PRISONERS OF HOPE

September 2008
EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
Sitting in Sabbath School on the 16th of August, I heard a mission story that really got me thinking. It was
about a young man who chose to attend a public school instead of an Adventist one. His premise was
simple, “why should I go to an Adventist school where most people are already Christians instead of go-
ing to a public school where most are secular? In this way I will be able to turn the school into my mis-
sion field.” What a noble mission, I thought to myself as the reader continued with the story.
Being a sinful being, the very thought of this young man‟s mission that he recognized so early pricked my
conscience. My natural reaction was to excuse myself for my failure in my youth to do something similar.
You see, I attended an Anglo-Catholic school and apart from Chapel Service on Sunday evenings and
Christian Group on most Friday nights (which I attended in order to get out of prep), I never spent regu-
lar time with God. I did read my Bible once in a while, the reason probably being that I had received it as
a present from my father when I was 9 years old. And now, I could not comprehend that I had failed to
hallow the Sabbath for so many years. I justified my failure by reckoning that there was no way that I
would have been allowed not to partake in sports on Saturdays, (yes, God suffered long with me), as it
was compulsory to play sports and to support all the 1 st Teams on Saturdays. As I attempted to vindicate
my actions, a recollection of two Adventist young me, that did not take part in my Sabbath- breaking
seared my conscience.
The initial justification of my actions having failed to hold up to scrutiny, a second excuse was quick in
coming. “I would have been such an outcast at school if I had chosen to be true to Adventism, especially
as everyone knew how good I was in the various disciplines I was part of.” Yes, there I was now adding
pride to the sin of excusing sin! All the while that my mind was meandering through my sinful past, the
story was being read and I had not paused to hear the still small voice of calm.
When I caught my breath, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me and say “You could have moved out of res
and stayed with your father and you would have been spared all your excuses.” I knew it was true and the
matter was settled as no excuse that I could conjure would stand against the voice of reason.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Why am I using this event in my life in the editorial? It is because I am convinced that my experience is
Editorial .............................. ……1
not unique. God sent two Adventists to my high school, who remained vegetarian and true to the Sab-
Homeopathy ....................... .….2
bath, in order to keep pricking at my conscience. I unfortunately did not heed His instruction at that
Thoughts On Dress ............. .….4
point in time even though I considered both young men good friends of mine. God pleads with us many a
There‟s a Meeting ............... .….5
time even in this day and age but, unfortunately, when many of us are faced with the truth our reaction
Lift Up Your Heads ............. .…7
is to strike out. Our response to our sin being exposed is to excuse it in one way or the other. Our re-
Faith Is ................................ .….8
sponse to light from above is to kick against the pricks.
Prophecies on Christ .......... .….9
How often do we seriously stop to listen to what God is saying to us? How often do we crowd out the
voice of the Spirit with our hardened hearts? How often are we willing to be broken on the Rock and ad-
mit our faults before God and seek to correct our evils? I was struck by the fact that even 13years after
leaving school, and 11 after my conversion I could still try to defend the evil deeds committed in the folly
of my youth.

I learnt valuable lessons from that trip into my thoughts which I pray that we will all cherish. I had no
excuse for not following fully the will of God; neither do you. I had no excuse for crowding out the voice
of God; neither do you. I continued to sin, back then, because I had no desire to fully dedicate my life to
God and to seek Him with all my heart. The same applies when you or I sin willfully. I had no excuse for
cherishing my sins from the past and going as far as excusing them; neither do you. The fact of the mat-
ter is that had I died back then I would have condemned myself to eternal death. Should you die today
whilst in the same state you too would be lost forever. My prayer is that my experience may in some way
serve as a reminder that we must always wholly commit ourselves to the living God and not excuse sin.
 HOMEOPATYHY BY SR T ROESCH
My husband and I owned a Health Food store for 10 years,
and our store was one of the few stores in the Country
where you could not buy Homeopathic Medicines. We did
some research on Homeopathy, its background and all, and
decided it wasn't something that we could sell, even though
we had many customers come to us, asking us to stock the
Homeopathic Medicines. Many Christians use Homeopa-
thy, thinking that it is "All Natural", not a drug, so it must
therefore be a good thing. Well, I would like to share with
you what we have learned, as I believe there are many
Christians, who if they only knew what they were using,
would have nothing to do with Homeopathy.
