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PRISONERS OF HOPE December 2010

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
Men in general do not shed tears of joy except on very special occasions or when they are really
touched by something. I had one of those rare moments happen to me a few weeks ago, but I held
back at the last moment. Even though I held back, I could not help but to feel the warm glow radiating
in my heart. What, you might ask had given me the feeling that I wish I could have put in a bottle?
Well, it was a realisation of how far the 2 and a half-6 year old group of children that I was teaching in
the afternoon had come!
Anyone that has ever had to teach cradle roll will know how it sometimes feels like a thankless task.
You repeat stories, and sing scripture songs to the little ones, and they just basically stare back at you
and give you occasional smiles, screams, giggles and blank looks. All the while you are never quite
sure whether you are making any progress. Furthermore, they love to be about on their feet, and at-
tempting to keep their attention for the duration of SS is often an impossibility.
My wife and I have been blessed (though it often did not feel like a blessing) to be involved with assist-
ing in various capacities in teaching children for the last 5+ years. The strange thing is as difficult as it
has been at times, we have in general found it very fulfilling and we honestly love spending time with
the little ones. The realisation of how fulfilling it was, and the warming of the cockles of my heart, was
the children‟s ability to remember the stories that we had done the previous three weeks in detail. It
may seem an insignificant issue, but having seen these children from before they could even babble,
and seeing how they love to hear about Christ nearly brought me to tears.
My experience really got me thinking about how we deal with children and the attention that we give
them in our congregations. On sharing the experience with my wife, it made us wonder if as congrega-
tions we see the potential that they have to be missionaries in their spheres and whether or not we
harness that potential. It made us wonder if we do not get so obsessed with pathfinders, investitures
and other items that tend to be self-centred in their nature and the manner in which we run them; all
to the exclusion of outreach work. It made us wonder whether in our churches we ensure that the ac-
tivities we do with the children have the aim of evangelism and not the aim of entertaining them. How
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
often have the children in your church been organised to visit an old age home? How often have the
children in your church been organised to visit an orphanage? How often have the children in your Editorial ......................... ……1
Not Robbery .................. .….2
church been encouraged to make crafts for needy children? How often have the children in your
Perfection ...................... .….3
church been encouraged to give whatever pennies they have as an offering to buy food for others?
Power of Words ............. ..…5
The truth of the matter is that the likely answer to most of the questions above is never. Which then Health In Jesus .............. …..6
leads me to pose the question that, if we do not teach them at an early age when they are most impres- A Channel For God ........ .….8
sionable, do we expect it to be easier to instil the principles when they are older? Surely it makes sense Walking Together .......... .….9
to teach our children the value of sharing their faith with their friends when they are young, and that Crossroads………………………9
way they will not be shy to do the same when they are older. Surely it makes sense to involve children Teaching the Children ... ….10

in visitations to child friendly places when they are young and when they are grown we won‟t have the
problems of lack of attendance on outreach afternoons. Children are “sponges”, and their ability to
comprehend, albeit in a simplistic way at times, never ceases to amaze me. We should never underes-
timate their abilities nor their comprehension of the significance of working for God.
Lastly, in most of the churches I have visited, I have noted how the children are left to fend for them-
selves in the afternoons, and how they often fill this time with entertaining themselves in the way they
know best. EGW has the following to say about Sabbaths: “Parents, above every thing, take care of
your children upon the Sabbath. Do not suffer them to violate God's holy day by playing in the house
or out of doors. You may just as well break the Sabbath yourselves as to let your children do it, and
when you suffer your children to wander about, and suffer them to play upon the Sabbath, God looks
upon you as Sabbath-breakers.” Let us as congregations put in place programs to harness these chil-
dren‟s energy, and ensure that their Sabbaths are spent productively, and in receiving instruction on
working in the Lord‟s vineyard.
 NOT ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH MEN... BY SR T NKOMO
In the beginning, women WERE equal to men. There was no need
for a feminist or women‟s liberation movement because there was
no ruler or head. BUT after sin came into the world, that changed.
Because of Eve‟s sin, women were to be under the headship of men.
Genesis Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow
and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and
thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. It
was never God‟s ORIGINAL plan for women to be in subjection to
men.
In the same way, the Son, because of sin, lost His status. “Who, be-
ing in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Phil 2:6,7 The Crea-
tor of the universe humbled Himself, took on human nature, de-
graded human nature, because of our sin, not because of His own
sin. What a contrast to Eve who deserved to be ruled over by her
husband. The Adventist Home states “Eve was told of the sorrow
and pain that must henceforth be her portion. And the Lord said,
"Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he
shall rule over thee." In the creation, God had
made her the equal of Adam. Had they re-
mained obedient to God--in harmony with His
great law of love--they would ever have been in
harmony with each other; but sin had brought
discord, and now their union could be main-
tained and harmony preserved only by submis-
sion on the part of the one or the other.”
