Son of Man, Son of God | Nov/Dec 2016

lilies city

Lilies in the City - November/December 2016 - Issue 18

A Life Like His Nut-Free Apple Cheesecake

Jesus’Useful Earthly Hands

SIMPLE COCO“NOG” Sweet Potato Pie Cups

CHRIST'S HUMANITY:

Son of Man

Son of God

TheGreat Controversy Millet Nut Loaf

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lilies city Social Lily Practical Lily Lily Lifestyle Lily Eats

6 A Life Like His

10 Jesus' Useful Earthly Hands 18 Christ's Humanity: The Great Controversy 8 Nut-Free Apple Cheesecake 14 Sweet Potato Pie Cups 16 Simple Coco "Nog" 22 Millet Nut Loaf

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)

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EDITOR'S NOTE

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God & Man

t just one-month-old she was the cutest little thing. Looking just like her mother she had the softest little features, matched with tiny digits, a little head full of curly black hair and the sweetest smelling skin. Talia was beautiful yet completely helpless. So helpless in fact, that I hesitated to hold someone so fragile. In awe, I admired the seeming contradiction before me.

Recently, I heard it said that the human baby is the most helpless creature in the world.

A few short hours postpartum, other animal babies – with a little help and coaxing – begin to do simple things. The little human child cannot; if left to fend for himself, he will surely die.

And yet Jesus Christ, the Majesty of Heaven who "made the worlds" (Heb 1:2) and "thought it not robbery to be equal with God," "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Phil 2:6,7). The Creator of it all, 4

left it all to be fashioned as the most helpless creature in the world. Even more perplexing, Christ didn't come as Adam before he sinned, but "was made of the seed of David according to the flesh" (Rom 1:3 c.f.

Heb 2:16). Further, He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15).

Christ maintained His purity although He was born as man after the burden and curse of sin had been inherited (sinful man) and not as sinless man before the Fall.

18). Christ gave up heaven to save us from sin and reconcile us back to God.

And why? Why leave the bliss and perfection of heaven to be numbered among the most helpless? The writer of Hebrews helps us to understand. Speaking of Christ he writes, "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb 2:17,

In this issue we look at what characterized the humanity of Christ. And ‘tis the season for family, fellowship and food, you’ll find healthy and delicious recipes just in time for the holidays!

For our sakes, the Son of God also became the Son of man.

Christ's plan of salvation is complete, and beautifully so.

In saving and reconciling us, He also gives us power to obey and live day by day without sin. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom 1:16).

Administrative

STAFF

Almarie Hill Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally.

Wholly Whole is her personal ministry, reflecting her journey to completeness in Christ.

Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests. She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.

Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!

Rochelle Mekowulu Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel.

When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.

Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.

Angelique Manning As the administrative assistant at LIC, Angelique is dedicated to using the skills the Lord has blessed her with to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. She believes that true happiness is found in unselfish ministry and with that, loves to serve whether it's by encouraging her family and friends or sharing the love of Christ with people in her community.

Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff?

Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org

Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid 5

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A Life Like His

uring His time, no one quite knew how to have amazing relationships like Christ did. You may be wondering: How can this be? In every interaction, in every relational discourse, Christ had a purpose. His heart was full of unselfish love for those whom He met and interacted with.

When we study His life, we find that Jesus was social with a purpose. He “mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence.” 1 Christ’s selfless love won the 6

– Jennifer Alvarado

hearts of thousands in His day, and today He continues to win the love of multitudes worldwide.

In a world of uncertainty, dismay, and confusion, God draws men and women to Him through the precious light of truth found in His Word.

Many are the souls who have been grateful to find refuge within the pages of beautifully written psalms and exciting prophecies of things presently happening and things yet to come. Many are those who have accepted Christ as a close Friend and embarked on a transformational

journey they did not anticipate.

Many who deep inside felt unhappy and empty while engaging in destructive lifestyles have found renewed life, hope, and freedom in Christ’s power to save. Happiness has been restored, life has gained new meaning, and untold joy fills hearts the world over.

You may be asking: What does this have to do with me? The truth is it has everything to do with you. The reason for this is because God wants to work in your life in a wonderful way. Not only does He want to transform

Jesus was social with a

purpose

your heart and beautify your life, He also desires to use your life as a means through which He can bless others.

