Study Guide: Counsels for the Church

 

By: Ellen G. White

Study Guide Index

 

Copyright 1990 by the Ellen G. White Estate
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, Maryland 20904


Foreword

Counsels for the Church, a compilation drawn largely from the three volumes of Testimony Treasures, the world edition of the nine volumes of Testimonies for the Church, was first published in 1971 for use in India and the islands of the South Pacific. It appeared initially in the form of two 200-page paperbacks. These paperbacks have now been combined into one 400-page volume, which, since 1989, has been published by Pacific Press.

The special value of Counsels for the Church is that in this one book may be found Ellen White's principal comments on Christian beliefs, Christian living, and the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle. Ellen White was eager for these counsels to be brought to the attention of Seventh-day Adventists everywhere. In 1880 she wrote:

"The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies should be introduced into every Sabbathkeeping family, and the brethren should know their value and be urged to read them."--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 390.

Two years later she wrote further:

"The Testimonies contain instruction which meets the case of all, both parents and children. Should these be read aloud to the entire family, the children as well as the parents would be benefited by their counsels, warnings, and reproofs. While these are placed out of sight and neglected for the reading of fictitious, sensational literature, both yourselves and your children will be retrograding mentally and spiritually."--Review and Herald, December 26, 1882.

After Testimonies volumes 6 and 7 were published in 1900 and 1902, respectively, Ellen White implored Adventists to study these books. She wrote:

"I have been impressed to call upon the members of our churches to study the last two volumes of Testimonies for the Church. When I was writing these books, I felt the deep moving of the Spirit of God. . . . They are full of precious matter. In the visions of the night the Lord told me that the truth contained in these books must be brought before the members of our churches, because there are many who are indifferent in regard to the salvation of their souls."--Life Sketches, p. 433.

In 1907, after the publication of another Testimony volume, Ellen White again strongly encouraged Adventists to read these books. She declared:

"I am instructed to say to our churches, `Study the Testimonies.' They are written for our admonition and encouragement upon whom the ends of the world are come. If God's people will not study these messages that are sent to them from time to time, they are guilty of rejecting light. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, God is sending instruction to His people. Heed the instruction; follow the light."--Letter 292, 1907.

Concerning one passage in particular, she counseled, "I advise that these directions and warnings and cautions be read to our people at some time when they are gathered together."--Ibid.

This study guide to Counsels for the Church is intended to help carry out Ellen White's appeals quoted above. May God bless all who earnestly examine and prayerfully contemplate the counsels that the Lord has graciously given His people.


Lesson 1

Reading Assignment, pages 3, 9-32

(The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question refer to the pages in Counsels for the Church where the answers may be found.)

A. Preparing to Meet Christ

1. Is the following statement true or false? Bible history reveals that only men have been divinely called to the prophetic office. (9)

2. What have prophets led men and women to understand? (10)

3. Why is it important for God's remnant church to have the prophetic gift? (10)

4. How has the prophetic gift been manifested in the Seventh-day Adventist Church? (10-11)

B. The Vision of the Great Controversy

1. The Great Controversy vision of March 14, 1858, was (1) historical (2) prophetic (3) pastoral (4) historical and prophetic (5) historical and pastoral. (12, 13) (Underline one)

2. Describe four aspects of Ellen White's condition while in vision. (10-12)

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

3. Name the five books (Conflict of the Ages Series) that eventually were written to communicate the light given by the Lord during the schoolhouse vision. (12-13)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

C. How the Light Came to the Prophet

1. Through what channels does God communicate with His prophets? (13, 14)

 

 

2. Describe the process by which the dream or vision finally appeared in written form. (15-17)

D. The Life and Work of Mrs. E. G. White

Fill in the blanks:

1. Mrs. White was born at _____________________, _____________________, in the United States, on November _____, 18 _____. (17)

2. She had her first vision in _____________________, 18 _____. (17)

3. The youthful Ellen Harmon married _____________________ in ___________, 18 _____. (17)

4. For ______ years this dedicated couple worked together until the death of _____________________ in _____________,18 _____. (17) There were ______ boys born to the Whites. (18)

5. Sister White spent ________ years working for the Lord outside of her own country. (18)

6. She died on ______________, 19 _____. (19)

E. Mrs. E. G. White As Others Knew Her

1. Give a description of Ellen White as a person. (19-20)

 

 

2. How would you describe the White home in 1859? (20)

 

 

3. In what ways did Ellen White especially plan for the Sabbath? (20)

 

 

4. Review Ellen White's battle to change her diet. (20-21)

 

 

5. Describe some recreational activities Mrs. White enjoyed. (21)

 

 

6. How did Mrs. White describe her own faith? (21-22)

 

