The Sabbath services on May 5, 2018 began with a song service led by Leilani and Samantha (sophomores), accompanied by Jeremy Westcott on the piano. The opening song was “Jesus Saves”.
Clifton Brandt welcomed everyone. Heissel (sophomore) had prayer and read the scripture reading – Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Eric (junior) read a story about Ellen White and her party dashing to the Middle West to save some of the brethren from becoming engrossed with making money building houses. They had arranged for a sleigh, but the snow started melting. But they set out anyway. At the Mississippi River, they made the decision to cross the river even though there was a foot of water on top of the ice, and others were breaking through the ice. The weather turned cold, but they made it to the church where they needed to work with the members. Jesus does save.
He then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Jakob (sophomore) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips. Pedro Arce and Samantha sang a vocal duet for special music, Samantha accompanying them on the piano.
Clifton Brandt had the theme talk on “Saving Faith”. He had the closing prayer and explained the classes. Clayton Brandt led the lesson study in the main sanctuary, Elizabeth Castle the class in the nursing home, Ricardo Reid in the CNA House, and Pedro Arce “behind the glass” in the rear of the church sanctuary.
Following are a few notes from Clifton Brandt’s talk:
- Matthew 1:18-21 “18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 “3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”
- Christ coming out of the tomb is our assurance of salvation.
- Isaiah 55:1-2 “1 ¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.”
- Isaiah 55:3 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.”
- We must believe in Christ as a personal Savior with a living faith. Then His merits (what He earned with His holy life) are given to us, and we have a covenant with God.
- Jesus took our place, and His perfect righteousness becomes ours by faith. This is no excuse for disobedience.
- He felt that He was going to be eternally separated from God by the trillions of sins of ours He bore.
- Ellen White says that this faith means giving over every detail of a person’s life over to God’s control. Those who do this will be saved. [1888 Materials, p. 495]
Personnel Other Than Students:
Clayton Brandt – works with Laurelbrook’s heavy equipment and trash collection
Clifton Brandt – works with Laurelbrook’s sewer, water, and boiler systems
Elizabeth Castle – works in the Laurelbrook Nursing Home with social services
Jeremy Westcott – one of the academy teachers
Pedro Arce – heads up the music program