Week of Prayer Special Issue

Living in Anticipation Revival and the Second Coming Greetings From the President PUBLISHER General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER ift up the trumpet, and loud let it ring: is Bill Knott L ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER coming again!” The words of this well-loved hymn Claude Richli PUBLISHING BOARD echo in the hearts of Seventh-day Adventists as we Ted N. C. Wilson, chair Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair Bill Knott, secretary eagerly look forward to that great day! Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Daniel R. Jackson, Robert Lemon, Geoffrey Mbwana, G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan “Revival and the Second Coming of Jesus” is the very Prestol, Michael Ryan, , Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser timely theme for this year’s Week of Prayer readings. EDITOR This theme is packed with meaning as we consider the blessed hope, the Bill Knott ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil urgency of proclaiming the three angels’ messages, the assurance of prophecy, NEWS EDITOR Andrew McChesney and the reality of the first and second resurrections. COORDINATING EDITOR Stephen Chavez What role do the three angels’ messages play in the revival of the church, and ONLINE EDITOR Carlos Medley in each of us? How are the sanctuary and these important messages connected? FEATURES EDITOR Sandra Blackmer What is the link between the signs of the second coming of Christ, revival, and YOUNG ADULT EDITOR Kimberly Luste Maran KIDSVIEW EDITOR involvement with mission? How can we be certain of the Second Coming and Wilona Karimabadi OPERATIONS MANAGER the hope of the resurrection? What is the function of the millennium and the Merle Poirier FINANCIAL MANAGER second resurrection in the context of the great controversy? These questions Rachel Child EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR and more will be addressed in these power-packed, Spirit-filled Week of Prayer Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste MARKETING DIRECTOR readings. Claude Richli EDITORS-AT-LARGE Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler I invite you to join me as we prayerfully consider these important topics and SENIOR ADVISOR E. Edward Zinke together anticipate the ultimate outcome of revival and reformation: eternal ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Bryan Gray life with God. LAYOUT TECHNICIAN Fred Wuerstlin If you have younger ones in the home (of if you simply enjoy great stories), AD SALES Glen Gohlke you won’t want to miss the accompanying children’s readings written by SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Rebecca Hilde

Charles Mills, owner of Christian Communications, a media production service TO WRITERS: Writer’s guidelines are avail- able at the Web site: based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s May the Lord bless us as we come together as a world church family to study Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. and pray during this special Week of Prayer. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, Ted N. C. Wilson ID 83653-5353. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from the Holy Bible, New President, Seventh-day Adventist Church International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2015. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), MEET THE AUTHORS published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Gerald and Chantal Klingbeil enjoy team teaching, and are passionate Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® about young people in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Gerald, origi- and is printed 12 times a year. Pacific nally from Germany, serves as an associate editor of the Adventist Review Press Publishing Association, at 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687, is and magazines, and is also a research professor of Old the printer of record. Periodical postage paid at Lebanon Junction, KY 40150, and Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the Seventh-day Advent- additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2015, General Conference of Seventh- ist Theological Seminary at . He earned a Doctor of day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Letters in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Stellenbosch University, ADDRESS CHANGES AND SUBSCRIPTION QUERIES: South , and during the past two has served as a professor adventistreview@pacificpress.com. in several Adventist universities in South America and . Chantal, OR call 1-800-447-7377 or 208-465-2548. born and raised in South Africa, is an associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate, focusing her work upon children, youth, and young adults. Chantal holds a Master of Philosophy in Linguistics from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She has served as a high school teacher, univer- sity professor, homeschool mom, author, and editor. Gerald and Chantal enjoy three teenage daughters, Hannah, Sarah, and Jemima, who keep them on their toes.

2 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE First Power to Finish the Work PROCLAIMING THE THREE ANGELS’ MESSAGES

BY TED N. C. WILSON e are living in amazing Spirit, earnestly praying for His guid- believing them, and being revived by times. Those who are ance, seeking His Word and giving up them. How do these special messages in tune with Bible our own personal agendas, allowing God revive us? Wprophecy and events to lead us to truth, then He will hear, for- They change us as we internalize both inside and out- give, and heal us. He will bring us into a them. The messages are full of light, and side the Seventh-day Adventist Church much closer relationship with Him so we as they become a part of us, they shine realize that God is doing something can help finish His work here on earth. through us as a light to others. We then unusual. I believe with all my heart that Pray as you have never prayed before. understand how vitally true these mes- Jesus is coming soon! While no one God is calling us to a revived and sages are, and because we love God we should ever predict any specific date, we reformed relationship with Him, so that want to share this life-changing truth have been given signs in the Bible that we will be prepared to proclaim the pro- with others. point to the time just before the Lord’s phetic messages He has entrusted to us This is our commission from Jesus return, and that time is now! as His remnant church. The Seventh-day Himself, as given in Revelation 14. It’s a As you know, the Bible and the Spirit Adventist prophetic understanding of commission to His remnant people, and of Prophecy call for revival and reforma- the books of Daniel and Revelation help is a work given to no one else. tion, which means fulfilling God’s hold together our theological frame- We are told in Testimonies for the instructions for preparation to receive work, giving us purpose, identity, and a Church that “in a special sense Seventh- the latter rain of the Holy Spirit as pre- clear vision of our worldwide mission. day Adventists have been set in the dicted in Joel 2, Hosea 6, and Acts 2. His God is calling us to share the three world as watchmen and light bearers. instructions are nicely outlined in angels’ messages of Revelation 14 at this To them has been entrusted the last 2 Chronicles 7:14. He speaks to us today time. If there was ever a time for that warning for a perishing world. On them when He says, “If my people, who are uniquely understood prophetic Sev- is shining wonderful light from the called by my name, will humble them- enth-day Adventist message in a secular Word of God. They have been given a selves and pray and seek my face and age, it is now. work of the most solemn import—the turn from their wicked ways, then I will proclamation of the first, second, and hear from heaven, and I will forgive Receive. Believe. Revive. third angels’ messages. There is no their sin and will heal their land.” In order to proclaim them, however, other work of so great importance. They When we humble ourselves before we must first internalize these mes- are to allow nothing else to absorb their God through the power of the Holy sages for ourselves by receiving them, attention.”1

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 3 “The messages are full of light, and as they become a part of us, they shine through us as a light to others.”

The Three Angels’ Messages there must be a willingness to reject Early Advent believers preached the false theories about the origin of life, message of Jesus’ return in 1844 and including evolution. It is impossible to faced the as believe in theistic or general evolution prophesied in Revelation 10. Their while saying that God is Creator of work, however, was not yet complete. heaven and earth and all the life they There was an additional message that contain. Stand firm for God’s creation of God wanted them to give to the whole this world by His Word in six literal, world. This message is divided into consecutive days of recent origin, cap- three parts and is outlined in Revelation ping that week with the same wonder- 14:6-12. ful Sabbath we enjoy every seven days. First Message: The first angel’s mes- Second Message: The second angel’s sage (verses 6, 7) proclaims the everlast- message, found in verse 8, announcing ing gospel, salvation through Christ’s the fall of Babylon, was first presented righteousness and grace—His justify- in the summer of 1844. Because this ing and sanctifying power. The angel announcement follows chronologically announces that the time of judgment in the prophecy with the preaching of has come and calls people back to the the judgment, and because the churches true worship of God and to recognize to which this message applies were once Him as Creator. pure, Babylon here refers to churches The call to worship God as Creator that rejected the warning of the automatically places upon people the judgment. responsibility to observe the day that The second message, “Babylon is honors His creative act. Created beings fallen,” is repeated in Revelation 18:1-4. cannot honor their Creator while defy- God’s people who are still in Babylon ing the command to keep holy the Sab- are called out so that they will not be bath—the seventh day of the week— guilty of participating in her sins and which God Himself set aside as a will not receive the plagues that are to memorial of His creation. be poured out upon her. Therefore, Bab- During the time of trouble immedi- ylon is constituted by churches that ately preceding Jesus’ return, the sev- teach many of the theological errors enth-day Sabbath will be the central passed down through the church of the issue of conflict. Ellen White writes, Middle Ages. “The Sabbath will be the great test of Third Message: The third angel’s mes- loyalty, for it is the point of truth espe- sage, found in verses 9-11, contains a cially controverted. When the final test clear warning: don’t worship shall be brought to bear upon men, then and its image, or receive its mark. To do the line of distinction will be drawn so will result in annihilation. The con- between those who serve God and those tent of the third message is based on the who serve Him not.”2 prophecy of the preceding chapter, Rev- To worship God as the Creator means elation 13. The beast represents the