1. What is Homeopathy? Homeopathy (hoe-me-AH-
puh-thee) practitioners are generally qualified by local
training seminars. These seminars teach a system of diag-
nosis and treatment that was devel-
oped by Samuel Hahnemann in the
nineteenth century and is based on
the following laws:
The Law of Similars: “Like cures
like.” This errant law teaches that
any substance which produces symp-
toms in a healthy person will in min-
ute doses cure a sick person with the
same symptoms. In fact, the origin of
the word homeopathy is in the Greek
words for “like disease.”
The Law of Minimum Dose: Curative substances are
made more powerful by dilution and shaking. After mixing
one part substance with nine parts neutral solution (such
as alcohol or water), the mixture is shaken, then diluted
again with the same proportions. The process is repeated
until a “proper” dilution is achieved.
The Law of Single Remedy: Proper treatment entails
one remedy at a time.
The Law of Spiritual Cause: Homeopathy believes that
disease has no
..treatment is physical cause;
rather, it is an im-
aimed at restoring balance of the
the “vital force” spirit-like power
or the vital princi-
ple within the body.
2
2. What is the Origin of Homeopathy? Samuel Hah-
nemann published his foundational book, Organon of
the Rational Art of Healing, in 1810. At one time,
Hahnemann abandoned medicine because of the barbaric
practices of his day. He began to translate books instead,
and while engaged in translating a book describing the ef-
fects of quinine on malaria, Hahnemann took the drug
himself and soon developed symptoms similar to malaria.
His experiment gave rise to law number one: Like Cures
Like.
Hahnemann believed that diseases are not caused by any
material substance or disease matter, but they are derange-
ments of spirit-like power (the vital principle) that ani-
mates the human body. Homeopathy teaches that a cure
can take place only by the reaction of the vital force against
the rightly chosen remedy that has been ingested.. In other
words, he believed that physical
sicknesses are results of distur-
bances within the “vital force” and
can be cured only by restoring the
vital force to its original state.
Samuel Hahnemann was a fol-
lower of Emanuel Swedenborg, a
spiritualist and medium who
blended the world of nature with
the occult; this explains Hahne-
mann‟s view on medicine. With
this background, we can under-
stand why Hahnemann felt that
illness and disease were energy issues, not matter issues,
and should be fought on a spiritual level.
Hahnemann also adhered to the beliefs of the Freema-
sons, who are associated with mysticism and the occult.
He practiced mesmerism as well, a technique that was the
forerunner of modern hypnosis.
3. How Does it Work? A diagnosis is made by taking a
lengthy history while searching for unique symptoms. The
illness can then be treated with a diluted amount of disease
-causing solution. The treatment is aimed at restoring the
“vital force” or undergirding the body to help dispel its ill-
ness.
This theory appears similar to the theory of immuniza-
tions, which involves injecting a small amount of disease-
related material in order to stimulate the immune system.
However, homeopathy differs in that it believes a change in
energy is what heals, rather than the physical working of
the immune system.
However, homeopathy differs in that it believes a change in homeopathy must produce spiritual, not physical medi-
energy is what heals, rather than the physical working of cines.
the immune system. The cure supposedly comes not from Another major problem with homeopathy is the ever
the substance di- present fact that a homeopathic remedy is really just water
luted, but from the or alcohol. This in itself should warn us of its dangers. If it
shaking of the solu- is merely water or alcohol, we as Christians should ask,
tion, which provides “What makes it work?”
the “vital force” to 5. What Factors Should Be Considered? Those who
the solution. It does choose homeopathy must understand that the treatment
not always use dis- solutions consist of no original substance and that homeo-
ease-related mate- paths believe that they are “energized” in order to cure the
rial, as in the case of imbalance of vital force. This system of belief and practice
immunizations; is more of a “religious” approach to medicine, rather than a
rather, it uses anything that will produce similar symp- scientific one.
toms. I would highly recommend you getting an ORIGINAL Back
to Eden book, by Jethro Kloss. I stress, it must be the
Homeopathy is a rather complicated process of taking a ORIGINAL. The new Revised Version is not at all the same
particular substance, such as an herb, a plant, bacteria, or book and if Jethro Kloss could protest what they have done
diseased tissue, and making that substance into a trace to his book, I‟m sure he would. In his book, he talks about
substance. This begins with a long process of diluting one Homepathic Medicine, pages 49 & 50.