Women today are not Eve, but how many wom-
en can say they have never sinned? Should we
then not also submit? We who could have
thought „it not robbery to be equal to‟ men
have no right to claim equality to men. We can-
not, in light of the Bible, fight for our rights for
equal leadership in the church and in the home.
The day Jesus willingly gave up His own rights, was the day we for-
feited our own-if we call ourselves Christians.
What is a Christian? Is not someone to professes to love Jesus and
to follow Him and His example? Jesus submitted to His Father, in
the same way we ought to submit to our fathers or husbands. In
everything, we ought to put God‟s Word first, even if it means we
neglect our own selfish desires and ambitions. “Eve had been the
first in transgression; and she had fallen into temptation by sepa-
rating from her companion, contrary to the divine direction. It was
by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and she was now placed in
subjection to her husband. Had the principles enjoined in the law of
God been cherished by the fallen race, this sentence, though grow-
ing out of the results of sin, would have proved a blessing to them;
but man's abuse of the supremacy thus given him has too often ren-
dered the lot of woman very bitter, and made her life a burden.”
Many women want to submit, but their lives are made difficult by
unconverted fathers and husbands. Yet we have Jesus‟ example be-
2
fore us. He submitted to the Father, but He also submitted to the
taunts and insults uttered about his parentage, about his being born
of a poor family, the cruel taunts and inflicted wounds and ultimate
death on the cross. Jesus submitted even unto death. And that is the
crucial point. Self must die. A woman ought not to remain with an
abusive husband and give up her physical life. But at the same time,
a woman needs to let pride die. When the husband IS converted,
then his desires will be her own. And where they are not, she will
yield to his will.
Unfortunately, there are unconverted men in the church who do not
know what it is to be Christ like. A Christ like man will not lord his
God-given headship over those in his family or in the church. A
Christ like man will be humble, soft-spoken, loving and tender. He
will resemble the shepherd who cares for his sheep and desires the
best for them. A converted husband will treat his wife with dignity
and respect. And then, when that happens, it will become a pleasure
and a joy for the woman or daughter, to yield to the head of the
home.
If the husband is able to provide for his family, the
wife will enjoy being a keeper at home as Titus 2
enjoins. She will enjoy raising the children, while he
enjoys taking care of them and keeping them
clothed and provided for. Martin Luther once stated
“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home,
and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
A home run by a godly father with a godly woman,
will be a home in which both are yielding, but the
mother yields more than the husband. “It is the duty
of the wife to yield her wishes and will to her hus-
band. Both should be yielding, but preference is giv-
en in the word of God to the judgment of the hus-
band. And it will not detract from the dignity of the
wife to yield to him who she has chosen to be her
counsellor, adviser, and protector. The husband should maintain
his position in his family with all meekness, yet with decision.”
As we seek to do God‟s will, may we remember our Example and
Substitute. May we not become like Eve and seek to do that which
we have not been bidden to do “Eve had been perfectly happy by
her husband's side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern
Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere
than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above
her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be
reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life du-
ties in accordance with God's plan.”
{AH 115.2}
Nowhere in God‟s book to we have record of Jesus ever blaming
humans for the condition He was in. Never did He claim that the
law was too difficult for Him to follow, never did He complain about
yielding to the Father. Jesus died to self. May we too be willing to
surrender all-men, women and children. 
 PERFECTION IN THE LAST GENERATION PART 4…..BY BR E PREWITT
“But thou, man of God, flee these things the love of money,
foolish and hurtful lusts and] fight the good fight of faith. . Keep
this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the ap-
pearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: All scripture is given by inspi-
ration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for cor-
rection, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, perfected [margin] unto all good works. I
charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his
kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from
the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4
What kind of sound doctrine will they not endure in the last days?
That which reproves their love of money and their hurtful lusts.
That which seeks their perfection and exhorts to holy living “until
the appearing.” When Paul wrote to Laodicea, a city typical of our
time, he wished for them that -
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Fa-
ther, and of Christ; Col 2:2.
The Laodicean church lacked the very
two things that the end-time church
would be wanting as well, and was cho-
sen accordingly to represent us. Their
hearts were not knit together. What
knits hearts together in the fullest fel-
lowship? Not here is it a sentimental
religion, but rather true love combined
with the rich experience of being as-
sured by a full understanding. And an
understanding of what? Of the mystery
that was a few verses earlier defined as
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Paul‟s
“great conflict” (verse one) was to bring
Laodicea to the point of acknowledging
first, and experiencing after, the truth of
that mystery. At the time of his writing, they were turned away
from that “sound doctrine” to fables. This conflict of Paul‟s might
guide us in our efforts to promote revival and reformation. He had
two burdens, both reflected in many of his passages regarding the
end of time. The first, that the church might be knit together in
love. The second, that they might be knit together by a common
faith, fully assured of the truth of Christ‟s indwelling.
Jude preached the same.
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our
Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compas-
sion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling
them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with ex-
ceeding joy, Jude 21-24
We are to be presented “faultless” at the “presence of his glory.”