 

7. What one word does Mrs. White use to describe her attitude? (21)

 

 

8. How did she deal with her own suffering and discouragement? (22)

 

F. Messages That Changed Lives

1. How does the experience at Bushnell, Michigan, illustrate the purpose of the visions? (23, 24)

 

 

2. What does the experience of the hairnet teach us? (24, 25)

 

Fill in the blanks:

3. "God has, in that __________, promised to give _____ in the '__________'; not for a new _____ of _____, but for the _____ of His people, and to _____ those who _____ from Bible truth." (25)

 

G. The Vision That Could Not Be Told

Underline the correct statements: (25-29)

The Salamanca vision was of vital importance because it:

1. Assured a continual flow of business for the publishing house.

2. Taught right policies and goals for our religious liberty journal.

3. Revealed that the Spirit of Prophecy counsels were out of date.

4. Demonstrated that God was guiding and guarding the interests of His cause and that His hand was on the wheel.

 

H. The Testimonies and the Reader

The Bible gives four tests by which a prophet's work may be examined. State briefly what they are. Give a supporting text for each. (29, 30)

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

I. Practical Tests of a True Prophet

The gift of prophecy stands or falls according to certain practical tests. Mention three of these tests. (30-32)

1.

2.

3.

 

Thought Question: If you were asked by a non-Adventist friend why you believe in the inspiration of Ellen White, what reason or reasons would you give?


Lesson 2

Reading Assignment, pages 33-71

1. A Vision of the Reward of the Faithful

1. Describe the pathway upon which the saints traveled. (33)

 

 

2. What was said to be the destination of the Advent people?(33)

 

 

3. Did they succeed in reaching the golden city? (34, 35)

 

 

4. Fill in the missing words: "You have washed your __________ in My _________, stood stiffly for My _______, enter _____." (34)

5. What part of Ellen White's description of the new earth appealed to you the most? (33-36)

 

 

6. What did Mrs. White exclaim as her thoughts turned to "the better land" that she had seen? (36)

 

 

2. The Time of the End

Fill in the missing words:

1. "The agencies of _____________________ are _____________________ their _____________________ and consolidating.They are _____________________ for the _____________________ great crisis. Great _____________________ are _____________________ to take _____________________ in our world, and the final _____________________ will be _____________________ ones." (37)

2. What lessons does God teach us through the vision of the burning buildings? (37, 38)

 

 

3. In the closing struggle of the great controversy, what will distinguish God's people from those who oppose God? (39)

 

 

3. Prepare to Meet the Lord

How many times is the expression "I saw" or its equivalent used in this chapter? What do you make of this phenomenon?

 

 

4. Union With Christ, and Brotherly Love

1. Why is unity among believers so important? (43-46)

 

 

2. What endangers God's people the most? (44)

 

 

3. Which sin is most nearly hopeless and why? (46)

 

 

5. Christ Our Righteousness

Fill in the missing words:

1. "We must not _____________________ that our own _____________________ and _____________________ will save us; the _____________________ of Christ is our only _____________________ of _____________________." (47)

2. What are the lessons to be learned in the school of Christ?(47-49)

 

 

6. The Sanctified Life

1. Describe false sanctification. (50)

 

 

2. Describe true sanctification. (50-57)

 

 

7. God Has a Work for You to Do

1. When will the work of God in this earth be finished? (58)

 

 

2. Supply the missing words:

"God has a work for _____________________ to do. . . . _____________________ can search the Scriptures for _____________________ . . . _____________________ pray for the work . . . _____________________ are to work according to _____________________ ability." (59)

 

 

3. Mention two practical ways to win souls. (62)

1.

2.

 

8. "Here Am I, Lord, Send Me"

1. How does Satan divert the minds of men and women away from their eternal interests? (64)

 

 

2. Describe what can happen if God's people are filled with His Spirit. (65, 66)

 

 

3. What lesson can God's people learn from the vision of the ball of fire falling on houses? (66-68)

 

 

4. What is the responsibility of each minister? List some ways this responsibility can be carried out. (68-71)

 

 

Thought Question: Will the time ever come when Christians will "move the world"? (69) What can we do to hasten the finishing of the Lord's work in the earth?


