Grace Notes October 2025 Final Online Edition

October 2025

Full Color Online Edition:

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Alone: Truths That Still Shake the World

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round 500 years ago, a spiritual earthquake shook Europe and rippled across the world. Beginning as an attempt to bring theological correction in the medieval church, the movement clarified the gospel and rekindled the flame of revival. At the heart of the Protestant Reformation were five short but world-changing phrases—known as the solas. These Latin mottos continue to call the church back to the foundation of our faith.

Meaning “alone” or “only,” each sola reminds us that the gospel is not “Jesus plus something else.” It’s not a human invention but God’s gracious revelation. Let’s look at each sola and why they matter for us today.

Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone The Reformers boldly declared: “The Bible is our ultimate authority.” In their day, church tradition, councils, and church leaders claimed equal or greater authority than the Word of God. The Reformers insisted: only Scripture is God-breathed and infallible.

For us, this means we measure every sermon, every teaching, and every tradition against the Word of God. Our conscience must be captive to Scripture. This is especially critical today, when truth is often seen as relative. Sola Scriptura calls us back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

Sola Gratia – Grace Alone The Reformers also rediscovered the wonder of grace.

Salvation is not earned by human merit, good works, or religious rituals. It is a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 plainly states: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Grace alone humbles us. We bring nothing to the table of salvation except our need. Grace lifts the burden of performance and invites us to rest in God’s mercy. Grace also empowers us. The same grace that saves us also sustains us each day.

Sola Fide – Faith Alone The question that haunted Martin Luther was: How can a sinful man be right with a holy God? The answer thundered from Romans 1:17—“The just shall live by faith.” We are justified—declared righteous before God—by faith alone. Not faith plus works. Not faith plus anything else. Faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Faith is not a vague optimism but a confident trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection. This means we don’t spend our lives trying to tip the scales of heaven in our favor. Christ has already secured our standing before God. We simply receive Him by faith.

Solus Christus – Christ Alone If grace is the cause and faith is the means, Christ is the object of our salvation. The Reformers insisted that Jesus Christ alone is our Mediator and Savior. “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

We don’t need pastors, saints, or rituals to bring us to God. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice is sufficient. His blood is enough; His righteousness, enough; His resurrection, enough. In a world of competing saviors and self-made religions, we proclaim: Christ alone saves.

Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone The Reformers concluded with this crescendo: all of life is to be lived for the glory of God alone. Salvation is God’s work from beginning to end; He deserves the praise. Paul declares in Romans 11:36: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever.

Amen.”

This sola calls us beyond weekly worship. Every vocation, every relationship, every act of service is an opportunity to glorify God. We do not live for our fame, our comfort, or our success. We live for His glory.

Why the Solas Still Matter These five truths are not dusty slogans from history. They are living realities that guard the gospel in every generation. Without them, we drift into an exhausting cycle of self-works, never knowing if we have done enough to be saved. With them, the gospel shines with clarity, simplicity, and power.

Sola Scriptura anchors us in truth when culture shifts.

Sola Gratia reminds us we are loved when we fail.

Sola Fide assures us of peace with God when doubts arise.

Solus Christus keeps us centered on the only Savior.

Soli Deo Gloria lifts our eyes from ourselves to God’s glory.

The Reformers risked their lives to proclaim these truths.

Some were exiled; others, imprisoned; many, martyred. Yet they held firm, knowing these solas were not just theological ideas but the very heartbeat of the gospel.

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Beautiful on the Outside

By Pen Braister-Sturgis: Arden Street Ministry Leader The Arden Street Ministry has served multiple people in multiple ways, with individual problems and during a community crisis. Now, this appeal comes for a crisis of their own. Please read and respond as the Lord leads you.

Arden Street Ministry has been taking hundreds of meals each week to those who are chronically homeless and live on the streets of downtown Asheville. Last year alone we fed over 22,000 meals. That’s a huge blessing to so many living on the streets as well as those who have food insecurity in our communities.

There are many faithful volunteers in the ministry. A group of five volunteers faithfully bring food from Manna Food Bank every Thursday morning to the Arden SDA Church. There, another group of six volunteers anxiously await for the food so it can be sorted: either put on the shelves or put in boxes to be given to those in the community that struggle financially, have lost jobs and can’t put food on the table, or those who are still affected by Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. There are three different families we pass food boxes out to that have lost their homes in the hurricane and will not be able to rebuild in the same location due to flood regulations. There are three volunteers on Thursday evenings that wash and chop the veggies needed for the hot food going to the men’s shelter on Fridays.

