Study Helps - Lesson 3

Lesson 3 July 10 - 16

But Did It Really Happen?

Memory Text: (Psa 77:11-12 NKJV) I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. {12} I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.

Sabbath Afternoon

Education, p. 173

Chap. 19 - History and Prophecy

The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity. It lights up the far-distant past, where human research in vain seeks to penetrate. In God's word only do we behold the power that laid the foundations of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only do we find an authentic account of the origin of nations. Here only is given a history of our race unsullied by human pride or prejudice. {Ed 173.1}

In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will. {Ed 173.2}

The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history. In those words of matchless beauty and tenderness spoken

(p. 174) by the apostle Paul to the sages of Athens is set forth God's purpose in the creation and distribution of races and nations: He "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him." Acts 17:26, 27. God declares that whosoever will may come "into the bond of the covenant." Ezekiel 20:37. In the creation it was His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings whose existence should be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will may identify themselves with this purpose. Of them it is spoken, "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise." Isaiah 43:21. {Ed 173.3}

Sunday

A Reliable Word Of God

(Prov 16:25 NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

The Great Controversy, p. 597

Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be, parental, filial, conjugal, or social, the effect is the same; the opposers of truth exert their power to control the conscience, and the souls held under their sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own convictions of duty. {GC 597.1}

The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light. {GC 597.2}

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25. Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity (p. 598) to know the will of God. A man is traveling and comes to a place where there are several roads and a guideboard indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guideboard, and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find himself on the wrong road. {GC 597.3}

(John 7:17 NIV) If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

The Great Controversy, p. 599

We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the Scriptures and should task the understanding to comprehend, as far as mortals can, the deep things of God; yet we must not forget that the docility and submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in grappling with philosophical problems. We should not engage in the study of the Bible with that self-reliance with which so many enter the domains of science, but with a prayerful dependence upon God and a sincere desire to learn His will. We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we shall not be impressed by the truth. {GC 599.1}

Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of God's word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. As understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness. {GC 599.2}

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those (p. 600) things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God's word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist's petition our own: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus "when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19. {GC 599.3}

(Acts 17:11 NIV) Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

(Isa 28:10 NIV) For it is: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule ; a little here, a little there."

(John 14:26 NKJV) "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

(John 14:26 NIV) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Monday

The Days Of Old

(Psa 105 NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. {2} Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. {3} Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. {4} Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. {5} Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, {6} O descendants of Abraham his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones. {7} He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. {8} He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, {9} the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. {10} He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: {11} "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit." {12} When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, {13} they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. {14} He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: {15} "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." {16} He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; {17} and he sent a man before them-- Joseph, sold as a slave. {18} They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, {19} till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. {20} The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. {21} He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, {22} to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom. {23} Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. {24} The LORD made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes, {25} whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants. {26} He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. {27} They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. {28} He sent darkness and made the land dark-- for had they not rebelled against his words? {29} He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. {30} Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. {31} He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. {32} He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; {33} he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. {34} He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; {35} they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil. {36} Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood. {37} He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered. {38} Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. {39} He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. {40} They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. {41} He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert. {42} For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. {43} He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; {44} he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for-- {45} that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD.

(Psa 106 NIV) Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. {2} Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? {3} Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. {4} Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, {5} that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. {6} We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. {7} When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. {8} Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. {9} He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. {10} He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. {11} The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. {12} Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. {13} But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. {14} In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. {15} So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them. {16} In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. {17} The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. {18} Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. {19} At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. {20} They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. {21} They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, {22} miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. {23} So he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. {24} Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. {25} They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. {26} So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, {27} make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. {28} They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; {29} they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them. {30} But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. {31} This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. {32} By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; {33} for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses' lips. {34} They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, {35} but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. {36} They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. {37} They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. {38} They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. {39} They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. {40} Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. {41} He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. {42} Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. {43} Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. {44} But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; {45} for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. {46} He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive. {47} Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. {48} Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD.

(Isa 51: 1- 23 NIV) "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; {2} look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was but one, and I blessed him and made him many. {3} The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. {4} "Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. {5} My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.

{Isa 51:6-23} Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. {7} "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. {8} For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations." {9} Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through? {10} Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? {11} The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. {12} "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, {13} that you forget the LORD your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? {14} The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. {15} For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar-- the LORD Almighty is his name. {16} I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand-- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'" {17} Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes men stagger. {18} Of all the sons she bore there was none to guide her; of all the sons she reared there was none to take her by the hand. {19} These double calamities have come upon you-- who can comfort you?-- ruin and destruction, famine and sword-- who can console you? {20} Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the LORD and the rebuke of your God. {21} Therefore hear this, you afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine. {22} This is what your Sovereign LORD says, your God, who defends his people: "See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again. {23} I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, who said to you, 'Fall prostrate that we may walk over you.' And you made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked over."

