Counsels for the Church -- Study Guide

Ellen G. White Estate

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Ellen G. White (1827-1915) is considered the most widely translated American author, her works having been published in more than 160 languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of one’s faith.

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Foreword

Counsels for the Church, a compilation drawn largely from the three volumes of Testimony Treasures, the world edition of the nine volumes of Testimonies for the Church, was first published in 1971 for use in India and the islands of the South Pacific. It appeared initially in the form of two 200-page paperbacks. These paperbacks have now been combined into one 400-page volume, which, since 1989, has been published by the Pacific Press.

The special value of Counsels for the Church is that in this one book may be found Ellen White’s principal comments on Christian beliefs, Christian living, and the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle. Ellen White was eager for these counsels to be brought to the attention of Seventh-day Adventists everywhere. In 1880 she wrote:

“The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies should be introduced into every Sabbath keeping family, and the brethren should know their value and be urged to read them.”— Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 390.

Two years later she wrote further:

“The Testimonies contain instruction which meets the case of all, both parents and children. Should these be read aloud to the entire family, the children as well as the parents would be benefited by their counsels, warnings, and reproofs. While these are placed out of sight and neglected for the reading of fictitious, sensational literature, both yourselves and your children will be retrograding mentally and spiritually.”— The Review and Herald, December 26, 1882.

After Testimonies volumes 6 and 7 were published in 1900 and 1902, respectively, Ellen White implored Adventists to study these books. She wrote:

“I have been impressed to call upon the members of our churches to study the last two volumes of Testimonies for the Church. When I was writing these books, I felt the deep moving of the Spirit of God. ... They are full of precious matter. In the visions of the night the Lord told me that the truth contained in these books must be brought before the members of our churches, because there are many who are indifferent in regard to the salvation of their souls.”— Life Sketches, p. 433.

In 1907, after the publication of another Testimony volume, Ellen White again strongly encouraged Adventists to read these books. She declared:

“I am instructed to say to our churches, ‘Study the Testimonies.’ They are written for our admonition and encouragement upon whom the ends of the world are come. If God’s people will not study these messages that are sent to them from time to time, they are guilty of rejecting light. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, God is sending instruction to His people. Heed the instruction; follow the light.”— Letter 292, 1907.

Concerning one passage in particular, she counseled, “I advise that these directions and warnings and cautions be read to our people at some time when they are gathered together.” — Ibid.

This Study Guide to Counsels for the Church is intended to help carry out Ellen White’s appeals quoted above. May God bless all who earnestly examine and prayerfully contemplate the counsels that the Lord has graciously given His people.

Lesson 1

Reading Assignment, pages 3, 9-32

(The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question refer to the pages in Counsels for the Church where the answers may be found..1)

A. Preparing to Meet Christ

1. Is the following statement true or false? Bible history reveals that only men have been divinely called to the prophetic office. (CCh 9.1)

2. What have prophets led men and women to understand? (CCh 10.1)

3. Why is it important for God’s remnant church to have the prophetic gift? (CCh 10.1)

4. How has the prophetic gift been manifested in the Seventh-day Adventist Church? (CCh 10.1-11.1)

B. The Vision of the Great Controversy

1. The Great Controversy vision of March 14, 1858, was (CCh 1.1) historical (CCh 2.1) prophetic (CCh 3.1) pastoral (CCh 4.1) historical and prophetic (CCh 5.1) historical and pastoral (CCh 12, 13.1) (CCh Underline one..1)

2. Describe four aspects of Ellen White’s condition while in vision. (CCh 10-12.1.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.

3. Name the five books (CCh Conflict of the Ages Series.1) that eventually were written to communicate the light given by the Lord during the schoolhouse vision. (CCh 12-13.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

C. How the Light Came to the Prophet.

1. Through what channels does God communicate with His prophets? (CCh 13, 14.1)

2. Describe the process by which the dream or vision finally appeared in written form. (CCh 15-17.1)

D. The Life and Work of Mrs. E. G. White.

Fill in the blanks:

1. Mrs. White was born at __________, __________, in the United States, on November, _____, 18 _____. (CCh 17.1)

2. She had her first vision in _____, 18 _____. (CCh 17.1)

3. The youthful Ellen Harmon married __________in _____, 18 _____. (CCh 17.1)

4. For ______ years this dedicated couple worked together until the death of _____ in _____,18 _____. (CCh 17.1) There were ______ boys born to the Whites. (CCh 18.1)

