March 2008 Signs of the Times Email Newsletter

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The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times.

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The famous artist, William Holman-Hunt, has pictured Christ at the door of the heart. The pathway to the door is overgrown with grass and weeds and moss, the door is covered with ivy, as though long closed, and its hinges are rusty from disuse. But Jesus stands before the door with hand upraised to knock, and then He pauses to listen intently for any response. In His left hand He holds a lantern, that its gleams might enter through some crack or crevice in the door and let the one within behold Him who knocks and pleads.

There is no handle or latch on the outside of the door. It can be opened only from the inside.

A closer examination of the picture shows the light of heavenly love on the Master’s face.

O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in Thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

Yes, Jesus knocks for entrance at the door of every human heart. “Behold,” He says, “I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20—By J. W. Halliday, Signs of the Times, August 16, 1949.

Quote: On Napoleon’s mantelpiece stood a clock, across the face of which were written the words: “I never turn back.”—Signs of the Times, August 30, 1949.

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Don't miss the April 2008 issue of Signs of the Times: “When Kids Know Better than Parents”, “He’s Alive: What it Means to You”, “What Difference Does God’s Law Make”, “Is Christ Coming Again”, “The Power of a Promise” and other powerful articles. To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or online at http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com

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Little Ellen lay upon a white cot at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, recovering from a severe attack of appendicitis. There had been an emergency operation. During a period of delirium she rambled about her rural home in the foothills of Maryland, with its white, open gate beside the road.

She rambled on in her delirium about that gate and the visitors and strangers. It had been her practice to stand beside the gate and invite passersby to have a cold drink of water or a refreshing glass of whole milk. She loved to entertain any who stopped to pass the time of day with her, and she would bring out sparkling water and a tall glass of milk. Often the visitors offered to pay for her services, but she always refused.

“No, I cannot take money. Father and mother have gone to town—or shopping—or visiting. They would not wish me to take money from people—just for a tumbler of water or milk. You are welcome.”

As Ellen recovered, she asked questions about the hospital bill. It must be quite large—X rays, operation, nurse, doctor, board, and room.

“Father works so hard,” she told the nurse one day. “I hope and pray the bill will not be too large.”

“Let us hope not,” the nurse replied. She told the kind surgeon about the fears of the convalescing child.

The day before she left the hospital, the nurse handed Ellen a sealed envelope. Opening it, she stared at the bill—it amounted to several hundred dollars. It was itemized—surgeon’s services, X rays, anesthetic, operating room, nurse, board and room.

Most impressive was what she observed scrawled in red ink across the bottom of the page:

“Paid in full by a glass of milk.”

It was signed: “Dr. Howard Kelly.”

The world-famous surgeon had stopped at that little white gate in the foothills.—By Philip Jerome Cleveland, These Times, September 1, 1963.

Quote: “Get up when you fall down.”—By J. C. Penney, These Times, November 1980.

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NEW from Pacific Press—The Invitation by Alejandro Bullón. At first, you might think you’re reading the script for a soap opera, but on closer examination you’ll discover a powerful book full of stories about people destroyed by life’s circumstances and rebuilt by the love of God. Each of the ten stories in this book will lead you to believe in a Power that is above and beyond your own self. The devil’s greatest con is to tell you there’s no hope or forgiveness for you. Yet, Jesus invites you to a new birth and a new life with Him. Please accept His invitation.

Read the first chapter of this book online at http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com Order online or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955.

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An infidel once said to an old lady that he could prove to her own eyes that the Bible was a lie. She replied, “I would believe the Bible before I would my own eyes.”

“What do you mean by that?” said the infidel.

She answered, “These old eyes of mine have failed me a thousand times, but the blessed old Book has not failed me at a single point.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, April 18, 1900.

Quote: “Disinterested love and self-denying service to our fellow creatures are the most acceptable worship we can offer to our Creator.”—By Channing, Signs of the Times, April 18, 1900.

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Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Signs of the Times quietly witnesses when you can’t. It’s colorful, contemporary, and Christ-centered. Reach out with this amazing magazine by visiting http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com or phoning 1-800-765-6955.

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A certain English lord, who was an earnest Christian, wishing to impress upon the minds of the tenants of his estate the importance of now accepting the gracious offers of salvation, one day posted in various conspicuous places in the village and upon his own large gate the following notice:

“His lordship shall, a week from date, be present with his steward at his village office. Whosoever shall appear there between the hours of nine and twelve in the morning, bringing a statement of his various obligations, shall have all his debts canceled.