(Hosea 11 NIV) "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. {2} But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. {3} It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. {4} I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. {5} "Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? {6} Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans. {7} My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them. {8} "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. {9} I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man-- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. {10} They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. {11} They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD. {12} Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.

(Psa 77:3-15 NIV) I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah {4} You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. {5} I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; {6} I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: {7} "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? {8} Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? {9} Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah {10} Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

{Psa 77:11-15} I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. {12} I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. {13} Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? {14} You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. {15} With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Tuesday

No Devised Fables

(Luke 1:1-4 NIV) Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, {2} just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. {3} Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

(1 Cor 15:15 NIV) More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

(2 Pet 1:16 NIV) We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Read Acts chapter 7

(Acts 24:14 NIV) However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,

(Acts 26:6-8 NIV) And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. {7} This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. {8} Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

(Acts 26:22 NIV) But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen--

(Acts 17:26-27 NIV) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. {27} God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

Read Genesis chapter 10

Education, p. 174 (see page one this lesson help for page 173)

God has revealed in His law the principles that underlie all true prosperity both of nations and of individuals. "This is your wisdom and your understanding," Moses declared to the Israelites of the law of God. "It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life." Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings thus assured to Israel are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every nation and every individual under the broad heavens. {Ed 174.1}

Education, p. 174 (see page one this lesson help for page 173) (continued)

The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-imparted; and upon his use of the power thus bestowed, his success depends. To each the word of the divine Watcher is, "I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me." Isaiah 45:5. And to each the words spoken to Nebuchadnezzar of old are the lesson of life: "Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility." Daniel 4:27. (p. 175) {Ed 174.2}

Wednesday

Historical Foundation Of Creation

(Deu 32:6-7 NIV) Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? {7} Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.

(Rom 5:12 NIV) Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--

(2 Cor 11:3 NIV) But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

(1 Tim 2:13-14 NIV) For Adam was formed first, then Eve. {14} And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

(1 Pet 3:20 NIV) who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

(2 Pet 2:5 NIV) if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

(1 John 3:12 NIV) Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

(Rev 14:7 NIV) He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Read Genesis chapters 1 - 11

(Mat 19:4-5 NIV) "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' {5} and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?

(Mark 10:6 NIV) "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'

(Luke 3:38 NIV) the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

(Luke 17:26-27 NIV) "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. {27} People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

Read Matthew chapter 19

Thursday

Danger Of Ignoring The Creation

(2 Pet 3:3-7 NIV) First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. {4} They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." {5} But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. {6} By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. {7} By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

(2 Pet 2:1 NIV) But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

(Rev 14:7 NIV) He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."

(Exo 20:11 NIV) For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

(Gen 2:2-3 NIV) By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. {3} And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Medical Ministry, p. 89

We are dependent on the Bible for a knowledge of the early history of our world, of the creation of man, and of his fall. Remove the word of God, and what can we expect than to be left to fables and conjectures, and to that enfeebling of the intellect which is the sure result of entertaining error. We need the authentic history of the origin of the earth, of the fall of the covering cherub, and of the introduction of sin into our world. Without the Bible, we should be bewildered by false theories. The mind would be subjected to the tyranny of superstition and falsehood. But having in our possession an authentic history of the beginning of our world, we need not hamper ourselves with human conjectures and unreliable theories. {MM 89.1}

Wherever Christians are, they may hold communion with God. And they may enjoy the intelligence of sanctified science. Their minds may be strengthened even as Daniel's was. God gave him "knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom." {MM 89.2}

Mental Effect of Receiving Error The mind in which error has once taken possession can never expand freely to truth, even after investigation. The old theories will claim recognition. The understanding of things that are true and elevated and sanctifying will be confused. Superstitious ideas will enter the mind, to mingle with the true, and these ideas are always debasing in their influence. Christian knowledge bears its own stamp of unmeasured superiority in all that concerns the preparation for the future, immortal life.

