PRISONERS OF HOPE

OCTOBER 2008
EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
Last month while I was proof-reading this newsletter it dawned upon me that it was our 12th edition
of the monthly newsletter. In the last year the Lord has been very good to us and the circulation has
steadily increased to a stage where we are disseminating the magazine to people in just about every
corner of the globe. We thank you for all your feedback that we have received in the last 12months
and we continue to be more than willing to listen to ideas and advice on making the newsletter a
spiritually uplifting read every month. As ever we continue to appeal to you to send us email or physi-
cal addresses of Adventist friends and family whom you would like to receive this newsletter.
I had an interesting experience that got me thinking in the last week that I would like to share in the
editorial this month. As seems to be the norm for a number of companies, I was invited out for supper
to which I obliged. What was different this time though is that I felt impressed to kneel down and
pray before heading out my hotel room for the rendezvous. As I prayed, I found myself asking the
Lord for an opportunity to say something to the three company members that I was going to supper
with about my faith.
As I stood up from my knees the thought struck me that; ―when was the last time you prayed for God
to provide you with a witnessing opportunity?‖ I will confess that even after racking my brain for a
few seconds I could not even remember. My soul was much troubled by this realization. As a reader,
when was the last time that you took time to go before God at the start of the day in prayer and asked
Him to prepare a heart to hear His Word from your lips during the day? Why is it that I seem so re-
luctant to ask of Him who will definitely provide a witnessing opportunity? Why is it that you are not
daily at His feet seeking power from above to do His will and His bidding. I found myself wondering
whether or not the myriads of people that we interact with on a daily basis even know that Christ is
coming SOON. Do we believe that the Investigative Judgment is all but over? And if so, are acting in a
manner that shows our conviction? Are we concerned that many within our sphere of influence have
no idea how the signs on the economic, spiritual and nature-side fore-tell that the coming King is at
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
the door?
Editorial .............................. ……1
On the plane back home I was reading some spiritual material and came across a quotation that took Covering My Head .............. .….2
me back to the topic that had so absorbed my attention the night before: ―What is the Sentinel for, The Pillars ........................... .….4
but to be the voice of the watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the danger signal? We are not to Exercise ............................... .….5
cringe and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth: we should scorn concealment? Unfurl Lift Up Your Heads ............. .…7
your colors to meet the cause of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists Temperance ........................ .….8
can make no compromise. In your opinions and faith there must not be the least appearance of wa- Thoughts On Dress ............. .….9
vering. The world has a right to know what to expect of us, and will look upon us as dishonest, as
hiding our real sentiments and principles out of policy, if we carry even the semblance of being un-
committed till the popular voice has pointed out the safe way. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which
Christ said He would send into the world, was to bear an unwavering testimony. Ms 16, 1890, p.
16‖
We need to ask ourselves the question, are we truly standing as faithful watchmen on the walls of
Zion? Can those that we are acquainted with testify that they know that which we believe, especially
that our sojourn on this earth is at all but an end? Are we willing to tell the truth as it is and give the
trumpet a trusty sound or are we too often found making excuses that our truths are unpalatable?
My experience had a happy ending in that we did talk, no matter how briefly during the evening meal,
about the fact that the signs all are crying out that time as we know it on this earth is limited. My chal-
lenge to each one of us is that we purpose in our hearts to daily remember to ask that Christ makes us
an instrument of His will during the day. My humble prayer is that we may daily share something of
the love of Jesus and His current ministration with someone with whom we come in contact.
 WHY COVER YOUR HEAD? BY BR K WILLIAMS
The passage of scripture we are examining has seen various
interpretations. The interpretations have changed as soci-
ety has changed, and now it seems that whatever the inter-
pretation, the conclusion is always the same—women in
our society do not have to cover their heads in worship. I
came to the conviction in my early preaching years that the
commands of this passage apply to women in worship in all
places in all cultures. I have worked hard to make this a
thorough and careful study of the verses and the various
arguments which have been made on the verses. I have also
tried to keep from any unfair or prejudicial language. I
want this to provoke thought and
study, not raise temperatures. May
God bless us all as we study and try our
best to follow His will.