5. Sister White spent ____ years working for the Lord outside of her own country. (CCh 18.1)

6. She died on __________, 19 _____. (CCh 19.1)

E. Mrs. E. G. White As Others Knew Her.

1. Give a description of Ellen White as a person. (CCh 19-20.1)

2. How would you describe the White home in 1859? (CCh 20.1)

3. In what ways did Ellen White especially plan for the Sabbath? (CCh 20.1)

4. Review Ellen White’s battle to change her diet. (CCh 20-21.1)

5. Describe some recreational activities Mrs. White enjoyed. (CCh 21.1)

6. How did Mrs. White describe her own faith? (CCh 21-22.1)

7. What one word does Mrs. White use to describe her attitude? (CCh 21.1)

8. How did she deal with her own suffering and discouragement? (CCh 22.1)

F. Messages That Changed Lives

1. How does the experience at Bushnell, Michigan, illustrate the purpose of the visions? (CCh 23,24.1)

2. What does the experience of the hairnet teach us? (CCh 24, 25.1)

Fill in the blanks:

3. “God has, in that __________, promised to give _____ in the ‘__________’; not for a new _____ of _____, but for the _____ of His people, and to _____ those who _____ from Bible truth.” (CCh 25.1)

G. The Vision That Could Not Be Told

Underline the correct statements: (CCh 25-29.1)

The Salamanca vision was of vital importance because it:
1. Assured a continual flow of business for the publishing house.
2. Taught right policies and goals for our religious liberty journal.
3. Revealed that the Spirit of Prophecy counsels were out of date.
4. Demonstrated that God was guiding and guarding the interests of His cause and that His hand was on the wheel.

H. The Testimonies and the Reader

The Bible gives four tests by which a prophet’s work may be examined. State briefly what they are. Give a supporting text for each. (CCh 29, 30.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Practical Tests of a True Prophet

The gift of prophecy stands or falls according to certain practical tests. Mention three of these tests. (CCh 30-32.1)
1.
2.
3.

Thought Question: If you were asked by a non-Adventist friend why you believe in the inspiration of Ellen White, what reason or reasons would you give?

Lesson 2

Reading Assignment, pages 33-71

1 A Vision of the Reward of the Faithful.

1. Describe the pathway upon which the saints traveled. (CCh 33.1)

2. What was said to be the destination of the Advent people?(Cch 33.1)

3. Did they succeed in reaching the golden city? (CCh 34, 35.1)

4. Fill in the missing words:

“You have washed your __________ in My _________, stood stiffly for My _______, enter _____.” (CCh 34.1)

5. What part of Ellen White’s description of the new earth appealed to you the most? (CCh 33-36.1)

6. What did Mrs. White exclaim as her thoughts turned to “the better land” that she had seen? (CCh 36.1)

2. The Time of the End

Fill in the missing words:

1. “The agencies of_____are_____their_____and consolidating. They are _____for the _____ great crisis. Great _____ are _____ to take _____in our world, and the final _____ will be _____ones.” (CCh 37.1)

2. What lessons does God teach us through the vision of the burning buildings? (CCh 37, 38.1)

3. In the closing struggle of the great controversy, what will distinguish God’s people from those who oppose God? (CCh 39.1)

3. Prepare to Meet the Lord

1. How many times is the expression “I saw” or its equivalent used in this chapter? What do you make of this phenomenon?

4. Union With Christ, and Brotherly Love

1. Why is unity among believers so important? (CCh 43-46.1)

2. What endangers God’s people the most? (CCh 44.1)

3. Which sin is most nearly hopeless and why? (CCh 46.1)

5. Christ Our Righteousness

Fill in the missing words:

1. “We must not_____that our own_____and_____will save us; the_____of Christ is our only _____ of _____.” (CCh 47.1)

2. What are the lessons to be learned in the school of Christ?(CCh 47-49.1)

6. The Sanctified Life

1. Describe false sanctification. (CCh 50.1)

2. Describe true sanctification. (CCh 50-57.1)

7. God Has a Work for You to Do

1. When will the work of God in this earth be finished? (CCh 58.1)

2. Supply the missing words:

“God has a work for __________ to do. ... __________ can search the Scriptures for __________ . . . _________can pray for the work . . . __________ are to work according to _____ ability.” (CCh 59.1)

3. Mention two practical ways to win souls. (CCh 62.1)
1.
2.

8. “Here Am I, Lord, Send Me”

1. How does Satan divert the minds of men and women away from their eternal interests? (CCh 64.1)

2. Describe what can happen if God’s people are filled with His Spirit. (CCh 65, 66.1)

3. What lesson can God’s people learn from the vision of the ball of fire falling on houses? (CCh 66-68.1)

4. What is the responsibility of each minister? List some ways this responsibility can be carried out. (CCh 68-71.1)

Thought Question: Will the time ever come when Christians will “move the world”? (CCh 69.1) What can we do to hasten the finishing of the Lord’s work in the earth? .

