New Moon Meeting: September 2006, 3:04 EST
Preparing The Camp

 

Zahakiel: So is everyone active? :)

 

All: Yes.

 

Zahakiel: Okay.  Luke, please offer the opening prayer.

 

Qinael: Our dear Heavenly Father,

 

We thank you for this day which You have set aside for our growth, our sanctification, and our continued and growing unity, both with You and one another.

 

We thank you for this visible reminder of our dependence upon you for our life and sustenance, and we thank you that it is so, that you have covenanted to bind yourself to us eternally.

 

We ask that your Spirit attend to us in this meeting, and open our understanding, that it may be full. In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.

 

Rita: Amen

Happy Rock: Amen.

Pastor “Chick”: Amen.

Guerline: Amen.

Kevin: Amen.

Kimberly: Amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Crystle: Amen.

 

Zahakiel: This month’s meeting is going to be very different than those we have previously had.  In the past, I have taken a subject that I felt was important to the Church as a whole, or some individuals in attendance, and discussed it using the Bible and, sometimes, support from the writings of Ellen White.  Since the New Moon meetings are primarily for the Church, I have not felt restricted in using the Spirit of Prophecy writings, although I usually avoid them in my other writings unless I specify that I am writing from an Adventist perspective.

 

This meeting is going to be at the other extreme from most of my writings, which are geared towards as general an audience as possible.  This meeting, specifically, is for those of us who will be attending the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles in Guys.  Of course, everyone here, even those who are not going to make it, and those who receive notice of the transcripts by email, can greatly benefit from what is being shared, because they will know what to expect when they are among the representatives of the Kingdom on earth.

 

This is going to be a very Ellen-White-heavy study.  Ordinarily I feel that it is the duty of each person to study the Testimonies for themselves but, as was the case in Mrs. White’s own day, these works have not been given the gravity they have deserved, and therefore I do not feel it is outside my duty to present them before us.  This month, with so important a time before us in both the short and long terms, we are going to look at some Spirit of Prophecy statements regarding the camp meeting.  I believe each of us, particularly those who will attend, should feel an obligation from Yahweh Himself to read the entire sections from which I will be quoting selected parts.

 

They are found mainly in Testimonies for the Church Volume Two, [2T] beginning with page 597, and Testimonies for the Church Volume Six, [6T] beginning at page 31. 

 

Rita: Okay.

 

Zahakiel: That second one in particular is a large section of Volume Six, running about fifty pages, but I urge our members especially to take note of everything that is written there.  If we had time today, we might have gone over all those pages, but I will give some of the highlights, and strongly encourage you to absorb all you can for yourself.

 

To begin, let us see the importance of these meeting times, and then we will go into some specifics.  Also, as we discuss these passages, feel free (especially the veterans of past feasts) to contribute to the conversation.

 

So then:

 

“Let all who possibly can, attend these yearly gatherings. All should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privileges which He has provided for them to become strong in Him and in the power of His grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all to Him. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast; He will be present, and will do for you that which you need most to have done.” [Testimonies for the Church Volume Two, page 600]

 

“It is important that the members of our churches should attend our camp meetings. The enemies of truth are many; and because our numbers are few, we should present as strong a front as possible. Individually you need the benefits of the meeting, and God calls upon you to number one in the ranks of truth.” [Testimonies for the Church Volume Six, page 38]

 

“The object of a camp meeting is to lead all to separate from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days exclusively to seeking the Lord. We should occupy the time in self-examination, close searching of heart, penitential confession of sins, and renewing our vows to the Most High. If any come to these meetings for less worthy objects, we hope the character of the meetings will be such as to bring their minds to the proper objects.” [2T, page 601]

 

Zahakiel: Very simply, from these first three quotes, we find both the importance, and object, of the camp meetings.  The Church has generally made camp meetings our main “outreach” effort to the community within which the Church is located.  Ironically, most of the guests actually come from out of the state, or even out of the country, but nevertheless there is usually at least one interesting visitor, and at times there have been many.  Each of these comes, new to the message and often knowing little of practical godliness; and we, who have come to meet with our brethren and experience the pleasure of fellowship, must be ever-mindful of the eyes upon us.

