For as the body without the spirit is dead even so faith without works is dead. James 2:26

I have questions to bring on the table and here are some;
1. What rituals do you practice in your spiritual life?
2. Can one be spiritual without rituals?
3. How does ritual make one’s beliefs give sense and meaning?
4. Can one be holy or righteous without engaging in rituals?
5. Corporate Church rituals is it necessary?
6. What is your definition of ritual?
7. If there would be no rituals, how would your church worship look like?
8. Where did you learn the ritual you do or perform in church?
9. How did you learn the rituals in church?
10. Does your ritual have spiritual significance?
11. Does your spiritual ritual really help you or the church become more spiritual?
12. Should ritual be uniform and exacting?
13. Did your church copied a ritual without knowing its origin?
14. Do you do rituals without understanding why you are doing or performing it?

Each of us have ritual, taking a bath, brushing teeth, eating three ties a day, pray before you eat or sleep etc. These repeated series of activities was passed down to you from your parents. Thus becoming your habit or lifestyle. It just come automatic. Now if a number of you are doing it in the community then we can say it is a tradition or culture of the community. It can also be a description of your community to be called by your lifestyle.

When we talk about spirituality, we know that there will always be ritualistic activities being perform by religious groups. Rituals are a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.

People do rituals to find meaning and relevance to what they believed in.  People knew their limitations so they try to link to their built-in belief of a supernatural being to give them strength to their weaknesses, answers to their questions, received what they lack materially and become what they desire to be.

We can trace this mostly from self, our ego and our lack of discipline of our senses. So we have this belief and by applying our faith (what we are hoping to achieve), we will achieve this through aiding it with physical action. And this dedicated solemn acting out repeatedly born the whole program – ritual.

Let us take time to look at a body builder. Looking at his physical self and comparing it to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Anybody with weak will will back out. But he who believes he can achieved similar physique does not stop in believing. He has to have faith, but faith alone will not built him muscles. So he needs to follow some regimen. He has to do this repeatedly, religiously until he achieved what he saw is achievable from another.

Others would ask him how did he achieved such level of physical attributes. He will say, belief, discipline, self-control, faithfully follow the regimen (exercises, nutrition & supplement, regular gym visit). How effective was his gym ritual is both subjective and objective. Subjective is to him is his own experience, his own experience is his proof to himself and perhaps with his gym partner or gym mates as witnesses. Objective is what he says he did and gone through is through his physical attributes, big well defined muscular attributes similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But wait didn’t God gave us free health and that is enough to live. Yes, health is a free gift. You can still remain healthy without doing any fitness, but it is not the ultimate level of health. Health is a state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle.

You might want to check
Moral on Molar

How is that physical wellness similar to spirituality? Righteousness is a state of being whereas holiness is a state of a righteous lifestyle. Physical exercises is about physical well-being while spirituality is about higher inner well-being that is perfect holiness. In order to gain and maintain spiritual health and reach perfect holiness, it has to have a form of activities. To be like Jesus who is our ultimate person to imitate, then we have to learn how He was able to achieve His spiritual perfection and holiness as a human (though we know He is God).

What was Jesus’ rituals? Did His rituals overcame self and human tendencies? Yes, at the Wilderness boot Camp. Did He do spiritual push-ups? Yes, He did, P.U.S.H. ups (Prayed Until Something Happened) it was His ritual to meet and talk to God the Father in isolation in the wee hours of the night. Did He kept the Sabbath religiously? Jesus is always at the synagogue every Sabbath, it was his habit since teen age. His mother religiously and ritualistically brought Jesus to the temple until it became His lifestyle.

Does our church have rituals. Can you name some? Is it bad to have such rituals? Does it or does it not help in helping us grow in our spirituality? Many asked why we have this and that and says it does not help the spiritually. What would the believers do when they gather? Stare at each other, then leave, for the spiritual activity is done? I think the first reason for ritual is order. Yes for God is a God of order and not of chaos. Rituals done in order depicts an organized church and shows corporate discipline.

The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. DA 608.2

When will they ever come? When will they ever preach?

^{I will send disaster upon the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were to care for. 2 Instead of leading my flock to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. And now I will pour out judgment upon you for the evil you have done to them. 3 And I will gather together the remnant of my flock from wherever I have sent them and bring them back into their own fold, and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 And I will appoint responsible shepherds to care for them, and they shall not need to be afraid again; all of them shall be accounted for continually.} Jeremiah 23:1-4 (TLB)

What makes a good preacher? There could be a long list of what makes a good preacher. We have great preachers that we always wanted to hear and listen. Whose messages is like a massage on our ears and ego. but where are those preachers who give light in order for us to see God? They pull our ears to listen, grab our attention, because we feel them that they had been with God in the sermon. And we want more once we are well fed and well watered. Noticeably this modern times. modern preachers has a big tendencies to be the following:

1, Give “Instant Noodles” Just add hot water, pour in the spices, serve hot. Similarly with preaching – just heat it with short prayer add spicy Godly words – The common rationale is too busy to cook.

