November 2007

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
EDITORIAL
The month of October is one that ought to have a special place in the hearts of all of us who in these last
days claim to be part of the last-day remnant movement. This is not only because of the events that hap-
pened on October 22 1844 but also because of the event that occurred 390 years ago on October 31. The
very thought of these two days should cause us to cry out “Oh Lord Jesus, how long!”

The former, to those that read and understand the prophecies enshrined in the eighth chapter of the book
of Daniel, gives us hope that if we are faithful and true, the work being carried out on our behalf will not
find us weighed and wanting on the judgment scales. Given that Christ is Omnipotent, Illimitable and
Omniscient He surely does not need the 163 years that have elapsed since His entrance into the Holy of
Holies in order to judge the world and we should therefore redeem the time for His coming is at Hand.

I venture that most of us are unaware of the significance of the latter date. It is a date which marks the
beginnings of the protestant reformation in Germany under Martin Luther. As we look around us and
understand the fulfillment of Isaiah 4:1 “In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying; We
will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy name, to take away our re-
proach”, we ought to be asking ourselves the question, are we truly still Protestants? As we peer at the
numerous denominations churned out as a result of this great movement we ought to ask ourselves
whether or not we are eating of the Bread of Life or, if like Israel of old in the wilderness, we have begun to
despise the Manna from above. As we gaze into the future whilst reflecting on this momentous date we
ought to inquire of ourselves, “How is it with my heart” and frankly assess whether we walk as those living
in view of eternity. Ask yourself, dear reader, whether you will be dressed in the apparel of the righteous-
ness of Christ at his appearing or whether your sins will strip you of your garments and leave you, like
Adam and Eve, on the run due to the shame of your nakedness. INSIDE THIS ISSUE

As we look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Editorial ..................................... …..1

Christ, we should be eager to return to the basics of the reformation which were intricately tied in with a What Would Jesus Do ............... .….2
belief in the uniformity and immutability of the Bible. We ought to fully embrace the entire Bible as iner- A Few of my Favourite Things….....3
rant and as our rule of faith in all matters. We ought to discard new fanciful ways of interpreting the Bible Remember Thy Creator ............. …..4
in order to make it accommodate to fallen man and instead ensure that it is a fount of knowledge from Lift up Your Heads..................... …..6
which man gains a knowledge of the Rock upon which they must be broken. We ought to stand firm on a 2000 Years of Sabbath Keepers…...7
plain “Thus saith the Lord”, even when those that practice science falsely so -called come up with cun-
Contact Details ........................... …..7
ningly devised fables to lead us astray. We ought to pray daily that the Holy Spirit pour out understanding
into out sin-dulled brains that we may fully comprehend and discern the riches of His Word.

As we with patience wait for our Master to return, my prayer is that we may remember the lessons from
the past and remember from whence we have come. As we draw closer and closer to facing great tribula-
tion and trials may the lessons and faith of those that have trod the path of faith before us be so etched in
our consciences that we will not only be willing to stand though the heavens fall but like Luther, when
facing certain death be willing to say

“Since your most serene majesty and your high mightiness require from me a clear, simple and precise
answer, I will give you one and that is this: I cannot submit my faith either to the pope or to the councils,
because it is clear as the day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore
I am convinced by the testimony of scripture or by the clearest reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means
of the passages I have quoted, and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the Word of God. I
cannot and will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I
can do no other; may God help me. Amen.”
 WHAT WOULD JESUS DO PART 2...BY THANDI NKOMO