Paul K. Williams, Eshowe, South
Africa
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Both in the matter of eating meat sacri-
ficed to ancestors or idols, and in cov-
ering or not covering the
head when praying or prophesying, we
should follow Paul because he was fol-
lowing Christ.
Remember that Paul taught the same in every church. “For
this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved
and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of
my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in
every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:17) These ―ordinances‖ or
―traditions‖ are the inspired commandments which came
from the apostles. To the Thessalonians Paul wrote: “So
then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the tradi-
tions which you were taught, whether by word of
mouth or by letter from us.” (2 Thessalonians
2:15). These are not human traditions, but the practices
commanded by the apostles which all the churches must
keep. (1 Cor. 4:17).
3But I would have you know, that the head of
every man is
For the man is not of Christ; and the
the woman; but the head of the
woman is the
woman of the man man; and the
head of Christ
is God.
The main subject of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 is the head cover-
ing. There are several reasons which Paul gives to prove
2
that women are to cover their heads when praying or
prophesying and men are not to cover their heads. The first
is the order of headship given by God. The Divine order of
headship is: God, Christ, man, woman. It is well to observe
that Paul talks about man in general and woman in gen-
eral. It is not just that the husband is head of the wife, it is
that man in general is head of woman in general. This
teaching applies to married men and women, and to single
men and women—to man and woman. This makes the sub-
ject of the head covering of first importance. The head
must be covered or not covered in order to show the proper
relationship of Christ, man and
woman. ―The relationship set forth
in 1 Cor. 11:3, is as unchangeable as
the word of God, and will last until
the end of time. The covering that
symbolized woman‘s subjection to
man is to be worn when she prays in
the assembly as long as this relation-
ship exists!‖ (What Did PaulTeach
in 1 Cor. 11:2-16?, William H.
Lewis.)
4Every man praying or
prophesying, having his head covered, dishon-
oureth hishead.
Note, Paul does not say that this command is restricted to
the church at Corinth. He bases the command on the fact of
headship and says ―every man‖. The phrase ―praying or
prophesying‖ occurs here and in verse five, while the word
―pray‖ alone is in verse 13. Notice that Paul joins the two
actions with the word ―or‖. This means that the require-
ment concerning the head covering applies to those doing
both OR either one—either praying or prophesying. It is
not necessary for a person to do both of those things before
the head covering rules must be followed.
5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth
with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head:
for that is even all one as if she were shaven
God‘s order for the woman is the opposite from His order
for the man. When she prays or prophesies she must cover
her head. If she does not, she disgraces her head (man).
This means that she must show her subjection to God‘s ar-
rangement of headship by covering her head while praying
or prophesying. Her action in refusing to cover her head is
a statement that she is equal in authority to man. In that
case, she is the same as a woman who shaves her head like
a man might do. E. P. Gould comments: ―The long hair and Man must not cover his head (when praying or prophesy-
the veil were both intended ing) because he is the image and glory of God. This point
as a covering of the head, and is important when considering whether the head covering
as a sign of true womanli- command was simply
ness, and of the right relation the enforcement of local or universal custom of the time.
of woman to man; and hence Heathen custom was the opposite of what Paul here states,
the absence of one had the and nothing in the law of Moses said a man must have his
same significance as that of head bare when praying or prophesying. It is God‘s New
the other‖ (Commentary Testament command.
on 1st Corinthians. pg. 94)
8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman
6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the
shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be woman; but the woman for the man.
shorn or shaven, let her be covered. Paul is still with the creation account. Not only was Adam
The word ―also‖ shows that Paul is talking about two cover- formed first, but the woman was created to be a helper for
ings—the veil and the hair. If she does not cover her head Adam (Genesis 2:18), or as Paul puts it here, “for the man’s
(with a veil), then she might just as well cut off her hair or sake.” These two facts explain why woman is the glory of
shave her head. Let her head be in all respects like a man‘s. man. (v. 7)
Lipscomb and Shepherd comment: ―It is a shame for a
woman to be shorn or shaven because it fashions her, to 10For this cause ought the woman to have power
that extent, as a man, and it is God‘s will, distinctly re- on her head because of the angels.
