A Higher Experience

We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that harmonizes with His teachings. High and holy attainments are within our reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us. His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, “Come up higher. Be holy, holier still.” Every day we may advance in perfection of Christian character.

Screening decision: This paragraph discusses spiritual attainment, knowledge, and character growth in a religious context without making empirical medical or scientific claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God's great family know little of what it means to behold His glory and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour's love. Let these cherish every desire of the soul after God. The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, molds those who will be molded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18 , R.V., margin.

Screening decision: The text focuses on spiritual devotion, divine agency, and internal religious experience rather than testable physical phenomena.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“These things have I spoken unto you,” said Christ, “that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11 .

Screening decision: This paragraph is a direct biblical quotation regarding spiritual joy.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Ever before Him, Christ saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would restore in humanity the image of God. He would lift us up from the dust, reshape the character after the pattern of His own character, and make it beautiful with His own glory.

Screening decision: This is a theological narrative concerning Christ's motivation and mission.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Christ saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He viewed the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. He heard the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Although the baptism of blood must first be received, although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul, although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him He chose to endure the cross and despised the shame.

Screening decision: This paragraph narrates the crucifixion and theological suffering of Christ from a spiritual perspective.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

This joy all His followers are to share. However great and glorious hereafter, our reward is not all to be reserved for the time of final deliverance. Even here we are by faith to enter into the Saviour's joy. Like Moses, we are to endure as seeing the Invisible.

Screening decision: This offers religious encouragement and a spiritual practice of faith.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth as it is done in heaven. The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ's righteousness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. The years will move on in gladness. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”

Screening decision: This contains eschatological and prophetic imagery regarding the end of sin and death, which is not an empirical claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

These visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be dear to His children.

Screening decision: This is a concluding devotional exhortation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Stand on the threshold of eternity and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have co- operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. With the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.... Honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:12, 13 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists of scriptural quotation and heavenly worship imagery.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven, as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” and hath redeemed us to God.

Screening decision: This paragraph expresses spiritual themes of eternal life and heavenly reward without empirical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9, 10 .

Screening decision: The paragraph directly quotes biblical apocalyptic literature.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 7:14-17 ; Revelation 21:4 .

Screening decision: The text describes eschatological and spiritual promises.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We need to keep ever before us this vision of things unseen. It is thus that we shall be able to set a right value on the things of eternity and the things of time. It is this that will give us power to influence others for the higher life.

Screening decision: The focus is on spiritual perspective and moral influence.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Come up to Me into the mount,” God bids us. To Moses, before he could be God's instrument in delivering Israel, was appointed the forty years of communion with Him in the mountain solitudes. Before bearing God's message to Pharaoh, he spoke with the angel in the burning bush. Before receiving God's law as the representative of His people, he was called into the mount, and beheld His glory. Before executing justice on the idolaters, he was hidden in the cleft of the rock, and the Lord said, “I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee,” “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth; ... and that will by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 33:19 ; 34:6, 7 , A.R.V. Before he laid down, with his life, his burden for Israel, God called him to the top of Pisgah and spread out before him the glory of the Promised Land.

Screening decision: The paragraph recounts historical and biblical narrative events concerning Moses.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Before the disciples went forth on their mission, they were called up into the mount with Jesus. Before the power and glory of Pentecost, came the night of communion with the Saviour, the meeting on the mountain in Galilee, the parting scene upon Olivet, with the angel's promise, and the days of prayer and communion in the upper chamber.

Screening decision: This is a historical and biblical narrative description of the disciples' preparation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Jesus, when preparing for some great trial or some important work, would resort to the solitude of the mountains and spend the night in prayer to His Father. A night of prayer preceded the ordination of the apostles and the Sermon on the Mount, the transfiguration, the agony of the judgment hall and the cross, and the resurrection glory.

Screening decision: This paragraph describes the narrative pattern of Jesus' life and prayer practices.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God.

Screening decision: The paragraph discusses spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and relying on divine light.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of the agony in Gethsemane, the sleeping disciples heard not the voice of Jesus. They had a dim sense of the angels’ presence, but lost the power and glory of the scene. Because of their drowsiness and stupor they failed of receiving the evidence that would have strengthened their souls for the terrible scenes before them. Thus today the very men who most need divine instruction often fail of receiving it, because they do not place themselves in communion with heaven.

Screening decision: The paragraph uses a biblical narrative of the disciples in Gethsemane to emphasize spiritual vigilance.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. Dangers beset every path. Those who are seeking to rescue others from vice and ruin are especially exposed to temptation. In constant contact with evil, they need a strong hold upon God lest they themselves be corrupted. Short and decisive are the steps that lead men down from high and holy ground to a low level. In a moment decisions may be made that fix one's condition forever. One failure to overcome leaves the soul unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly resisted, will strengthen into chains of steel, binding the whole man.

Screening decision: It combines spiritual exhortation about prayer with a behavioral claim about habit formation.

The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.

Screening decision: The text focuses entirely on spiritual disciplines and maintaining constant mental prayer.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

As workers for God we must reach men where they are, surrounded with darkness, sunken in vice, and stained with corruption. But while we stay our minds upon Him who is our sun and our shield, the evil that surrounds us will not bring one stain upon our garments. As we work to save the souls that are ready to perish we shall not be put to shame if we make God our trust. Christ in the heart, Christ in the life, this is our safety. The atmosphere of His presence will fill the soul with abhorrence of all that is evil. Our spirit may be so identified with His that in thought and aim we shall be one with Him.