No one will argue that being kind and receiving kindness is something we all desire and strive for. Perhaps it’s been said to you, “The world would be a better place if there were more people like you.” This statement is often made after a kind or thoughtful deed has been done and/or when someone’s actions have left a positive impression on the life of another. This is a perfect example of how the Lord desires to make our lives one of constant blessing to the people around us.

As a result of the good we do, happiness is brought to another soul and that soul is filled with hope, and thus is inspired to show kindness to someone else.

However, it is needful to understand that there is no good in us.

What do I mean? In Romans 7:18, Paul said, “For I know that in me…dwelleth no good thing.”

In other words, there is nothing good within us. Jesus also said, “There is none good but one, that is, God” (Mk 10:18).

The good we manifest is a result of heeding God’s prompting on our hearts to do so, “for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13).

This is important to acknowledge because it is easy to take ownership for acts of generosity, kindness, and love, when in reality the glory belongs to God. Of ourselves we “…can supply nothing for the needs of the soul. We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others. As we continue imparting, we continue to receive; and the more we impart, the more we shall receive.”2

is – a God of mercy, compassion, and unfailing love. These characteristics must themselves be seen in our lives and this, dear sister, is the beautiful work God desires to do in you. To love as He loves is our greatest work; to be like Him in everything we do and in all that we are. To allow His love to transform our own lives is a work we should take pride in as we look to Him for help. Let’s give as He gave. Let’s live as He lived and choose to be social with a purpose!

What a wonderful opportu- “The angels of glory find their joy in nity we’ve each been given giving, — giving love and tireless to share in God’s work and watchcare to souls that are fallen co-labour with Christ by be- and unholy. Heavenly beings woo ing His hands and His feet for the hearts of men… by gentle and those who are in greatest need! patient ministry they move upon Through you, multitudes can the human spirit, to bring the lost find that ray of sunshine that into a fellowship with Christ which has long been obscured by an- is even closer than they themgry clouds. “There are many to selves can know.”4 whom life is a painful struggle.

They feel their deficiencies, and 1. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of are miserable and unbeliev- Healing (Mountain View, CA: Paing; they think they have noth- cific Press Pub. Assn., 1905), 143. ing for which to be grateful. 2. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Kind words, looks of sympathy, Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific expressions of appreciation, Press Pub. Assn., 1898), 370. would be to many a struggling, 3. Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughlonely one as the cup of cold ters of God (Washington, D.C.: Rewater to a thirsty soul. A word view and Herald Pub. Assn., 1955), of sympathy, an act of kind- 270. ness, would lift burdens that 4. White, The Desire of Ages, 21. rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for You are called to live 3 lost humanity.”

You are called to live a life of goodness and truth because you are a recipient of His goodness and love. He has bestowed great value upon you and you are precious to Him. Among the many ways God chooses to reach out to a dying world, He chooses us as His ambassadors to go forth and show the world who He really

a life of goodness

and truth because you are a recipient of His goodness &

love.

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Nut-Free Apple

Cheesecake – Faith-Ann Parkinson

(Makes 18 servings)

CRUST 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes 3/4 cup quick oats 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/4 tsp sea salt 6 TB coconut Sugar 4 TB coconut oil, melted Add the first four ingredients to a high speed blender and blend into a meal. Add the meal to a small bowl then slowly add the melted coconut oil to form a dough that should not crumble. If the dough is too dry, add more coconut oil until a loose dough that can be squeezed and holds together is formed.

Transfer dough mixture to a parchment paper lined 9-inch springform pan then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

FILLING 1 cup raw sunflower seeds (soaked in hot water for an hour) ž cup full fat coconut milk (left overnight in refrigerator) 8 ounces non-dairy cream cheese 1 tsp non-GMO cornstarch 1 tsp non-alcoholic vanilla extract 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup honey 1 TB melted coconut oil 2 tsp Lemon zest 1 TB fresh lemon juice 1/8th tsp sea salt Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.Pour filling unto the pre-baked crust. Bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from oven and let cool. Place in refrigerator to set for 5-6 hours. Add apple topping to serve.

APPLE TOPPING 1/2 cup agave nectar 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1 TB non-GMO cornstarch Dash of ground allspice 8

6 Granny Smith apples or other variety of baking apples, peeled, cored & thinly sliced Mix together first 4 ingredients in a saucepan.

