Steps to Christ

M every(prenominal), especially those who ar young in the saviorian life sentence, atomic number 18 at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There ar in the record galore(postnominal) a nonher(prenominal) things which they stoogenot explain, or even visualize, and Satan employs these to shake their organized religion in the Scriptures as a revelation from paragon. They ask, How shall I k flat the right way? If the playscript is indeed the intelligence of matinee idol, how bath I be needyd from these doubts and perplexities? paragon n ever so asks us to be fabricationve, wi curtilaget giving sufficient yard upon which to base our faith.His existence, His char get alonger, the lawfulnessfulness of His word, atomic number 18 all establish by testimony that appeals to our conclude and this testimony is ample. hitherto paragon has neer removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith essential expect upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt get out thrust opportunity sequence those who rattling hope to chouse the truth leave alone see to it gage of evidence on which to rest their faith. It is impossible for exhaustible headers richly to delve the character or the institutes of the Infinite One.To the keenest intellect, the closely highly better mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in riddle. Canst thou by searching specify aside ejaculatelession? grassst thou find out the Al readinessy unto perfection? It is as high as heaven what makest thou do? deeper than hell what canst thou know? line of descent 117, 8. 106 The apostle capital of Minnesota exclaims, O the depth of the riches both of the acquaintance and knowledge of matinee idol how unsearchable atomic number 18 His judg worldly c formerlyrnpowerts, and His ways past finding out Romans 1133.But though clouds and darkness argon round about Him, office and judgment are the bringation of His throne. Psalm 972, R. V. We can so farther comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may descry boundless fare and mercy united to infinite power. We can control as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know and beyond this we must still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of jazz. The word of God, analogous the character of its godlike Author, presents mysteries hat can never be fully comprehended by finite cosmoss. The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of the Nazarene, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the give-and- get rid of, are mysteries too deep for the clement mind to explain, or even fully to comprehend. But we have no antecedent to doubt Gods word because we cannot take care the mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded with mysteries that we cannot fathom.The very humblest forms of life present a puzzle that the politicst of ph ilosophers is powerless to explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our ken. Should we then be move to find that in the spiritual world overly there are mysteries that we cannot fathom? The difficulty lies solely in the weakness and narrowness of the valet mind. God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their ecclesiastic character, and we are not to 107 doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence.The apostle barb says that there are in Scripture things voiceless to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest . . . unto their own destruction. 2 Peter 316. The difficulties of Scripture have been urged by skeptics as an argument against the leger entirely so far from this, they constitute a strong evidence of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God unless that which we could easily comprehend if His brilliance and loftiness could be grasped by finite minds, then the Bible would not bear the unmistakable credentials of divine generatority.The very grandeur and mystery of the matters presented should inspire faith in it as the word of God. The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the of necessity and longings of the pitying heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enables the humblest and lowbrow to discern the way of salvation. And that these simply stated truths lay substantiate upon subjects so elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely beyond the power of gay comprehension, that we can accept them to a greater extentover because God has declared them.Thus the plan of repurchase is laid apply to us, so that all soul may match the steps he is to take in repentance toward God and faith toward our sea captain messiah deliverer, in sanctify to be saved in Gods appointed way yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries that are the hiding of His glorymysteries that overp ower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more 108 he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the word of the living God, and adult male reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation.To take that we cannot fully comprehend the swell truths of the Bible is provided to admit that the finite mind is inadequate to grasp the infinite that man, with his limited, human knowledge, cannot understand the purposes of Omniscience. Because they cannot fathom all its mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel reject Gods word and not all who profess to believe the Bible are free from danger on this point. The apostle says, Take regard, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Hebrews 312. It is right to athletic field closely the teachings of the Bible and to search into the deep things of God so far as they are revealed in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 210. While the cabalistic things belong unto the sea captain our God, those things which are revealed belong unto us. Deuteronomy 2929. But it is Satans work to pervert the investigative powers of the mind. A certain pride is mingled with the consideration of Bible truth, so that men feel impatient and defeated if they cannot explain every portion of Scripture to their satisfaction.It is too humiliating to them to acknowledge that they do not understand the inspired dustup. They are unwilling to wait patiently until God shall see fit to reveal the truth to them. They feel that their unaided human information is sufficient to enable them to comprehend the Scripture, and failing to do this, they intimately deny its authority. It is authentic that many theories and doctrines popularly supposed to be derived from the Bible have no imbedation in its teaching, and indeed are 109 opposite word to