The volunteers on Friday prepare the sandwiches and meals that go to Asheville on Friday afternoons. Another ten volunteers make all this happen. It takes over 20 volunteers each week for the Arden Street Ministry to be able to function and continue to distribute food to our local communities, take food to Asheville, and stay on track with its goal to feed God’s hungry children.

Nothing is more exciting in the street ministry than driving our blue van thru downtown Asheville, and handing out food to our hungry street friends. For the past six years, our faithful blue van has been recognized by our homeless friends, who wave frantically when they spot us slowly driving thru the narrow streets of Asheville. We often see people running

toward our van with great anticipation, knowing we bring them bagged lunches, an encouraging smile, and greet them with, “God bless you,” as we hand them the food. Even the police in downtown Asheville recognize the van and allow us to park for a short time by Pritchard Park so we can walk around the park handing food out.

Sadly, our current van is falling apart. The AC does not work.

The back doors are very difficult to open. When it rains, the windows fog up and must remain open to be able to drive the van. The most serious is the fact that the van will completely stop when water splashes up into the engine bay. The Kia van has over 230,000 miles on it. After taking it to three different car repair shops, we were told the same information. “We can’t fix it. It’s too old and not worth the cost.” We’ve been extremely fortunate so far not to have had any accidents due to its current condition.

Our ministry has been blessed with an anonymous donor that will match $10,000 if we raise $10,000. This is an incredible challenge that I know we can accomplish together.

Please consider donating to our ministry so we can purchase another van, one that not only looks good on the outside, but actually works.

Our current van reminds me of our Christian walk with Jesus. We may look good on the outside, but inside we are falling apart, needing major repairs. Except Jesus doesn’t replace us. He continues to fix us and use us for His kingdom.

I pray our good Lord and Savior encourages you to donate to our ministry and make this a winning challenge. Please check out the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church website, look for Arden Street Ministry, and check for the van line. Every donation will be greatly appreciated. With your continued prayers and financial support, our street ministry will be able to purchase this much needed van and continue feeding God’s Street People safely.

Thank you in advance for your generous support.

Continued from page 2…

Our community needs to see the beauty of the gospel and experience the same fire. We need to return to the Bible as our authority, grace as our hope, faith as our response, Christ as our foundation, and God’s glory as our goal. These truths are not only worth remembering—they are worth living and worth sharing.

Reflect on the solas each night from October 26-31. Pray for revival in our own hearts and in our community. Invite others to join us as we discover the freedom and joy of the gospel.

Declare the Good News with boldness: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone!

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The Great Controversy

by Max Hammonds

“A

nd there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world.” (Rev. 12:7-9) Thus began the confrontation (on Earth) between God the Word (John 1:1) – to angels, Michael; to mankind, Jesus Christ (Dan’l 12:1) – and the covering cherub, Lucifer—jealous of Michael’s intimacy with the Father, proud of his own power and beauty. This struggle between good and evil is also known in Adventist circles as the Great Controversy.

The Fall of mankind and the stealing of the rulership of Earth by Satan necessitated the mission of God the Word to Earth as Jesus Christ (Messiah – Hebrew equivalent). His mission was: 1) to regain mankind’s rulership of Earth and 2) to sacraficially ratify the reconciliation between God and mankind. To incarnate God the Word as the Son of Man, God had to establish a human lineage through which He could be born. Revelation 12:1-5 encapsulates that initial 4,000-year-Great Controversy struggle to produce the God/Man Jesus Christ.

Throughout those four turbulent millennia, God had to personally intervene three times to preserve the continuity of this lineage: the Flood, the Exodus, and the return from Babylonian captivity. Finally, on a cool fall evening in 4 B.C., “when the fullness of the time came (Dan’l 9:25), God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4, 5).

Revelation 12:10, 12 records the celebration in heaven of the victory of Jesus Christ to re-establish the rulership of mankind over Earth. The heavenly beings recognized the significance of this victory, but the inhabitants of Earth were yet to be convinced of the gracious love of God and malignant hatred of Satan. Human reconciliation with God, however ratified, will happen only by personal choice.

Revelation 12:13-16 tersely abridge the next nineteen hundred years of the Great Controversy. The details of these years appear in Revelation in the Churches (Jesus’ instructions to His Church – Rev. 2 and 3), Seals (the actual history of His Church – Rev. 6), and

Trumpets (God’s limited judgments against Satan’s destructive human agents to preserve His Church – Rev. 8, 9, 11.)

