February 2003

Dear Readers,

“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:3) I pray that as you receive this paper, you will also receive God’s grace and peace, which are freely given to all. Time seems to be speeding by us, and I pray that as it does, we would not loose any opportunity to improve our relationship with our heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. Let us dedicate ourselves unreservedly to God, and, though darkness may surround us, let us take courage, for in God’s “presence is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) Here is a verse that may be encouraging to some of you who have suffered for your faith: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” (Isaiah 66:5) 

Lessons on Faith (Part 5)

by Alonzo T. Jones

Faith is the depending upon the word of God only, and expecting that word only to do what the word says. 

Justification by faith, then, is justification by depending upon the word of God only and expecting that word only to accomplish it. 

Justification by faith is righteousness by faith, for justification is the being declared righteous. 

Faith comes by the word of God. Justification by faith, then, is justification that comes by the word of God. Righteousness by faith is righteousness that comes by the word of God. 

The word of God is self-fulfilling, for in creating all things, “he spake and it was.” (Psalm 33:9) And when He was on earth, He stilled the raging sea, cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, raised the dead, and forgave sins, all by His word: there, too, “he spake, and it was.” 

Now the same One who, in creating, “spake, and it was,” the same One who said, “Let there be light, and there was light,” (Genesis 1:3) the same One who on earth spoke “the word only,” (Matthew 8:8) and the sick were healed, the lepers were cleansed, and the dead lived—this same One speaks the righteousness of God unto and upon all that believe. 

For though all have sinned and come short of the righteousness of God, yet we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth… to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” (Romans 3:24, 25) 

In creating all things in the beginning, God set forth Christ to declare the word which should cause all things to exist. Christ did speak the word only, and all things were. And in redemption, which is creation over again, God set forth Christ to declare the word of righteousness. And when Christ speaks the word only, it is so. His word, whether in creating or in redeeming, is the same. 

“The worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”(Hebrews 11:3) Once there were no worlds, nor was there any of the material which now composes the worlds. God set forth Christ to declare the word which should produce the worlds, and the very material of which they should be composed. 

“He spake, and it was.” Before He spoke, there were no worlds; after He spoke, the worlds were there. Thus the word of God spoken by Jesus Christ is able to cause that to exist which has no existence before the word is spoken, and which, except for that word, never could have existence. 

In this same way precisely it is in man’s life. In man’s life there is no righteousness. In man there is no righteousness from which righteousness can appear in his life. But God has set forth Christ to declare righteousness unto and upon man. Christ has spoken the word only, and in the darkened void of man’s life there is righteousness to everyone who will receive it. Where, before the word is received, there was neither righteousness nor anything which could possibly produce righteousness, after the word is received, there is perfect righteousness and the very Fountain from which it springs. The word of God received by faith—that is, the word of God expected to do what that word says and depended upon to do what it says—produces righteousness in the man and in the life where there never was any before; precisely as, in the original creation, the word of God produced worlds where there never were any worlds before. He has spoken, and it is so to everyone that believeth: that is, to every one that receiveth. The word itself produces it. 

“Therefore being justified (made righteous) by faith (by expecting and depending upon the word of God only) we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) That is so, bless the Lord! And feeding upon this blessed thing is cultivating faith. 

(This article was first printed in the January 17, 1899 issue of The Review and Herald. It is also found on pages 23-25 of the book Lessons on Faith by A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner. I added some verse references that were left out in the original.    Editor) 

Announcements from the Editor

India Trip

Plans are moving forward for Howard Williams, of Restoration Ministries in Jamaica, and me, to travel to India to hold meetings during the months of March and April of this year. Lord willing, we will give you a complete report in the May 2003 issue of Present Truth, even though doing so will delay the May issue a little. Please pray for us and for all the brethren in India. 

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New Video in “The Good News About God” Series

The latest video, “Answers to Objections,” is tape number 6 in the series, “The Good News About God.” This video, hosted by Allen Stump, with David Clayton, Howard Williams, and Lynnford Beachy as panelists, is designed to help answer some objections that are sometimes used to promote the Trinity doctrine, as opposed to the biblical truth about God. We believe that you will be blessed, and better informed, by this nearly two-hour presentation from the Bible. This video is available in NTSC  and PAL video formats. For video cassettes, request tape number GNAG-V-06-NAV. The suggested donation is $7.00 per tape, plus actual postage. We also have this presentation available on audio cassettes. If you would prefer audio cassettes, request GNAG-A-06-NAV. The suggested donation is $2.00 plus actual postage. 