4 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE apostate church. The second animal in signs and wonders will follow the believ- the King of kings and Lord of lords. this chapter, which represents the ers. . . . Thus the inhabitants of the earth What a day that will be! , creates the image of this will be brought to take their stand.”4 If you wish to humbly submit to the beast. A definition of the image is given Lord, the One who inspired the writing on page 443 of The Great Controversy. An Exciting Future of the books of Daniel and Revelation, We are so grateful for the religious Biblical students of Daniel and Reve- the One who gave and invites us to be freedom guaranteed by so many coun- lation, this is the exciting future to revived and proclaim the three angels’ tries, including the United States. which you and I have been called in messages, and the One who can save you According to Bible prophecy, however, helping to finish God’s great work by through His robe of righteousness and the time is coming when our religious proclaiming these mighty messages! His sanctifying power to become more freedom will be reduced and churches Only by relying completely on Jesus and and more like Him—if you want to ask will so control the government that the His righteousness and the power of the Him to use you in sharing His prophetic government will pass laws that will ful- Holy Spirit will we be able to accom- messages in this momentous end-time fill the wishes of the apostate churches.3 plish anything! God is preparing you hour of earth’s history, I invite you right The mark of the beast—observance of and me for something unusual that will now, as you read this, wherever you may a day other than the seventh-day Sab- soon happen—the outpouring of the be, to bow your head and make a com- bath—is an institution that clearly sets latter rain of the Holy Spirit—so that mitment to Christ, asking Him to revive forth the authority of the beast. One we will be revived and ready to boldly you through an understanding and world church boldly boasts that it has proclaim these amazing messages! acceptance of His powerful three angels’ changed the seventh-day Sabbath insti- God is changing the hearts of those messages. Then may He give you the tuted at Creation from Saturday to Sun- who hear this marvelous prophetic courage and strength to share these day. Other churches indicate that they message, those who need to make a astounding messages with the world. worship on Sunday as a memorial of decision for Christ. What a privilege to Jesus is coming soon!Q Christ’s resurrection. Neither assertion share this prophetic message and hum- 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain is found in Scripture. As a result, the bly ask God for revival and reformation View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 19. recognition due the Creator is removed. through the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 605. 3 Ibid., p. 445. A Powerful Effect Are We Willing? 4 Ibid., p. 612. Apostate religious leaders will not be As believers of prophecy, of Christ’s able to refute scriptural evidence for the righteousness, and of His soon coming, TED N. C. WILSON IS PRESIDENT OF sacredness of Saturday as the Sabbath, are we willing to renew our commit- THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and this fills them with anger. As a ment to Christ by following His exam- CHURCH. result, Sabbathkeepers will be perse- ple of warning the world and sharing cuted and imprisoned. Amid all these His love? Are we willing to share the events, the proclamation of the third distinctive, prophetic three angels’ mes- message will have an effect that has not sages? Are we willing to be used by God been seen before. People will see that in these last days of earth’s history to QUESTIONS FOR prophecies in Daniel, Matthew, Mark, lovingly and powerfully share His final Luke, Revelation, and elsewhere in message of redemption, love, and Reflection Scripture are being fulfilled exactly as judgment? commandment keepers said they Then let’s first receive and believe and Sharing would. The formation of the image of these messages for ourselves, allowing the beast and the enactment of the Sun- them to revive, reform, and transform 1. What does it mean to live in patient day law will lead to national and inter- us, so that the light of truth will shine expectation of Jesus’ coming? national ruin. through us to a world in darkness. 2. Why would Sabbath be “the great Those who hold fast to their Savior One day very soon we will look up test of loyalty” in the end-times? Is and refuse to abandon the truths found and see a small, dark cloud about half the fourth commandment the most in the three angels’ messages realize that the size of a man’s hand. It will grow important one? they must perform their duty in present- larger and larger, brighter and brighter. ing these messages and leave the results Millions of angels will make up that 3. What should be our focus as we with God. We read that they will have marvelous cloud with a brilliant rain- anticipate the soon return of Jesus? “faces lighted up” and will “hasten from bow above and lightning beneath. Right Developing our personal relationship place to place to proclaim the message in the middle of that incredible cloud with Him? Helping others? Studying from heaven. . . . Miracles will be will be the One we have waited for: our Bible doctrine? Explain. wrought, the sick will be healed, and Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, coming as

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 5 Sunday “I Knew You Were Coming” THE CERTAINTY OF THE SECOND COMING

t was one of the most devastating to restrain the father. Because of gas waiting for the Master’s glorious return earthquakes ever to hit Armenia. leaks, fires and explosions were a real found themselves imprisoned, perse- On December 7, 1988, at 11:41 a.m. danger. “We will take care of it,” they cuted, or ridiculed. At other times luke- Ilocal time, the northern region of told him. “There is no way that your son warmness threatened to slowly Armenia around Spitak was rocked could have survived this.” transform passionate disciples into by a major 6.8-Richter-scale-magnitude The father kept on digging—one popcorn-eating observers, more inter- quake that destroyed towns, flattened stone at a time. Finally, after 38 hours of ested in the latest gadgets and fads than houses, and cost the lives of more than digging, he suddenly heard his son’s in the coming of their Lord. Waiting is 30,000 people. The story of a nameless voice. “Dad, is that you? I knew you were not always easy. father searching for his son in a coming, Dad. I told the other kids not to destroyed school building has since worry, because you promised to come Learning From Acts inspired thousands. for me.” The man saved 14 children that The early Christian church, as por- Immediately following the initial day, including his son. He kept his trayed in the Acts of the Apostles, pro- quake, the father had rushed to the promise.* vides a great example of how we can school, which had been totally flattened. wait. Once they stopped looking into Remembering a promise he had made Another Wait the sky, they began to wait. As they long ago, he started digging, using his We have been waiting a long time waited, they began to pray (Acts 1:14). bare hands. “No matter what, I will since the angels asked the disciples: As they prayed, they moved closer always be there for you,” he had told his “Why do you stand here looking into together (Acts 2:1). Then it happened: young son when his son felt afraid. the sky? This same Jesus, who has been prayerful expectation became Spirit- Determining the approximate loca- taken from you into heaven, will come filled audacity. Revival led to a focus on tion of his son’s schoolroom, he began back in the same way you have seen him mission that could not be contained. moving rubble and concrete. Others go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Peter’s testimony, translated by the arrived and, taking in the devastating Paul waited (Rom. 12:11-13; 1 Thess. Spirit to reach hearts, led to a multitude destruction, attempted to pull him 1:10); Peter waited (1 Peter 1:7-9; 4:7; of conversions. Three thousand were away. However, he could not be dis- 2 Peter 3:9-14); John waited (Rev. 22:12, baptized on that day, and that was just tracted. He had made a promise. Fire- 20); and millions of other followers of the beginning (verse 41). fighters and emergency personnel tried Jesus have since waited. Often those Prayerful fellowship, taking care of

6 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE the needs of the new community, and God-centered praise led to a growing Prayerful expectation church, because “the Lord added to their number daily” (verse 47). Timid, became Spirit-filled audacity. weary, worried people were trans- formed into mission-minded, bold, and compelling preachers of the Word. Per- secution drove them to Samaria, Asia Minor, Rome: to the ends of the world. to finally rebuild the city walls of Jeru- Similar to Pentecost, we can see God’s They waited and were passionate about salem, providing a clear link to Daniel Spirit at work all around us. The mes- preaching the risen Savior in a world in 9:25 and the issuing of the decree to sage of His soon return is transforming which the cross meant foolishness to “restore and rebuild .” lives and making inroads in towns, most (1 Cor. 1:18). Biblical prophecy is trustworthy. inner cities, jungles, and on mountain- Two key factors compelled them for- When the exact moment, foretold by tops. We wait and serve because that ward: First, they had been with Jesus. prophets and seers, came, Jesus stepped has been the modus operandi for God’s They spoke about a Savior they knew into earth’s history and changed it for- children since that day the disciples saw intimately. They had experienced God- ever. If God’s broad strokes of a pro- Jesus disappear into the clouds of with-us in person, and that experience phetic time line make sense and are heaven. transformed them. reliable, how much more may we trust One prayer at a time God’s kingdom Second, they were deeply rooted in Him who said: “Look, I am coming is enlarged. In the midst of this world’s Scripture and paid attention to proph- soon!” (Rev. 22:12)? pain and aches, even in the midst of our ecy. Peter’s sermon on Pentecost is full own pain, we wait patiently and trust- of quotes from the Old Testament. They How Soon Is Soon? ingly. And on that great day that will had seen God’s timing in the arrival of Early Adventists understood that outshine all other days, we will run into the Messiah (Gal. 4:4), and they trusted God’s soon was truly soon. Their lives, the arms of our kingly Savior and tell His timing for the Son’s return. their priorities, their hopes, focused on him, “Jesus, we knew You were coming Here is something we can learn from this most glorious moment in history. for us, because You told us so.”Q the early church: Like the disciples of Soon Jesus would come to take home * This is based on Jack Canfield and Mark Victor old, we need to know our Savior person- His redeemed. However, more than 170 Hansen, eds., Chicken Soup for the Soul (Deerfield Beach, ally and intimately. Grace cannot be years have passed since then. Fla.: HCI Books, 1993), pp. 273, 274. communicated by hearsay. Salvation is “How soon is soon?” we ask our- not gained by blood bonds or member- selves as we wait. Yes, the signs of His ship forms. A personal encounter with coming are clearly visible and accumu- the risen Lord is the foundation for lative (Matt. 24): we can see this every QUESTIONS FOR trusting expectation. We trust people time we turn on our TV, visit our favor- whom we truly know; and to truly know ite Facebook pages, or read the news Jesus, we need to spend time with Him about wars, natural catastrophes, hun- Reflection in prayerful conversation and study of ger, disease, cruelty, lack of moral fiber His Word. and values, and social inequalities. and Sharing Another important facet of our wait- When we look into the mirror, we may 1. How can we actively wait for Jesus’ ing for Jesus involves understanding even see Laodicean complacency. Clearly return in a world that has no place for God’s prophetic message for our time. this world is in crisis—morally, eco- God? Since the ending of the prophetic nomically, socially, and ecologically. 2. time lines in 1844, we are living in the Life cannot just go on forever. Our What is the relationship between time of the end. Daniel 9:24-27 helps us resources are limited; our problems revival and the hope of the Second anchor the beginning of the long time seem unsolvable; our selfishness is lim- Coming? period of 2,300 evenings and mornings itless. Yet we have this hope that Christ 3. Why do we get distracted, even dis- (or days), given in Daniel 8:14, that had alone imparts. Like the disciples, we live couraged, in our waiting for Jesus? Daniel clearly worried. The 70 weeks a life of active service as we wait. Like What is the remedy for this discour- that were “cut off” from the larger pro- the disciples, we grab hold of the Mas- agement and distraction? phetic period began in 457 B.C., when ter’s hand as we wait. Like the disciples, the Medo-Persian king Artaxerxes I gave we are assured by the “prophetic mes- 4. How can we wait faithfully as part of Ezra wide authority to “do whatever sage” that is “completely reliable” and God’s community and be a blessing to seems best with the rest of the silver will guide us like a light shining in a those who surround us? and gold” (Ezra 7:18). This enabled Ezra dark place (2 Peter 1:19).