In the Church’s first three hundred years, the Jews and pagan Rome rained murderous, continuous persecution on the new, struggling Christian Church. Denying the kingship of Christ and choosing Caesar instead as their king, the Jews permanently broke their covenant with God. Recognizing their final choice, God “gave them up” (Rom. 1:28). Satanic forces in the Jewish populace and Roman soldiery destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., ending the Jewish persecution of the Christian Church. (The first Church, Seal, and Trumpet.)

Pagan Rome continued to persecute the Christians unmercifully under the rule of the Caesars from Tiberius to Nero to Marcus Aurelius to Diocletian. Thousands were martyred but many more thousands took their places. Despite persecution, the Church of Christ steadily grew. The continual invasion of Germanic tribes’ and the cruel, hedonistic behavior of the Caesars eroded the western part of the Roman Empire until Roman rule disappeared from Rome in 476 A.D. (The second Church, Seal, and Trumpet.)

But something more dangerous than persecution insidiously followed. In 313 A.D. Emperor Constantine ended persecution, declaring Christianity the religion of the empire. To make Christianity more appealing, the Church began incorporating pagan symbols and concepts into church rituals and deemphasizing less popular doctrinal principles. Large numbers of people, baptized into the church, accepted Jesus as the Son of God, but without conviction of sin, need of repentance, or change of heart. Through human agencies, Satan abandoned persecution and carefully insinuated himself into the church structure and teachings. Going forward, the woman of Revelation representing God's people split into two women: The scarlet woman (the apostate church) increasingly enlarging and opposing the pure woman in white (uncompromised people of God) growing smaller and less powerful.

Over the next four centuries, the Church introduced and codified compromised doctrines without biblical foundations: Sunday sacredness, suppression of the Bible, idolatry in the worship of Mary and the saints, forgiveness of sin by humans, salvation by church rituals, among others.

Luxury, pomp, and pagan ritual gradually replaced simple humility. A famine for the Word of God prevailed (Amose 8:11).

At that time, a bishop or “papa” oversaw each major church area and represented them at discussions of significant issues. In Constantinople (the eastern half of the empire), Emperor Justinian needed to stabilize the western end of the empire. Uprooting and destroying three obstructive Arian Germanic tribes, in 538 A.D. Justinian appointed the “Papa” of Rome as political overseer in the western half of the empire. By 800 A.D., the Papa – or Pope – of Rome had successfully established – by wile and force – religious and political dominance over all other “papa” bishops and over all kingdoms in the Western or “Holy” Roman Empire.

Internally, the bitter water of false doctrines poisoned the Church (Jer. 23:15). Externally, the political efforts of the “compromised” Church were hindered by the invasion of Muslim forces in the Holy Land and across North Africa and into Spain. (The third Church, Seal, and Trumpet.)

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The 9th to 13th Centuries are what historians call “the Dark Ages.”

The Roman “Papa” was absolute ruler over all religious and secular powers. The Church taught people that no one could approach God except through him. Superstition and error held sway. Religious “works” – penance, pilgrimages, worship of relics, indulgences replaced forgiveness and faith. Church leaders claimed infallibility and perfection and adopted the immortality of man and consciousness in death from Greek philosophy. Purgatory terrified the superstitious of the afterlife. The Inquisition terrified the faithful. Kings trembled before the threat of excommunication of entire kingdoms.

Obsession over the “need” to free the Holy Land from Muslim/ Seljuk Turk domination with Crusades abated and arrested this Apostate Church in its efforts to completely extinguish the gospel in the faithful few. (The fourth Church, Seal, and Trumpet.)

From earliest times faithful believers resisted the errors and threats of Rome. Primitive Christian Britons survived and thrived under Columba and his school on the island of Iona. In Ethiopia and Armenia, the Bible as the rule of faith and observance of the fourth commandment Sabbath (taught by the apostles) was followed for centuries. By the 13th Century ethnic groups, especially the Waldensians, were secretly teaching and sharing Bible doctrines in the language of the people. In the 14th Century, John Wycliffe in England (“Morning Star of the Reformation”) discovered the truth of salvation in the Bible. He issued the first loud warnings against the abuses of the Church, taught the basic beliefs of Protestantism: salvation through faith and infallibility of the Scriptures, and produced the first translation of the Bible into the common man’s English.

In the 15th Century, John Huss and Jerome of Prague by their preaching, writings, and their witness at the martyr’s stake aroused further resistance throughout Europe, resulting in the prominence of Martin Luther of Germany and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century. Other reformers quickly followed, including Ulrich Zwingli of Switzerland, John Calvin and William Farel of France, Menno Simon of the Netherlands, Tausen of Denmark, the Petri brothers of Sweden, John Knox of Scotland, Hugh Latimer, Bishop Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer of England and William Tyndale of England, who translated the Bible into English.

