones of which it is compo.sed gleaming like jets of light through the
darkness of error and superstition."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 598.
10. In what ways may "the vineyard" represent God's church? Isaiah 5:7; Mat-
thew 21:28; John 15:5.
(Continued on page 29)
- 26-
SOME NAMES OF THE CHURCH
All names applied to the true church have a significance from which
precious lessons may be learned
KEY TEXT: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and
all ye are brethren."-Matthew 23:8.
o Sunday
BELIEVERS, BRETHREN February 17
1. What does Luke call the Christians? What distinction and destiny does this
appellation imply? Acts 5:14; Mark 16:16.
2. What other title does Luke apply to Christians? What concept does this title
convey? Acts 15:1,32; Matthew 20:25-28; 23:8-12.
"Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call us
brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so eager, is the Saviour's heart to welcome us as
members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approach-
ing God He places the assurance of our divine relationship, 'Our Father.' "-Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing, p. 103.
D Monday
CHILDREN AND HEIRS OF GOD February 18
3. What contrast does Christ show when He calls His followers "children of
the kingdom," "children of light," and "sons of God"? Matthew 13:38; Luke
16:8; John 1:12 (1 Samuel 2:12; John 8:44).
"God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless world
and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the
heavenly King. He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than
that of a child in his earthly father. Parents love their children, but the love of God is
larger, broader, deeper, than human love can possibly be. It is immeasurable."-Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 142.
4. If we are children of God, what else are we? Romans 8: 17.
- 27-
o Tuesday
FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS February 19
5. Why does Christ call us "friends"? John 15:14, 15; Romans 5:9, 10.
6. When Paul tells the believers to be "followers of God," what does that imply?
Ephesians 5:1; Revelation 14:4; John 8:12.
" 'Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.' Christians must be like
Christ. They should have the same spirit, exert the same influence, and have the same
moral excellence that He possessed. The idolatrous and corrupt in heart must repent
and turn to God. Those who are proud and self-righteous must abase self and become
penitent and meek and lowly in heart. The worldly-minded must have the tendrils of
the heart removed from the rubbish of the world, around which they are clinging, and
entwined about God; they must become spiritually minded. The dishonest and untruth-
ful must become just and true. The ambitious and covetous must be hid in Jesus and
seek His glory, not their own. They must despise their own holiness and lay up their
treasure above."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 249, 250.'
o Wednesday
DISCIPLES, CHRISTIANS February 20
7. What else are the Christians called and what are the implications? Acts 9:1,
26; John 8:31; 13:35; 15:8.
"A rule is given by which the true disciple may be distinguished from those who
claim to follow Christ but have not faith in Him. The one class are fruit bearing, the
other, fruitless. The one are often subjected to the pruning knife of God that they may
bring forth more fruit; the other, as withered branches, are erelong to be severed from
the living Vine."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 229.
8. When and where were the disciples first called "Christians"? What was the
reason for this name being given them? Acts 11:26; 4:13.
o Thursday
ELECT, FIRST-FRUITS February 21
9. By calling us "the elect," what does Christ mean? Matthew 24:22 (Titus
1:1); 2 Peter 1:10, 11; Isaiah 65:21,22.
"Those who have risen with Christ to walk in newness of life are the elect of
God. They are holy unto the Lord, and are acknowledged by Him as His beloved. As
such, they are under solemn covenant to distinguish themselves by showing humility
of mind. They are to clothe themselves in garments of righteousness. They are
separate from the world, from its spirit, its practises, and they are to reveal that they
are learning of Him." -Sons and Daughters of God, p. 133.
10. What title given us indicates preeminence among the created beings? James
1:18.
- 28-
o Friday
a. When believers are called "brethren," what is it implied?
b. What is involved in being an heir?
c. When the Master calls us "friends," what does He expect?
d. What is the particular significance of being the "elect"?
e. What is the meaning of the word disciple and why is it associated with being
a Christian? •
1:< * 1:< * 1:< * 1:<
(Continued from page 26)
"When the Lord is with the people who have knowledge and advantages in
spiritual enlightenment, and when they impart that which they have received from
God, they are fruit-bearing branches. They receive God's rich blessing, and are pro-
ducers of fruit. As a sure result, in the hand of God and under the influence of the Ho-
ly Spirit they are mighty men. Constantly they represent before the world the great
goodness of God, not only in spiritual lines, but in temporal lines as well."-The SDA
Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1097.
"The vineyard represents the church."-Ibid.
o Friday
Enumerate as many significant features that have reference to the living church
of God in the following symbols:
a. Salt/Light
b. A bride/A pure, chaste woman
c. The body/An army
d. A fortress/A city set on a hill
e. A holy temple/A vineyard
•
- 29-
Lesson 9 Sabbath, March 2, 1991
OTHER NAMES OF THE CHURCH
Names given to the church in Scripture are indicative of the character ex-
pected of God's faithful followers
KEY TEXT: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of
God."-Matthew 5:9.
Sunday o
JUST MEN, OBEDIENT CHILDREN February 24
1. Why are Christians called "just men"? What distinction and destiny should
they bear in mind? Hebrews 12:23; Romans 2:13; 1 Peter 4:18.
2. What distinction will there be between the "obedient children" and the
"children of disobedience"? 1 Peter 1:14; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians
1:8; Malachi 3:18.
"The day is just upon us when the righteous shall be bound like precious grain in
bundles for the heavenly garner, while the wicked are, like the tares, gathered for the
fires of the last great day. But the wheat and tares 'grow together until the harvest.'
In the discharge of life's duties the righteous will to the last be brought in contact with
the ungodly. The children of light are scattered among the children of darkness, that
the contrast may be seen by all. Thus are the children of God to 'show forth the praises
of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.' "- Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 100.
o Monday
SERVANTS, SAINTS February 25
3. By what other names are the obedient children of God known? What clear
distinction must be observed between the children of disobedience as shown
in the name applied to them? 1 Peter 2:16; Romans 6:18, 20; 2 Peter 2:19.
"The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction between the saints and the
sinners, the converted and the unconverted. The two classes do not blend into each
other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. They are as distinct as midday and
midnight."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 87.
4. What implies that the people of God walk according to the truth? 1 Corin-
thians 6:1, 2; John 17:17.
- 30-
D Tuesday
CHURCH, ASSEMBLY; HOUSE, PILLAR February 26
5. By what other names-meaning an organized body of believers-are the