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 7 Monday “You Alone Are Worthy” WORSHIP AND THE SECOND COMING

he family had saved long for threatens to shatter communities and Others worship people. In 2010 Baylor their dream vacation. As they churches. This worship war is not about University professors Paul Froese and finally entered the plane and music styles or instruments. This war Christopher Bader published America’s Tsat down, they breathed a goes much deeper, right to the heart of Four Gods: What We Say About God—and collective sigh of relief that the matter. What That Says About Us. They suggested said, “Vacation, here we come”— and that, based on a survey of religious fell asleep. Six hours later they woke up Whom Do You Worship? views, Americans have four distinct as the plane taxied to the gate. Just Faithful worship characterizes God’s views of God: the authoritative God, the imagine their surprise and shock, how- people living in the last days. In fact, the benevolent God, the critical God, and ever, when they saw men huddling in first angel of Revelation 14, flying in the distant God. Needless to say, our down jackets against the cold wind. midair and proclaiming the eternal gos- perception of God clearly shapes our They had bought a trip to the tropics— pel, challenges us to “fear God and give worship of God. If God is distant and but had landed in Alaska. him glory, because the hour of his judg- judgmental (or critical), people tend to Can you imagine their complete dis- ment has come. Worship him who made worship carefully and liturgically cor- belief? Somehow they had gotten on the the heavens, the earth, the sea and the rect. If God is benevolent (which He wrong plane, and nobody had noticed. springs of water” (Rev. 14:7). clearly is) at the expense of authorita- Instead of balmy breezes and gently Worship is a major theme in Revela- tive, we may consider God our “buddy.” swaying palm trees, they faced icy wind tion. God’s people worship the Lamb of It seems, at times, that we have made and the prospect of early snow. God on the throne (Rev. 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; God in our own image, instead of recog- While we may not get on the wrong 11:16). Yet it is Satan, the dragon, who nizing that we were created in His plane and end up in a completely differ- demands and commands worship from “image” and likeness (Gen. 1:27). ent destination, we too can miss histo- those living on the earth (Rev. 13:4, 8, 12, ry’s most anticipated event. Tired from 14). He knows that we are committed to Worship and Revival the long wait, distracted by an overdose what or whom we worship. A quick review of ’s history con- of media and entertainment, confused So the battle continues every day, all firms the close connection between by contemporary approaches to God, around the globe. Some people worship worship and revival. Hezekiah’s Temple Seventh-day Adventists find themselves things. (In the past this was called idol- reform and restoration are followed by in the midst of a worship war that atry, but today we call it materialism.) the celebration of the Passover (2 Chron.

8 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE 29; 30). Nearly a century later young King Josiah begins a major revival in It seems, at times, that we have made Israel, purging Judah and Jerusalem of its high places, Asherah poles, and other God in our own image, instead of forms of idol worship (2 Chron. 34). Later Josiah reestablishes the appropri- ate celebration of the Passover (cf. recognizing that we were created in 2 Chron. 35, esp. verse 18). When we focus upon God, we are refreshed; our priorities get rearranged; His “image” and likeness. we remember who we really are (cre- ated beings); we recognize our hapless attempts at shaping our own destiny as reminds us of our origins—a powerful ping the Lamb who sits upon the self-centered. A straight line leads from Creator made us in His image and like- throne. revival to renewed worship. ness (Ex. 20:8-11). It also tells us some- Chapter 7 provides a good example: thing about Paradise lost and God’s way John looks and sees a great multitude Worship and Waiting to bring us home—we are sinners in that no one can count standing around Worship is not only a theological need of a Savior and need to be liberated the throne. They can’t keep quiet; they topic on God’s end-time agenda; true “out of Egypt” (see Deut. 5:12-15). Cre- can’t stand still. “Salvation belongs to worship, as opposed to false worship, ation and redemption are important our God, who sits on the throne, and to points away from us toward our Maker topics in our worship, and every Sab- the Lamb” (verse 10), they shout; then and our Redeemer. Others will be able bath is an opportunity “to remember.” they worship Him who paid the ulti- to see this practically. James describes Sabbath, however, also plays a signifi- mate price for their salvation. Their joy this concrete element of worship: “Reli- cant role as we anticipate the Master’s reminds us of heavenly peace and eter- gion that God our Father accepts as return. Satan’s ability to replace Sabbath nal bliss. Their worship encourages us pure and faultless is this: to look after with Sunday culminates in Revelation’s to stay faithful and ready to serve. Their orphans and widows in their distress end-time scenario, which centers on the songs tell us about a future we cannot and to keep oneself from being polluted true day of worship (Rev. 13:11-17; 14:9; even imagine. No scorching heat, no by the world” (James 1:27). cf. the ability of the little-horn power of hunger pangs, no tears and fears, no People waiting for the glorious Daniel 7:25 to “change times and law” loneliness, because “God will wipe away return of their Master and Lord do not [NKJV]).1 Ellen White predicted: “Those every tear from their eyes” (verse 17). sit idle in monasteries, churches, or who honor the Bible Sabbath will be Let’s join in their worship today!Q campuses, debating the intricacies and denounced as enemies of law and order, 1 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King timelines of His return. They are as breaking down the moral restraints James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by engaged in their communities. They of society, causing anarchy and corrup- Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights serve the homeless; they share material tion, and calling down the judgments of reserved. 2 2 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain and spiritual blessings with the down- God upon the earth.” View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 592. trodden and discouraged; they care for Ellen White’s insightful comments the sick and embrace the dying. remind us that the day of worship is not QUESTIONS FOR Selfless service challenges us. It often a matter of preference, but a life-and- means leaving our comfort zones— death issue. Our commitment to wor- those places that feel like home. It emu- ship God’s way needs to be based Reflection lates the attitude of Jesus, who “made solidly on the prophetic word and the himself nothing by taking the very personal knowledge of a Savior who is and Sharing nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7). We can truly worthy of worship. see it in Jesus washing the feet of His 1. How can worship become the driving disciples—including the one who No Need to Fear force of our Christian walk? would ultimately betray Him—and we The book of Revelation can be a dis- 2. What is the relationship between hear Him remind us that we are to fol- turbing read. When we focus upon cri- worship and the Sabbath? low His example (John 13:15). ses, persecution, and God’s opposition, we may feel overwhelmed or afraid. 3. What is the link between true wor- Worship and Sabbath However, “the revelation from Jesus ship and the Second Coming? Why Ask any Adventist about worship, and Christ” (Rev. 1:1) does not focus only are we warned not to “worship the Sabbath is bound to enter the conversa- upon the final crisis; again and again it beast”? tion. Adventists love the Sabbath. It highlights the ultimate joy of worship-

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 9 Tuesday “How Then Shall We Wait?” PATIENT ENDURANCE AND THE SECOND COMING

t had been a stirring Week of paycheck?” ask college students as they commandments. We do struggle, how- Prayer at one of our Adventist col- enter their senior year. “When will ever, with the “patient endurance” leges. The pastor had preached on come at last?” children (verse 12; cf. Rev. 13:10) that is part of Iend-time events: Jesus was coming inquire impatiently. “When will I get the core essentials of this group. They soon! In fact, so soon that some better?” wonder those suffering from a are faithful; they understand about parents had to field phone calls from chronic disease. “Patience is a virtue” God’s end-time timetable; they believe their college offspring along the follow- goes a saying, and virtues, it seems, are in God’s prophetic gift; yet their most ing lines: out of fashion. We live in a world of urgently needed trait, coloring every- Daughter: “Dad, Jesus is coming back instant gratification. thing else, is patient endurance. soon. The signs of His coming are ful- and Sarah had to wait—25 Patience and endurance are inti- filled. It’s just around the corner. I think years, to be precise (Gen. 12:4; 21:5). mately linked to faith in Revelation I should drop out of my degree program Waiting did not always come easy. In 13:10. Those who discern evil and resist and start knocking on doors.” fact, Ishmael’s birth, 11 years after the charms of the beast and its stand- Father: “Well, I am so glad that you God’s initial promise, seems to have ins are patient and will endure. They are enjoying this Week of Prayer. Why been a detour that caused much pain will not compromise; yet they will also would you want to drop everything for all involved. Yet Abraham and Sarah not hide in monasteries and remote wil- right now?” waited and waited, and continued to derness regions. Planted solidly in the Daughter: “But Dad, this is urgent. We settle in the land that God had prom- cities and byways of this world, they cannot just go on like before. Jesus is ised to give them. Like many others fol- represent Jesus’ hands and feet and are coming back.” lowing them, they lived by faith (Heb. committed to serving “the least of Father: “I am so thrilled to hear you 11:8-12) and trusted God to come these” (Matt. 25:40). talk like this. However, would you not through. be able to serve Jesus better when you He did. And He will do it again on End-time Waiting finish your education degree? Can you that great day when He finally appears Jesus includes a thought-provoking think of creative ways of sharing in the clouds of heaven. Revelation story in His end-time sermons. Jesus—even while you are studying?” 14:12 tells us about the characteristics Describing a royal judgment scene, He We often struggle when we have to of God’s end-time people. We know locates a group of sheep on the right wait. “When will I earn my first real about the faith of Jesus and keeping the and a group of goats on the left of a

10 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE royal throne room (cf. Matt. 25:31-46). Clearly Jesus did not want to speak Planted solidly in the cities about animal husbandry or the charac- teristics of sheep or goats. In Jesus’ story the King, speaking to the righ- and byways of this world, they teous on His right, commends them for feeding Him when He was hungry; for providing cool water when He was represent Jesus’ hands and feet thirsty; for visiting Him; for clothing Him; for inviting Him. Jesus sketches and are committed to serving the picture so masterfully that as read- ers we can nearly see the sheepish look on the face of the righteous. “Lord, when “the least of these.” did we see you hungry?” (verse 37), they reply. Then the King will answer: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (verse 40). are—and have always been—handy Waiting can be disconcerting and End-time waiting is active waiting. It tools in the toolbox of God’s archenemy. demoralizing; it challenges us to the involves serving those who are needy Yet, Jesus’ focus in His end-time ser- core. and associating with outcasts. It calls us mons is upon service and mission. “And Yet in the midst of our waiting, God to step out of our comfort zones and this gospel of the kingdom will be wants to give us the patient endurance embrace people we normally would not preached in the whole world as a testi- of His end-time saints. As we wait, we embrace. Whether in a center of influ- mony to all nations, and then the end are called to quietly search our hearts, ence in a secular and poor inner city, or will come” (verse 14). How encouraging then get to work. Yes, Jesus is coming in a small and ill-equipped medical to know that Jesus cannot be surprised. back soon. Yes, He is looking for a peo- clinic in rural Africa; whether in the ple whose hearts and minds are totally boardroom of a highly sophisticated Planting a Garden committed. But while we wait, let’s educational institution offering Ph.D.s Every day a bus driver had to wait serve Him where we are—with all our and master’s degrees or in the back- seven minutes at the end of his route in heart, our soul, and our strength woods of the countryside, God wants the ugly part of town. Waiting to start (Deut. 6:5).Q His people to show the world what it his tour again, he noticed an empty lot * Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel means to really wait for His coming. full of garbage. Plastic bags and junk lay Workers (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., “We are waiting and watching for the scattered all around. Day in and day out 1923), p. 163. grand and awful scene which will close the bus driver looked at the run-down up this earth’s history,” writes Ellen place. Then one day he made a decision. White. “But we are not simply to be Something had to be done about this QUESTIONS FOR waiting; we are to be vigilantly working ugly sight. He got out of his bus and with reference to this solemn event. The started filling a big garbage bag with living will be waiting, debris. Seven minutes later he was on Reflection watching, and working. None are to his way again. This became his daily stand in a neutral position. All are to routine. He would stop, get out of the and Sharing represent Christ in active, earnest effort bus, and start cleaning. 1. to save perishing souls.”* People in the area noticed the change. We have been preaching about Jesus’ Here is another element of patient Once all the garbage and dirt had been return for more than 170 years. What end-time endurance: Waiting for the removed, the bus driver brought flower can we learn from the many Bible Master to come and take us home is not seeds and bags of earth to the lot. He characters who also had to wait? relying on ringing alarm bells. People began to plant a garden. People who read 2. Which element of the biblical con- around us don’t need fever-pitch excite- about this in the newspaper started to cept of patient endurance challenges ment and rumors of eye-popping con- take the bus to the final stop. Some you most? Why? spiracies. Scripture confirms the would help the bus driver as he planted existence of satanic powers bent on and cared for his garden. Others would 3. Wherever you live, how could you be deceiving—even the elect (Matt. 24:24). just enjoy the beautiful sight. Seven min- the hands and feet of Jesus in practi- Persecution, misinformation, distor- utes every day were enough to change cal ways? tion, fanaticism, and manipulation and inspire an entire community.