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Jamaican Camp Meeting

Our brethren in Jamaica would like to let you know that they are hosting a camp meeting from April 17-21, 2003. The camp meeting will take place in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies, with a breathtaking view of the ocean. All are welcome to attend. If you have never been to Jamaica, this will be an excellent time to go, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and be blessed by inspiring biblical messages at the same time. David Clayton, Howard Williams, and Lynnford Beachy will be among the speakers at these meetings. Please plan now to attend. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information  contact  David  Clayton  at  (876)  904-7392,  e-mail: david@restorationministry.com, or Howard Williams at (876) 904-9326, e-mail: apostle@cwjamaica.com. (These are international telephone numbers, so it will cost extra to call them, even though they dial normally.) 

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Florida Camp Meeting

Our brethren in Orlando, Florida, would like to inform you that they are hosting a camp meeting from February 26 to March 2, 2003, at the River Forest Campground in the southeast corner of the Ocala National Forest, about one hour north of Orlando. The Lord willing, I will be there with my family. Please plan now to attend. For more information contact Bill James at (407) 694-2156 or by e-mail at abj2289@gte.net. 

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Our Words

by E. G. White

Speech is one of the great gifts of God. It is the means by which the thoughts of the heart are communicated. It is with the tongue that we offer prayer and praise to God. With the tongue we convince and persuade. With the tongue we comfort and bless, soothing the bruised, wounded soul. With the tongue we may make known the wonders of the grace of God. With the tongue we may also utter perverse things, speaking words which sting like an adder. 

The tongue is a little member, but the words it frames have great power. The Lord declares, “The tongue can no man tame.” It has set nation against nation, and has caused battle and bloodshed. Words have kindled fires that have been hard to quench. They have also brought joy and gladness to many hearts. And when words are spoken because God says, “Speak unto them my words,” they often cause sorrow unto repentance. 

 Of the unsanctified tongue the apostle James writes: “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” Satan puts into the mind thoughts that the Christian should never utter. The scornful retort, the bitter, passionate utterance, the cruel, suspicious charge, are from him. How many words are spoken that do only harm to those who speak and those who hear! Hard words beat upon the heart, awaking to life its worst passions. Those who do evil with their tongues, who sow discord by selfish, jealous words, grieve the Holy Spirit; for they are working at cross purposes with God. They are working on lines marked out by the enemy of all good. 

The inspired apostle, seeing the inclination to abuse the gift of speech, gives directions concerning its use. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” he says, “but that which is good to the use of edifying.” The word “corrupt” means here any word that would make an impression detrimental to holy principles and undefiled religion, any communication that would obscure the view of Christ, and blot from the mind true sympathy and love. It includes impure hints, which, unless instantly resisted, lead to great sin. Upon every one is laid the work of barring the way against corrupt speech. 

 It is God’s purpose that the glory of Christ shall appear in his children. In all his teaching, Christ presented pure principles. He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Constantly there flowed from his lips holy, ennobling truths. He spoke as never man spoke, with a pathos that touched the heart. He was filled with holy wrath as he saw the Jewish leaders teaching for doctrine the commandments of men, and he spoke to them with the authority of greatness. With terrible power he denounced all artful intrigue, all dishonest practices. He cleansed the temple from its pollution, as he desires to cleanse our hearts from everything bearing any resemblance to fraud. The truth never languished on his lips. With fearlessness he exposed the hypocrisy of priest and ruler, Pharisee and Sadducee. He entered into conversation with high and low, learned and unlearned. He encountered malice, misrepresentation, opposition, and falsehood, yet his whole life was without a flaw. He could say to his enemies, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” 

 Guard well the talent of speech; for it is a mighty power for evil as well as for good. You can not be too careful of what you say; for the words you utter show what power is controlling the heart. If Christ rules there, your words will reveal the purity, beauty, and fragrance of a character molded and fashioned by his will. But if you are under the guidance of the enemy of all good, your words will echo his sentiments. 