people of God also designated? Matthew 16: 18 (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians
10:32); Hebrews 12:23.
"The church is God's delegated authority upon earth."-Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 107.
6. Give in full two other names for the church of God. What responsibility do
these names imply? 1 Timothy 3: 15.
"It [the church] is God's instrumentality for the preservation of order and
discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all ques-
tions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order."-Gospel Workers, pp. 501, 502.
D Wednesday
FLOCK, FOLD; TWELVE TRIBES February 27
7. How does Christ often refer to the body of believers? Luke 12:32; John
10:16,27; 21:16.
"The church of Christ is very precious in His sight. It is the case which contains
His jewels, the fold which encloses His flock."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], yol. 6, p. 1118.
8. How does James address the Christian believers? James 1:1.
D Thursday
OTHER TITLES February 28
9. What other titles are applied by Paul to the church? Ephesians 2:19; Romans
9:23; Galatians 6:10, 16.
10. What other appelations does Peter use for the church? 1 Peter 2:5,9.
D Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS March 1
Give some of the characteristics revealed in the following:

a. Just men, obedient children
b. Servants, saints
c. Church, assembly, house, pillar, ground
d. Flock, fold, twelve tribes
e. Living stones, royal priesthood, peculiar people, chosen generation, holy
nation •
- 31-
THE PILLAR AND

GROUND OF THE TRUTH
The church is not recognized by God on account of any profession unless it is

accompanied by full and complete obedience
KEY TEXT: "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to be-
have thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and ground of the truth."-l Timothy 3:15.
o Sunday
THE CHURCH AND THE TRUTH March 3
1. What relationship must exist between the church of the living God and the
truth? 1 Timothy 3:15.
2. What is the truth? John 17:17; Psalm 119:142; Deuteronomy 32:4; John
14:6; 1 John 5:6.
THE PRESENT TRUTH AND D Monday

