Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern California recently baptized a married lesbian couple and has accepted them as members in good standing. The baptism was officiated by a woman pastor with the approval of the local church. This ground-breaking news resulted in a response by the North American Division and they issue a statement about baptism and inclusivity.
The official church response was posted here.
In the past, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has consistently maintained the Biblical position on homosexuality. The problem doesn’t seem to be our view on the matter but rather our unwillingness to enforce this position. What good is it to have a position if members are not required to follow them? It’s like not having a position at all.
“God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand for the right.” (Prophets and Kings, 142).
The Bible is unmistakably clear when it comes to the subject of marriage — one man, one woman (Matthew 19:4). Those churches or pastors who are affirming gay marriage are undermining the clear teaching of the Bible and are misrepresenting the faith to its membership.
If people can twist the Bible to make it say it supports homosexuality, then they can twist the Bible to say anything (Sunday sacredness, immortality of the soul, worshipping idols and a host of other errors). When addressing homosexuality, the issue is not over having a difference of opinion with other church members. The issue is not whether we should have love for people or whether we should be an inclusive church. The primary issue on gay marriage is whether or not we are going to stay faithful to the clear teaching of Scripture. Love and fellowship can never be separated from truth.
“But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support.” Great Controversy, 595.
There apparently is a gay-affirming movement within the church that wants to see membership opened up to married gays and lesbian couples. Should this happens, a loss of Biblical authority will result. Once you give away Biblical authority, pretty much anything else goes. Love without truth always leads to a dilution of doctrine.
Part of the cause for this new mindset among Christians is due to the fact that the culture war has entered the church. Gay marriage and gay clergy is being embraced by many of the Protestant churches.
The World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches – two ecclesiastical bodies known for their departure from the Scriptures on gay marriage and other Biblical issues – are examples of the dangers that the modern church is facing.
So what does this mean for our future? The future of Adventism must be grounded on the understanding of the authority of the Holy Scriptures. Divine revelation needs to always be the final authority. It must supersede church policy, popular culture and peoples’ feelings. We must always “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15).
Update: Seventh-day Adventists in Northern California Crack Down on Lesbian-Couple Membership
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I do agree with the explanation and take comfort that the entire Seventh Day Adventist body doesn’t support such behaviour. Sodom and Gomoriah was destroyed because of such so why say you are a child of God if you support gay marriages or relationships?
I am very disappointed to hear that this incident happened in the SDA Church. All is not lost, let’s restore.
Hello everyone
The action of one individual church or person should not be taken as representative of the entire denomination.
I stand with the position as explained in the response given by the church. As the Lord tarries we are yet to see greater apostasy and things that will destabilize our faith.
I totally agree. Our standard is the word of God. Not the word of man.
Well! Pastors and elders have been openly promiscuous for years!!! That’s the SDA for you!
As it was in the days of Lot, so shall it be in these last days.
Order should be restored
And truth should be maintained especially in these end times. Church leaders should be decided when it comes to these matters because the Bible is not silent. Its a sin condemned both in the Old and in the New testament. May God help the Church and its leadership to hold fast the position of the Holy Scriptures.
Order should be restored
And truth should be maintained especially in these end times. Church leaders should be decided when it comes to these matters because the Bible is not silent. Its a sin condemned both in the Old and in the New testament. May God help the Church and its leadership to hold fast the position of the Holy Scriptures
If Judas sold Christ does it translates that all desciples were sellouts? Elders are not the church they fall just like anyone, so let’s not measure the churchs position by the elders misconduct
When you start see abomination things start happening in the church, just know that, His coming is near than you believed, not everyone who are in the church are called by God, some are the agent of the devil 😈😈, hold on to the truth, the Bible is clear on these issues, woe to those who are pushing these agenda of women pastors and gaysim and lesbians.
Amen and Amen
The truth shall stand
SDA has the church manual. It guides us as the SDA members. We do not ordain female pastors.so lam asking where does this female pastor come in.
There are many female SDA pastors
Who authorised these women to be pastors? Because the World SDA General Conference in 2015 defeated the motion for women to be ordained. Those who go against the world church decission n ordained women pastors fall straight into the net satan prepared n do the abominable practice in baptising Lesbians.
Let us complaint, let the bible fulfill itself alone,history will repeated itself, let the individual get into preparation to stand as we are soon approaching the loud cry.