the whole tenor of inspiration.These things have been a cause of doubt and admiration to many minds. They are not, however, chargeable to Gods word, but to mans perversion of it. If it were possible for created beings to arrive at to a full sympathy of God and His works, then, having reached this point, there would be for them no hike up discovery of truth, no growth in knowledge, no further development of mind or heart. God would no longer be supreme and man, having reached the limit of knowledge and attainment, would cease to advance.Let us thank God that it is not so. God is infinite in Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 23. And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His power. God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an catch of Gods word only through the illumination of that intention by which the word was given . The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 211, 10. And the deliverymans promise to His followers was, When He, the Spirit of truth, is sleep with, He will guide you into all truth. . . . For He shall befool of Mine, and shall show it unto you. conjuring trick 1613, 14. God desires man to exercise his logical thinking powers and the essay of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. Yet we are to beware cx of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity.If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense impression of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.There are many things apparently difficult or obscure, which God will make plain and simple to those who thence seek an understanding of them. But without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall be continually apt(predicate) to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There is much reading of the Bible that is without profit and in many cases a positive injury. When the word of God is opened without reverence and without prayer when the thoughts and affections are not fixed upon God, or in harmony with His will, the mind is clouded with doubts and in the very study of the Bible, skepticism strengthens.The enemy takes control of the thoughts, and he suggests interpretations that are not correct. Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are reasonable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. Those who escort to the Scriptures to find discrepancies, have not spiritual 111 insight. With distorted vision they will see many causes for doubt and unbelief in things that are really plain and simple. Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the agnise of sin.The teachings and restrictions of Gods word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is Gods word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation. christ has said, If any man willeth to do His wi ll, he shall know of the teaching. toilette 717, R. V. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will happen greater light. By the tenderness of Christ, perform every duty that has been made plain to your understanding, and you will be enabled to understand and perform those of which you are now in doubt. There is an evidence that is open to all,the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises.He bids us taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 348. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, Ask, and ye shall receive. John 1624. His promises will be 112 fulfilled. They have never failed they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the affluence of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappea r in the light of His presence. The apostle Paul says that God hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Colossians 113.And everyone who has passed from death unto life is able to set to his seal that God is true. John 333. He can testify, I needed dish up, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied and now the Bible is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? Because He is to me a divine Saviour. why do I believe the Bible? Because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul. We may have the witness in ourselves that the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of God. We know that we are not following cunningly devised fables.Peter exhorts his brethren to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 318. When the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understandi ng of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its blessed truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 418, R. V. , margin. By faith we may nerve to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God for a growth of intellect, the 13 human faculties uniting with the divine, and every power of the soul being brought into channelize contact with the Source of light. We may rejoice that all which has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain, things hard to be understood will then find an explanation and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and picturesque harmony. Now we see through a glass, darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 1312. go to ChristAY Societ y AY MISSION The salvation of youth through Jesus Christ. We understand youth ministry to be that work of the church that is conducted for, with, and by young people. AY train The Advent message to all the world in my generation. AY MOTTO The love of Christ constrains me. AY PLEDGE Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part in the youth ministry of the church, doing what I can to help others and to finish the work of the Gospel in all the world. Pathfinder cabaret AIM The Advent mental object to all the world in my generation.MOTTO The love of Christ compels us. PLEDGE By the grace of God, I will be staring(a) and kind and true. I will keep the Pathfinder Law. I will be a servant of God and a relay transmitter to man. LAW The Pathfinder Law is for me to 1. Keep the morning watch. 2. Do my unspoiled part. 3. Care for my body. 4. Keep a level eye. 5. Be courteous and obedient. 6. bye softly in the sanctuary. 7. Keep a song in my heart. 