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 11 Wednesday “Your Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy” THE GIFT OF PROPHECY AND THE SECOND COMING

n a Wednesday evening, Yet, through her writings she is still daughters will prophesy, your old men January 25, 1837, startled making an impact on people all around will dream dreams, your young men residents of the New Eng- the world. Ellen White was a prolific will see visions. Even on my servants, Oland states saw the evening writer. She wrote more than 5,000 peri- both men and women, I will pour out sky light up in a glowing odical articles and 40 books. Today, my Spirit in those days.” deep-red color. Eyewitnesses said that including compilations from her 50,000 The dynamic growth and the spiritual the red color seemed to dance in waves manuscript pages, more than 100 books gifts visible in the early Christian across the snow-covered ground. Many are available in English. Her writings church give us a foretaste of this out- people were terrified at this unusual cover a wide range of subjects. She pouring of the Holy Spirit before the display of the northern lights, or aurora wrote about religion, education, rela- Second Coming. Peter actually quotes borealis, but not 9-year-old Ellen. Ellen tionships, evangelism, prophecy, pub- Joel in his powerful Pentecost sermon was recovering from a severe accident lishing, nutrition, and even manage- (Acts 2:16-21), but this is not the only and was bedridden. She couldn’t get up, ment. One of her best-known books time that the gift is given. but she could watch the strange lights focusing upon the Christian journey, The rest of the chapter of Joel pro- reflecting through her bedroom win- , has been published in vides the context for this gift of proph- dow. And while others may have been more than 160 languages. ecy and shows that this extraordinary terror-struck, Ellen felt sheer joy display of God’s empowering Spirit because she thought it was the second The Gift of Prophecy takes place before the Second Coming. coming of Christ. Longing and working and the Second Coming In Revelation 12:17 John describes the toward that great event is something But Ellen White was more than just a two main characteristics of God’s end- that she would do all her life. So who gifted writer. The Bible tells of a renewal time people. Those living at that time was this young girl who so eagerly of the gift of prophecy within the Chris- obey God’s commandments and have awaited the coming of Jesus? tian church prior to the second coming the “testimony of Jesus Christ” (NKJV).1 of Jesus. Joel 2:28, 29 speaks of God’s We are not left to wonder what the “tes- Meet Ellen White promise to pour out His Holy Spirit and timony of Jesus Christ” is. Revelation Ellen Gould White was a remarkable give the gift of prophecy. The prophet 19:10 clearly tells us that “the testimony woman who lived most of her life dur- says, “And afterward, I will pour out my of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. ing the nineteenth century (1827-1915). Spirit on all people. Your sons and 19:10, NKJV; cf. Rev. 22:9).

12 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE Help to Prepare for the Second Coming Ellen White’s life and ministry represent at least a partial fulfillment of these biblical pre- dictions. During her 70 years of ministry she received hundreds of visions and prophetic dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. She was called by God as a special messenger to draw the world’s attention to the Bible and to help prepare people for Christ’s second advent. In her own words she says: “The burden of my message to you is: Get ready, get ready to meet the Lord. Trim your lamps, and let the light of truth shine forth into the byways and the hedges. There is a world to be warned of the near approach of the end of all things.”2 Of course this prophetic gift was never meant to be an addition to, or a substitute for, the Bible. The Bible remains the unique stan- dard by which Ellen White’s writings and all other writings must be judged.3 The Bible con- tains the tests that can be applied to see if her ministry was in fact the prophetic gift pre- dicted in the books of Joel and Revelation.4 Ellen White meets all the biblical tests of a true prophet. Ellen White’s ministry called atten- tion to and stimulated careful study of the Bible. One cannot read Ellen White’s writings with- out getting a sense of urgency. Her personal relationship with Jesus began during the expectation of Jesus’ soon coming before 1844. And even though she came to understand that other events would take place before the Sec- ond Coming, she lived her life fired by that enthusiasm.

Changed Lives Predictions about God’s coming in judgment and deliverance seem to be a main theme for many of the Old Testament prophets. Again and again Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Zephaniah, and other Old Testament prophets predicted the coming of the “day of the Lord.”5 Joel’s announcement is clear and imminent: “Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand” (Joel 2:1). New Testament writers took up the same theme in their writings.6 Peter, Paul, James, and the other New Testament authors all believed and taught that Jesus was coming soon. Listen to what Peter says in 2 Peter 3:9, 10: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 13 more than 2,750 years ago (Amos 3:7). Ellen White demonstrated in her In keeping with His word, God has always given special guidance through writings and life the delicate art of living His prophets. Now, as we stand at the climax of earth’s history, let God work again. Be between now and eternity. encouraged and counseled by reading and applying God’s counsels through Ellen White’s writings. We need to catch the vision of our future home in God’s with you, not wanting anyone to perish, were still on track prophetically, and neighborhood. He is ready to effect a but everyone to come to repentance. But Jesus was coming again—soon. second Pentecost and guide us through the day of the Lord will come like a thief. It was this belief in the coming of His prophetic word. The question is: The heavens will disappear with a roar; Jesus that has fueled the growth and Are we?Q the elements will be destroyed by fi re, spread of from a few hun- 1 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King and the earth and everything in it will dred believers to a worldwide move- James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by be laid bare.” ment numbering more than 18 million. Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights This belief in the soon coming of For Ellen White this expectancy of the reserved. 2 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain Jesus seems to have been the precursor second coming of Jesus provided the View, Calif.: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. for change and was the driving force for orientation for her life and work in the 106. the rapid spread of the gospel through- fl edgling Seventh-day Adventist Church. 3 Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . (Silver Spring, Md.: Ministerial Association, General Conference of Sev- out most of the Roman Empire within a Jesus’ coming was not simply a hypo- enth-day Adventists, 1988), p. 227. generation. thetical future event. For her Jesus’ sec- 4 Five biblical tests of a prophet have been recog- This belief had a way of changing ond coming had a sense of immediacy nized. They include (1) divine communication through visions and dreams (Num. 12:6); (2) agreement with lives, even for a farmer who set about to that demanded urgency in preaching Scripture, God’s prior revelation (Isa. 8:20); (3) point- study his Bible personally. the good news of His coming to all the ing to Jesus (1 John 4:1, 2); (4) fulfi lled prophecy (Jer. After studying the prophecy of Daniel world in as short a time as possible. She 28:9); and (5) the fruits of the prophetic ministry (Matt. 7:20). 8, referring to 2,300 evenings and morn- wrote: “The Lord is coming. We hear the 5 See, for example, Isa. 13:6; Eze. 30:2-4; Joel 1:15; ings, William Miller concluded that footsteps of an approaching God. . . . We Zeph. 1:6-8; and Obadiah 15. Jesus was coming again—soon. He was are to prepare the way for Him by acting 6 Compare, for example, 2 Peter 3; 1 Thess. 4:15; 5:3; and James 5:7, 8. thrilled at the thought “that in about our part in getting a people ready for 7 R. W. Schwarz and F. Greenleaf, Light Bearers twenty-fi ve years . . . all the affairs for that great day.”8 (Nampa, Idaho: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 1995), p. 33. our present state would be wound up.”7 8 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), p. 219. This good news was too good to keep to A Guard Against Fanaticism 9 For a very readable introduction to the fanatical himself. Although he felt totally inade- For some Adventists, a belief in the landscape of post-1844 , see George Knight, quate for the job, and knew that he had soon coming of Jesus seemed to lead to William Miller and the Rise of Adventism (Nampa, Idaho: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 2010), pp. 209-227. no training and experience as a public fanaticism,9 but Ellen White insisted on speaker, he felt convicted to tell others. a belief fi rmly anchored in Scripture, His greatest desire was to see people not based on emotional hype. She dem- QUESTIONS FOR accept Jesus as their Savior and look onstrated in her writings and life the forward with joy to His soon return. A delicate art of living between now and belief in Jesus’ soon coming has a way eternity. Ellen White’s letters and arti- Refl ection of motivating and inspiring the weakest cles are full of case studies in making believer. practical plans for the building up of and Sharing This biblically based hope of Jesus’ God’s kingdom while all the time focus- 1. How can the knowledge that we are coming was a sure anchor to the con- ing on the Second Coming. They show part of a prophetic movement inspire fused Adventist believers when Jesus us that rather than unfi tting true believ- greater involvement in outreach? didn’t return in 1844, as they had ers for a useful life, it is precisely this expected. It drove them back to their belief that motivates us to live our lives 2. What is the relationship between a Bibles; back to studying the prophecies, conscious of our individual and collec- belief in Jesus’ soon coming and where they discovered that they had the tive need to prepare a world for the revival and reformation? correct date but the wrong event! coming of Jesus. Rather than coming back to earth, Jesus “Surely the Sovereign Lord does noth- 3. In what ways do Ellen White’s writ- had entered the fi nal phase of His min- ing without revealing his plan to his ings help us avoid fanaticism? istry in the . They servants the prophets,” wrote Amos