“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

2. Give “Processed Food” – You know what a can of baked beans look like. – You know this when you browse the internet and scrolling Sermon.com. Yes, just open the can, heat it on the study table, serve it on slide..Viola! – The common rationale is convenience.

How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? Jeremiah 23:26

3. Give “Biography” – it is like giving your own memoir – it’s all about you. – Rationale? it is easier to talk something you are familiar with which is yourself. Be careful when you hear yourself with this starter, “When I was young.” Stop it! Five minutes will extend to an hour, for sure.

For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Romans 16:18

4. Give “Saloon Shop Stories” – Saloon shop is brimming with stories, they can be true or not just stories both with sense and without. So we hear this in preaching stories after stories to spice the Word of God. -The common rationale is it entertains the congregation.

Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:28

5. Give “Copy Cat” – When the preacher is like possessed by another personality. In reality the preacher is a trying hard copy cat of another famous preacher. – The common rationale is if one can copy somebody else’s style, he might get the same congregation response.

“Therefore,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. ³¹ Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ Jeremiah 23:30

6. Give “Grab Food Service” – The service like this, check order, get food, deliver food, get payment and leave. The preacher just asked for the need, made the sermon, deliver, and done. The common rationale is it is just another preacher’s days work and nothing personal.

Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ Jeremiah 23:31

7. Give “Recycled Talk” – Recycled things are good and useful but please never on sermons. – How would you like a gauze from another person’s wound be used on your wound? The common rationale is it takes time to make a new sermon.

So I stand against these “prophets” who get their messages from each other—these smooth-tongued “prophets” who say, “This message is from God!” Jeremiah 23:30-31

8. Give “Repackaged Sermon” – One of marketing strategy is repackaging by changing the package wrap. preachers do this by changing the title and order and never the content. The common rationale is trying to be creative.

But you must not mention ‘a message from the Lord’ again, because each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God. Jeremiah 23:36

9. Give “Iced Soft Drinks” – We buy this cold drink of 20% soft drink 80% ice. Nobody complains because it is well accepted. 20% biblical and 80% whatever. – The common rationale is congregation wouldn’t notice.

 “Listen to the dream I had from God last night,” they say. And then they proceed to lie in my name. Jeremiah 23:25

10. Give “Milk & Porridge “- Just milk and porridge for babies in faith – where teeth-less senior congregation had been given milk and porridge since young in faith. They grew in faith of only milk and porridge and became contented of it. The common rationale is preacher only knows how to prepare milk and porridge. There is a time to give milk to the babies in faith and hard meat to those who have grown in faith.

But can you name even one of these prophets who lives close enough to God to hear what he is saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen? Jeremiah 23:18 TLB

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We need a new breed of bold, creative, passionate Spirit-filled preachers now and the coming future. Preacher who brings to life the Word of God, like you crave for it for more. Ellen White has seen and experienced these in her days. The godly principles shared to her is the same divine principles must be applied. The Source of the message is the same. The message have not changed since. The aid to deliver varies but the Spirit in which it should be shared to the souls must never lose the sanctifying power of the Word of God. The Spirit of Prophecy is very clear as it address these tendencies for this had been recurring since.

Love and kindness and true courtesy have been fast disappearing from ministers and churches. What can the universe of God think of this? Those who claim to be representatives of Christ show rather the hardness of heart which is characteristic of Satan, which made him unfit for heaven, unsafe to be there. And just so it will be with those who know the truth and yet close the door of the heart against its sanctifying power. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” The servants of Christ are not only to be instruments through the preaching of Jesus to lead men to repentance, but they are to continue their watch care and interest by keeping before the people, by precept and example, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They are to sanctify themselves that their hearers also may be sanctified. Thus all will grow in godliness, going on from grace to grace, until the ambassador for God can present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Then the ministerial office will be seen in its true, sacred character. TM 152.1

Faith and love—how destitute are the churches of these! The heavenly Merchantman counsels you, “Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; … and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.” God forbid that those who are preaching in our conferences should be like the foolish virgins, having lamps, but destitute of the oil of grace which makes the lamp burn and give forth light. Oh, we want more praying ministers—men who carry a solemn weight of souls—men who have a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Without faith it is impossible to please God. How imperfect is faith in our churches! Why do we not believe the Lord will do just as He says He will? TM 149.1

The preaching of the word should appeal to the intellect and should impart knowledge, but it should do more than this. The minister’s utterances, to be effectual, must reach the hearts of his hearers. He should not bring amusing stories into his preaching. He must strive to understand the soul’s great need and longing. As he stands before his congregation, let him remember that there are among his hearers those who are wrestling with doubt, almost in despair, well-nigh hopeless; those who, constantly harassed by temptation, are fighting a hard battle with the adversary of souls. Let him ask the Saviour to give him words to speak that will strengthen these souls for the conflict with evil. GW 152.2