 

The Scriptures call believers the “salt of the earth,” (Mat 5:13) and our camp meetings may be the only “taste” of the Heavenly kingdom that some seekers have ever seen, or may ever see.  If we understand the importance, the eternal significance, of our actions toward each other and visitors during these times, what manner of behavior, and speech, will we maintain?  As the passage above says, the character of our meetings must be such as will draw the mind to everlasting themes, and present Yahshua as a Redeemer that many guests may have genuinely thought they knew, but may experience truly for the first time among His people.

 

Are there any questions so far?

 

Rita: No.

Kimberly: No.

Naraiel: No.

Qinael: I have none.

Crystle: No.

Barb: No.

Kevin: I do not have any.

Happy Rock: No.

 

Zahakiel: Never before now were the all of following words more true (and this is a long quote, so say when you are finished):

 

“The camp meeting is one of the most important agencies in our work. It is one of the most effective methods of arresting the attention of the people and reaching all classes with the gospel invitation. The time in which we live is a time of intense excitement. Ambition and war, pleasure and money-making, absorb the minds of men. Satan sees that his time is short, and he has set all his agencies at work, that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced, until probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.

 

“It is our work to give to the whole world--to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people--the saving truths of the third angel’s message. But it has been a difficult problem to know how to reach the people in the great centers of population. We are not allowed entrance to the churches. In the cities the large halls are expensive, and in most cases but few will come out to the best halls. We have been spoken against by those who were not acquainted with us. The reasons of our faith are not understood by the people, and we have been regarded as fanatics who were ignorantly keeping Saturday for Sunday.

 

“In our work we have been perplexed to know how to break through the barriers of worldliness and prejudice, and bring before the people the precious truth which means so much to them. The Lord has instructed us that the camp meeting is one of the most important instrumentalities for the accomplishment of this work.

 

[…]

 

“And our camp meetings have another object, preparatory to this. They are to promote spiritual life among our own people. The world in its wisdom knows not God. The world cannot see the beauty, the loveliness, the goodness, the holiness of divine truth. And in order that men may understand this, there must be a channel through which it shall come to the world. The church has been constituted that channel. Christ reveals Himself to us that we may reveal Him to others. Through His people are to be manifested the riches and glory of His unspeakable gift.” [6T, pages 31, 32]

 

Rita: Done.

Pastor “Chick”: Finished.

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Finished.

Crystle: Finished.

Kimberly: Done.

Naraiel: Done.

Happy Rock: Ok.

Guerline: Done.

 

Zahakiel: It was difficult indeed to select which passages to include, and which to leave out of this brief study today.  I am comforted that the faithful will follow my advice and read all of this section of Testimonies, Vol. 6, and realize that most of it applies directly to our current situation (it even has instructions about such practical matters as the setting-up tents, and avoiding business meetings during these times if possible); but even so, I found so much of value when preparing the notes that I was faced with some difficult editing decisions.

 

In the passage above we find again the two-fold blessing of evangelism.  It has the first and obvious benefit of reaching the lost and acquainting them with the Savior.  This is fulfillment of the very commission from Christ, “And He said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15)  It has the second object of encouraging the spirit of service and self-sacrifice among those of the Church.  The preparation of the site for camp meetings is not an easy one, nor is the work of maintaining it in a healthy and clean environment throughout a week of heavy use.  Evangelism in general is work that takes time, dedication, and a true heart for others, and the times of the convocation are no exception.

 

Let our guests depart at the end of the time, able to say of us what Paul said of the faithful brethren in the Macedonian congregations, “For to their power, [i.e., ability] I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2Cor 8:3-5)

 

Rita: So be it.

 

Zahakiel: We must labor, not as others would hope (expect) but beyond what they would dare to hope, that they should receive the gift.  Paul there was speaking specifically of funds, but Ellen White above (and we, now) speak of the gift in this particular context as eternal life.