14 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE Is your advertising off target? Call 240.329.7250 to explore how to best reach your audience with Adventist Review and Adventist World. Thursday “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” ASSURANCE AND THE SECOND COMING

escuers in Los Angeles standard for heaven is high. When we our place on the cross so that we can go County, California, had a examine our lives earnestly, we can free. We do not have to pay for this res- difficult time trying to get come to only one conclusion—we are cue—it was paid in full on Calvary. Ran injured man up a steep all sinners (Rom. 3:9). We do not qual- When we accept Jesus as our personal slope to an access road. ify for heaven. Something needs to be Savior, we can have the full assurance While the rescue itself was dangerous done. that if Jesus came right now we would and risky, the injured man was making Most major world religions share be ready to meet Him. things even more difficult and danger- something in common. You have to do ous for everyone. As the rescue heli- something to get something; salvation Free—Not Cheap copter hovered overhead, ready to must be earned. Even in God wants to give us the assurance of evacuate the seriously injured man, he this mind-set can subtly slip in. We can salvation (Rom. 8:31, 32). But we will get became hysterical and started thrash- begin to depend on prayers, Bible read- this assurance only when we stop look- ing about. The man was afraid of being ing, or even doing good things to ing at our own efforts and ourselves charged for the rescue. Only after the somehow give us the assurance that we and focus on what Jesus has done for rescue crew managed to convince the are going to be all right. Deep down us. man that the rescue would be abso- there is the vague notion that it really At this point many Christians get ner- lutely free did he let himself be is Christ plus the things that I do that vous. Accepting God’s assurance seems rescued. save me. too easy, and they are afraid of salvation becoming “cheap grace,” with people Working Our Way Good News continuing to live in sin, simply claim- How do you feel about your rescue? Perhaps we are a little like the injured ing forgiveness without making any Are you ready to be rescued by Jesus? man, afraid of the rescue because we changes in their lives. Salvation is free, Would you be ready to meet Him know that we cannot pay for it. There is, but it is not cheap. The gift of eternal today? While we would all say that we however, good news, in fact, really good life comes at the highest cost we can believe that Jesus saves us, most of us news. It is true that we are all sinners, imagine. This rescue cost Jesus His life; would probably hesitate a moment unable to pay the penalty. But Jesus and although it is free, we do have a with the today part of the question. If died for our sins so that we do not have part to play. A closer look at a biblical Jesus came today, would I be ready? The to die for them (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus took rescue may be helpful.

16 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE Hanging On No Matter What knew that he needed to be res- On this side of heaven cued. He had received word that his brother, Esau, was on his way with armed men to meet him. The peace perfection is always a offerings he had sent ahead did not seem to make any difference. Esau was coming, intent on revenge. Jacob sent growth process, not a stagnant his family ahead across the river, and all alone he pleaded with God for help. state; and no amount of our He needed rescue from Esau, but he also knew that he—the lying deceiver—had no right to ask God for doing anything can get us help. When help came, Jacob did not recognize it. He fought God off, think- ing that he was being attacked. Only at there. Rather, we have to keep dawn, as he realized with whom he was fighting, did Jacob get the assurance that he needed. Why? Jacob stopped clinging to Jesus. fighting God and instead clung to Him (Gen. 32:22-29). Jesus supplies the salvation and assurance we need as we cling to Him. earth reeling like a drunkard (Isa. As the sky rolls back and the earth Ellen White puts it this way: “Every 24:20). reels we can say with confidence, believing soul is to conform his will Would meeting Jesus require a spe- “Surely this is our God; we trusted in entirely to God’s will, and keep in a cial kind of holiness? Some Seventh-day him, and he saved us” (Isa. 25:9).Q state of repentance and contrition, exer- Adventists have claimed that the char- 1 See www.coloradoSARboard.org. cising faith in the atoning merits of the acter of God will be vindicated through 2 Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ (Hagerstown, Md.: Redeemer and advancing from strength the perfect lives of the last generation Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1985), p. 74. to strength, from glory to glory.” Ellen of believers. This claim is based on cer- 3 See Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, “Theology of the Last Generation,” Adventist Review, Oct. 10, 2013, p. 42. White continues to point out that there tain Ellen White quotes read in isola- is more to salvation than just belief or tion without the context of the rest of mental acceptance. Knowing that Jesus her writings. This claim often leads to QUESTIONS FOR is our Savior is more than just a nice, fear and is inclined to direct a Chris- comforting thought or a tantalizing tian’s focus inward instead of on Jesus. intellectual idea. It is “exercising faith” God has always wanted every genera- Reflection and “advancing from strength to tion of Christians to find victory over strength.” the power of sin in their lives (Rom. and Sharing James clearly states that belief is 6:11-14). However, on this side of 1. How can we be sure that we are ready pointless unless it is backed by action heaven perfection is always a growth to meet Jesus if He should come (James 2:19). The book of James process, not a stagnant state; and no today? explains with practical examples that amount of our doing anything can get 2. because we know that God has forgiven us there. Rather, we have to keep cling- What does God expect of every gen- us, and we have faith that He will save ing to Jesus.The daily struggle is to let eration of believers? How is this dif- us, we obey Him. Living life with God go of all that separates us and, like ferent from a belief that the last has a practical effect on our everyday Jacob, focus on clinging to Jesus rather generation must be perfect? lives. We can have the assurance that we than fighting off His Spirit or interfer- 3. If I have the assurance that I am are ready to meet Jesus if He came ing with His work by trying to give the saved should Jesus come today, does today. rescuer a hand. Having the assurance that mean I will still have that assur- that we are ready to meet Jesus does ance next month? Why, or why not? The Ultimate Rescue Mission not depend on reaching a certain stan- The second coming of Jesus will be dard. The assurance is found with Paul 4. How can we help our children and the greatest rescue event in earth’s his- in “dying daily” to all that separates youth discover the joy of the assur- tory. The Bible describes the sky being us from God, and clinging to His ance of salvation? peeled back like a scroll (Isa. 34:4), the promises.

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 17 Friday Greatest Terror— Greatest Hope THE CERTAINTY AND JOY OF THE RESURRECTION

ollowing the publication of You Shall Not Die—Really? Peter reaffirmed this on the day of Charles Darwin’s world-shat- There is something horrible about Pentecost as he spoke of King David: tering book On the Origin of being lied to; no one likes being lied to. “Fellow , I can tell you confi- FSpecies in 1859, scientists tried Yet lies often seem believable, or else we dently that the patriarch David died to find the fossil evidence of wouldn’t fall for them. One of the very and was buried, and his tomb is here to our extinct ancestors. In 1910 archaeol- first lies was told to Eve in the garden by this day” (Acts 2:29). And he continued: ogist Charles Dawson found what he the serpent. Eve believed the serpent’s “David did not ascend to heaven” thought was the missing link in the fos- statement “You will not certainly die” (verse 34). sil record. In reality, what he found was (Gen. 3:4) and ate the fruit. Ever since So even if it may not be biblical, what one of the most far-reaching frauds in then, we have hung on to the lie. Even in would be so bad with believing that my loved history. the face of death before us, we still one is in a happy peaceful place? ask some The find soon became known as Pilt- somehow hang on to the vague hope as they struggle with the reality of down Man. It consisted of some pieces that something somehow goes on living death. of a skull and a jaw with molars. Daw- afterward. This lie has become one of Believing that someone is somewhere son brought his discovery to a promi- the most widely believed frauds. The and conscious after death does two nent paleontologist, who confirmed its burning question for all of us is: What things. First, it opens the door for direct authenticity. happens when we die? manipulation by evil forces, which can The discovery was quickly reported masquerade as a dead loved one and all over the world. But the lie behind The Sleep of Death communicate with us. Second, it takes Piltdown Man slowly began to unravel. Scripture tells us that death is an away the necessity for the greatest event Circumstances and evidence just didn’t unconscious state. In fact, the Bible in history: the second coming of Jesus. match. In the 1950s more advanced test- compares death to sleep. “For the living ing showed that the skull was only know that they will die; but the dead The Climax of History about 600 years old, and that the jaw know nothing. . . . Their love, their The Bible points toward the second had come from an orangutan. Appar- hatred, and their envy have now per- coming of Jesus as the great climax in ently some knowledgeable person had ished; nevermore will they have a share earth’s history. It will not be a low-key filed down and stained the teeth and in anything done under the sun” (Eccl. event that most people will miss. Jesus “planted” the find.1 9:5, 6, NKJV).2 promised that it will be unmistakable,

18 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE similar to spectacular lightning crossing from east to west (Matt. 24:27). John adds Whether asleep in death or alive that “every eye will see him” (Rev. 1:7). It will be an overwhelming, amazing spectacle. The second coming of Christ at the time of the Second Coming, is the blessed hope of the church. The Savior’s coming will be a literal, per- sonal, visible, and worldwide event. we can be witnesses to the greatest When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected. This will be an occa- showdown in history. sion that will be loud enough to quite literally “raise the dead.” The apostle Paul gives us a quick pre- view in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17: “For the Lord Himself will descend from terror for those who are unprepared to We do not need to believe a lie. In the heaven with a shout, with the voice of meet Jesus. What for some will be the face of death we do not have to cling to an archangel, and with the trumpet of most joyful event in earth’s history will some desperate hope that somehow, God. And the dead in Christ will rise be the most terrible moment for others. somewhere, life may go on. We can have first. Then we who are alive and remain Those unprepared to meet Jesus will be the blessed hope that robs death of its shall be caught up together with them so desperate to get away from this glori- sting. We can look forward to the great in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. ous event that they will call on moun- reunion when Jesus returns in the And thus we shall always be with the tains and rocks to “fall on us and hide clouds of glory to wake the dead. We Lord” (NKJV). us from the face of him who sits on the can look forward to the great hello with At the Second Coming those who throne and from the wrath of the Lamb” no goodbye.Q sleep in Jesus will be raised to eternal (Rev. 6:16). 1 Jane McGrath, “10 of the Biggest Lies in History,” life. Because we know that the dead are But none of us needs to be among http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/ asleep in the grave, the promise of the this group. Jesus has made every provi- 10-biggest-lies-in-history.htm#page=6. Second Coming and the resurrection to sion to have us joyfully await His 2 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by eternal life is especially important to us. return. Whether asleep in death or alive Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights at the time of the Second Coming, we reserved. One Event—Two can witness the greatest showdown in 3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 644. Distinct Reactions history. We can watch when that great During World War II, prisoners of war enemy, death, will be swallowed up in were surprised by the sound of airplanes victory. flying low over their camp. As they ran Ellen White vividly describes the QUESTIONS FOR out of their barracks, every eye was scene: “Amid the reeling of the earth, straining to recognize the insignia on the the flash of lightning, and the roar of planes. Then the prisoners began to thunder, the voice of the Son of God Reflection shout for joy, wave, and hug each other. calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks These were not enemy planes, but their upon the graves of the righteous, then, and Sharing own planes. Liberation was only hours raising His hands to heaven, He cries: away. For the prisoners it was the great- ‘Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in 1. How does the biblical concept of the est day of their lives; but for another the dust, and arise!’ Throughout the state of the dead give hope to some- group the roar of the engines brought length and breadth of the earth the dead one who is grieving? terror, not joy. The prison guards stared shall hear that voice, and they that hear 2. in horrified disbelief. For them judgment shall live. And the whole earth shall ring What is the danger of believing in an day had arrived. Soon they would have to with the tread of the exceeding great immortal soul? account for their cruel deeds. Terrified, army of every nation, kindred, tongue, 3. Why is it important to know what the the guards abandoned their posts and and people. From the prison house of Bible says about the way in which fled into the jungle. death they come, clothed with immortal Jesus will come? glory, crying: ‘O death, where is thy Terror and Joy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’ . . . 4. How can we be sure that we will While it brings great joy to think of And the living righteous and the risen rejoice and not be terrified at the Sec- the resurrection as a moment of cele- saints unite their voices in a long, glad ond Coming? bration and reunion, it is also a day of shout of victory.”3