Satan’s agents, religious and secular, met these efforts with fierce persecution – for many, mass martyrdom. But the threatenings of the Ottoman Turks (Rev. 9:5 – 150 years, 1299-1449) to invade Europe from the east occupied the secular authorities, severely impeding their ability to resist the Reformation. (The fifth Church, Seal, and Trumpet.)

The continual warring and political upheaval in Europe of the 17th and 18th Centuries necessitated transferring the gospel to safer

grounds in North America (Rev. 12:15, 16). Even the First Great Awakening begun in England by George Whitefield and carried forward by John and Charles Westley had its greatest impact in the American colonies. The false historical teachings (preterism and futurism) of the Counter-Reformation and the anti-Bible campaign of the French Revolution (Rev. 11:3-11) greatly despoiled people’s interest in spiritual topics, quelling this revival.

The Lisbon earthquake (1755), the darkening of the sun and moon (1780), and the falling of the stars (1833) gave impetus to the Second Great Awakening which impacted the entire world.

With the imprisonment of the Pope closing the 1260 day/year prophecy (5381798 – Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5), the Time of the End began with the beginning and especially the ending of the 2300 day/year prophecy (Dan. 8:14; 12:4) being discovered and understood in multiple countries: Irving in England, Mason in Scotland, Wolff in Asia, Kelber in Germany, Lacunza in Spain, Hentzepeter in Holland, Rau of Bavaria, and William Miller, in New York State. All were anticipating the 2nd Coming of Jesus in the spring or fall of 1844.

The prediction and fulfillment of the “fall” of the Ottoman Empire on Aug. 11, 1840, by Josiah Litch (Rev. 9:15 – 391 years to the day from July 27, 1449) seemed to confirm the year-for-day principle of apocalyptic prophecy (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6) and the close of the sixth Church, Seal, and Trumpet.

The Jesus’ predictions in Matthew 24 and 25 are particularly applicable to the time following the Great Disappointment felt around the world when Jesus did not return. Of those watching for His return, only a small Remnant retained their faith in the prophecy, earning the ire of the Dragon (Rev. 12:17). However, Revelation describes this seventh Church Remnant as apathetic, the seventh Seal as silence in heaven, and the seventh Trumpet predicting the same crises as Matthew 24: world turmoil, resurrection and judgment of the dead, and final reward and consequence.

Revelation 13 describes the Dragon’s War against the Remnant.

Revelation 14 describes the Remnant’s response to this crisis, when they are finally awakened as to who they are. Revelation 15-21 describes the details of this war and the close of earth’s history. More specifics of this Time of the End are described in detail in the last twenty chapters of “The Great Controversy” by E. G. White, available on Amazon or at any Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Rev. 1:3).

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28 Fundamentals: Gift of Prophecy

“P

# 18

awpaw, can I suggest a topic for our worship?”

Matthew was sitting in his usual spot on the hassock.

“Of course, Matthew.” Pawpaw (aka Albert Groot, father of Natalie and grandfather to her two sons) sat back in his chair, waiting. “What did you want to discuss?”

“Ellen G. White.” Matthew said.

“Why?” Pawpaw looked at his daughter quizzically – and got a shrug and raised eyebrows in return. “What does she have to do with worshiping God?” His second question was a challenge that made Mark, the older grandson, sit up straighter. He recognized the line of questioning he had endured from Pawpaw in the past. Now he expected something interesting to develop with his brother.

“She’s supposed to be a prophet. Yes?” Mark’s tone was sincere. “The kids at school – well, some of them were kidding me about it – about her, I mean.”

“Aha.” Pawpaw nodded in understanding. “Let’s start from the beginning. What is a prophet?

“Me?” Matthew asked in astonishment.

“Yes. What is a prophet? Amos 3:7. Look it up, Matt – on your phone.”

Matthew scrambled his phone from his pocket. “Uhhh. Hmm. A prophet receives from God – and speaks to the people.”

“Very Good!” Pawpaw laughed in great pleasure. “Okay. Next question. There were lots of prophets in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

What were some things they shared from God? Mark, help us.”

“Moses told Pharaoh and the people what God was about to do,” Mark responded quickly.

“Natalie?”

“What?” she said in surprise.

“You help us also.” Pawpaw’s eyes twinkled with mirth.

“Name a prophet from the Old or New Testament and what message they shared from God.” “Uhmmm. Okay.” She paused, caught her breath. “Jonah warned Nineveh of coming destruction.”

“Good.” Pawpaw returned to Matthew. “Now, Matt, from the New Testament – a prophet.”

