2. GOSPEL ORDER VS. THE COMMON ORDER
• In the church of God, from time to time there
have been two basic orders employed for the
advancing of God’s work on earth.
• These two orders are referred to as
• “Gospel Order” and
• “The Common Order”
3. GOSPEL ORDER VS. THE COMMON ORDER
• What we want to do is to define both of these
orders and then identify where they both find a
nesting place to thrive in the church.
• We will first begin with “The Common Order”
and then spend the rest of time on “Gospel
Order”.
4. THE COMMON ORDER
• The Common Order is not the regular, usual order
used by God when the church is in its period of
growth until it reaches a stage for Him to use the
uncommon order.
• God has never and will never use the common
order to advance His work on earth. The
common order is man’s substitute for Gospel
Order. What then is the common order?
5. THE COMMON ORDER
• Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300 - “Unless those
who can help in _____ are aroused to a sense of
their duty, they will not recognize the work of God
when the loud cry of the third angel shall be
heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth,
instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they
will want to bind about His work to meet their
narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will
work in this last work in a manner very much out of
the common order of things, and in a way that will
be contrary to any human planning.
6. THE COMMON ORDER
• “There will be those among us who will always
want to control the work of God, to dictate
even what movements shall be made when the
work goes forward under the direction of the angel
who joins the third angel in the message to be
given to the world. God will use ways and means
by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins
in His own hands. The workers will be surprised
by the simple means that He will use to bring
about and perfect His work of righteousness.--
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300.
7. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• The context is during the time of Revelation 18
angel who is to lighten the earth with God’s
character. Therefore, those who have the
character of God message are especially here
being focused upon.
• Men will seek to bind about God’s work to meet
their own narrow ideas. Therefore, the common
order has to do with those who are seeking to use
their own ideas to advance the cause of God.
8. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• Out of the common order is contrary to any
human planning. Therefore the common order
has to do with human planning to advance the
work of God.
• If men believe that the work of God can only
advance within the context of a group of men
meeting and planning to execute that work, then
they are functioning within the mindset of the
common order.
9. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• Men will always want to control the work of God,
to dictate even what movements shall be made.
The common order has to do with individuals who
seek to take the place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy
Spirit is the One to control the work and the
workers. He is the One to dictate the movements
to be made. If men are seeking to dictate the
movements to be made in advancing God’s work,
then they are usurping the place of God in the
Church and therefore working according to the
Common Order.
10. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• Out of the Common Order means that God has
taken the reigns of the work in His own hands.
The common order then is that the reigns of the
work are in man’s hands. That is, man is seeking
to steer and guide the workers in the work God
has given them to do.
11. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• Out of the Common Order means that the work will
go forward using simple means. The common
order then is the use of extravagant means to
accomplish God’s work. No large parade of
excitement will be used as the means to advance
God’s Kingdom on earth. It will advance as the
planting of a mustard seed.
12. A FEW POINTS TO PONDER UPON
CONCERNING THE COMMON ORDER:
• A special characteristic flaw of many under the
ministry of that angel whose glory should fill the
entire world is control of other individuals in
advancing the work of the Lord. This will be the act
of mixing the strange or common with the sacred.
13. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• Lev 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of
Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put
fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered
strange fire before the LORD, which he
commanded them not.
14. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• “Aaron's sons took the common fire, which God
did not accept, and they offered insult to the
infinite God by presenting this strange fire before
Him. God consumed them by fire for their
positive disregard of His express directions. All
their works were as the offering of Cain. There
was no divine Saviour represented.” {Con 81.1}
15. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• In the work of the Lord, The Common Order is a
Strange Order and not recognized by God at all.
There is nothing common that comes from the
Lord. All that comes from Him is sacred. As the
people of God then, and especially as ministers,
we have to ensure that every method employed
by us is in harmony with the sacred.
16. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• 1Sa_21:4 And the priest answered David, and
said, There is no common bread under mine
hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young
men have kept themselves at least from women.
• And what is the result of the use of “The
Common Order” in God’s Church?
17. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• {ChL 31.1} - “The holy principles that God has
given are represented by the sacred fire; but
common fire has been used in place of the
sacred. Plans, contrary to truth and
righteousness, are introduced in a subtle
manner on the plea that this must be done, and
that must be done, because it is for the
advancement of the cause of God.
18. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• “But it is the devising of men that leads to
oppression, injustice and wickedness. The
cause of God is to be free from every taint of
injustice. It can gain no advantage by robbing the
members of the family of God of their
individuality or of their rights. All such practices
are abhorrent to God . . . . {ChL 31.1}
19. WHAT IS COMMON IN GOD’S ESTIMATION?
• “The high-handed power that has been developed, as
though positions had made men gods, makes me
afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse
wherever, and by whomsoever it is exercised. This
lording it over God's heritage will create such a
disgust of man's jurisdiction that a state of
insubordination will result. The people are learning
that men in high positions of responsibility cannot be
trusted to mold and fashion other men's minds and
characters. The result will be a loss of confidence
even in the management of faithful men . . . . {ChL
31.2}
20. AT THIS JUNCTURE, WE CAN NOW TURN OUR
ATTENTION TO “GOSPEL ORDER”
• There are many versions of “Gospel Order” in the
world today just as there are many versions of the
Gospel. Paul says,
• Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed
from him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel:
• Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some
that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of
Christ.
21. AT THIS JUNCTURE, WE CAN NOW TURN OUR
ATTENTION TO “GOSPEL ORDER”
• Since there is only one true version of the Gospel,
then there can be only one true version of “Gospel
Order”. How can we arrive at the correct version of
“Gospel Order”?
• We need to examine the life, teaching and example of
the author of the Gospel, for it is only He who can
give the correct version of “Gospel Order”.
• Hence, every statement found on this issue must be
invariably interpreted by Christ’s life and teaching.
22. AT THIS JUNCTURE, WE CAN NOW TURN OUR
ATTENTION TO “GOSPEL ORDER”
• Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the
throne of God.
23. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is
not of this world: if my kingdom were of this
world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is
my kingdom not from hence.
24. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• “The householder's dealing with the workers in his
vineyard represents God's dealing with the human
family. It is contrary to the customs that prevail
among men. In worldly business, compensation is
given according to the work accomplished. The
laborer expects to be paid only that which he
earns. But in the parable, Christ was illustrating
the principles of His kingdom--a kingdom not
of this world. He is not controlled by any
human standard. …” {COL 396.5}
25. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• No human organization on the face of the earth
can be rightly used as an example of the principle
upon which the Kingdom of Christ is established.
Therefore, we cannot use the order implemented
by earthly organization to illustrate the principles
that govern the order in the Kingdom of God.
26. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• In seeking to illustrate the principles of His
Kingdom, Christ found it necessary to turn from
every earthly kingdom and use that which He
Himself had made.
27. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom
of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
• Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which
a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew,
and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air
lodged in the branches of it.
28. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• Luk 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I
liken the kingdom of God?
• Luk 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took
and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole
was leavened.
29. JESUS – THE AUTHOR OF GOSPEL ORDER
• In other words, the operations of the Kingdom of
God are based exclusively upon the power,
wisdom and righteousness of God and not at all
upon anything any man can contribute.
• No human being can contribute to the germination
of a mustard seed and far less can any human
being contribute to the order in the Church which
is achieved only by the Gospel.
30. THE CALL OF LABORERS ACCORDING TO
GOSPEL ORDER
• Mar 3:13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and
calleth unto him whom he would: and they came
unto him.
• Mar 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they
should be with him, and that he might send them
forth to preach,
• Mar 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses,
and to cast out devils:
31. THE CALL OF LABORERS ACCORDING TO
GOSPEL ORDER
• It should be noted that Christ calls and ordains
and gives power. In other words, the one who calls
and ordains must also be the one to give the
power to accomplish the work.
• Before He left earth, Christ gave His disciples the
assurance the He has all power, therefore they
can go into the entire world and preach the
everlasting Gospel.
32. THE CALL OF LABORERS ACCORDING TO
GOSPEL ORDER
• Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them,
saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and
in earth.
• Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
• Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen.
33. THE CALL OF LABORERS ACCORDING TO
GOSPEL ORDER
• Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread
on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt
you.
34. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• Men who do not have the power to give are
always seeking to organize God’s work. They
believe that it is in their purview to dictate to
others the plans that should be followed. This
ought not to be in the work of God.
35. {FE 440.2}
• “The infinite is not, and never will be, bound
about by human organizations or human plans.
Every soul must have a personal experience in
obtaining a knowledge of the will and ways of God.
In all who are under the training of God is to be
revealed a life that is not in harmony with the
world, its customs, its practice, or its experiences.
36. {FE 440.2}
• “Through study of the Scriptures, through earnest
prayer, they may hear His message to them, "Be
still and know that I am God." When every other
voice is hushed, when every earthly interest is
turned aside, the silence of the soul makes more
distinct the voice of God. Here rest is found in
Him. The peace, the joy, the life of the soul, is
God.”
37. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• There are those who claim that if a person wants
to work along with the church, then that person
has to submit, at one level or another, to the
control of the Church, especially the leadership.
• Is this the lesson taught by Christ?
38. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• Is there a difference between working along with
and being controlled by?
• In all earthly organizations, to work along with
means that one must be controlled, to one extent
or another, by that organization.
• Is this the case of the Body of Christ?
• The answer is NO!
39. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• In the body of Christ every member works along
with every other member, but no member is
controlled by any other member. Further, in the
body of Christ, no member in working along with
the body is controlled by that body. In the body of
Christ, it is not the body that controls any of the
members but Christ that controls the body and by
extension, every member in His body.
40. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• If in this body any member must be controlled by
anything but the head, it means that there is
disconnection from the head. We should never
therefore liken the body of Christ to any other
organization operating on the principles of the
world. Consider Christ’s teaching on this matter.
41. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and
said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles
exercise dominion over them, and they that are
great exercise authority upon them.
• Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but
whosoever will be great among you, let him be
your minister;
42. THE SPIRIT OF EXERCISING AUTHORITY
• Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among
you, let him be your servant:
• Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to
be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his
life a ransom for many.
43. ALL YE ARE BRETHREN
• In the Church of Christ, there are no class
distinctions. Yes, there will be those who
possess more talents than others but this does
not give authority to control or dictate any other.
All is level at the foot of the cross. None is
greater than the other. We are all brethren. This
is what our Master taught.
44. ALL YE ARE BRETHREN
• Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your
Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
• Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth:
for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
• Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is
your Master, even Christ.
• Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be
your servant.
• Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be
abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be
exalted.
45. ALL YE ARE BRETHREN
• Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto
Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven?
• Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and
set him in the midst of them,
• Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye
be converted, and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
• Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself
as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom
of heaven.
46. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• None is to be forbidden from working for the
Lord. There are those who profess tremendous
zeal for the Lord like that of John but a standing
rebuke is upon all those who venture to hinder
anyone from working in the Lord’s vineyard. Let
the Householder select His workers.
47. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• Mar 9:38 And John answered him, saying,
Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name,
and he followeth not us: and we forbad him,
because he followeth not us.
• Mar 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for
there is no man which shall do a miracle in my
name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
• Mar 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our
part.
48. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• AA 543 - “At another time during their early
evangelistic labors, James and John met one who,
while not an acknowledged follower of Christ, was
casting out devils in His name. The disciples
forbade the man to work and thought they were
right in doing this. But when they laid the matter
before Christ, He reproved them, saying, "Forbid
him not: for there is no man which shall do a
miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of
Me." Mark 9:39
49. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• “. None who showed themselves in any way
friendly to Christ were to be repulsed. The
disciples must not indulge a narrow, exclusive
spirit, but must manifest the same far-reaching
sympathy which they had seen in their Master.
James and John had thought that in checking
this man they had in view the Lord's honor; but
they began to see that they were jealous for
their own. They acknowledged their error and
accepted the reproof.” AA 543
50. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• If our version of “Gospel Order forbids individuals
from working, then we need to check carefully the
foundation upon which we are standing. We may
very well be deceive in thinking we are in “Gospel
Order” when in fact we are working according to
“The Common Order”.
