let there be light july 17

8/22/2019 Let There Be Light July 17

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HAS GOD CHANGED,OR IS THERE A

CREEPING

COMPROMISE?

A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH

PASTORS, ELDERS AND ALL

MEMBERS OF THE SDA CHURCHIN UGANDA UNION

Watch Men on the Walls of Zion

7/5/2013


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Abbreviations

CCH Counsels for the Church

GC Great Controversy

HS Historical Sketches

LDE Last Day Events

PK Prophets & KingsSM Selected Messages

SP Spirit of Prophecy

TT Testimony Treasures


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Prelude

This write up does not claim to bring out any new ideas upon

the Sabbath question. It does not claim to treat exhaustively

any branch of the subject, but only to hinge upon its more

salient features, in a manner that will perhaps arrest the

attention of the reader, and suggest profitable lines of thought.

The reader is presented with a choice to make in light of this

subject matter. It is important to note that, however tamely

expressed; the great importance of the subject gives

significance to the thoughts that are uttered. Thus the prayer is

that by means of this endeavor, an interest may be aroused in

the readers mind on this subject. More so, that this subject is

so intimately connected with the religious life and experience

of this present generation, and affects so largely its prospects

touching life eternal

Hence, this is written, to edify, as well as to encourage the

brethren. It is hoped that in these pages, you will recognize the

voice of the good Shepherd, directing your path to the end that

you might reach a similar conclusion with the position of the

Bible touching the issue of Sabbath observance, even as it is

written, O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in

himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

(Jeremiah 10:23), therefore man needs to be guided, verse 24

says, O LOR D, correct me, but not in your anger, lest thoubring me to nothing. Hence, man needs to be guided and

corrected by God through His word. It is further written, And

thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying this is the way,


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walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn

to the left.(Isaiah 30:21).

Therefore, to those who are not merely satisfied with theopinion of man, it is written, arise, shine for thy light is

come.. (Isaiah 60:1) And this is the condemnation, that

light is come into the world, and man loved darkness rather

than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

In every era of the church, there has always been a mixedmultitude. These are so difficult to manage and guide, they

murmur, complain and whine, against every principle that the

word of God establishes, they raise this and that counter

arguments to wrest a thus says the Lord. Thus their worship of

God is mixed with human reasoning and as such, they

endeavor by all means to oppose the work of God especially

where appetite and passion are involved namely; the Sabbath,

marriage, diet etc.

To these is but one message; humble yourselves in the sight of

the Lord and repent that your sins might be blotted out when

the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the

Lord. Those who might be among the mixed multitude bydefault, you are admonished to behold the Lamb of God which

taketh away the sins of the world. As you behold, you will

never view the scriptures from your own perspective.

The work of separating the mixed multitude from among the

people of God is a sad ordeal, which must happen. It is not

pleasant to contemplate; nevertheless, this is indicated in the

scriptures. It is imperative to note that, it is God himself who

will shake and shift the church progressively, thus this


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endeavor is made to arouse those who are being misled by the

influence of these nominal Seventh-day Adventists or those

who are only Seventh Day Adventists in name. (Exodus 12:38,

Numbers 11:11, Nehemiah 13:3). In light of this, you are urged

to rethink your positions pertaining to the spiritual choices you

make or how you arrive at conclusions on spiritual issues.

Today, choose to do the will of God. Behold this is written to

you with so much love thus the motive is neither to condemn

nor to judge, but rather to redeem.

The reader is reminded of the incident in the gospel according

to Luke 9:18-20, where Jesus asked the disciples what the

people thought about Him. Different people expressed different

opinions, about who they thought Christ was for example,

some thought that He was John the Baptist, some Elijah, while

others thought he was one of the prophets risen again.Eventually, Jesus asked the disciples their personal opinions of

Himself. Likewise, every rational being is accountable to God

just as Peter was in this case.

The assumption here is that the reader has to some extent, a

reasonable idea about what the fourth law says. In any incase it

is written Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days

shall thou labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the

Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shall not do any work,

thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy

maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy

gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea,

and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: whereforethe Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hollowed it. Exodus

20:8-11


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Therefore, the dawn of the Sabbath shall close the day of

weekly toil for calm repose. For earthly labour, demanding six

days are yours but, the seventh is Gods Holy day divine. Thus,

its commencement should be clearly understood by all who so

wish to honor their creator, and more so those who identify

themselves as Seventh-day Adventists. This is because Seventh

day Adventists have been chosen as a peculiar people by God.

To them has been given the greatest wealth of truth ever

entrusted to mortals: the first, second, and the third Angels

messages of Revelation 14: 6-12. Will you deride this privilegeor will you embrace and by Gods grace leave up to every light

given touching this so high a calling.