THE LAST MESSAGE TO THE WORLD March 4
3. What is our only true doctrinal foundation? How does God thwart the con-
stant efforts of Satan? Isaiah 8:20.
"As a people, we are to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth that has with-
stood test and trial. Weare to hold to the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of
truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us
what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of
the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious
theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his deceptive
designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will give these truths
their proper place in the plan of God."-Special Testimonies, Series B, No.2, p. 51.
4. Why is the correct understanding and acceptance of the three angels' mes-
sages of vital importan'ce to us? What is said of those who try to move a block
or stir a pin of these messages? How can we be sure to have God's approba-
tion? Hebrews 6:17-19.
- 32-
" ... Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels' messages, and gladly
received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary.
These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who
understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delu-
sions of Satan."-Early Writings, p. 256.
"I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to
those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with
approbation. I was shown three steps-the first, second, and third angels' messages.
Said my accompanying angel, 'Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these
messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The des-
tiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.' I was again brought
down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased
their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict.
God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immov-
able platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation.
Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault
with the foundation."-Ibid., pp. 258, 259.
o Tuesday
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE TRUTH March 5
5. What is necessary in order for us to have a complete understanding of the
truth? John 16:13; Matthew 11:25.
6. What will minds not controlled by the Holy Spirit be unable to distinguish?
Isaiah 5:20, 21.
"The track of truth lies close beside the track of error, and both tracks may seem
to be one to minds which are not worked by the Holy Spirit, and which, therefore, are
not quick to discern the difference between truth and error." -Special Testimonies, Se-
ries E, No.2, p. 52.
o Wednesday
PROFESSING AND DOING March 6
7. Why is it not enough to profess the faith based entirely on right principles?
Even with such a high profession, whose work may such be doing in reality?
How? Matthew 23:3.
"If some who profess to believe present truth could understand their true posi-
tion, they would despair of the mercy of God. They have been exerting all their in-
fluence against the truth, against the voice of warning, against the people of God.
They have been doing the work of Satan."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 103.
8. How does God regard a fully correct profession accompanied by incomplete

obedience? Whose example stands as a warning to all of us? 1 Samuel 15:13,
20-23.
" ... Yet with the sin of Saul and its result before us, how many are pursuing a
similar course. While they refuse to believe and obey some requirement of the Lord,
they persevere in offering up to God their formal services of religion. There is no
response of the Spirit of God to such service. No matter how zealous men may be in
their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist
in willful violation of one of His commands."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 634.
- 33-
o Thursday
PROFESSING AND DOING (continued) March 7
9. What should we as a people do when we see men exalting their own will
above a "Thus saith the Lord"? How should we help those who are in danger
of being misled? James 5:19, 20.
"When there are among God's people those who have departed from the path of
humble obedience, those who have exalted self, those who have united with Satan in
accusing and condemning the men appointed of God to be ministers of salvation, shall
we keep silence for fear of hurting their feelings?"-Speczal Testimonies, Series B, No.2, p. 9.
"Those who are enlightened by the Holy Spirit's power are to strive with every
power of their being to snatch the prey from the seductive influences of men who refuse
to obey the word of God, whether they be in high places or in low. Christ's property is
not to pass out of His control into the control of the children of darkness."-Ibid., p. 11.
10. Why can God not approve the slightest deviation from His ways? Why must
there be insistance on complete obedience? James 2:10; Matthew 5:19, 20.
"Many, like Saul, yield to temptation until they become blind to the true character
of sin. They flatter themselves that they have had some good object in view, and have
done no wrong in departing from the Lord's requirements. Thus they do despite to
the Spirit of grace, until its voice is no longer heard, and they are left to the delusions
which they have chosen." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 635.
"The righteousness of God is absolute. This righteousness characterizes all His
works, all His laws. As God is, so must His people be. The life of Christ is to be
revealed in the lives of His followers. In all His public and private acts, in every word
and deed, practical godliness was seen, and this godliness is to be seen in the lives of
His disciples.
"Those who heed the light given them will bring the virtues of the character of
Christ into the daily life. Christ did no sin, because there was no sin in Him. God has
shown me that the lives of believers are to reveal practical righteousness." -Special
Testimonies, Series B, No.2, pp. 16, 17.
o Friday
a. What is the sure foundation for the church of God?
b. What is the testing truth for the last days?