Acceptable Films
Last month we began the first part of this article by stating:
Industrial Pictures.—Pictures showing processes of manu-
―We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall
facture, lumbering, mining. oil production, etc.
forget the way the Lord has led us and his teaching in our
Scenic.—Pictures of national or other parks, natural scen-
past history." Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, 196 Our pio-
ery etc
neers were very definite when it came to which amusements
Travelogues.—Pictures of other countries, their national
were appropriate for God‘s
habits, customs, (excluding scenes that may have a corrupt-
people. They were definite
ing influence).
for God Himself had told His
Nature and Wild Life.—Pictures of the Forest Service, and
prophet what He approved of
animal life. The life development of insects, plants, fishes,
and what would lead us up-
birds, and animals (excluding those which emphasize cru-
wards. And of course in the
elty).
beginning, we were all of one
Art and Archeology.—(Excluding films that portray inde-
accord on the issue. It was as
cent and corrupt art.)
obvious to them as not eating
Newsreels and Current History.—(Excluding films which
pork is to us. So what hap-
are contrary to our recognized standards.)
pened? Why did we suddenly
Educational Films.—Films which impart information and
stop doing what Jesus would
teach truth in any branch of learning.
do? How did it happen?
Pictures of Places.—Those associated with historical inci-
dents.
1935 - The Autumn Council Recommends Disfellow-
Our denominational work and activities
shiping Movie and Theater goers:
We appeal to our ministers, our workers, our people every-
where, to keep their feet in the ―old paths,‖ and not to re-
move the ―ancient landmarks‖ of this message.
In cases where members of the churches hold bridge or
similar card parties in their homes, or frequent such gather-
ings in other places; or have dances in their homes or attend
them elsewhere; or frequent shows in theaters or movie
houses, we recommend that faithful labor be put forth to
reclaim such individuals from the errors of their way; but if
this proves unsuccessful, that they be dismissed from
church membership. —Review, December 5, 1935.

Firstly, He would shun such en- Unacceptable Films

tertainment, and secondly, He Films portraying Christ and inspired men.
Pictures portraying romantic love‑making.
would lift up His voice like a Films portraying scenes which are contrary to Seventh-day
trumpet, warning those He loves Adventist standards and ideals, such as popularized danc-
ing, card playing, gambling, drinking, etc.
of the inherent dangers of such Films portraying crime or glorifying criminals.
programmes (and music videos). Films portraying scenes of violence or cruelty, such as prize
fighting.
Films which lower esteem for the sanctity of marriage by
portraying family disruptions, or ridiculing home life and
A list was even made of acceptable and unacceptable films home relationships.
and if we had stuck to such, I believe our churches would Films portraying scenes of night life, drinking, carousing,
gaiety, revelry, rowdiness.
have more young people attending them.
Films portraying scenes of smoking as a social activity.

2
 Films which by ridicule, suggestive insinua- Something needs to be done. Something that Jesus would have
tion, or crude comedy, lower in the estima- done were He on this earth today. Firstly, He would shun such
tion of the observer, religion or the ministry,
or the dignity of human personality, or law
enforcing agencies

Films of a scientific or historical character which

blend misrepresentation of facts with the actual.
Popularized historical films which distort facts of history and
pervert truth, or which present scenes of cruelty and bloodshed.
(Gladiator) —Review, April 18, 1940

It was the rule in our church schools that no acting would be

done on concert evenings etc. That God had shown that the
only acceptable ‗concert‘ it would be purely singing, no acting,
but oh how that has changed with the prevailing worldliness in
our church. Nowadays you here of ‗our‘ very own Hillcrest
school (a junior school no less) teaching the children songs
entertainment, and secondly, He would lift up His voice like a
from, and making them perform the movie Grease! Not exactly
trumpet, warning those He loves of the inherent dangers of
Christian, not exactly pure and innocent. Here is a quote done
such programmes (and music videos). It‘s not too late for us to
by a youngster after watching the movie. ―I liked like every-
stop watching such nonsense and it‘s not too late to decide
thing in the whole movie! I love the soundtrack! Although the
never to expose our little ones to it either. Phil 4:8 ―Finally,
people aren't all that good looking. The story line was ok! But
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
the smoking idea and sex referral. Is awful. Even if it is funny.
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
But the movie is a classic. And it is interesting and I may be
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
picky. But they should have a notice after or before the movie
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
not to copy the thing that were happening in the movie. Like
on these things.‖ And the same can be said of the reading of
the racing, smoking, getting pregnant when not married, and
fiction- novels and poetry. May we allow our Father to lead
piercing peoples ears with a needle. How dangerous. Any how
our thoughts ever upwards.
the movie over all was ok!‖