“(Signed) Lord ______.”

Needless to say, this strange announcement occasioned much gossip and no little skepticism—so much so, that when the appointed hour of reckoning arrived, the large crowd at the baron’s office door held back, for each person was waiting to see what his neighbor would do.

But, while pride kept some from disclosing their debts, and others, with the excuse, “There’s plenty of time,” allowed precious moments to slip by, an aged couple arrived at a quarter to twelve and inquired as to the reason for the gathering. Being nearly blind, hard of hearing, and living in seclusion, the bent pair had not heard of his lordship’s generous offer. The villagers, therefore, roared the announcement in their ears.

“I know his lordship. He’s as good as his word. Come on, wife,” cried the old man, taking his companion by the hand and starting toward the door; “thank God, we can die free from debt.”

Some snickered. Others taunted. All were expectant.

The baron kept his promise. He drew a check for the full amount of the old man’s debts, and, in addition, handed him the deed to a comfortable home. The beneficiaries were overjoyed.

“Now let me tell the others,” the aged gentleman suggested.

“No,” said the nobleman; “they have my word. Let them believe it if they will.”

So the elderly couple were obliged to wait till the village clock chimed twelve. Then the earl led them down the stairs. When the villagers saw the joy on the faces of the happy pair, they rushed forward.

“My lord, will you not pay my debts?” cried a now-remorseful skeptic.

“Here is my account,” implored a tardy woman.

“Will you not examine my statement?” pleaded a third who had recently reasoned: “Wait and see.”

“Friends,” replied the lord, “the hour is past. You are too late!”

Fearful thought! Too late! For God, too, “hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man [Christ] whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:31.—By Ashley G. Emmer, Signs of the Times, July 12, 1938.

Quote: “No one has ever been too kind to his fellow men.”—By Charles G. Bellah, Signs of the Times, July 22, 1930.

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Read articles from past issues of Signs of the Times: http://www.SignsTimes.com

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There are a few solemn points in history where the seen touches the unseen; where earth and heaven meet; where man, the actor below, and God, the great Actor above, come together, side by side upon the stage. At such moments, the reader of history feels as if he were nearing the very precincts of the eternal throne and walking on mysterious and holy ground. The 18th of April, 1521, when Luther was granted a reprieve for one day, was one of these solemn moments.

The papal faction is preparing, with Alexander at its head, for a day that is to influence so powerfully the conditions of after ages. Nor has this wakeful activity one side only. Luther, too, is prepared.

What will he do? He sees a great catastrophe approaching. Will he falter before the diet? Or will he face it with spirit resolute?

Draw near his closet door, and hear his powerful appeal to the throne of God. He has already been some time engaged in prayer. His supplication is drawing to a close. “ ‘O almighty and everlasting God! How terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee! How weak is the flesh, and how powerful is Satan! If it is in the strength of this world only that I must trust, all is over! . . . My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced! O God! Do Thou help me against all the wisdom of the world! Do this; Thou shouldst do this . . . for this is not my work, but Thine.’

“After a moment of silent struggle, he thus continues: ‘Lord, where stayest Thou? . . . O my God, where art Thou? . . . Come! Come! I am ready. I am ready to lay down my life for Thy truth. . . . I will never separate myself from Thee, neither now nor through eternity! And though the world should be filled with devils, though my body, which is still the work of Thy hands, should be slain, be stretched upon the pavement, be cut in pieces. . . my soul is Thine. Yes! I have the assurance of Thy word. My soul belongs to Thee. It shall abide forever with Thee. . . Amen! O God, help me! Amen!’ “

God has heard the prayer of his servant, and the victory of the Reformer is won in the secret place. Prayer makes the man. God’s man is made in the closet.

What the world needs today is more men and women who can pray. Prayer is the source of power; it is the pivot of piety. There can be no piety without prayer.—By Christian Kuhnle, Signs of the Times, February 14, 1922.

Quote: “We are in the business of following Christ for the whole duration of His war with evil. No true soldier of the cross will even think of wanting leave of absence or desire to parley with the enemy.”—The Congregationalist, Signs of the Times, February 14, 1922.

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Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others. If this FREE newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend, and you would like to receive it directly on a monthly basis, email: join-signsnews@lyra.pacificpress.com