“Agabus, Pawpaw, who warned of a coming famine.”

Matthew was ready this time.

“We have warnings and future events.” Pawpaw scanned his audience. “Can anyone name a prophet from Old or New Testament who gave information to us?”

Natalie spoke first. “David told us about God’s love as our good shepherd.”

Mark chimed in, “John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.” “Okay.” Pawpaw clasped his hands. “Prophets inform, warn, predict the future, and in Ephesians 4:11-16 assist in the growth of the church to maturity.” He paused. “Three questions remain. Question #1: How do we know that Jeremiah or any prophet has been called by God to be a prophet?”

“They pass the tests of a prophet, Pawpaw.” Mark spoke quietly and firmly. “Isaiah 8:20 – they speak in agreement with the rest of Scripture. Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 – Whatever is predicted must come true. Matthew 7:15-20 – the life and influence of the prophet bears good fruit.”

Pawpaw nodded. “And John added a fourth test – because so many denied the reality of it in his day. A true prophet will affirm that Jesus came, lived, died, and now serves us in the flesh – His incarnation.”

“Question #2: Does Ellen White pass the tests?” Pawpaw’s fingers were folded together, his two index fingers pressed together, hovering over his pursed lips.

“Have you examined her writings and her life enough to know?”

“I have, Dad,” Natalie responded. “After Bill’s death, I spent a lot of time reading her writings, especially examining those she wrote and the life she lived after her own husband’s death. She was a true and faithful prophet – and a brave woman.”

Pawpaw’s eyes moistened observing his daughter’s painful testimony. “I hope you boys can capture the faith of your mother.” He smiled. “Not that you’re boys any longer – but young men with an excellent grasp of our faith.

“But finally, last question: Lamentations 2:9 says, ‘The law is no more, and her prophets find no vision from the Lord.’

When disrespect for the Law – which is the character of God – prevails and faith is minimal, there is no respect for prophecy and the gift diminishes.” Pawpaw paused for effect.

“Why were the kids at school laughing at Ellen White?”

Mark’s eyebrows drew together. “That’s a serious question, Pawpaw.”

Pawpaw reflected Mark’s demeanor. “And probably has a serious answer. Matthew, will you please end our worship with a prayer for the Holy Spirit’s discernment.”

All heads bowed low.

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Angels Over North Dakota Guest Columnist: Ginger Small

t was North Dakota. It was winter and snow was on I the ground. And the pastors and conference officials once more were at the Dakota Adventist Academy having meetings and working long hours on various issues. My best friend, Mary, who lived in the next district of Dickenson invited Chris, my son, and me to come and stay for the two or three days of meetings until the fellows returned. I was pregnant and thought it would be fun to visit with Mary.

That first evening we settled the children in bed and they quickly were asleep. Mary and I sat at the dining table having tea and chatting. All of a sudden Mary asked me, "Ginger, what is it? You've gone white!"

I was as shocked as I appeared to be. "Mary, I saw someone at the kitchen window!" I replied.

She turned to look at the window but saw no one.

Then we heard the rattling of the front door handle.

Someone was trying their best to get in!

Mary quickly darted to the back door and the garage door to make sure they were both locked. She called frantically for me to go downstairs and make sure that the basement door was locked and secure. We quickly made certain all window drapes and blinds were closed as well. Then we heard a noise at the back door.

Now someone was trying to get in that door as well!

At this point Mary called 911. The police quickly arrived with emergency lights whirling, lighting up the neighborhood. The policemen checked all around the house, to make sure the doors were locked and secure.

They told us that all was well on the outside of the house, but that we should call immediately, if we needed them again.

The police had been gone only a short time when again we heard someone trying the front door. So Mary dialed 911 again. And once again the police arrived with lights awhirl. While we waited for the police to search all around the outside of the house, Mary and I clasped hands and prayed that God would protect us and our little ones.

This happened repeatedly — someone would try to break in, the police would come, no one was found. After much prayer we were able to get hold of Mary's husband at the Academy and told him the situation. He said he would call the literature evangelist who was living in Dickinson at the time and have him come and stay with us the rest of the evening. This fine young man came and stayed awake the rest of the night while Mary and I slept for a few hours.

The next morning Mary and I were up early. The literature evangelist left when we assured him we were okay. While we were eating breakfast Mary received a phone call from a neighbor across and down the street.

"Mary, what was happening at your house last night? I looked out my windows several times throughout the night and your house was entirely covered by a bright white light!"

Mary explained about the apparent attempts to break in, then hung up.

