August - 2009
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Spiritual Hibernation - Extended Version - |
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By James Rafferty |
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Here's a question you may think you know the answer to-do bears hibernate? Hibernation is the state of reduced activity that occurs in some animals during the winter. In cold weather, most animals must eat large quantities of food to obtain the energy needed to carry on normal body activities. In winter, however, food often becomes scarce; so many animals cannot survive unless they hibernate. A hibernating animal greatly reduces normal body activities that expend energy. It survives on energy reserves, such as fat, stored in the body (1 Encarta Encyclopedia, msn.com). read more... |
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Like hibernation in the natural world, the Bible describes the fallen human family in a death-like sleep-hibernation (Ephesians 2:1-9).
Sin has brought the coldness of guilt and the scarcity of God's Word (spiritual food) into our world.
This has led the human race into a winter of sin and a "spiritual hibernation."
We live off the flesh and not the Word. And as the wintery iniquity continues, the love of many grows colder (Matthew 24:12).
In animals, hibernation typically occurs in bouts, or episodes, lasting from a few days to a few weeks depending upon the animal, body size, outside temperature and time of year. These bouts of inactivity are interspersed with brief periods of activity; the animals will increase their body temperature to a normal level. Likewise, our spiritual hibernation occurs in bouts and may be interrupted by factors like the time of year. Christmas and Easter, for example, are times of the year when many awake out of spiritual hibernation to engage in activities of good will or attend church.
Hibernation is primarily associated with animals that live in cold climates, but scientists have learned that hibernation occurs in warm-blooded animals that generate heat internally and maintain a high, relatively constant body temperature, regardless of the surrounding environment. Likewise, we often think of ourselves as warm-blooded Christians, that spiritual hibernation is for those in the world (cold climates); but many Christians (like animals living in warm climates) are in spiritual hibernation. For example, a hibernating animal's heart rate drops substantially, often to just five to ten beats per minute. Its breathing rate also decreases. Many mammals do not breathe continuously during hibernation. They have periods of apnea (absence of breathing) that can last an hour or more. Breathing is like prayer in the spiritual realm. Lack of air is lack of prayer-it manifests that we are in a death-like torpor of spiritual hibernation. A prayerless Christian is in spiritual hibernation, even though they may be in the warm climate of the church.
This leads to another spiritual insight. Did you know that hibernation is a controlled physiological state? The animal regulates all internal body changes even during the deepest torpor of hibernation. For instance, hibernating mammals continue to regulate their body temperature even as it falls, making sure that it does not drop below a certain level, known as the set point (People also have a set point often regulated by their own moral standards, rather than by the Word of God). When the set point is reached, the animal increases its metabolic rate, generating heat to keep its body temperature at or above that point. The set point differs widely among animals, and it appears to be related to both body size and the surrounding temperature. Bible prophecy predicts a controlled physiological state just before Jesus returns. It will happen when we reach a universal set point in human morality-which, when reached, will cause the entire world to wake up and enforce a controlled state religion (worship) on the masses (Revelation 13:11-18).
Scientists do not know what makes an animal periodically arouse from hibernation. Some scientists propose that torpid animals may be aroused by warmer temperatures, the need to excrete accumulated waste products in the body or to replenish lost body water. An animal's circadian rhythm, an internal biological clock with a daily cycle, may periodically arouse an animal so it can check its surroundings. Neither do scientists know what makes people arouse from spiritual hibernation. Yet, according to the Bible and personal testimony, it is the need to get rid of the accumulated waste of sin and guilt, and to replenish the body with the water of life from Jesus Christ!
Here is another interesting point about hibernation: Some animal studies indicate that as body temperature drops during hibernation, the brain waves normally present during sleep gradually diminish. The brain waves are absent altogether in a prolonged bout of hibernation. In addition, animals emerging from a bout of hibernation appear to be sleepy. These observations have led some scientists to hypothesize that animals may actually become sleep deprived during hibernation and that they arouse periodically in order to catch up on their sleep. Just like physical hibernation, brain waves (or sleep) that indicate spiritual rest are absent during spiritual hibernation. True rest of body, mind and spirit can only be found when we rest in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Only as He awakens us out of spiritual hibernation with the warmth of His love and the food of His Word can we find the spring of life.
So, do bears hibernate? Actually, that is a controversial question. The term hibernation is often used to describe any state of winter dormancy, and it is sometimes applied to bears, shrews, deer mice and other animals that are inactive in winter. But the dormancy experienced by these animals differs from hibernation. Internal body activity decreases sharply in hibernating animals, while body temperature and metabolism drop only slightly in other animals experiencing winter inactivity. Some mammals, such as brown bears, spend several months during the winter sleeping in dens without eating, a condition that resembles hibernation. But in these animals, body temperature and metabolism drop only slightly. On warmer days, they may awaken; move about in a coordinated manner and feed. Some bears even give birth during the winter. Scientists find it difficult to establish clear-cut boundaries between hibernation and these other types of dormancy.