But for that, we must be kept “from falling” during the most trying
time of earth‟s history. The promise is that God is able to keep us
during that time. Then are we saved by our steadfastness? No, the
credit goes entirely to “the mercy of our Lord Jesus.” And what is
our part in preparing for this crisis? We are to “keep” ourselves “in
the love of God, looking for the mercy.” Our focus on Christ‟s char-
3
acter will have the desired effect on our own. Our growing love will
make us steadfast.
Perfection is a theme of the book of Hebrews. Paul faulted the cere-
monial rituals as ineffective in “that [they] could not make him that
did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience.” Hebrews
9:9. The rites were symbols of a truly effective service that could,
on the contrary, “purge your conscience from dead works to serve
the living God.” (v. 14) by the ministration of the blood of Jesus.
This perfection was not that justification experienced by the Patri-
archs, for they had not received this perfection when they died,
“God having provided some better thing for us, that they without
us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40.
The perfection offered in Hebrews 9 was the type of perfection that
would have made the continuing sacrifices meaningless.
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not
the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices
which they offered year by year continually make the comers
thereunto perfect. For then they would have ceased to be of-
fered because that the worshippers once purged should have
had no more conscience of sins. Hebrews 10:1-2, margin.
Once the cleansing process is finished, the worshippers will have
no more, as it were, lambs to slay. Symbols could never clean a
heart, and so the first tabernacle was to repeat its lessons over and
over. The gospel has power, on the other hand, to bring a man to
the state of being “wholly sanctified.” And when the crop is thus
readied for the garner, the work in the heavenly sanctuary will
“have ceased . . . because that the worshippers once purged” have
nothing on their consciences to be confessed. Their transgressions
forgiven, their sins covered, they will be blessed especially to
“whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is
no guile.” Ps. 32:2. As God had purposed “before the foundation of
the world” that the image of God should be restored in man after
his fall, we will be “holy and without blame before Him in love.”
Ephesians 1:4.
Then will be proclaimed the final sentence:
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy,
let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be right-
eous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation
22:11
Some have used this passage as evidence that not all true Chris-
tians will have reached the state of “holiness” at probation‟s close.
Their argument separates the class of the “righteous” from those
that are “holy.” Can this argument be used backwards? Are there
unjust men who are not filthy? Such a thought is common in the
world where it is said “he is a good man.” But it is offensive to God.
“You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, „Wherein
have we wearied Him?‟ When you say „everyone that doeth evil is
good in the sight of the Lord.‟” Mal. 2:17. Without Jesus there is no
man that is not both unjust and entirely filthy. And the scriptures
we have examined so far give us no ground for expecting a translat-
ed man to be unreadied for the trials that precede his translation.
Perfection at Conversion or at the Cross
The finishing of the mystery, the ripening of the grain, the matur-
ing of the mystical church body, the purging of the conscience from
dead works, these are all processes. They have a commencement, a
continuation, and a completion.
For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour
grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs
with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.
Isaiah 18:5. See Mark 4:28. 
While we have examined those passages that point to Christ‟s
coming and find there that the work has been done, these passag-
es do can not be made to undermine the truth that the Christian is
called to an imputed perfection, and to an imparting of perfection
from the moment that he consecrates himself. It is long before
“the harvest” that the “bud is perfect.”
Appendix A includes a list of passages that call the every-day
Christian of yesteryear to be perfectly whole, accepted in the be-
loved, and indwelled by the Spirit. A man that is wholly surren-
dered has this “perfection” already. These, by virtue of Christ‟s
sacrifice, will be perfected in the resurrection, as other “just men”
have been that were taken to heaven with Jesus. Hebrews 10:14;
12:23.
Appendix B contains a list of verses that place the goal of Christian
maturity before the believer as something to be striven for. With
these might be classed Paul‟s confession
Not as though I had already attained, either were already per-
fect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which
also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12
This appendix contains a number of great promises. Claim them.
Hold to them. Embrace them as the saints of old embraced the
promises proffered to them. While few of these speak particularly
about the last generation, they address issues that have been faced
in all ages and will be faced again. History arms us with examples
of perfection gained, lost, and imputed. Appendix C includes a few
notes and a list of texts on past perfection.
Finally, Appendix D is a catch for many verses that may be of ser-
vice to the student wishing to dig deeper. Most of these passages
do not speak about the last generation in particular, and some
even speak of the perfection of God, or of inanimate objects. Tak-
en together they convey the truth that there are several types of
perfection spoken of in Scripture.
Summary
Abundant evidence in the New Testament affirms the truth that
the last generation will reach a condition akin to the ripening of a
harvest field. This condition is described in such detail in the sev-
eral passages that it is possible to say several things about it with
confidence. First, it is the expressed hope of Peter, Paul, Jude,
James, and John that the last generation will be like Jesus in ways
no other generation of believers has been.
