Sermon Title: “Modern Prophets and Biblical Tests” Scripture: 1Thes. 5:19-21

Applying the Tests of a True Prophet

I. Isa. 8:20 “To the law and the testimony…” A. Its interesting to hear what EG White herself says about the place of the Word… A. Its interesting to hear what EG White herself says about the place of the Word…

Applying the Tests of a True Prophet I. Isa. 8:20 “To the law and the testimony…” A. Its interesting to hear what EG White herself says about the place of the Word. A. Its interesting to hear what EG White herself says about the place of the Word. 3SM 29.2: “The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul. Then good works will be seen as light shining in darkness.-- Letter 130, {3SM 29.2}

EG White harmonizes with scripture GC vii: “In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, R.V. {GC vii.1}

EG White harmonizes with scripture EGW saw her purpose as bringing people “back to the word that they have neglected to follow” (5T 664) EGW saw her purpose as bringing people “back to the word that they have neglected to follow” (5T 664) “The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed in the Bible” (5T 663) “The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed in the Bible” (5T 663)

EG White harmonizes with scripture EGW often referred to her writings as “the lesser light to lead to the greater light [the Bible]” since people had given so little heed to the Bible. EGW often referred to her writings as “the lesser light to lead to the greater light [the Bible]” since people had given so little heed to the Bible. EGW Never set forth her writings as an equal authority to the bible or even as having an authority independent of Scripture. EGW Never set forth her writings as an equal authority to the bible or even as having an authority independent of Scripture.

EG White harmonizes with scripture Closely related to the point that the function of EGW’s writing ministry was to direct people to the bible is the idea that her mission was to help people understand the principles of the Bible. For example… Closely related to the point that the function of EGW’s writing ministry was to direct people to the bible is the idea that her mission was to help people understand the principles of the Bible. For example…

EG White harmonizes with scripture “You are not familiar with the Scriptures. If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings. {LS 198.1} “You are not familiar with the Scriptures. If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings. {LS 198.1}

The Purposes of EGW’s writings, in harmony with speaking accd to the law and the testimonies test are: 1. Exalt the Bible and lead people to it 2. To clarify the great principles of the bible for daily living so that people will have no excuse for not following its teachings. a. Her role was not to provide NEW light, but to magnify and simplify that already provided in the Bible.

The Purposes of EGW’s writings: 3. To rebuke sin and to urge obedience to the Bible. LS 200.3: If the people who now profess to be God's peculiar treasure would obey His requirements, as specified in His word, special testimonies would not be given to awaken them to their duty, and impress upon them their sinfulness and their fearful danger in neglecting to obey the word of God. Consciences have been blunted, because light has been set aside, neglected, and despised. {LS 200.3} LS 200.3: If the people who now profess to be God's peculiar treasure would obey His requirements, as specified in His word, special testimonies would not be given to awaken them to their duty, and impress upon them their sinfulness and their fearful danger in neglecting to obey the word of God. Consciences have been blunted, because light has been set aside, neglected, and despised. {LS 200.3}

The Purposes of EGW’s writings: 4. Fourth, to apply biblical principles in a modern setting: a. Topical themes: SC, DA, MB, COL b. Other counsel specific in nature: Education, Counsels on Health, etc. b. Other counsel specific in nature: Education, Counsels on Health, etc.

The Purposes of EGW’s writings: 5. Her final purpose for writing: to prepare a people of the final days of earth’s history. GC 593: “None but those who have fortified the mind of truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.

The Purposes of EGW’s writings: 1. Exalt the Bible and lead people to it 2. To clarify the great principles of the Bible for daily living so that people will have no excuse for not following its teachings. 3. To rebuke sin and to urge obedience to the Bible. 4. To apply biblical principles in a modern setting: 5. Her final purpose for writing: to prepare a people of the final days of earth’s history.

Major Themes of EGW’s writings 1. The Love of God 2. The Great Controversy 3. Jesus, the Cross, and Salvation through Him 4. Centrality of the Bible 5. The 2 nd Coming 6. The 3 rd Angel’s Message and the Adventist Mission 7. Practical Christianity & the development of Christian character

Biblical Tests of a True Prophet 1. “To the law and the testimony…” Isa.8:20 2. The Unequivocal Witness to the Divine- human nature of Jesus Christ (1Jn.4:1-3)

Biblical Tests of a True Prophet 1. “To the law and the testimony…” Isa.8:20 2. The Unequivocal Witness to the Divine- human nature of Jesus Christ (1Jn.4:1-3) 3. The Orchard Test: Know them by their fruits (Mat. 7:16, 20)

Biblical Tests of a True Prophet 1. “To the law and the testimony…” Isa.8:20 2. The Unequivocal Witness to the Divine- human nature of Jesus Christ (1Jn.4:1-3) 3. The Orchard Test: Know them by their fruits (Mat. 7:16, 20) 4. Fulfilled Predictions (Jer. 28:9, Deut. 18:22, Jer. 18:7-10 [conditional])

Other Important Evidences 1. Timeliness of message 2. Practical nature of messages 3. High spiritual plane of messages 4. Manner in which message was imparted to prophet – physical phenomena 5. The visions a definite experience – not just impressions 6. Relation of prophet to outside influences 7. Recognition by contemporaries

The Secret of Success 2 Chronicles 20:20 “… “…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”