vealed in the Scriptures, to keep the sexes distinguishable. This verse is the conclusion of what Paul has argued in
For a woman to remove her hair is in part to obliterate this verses 8 and 9. Because woman is the glory of man and was
outward distinction, and is therefore a trampling under created for him, she is to have a (symbol of) authority on
foot God‘s will. And as further defense of woman modesty her head. This symbol of authority is the covering. It is the
and morality, God forbids the sexes wearing each other‘s symbol that man is her head.
clothes: „A woman shall not wear that which per-
taineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a 11Nevertheless neither is the man without the
woman‟s garment; for whosever doeth these woman, neither the woman without the man, in
things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy the Lord.12For as the woman is of the man, even
so is the man also by the woman; but all
God.‟ (Deut. 22:5)”Paul would have a hard time making things of God.
this argument today in American society. But it was a These two verses guard against the possible interpretation
strong argument in the society of Paul‘s time, and has been that woman is inferior to man. Man is born of woman, and
in most societies since then. It is a shame to women that all things come from God. Man needs woman and woman
they want to look like men today. That it is not shameful needs man. Each has his or her own role, but both are
for a woman to have her hair shorn (―cut short‖—Thayer) equally precious and valuable in God‘s sight. Thus a hus-
or to have her head shaved is an indictment on our society. band must “grant her (the wife) honor as a fellow heir of
It shows how godless we are becoming. (Read David W. the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hin-
Bercot‘s sermon in which he connects the teachings against dered.” (1 Peter 3:7)It is not true that because one person is
the head covering with the rise of the feminist movement.) in command and an-
other is under him, that
7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, the one under the com-
forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: mander is inferior to
but the woman is the glory of the man. him. . This is best seen
Man is the image and glory of God, not because he is holy in the fact that Jesus is
and pure, but because God gave him authority and domin- subject to His Heavenly
ion over all the animals and made him head over woman. Father. This does not
Charles Hodge writes: ―The only sense in which the man, in make him inferior to
distinction from the woman, is the image of God, is that he the Father. BUT…… To
represents the authority of God. He is invested with domin- Be Continued
ion.‖ (Commentary on 1st Corinthians pg. 209-210).
3
 THEY WILL SEEK TO REMOVE THE PILLARS…..BY SR EG WHITE
1Ti 4:1,2 . Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the lat-
ter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hy-
pocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
The time of this apostasy is here. Every conceivable effort
will be made to throw doubt upon the positions that we have
occupied for over half a century. 3SM, p408
I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I
trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our breth-
ren and sisters not to enter into controversy over the pres-
ence and personality of God. 1SM, p203
Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now be-
fore us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most
startling nature. 1SM, p197
Satan hopes to involve the remnant
people of God in the general ruin
that is coming upon the earth. As
the coming of Christ draws nigh, he
will be more determined and deci-
sive in his efforts to overthrow
them. Men and women will arise
professing to have some new light
or some new revelation whose ten-
dency is to unsettle faith in the old
landmarks. Their doctrines will not
bear the test of God's word, yet
souls will be deceived. False re-
ports will be circulated, and some
will be taken in this snare. They will believe these rumors
and in their turn will repeat them, and thus a link will be
formed connecting them with the archdeceiver. This spirit
will not always be manifested in an open defiance of the
messages that God sends, but a settled unbelief is expressed
in many ways. Every false statement that is made feeds and
strengthens this unbelief, and through this means many
souls will be balanced in the wrong direction. 5T, p295
What influence is it would lead men at this stage of our his-
tory to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the
foundation of our faith--the foundation that was laid at the
beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by
revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for
the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the be-
ginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of
our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the com-
mand, "Meet it!" I must bear the messages of warning that
God gives me to bear, and then leave with the Lord the re-
sults. I must now present the matter in all its bearings; for
the people of God must not be despoiled.We are God's com-
mandment-keeping
4 people. For the past fifty years every
phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to be-
cloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word--
especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heav-
enly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last
days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of
Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been
urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the
truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful
study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the
Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are,
are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has
signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit.