Lesson 3

Reading Assignment, pages 72-106

9. The Publications of the Church

1. For what specific purpose has God established the publishing work? (72)

 

 

2. What importance does God place upon the canvassing work? (72)

 

 

3. What is the divine plan for the minister and the canvasser?(73)

 

 

4. How will canvassing work benefit students? (73)

 

 

10. Belief in a Personal God

1. How do we know that God is a personal being? (74)

 

 

2. What does the incarnate Son teach about God? (75)

 

 

3. What did the Holy Spirit enable the disciples to do? (76)

 

 

Fill in the missing words:

4. "The _____________________ that _____________________ between _____________________ His _____________________ does not _____________________ the _____________________ of either. They are one in _____________________, in _____________________, in _____________________, but not in _____________________. It is thus that _____________________ and _____________________ are one." (76, 77)

11. Christians to Represent God

1. What is the ideal of Christian character? (78)

 

 

2. With what unit of time are Christians to be concerned? (79)

 

 

3. What are the results of keeping the mind and thoughts fixed on God? (79, 80)

 

 

4. Name the sin that causes the most spiritual disorders. (80)

 

 

5. Describe the unpardonable sin. (81)

 

 

12. In the World But Not of the World

Fill in the blanks:

1. "In every business _____________________ be rigidly _____________________." (83)

 

 

2. Describe an honest person. (83-85)

 

 

13. The Bible

What are the evidences that Ellen White believed the Bible to be the Word of God? (86-90)

 

 

14. The Testimonies for the Church

1. What was God's purpose in having Ellen White's testimonies put into published form? (91)

 

 

2. What relationship exists between the Bible and the Testimonies for the Church? (92, 93)

 

 

3. What does Ellen White mean when she says that the Testimonies are to be judged by their fruits? (93)

 

 

4. Give the true reason why the Testimonies are rejected by some. (93)

 

 

5. By what means does Satan work to weaken faith in the Testimonies? (93)

 

 

6. What happens when a person loses faith in the Testimonies? (93, 94)

 

 

7. How have the Testimonies been misused? (94, 95)

 

 

8. Outline the right and the wrong attitude toward reproof. (96, 97)

 

 

15. The Holy Spirit

1. Why are God's people to plead for the Holy Spirit? (98)

 

 

2. At what point did the disciples receive the power of the Holy Spirit? At what point will we receive this power? (98-100)

 

 

16. Keep Clear God's Connection With Man

1. Through what medium does God communicate with man? (101)

 

 

2. What happens if this means of communication is disturbed? (101)

 

 

3. How does Ellen White look upon moderate drinking? (102)

 

 

Supply the missing words:

4. "Tobacco is a _____________________, _____________________, but most _____________________ poison. In whatever _____________________ it is used, it tells upon the _____________________; it is all the more _____________________ because its effects are _____________________, and at first _____________________ perceptible." (103)

 

5. "Tea _____________________ as a _____________________, and to a _____________________ extent, produces _____________________. The action of _____________________ and many other _____________________ drinks is _____________________." (104)

 

 

6. "The only _____________________ course is to _____________________ not, _____________________ not, _____________________ not, _____________________. _____________________, _____________________, _____________________, _____________________, and ______________ drinks." (105)


Lesson 4

Reading Assignment, pages 107-147

17. Purity of Heart and Life

1. On what matter did Mrs. White lift her voice in solemn warning? (107)

 

 

2. What is said to be "a terrible admission for any person to make"? (107)

 

 

3. To what does idleness lead? (108)

 

 

4. If we would be pure-minded, what should we avoid? (108)

 

 

5. What should be the motto of every Christian? (108, 109)

 

 

6. Why is self-abuse a bad habit? Give several reasons. (109, 110)

1.

2.

3.

7. Where only can safety against all sinful habits be found? (110, 111)

 

 

18. The Choosing of a Husband or a Wife

1. What questions are to be asked by a man considering marriage? (112, 113)

 

 

2. What questions are to be asked by a woman considering marriage? (113, 114)

 

 

3. Describe love. (114, 115)

 

 

4. How does prayer and Bible study fit into the choice of a marriage partner? (115, 116)

 

 

5. What procedures does Ellen White favor in selecting a marriage partner? (116, 117)

 

 

6. How does Ellen White apply the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal," to courtship? (118, 119)

 

 

19. Marry Not an Unbeliever

1. What did the Lord specifically command ancient Israel? (120)

 

 

2. What similar prohibitions are found in the New Testament? (120, 121)

1.

2.

3. What will be the result of following one's own desires in unsanctioned marriages? (121, 122)

 

 

4. What is Ellen White's position on canceling an engagement? (123)

 

 

5. Under what circumstances only can a marriage alliance be safely formed? (123)

 

 

Thought Question: Think of some practical reasons why the marriage of two people whose religious faith is different is not wise.