Men who assume the responsibility of giving to the people the word from the mouth of God, make themselves accountable for the influence they exert on their hearers. If they are true men of God, they will know that the object of preaching is not to entertain. It is not merely to convey information, nor to convince the intellect. GW 152.1

Not all who are preaching the truth realize that their testimony and example are deciding the destiny of souls. If they are unfaithful in their mission, and become careless in their work, souls will be lost as the result. If they are self-sacrificing and faithful in the work which the Master has given them to do, they will be instrumental in the salvation of many. Some permit trifles to divert them from the work. Bad roads, rainy weather, or little matters at home, are sufficient excuses for them to leave the work of laboring for souls. And frequently this is done at the most important time in the work. When an interest has been raised, and the minds of the people are agitated, the interest is left to die out because the minister chooses a more pleasant and easy field. Those who pursue this course show plainly that they do not have the burden of the work upon them. They wish to be carried by the people. They are not willing to endure the privations and hardships which are ever the lot of a true shepherd. GW 63.1

What the church needs in these days of peril is an army of workers, who, like Paul, have educated themselves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are inspired with earnestness and zeal in his service. Cultivated, refined, sanctified, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who will not shun trial and responsibility, but who will lift the burdens wherever they may find them; men who are brave, who are true; men who have Christ formed within them, and who, with lips touched with holy fire, “will preach the word” amid the thousands who are preaching fables. For the want of such workers, the cause of God, languishes, and fatal errors, like a deadly poison, taint the morals and blight the hopes of a large part of the human race. LP 326.2

Where have all the Godly preachers gone? When will they ever come? When will they ever preach? Let us pray for those who are and would be preachers who receives counsel from God that they may be filled with the Spirit and feed God’s children pure and holy Words of God. That all be Prepared for Life and we prepare people for Life.

What are we talking about when we speak of perfection? The experience and subject of perfection embrace justification, sanctification, righteousness by faith, and kindred subjects. This series will deal with and define the following seven terms: 1. Holiness 2. Justification 3. Righteousness 4. Righteousness by faith 5. Sanctification 6. Christ-likeness 7. Perfection

HOLINESS, WHAT IS HOLINESS?

“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2

How can I be holy?
Holiness is the state of being holy.

Perfection, holiness – nothing short of this would give them success in carrying out the principles He had given them.” SD10.

(1) Holiness is an entire surrender to God.

“Holiness is … an entire surrender of the will to God.” AA 51. “Holiness is … the entire surrender of heart and life to the in-dwelling of the principles of heaven.” DA 555.

(2.) Holiness is agreement with God.

“God has commanded us, “Be ye holy; for I am holy) and an inspired apostle declares that without holiness ‘No man shall seethe Lord.’ Holiness is agreement with God. By sin the image of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost.” 5T 743. Holiness is constant agreement with God.” RH May 16, 1907.

(3.) Holiness is likeness to God.

**Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and God is love.”MB 18.

(4.) Holiness is wholeness for God. Holiness is wholeness for God. … DA 556.

(5.) Holiness is purity of life.

Perfection holiness nothing short of this, would give them carrying out the principles He had given them.d purity of life was the great subject of the likeness of heart and purity of life was the or teachings of Christ.” SD 10; 2T 445.

(6.) Holiness is lifting the cross.

Holiness does not consist in profession, but in lifting the cross, doing the will of God.” RH May 21, 1908.

(7.) A comprehensive definition of holiness.

“Holiness is not rapture:

a. It is an entire surrender of the will to God;

b. It is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God:

c. It is doing the will of our heavenly Father;

d. It is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in light;

e. It is walking by faith and not by sight;

f. It is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and

g. Resting in His love.”

AA 51.”A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. SC 75.

God more than fulfills His promise to us when He invites: “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

We rest from our own works and efforts at making ourselves righteous. We rest in his completed work for us.

There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews. 4:9-11.

In conclusion, we have seen that holiness is:

Entire surrender

Agreement with God

Likeness to God

Wholeness for God

Purity of life

Lifting the cross

Living by every word of God

Doing the will of God

Trusting God

Walking by faith

Relying on God

Resting in God’s love

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15, 16.

Their religion had centered in the ceremonies of the sacrificial system. They had made the outward forms all important, while they had lost the spirit of true worship. {4MR 256.2}

Be on the watch, and make strong the rest of the things which are near to death; because as judged by me your works have not come up to God’s measure. Revelation 3:2 

MOLAR ISSUE

There was a religion called ‘ORAL HYGIENE” and one of its doctrines is attaining “shiny white teeth”. From this tenet came out several school of thoughts that believers practice about attaining the “Oral Hygiene” and “Shiny White Teeth”.