Add apples. Gently bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes or just until apples are tender. Gently stir as needed. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

The well-known saying “An Apple A Day keeps the Doctor Away” has evolved over the years since it was first used. In the 19th Century. it was first, “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”

It then changed to “An apple a day, no doctor to pay” and later to, “An apple a day sends the doctor away” Apples are known to be the queen of fruits for their medicinal and culinary value. “Apples are quintessential fruit. They are well tolerated by everyone and combine well with any other food.”1 Apples are harvested from August to December, and are at peak season in October. In addition to eating fresh apples, applesauce, or apple pies, there are so many other recipes that can be made with apples; from apple fritters to apple butter to apple pancakes and a delicious apple cheesecake.

Apples contains the flavonoid (phytochemical or “plant pigment”) quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Flavonoids are known for preventing cholesterol buildup on arterial walls.

Apples can also be used for eczema, hypertension, diarrhea and constipation. They are great for constipation because they contain properties that help regulate intestinal function, assisting in remedying both diarrhea and constipation. Someone suffering with constipation, can eat one to two apples in the morning on an empty stomach to aid in correcting their constipation.

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D., Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 2006), 2/229

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Jesus’Useful Earthly Hands

– Lawrence Rykard Jr.

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s not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” Matthew 13:55.

The incarnate Jesus was trained in various useful lines of work as a child growing up in the secluded hills of Nazareth. From the testimony of “Luke, the beloved physician” (Col 4:14) we learn that Jesus developed his talent of speech for usefulness as well. However, in this article we will concentrate on the former and save the latter for future exploration, God willing.

Many youth today grow up ignorant of how to work with their hands. Exactly what our hands were created for we learn in the fully human life of Jesus Christ. He cultivated this faculty to the highest level of usefulness possible. As you consider this, please ponder the question: What are your hands being educated to do?

“As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools.

He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find some-

thing to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society.”1 What a contrast to my childhood and youth! As a child I grew up greatly interested in video games, sports, television and seeking out earthly pleasures with friends and strangers. These things completely engrossed my mind from a young age. It was Satan’s calculated plan to keep me from learning about “the carpenter’s son.” Instead, my time was spent in learning about various video game characters (their special moves, etc.), statistics of athletes, fashions of entertainers, and asking, “who is that girl?” What a waste of time and energy!

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little” (Lk 7:47).

When I confessed my sins at the age of nineteen and received forgiveness, I began to prayerfully study Jesus Christ’s incarnation; “the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto

the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Tm 3:16). What a redeeming of time and energy!

For the majority of time that Jesus was “manifest[ed] in the flesh,” he willingly worked with His hands. Generally, a child is capable of beginning to handle tools around the age of twelve.

From about the age of twelve until he began His public ministry at about the age of thirty, Christ also experienced the discipline of useful work. This discipline can be seen throughout His ministry.

In fact, when Jesus was called from the craftsman’s occupation he so thoroughly abandoned his former trade that there is no trace revealed in the Scriptures of His capabilities in this line. “Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work…I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (Jn 5:17; 9:4) From these and other proclamations and actions of Christ we learn that even though he was no longer working with his hands in the carpenter shop he still exercised diligence and discipline in His lifework.

After beholding Jesus’ preparation for His lifework it became self-evident to me that I needed

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12 Lilies in the City - February 2015

a like preparation. Therefore, I began to willingly work with my hands. Doing just as Jesus did, I coupled hard study with hard work to learn how to be successful as a craftsman. My very first, real hands-on experience came through a problem with my first vehicle back in 2006. I prayerfully read the repair manual and counseled with experienced brethren. Not without a struggle and help, I was able to repair my own vehicle for the first time in my life. Since then God has really been helping me redeem the time that I lost in uselessness so that I might follow in the steps of my most useful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now I rejoice and relate, through the grace of God, with the apostle Paul. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ…Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive” (1 Cor 11:1; Acts 20:34, 35). As I asked at the beginning of this article: What are your hands being educated to do?

1. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Ass., 1898), 72.

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Lilies in the City - February 2015 - 13

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Sweet Potato Pie Cups

– Brittany Hodges, B|Whole (Makes 8 servings)

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o one likes the feeling of guilt after indulging in their favorite holiday dessert. These cute sweet potato mini-cup pies are portion-sized with a dense crust helping you to feel nothing less than satisfied after eating just two. Sweet potatoes are loaded with magnesium, carotenoids and vitamins B6, C, and D. All of which fight cancer, boost the immune system and slow down the usual effects of aging. Who would have thought eating a healthy dessert would be so fulfilling!

