our firm 6OLUME .UMBER s -ARCH FOUNDATION
The Immutable Law of God s Christ Our Righteousness s The Seventh-day Sabbath The Three Angels’ Messages s The Non-Immortality of the Soul s The Sanctuary A Few Good Men
The Signal of Advance
The Bible Museum Opened Malchus' Moment
Act of God Christ is Coming By and By Editorial Clark Floyd
Clark Floyd, editor of Our Firm Foundation magazine, has been co-host of the radio program Bible Answers with Clark and Lee and is a licensed attorney and an ordained Seventh-day Adventist pastor. He has spoken internationally and makes his home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Unity is an interesting word. It 47 But at the same time we are cau- but whosoever will be great can carry many connotations with tioned, “When self-will is renounced among you, let him be your it. There is the unity that Christ in reference to matters there will be a minister; And whosoever calls for, oneness with Christ, the Fa- union of believers with Christ. This, will be chief among you, let ther and each other as mentioned in all should pray for and work for deter- him be your servant: Even Christ’s prayer in John 17. And there minedly, thus answering the prayer of as the Son of man came not is a false unity, as found in the world, Christ for unity in His church.” to be ministered unto, but to Satan’s counterfeit of the true, called This makes it clear that, although minister, and to give his life a “ecumenism”—“you come in ism”— doctrine is important, there are areas ransom for many.” Matthew based on compromise. outside of doctrine that we must look 20:25-28 In order for Pentecost to have taken at. These areas involve relationship. (7) “Then came Peter to him, place, the true unity needed to be es- Note the following from the Bible: and said, Lord, how oft shall tablished between Christ’s true follow- (1) “Grudge not one against my brother sin against me, ers. A group of men and women who another, brethren, lest ye and I forgive him? till seven were different in many respects had to be condemned: behold, the times? Jesus saith unto him, come into one accord with each other. judge standeth before the I say not unto thee, Until Acts 2:1 door.” James 5:9 seven times: but, Until sev- “In order successfully to carry for- (2) “And whosoever shall exalt enty times seven.” Matthew ward the work to which they had been himself shall be abased; and 18:21 & 22 called, these men, differing in natural he that shall humble himself (8) “Therefore I say unto you, characteristics and in habits of life, shall be exalted.” Matthew What things soever ye desire, needed to come into unity of feeling, 23:12 when ye pray, believe that ye thought and action. This unity it was (3) “Let no corrupt communi- receive [them], and ye shall Christ’s object to secure.” AH 20 cation proceed out of your have [them]. And when ye There was headstrong Peter; there mouth, but that which is stand praying, forgive, if ye were the sons of thunder who wanted good to the use of edifying, have ought against any: that the right and left hands in Christ’s that it may minister grace your Father also which is in kingdom. Each disciple had his own unto the hearers.” Ephesians heaven may forgive you your thing. But as they did come into unity 4:29 trespasses. But if ye do not in the truth, God was able to pour His (4) “And be ye kind one to an- forgive, neither will your Fa- Holy Spirit out on them “And the other, tenderhearted, forgiv- ther which is in heaven for- Lord added to the church daily.” Acts ing one another, even as God give your trespasses.” Mark 2:47 for Christ's sake hath forgiven 11:24-26 In Psalm 133, verse one, we read, you.” Ephesians 4:32 “Behold how good and how pleasant (5) “But if ye have bitter envying Brothers and Sisters, before it is for brethren to dwell together in and strife in your hearts, glory we can have a 2nd Pentecost, the unity!” not, and lie not against the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Ellen White also speaks of the need truth.” James 3:14 the latter rain, we will need to of unity. “We must blend together in (6) “But Jesus called them [unto have the same coming into one the bonds of Christ like unity, then him], and said, Ye know that accord. And Satan knows that our labors will not be in vain.” 1 SM the princes of the Gentiles and will do all he can to prevent 168 exercise dominion over them, it. You need to ask yourselves, We are counseled, “The religion of and they that are great exer- “What is my part in these last day Christ will unite in close brotherhood cise authority upon them. But events?” all who accept its teachings.” GC it shall not be so among you:
2 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION our firm FOUNDATION Contents March 2009 s Volume 24, Number 3
Our Mission: )T IS THE MISSION OF (OPE cover story )NTERNATIONAL AND THE EDITORS OF Our 08 Firm Foundation TO CLEARLY PRESENT #HRIST AND (IS TRUTH 4HE DAYS 04 ! &EW 'OOD -EN REMAINING FOR THIS WORLD ARE FEW Clark Floyd AND WE MUST WORK QUICKLY 7E MUST BOLDLY PROCLAIM THE HISTORIC TRUTHS OF !DVENTISM THAT PLACE US ON SO features lRM A FOUNDATION IN THE MIDST OF THIS TROUBLED WORLD %DITOR 08 4HE 3IGNAL OF !DVANCE Executive Director: Ellen G. White *OE /LSON EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR HOPEINTORG 11 4HE "IBLE -USEUM 04 Editor: /PENED A.L.O.E #LARK &LOYD EDITORIAL HOPEINTORG 14 -ALCHUSg -OMENT Director of Hope For Health: Joe Olson (EATHER /LSON .$ 2. #( HOPEFORHEALTH HOPEINTORG 18 !CT OF 'OD Bookstore Manager: 22 +AYE /LSON #HRIST IS #OMING "Y SHIPPING HOPEINTORG AND "Y Elder L. D. Santee 11 Layout & Design: *ESSICA 3IPE departments WWWWAVELINEDIRECTCOM 14 02 %DITORIAL About Hope International: 7E ARE A LAY MINISTRY FOUNDED 21 (ISTORICAL &OOTNOTES SUPPORTED AND OPERATED BY 3EVENTH DAY !DVENTISTS TO ASSIST 22 'ODS #HURCH IN THE PROCLAMATION .EWS 7ATCH OF THE %VERLASTING 'OSPEL IN EVERY WAY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE 24 (EALTH 'EM 22 PRINCIPLES OF 'OD AS REVEALED IN Depression and You )NSPIRATION
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By: Clark Floyd
Do you realize that God Is looking for a few good men?
Throughout the history of the world God has looked for those men, and ever so often he has found them. God has always done everything He could to help develop those men, but it has always been the few, rather than the many.