The great responsibility bound up in the use of the gift of speech is plainly made known by the word of God. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,” Christ declared. And the psalmist asks: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned, but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” 

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” The wild beast of the forest may be tamed; “but the tongue can no man tame.” Only through Christ can we gain the victory over the desire to speak hasty, unchristlike words. When, in his strength, we refuse to give utterance to Satan’s suggestions, the plant of bitterness in our hearts withers and dies. The Holy Spirit can make the tongue a savor of life unto life. (Mrs. E. G. White – The Youth’s Instructor, July 26, 1900) 

Questions and Answers

by Lynnford Beachy

Question: Who is Satan? 

“Who is Satan? Who made him? Where did he come from? What was he before?” 

Ghana 

Answer: 

The name Satan means, “adversary.” This name was given to the first rebel in the universe after he had become an adversary to God and to His government. Before this being rebelled against God, he was a highly exalted angel, called Lucifer. We read about him in Isaiah chapter 14. Here it says, 

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15) 

Here we learn that Lucifer had been in heaven, but because of his sin he was expelled from there. He is also called, “son of the morning.” This could indicate that Lucifer was the first, or one of the first angels that God created. 

In Ezekiel chapter 28 we learn more about this angel. Speaking of Satan under the symbol of the king of Tyrus, God says, 

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Ezekiel 28:12-15) 

Here we learn that Lucifer was created. Obviously, God created him, for nobody else can create life. We also learn that when he was created, he was perfect and beautiful. There was absolutely nothing wrong with him. Beyond this, God exalted him as “the anointed cherub that covereth.” This has reference to one of the two covering cherubim depicted on the ark of the covenant, who “stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zechariah 4:14) Lucifer was the most exalted and honored of God’s creatures, perfect in every way. Yet, we read that iniquity was found in him. The next few verses tell us about how this took place. They say, 

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. (Ezekiel 28:12-19) 

Here we learn the final fate of this once-exalted cherub who rebelled against God. He will be destroyed so completely by a fire, that he will be turned into ashes, and never shall he be any more. This has not happened yet, but it will, for God has promised and He cannot lie. 

When Lucifer rebelled against God, one third of God’s angels (Revelation 12:4) joined him in his rebellion, and they were cast out of heaven with Satan. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9) 

Satan’s rebellion took place before the beginning of this world. Jesus exclaimed to some of the Jewish leaders of His day, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44) 

Satan is the enemy of God and His people. It was in the best interest of God’s government to allow Satan’s rebellion to continue until the entire universe could see, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where sin leads, and so that God will “be clear” when He judges. (Psalms 51:4) [For a detailed study of why God has continued to allow Satan to live and to perpetuate his rebellion, please request the study entitled, “The Big Picture.”] 

I hope this helps to answer your questions. 

Question: Does the Hebrew word echad prove that God is a plurality? 

“I would like to know more about the Hebrew words echad and yachad. Some say these words show that God is a ‘plurality in unity’ whatever that is!”

Oregon 

Answer: 

Yachad was only used three times in the Bible (Genesis 49:6; Psalm 86:11; Isaiah 14:20), and it means, “to be (or become) one:—join, unite.” (Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary) Yachad is never used in reference to God, so this word could not possibly lend any weight to the idea that God is a “plurality in unity.” 

Echad is the Hebrew word most commonly used to describe something that is one. Most of the times you find the English word “one” in the Old Testament it was translated from the Hebrew word echad. This word is used in a well-known passage of the Old Testament—Deuteronomy 6:4. It says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one [echad] LORD.” 

Many Trinitarians use this verse to attempt to prove that God is made up of three individuals. They claim that the word echad means a group, or a unit, rather than just one, and only one. To support this assertion they quote from Numbers 13:23, which says, “And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one [echad] cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.” Some Trinitarians assert that because the word echad is used here, referring to a cluster of grapes, that the word echad means “one made up of parts, a unit or a group.” 

If the above verse would have said, “one [echad] cluster of grapes” when in reality it meant that there were several clusters of grapes, then the argument would hold some validity. Surely you would not suppose that the spies carried home two or three clusters of grapes. If the verse would have said, “one [echad] grape,” when in reality it was referring to a whole cluster of grapes, then we would know that the word echad means more than just one. Yet, the verse mentions only one “cluster of grapes.” 