He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the
fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable
authority. 1SM, p207/208
I know that the sanctuary question
stands in righteousness and truth,
just as we have held it for so many
years. It is the enemy that leads
minds off on side-tracks. He is
pleased when those who know the
truth become engrossed in collect-
ing scriptures to pile around errone-
ous theories, which have no founda-
tion in truth. The scriptures thus
used are misapplied; they were not
given to substantiate error, but to
strengthen truth. GW, p303
Satan is striving continually to bring
in fanciful suppositions in regard to the sanctuary, degrad-
ing the wonderful representations of God and the ministry of
Christ for our salvation into something that suits the carnal
mind. He removes its presiding power from the hearts of be-
lievers, and supplies its place with fantastic theories in-
vented to make void the truths of the atonement, and de-
stroy our confidence in the doctrines which we have held
sacred since the third angel's message was first given. Thus
he would rob us of our faith in the very message that has
made us a separate people, and has given character and
power to our work.--Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, p.
17
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition
that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-
day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in
giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our
faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this
reformation to take place, what would result? The principles
of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant
church, would be discarded.
Our religion would be changed. The fundamental princi-
ples that have sustained the work for the last fifty years
would be accounted as error. A new organization would be
established. Books of a new order would be written. A sys-
tem of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The
founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a
wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly
regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be
allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The
leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God
being removed, they would place their dependence on hu-
man power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foun-
dation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest
would sweep away the structure. Who has authority to be-
gin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our
experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the
Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compro-
mise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in har-
mony with this truth? 1SM, p204/205
Ju 1:17-20 But, beloved, remember ye the words which
were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus
Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in
the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly
EXCERCISE…..BY SR T NKOMO
Why don‘t we talk about it? Why don‘t we hear sermons
about it? It‘s an arm of the 3 angels‘ messages, why is the
church so silent? The world has jumped on the bandwagon.
I heard more about it at school than I do in the ‗school of
Christ,‘ why is that? Are we not doing it? Are we just lazy
couch potatoes? What‘s our excuse? Ignorance? Not caring?
We only have one body, we need to take
care of it in the best possible way. God
used the best materials for the temple
He had Solomon build, doesn‘t He de-
serve the same when it comes to our
body temples?
Yes, it‘s the dreaded word-EXERCISE!
What we‘re meant to do (according to
the Spirit of prophecy) even when we‘re
ill. Thousands are sick and dying around
us who might get well and live if they
would; but their imagination holds
them. They fear that they will be made worse if they labor or you, as EGW states, but it will be even better for you-what
exercise, when this is just the change they need to make
them well. Without this they never can improve. They
should exercise the power of the will, rise above their aches ing only one part of the body was not doing justice to your
and debility, engage in useful employment, and forget that body. So don‘t just exercise your abdominal muscles, use
they have aching backs, sides, lungs, and heads. Neglecting every part of your body, then your body will work harmoni-
to exercise the entire body, or a portion of it, will bring on ously.
5
lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, hav-
ing not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves
on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines
which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is
gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital impor-
tance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the
agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions
which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist
and expose, are now regarded with favor by thousands who
claim to be followers of Christ. GC, p46
Anyone who has been a close student of the Bible will see
and understand the solemn position of those who are living
in the closing scenes of this earth's history. They will feel
their own inefficiency and weakness, and will make it their
first business to have not merely a form of Godliness, but a
vital connection with God. They will not dare to rest until
Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. Self will die;
pride will be expelled from the soul, and they will have the
meekness and gentleness of Christ.-- Manuscript 28, 1890
morbid conditions. Inaction of any of the organs of the body
will be followed by a decrease in size and strength of the
muscles, and will cause the blood to flow sluggishly through
the blood vessels. p. 76, Para. 2, [3T].
You call yourself a soldier of Christ, then come on, exercise!
Look how fit the world‘s soldiers have to
be, and they don‘t have as much to con-
tend with as God‘s remnant church does.