51. GOSPEL ORDER DOES NOT FORBID MEN
FROM WORKING
• True Gospel Order then is predicated upon the
grand and fundamental principle of Religious
Liberty outside of which Gospel Order would be
just another means of man seeking to control other
men in their responsibility to God.
• May we then always only keep the perfect balance between Gospel Order, Religious Liberty
and God’s problem solving tool of Sabbath Rest Principle.
53. Shall the "regular lines", which say that every mind
shall be controlled by two or three minds at Battle
Creek, continue to bear sway? The Macedonian cry is
coming from every quarter. Shall men go to the
"regular lines" to see whether they will be permitted to
labor, or shall they go out and work as best they can,
depending on their own abilities and on the help of
the Lord, beginning in a humble way and creating an
interest in the truth in places in which nothing has
been done to give the warning message? {SpM
176.5}
54. "God calls for a revival and a reformation. The 'regular lines' have not
done the work which God desires to see accomplished. Let revival
and reformation make constant changes. Something has been done
in this line, but let not the work stop here. No; let every yoke be
broken. Let men awaken to the realization that they have an
individual responsibility. {GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 5}
"The present showing is sufficient to prove to all who have the true
missionary spirit that the 'regular lines' may prove a failure and a
snare. God helping His people, the circle of kings who dared to take
such great responsibilities shall never again exercise their
unsanctified power in the so-called 'regular lines.' Too much power
has been invested in unrevived, unreformed, human agencies."
{GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 6}
55. It is not the Lord's will that the work in the
South shall be confined to the set, "regular
lines." It has been found impossible to
confine the work to these lines and gain
success. Workers daily filled with zeal and
wisdom from on high must work as they are
guided by the Lord, waiting not to receive
their commission from men. {SW,
December 15, 1903 par. 14}
56. The situation was again presented, and the urgency of
occupying the fields that were presented to me, then being
worked under the supervision of God, using Edson White as
His agency to open the field. But there were no others that
would think of touching that portion of the field or would
engage in working it. Those who should have rejoiced to see
something done were determined to give no recognition to
Edson White or the work, because he did not work in the
regular lines. God has presented before you how He
regarded the regular lines. The regular lines had need to be
broken as a potter's vessel is broken, and reconstructed.--
Ms 29, 1903, pp. 1, 3. (General manuscript, "The Southern
Work," Undated.) {3MR 264.3}
57. It is time that church members understood that
everywhere there is a work to be done in the Lord's
vineyard. No one is to wait for a regular process
before they make any efforts. They should take up the
work right where they are. There should be many at
work in what are called "irregular lines." If one
hundred laborers would step out of the "regular lines,"
and take up self-sacrificing work, such as Brother
Shireman has done, souls would be won to the Lord.
And the workers would understand by experience
what it means to be laborers together with God.
{SpM 195.5}
58. "Over and over again men have said, 'The voice of the Conference is the voice of
God; therefore everything must be referred to the Conference. The Conference must
permit or restrict in the various lines of work.' As the matter has been presented to
me, there is a narrow compass, and within this narrow compass, all the openings to
which are locked, are those who would like to exercise kingly power. But the work
carried on all over the field demands an entirely different course of action. There is
need of the laying of a foundation different from the foundation which has been laid
in the past. We have heard much about everything moving in the regular lines.
When we see that the 'regular lines' are purified and refined, that they bear the mold
of the God of heaven, then it will be time to endorse these lines. But when we see
that message after message given by God has been received and accepted, yet no
change has been made, we know that new power must be brought into the regular
lines. The management of the regular lines must be entirely changed, newly
organized. There must be a committee, not composed of half a dozen men, but of
representatives from all lines of our work, from our publishing house, from our
educational institutions, and from our sanitariums, which have life in them, which are
constantly working, constantly broadening. {GCB, April 10, 1903 par. 3}
59. The Lord has not placed any one of His human agencies under the dictation and
control of those who are themselves but erring mortals. He has not placed upon
men the power to say, You shall do this, and you shall not do that. But there is a
power exercised in Battle Creek that God has not given, and He will judge those
who assume this authority. They have somewhat of the same spirit that led
Uzzah to lay his hand on the ark to steady it, as though God was not able to
care for His sacred symbols. Far less of man's power and authority should be
exercised toward God's human agencies. Brethren, leave God to rule. {TM
347.3}
Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the humblest worker
and say: "You must labor in this channel or not work at all." Hands off, brethren.