With the different practices among the believers there was a great divide within this religion. To resolve the issue three big denominational churches namely, Colgate Church, Close-Up Church, Floucaril Church of the Modern-Day-Teeth held a convention to iron out differences among the believers.

Believer A believes that tooth brushing once a day is enough and diligently go to the dental clinic every Friday.  If he misses brushing, seeing the dentist on the daily basis is good enough. He sees Believers B & C as too ritualistic.

Believer B faithfully brushes his teeth three times a day. He was brought up this way, brushing left to right, up and down and believes the toothpaste brand he adheres to gives the ultimate result. He sees Believer A as less hygienic.

Believer C religiously brushes his teeth before and after every meal. Avoids opening mouth if possible, always carries a small mirror to check his ultra hygienic teeth. Believer C see others as not perfect as orally hygienic like him.

Believer D is open minded, he can join with any of the three and no one can tell. He comes flashing his complete set of shiny white dentures. He always believes he’s superior than Believers A, B and C

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Who among the three believers is ‘orally hygienic’?
2. Who among the three believers attains shiny white teeth?
3. Who among the believers is least orally hygienic?
4. Who among the believers is ritualistic?
5. Is it necessary to really brush your teeth as often as you can to have ‘shiny white teeth’ and be hygienic? Why?
6. Is ritualistic brushing necessary to attain hygiene and whiteness? Why?
7. Does Believer C have the right to judge Believers A, B & D because they’re not as ritualistic as he is?
8. Is being too ritualistic like Believer B & C bad as Believer A sees?
9. Which of the four believer’s practices is good to teach the next generation of believers?
10. Can one be orally hygiene without the rituals of brushing?

Note this activity serves only to illustrate and open the mind to consider balancing faith and works.

All rights reserved marvin marcelino 2015 Intro to Spirituality Versus Rituals What Works and What Saves Series Thailand

RELATIONSHIPS OF THE CHURCH TO GOD AND FAITH

This means that God’s holy people must be patient. They must obey God’s commands and keep their faith in Jesus. Revelation 14:12 ERV

Christ died so that he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty. He died so that the church could be holy and without fault, with no evil or sin or any other thing wrong in it.  Ephesians 5:27 ERV 

Choose which diagram best illustrates your concept of a church?

QUIZ: Which religious group belongs to what diagram?

1. Islam / Buddhism etc.
2. Roman Catholic Church
3. Conservative Protestant Church / SDA Church
4. Liberal Protestant Church

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• Diagram A – God is the ultimate, while faith engulfs the Church

This diagram shows God as the utmost being and authority over all while faith (belief system) is a means to mold the Church to bring him back in his original state in the image of God. (SDA, other Conservative Protestant Churches)

The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places,” the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10. AA 91

• Diagram B– Church is supreme over faith and foremost to the Deity

This diagram shows that the Believer is supreme overall the belief system and the Deity. The Church defines and delimits the faith (belief system) and dictates how God should be. (Catholic Church, Orthodox Church)

Priests and rulers became fixed in a rut of ceremonialism. They were satisfied with a legal religion, and it was impossible for them to give to others the living truths of heaven. They thought their own righteousness all-sufficient, and did not desire that a new element should be brought into their religion. The good will of God to men they did not accept as something apart from themselves, but connected it with their own merit because of their good works. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religion of the Pharisees, made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men. AA 151

• Diagram C – Faith is superlative over the Church and the Deity

The Belief system dictates what a Church must be and do and also defines the type of God that satisfies the author of the belief system. (Liberal Protestant Churches, Mormon, Born Again Christian)

But the people of Israel lost sight of their high privileges as God’s representatives. They forgot God and failed to fulfill their holy mission. The blessings they received brought no blessing to the world. All their advantages they appropriated for their own glorification. They shut themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation. The restrictions that God had placed upon their association with idolaters as a means of preventing them from conforming to the practices of the heathen, they used to build up a wall of separation between themselves and all other nations. They robbed God of the service He required of them, and they robbed their fellow men of religious guidance and a holy example. AA 142

• Diagram D – The Deity is overall, Church controls the faith

This diagram shows the Deity as supreme over the Church and faith. The believer localizes the faith (Belief System) according to their local predicament (Some Christian Church, Islam (Shariah Law), Buddhist,)

The Jewish leaders thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Savior turned from them to entrust to others the privileges they had abused and the work they had slighted. AA 161

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You might want to review

• The Adventist Memorandum
• Set Your Heart

God

Romans 1:7  … God loves you (the Church), and he has chosen you to be his holy people. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:22  God put everything under Christ’s power and made him head over everything for the church.

God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world. To them were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God’s will. In the early days of Israel the nations of the world, through corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of God. They had once known Him; but because “they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, … their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them an opportunity of again becoming acquainted with Him through His chosen people. Through the teachings of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before all nations, and all who would look to Him should live. Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. The whole system of types and symbols was a compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation in which were bound up the promises of redemption. AA 141

Faith

1Peter 1:9  Your faith has a goal, and you are reaching that goal–your salvation.

Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up even stronger. Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit.

From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped. Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life. AA 132

You as church

Ephesians 2:9  You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.

Acts 20:28  Be careful for yourselves and for all the people God has given you. The Holy Spirit gave you the work of caring for this flock. You must be shepherds to the church of God, the people he bought with his own blood.

1Timothy 3:15  … you will know how people should live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God. And God’s church is the support and foundation of the truth.

Of Israel God declared: “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” Jeremiah 2:21. “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” Hosea 10:1. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? Isaiah 5:3,4.

During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. AA 121

“Ye are My witnesses (Church), saith the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses.” “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Isaiah 43:10-12; 42:6, 7. AA 101

If you are blessed, share to prepare others for Life.
If you missed the start of this mini series, click here,
https://prepared4life.home.blog/2020/02/29/introduction-to-spirituality-vs-religiosity/

In faith there is enough light for those who wants to believe  and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.  Blaise Pascal

He is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning of everything else. And he is the first among all who will be raised from death. So in everything he is most important. Colossians 1:18

Let’s visualize your spiritual concept

QUIZ: Which diagram do you belong to?

1. “God in a shoe box”
2. “I believe in God but I am only human, a sinner, you know.”
3. “If you do not know the church doctrines, you’re not a true believer.”
4. “I surrender all”

_____________________________________________________________________________

• Diagram A: God is the ultimate, engulfs all, while faith embraces the Believer.

This diagram shows God as the utmost being and authority over all while faith (belief system) is a means to mold the believer to bring him back in his original state in the image of God. (Theistic view)

Molds the Life—The life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light.—The Great Controversy, 597 (1888).

Faith Purifies the Soul—Faith, living faith, we must have, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. We must learn to take everything to the Lord with simplicity and earnest faith… let us not forget to lay self at the feet of Christ.

• Diagram B: The Believer is supreme over faith and foremost to the Deity

This diagram shows that the believer is supreme overall the belief system and the Deity. The believer defines and delimits the faith (belief system) and dictates how God should be. (Humanistic view)

Faith and Feeling Are Distinct—Feeling and faith are as distinct from each other as the east is from the west. Faith is not dependent on feeling. Daily we should dedicate ourselves to God and believe that Christ understands and accepts the sacrifice, without examining ourselves to see if we have that degree of feeling that we think should correspond with our faith… Even when depressed by sadness, it is our privilege to make melody in our hearts to God. When we do this, the mists and clouds will be rolled back, and we will pass from the shadow and darkness into the clear sunshine of His presence.—Manuscript 75, 1893. (Our High Calling, 120.)

Do Not Rely on Feelings—Let us put away everything like distrust and want of faith in Jesus. Let us commence a life of simple, childlike trust, not relying upon feeling but upon faith. Do not dishonor Jesus by doubting His precious promises. He wants us to believe in Him with unwavering faith.—Letter 49, 1888. (Our High Calling, 119.)

• Diagram C: Faith is superlative over the Believer and the Deity

The Belief system dictates what a believer must be and do and also defines the type of God that satisfies the author of the belief system. (Dogmatic view)

Faith in Christ, Not the Robe—As He was passing, she [the infirm woman] reached forward and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. That moment she knew that she was healed. Her faith was centered, not in the robe, but in Him who wore the robe. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness disappeared. Instantly she felt the thrill as of an electric current passing through every fiber of her being. There came over her a sensation of perfect health. “Straightway … she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague” (Mark 5:29).—Letter 111, 1904.

Faith Is Not in Things—There was no healing power in the garment. It was faith in the Person who wore the garment which restored her to health.—Manuscript 105, 1901.

• Diagram D: The Deity is overall, Believer manages the faith

This diagram shows the Deity as supreme over the believer and faith. The Church contextualize the faith (Belief System) according to his local predicament in life. (Essentialist view)

Faith and Presumption—Some have professed to have great faith in God and to have special gifts and special answers to their prayers, although the evidence was lacking. They mistook presumption for faith. The prayer of faith is never lost; but to claim that it will be always answered in the very way and for the particular thing we have expected is presumption.—Testimonies for the Church 1:231 (1861).

Presumption Is Satan’s Counterfeit—Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. The Desire of Ages, 126 (1898).

——————————————————————————————————————–

God

Exodus 3:14  Then God said to Moses, “Tell them, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ When you go to the Israelites, tell them, ‘I AM’ sent me to you.”

Ephesians 5:23  A husband is the head of his wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. Christ is the Savior of the church, which is his body.

It is the love of God that draws the soul to Christ, to be graciously received and presented to the Father. Through the work of the Spirit the divine relationship between God and the sinner is renewed. The Father says: “I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. I will exercise forgiving love toward them and bestow upon them My joy. They shall be to Me a peculiar treasure; for this people whom I have formed for Myself shall show forth My praise.”—Signs of the Times, January 2, 1893. (Our High Calling, 77.)