Hello everyone
The action of one individual church or person should not be taken as representative of the entire denomination.
I stand with the position as explained in the response given by the church. As the Lord tarries we are yet to see greater apostasy and things that will destabilize our faith.
“Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members, that there are tares amid the wheat. “ {TM 45.1}
Reply
This is what becomes once you accept human reasoning to be above the Word of God.
Those who stand with the apostate stance of women ordination little knew where this will end.
In the spirit of love , I would expect the church to have it’s entire leadership dissolved and place it under the Conferences jurisdiction until the seed of rebellion have been uprooted.
I had this discussion with my grandmother about homosexualiy and gay/lesbian marriages that is coming into the adventist church,her answer worried me so much.she told me that we should love this people and accept and that we pray for them and GOD will change them.
In the name of love you gonna disregard the word of God to increase membership,Trust me God’s judgment will be swift,he is already angry at the world leaders for accepting and legalizing such behaviors and as a body of Christ you’re gonna join in no..We the church have to set the example and lead not put down the mantle and follow the world we are set apart..
There appears to be a glaring disconnect between the assertion of the headline of this article to the factual content of your article. Further, there is dissonance between the tenor of your article with the linked response of the North American Division’s (NAD) response. Should there not be “truth” on all sides?
These are challenging times for our church because the wheat and tares are together as the culture of the world attempts to creep into the church. Our challenge is to stand on the Bible alone even if it brings persecution within. I encourage our leaders to always display the love of Christ and to stand on the principles of the Bible like Christ, to be fair, consistent and authentic.
Totally agree…. we must
stand by the word of God and do not encourage the tares to grow by supporting behaviors that clearly goes against the laws of God!!
Know ye not thatcher unrighteousness shall or inherit the kingdom of God ?Be ye not deceived: neither fornicators , nor idolaters, nor adulterers , nor “effeminate”, nor revolvers ,nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor , thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ✝️🕎(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Marriage is between a man and a woman. God called homosexuality a stench and H e destroyed Sodom. The Remnant Church cannot be bought or sold. The GC needs to cut off the congregation. We need to stand on the word of God at all cost.
I agree with Deen, we must stand by the word of God. He has not left us in darkness, this, and more abominable things will face us as the end draws nearer. Be prepared to stand firm and connected to God and His instructions, even when everyone around is caving in. My brother, my sister don’t look to the right nor to the left just stand! God is large and incharge, in His time everything will be fixed. The longest liver will see…
It is 7 years since this happened .What has been the church’s response about this?
Condemnation should not only come from the NAD but from the GC followed by disciplinary action of the officiating Pastor and/board who consented to this. But if that church is not affiliated with the conference and is independent then the GC has no jurisdiction. That is why people with these ungodly agendas form their own churches using the SDA name as a cover.
We should be Disfellowshipping individuals from the church that are not adhering to Biblical principles
Who authorised these women to be pastors? Because the World SDA General Conference in 2015 defeated the motion for women to be ordained. Those who go against the world church decission n ordained women pastors fall straight into the net satan prepared n do the abominable practice in baptising Lesbians.
Brethren, we must “sigh and cry” against the sins in the church; not against the message which is to seal us for translation and make us a people fitly symbolized by the mountains of brass. Your sighing and crying for the abominations done in her “midst,” makes you eligible for the “mark”; but should you attempt to shield the abominations, you shall fall under the slaughter weapons of the angels. The church is to be purified and made clean and fit to be God’s Dwelling Place. In no other way can she be identified as the “mountain of brass,” the symbol of endurance. This is the church that shall “enter upon her final conflict,” and the one with whom the dragon is to be “wroth:” for the symbolical “woman” and “her seed,” as a body, keep the commandments of God and have the “testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17.
The purification of the church:
The outcomes of walking together and receiving orders as God’s people: The Promise of the Latter Rain
The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was “the former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant .—Testimonies for the Church 8:21 (1904). LDE 185.5
Near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.— The Acts of the Apostles, 55 (1911). LDE 186.1
Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children.—The Great Controversy, 464 (1911).