Note: The Sabbath is a day of rest for all who believe. This rest

however, is not only limited to the believer but also extended

to all who fall under the sphere of your influence .i.e. those youhave authority over: whether formal or informal workers. This

too is their day of rest to commune with their maker. Hence to

deprive them of this privilege of fellowship with God is to put

one in direct opposition to this divine imperative.


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The Beginning of a Day and Consequently the Sabbath.

It is unfortunate that, the little horn power also known as the

papacy in Daniel 7:25 and the son of perdition in

2Thessalonians 2:3 has so confused many today, in a sensethat, most people think that a day begins at midnight; for its

written thus of him, and he shall speak great words against the

most Highand think to change times and laws.

Subsequently, some people of God are also held up in this

Roman fallacy.

One therefore needs to know when a day begins, and ends

according to the Bible. In Genesis 1:5 it is written, And the

evening and the morning were the first day. Interestingly, in

chapter one of Genesis, this phrase evening and morning is

cited six times, in this context referring to dusk, Sundown, or

sunset.

Hence a day is a 24 hour period consisting of evening and

morning, (see Daniel 8:14, 26) for this reason the last portion

of a day begins at sun rise, (Psalms 104:22-23, Genesis 1:5).

The sun dominates or has control in the day, (Genesis 1:16,

Psalms 136:7-9), and (Jeremiah 31:35)

Therefore the Sabbath must begin at sunset of the preparation

day in the Bible, commonly called Friday, to sunset the

following day (Saturday). (Lev 23:32, Mark 1:32). Those in the


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church today, who perhaps in one way or the other joined the

church at a later time in their life, ought to have been

introduced to this foundational truth earlier in their experience

such that a believer adopts a lifestyle consistent with this divine

imperative. It is needful that, this work should be done at the

baptismal or Bible classes, for those who wish to join the

church or might have joined the church through an evangelistic

campaign.

In the lapse of time arguably, societal values, norms, andpractices tend to change and shape the practices of a given

community. This paradigm shift has a tendency to influence the

thinking and behavioral tendencies of the individual members

of a given society. This can be evident at various levels

namely; individual, family, institutional levels etc. Thus what

is seen in the society might be or is greatly dependent on theparadigm shift within the levels named but the genesis of it all

is at the personal and family levels.

Conversely, in the church today, possibly due to lack of

commitment by some church members to their divine call, or

perhaps because the church has invited the world to take up its

pulpit and filled up most of its pews with nominal believers.

These could have declined to heed or appreciate the

admonition given in the scriptures to embrace the assisting

grace of God to overcome every natural and cultivated

tendency to sin. In any case there is generally a lack of spiritual

life among the people of God and therefore no submission to

the will God.

This is why over the years there has been a propensity of a

model shift in the teaching and practices of the church, barely


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inconceivable by many within the church today. For example,

in the past some ministers openly preached the end time

eschatology concerning the beast, his mark and his image as

we near the close of the cosmic conflict. However, now

because in some unions, Uganda being a case to cite have

joined hands in friendship with the world through interreligious

council, this confederacy in one way or the other compromises

the position of the church to fulfill its God given mission of

preaching the gospel unadulterated. While the Sabbath on the

other hand is openly being violated gradually by some, thus thesanctity of the Sabbath is slowly but steadily being erased from

the minds of the people. These and several other practices raise

the question, has God changed, or is there a creeping

compromise?

The reader is reminded of the persecutions against Christians

under the Roman Emperor, Nero, about July of A.D 64, andcontinued on intermitently for centuries to the regin of

Constantine (A.D. 311 to 377). During this period, Satan

failed to conquer the church through persecution, until he

undertook to bring in a spirit of compromise into the church.

Therefore Satan accomplished that which he had failed to

achieve under the most atrocious persecution. See Gc theChapter Persecution in the first century.

Satan well knows that through compromise, a person will

gradually lose the sanctity of the Sabbath unnoticeably to

them, to such a point that in the process of time, their regard of

the Sabbath and to a larger extent the divine law is likely to

change. This is the object that, the path of all who lightly

regard the law of God will tend.


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Preparing for the Sabbath

Having established when a day begins, lets now ascertain

when one should begin to prepare for the Sabbath. At this

point, it would not be a good idea to presume anything thus this

subject will be discussed from a very basic position given the

condition of the church today. Incidentally, it is important to

note that, the keeping of the Sabbath is a heart service and

nothing less. Accordingly, the spiritual experience of the

keeping of the Sabbath is gained daily and moment by

moment. Therefore, one needs to be aided by Jesus Christthrough the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to keep the Sabbath

according to the commandment. Then, it is in Christ alone that,

the believer finds the power to keep the law

In this sense the keeping of the Sabbath is acceptable to God

because it is done by the faith of Jesus. Christ kept the LawJohn 15:10. It is His perfect obedience that God attributes to

everyone who believes in Jesus. Romans 1:16, 17, 5:19; 3:21-

22. It is by His perfect obedient life that a person is saved.

Romans 5:10 .Thus the principle the reader is advised to take

home is about obedience by faith. Hence obedience by faith is

righteousness by faith. The basis of this righteousness is the

law of God, of which the fourth commandment is a part.