WHAT MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE? God has asked, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4 In Noah’s day, there were many, many people, but only 8 people escaped the flood aboard the ark; some like Methuselah had died before the flood came. And Enoch was taken alive to heaven. But again we are talking of a few good men. God would that “all men (would) be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4
4 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION We could inhabitants of thehe land.land. ButBut familyfamily whenwhen thethe “Angel of the speak of this they failed too do.”do.” PP 543543 Lord”Lord” came tot him. Upon Abraham, They had beenn warnedwarned byby Gideon’sGideon’s prpreparinge food and Isaac and God: “But if ye willwill not placingplacing it uponup a rock, the Jacob. hearken unto me,e, andand Angel touchedtou it with Then will not do all thesehese thethe staffstaff in his hand and tthere are commandments…ye…ye shallshall a flameflame bursting from MMoses sow your seed in vain, thethe rockroc consumed it. aandn Aaron for your enemiess shall eat ThenThen Gideon was anandd Caleb it…And if ye willll not yetyet directeddirected to destroy the anddJ Joshua, for all this hearkenken unto altaraltar of Baal that but again only me, then I will punishpunish had beenb set up in a few, out of the many that had you seven times more thethe townto of Ophrah the opportunity, became God’s for your sins.” Leviticuseviticus byby hishis father and to men. Later there are Daniel and 26:14, 16, 18 set up a new altar to his three friends. There are the “God had placedced His JehovahJehovah on the rock prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel people in Canaanan as a overover whichwhi the food and others, always reaching out to mighty breastworkork to staystay had beenb consumed. turn people to God, but only the the tide of morall evil, that He diddid so. The men few respond. it might not floodod the world. of OphrahOphp ra were initially But in spite of the numbers, God But regardless off their hihighgh quitequite upset.upset. But Gideon’s has been able to accomplish His destiny, they choseose the course fatherfather turnedturne their anger. purposes through the few; maybe of ease and self indulgence;ndulgence; not in the same way He could have they let slip theirr opportunitiesopportunities GOD’SGOD’S PPATIENCEA WITH accomplished them through the for completing thehe conquestconquest of GIDEONGI many. the land.” PP 5444 Gideon receivedre a call After the initial conquest of fromfrom GodGod toto head up an Canaan, and after the death of SEVEN TIMES—PROPHECYS—PROPHECY armyarmy againstagainst the Midianites Joshua, the Israelites sought to FULFILLEDILLED andand theirtheir allies.alli To make settle down into a comfortable way Not only did thethe Israelites sure tthehe callcall wasw from God, of life, without completing the task fail to follow God’sod’s instructionsinstructions,, GGideonideon putput outou the first of total conquest that had been but they began theh worshiphi off off two flfleeces, asking that set before them. They had passed the pagan idols introduced by the it would become wet over night from a migratory, pastoral people pagan neighbors around them. while the ground around it would into a settled agricultural nation. The prophecy that, if unfaithful, remain dry. And so it was. But they would sow and another eat Gideon, still questioning his call, THEY FAILED TO TRUST began to come to pass. For seven put out the second fleece, asking “It only remained for them, years straight they were plagued that the fleece would be dry the trusting in the assurance of divine each year by the invasion of the nextne day and the ground around it aid, to complete MMidianites.idianites. TheseThese pagan, pastoralpastoral wet.w And so that was. thethe workwork of pepeople,ople, would come yearyear after yearyear dispossessing anandd stealsteal onlyonly thethe crops.crops. THE PEOPLE WITH thethe THEE ARE TOO MANY A FLAMEFLAME FROMFROM THE ROCKROCK The encampment of the enemy Gideon, the son of JoashJoash of the coveredco the hills, and consisted tribetribe of Manasseh,Manasseh, was threshingthreshing of many more than 100,000 men, wheat in a concealed area near whilew the group that Gideon was thethe winepress of h hisis abable to put together was 32,000 men.m God told Gideon that he had too many men. “The people that are with
Volume 24, Number 3 5 thee are too a man of Israel: for into his hand A FEW GOOD MEN many for me hath God delivered Midian, and all God and a few good men had to give the the host.” Judges 7:14 proven to be a majority against Midianites these heathen nations. So shall it into their WHAT A GOD WE HAVE be in our day as the one hundred hands, lest Gideon divided his 300 men and forty and four thousand are Israel vaunt into 3 groups giving a trumpet brought together. themselves and a torch and a pitcher to cover Dear Reader, will you strive with against Me, the torch to every man. The men all you have to be among these few saying, mine were placed strategically around good men and women? own hand the encampment of the enemy. At saved me.” Gideon’s signal the men all blew JJudges 7:2 their trumpets and exposed their Clark Floyd, Any body torches shouting, “The sword of editor of Our that might be fearful was to return the Lord, and of Gideon.” “And Firm Foundation home and not be in the battle to they stood every man in his place magazine, has been co-host of the radio come. As the men looked upon round about the camp: and all program Bible the distant hills filled with the the host ran, and cried, and fled.” Answers with tents of the Midianites and their Judges 7:21. Clark and Lee and is a licensed attorney allies, the Amalekites, fear was in Other Israelites joined in and an ordained Seventh-day Adventist many of their hearts, “and there the pursuit and slaughter of the pastor. He has spoken internationally returned of the people twenty and Midianites and Amalekites. These and makes his home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. two thousand.” Judges 7:3. Ten people were not a problem again, thousand remained. as Israel had 40 years of peace for But the Lord told Gideon that the remaining “days of Gideon.” he still had too many. Again the number was to be reduced taking only those men that drank water from their hands without getting on their knees—300 men. The rest were sent home. I have asked myself what group would I have been in? What group, dear Reader, would you have been in?
A DREAM INTERPRETED And the Lord, in order to strengthen the courage of Gideon, for “the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude,” sent Gideon into the enemy camp under cover of darkness. And Gideon heard from the mouth of one of the enemy a dream he had. And another in the enemy’s camp interpreted the dream, saying, “This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon, the son of Joash,
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Volume 24, Number 3 7 January 20, 1903 The Signal of Advance Mrs. E. G. White
It is an eternal law of of our voices is heard; but we and people, wake up! Be quick Jehovah that he who accepts do not feel Christ's tender to recognize and seize every the truth that the world needs heart-longing for those outside opportunity and advantage is to make it his first work to the fold. And unless our hearts offered in the turning of the proclaim this truth. But who beat in union with the heart of wheel of providence. God is there that makes the burden Christ, how can we understand and Christ and the heavenly of perishing sinners his own? the sacredness and importance angels are working with As I look upon the professed of the work to which we are intense activity to hold in people of God, and see their called by the words, "Watch check the fierceness of Satan's unwillingness to serve him, for . . . souls, as they that must wrath, that God's plans may my heart is filled with a pain give account." Heb. 13:17. not be thwarted. God lives that I cannot express. How God is waiting for men and reigns. He is conducting few are heart to heart with and women to awake to their the affairs of the universe. Let God in his solemn, closing responsibilities. He is waiting his soldiers move forward to work. There are thousands for them to link themselves victory. Let there be perfect to be warned, yet how few with him. Let them mark the unity in their ranks. Let them consecrate themselves wholly signal of advance, and no press the battle to the gates. to the work, willing to be or to longer be laggards in working As a mighty Conqueror, the do anything if only they may out the will of the Lord. Lord will work for them. win souls to Christ. Jesus died Let the gospel message to save the world. In humility, The World Is Watching ring through our churches, in lowliness, in unselfishness, Do we realize how large summoning them to universal he worked and is working for a number in the world are action. Let the members of sinners. But many of those watching our movements? the church have increased who ought to co-operate with From quarters where we faith, gaining zeal from their him are self-sufficient and least expect will come voices unseen, heavenly allies, from a indifferent. urging us forward in the God is Waiting For work of Men and Women giving to Among God's people today the world there is a fearful lack of the the last sympathy that should be felt message for souls unsaved. We talk of of mercy. Christian missions. The sound Ministers
8 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION knowledge of their exhaustless to unite with resources, from the greatness his brethren of the enterprise in which in giving the they are engaged, and from invitation, the power of their Leader. "Come; for Those who place themselves all things are under God's control, to be led now ready." and guided by him, will catch Luke 14:17. the steady tread of the events Each is to ordained by him to take place. encourage Inspired with the Spirit of the others him who gave his life for the in doing whole-hearted work. the churches they had raised life of the world, they will no Earnest invitations will be up, and selecting men to longer stand still in impotency, given by a living church. unite with them in the work. pointing to what they cannot Thirsty souls will be led to the Thus God's servants are to do. Putting on the armor of water of life. labor today, selecting and heaven, they will go forth to The apostles carried a training worthy young men the warfare, willing to do and weight of responsibility to as co-laborers. God help us dare for God, knowing that his enlarge their sphere of labor, to sanctify ourselves, that omnipotence will supply their to proclaim the gospel in the by our example others may need. regions beyond. From their be sanctified, enabled to do example we learn that there successful work in winning are to be no idlers in the Lord's souls to Christ.