Filling

1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small chunks 2 TB cornstarch ¼ cup nondairy milk (soy, rice, coconut or almond) ¼ cup nondairy butter, softened ¼ cup raw cane sugar (sweetener of choice) 12 ounces of firm tofu 2 Tbsp nondairy sour cream 3 tsp cinnamon substitute (Find recipe on pg 15 of Sept/Oct 2016 - Issue 17)1 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Boil sweet potatoes until soft and easily pierced with fork In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in milk Add sweet potatoes, cornstarch liquid and remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor 14

Blend until puree like consistency Set mixture aside and prepare pie crust

Cup Pie Crust

1 ¼ cup quick or rolled oats 1 TB agave 3 TB almond milk ½ cup walnuts 1 TB Coconut oil 1 pinch of salt Carob chips, Coconut flakes or any favorite addition (optional) Instructions Preheat oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit Blend nuts and salt in blender Add oats and blend into a coarse flour Empty contents in bowl Mix milk and agave, and stir into oat mixture (add your favorite extras here) Oil muffin pan and press crust to create cups Pour sweet potato filling in each cup pie crust Place muffin tray in the oven for 20 minutes or until middle of each cup no longer jiggles Remove and top with your favorite plantbased ice cream, whip topping or a simple pecan

HAPPY EATING! 1. Follow Link https://issuu.com/liliesinthecity/docs/lic_sept-oct_2016/15 ?e=15044607/38767700)

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BEEHIVE INTERNATIONAL

THE

“Let Their Lives Change Yours Forever” Four hours north of our new city property is the heart of the Beehive International, Inc.’s work – 32 acres in Bohoc. The Beehive has partnered with Norma Nashed from Restore a Child to build this growing facility. Fresh air, beautiful land, and far away from the problems that all big cities have. We have named it The Pearl. Haiti used to be called the pearl of the Caribbean and we believe there are many pearls here that only need a helping hand. At The Pearl we have a center for learning manual trades: carpentry, farming, cooking, construction and small engine mechanics. We have horses, donkeys, dogs and cats where children can learn to relate to animals and care for them. Adults and children alike can learn through the great book of nature about living things.

We serve the community by providing jobs for up to 100 people at a time during our construction projects. These are unskilled laborers that are taught how to mix cement, lay brick, and do plumb16

ing and are paid a higher than fair day’s wage while they are learning. We have visiting doctors, nurses, and dentists that provide health and wound care, glasses, teeth cleanings and extractions and basic medicines for worms and scabies.

There is room here for anyone with a heart to serve. Come and visit us in Haiti – I guarantee your life will be changed forever.

Mexny Augustave was only 16 when the earthquake of 2010 killed 220,000 people instantly and injured 300,000 more. Miraculously his twin sister, brother, and parents all survived but the parents of countless other children did not.

Mexny saw the immediate need and when the government offered free land way outside the city he jumped at the chance to homestead a small plot and start his own orphanage. I have been working in Haiti for 5 and ½ years and Mexny has become my right hand man.

Speaking English he became my translator, best worker, and best friend. His whole family cares for the 13 children at his orphanage in Cannaran where through the work of visiting mission groups we have added block walls to replace their tarp structure, propane cooking instead of charcoal, and most valued - a water reservoir holding 15,000 gallons. This area has been deforested due to the need to make cooking charcoal from the trees. These children have never seen running water let alone played in water or taken a shower.

Imagine the day the

I Need Your Carpentry Skills in Haiti !! tanker came to fill that 15,000 gallon reservoir!!

The Beehive International, Inc., has worked with 12 orphanages over the last 5 years and over 500 children. At Mexny’s we have carved a terraced garden into the hillside where with the help of a little rain they can raise their own food – enough to share with their community and maybe even take to market.

The children have learned the steps in growing their own food and each have a section of the garden they are responsible for.

We have built bathrooms and showers and even added a basketball hoop for some healthy exercise. We have recently set up a small store where flour, rice, beans and cornmeal is sold by the cup. The children, once lethargic and expressionless, now all go to school and have healthy smiles that tell the whole story.

There is so much more we would like to do. Come to Haiti and “Let Their Lives Change Yours Forever”.

Jonathan Euler Director of International Development The Beehive International, Inc.

The Lord has blessed us with a way to train our workers with a life changing skill! Carpentry!! All of our work is created from re-cycled wood pallets. Over the past two years our woodshop has grown from creating tables and chairs for our own use to now furnishing the entire Papillion restaurant in Portau-Prince. We have 30 men and women working 6 days a week, earning 20% of everything they produce. I believe the woodshop will eventually be our way to be a self-sustaining organization. We estimate our workers represent 200 extended family members that they are now able to provide for with housing, food, and schooling for their children.