 

20. Marriage

1. How do a husband and a wife fulfill God's purpose for marriage? (125)

 

 

2. What is the impact of divine love upon human love? (125)

 

 

3. Who is to maintain rulership in the home? (126, 127)

 

 

4. What five things are newlyweds told to remember? (127, 128)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

 

 

21. A Happy, Successful Partnership

Copy several thought-provoking sentences from this chapter; note key words

1. "At the beginning" (129)

 

 

2. "The expression of love" (129)

 

 

3. "Determine . . . Continue . . . Encourage" (130)

 

 

22. The Relationship Between Husband and Wife

1. What did Jesus come to do for the marriage relationship? (133)

 

 

2. What is the divine counsel on the privileges of marriage? (133, 134)

 

 

3. Why does Satan seek in the marriage relationship to lower the standard of purity and to weaken self-control? (134, 135)

 

 

Supply the missing words:

4. "Sexual _____________________ will effectually _____________________ a love for _____________________ exercises, will take from the _____________________ the _____________________ needed to _____________________ the system, and will most effectively _____________________ the vitality." (135)

5. What should be the position of a marriage partner when unreasonable sexual demands are made by the other party? (136, 137)

 

 

23. The Mother and Her Child

1. Name at least five important things that will keep a wife and mother from becoming a "mere household drudge." (138)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. How do prenatal influences affect the unborn child? (138-140)

 

 

3. At what two periods in the mother's life should her cares and labors be lightened? (140, 141)

 

 

4. What should the mother do when her child becomes ill? (141)

 

 

5. How may the battle of wills be won by the mother in conflict with her child? (142)

 

 

24. The Christian Father and Mother

1. What is the position God designed for the wife? (143)

 

 

2. How does inspiration describe the position and work of a mother? (143)

 

 

3. In what ways does a mother influence the family? (144, 145)

 

 

4. What is the father's responsibility as priest of the family? (146)

 

 

5. What advice does Ellen White give with respect to large families? (147)

 


Lesson 5

Reading Assignment, pages 148-183

25. The Christian Home

1. Where is the best place to build a home and rear a family? Why? (148)

 

 

2. In what does home happiness consist? (149)

 

 

3. What are parents to "bear in mind" as a great goal in the rearing of their children? (149, 150)

 

 

26. Spiritual Influence in the Home

Supply the missing words:

1. "We can have the _____________________ of God in our _____________________; but we must _____________________ for it, _____________________ for it, and have a continual, abiding _____________________ and _____________________ in God." (151)

2. Name five blessings that result from the restraints imposed on us by God's Word. (151)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

3. When is Satan successful in leading Christians away from God? (151)

 

 

4. What good can be achieved by regular morning and evening worship? (151-153)

 

 

5. Who is to lead out in family worship? (152, 153)

 

 

6. What counsel does Ellen White give as to the length of family worship? (153)

 

 

7. To what extent are the interests of the children to be taken into account when planning family worship? (153)

 

 

27. Finance in the Home

1. Give Ellen White's picture of a thrifty home. (154)

 

 

2. How does Ellen White's counsel on debt compare with today's practices? (155)

 

 

3. In ranking the necessities of life, what comes first? (155)

 

 

4. What practical lesson in handling money should every child be taught? (156)

 

 

5. What advice is given regarding saving money? (157)

 

 

6. How should the wife fit into the financial structure of the family? (157)

 

 

28. Family Activities During Holidays and Anniversaries

1. How can parents make holidays worthwhile for their families? (158, 159)

 

 

2. If we observe the holidays as we should, who will be benefited? (159)

1.

2.

3.

3. How did Mrs. White use money given to her on her birthday or at Christmas time? (159)

 

 

29. Recreation

1. How can Christians tell which recreational activities are acceptable to God? (160)

 

 

2. What counsel is given to young people about their choice of companions? (162)

 

 

3. What does God require us to give up in the way of pleasure and recreation? (163)

 

 

4. Why are theatrical amusements dangerous? (164)

1.

2.

3.

30. The Avenues to the Mind That Must Be Guarded

What are the avenues to the mind, and why must they be guarded? (166, 167)

 

 

31. Choice of Reading

1. Give Ellen White's definition of education. (168)

 

 

2. Name some of the influences of unwholesome reading upon the mind. (168)

1.

2.

3.

3. What source of danger to spirituality should be avoided? Why? (168, 169)

 

 

4. What is revealed by the type of books we choose to read? (170)

 

 

5. What will reading the Bible do for us? (171)

 

 

32. Music

1. What was God's intention when He gave the human race the gift of music? (172)

 

 

2. What does the abuse of music do to the human being? (172, 173)

 

 

Thought Question: By what standard should we judge the music we listen to or play in our homes and churches? (172)

 

33. Criticism and Its Effects

1. People who tell you about the faults of others would never tell other people about your faults. True or False? (174)

 

 

2. Describe an envious person and the fruit envy produces. (175, 176)

 

 

3. How will true Christians deal with the faults and deficiencies of others? (177)

 

 

4. What is the fallout from unjust criticism of church leaders? (177, 178)

 

 

34. Counsel Concerning Dress

1. What is the relationship between dress and character? (180)

 

 

2. Name four features of desirable attire. (180)

1.

