The Defense of the Truth
Tuesday - April 23, 2024
Courage to Stand - Sharing the Bible: The Waldenses
Acts 5:28-32; Ephesians 6:10-12; Revelation 3:11.
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings’ ” (Acts 5:29)
Firmly Maintain the Principle "Thus saith the Lord"
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His Word. We are to receive this Word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than human beings. God’s Word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. . . . {BLJ 61.3}
We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men
The adherents of truth are now called upon to choose between disregarding a plain requirement of God's Word or forfeiting their liberty. If we yield the Word of God and accept human customs and traditions, we may still be permitted to live among men, to buy and sell, and have our rights respected. But if we maintain our loyalty to God it must be at the sacrifice of our rights among men, for the enemies of God's law have leagued together to crush out independent judgment in matters of religious faith and control the consciences of men. . . . {LDE 141.2}
The people of God will recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment and will by precept and example teach obedience to it as a sacred duty so long as its authority is exercised within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God we must choose to obey God rather than men. The Word of God must be recognized and obeyed as an authority above that of all human legislation. "Thus saith the Lord" is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church or the state." The crown of Christ is to be uplifted above all the diadems of earthly potentates.--HM Nov. 1, 1893. {LDE 142.1}
Go, Stand and Speak all the Words of Life
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” Acts 5:29, {CTr 304.1}
In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters that are not vital points at all, and that are regarded as such only because people have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3. {CTr 304.2}
But let us follow the history of the men whom the Jewish priests and rulers thought so dangerous because they were bringing in new and strange teaching on almost every theological subject. The command given by the Holy Spirit, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of life,” was obeyed by the apostles. . . . {CTr 304.3}
Standard-Bearers Walked in the Lines of the Work of God
If those who in the past have been standard-bearers in the work of God had walked in the lines that He has marked out, they would better have honored Him and would have had increased usefulness. Some whose voices are now silent in death might have lived to warn, entreat, and advise. If those who in past years had been entrusted with large responsibilities had heeded the warnings and entreaties of the Spirit of God, they would now be walking before Him in strength and efficiency. When men educate others to rely on them and trust in them, when, by pen or voice, they dictate to others as to what they should do, they are teaching others to make flesh their arm, to give glory to human beings rather than to God. {8T 145.2}
Consider the Following
— Peter Waldo (1140-1218), a wealthy French businessman who renounced his wealth to preach Christ, founded the “Poor of Lyon” movement, known as “Waldenses.”
— What characterized the Waldenses?
(1) They were the first to have the Bible available in their own language (until then, it was only available in Latin, Greek or Hebrew).
(2) Since it was a forbidden book, they copied it in caves, hiding from the papists who besieged them.
(3) They always carried biblical portions with them that, at opportune moments, they shared with others, giving them hope and encouragement in the Lord.
(4) They preserved the biblical truths they knew for centuries. They were known for their fidelity and devotion.
(5) Entire villages were converted both in the south of France and in the north of Italy, Piedmont.
(6) Most of these villages were razed to the ground by the Papacy, and their inhabitants massacred.