drop of a tincture of the substance with ninety-nine drops
of water or alcohol. The resulting solution is shaken for a “In the early part of the eighteenth century, a German
long time. It is this shaking process that is supposed to physician by the name of Hahnemann set forth the idea
give it its healing “energy.” Then one drop of that mixturethat it would be better to give small doses of medicines. He
is mixed with ninety-nine drops of water or alcohol to be started giving medicines in powdered form and in such
shaken again. This process is repeated several times until small doses that it had little effect as a drug. He did not
there is actually no original substance left. Homeopaths discard the old material medica, but in addition to giving
believe that this is the most power state, because at this mercury, arsenic, and all other minerals, included some of
point the solution has only a “memory” of the original sub-the most filthy serums, unsanitary preparations from bees,
stance, which is the healing “energy.” Thereby, homeopa- bedbugs, snake poisons, etc. Anyone with intelligence, who
thy deals with an “energy” disease and not with the physio-would take a few minutes to think about the make-up of
logical symptoms. the human body, would realize that minerals and such un-
sanitary medicines could not prove a panacea for any of the
4. What are the Concerns About Homeopathy? ills of man that they seemed to think they would.
One major error undergirding the founding of homeopathy Hahnemann was in the wrong when he ignored the fact
was Hahnemann‟s susceptibility of a type of sorcery. Hah- that it is the strength of nature that restores the body, when
nemann discovered that certain substances produced se- he said “like cures like.” Back to Eden, pages 49 & 50.
vere and unwanted reactions in some patients. He there- (1975)
fore sought to reduce the dosages given. In attempting to Sadly, and criminally, that was not printed in the “revised”
find the smallest effective dose for his substances, he version of Back to Eden. Instead, they have put in a section
thought he encountered a curious phenomenon. The more on the “signature” of plants
he dilutes a given substance, the more powerful it seemed
to become. In fact, he believed the “medicines‟ were im- If you would like to study
mensely powerful when not even a single molecule of the this further, here is a
original substance remained. website that contains
Hahnemann also reasoned that we must be dealing with much of the above infor-
energy, not matter. If one can really produce dramatic mation and a lot more -
healing with virtually no physical medicine, then we must www.skepdic.com/
be dealing in t he real of a vital force or some spiritual homeo
power that resides within matter itself. He concluded that
3
 THOUGHTS ON DRESS PART 3…..BY BROTHER E PREWITT
CONTINUED FROM LAST EDITION: Our clothing should Less shear, less tight, more careful, and you would be dress-
be constructed for durability and practicality. It should be ing kindly. Beautiful and sensual, these are not synonyms.
well-fitting and warm in cool weather. Does this require fol- Review: The changes in what society regards as clothing for
lowing fashion? Adopting a style of dress that is in keeping females and males are arrayed against the plain statements
with our faith is good regardless of whether or not the world of God. The changes have diminished the distinctions. This
may wear it. But fashion is an idol and I am afraid that more is the very movement forbidden by God though Moses in
people put money offerings before Moloch than would admit Deut. 22:5. Changing society may dictate what “pertains to a
to doing it. woman” but never can dictate how similar that may rightly
be to what pertains to a man. In other words, the Jesus-
The lives and pleasing woman may chose her “pertains to a woman” attire
teachings of from among those items society labels as feminine. But she
Christian par- must let conscience dictate which of those “feminine” arti-
ents should cles are the result of a societal slide towards neutrality.
be in marked These are to be avoided for reasons mentioned above and to
contrast with boycott the Devil‟s cruel trick that is causing so much pain
those of un- today in solemn immoral crimes.
believers.
Worldlings Respond….let me know how you react to this paper?
teach their The End
children to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
love display,
Q. What about when a lady is climbing trees?
and to bow to
the idol of fashion. They sacrifice themselves and their chil- A. Before we get to the question, we need to get to the root
dren upon this altar of Moloch. But Christians who profess of the problem that it implies. Let me illustrate with a differ-
to be seeking the heavenly Canaan, should obey the instruc- ent proposition and question. Proposition: We should not
tions of the Bible. We urge modern Israel to lay aside their frequent taverns where strip-dancing is practiced. Question:
ornaments, their jewels of silver and gold and precious But what about the man who evangelizes in the strip-tease
stones, to put off their costly-apparel, and to seek for the in- taverns? Answer: Oh, that is a hard question. Reply: Why?
ward adorning, even the ornament of a meek and quiet Answer: Umm, it confuses my epistemology. If a man, ac-
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Let children cording to Inspiration, is not to frequent such places, then
be educated, not to become devotees of fashion, but to be isn‟t the question a way of changing the source of authority
servants of God. {ST, May 26, 1881 par. 23} from Inspira-
tion to experi-
So that is all. We want to win the world. I conclude from the ence? I mean,
data above and lots and lots more that if ladies would dress if God says
ever so wholesomely “don‟t go
that they would be there” then
God has presented amazed at the in- isn‟t the ques-
several ide- crease in their wit- tion “what if I
nessing effectiveness go there?” a
als..regarding with men. If they type of hard-
dress. would make a stand ening the
that they would not heart?