Another verse that Trinitarians sometimes refer to for support for their assertion that echad means more than one is Genesis 2:24, where it says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one [echad] flesh.” Trinitarians sometimes use this verse to try to prove that echad does not mean one. However, the verse did not say that a man and a woman would become one human, nor did it say that they would become one person or one being. Though the man and the woman would become one flesh, they would still be two persons, two beings, and two humans. Neither would they be joined together to become one body of flesh. Rather, this verse refers specifically to the marriage relation that, once consummated, makes a man and woman joined to each other. We know that this verse has this meaning because a man can even be “joined to an harlot.” (1 Corinthians 6:16) 

In seeking for an understanding of the term “one flesh,” we must not conjecture about the meaning of the word “one,” but rather we should seek for the meaning of the word “flesh,” as it is used in this verse. Even in this verse, one still means one, and only one. 

Please read the following verses where the word echad is used, and see for yourself whether it means a plurality. “Two are better than one [echad]; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one [echad] will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone [echad] when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one [echad] be warm alone? And if one [echad] prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) “And his offering was one [echad] silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one [echad] silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering.” (Numbers 7:13) 

It is very obvious from the above verses that the Hebrew word echad means one. When the Bible says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one [echad] LORD,” it means just that. There is one, and only one, “LORD our God,” and not a unity of three gods. 

I hope this helps to answer your question. 

Question: How was tithe collected in the NT? 

“How was tithing collected after the members were kicked out of the Jewish church for teaching Jesus?”

Indiana 

Answer: 

There is no specific instruction in the New Testament on how to collect tithes, yet there are some points to consider. 

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-3) 

Here we read of a general contribution for the saints. This does not seem to be tithe but, rather, offerings to help the poor. Yet, it does show that offerings were received, and obviously used completely separate from the Jewish church. 

Paul wrote, “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13, 14) Even though Paul was not part of the Jewish church, nor receiving tithe from them, he said that a preacher should live of the gospel or, in other words, he should receive the necessities of life from those to whom he ministers. “And let him who is instructed in the word share with him who is instructing—in all good things.” (Galatians 6:6—Young’s Literal Translation) 

From the writings of the New Testament, we cannot find that there was one central location where all the tithe of Christians would go, and then from there to be distributed back to the ministers. Many denominational churches today operate on this principle, but it does not seem to be the procedure followed by the apostolic church. Those who were ministered unto, gave a portion of their living directly to those who ministered unto them. 

I hope this helps to answer your question. 

Question: What is the storehouse? 

“What is the storehouse?”

Indiana 

Answer: 

This question obviously refers to Malachi 3:10, where it says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” 

One application of the word storehouse is the treasury in the temple where tithes were stored. “The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.” (Nehemiah 10:38) From this storehouse, the tithe was distributed as needed. Nehemiah wrote, “I made treasurers over the treasuries,… and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.” (Nehemiah 13:13) 

From the New Testament it does not seem that this practice was continued in the same way. Paul wrote, “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.” (2 Corinthians 11:8, 9) At least in this case, it seems that the tithe was directly distributed from the people in the church to Paul, rather than from the people to a central location, and then to Paul. 

Today, the storehouse represents a minister or ministry that is doing the work of spreading the true gospel and preparing people to meet the Lord in peace. Jesus said, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matthew 24:45, 46) For a minister or ministry to be worthy of receiving tithe, they must be giving meat in due season to God’s church. If they are doing this, “the labourer is worthy of his hire.” (Luke 10:7) 

I hope this helps to answer your question. 

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Something for the Young at Heart

We would like to give you an interesting and easy way to study the Bible, so we are including a crossword puzzle for you. Try it and see what you think. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. In order to maintain the flow of the study, this crossword puzzle is not split into Across and Down sections—Across or Down is indicated at the end of each line. 

The Basics of Salvation

• John said that we should behold the love of the ____. 1 John 3:1—7 Across 

• God’s love was manifested when He ____ His only begotten Son into the world. 1 John 4:9—6 Down 

• The ____ of God leads people to repentance. Romans 2:4—11 Across 

• Note: True repentance begins with an appreciation of the love of God in giving His own Son to die for your sins. 