*The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit …
but the latter rain will be more abundant! Bless us, Lord! Heal your people, please. Save all of us. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Shedding light on this situation, the Spirit of Prophecy declares, “What a terrible disillusionment it is to believe firmly that all is well when one is on the wrong path! The message of the Faithful Witness surprises God’s people in this sad situation, but the church is unaware in good faith of the deplorable condition in which it finds itself in the eyes of God. While those to whom the message is addressed flatter themselves that they have reached a high spiritual level, the Faithful Witness puts an end to their sense of security by letting them know their true condition of spiritual poverty and blindness. This accusation, so categorical and severe, cannot be false, for it is a statement of the True Witness Faithful. ” –Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 252, 253 (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1 p. 375.)
“The Lord will work to purify His church. I tell you in truth, the Lord is about to turn and overturn in the institutions called by His name. Just how soon this refining process will begin, I can not say, but it will not be long deferred. He whose fan is in His hand will cleanse His temple of its moral defilement. He will thoroughly purge His floor.” — Testimonies to Ministers, page 373.
“The time has come for earnest and powerful efforts to rid the church of the slime and filth which is tarnishing her purity.” — Id., p. 450.
Do not, my Brethren, say: “The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.” For “the days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.” Ezek. 12:27, 23. “For Zion’s sake will I not hold My peace,” says the Lord, “and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” Isa. 62:1.
“But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel…. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius or talent, will not…stand at the head of rank and file” (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 80),
When The Church Is Fitly Represented By The Mountains.
Through the time of this solemn work — a subject of paramount importance to the church of God at this critical hour — is clearly set forth in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, yet, ironically, it is a matter little thought of and little understood by the people in the church it concerns. We therefore at this point inquire further into it.
At the instance of Inspiration, the prophet Isaiah wrote: “For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many…. And I will send those that escape of them unto the nations,…and they shall bring all your brethren…in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord.” Isa. 66:16, 19, 20.
Note that these prophetic words say that those who “escape” being among “the slain of the Lord” are to be sent “unto the nations,” and that they “shall declare [His] glory among the Gentiles. And…shall bring all [their] brethren…out of all nations.”
As this great world-wide work of ingathering cannot be done after probation has closed, you must not let the enemy deceive you “with good words and fair speeches.” Show him that he cannot explain these inspired passages another way, and yet have his explanation in harmony with what the Lord has said in the foregoing scripture as well as in the following statement from the Spirit of Prophecy:
“While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven…there is to be a special work of purification…among God’s people upon earth…. Then the church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be ‘a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Then she will look forth ‘as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.’ ” — The Great Controversy, p. 425.
This statement from the Spirit of Prophecy also clearly indicates that the purification takes place before probation closes, or “while the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, “and that then the church, clean and spotless, is to go into all the world conquering and to conquer (Prophets and Kings, p. 725).
Brother, Sister, do not rise up against this message of deliverance, and by so doing join the ranks of the enemy, who sowed the tares in the church, and who is determined to keep them there, for he knows that with a purified church, his power will be crushed, and the barriers which he has erected against it will be smashed to fragments! Indeed, “we need never expect that when the Lord has light for His people, Satan will stand calmly by and make no effort to prevent them from receiving it. He will work upon minds to excite distrust and jealousy and unbelief.” — Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 728.
From the evidences adduced, the fact towers forth that the purification takes place before the work of the gospel is finished in any part of the world: for those who “escape” the slaughter are sent to “bring all [their] brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations.” Necessarily therefore, the consummation of this “special; work of purification” precedes the commencement of “The Loud Cry.” Doubly conclusive proof of this is that the Spirit of Prophecy states that “the true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord, …will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins…. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand….” This special work of purification and “sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision.” — Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266; Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445.
“ The terms inspect, cleanse, purify, cut off, cast out, judge, harvest, and separate, etc., are now seen to be general synonyms, all pointed to one event — the Lord’s coming to “His temple” (church) to purify His living saints. This work He has variously illustrated: first, as separating of the tares from among wheat (Matt. 13:30); next as separating of bad fish from among good (Matt. 13:48); then, as separating of sheep from among goats (Matt. 25:32); again, as casting out those who fail to put on the wedding garment (Matt. 22:12, 13); and last, as casting from the guest chamber (the church) those who fail to multiply the talents given them (Matt. 25:28-30). This variously depicted judicial work (the controlling concept in Christ’s parables of the Kingdom), the Lord likens to a “refiner’s fire,” to “fullers’ sope,” and to a “purifier of silver.” Mal. 3:2, 3.”