 

“There are many in the same condition as was Nathanael. They are prejudiced and unbelieving because they have never come in contact with the special truths for these last days or with the people who hold them, and it will require but attendance upon a meeting full of the Spirit of Christ to sweep away their unbelief. No matter what we have to meet, what opposition, what effort to turn souls away from the truth of heavenly origin, we must give publicity to our faith, that honest souls may see and hear and be convinced for themselves. Our work is to say, as did Philip: ‘Come and see.’” [6T, page 38]

 

Happy Rock: Amen.

 

Zahakiel: “At these gatherings we must ever remember that two forces are at work. A battle unseen by human eyes is being waged. The army of the Lord is on the ground, seeking to save souls. Satan and his host are also at work, trying in every possible way to deceive and destroy. The Lord bids us: ‘Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ Ephesians 6:11,12. Day by day the battle goes on. If our eyes could be opened to see the good and evil agencies at work, there would be no trifling, no vanity, no jesting or joking. If all would put on the whole armor of God and fight manfully the battles of the Lord, victories would be gained that would cause the kingdom of darkness to tremble.” [6T, page 41]

 

These two quotes show what we will be up against, and why.  Because Satan knows that these feast times are the best chance some have to escape his power, he will (and has done so in the past) concentrate his forces on our little gathering.  Do not let the above statements give you the impression that the week is filled with sadness or undue caution; camp meetings are a time of great joy.  At the same time, we must not let the “rejoicing before Yahweh,” (Lev 23:40) allow us to lower our guard.

 

Rita: Amen!

 

Zahakiel: The responsibility, by the way, is not merely on the ministers to ensure the holy atmosphere of the campgrounds.  Right after that paragraph quoted above we find this key concept:

 

“None of us should go to the camp meeting depending on the ministers or the Bible workers to make the meeting a blessing to us. God does not want His people to hang their weight on the minister. He does not want them to be weakened by depending on human beings for help. They are not to lean, like helpless children, upon someone else as a prop. As a steward of the grace of God, every church member should feel personal responsibility to have life and root in himself. Each one should feel that in a measure the success of the meeting depends upon him. Do not say: ‘I am not responsible. I shall have nothing to do in this meeting.’ If you feel thus, you are giving Satan opportunity to work through you. He will crowd your mind with his thoughts, giving you something to do in his lines. Instead of gathering with Christ, you will scatter abroad.” [6T, page 41]

 

Each one of us should be praying for the success of the meeting, in terms of receiving personal blessings, and in blessing whatsoever new visitors we encounter.  Before I had settled on this topic for the September study, I had been planning on presenting a discussion about the Christian’s “sphere of influence.”  I may do so next month, but one of the main points I am to make is that our sphere of influence begins small… with only ourselves.  And as we are faithful in little things… self-denial, suppression of worldly appetite, so our sphere increases to our near acquaintances, and then to our community, and so on.  It is true that we cannot always give Bible studies, or speak about Gospel topics in every company, but the feast days provide a time and an environment in which we can see just how powerful our influence can be in a direct way.  Let us not waste this precious opportunity.

 

Zahakiel: The subjects to be covered should largely dwell upon character building, and perfecting the ministerial work.  This was said in Ellen White’s day; how much more, then should it be the case with us, “upon whom the ends of the world are come?” (1Cor 10:11)

 

“Transformation of character is to be the testimony to the world of the indwelling love of Christ. The Lord expects His people to show that the redeeming power of grace can work upon the faulty character and cause it to develop in symmetry and abundant fruitfulness.” [6T, page 43]

 

“Properly conducted, the camp meeting is a school where pastors, elders, and deacons can learn to do more perfect work for the Master. It should be a school where the members of the church, old and young, are given opportunity to learn the way of the Lord more perfectly, a place where believers can receive an education that will help them to help others.

 

[…]

 

“Parents who come to camp meeting should take special heed to the lessons given for their instruction. Then, in the home life, by precept and example, let them impart these lessons to their children. As they thus strive to save their children from the corrupting influences of the world, they will see an improvement in their families.