Lesson 3

Reading Assignment, pages 72-106

9. The Publications of the Church

1. For what specific purpose has God established the publishing work? (CCh 72.1)

2. What importance does God place upon the canvassing work? (CCh 72.1)

3. What is the divine plan for the minister and the canvasser?(CCh 73.1)

4. How will canvassing work benefit students? (CCh 73.1)

10. Belief in a Personal God

1. How do we know that God is a personal being? (CCh 74.1)

2. What does the incarnate Son teach about God? (CCh 75.1)

3. What did the Holy Spirit enable the disciples to do? (CCh 76.1)

Fill in the missing words:

4. “The __________ that __________between __________and His __________does not __________the __________of either. They are one in __________, in __________, in __________, but not in __________. It is thus that ___________ and __________ are one.” (CCh 76, 77.1)

11. Christians to Represent God

1. What is the ideal of Christian character? (CCh 78.1)

2. With what unit of time are Christians to be concerned? (CCh 79.1)

3. What are the results of keeping the mind and thoughts fixed on God? (CCh 79, 80.1)

4. Name the sin that causes the most spiritual disorders. (CCh 80.1)

5. Describe t he unpardonable sin. (CCh 81.1)

12. In the World But Not of the World

Fill in the blanks:

1. “In every business _________ be rigidly _________.” (CCh 83.1)

2. Describe an honest person. (CCh 83-85.1)

13. The Bible

What are the evidences that Ellen White believed the Bible to be the Word of God? (CCh 86-90.1)

14. The “Testimonies for the Church”

1. What was God’s purpose in having Ellen White’s testimonies put into published form? (CCh 91.1)

2. What relationship exists between the Bible and the Testimonies for the Church? (CCh 92, 93.1)

3. What does Ellen White mean when she says that the Testimonies are to be judged by their fruits? (CCh 93.1)

4. Give the true reason why the Testimonies are rejected by some. (CCh 93.1)

5. By what means does Satan work to weaken faith in the Testimonies? (CCh 93.1)

6. What happens when a person loses faith in the Testimonies? (CCh 93, 94.1)

7. How have the Testimonies been misused? (CCh 94, 95.1)

8. Outline the right and the wrong attitude toward reproof. (CCh 96, 97.1)

15. The Holy Spirit

1. Why are God’s people to plead for the Holy Spirit? (CCh 98.1)

2. At what point did the disciples receive the power of the Holy Spirit? At what point will we receive this power? (CCh 98-100.1)

16. Keep Clear God’s Connection With Man

1. Through what medium does God communicate with man? (CCh 101.1)

2. What happens if this means of communication is disturbed? (CCh 101.1)

3. How does Ellen White look upon moderate drinking? (CCh 102.1)

Supply the missing words:

4. “Tobacco is a ____________, ____________, but most ____________ poison. In whatever ____________ it is used, it tells upon the ____________; it is all the more ___________because its effects are __________, and at first ____________ perceptible.” (CCh 103.1)

5. “Tea ___________ as a ___________, and to a ___________extent, produces ___________. The action of ___________ and many other ___________drinks is __________.” (CCh 104.1)

6. “The only ____________course is to _____________ not, ____________ not, _____________ not, _____________. _____________, ____________, ______________, ______________, and ______________ drinks.” (CCh 105.1)

Lesson 4

Reading Assignment, pages 107-147

17. Purity of Heart and Life

1. On what matter did Mrs. White lift her voice in solemn warning? (CCh 107.1)

2. What is said to be “a terrible admission for any person to make”? (CCh 107.1)

3. To what does idleness lead? (CCh 108.1)

4. If we would be pure-minded, what should we avoid? (CCh 108.1)

5. What should be the motto of every Christian? (CCh 108, 109.1)

6. Why is self-abuse a bad habit? Give several reasons. (CCh 109, 110.1)
1.
2.
3.

7. Where only can safety against all sinful habits be found? (CCh 110, 111.1)

18. The Choosing of a Husband or a Wife

1. What questions are to be asked by a man considering marriage? (CCh 112, 113.1)

2. What questions are to be asked by a woman considering marriage? (CCh 113, 114.1)

3. Describe love. (CCh 114, 115.1)

4. How does prayer and Bible study fit into the choice of a marriage partner? (CCh 115, 116.1)

5. What procedures does Ellen White favor in selecting a marriage partner? (CCh 116, 117.1)

6. How does Ellen White apply the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” to courtship? (CCh 118, 119.1)

19. Marry Not an Unbeliever

1. What did the Lord specifically command ancient Israel? (CCh 120.1)

2. What similar prohibitions are found in the New Testament? (CCh 120, 121.1)
1.
2.

3. What will be the result of following one’s own desires in unsanctioned marriages? (CCh 121, 122.1)

4. What is Ellen White’s position on canceling an engagement? (CCh 123.1)

5. Under what circumstances only can a marriage alliance be safely formed? (CCh 123.1)

Thought Question: Think of some practical reasons why the marriage of two people whose religious faith is different is not wise.