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS…..BY KHONA VENA

Chewy, tangy, saucy, creamy, great in salads and tops up any and milked, the cream is separated from the milk and then is later
possibly every dish the human mind can think of. Can you imagine added back in order to get the fat content to the required level. Af-
a salad sandwich or a ter this is done the milk is then pasteurized.
pizza or a toasted sand-
Next in the process is the curdling. In this process rennet, an en-
wich without cheese?
zyme (active enzyme being rennin) extracted from calves‘ stom-
Or picture macaroni
achs, is added to the milk.
cheese – without the
This separates the curd
cheese! Imagine those
from the whey. Added cul- The effect of
lovely roasted vegeta-
bles without that
tures convert lactose (milk
sugar) into lactic acid and
cheese is deleteri-
smooth, creamy cheese
sauce. You just can‘t
produce enzymes, which
will give the cheese its spe-
ous. HL p94
live without it right?
cific flavour and texture.
Wrong!
When the whey, which contains most of the lactose, is drained out,
Cheese comes in differ-
the curd is left and is then pressed together and placed in various
ent shapes, sizes, tastes, odours and even different progressions of
sized containers and left to mature. The longer it is left, the harder
mould; with some cheeses having to be eaten by maggots, which
the cheese is, and the shorter it is left, the softer it is. At this stage
then lay their eggs in the cheese before it can be said to be ―good‖
some cheeses are sprayed with mould, which would eat its way
cheese! But… that‘s another story altogether.
through the cheese and give it a certain flavour. Have I whet your
Cheese is a dairy product, which, in its basic form, is curdled milk taste buds yet?
of sheep, goats, cows or other mammals. When this animal is
3
 Cheese is not only
acidic, but it is also
high in fat and what
it essentially is, is
controlled decay.
This block of choles-
terol that is so loved
and freely used, we
are told by the
prophet of the Lord,
should never be in-
troduced into the
stomach. Ellen White
also writes in Manu-
script Releases vol. 7
(348.2) that cheese, as well as other articles of food, certainly
corrupt the blood, bring disease and suffering and pervert dis-
cernment.
Cheese is still more objectionable; it is wholly
unfit for food. MH p302
God has told us in Leviticus 17:11 ―For the life of the flesh is in
the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an
atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an
MARANATHA
atonement for the soul.‖ If the life of the flesh is in the blood and
REMEMBER THY CREATOR...SOP COMPILATION
Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth while the evil
days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I
have no pleasure in them. Eccl 12:1
Christ is our pattern; His life was an ex-
ample of good works. He was a man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief. He
wept over Jerusalem because they would
not be saved by accepting the redemption
which He offered them.
They would not come to Him that they
might have life. Compare your course of
life with that of your master, who made so
great a sacrifice that you might be saved.
He frequently spent the entire night upon
the damp ground in agonising prayer. You
are seeking your own pleasure. Listen to
the vain, frivolous conversation; hear the laugh, the jesting, the
joking.
Is this imitating the pattern? Still listen – is Jesus mentioned? Is
the truth the theme of conversation? Are the speakers glorying in
the cross of Christ? It is this fashion, that bonnet, that dress, what
4
eating cheese corrupts the blood… does it not then mean that
eating cheese corrupts our very life?
Our blood is the medium through which nutrients are sent all
over our bodies. It is our blood that gives us life. We cannot af-
ford to corrupt this precious gift that God
Cheese
has given to us. We are living in the last
days where discernment is so needed in should never
order for us not to be trapped by Satan‘s
be introduced
snares.
We cannot allow a moment of pleasure, into the stom-
even the pleasure derived from eating ach. 2T p. 68
cheese, to pervert our discernment lest we
make the wrong choices and lose salvation all because we could
not turn down at article of food that is injurious to our very life.
Not just our present life, but our life eternal.
That to me is enough to take cheese off my list of favourite
things… how about you?
God says in 3 John verse 2: ―Beloved, I wish above all things
that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul pros-
pereth.
God wishes above all things that we may be in health. Allow His
will to be done in your life that you may grant God His wish…
prosper and be in health.
that young man said, or that young lady said, or the amusements
they are planning. What glee! Are angels attracted and pressing