• How many people have sinned? Romans 3:23— 16 Across 

• What are the wages of sin? Romans 6:23—13 Down 

• God has no ____ in the death of the wicked. Ezekiel 33:11—15 Across 

• Nobody can be justified by the deeds of the ____. Romans 3:20—17 Down 

• Note: To be justified is to be forgiven of our sins, so that we are accounted innocent, as if we had never sinned. 

• Jesus came to save His people from their ____. Matthew 1:21—5 Across 

• Jesus said that if we come to Him, He will not ____ us out. John 6:37—9 Across 

• Christ is able to ____ to the uttermost those who come to Him. Hebrews 7:25—4 Across 

• When is the best time for you to come to Christ for salvation? 2 Corinthians 6:2—8 Across 

• If we ____ our sins, God will forgive us. 1 John 1:9—9 Down 

• When God forgives us, He gives us His righteousness for the remission of sins that are ____. Romans 3:24, 25— 18 Across 

• Note: Any sins that occur after initial forgiveness must be confessed and forgiven in the same way that they were confessed and forgiven the first time. 

• Can a righteous person become guilty before God, and be in need of forgiveness? Ezekiel 33:13—3 Down 

• After a sinner is forgiven, Jesus tells him to, “go, and ___ no more.” John 8:11—14 Down 

• After we accept Christ as our Saviour, He washes us by His ____. Ephesians 5:25, 26—10 Down 

• We are ____ again by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23—1 Down 

• If any man is in Christ, he is a ___ creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17—12 Across 

• A person who is in Christ walks not after the flesh, but after the ____. Romans 8:1 KJV—4 Down 

• If you are led by the Spirit of God, you will mortify the ____ of the body (sin). Romans 8:13, 14—13 Across 

• If you wish to enter into life, keep the ____. Matthew 19:17—2 Down 

• Note: Keeping the commandments will never save you, but not keeping them can cause you to be lost.

Answers

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Part 13)

by George McDaniel

(This is the thirteenth in a series of health articles that are designed to help you gain a deeper appreciation for God’s amazing handiwork of the human body, and a better understanding of how it works and how it can be better maintained by simple methods. George McDaniel is my father-in-law, and has been a registered nurse for many years, which, along with much research, has taught him many useful health principles. I pray that you are being blessed by these articles.    Editor) 

Sunlight - and its contribution to health

All life on earth depends on the sun. Most of the energy on earth comes from, or has come from, the sun. The only exception I can think of would be the heat coming from the core of the earth and the energy produced by radioactive elements. Even the energy in coal, oil and wood, used for producing fire, originally came from the sun. Sunlight, in the presence of chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, causes water and carbon dioxide to unite into glucose. As a by-product of this reaction, oxygen is released into the air. Thus we depend on the sun for the food we eat and for the oxygen in the air we breathe. 

We also depend on the sun for having water to drink. Air that has been warmed by the sun absorbs water from the oceans. As it passes over land and goes to higher elevations, it cools and releases some of the water in the form of rain or snow. This feeds the streams and rivers and lakes and some of it soaks into the ground where it can be obtained from springs and wells. If not for this continual process, all water would be in the oceans and not suitable for drinking. 

Besides depending on the sun for food, air and water, the human physical organism needs direct contact with the sun’s rays to maintain health. From the time the world was created until very recently, man has lived and worked outside with full exposure to the sun’s rays. Agricultural, pastoral and hunting activities required an outdoor life. This changed suddenly with the industrial revolution. Thousands of people moved into cities and worked in factories, mines and, more recently, offices. This led to the belief that man is no longer dependent on the natural world, but can live apart from it. 

In modern society, man lives, studies and works behind walls and glass, starting at a very young age. Our homes, schools, transportation, and places of employment all shield us from the sun. Many people spend most of their lives under artificial lighting that is entirely different from that which comes from natural sunlight. 