A more important question-Are you in spiritual hibernating, or alive in Christ! Is it hard to tell? A new life in Christ makes all things new-this is post-hibernation, the spring time of the Christian - new life abounds, all things are new and we come forth to greet a new world because we now see all things through the love of God rather than through the love of the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:14-17). Knowing Jesus awakens us from spiritual hibernation. Amen.
In animals, hibernation typically occurs in bouts, or episodes, lasting from a few days to a few weeks depending upon the animal, body size, outside temperature and time of year. These bouts of inactivity are interspersed with brief periods of activity; the animals will increase their body temperature to a normal level. Likewise, our spiritual hibernation occurs in bouts and may be interrupted by factors like the time of year. Christmas and Easter, for example, are times of the year when many awake out of spiritual hibernation to engage in activities of good will or attend church.
Hibernation is primarily associated with animals that live in cold climates, but scientists have learned that hibernation occurs in warm-blooded animals that generate heat internally and maintain a high, relatively constant body temperature, regardless of the surrounding environment. Likewise, we often think of ourselves as warm-blooded Christians, that spiritual hibernation is for those in the world (cold climates); but many Christians (like animals living in warm climates) are in spiritual hibernation. For example, a hibernating animal's heart rate drops substantially, often to just five to ten beats per minute. Its breathing rate also decreases. Many mammals do not breathe continuously during hibernation. They have periods of apnea (absence of breathing) that can last an hour or more. Breathing is like prayer in the spiritual realm. Lack of air is lack of prayer-it manifests that we are in a death-like torpor of spiritual hibernation. A prayerless Christian is in spiritual hibernation, even though they may be in the warm climate of the church.
This leads to another spiritual insight. Did you know that hibernation is a controlled physiological state? The animal regulates all internal body changes even during the deepest torpor of hibernation. For instance, hibernating mammals continue to regulate their body temperature even as it falls, making sure that it does not drop below a certain level, known as the set point (People also have a set point often regulated by their own moral standards, rather than by the Word of God). When the set point is reached, the animal increases its metabolic rate, generating heat to keep its body temperature at or above that point. The set point differs widely among animals, and it appears to be related to both body size and the surrounding temperature. Bible prophecy predicts a controlled physiological state just before Jesus returns. It will happen when we reach a universal set point in human morality-which, when reached, will cause the entire world to wake up and enforce a controlled state religion (worship) on the masses (Revelation 13:11-18).
Scientists do not know what makes an animal periodically arouse from hibernation. Some scientists propose that torpid animals may be aroused by warmer temperatures, the need to excrete accumulated waste products in the body or to replenish lost body water. An animal's circadian rhythm, an internal biological clock with a daily cycle, may periodically arouse an animal so it can check its surroundings. Neither do scientists know what makes people arouse from spiritual hibernation. Yet, according to the Bible and personal testimony, it is the need to get rid of the accumulated waste of sin and guilt, and to replenish the body with the water of life from Jesus Christ!
Here is another interesting point about hibernation: Some animal studies indicate that as body temperature drops during hibernation, the brain waves normally present during sleep gradually diminish. The brain waves are absent altogether in a prolonged bout of hibernation. In addition, animals emerging from a bout of hibernation appear to be sleepy. These observations have led some scientists to hypothesize that animals may actually become sleep deprived during hibernation and that they arouse periodically in order to catch up on their sleep. Just like physical hibernation, brain waves (or sleep) that indicate spiritual rest are absent during spiritual hibernation. True rest of body, mind and spirit can only be found when we rest in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Only as He awakens us out of spiritual hibernation with the warmth of His love and the food of His Word can we find the spring of life.
So, do bears hibernate? Actually, that is a controversial question. The term hibernation is often used to describe any state of winter dormancy, and it is sometimes applied to bears, shrews, deer mice and other animals that are inactive in winter. But the dormancy experienced by these animals differs from hibernation. Internal body activity decreases sharply in hibernating animals, while body temperature and metabolism drop only slightly in other animals experiencing winter inactivity. Some mammals, such as brown bears, spend several months during the winter sleeping in dens without eating, a condition that resembles hibernation. But in these animals, body temperature and metabolism drop only slightly. On warmer days, they may awaken; move about in a coordinated manner and feed. Some bears even give birth during the winter. Scientists find it difficult to establish clear-cut boundaries between hibernation and these other types of dormancy.
A more important question-Are you in spiritual hibernating, or alive in Christ! Is it hard to tell? A new life in Christ makes all things new-this is post-hibernation, the spring time of the Christian - new life abounds, all things are new and we come forth to greet a new world because we now see all things through the love of God rather than through the love of the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:14-17). Knowing Jesus awakens us from spiritual hibernation. Amen.
If People are Hungry, Feed Them |
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By Meiring Pretorius |
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| During a recent visit to Riverside Farm Institute in Zambia, Ty Gibson was invited by Pastor Mulambo of the Central Zambia Conference to speak for an evangelistic campaign in Lusaka. God was opening the door to reach Lusaka with His love. We immediately requested Light Bearers to help us with one million sets of Bible lessons in preparation for this campaign. Praise our Father they are willing to fulfill this need as they are able. read more... | ||
The population of Lusaka is about 2.5 million people, with
an estimated housing density of one million. If we can reach one
person in each house with these Bible lessons, God will multiply
our efforts. When feeding the five thousand, Jesus told His disciples:
“Give ye them to eat” (Luke 9:13). As Jesus distributed the bread and
fish, the supply did not diminish. Jesus promised all resources to fulfill
the Great Commission and took upon Himself the responsibility
of our success; we just need to be faithful workers.