Not only is exercise good for our bodies,
but it sharpens our minds too. Young
man, how will you flee into the hills if
you can‘t even take a flight of stairs
without running out of breath! And yes,
you too old lady! There‘s no reason to
stay indoors the whole day unless you
are TRULY an invalid. If you are unable
to run, then walk outside in the sun-
shine. Work in your garden, it might tire
sweet sleep you‘ll have!
Speaking of Ellen White, you know, she knew that exercis-
Even in the garden of Eden, man was meant to work. The
work would not have been as strenuous as it is nowadays, So..the next question is…How? How do I improve my
nevertheless, we were never meant to be indolent. And to health? Should I join the nearest gym and spend a lot of
echo those garden-days, the best place for us to exercise ismoney to run in one spot on a treadmill? How can I go to
out in the fresh air, breathing in pure air. Not in a sweatythe gym and stay in modest dress anyway? Fear not…you
gym where you are forced to listen to secular music. And don‘t need to waste money at the gym. As previously men-
don‘t worry housewives-not only does Ellen White say it, tioned, the best place to exercise is outdoors. If you live
but those in the business of doing weird research also say near a park, near a common, near a mountain, take a hike
that-housework is a good form of exercise. And combine up there. Going uphill will do you even more good and the
that with taking a walk outside, doing some gardening and fresh air, the beautiful scenery will bring you closer to God.
you have a useful workout. The benefits are tremendous-a Walking is the best form of exercise for those who are sick,
clean house, a healthy body and a and for those who are pregnant. It‘s
good night‘s rest! free, easy, not hard on the joints.
Working in the fields is a good way to
Let me list some more benefits that not only exercise, but a good way to live
come with exercise… off the earth and learn to sustain one-
Improved mood. That is true. The self. We have been called to move out of
brain releases endorphins-a feel god the cities, if agricultural training were
hormone- that gives you a natural given the place it deserves, there would
high. No need to indulge in caffein- be a group of healthy young men who
ated beverages that just injure your are able to sustain their families in rural
body. settings. Children ought to be trained
Can prevent high blood pressure, when young to also work in the field,
type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, certain this not only gives them physical
cancers and a host of other chronic diseases. strength, but in the seeds they plant, they learn about
Reduces the risk of strokes. Christ too. Let us remember that God wants a well-
Weight management-you take it off, and by continuing to balanced body. Not only should we eat right, but we should
exercise, you keep it off too. live right in all aspects. This means bringing our bodies to
Improves sexual health and satisfaction. Men who exercise the best state of health possible.
regularly have less chance of suffering from erectile dys-
function. This is because of improved circulation. Couples, Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession mor-
if you have been living sedentary lives, start with an eve- tals can have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly pur-
ning stroll after supper and take it from there. chased, if it be at the loss of the vigor of health. None of
Exercise decreases stress levels and depression-makes these attainments can secure happiness, if health is want-
sense, endorphins released. ing. It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has
Alleviates menstrual cramps. given us; for every abuse of health enfeebles us for life and
Reduces risk of premature death. makes us losers, even if we gain any amount of education.
Improves brain functions- new brain cells are formed p. 150, Para. 2, [3T].
which help with memory retention and cognition.

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6
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...BY BR NKOMO
News: In an historic move to reinforce Jewish-Catholic dialogue
Pope Benedict XVI has asked an Israeli Rabbi to become the first
Jewish spiritual
leader to address a
Roman Catholic
synod. Father Fede-
rico Lombardi, the
Vatican spokesman,
said Shear-Yashuv
Cohen, Grand Rabbi
of Haifa, would ad-
dress the two day
Synod of Bishops in
Rome next month,
convened by the Pope to discuss the Bible, with the theme "The
Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." More than
200 bishops are expected to attend. Rabbi Cohen is to explain to
the bishops the Jewish interpretation of the Bible, whose first five
books comprise the Torah, Judaism's most sacred writings. He
told the Catholic News Service (CNS) in Jeusalem that he saw the
invitation as a "signal of hope bringing a message of love,
coexistence and peace for generations." Rabbi Cohen is
already well known in Italy and the Vatican for his ac-
tive promotion of Jewish-Catholic relations. In April
Pope Benedict, who has followed John Paul II in giving
priority to Jewish-Catholic dialogue, became the first
pontiff to enter a synagogue in the United States. He is
also due to meet Muslim scholars in the Vatican this autumn.