Mary and I looked at each other, put on our coats and boots, and went outdoors. As we walked around the house we noted footprints smack-dab up against the walls of the house, encircling the entire house. These were not made by any person. There was no way any human individual could get behind the overgrown shrubs and walk around the house, guarding us. Chills ran up our spines as we thought about Psalm 34:4 and 7: "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears....The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.” God had heard our prayers and sent His angels to protect us.

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“This Spot Won’t Go Away” “H

ello!” Dr. Carlisle entered the room with her usual flair and friendly greeting. “So, it’s time for your yearly skin check.” She sat on the black, roll-around stool facing me.

I could see that her eyes were already scanning parts of my skin that were uncovered. I had an “I-see-you” office gown wrapped modestly around my body with very little under it.

“I am.” I smiled at her jovial manner. “We have found enough “funny” spots in the past that I’m always ready for the annual hunt for the unusual.”

Dr. Carlisle had her magnifying light instrument in her hand as she began exploring my face, scalp, neck and arms. “Have you seen any unusual places on your skin that you think I should see?”

My mind recalled previous visits with her. “Well, those places we biopsied the last time, you know, up there on my scalp. They seem to have healed over.”

She examined the area carefully.

“Yes, finally healed up. It was pink and scaly, typical for actinic keratosis. A precancerous lesion that can turn into squamous cell cancer.

Nevertheless, that was a difficult one.”

“You treated it with the liquid nitrogen cold spray. But it kept coming back so later you biopsied it.”

“And it didn’t heal as I remember.” She moved her magnifying lens down and continued exploring my face and ears. “So, we had to biopsy it a second time.”

“You got it all that time. Healed up quickly.” I lowered the gown to my waist while she explored my arms and shoulders, magnifying any small discolored or odd-shaped lesion she happened upon.

“You’ve got several small brown moles on this left shoulder.

I bet you spent a lot of time outdoors as a child. Do any of them itch or bleed?” She drew back on her roll-around stool.

“Please stand and turn around.”

“Nope. No bleeding.” I stood and turned as requested. “Yes, I belong to that older generation who lived outside for most of the year – when we weren’t in school.” I thought for a moment. “My wife examines my back and I examine hers

every once in a while. There are some places I can’t see myself.”

She paused in her hunt for the unusual. “That’s very important. Everyone should have a person they trust to help them examine those parts. Skin cancer is not always careful to start in a place that’s easily seen. Squamous cell cancers on the skin surface and melanomas – that can be much deeper – generally occur where the skin is exposed most often to the UV rays of the sun – but not always.” Then she returned to the hunt.

“Everything seems to be clear. Are there any areas that you think I should see?”

I turned and sat on the exam table, glad to be less exposed.

“Hmm. There’s this place on my left thumb. Right here.” I pointed to the base of my thumb. Immediately, her lighted magnifying glass came on as she rolled nearer for a close examination. “Mostly it’s light pink and quiet. Occasionally, it flares up and gets more red or crusts over sort of grey and scales off. Then it returns to the dull pink and is quiet. But it feels slightly raised and rough all the time.

“I think it’s our friend actinic keratosis again.” She paused, thinking. “I think we should freeze it, then see if comes back.”

“Okay. I thought you might want to do that,” I said a bit reluctantly. “Why do I keep getting these precancerous lesions?”

She was already preparing the canister containing the liquid nitrogen. “Well, two reasons. One, you were exposed to a lot of sun as a child – and I suspect as an adult as well. UVA and UVB rays take their toll on our skin. Later in life, the results show up as these precancerous lesions which – while not harmful in themselves – are the precursors of squamous cell cancer.

“Two, as we age, our immune system becomes less capable of recognizing and destroying cancers.” She applied the spray; I flinched just a bit. “Didn’t you have cancer treatment recently?”

“Five years ago. Radical prostatectomy for cancer.”

“I thought so.” She nodded. “You have already been warned that your body’s immune system is not so good at detecting cancers.” She handed the canister to her assistant. “So, you have to be vigilant about your skin, as well as other body parts.” “ I’ve scheduled another colonoscopy. It’s been ten years.”

“Good for you. Keep up with your scheduled screens.” She looked at me and smiled. “Let’s see you in 6 weeks and see how your hand looks. We may have to biopsy it also – but I hope not.”

“Thank you,” I responded. “I hope not either.”