Screening decision: The passage provides spiritual encouragement and religious terminology for moral protection.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

It was through faith and prayer that Jacob, from being a man of feebleness and sin, became a prince with God. It is thus that you may become men and women of high and holy purpose, of noble life, men and women who will not for any consideration be swayed from truth, right, and justice. All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties, but the more difficult your position and the heavier your burdens, the more you need Jesus.

Screening decision: It references a biblical patriarch to illustrate spiritual transformation through faith.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

It is a serious mistake to neglect the public worship of God. The privileges of divine service should not be lightly regarded. Those who attend upon the sick are often unable to avail themselves of these privileges, but they should be careful not to absent themselves needlessly from the house of worship.

Screening decision: It offers ethical guidance regarding religious attendance and considerations for those caring for the sick.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

In ministering to the sick, more than in any merely secular business, success depends on the spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice with which the work is done. Those who bear responsibilities need to place themselves where they will be deeply impressed by the Spirit of God. You should have as much greater anxiety than do others for the aid of the Holy Spirit and for a knowledge of God as your position of trust is more responsible than that of others.

Screening decision: The text addresses attitudes and spiritual preparation required for healthcare and ministry roles.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Nothing is more needed in our work than the practical results of communion with God. We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in the Saviour. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with God will ennoble the character and the life. Men will take knowledge of us, as of the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus. This will impart to the worker a power that nothing else can give. Of this power he must not allow himself to be deprived.

Screening decision: The paragraph focuses on spiritual communion with God and its effects on character and witness without making empirical medical or psychological assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying.

Screening decision: The text offers spiritual and ethical counsel regarding prayer and daily duties, with no direct empirical or psychological tests proposed.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

When in trouble, many think they must appeal to some earthly friend, telling him their perplexities, and begging for help. Under trying circumstances unbelief fills their hearts, and the way seems dark. And all the time there stands beside them the mighty Counselor of the ages, inviting them to place their confidence in Him. Jesus, the great Burden Bearer, is saying, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Shall we turn from Him to uncertain human beings, who are as dependent upon God as we ourselves are?

Screening decision: The passage provides religious guidance and spiritual encouragement.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

You may feel the deficiency of your character and the smallness of your ability in comparison with the greatness of the work. But if you had the greatest intellect ever given to man, it would not be sufficient for your work. “Without Me ye can do nothing,” says our Lord and Saviour. John 15:5 . The result of all we do rests in the hands of God. Whatever may betide, lay hold upon Him with steady, persevering confidence.

Screening decision: This is a theological and spiritual statement regarding human limitation and divine sufficiency.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

In your business, in companionship for leisure hours, and in alliance for life, let all the associations you form be entered upon with earnest, humble prayer. You will thus show that you honor God, and God will honor you. Pray when you are fainthearted. When you are desponding, close the lips firmly to men; do not shadow the path of others; but tell everything to Jesus. Reach up your hands for help. In your weakness lay hold of infinite strength. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith, that you may see light in God's light and rejoice in His love.

Screening decision: The paragraph outlines devotional practices and spiritual coping strategies.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

When we are humble and contrite we stand where God can and will manifest Himself to us. He is well pleased when we urge past mercies and blessings as a reason why He should bestow on us greater blessings. He will more than fulfill the expectations of those who trust fully in Him. The Lord Jesus knows just what His children need, how much divine power we will appropriate for the blessing of humanity; and He bestows upon us all that we will employ in blessing others and ennobling our own souls.

Screening decision: The text describes theological principles of divine grace and human humility.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We must have less trust in what we ourselves can do, and more trust in what the Lord can do for and through us. You are not engaged in your own work; you are doing the work of God. Surrender your will and way to Him. Make not a single reserve, not a single compromise with self. Know what it is to be free in Christ.

Screening decision: This is a spiritual exhortation regarding surrender and faith.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The mere hearing of sermons Sabbath after Sabbath, the reading of the Bible through and through, or the explanation of it verse by verse, will not benefit us or those who hear us, unless we bring the truths of the Bible into our individual experience. The understanding, the will, the affections, must be yielded to the control of the word of God. Then through the work of the Holy Spirit the precepts of the word will become the principles of the life.

Screening decision: The statement addresses spiritual formation and the practical application of religious teachings.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask.

Screening decision: This paragraph focuses entirely on spiritual trust, prayer, and divine assistance without making empirical or testable medical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible.

Screening decision: The text describes spiritual empowerment and internal states resulting from meditation on God's character.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Christ bids us: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.... He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.... If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.

Screening decision: This is a direct biblical quotation from the gospels concerning spiritual abiding and discipleship.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love....

Screening decision: This is a direct scriptural quotation focusing on divine love.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” John 15:4-16 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists of scriptural quotation concerning divine election and prayer.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Behold, 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 .

Screening decision: This paragraph is a direct biblical quotation from the Book of Revelation illustrating spiritual communion.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:17 .

Screening decision: This paragraph quotes biblical promises from Revelation using symbolic and spiritual imagery.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“He that overcometh, ... I will give him the Morning Star,” “and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God: ... and I will write upon him My new name.” Verses 26-28 ; 3:12 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of biblical quotations from the Book of Revelation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

He whose trust is in God will with Paul be able to say, “I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 , R.V. Whatever the mistakes or failures of the past, we may, with the help of God, rise above them. With the apostle we may say:

Screening decision: This paragraph expresses a spiritual principle concerning faith, divine strength, and overcoming past failures through God.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14 .

Screening decision: This paragraph is a scriptural quotation highlighting spiritual dedication, perseverance, and focus on divine goals.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.