bow at the idol of fashion, they would take a step that would
Now the Bible
make it more difficult for the world to say “they dress like us,
does not for-
they can‟t be that much different, why change?”
bid ladies
I didn‟t address the modesty issue really at all. Maybe I will climbing trees.
after writing another long disclaimer about being a man and
It does place
writing about sensually dressed females. That is an awkward
prohibitions on some seemingly harmless activities (like eat-
activity. But as a hint in the meantime…teasing outfits (that
almost reveal or make almost possible to see…) are to most ing fruit from a certain tree that looks like all the rest in the
men what a free cigarette is to a struggling tobacco addict. garden) on the basis of unforeseen problems. But climbing

4
trees, if one does it carefully, appears even to me to be a it has been a long time since I have seen a lady in a tree.
harmless recreation, and in the case of Zacchaeus, even a (To get a dead cow on the altar would be a lot easier if
practical solution to some problems. In the same chapter there were only steps leading up to it. Think about that for
that we first find the ten commandments we find another a minute or two.) Maybe the confusion that was prophe-
little verse that helps us with the principle we are discuss-sied to come from a blurring of distinctions between men‟s
ing: Ex 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine and women‟s clothing has included a confusion on the
altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. roles that God intended women to fill in the family. If there
is a tree that must be climbed, and if there are men around,
The priests were to dress a certain way when ministering in
is it possible that they ought to be the ones to climb it?
the sanctuary. Someone might have asked “But what
should they wear when they go up on steps to the altar? It Q. Is a woman a witch if she wears pants?
wouldn‟t be modest to wear their special clothing there.”
A. This is not a frequently asked question. However, it did
That question would be backwards thinking. Forward
happen once upon a time that a young female student of
thinking would reason like this, “Neither should they go up
mine called her mother and told her that I said that if a
on steps to the altar since that would be immodest with the
woman wears pants that she is a witch. In case that rumor
clothing that has been proscribed.” The first question leads
has spread, I would like to lay it to rest. I never said that or
logically to situational ethics where what is right is based
anything related to it. It is a silly proposition at best. But
on what is happening.
furthermore, I would like to answer the unasked question
So now to the ladies in the trees. What should they wear? If behind it. That question is a FTQ (frequently thought ques-
indeed ladies should wear only feminine clothing, then it tion). “What do you think about me since you believe a
may be that they will need to be creative in regard to tree lady should wear dresses and I am a lady that wears
climbing. Maybe they could do it only when the boys are pants?”…..Continued on P10
away? Or when they are wearing pants underneath? I think

THERE‟S A MEETING HERE TODAY…..BY SR T NKOMO

When I was growing up, camp meeting was THE event of
the year. All the girls would ask „What are you going to
wear?” and we all got new outfits. It was a time for us to get
together with our friends, away from our parents, and to
have holy „fun.‟ I remember the one year how we sang cho-
ruses and had lots of „fun‟ listening to cool groups present-
ing their “doo wah” songs. By “doo-
wah” songs I mean the type where the
bass aims to mimic a bass instrument
of some type, and acts as accompani-
ment to the rest of the group. The type
of special item rendered was more of a
'look at me' affair, than reverential wor-
ship and praise of an Almighty God. It
was all about the beauty of the voice
and how exciting and fun the songs
were…I‟m sure by now you‟ve noticed
that I‟ve used the word „fun‟ many
times.
This is what I associated it with-what we grew up thinking.
Of course, if you like groups that make use of this musical
form, you are likely to see nothing wrong with the kind of
atmosphere I‟m describing, after all, it‟s „enjoyable‟ and
5
„fun.‟ “And we ARE worshipping God…aren‟t we?” I won‟t
be hypocritical though, as a teen, the preparations and “fun”
that we had at the meetings touched my carnal, ignorant
nature and I really thought it was good enough for God.
I don‟t remember one single sermon from camp meeting. I
don‟t remember feeling God‟s presence
there, I just remember girls flirting with
boys, and people leaving the tent to go do
whatever young people do when their
parents aren‟t around and they are rebel-
lious. Even back then, I felt this was
wrong, but I never really knew what we
were there for anyway, choosing rather
to spend time with my female friends.
The longest we stayed at camp meeting
was a weekend, and it really can‟t be de-
scribed as a camp, it was in chalets and
other residential type abodes. I was
shocked when I found out that some peo-
ple actually DO camp in tents and have camp meeting for a
week. Last week I read Testimonies volume 6, and this is a
synopsis of what I discovered.