Let everyone work in his own sphere, with his own armor on, doing whatever he
can do in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time for
pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The message must
go. {5T 461.2}
60. The matter was laid before me, which I was trying to present before the brethren. There is
altogether too much responsibility imparted to a few men in Battle Creek, and these men need
the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, else they will lead God's heritage in false paths. The
conferences are watching every move made at the center of the work. The different conferences
have been led to look to the leading men at Battle Creek, feeling that no important move can be
made without their approval. This tendency has been growing stronger, until it is a serious
hindrance to the advancement of the work. This arrangement should never have been. The Lord
would have His people under His jurisdiction. They should look to God, inquiring of Him in faith,
and follow on to know the working of His providence. {TM 320.3}
It is not in the order of God that any man, or any class of men, should assume that God has
made them conscience for their brethren, or put forth their finite hand in a patronizing manner to
control the Lord's delegated workers, thus endangering the safety of the Lord's heritage as well
as their own, and retarding the work of God. God does not confine Himself to one man, or to a
set of men, through whom to accomplish His work, but says of all, Ye "are laborers together with
God." This means that every believing soul should have a part to act in His sacred work, and
every individual believer in Jesus Christ is to manifest to the world a symbol of Christ's
sufficiency, to represent to His church the higher laws of the future immortal world, and in
obedience to the mandates of Heaven that are without a parallel, they should reveal a depth of
knowledge independent of human inventions. {TM 208.2}
61. God Orders His Work
I am grieved as I see men seeking to mark out the precise course that missionaries in far-off
lands shall pursue. We must give matters more into the hands of Him whom we profess to follow,
that He may work through His appointed agents as He shall see fit. We should not think that
everything should be brought under the jurisdiction of a few finite men, who need to look
constantly to God for wisdom or else they will make grave blunders. The Lord does not design to
have everything center in Battle Creek. [SEE APPENDIX.] He would have men stand aside, and
not feel that His work depends wholly upon them and that every question must be referred to
their judgment. It is difficult for me to express what I desire to, but in the name of the Lord I lift the
danger signal. Responsible men should fear and tremble for themselves. They should not feel
competent to run ahead of Him who has said, "Follow Me." God is not pleased that men in distant
lands should have to wait before they can venture to make a move. We should believe in the
power of the Lord to guide, for He has the ordering of His own work. He will give wisdom and
understanding to His representative men in every part of His great moral vineyard. He says, "Ye
have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth
fruit." To my brethren in Battle Creek I would say: The Lord does not need to send His orders to
His messengers in all parts of the world through Battle Creek. He does not lay this responsibility
upon all those who assume to say to His workers, "Do this," and "Thou shalt not do that." God is
dishonored when men are led to look to Battle Creek to so large a degree. {TM 212.1}
62. State conferences may depend upon the General Conference for
light and knowledge and wisdom; but is it safe for them to do this?