The sun radiates energy in many different frequencies. The energy is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves of varying lengths. These vary in length from cosmic rays, which have a wavelength of .00001 nanometer (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter), to electric waves with a wavelength of about 4,990 kilometers. Most of this solar energy is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere, and so doesn’t reach the surface of the earth. This is good because the shorter wavelengths are harmful to life. These include cosmic rays, gamma rays, x-rays and shortwave ultraviolet, also called far ultraviolet. The radiation that reaches the earth includes middle and near ultraviolet, visible light and shortwave or near infrared. 

The composition of the solar radiation that reaches the earth is about 4.6% ultraviolet, 46% visible light and 49% infrared light. It is the ultraviolet part of sunlight that is the most active biologically, and it is the ultraviolet that is the most easily eliminated by window glass, sunglasses and clothing. The amount of ultraviolet light available depends upon the location on earth and the season. The more atmosphere it must pass through, the less that will reach the earth. In the winter, when the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, the sunlight must pass through more atmosphere. There is therefore less ultraviolet light available. At 40 degrees latitude, ultraviolet light is available for only about four hours while the sun is highest in the sky. In the summer, ultraviolet light is available for about eight hours. 

From ancient times men have known the sun to have life-giving, healing power. However, it is only recently that scientific evidence has been obtained that shows why the sun is such a positive factor for health. In 1877, it was discovered that sunlight is able to destroy bacteria. From this point onward, sunlight was studied as the only effective means of treating bacterial infections known at that time. In 1903, Niels Finsen won the Nobel Prize for successfully treating skin tuberculosis with ultraviolet light. Other studies revealed the potent effects the sun has on the human body. Exposing the body to ultraviolet light was found to lower high blood pressure, decrease elevated blood glucose levels as found in diabetes, decrease blood cholesterol, and increase lymphocytes in the blood, which are responsible for the body’s ability to resist disease. 

The interest of the medical world in the healing power of sunlight began to decrease when antibiotics were discovered. In 1939, a man named Gerhard Domagk won the Nobel Prize for successfully treating bacterial infections with sulfanilamide. Shortly afterward, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. When medical attention turned to chemicals, the sun’s effect on health began to be regarded as little more than a placebo. The current concept of the sun is that it is dangerous and destructive, responsible for aging of the skin and a cause of skin cancer. 

It can’t be denied that there is a connection between sunlight and aging of the skin and skin cancer. The available research data indicates that the primary cause of these two conditions is the highly refined diet of most people in the western world. Sunlight seems only to accelerate the problem. 

Antibiotic drugs are proving to be less than the total answer to human disease that they were once thought to be. Drug resistant strains are developing at an alarming rate. Also, there are no good anti-viral drugs. Our attention needs to turn to developing the immune response of the body to resist disease. One of the effects of sunlight is to increase the body’s natural resistance to disease, as well as physically destroying disease-causing bacteria. Sunlight is also beneficial in treating some of the chronic degenerative diseases. As we look more deeply into some of these areas of concern in coming issues, we will see that the sun continues to be a potent, life-giving, healthful force for modern man and that separation from sunlight will result in disease just as surely as will separation from nourishing food, water, fresh air and exercise. 

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Zambian Minister Evicted for the Gospel’s Sake

by Lynnford Beachy

I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Benny Kayamba personally when Howard Williams and I went to Zambia in August of 2001. We were impressed with the zeal this man has to spread the gospel to all those around him. We visited one of the humble literature distribution shops that he is renting in Lusaka, and witnessed for ourselves some of the work that the Lord is accomplishing through him. 

Recently, Benny wrote us a challenging letter explaining that he has been asked to leave his home because the truth which he is sharing has aroused persecution from his former church. I would like to share a portion of his letter with you. He wrote, 

“Because of preaching the truth about God to many countries, the devil is not happy, but very angry. I have a brother who is a church elder. He let me use a house in 1990 in which I have been living up to now. When I came back from the western province, I received a message from my brother that I should move out from his house. The reason being that he believes that I am confusing the church and the people with the message of the truth about God.” 

The truth is not confusing, even though some people prefer to label it that way. In reality, Brother Kayamba is involved in bringing people a clearer understanding of God’s love in giving His Son to die for their sins. Many people have come to the knowledge of the truth through the labors of Brother Kayamba and his brethren. Many people are learning the truth of the verse that says, “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7) 

Please keep Benny Kayamba and his family in prayer, as they do not have another place to go. Benny lacks the finances necessary to purchase a home, even though property cost is very low in Zambia as compared to the United States. 