Camp meeting is meant to be an evangelistic tool, and also
a way to uplift the church members spiritually. One exam-
ple of this latter point is how parents are meant to be
taught how to train their children for the Lord, members
are meant to be taught how they can best carry forward the
mission of the Church.
They are meant to last for 2-3 weeks…Yes, you read cor-
rectly, 2-3 WEEKS. Not in out of the way places, but in the
cities, where the gospel is hardest to share. She mentions
how people should not „arouse opposition‟ by announcing
the meetings beforehand, as people are prejudiced against
us-still true today-and that the best way is to hand out leaf-
lets once the meetings have commenced.
aim for young and old, we would not attend hoping for en-
tertainment.
Besides the meetings to convict us of sin, and to present the
3rd angel‟s message to the unconverted, there should also
be meetings where testimonies are given. Testimonies of
praise, thanking God for the way He has blessed His chil-
dren. “ There would be much more power in our camp
meetings if we had a true sense of the goodness, mercy, and
long-suffering of God, and if more praise flowed forth from
our lips to the honor and glory of His name. We need to
cultivate more fervor of soul. The Lord says “Whoso offer-
eth praise, glorifieth Me” Ps 50:23”

Camp meeting, carried out in the correct way, is important In many cases there should be less of lengthy sermonizing,
for families to attend. “It is important that the members of and more hunting and fishing for souls. 6MR, p75.” In our
our churches should attend our camp meetings. The ene- labors at the camp-meetings more attention should be
mies of truth are many; and because our numbers are few, given to the work of teaching the principles of health and
we should present as strong a front as possible. Individu- temperance reform; these questions are to take an impor-
ally you need the benefits of the tant place in our efforts at this
meeting, and God calls upon you to time.” 1908MS, p. 362. After short
number one in the ranks of truth. talks, we are counseled to have time
Some will say: "It is expensive to for Bible studies and prayer. These
travel, and it would be better for us studies should be specifically on the
to save the money and give it for discourse that has just been pre-
the advancement of the work sented. We are also warned that
where it is so much needed." Do though Christ encouraged earnest
not reason in this way; God calls seekers of truth, we should not give
upon you to take your place among any time to those who only ask
the rank and file of His people. questions in order to debate or
Strengthen the meeting all you cavil.
possibly can by being present with
your families. Put forth extra exer- At Camp Meeting, the issues to be
tion to attend the gathering of raised include building new sani-
God's people.” 6T, p. 38-39 tariums, new educational facilities, and frontier/pioneer
mission work. No other fundraising should be done. Some-
I remember one of the meetings was full of jokes and fun. times, converts would want the meetings to continue for
The choruses were the type calculated to get one moving, even longer than the allotted time. At this point, if possible,
not to get the Holy Spirit moving in the heart. Those who the speakers remained behind. If not, a few families stayed
preferred to sit out the gym session were labeled boring. I behind in order to strengthen and nurture the newcomers
remember how we ended up leaving, hoping that the to our faith. A team was to work under a married couple, as
„adult‟s section‟ would be more spiritual, only to find the a mission family, teaching and training. This was so that
hall too full for us to enter. “If our eyes could be opened to the devil would not have any chance to carry the seed away.
see the good and evil agencies at work, there would be no “Had work in these various lines been done earnestly and
trifling, vanity, no jesting or joking.” vigorously after all our camp meetings, many more souls
would have been gathered in as the fruit of the seed sown
The Specific Object of the camp-meeting is to lead the peo- at the meetings.” May those who organise camp meetings,
ple to discern what they must do to inherit eternal life.” find this as a starting
Pamphlet 89, p. 4. In preparation for camp meeting, all point to follow the ad-
members are to search their hearts, acknowledge any faults vice God has given us.
they have and put their sins away. If brother has hurt It requires much sacri-
brother, he is to go to his brother and confess his faults to fice, not only on their
him, so that the Holy Spirit can work. God cannot work part, but also on the
where there is no love and unity in truth. During the meet- part of the attendees,
ings, people will be more open for God to convict and con- but think of the souls
vince them of His love for them. The minister is told that can be saved and
“Arouse the people to see how far they have departed from edified. May our camp
the Lord‟s ordinances by adopting worldly policy and con- meetings truly provide
forming to worldly principles. These have brought them us with refreshing and
into transgression of God‟s law.” Certainly, if this was the new vitality for our souls.
6
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...
QUOTE: '“The tempest is coming, and we must get ready
for its fury, by
having repen-
tance toward
God and faith
toward our
Lord Jesus
Christ. The
Lord will arise
to shake terri-
bly the earth.