Second, this condition is associated with an end of the judgement
in the heavenly sanctuary and will, when reached, conclude the
continued need for that judgement. Third, the Spirit of Prophecy
and the gifts were given to the church in the last generation specif-
ically to bring this condition to the church.
APPENDIX A
Deuteronomy 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God,
to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives
turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with
the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Ezekiel 16:14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy
beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon
thee, saith the Lord GOD.
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell
that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heav-
en: and come and follow me.
1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are per-
fect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world,
that come to nought:
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a
better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. {the bringing…: or,
it was the bringing in}
Appendix B
2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way
perfect.
Psalms 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my
way perfect.
Psalms 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mer-
cy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is per-
fect shall be as his master. {that…: or, shall be perfected as his master}
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in
one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved
them, as thou hast loved me.
1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that
which is in part shall be done away.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit
in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {men: Gr. perfect,
or, of a ripe age}
2 Corinthians 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong:
and this also we wish, even your perfection.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good
comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace
shall be with you.
Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now
made perfect by the flesh?
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:
and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this
unto you.
Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching eve-
ry man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus:
Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the
bond of perfectness.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth
you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand per-
fect and complete in all the will of God. {labouring…: or, striving}
{complete: or, filled}
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might
see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal
glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you per-
fect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him
refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,
even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil. {of full age: or, perfect} {use: or, an habit, or, perfec-
tion}
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on un-
to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God. Hebrews 6:1 TBC
4
 THE POWER OF WORDS….. SR A WATERS
Over 2,000 years ago, the wisest man in history penned this
profound truth, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Proverbs 18:21. Have we ever stopped to think about what this
means? What we say can effectively make or break someone
and potentially affect them the rest of their life.
Once spoken, a word can never be taken back but will make its
mark in the heart of the hearer. What are we communicating to
those in our circle of influence? Are we tearing them down by
sarcastic comments or negative feedback, or are we building up
their positive traits by using encouraging words?
Consider the results of the following experiment. A group of stu-
dents were given a test and told their scores would determine
whether they were likely to succeed in their academic endeav-
ours or whether they would be inferior. The test results were
shared with the students, and school continued as usual. A year
later, a follow up test was given with interesting results. The
students who had been among those told they would likely suc-
ceed scored an average of 10-30% higher than the rest of the
group. Even more interesting was the
fact that none of the original test scores
had been used to determine who be-
longed in the “smart” group and who
fell into the average or below group. All
of the student‟s names had been placed
in a hat and drawn out to be randomly
placed in one group or the other. What
are the odds that all of the students in-
volved in the testing produced scores
that placed them in the group predict-
ed? The answer is simple.
The “superior” group was treated by
teachers and students alike as though
they were indeed superior. They rose to
their perceived potential even though they may have initially
been average students. Those higher than average students now
found themselves in the average or below average category. Lack
of affirmation and an absence of belief in their potential reflect-
ed in their scores.
What messages are we giving on a daily basis through our com-
munication with those within our sphere of influence, especially
to our spouses and children? Do they know that we believe in
them and that we can see past their mistakes to their potential? 
Are we affirming them in the positive things we see in them?
It's easy to let right behaviour pass by without comment, but the
moment a mistake is made what do our loved ones hear?
Does this sound familiar? “What‟s wrong with you? Why can't
you ever do anything right? You're so stupid! At this rate you're
never going to amount to anything.” Ouch! The door is now
open for negative thoughts to be formulated in the mind of the
receiver. “Maybe I will never get it right. I thought I was doing
5
better. I thought I was improving but nobody seems to notice.
I'm just stupid. If I'm never going to amount to anything, why
try? I don't care anymore. Why should I? If everyone thinks I'm
a failure, I guess that's what I must be. I'm not good for any-
thing. I might as well give up.”
The speaker of such harsh words never stops to think of the
damage they have inflicted. The wound begins to heal; but be-
fore it does, it is cut again by more sharp words. An emotional
scar eventually forms, limiting the receiver's ability to even hope
for a bright and promising future full of potential.
We may be tempted to think that people don't need encourage-
ment until they are consistent in doing right. I challenge us all,
however, to consider how Jesus treats us unworthy, sinful, rot-
ten mortals who nailed Him to the cross and who have made
many mistakes. He does not treat us according to what we de-
serve. Instead, He pursues us with His love until He has won us,
offering forgiveness and a new start. He sees our potential; and
in His eyes, we are of inestimable value. He encourages us with
the promises of His Word and gives us
power to live a changed life. He freely ex-
presses the worth He sees in us and His
belief that we can rise to our full potential
in Him. How beautiful! How motivating!
Love is the greatest stimulation for positive
change. The following quote supports this
important concept: “Let each give love ra-
ther than exact it. Cultivate that which is
noblest in yourselves, and be quick to rec-
ognize the good qualities in each other.
The consciousness of being appreciated is a
wonderful stimulus and satisfaction.