Consider also Revelation 14:12 John 15:1-5, Psalm 119:72,

Ecclesiastics 12:13

In the synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke, the reader is

reminded of an existence of a preparation day for the Sabbath,

which is the day before the Sabbath or Friday evening (sunset)as it is known today. Accordingly, all secular or common

activities of the day ought to be accomplished before Sundown.

Refer to Matthew 27:62 Mark 15:42 Luke 23:54, John 19:42.


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Christ was laid in the tomb before sunset and this was done

according to the law. It is very clear from the scriptures that

Friday is the preparation day for the Sabbath. The proceeding

discourse has been foundational to this subject matter. The

reader is requested to lay aside any preconceived idea or

opinion. Do your honest part to compare what is herein

discussed with the scriptures. This is very plain and should be

something easy to understand and practice. The prayer is that

you choose to accept the enabling grace of Jesus to keep the

Sabbath according to the Bible. In the book of Hebrews chaptereleven and James chapter two, you find recorded men and

women of God who were enabled to perform mighty works of

righteousness; Abel, Enoch, Noah Abraham, Joseph, Moses,

Rahab1, etc.

The burden for this work is one that is gladly endured. Thepeople of God must be warned by all means. Their attention

should be turned away from trusting human opinions to the

word of God. Thus this discourse is not written to please men,

but God and neither is it intended to be politically correct, but

candid, hoping that by this, many will be redeemed from the

1Hebrews 11:31: By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not with them

that believed not when she received the spies with peace. It was byfaith that Rahab hid the spies a work that was commended by God.

"Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him forrighteousness: And he was called a friend of God. Ye see then howthat by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise alsowas also not Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received

the messengers, and sent them out another way? .For as the bodywithout the spirit is dead so faith without works is dead also. " James2: 24 - 26


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creeping compromise that has crept into the dear church of

God. For so it is written, I have set watchmen upon thy walls,

O Jerusalem which shall never hold their peace day nor night,

ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence., also I

have set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of

the trumpet. But they said we will not hearken. Isaiah 62:6,

Jeremiah 6:17.

Should any Seventh - day Adventist still engage in the

following activities even after sunset on Friday?

a) Business: This includes making personaltransactions, .i.e. shopping for groceries, airtime,

fueling vehicles etc.

b) Cooking food on the Sabbath; besides warmingthat which was previously prepared on Friday

before sunset.

a) BusinessIn those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on

the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also

wine, grapes, and figs and all manner of burdens, which they

brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testifiedagainst them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt

men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of

ware, and sold on the Sabbath unto the children of Judah, and

in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and

said unto them, what evil thing is this that ye do, and profane

the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus and did not ourGod bring all this evil upon us and upon this city? Yet ye bring

more wraths upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath. And it came

to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark


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before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut,

and charged that they should not be opened till after the

Sabbath: and some of my servant set I at the gates, that there

should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day. So the

merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without

Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, why

lodge ye about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hand on

you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath.

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse

themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, tosanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, O my God,

concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness

of thy mercy " Nehemiah 13:15-22

Thus the subject of Sabbath reform during Nehemiah's days is

above quoted. It is evident from the context of these scripturesthat, the Jews living during Nehemiahs era had a distorted

view of Sabbath observance. Consequently, they lightly

regarded the Sabbath. For example, it is observed from the

scriptures referenced that, at that time the Jews acted in a

manner that desecrated the Sabbath until Nehemiah intervened.

However, it is interesting to note that when light radiated along

their paths through Nehemiah, the people embraced the

message of Sabbath reform. What does this mean to a Seventh

Day Adventists today? Does the church need a Nehemiah

today to remind it of the sanctity of the Sabbath? These are

rhetorical questions that are intended to arrest the attention of

the reader. What principles are drawn from Nehemiahs

experience that applies to the experience of the church today?

How did Nehemiah respond to the situation? How is the church

responding to similar situations today, if at all? Such are the


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questions intended to be addressed in the proceeding

discussion. Incidentally, this very work of Sabbath reform is

the one that is prefigured to be accomplished under the first,

second and the third angels message.

Brief Historical Background

Note that, at this point some exiled Jews had returned from

Babylon after the seventy years of captivity and settled in

Judah. At that the time the Temple in Jerusalem and the walls

had already been rebuilt, following their destruction by King

Nebuchadnezzar2. After their resettlement in Judah, the people

of God had contact with the surrounding idolatrous Nations,

both economically and socially these interactions were not

healthy, for through it some people were corrupted to a pointwhere they began to view spiritual issues, and consequently the

Sabbath and marriage from the perspective of this idolatrous

Nations. Thus it was business as usual even, on the Sabbath

day.