We shall see
troubles on all
sides. Thou-
sands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Na-
vies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by the
millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human
efforts will be able to quench them. The palaces of the earth
will be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail
will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision,
and death without a moment's warning will occur on the
great lines of travel. The end is near, and probation is clos-
ing." Pamphlet 120 p. 10
NEWS: Spain is grieving for the 153 victims of Madrid's
plane crash, as experts begin to look into why the jet
crashed and burnt shortly after take-off. The country's
prime minister has visited some of the 19 survivors, while
King Juan Carlos met relatives of the victims at a makeshift
mortuary. Three days of mourning have been declared and
flags are at half-mast. Of the survivors of the Spanair flight
JK 5022 crash on Wednesday, several remain critically ill.
NEWS: A passenger plane has crashed shortly after take-
off from Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, killing 68 out of the
90 passengers and crew, officials say. There were many for-
eigners on board, including Iranians and Canadians. The
Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Iran, but turned
round about 10 minutes later
News: Durban - Authorities on Sunday afternoon urged
motorists to avoid using roads to Melmoth and Eshowe as
fires that are believed to have claimed the lives of at least 10
people made driving dangerous. Melmoth Protection Ser-
vices officer Derek Horne urged motorists to stay away
…."It's like a war zone here. The fires are out of control.
Please tell motorists to stay away," he said. ….A police
source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity
said the fire which claimed their lives was still burning out
of control. A further four fires are blazing in the Dubuni and
Makasaneni areas near Melmoth. Local officials have also
reported that these fire are out of control.
COMMENT: The last month seems to me to have seen its
share of aviation disasters and very near misses and it
frightens me to think that things are only going to get worse.
The quotation above from the pen of Inspiration should jolt
us into realizing that time for this world as we know it is in-
deed running out.
NEWS: The archbishop and auxiliary bishops of Milan, as
well as 80 of their priests, have set off for Russia to visit Or-
thodox Patriarch Alexy II…They will visit cathedrals and
monasteries, and participate in both Catholic and Orthodox
liturgies. In addition to Alexy II, they will also be received
by Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of the Mother of God Archdio-
cese in Moscow. The Milan priests will participate in the
7
Divine Liturgy of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, over
which the patriarch will preside in the Kremlin's Cathedral
of the Dormition… Cardinal Tettamanzi said he hopes the
pilgrimage experience "might contribute to enhance mutual
knowledge and the desire for unity." He also explained to
his diocesan priests that "to be pilgrims, means to try to en-
ter into the spirit of the Christian East and to begin to
breathe, as John Paul II so dreamed, also with that lung of
Christianity."
"With emotion I say that I hope the day will soon come
when the patriarch of Moscow will be able to embrace the
Successor of Peter," he added.
COMMENT: Having followed the ecumenical discourse
between Rome and the Russian Orthodox church I find the
last sentence telling as to who will ultimately bow to whom.
NEWS: BRUSSELS- A recent report from the Fundamental
Rights Agency (FRA) of the European Union (EU) has called
for binding EU regulations that would equalize the legal
status of married heterosexual couples with that of same-
sex and opposite-sex couples across Europe. It also recom-
mends policies aimed at "promoting visibility of homosexu-
ality and other gender identities" and criminalizing homo-
phobia through "hate crime" legislation.
NEWS….attorneys filed suit against the City of Elmira,
N.Y., after police threatened to arrest three Christians if
they did not remove a shirt and stop sharing biblical mes-
sages during a "gay" pride event at a public park. John Bar-
nes wore a shirt with the message "Liberated from sin by the
blood of Jesus" to the Southern Tier Pride 2008 at Wisner
Park – a June 14 event promoted as a celebration of homo-
sexual, bisexual and transgender lifestyles.According to the
complaint filed in a U.S. district court, Elmira police Capt.
Michael Marrone ordered Bar-
nes to remove his shirt to pre-
vent a "negative atmosphere" at
the event and arouse discomfort
in other attendees.
Another Christian, Julian Ra-
ven, carried a Christian news-
letter to the event called the El-
mira Protestor. Marrone threat-
ened to arrest Raven if he dis-
tributed the letter, saying it
contained obscene or illegal
material, according to the com-
plaint.
Capt. James Wandell and Sgt.
Sharon Moyer threatened a third Christian, James DeFerio,
with arrest for holding a sign on a public sidewalk adjacent
to the park. The sign read: "Thousands of ex-homosexuals
have experienced the life-changing love of Jesus Christ" and
listed websites for more information about ministry to ex-
"gays."…. However, according to the complaint, officers
then told him he was not allowed to talk to anyone at the
event about the Bible.