We are learning to be more efficient with our products and reduce waste. Our product line now includes dressers, nightstands, bedframes, bookcases, picnic tables, lounge chairs and a large variety of tables and chairs of all sizes. We take custom orders for orphanages, stores, hotels and restaurants.

Come to Haiti and manage our woodshop Teach our workers and upgrade their skills Take orders, estimate cost and delivery times Improve efficiency and reduce waste Live on our beautiful property in Carrefour Contact Jonathan Euler at joneuler@gmail.com www.thebeehives.org Come for a week or a year!!

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SIMPLE COCO“NOG” – Brittany Hodges, B|Whole

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ggnog is a common drink during the

winter months, but I find that for many it is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly. While this coco”nog” is for the coconut milk lovers,

you don't have to be lactose-intolerant to enjoy this thick and creamy drink! It improves heart health

(Makes 2 servings)

1- 15 ounce can coconut milk ½ cup raw cashews ¼ cup water 3 TB maple syrup ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp cinnamon substitute

and digestion, supplies the body with electrolytes, controls diabetes, and reduces the likelihood of ulcers. Sounds like something to incorporate in the diet all year round!

INSTRUCTIONS

Soak cashews overnight or for at least 3 hours in warm water.

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until completely smooth.

Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

HAPPY EATING! 19

CHRIST'S HUMANITY:

Great Controversy The

– Harold Sykes

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humanity

"If His was not our humanity as we know it, what He achieved— resisting sin unto death— is for us."

unattainable

A

"

nd without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..."

(1Tm 3:16)

Echoing the words of Paul "without controversy", great is the controversy associated with the humanity of Christ; the manifestation of God in the flesh. The incarnation of Christ is so full of contradictions that blend together harmoniously, it can be described as nothing less than a "mystery". The unifying of the divinity of Christ with human flesh unifies believers into one spiritual family by ties that cannot be broken. Yet it simultaneously causes division which separates blood relatives and severs earthly ties that, in many cases, can never be mended.

Most controversial however, are the loaded questions aimed and fired by unbelievers who weary themselves in their attempts to understand and solve the

"mystery" under the limitations of human reasoning. Many unsuspecting followers of Christ have been ambushed and surprised by hollow points of view void of understanding. To the discerning ear, the questions often betray themselves by the way they're worded and reveal the antagonist who questioned Christ in the wilderness. "If Christ was God", they say, "why did He get tired and sleep? Isn't it written that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" And also, "God is not a man...neither the son of man?"

Perhaps even more surprising are the theological snares of so called scholars within Christianity who argue that the human nature of Christ, the "second Adam", was equal to Adam's humanity at creation— before the entrance of sin. The hidden dangers that lie in wait for those who follow that path 21 21

of thinking cannot be overstated, and the injuries sustained by the unaware traveler may very well cause their eternal ruin.

This latter argument requires little to no study at all. In Romans 8:3, the scriptures state beyond all controversy what human nature Christ was born with. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." In the light of Paul's statement we can better understand what John warned us of in 2 John 1:7. "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh [according to Paul, ‘sinful flesh’]. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."

The questions set forth by unbelievers require a bit more explanation. These inquiries turn our attention to the purpose of the Creator taking upon Himself humanity. Let us allow Christ to speak for Himself; "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28). By Christ’s own admission He did not take on humanity to be worshipped and served as God in the flesh. Christ took on humanity to serve humanity up close and personal; to share in the human struggle with sin and give humanity a lifelong illustration and example of how to resist and gain victory over sin.

Christ could not have been an example to the rest of humanity if He used all of His divine attributes as God throughout His experience living as a man. To simply be God in human form would not require being born through the womb of a woman.

Christ took on humanity to be human in every way possible. This included suffering hunger, the need of sleep, feeling physical pain, sweating, bleeding, and ultimately death. It was necessary for Christ to become vulnerable to every weakness Satan uses to tempt mankind into transgression. This fact is expressed

by Paul in Hebrews 2:14-17.

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"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage...Wherefore in all things it behoved [‘was necessary for’] him to be made like unto his brethren.”