Sympathy and respect encourage the striv-
ing after excellence, and love itself increas-
es as it stimulates to nobler aims.” Ministry of Healing, pg. 361
Countless marriages and families have been destroyed because
of words that were spoken in the home. We will not become an-
other statistic if we take hold of His strength and allow Him to
control our thoughts and words that they may be a “savor of life
unto life”! Truly, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Tips: If correction is necessary,
follow with positive words of encouragement.
 Look for and express appreciation often for the good you
see in others.
 Inspire others by making known their potential and ex-
pressing your belief in them.
 Pray for God's help to be a catalyst for positive change by
speaking words of life! 
 HEALTH IN JESUS PART 4 .... BY BR J HACHOMBWA
NUTRITION PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE: Stand and sit straight and tall. Keep
FOUNDATION OF ALL the shoulders pulled back and downward. Avoid tight belts and
GRACES: "Temperance alone is things that would limit the movement of the abdominal muscles
the foundation of all the graces when breathing, (MH 272 - 273)
that come from God, the foun-
dation of all victories to be VENTILATION: "AIR,... welcome it, cultivate a love for it... Air
gained." Te 201. "As we near must be in constant circulation to be kept pure." 1T 702. “Let there
the close of time, we must rise be a current of air and an abundance of light in every room in the
higher and still higher upon the house. Sleeping rooms should be so arranged as to have a free cir-
question of health reform and culation of air day and night. No room is fit to be occupied as a
Christian temperance, present- sleeping room unless it can be thrown open daily to the air and
ing it in a more positive and sunshine ... Whoever sleeps in a sunless room, or occupies a bed
decided manner... not only by words, but by our practice." CD 443. that has not been thoroughly dried and aired, does so at the risk of
TEMPERANCE IN WHAT THINGS? In eating, drinking, dressing, health and often of life." MH 274-275.
labor, study, sleeping, and all things, see ML 141-146
PULLUTION IN THE CITIES: " The very atmosphere of the cities
DRESS: have equal distribution of clothing on the body. Clothing is polluted ... From the standpoint of health, the smoke and dust of
should be suitable to the weather, protecting the hands and feet in the cities are very objectionable ... Out of the cities, is my message."
cold weather. MH 293; 2SM 471, 477. CH 267-268 (see also MH 365).
STUDY: a) Be balanced in life, studying and doing physical work. REST
CH177-183.
Avoid over studying, “by studying after nine o'clock, there is noth IN THE BEGINNING, Gen 1:5; 2:3. Our merciful Creator gave us
ing gained but much lost.” E.G. White, letter 85, 1888; 8 Manu periodic periods to build and refresh our bodies – the night to
script Release No. 616, page 330. sleep, the Sabbath to rest and worship.
"The student who desires to put the work of two years into one DAILY NIGHT REST: "Sleep, nature's sweet restorer, invigorates
should not be permitted to have his own way…It is as great a sin to the weary body and prepares it for the next day's duties." CH147.
over-load the mind as it is to overload the digestive organs…In our
WEEKLY SABBATH REST "God reserved the seventh day as a pe-
schools the lights should be put out at half past nine." CT 296-297.
riod of rest for man ... He saw that the wants of man required a day
SLEEP: have regular time for going to bed and for rising. Go to bed of rest from toil and care, that his health and life would be endan-
early in the evening so that you can arise early in the morning to gered without a period of relaxation from the labor and anxiety of
study. "I know from the testimonies given me from time to time for the six days." 1T 532-533.
brain workers, that sleep is worth far more before than after mid-
REST ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH: "Proper periods of sleep and rest
night. Two hours' good sleep before twelve o'clock is worth more
and an abundance of physical exercise are essential to health of
than four hours after twelve o'clock.” E.G. White, letter 85, 1888; 7
body and mind." GW 423 (7T247).
Manuscript Release No. 463, page 224.
JESUS AND REST: "He became flesh, even as we are. He was hun-
AIR gry and thirst and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed
by sleep." MH 422 (DA 311).
IN THE BEGINNING, Gen 1:7. "As the earth came forth from the
Mark 4:38 Jesus was asleep on a pillow in the ship tossed by storm.
hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful…with…mountains,
Mark 6:31 Jesus calls His disciples to withdraw and rest a while.
hills,…plains,…noble rivers…flowers…trees. The AIR, untainted by
Mark 7:24 Jesus withdraws from the public to seek rest.
foul miasma, was clear and healthful." PP 44
Luke 4:16, 31-35; Mark 6:2 Jesus rested on Sabbath days; He went
ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH: Man might live 5 to 6 weeks without to church, taught, and healed.
food, a few days without water, but only a few minutes without air. MH 55-56 Jesus was refreshed by "the hours of prayer that closed"
"We are more dependent upon the air we breath than upon the His toilsome days of ministry.
food we eat." CH 173. "Life in the open air is good for body and Matt 11:28-30 Jesus wants us to find rest in Him and to have our
mind. It is God's medicine for the restoration of health." CH 166 joy in doing His will.