20. Marriage

1. How do a husband and a wife fulfill God’s purpose for marriage? (CCh 125.1)

2. What is the impact of divine love upon human love? (CCh 125.1)

3. Who is to maintain ruler ship in the home? (CCh 126, 127.1)

4. What five things are newlyweds told to remember? (CCh 127, 128.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

21. A Happy, Successful Partnership

Copy several thought-provoking sentences from this chapter; note key words

1. “At the beginning” (CCh 129.1)

2. “The expression of love” (CCh 129.1)

3. “Determine ... Continue... Encourage” (CCh 130.1)

22. The Relationship Between Husband and Wife

1. What did Jesus come to do for the marriage relationship? (CCh 133.1)

2. What is the divine counsel on the privileges of marriage? (CCh 133, 134.1)

3. Why does Satan seek in the marriage relationship to lower the standard of purity and to weaken self-control? (CCh 134, 135.1)

Supply the missing words:

4. “Sexual _________will effectually _________ a love for __________ exercises, will take from the __________ the __________ needed to _________ the system, and will most effectively _________the vitality.” (CCh 135.1)

5. What should be the position of a marriage partner when unreasonable sexual demands are made by the other party? (CCh 136, 137.1)

23. The Mother and Her Child

1. Name at least five important things that will keep a wife and mother from becoming a “mere household drudge.” (CCh 138.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

2. How do prenatal influences affect the unborn child? (CCh 138-140)

3. At what two periods in the mother’s life should her cares and labors be lightened? (CCh 140, 141)

4. What should the mother do when her child becomes ill? (CCh 141.1)

5. How may the battle of wills be won by the mother in conflict with her child? (CCh 142.1)

24. The Christian Father and Mother

1. What is the position God designed for the wife? (CCh 143.1)

2. How does inspiration describe the position and work of a mother? (CCh 143.1)

3. In what ways does a mother influence the family? (CCh 144, 145.1)

4. What is the father’s responsibility as priest of the family? (CCh 146.1)

5. What advice does Ellen White give with respect to large families? (CCh 147.1)

Lesson 5

Reading Assignment, pages 148-183

25. The Christian Home

1. Where is the best place to build a home and rear a family? Why? (CCh 148.1)

2. In what does home happiness consist? (CCh 149.1)

3. What are parents to “bear in mind” as a great goal in the rearing of their children? (CCh 149, 150.1)

26. Spiritual Influence in the Home

Supply the missing words:

1. “We can have the __________ of God in our __________; but we must __________ for it, __________ for it, and have a continual, abiding __________ and __________ in God.” (CCh 151.1)

2. Name five blessings that result from the restraints imposed on us by God’s Word. (CCh 151.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3. When is Satan successful in leading Christians away from God? (CCh 151.1)

4. What good can be achieved by regular morning and evening worship? (CCh 151-153.1)

5. Who is to lead out in family worship? (CCh 152, 153.1)

6. What counsel does Ellen White give as to the length of family worship? (CCh 153.1)

7. To what extent are the interests of the children to be taken into account when planning family worship? (CCh 153.1)

27. Finance in the Home

1. Give Ellen White’s picture of a thrifty home. (CCh 154.1)

2. How does Ellen White’s counsel on debt compare with today’s practices? (CCh 155.1)

3. In ranking the necessities of life, what comes first? (CCh 155.1)

4. What practical lesson in handling money should every child be taught? (CCh 156.1)

5. What advice is given regarding saving money? (CCh 157.1)

6. How should the wife fit into the financial structure of the family? (CCh 157.1)

28. Family Activities During Holidays and Anniversaries

1. How can parents make holidays worthwhile for their families? (CCh 158, 159.1)

2. If we observe the holidays as we should, who will be benefited? (CCh 159.1)
1.
2.
3.

3. How did Mrs. White use money given to her on her birthday or at Christmas time? (CCh 159.1)

29. Recreation

1. How can Christians tell which recreational activities are acceptable to God? (CCh 160.1)

2. What counsel is given to young people about their choice of companions? (CCh 162.1)

3. What does God require us to give up in the way of pleasure and recreation? (CCh 163.1)

4. Why are theatrical amusements dangerous? (CCh 164.1)
1.
2.
3.

30. The Avenues to the Mind That Must Be Guarded

1. What are the avenues to the mind, and why must they be guarded? (CCh 166, 167.1)

31. Choice of Reading

1. Give Ellen White’s definition of education. (CCh 168.1)

2. Name some of the influences of unwholesome reading upon the mind. (CCh 168.1)
1.
2.
3.

3. What source of danger to spirituality should be avoided? Why? (CCh 168, 169.1)

4. What is revealed by the type of books we choose to read? (CCh 170.1)

5. What will reading the Bible do for us? (CCh 171.1)

32. Music

1. What was God’s intention when He gave the human race the gift of music? (CCh 172.1)

2. What does the abuse of music do to the human being? (CCh 172, 173.1)

Thought Question: By what standard should we judge the music we listen to or play in ourhomes and churches? (CCh 172).