Battle Creek is not to be the center of God's work. God alone can fill
this place. When our people in the different places have their special
convocations, teach them, for Christ's sake and for their own soul's
sake, not to make flesh their arm. There is no power in men to read
the hearts of their fellowmen. The Lord is the only one upon whom
we can with safety depend, and He is accessible in every place and
to every church in the Union. To place men where God should be
placed does not honor or glorify God. Is the president of the General
Conference to be the god of the people? Are the men at Battle Creek
to be regarded as infinite in wisdom? When the Lord shall work upon
human hearts and human intellects, principles and practices different
from this will be set before the people. "Cease ye from man." {TM
375.2}
63. Precious light is to shine forth from the Word of God, and let no one
presume to dictate what shall or what shall not be brought before the
people in the messages of enlightenment that He shall send, and so
quench the Spirit of God. Whatever may be his position of authority,
no one has a right to shut away the light from the people. When a
message comes in the name of the Lord to His people, no one may
excuse himself from an investigation of its claims. No one can afford
to stand back in an attitude of indifference and self-confidence, and
say: “I know what is truth. I am satisfied with my position. I have set
my stakes, and I will not be moved away from my position, whatever
may come. I will not listen to the message of this messenger; for I
know that it can not be truth.” It was from pursuing this very course
that the popular churches were left in partial darkness, and that is
why the messages of heaven have not reached them. {TSS 65.1}
64. Daniel sought the Lord three times a day, in earnest prayer for wisdom and strength and courage
to carry forward the enterprise of representing the only true God in wicked Babylon. You will often
be perplexed to know what to do next; but do not get pen and paper and write your perplexities to
Battle Creek. There may be disagreement upon some points, but your Counselor is nigh. Bow
before Him, and tell Him of everything you need. Can the men in Battle Creek give you light?
They cannot understand your necessity. Because they are not on the ground, they may say No to
some things, when, had you asked of God, He would have answered, "Go forward, and I will be
with you, and give you grace." {TM 325.1}
The Lord has shown me that men in responsible positions are standing directly in the way of His
work because they think the work must be done and the blessing must come in a certain way,
and they will not recognize that which comes in any other way. My brethren, may the Lord place
this matter before you as it is. God does not work as men plan, or as they wish; He "moves in a
mysterious way His wonders to perform." Why reject the Lord's methods of working, because
they do not coincide with our ideas? God has His appointed channels of light, but these are not
necessarily the minds of any particular set of men. When all shall take their appointed place in
God's work, earnestly seeking wisdom and guidance from Him, then a great advance will have
been made toward letting light shine upon the world. When men shall cease to place themselves
in the way, God will work among us as never before. {5T 726.1}
65. Daniel sought the Lord three times a day, in earnest prayer for wisdom and strength and courage
to carry forward the enterprise of representing the only true God in wicked Babylon. You will often
be perplexed to know what to do next; but do not get pen and paper and write your perplexities to
Battle Creek. There may be disagreement upon some points, but your Counselor is nigh. Bow
before Him, and tell Him of everything you need. Can the men in Battle Creek give you light?
They cannot understand your necessity. Because they are not on the ground, they may say No to
some things, when, had you asked of God, He would have answered, "Go forward, and I will be
with you, and give you grace." {TM 325.1}
The Lord has shown me that men in responsible positions are standing directly in the way of His
work because they think the work must be done and the blessing must come in a certain way,
and they will not recognize that which comes in any other way. My brethren, may the Lord place
this matter before you as it is. God does not work as men plan, or as they wish; He "moves in a
mysterious way His wonders to perform." Why reject the Lord's methods of working, because
they do not coincide with our ideas? God has His appointed channels of light, but these are not
necessarily the minds of any particular set of men. When all shall take their appointed place in
God's work, earnestly seeking wisdom and guidance from Him, then a great advance will have
been made toward letting light shine upon the world. When men shall cease to place themselves
in the way, God will work among us as never before. {5T 726.1}
66. A strange thing has come into our churches. Men
who are placed in positions of responsibility that
they may be wise helpers to their fellow workers
have come to suppose that they were set as kings
and rulers in the churches, to say to one brother, Do
this; to another, Do that; and to another, Be sure to
labor in such and such a way. There have been
places where the workers have been told that if they
did not follow the instruction of these men of
responsibility, their pay from the conference would
be withheld. {TM 477.2}
67. Time is short, and there is a great work to be
done. If you feel no interest in the work that is
going forward, if you will not encourage medical
missionary work in the churches, it will be done
without your consent; for it is the work of God,
and it must be done. My brethren and sisters,
take your position on the Lord's side and be
earnest, active, courageous co-workers with
Christ, laboring with Him to seek and save the
lost. {8T 75.2}
68. ALL ALLEGIANCE TO GOD
• Isa 33:22 For the LORD is our
judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king; he will save
us.