close around them to ward off the darkness which Satan is press-
ing upon and around them? Oh, NO. See,
they turn away in sorrow. I see tears upon
the faces of these angels. Can it be that an-
gels of God are made to weep? It is even so.
Eternal things have little weight with the
youth. Angels of God are in tears as they
write in the roll the words and acts of pro-
fessed Christians. Angels are hovering
around yonder dwelling. The young are
there assembled; there is the sound of vocal
and instrumental music. Christians are gath-
ered there. But what is that you hear? It is a
song, a frivolous ditty, fit for the dance hall.
Behold the pure angels gather their light
closer around them, and darkness envelops those in that dwelling.
The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon their coun-
tenances. Behold, they are weeping. This I saw repeated a number
of times all through the ranks of Sabbath keepers and especially in
…………
 Music has occupied the hours which should have been devoted
to prayer. Music is the idol which many professed Sabbath-
keeping Christian‘s worship. Satan has no objection to music if
he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the
minds of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that will di-
vert the mind from God and engage the time which should be
diverted to his service. He works through the means which will
exert the strongest influence to hold the largest numbers in a
pleasing infatuation while they are paralysed by his power.
When turned to good account music is a blessing; but it is often
made one of Satan‘s most attractive agencies to ensnare souls.
When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and
folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it
is a terrible curse. Young persons assemble to sing, and, al-
though professed
Christians, frequently dishonour God and their faith by their
frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Sacred music
is not congenial to their taste. I was directed to the plain teach-
ings of God‘s word which have been passed by unnoticed. In the
judgment all these words of inspiration will condemn those who
have not heeded them.
No one who has an indwelling saviour will dishonour him be-
fore others by producing strains from a musical instrument
which call the mind from God and heaven to light and trifling
things.
The young want just what they have not; namely, religion. Noth-
ing can take the place of this. Profession alone is nothing.
Names are registered upon the church books upon earth, but not
in the book of life.
I a blessing not only to themselves, but to those for whom they
Christ rejoices when the thoughts of the young are occupied by
saw that there is not one in twenty of the youth who knows what the grand and ennobling themes of salvation. He enters the
experimental religion is. They serve themselves and yet profess hearts of all such as an abiding guest, filling them with joy and
to be servants of Christ; but unless the spell which is upon them peace.
be broken, they will soon realise that the portion of the trans-
gressor is tears. Gatherings for social intercourse can be made in
the highest degree profitable and instructive when those who
meet together have the love of God glowing in their hearts,
when they meet to ex-
change thoughts in re-
gard to the word of
God, or to consider
methods for advancing
His word, and doing
good to their fellow
men.
When nothing is said or
done to grieve the Holy
Spirit of God but it is
regarded as a welcome
guest, then God is hon-
oured, and those who
meet together will be
refreshed and strength-
ened.
―Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another;
and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remem-
brance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord,
and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith
the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.‖
The older students decided to follow this suggestion. They had
evening meetings for studying the scriptures together. They
worked first of all for one another and as a result of the Bible
studies among themselves, a number of the unconverted were
won to the truth. And the effort in behalf of the neighbours was
laboured.
Those who went out to work for the neighbours were instructed
to report any case of sickness they might find; and those who
had had training in giving treatment to the sick were encouraged
to use their knowledge in a practical way. To work for the Mas-
ter came to be regarded as Christ-like recreation.
Christ lived a life of toil and sacrifice for us, and can we not
deny ourselves for Him? Are not the atonement He has made for
us and the righteousness He waits to give us themes worthy of
occupying our minds?
If the youth will draw from the storehouse of the Bible the treas-
ures it contains, if they will meditate on the pardon, peace, and