We Are To Enlarge Our vineyard. His servants are We are nearing the close of Sphere of Labor constantly to enlarge the circle this earth's history; soon we God's servants are to make of their efforts. Constantly shall stand before the great use of every resource for they are to do more, never less. white throne. Soon your time enlarging his kingdom. The The Lord's work is to widen for work will be forever past. apostle Paul declares that it and broaden until it encircles Watch for opportunities to is "good and acceptable in the world. speak a word in season to the sight of God our Saviour; After making a missionary those with whom you come who will have all men to tour, Paul and Barnabas in contact. Do not wait to be saved, and to come unto retraced their steps, visiting become acquainted before the knowledge of the truth," you offer them the priceless that "supplications, prayers, treasures of truth. Go to work, intercessions, and giving of and ways will open before you. thanks, be made for all men" 1 Tim. 2: 3, 4, 1. And James says, A Weighty Responsibility "Let him know, that he which At the day of judgment converteth the sinner from the there comes to the lost a full error of his way shall save a realization of the meaning soul from death, and shall hide of the sacrifice made on a multitude of sins." James 5: Calvary. They see what they 20. Every believer is pledged have lost by refusing to be
Volume 24, Number 3 9 object of angels are at the service of Christ's the humble, believing people supreme of God, and as the Lord's regard. He army of workers here below is making sing their songs of praise, the experiments choir above join with them in of grace thanksgiving, ascribing praise on human to God and to his Son. hearts, and is Nothing is apparently effecting such more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies loyal. They think of the high, transformations of character wholly on the merits of the pure association it was their that angels are amazed, and Saviour. God would send every privilege to gain. But it is too express their joy in songs of angel in heaven to the aid of late. The last call has been praise. They rejoice to think such a one, rather than allow made. The wail is heard, "The that sinful, erring human him to be overcome. The harvest is past, the summer is beings can be so transformed. battle-cry is sounding along ended, and we are not saved." the line. Let every soldier of Jer. 8:20. the cross push to the front, Upon us rests the weighty Fight the Good Fight not in self-sufficiency, but in responsibility of warning the As the third angel's message meekness and lowliness, and world of its coming doom. swells into a loud cry, great with firm faith in God. Your From every direction, from power and glory will attend work, my work, will not cease far and near, are coming its proclamation. The faces of with this life. For a little while calls for help. God calls God's people will shine with we may rest in the grave, but, upon his church to arise, and the light of heaven. when the call comes, we shall, clothe herself with power. The Lord will fit men and in the kingdom of God, take Immortal crowns are to be women--yes, and children, as up our work once more.-- won; the kingdom of heaven he did Samuel--for his work, "Testimonies for the Church," is to be gained; the world, making them his messengers. Vol. VII, pages 13-17. perishing in ignorance, is to be He who never slumbers nor enlightened. sleeps watches over each worker, choosing his sphere of The world will be Ellen G. convinced, not by what the labor. All heaven is watching White, pulpit teaches, but by what the warfare which, under 1827–1915, the church lives. The minister apparently discouraging received the in the desk announces the circumstances, God's spiritual gift of theory of the gospel; the servants are carrying on. New prophecy, and practical piety of the church conquests are being achieved, the fruits of demonstrates its power. new honors won, as the Lord's her life and work accord with the Enfeebled and defective, servants, rallying round the biblical tests of a true messenger of God. To this day, her counsels needing constantly to be banner of their Redeemer, go are an incalculable blessing to forth to fight the good fight warned and counseled, the God’s people around the world. church is nevertheless the of faith. All the heavenly
10 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION THE BIBLE MUSEUM OPENED
By A. L. O. E. 1883
The narrative portions of the of Gideon concerning this Holy Scriptures are full of striking gorgeous ephod, his answer biographies of those whose virtues might have been something are set before us as examples, or like this: “Behold a nation’s whose errors as warnings. We offering of gratitude to the are led, as it were, into a Gallery hero who burst the bonds of Portraits, drawn with faultless of Midian, and made Israel accuracy by a sunbeam. But to triumph over their besides these portraits there are oppressors! Gideon, the many objects of deep interest favoured of Heaven, the for the student of Scripture, honoured of men! He to the accounts of which have whom signs and miracles been ‘written for our learning’, Spirit of Wisdom and Truth assist have been vouchsafed; he objects which we are intended us in our meditations, and increase whose faith hath made him the to contemplate with earnest our deep reverence for those sacred deliverer of a nation, yet who attention, and from which we may Scriptures in which these objects hath refused to become its king;- draw rich spiritual lessons—objects of interest are preserved. -Gideon formed this ephod. ‘I when gathered together for our would desire a request of you,’ said contemplation, suggest the idea of GIDEON’S EPHOD our hero to his warriors: ‘That ye a Museum. would give me every man the ear- We doubt whether the high- Come then with me, my rings of his prey.’ And the warriors priest of Israel, in all the Christian reader, and let us glory of his festival robes, examine together one of those wore so costly an ephod as ancient objects rescued by the this. His was, indeed, to be inspired writers from oblivion, and of gold and blue and scarlet undimmed by the dust of many and fine twisted linen; gold ages. Let us not handle it with beaten into plates and cut superstitious reverence as a relic, into wires, with engraved but make use of it to raise our jewels in ouches of gold to minds from the absorbing cares rest on the shoulder-pieces, and pleasures of the present, to very fair to the eye. But a holy musings on the past. May the heavier mass of magnificence is before us than even the consecrated garment of Aaron appears to have been; a marvelous weight of gold, such as a Croesus or a Darius might have worn to dazzle the eyes of their subjects. made reply: ‘We will willingly give Had we asked one of the them.’ A garment was spread to men of Ophrah in the days receive this tribute of gratitude to
Volume 24, Number 3 11 our chief, and thereon was cast a active philanthropist, may, like mighty store of jewels and gold, Gideon, find a snare even in their and the purple raiment that had nobly won honours. Some would been upon the necks of the kings shrink from the idea of a statue of Midian. Then made Gideon being raised to them; nor would this ephod from the spoils of the they be a person to form jewels conquered foe. Those who look into an ephod, but instead would upon it shall hold his triumph pour them all into the treasury in remembrance; it shall be as a of the Lord; but in most cases monument to his honour, worthy celebrity and distinction are very of him whose valour hath won it.” intoxicating to human nature, even when that nature has been a race prone to idolatry actually GIDEON’S SNARE renewed by grace. To be listened worshipped the ephod, has not to as an oracle, and appealed Such might have been the reply been clearly made known. We are to as a judge; to be welcomed of one of the followers of Gideon, simply told that the ephod was a in high circles, flattered by the dazzled with the glory of his leader. snare. The hundreds of shekels gifted and followed by the good, Very different appears the ephod of gold, the purple raiment and is fraught with peril; all the more of gold in the light thrown on it by jewels, were no real blessing to real because it is not of a nature this brief sentence from Scripture: Gideon; he was less safe when he to startle conscience, but rather “Which thing became a snare unto had become the idol of a nation, Gideon, and to his house.” than when employed in threshing corn beside the wine-press to hide It is difficult, at this distance of it from Midianite oppressors. time, to know exactly the motive of Gideon in making the ephod, or in what way it became a cause of DANGER IN sin. It has been suggested that it CELEBRITY was a symbol of Levitical worship Popularity, however horourably set up by Gideon at Ophrah, which won, is too apt to become, to fallen drew away the people from Shiloh, man, like the ephod of Gideon; the the appointed holy place, where garment of glory is often a snare. If the high-priest abode in charge it led astray a man of character so of the ark of God. Whether it pious, so noble, so disinterested as were this irregularity, or whether Gideon, how much need have all God’s servants, when placed in a position to soothe it to sleep. Those of of distinction, to take to whom all pious men think well, themselves the warning, are naturally tempted also to think “Let him that thinketh he well of themselves. It is desirable standeth take heed lest he for such to keep before their eyes fall.” the golden ephod; which thing Those who have became a snare unto Gideon. earned for themselves an Even in the comparatively honoured name in what narrow sphere of home there is is called “the religious some danger to him who is the world,” are in a situation idol of the family, the pope in the of peculiar danger. The dwelling, to him whose will is law popular preacher, the to those who love him, and in eloquent author, the whose conduct partial eyes can see
12 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION nothing that is wrong. Love has its which thing became a snare unto own sweet flattery, and he who is Gideon. constantly exposed to its influence, And in the inmost recesses of without the wholesome antidote of the heart lurks peril. When a the contradiction and opposition Christian has long maintained, to be met with in the world, may through God’s grace, a successful seriously suffer from its effects. In struggle against the world, the the peaceful seclusion of private flesh, and the devil; when the life, in a pious home from which spiritual hero has resisted outward temptation might appear to be temptations and overcome inward almost shut out, there may be need corruptions, and is conscious that, to remember the golden ephod; like Gideon, he has triumphed nobly through faith --then let him stand on his guard. How strong bravely in the valley, but slept in must be the temptation the arbour on the hill. Gideon to form the ephod out of gloriously triumphed in time of spiritual trophies, when war, but in time of peace made the even Paul needed a thorn ephod, which became unto him a in the flesh to preserve snare. him from being exalted above measure through The Christian’s motto, in the the abundance of the days of spiritual prosperity as well revelations vouchsafed as the dark days of trouble, should him! Christian, in be: “God forbid that I should glory, Bunyan’s allegory, fought save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Volume 24, Number 3 13 by Joe Olson TAKING A NEW DIRECTION BEEN THERE DONE THAT They stop where they were headed and start out in a completely new Sometimes you can go through life direction. with very little that makes an impact on you. But it does not always take a life- threatening experience to cause us to You’ve heard it said, “Been there, pause for reflection. It can be a stirring address by a national leader. It could be a sermon from an eloquent, or not so eloquent speaker. MAKE THE DIFFERENCE It could be the birth of a child, a The choice is his or hers. Left, or marriage, or even a divorce. right? Backwards or forwards? It can even be getting old. What choice a person makes is usually impacted by the event that the person And if this happens, what kind of went through. change is wrought? Let’s look at one such person in the Well, that depends upon the person. Bible. Some people get much better and Now in the scripture, the more often resolve to do great things. something is told can be an indicator Others have the opposite reaction, of its importance. and become evil. The story of this person’s experience is done that.” What makes the difference? in all four gospel narratives. Have you ever had a “life-changing” HE CUT OFF HIS EAR experience? The person. The person makes the difference. Let’s start with Matthew. Something that was so earth shattering, so fraught with meaning, THE CHOICES WE MAKE Matthew 26:48-51 “Now he that something so emotional, that it betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, changes you forever? Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he Some people can go through their came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; entire lives, and never have something and kissed him. And Jesus said unto like that happen. him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Others have just such an experience Then came they, and laid hands on and it changes the course of their Jesus, and took him. And, behold, lives. one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his Sometimes it’s an event, like a near- sword, and struck a servant of the high death experience, a car crash, or a priest’s, and smote off his ear.” heart attack, or an allergic reaction that almost kills you. You will note that Matthew says Judas told the men that came with him to In times like these, we tend to reflect “hold Him fast.” on what our life has meant and where it is going. In other words, “Don’t let him go.” Often, people who have this And then the story continues and we experience will change 180 degrees. are told that the men “laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”