•
c. What is needed to understand the truth experimentally?
d. What is the true relationship between profession and works?
e. What is the ultimate test in the judgment?

•
- 34-
THE RELATIONSHIP
OF THE CHURCH TO GOD
The Lord has promised to be with His church and to empower it if it will be
faithful to Him in all things
KEY TEXT: "[L]o, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."-Mat-
thew 28:20.
D Sunday
CHRIST'S PRESENCE WITH THE CHURCH March 10.
1. What promise has Christ made for His church? How is this promise to be
understood? Matthew 18:20 (last part); John 14:18.
"I testify to my brethren and sisters that the church of Christ, enfeebled and de-
fective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme re-
gard. While He extends to all the world His invitation to come to Him and be saved,
He commissions His angels to render divine help to every soul that cometh to Him in
repentance and contrition, and He comes personally by His Holy Spirit into the midst
of His church."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 15.
"To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church."
- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 55.
2. What is the condition for the fulfillment of this promise? 2 Chronicles 15:2
(first part); John 14:15-17, 23; 2 John 9 (last part).
"The church is God's agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him
to do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments,
there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If she will be true to her
allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand
against her."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 600.
D Monday
CHRIST'S CARE FOR THE CHURCH March 11
3. Who is the watchman of the church? Psalm 121:3, 4; Revelation 2:1.
"He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. If the candlesticks were left
to the care of human beings, how often the light would flicker and go out! But God has
not given His church into the hands of men. Christ, the One who gave His life for the
- 35-
world, that all who believe in Him may not perish but have everlasting life, is the watch-
man of the house. He is the warder, faithful and true, of the temple courts of the Lord."
-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 956.
4. By whose power are we kept as a church? What is the prerequisite? 1 Peter

1:5; Ephesians 3:16.
"As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the
Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon
others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon
humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody
else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our
hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with
Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know,
after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will
receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be im-
parted to them, as Christ has promised."- The Desire of Ages, p. 668.
o Tuesday
CHRIST'S HELP IN THE WARFARE OF THE CHURCH March 12
5. How can we be strong in the Lord? Ephesians 6:10-18.
6. How can we overcome the enemy? Hebrews 4:16; 10:21,22.
"The members of the church need now to confess their backslidings and press
together. My brethren, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one
another or from God. Talk not of differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the
truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God, and plead the shed blood of the Saviour as a
reason why you should receive help in the warfare against evil. You will not plead in
vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith,
the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome."-Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 11, 12.
CHRIST'S SPECIAL INTERPOSITION o Wednesday

IN BEHALF OF THE CHURCH March 13
7. What is the Lord ready to do for His people on special occasions? Isaiah
58:9.
"With His eye upon the church, the Lord has again and again allowed matters to
come to a crisis, that in their extremity His people should look alone for His help.
Their prayers, their faith, together with their steadfast purpose to be true, have called
for the interference of God.... God reserves His gracious interposition in their behalf
till the time of their extremity; thus He makes their deliverance more marked, and
their victories more glorious. When all human wisdom fails, the Lord's interference
will be more clearly recognized, and He will receive the glory that is His due. Even the
enemies of our faith, persecutors, will perceive that God is working for His people in
turning their captivity." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 372.
"When His people shall be in the greatest danger, seemingly unable to stand
against the power of Satan, God will work in their behalf. Man's extremity is God's
opportunity."-Ibid., p. 373.
- 36-
8. How can we make sure that this promise of God is for us? In what way can
this promise be forfeited? Isaiah 59:1, 2.
"It should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike
conditional." -Selected Messages, book I, p. 67.
"If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from
all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day.
God's promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a
joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph."
- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 601.
o Thursday
CHRIST, THE CHURCH, AND THE LAW OF GOD March 14
9. What course does the Lord regard as treachery to Him? Jeremiah 5:11; 9:13.
"There are clear, decided distinctions to be restored and exemplified to the