It is apparent that, the Sabbath and marriage are often theissues of concern even as it was in this case. See Nehemiah

2King Zedekiah began his reign on Tishri 1 in 597 BC and reigned 11years. his 11th and final year began on Tishri 1 in 587 BC. Jerusalemwas destroyed and zedekiah was taken captive to babylon in 586 bc.

the Jerusalem temple was destroyed on the 7th day of av in 586 Bc.


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13:23-30. Here is where most people choose to refuse to

understand and accept Gods injunction concerning Sabbath

observance and engagement in marriage. It is understandable

that, these issues are challenging to most people more so

because they center on appetite and passion: the entering

wedge of the devil, which ought to be jealously watched over.

However, one can only perfectly overcome them through daily

surrender and submission to the will of God

How did Nehemiah respond to the situation?

He "testified against them in the day wherein they soldvictuals (provision, supplies, foodstuffs etc.)On the

Sabbath.See Nehemiah 13:15

He, "contended with the Nobles of Judah, and said,unto them what evil thing is this that ye do, and profane

the Sabbath day? See Nehemiah 13:17

Did not yourfathers thus, and did not our God bringall this evil upon us, and upon the city yet ye bring

more wrath upon Israel by profaning the

Sabbath.(Nehemiah recalled)

I commanded that, the gates should be shut andcharged that, they should not be opened till after the

Sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates that

there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath

day.

Eventually, Nehemiah called for a Sabbath reform andit was heeded. Nehemiah 13:19-22

Nehemiahs work prefigured the work of Sabbath

Reform since October 22, 1844 to date.


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The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that

which is done is that which shall be done: there is nothing new

under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

That which has been is now; and that which is to be hath

already been; and God required that which is past.

Ecclesiastes 3:15

Now all these things happened unto them forensamples: and

they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of theworld are come. 1Corinthians 10:11

Thus it is written, remember the former things old: for am God,

and there is none else; Aim God, and there is none like me.

Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times,

the things that are not yet done saying, my counsel shall stand,

and I will do all my pleasure "Isaiah 46:9, 10.

Literal Israel were a type of spiritual Israel, so then this being

the case the experience of the people of God today in one way

or the other typifies what ancient Israel was. It is thought that

this generation could do better by choosing to be unlike most

of them such that, their mistakes are not repeated. You shouldbe on the outlook, lest you adopt the same reasoning and

practices as did most of the Children of Israel. For example

considering the actions of the Jews within the given context of

the scripture initially quoted 3 , you will observe that their

practice was one that desecrated the Sabbath. In this way, they

displeased God. Suppose the reader comes to a similar

conclusion through the studying of the Bible, you could choose

3Nehemiah 13:15-23


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to make a different decision today given a similar circumstance

as the Jews of old. Jesus is there to help you, should you be

willing to be controlled by His Spirit. Therefore be not afraid

or dismayed Child of God. Should you choose to do his

biddings, He will enable you, for His biddings are His

enabling. You can do all things through Christ who strengthen

you dear friend, including keeping the Sabbath day holy

according to the commandment.

The work of restoration and reform carried out by the returnedexiles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah

presents a picture of a work of spiritual restoration that is to be

wrought out in the closing days of this earths history. Pk

p 677.1

The spiritual restoration, of which the work carried forward in

Nehemiahs day was a symbol, is outlined in the words of

Isaiah: They shall build the old wastes, they shall rise up the

former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities.

They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places:

thou shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and

thou shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of

paths to dwell in. Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. Pk 677.2

The prophet here describes a people who, in time of general

departure from truth and righteousness, are seeking to restore

the principles that are the foundation of the Kingdom of God.

They arerepairers of a breach that has been made in Gods

law- the wall that he placed around His chosen ones forprotection, and obedience to who whose precepts of justice,

truth, and purity is to be their perpetual safeguard. Pk 677.3


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In words of unmistakable meaning the prophets points out the

specific work of this remnant people who build the wall, if

thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy own

pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the

holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing

thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking

thine own words: then shall though delight thyself in the Lord;

and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth,

and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the

mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. I saiah 58:13, 14.Pk 678.2

In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored.

The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was

changed by man is to be repaired. Gods 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 theSabbath 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. Constrained by the love of

Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the

waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers

of paths to dwell in. PK 678.2

Therefore, as people are called from the fallen churches and

from the world into the church of God, the truth about Sabbath

observance should be made clear to them. They should for

instance know and understand clearly that Friday before sunset

is preparation day. They should be taught that, this is not donein any way to earn favor before God or to make one more

deserving of heaven. No, no, no. This is rather a fruit which is

elicited because one has a close affinity with the Savior. Thus it


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is by abiding4in Jesus that you bear good fruit

5. This is calling

the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. The

Lord is honored by keeping the Sabbath His way. This is what

is pleasing before God.