Faith

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1Peter 1:21  You believe in God through Christ. God is the one who raised him from death and gave honor to him. So your faith and your hope are in God.

Hebrew 12:2 “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”.

A Definition of Faith—Faith, saving faith, is to be taught. The definition of this faith in Jesus Christ may be described in few words: It 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. —Manuscript 6, 1889.

Faith Discriminates—Faith is the medium through which truth or error finds a lodging place in the mind. It is by the same act of mind that truth or error is received, but it makes a decided difference whether we believe the Word of God or the sayings of men. When Christ revealed Himself to Paul and he was convinced that he was persecuting Jesus in the person of His saints, he accepted the truth as it is in Jesus. A transforming power was manifested on mind and character, and he became a new man in Christ Jesus. He received the truth so fully that neither earth nor hell could shake his faith.—The Signs of the Times, June 5, 1893. (Selected Messages 1:346.)

You

Ephesians 2:8  I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.

The great change that is seen in the life of a sinner after conversion is not brought about by any human goodness. . . .  {AG 319.4}

Faith Works—When you look to Calvary, it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.—Manuscript 16, 1890. (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 6:1111.)

Conclusion
The relationship of the believer to God and to faith was clearly stated by Ellen White in the Gospel Workers.

Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency.—Gospel Workers, 259 (1915).

If you are blessed, share to prepare others for Life.
If you missed the start of this mini series, click here,
https://prepared4life.home.blog/2020/02/29/introduction-to-spirituality-vs-religiosity/

TOPIC  #6

What does a Watchman need?

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Ezekiel 33:7

BIBLE REFERENCES: Ephesians 6

SOP COMMENTARIES:

There are some who profess to be working for Christ, yet who occasionally go over to the side of Satan and do his work. Can the Saviour pronounce these good and faithful servants? Are they, as watchmen, giving the trumpet a certain sound? … {CT 96.1}

A mistaken, defective standard is being brought in. The Lord requires of His workers deep searching of heart and a cleansing of the soul temple. If some who have been placed in charge of souls as watchmen could understand that as a preparation for helping others they themselves needed a most thorough cleansing of the soul temple, it would be well. {Lt144-1906.7}

There is danger in the bestowal of rich gifts or of words of commendation upon human agencies. Those who are favored by the Lord need to be on guard constantly, lest pride spring up and obtain the supremacy. He who has an unusual following, he who has received many words of commendation from the messengers of the Lord, needs the special prayers of God’s faithful watchmen, that he may be shielded from the danger of cherishing thoughts of self-esteem and spiritual pride. {CS 147.2

If we firmly take our stand as God’s workmen, saying, “The Lord has given us a message, and we cannot be faithful watchmen unless we stand at our post of duty; we will carry the work through at all hazards,” then we shall find that angels of God will minister to our households at home, and will say to the enemy, “Stand back.”—Historical Sketches, 127, 128 (1886).

We need spiritual eyesight, that we may see the designs of the enemy, and as faithful watchmen proclaim the danger. We need power from above, that we may understand, as far as the human mind can, the great themes of Christianity and their far-reaching principles. {GW 289.1

The watchmen will need to live very near to God, to hear his word and be impressed with his Spirit, that the people may not look to them in vain. “When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” [Ezekiel 33:7-9.] Ambassadors of Christ should take heed that they do not, through their unfaithfulness, lose their own souls and the souls of those who hear them. {GW92 22.1}

As faithful watchmen you should see the sword coming and give the warning, that men and women may not pursue a course through ignorance that they would avoid if they knew the truth.—The Review and Herald Extra, December 24, 1889. {LDE 127.4}

How could our brethren say that in Living Temple there was nothing contrary to the truths of God’s Word? The Lord’s watchmen should have been quick to see that evil was stealing into our ranks. They should have been wide-awake to discern the approach of the enemy and to give the alarm. The rebuke of God will rest upon those who willingly close their eyes that they may not discern the dangerous character of the fables that are stealthily finding place among us. The rebuke of God is upon the ministers and medical missionary workers who have been asleep on the walls of Zion, when as vigilant watchmen they should have warned the people of the Lord against the dangers threatening them. {Lt57-1904.4}

If ever God’s watchmen needed to be on their guard, it is now, just before the time which is to be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. The trumpet must give a certain sound. There will be a general proclamation of truth, the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God, but those only will recognize the light who have sought to know the difference between holiness and sin. {Lt268-1903.17}

What else should we be watchful for when it comes to the enemy?

It is something called ‘the exposed places’. Let us refresh your memory.

Nehemiah 4:7-15 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. (8) They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. (9) But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. (10) Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” (11) Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” (12) Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” (13) Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. (14) After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (15) When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.