world in holding aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.... Thus we
acknowledge God and recognize His law, the foundation of His government in heaven
and throughout His earthly dominions. His authority should be kept distinct and plain
before the world, and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in collision with the
laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of God's arrangements the world be allowed to in-
fluence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is defeated. However
specious the pretext, if the church waver here, there is written against her in the
books of heaven a betrayal of the most sacred trusts, and treachery to the kingdom of
Christ."- Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 16, 17.
10. What is the test whereby the true people of God can be identified? Matthew
7:20,21.
"This is the true test-the doing of the words of Christ. And it is the evidence of
the human agent's love to Jesus, and he that doeth His will giveth to the world the
practical evidence of the fruit he manifests in obedience, in purity, and in holiness of
character."-Notebook Leaflets, The Ehurch-No. 5, p. 2.
o Friday
a. What is the greatest need of the church and what must it do to have this
need supplied?
b. What shows Christ's care for His church?
c. How may victory be ensured by the church?
d. What evidences are there of God's intervention for His church?
e. Wherein must the church of God be specially found faithful?

•
- 37-
THE CHANGING
STAND OF THE CHURCH
There is a great danger for the church in separating from God and having con-
fidence in the material support that she is in reality receiving from the world
KEY TEXT: "The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will
be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you."-2
Chronicles 15:2.
o Sunday
OUR STANDING BEFORE GOD March 17
1. Upon what does our standing before God depend? James 2:17; Romans
2:13-16.
"Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have re-
ceived, but upon the use we make of what we have. Thus even the heathen who choose
the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a more favorable condition than are
those who have had great light, and profess to serve God, but who disregard the light,
and by their daily life contradict their profession."- The Desire of Ages, p. 239.
2. How did this principle apply in the days of John the Baptist? How does it ap-
ply in our days? Matthew 3:7-10.
"To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured.
They are one with Him. But the Jews had separated themselves from God."-The
Desire of Ages, p. 106.
"Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is
worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews
that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profes-
sion was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law,
they were not His people."-Ibid., p. 107.
"The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will of God and fol-
lowing their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified hearts. Modern Israel
are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely
resting upon them."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 94.
"We cannot be half the Lord's and half the world's. We are not God's people
unless we are such entirely."-Ibid., p. 83.
- 38-
D Monday
A SERIOUS THREAT March 18
3. What threat must always be taken into account? Romans 11:20,21; Reve-
lation 2:5.
"The words of God to ancient Israel have a solemn warning to the church and its
leaders today....
"Will they reject God's word as the Jewish leaders rejected Christ? The result of
Israel's sin is before us. Will the church of today take warning?"-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 306.
4. What condition necessarily separates Christ from His professed followers?

2 Chronicles 15:2 (last part); 2 John 9 (first part).
"Like ancient Israel the church has dishonored her God by departing from the
light, neglecting her duties, and abusing her high and exalted privilege of being pecu-
liar and holy in character. Her members have violated their covenant to live for God
and Him only. They have joined with the selfish and world-loving. Pride, the love of
pleasure, and sin have been cherished, and Christ has departed. His Spirit has been
quenched in the church."-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 441, 442.
D Tuesday
IN THE STEPS OF ANCIENT ISRAEL March 19
5. Why can there be no confidence in the Laodicean condition? How can it

deceive us? Revelation 3: 17.
"Let a church become proud and boastful, not depending on God, not exalting
His power, and that church will surely be left by the Lord, to be brought down to the
ground. Let a people glory in wealth, intellect, knowledge, or in anything but Christ,
and they will soon be brought to confusion."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 127.
6. What sin, committed by ancient Israel and repeated by modern Israel, is