NEWS: Representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will be
present alongside others from the Patriarchates of Moscow, of
Serbia and of Romania, from the Orthodox Church of Greece and
the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as from the Anglican
Communion, the World Lutheran Federation, the Church of the
Disciples of Christ and the World Council of Churches, he ex-
plained.
COMMENT: In a month where a number of key statements have
been made by a number of leaders of various denominations in
pushing the ecumenical agenda, we chose to highlight the above
because of the number of firsts. A lot of work has obviously gone
on behind the scenes as Jews reach over to grasp the hand of Ca-
tholicism. What we are seeing is the manifestation of all that
work. It is not long now until faithful and true Adventists are sin-
gled out for not wandering after the beast.
NEWS: A reported miracle cure at a coastal shrine 60 years ago jor denomination that does not
launched a devotion that continues to draw tens of thousands of
people to celebrate the shrine's annual feast day. More than
150,000 Buddhists, Catholics and Hindus came to the shrine of
the Holy Cross, situated in the middle of a cemetery near the
town of Marawila, on Sept. 14, feast day of the Holy Cross. The
7
shrine, a simple structure open on two sides with a large crucifix,
sits about 50 kilometers north of Colombo. It belongs to Our
Lady of Presentation Parish in Marawila. Many people consider it
a place of healing. Pilgrims make vows and give offerings, hoping
for the healing of not just sickness or disabilities, but also family
problems.
COMMENT: Had anyone told me a year before I became Ad-
ventist that Buddhists, Hindus and Catholics would, in a few
short years, be worshipping together IN A CEMETRY, I would
have assumed they were mentally unstable. I often wondered how
it was that all these religions could come together and attack the
Remnant given their varied beliefs. Now, given that ―In a mas-
sive candlelight vigil protest at Orange County, California, Bud-
dhist monks, Catholic priests, and leaders of other faiths led
thousands of faithful to pray..‖ and that they are worshipping
together in some countries as evidenced above, I am comfortable
in the knowledge that it is possible; even if I don‘t know the intri-
cacies.
NEWS: Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams yesterday
made the first visit of a leader of the Church of England to the
Catholic shrine at Lourdes. Dr Williams said the story of Berna-
dette Soubirous, the 19th century French peasant girl whose vi-
sions of Mary led to the founding of the shrine, provided hope for
those who were attempting to spread the Christian faith, The
Guardian reports. He added that the experience of coming to a
holy place "soaked in the hopes and prayers of millions" could
help people grasp the "deep and mysterious" joy of God. Dr Wil-
liams' pilgrimage to the holy site coincides with the 150th anni-
versary of St Bernadette's visions and follows Pope Benedict's
visit to the shrine earlier this month. "Bernardette's neighbors
and teachers and parish clergy knew all they thought they needed
to know about the Mother of God - and they needed to be sur-
prised by this inarticulate, powerless, marginal teenager who had
leapt up in the joy of recognition to meet Mary as her mother, her
sister, bearer of her Lord and Redeemer," Archbishop Williams
said during a sermon at the international mass at Lourdes cele-
brated by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Vatican's pon-
tifical council for the promotion
of Christian unity. .
COMMENT: The above does
not need any to comment except
to say that to my knowledge the
Adventist church is the only ma-
hold Mary in ―High Esteem‖. Add
to this that the fact that all the
other major world religions have a woman in a central place in
their worship and one begins to see how lonely true Adventists
are.
 TEMPERANCE
With what does the apostle Paul class temperance?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper-
ance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22, 23.
What does the same apostle say of those who strive
for the mastery?
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate
in all things." 1 Cor. 9:25.
In running the Christian race, what did Paul say he
did in order to be successful?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:
lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I
myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27.
What is the effect of intemperance?
"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?
who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who
hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they
that go to seek mixed wine." Prov. 23:29, 30.
Why were kings prohibited the
use of strong drink?
"It is not for kings to drink wine; nor
for princes strong drink; lest they
drink, and forget the law, and per-
vert the judgment of any of the af-
flicted." Prov. 31:4, 5.