You will note from the above that in the days of Nehemiah, when the wall was being rebuilt, there were still gaps in the wall that were called ‘the exposed places’. Obviously this was a very tempting area through which to attack for any half-serious enemy. So let me ask you – what is your exposed place? What is the area that the enemy is more likely to attack you in? What is the area of weakness that you repeatedly trip up in? You will have one. We are all hopelessly flawed. We have common struggles yet we all have specific individual struggles in particular areas of weakness which the enemy will love to exploit.

What was Nehemiah’s advice? Everyone be on watch. Everyone be on guard. And specifically at the exposed places! Where are you weakest?  Some have problems with greed and the pleasures of this world. Some with lust. Some with pride and some with fear… I’m hoping that you haven’t been nodding at all of those! Whatever your exposed place or places are, be aware that that is an area that the enemy would like to exploit. Be on the watch.

HEBREWS 13. 17. “For they watch for your souls as they that must give account.”

A WATCHMAN NEEDS TO REMEMBER  – The battle belongs to the Lord

A watchman waits on the God for the revelation of what the will of God is in Heaven  Habakkuk 2:1-2

As we finish, we also need to be reminded once again, even if it be but a brief mention, that this battle is not ours. We play our part, no doubt (that is what this study has been about), but thank God that there is a heavenly watchman and nothing escapes His gaze!

Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Psalms 121:4-5 …He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches [6] over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

It is vain to simply employ natural resources in your quest to with stand the enemy. In fact, the scripture above tells us that without the Lord on our side, any watching and guarding are done in vain! But we should take comfort and praise God that He is a heavenly watchman who, unlike us down here, never slumbers or falls asleep – not naturally or spiritually speaking! So thank Him again for His unseen work on your behalf!

The promise of God in the last day (Joel 2: 28-29; acts 2:17-18)

• “ In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old God?

We receive the promise of God by faith – Heb 4:1-2

• Do we desire the promise of God?

We are commanded to eagerly desire the gifts of God – 1 Cor 12:31; 1 Cor 14:1-2

• Do we have the right motive?

Our motive: to effectively prepare the way for the 2nd coming of the lord Jesus Christ

Christ as a watchman have a result of intimate relationship with the Father

Jesus ministered based on what He – ‘sees the father is doing’ (John:5:19) or what He ‘Hears the father is saying ‘ (Isa 50:4-5)

He ministered with his spiritual eyes and ears opened.

He called his disciples – John 1:43-51

Jesus promised that we will minister – John 14:12

“ I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father”

If you missed the start of this mini series, click below
Watchman, What is it?

This study started during our AIMS Spiritual Committee meeting, where one member was suggesting and emphasizing that the school family grow in their ‘spirituality’. On the other hand the Chairperson wanted to focus on requiring the faculty and staffs to be diligent in their attendance to school worships, church participation and other spiritual activities that show that they are really true believers and as expected of a worker.

Discussion was lengthy and went back and forth, so I suggested why can we not study both. All eyes looked at me like is it even possible. I said, there is always two sides of the story and understanding both won’t hurt. The topic is not one whole piece, it is composed of small truths like Lego blocks. What I mean is, why not bring this to the faculty and let them see the difference. So, I prepared one single topic that grew into 25 daily Bible based, Christ-centered topics and activity-discussion format good for 5 weeks study.

SPIRITUALITY VS RELIGIOSITY What Works and What Saves is a study series with 23 Bible-based, Christ centered topics and activity-discussion format. The study is divided into 3 parts with 7 sub-topics each.

1. CORPORATE SPIRITUALITY focuses on corporate activities. What do they do when they gather to instill order and sacredness which we call rituals.

1. Relationship of the Believer to God and Faith
2. Relationship of the Church to God and Faith
3. Ritual: Is it Necessary?
4. Ritual: Is it a proof of Spirituality?
5. Ritual: What is acceptable to God?
6. Ritual: What went wrong?
7. Ritual: Connection Community and Control?

2. RELATIONAL SPIRITUALITY focuses on reviewing one’s relationship with co-believers.

1. Doing What I do
2. Love One Another
3. Love Like Jesus
4. Loving One Another Fulfills the Law
5. If We Love One Another God Lives In Us
6. Sincerely Love One Another from The Heart
7. Proclivity

3. SPIRIT-FILLED SPIRITUALITY which focuses on reviewing one’s relationship with God.

1. Open Letter for you –
2. Open Letter for you
3. Open Letter for you
4. Open Letter for you
5. Open Letter for you
6. Open Letter for you
7. Open Letter for you

Paradigm

Our objectives:

1. To comprehend the importance of spirituality and religiosity separately.
2. To analyze the relationship between spirituality and religiosity .
3. To evaluate how we can attain spirituality by means of religious practices.
4. To synthesize necessary religious practices to reach spiritual maturity.

TOPIC  # 4

What are the duties of a Watchman?