(7T 85). "Air is the free blessing of heaven, calculated to electrify "The disciples who were associated with Him in His work,
the whole system." ML 137 (1T 701). Jesus often released for a
JESUS and AIR: "During His ministry Jesus lived to a great degree season, that they might
an outdoor life. His journeys from place to place were made on visit their homes and rest;
foot, and much of His teaching was given in the open air... Christ but in vain were their ef-
loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on forts to draw Him away
some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake." MH 52, 54. from His labors." MH 55
Matt 5:1-2; Luke 5:3. 

6
KINDS OF REST: A pause from work, steeping, change of activity,
change from mental to physical labor and vice-versa, vacation, a
day of worship and praise, spiritual rest obtained by repentance
and surrender to the Lord, and trust in God.
REST BUILDS THE BODY: "The importance of regularity in the
time for eating and sleeping should not be overlooked. Since the
work of building up the body takes place during the hours of rest,
it is essential, especially in youth, that sleep should be regular and
abundant." Ed 205. "Give yourself proper time to sleep. They who
steep give nature time to build up and repair the weary waste of
the organism." MM 80.
TODAY'S CALL TO REST: "In the name of Jesus, economize your
powers, that after being refreshed with rest, you may do more and
better work." ML 133. "To His toil-worn workers to-day as really
as to His first disciples He speaks these words of compassion,
'Come ye yourselves apart ... and rest a while.' All who are under
the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their
own hearts, with nature, and with God." MH 58. God says, "Be
still, and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10.
TRUST IN GOD - FAITH
IN THE BEGINNING, Gen 2:17. "The tree of knowledge, which
stood near the tree of life in the midst
of the garden, was to be a test of the
obedience, faith, and love of our first
parents." PP 48- 49, 53. "Eve... coveted
what God had forbidden; she distrusted
His wisdom. She cast away faith, the
key of knowledge." Ed 24.
ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH: "We should
cooperate with God in the care of our
bodies. Love for God is essential for life
and health. Faith in God is essential for
health. In order to have perfect health,
our hearts must be filled with love and
hope and joy in the Lord." ML 149, (see
also CH 587).
JESUS AND TRUST: "It is in a crisis
that character is revealed." COL 412.
Please notice how the trust of Jesus in God the Father was plainly
revealed in the most severe crisis, notice His faith in God by what
He did and said, remember that words are an indication of what is
in the heart, Luke 6:45.
(1) In the raging storm and frightening darkness on the sea He
was calm trusting in the unfailing care of His Father. Mark
4:35-41, DA 336.
(2) In Gethsemane when suffering the superhuman anguish He
yielded to His Father's will, He said, "Not my will, but yours
be done." Luke 22:42.
(3) On the cross while suffering extremely physically and mental-
ly, rejected by men and apparently rejected also by God, Matt
27:46, yet His trust in the Father triumphed. By faith He
choose to continue believing in His Father's love. His trium-
phal parting words of trust were "Father into your hands I
commend my spirit." Luke 23:46.
(4) In His life on earth He had a thankful attitude toward His
Father, Matt 11: 25-26, John 11:41-42. Jesus rejoiced in His
Father, Luke 10:21.
REJOICING AND PEACEFUL:
"The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful,
and obedient." SC 124. Even though "our Saviour was indeed a
man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Isa 53:3)” yet “His
countenance did not wear an expression of grief or repining, ...
wherever He went, He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness."
SC 120. His messages were cheering and uplifting, He often spoke
of peace and joy of those who believe in Him; Matt 5:12, 9:2, John
14:1, 27, 28, 15:11, 16:33, 17:13. "Grief, anxiety, discontent, re-
morse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces, and to
invite decay and death ... Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love,
promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful
spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. 'A merry
(rejoicing) heart doeth good like medicine.‟ Pro 17:22." MH 241.
HEALTH'S GREATEST SAFE GUARD
"Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than
does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist
melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings--as much a duty
as it is to pray." "Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's
love and care--these are health's greatest safeguard." MH 251, 281.
THE HAPPY HORMONE: Did you know that your body can actu-
ally produce a "happy hormone"? Positive emotions such as joy,
love, gratitude and faith produce endorphins. “The consciousness
of rightdoing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and
minds ... One whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is on the
highway to health." CH 628. "The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
but the years of the wicked will be short-
ened." Pro10:27 " Blessed is the man
who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope
is the Lord." Jer 17:7.
THE MORAL (M) AND
HEALTH (H) LAWS COM-
PARED.
"To make plain natural law and urge
the obedience of it, is the work that
accompanies the third angel's mes-
sage, to prepare a people for the
coming of the Lord." CD 69. "In per-
fect and complete unity with the gos-
pel ministry, the work of health re-
form will reveal its God-given power... But separate medical
missionary work from the gospel, and the work will be crip-
pled." CD 75.