But a person needs a spiritual life without which it is

impossible to appreciate the value of atonement, or the

sacrifice of Christ for the fallen race. The question which might

be ringing in the readers mind could be, how does one obtain a

spiritual life? It is written As the father raiseth up the dead,and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth who He

will. John 5:21 what is to quicken? To quicken means the

same thing as to raise.1Corinthians 15:34-36. The meaning of

the word to quicken does not change in any case whether it is

used to mean raising up of the physical dead at the second

coming of Jesus or to raise one who is spiritually dead today.For to be carnally minded is death: But to be spiritually minded

is life and peace Roman 8:6. This is "because the carnal mind

is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God,

neither indeed can be. So you need Jesus. But as many as

received him to them gave he power to become the sons of

4John 15: 1, 2, 4, 5 Aim the true vine and my father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every

branch the beareth fruit he purge hit, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it

abides in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine and

yea are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him, the same

bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 5

Mathew 12:33, 35: Either make the tree good, and its fruit good or elsemake the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his

fruit. A good man out of the good pleasure of the heart bringeth forth

good things and an evil out of the evil pleasure bringeth forth evil things


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God, even to them that believe on his name. John.1:12 The

model of one who is the son of God is the Savior himself.

Therefore, study His life and follow His example as you allow

Him to live out His life in you. Avoid putting a wrong

construction upon the word of God to suit the carnal mind. It is

when a believer receives the word of God in their lives that

they get a spiritual life. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the

flesh profiteth nothing: the words which I speak they are spirit

and they are life. John 6:63.

By the way, the practices herein discussed were not common in

the past among the people of God as a corporate body. Enquire

from any first or second generation Seventh Day Adventist in

this country, if they are honest, they will tell you that they

never had an issue with the subject. However, the challenge in

the church today might be largely attributable to the evangelistapproach where sometimes, essential components of the

message are withheld from the congregation. This is often

times done due to fear to hurt the peoples feelings. Therefore,

Ministers resort to preaching the gospel of the so called love

which does not awaken the conscience of the listeners. But,

must Ministers always say what people want to hear in order to

retain a mixed multitude? God forbid!, the purpose of any

message preached through whatever means should work in the

hearer a conviction of sin, thus pointing them to Jesus, who is

willing and able to save all from sin.

The frequent calls that are being made in the church today must

and should begin with a call for unity upon Sabbath reform.The Church Leadership should consider this matter

objectively, and assess the validity of the arguments herein

expressed. The leadership should try as much as possible to


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take their position on the side of the Bible and the Bible alone.

Truthfully, is there not a cause or a concern regarding Sabbath

violation? Is there no cooking done on the Sabbath day? And

employing non Adventists to prepare the meals on the

Sabbath? Must no voice be heard to address this growing

Sabbath violation and let the people of God pursue such a

cause against the clear evidence from the Bible and the spirit of

prophecy? This is the time for God to rise up the Nehemiahs

of today within the ranks of the church? The Church

Leadership and some faithful church members are urged towork together with God to lead out a work of Sabbath reform

in this Uganda Conference and Union6 on this issue and surely

the Lord will be with you.

Shouldnt there be concern about these non-Adventists

employed to cook for the church on the Sabbath especiallypertaining their appreciation of the sanctity of the Sabbath and

the message the church bears for this time? Have ye not read in

the law where it is written, But the Seventh day is the Sabbath

of the Lord thy God: in it thou shall not do any work, thou, nor

thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid

servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger living within thy gates:

We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath.

Remember that, every moment is consecrated, holy time.

Whenever it is possible, employers should give their workers

the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath.

Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome the

Lords Day with quietness of mind. By such a course you willsuffer no loss even in temporal things.CCh 263.2


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These are very basic issues, suppose one cannot surrender self

to live up to this basic truth, what more of the challenging

matters of the law: Love, mercy, justice etc. For, it is by

obedience to the law of God that love is manifested; otherwise,

its only superficial love. Hence, man in every generation has

been given a choice either to repeat the mistakes of the past

experience of the people of God or to learn from their history

and not repeat their folly. The Lord admonishes the Church to

remember the former things of old: The reader is hereby

presented with something to arouse their mind to go and searchthe scriptures for themselves to see if these things are so.

The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine

2Timothy4:3. That time has fully come. The multitudes do

not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of

the sinful world loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptionwhich they love. But God will have a people upon the earth to

maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all

doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned

men, the deduction of science, the creed or decisions of

ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the

churches which they represent, the voice of majority_ not one

or all of this should be regarded as evidence for or against any

point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or

precept, we should demand a plain thus says the Lord in its

support. GC 595.2

It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn

from the scriptures what truth is, and then walk in the light andencourage others to follow his example. We should day by day

study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and

comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help, we are to


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form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for

ourselves before God. GC 598.2

While some have been urging their man-made tests upon thepeople, the claim of the fourth commandment has been held

very lightly. We knew that the blessing of the Lord could not

rest upon this church until there was a reform upon this

important point. Those who stand in responsible positions

should be careful that their words and examples are such as

will lead the people to correct views and practices. They shouldbe sure that in no way they belittle the requirements of God.

