"“My brethren, bind up with the Lord God of hosts. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. The time has come for His work to be enlarged. Troublous times are before us; but if we stand together in Christian fellowship, none striving for supremacy, God will work mightily for us. LS 308.2"
"Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
The EGW passage directly quotes and applies Isaiah 8:13, making the connection explicit.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
The EGW passage emphasizes Christian fellowship and unity, echoing the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 1:10, which urges believers to be united in mind and judgment. The principle of unity is clearly present in both passages.
"“Let us be hopeful and courageous. Despondency in God's service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. He has all power. He can bestow upon His servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. His infinite love and compassion never weary. With the majesty of omnipotence He unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. We need have no fear that He will not fulfill His promises. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant that He has made with those that love Him. His promises to His church stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations.” Testimonies for the Church 8:38, 39 . LS 308.3"
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
The EGW passage uses the shepherd metaphor and the idea of God's care and provision, which is a clear thematic parallel to Psalm 23:1. The passage expands on the shepherd imagery, emphasizing God's love, compassion, and power.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of God's unwavering presence and promise, which is the core message of Hebrews 13:5. The verse assures believers that God will never leave them, and EGW reinforces this by stating that God will never change His covenant and will fulfill His promises.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Philippians 4:6 encourages believers to avoid anxiety and to bring their requests to God through prayer. The EGW passage directly addresses despondency and encourages hope and courage, stating that God knows our needs and has the power to meet them. This aligns with the principle of trusting in God and not being anxious, as presented in Philippians.