33. Criticism and Its Effects

1. People who tell you about the faults of others would never tell other people about your faults.True or False? (CCh 174.1)

2. Describe an envious person and the fruit envy produces. (CCh 175, 176.1)

3. How will true Christians deal with the faults and deficiencies of others? (CCh 177.1)

4. What is the fallout from unjust criticism of church leaders? (CCh 177, 178.1)

34. Counsel Concerning Dress

1. What is the relationship between dress and character? (CCh 180.1)

2. Name four features of desirable attire. (CCh 180.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.

3. What two texts in the New Testament offer the best guidance in the Christian’s choice of dress? (CCh 181.1)
1.
2.

4. What influence does dress have for good or evil ? (CCh 182, 183.1)

Lesson 6

Reading Assignment, pages 184-217

35. An Appeal to Youth

1. How do young people shape their own destinies? (CCh 184.1)

2. Why do Christians find living a religious life so hard? (CCh 185.1)

3. Why is it that the heavenly character must be acquired on earth, or it can never be acquired at all? (CCh 186, 187.1)

4. What does Ellen White mean when she says, “The submission on our part must be proportionate to the gift of God”? (CCh 188.1)

36. The Proper Discipline and Education of Children

1. Identify the relationship between parents and the fruits of their children’s lives. (CCh 190, 191.1)

2. Give the title of the book on child psychology that Ellen White holds out as recommended reading for parents. (CCh 191.1)

3. How does Ellen White recommend that discipline should be carried out? (CCh 191, 192.1)

4. What can be the results of too severe training? (CCh 192.1)

5. How can the sin of permitting children to grow up in ignorance be remedied? (CCh 193-195.1)

6. What is the prescription for correcting children? (CCh 197.1)

Fill in the blanks:

7. “Parents, never _________; never tell an ________ in _________or in _____. If you want your child to be _____, be __ ___yourself.” (CCh 198.1)

8. What are the signs of strength, greatness, and nobility? (CCh 198.1)

9. What example does Ellen White give in dealing with her boys? (CCh 199, 200.1)

10. Describe the power of a mother’s prayers. (CCh 201.1)

11. How is courtesy looked upon by Ellen White? (CCh 201.1)

37. Christian Education

1. Describe in your own words the nature of true education. (CCh 202.1)

2. What is the duty of parents living in a place where there are but “a few Sabbath keepers”? (CCh 203, 204.1)

3. What course on the part of parents and their children sometimes brings “great harm” to the church and school? (CCh 204, 205.1)

4. When is the highest standard of manhood attained? (CCh 205, 206.1)

5. Which is more important in a teacher” his habits and principles or his literary attainments? (CCh 206, 207.1)

6. Why are the first eight or ten years of a child’s life most important? (CCh 207.1)

7. What important emphasis is needed to give proper balance in the education of the children? (CCh 208, 209.1)

8. What is one earnest, conscientious, faithful young man in school declared to be? (CCh 212.1)

9. Upon whom does much of the blame lie for the wild, reckless character that is seen in many of the youth today? (CCh 213.1)

38. The Call to Temperate Living

1. How sacredly should the health be guarded? Why?(CCh 214.1)

2. What is the ultimate goal of health reform?(CCh 214.1)

3. Why is the violation of natural law a moral issue?(CCh 214.1)

4. How intimate is the connection between health reform and the third angel’s message? (CCh 214.1)

5. What is one sure mark of conversion? (CCh 215, 216.1)

6. Explain the relationship of one’s state of mind to his physical well-being. (CCh 216.1)

7. Nine words contain God’s prescription for healing man’s ills. What are they? (CCh 217.1)

39. The Importance of Cleanliness

1. What is the function of each of the following? (CCh 218.1)
a.1) Good blood
b.1) External application of water
c.1) Exercise
d.1) Oxygen
e.1) Cleanliness

Lesson 7

Reading Assignment, pages 221-253

40. The Food We Eat

1. What should determine the kinds of food we choose to eat? (CCh 221.1)

2. What was the original diet chosen by God for humans? (CCh 222.1)

3. What combination of foods should be avoided? (CCh 223.1)

4. What danger lies in the use of condiments? (CCh 223.1)

5. How often should a person eat? Why? (CCh 223, 224.1)

6. Why cannot exact rules be laid down when it comes to diet? (CCh 224.1)

7. What should the Sabbath meal be like? (CCh 226.1)

41. Flesh Foods

1. What was it that helped to shorten people’s lives after the Flood? (CCh 228.1)

2. Why is it better to eat grains and vegetables and nuts than flesh foods? (CCh 229.1)

3. Why is the use of meat now “doubly objectionable”? (CCh 229.1)

4. Why is swine’s flesh such objectionable food? (CCh 229, 230.1)

5. What is the effect of flesh food upon the mind and soul of man? (CCh 230.1)

6. What is absolutely essential when a flesh diet is discarded? (CCh 231.1)

Note: There may be some areas in the world where adequate supplies of nuts, grains, and such foods as milk and eggs are not available, in which case the change from flesh foods to a more natural diet will be difficult until the lack is supplied. But usually the change can be made..