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion” Isaiah 52:7

BIBLE REFERENCES: Isaiah 62:6-7; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Kings 9:17; Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1; Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12; Ezekiel 33:7; also Hosea 9:8

SOP COMMENTARIES:

Christ has declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] This is the work God’s watchmen are to do. {Lt105-1900.3}

The same spirit that brought about the great deception in heaven is at work in our world today. Our watchmen must be wide-awake to give the trumpet a certain sound. {Lt256-1906.6}

There are many references to watchmen who kept an eye out for physical threats in the Bible: “Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, ‘I see a company.’ And Joram said, ‘Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, “Is it peace?”’” (2 Kings 9:17, ESV).

Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12).

The Bible also refers to watchmen in a spiritual sense. God appointed prophets as spiritual watchmen over the souls of His people: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 33:7; also Hosea 9:8).

The prophets’ job as watchmen was to urge God’s people to live faithfully and warn them of the perils involved in falling away from the Lord and doing evil. As watchmen, the prophets were also called to warn wicked people of the judgment and destruction that would come their way unless they turned from their evil ways.

 Isaiah is assuming the role of an eastern watchman. Evidently the night is very dark and suddenly he hears footsteps approaching. To his relief it is not an enemy, but a friend who inquires how things are going, and he makes a careful reply. To see the relevance of these words for ourselves we need to recognize at once that they have to do with the unfolding of God’s prophetic program, today and in the future. They have something solemn to say to us about events that will take place soon on the earth, and about the destiny of believers and unbelievers.

Christ’s ministers  and TEACHERS are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times, sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important points to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake, and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city. {GW 14.2}

What is the Sentinel for, but to be the voice of the watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the danger signal. We are not to cringe and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth: we should scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors to meet the case of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. … if we carry even the semblance of being uncommitted 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.—Manuscript 16, 1890.

Our work is to enlighten the world; for it is blind to the movements which are taking place, preparing the way for the plagues which God will permit to come upon the world. God’s faithful watchmen must give the warning…. {CD 75.2}

The servant is not above his master. The Prince of heaven was called Beelzebub, and His disciples will be misrepresented in like manner. But whatever the danger, Christ’s followers must avow their principles. They should scorn concealment. They cannot remain uncommitted until assured of safety in confessing the truth. They are set as watchmen, to warn men of their peril. The truth received from Christ must be imparted to all, freely and openly. Jesus said, “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” {DA 355.4}

Care should be exercised to educate the young converts. They are not to be left to themselves, to be led away by false presentations, to walk in a false way. Let the watchmen be constantly on guard, lest souls shall be beguiled by soft words and fair speech and sophistry. Teach faithfully all that Christ has commanded. Everyone who receives Christ is to be trained to act some part in the great work to be accomplished in our world.—Letter 279, 1905. {Ev 367.1}

These watchmen represent the ministry, upon whose fidelity depends the salvation of souls. The stewards of the mysteries of God should stand as watchmen upon the walls of Zion; and if they see the sword coming, they should sound the note of warning. If they are sleepy sentinels, if their spiritual senses are so benumbed that they see and realize no danger, and the people perish, God will require their blood at the watchmen’s hands. {GW92 21.3}

There were comparatively few ministers, however, who would accept this message; therefore it was largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise, professional men their positions; and yet the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to be accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in wickedness, burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering, that they might call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the advent truth was accepted by many thousands. {GC 368.2}

There are many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days and they must be enlightened. It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound.—Evangelism, 194, 195 (1875). {LDE 16.2}

Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history.—Testimonies for the Church 5:716 (1889). {LDE 16.3}

She (EGW) referred to the harsh spirit manifested by some, and to the wrong positions taken by others. She closed her remarks with a most earnest appeal that all should hold forth the truth in its perfection, and that the watchmen should give the trumpet a certain sound. A solemn conviction rested upon the assembly, and all felt that they had been listening to a message from Heaven. {LS 316.3}

Are our voices often raised in earnest supplication for power from on high? Is our faith pure and strong? Have we put away all prejudice, all evil thinking and evil speaking? Are our affections set on things above, or are they twining about the things of this earth? Are our eyes open to see the needs of those around us? Can God call us faithful watchmen? {Ms147-1902.4}

The watchmen are responsible for the condition of the people. While you open the door to pride, envy, doubt, and other sins, there will be strife, hatred, and every evil work. Jesus, the meek and lowly One, asks an entrance as your guest, but you are afraid to bid him enter. He has spoken to us in both the old and the New Testament; he is speaking to us still by his Spirit and his providence. His instructions are designed to make men true to God, and true to themselves. {PH001 20.1}

Or are many of the watchmen asleep, while mischievous tongues and acute minds, sharpened by long practise in evading the truth, are continually at work to bring in confusion, and to carry out plans instigated by the enemy? {SpTB02 13.2}