“So it is clear to be seen that the spiritual “harvest” is exactly like the natural harvest — both separate their grain from the tares and the chaff, the good from the bad. In the words of Daniel, it is “the judgment,” or the time when “the Sanctuary” shall “be cleansed” (Dan. 8: 14); in the words of the Apostle Peter, it is “judgment….at the house of God” (1 Pet. 4:17); in the words of John the Revelator, it is “the hour of His judgment” (Rev. 14:7); and in the words of the prophet Malachi, it is “the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5): “the Lord…suddenly come to His temple” (His church) to refine as with “fire,” to wash as with “fullers’ sope,” and to “purge…as gold and silver” “the sons of Levi” (Mal. 3:1-3) — the priests of the Sanctuary during the eleventh hour.” {The White-House Recruiter p.30,31}
In short, the harvest is the day of cleansing, the day of Judgment, the antitypical Day of Atonement, the day in which the sinners are cut off. This spiritual latter rain is, therefore, to do to the church just what the natural latter rain does to the field. Without this latter rain the saints could not develop for the heavenly garner, neither could the tares for the fire. By the “latter rain,” therefore, is illustrated the last shower of Truth. And, too, this last portion of Truth must come as freely to every member of the church who lives just prior to the harvest time as does the rain come to every grass in the field. Just as soon as this final touch of development is accomplished, the sickle is to be put to the precious golden grain . But let us remember that it is not left in the field to rot, it is put into the “barn,” (Kingdom) while the tares are burned, so says the Lord {1TG17: 3.3}
And just as soon as this message reaches every church member, just that soon will the purification take place . “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. {1TG12: 26.2}
“Ezekiel’s vision discloses that those who “sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (the church) are marked, or sealed, and that the men with the “slaughter weapons” then “slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children and women” who have not the mark. The purification of the church, therefore, is a separation of the sinners from the true people of God. At the time of its fulfillment, the immediate future, the 144,000 receive the seal, or mark, escape the slaughter, become the “servants of God,” and go forth unto the nations to finish the work. This makes them the “first-fruits” of the living who are to be translated, and “all their brethren” whom they bring in (the “great multitude” of Revelation 7, verse 9), the second fruits of the living who are to be translated: for where there are no second fruits, there can be no first. (For further light on this subject, read Tract No. 1, Pre-“Eleventh Hour” Extra!.)” {Tract 2 p.22,23}
“In the light of this symbolical representation, the woman, herself, is seen to symbolize the mother part of the church–God’s appointed and Spirit-filled ministers who bring in the born-again (John 3:3) converts. The first part of her seed must, accordingly, be the first fruits, the 144,000, who, separated from the sinners that were among them, are taken to Mount Sion, there to stand with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1). Hence, “the remnant of her seed” are in this instance those who are yet in the world when Babylon rides the beast (Rev. 17). Thus they are the second and last fruits which are to be taken to the purified church, the Kingdom, where there is neither sin nor fear of Babylon’s plagues falling upon them (Rev. 18:4).”
“Every true Bible student knows that the church must reach this purity of heart and character and position, not after, but before, Christ’s mediatorial work is finished and before the “sacrifice” has ceased. All such students know also that God can neither manifest His great power to defend them in the time in which “all the people of the earth gather together against” them, nor bestow His Spirit upon them as He did upon the early Christians on the day of Pentecost, if there are sinners among His people, and if the entire church be not “with one accord” (Acts 2:1), “clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness… ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ “ – as was the apostolic church, upon which the Spirit descended as a “rushing mighty wind.” Acts 2:2. 8TR 32.1” {Answerer Book 2 p.15}
“And now, since in her progression of time, the woman represents each successive ministry, therefore at the time that the dragon is wroth with her, she necessarily must represent the last ordained ministry, the 144,000, those who bring all their brethren from all nations to God’s “holy mountain Jerusalem.” Isa. 66:20.” {Answerer Book 2 p.15}
“The Lord reads the heart as an open book. The men who are not connected with God have done many things after the imagination of their own evil hearts. The Lord declares concerning them, “They have turned unto Me their back, and not the face, though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them; yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.” We are amid the perils of the last days, the time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.” {1888 materials 1303.1}
“Brethren, we must “sigh and cry” against the sins in the church; not against the message which is to seal us for translation and make us a people fitly symbolized by the mountains of brass. Your sighing and crying for the abominations done in her “midst,” makes you eligible for the “mark”; but should you attempt to shield the abominations, you shall fall under the slaughter weapons of the angels. The church is to be purified and made clean and fit to be God’s Dwelling Place.” {Tract 2 p.23}
“Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity. Letter 106, 1909, pp. 2, 3, 5, 7. (To “The churches in Oakland and Berkeley,” September 26, 1909.) {1MR 260.2}
We are to bring the truth into all our works; we are to be sanctified through the truth, and show to a world dead in trespasses and sin that we are a holy nation, a peculiar people, a chosen generation, zealous of good works. {1MR 260.4}. May the Lord bless you. Thanks
The Church Triumphant Will Be Faithful and Christlike
The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant. —Evangelism, 707 (1892). LDE 62.1
The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 179 (1891). LDE 62.2
1) The Sealing message has to reach the SDA church now and on until Ezekiel 9 takes place. Reference: Manuscripts Releases, 260.