Riverside Farm has 32 Bible workers, known as “pioneers,”
who work in “un-entered” areas. The Bible lessons are used in
door-to-door ministry, for public evangelistic meetings and to start
new companies of worshipers. Since this method of evangelism
was introduced to the pioneers, the number of Bible study students have
increased as much as ten times and in some places, much more.
Here are testimonies from two pioneers:
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“My team decided to open a Bible school in an unentered village. At first it was difficult to enroll people since we only found a few in the village. During the first month we only managed to enroll seven people, for which we praised God, because they, like the demoniacs that Christ delivered, brought others to Christ. Through these seven we gained 227 students in the following month. “Currently, we have four Bible study centers with 921 students, of which, 469 have already completed the course. Through this program, we have won many souls to Christ. So far 36 people have been baptized, and 67 are almost ready. Over 300 people have accepted Christ.” | |
 By Enoch Chitalu |
“I was invited by the Dorcas Mothers to speak at their rally at a public school. The principal welcomed us warmly. The next day I took the Bible lessons to the school Master. He enrolled. I did not know that the man was a Satanist. He was not to associate himself with anything that exalted Jesus. He avoided coming to our meetings despite several invitations. “There were at work, however, silent preachers he could not avoid—the literature. He was discovering the truth. This caused war in his mind to such an extent that it influenced him physically. He was sick for two days. He then sent his wife to ask if we could pray for his deliverance. We went to pray at his house where he revealed that he was a Satanist but had decided to follow the truth. He is now preparing for baptism. Thank God for the Silent Preachers.” Please pray for us as we take up this challenge in Lusaka. | |
| As part of their practical evangelism training, the students of the Advance training class were sent out surveying the spiritual need in Lusaka, Zambia. The survey consisted of seven questions asked in a certain sequence to gain access to the hearts of people: | ||
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| Ten students were stationed at different places in the city. Each one had to interview at least 100 people. The results were astonishing. The spiritual need revealed was overwhelming. More than 90 percent of the people interviewed showed a strong desire to know more about Jesus. The students were pricked in their hearts and felt a desire to do something. “What are we going to do to satisfy this need?” they inquired. “We must respond to the call,” they urged. We pleaded with God as a team. | ||
By Friday Sinjela
| Consider This ... | Speaking Schedule | |||
The praise given by word or action to any human being is
an offense to God. Yet God will praise every individual that
keeps His commandments in truth and righteousness. It is
very human to place confidence and trust in man, but not so
readily do these same persons walk as seeing Him who is
invisible. . . .
Ellen G. White,There are so many who, when they are in trouble, . . . forget the invitations God has abundantly given, and begin to look and plan for human help. They go to human beings for aid, and this is the way in which their experience becomes feeble and confused. In all our trials we are directed to seek the Lord most earnestly, remembering that we are His property, His children by adoption. . . . God has been greatly dishonored by His people leaning upon human beings. He has not told us to do this. He has told us that He will teach us, He will guide us. We may come to Him and receive help. . . . We dishonor God by striving to get someone who we think understands our case to help us. Has He not given us His only begotten Son? Is not Christ close beside us, and will He not give us the help we need? Ellen G. White,Those who act a part in the work of God do good only because God is behind them, doing the work. Shall we then praise men, and give thanks to man, neglecting to recognize God? If we do, God will not cooperate with us. When man puts himself first and God second, he shows that he is losing his wisdom and righteousness. All that is ever done toward restoring the moral image of God in man is done because God is the efficiency of the worker. . . . It is Christ’s power alone that can restore broken-down human machinery. Everywhere and in every place let those around you see that you give God the glory. Let man be put in the shade, let God appear as the only hope of the human race. Every man must rivet his building to the eternal Rock, Christ Jesus; then it will stand amid storm and tempest. Ellen G. White,I am instructed to say that we must not look to any human being for power or experience, depending on them for strength and guidance. Christ says, “Look unto Me. I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life.” I speak to those who claim to be children of God. Is it not time that we know the Source of our strength and the Source of our power? Shall we not, from this time forward, make a record more pleasing to the Lord? Ellen G. White, |
August 1 Cottage Grove SDA Church, OR James Rafferty - (541)942-5213 August 11 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson - (541)988-3333 August 14-15 Springtown SDA Church, TX James Rafferty - springtownfortworth22@adventistchurchconnect.org August 15 Springfield SDA Church, OR Ty Gibson - (541)746-8263 August 25 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson - (541)988-3333 September 8 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson - (541)988-3333 September 12-20 Calhoun SDA Church, GA Ty Gibson - (706)629-5470 September 22 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson - (541)988-3333 September 25-27 Louisina Youth Challenge, Shreveport Ty Gibson - (318)686-8918 |
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