2.

3.

4.

3. What two texts in the New Testament offer the best guidance in the Christian's choice of dress? (181)

1.

2.

4. What influence does dress have for good or evil ? (182, 183)

 


Lesson 6

Reading Assignment, pages 184-217

35. An Appeal to Youth

1. How do young people shape their own destinies? (184)

 

 

2. Why do Christians find living a religious life so hard? (185)

 

 

3. Why is it that the heavenly character must be acquired on earth, or it can never be acquired at all? (186, 187)

 

 

4. What does Ellen White mean when she says, "The submission on our part must be proportionate to the gift of God"? (188)

 

 

36. The Proper Discipline and Education of Children

1. Identify the relationship between parents and the fruits of their children's lives. (190, 191)

 

 

2. Give the title of the book on child psychology that Ellen White holds out as recommended reading for parents. (191)

 

 

3. How does Ellen White recommend that discipline should be carried out? (191, 192)

 

 

4. What can be the results of too severe training? (192)

 

 

5. How can the sin of permitting children to grow up in ignorance be remedied? (193-195)

 

 

6. What is the prescription for correcting children? (197)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

7. "Parents, never _____________________; never tell an _____________________ in _____________________ or in _____________________. If you want your child to be _____________________, be _____________________ yourself." (198)

8. What are the signs of strength, greatness, and nobility? (198)

 

 

9. What example does Ellen White give in dealing with her boys? (199, 200)

 

 

10. Describe the power of a mother's prayers. (201)

 

 

11. How is courtesy looked upon by Ellen White? (201)

 

 

37. Christian Education

1. Describe in your own words the nature of true education. (202)

 

 

2. What is the duty of parents living in a place where there are but "a few Sabbathkeepers"? (203, 204)

 

 

3. What course on the part of parents and their children sometimes brings "great harm" to the church and school? (204, 205)

 

 

4. When is the highest standard of manhood attained? (205, 206)

 

 

5. Which is more important in a teacher "his habits and principles or his literary attainments? (206, 207)

 

 

6. Why are the first eight or ten years of a child's life most important? (207)

 

 

7. What important emphasis is needed to give proper balance in the education of the children? (208, 209)

 

 

8. What is one earnest, conscientious, faithful young man in school declared to be? (212)

 

 

9. Upon whom does much of the blame lie for the wild, reckless character that is seen in many of the youth today? (213)

 

 

38. The Call to Temperate Living

1. How sacredly should the health be guarded? Why? (214)

 

 

2. What is the ultimate goal of health reform? (214)

 

 

3. Why is the violation of natural law a moral issue? (214)

 

 

4. How intimate is the connection between health reform and the third angel's message? (214)

 

 

5. What is one sure mark of conversion? (215, 216)

 

 

6. Explain the relationship of one's state of mind to his physical well being. (216)

 

 

7. Nine words contain God's prescription for healing man's ills. What are they? (217)

 

 

39. The Importance of Cleanliness

1. What is the function of each of the following? (218)

a) Good blood

b) External application of water

c) Exercise

d) Oxygen

e) Cleanliness


Lesson 7

Reading Assignment, pages 221-253

40. The Food We Eat

1. What should determine the kinds of food we choose to eat? (221)

 

 

2. What was the original diet chosen by God for humans? (222)

 

 

3. What combination of foods should be avoided? (223)

 

 

4. What danger lies in the use of condiments? (223)

 

 

5. How often should a person eat? Why? (223, 224)

 

 

6. Why cannot exact rules be laid down when it comes to diet? (224)

 

 

7. What should the Sabbath meal be like? (226)

 

 

41. Flesh Foods

1. What was it that helped to shorten people's lives after the Flood? (228)

 

 

2. Why is it better to eat grains and vegetables and nuts than flesh foods? (229)

 

 

3. Why is the use of meat now "doubly objectionable"? (229)

 

 

4. Why is swine's flesh such objectionable food? (229, 230)

 

 

5. What is the effect of flesh food upon the mind and soul of man? (230)

 

 

6. What is absolutely essential when a flesh diet is discarded? (231)

 

 

Note: There may be some areas in the world where adequate supplies of nuts, grains, and such foods as milk and eggs are not available, in which case the change from flesh foods to a more natural diet will be difficult until the lack is supplied. But usually the change can be made.