2) The Third World War will engage the whole world, the East will oppose the West. Russia will oppose the United States of America. Those 2 Countries, military powers will lead the third world war in the promise land. Satan knows the pre-milenium kingdom of Daniel chapter 2 will be restored in the promise land. Eden shall come back. He will try to show there will be no hope. But the mouth of God has said that. It will come to pass. Ezekiel 36: 32-36.
: 3 ) The Church after Ezekiel 9 becomes the antitypical house of David. The feeble among them shall be strong like David. The house of David shall be like God. Zachariah 12: 8 and Zachariah 13: 1.*
: 4) The triumphant Church which is the house of David will receive the outpouring of the Holy Ghost and the partial resurrection of Daniel 12:2 will take place. I am not able to place theses events in the right order. The Holy Ghost will inspire us later. Read the Last Days Events chapter 13
[: Note: The latter day church, the house of David receive a new name: Isaiah 62:2.
: 5) The time of Babylonian Confederacy ( States and churches of the whole world together) to impose the mark of the beast.
We may well fear and tremble for the things that shall be in the future. Many of the citizens of Oakland will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. Would you be of that company? You need now to show in life and character the sanctification of the gospel, and a belief in Christ’s soon coming in power and great glory. Will you show faith by genuine faith in the signs of the Lord’s second coming? {1MR 260.3}
Study also the tenth chapter which represents the hand of God as at work to bring perfect method and harmonious working into all the operations of his prepared instrumentalities. The eleventh and twelfth chapters also should receive critical, thoughtful attention. Let these prophecies be studied on your knees before God; unless you take up the stumbling-blocks which by your own perverse spirit you have laid in the way of many who have been connected with you, God will turn His face utterly from you and your associates.
Whatever good qualities a man may have, he cannot be a good soldier if he acts independently. Good may occasionally be done but often the result is of little value, and often the end shows more mischief done than good. Those who act independently make a show of doing something, attract attention, and flash out brightly and then are gone. All must pull in one direction in order to render efficient service to the cause. . . . {2MR 159.1}
God requires concerted action of His soldiers, and in order to have this in the church, self-restraint is essential; self-restraint must be exercised. –Letter 11a, 1886, pp. 3-5. (To Elder and Mrs. E. P. Daniels, Aug. 6, 1886.) {2MR 159.2}
In every effort in every place where the truth is introduced there is need of different minds, different gifts, different plans and methods of labor being united. All should make it a point to counsel together, to pray together. Christ says that, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.” No one worker has all the wisdom that is needed. There should be a comparing of plans, a counseling together. No one man should think himself sufficient to manage an interest in any place without helpers. -160- {2MR 159.3}
One man may have tact in one direction, but may be a decided failure upon some essential points. This makes his work imperfect. He needs the tact of another man’s mind and gift to blend with his efforts. All should be perfectly harmonious in the work. If they can work with only those who see just as they do, and follow just their plans, then they will make a failure. The work will be defective because none of these laborers have learned the lessons in the school of Christ that makes them able to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. All should be constantly improving. They should lay hold of every opportunity and make the most of every privilege, until they become better fitted for their great and solemn work. {2MR 160.1}
But God has set in the church different gifts. These are all precious in their place, and all are to act a part in the perfecting of the saints. [Ephesians 4:11-16, quoted.] {2MR 160.2}