If you would like to send Benny a word of encouragement, you can write him at: The King is Coming Evangelism Institute, PO Box 32804, Lusaka, Zambia. You can e-mail Benny at: thethreeangelsmessagesofrev14@yahoo.com. 

Please pray for all the ministers around the world who are spreading the truth about God and His Son. 

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Letters from our Readers

(Each month we receive letters that help us to know how God’s work is progressing throughout the world. Because we think you are interested in this work as well, we are printing some of them for you. If you do not wish your letter to be printed, please let us know when you write. We cannot guarantee the truthfulness of every letter contained herein.    Editor) 

Letters from Prisoners 

“I recently signed up for your monthly letters last November, 2002. I’m writing to give you my new address so I can receive more monthly letters. May you please send anything on the subject of Eternal Fire. I believe in one of your monthly letters you speak on this subject. 

“May you also please send me the other study guides. I’ve been waiting for them since November. It is probably because of my change of address that I’m not receiving anything. 

“May God bless your ministry, for I’m truly blessed with all the truth you have to share. 

Florida 

(Thank you for writing and sending your new address. You are so right that this is the reason you have not been hearing from us. This is the way we lose track of many prisoners. They don’t seem to realize that the prisons are not forwarding our mail to them nor sending us a forwarding address. If you are in prison, please be especially aware of the necessity of keeping us informed of your whereabouts if you wish to continue receiving our materials.    Editor) 

The Work in Africa 

“We are an action group, namely, Nkulumane Young Preacher’s Action Group. We were greatly touched by some of your gospel leaflets which were in circulation during our church service on Sunday. 

“As the chairman of the action group, I hereby bend on my knees and ask for audio tapes, mainly on the truth about the Sabbath and Trinity. Whatever you can manage, even video tapes. We want to know the truth. Kindly help. Booklets or leaflets would help a lot as we want to venture into literature distribution. 

“It is my hope that this letter or our plea will meet your favorable response for with God everything is possible. Kindly help. We want to spread the good news.” 

Zimbabwe 

I am praying for your ministry. I thank God for you and the light you make available to us through the Present Truth magazine. I always look forward to getting it each month and I read it over and over.” 

Rwanda 

“For many days I have been enjoying the teachings from you. I believe that you have a message from above. I especially enjoyed the lesson which you gave us in the November 2002 Present Truth magazine, entitled “Christianity’s Foundation Under Attack.” 

This subject was a wonderful lesson which we enjoyed. When Christmas day came, a National Celebration in Tanzania was held in Kigoma Town. A Bishop who conducted the event was a Roman Catholic. In his preaching he said that: ‘This occasion was first celebrated in 338 A.D.’ 

When I listened to this sermon it reminded me of Origen who lived from 185-254 A.D., who proposed the concept of eternal generation. The Son is said to be eternally begotten by the Father. 

“I believe that we are on the journey to heaven. This message we preach is truthful… Present Truth magazine teaches the truth.” 

Tanzania 

“I received your e-mail address from a friend of mine who had also received some of your study material from a man in Harare. We were blessed by the one chapter that we read and decided to search for your website on the Internet.” 

Zimbabwe 

“I am so happy to receive the Present Truth magazines. They helped me along this Christian journey more than you will ever know.” 

Rwanda 

“I greet you in the Lord’s name. GLORY BE TO GOD for His strength, life and wisdom He has given you to free the many people from the enslavement of the deadly falsehood (the doctrine of the TRINITY). God bless you very much and your work. I have also thoroughly researched on this falsehood—the idol worship of Rome. TRUTH is so sweet for me more than honey. Please send me as many reading materials as possible because I have culture that encourages reading to know and believe the truth. Peace be with you, your family members and the brothers and sisters in the Lord’s name.” 

Uganda 

“The non-trinitarian message is going forward and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not. People are free now to listen to the doctrines, this shows me that the Lord is in action to fulfill His promise. Lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” 

Tanzania 

“I am back from the Western province, I returned home safely. God enabled us to visit three cities… We also distributed five thousand tracts and booklets and newsletters. Many people there accepted the message. 

