Loma Linda Messages

Paul's Experience

We would do well to study carefully the first and second chapters of First Corinthians. “We preach Christ crucified,” the apostle declared, “unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24-28; 2:16.) LLM 231.1

Read also the third chapter of this book, and study and pray over these words. As a people our faith and practice need to be energized by the Holy Spirit. No ruling power, that would compel men to obey the dictates of the finite mind, should be exercised. “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils,” the Lord commands. By turning the minds of men to lean on human wisdom, we place a veil between God and man, so that there is not a seeing of Him who is invisible. LLM 231.2

In our individual experience we are to be taught of God. When we seek Him with a sincere heart, we will confess to Him our defects of character; and He has promised to receive all who come to Him in humble dependence. The one who yields to the claims of God will have the abiding presence of Christ, and this companionship will be to him a very precious thing. Taking hold of divine wisdom, he will escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Day by day we will learn more fully how to carry his infirmities to the One who has promised to be a very present help in every time of need. LLM 231.3

This message is spoken to our churches in every place. In the false experience that has been coming in, a decided influence is at work to exalt human agencies, and to lead some to depend on human judgment and to follow the control of human minds. This influence is diverting the mind from God. God forbids that any such experience should deepen and grow in our ranks as Seventh-day Adventists. Our petitions are to reach higher than erring man, to God ... God does not confine Himself to one place or person. He looks down from heaven upon the children of men, He sees their perplexities, and is acquainted with the circumstances of every issue of life. He understands His own work upon the human heart, and He needs not that any man should direct the workings of His Spirit. LLM 231.4

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He hears us, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.” God has appointed the angels that do His will to respond to the prayers of the meek of the earth, and to guide His ministers with counsel and judgement. Heavenly agencies are constantly seeking to impart grace and strength and counsel to God's faithful children, that they may act their part in the work of communicating light to the world. The wonderful sacrifice of Christ has made it possible for every man to do a special work. When the worker receives wisdom from the only true source, he will become a pure channel of light and blessing; for he will receive his capability for service in rich currents of grace and light from the throne of God. LLM 231.5

Ellen G. White