The Four Great Branches

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30

“Repeatedly the Lord has instructed us that we are to work the cities from outpost centers…”
— Country Living 31.1

There are many lessons that can be learned from nature since we are told that nature is to be our lesson book. “Next to the Bible, nature is to be our great lesson book.” {CG 45.1}

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

When one considers a tree, all trees have a trunk or a base. All trees also have roots. The strength and longevity of the tree is established on its base and its roots. Once the tree is deeply rooted and the base is solid, then it is expected that the tree must bear fruit. John the Baptist said “…every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” – Matt 3:10. You remember Jesus was walking by the way and saw a tree that looked very healthy, vibrant and strong but it had no fruit. “And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. – Matt 21:19. Through trees we can also learn of the time. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.” – Matt 24:32-33

It is evident through the scriptures that God wants to teach us precious lessons from the tree. When Jesus went to that fig tree, He was looking for fruit. Fruits can only grow if there are vines or branches. Branches can only grow if there is a base for the tree. So likewise God has established a base with braches that will bear precious fruit. We can view this tree model to illustrate God’s plan for the finishing of the work and the part He expects us to play (Matt 4:34). In sum, this model is called an outpost center.

An Inspired Call to Outpost Centers

Repeatedly the Lord has instructed us that we are to work the cities from outpost centers. In these cities we are to have houses of worship, as memorials for God, but institutions for the publication of our literature, for the healing of the sick, and for the training of workers, are to be established outside the cities. Especially is it important that our youth be shielded from the temptations of city life. {CL 31.1}

God has sent warning after warning that our schools and publishing houses and sanitariums are to be established out of the city, in places where the youth may be taught most effectively what is truth. – {CL 29.3}

The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger of God, “Shall not the cities be warned? Yes; not by God’s people living in them, but by their visiting them, to warn them of what is coming upon the earth.” – {CL 30.2}

The outpost is the base that is located in retired places in the country. From this base, which is deeply rooted in Christ, there are four great branches that extend to bear fruit for the saving of souls.

This was the foundation of Christ’s ministry on earth. We are told He had His base in the Mount of Olives and from this location He worked the cities (Luke 21:37). This is the divine model for successful evangelism. And during the day Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. – Matt 9:35. Those who came in contact with His ministry published Jesus’ work. “And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” – Luke 8:39.

Jesus came to our earth to show us how to live so as to produce life’s greatest results. If we study the Pattern, we shall have success in this life and also in the life to come.

In this wonderful reference we find the objective of the outpost centers: “God’s purpose in giving the third angel’s message to the world is to prepare a people to stand true to Him during the investigative judgment. This is the purpose for which we establish and maintain our publishing houses, our schools, our sanitariums, hygienic restaurants, treatment rooms, and food factories. This is our purpose in carrying forward every line of work in the cause.” {1MR 228.2}