 

7. What will be the dietary practice of those waiting for the coming of the Lord? (231)

 

 

42. Faithfulness in Health Reform

1. Why do some Seventh-day Adventists reject portions of the Testimonies? (233, 234)

 

 

2. Describe the downward path of those who disregard light on the subject of flesh foods. (234)

 

 

3. Are the Spirit of Prophecy counsels on health reform applicable today? (235)

 

 

4. What dangerous diseases are associated with the use of flesh foods? (236)

 

 

5. What sometimes causes health reform to fall into disrepute? (237)

 

 

6. What invitation did Jesus extend to all? (239; Luke 9:23)

 

 

43. The Church on Earth

1. What does Ellen White mean when she says that the world is God's workshop? (240)

 

 

2. What are individual church members called upon to respect? (241)

 

 

3. Without discipline and government, what would be the fate of the church? (241, 242)

 

 

4. What lessons are we to learn from the apostle Paul? (242, 243)

 

 

44. Church Organization

1. For what purpose has the church been organized? (244)

 

 

2. Name three things upon which the angels of God cannot place their blessing. (244)

1.

2.

3.

3. In apostolic times what was an important factor in the spiritual growth of new converts? (245)

 

 

4. Did all the believers agree with the decision made by the early Jerusalem council? (246)

 

 

5. What danger awaits those who bypass God-appointed leadership? (246, 247)

 

 

6. Why must the business of the church always be kept in a secure state? (247, 248)

 

 

45. The House of God

1. Where is the sanctuary for the individual? for the family? for the congregation? (249)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

2. "Common _____________________, _____________________, and _____________________ should not be permitted in the house of worship. . . . Ardent, active _____________________ should characterize _____________________." (249)

 

 

3. In what manner are all services to be conducted? (250)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

4. Reverence should be shown for

1. "God's _____________________." (252)

2. "God's _____________________." (252)

3. "God's _____________________." (252)


Lesson 8

Reading Assignment, pages 254-291

46. Treatment of the Erring

1. Upon whom "especially" did Christ bestow His most earnest labors? (254)

 

 

2. In what cases do the instructions of Galatians 6:1 and Romans 15:1 apply? (254)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

3. "_____________________ measures, _____________________ answers, and _____________________ words are much better fitted to _____________________ and _____________________, than _____________________ and _____________________." (254)

 

 

4. What chapter in the New Testament provides specific counsel for dealing with erring church members? (255, 256)

 

 

5. Under what circumstances only are the names of people to be removed from the church books? (257)

 

 

6. What should be the church's attitude toward those who have been disciplined? (257, 258)

 

 

7. Which sins are especially offensive to God? (259, 260)

 

 

47. The Observance of God's Holy Sabbath

1. List the various things of which the Sabbath is a sign. (261, 262)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

2. "To those who _____________________ His holy _____________________ the Sabbath is a _____________________ that God _____________________ them as His _____________________ people." (262)

 

 

3. When is preparation to be made for the Sabbath? (263)

 

 

4. List three practical things that ought to be done before sunset on Friday. (263)

1.

2.

3.

5. What is meant by the expression, "guard the edges of the Sabbath"? (263)

 

 

6. How should sundown worship be conducted? (263, 264)

 

 

7. What lessons may be drawn from nature during a Sabbath afternoon walk? (264, 265)

 

 

8. What is the object of the Sabbath school? (266)

 

 

9. How particular is God about Sabbathkeeping? (269)

 

 

48. Counsels on Stewardship

1. What single word reveals the spirit of heaven? What reveals the spirit of worldlings? (272)

 

 

2. What is the giving of offerings calculated to do for the giver? (272)

 

 

3. What would be the condition within the church if all were faithful in tithing? (274)

 

 

4. What rule does Paul lay down for giving to God's cause? What results follow? (277, 278)

 

 

5. What is the responsibility of each child of God while he is alive? (278)

 

 

6. To what extent is a pledge made to God binding upon the one who made the pledge? (280)

 

 

49. The Christian Attitude Toward Want and Suffering

1. Who is it that truly loves God and his fellow men? (283)

 

 

2. What should be written upon the conscience "as with a pen of iron upon a rock"? (283)

 

 

3. What four things does God call for? (284)

1.

2.

3.

4.

4. Describe the two classes of poor within the church. (284)

 

5. What two questions should we consider when we give to the poor? (285)

 

 

6. What does Ellen White mean when she says that widows and the fatherless "are lent to Christians in trust for God"? (286)

 

 

50. Christians in All the World Become One in Christ

1. What spiritual lesson may be drawn from the Jewish temple? (287, 288)

 

 

2. Why does God want His people of different nationalities to mingle together? (288)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

3. "Christ recognized no distinction of _____________________ or _____________________ or _____________________. . . . But Christ came to break _____________________ every _____________________ of partition. He came to show that His gift of _____________________ and _____________________ is as _____________________ as the _____________________, the _____________________, or the showers of _____________________ that _____________________ the earth." (288)

 

4. Where is the "secret of unity" found? (289-291)

 

 

Thought Question: Did Brother Howland go too far when he visited the fisherman and knelt before him? Do our own hard hearts need to be broken?