14 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION And then a man gets his ear cut off. Interesting. the servant getting his ear cut off. THEY CAME TO TAKE JESUS JUDAS BETRAYED HIM Isn’t that interesting? Now let’s go to Mark. Now, finally John. It is even more so, when you consider how many different stories were not Mark 14:44-47 “And he that betrayed John 18:3-10 “Judas then, having repeated each time in the gospels. him had given them a token, saying, received a band of men and officers Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same from the chief priests and Pharisees, Stories that you would think would be is he; take him, and lead him away cometh thither with lanterns and repeated each time. safely. And as soon as he was come, he torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, goeth straightway to him, and saith, knowing all things that should come Like the story of Jesus’ birth, or the Master, master; and kissed him. And upon him, went forth, and said unto story of the demoniacs, or the story of them, Whom seek ye? They answered Judas hanging himself after betraying him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith Jesus. unto them, I am he. And Judas also, None of those were repeated each which betrayed him, stood with them. time… but the servant who got his ear As soon then as he had said unto cut off was. them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked Hmmmmm. he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them they laid their hands on him, and took which thou gavest me have I lost him. And one of them that stood by none. Then Simon Peter having a drew a sword, and smote a servant of sword drew it, and smote the high the high priest, and cut off his ear.” priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” Once again we note that Judas told the men to “take” Jesus and the men Again, we do not hear anything about “laid their hands on Him.” the men being told to hold Jesus fast, or Judas kissing Jesus, but John does And again, notice the man with his include the servant getting his ear cut ear cut off. off. Neither of these gospels indicate All four gospel writers, who have been whom the man is who cut off the ear, inspired by the Holy Ghost to write ALL SCRIPTURE HAS nor are we given the name of the man down the events of Jesus’ life, include who had his ear cut off. MEANING BETRAYED BY A KISS There is nothing in the scripture that does not have meaning. Now let’s turn to Luke. And it isn’t that there was just Luke 22:47-50 “And while he yet nothing else to repeat. spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, Remember John’s words at the end of went before them, and drew near unto his gospel? Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto John 21:25 “And there are also many him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of other things which Jesus did, the man with a kiss? When they which which, if they should be written every were about him saw what would one, I suppose that even the world follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall itself could not contain the books that we smite with the sword? And one of should be written. Amen.” them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” No, this “servant’s ear” story is repeated in all four gospels for a much This narrative does not address Judas better reason than to take up space. telling the men that were with him to hold Jesus fast, but it does still address the servant getting his ear cut off.
Volume 24, Number 3 15 Let’s go back to John 18. backward, and fell to the ground.” Divinity flashed through humanity, John gives us more details into this and the soldiers were powerless before event. him.” Review and Herald July 12, John 18:4-6 “Jesus therefore, knowing 1892 all things that should come upon Just a flash; just a glimpse; just a him, went forth, and said unto them, second of the Divinity of Christ came Whom seek ye? They answered him, through, and the men fell to the Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto ground powerless. them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As But there was more… soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell “What made them fall to the ground? to the ground.” They could not endure the sight of the bright flash of light from the angels of God, who were right on the ground, and they fell prostrate.” 2 Sermons and Talks 264 Angels were there, but they were hidden from men’s sight… just like today. the wicked Jewish leaders. But when they were revealed but for The flashing through of the power the smallest moment, these people fell and glory of both the angels and Jesus down powerless. Himself ought to have caused them to back off and think about what they Now let’s ask ourselves… “Why did were getting ready to do. this happen?” But sadly, it did not. Why did Jesus and the angels reveal themselves for who they really were to WHAT ABOUT YOU? these men? Has that ever happened to you? Inspiration continues… Have you ever been in a situation “That ought to have been enough where you recognized the power and to restrain them, but it was not.” 2 divinity of Jesus? Sermons and Talks 264 The Bible says that when Jesus Where you felt the power of His told them who He was, they “went THE WARNING LOVE OF presence? backward.” JESUS IS DISPLAYED Where you felt convicted that what That’s all the Bible says about them In mercy, in total and complete you were doing, and the way you were going “backward.” compassion, Jesus allows the men to acting was not right? see what they are doing, and Whom Again, none of the other Gospel Has your conscience said to you… they are doing it to. stories mentions this event. “This is wrong?” In today’s language, one might have THEY ALL FELL BACKWARDS What did you do? heard Jesus say, “Do you really want to What do you suppose caused these go there?” Did you change? Or did you just get hardened Roman soldiers and this up, after being “symbolically knocked Jesus allowed them to see exactly rabble of wicked men to fall backwards down,” dust yourself off, and keep Whom they were preparing to take to and end up on the ground? going in the same direction? The Bible indicates that Jesus simply That’s what these men did. said, “I am He.” And “these men” included the servant Here is what Inspiration further who had his ear cut off. reveals about this event. Let’s not forget about him! “Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood Let’s go back to John. with them. As soon then as he had John 18:7-10 “Then asked he them said unto them, I am he, they went
16 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION again, Whom seek ye? And they said, But John also reveals the name of the Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, servant… Malchus. I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go The Bible makes it personal by their way: That the saying might be revealing the servant’s name. fulfilled, which he spake, Of them I wonder why? which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a The Bible doesn’t mention the woman sword drew it, and smote the high at the well’s name. priest’s servant, and cut off his right It doesn’t mention the woman who ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” was caught in adultery’s name. Now we are given even more detail. It doesn’t mention the demoniac’s WHOM DO YOU SEEK? names. After the men all fall to the ground MALCHUS’ EAR RESTORED and have seen the glory of the angels But it mentions Malchus’ and the divinity of Jesus, Jesus asks name. Hmmmm. them again whom they seek. You can be sure, if it was written down They say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” that healing: and recorded for all history, there was Jesus says, “If you want Me, then let a reason. “When Jesus saw what Peter had the others go.” done, he released his hands, already So, we have Peter cutting off Malchus’ held by the Roman soldiers, and, And here is where we find out who ear. saying, “Suffer ye thus far,” he touched cut off the servant’s ear. the ear of the wounded man, and instantly it is made whole. Even to None of the other Gospel writers says his enemies, who are bound to take who it was, but John let’s us know who his life, he here gives unmistakable did it. evidence of his divine power.” Sign of Peter is the one who swings the sword the Times August 21, 1879 wildly and manages to do no more JESUS’ POWER DISPLAYED damage than to cut off an ear. Please note that she said Jesus And whose ear? Not even one of the released His hands. soldiers. He did not ask to have His hands Not one of the priests or even one of released; He released them. the mighty men brought to bind Jesus. Then we have Jesus restoring it. This was another “sign” to all present, All Peter managed to do, was to cut Remember that Judas said, that He was who He said He was, the off an ear… of a servant. “Whomsoever I kiss is He,” and to Christ, the Son of God. “hold Him fast.” This is a whole story in itself. He “released” His own hands from Jesus was held tightly by the soldiers those who held Him “fast,” or tight. TAKING MATTERS INTO OUR that came with Judas. OWN HANDS Then Jesus touched Malchus’ ear, and Then Peter cuts off the ear of restored it whole. When we take matters into our own Malchus. hands, without the help of Jesus, we And as Sister White points out, Jesus always mess it up. And the scripture in Luke says: gave unmistakable evidence of His All he gets is an ear of a servant. Luke 22:51 “And Jesus answered divine power. and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he Malchus is in the mob coming to touched his ear, and healed him.” arrest Jesus. Luke is the only Gospel that says that Malchus is one of those who fall back Jesus healed Malchus’ ear. at seeing the light of the angels and It is interesting to me that it was the the divinity of Jesus. physician that added the fact that Jesus healed Malchus’ ear. This is what Sister White said about Malchus’ Moment Continued on page 23 Volume 24, Number 3 17 ACT OF GOD
There are only two possible explanations for and the only lot available on which to build one was a what you are about to read. It was either the most plot of low-lying property on Oyster Creek Road. phenomenal coincidence that ever occurred—or it was an act of God. It was far from an ideal location, but they had acquired the land and construction began. Literally. The church was to be white frame, small but sturdy, And remember, as you learn what happened on that propped up on brick pilings. In 1876 the building was rainy Thursday afternoon a hundred summers ago, completed and on Sunday, September 16, a joyous that a stack of sworn statements and legal documents dedication ceremony was celebrated. say that it was so. That was Sunday, September 16. There was just one problem with Swan Quarter, North Carolina. It was a lowland town, so naturally Three days later, on Wednesday, a terrible storm the choicest real estate was lashed Swan Quarter. All day the wind howled and on the highest ground. In the rain came down in a gray wall of water. the event of a heavy rain, By nightfall, devastation. the closer you were to sea level, the harder you were Much of the town was flooded; many roofs were hit. ripped from homes by the cyclonic turbulence. The storm raged on all through the night and into the A little more than a bleak morning. hundred years ago the Methodists of Swan By Thursday afternoon the wind subsided, the rain Quarter had no all but stopped. For the first time in more than a church, day, there was an almost eerie calm. One by one the citizens of Swan Quarter threw back the shutters and peered from what was left of their homes. Most saw only a desolate waterscape, a community ravaged by nature. But those within sight of Oyster Creek Road beheld the most incredible sight they had ever seen.