 

[…]

 

“Help all to see that as receivers of the grace of Christ they are under obligation to work for Him. And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God.”  [6T, page 49]

 

Zahakiel: There are some who have been among us that have not fully grasped the Victory.  Many have left, saying, “It is impossible.”  But what is the testimony of the labor?  Have all taken the grace that they have been given, and shared it with others?  Have they begun to labor for the Kingdom?  Often the multitude (we spoke of them in a previous meeting) are focused on some weakness or repeated error, saying, “I keep trying to overcome, but I cannot.”  The answer is here, and is illustrated dramatically every camp meeting: the more we forget self and minister to others, even if it is just in our own personal space, the less vulnerable we are to temptation… we simply do not have time to listen to Satan’s suggestions if we are actively involved in productive labor.

 

In the camp meetings we may learn how to be useful evangelists in the home, in the local community – the sections I quoted above contain statements about our “local churches” although that has little applicability to the current CSDA condition.  Nevertheless, the principle comes through loud and clear.  In the camp meetings, we are to learn not only what blessings Yahweh has for us, but what blessings we are to take to others.

 

Rita: Yes.

 

Zahakiel: Are there any questions so far?

 

Rita: No.

Qinael: I have none.

Happy Rock: No.

Barb: No.

Crystle: I have none.

Naraiel: None.

 

Zahakiel: Here is something I considered most valuable when I read it, for I believe we should to do more of this than we have previously done:

 

“Those who labor at camp meetings should frequently engage together in prayer and counsel, that they may labor intelligently. At these meetings there are many things that demand attention. But the ministers should take time to meet together for prayer and counsel every day.

 

[…]

 

“Before giving a discourse, ministers should take time to seek God for wisdom and power. In earlier times the ministers would often go away and pray together, and they would not cease until the Spirit of God responded to their prayers. Then they would return from the place of prayer with their faces lighted up; and when they spoke to the congregation, their words were with power. They reached the hearts of the people because the Spirit that gave them the blessing prepared hearts to receive their message.” [6T, page 50]

 

Kimberly: I sense there is going to be a very special blessing attending this camp meeting.

 

Zahakiel: I believe so, yes.

 

Rita: I know so.

 

Zahakiel: Now in the following we have done well:

 

“Do not immediately follow one discourse with another, but let a period of rest intervene, that the truth may be fastened in the mind, and that opportunity for meditation and prayer may be given for both ministers and people. Thus there will be growth in religious knowledge and experience.

 

“Keep the mind concentrated on a few vital points. Do not bring unimportant ideas into your discourses. God would not have you think that you are impressed by His Spirit when you fly from your subject, bringing in foreign matters that have no connection with your text. By wandering from straight lines, and bringing in that which calls the mind off the subject, you lose your bearing, and weaken all that you have previously said. Give your hearers pure wheat, thoroughly winnowed.” [6T, page 56]

 

In the past few camp meetings we have taken a chapter of The Two Temples per day; in the spring we use the first half that deals with personal development, and in the fall Feasts we use the second half that discusses growth as a group.  The chapters are not very long, and in fact we read the entire chapter each day in the half-hour devotional period in the morning.  Then, for the meeting times in the morning and afternoon we meet and discuss the questions raised by the chapters interactively.  This interaction keeps the attention fixed on the topic, and provides only a few key concepts to contemplate each day.  In the earlier camp meetings, before this workbook was written, we would likewise pick a single theme, and study it from different angles throughout the week.

 

Zahakiel: Now that we have seen the importance of the time, and the content, let us see what the force of our teaching must resemble.  I will post another series of paragraphs, and let me know when you are finished with them:

 

“The most determined efforts should be made to arouse the people. Let all see that you are in earnest because you have a wonderful message from heaven. Tell them that the Lord is coming in judgment, and that neither kings nor rulers, wealth nor influence, will avail to ward off the judgments soon to fall. At the close of every meeting, decisions should be called for. Hold fast to those interested, until they are confirmed in the faith.