1. NAME
(M) It is called "the royal law." James 2:8. "The great moral
standard." 5T 329.
(H) ”Laws of health," "laws of nature." MH 146. "Physical
laws," "laws of our being." CD 17.
2. THE MAKER
(M) "God ... is author of the moral law." CO 17, Ex 20:1-17,
24:12."
(H) "God has established the laws of nature" MH 114.
3. WRITTEN BY FINGER OF GOD
(M) Was "written with the finger of God" on two tablets of
stone Ex 31:18.
(H) "God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is au-
thor of the moral law. His law is written with His own finger
upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has
been entrusted to man." CD 17 (God made us Ps 100:3).
TBC
6
 A CHANNEL WHERE WE CAN REACH GOD PART 3... BY SR K NARANJO
IS this true? I don‟t know.. I tried to research it on line but it
led me to many terrible sites so I did not continue. But many
will tell me that these things are true. Q: So, was it the magic
bug itself or something else?
Let‟s see what Paul says:
1Co 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of
the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that
which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacri-
fice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not
that ye should have fellowship with devils.
1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacri-
fice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for con-
science sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
1Co 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for
why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that
are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is
nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but
one.
Here Paul says that the
idol is nothing, and the
sacrifice is nothing,
don‟t have fellowship
with devils. The demons
associate with the objects
of alter and sacrifice if
Satan is allowed. It is not
the alter or the sacrifice
but it is the demons that
are there…. Do not open the door to them!!
Psa 135:15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the
work of men's hands.
Psa 135:16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have
they, but they see not;
Psa 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there
any breath in their mouths.
Notice here again, the idol is nothing. It is not a living thing.
But, Satan can use these things to deceive those that partake
and believe in them.
For example, Back to communion, it is not the wine or the
bread… it is nothing but it is that God is there reaching out to
our faith at this point.
Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and partake of the cer-
Satan too will use this…. If we partake and believe in the emony knowing that this is where are faith connects with God in
things that Satan uses then he will possess them and enter in to a special way. It is more than just a ritual and it has
our presence. The Ouija board does not work by itself. You meaning for us. 
have to do something… you have to partake. You have to
believe and then Satan it seems is allowed to work…
Just like Eve in the garden… she had to go there, to have a
curiosity, and to partake of it in order to come under the
snare of Satan.
(Men tried to cast out demons themselves and the demons came
out of the demon possessed man and jumped into them) Act
19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their
books together, and burned them before all men: …….
(conquest of Jericho they were told not to take anything but all
was to go into the treasury, God knew that this was an idola-
trous nation and He wanted to protect His people from the
temptations of Jericho) Jos 6:18 And ye, in any wise keep
yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves
accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the
camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
Jos 7:11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my
covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of
the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also,
and they have put it even among their own stuff.
The objects can become a stumbling block to any of us if we
are curious or if we believe it the object having satanic power.
Or, partake of it.
In EGWs day, the rappings in the haunted houses were en-
couraged by those who lived there…. They knocked back to the
rappings to communicate and opened the door to satanic ac-
tivity.
I know a lady who was trying to sell her house and it would not
sell. Then, someone told her that if she had a Ouija board in her
house, that was the reason it did not sell. So, she put it in the
garage and her house sold. To this day, she believed that the
Ouija board prevented her house from selling.
Because she believed in it and actually took hold of it and
placed it elsewhere shows that it was a stumbling block for her.
In conclusion: Stay away from anything that might be a
stumbling block to yourself or to others. Do not have a curiosity
or partake of it.
Do the things that God has ordained for us to do. We have 4
things that God has told us to do in order to grow our faith. 1.
Baptism 2. Communion 3. laying on of hands 4. anointing the
sick with oil
8
 WALKING TOGETHER…..BY SR D MISHLEAU
I remember standing before God, our families, and friends,
solemnly promising to love, honour, and cherish my husband ward to decorating
till death. Honour? How was I to fulfil this vow?
In a premarital counselling session, our pastor advised me
not to get ahead of my husband. I am a quick thinker, but
that doesn‟t mean my decisions are always better. In fact, my
husband‟s deep thinking has often enabled him to make the
better decision. When we are asked a question, I‟m tempted
to answer first; but the Holy Spirit is reminding me to give
my husband time to respond.
Romans 12:10 states, “in honour, preferring one another” but
how can I practically apply this principle in my own life?
Planning ahead and looking for opportunities to honour the
one I love has been positive for our marriage. I believe it is
important for my husband‟s self-respect to encourage him by
being quiet and attentive as he expresses his thoughts. It tells
him that I think he is intelligent and that I find value in what
he has to say. I want our children to look up to my husband
as the leader in our home and I can either build up or tear
down that position by the way I choose to honour to him.