18 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION The church—the Swan Quarter Methodist The choice highland lot where the chapel settled Church—the whole building, intact—was floating was the first choice of the town Methodists for the down the street! The flood waters had gently lifted site of their church. And the shrewd, prosperous the entire structure from the brick pilings on which landowner whose property it was originally turned it had rested and had sent it off, slowly, silently, down them down. Oyster Creek Road. But the next morning after the flood—after Within minutes, several concerned townsfolk discovering the church in the middle of his lot—that were sloshing about in the street, waist-deep, fighting same landowner went to the Methodist minister and, the rushing current, trying desperately to reach the with trembling hands, presented him with the deed. still moving church so that they could moor it with lengths of rope. The ropes were fastened, but the effort was in From: More of Paul Harvey’s THE REST OF THE vain. There was no stable structure secure enough to STORY BY Paul Aurandt, William Morrow and restrain the floating chapel. Company, Inc., New York, 1980 page 247. And as the building passed by, more attention was attracted, more aid was enlisted. To no avail. The church moved on. By now the building had made it to the center of town, still on Oyster Creek Road. Then as dozens, amazed, helpless, watched, the Swan Quarter Methodist Church, still floating, made a sharp inexplicable right turn and continued down that road, as though the chapel were alive—as though it had a mind of its own. For two more blocks the townspeople fought the ropes to hold it back, unsuccessfully. And then, in the same decisive manner with which it had moved, the church veered off the road, headed for the center of a vacant lot… and there… stopped. While the flood water receded, the church remained—and is there to this day. Over a hundred Septembers have passed since the little white frame church removed itself to the most desirable property in Swan Quarter. In the process of making up your own mind as to how and why what happened happened, you ought to know this one thing more, THE REST OF THE STORY.
Volume 24, Number 3 19 CHRIST IS COMING BY AND BY
“And to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:10
Could we hear the songs Triumphant That the hosts redeemed shall sing; Could we see the matchless splendor Of our Prophet, Priest, and King; Could we see the crowns of glory Waiting for us in the sky, We should joy to tell the story, Christ is coming by and by.
Could we see the white-robed angels— See their faces pure and bright, Listen to the glad evangels In their heaven undimmed by night; Could we know the loving pity Jesus feels for those who sigh, We should long for that blest city And his coming by and by.
Oh the starry crowns of gladness Waiting for us over there! Oh the hearts all free from sadness! Oh the brows all free from care! Oh the joy of life unending, Shadowed ne’er by tear or cry! Oh the shining hosts attending Jesus’ coming, by and by!
By Elder L. D. Santee
20 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION Historical Footnotes
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” E.G. White, Life Sketches, 196. Many today have neglected to study the history and people that made up the early days of the Advent movement. To help encourage interest in Adventist history, we have put together questions about people and events of our past. Our goal is to spark faith and further study into “the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
1. On January 1, 1886, a 16 page 5. Which president spent several 9. Who began the colporteur work monthly was issued at Melbourne, weeks in Australia in 1893? in the West Indies in 1889? Australia, called A .James White A. J. N. Andrews A. The Bible Echo B. Robert Pierson B. O. A. Olson B. The Signs of the Times C. O. A. Olson C. Wm Arnold C. The Australian Review D. A. G. Daniells D. G. C. Wellman D. The Bible Echo and Signs of the Times 6. The South African Conference !0. What was the name of the was organized in Steamer used in the Southern 2. How many of the above A. 1868 work in America by J. E, White? monthly were in the first edition? B. 1872 A. The Morning Star A. Six thousand C. 1898 B. The Bethel B. Two thousand D. 1892 C. The Three Angels C. Twenty five thousand D. The Southern Bell D. Ten thousand 7. The name of the ship built in 1890 for missionary work in the 3. When was the first Seventh- Pacific Ocean Islands? day Adventist Church organized in A .Pitcairn Australia? B. The Missionary A. 1844 C. New Life Vessel B. 1886 D. The First Step C. 1891 D. 1865 8. The money to build the above ship came from
4. Who was the Educational A. Regular donations through the 1905 Assoc.
Secretary who spent several General Conference Publishing Southern Loughborough,
months in Australia in 1895? B. Sabbath school offerings N. J. by Movement Advent Second
A .Uriah Smith C. The Mid America Union Great The from: Excerpted B. W. W. Prescott D. The South Pacific Union
C. Stephen Haskell a 10. c; 9. b; 8. a; 7. d; 6. c;
D. James Osgood 5. b; 4. b; 3. a; 2. d; 1. Answers:
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Volume 24, Number 3 21 News Watch
deaths in the world annually. Of the “Why Chastity Vows Don’t Work” world’s current population, 500 mil- “Though teenagers who pledge to lion will die of tobacco’s effects, and remain virgins until marriage delay the twenty-first century could witness sex longer than average, they are as tobacco killing 1 billion people.” likely as their peers to have premarital sex and less likely to use protection, according to a study released Dec. 29. The report, in which a researcher at Johns Hopkins University parsed data 1. Time Magazine, January 19, gleaned from a large federal study, 2009—THE WORLD, page 14—“The casts further doubt on the efficacy of Financial Crisis Claims A Victim” abstinence-only sex-education pro- “Adolf Merckle, a 74-year-old billion- grams, which received $204 million in aire whose business empire included government funding in 2008. some of Germany’s best-known ce- ment and pharmaceutical companies, threw himself in front of a train on Jan. 5—driven to suicide, his fam- ily said, by the global financial crisis. End Time Perspective: “Diseases Merckle had lost hundreds of millions of every stripe and type have been of euros in a bad bet on Volkswagen brought upon human beings by the shares, endangering the future of his use of tea and coffee and the narcot- companies as a result. A handful of ics, opium, and tobacco. These hurtful other business leaders have taken their indulgences must be given up, not own life amid the recent economic only one, but all; for all are hurtful, downturn, including Kirk Stephenson, and ruinous to the physical, mental, End Time Perspective: “The Only the London-based CEO of Olivant, and moral powers, and should be dis- Remedy.--For every soul struggling to who died in September.” continued from a health standpoint.” rise from a life of sin to a life of purity, {MM 222} the great element of power abides in End Time Perspective: “Leading the only ‘name under heaven given to Suicide.--The world, who act as End Time Perspective #2: “There among men, whereby we must be though there were no God, absorbed are many, many afflicted in our world saved.’ Acts 4:12. ‘If any man thirst,’ in selfish pursuits, will soon experi- with tobacco poison. . . . The physi- for restful hope, for deliverance from ence sudden destruction, and shall not cian, if he is not a novice, can trace sinful propensities, Christ says, ‘let escape. Many continue in the careless the effects back to the true cause, but him come unto Me, and drink.’ John gratification of self until they become he dares not forbid its use, because 7:37. The only remedy for vice is so disgusted with life that they kill he indulges in it himself. Some will the grace and power of Christ. The themselves.” {2MCP 726.1 in an undecided, halfway manner ad- good resolutions made in one's own vise the tobacco users to take less of strength avail nothing. Not all the 2. Adventist World, January 2009— this narcotic; but they do not say to pledges in the world will break the World Health, page 11—“According them, This habit is killing you. They power of evil habit. Never will men to the World Health Organization prescribe drugs to cure a disease which practice temperance in all things until (WHO) report on tobacco for 2008, is the result of indulging unnatural their hearts are renewed by divine a person dies because of tobacco us- appetites, and two evils are produced grace. We cannot keep ourselves from age every six seconds. Tobacco kills in the place of removing one. {MM sin for one moment. Every moment between a third and a half of all the 225.2} we are dependent upon God. . . . people who use it, and the 5 million Christ lived a life of perfect obedience who die each year from its conse- 3. Time Magazine, January 12, to God's law, and in this He set an ex- quences represent one tenth of all 2009—THE WORLD, page 12— ample for every human being. The life