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 19 Second Sabbath The Controversy Ended

20 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE BY ELLEN G. WHITE t the close of the thousand throne sits the Son of God, and around tion of truth and error in the long- years, Christ again returns Him are the subjects of His kingdom. . . . standing controversy has now been to the earth. He is accom- In the presence of the assembled inhab- made plain. . . . Satan’s own works have Apanied by the host of the itants of earth and heaven the final cor- condemned him. God’s wisdom, His redeemed and attended by onation of the Son of God takes place. justice, and His goodness stand fully a retinue of angels. As He descends in And now, invested with supreme maj- vindicated. . . . terrific majesty He bids the wicked dead esty and power, the King of kings pro- arise to receive their doom. They come nounces sentence upon the rebels Evil Eradicated forth, a mighty host, numberless as the against His government and executes Fire comes down from God out of sands of the sea. . . . justice upon those who have trans- heaven. The earth is broken up. . . . The Christ descends upon the Mount of gressed His law and oppressed His peo- very rocks are on fire. . . . The wicked Olives. . . . As the New Jerusalem, in its ple. Says the prophet of God: “I saw a receive their recompense in the earth. dazzling splendor, comes down out of great white throne, and Him that sat on Proverbs 11:31. They “shall be stubble: heaven, it rests upon the place purified it, from whose face the earth and the and the day that cometh shall burn and made ready to receive it, and Christ, heaven fled away; and there was found them up, saith the Lord of hosts.” Mala- with His people and the angels, enters no place for them. And I saw the dead, chi 4:1. . . . Satan’s work of ruin is for- the Holy City. small and great, stand before God; and ever ended. For six thousand years he Now Satan prepares for a last mighty the books were opened: and another has wrought his will, filling the earth struggle for the supremacy. While book was opened, which is the book of with woe and causing grief throughout deprived of his power and cut off from life: and the dead were judged out of the universe. . . . Now God’s creatures his work of deception, the prince of evil those things which were written in the are forever delivered from his presence was miserable and dejected; but as the books, according to their works.” Reve- and temptations. . . . wicked dead are raised and he sees the lation 20:11, 12.* While the earth was wrapped in the vast multitudes upon his side, his As soon as the books of record are fire of destruction, the righteous abode hopes revive, and he determines not to opened, and the eye of Jesus looks upon safely in the Holy City. Upon those that yield the great controversy. He will mar- the wicked, they are conscious of every had part in the first resurrection, the shal all the armies of the lost under his sin which they have ever committed. second death has no power. While God banner and through them endeavor to They see just where their feet diverged is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is execute his plans. . . . from the path of purity and holiness, to His people both a sun and a shield. In that vast throng are multitudes of just pride and rebellion have Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. the long-lived race that existed before carried them in the violation of the law “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: the Flood; men of lofty stature and giant of God. . . . for the first heaven and the first earth intellect. . . . There are kings and gener- The whole wicked world stand were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The als who conquered nations, valiant men arraigned at the bar of God on the fire that consumes the wicked purifies who never lost a battle, proud, ambi- charge of high treason against the gov- the earth. Every trace of the curse is tious warriors whose approach made ernment of heaven. They have none to swept away. No eternally burning hell kingdoms tremble. . . . plead their cause; they are without will keep before the ransomed the fear- Satan consults with his angels, and excuse; and the sentence of eternal ful consequences of sin. then with these kings and conquerors death is pronounced against them. . . . and mighty men. . . . At last the order to Satan sees that his voluntary rebel- Only One Reminder advance is given, and the countless host lion has unfitted him for heaven. He has One reminder alone remains: Our moves on. . . . With military precision trained his powers to war against God; Redeemer will ever bear the marks of the serried ranks advance over the the purity, peace, and harmony of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded earth’s broken and uneven surface to heaven would be to him supreme tor- head, upon His side, His hands and feet, the City of God. By command of Jesus, ture. His accusations against the mercy are the only traces of the cruel work the gates of the New Jerusalem are and justice of God are now silenced. The that sin has wrought. . . . And the tokens closed, and the armies of Satan sur- reproach which he has endeavored to of His humiliation are His highest round the city and make ready for the cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon honor; through the eternal ages the onset. himself. And now Satan bows down and wounds of Calvary will show forth His confesses the justice of his sentence. praise and declare His power. Christ Crowned, Judges “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and “O tower of the flock, the strong Now Christ again appears to the view glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee of His enemies. Far above the city, upon for all nations shall come and worship shall it come, even the first dominion.” a foundation of burnished gold, is a before thee; for thy judgments are made Micah 4:8. The time has come to which throne, high and lifted up. Upon this manifest.” Revelation 15:4. Every ques- holy men have looked with longing

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 21 ments in the great controversy with All the treasures of the universe will be Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the open to the study of God’s redeemed. harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thou- sands of voices unite to swell the since the flaming sword barred the first The glory of God and the Lamb floods mighty chorus of praise. pair from Eden, the time for “the the Holy City with unfading light. The “And every creature which is in redemption of the purchased posses- redeemed walk in the sunless glory of heaven, and on the earth, and under the sion.” Ephesians 1:14. The earth origi- perpetual day. earth, and such as are in the sea, and all nally given to man as his kingdom, “I saw no temple therein: for the Lord that are in them, heard I saying, Bless- betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, God Almighty and the Lamb are the tem- ing, and honour, and glory, and power, and so long held by the mighty foe, has ple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of be unto him that sitteth upon the been brought back by the great plan of God are privileged to hold open commu- throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and redemption. All that was lost by sin has nion with the Father and the Son. . . . We ever.” Revelation 5:13. been restored. . . . shall stand in His presence and behold The great controversy is ended. Sin “My people shall dwell in a peaceable the glory of His countenance. and sinners are no more. The entire uni- habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in There the redeemed shall know, even verse is clean. One pulse of harmony quiet resting places.” “Violence shall no as also they are known. The loves and and gladness beats through the vast cre- more be heard in thy land, wasting nor sympathies which God Himself has ation. From Him who created all flow destruction within thy borders; but planted in the soul shall there find tru- life and light and gladness, throughout thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and est and sweetest exercise. . . . the realms of illimitable space. From the thy gates Praise.” “They shall build There, immortal minds will contem- minutest atom to the greatest world, all houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plate with never-failing delight the won- things, animate and inanimate, in their plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of ders of creative power, the mysteries of unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, them. They shall not build, and another redeeming love. . . . The acquirement of declare that God is love.Q inhabit; they shall not plant, and knowledge will not weary the mind or * Bible texts are from the King James Version. another eat: . . . mine elect shall long exhaust the energies. There the grandest enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah enterprises may be carried forward, the THIS ARTICLE IS EXCERPTED FROM 32:18; 60:18; Isaiah 65:21, 22. . . . loftiest aspirations reached, the highest THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, PAGES Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of ambitions realized; and still there will 662-678. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS heaven. There will be no more tears, no arise new heights to surmount, new BELIEVE THAT ELLEN G. WHITE funeral trains, no badges of mourning. wonders to admire, new truths to com- (1827-1915) EXERCISED THE BIBLICAL “There shall be no more death, neither prehend, fresh objects to call forth the GIFT OF PROPHECY DURING MORE THAN 70 YEARS OF sorrow, nor crying . . . : for the former powers of mind and soul and body. PUBLIC MINISTRY. things are passed away.” . . . Revelation All the treasures of the universe will 21:4. . . . be open to the study of God’s redeemed. QUESTIONS FOR Unfettered by mortality, they wing their Glories of Eternity tireless flight to worlds afar—worlds There is the New Jerusalem, the that thrilled with sorrow at the specta- Reflection metropolis of the glorified new earth. . . . cle of human woe and rang with songs In the City of God “there shall be no of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed and Sharing night.” None will need or desire repose. soul. With unutterable delight the chil- 1. As you look forward to the end of sin, There will be no weariness in doing the dren of earth enter into the joy and the is there anything that frightens you? will of God and offering praise to His wisdom of unfallen beings. . . . What is it? name. We shall ever feel the freshness of And the years of eternity, as they roll, the morning and shall ever be far from will bring richer and still more glorious 2. What is the significance of Jesus its close. “And they need no candle, nei- revelations of God and of Christ. As bearing the marks of His crucifixion ther light of the sun; for the Lord God knowledge is progressive, so will love, throughout eternity? giveth them light.” Revelation 22:5. The reverence, and happiness increase. The light of the sun will be superseded by a more men learn of God, the greater will radiance which is not painfully daz- be their admiration of His character. As 3. For you, what will be the best part of zling, yet which immeasurably sur- Jesus opens before them the riches of living in God’s presence? passes the brightness of our noontide. redemption and the amazing achieve-