 

[…]

 

“Invite all who are not satisfied that they are prepared for Christ’s coming, and all who feel burdened and heavy-laden, to come apart by themselves. Let those who are spiritual converse with these souls. Pray with and for them. Let much time be spent in prayer and close searching of the word. Let all obtain the real facts of faith in their own souls through belief that the Holy Spirit will be imparted to them because they have a real hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Teach them how to surrender themselves to God, how to believe, how to claim the promises [...] Work disinterestedly, determinedly, with a spirit never to let go. Compel souls to come in to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

 

[…]

 

“Talk to souls in peril and get them to behold Jesus upon the cross, dying to make it possible for Him to pardon. Talk to the sinner with your own heart overflowing with the tender, pitying love of Christ. Let there be deep earnestness; but not a harsh, loud note should be heard from the one who is trying to win the soul to look and live. First have your own soul consecrated to God. As you look upon our Intercessor in heaven, let your heart be broken. Then, softened and subdued, you can address repenting sinners as one who realizes the power of redeeming love […] Christ crucified – talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win hearts. This is the power and wisdom of God to gather souls for Christ.” [6T, pages 64, 65, 66, 67]

 

Rita: Done. So wonderful... especially the part about teaching them how to surrender....

 

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Finished.

Kimberly: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Guerline: Amen. Done.

Kevin: Finished.

Happy Rock: Ok.

 

Zahakiel: Here is another area in which we have done well, and this is an instruction rendered much easier by the fact that our meetings have, thus far, been relatively small:

 

“The Lord’s servants must not only preach the word from the pulpit, but must come in personal contact with the people. When a discourse is given, precious seed is sown. But if personal effort is not made to cultivate the soil, the seed does not take root. Unless the heart is softened and subdued by the Spirit of God, much of the discourse is lost. Observe those in the congregation who seem to be interested, and speak to them after the service. A few words spoken in private will often do more good than the whole discourse has done. Inquire how the subjects presented appear to the hearers, whether the matter is clear to their minds. By kindness and courtesy show that you have a real interest in them and a care for their souls.” [6T, page 68]

 

Between services, and after the day’s formal meetings, a visitor will often find the people in little groups, or sitting in pairs, talking.  In the evenings, the campfire is usually a time where some of the day’s topics are carried over into more casual discussions, and new topics of spiritual interest are raised.  In these informal settings, some who have not spoken up during the in-house meetings have presented their questions or concerns, and their confidence has been strengthened so that the next day they do participate more freely.

 

Zahakiel: Sometimes there is controversy in the camp.  We usually get at least one “interesting” visitor, someone who sees our meetings as an opportunity to promote his or her own theology to an audience that is perceived as being open minded.  It is true that we are open to truth.  It is true; if someone with whom we do not agree wishes to speak, we try to schedule a time when they may address the congregation.  Of course, we do not compel any who are unwilling to go to attend either these meetings.  Those who are interested may go, and I have attended meetings we have scheduled with those who hold different doctrines than ourselves.

 

We are instructed how to meet controversies that take place during our discourses:

 

“In all the sermons and in all the Bible studies, let the people see that on every point a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is given for the faith and doctrines which we advocate.  This was the method of Christ’s teaching. As He spoke to the people, they would question as to His meaning. To those who were humbly seeking for light, He was always ready to explain His words. But Christ did not encourage criticism or caviling, nor should we. When men try to provoke a discussion of controverted points of doctrine, tell them that the meeting was not appointed for that purpose […] We must learn when to speak and when to keep silent, learn to sow the seeds of faith, to impart light, not darkness.” [6T, pages 68, 69]

 

This has been a practice that I have adopted in my email discussions also.

 

Rita: Very good.

 

Zahakiel: Most of us are familiar to some degree with a recent controversy we have had with some former SDA brethren in Australia who have a different view of the nature of Christ than the Church in general and the CSDA church in particular.  Pastor and I were willing to discuss this matter freely as long as those who were involved were willing to learn, but it soon became apparent that there were some who had closed their mind to the ‘Thus saith the Lord’ foundation, and instead to support various ideas would try to dissect Spirit of Prophecy statements with an unlearned scalpel, which statements we are told should not constitute elements of our doctrine anyway.

 

I was instructed by Yah at that point not to engage in any open controversy over the matter… but those who have remained willing to learn can testify that I have never avoided answering any questions on the subject if they were presented to me with the aim of learning our position better for their own edification (Christians can tell the difference).  We have simply been willing with the willing, and closed to the closed.  As Mrs. White said, “To those who were humbly seeking for light, [Christ] was always ready to explain His words.”  That is how it is with His servants.