everlasting righteousness that crown a life of self-denial, they
will have no desire for the questionable excitement of amuse-
ment.
5
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS
―
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all work for the common good, the Holy Father turned his attention
these things be fulfilled.‖ to "a specific area" which "stimulates Catholics to question
themselves: that of the relationship between religion and poli-
The world will soon join together in condemning faithful Sab- tics.‖
bath-keepers as heretics and dissidents. Many Western governments operate on the principle of the sepa-
The only group that will be attacked globally, will be the small ration of Church and State and the Pope explained that Jesus of-
remnant of Israel. Everyone else will be allied under the banner fers a way to live that respects both entities. ―The absolute nov-
of the papacy-the devil‘s tool to destroy God‘s commandment- elty brought by Jesus is that He opened to way to a freer and
keeping people. The ecumenical movement is spreading it‘s more human world, with full respect for the distinction and
wings and no-one could ever have imagined that some of the fol- autonomy that exists between what is of Caesar and what is of
lowing events would ever transpire-unless they were Bible schol- God," Benedict XVI said
ars of course.
Comment: John, in vision, was shown a beast power at the end
All Roads Lead To Rome of time that was unique in that it was a religio-political power.
We have known for a long time the role that the Vatican plays in
Almost a year after Ratzinger caused outrage in the Muslim fulfilling this prophecy but as we can see a ―call to arms‖ to the
world with his comments ―More than 130 Muslim scholars have ―faithful‖ is coming from the top that they may ready their gov-
written to Pope Benedict and other Christian leaders urging ernments for the final push wherein shall be seen the true might
greater understanding between the two faiths. of the final beast power. The dignitaries of church and State will
unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sun-
They say that world peace could depend on improved relations day. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive
between Muslims and Christians. The enactments.‖ GC88, p 592
letter identifies similarities in both
religions, such as the requirements to China Listens
accept only one god and live in peace
with one's neighbours. It also insists News: A new Roman Catholic bishop of Beijing has been conse-
that Christians and Muslims worship crated in the Chinese capital, the first for over 50 years to have
the same god.‖ tacit approval of the Pope. Fa-
ther Joseph Li Shan, 42, was
News: Vatican witnessed an unprecedented event today as the made bishop at a ceremony in a
Pope received the first delegation to ever come from the Men- cathedral near Tiananmen
nonite World Conference. Benedict XVI welcomed the group Square.
which split from the Catholic Church in the 16th century and His predecessor was appointed
noted that they are to be commended for their longstanding wit- by the government-controlled
ness to peace. Catholic Church without con-
"The Mennonites are part of the Anabaptist tradition of the Ref- sulting the Vatican. China sev-
ormation," explains a communiqué issued by the Pontifical ered ties with the Vatican in
Council for Promoting Christian Unity. "To use a modern term, 1951, amid anger at the Vatican's recognition of Taiwan. How-
the Mennonites could be described today as pacifists.‖ ever, a recent letter from the Pope led to thawing of bilateral re-
lations, correspondents say.
Comment: What power is working behind the scenes to bring
these people whose beliefs are inimical to those of Rome, back to Comment: Given that it is but a few months since the Pope
Mother? What is going on behind the scenes to allow the Men- wrote to catholics in China about it‘s appointment of renegade
nonites, their forefathers blood (the Anabaptists) still dripping bishops, it seems that those in power have listened!
from the hands of Rome to seek those self-same hands?
Final Thought
Echoes From The Dark Ages
As time draws to an end, we see changes that those who are historians
News: ―In a letter Pope Benedict XVI wrote to Archbishop An- would never have imagined. Prophecy is hastening to be fulfilled. The
gelo Bagnasco on the occasion of the 45th Social Week of Italian hellish fires are being kindled and soon the very ones who are now unit-
Catholics, the pontiff declared that the Church has a role to play ing in ‗peace‘ will unite to make war against the lovers of truth. I pray
in the political realm. that we will work even faster to read and understand truth so we can
At the end of his letter, which deals with the need for people to stand when the evil one has his soldiers arrayed against us.

