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faith Abraham obeyed…” (Hebrews 11:8-12) “Be
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Blessings of Obedience BY JULIA O’CAREY
“Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives man power to obey the laws of
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hould I go to class OR vespers?” This question rolled over and over in Socheat’s mind on Friday evening. It was the first semester of his freshman year in college and he shuddered at the thought of what could happen if he chose to consistently miss class each Sabbath. He smiled to himself as he remembered the many lectures he received from his parents about playing hooky when he was in elementary and high school. Now, as a born-again Christian, his reasons for missing school were entirely different. He felt so grateful to Jesus, who died to pay for the many sins that he committed as a youngster. How could he even think of grieving His Savior by disobeying Him? Socheat made up his mind to obey God’s complete law and prayed, “God, if it is Your will for me to continue studying while I keep the Sabbath, please open the way.” At the end of the semester, he was called in to the president’s office and was told, “Socheat, you may not continue studying at this university because of your failing grade in a core class.” Socheat was not given the opportunity to state his case. He left the office and resolved to spend the entire day in prayer. He pleaded, “Father, please send the Holy Spirit to touch the heart of the university president to let me continue studying
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if this is Your will.” The next day, he decided to pack his bag and attend school as usual. When the president noticed him, he was called into his office. He stared intently at Socheat and asked, “Why is it that you missed so many classes? Is it because you do not like the subject or do you have something against the teacher?” Socheat respectfully answered, “No sir, I do not study on Friday nights because I believe in Jesus and I want to obey Him and keep the Sabbath holy as He asks in His Bible. Saturday is the only day He blessed. Sabbath begins when the sun goes down on Friday.” The president’s eyes widened in surprise and he said, “We have other Christian students in this school but none of them ever asked for this special treatment!” Socheat went on to explain that he was a Seventh-day Adventist and that the other students were probably of different Christian denominations. After asking other questions regarding Socheat’s beliefs, the president said, “Socheat, I understand your problem. You need to choose between your good day or this fine university.” Socheat said, “I am sorry, Mr. President, I really want to study at this school but if I have to choose I will continue to keep the Sabbath.” At that the president sternly repeated, “Are you telling me you would choose to keep the
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“The Lord would have all his sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings.”