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5 large whole-wheat tortillas 1/3 cup Simple Eggless Mayo (or Vegenaise) 1 recipe Roasted Vegetable Filling (below) Roasted Vegetable Filling 1/2 cup Soy Curls or 8 ounces rm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1/3 cup water 1 teaspoon chicken-style seasoning 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast akes 1 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos 1 medium bell pepper, diced 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2 inch wedges 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise and then into 1/4 inch slices 1 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces (optional) 1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, cut into fourths (optional) Sweet and Sour Marinade 1 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos 1 tablespoon honey or other liquid sweetener 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

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The Virtue of Patience – Trusting God’s Timing

by Nancy McMillan (edits by KM Sanders)

T

alk about lack of patience, I accessed AI to see what might come up. Some good stuff was offered, but I needed to rope in my impatience and write the article myself.

Most days, I have no patience with slow drivers, long lines, slow responses, doctor’s office waiting, etc. Nor do I have patience with myself! How sad is that? Oh, I have patience with children and in some other areas, but sparingly and selectively.

As a child, do you remember going to a destination or an upcoming birthday celebration and hearing, “we’ll be there soon”. This is the toughest four-letter word I know! The word “soon” is often mentioned in the Bible. But who’s “soon” does it mean? I am a fan of “The Chosen” where “soon” is often used. In Season Two, Jesus’ response to Simon (Peter): Soon is “…the most imprecise thing in the world.” It’s all relative.

Have you truly reflected on today’s impatient snap decisions? Drive through food restaurants, on-line quick diet pills, hair replenishing pills, quick oil changes, computer frustrations, waiting for nail polish to dry, the internet drag, yellow to red traffic lights. These are only a few—serious and silly ones! And what about the big ones? Waiting for a diagnosis, unanswered years of prayers for a loved one, a lost child (physically, emotionally, spiritually), unfulfilled love, crucial decisions, prolonged suffering. You get my drift.

What does the Bible say about this extolled virtue? Who were God’s examples of patience? Let’s start with “Job.” Job showed spiritual faith and patience and, by doing so (despite his wife and friends), secured his relationship with the Lord and restored profound blessings. Without patience or faith, what would he have gotten?

And then, Abraham and Sarah. Sarah chuckled and both she and her husband interfered in God’s plans, trying to take control via Hagar. Look what impatience got them. But God to the rescue again…without throwing up His hands, He

delivered on His promise with Isaac. Such situations are precisely when patience becomes an act of faith and trust.

To whom can we look for an example of toning and strengthening our patience? Talk about patience personified—Jesus! Saying to His mother at the Cana wedding, “My time has not yet come” (John 2:4), Jesus believed in God’s timing. Even in the depths of His extreme pain and sacrifice, He trusted God’s timing.

As born again in Jesus, we are to strive to be like Him, developing patience, perseverance, and the ability to wait with grace, hope, and trust. James 1:3-4: "Because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let patience show itself perfectly in what you do.”

As a fruit of the Spirit, patience is not something we can cultivate on our own. Instead, it is a divine gift that grows in us as we align our lives with God and His will. Obviously beyond my own capabilities, patience is a spiritual discipline, a fruit of the Spirit, and an act of faith in God's perfect timing.

I am so blessed to know that God is on my side to help me to build patience within myself so I, in turn, can build patience with others.

We’ve looked at Jesus’s and the Spirit’s role in patience, but whoa….the deep sovereignty of our Father God’s patience is off the charts! I shake my head when I read about those boorish Israelites who didn’t get it and wandered for 40 years. Think of this situation as just one example. Then reflect on His patience shown to you and me. Only our mighty God can do that!

“The Lord shows mercy and is kind. He does not become angry quickly, and He has great love.” (Psalm 103:8).

Although we are not the ultimate authors of our lives, we do have a choice to nurture and submit to God's timing. “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

What steps cultivate patience? 1) Without doubt, prayer is a powerful tool the Lord has instilled in our lives. 2) Taking a breath and turning to our Lord can provide perspective, then asking the Spirit to help us through frustration or impatience. 3) To “wait on the Lord” isn’t always easy, but the act of submitting and turning it over to God (many times!) is character building, strengthening our resolve to “wait on Him”. 4) Studying scripture, especially stories that show us people building their patience by relying on God. 5) Rather than viewing situations as inconveniences, consider them to be golden opportunities to deepen your relationship with our incredible Lord.

Jesus’s return “soon?” That slow driver in the left lane? I’ll be praying for them…and praying for patience! Oh, that’s right, the tortoise did win the race! (all Biblical verses are from the New Century version).

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Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church Is a Safe Place to Grow.

Our family focus this month features Chris Hamm who joined the Arden Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in August.

Chris was born in Columbia, South Carolina and grew up in the Sandy Run community. He has one younger brother, Brian.