22 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE Children’s Readings BY CHARLES MILLS

FIRST SABBATH Words of Love “God’s holy peo- The Loud Voice ple must be patient. They was very tired, and the airport waiting room “Your attention, please. Your attention, please. must obey God’s Iwas so cool and comforting. For weeks I’d This is the fi nal boarding call of Flight 982 to commands and been traveling around the taking Miami. All passengers should be on board the keep their faith in pictures and making a movie about the many aircraft at this time. If you have a ticket for Flight Jesus” (Rev. activities of fellow church members there. 982, you must proceed immediately to the 14:12, ICB).* I’d fi lmed pastors and laypeople sharing boarding gate. This is your fi nal call.” God’s love with everyone they met. I’d seen doc- I probably created a record for the fastest tors healing sick people, and students studying sprint to the boarding gate. The door to the air- to become doctors and preachers and teachers. plane was about to close when I raced up to the I’d met real heroes who’d sacrifi ced so much to counter and shouted, “Wait! I’m on that fl ight. I worship the God they loved. I’d photographed have a ticket! See? Here’s my boarding pass, too. young people sharing information about over- Please let me on! I want to go home!” coming illness and disease. I’d heard music and Did you know there is a “loud voice” calling powerful preaching, and watched people get out to you right now? This “loud voice” is call- baptized. Now it was time to go home. ing out to everyone in the whole world. It’s I closed my eyes as I felt the pressure of my God’s voice echoing from the lips of three high- busy schedule slip away. Soon I’d be home in my fl ying angels who’ve been sent from heaven to own bed. do two things: (1) to warn of coming dangers, Suddenly I became aware that I couldn’t hear and (2) to share what we need to do in order to anyone talking near me. The waiting room, go home with Jesus. moments before fi lled with passengers, chil- One time a loud voice woke me and told me to dren, ticket agents, was empty. All that remained get on an airplane right now. God’s loud voice was silence and the sound of jet engines spool- has a similar message. Only this time we won’t ing up. be going to Miami; we will be headed for I panicked. My fl ight home! The journey that heaven! So let’s all be sure to stay awake and lis- would return me to my home had left without ten for it. me. I’d missed it! I’d fallen asleep, and while I * Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from the International dozed, I was left behind. Children’s Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 That’s when I heard a loud voice echoed from by Tommy Nelson, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, the speakers of my lonely airport waiting room. Tennessee 37214. Used by permission.

Share If you were God, what would you say to this world to invite everyone to go to heaven with you? Write that message down and e-mail it to everyone you know.

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 23 Children’s Readings

SUNDAY Words of Love “The angel had Good News School the eternal Good News to preach to don’t want to go to church.” Justin sat with “And,” his father continued, “we’re going to a those who live on Ihis arms crossed over his chest, pouting. place where you learn how to be an angel. As a earth—to every “Why?” his father asked, watching the matter of fact, you’re going to learn how to stop nation, tribe, lan- road ahead. “I thought you liked church!” wars, make your friends healthier, and bring guage, and peo- “I’d rather do other things today, like play love into people’s homes.” ple” (Rev. 14:6, baseball or watch one of my favorite movies on The two sat in silence for a long moment. ICB). the Internet. Sometimes church is boring.” “Who’s going to teach me all this?” the boy Justin’s dad nodded slowly. “Well, you’re asked. right. Compared to an exciting baseball game or “God,” Dad said. a movie about battling dinosaurs, church can be Justin frowned. “How do you know God’s kinda boring.” going to do all that?” The boy blinked. “You agree with me?” His father shrugged. “Because He said He “Sure,” his father said with a . “That’s would. ‘Go everywhere in the world. Tell the why we’re not going to church today.” Good News to everyone’ [Mark 16:15, ICB]. “We’re not?” “Do you think God wants us to just head out “Nope.” into the world without learning how to do that? “Wow,” Justin gasped, squirming excitedly That, my friend, takes practice and knowledge. against the seat belt. Learning, too. It requires that you do something very special once or twice a week—something that teaches you how to be a loving angel to the whole world. That takes—” Dad steered his minivan into a parking lot Share fi lled with cars and smiling faces. If you were the pastor of a church, what would you do to make sure “That takes church,” Justin said with a shy everyone had a fun learning experience there? Make a list and share it smile when he recognized where they were. with your pastor. Then get ready to help him or her in any way you can. “People in Bible times had their sanctuaries and temples. Today we have churches. But the goal of these places is all the same: to learn how to spread the good news of God’s love. Do you understand?” Justin nodded. “Yes. And you know what, Dad?” “What?” “I’m glad we have this little church to come to. I’m sorry I complained about it. I do want to be an angel for God. I do want to spread His love to everyone.” Father and son walked from the car and headed for their church.

24 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE MONDAY Words of Love “What will hap- Getting Ready pen to show us that it is time for isa was as excited as a 10-year-old could “I’ve never been to anyplace exotic, unless you you to come Lbe. “Do you see her yet?” her mother called count Daryl’s bedroom.” again and for the from the doorway, holding a sizzling rasp- Mother laughed. “I think even he has cleaned world to end?” berry pie fresh from the oven. “Raspberry pie is up his act for Sarah’s arrival. The whole house is (Matt. 24:3, ICB). her favorite, you know.” as neat as a pin.” “I know!” Lisa said beaming. “And she likes Lisa smiled. “Nothing’s too good for Sarah. I baked apples and watermelon and Spanish rice.” want her to feel right at home.” Mother placed the hot pie on a cooling shelf Mother sighed. “I wish people worked this by the window and sat down wearily on the hard for someone else who’s coming back soon.” porch swing. “You’ve missed your big sister, The girl frowned. “Who’s coming back?” haven’t you?” she said. “Jesus,” Mother stated. “He’s coming back to Lisa nodded. “Sarah’s ship has been to so this earth.” many interesting places,” she said excitedly. Lisa gasped. “When?” “Each time she is depl—deplo—.” “Soon,” her mother responded. “Jesus told “Deployed,” Mother interjected. His disciples that before He returned, the world “Yes. That’s it,” said Lisa. “Each time she’s would be a dangerous place. That’s why Sarah deployed, the Navy sends her someplace really joined the Navy. She’s trying to keep the world exotic. That means ‘strange, mysterious, and out peaceful.” of the ordinary.’ I looked it up.” The girl paused. “Oh, yeah,” Lisa said. “Those were the signs Jesus talked about, the signs that He would be coming soon.”

More Signs Share “You knew Sarah was coming back, so you’ve List fi ve ways you can be a joyful sign to your friends and neighbors that been busy cleaning your rooms, scrubbing the Jesus is coming soon. Then write a song about your joy. fl oors, picking beautiful fl owers from the fi elds, washing your clothes—you want everything to be special for Sarah. I do, too. I’ve been making all of her favorite foods, like this pie. Why are we doing all those things?” Lisa grinned broadly. “Because we love Sarah and want her to feel welcome when she gets here.” “You know what? I like to think it’s the job of every Christian to show signs of loving service to the world, so everyone will know that some- thing special and wonderful is about to happen. Our best friend Jesus is coming back, and we need to be the signs to show everyone that He’s coming soon.” Just then a car appeared at the curve in the road, and Lisa started jumping up and down. “Here she comes! Here she comes,” she called out. Mom and Lisa waved and smiled at the approaching vehicle. They knew that everything was ready to welcome someone they’d missed greatly and was now coming home again.

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 25 Children’s Readings

TUESDAY Words of Love “It is important Evidence for you to under- stand what will ou don’t look ,” Kim’s dad said as “Dad,” the teenager said, “I have a cold.” happen in the Yhis son stumbled into the kitchen. The “So,” the man pressed, “you have a cold based last days” teenager stood in his pajamas holding a on the evidence, right?” (2 Peter 3:3, half-empty glass of orange juice in one hand Kim nodded. “Right.” ICB). and a bottle of vitamin C pills in the other. “And,” Dad continued, “we should make deci- “Oh, I’m fi ne,” Kim answered, “except for this sions based on evidence, right?” cough, runny nose, scratchy throat, high fever, The boy hesitated. “Right.” and bothersome ringing in my ears.” “Then why is it so hard for you to believe that Dad laughed. “Poor baby.” Jesus is coming soon?” Kim frowned. “You called me baby.” I’m 13 Kim gasped. “What does Jesus’ coming have years old and prefer to be called ‘young person’ to do with my cold?” or ‘adult in training.’ ” Dad shook his head slowly from side to side. Old-fashioned “I know exactly what’s wrong with you.” Dad’s eyes softened. “Last night you said that Kim blinked. “Well, Dr. Dad, what’s your you didn’t think Jesus was coming soon. You said diagnosis?” that we should just love others and be kind and The man pointed a fi nger at him. “It’s obvious enjoy God’s forgiveness, and that talking about you’ve got a bad case of twisted ankle.” the Second Coming was totally old-fashioned.” Kim studied his father for a long moment. “Yes,” Kim responded. “Twisted ankle?” “So, what about the evidence?” the man pressed. Dad’s eyebrows rose. “What do you think you “Evidence?” Kim asked. “What evidence?” have?” “Jesus told His disciples that near the end of time there would be famines and pestilence and that people would be so afraid that their hearts would stop beating! And what about all these Share sudden illnesses like plagues that keep popping Draw a picture of three activities you can do in your home, your community, up? We’ve got people mistreating poor persons or your church to remind people that Jesus is coming back. Include this text and making themselves rich off the suffering of with your drawings: “Listen! I am coming soon!” (Rev. 22:12, ICB). others. That’s all evidence, Kim. That’s evidence that Jesus is coming soon and we have to tell people about it.” “If that’s true, why hasn’t He come yet?” Kim asked. “I don’t know,” Dad responded with a shrug. “I’m sure He has His reasons. But if you believe the evidence, you have to believe and trust the promise. I think we need to be telling people about the evidence and about the promise.” Kim nodded slowly. “OK, OK. You’re right,” he said between coughs. “I guess I should take the Second Coming more seriously. I guess I should tell others about it too.” He turned to leave, then paused. “And I will start doing that right after I get over this twisted ankle.” Dad smiled proudly. “That’s my . . . young person.”