Recently, we were anticipating a lovely evening with friends
to celebrate our son‟s 9th birthday. I had baked a cake and
CROSS-ROADS…..BY BR S DODSON
A little over a year ago, I was at a cross-road in my life. It
was time to enter the next phase of the PhD in New Testa-
ment that I had begun four years before. I was headed for a
promising academic career that would positively influence
my students and my church. But every time I looked into the
weary faces of some of my colleagues, every time I heard
about the troubles that some were hav-
ing at home, this voice kept saying,
“What about your family, Skip? How
will this affect your family over the long
haul?”
I knew well what continuing on would
mean for my wife and children. Finan-
cial concerns would force me to take a
full time teaching job after I passed my
comprehensive exams, and I would at-
tempt to do what so many others have
tried – to write my dissertation while teaching full time. Eve-
ry spare hour and semester break would be spent working on
that dissertation. I would have very little time to do the little
things that make my wife cheerful and happy or to meaning-
fully interact with my children (ages 8 and 10).
9
was looking for-
it when my hus-
band asked if he
could do it. I felt
as a professional
decorator that I
could not only do
it more quickly but
more beautifully,
as well.
But would this honour my husband? I chose to let him deco-
rate our son‟s birthday cake. His style was basic but also
unique with well-chosen colors. Our friends were amazed at
his creation, and our son was so proud of the cake that
“Daddy made for me.” I was also happy about the choice I
had made to honour him.
Wives, it‟s hard lesson to learn and often needs repeating.
Daily, in ways big and small, we are either hurting or hon-
ouring our spouse. May we listen to our Heavenly Father‟s
call as we come to understand that honouring our husband is
always the best choice. 
I prayed and pondered about what to do. A respected Chris-
tian writer‟s words rang in my ears: “When [parents] are en-
trusted with children, it is the same as though Christ placed
them in their arms and said, 'Train these children for me, that
they may shine in the courts of God.'" Could I afford to ne-
glect this training in these pivotal years, even to serve the
Lord in other ways? But to step away from
my academic pursuits would mean disap-
pointing my doctoral committee and a
number of others who were “rooting” for
me. What to do?
After much prayer and heart searching, I
decided to put my PhD aside and make my
family my first priority. Within weeks the
Lord blessed this decision with an oppor-
tunity to work at home as an administrator
for a small Christian ministry. This read-
justment of priorities has brought tremendous blessings for
our family! I am convinced, as the years pass, the full impact
of this decision will be seen in the lives of my children in their
commitment to Christ and (if the Lord tarries) to their own
families. 

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored
by members of the SDA
church whose desire is to
provide a thought provoking
newsletter for Adventists
dwelling on the banks of
Jordan; in the process ap-
pealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
+27(0)21 556 4628 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575 www.scribd.com/PrisonersOfHope
prisonersofhope@gmail.com  2 Silversands, Quuens Close, 7441, Cape Town, South Africa
TEACHING THE CHILDREN
1. What should be the prayer of every parent?
"O my Lord. . . . teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born." Judges 13: 8.
2. How should our children be taught?
"All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isa. 54:13.
3. What will happen if a child is not properly instructed?
"A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Prov. 29:15.
4. How did Solomon's parents regard him as a child?
"I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother." Prov. 4: 3.
5. What does Solomon say his father did for him as a child?
"He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and
live." Prov. 4: 4.
6. From what time does David say he himself was taught?
"0 God, Thou hast taught me from my youth." Ps. 71: 17.
7. How should all Christian parents bring up their children?
"Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord." Eph. 6: 4.
8. How was Moses taught during the days of his early childhood?
By faith, under the instruction of a devoted mother. See Heb. 11: 23; Ex. 2: 1-10.
9. How was Joseph regarded by his father?
"Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age." Gen. 37: 3.
10. How was Esther brought up?
"He [Mordecai the Jew] brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter. . . . when her
11. How early does Paul say Timothy was instructed?
"From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation."
2 Tim. 3: 15.
12. How earnestly should parents teach their children the things of God?
"Thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children." "Ye shall teach them your children, speaking of
them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up." Deut. 6: 7; 11: 19.
13. What reward in this life is promised the faithful mother?
"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Prov. 31: 28.
14. What beautiful picture of home life is drawn by the Psalmist for the father who
fears the Lord?
"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round
about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." Ps. 128: 3, 4.
15. What motive will inspire all true parents to faithfulness in teaching their children?
"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner-stones,
polished after the similitude of a palace." Ps. 144: 12
NOTE - We often hear the saying, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."
This agrees with the saying of the Wise man, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is
old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22 : 6. No father or mother knows the future of the little child
prattling about the home circle. But God knows, as He did in the cases of Moses and Esther and Timo-
thy.
Whether it is His purpose for some of our children to rule the world, as did Joseph and Daniel virtual-
ly, as prime ministers; or for some of them to "stand before kings," as did Moses and Esther and Dan-
iel; or for some of them to serve and suffer for the name of Christ, as did Peter and John and Paul, it is
our sacred privilege to teach the children faithfully and diligently during their tender years.
10