Medical Ministry, p. 89 (continued)

It distinguishes the Bible reader and believer, who has been receiving the precious treasures of truth, from the skeptic and the believer in pagan philosophy. {MM 89.3}

Cleave to the word, "It is written." Cast out of the mind the dangerous, obtrusive theories which, if entertained, will hold the mind in bondage so that the man shall not become a new creature in Christ. The mind must be constantly restrained and guarded. It must be given as food that only which will strengthen the religious experience.--MS. 42, 1904. {MM 89.4}

Friday

Education, pp. 128, 130

Science and the Bible Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear the impress of the same master mind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the laws through which He works. {Ed 128.1}

Inferences erroneously drawn from facts observed in nature have, however, led to supposed conflict between science and revelation; and in the effort to restore harmony, interpretations of Scripture have been adopted that undermine and destroy the force of the word of God. Geology has been thought to contradict the literal interpretation of the Mosaic record of the creation. Millions of years, it is claimed, were required for the evolution of the earth from chaos; and in order to accommodate the Bible to this supposed revelation of science, the days of creation are assumed to have been vast, indefinite periods, covering thousands or even millions of years. (p.129)

{Ed 128.2}

It is true that remains found in the earth testify to the existence of men, animals, and plants much larger than any now known. These are regarded as proving the existence of vegetable and animal life prior to the time of the Mosaic record. But concerning these things Bible history furnishes ample explanation. Before the Flood the development of vegetable and animal life was immeasurably superior to that which has since been known. At the Flood the surface of the earth was broken up, marked changes took place, and in the re-formation of the earth's crust were preserved many evidences of the life previously existing. The vast forests buried in the earth at the time of the Flood, and since changed to coal, form the extensive coal fields, and yield the supplies of oil that minister to our comfort and convenience today. These things, as they are brought to light, are so many witnesses mutely testifying to the truth of the word of God. (p. 130) {Ed 129.2}

Akin to the theory concerning the evolution of the earth is that which attributes to an ascending line of germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds the evolution of man, the crowning glory of the creation. {Ed 130.1}

When consideration is given to man's opportunities for research; how brief his life; how limited his sphere of action; how restricted his vision; how frequent and how great the errors in his conclusions, especially as concerns the events thought to antedate Bible history; how often the supposed deductions of science are revised or cast aside; with what readiness the assumed period of the earth's development is from time to time increased or diminished by millions of years; and how the theories advanced by different scientists conflict with one another, --considering all this, shall we, for the privilege of tracing our descent from germs and mollusks and apes, consent to cast away that statement of Holy Writ, so grand in its simplicity, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him"? Genesis 1:27. Shall we reject that genealogical record,--prouder than any treasured in the courts of kings,--"which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God"? Luke 3:38. {Ed 130.2}

Education, pp. 128, 130 (continued)

Rightly understood, both the revelations of science and the experiences of life are in harmony with the testimony of Scripture to the constant working of God in nature. {Ed 130.3}

In the hymn recorded by Nehemiah, the Levites sang, "Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all." Nehemiah 9:6. {Ed 130.4}

As regards this earth, Scripture declares the work of creation to have been completed. "The works were finished from the foundation of the world." Hebrews 4:3. (p. 131) But the power of God is still exercised in upholding the objects of His creation. It is not because the mechanism once set in motion continues to act by its own inherent energy that the pulse beats, and breath follows breath. Every breath, every pulsation of the heart, is an evidence of the care of Him in whom we live and move and have our being. From the smallest insect to man, every living creature is daily dependent upon His providence.

"These wait all upon Thee. . . .
That Thou givest them they gather:
Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.
Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled:
Thou takest away their breath, they die,
And return to their dust.
Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created:
And Thou renewest the face of the earth." Psalm 104:27-30.

"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place,
And hangeth the earth upon nothing.
He bindeth up the waters in His thick clouds;
And the cloud is not rent under them. . . .
He hath compassed the waters with bounds,
Until the day and night come to an end."

"The pillars of heaven tremble
And are astonished at His rebuke.
He stilleth the sea with His power. . . .
By His Spirit the heavens are beauty;
His hand hath pierced the gliding serpent.
Lo, these are but the outskirts of His ways:
And how small a whisper do we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?"
Job 26:7-10; 26:11-14, R.V., margin.

"The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust of His feet." Nahum 1:3. {Ed 130.5}

The Great Controversy, p. 595

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 deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent,

The Great Controversy, p. 595 (continued)

the voice of the majority--not one nor all of these 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 saith the Lord" in its support. {GC 595.1}

Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will. {GC 595.2}

When Christ came to speak the words of life, the common people heard Him gladly; and many, even of the priests and rulers, believed on Him. But the chief of the priesthood and the leading men of the nation were determined to condemn and repudiate His teachings. Though they were baffled in all their efforts to find accusations against Him, though they could not but feel the influence of the divine power and wisdom attending His words, yet they incased themselves in prejudice; they rejected the clearest evidence of His Messiahship, lest they should be forced to become His disciples. These opponents of Jesus were men whom the people had been taught from infancy to reverence, to whose authority they had been accustomed implicitly to bow. "How is it," they asked, "that our rulers and learned scribes do not believe on Jesus? Would not these pious men receive Him if He were (p. 596) the Christ?" It was the influence of such teachers that led the Jewish nation to reject their Redeemer. {GC 595.3}