Because the fourth commandment is so widely disregarded, we

should be the more earnest and decided in seeking to honor this

precept of Gods law.HS 217.1 (The reader is advised to look

up this quote there is so much in that will baffle your mind)

The truth as given in the Bible is that, a believer is justified by

the precious blood of Jesus, however, should we continue in

sin, having been imputed with the righteousness of God by

faith? Certainly not, for it is written, concerning this faith that

brings into the believer the righteousness of God, as faith

which works with love. Gal 5:6. The work is to be aided to

keep the law of God for its the spirit of God that works in

human nature to work out his own salvation with fear and

trembling. For that reason, man is hereby called to perform all

his duty: the keeping of the law of God. Ecclesiastes 12:13,

Revelation 14:12. Many currently in the church, while they

were yet in the fallen churches did not know how to keep the

Sabbath day holy. Now they ought to know, even those whowere born in the church might have forgotten, so they need to

remind themselves. Therefore being justified by faith, even

the faith of Jesus. Accordingly, in Christ is found the keeping


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of the law, and so it is written, here is the patience of the

saints; here are they which keep the commandments of God

and the faith of Jesus. So then, the keeping of the Sabbath,

just like the rest of the other nine commandments can only be

acceptable to God if it is done by the faith of Jesus.

b) Cooking food on the SabbathAnd it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice

as much bread, two omers for one man: and the rulers of the

congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, this

is that which the LORD hath said; Tomorrow is the rest of

the holy Sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye willbake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which

remaineth over lay up for you to kept until the morning.

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did

not stink neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said,

Eat that today; for today is the Sabbath unto the LORD: today

ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; buton the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be

none...Exodus 16:22-26. And the people went about, and

gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and

baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as

the taste of fresh oil. Numbers 11:8

The Lord is no less particular now in regard to his

Sabbath, than when he gave the foregoing special direction

to the children of Israel. He required them to bake that which


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they would bake, and seethe (that is boil) that which they

would seethe, on the sixth day, preparatory to the rest of the

Sabbath. Those who neglect to prepare for the Sabbath on the

six day, and who cook food upon the Sabbath, violate the

four th commandment, and are transgressors of Gods law.

All who are really anxious to observe the Sabbath

according to the commandment will not cook any food

upon the Sabbath.They will, in the fear of that God who

gave his law from Sinai, deny themselves, and eat food

prepared upon the sixth day, even if it is not so palatable.God forbade the children of Israels baking and boiling

upon the Sabbath. That prohibition should be regarded by

every Sabbath-keeper, as a solemn injunction from

Jehovah to them .The Lord would guard his people from

indulging in gluttony upon the Sabbath, which he set apart for

sacred meditation and worship.1SP225.2

The Sabbath of the Lord is a day of rest from labor;and

the diet upon the that day should be more simple, and

partaken of in less quantities, than upon the six laboring

days, because we do not have that exercise upon the Sabbath

that we have upon the days of the week. Many have erred in

not practicing self-denial upon the Sabbath. By partaking of

full meals, as on the six laboring days, their minds are

beclouded; they are stupid, and often drowsy; some suffer with

headache. Such have no truly devotional feelings upon the

Sabbath and the blessing resting upon the Sabbath do not prove

a blessing to them.1SP226.2

Observe the following from the above quote:


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1. The Lord is no less particular now in regard to hisSabbath, than when he gave the foregoing special

direction to the children of Israel.(James 1:17)

2. He required them to make use of the preparation day toengage in the preparation of the meals.

3. Those who neglected to prepare and cooked on theSabbath committed sin. (1John 3:4)

4. All sincere believers will not cook on the Sabbath andthey will not eat food prepared upon the Sabbath day

(after sunset on Friday)5. That prohibition should be regarded by every

Sabbath-keeper, as a solemn injunction from Jehovah

to them

6. Food on the Sabbath should be simple and in smallquantity, because you do not need a lot of energy on the

Sabbath.7. By partaking of full meals, as on the six laboring days,

their minds are beclouded, one becomes imprudent, and

often drowsy.

Additional quotes:

The Sabbath should be as sacredly observed readily on the

camp-ground as it is in our homes. We should not let the bustle

and the excitement around us detract from its sacred dignity.