7. What will be the dietary practice of those waiting for the coming of the Lord? (CCh 231.1)

42. Faithfulness in Health Reform

1. Why do some Seventh-day Adventists reject portions of the Testimonies? (CCh 233, 234.1)

2. Describe the downward path of those who disregard light on the subject of flesh foods. (CCh 234.1)

3. Are the Spirit of Prophecy counsels on health reform applicable today? (CCh 235.1)

4. What dangerous diseases are associated with the use of flesh foods? (CCh 236.1)

5. What sometimes causes health reform to fall into disrepute? (CCh 237.1)

6. What invitation did Jesus extend to all? (CCh 239; Luke 9:23.1)

43. The Church on Earth

1. What does Ellen White mean when she says that the world is God’s workshop? (CCh 240.1)

2. What are individual church members called upon to respect? (CCh 241.1)

3. Without discipline and government, what would be the fate of the church? (CCh 241, 242.1)

4. What lessons are we to learn from the apostle Paul? (CCh 242, 243.1)

44. Church Organization

1. For what purpose has the church been organized? (CCh 244.1)

2. Name three things upon which the angels of God cannot place their blessing. (CCh 244.1)
1.
2.
3.

3. In apostolic times what was an important factor in the spiritual growth of new converts? (CCh 245.1)

4. Did all the believers agree with the decision made by the early Jerusalem council? (CCh 246.1)

5. What danger awaits those who by-pass God-appointed leadership? (CCh 246, 247.1)

6. Why must the business of the church always be kept in a secure state? (CCh 247, 248.1)

45. The House of God

1. Where is the sanctuary for the individual? for the family? for the congregation? (CCh 249.1)

Fill in the blanks:

2. “Common ________, ________, and ______ should not be permitted in the house of worship. . . . Ardent, active _________ should characterize ________ _________.” (CCh 249.1)

3. In what manner are all services to be conducted? (CCh 250.1)

Fill in the blanks:

4. Reverence should be shown for
1. “God’s _____ _____.” (CCh 252.1)
2. “God’s _____.” (CCh 252.1)
3. “God’s _____.” (CCh 252.1)

Lesson 8

Reading Assignment, pages 254-291

46. Treatment of the Erring

1. Upon whom “especially” did Christ bestow His most earnest labors? (CCh 254.1)

2. In what cases do the instructions of Galatians 6:1 and Romans 15:1 apply? (CCh 254.1)

Fill in the blanks:

3. “________ measures, _______ answers, and _______ words are much better fitted to _________ and _________, than ________ and ________.” (CCh 254.1)

4. What chapter in the New Testament provides specific counsel for dealing with erring church members? (CCh 255, 256.1)

5. Under what circumstances only are the names of people to be removed from the church books? (CCh 257.1)

6. What should be the church’s attitude toward those who have been disciplined? (CCh 257, 258.1)

7. Which sins are especially offensive to God? (CCh 259, 260.1)

47. The Observance of God’s Holy Sabbath

1. List the various things of which the Sabbath is a sign. (CCh 261, 262.1)
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.

Fill in the blanks:

2. “To those who __________ His holy __________ the Sabbath is a _______ that God __________ them as His __________ people.” (CCh 262.1)

3. When is preparation to be made for the Sabbath? (CCh 263.1)

4. List three practical things that ought to be done before sunset on Friday. (CCh 263.1)
1.
2.
3.

5. What is meant by the expression, “guard the edges of the Sabbath”? (CCh 263.1)

6. How should sundown worship be conducted? (CCh 263, 264.1)

7. What lessons may be drawn from nature during a Sabbath afternoon walk? (CCh 264, 265.1)

8. What is the object of the Sabbath school? (CCh 266.1)

9. How particular is God about Sabbath keeping? (CCh 269.1)

48. Counsels on Stewardship

1. What single word reveals the spirit of heaven? What reveals the spirit of worldlings? (CCh 272.1)

2. What is the giving of offerings calculated to do for the giver? (CCh 272.1)

3. What would be the condition within the church if all were faithful in tithing? (CCh 274.1)

4. What rule does Paul lay down for giving to God’s cause? What results follow? (CCh 277, 278.1)

5. What is the responsibility of each child of God while he is alive? (CCh 278.1)

6. To what extent is a pledge made to God binding upon the one who made the pledge? (CCh 280.1)

49. The Christian Attitude Toward Want and Suffering

1. Who is it that truly loves God and his fellow men? (CCh 283.1)

2. What should be written upon the conscience “as with a pen of iron upon a rock”? (CCh 283.1)

3. What four things does God call for? (CCh 284.1)
1.
2.
3.
4.

4. Describe the two classes of poor within the church. (CCh 284.1)

5. What two questions should we consider when we give to the poor? (CCh 285.1)

6. What does Ellen White mean when she says that widows and the fatherless “are lent to Christians in trust for God”? (CCh 286.1)

50. Christians in All the World Become One in Christ

1. What spiritual lesson may be drawn from the Jewish temple? (CCh 287, 288.1)

2. Why does God want His people of different nationalities to mingle together? (CCh 288.1)

Fill in the blanks:

3. “Christ recognized no distinction of _________ or _________ or ________. . . . But Christ came to break _________ every _________ of partition. He came to show that His gift of _______ and _______ is as _______ as the _____, the _____, or the showers of _______ that ________ the earth.” (CCh 288.1)

4. Where is the “secret of unity” found? (CCh 289-291.1)

Thought Question: Did Brother Howland go too far when he visited the fisherman and knelt before him? Do our own hard hearts need to be broken?