Herein lies the hidden danger of theological arguments put forth by scholars who would make the humanity of Christ that of Adam’s in his unfallen state. This would mean that the thing that makes our struggle against temptation and sin such a burden, our sinful human nature, Christ never took part of. If His humanity was not our humanity as we know it, what He achieved—resisting sin unto death—is unattainable for us. Until the history of earth ends this great controversy concerning the blending of humanity and divinity in Jesus Christ shall continue. Jesus the Son of man; Christ the Son of God.

unifying

"The of the divinity of Christ with human flesh unifies believers into one by ties that cannot be broken."

family

spiritual

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arm gatherings with family and friends will soon encompass most of our time as we share laughter, enjoy one another’s sweet company, and recount memories of this past year that is quickly coming to an end. As we sit around a table of delicious food prepared with care, we’re thankful for what we have and for the people that make our lives special. While it may be cold outside, love warms each heart and home. Yes! It’s that time of the year again and what better way to make Christmas dinner memorable than with this delicious millet nut loaf!

This recipe has become a 24

favourite and is not only greattasting, but good for you. The main reason for this is that it contains millet. Millet is a delicious grain that isn’t as commonly seen on the table but should be when we consider its rich nutritional content and the benefits it provides. Millet is rich in B vitamins and in a number of major minerals that are essential for optimal health such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It is has a high protein content, and it is also a healthy source of essential fats for the body. Keeping cholesterol levels in check, millet protects your heart’s health and lowers your risk of cancer.

Another great characteristic of this amazing grain is that it’s gluten-free and non-allergenic, which is ideal for individuals

who have sensitivities to particular foods. I absolutely enjoyed this recipe when I tried it and I hope you’ll also enjoy it when you give it a try. Let’s get started with what you’ll need!

Millet Nut Loaf

What You Need: 2 cups of cooked millet 1 cup of ground pecans or walnuts ½ of a bell pepper, diced 1 tsp of ground sage 1 tsp of garlic powder ¼ cup of almond butter ½ cup of soy or almond milk 1 ¼ cup of soft whole wheat bread crumbs* ½ an onion, diced ½ tsp of sea salt 2 TB of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos soy sauce ¼ cup of rolled oats*

Millet NutLoaf – Jennifer Alvarado

How to Prepare Millet: Considering that for some of us, millet may be a completely new thing in our kitchen, and because this recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked millet, I’ve included this special section just for you, which explains how to prepare millet in a very simple and easy way.

Before beginning, it’s important to bear in mind that 1 cup of dry millet yields roughly 3 ½ cups of cooked millet. That’s a lot! A little amounts to much with this grain, and it sure goes a long way!

To prepare the millet in the way this recipe calls for (which should turn out much like quinoa), take 1 cup of raw millet and place it in a saucepan to toast for a few minutes until golden brown. This brings out the nutty flavour of the grain and will produce a much better taste in the end. Then carefully add 2 cups of water into the saucepan, and ¼ tsp of

salt if you desire. Stir well and Add in the almond butter, oats, and bring to a boil on high heat. soy or almond milk. Mix well.

Once it’s boiling, decrease Press the mixture into an oiled loaf the heat and at this point, pan and bake (covered) for 45 you may choose to drop in 1 minutes. tablespoon of vegan butter to Remove the cover and bake an avoid the millet from sticking additional 30 minutes. together; however, this is com- Remove the loaf from the oven and pletely optional. Cover the pot allow it to cool for roughly 15 to 20 and allow the millet to simmer minutes before slicing. for 15 minutes as it absorbs the remaining water. Try not After allowing the loaf to cool, slice to stir too much because this as you desire, share, and enjoy! ☺ will change the texture of the Feel free to garnish with cranberry grain. Remember, we’re going sauce and a scrumptious side of for a quinoa-like composition. mashed potatoes.

Then, remove from the heat completely and allow the mil- *Note: To make this recipe comlet to sit covered for about 10 pletely gluten-free, substitute the minutes. When 10 minutes are whole wheat bread crumbs for gluover, simply fluff gently with a ten-free bread crumbs instead, and fork and serve! ensure that the oats you purchase are gluten-free too.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine the millet, breadcrumbs, nuts, onion, bell pepper, sage, salt, garlic powder, and Bragg’s liquid soy sauce in a bowl.

It’s my hope that you and your loved ones will enjoy this recipe for years to come; and remember, though it seems that this is the season for acts of kindness to abound, the truth is kindness should be shown all year round. Season’s greetings from my family to yours!

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26 Lilies in the City - February 2015