No cooking should be done on that day. The instruction

which God gave to I srael should not be disregarded:bake

that which bake today, and seethe that which ye will seethe;

for tomorrow is the holy Sabbath unto the Lord. Exodus16:23. God meant what He said when He gave these

directions; and shall we who are presenting to the people the

claim of the divine law, break that law ourselves, merely to


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please appeti te?-God forbid. There has sometimes been as

much cooking done on the Sabbath as on other days; and the

blessings of God have been shut out by our fail ure to honor

H im in keeping the Sabbath according to the commandment.

All needful preparation should be made before hand. On

Sabbath morning, if the weather is cool, let hot gruel, or

something equally simple be provided, and dinner some kind

of food may be warmed. Further than this, all cooking should

be avoided as violation of the Sabbath command. Gospel

of Health.15-16

Note: Sister White was under inspiration as she wrote these

words, therefore to reject or down play what she says, is to

exalt ones opinion above inspiration.

Conversely, it is important to note that, whether you adopt the

critical method of Biblical interpretation also known as biblical

exegesis7

or the prove text method found in scripture i.e.

7Exegesis is a critical explanation orinterpretation of a text, especially a

religious text. Traditionally the term was used primarily for exegesis of the

Bible; however, in contemporary usage it has broadened to mean a critical

explanation of any text, and the term "biblical exegesis" is used for greater

specificity.

Exegesis includes a wide range of critical disciplines: textual criticism is the

investigation into the history and origins of the text, but exegesis may

include the study of the historical and cultural backgrounds for the author,

the text, and the original audience. Other analysis includes classification of

the type ofliterary genrespresent in the text, and an analysis of

grammatical and syntactical features in the text itself.

The terms exegesis and hermeneutics have been used interchangeably.

However, hermeneutics is a more widely defined discipline of interpretation

theory: hermeneutics includes the entire framework of the interpretive
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_(logic)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_texthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_genrehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntaxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeneuticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeneuticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntaxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_genrehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_texthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_(logic)


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comparing scripture with scripture (2Peter 1: 20 21, Isaiah

28: 9 -10), all will arrive at the same conclusion.

Therefore, it is not possible to reason away, the injunctiongiven here, by way of argument against or in favor of a

particular method of Biblical interpretation. Thus, regardless of

whatever method of Biblical interpretation one employs

exegesis .i.e., historical and cultural context of the audience,

etc. or prove text, the principle that the word of God teaches

transcends all cultures and time, and that is obedience. Hence,no reason whatsoever holds on the basis of differences in

culture, food, and or that the text is restricted in its application

only to the original people to whom it was addressed etc.

While this might be important, however in this case, it would

be to miss the point about what God is trying to teach. O that

there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and

keep all my commandments, always, that it might be well with

them and without their children forever! Deut 5:29. And

thou shall remember all the way which the Lord thy God led

thee these forty years in the wilderness to humble thee, and to

prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou

wouldest keep his commandments or no. Duet: 8:2. If ye

love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15. It is left up to

the reader to choose to obey the voice of God, or the opinion of

man.

process, encompassing all forms of communication: written, verbal and

nonverbal, while exegesis focuses primarily on the written text.


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Else the quotations are very clear and unambiguous concerning

the issue of cooking on the Sabbath as highlighted above,

unless otherwise one has an issue with the servant of God sister

white, in which case it is not possible to help the reader. The

prayer is to keep hoping for a change of attitude regarding the

testimonies of God. It is sad to say that, the mixed multitude

stumbles a lot on this point, for Satan has beguiled them, to so

lightly regard the Ministry of the Spirit of prophecy. Therefore,

it is written of them "that this is a rebellious people, lying

children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets prophesy

not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy

deceits: I saiah 30:9, 10.

But there is hope for those who are willing to shake themselves

from this deadly phenomenon that is destroying the spirituallyof the people of God: the violation of the law of God supported

by the folly of human reason. For to profane the Sabbath is, to

break the law of God.

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; in

returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in

confidence shall be your strengthened: but ye would not. And

therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you,

and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon

you: for the LORD is God of judgment: blessed are they that

wait for him. Isaiah 30:15, 18

For those who perhaps where in obscurity concerning thismatter, the Lord says and thine right hand, and thine ears shall

hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it,


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when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21. Herein we perceive the Love of God

Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is givenby many professed Sabbath keepers; the law has been greatly

dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according

to the commandment. Either in the letter or in the spirit. He

calls for a reform in the observance of the Sabbath.CCH

264.1

On Friday, the preparation of the Sabbath is completed. See

that, all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is

done. See that all the boots are blackened..CCH

God brought His people Israel from Egypt that they might

keep His Sabbath, and He gave them special directions how to

keep it. The ten precepts spoken by His own voice from Sinai,and the instructions given to Moses, were recorded for the

benefit of all who should live upon the earth, to the close of

time. God has given man six days for labor, but He has

reserved the seventh to Himself, and He has pronounced a

blessing upon those who keep it Holy. The day before the

Sabbath is to be made a day of preparation, that everythingmight be in readiness for its sacred hours. Bake that which ye