 


Lesson 9

Reading Assignment, pages 292-321

51. The Prayer Meeting

1. What can be done to make the prayer meeting more interesting? (292)

 

 

2. What is often behind long, tedious prayers offered in public? (293)

 

 

3. What should we take to God in prayer? (294)

 

 

52. Baptism

1. Name two "monumental pillars" upon which God's name is inscribed. (295)

1.

2.

2. Of what is baptism a sign? (295)

 

 

3. What two things do those who are baptized "declare publicly"? (295)

1.

2.

4. Besides the doctrines of the church, what else is to be made plain to those who are preparing for baptism? (295, 296)

 

 

5. What is the responsibility of parents in preparing their children for baptism? (296, 297)

 

 

Thought Question: What is the proper age when young children may be baptized?

 

 

53. The Lord's Supper

1. How are the purposes of the Passover service and the Lord's Supper similar? (298)

 

 

2. What lesson can we learn from Jesus as He washed the feet of His disciples? (299, 300)

 

 

3. Describe the spiritual condition of the disciples as they gathered for the Passover. (300, 301)

 

 

4. What is embraced in the preparatory service? (301)

 

 

5. What is accomplished within the soul of the worshiper by the communion service? (302)

 

 

6. What was the communion service designed to do? (302)

 

 

54. Prayer for the Sick

1. What are we to expect today in regard to the healing of the sick? (303)

 

 

2. What is the condition upon which God will heal? (303, 304)

 

 

3. What is to be the attitude of those who pray for the sick? (305)

 

 

4. In what ways can the sick cooperate with God while praying for divine healing? (306, 307)

 

 

55. The Medical Work

1. What is medical missionary work, and how is it conducted? (308)

 

 

2. Where is the Christian to begin in elevating the moral standards of those to whom the gospel is preached? (309)

 

 

3. How has the medical missionary work been described in relation to the gospel ministry? (309)

 

 

4. What broad type of ministry has promise of great success? (310)

 

 

5. What twofold work may be done by missionary nurses? With what results? (311)

 

 

56. Relations With Those Not of Our Persuasion

1. How are God's people to relate to those who do not believe as we do? (312)

 

 

2. When will the society of unbelievers do God's children no harm? (312)

 

 

3. What is God's desire for non-Adventist ministers? (313)

 

 

57. Our Relation to Civil Rulers and Laws

1. What will the child of God do when confronted with human laws that conflict with God's law? (314, 316, 317)

 

 

2. Why did Jesus not attempt civil reforms, nor attack national abuses? (314, 315)

 

 

3. Is it right for a Christian to testify under judicial oath? (315, 316)

 

 

4. Should Seventh-day Adventists participate in political strife? Why, or why not? (316)

 

 

5. What should God's people do when Sunday laws are enforced? (317, 318)

 

 

58. Satan's Deceptive Work

1. What is the responsibility of each person in his conflict against the forces of evil? (319)

 

 

2. What spiritual lesson can be learned from the experience of King Ahaziah? (320)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

3. "At the sound of fervent _____________________, Satan's whole _____________________ trembles." (319)

 

 

4. "All who do not earnestly search the _____________________ and _____________________ every _____________________ and _____________________ of life to that unerring test, all who do not seek God in _____________________ for a knowledge of His _____________________, will surely _____________________ from the _____________________ path and _____________________ under the _____________________ of _____________________." (320)

 

 

5. What are the differences between Satan's approach to Christ in the wilderness and the way he approaches us with temptations now? (321)

 

 

Thought Question: Where is the chief interest of your life? Who or what is it that commands your attention and affection?


Lesson 10

Reading Assignment, pages 322-359

59. False Science--Satan's Modern Robe of Light

1. What did Adam and Eve gain by accepting Satan's subtle ideas? (322)

 

 

2. What theory misrepresents God and brings dishonor to Him? (322)

 

 

3. What power alone can break the hold of evil on men's hearts? (324)

 

 

Thought Question: Is God a person or merely an influence?