especially offensive to God? What are the consequences? Hosea 2:2.
"The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and af-
fection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the
soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow. The sin of Israel in departing
from the Lord is presented under this figure." - The Great Controversy, p. 381.
"Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden associa-
tion with the heathen. In a similar manner are modern Israel led astray."-Ibid., p. 508.
D Wednesday
IN THE STEPS OF ANCIENT ISRAEL (continued) March 20
7. How did Christ teach separation between church and state? What makes it
evident that the church has lost the power of Christ? What serious mistake
did the Jews make in this matter? Matthew 22:21; John 19:15 (last part).
"When the church begins to seek for the support of secular power, it is evident
that she is devoid of the power of Christ-the constraint of divine love."-Thoughts
- 39-
"When the church begins to seek for the support of secular power, it is evident
that she is devoid of the power of Christ-the constraint of divine love."-Thoughts
8. Following the example of the Jewish Church, how did the nominal Advent-
ists fall away from their holy calling? Matthew 24:45-49.
"I have been shown that the spirit of the world is fast leavening the church. You
are following the same path as did ancient Israel. There is the same falling away from
your holy calling as God's peculiar people. You are having fellowship with the unfruit-
ful works of darkness. Your concord with unbelievers has provoked the Lord's dis-
pleasure. You know not the things that belong to your peace, and they are fast being
hid from your eyes. YOilr neglect to follow the light will place you in a more unfavor-
able position than the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced a woe."-Testimonies, vol. 5,
pp. 75, 76.
o Thursday
THE INESCAPABLE CONSEQUENCE March 21
9. What happens where there is high profession without corresponding works?

What history repeats itself? Revelation 3:14-16; Matthew 23:3.
"Those who are not wholly consecrated to God may be led to do the work of
Satan, while yet they flatter themselves that they are in the service of Christ."- Testi-
monies, vol. 5, p. 103.
"The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backslid-
ing has separated us from God....
"The church has turned back from following Christ her Leader and is steadily
retreating toward Egypt."-Ibid., p. 217.
10. How do the messages to Sardis and Laodicea apply to the church today?
What is the exact meaning of the figurative language in Revelation 3: 16?
"In the message to the church at Sardis two parties are presented-those who
have a name to live, but are dead; and those who are striving to overcome. Study this
message, found in the third chapter of Revelation. [Rev. 3:1, 2 quoted.] Who are
meant by those that are ready to die? and what has made them thus? The explanation
is given, 'I have not found thy works perfect before God.' [Vs. 3-5 quoted.]
"To the church of the present day this message is sent. I call upon our church
members to read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation, and to make an applica-
tion of it. The message to the church of the Laodiceans applies especially to the peo-
ple of God today. It is a message to professing Christians who have become so much
like the world that no difference can be seen [vs. 14-18 quoted]." - The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 959.
"The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventist who
have had great light and have not walked in the light. It is those who have made great
profession, but have not kept in step with their Leader, that will be spewed out of His
mouth unless they repent."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 66.
"[Revelation 3:16 quoted.] The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that
He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot ::n-
dorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present
your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you." - Testimonies, vol. 6,
p.408.
- 40-
o Friday
a. What would John the Baptist require of the church today?

b. What should the church always keep in mind when tempted to compromise?
c. What danger has always confronted the people of God?
d. How is the example of the religious leaders in the days of Christ a warning
to us?
e. What should be the result of heeding the serious warnings given to the church? •
r
Next Sabbath, please remember
the special offering for the mis-
sionary school in BraziL
Read also additional details on page 4.
- 41-
CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE LAST REMNANT
The remnant in the last days will have a reality in their connection with and
dependence on Christ that will be seen outwardly
KEY TEXT: "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited
for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him,
we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."-Isaiah 25:9.
o Sunday
RESTORING THE TRUTH March 24
1. What is to distinguish the remnant church in these last days? Revelation

14:6-10.
"These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with 'the everlasting