22 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION Malchus’ Moment And like Malchus, maybe each one Continued from page 17 of us now has a choice to make. He is right in front as Jesus is What will we do with what we have arrested and sees Jesus free his own experienced? hands from the Roman soldiers. that He lived in this world we are to It is not to be lost on us that it was live, through His power and under His And he is the recipient of the love the ear of Malchus that was cut off. instruction.” {Te 106.3} and mercy and healing power of Jesus, even though Malchus is there Not a finger, or an arm, or a stab to help arrest Jesus. wound to the chest, but an ear. 4. Time Magazine, January 12, 2009, DO WE LISTEN TO GOD? page 47, “Food, The Other Kind of WHY THIS STORY? Downsizing. Losing Weight in a re- So… what is mentioned about The ear is a symbol of hearing. cession is harder than you think.” By Malchus after this event? Many of us have never, or no longer, Andrea Sachs—“We have officially listen to God. entered the ‘new year, new you’ sea- Surely, after every Gospel account son, in which grandiose resolutions speaks of Malchus and what God can restore our “ear” of hearing happened to him, one would assume abound. Chief among them: lose as easily as He restored Malchus’ ear. that there is some sort of epilogue. weight, the faster the better. With Now we can “listen” to Him. the recession raging and food prices What is reported after he is shown soaring, you might think dieting God’s mercy, and healed by His Son? The page is blank. The future has not been written yet. would be easier these days. But in a Nothing. Absolutely nothing. recent survey of nearly 500 registered And Praise God, what will be dietitians and nutritionists, 56% of What does it mean? Why all the written… is up to us. respondents said they were concerned attention, and then a blank? Maybe that’s why we were not told that the economic downturn would Maybe Malchus is an example, or what happened to Malchus… have a negative impact on their pa- symbol, of every one of us. tient’s ability to maintain or achieve Because we… are Malchus. Maybe all of us are servants to some a healthy weight. The reason? Junk master. That was Malchus’ moment. food is cheaper than healthy fare. Plus, financial woes can be so distract- THE POWER OF GOD His history has been written. DISPLAYED ing, people don’t pursue nutritional This is our moment. goals.” Maybe we have all been given the What will our history be? opportunity to see the power of End Time Perspective: “Many have God, in one way or another. Joe Olson serves as so long allowed appetite and taste the executive director to control reason that they have not God has taken time, though He is “tied up” with other duties, and has and chairman of moral power to persevere in self-deni- shown a personal interest in us. the board of Hope al and endure suffering for a time, un- International. He til abused nature can take up her work Maybe God has touched each one also travels as an and healthy action be established in of us and has shown His power, in international speaker. the system. Very many with perverted healing some part of our lives. tastes shrink at the thought of restrict- ing their diet, and they continue their unhealthful indulgences. They are not willing to overcome as did their Re- deemer. {Con 77.2}
Volume 24, Number 3 23 Health Gem Dr. Olson
Dr. Olson comes from a long line of health professionals including MDs, naturopaths, and osteopaths. Having Depression and YOU early wanted to help people, especially in the area of health, she was a missionary to Belize and Korea. It is estimated that 10 percent of the U.S. population A national speaker, an RN for years, a certified herbologist, and a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Olson is experiences depression severe enough to require utilizing this experience and wealth of knowledge for the medical attention. benefit of people all over the world.
Like many other chronic illnesses, by people who don’t understand the doctor who embraces natural therapies depression is not caused by one single illness telling them to just “stop being and will work with you to find the thing, but is a result of a variety of depressed” or “pull yourself out of cause of your depression, rather than factors. It is usually diagnosed when it”, as if they are making a conscious just prescribing a drug that will only the patient has several of a long list decision to feel this way. mask the problem. In addition, the of symptoms. Depression has no bias. Depression can even be deadly. In suggestions here will support your It affects people of all ages, races, and severe cases, the person may have therapy and can help you to recover nationalities and, according to the constant thoughts of death and faster and more permanently. World Health Organization (WHO), suicide. In fact, approximately one out is considered the most costly of all of eight people will kill themselves How Do I know if I’m diseases, largely because it disables during a major depressive episode. people who would otherwise be Like other diseases, there are actually depressed? Clinically, to be diagnosed with productive. different categories of depression. depression, a person has to exhibit The major two categories are: bipolar several (a combination of at least 4) of and unipolar depression. Bipolar What is depression? the symptoms below. However, each depression is when the sadness Although it is often normal and person knows their own body and can alternates with periods of elation and healthy to experience sad moods usually tell if they are just sad, or if it is mania, oftentimes simply referred in response to a trauma, such as something more significant. Listen to to as bipolar disorder. Unipolar the loss of a loved one, a major your body, and follow the suggestions depression, by far the more common depressive episode is characterized by in this article for a healthier and of the two, is marked by constant or inappropriate sadness that persists or happier mind AND body. is out of proportion with its apparent recurring episodes of sadness. Unipolar cause. Depression is more than just a depression is what we will focus on sad mood. Someone who is depressed today, however, since both kinds can doesn’t just “quit” feeling that way. be caused by a number of similar Along with the feeling of sadness, factors, the suggestions here can there is often great weakness, fatigue benefit either type. and apathy, an inability to enjoy once- So what causes depression? What pleasurable activities, disturbed sleep can cause some people to get so low (either sleeping too much or too little), that they feel the only option is to increased (or decreased) appetite, take their own life? Regardless of and a low sex drive. Depression the type of clinical depression, it is generally leaves its sufferers feeling probably a variety of factors, including: worthless, hopeless, guilty, irritable, constant tension and unresolved stress, or angry. This tends to be made worse chemical or hormonal imbalances, Symptoms chronic illness, poor diet, Inability to enjoy things, fatigue, food allergies, nutritional mood swings, at times characterized deficiencies, genetics, and even by unexplained weeping, feelings of inadequate sunlight. apathy, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, irritability, or guilt. Sleep What should I do? problems (either insomnia or sleeping If you suspect that you are too much), appetite disturbances clinically depressed, first (eating too little or too much), consult a doctor to rule out headaches, backaches, and digestive any underlying illness (such problems, difficulty concentrating or as a thyroid problem). If you making decisions, increased anxiety, can, it is best to work with a decreased sex drive, recurrent thoughts
24 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION of death or suicide. behind a significant rise in mental and therefore serotonin, which can As a rule, depression occurs as a health illnesses. In fact, scientific lead to feelings of wellbeing. It is no result of a number of factors, not just studies have clearly linked depression, coincidence that people often crave one thing or incident. These are called along with attention deficit disorder, carbohydrate rich foods when they the “root causes.” Look at this list and Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, are feeling sad. This is particularly see if these apply to you. Even if you and other mental health problems to common in those suffering from SAD don’t suffer from depression, attending increased intake of junk food and the and PMS. So don’t shun carbs – just to the things on this list can help to absence of essential fats, vitamins and make smart choices. Limit sugary improve quality of life and prevent minerals in industrialized diets. Even foods and opt for smart carbs, such mental illness and depression. marginal nutrient deficiencies can as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, change the structure and function of and legumes, which all contribute the brain and nervous system, causing healthy carbohydrates as well as fiber. immediate and lasting effects on On the other hand, eating junk food mental health and behavior. reduces the levels of these hormones Foods greatly influence the brain’s in our brain--increasing our stress and behavior. A poor diet, especially tension, and reducing our joy and one with excessive junk foods, is a alertness. common cause of depression. What Soy products, beans, nuts (walnuts we eat controls the levels of brain are excellent), and seeds are excellent chemicals called neurotransmitters, sources of protein, which will boost which regulate our behavior--and your energy levels. neurotransmitters are closely linked to mood. Root Causes Food to Eat Diet: 1. Food allergies. 2. Nutritional Diet therapy for depression includes deficiencies (particularly of B12, adding foods that are high in nutrients folic acid, B6, B1, and tyrosine) 3. that help improve mental health, Alcohol and recreational drug use. 4. such as: flaxseed and olive oil, leafy Neurotransmitter imbalance. vegetables, brazil nuts, avocados, Body/Illness Related: 1. Chronic artichokes, broccoli, corn, kale, illness/chronic pain. 2. A pre- peas, potatoes, spinach, summer and existing condition—most commonly, winter squash, and sweet potatoes, hypoglycemia, anemia, sleep apnea, bananas, blackberries, kiwi, oranges, low adrenal function, and thyroid strawberries, and tomatoes. gland malfunction. 3. Hormonal Eat a good diet balanced with B-Vitamins Deficiencies of folic acid and imbalance, especially after childbirth complex carbohydrates from sources B12 cause defects in red blood cell or as a result of oral contraceptives and like whole grains, vegetables, and production and function, which can other synthetic hormone medications; legumes. Carbohydrate-rich foods lead to a reduction in the amount commonly occurs with PMS and raise brain levels of tryptophan of oxygen reaching the brain. This menopause. can lead to fatigue, depression, and Stress Related: 1. Excess tension or mental problems. In addition, a direct stress. 2. Unresolved emotional issues symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency IS Other Factors: 1. Lack of depression. In depressed patients with sunlight. 2. Medications, including: documented vitamin B12 deficiency, corticosteroids, antihistamines, intravenous administration of the blood pressure medications, anti- vitamin has resulted in dramatic inflammatory drugs, narcotics, and improvement. Interesting to note, some pharmaceutical antidepressants. is that researchers report that these 3. Heavy metal toxicity. 4. Candidiasis symptoms may occur when vitamin 5. Sleep disturbances. B12 levels are just slightly lower than normal AND are considerably above Diet the levels normally associated with Changes in diet over the past 50 anemia. So if your doctor says that years appear to be an important factor