will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe. Tomorrow is

the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord.2TT184.2-3

Note: Quotations have been freely referenced from the writing

of Sister White. This is because the church appreciates the

special gift of the Spirit of Prophecy (See SDA fundamental

belief no. 18) given to the remnant church as revealed in the

Ministry of Sister Ellen G. White. Her writings are inspired


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therefore, they stand without impeachment. On the contrary,

other men arent inspired and neither do they have exclusive

acumen to explain the scriptures as some may think it so. No

uninspired man is a guru when it comes to the Bible but, the

Spirit of God is! Respect the Ministers, as leaders appointed by

God, however as a rational being, with the ability to think and

act, be sure not to take their opinion as a final say, else your

prospect concerning the life to come will be at stake.

Below are Spirit of prophecy statements majorly to those whodown play the Spirit of prophecy. Perhaps such a one will

reconsider their position. It is further emphasized that you will

benefit a lot spiritually if only you would begin to make the

Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy your rule of faith and practice.

E. G. White Work Not Unlike That of Bible Prophets.In

ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and

apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of

His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His

people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning

His will and the course that He would have them pursue.--

Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661. {3SM 30.2}

Relation of E. G. White Writings to the Bible Recognized in

First Book.I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of

God as the rule of your faith and practice.By that Word we are

to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions

in the "last days"; not for a new rule of faith, but for the

comfort of His people, and tocorrect those who err from Bibletruth. Thus God dealt with Peter when He was about to send

him to preach to the Gentiles.--A Sketch of the Christian

Experience and views


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Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy Have Same Author.

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the

Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to

mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's

ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all

hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. {3SM 30.3}

Ellen White Enabled to Clearly Define Truth and Error.

At that time [after the 1844 disappointment] one error after

another pressed in upon us; ministers and doctors brought innew doctrines. We would search the Scriptures with much

prayer, and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds.

Sometimes whole nights would be devoted to searching the

Scriptures and earnestly asking God for guidance. Companies

of devoted men and women assembled for this purpose. The

power of God would come upon me, and I was enabled clearlyto define what truth is and what error is.{3SM 31.4}

As the points of our faith were thus established, our feet were

placed upon a solid foundation. We accepted the truth point by

point, under the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. I would be

taken off in vision, and explanations would be given me. I wasgiven illustrations of heavenly things, and of the sanctuary, so

that we were placed where light was shining on us in clear,

distinct rays.--Gospel Works,p. 302. {3SM 32.1}

To Correct Error and Specify Truth.I have much written

in the diary [WHILEI have kept in all my journeys that should

come before the people if essential, even if I did not write

another line. I want that which is deemed worthy to appear, for

the Lord has given me much light that I want the people to


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have; for there is instruction that the Lord has given me for His

people. It is light that they should have, line upon line, precept

upon precept, here a little and there a little. This is now to

come before the people, because it has been given to correct

specious errors and to specify what truth is. The Lord has

revealed many things pointing out the truth, thus saying, "This

is the way, walk ye in it."--Letter 127, 1910.

One thing is certain: those Seventh day Adventists who will

take their stand under Satans banner will first give up theirfaith in the warnings and reproofs contained in the Testimonies

of Gods Spirit. LDE 177.4

The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none

effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. Where there is no

vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will workingeniously, in different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of

Gods remnant people in the testimony. LDE 177.5

The enemy has made his masterly effort to unsettle the faith

of our own people in the testimonies.this is just how Satan

designed it should be, and those who have been preparing the

way for the people to pay no heed to the warning and reproofs

of the Testimonies of the Spirit of God will see that a tide of all

errors of all kinds into life. LDE 178

It is Satans plan to weaken the faith of Gods people in the

testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital point

of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to theHoly Scriptures, and then downward march to perdition. When

the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and

given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this;


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and he redoubles his effort till he launches them into open

rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.

LDE 178.2

HE WHO HAS AN EAR LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE

SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCH.

For those who wish to consider the matter further, see more

Spirit of Prophecy references for further studies: (Ellen G.

White writings),

From Eternity Past page. 203.3

Spirit of Prophecy volume1 page 225.1

Spiritual gifts Volume3, pg. 253.1

Story of Redemption page 130.1

Testimonies to the Church, Volume 6 page 354.4

Testimony Treasures Volume 2 page 184.3, page 21.3

Guidelines for Sabbath Observance

https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practica

l-christian-living/sabbath-observance- guidelines
https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practical-christian-living/sabbath-observance-%20%20%20%20%20%20guidelineshttps://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practical-christian-living/sabbath-observance-%20%20%20%20%20%20guidelineshttps://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practical-christian-living/sabbath-observance-%20%20%20%20%20%20guidelineshttps://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practical-christian-living/sabbath-observance-%20%20%20%20%20%20guidelines

let there be light july 17

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