 

Pastor, likewise, recently passed through a trial in Canada.  With some involved he spoke at length, and with others he did not, following the advice of Scripture, and being like our Father of whom it is written, “With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.” (Psalm 18:26)

 

That word froward means clever, with connotations of being crafty, maybe even deceitful.  Those who are deceitful will often see this characteristic in others with whom they have dealings, even if these others are innocent.  We actually discuss this concept of “atmospheres” in The Two Temples. When those who have deceit in their hearts ask us questions, we will answer simply, or not at all… and they come away believing in some cases that we are the “froward” ones.

 

Zahakiel: This is nothing strange.  How often do people not say, “If God is good, why did He allow this to happen?”  “If God is real, how come He has never spoken to me?”  The more closely the servants of Heaven operate according to the characteristic of Yah revealed in Psalm 18, in both the camp meetings and our personal ministration, the more progress we will make with the humble, and the more quickly we will bind up the tares of the proud.

 

“A great work is to be accomplished by our camp meetings. The Lord has specially honored these gatherings, which He has called ‘holy convocations.’ To these meetings come thousands of people, many merely from curiosity to see and hear some new thing. But as they hear the message of truth and come in contact with those who believe it, many are impressed. They see that this people are not what they have been represented. Prejudice, opposition, and indifference are swept away, and with candid interest they listen to the word spoken.” [6T, page 70]

 

Have we, as a people been misrepresented?  Most certainly, and often because of our camp meetings – especially in Adventist circles.  I recall an online study that Luke, pastor and Barb attended.  It was held by an independent Adventist group, and it was essentially a study session the group was holding in order to justify giving up the name “Seventh-day Adventist.”  A summary of the arguments they presented for this compromise, and our response, may be read in this article.

 

Zahakiel: During the course of the discussion, while our representatives were making good points about the continued importance of the name as a testimony to the world, one of the moderators broke in and essentially demanded that we “confess” to being feast keepers.  What he was doing, obviously, was trying to discredit our testimony by attacking us on an unrelated issue.  Most Adventists are not feast keepers, and therefore if we were revealed to be different than them on this point, it would be more difficult for them to take us seriously regarding the need to be Adventists in both “letter and spirit.”

 

By the way… those who think that feast keeping is not an Adventist activity simply because the early Church had not yet caught on, would do well to give the proper respect to prophetic statements, even if the speaker did not understand the full significance of what he (or, in this case, she) was saying.  Notice that in an earlier quote Ellen White called our camp meetings “holy convocations.”  It is true that at the time they were not held during the times of the annual feasts, but if we are going to go on into increasing light, we have to go back really to the Foundation, the Bible.

 

The phrase “holy convocation” appears, in a singular or plural form, eighteen times in the Scriptures.  An example: “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, ‘Concerning the feasts of Yahweh, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.’” (Lev 23:2)

 

Kimberly: EGW also used the words “feast of tabernacles” for a camp meeting held in Australia once.

 

Zahakiel: Yes, she did.

 

Now invariably, without a single exception, the phrase “holy convocation” is applied to the appointed times, either the weekly Sabbath or the annual feasts.  If we are going to hold camp meetings at all, there can be no more appropriate times than those of which Yahweh Himself has said, “these are my feasts.”

 

If any would object to us calling these camp meetings “feasts,” we have often pointed to Mrs. White’s quote that Kimberly mentioned, “Well would it be for us to have a feast of tabernacles, a joyous commemoration of the blessings of God to us as a people. As the children of Israel celebrated the deliverance that God wrought for their fathers, and his miraculous preservation of them during their journeyings from Egypt to the promised land, so should the people of God at the present time gratefully call to mind the various ways he has devised to bring them out from the world, out from the darkness of error, into the precious light of truth.” [Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, November 17, 1885]

 

If that quote was by itself, some might say, “Well, we can have our camp meetings any time we want, and just call it a ‘feast of tabernacles.’”  However, if we understand Mrs. White’s statements that our camp meetings are to be “holy convocations,” and that Biblically these are always tied to appointed times, the full import of this instruction becomes quite clear.