Chris graduated from Swansea High School in Swansea, South Carolina which is in Lexington County. He shared that after working in what he considered a “dead end job”, someone he knew from the Sheriff ’s Department asked if he would be interested in becoming a 911 dispatcher. He decided to pursue this line of endeavor and worked for the City of Columbia for twenty years and Charleston County S.C. for nine years.

Chris just retired in April of this year.

Chris is married to Arden church member Whitney Barron, and they have three daughters, Kailee, Madison, and Hannah. Chris and Whitney were first married on November 7, 2004, and were married for 9 1/2 years, but divorced in 2014. They stayed connected weekly because of their children. Their relationship began growing again, and Chris asked Whitney to marry him again and they were remarried on October 2, 2022! They now live in Inman, South Carolina.

Hobbies that Chris enjoys are hiking, photography, and anything outdoors. He has hiked many areas in Pisgah Forest but particularly has enjoyed hiking in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in the Cataloochee area close to Maggie Valley and in the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg. He looks forward to discovering more of the beauty of the North Carolina mountains.

Chris has enjoyed some travels to Montana. Also he and Whitney joined Pastor Eric on a trip to Israel in 2022. He also traveled with the Arden Pathfinder Club as an adult chaperon and attended the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Wyoming.

Over the years Chris has been a part of the Arden SDA Church because his family were members. Therefore, he recently decided to join the Arden SDA Church in August, transferring his membership from the West Columbia SDA Church. He enjoys the Down Under Sabbath School class and looks forward to being a part of new ministries in the future.

We welcome Chris Hamm to the Arden Church family!

Our Purpose is, by God’s Grace, to reflect His character in our community, to demonstrate a quality of life that will attract all to be reconciled to Jesus Christ, and to encourage people to become His loving, maturing disciples.

Grace Notes Editorial Staff: Max Hammonds ...............................................Editor Chris Small.................................................Columnist Jean Davey..................................................Columnist Max Hammonds ..................Reporter & Columnist Pen Braister-Sturgis ..................................... Reporter Sara McCord ................................................. Reporter Dan Reynolds ............................................... Reporter Arizona McCord ............... Reporter & Proofreader Chris Small ..................................... Special Graphics Jim & Carolyn Sullenberger ................Proofreaders Nolan Darnell ........................ Mailing Management Shirley Wallstrom ...................Circulation Manager Whitney Barron .................................Layout Design Comments, suggestions and praises are always welcome. Please email or contact the church office.

Services each Saturday morning: Sabbath School Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:45 a.m.

Location: 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704 Located on Highway 280, (Airport Road), 1.5 miles east of I-26 exit 40, and a quarter mile west of Highway 25.

Church Office: Office Manager: Cindy Cottrell Office Secretary: Summer Cronin Telephone: (828) 684-6700 Email: office@ardenadventist.org Website: www.ardenadventist.com Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs.,9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arden Adventist Pastoral Staff: Senior Pastor: Eric Bates, D. Min. Email: ebates@carolinasda.org Associate/Youth Pastor: Rich Maskelony, M .Div. Email: rmaskelony@carolinasda.org

Grace Notes is published monthly by the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscription is free by calling or emailing the office. †Do you have questions about what Adventists believe? Would you like to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Would you like to study the Bible? You are invited to attend a Pastor’s Bible Study Class. Please call for location and time. All are always welcome.

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† Disclaimer—The contents of Grace Notes, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this magazine of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of specific medical or Lifestyle Medicine interventions, or about questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of information published in this magazine. Neither Grace Notes nor the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in published articles.

Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

If you have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately.

Arden Adventist

GRACE N TES A Magazine for Sharing God’s Love In Our Community

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WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

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SyllableS from DaNIel 7 Fill in the answers to the clues by using all the syllables in the Syllable Box below. The number of syllables to use in each answer is in parentheses. The number of letters in each answer is the dashes. Each syllable will be used only once. All words are from Daniel 7 in the NASB. ֍ SYLLABLES ֍ A AN BE CEE CON DE DER DIF DING DO ENT ER EX EX FER FY HI HOLD ING ING LA LA LING LY LY MAIN MI NI NION NOTH PLA POS RE RE RED REIGN RI SEMB SES SION SO TED TEM TER TER TING TION TREME TY UT VE VE VOU 1: Greedily ate

(3) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

2: Ruling authority

(4) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

3: Intensely

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4: See clearly

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5: Instead of this one

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6: Realm

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7: Disclosure

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8: Totally destroyed

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9: Looking like

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10: belongs to

(3) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

11: beyond belief

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12: Very frightening

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13: speaking quietly

(3) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

14: Left over

(3) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

15: Considering

(4) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

16: Not alike

(3) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Page 14 | www.ArdenAdventist.org