COMMENT: Jesus surely must be about to cast down the
censer. Homosexuality is now so prevalent in our society
that it is hard to remember a time when just about everyone
frowned upon the abomination. Many around the world
have been arrested for using the Bible to back up their views
and the silencing of the Word will only grow deeper all over
the world in the coming months.
 FAITH IS ASSURANCE AND EVIDENCE..SR WHITE
Hebrews: 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen
When you respond to the drawing of Christ, and join your-
self to Him, you manifest saving faith. 1SM, p334
Faith, saving faith . . . is the act of the soul by which the
whole man is given over to the guardianship and control of
Jesus Christ. He abides in Christ and Christ abides in the
soul by faith as supreme. The believer commits his soul
and body to God, and with assurance may say, Christ is
able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against
that day. All who will do this will be saved unto life eternal.
There will be an assurance that the soul is washed in the
blood of Christ and clothed with His righteousness and
precious in the sight of Jesus. HP, p104
You may ask, as many others have done, How may I know
that Jesus receives me and loves me? Shall I know by my
feelings? No; by obedience to His Holy Word. Appropriate
to yourself the rich promises of God. Believe His word that
Jesus is abiding in your heart by faith. Through faith and
trust in God you may have His peace, and you can then say,
"I know in whom I have believed. I will listen to every
whisper of His Holy Spirit." TMK, p41
It is the privilege of every one to say, "I will carry out my
Captain's orders to the very letter, feeling or no feeling. I
will not wait for a happy sensation, for a mysterious im-
pulse. I will say, "What are my orders? What is the line of
my duty? What says the Master to me? Is the line of com-
munication open between God and my soul? What is my
position before God?" Just as soon as we come into right
relations to God, we shall understand our duty and do it;
and we shall not think the good things we do, entitle us to
salvation. RH, April 9, 1889
How I wish that we might all believe in the promises of
God. . . . We are not to look into our hearts for a joyful
emotion as an evidence of our acceptance with Heaven, but
we are to take God's promises and say, "They are mine. The
Lord is letting His Holy Spirit rest upon me. I am receiving
the light; for the promise is, 'Believe that ye receive the
things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.' By faith I reach
within the veil and lay hold of Christ, my strength. I thank
God that I have a Saviour." FLB, p9
God can and does save to the utter most all who come unto
Him complying with the conditions specified in His word.
Our work is to place our will on the side of God's will.
Then, through the blood of the atonement, we become par-
takers of the divine nature; through Christ we are children
of God, and we have the assurance that God loves us even
as He loved His Son. We
are one with Jesus. We
walk where Christ leads the
way; He has power to dis-
pel the dark shadows which
Satan casts across our path;
and, in place of darkness
and discouragement, the
sunlight of His glory shines
into our hearts. 5T, p741
8
You are proved of God through the Word of God. You are
not to wait for wonderful emotions before you believe that
God has heard you, feeling is not to be your criterion, for
emotions are as change-
able as the clouds. You
must have something
solid for the foundation
of your faith. 1SM p328
John 20:29 Jesus saith
unto him, Thomas, be-
cause thou hast seen me,
thou hast believed:
blessed [are] they that
have not seen, and [yet]
have believed.
Oh, I wish we could see these things as they are, and be
sensible Christians! If we do not have ecstatic feelings, we
begin to doubt whether we are Christians or not, when we
should not look at our feelings, but at God's word; for there
is our assurance. We must bring our hearts into a right po-
sition. We must put away all sin, all pride, all impatience,
all envy and evil thoughts, all jealousies, and then, while
working out our own salvation, God will work in us to will
and to do of his good pleasure. RH, April 12, 1887
Only through faith in Christ's name can the sinner be
saved. . . . Faith in Christ is not the work of nature, but the
work of God on human minds, wrought in the very soul by
the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ, as Christ revealed the
Father. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi-
dence of things not seen. With its justifying, sanctifying
power, it is above what men call science. It is the science of
eternal realities. HP, p51
Hebrews 10:22,23 Let us draw near with a true heart in
full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an
evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without waver-
ing; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)
I AM the assurance of every promise. I AM; be not afraid.
"God with us" is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the
assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven. DA p24
2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these
things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I
have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2 Crinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evi-
dence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His
character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established
by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony
is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of
doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstra-
tion. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while
those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of
evidence on which to rest their faith. SC, p105
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence,
which hath great recompense of reward.