“The only problem we found was that the district pastor forbade Brother _____ to work with us and the pastor wanted to take me to the police station… The pastor was very angry with me because he said I went there to confuse people and he also said that God is going to punish us for teaching people false doctrine (non-trinitarian doctrine). Later on he even brought a cameraman so that he could get some pictures so that the pictures can be taken to the church board as evidence, because the church wants to disfellowship _____. Please remember this pastor in your daily prayers so that God can give him spiritual insight so that he can see, and so that God can forgive him because he does not know what he is doing.” 

Zambia 

“The year 2002 has passed with many blessings we have received. We have enjoyed many doctrines especially “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made,”and others. In these lessons we learned how to heal some symptoms without medication. In my home my wife was suffering with heartburn and high blood pressure. It was lowered by using water in the system and she is now in good condition. We thank George McDaniel for the good work he has done last year. We pray that God will still use him to promote health education. 

“In my groups where I teach the Word of God, health education is my right hand of the message. I am thankful also to hear that our brothers in Florida are having camp meeting in February. We are together with them by prayers, for we can’t promise to attend with them to the gatherings. 

“Our plan in Tanzania this year is to conduct crusades in all big towns. There are interested souls in these towns, and we have some small groups in them already. We have translated some tracts in our own language. Some of them are, ‘Satan’s Deadliest Lie,’ ‘The Love of God,’ ‘The Formulation of the Doctrine of the Trinity,’ and others, which we shall use in our crusades. 

“I am amazed at all our messages because nobody can condemn them by showing from the Scriptures that they are in error. We thank Brother Lynnford Beachy for his answers using it is written. All the enemies of the cross failed to find any points that are in error. Some Pentecostal pastors have agreed with him for his revelation on the Scriptures, others want to have some books written by him… 

“Pray for us so that God, when He says, ‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’ Let us say, ‘Here we are, send us.’ 

“I continue my prayers for all of you and the brethren all around the world.” 

Tanzania 

Literature 

“I find some very interesting reading in your paper but I told you previously that I do not believe as you do on some vital points on which I have been convicted from the Scriptures.” 

Australia 

“I have wanted for a long time to tell you how much I appreciate the answers to questions you write. You do so well. At times there are differences between us, but apart from those, we are at one. And that is good. Let us rejoice in our wonderful God and His beloved Son.”

Australia 

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Present Truth.… They are such a blessing. I have learned so much from these newsletters, along with my own personal study and group studies. I sometimes photocopy the articles and give them, or mail them, to other people.” 

California 

(We really appreciate it when the papers are copied and circulated. Thank you for your effort.    Editor) 

“I have been interested in Church renewal trans-denominationally since 1973 when I experienced a spontaneous spiritual awakening which made me aware of the errors in today’s Christian churches on a fundamental level. I enjoy Present Truth because it echoes what the Spirit of Truth revealed to me in 1973.” 

Michigan 

The Truth About God 

“Any doctrine which would make it impossible for Christ to live a perfect life in the flesh, or to die as a substitute for man, must be considered an enemy of righteousness. 

“I’d like to suggest that millions of Christians today have unwittingly accepted a theological position which does this very thing. Most of those who are deceived on this matter actually believe that they are honoring Christ by holding their view.” 

Indiana 

“This year, in the process of surfing the web to find material for my website, I discovered the amazing truth about the Godhead. I am enormously indebted to your work on this subject and gladly reference it.”

California 

The Work in India 

“Thank you very much for the booklets and Bible lessons you have sent. Indeed it is a great blessing for us. We are passing through the Daniel and Revelation studies. In our study about Michael in the 12th chapter of Daniel, the booklet entitled “Michael” was very much helpful in presenting this subject. The remaining booklets make us to understand the great truth about God. May God bless the authors of these booklets abundantly to serve Him eternally. May God bless their family as well. Let the promises of God be owned by them. 

“The newsletters you have sent are very much inspiring to the youth of our church. Please continue to send them. The Bible correspondence lessons are very methodically prepared with proper syllabus and presented. I wish these lessons may be translated in our Indian languages and distributed to these longing souls of India.” 

India 

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