Lesson 9

Reading Assignment, pages 292-321

51. The Prayer Meeting

1. What can be done to make the prayer meeting more interesting? (CCh 292.1)

2. What is often behind long, tedious prayers offered in public? (CCh 293.1)

3. What should we take to God in prayer? (CCh 294.1)

52. Baptism

1. Name two “monumental pillars” upon which God’s name is inscribed. (CCh 295.1)
1.
2.

2. Of what is baptism a sign? (CCh 295.1)

3. What two things do those who are baptized “ declare publicly”? (CCh 295.1)
1.
2.

4. Besides the doctrines of the church, what else is to be made plain to those who are preparing for baptism? (CCh 295, 296.1)

5. What is the responsibility of parents in preparing their children for baptism? (CCh 296, 297.1)

Thought Question: What is the proper age when young children may be baptized?

53. The Lord’s Supper

1. How are the purposes of the Passover service and the Lord’s Supper similar? (CCh 298.1)

2. What lesson can we learn from Jesus as He washed the feet of His disciples? (CCh 299, 300.1)

3. Describe the spiritual condition of the disciples as they gathered for the Passover. (CCh 300, 301.1)

4. What is embraced in the preparatory service? (CCh 301.1)

5. What is accomplished within the soul of the worshiper by the communion service? (CCh 302.1)

6. What was the communion service designed to do? (CCh 302.1)

54. Prayer for the Sick

1. What are we to expect today in regard to the healing of the sick? (CCh 303.1)

2. What is the condition upon which God will heal? (CCh 303, 304.1)

3. What is to be the attitude of those who pray for the sick? (CCh 305.1)

4. In what ways can the sick cooperate with God while praying for divine healing? (CCh 306, 307.1)

55. The Medical Work

1. What is medical missionary work, and how is it conducted? (CCh 308.1)

2. Where is the Christian to begin in elevating the moral standards of those to whom the gospel is preached? (CCh 309.1)

3. How has the medical missionary work been described in relation to the gospel ministry? (CCh 309.1)

4. What broad type of ministry has promise of great success? (CCh 310.1)

5. What twofold work may be done by missionary nurses? With what results? (CCh 311.1)

56. Relations With Those Not of Our Persuasion

1. How are God’s people to relate to those who do not believe as we do? (CCh 312.1)

2. When will the society of unbelievers do God’s children no harm? (CCh 312.1)

3. What is God’s desire for non-Adventist ministers? (CCh 313.1)

57. Our Relation to Civil Rulers and Laws

1. What will the child of God do when confronted with human laws that conflict with God’s law? (CCh 314, 316, 317.1)

2. Why did Jesus not attempt civil reforms, nor attack national abuses? (CCh 314, 315.1)

3. Is it right for a Christian to testify under judicial oath? (CCh 315, 316.1)

4. Should Seventh-day Adventists participate in political strife? Why, or why not? (CCh 316.1)

5. What should God’s people do when Sunday laws are enforced? (CCh 317, 318.1)

58. Satan’s Deceptive Work

1. What is the responsibility of each person in his conflict against the forces of evil? (CCh 319.1)

2. What spiritual lesson can be learned from the experience of King Ahaziah? (CCh 320.1)

Fill in the blanks:

3. “At the sound of fervent ________, Satan’s whole ________ trembles.” (CCh 319.1)

4. “All who do not earnestly search the _______ and ______ every ______ and ______ of life to that unerring test, all who do not seek God in _________ for a knowledge of His _______, will surely _______ from the ________ path and ________ under the ________ of _______.” (CCh 320.1)

5. What are the differences between Satan’s approach to Christ in the wilderness and the way he approaches us with temptations now? (CCh 321.1)

Thought Question: Where is the chief interest of your life? Who or what is it that commands your attention and affection?.

Lesson 10

Reading Assignment, pages 322-359

59. False Science—Satan’s Modern Robe of Light

1. What did Adam and Eve gain by accepting Satan’s subtle ideas? (CCh 322.1)

2. What theory misrepresents God and brings dishonor to Him? (CCh 322.1)

3. What power alone can break the hold of evil on men’s hearts? (CCh 324.1)

Thought Question: Is God a person or merely an influence?