 

 

4. What evil results will follow the holding of spiritualistic theories? (323)

 

 

5. What is meant by the words, "The experience of the past will be repeated"? (323)

 

 

6. Why is Satan so intent upon winning to his side those who have had the most spiritual light? (324)

 

 

7. What evidence exists that there is an ever-present God? (324, 325)

 

 

8. Why does the Bible ask questions that man cannot answer? (325)

 

 

9. What type of experience will place God's people in a position to receive the Pentecostal power that has been promised? (326)

 

10. "Let not _____________________ be placed where _____________________, _____________________ truths should be. . . . Let not _____________________ theories receive _____________________ from the people who ought to be standing _____________________ on the _____________________ of eternal _____________________. God calls upon us to hold _____________________ to the _____________________ principles that are based upon _____________________ authority." (326)

Fill in the blanks:

11. "Let us go to the _____________________ of _____________________ for guidance. Let us _____________________ for a 'Thus saith the Lord.' We have had _____________________ of human methods." (327)

 

60. Satan's Lying Wonders

1. How does Colossians 2:8 depict modern spiritualism? (329)

 

 

2. What is "mind cure" and why is it dangerous? (330)

 

 

3. In ancient times Satan worked through magicians; in Ellen White's day he worked through spirit mediums, clairvoyants, and fortune tellers. How does he work today?(330, 331)

 

 

61. The Coming Crisis

1. Upon whose forehead will God's seal be placed? (333)

 

 

2. Give a text telling when the work of preparation and character-building will be completed. (334)

 

 

3. On what battlefield will the final conflict between truth and error be fought? (334, 335)

 

 

4. Under what circumstances will some of God's people be called to stand for truth? (335, 336)

 

 

5. When will the "retributive judgments" of God begin to fall? (336, 337)

 

 

6. What do God's people need to do in view of the coming crisis? (336, 337)

 

 

62. The Sifting Time

1. What causes the shaking of the church? (338, 339)

 

 

2. What two classes will be developed in the sifting time? (338, 339)

1.

2.

3. Describe the two armies and the results of the conflict. (340, 341)

 

 

63. Some Things to Remember

1. What personal answers can you give to the questions raised on page 342?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. What should be the keynote of every message we give? (343)

 

 

3. What two attitudes or experiences could cause us to fail to be ready? (344)

1.

2.

 

4. What is the high aim to be constantly before every Christian? (345)

 

 

5. What command is heard ringing above all discouragement? (345)

 

 

64. Christ, Our Great High Priest

1. Why is "the correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary . . . the foundation of our faith"? (347-349)

Fill in the blanks:

2. "As ________ ministration was to _____________________ of two great _____________________, each occupying a _____________________ of _____________________ and having a distinctive place in the _____________________ sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two _____________________, the _____________________ and the _____________________ service, and to each a _____________________ of the tabernacle was devoted." (347)

3. What happens to the sins of the repentant sinner? (347, 348)

 

 

4. Following the example of the typical service, what should God's people be doing now in the great antitypical day of atonement? (348)

 

 

5. What will happen when the investigative judgment closes? (349)

 

 

Fill in the blanks:

6. "Silently, _____________________ as the midnight _____________________, will come the decisive _____________________ which marks the _____________________ of every man's _____________________, the final _____________________ of mercy's offer to _____________________ men." (349)

 

65. Joshua and the Angel

1. What experience would better prepare God's people to withstand the devices of Satan? (350)

 

 

2. What words does Jesus our Advocate speak to Satan? (351)

 

 

3. What words does Jesus speak to those who rely on Him? (351, 352)

 

 

4. To whom does Zechariah's vision have special meaning? (352, 353)

 

 

5. Who will be the only hope, and what will be the only defense of the saints? (352, 353)

1.

2.

66. Behold, I Come Quickly

1. If the Lord is coming as soon as we believe He is, what should our experience be like today? (355)

 

 

2. What signs have you seen in recent times that give evidence the nearness of Jesus' return. (see 355, 356)

 

 

3. In view of Christ's soon return, what is our responsibility? (356)

 

 

4. What will the work that lies just before us demand of us? (357)

 

 

5. Of what is the resurrection and ascension of our Lord a sure evidence? (358, 359)

Fill in the blanks:

6. "I have been deeply _____________________ by _____________________ that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great _____________________ --a work of _____________________ --going forward in many places. Our people were _____________________ into _____________________, _____________________ to God's call." (357)

7. "It will not be _____________________ till we shall _____________________ Him in whom our _____________________ of eternal _____________________ are centered. And in His _____________________, all the _____________________ and _____________________ of this _____________________ will be as _____________________." (358)

8. "We have _____________________ to _____________________ for the _____________________, except as we shall _____________________ the way the Lord has _____________________ us, and His _____________________ in our _____________________ history." (359)

 

Suggestion: Obtain as many Spirit of Prophecy books as you can and make it a rule to read something from these volumes every day.

 

Study Guide Index