 

Our camp meetings are to have the names of the Biblical feasts, and they are to take place during the appointed times of the Biblical feasts.  The only things we do not do as Israel did are those activities tied to the rituals, ordinances, and sacrifices.  Ellen White rightly wrote that the Jewish rituals were to pass away at the death of Christ, and many otherwise intelligent individuals have used statements such as those to dispute our position on the feast days.  If they would understand that a ritual is not the same thing as a holy day, distinguished from each other in the Bible and even in Ellen White’s own words, then the difficulty would be cleared up.

 

Kimberly: Yes.

 

Zahakiel: But… as we have said, we are misrepresented, and the cloud of prejudice is heavy indeed.  Some men are loathe to accept any doctrine that would alter the way in which they would view the Almighty or respond in accordance with His wishes.

 

We, as His representatives, must be able to explain these things, gently, earnestly, to the many who would be with us except for the deceptions they have accepted as truth.

 

Now, a significant portion of the section from which I have been quoting is involved with the work to be done after the camp meeting is officially closed.  Much of what she wrote would not be easy for us to accomplish with our current situation… she wrote that if possible, the ministers should stay on after the time to work with those who are interested.  Unfortunately, the CSDA Church has practically no “full time” ministers who could accomplish this, and almost all of our visitors and guests are similarly employed and must return to their places of life and business.  The principle, however, is again clearly expressed:

 

“The work should not stop when the meetings on the camp ground close. Doctrines have been presented that are new and strange to the people. Those who are convicted and who desire to accept the truth, will have to meet the most determined and subtle opposition. Ministers, friends, and acquaintances will put forth every effort to catch away the seeds of truth sown in the heart. We must not leave the seed to be thus caught away. We must not allow it to wither for want of moisture.” [6T, page 74]

 

That we can do.

 

Zahakiel: Although we have time and distance working against us to some degree, we have the distinct advantage of emails and letters.  We make every effort to maintain contact with, and interest in, those who have attended, and who are open to further study.

 

The section then goes on to describe labors in other Churches, in other congregations and denominations, meeting and praying with the ministers of other flocks in an effort to acquaint them with our doctrines.  That we can also do.  The zeal inspired by the camp meetings is powerful fuel for these activities, and the message is to be spread in both the higher and lower classes.

 

As we come forth refreshed, we must seek thereafter to share the blessings we have received with those who were not fortunate enough to attend themselves, and we may hold the hope, thereby, that each camp meeting will bring new faces, and open hearts, eager to receive the latter rain from Heaven.

 

Let me end this month’s study with this most relevant quotation, and may it be the theme of our thoughts in the days between now and when we will meet:

 

“Our warfare is aggressive. Tremendous issues are before us, yea, and right upon us. Let our prayers ascend to God that the four angels may still hold the four winds, that they may not blow to injure or destroy until the last warning has been given to the world. Then let us work in harmony with our prayers. Let nothing lessen the force of the truth for this time. The present truth is to be our burden. The third angel’s message must do its work of separating from the churches a people who will take their stand on the platform of eternal truth.” [6T, page 61]

 

Are there any questions before we close?

 

Rita: No.

Qinael: I do not have any.

Guerline: No.

Naraiel: No.

Zahakiel: All right, then.  Pastor, please offer the closing prayer.

 

Pastor “Chick”: Dear Father in Heaven,

 

Thank you for providing “times of refreshing” for Your people, and those times when we may positively influence those in our “spheres of influence.”  Thank you for supervising our camp meetings and making them “spiritual feasts” indeed.

 

We ask for your Spirit to prepare each one planning to attend the up-coming Feast of Tabernacles.  May all have safe passage, and bring hearts ready to receive the Heavenly blessings.

 

Thank you for the study today, which reminds us of your will concerning these “holy convocations.” In the Holy Name of YAHshua, we pray...

 

Amen.

 

Zahakiel: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Guerline: Amen.

Rita: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Qinael: Amen.

Kevin: Amen.

Crystle: Amen.

Kimberly: And amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.