Volume 24, Number 3 25 you are just slightly low and that it is that they deplete vital nutrients from not affecting you, and you feel it might your system. Plus, diets high in sugar be, get another opinion. have proven to aggravate depression. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, works Alcohol in itself is a depressant, with enzymes that affect mood. which includes wine, beer, and liquor. Consequently, vitamin B6 deficiency Eliminate these substances from your might result in depression. Depression diet. While it may seem that you are is a relatively common side effect cutting out foods that you “want,” of oral contraceptives. Why? Oral when you give your body the food that contraceptive use has been linked with it needs, you will soon see a dramatic low vitamin B6 levels. Of 22 women difference in the way you feel. with depression associated with oral Exercise contraceptive use, 50% of them had Fasting Physically active people tend to vitamin B6 deficiency. Fasting purifies cells all over the have better mental health, according Folic acid deficiency can cause many body, including those in the brain. to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General’s mental health problems including: Negative mental states such as Report on Physical Activity and depression, insomnia, anorexia, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, tension, Health. Some studies even suggest that forgetfulness, hyperirritability, apathy, and fear, to some extent, can be more-active lifestyles may be linked fatigue and anxiety. Supplementing understood as the mental expression with higher levels of alertness and the diet can improve and possibly of a physical state. When the brain mental ability, including the ability completely reverse symptoms. is free of toxic poisons, the mind is to learn. Doctors agree that exercise liberated both physiologically and then improves mental health and many Food to Avoid psychologically. even “prescribe” it to relieve depression Many depressed people have hidden To show the effect of fasting on the and anxiety. Walking is the most food allergies. Any food is a potential brain, think about this: in the last 50 frequently prescribed exercise, followed allergen, but wheat is the product years in Russia, therapeutic fasting has by swimming, bicycling, strength most often linked to depression. been found to be the most effective training, and running. In addition to Dramatically reduce your intake of treatment for schizophrenia. As early helping relieve depression, exercise hydrogenated and saturated fats, which as 1972, Dr. Yuri Nikolayev, director can also help improve self-esteem and only increases fatigue and sluggishness. of the fasting unit of the Moscow lessen anxiety. Try to get 30 minutes a Caffeine and refined sugar may make Psychiatric Institute, reported on the day, 5 days a week. you feel temporarily better, but your use of fasting to successfully treat body soon “crashes” from the high, over 7,000 patients who suffered from Sunlight leaving you even more exhausted or various mental disorders including If you are exercising, try to do it irritable. This is partly due to the fact schizophrenia. Now Nikolayev outdoors, even in the winter. “The after 30 year’s experience fasting combination of a lack of sun and over 10,000 patients says, “seventy cold weather invariably strains your percent of those [schizophrenia mood as well as your metabolism. It patients] treated by fasting improved is an energy-depleting form of stress, so remarkably that they were able to similar to having a daily argument resume an active life.” with someone. If your energy systems are already low or your plate is full Detoxification with things to do, the addition of this If you’ve been following a diet that’s high in saturated fats and refined sugars, or if you’ve unknowingly been eating foods that have caused allergic reactions, some or even all of your symptoms may be caused by toxic buildup. A detoxification program will help cleanse your body. If you feel sluggish and dull, and if your doctor has ruled out an underlying disease as the cause, a three-day juice and liquid fast may refresh you.
26 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION weather stress can be significant .” (1) winter vacation in the sun – to get out of the day to pray or meditate or “The energy of the sun is poorly some photon energy back into the use other relaxation techniques to help understood by modern science brain.”(3) soothe the mind and body. and Western medicine. In fact, Knowing this information, I Help someone else! One of the best the industry of surgery-promoting routinely tell my clients who I know ways to forget about your problems and cosmetic specialists want you to are prone to the winter blues to feel better about yourself is by helping think that being in the sun will kill increase their essential fatty acid someone else. Volunteer at a local you unless you have toxic sunscreens intake during the fall, so as to prepare shelter, get involved with a church on. However, the sun’s interaction for the winter. You can do so by group, or just be a friend to someone with your skin produces vitamin D, a taking Evening Primrose or Flaxseed in need. They will feel better and so nutrient woefully lacking in the winter Oil supplements. Boosting up these will you! in northern climates.” (2) Vitamin D essential fatty acids in the winter is Get a massage. Any massage can is vital to calcium metabolism, proper also a good idea and will generally help help you feel better, but a full-body immunity, breast and prostate health, boost overall mood. treatment is a highly effective way to and has been scientifically proven to release stress that has built up in your improve mood. Stress Management muscles. When your body is relaxed Additionally, the sun also produces If your depression is clearly reactive and pain free, you feel better all over. photon energy. “Photon energy is to stresses or events in your life, many Try some hydrotherapy. A hot bath stored in cell membranes. Your ability of the following therapies may ease or a sauna can relax edgy nerves; the to do so is based on the amount of some of your discomfort and help you steam will also help detoxify your body Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. For work your way through the source of allowing you to feel better all over. example, along the equator there is your sadness. plenty of sun and very little Omega If you’re depressed, you’re 3 fatty acids in the food. Yet there experiencing powerful and probably are no winter blues. In the north, continuous levels of stress. It is vital the traditional Eskimo diet was very for your emotional and physical high in Omega 3 oils all year long health that you find at least one way (whale blubber and other deep sea to control anxiety, fear, or tension. fatty fish). Still, there were no winter Prayer and counseling are very helpful. blues (until Eskimos started eating the If you sense that your depression is Omega 3-lacking Western diet). In more than you can handle, don’t the traditional Eskimo diet the high hesitate to seek help from your pastor concentration of Omega 3 oils in or a religious adviser, a counselor, or a summer months would store up photon support group. It helps a great deal to energy of the sun adequately to get Rest talk to people who have worked with Sleep deprivation destroys not only them through the winter months. This others in great emotional pain. physical health, but mental health is of course why every person likes a Make an effort to stay in contact as well. It can cause everything with nature. If at all possible, it is from minor irritation to outbursts of best to live away from the hustle and temper to full-scale mental illness. A bustle of the city. People who live in continuous lack of sleep, too few hours rural areas tend to have less stress and for too many nights, has proven to lead depression. If you can’t live away from to many mental health disorders. the city, try to spend as much time as In addition, lack of sleep at a young you can outdoors in a garden, park, age can bring on depression later in etc. Nature tends to calm the mind life. “Recent research shows that and soothe the soul. If you can’t get teens with sleep problems are 2.3 outside as much as you’d like, buy a times more likely to become depressed plant or some fresh flowers to keep you within seven years, with a statistically in tune with nature. significant increase in suicidal Stress exacerbates symptoms of thinking and suicidal attempts.” (4) mental disorders, including fear, anxiety, and depression. In addition, stress slows the healing process and Drugs It is becoming clearer and clearer depresses the immune system, which that antidepressants are far from will increase healing time. Take time