gospel,' will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing."- The Great
Controversy, p. 453.
2. What work of restoration is to take place before the coming of the Lord?
What does the Lord call His remnant people? Matthew 17:11; Acts 3:21;
Isaiah 58:8-14.
"In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored."-Prophets and
Kings, p. 678.
"Here are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will
bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's com-
mandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the
sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them,
The repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in ? It is God. Their
names are registered in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the foundations of
many generations."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1151.
-42 -
o Monday
THE LAW OF GOD AND THE SABBATH March 25
3. What position, with reference to the law of God, does the remnant take com-
pared with the professed church? What reformation has become necessary?
Isaiah 8:20; Revelation 14: 12.
"While conflicting doctrines and theories abound, the law of God is the one un-
erring rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested."- The Great
Controversy, p. 452.
"The great reformatory movement must begin in presenting to fathers and moth-
ers and children the principles of the law of God."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 119.
4. How does prophecy foretell the work of Sabbath reform in our days? Isaiah
56:1,2,6,7; 58:12, 13; 8:16.
"The Lord commands by the same prophet: 'Bind up the testimony, seal the law
among My disciples.' Isaiah 8:16. The seal of God's law is found in the fourth com-
mandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the title of the
Lawgiver."-The Great Controversy, p. 452.
"God's remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that
the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the
power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to
all the precepts of the Decalogue. "-Prophets and Kings, p. 678.
o Tuesday
MARKS OF DISTINCTION March 26
5. What makes the remnant church distinct from the other churches and the
rest of the world? Revelation 15:2.
"Apparently the whole world is guilty of receiving the mark of the beast. But the
prophet sees a company who are not worshiping the beast, and who have not received
his mark in their foreheads or in their hands."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 7, p. 979.
6. How can the faithful remnant be distinguished from the nominal church?
a. They obey the counsel of the True Witness and get the needful prepara-
tion for the latter rain. Revelation 3:18. "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 transla-
tion."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 187.
b. They are the bearers of a message of reformation. Revelation 3: 18-20;
Isaiah 58: 1. "The Lord has a message for His people. This message will be borne,
whether men will accept or reject it. As in the days of Christ, there will be the deep
plottings of the powers of darkness, but the message must not be muffled with
smooth words or fair speeches, crying peace, peace, when there is no peace, to those
who are turning away from God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],
vol. 4, p. 1149.
-43 -
"[Isaiah 58:1 quoted.] Though they are called the people of God, the house of
Jacob, though they profess to be linked with God in obedience and fellowship, they
are far from Him. Wonderful privileges and promises have been given to them, but
they have betrayed their trust. With no words of flattery must the message be given
them. 'Show my people their transgression, and the house ofJacob their sins. ' Show them
where they are making a mistake. Set their danger before them. Tell them of the sins
they are committing, while at the same time they pride themselves on their righteous-
ness."-Ibid.
"At this time the Laodicean message is to be given, to arouse a slumbering
church." -Special Testimonies, Series B, No.2, p. 14.
c. They will have the Holy Spirit in its fullness and will give the loud cry.
Acts 3:19; Revelation 18:1-4. "He [Christ] will take His Holy Spirit from the
church, and give it to others who will appreciate it."-The Review and Herald, July 16,
1895.
d. They meet the conditions for the receiving of the seal of God. Ezekiel
9:4. "[I]n the hour of the church's greatest danger most fervent prayer will be offered
in her behalf by the faithful remnant."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 524.
"Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the
Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those 'that sigh and that
cry for all the abominations that be done' in the church."-Ibid., vol. 3, p. 267.
"The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from
sin and sinners."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 505.
D Wednesday
OTHER MARKS OF DISTINCTION March 27
7. What other distinctions characterize the last remnant?
a. They do not speak or teach falsehood. Revelation 14:5.

b. They have no unlawful connection with fallen denominations. Revela-
tion 14:4.
c. They uphold the Spirit of Prophecy. Revelation 12:17; 19:10.
d. They follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. Revelation 14:4. "The
Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. He has
His thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with Him on
Mount Zion....
"We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do
this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow
Him here. Following Him in heaven depends on our keeping His commandments
now."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 978.
8. What must they suffer at the hands of the dragon? Revelation 12:17; 2
Timothy 3: 12.
"Under the symbols of a great red dragon, a leopardlike beast, and a beast with
lamblike horns, the earthly governments which would especially engage in trampling
upon God's law and persecuting His people, were presented to John. The war is car-
ried on till the close of time. The people of God, symbolized by a holy woman and her
children, were represented as greatly in the minority. In the last days only a remnant
still existed. Of these John speaks as they 'which keep the commandments of God,
and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.' "- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 972.
- 44-
THE REMNANT AND o Thursday
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST March 28
9. What difference is in their attitude in view of the second coming of Christ to

that of the professed advent believers?
a. They prepare to meet Christ. Amos 4: 12; Matthew 24:44.