8. Go on Gods errands. Advent urer Club PLEDGE Because Jesus loves me, I can eer do my best. LAW Be obedient Be pure Be true Be kind Be respectful Be attentive Be helpful Be cheerful Be advertent Be reverent Ambassador Club Aim The Advent Message to All the World in My Generation My relationship to Jesus Christ is of such a nature that it compels me to share with any who will receive it, the gospelthe good news of His soon return. Motto The Love of Christ Constrains Me I am drawn to Him by His exemplary life, the symbolic act of His crucifixion, His conquering resurrection, and His promise of an earth made new in the build of the original creation.The close-set(prenominal) I find myself to Him, the closer I find myself identifying with the needs of my fellow human beings. step to Christ Summary Steps to Christ concentrates on Gods inclusive love for His people and His merciful nature. Ellen unclouded addresses how we can all be saved by grace and how we can become better Christians. She dedicates each chapter to describe ways to get closer to God, following a set of steps that require high and higher dedication and more understanding of Gods wisdom. The first chapter if the check, Gods love for Man illustrates the quality of Gods love.His acceptance can be seen when we look around us and to the nature that surrounds us to then understand a little more about God and his mercy. Through sin we broke Gods rule of love yet in his infinite mercy he gave his only begotten son to cook up the price for our redemption. This is Gods love for us. The second chapter of the volume, The Sinners Need of Christ speaks about how through sin man became disobedient. In his sinful state he could no longer find intercourse with God, be in harmony with him.This has caused a separation between man and God. The third chapter of the book, Repentance, describes how we should repent from our sins. It shows us the difference between true repentance and repentance lead by the fear of punishment for transgression. Jesus can restore and cleanse all those who want to be purified and recognize that this can only be through through Him and in Him. The author also mentions that the Holy Spirit also moves those who do not know of the power of God but understand the wickedness of their sins.The fourth chapter of the book, confession, illustrates that for confession to be genuine there must be a humble acceptance of guilt for actions. There must be a sincere desire without deception and hypocrisy. The fifth chapter of the book, Consecration, speaks about the surrendering of oneself wholeheartedly in order to be restored to His likeness. It goes on to emphasis that there must be a deep love of Christ and an earnest desire to issuing all to Him. Steps to Christ is a book that concentrates on the life of Jesus Christ and the love that God pours down on us by his amazing grace and his beautiful nature.During the first few chapters of the book it explains to us the way to come to God. Aft er this the rest of the book explains how to admit and remain true to God. One vivid parallel I got from the book was that even though plants have thistles and vines have thorns, there are beautiful flowers still grow on them. This works wonderful with the main theme of the book Steps to Christ on how God has earning love for us even though we have thorns and thistles, and by his grace and mercy we can be made clean and develop into beautiful flowers. For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son (John 316) tells us of Gods amazing love for man. We learn that even though we as sinful humans are ever so sinning God is always bestowing blessings upon us because of his extraordinary love for us. During the beginning of the book one of the most critical points the came popping out at me was about repentance. Ellen G. White duologue about the fact that there are generally two polar types of ways to repent.One way you can repent is by true consequence and truly wanted for giveness from God while some others might only be repenting in fear for punishment, not actually being wholeheartedly apologetic for their sins. The book tells us that we must come to the Lord knowing that he is our best friend and there is no reason to not come to the Lord. As the book continues it tells us ways to pinch connected to God and for us to live the rest of our lives in Him. Steps to Christ tells us that God will help us with our needs as long as we are faithful and believe in his promises. Mrs.White also says that when we have a close relationship with God he will fulfill his words to us. This speaks to me because it tells me to go directly to the Word for inspiration, which will increase us. The ninth chapter of the book, The Work and the Life, shows that when we have love for Christ we cannot keep it to ourselves the power of the Holy Spirit works through us to blame Jesus to message everywhere we go and we become disciples of Gods love and when we have this passion burning inside we also want to work for Christ and do things that would benefit his cause and his love.Jesus can restore and cleanse all those who want to be purified and recognize that this can only be done through Him and in Him. Our human nature does not help us either on this question because we are naturally curious and we always want to know the answers for everything. He will provide us with sufficiency evidence for us to understand some of the things that happen in our world. The 10th chapter of the book, A Knowledge of God, talks about how God speaks to us through various different forms.She also mentions that it is our responsibility to accept Gods gifts and to follow His ways. God wants to make us Holy so that we be with Him at the end of times reaching our highest possible development, but for that we must renew our whole nature and soul, giving our lives to God and trusting in Him to help us pass in His way. It is a promise that if we walk in His ways, serving Him, and if we believe Him, He will fulfill His words to us. We have to help them by reflecting the light that shines to us and help them find Jesus.The fourth chapter of the book, Confession, emphasizes the fact that if we repent from our sins and we come to God and acknowledge our guilt, also showing reformation we will be forgiven for our sins. White shows us that God will never make us believe in anything He will always give us the options to believe it or not. In other words, if we repent and turn away from our sins and assume our faults, not by using self-justification or excuses, but by feeling it with a true heart, we can be forgiven. God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son Jesus, the one and only Son of God, that was once one with God, was brought to earth to feel the burden of our own sins. This bridge is established by the coming of the Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life who is the only way or railroad tie to come back to the likeness of God a nd to enjoy his harmony and communion. (White 40)The ordinal chapter of the book, Growing up into Christ, states that without God there is no life, and nothing has life.