Volume 24, Number 3 27 benign drugs. And unfortunately, all, vitamin and mineral deficiencies the combination of depression and can directly cause depression, and medication, as well as still being simply correcting those deficiencies, very much trial and error, has some often relieves depression. Interestingly unique worries due to the nature of enough, even if a deficiency cannot the condition itself. Consider how be demonstrated, nutritional anti-depressants are prescribed: Since supplementation may still improve no one anti-depressant has proven symptoms in selected groups of more beneficial than another, often depressed patients. the mode of prescription rests solely on In addition to nutritional which one causes the least side effects. supplements, there are a variety of Side effects, depressing in themselves, herbal supplements that help fight which include: dry mouth, urinary and reverse depression. Here are the retention, blurred vision, constipation, natural products that I recommend to sedation (which can interfere with help battle depression: relieve depression. driving or operating machinery), sleep Tranquility – St. John’s Wort has disruption, weight gain, headache, Products that provide the nutrients been shown in numerous studies to nausea, gastrointestinal disturbance, be effective for mild to moderate diarrhea, abdominal pain, inability essential for proper brain function: Mega-Multi - This is a high potency depression. A review of twenty- to achieve an erection, loss of libido, multi-vitamin that provides a powerful three randomized clinical studies agitation, anxiety, and most recently base of nutrients involved with brain involving 1,700 people found that St. publicized: an INCREASE in suicide function. John’s Wort was Just as effective as risk. B-complex - The B vitamins, pharmaceutical therapy for mild to If that’s not bad enough, turns out, especially B12, folic acid, and moderate depression. they don’t even work! “Mainstream B6 are intricately involved in Soothe - For insomnia or anxiety that media is now widely reporting that neurotransmitter metabolism. accompanies or causes depression, antidepressants do not work – and Patients with depression have shown Soothe, with valerian (Valeriana it’s about time. The frenzy was set oftentimes to have a much lower level officinalis) can help. off by a new study that included all of B-vitamins in their body than non- Liver Detox – If you think your the negative antidepressant studies depressed patients, and supplementing problem may be a problem of toxicity, that the drug companies kept out of with B-Complex has shown to improve our Liver Detox will help to begin the the scientific literature, but were and sometimes even completely cleansing and healing for your body. reviewed by the inept FDA eliminate symptoms of depression. Green Clay – This product also when the drugs were Flaxseed Oil – Studies show that helps detoxify the body, but has the originally approved. The a deficiency of essential fatty acids added benefit of enhancing mineral conclusion is that for is directly linked with depression. absorption, which is often lacking in mild to moderate Depressed patients have much lower depressed patients. depression blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids antidepressants compared with non-depressed patients. If you feel like you might need help, work no better Flaxseed can also help improve but don’t know where to start, call us. than placebo. In neurotransmitter function. We offer FREE health counseling with severe depression C-Blast - Vitamin C is used in the trained professionals who can help you the drugs work body to help convert amino acids with your personalized health plan. only slightly to serotonin, so for people with Call us today, at 309-343-5853. better than depression associated with low levels of placebo. In no case serotonin, it may be helpful. does antidepressant REFERENCES Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo improves use reach a level of 1, 2, & 3: Wellness Resources, Cold blood flow to the brain and enhances statistical significance Weather Mood Shock: Avoid the neurotransmitter activity. in being able to show that Winter Blues, Thursday, December 18, they work.” (5) 2008 Products specifically designed help treat 4. Wellness Resources, Teen Sleep Problems Lead to Depression & Drug Supplements depression: Sunny Day - This product was Abuse, Monday, October 27, 2008 If you feel that you need something 5. Wellness Resources, Are in addition to the therapies listed specifically formulated to help treat depression. Packed with vitamins Antidepressants a Sad Joke?, Monday, above, there are many helpful March 03, 2008 nutritional supplements that can and nutrients essential to mental improve your symptoms without functioning and health, it also has the risk of side effects related to minerals and herbs that help to calm conventional antidepressants. First of the mind, energize the body, and
28 /UR &IRM &OUNDATION Do you or someone you love suffer from depression, mood swings, or anxiety? Are you having a hard time enjoying even the simple pleasures in life? If you’re ready to relax and enjoy life again, Sunny Day can make a difference!
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VITAMINS & MINERALS s Vitamin B1 "OOSTS MOOD AND ENERGY LEVEL 2EDUCES IRRITABILITY CALMS s Vitamin E "OOSTS MOOD $ElCIENCY IS LINKED WITH MENTAL DISORDERS NERVES AND lGHTS DEPRESSION s Vitamin H (Biotin) - Increases energy and endurance. Improves mood. s Vitamin B2 )MPROVES MOOD $ElCIENCY CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION s Vitamin M (Folic Acid) - Improves mood and cognitive function. s Vitamin B3 &IGHTS ANXIETY IRRITABILITY STRESS )MPROVES MOOD s Calcium )MPROVES MOOD AND lGHTS MOOD SWINGS s Vitamin B5 !NTI STRESS FACTOR 0ROTECTS AGAINST MENTAL AND PHYSICAL s Magnesium 3TABILIZES MOOD AND EMOTIONAL STATE &IGHTS MOOD stress. swings. s Vitamin B6 - Very important in regulating mood disorders and is the s Potassium $ElCIENCY CAN CAUSE IRRITABILITY AND AGITATION most implicated of all the vitamins in the cause & treatment of depres- s Iron - Increases energy and reduces stress. sion. s Zinc - Improves mood, acts as a natural antidepressant. s 6ITAMIN " - Improves mood, memory, and ability to concentrate. s Manganese &IGHTS FATIGUE AND IMPROVES MEMORY AND MOOD &IGHTS DEPRESSION ANXIETY AND AGITATION s Chromate - Helps regulate sugar levels and control cravings. s Vitamin C $ElCIENCY CAN CAUSE FATIGUE WEAKNESS IRRITABILITY AND s Selenium - Improves mood and thyroid function. depression. Helps elevate mood. HERBS s Valerian 2EDUCES STRESS AGGRESSIONS )MPROVES SLEEP QUALITY s Passion Flower (ELPS lGHT TENSION ANXIETY PANIC ATTACKS MOOD s St. John’s Wort &IGHTS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY 6ERY CALMING SWINGS IRRITABILITY RESTLESSNESS AND DIFlCULTY SLEEPING s Chamomile %NCOURAGES A STATE OF RELAXATION WOUT DROWSINESS s Skullcap 2ELIEVES STRESS TENSION AND NERVOUS DISORDERS s Hops #ALMS THE NERVES AND IMPROVES QUALITY OF SLEEP OTHER NUTRITIONAL FACTORS s L-Glutamic Acid &IGHTS CHRONIC FATIGUE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION #AN s Tyrosine )MPORTANT IN TREATING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION %LEVATES MOOD help correct some personality disorders. s RNA )MPROVES MEMORY BOOSTS MOOD lGHTS MENTAL DISORDERS s GABA ! NATURAL TRANQUILIZER WITHOUT THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS (AS ANTI STRESS s Melatonin )MPROVES QUALITY OF SLEEP AND IMPROVES MOOD and anti-anxiety properties. Contains even more powerful nutrients. Too many to list! *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
100 Caplets...... $14.99 HXHH-SDAY To Order Call Today: 1-800-468-7884 or Visit us on the web at: Suggested Adult Dosage: www.hopeforhealthusa.com 1 caplet 3 times a day *Prices listed above do not include shipping and handling or sales tax Are you restless, anxious, tense, or just need a good NIGHTS SLEEP 4HEN TRY OUR Soothe WITH NATURAL 6ALERIAN 2OOT Valerian root has been used for centuries to treat nervous system disorders, and it is commonly used as a sleep aid as well. In addition to its USE AS A TRANQUILIZER AND SLEEP aid, many herbalists also recommend Valerian root as a remedy for tension headaches and muscular pain because of its ability to act as a muscle relaxant. Soothe Does Soothe (Valerian Root) Really Work? s 4ODAY 6ALERIAN IS THE most common Double blind studies have shown that Valerian root can decrease the amount of non-prescription sedative used in time it takes for people with insomnia to fall asleep. Valerian root is also used to %UROPE treat anxiety disorders and counteract stress. It has a sedative effect that helps to s OF ADULTS SAY THEY SUFFER FROM relax the central nervous system and provide a feeling of calmness. symptoms of insomnia. Discover some of the benefits of the s )N A PERSON STUDY 6ALERIAN EXTRACT 100% Valerain Root in Soothe: DEMONSTRATED STATISTICALLY SIGNIlCANT improvement over placebo in sleep Valerian Root Throughout History LATENCY AND SLEEP QUALITY 0HARMACOL s 6ALERIAN HAS BEEN USED AS A MEDICINAL HERB SINCE AT LEAST THE TIME OF ANCIENT "IOCHEM "EHAV 'REECE AND 2OME )TS THERAPEUTIC USES WERE DESCRIBED BY (IPPOCRATES AND IN THE FACTS: ND CENTURY 'ALEN PRESCRIBED VALERIAN FOR INSOMNIA Valerian Root: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communication, 2000: 394-400 -- Valerianae. In: A New Herbal, Parts II and III. Cambridge University Press, 1995: 464-66, 499-500, 764-65. 100 Capsules ...... $9.99 HXHH-SOOT s )N THE TH CENTURY IT WAS USED TO TREAT NERVOUSNESS TREMBLING HEADACHES AND heart palpitations. Culpeper N:Garden valerian. In: Culpeper’s Complete Herbal. Suggested Adult Dosage: New York: W. Foulsham, 1994: 295-297 1-3 capsules per day for relief s $URING 7ORLD 7AR )) IT WAS USED IN %NGLAND TO RELIEVE THE STRESS OF AIR RAIDS Grieve of symptoms M: Valerian. In: A Modern Herbal. New York: Hafner Press, 1974: 824-830.
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