Why were priests not allowed
to use intoxicating drink?
"And the Lord spake unto Aaron,
saying, Do not drink wine nor strong
drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee,
when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, ...that
ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and be-
tween unclean and clean." Lev. 10:8-10.
Why did Daniel and his companions refuse to
drink of the wine of the king of Babylon?
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile
himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the
wine which he drank." Dan. 1:8.
After protesting against the use of the stimulants
offered them, what did they request?
"Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days: and let them
give us pulse to eat and water to drink." Dan. 1:12.
At the end of the ten days' test, how did these He-
brews appear?
"And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared
fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat
the portion of the king's meat." Dan. 1:15.
At the end of three years (the time appointed for
them to learn the Chaldean tongue, (Dan. 1:4, 5)
8
how many in the realm were found equal in learn-
ing to these abstainers?
"Now at the end of the days... the king communed with
them; and among them all was found none like Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah ...And in all matters of
wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them,
he found them ten times better than all the magicians and
astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel 1:18-20.
Did not Paul recommend the use of wine under
certain conditions?
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stom-
ach's sake, and thine often infirmities." 1 Tim. 5:23.
NOTE. - There are two kinds of wine spoken of in the Bible.
One of these was the juice of the grape, and was pressed
from the fruit into the cup as it was needed to drink. Gen.
40:11. It is this kind that is said to cheer God and man
(Judges 9:13), and is dried up when the vine is destroyed.
Joel 1:10-12. The other kind was that which had stood until
it fermented, and alcohol had
formed from the decaying sub-
stance.
How is the first kind spoken
of?
"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep,
with fat of lambs, and rams of the
breed of Bashan, and goats, with the
fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou
didst drink the PURE BLOOD OF
THE GRAPE." Deut. 32:14.
How is the second kind repre-
sented?
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it
giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At
the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder."
Prov. 23:31, 32.
With what other low debaucheries is drunkenness
more or less associated?
"Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idola-
try, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel-
ings, and such like." Gal. 5:19-21.
Can a drunkard enter the kingdom of God?
"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor. 6:10.
How, then, should a Christian regard one who per-
sists in drunkenness?
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if
any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covet-
ous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard." 1 Cor. 5:11.
 THOUGHTS ON DRESS....FINAL INSTALLMENT BY BR E PREWITT
Q. Is this a salvational issue?
A. Why do you ask? Let us face a few facts before answer-
ing this directly.
There are Bible
issues that are
causing a signifi-
cant amount of
controversy over
theories. What
you believe about
Zechariah 14,
Revelation 4, or
about the identi-
fication of the daily may make you a target of others
that feel differently about the same. The last sentence
of the following paragraph is particularly helpful in
answering the question if we understand the sentences
before it.
It is often the case that the customs and climate of a
country make a condition of things that would not be
tolerated in another country. Changes for the better
must be made, but it is not best to be abrupt. The
truth received into the heart sanctifies the receiver.
The power of the grace of God will do more for the
soul than controversy will do in a lifetime. By the
power of the truth how many things might be ad-
justed, and controversies hoary with age find quie-
tude in the admission of better ways. The great,
grand principle, "Peace on earth and good will to
men," will be far better practised when those who
believe in Christ are labourers together with God.
Then all the little things which some are ever harping
upon, which are not authoritatively settled by the
Word of God, will not be magnified into important
matters. – Testimonies to Southern Africa, pp. 79-
80.
Theories that are not authoritatively settled by the Word
of God should not be magnified into important issues.
But even these theories become salvational issues when
controversy over them brings bitterness, dissention,
alienation, and thus, a withdrawal of the Holy Spirit.
You might say that it is the bitterness and dissention
that are the salvational issues. Perhaps you are right.
Dress can also become a salvational issue under the
same circumstances. A hardening of the heart, a dis-
tancing of one‘s self from one‘s brethren, will have an
impact on one‘s relationship to God.
Dress might also be a salvational issue to those with
whom we associate.
Love of truth is most certainly a salvational issue. Idola-
try of dress, not a rare ailment according to the Testimo-
nies, is also. It should be a matter of church discipline.