 PROPHECIES RELATING TO CHRIST
In what words did Moses speak of Christ?
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the
midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto Him ye
shall hearken." Deut. 18:15.
How may we know that the Prophet here spoken of
is Christ?
"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the
Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto
me," "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that
follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold
of these days." Acts 3:22, 24.
Was this prophecy fulfilled?
"Now all this was done [the birth of Jesus of the Virgin
Mary], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the
Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with
child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His
name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Matt. 1:22, 23.
Where was He to be born?
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among
the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth
unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel." Micah 5:2.
Was this prediction fulfilled?
"Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod
the king." Matt. 2:1.
How was His advent to be heralded?
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye
the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway
for our God." Isa. 40:3.
By whom was this fulfilled?
"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests
and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" "He
said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make
straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."
John 1:19.23.
Under what striking emblem was He prophesied of
by Balaam?
"There shall come a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise
out of Israel." Num. 24:17.
Is He designated under the same emblem in the New
Testament?
"I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and
morning star." Rev. 22:16. See also 2 Peter 1:19. Rev. 2:28.
What was predicted of the little children in connec-
tion with the birth of Christ?
"A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weep-
ing; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be com-
forted for her children, because they were not." Jer. 31:15.
How were these words of the prophet verified?
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise
men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the
children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts
thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time
which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was
fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, say-
ing, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and
weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her chil-
dren, and would not be comforted, because they are not."
Matt. 2:16-18.
How was He to be received by His own people?
"He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were our faces from
Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not." Isa. 53:3.
Did this prophecy prove true?
"He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and
the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His
own received Him not." John 1:10-11.
What was predicted of His preaching?
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord
hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He
hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim lib-
erty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound." Isa 61:1.
In what way was this prediction verified?
"And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up:
and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the
Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was deliv-
ered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He
had opened the book, He found the place where it was writ-
ten, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath
anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor: He hath sent
Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the
captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty
them that are bruised... And He began to say unto them, This
day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Luke 4:16-21.
What was said He would do when on trial?
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not
His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a
sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His
mouth." Isa. 53:7.
When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did
Christ receive their words?
"Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest thou not how many
things they witness against thee? And He answered him to
never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled
greatly." Matt. 27:13,14.
How did the prophecy state that Christ's murderers
would dispose of His garments?
"They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My
vesture." Ps. 22:18.
Was this literally accomplished?
"And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting
lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon
My vesture did they cast lots." Matt. 27:35.
How was it said they would treat Him while on the
cross?
"They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they
gave Me vinegar to drink." Ps. 69:21.
What was offered Him, when in His dying agony?
"They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and
when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink." Matt.
27:34.
Where was the grave of Christ to be made?
"And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich
in His death." Isa. 53:9.
What was actually done with His body, after it was
taken down from the cross?
"A rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph,... went to Pirate,
and begged the body of Jesus... He wrapped it in a clean
linen cloth, and laid it in His own new tomb, which he had
hewn out of the rock." Matt. 21:57-60.
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.
If you are reading this, then I probably think very highly of you. I do not gather from
the thought-question that you will base your conclusions upon my evaluation. But per-
haps it is right that you would inquire whether or not I condemn you for not conform-
ing to my opinions. I do not. There was a time in my life when I thought the very ideas
in this paper were fanatical. I was as truly consecrated to Jesus then as now. I was row-
ing in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Unless there is
some other reason that I cannot, I will suppose the same about you. I appreciate your
devotion and service, your warmth and efforts. I trust your judgement and respect your
reason. If you read this prayerfully and conclude that I am wrong, I will not be sure that
you are wrong in that conclusion, however much I may think you are. None of these
facts are reason enough to suppress a word of truth.
Q. What about culottes?
See disclaimers above. This paper is not intended to do your thinking for you.
Q. Is this a salvation issue?
A. Why do you ask? Let us face a few facts before answering this directly. There are Bi-
ble issues that are causing a significant amount of controversy over theories. What you
believe about Zechariah 14, Revelation 4, or about the identification 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 adjusted, and controver-
sies hoary with age find quietude 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 magni-
fied into important issues. But even these theories become salvational issues when con-
troversy 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 salva
tional issues. Perhaps you are right. Dress can also become a salvational issue under
the same circumstances. A hardening of the heart, a distancing 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. Idolatry of dress, not a rare ailment
according to the Testimonies, is also. It should be a matter of church discipline.
But if you love truth above all else and want to make Jesus happy by your dress and de-
meanor, 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 wearing pants. No one
can be (or should want to 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…. To Be Completed Next Month
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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