6

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
While the contributors of
this newsletter are SDA’s
that attend Mowbray
Church, the views expressed
herein do not necessarily
reflect the views held by the
leadership of the church.
2000 YEARS OF SABBATH KEEPERS
“Alexandria and Rome, two of the most prominent cities in the Roman empire, instituted the
tradition of Sunday Keeping early in the third (fourth?) century. But their innovation was far
from universally accepted.
In the plains of Piedmont, at the base of the Italian Alps, the church of the Vaudois (later called
Waldensians) reverenced the Seventh-day Sabbath in the back yard of the Roman power. For
over 1,200 years the apostolic faith radiated from the mountains in streams of missionaries and
martyrs. 800 years of persecution finally reduced the Waldensians to a few fugitives who fled to
the bulwark of Protestantism for survival. But here they were required to give up their
―Waldensian Heresy‖ or be left at the mercy of the Romanists.
But that was not the end of Sabbatarian Christians. The deacon Philip that had taught the Ethio-
pian Eunuch took the gospel to Northern Africa and established the longest surviving group of
Sabbatarians—the Abyssinian church. While it escaped the notice of the Papal see throughout
the middle ages, the apostolic church of England (known as the Celtic church) was not so fortu-
nate. Saint Patrick of Ireland, the most famous of ancient Sabbath Keepers, is reverenced as an
honored member of a church he neither respected nor recognized. The Celtic church, far from
being subject to Rome, maintained an evangelical independence until it was decimated by the
Danes. That ruthless tribe, after murdering the Celts, soon converted to the more magnificent
rituals of the Catholic church. Unable to change the love of the Irish people for Patrick, the Ro-
man authorities took the easier route, centuries after his death, of fabricating the legends that
posthumously ―converted‖ him. Ages of oppression interspersed with martyrdoms brought an
end to Celtic Sabbath-keeping in the thirteenth or fourteenth century.
The church of the East, thousands of miles further from Rome, fared better. Marco Polo re-
ported faithful observance of the Seventh day in the regions of China and Mongolia. The Saint
Thomas Christians of India, separated from Europe by a thousand years of darkness and super-
stition also obeyed the fourth commandment. A natural catastrophe, known in Chinese History
as the sifting sands, overwhelmed the Christian cities in northwest China, while Tamerlane used
Islam to extinguish all but a small remnant of Christianity throughout the rest of the land. Like
the Celtic church before them and the Waldensian church soon after them, the Chinese church
fell to Roman oppression only when on the brink of extinction. Portuguese Jesuits convinced the
Chinese officials to put an end to the ancient faith, and established schools to re-educated the
Chinese children in the ways of Roman Christianity. Interestingly, the Chinese soon realized
their mistake in befriending the Jesuits. All foreigners were expelled, and China retreated from
international affairs.
Thus, by the dawn of the 19th century, the ancient Sabbath-keeping Christianity had been dis-
banded from Western Europe to Eastern Asia. But the Abyssinian Christians still remained.
When Pope made his pact with Mussolini in 1929 the Vatican was formed, and Rome had civil
power again for the first time since 1798. A few years later Mussolini made an attack on Ethio-
pia, massacring the Abyssinians, and bringing an effectual end to the last apostolic Sabbath
Keeping group. But the Seventh-day Adventist church had already established itself in every
continent as a defender of the ―faith once delivered unto the saints.‖
Contact Information:
+27(0)21 556 9971 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575
poh@itshe.com  PO Box 34197, Rhodes Gift, 7007, Cape Town, South Africa