4. What evil results will follow the holding of spiritualistic theories? (CCh 323.1)

5. What is meant by the words, “The experience of the past will be repeated”? (CCh 323.1)

6. Why is Satan so intent upon winning to his side those who have had the most spiritual light? (CCh 324.1)

7. What evidence exists that there is an ever-present God? (CCh 324, 325.1)

8. Why does the Bible ask questions that man cannot answer? (CCh 325.1)

9. What type of experience will place God’s people in a position to receive the Pentecostal power that has been promised? (CCh 326.1)

10. “Let not _______ _______ be placed where ________, ________ truths should be. . . Let not _______ theories receive _______ from the people who ought to be standing ________ on the _______of eternal _______. God calls upon us to hold ________ to the _______ principles that are based upon _______ authority.” (CCh 326.1)

Fill in the blanks:

11. “Let us go to the _______ of ______ for guidance. Let us ______ for a ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ We have had _________ of human methods.” (CCh 327.1)

60. Satan’s Lying Wonders

1. How does Colossians 2:8 depict modern spiritualism? (CCh 329.1)

2. What is “mind cure” and why is it dangerous? (CCh 330.1)

3. In ancient times Satan worked through magicians, in Ellen White’s day he worked through spirit mediums, clairvoyants, and fortune tellers. How does he work (CCh 330, 331.1)

61. The Coming Crisis

1. Upon whose forehead will God’s seal be placed? (CCh 333.1)

2. Give a text telling when the work of preparation and character-building will be completed: (CCh 334.1)

3. On what battlefield will the final conflict between truth and error be fought? (CCh 334, 335.1)

4. Under what circumstances will some of God’s people be called to stand for truth? (CCh 335, 336.1)

5. When will the “retributive judgments” of God begin to fall? (CCh 336, 337.1)

6. What do God’s people need to do in view of the coming crisis? (CCh 336, 337.1)

62. The Sifting Time

1. What causes the shaking of the church? (CCh 338, 339.1)

2. What two classes will be developed in the sifting time? (CCh 338, 339.1)
1.
2.

3. Describe the two armies and the results of the conflict. (CCh 340, 341.1)

63. Some Things to Remember

1. What personal answers can you give to the questions raised on page 342?
1
2.
3.
4.
5.

2. What should be the keynote of every message we give? (CCh 343.1)

3. What two attitudes or experiences could cause us to fail to be ready? (CCh 344.1)
1.
2.

4. What is the high aim to be constantly before every Christian? (CCh 345.1)

5. What command is heard ringing above all discouragement? (CCh 345.1)

64. Christ, Our Great High Priest

1. Why is “the correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary . . . the foundation of our faith”? (CCh 347-349.1)

Fill in the blanks:

2. “As ________ ministration was to ________ of two great _______, each occupying a __________ of _________ and having a distinctive place in the _________ sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two ______________, the ___________ and the ________ service, and to each a ________ of the tabernacle was devoted.” (CCh 347.1)

3. What happens to the sins of the repentant sinner? (CCh 347, 348.1)

4. Following the example of the typical service, what should God’s people be doing now in the great antitypical day of atonement? (CCh 348.1)

5. What will happen when the investigative judgment closes? (CCh 349.1)

Fill in the blanks:

6. “Silently, ________ as the midnight ________, will come the decisive _______ which marks the ________ of every man’s ________, the final _____ of mercy’s offer to _________ men.” (CCh 349.1)

65. Joshua and the Angel

1. What experience would better prepare God’s people to withstand the devices of Satan? (CCh 350.1)

2. What words does Jesus our Advocate speak to Satan? (CCh 351.1)

3. What words does Jesus speak to those who rely on Him? (CCh 351, 352.1)

4. To whom does Zechariah’s vision have special meaning? (CCh 352, 353.1)

5. Who will be the only hope, and what will be the only defense of the saints? (CCh 352, 353.1)
1.
2.

66. Behold, I Come Quickly

1. If the Lord is coming as soon as we believe He is, what should our experience be like today? (CCh 355.1)

2. What signs have you seen in recent times that give evidence the nearness of Jesus’ return. (CCh 355, 356.1)

3. In view of Christ’s soon return, what is our responsibility? (CCh 356.1)

4. What will the work that lies just before us demand of us? (CCh 357.1)

5. Of what is the resurrection and ascension of our Lord a sure evidence? (CCh 358, 359.1)

Fill in the blanks:

6. “I have been deeply _________ by _________ that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great __________ —a work of _________ —going forward in many places. Our people were _____ into _____, _______ to God’s call.” (CCh 357.1)

7. “It will not be ________ till we shall _______ Him in whom our _______ of eternal ________ are centered. And in His ________, all the ________ and ________ of this ______ will be as _______.” (CCh 358.1)

8. “We have ________ to ________ for the ________, except as we shall _____ the way the Lord has ________ us, and His _______ in our ________ history.” (CCh 359.1)

Suggestion: Obtain as many Spirit of Prophecy books as you can and make it a rule to read something from these volumes every day.