b. They watch. Matthew 24:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
c. They pray. Revelation 22:20 (last part).
d. They work and announce His soon coming. Matthew 24:45, 46.
10. In that great day, how will they rejoice in contrast to the rest of the world?
Isaiah 25:9; Revelation 6:15-17.
o Friday
a. What is the real purpose of God for His people?

b. What reform specially designates compliance with all of God's requirements?
c. Apart from Sabbath keeping, what is it that must distinguish the remnant
from all others?
d. What confirms to the observer that the remnant are recognized of God?
e. What will the genuine union with the Lord lead the remnant to do? •
Be prepared to render to God a

special offering today and help
train young men and women to
serve Him?
- 45-
\
The arrow on the map above points to Curitiba, Brazil. The

Missionary School is located about nine miles northwest of that
city. See page 4 for more detailed information.

SDARM Qtr. 1 1991 Bible Study

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SDARM Qtr. 1 1991 Bible Study

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sabbath Bible Lessons

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD

Lesson Titles Page

1 God's People Identified 5

The Federative Republic of Brazil occupies nearly half of the land of

GOD'S PEOPLE IDENTIFIED

2. What is the object of God's special interest in this world? Deuteronomy

b. What is the purpose of God in choosing a people out of the world?

c. What identifies the true people of .God?

3. How do we build on Christ? Matthew 7:24, 25.

4. What is the significance of the word "Peter"? What relationship existed

a. What is the foundation truth for God's church?

d. How has this concept of a spiritual temple been explained in Scripture?

THE CHARACTER OF THE CHURCH

1. What characteristic, if possessed by the professed people of God, ensures

THE PURPOSE OF GOD FOR HIS PEOPLE

"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for indi-

a. By what means is the church to let her light shine?

'* * '* * '* * '*

a. Because the church is God's people, what should they be doing?

THE CHURCH, A MIXED BODY

a. What results from the introduction of counterfeit believers?

b. What makes the difference between a true and.a false member?

c. What should encourage us in these difficulties?

d. What history, oft repeated, may be again fulfilled in our time?

e. What assurance is given the true believers?

THE TRUE CHURCH IN SYMBOLS

(Continued on page 29)

SOME NAMES OF THE CHURCH

4. If we are children of God, what else are we? Romans 8: 17.

1:< * 1:< * 1:< * 1:<

(Continued from page 26)

OTHER NAMES OF THE CHURCH

5. By what other names-meaning an organized body of believers-are the

"The church is God's delegated authority upon earth."-Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 107.

8. How does James address the Christian believers? James 1:1.

Give some of the characteristics revealed in the following:

THE PILLAR AND

The church is not recognized by God on account of any profession unless it is

THE PRESENT TRUTH AND D Monday

8. How does God regard a fully correct profession accompanied by incomplete

a. What is the sure foundation for the church of God?

b. What is the testing truth for the last days?

d. What is the true relationship between profession and works?

e. What is the ultimate test in the judgment?

3. Who is the watchman of the church? Psalm 121:3, 4; Revelation 2:1.

4. By whose power are we kept as a church? What is the prerequisite? 1 Peter

5. How can we be strong in the Lord? Ephesians 6:10-18.

6. How can we overcome the enemy? Hebrews 4:16; 10:21,22.

CHRIST'S SPECIAL INTERPOSITION o Wednesday

"There are clear, decided distinctions to be restored and exemplified to the

b. What shows Christ's care for His church?

c. How may victory be ensured by the church?

d. What evidences are there of God's intervention for His church?

e. Wherein must the church of God be specially found faithful?

4. What condition necessarily separates Christ from His professed followers?

5. Why can there be no confidence in the Laodicean condition? How can it

6. What sin, committed by ancient Israel and repeated by modern Israel, is

9. What happens where there is high profession without corresponding works?

a. What would John the Baptist require of the church today?

1. What is to distinguish the remnant church in these last days? Revelation

"These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with 'the everlasting

7. What other distinctions characterize the last remnant?