But if you love truth above all else and want to make Je-
sus happy by your dress and demeanor, if you cherish
love for your brethren and refuse to fall to bickering, if
you resist bitter thoughts and do what ever you can to
meet the needs of the dying world, you are acceptable to
God and to all that are His. Even if you are a lady wear-
ing pants. No one can be conscience for you.
But if you asked the question because you do not want
to seriously consider what God has said on the topic,
quibbles will not avail in the judgement. Trusting God
enough to believe Him is a salvational issue.
Q. What about when I am swimming or riding horses or
climbing mountains or repelling or working in the gar-
den?
A. See ―climbing trees‖ above. We would not want to rea-
son backwards. We
should keep the
seventh-day Sab-
bath. ―But what
about if I play on
the NFL?‖ ―Oh,
that would never
work. Muslims
keep part of Friday.
Maybe you should
be one of them in-
stead.‖ Can you see the fallacy in the question?
But regarding the working in the garden and riding
horses, for most of the last 1,000 years ladies did these
things a great deal. During that time they all wore
dresses. During the last sixty years they have spent
much less time in the garden and on the horses. Now
they wear pants. Ironic, isn‘t it?
9

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
The bulk of this newsletter is
authored by members of the
Mowbray SDA church whose
desire is to provide a thought
provoking newsletter for Ad-
ventists dwelling on the banks
of Jordan; in the process ap-
pealing to entire fidelity to the
Bible and the Spirit of Proph-
ecy.
Q. Why do spiritual people in leadership not believe this way?
A. Some do. Some do not. Some have been taught, some have not. But is the question
implying some deviant source of authority? Leaders thoughts are like your thoughts.
What they do not believe today they may well advocate tomorrow.
Q. I don‘t want to. I don‘t want to. I don‘t want to!
A. Oh.
Q. This isn‘t suppose to be a big issue. It is a mistake to notice people‘s dress and then
to to evaluate their character accordingly. Why then did you write this paper?
A. God noticed these things and that is reason enough to notice them. ―We, by the law,
are dead to the law.‖ In other words, when we become obedient, the counsel or com-
mand that we are obeying ceases to sound in our ears or to burden our consciences.
Dress is to be a small matter indeed. A few hours in a lifetime will suffice to study the
principles and determine a course of action that would harmonize with them. The lar-
ger issues may well absorb thousands of hours of study and mediation.
But the little issues can not be well ignored while we give proper attention to
the larger ones. For ourselves we know not which issue may prove to be the
largest one as the Holy Spirit probes our lives for idolatry.
God leads his people on step by step. He brings them up to different points which
are calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall
off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested, and tried a little
closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to the straight
work of God, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, or
be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel, "God will bring his work
closer and closer to test them, and prove every one of his people." Some are will-
ing to receive one point, but when God brings them to another testing point, they
shrink from it and stand back, because they find it strikes directly at some cher-
ished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts
out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not
prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to
see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the True Witness.—
2SG pp. 224-226.
Q. Do you realize that I feel hurt and a little angry that you would teach these
things?
A. I am sorry if you are hurt. I was nervous about writing it just because I was
afraid you might be. I was worried that you might become bitter and feel that
your freedoms were being taken away. If what I write is true, then those free-
doms were not really freedoms. If I am wrong, oh! I do want to know it! I
want to know the better way to understand these statements. Believe I am sin-
cere in this and help me before I lay a needless burden on the backs of many.
Teaching it is a burden. But if it is true (as I believe) then it is a light burden
and I am happy to bear it.
Q. So you are saying that there is an eleventh commandment? ―Ladies don‘t
wear pants.‖
A. No. There is a second principle. ―Love your neighbor as yourself.‖ The
question is not ―What may I get away with?‖ But ―What can I wear that would
be, beyond a doubt, pleasing to Jesus?‖ You may answer that for yourself. The
statements in this paper may help you if help is what you are looking for in
Inspiration.
Contact Information:
+27(0)21 556 9971 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575
poh@itshe.com  PO Box 34197, Rhodes Gift, 7007, Cape Town, South Africa
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