26 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE WEDNESDAY Words of Love “Those who have Waiting for the Harvest died and were in Christ will rise erry stood and stared at the freshly corn on the cob for supper. What are they wait- fi rst” (1 Thess. Tturned soil. Overhead, spring birds sang ing for? The seeds are just lying there.” 4:16, ICB). their sweet songs and clouds drifted in “Oh, but they’re doing something important,” the bright blue of the sky. It had been three Dad urged. hours since he’d watched his father carefully “What?” Terry wanted to know. plant seeds in the dirt, and yet nothing was hap- “They’re waiting. They’re waiting for the days pening. To his 5-year-old mind, that was simply to become longer, the sun to become brighter, not acceptable. the air to become warmer, and summer rains to Dad had worked hard preparing the ground, bring moisture down into the soil so they can adding just the right amount of fertilizer and drink of the life-giving water. Then something dropping each group of corn seeds into per- amazing will happen.” fectly spaced piles along perfectly straight fur- “What?” Terry asked, bending low for a closer rows. Now the sun shone overhead and a cool look. wind blew through the branches of the tall oaks “They’ll send shoots up through the soil to behind the house. It was time. But nothing was the surface while pushing roots down, down, happening! down into the earth,” Dad stated. “Then they’ll Dad walked up beside his young son and take energy from the sun and grow up, up, up, smiled down at him. “Are you talking to my gar- forming stalks and leaves and fi nally ears of den?” he asked. corn ready for hungry 5-year-old boys to enjoy Terry pointed. “I’m talking to the seeds. You with mashed potatoes and string beans. All that put them in the garden this morning, and I want takes time, but it will be worth the wait.” Terry frowned. “Why does it take so long?” “Well,” Dad said, looking out over his garden, “everything has to be just right. Everything has Share to happen in a special order for things to grow. Has someone in your family died? If so, draw a picture of some beautiful But as long as there’s a sun overhead, rain com- tombstones with their names on them. Include the sun overhead to help ing down, and rich soil below, the seeds in my you remember what Jesus will do someday soon. garden will grow just as they have since God cre- ated this world.” The man paused. “It’s the same with people who die—like Grandma and Uncle Jarrod. Remember? We placed their coffi ns in the ground. But someday soon Jesus will come and call them from the earth. They’ll be alive once more, and we’ll be so happy to see them. Then we’ll all go to heaven with Jesus, where nothing will ever die and my gardens will grow delicious food forever. Would you like that?” Terry thought for a long moment. “OK. Then I’ll wait too. I’ll wait for my corn on the cob, and I’ll wait for Jesus to make Grandma and Uncle Jarrod alive again.” “Good plan,” Dad said, taking his son by the hand and walking toward the house. “Waiting isn’t always fun, but it will be worth it. You’ll see.”

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 27 Children’s Readings

THURSDAY Words of Love “Blessed and holy A Safe Place are those who share in the fi rst lsa looked at the falling leaves and dying ours, but they have God. When He created this raising of the Egrasses. She noticed great lines of geese world, He made sure that everyone had a home. dead. The second fl ying high overhead as a chilly wind blew As a matter of fact, the earth was one great big death has no up the valley, making her shiver and move happy home for everyone. People and animals power over them” closer to her mother for warmth. “I don’t like lived in the meadows or under the shade of (Rev. 20:6, ICB). autumn,” she said, jamming her hands into her beautiful trees—just like our animal friends out pockets. “It makes me worried.” there. “Worried?” Mother repeated. “Why?” “But after sin came along, Adam and Eve built “Because of the animals,” the girl stated, their own home. Soon people were building pointing at the trees and meadows surrounding houses and cities and living a life very different them. “See those squirrels and chipmunks and from what God had in mind. The animals con- birds? And what about the foxes and bears and tinued to do many things as God intended. Sin groundhogs and the whitetail deer? What’s created cold winters and brought many dangers going to happen to them when the snows come? into their lives—especially dangers from It gets so cold that Miller Pond freezes solid, and humans. But the animals dug into the ground or all their food goes away. They don’t have a nice, burrowed into trees, or fl ew south to faraway, warm fi re like we have in our house. All they warmer places. Many learned to sleep during have are the woods and the snow. That can’t be the cold winter months in cozy dens while oth- good.” ers fi gured out how to fi nd food under piles Mother thought for a moment. “Well, you’re of fallen snow. Animals are living in the arms right,” she said. “They don’t have a big home like of nature, doing what God taught them to do—survive.” The woman paused. “The same God who made us promised to protect us if we’d let Him. Share Someday heaven will be our home, and even Put up some bird and animal feeders in your backyard this though sin is destroying everything, we’ll be coming winter. You’ll make a lot of critters—and the God who safe and sound there. We’ll learn more about made them—very happy. Invite your friends to do the same. God and worship Him. The birds, bears, foxes, squirrels, and deer will join us there too. One big happy family again.” Elsa thought for a moment, then nodded. Mother smiled. “Hey, would you like to help God care for the animals?” “Really?” the girl gasped. “We can do that?” “Sure. Let’s go to the hardware store. We can buy some birdseed and dried corn. Then, when it snows, we’ll put out plenty of food for the squir- rels and rabbits and deer and birds to eat. They can carry some of that food back to their dens and tree cavities for later. It won’t be the Garden of Eden, but we can love and care for them just the same.” And that’s exactly what they did.

28 ADVENTIST REVIEW | WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE FRIDAY Words of Love “Worship God. He Worship the Creator made the heav- ens, the earth, ne day I was taking a Sabbath afternoon Being friendly is much more pleasant and the sea, and the Owalk with my wife. We were enjoying the rewarding than being all snarly and gruff. springs of water” colorful summer leaves and listening to Besides, you might get into trouble. Why don’t (Rev. 14:7, ICB). the birds chirping in the branches. you simply bark a few times, and then head back I stopped to take a picture of a fl ower as my home again?” wife continued walking, admiring the butter- Or, three, I could do what I did. I shouted, fl ies and blossoms. Soon she was some distance “HEY! HEY! STOP! BAD DOG! BAD DOG! GET from me. OUT OF HERE! GO HOME! GO HOME!” Suddenly a large shaggy dog burst from the That third solution worked like a charm. The yard of a nearby house and headed straight for dog hurried back toward his own yard. Whew! my wife at full speed. By the look of his bared That was too close for comfort. teeth and the sound of his deep snarl, I knew he didn’t want to play fetch with her. Snarling Dog Satan I had three choices. One, I could call out to the In the fascinating book of Revelation the Bible dog in a friendly manner. “Excuse me, Mr. Dog,” reports that God sent three angels to warn every- I could say. “I would really appreciate it if you one in the world that sin is destroying them. That didn’t try to eat my wife. Please return to your old snarling dog Satan is on the attack. The Bible yard, and we’ll just continue our walk in peace says they used a “loud voice.” And one of those and tranquillity.” angels, the very fi rst one, while using a very defi - Or, two, I could have tried to reason with him. nite outdoor voice, said something strange. He “Mr. Dog, your actions don’t seem friendly. shouted: “Worship God. He made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.” In other words, he told everyone: “GOD CREATED YOU, SO YOU SHOULD WORSHIP HIM!” Share Why would an angel have to remind everyone Ask your pastor to preach a sermon about how God created this that they were created by God? world and everything in it. Then invite a few of your friends to So many people have forgotten that fact. They come and listen with you. think we came from monkeys, or just evolved from pond scum. These people worship science or technology; they bow to human leaders, or use worldly ways of thinking and reasoning. That fi rst shouting angel had news for them. Sci- ence, technology, humans, monkeys, or pond scum can’t save a single person. Not one. Only God the Creator can do that. I’m not suggesting that you go to your friend’s house, knock on the door, and, when they come to answer, say in a loud voice, “HEY! GOD LOVES YOU. HE WANTS TO SAVE YOU FROM SIN. WANT TO PLAY SOCCER?” Instead, you can say with an indoor voice, “Hey, how about some soccer?” And then you enjoy an honest, fair game, showing your friends exactly how Jesus would play and treat others. And our kind testimony should work like the angels’.

WEEK OF PRAYER SPECIAL ISSUE | ADVENTIST REVIEW 29 Children’s Readings

SECOND SABBATH Words of Love “The Lord will Living Forever give them light. And they will rule orever” is a hard word to understand. Being like a king is just fi ne with me! like kings forever FWhy? Because no one has ever done any- But what is this “forever and ever” that the and ever” (Rev. thing forever. No one has walked forever, text talks about? Once heaven begins, it won’t 22:5, ICB). eaten pizza forever, played football forever, or end? watched television forever. Everything we do has Yes. That’s exactly what it’s saying. a beginning and an end. Even this day boasted a We’re going to have to use our imaginations, sunrise and a sunset. Beginnings. Endings. because, as I said, no one has ever done “for- Starts. Stops. Life as we know it. ever” before. Forever just is. It always has been Then along comes a Bible text that describes and always will be. Our sin-fi lled minds and what we will be doing in heaven. Here’s what it bodies simply can’t understand that type of says: “The Lord will give them light. And they existence. will rule like kings forever and ever” (Rev. 22:5, Instead of trying to fi gure out what forever is, ICB). maybe we can have fun planning what our for- OK. That’s cool! The Bible says we won’t need ever will be! a bright sun in heaven, because God’s glory will When I was young, I’d be out playing a really provide all the light we need. And as for me, I exciting game with my friends, and the sun won’t mind being like a king. Here on this earth would start falling toward the western horizon. I’ve lived my whole life under the heavy hand of Then I’d hear my mother call: “Charlie, come in Satan, being tempted and many times feeling now. It’s getting dark.” afraid and uncertain. In heaven there will be no I didn’t want to stop playing my exciting temptations and sins to mess up a good thing. game. I didn’t want to come in. I didn’t want it to get dark. I wanted to stay outside and play with my friends . . . forever. A few years ago I looked down at the smiling Share face of my father. He was very old and very sick. Draw some pictures of how you plan to spend your time in heaven. We talked about old times, and he told me how Under each picture, print the word “FOREVER.” Then post your pic- much he loved me. I started to cry. “Daddy,” I tures where you’ll see them every day. said, “I don’t want you to be old and sick. I want to visit with you and talk to you and love you . . . forever.” Not long after that, he died. Do you see what forever means? It means that our fun doesn’t have to end. It means that you don’t have to stop playing. Best of all, it means that you never have to say goodbye to your dad, or mom, or friends. For those who love Jesus so much that they’re willing to start a new life with Him, forever has a beginning. But it doesn’t have an end! That’s just fi ne with me. How about you?

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