Friends,
Revival will happen this time, and this is the way: If we ask God to give us His Holy Spirit and pray for each other, even for people we're not comfortable with in the church, and pray for our enemies. As simple as that...
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SPIRITUAL POWERS
Visit www.sse6.blogspot.com for easy Sabbath School Lessons Resources in English and www.ese9.blogspot.com in French
SPIRITUAL POWERS
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have DIVINE POWER to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
THIS VIDEO CAN BE SHOWN AT YOUR CHURCHES AS IT IS MORE THAN RELEVANT TO THE LESSONS. BE PATIENT AND WAIT TO UNDERSTAND ALL THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND ALL THE CONNECTIONS IN ORDER TO APPRECIATE THE POWER AND THE ATTENTION OF GOD, APART FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY IMAGES.
Click on the video at the bottom right for a totally enlarged screen, and connect the sound to powerful headphones and/or quality speakers. Find a Good Time, Be Amazed and Enjoy the Inspiration...PLEASE SHOW THIS VIDEO AT YOUR CHURCHES ON SABBATH AFTERNOON, BELIEVE ME IT WILL BE A HIT. SURELY IT WILL HAVE A BLESSED EFFECT ON THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CHURCH. MAY GOD BLESS YOU EVEN MORE AND KEEP YOU IN A FRUITFUL FAITH IN HIM.
Click on the following links and open another tab for these playlists. Listen to sacred music while studying the lesson.
Heritage Singers sing to give glory to God in order to comfort you and strengthen your faith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgnbF8BcALg&list=PLA6FC3F51B3D3592A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13U7QmSfmcI&list=PL5362507232EC2F63
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ8IRymyYVo&list=PL0B2EC328B1EBB04F
Wintley Phipps sings and gives glory to God in order to exhort you and encourage you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HffdyLd0c&list=PL1F72C26656C325A9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0&list=PLF6E0F80C111634BB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVlAPL901Gk&list=PLA7473A1301242907
From www.ssnet.org and
http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/13c/helps/lesshp08.html
Lesson& References Index
Lesson 8 – August 17 – 23
Discernment: The Safeguard of Revival
(All Bible texts are in the NKJV Bible unless otherwise indicated)Sabbath Afternoon
Memory text: Psalm 119:159,160
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Sunday – God’s Will and His Word
John 17:3
3 And dthis is eternal life, that they may know You, ethe only true God, and Jesus Christ fwhom You have sent.
Hebrews 10:7
2 Timothy 3:15–16
15 and that from childhood you have known tthe Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 uAll Scripture is given by inspiration of God, vand is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 3instruction in righteousness,
Psalm 119:25
Psalm 119:81
Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 463-465.
With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of today, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Picnics, church theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts of God. Lands and goods and worldly occupations engross the mind, and things of eternal interest receive hardly a passing notice.Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.
In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed.
And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.
In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world. The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time.
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
God’s Will and His Word
All true spirituality is focused on knowing God and doing His will (John 17:3, Heb. 10:7). Any so-
called “revival” that focuses on experience rather than commitment to obey God’s Word misses the mark completely. The Holy Spirit will never lead us where God’s Word does not. The Holy Spirit leads us into the Word (2 Tim. 3:15-16). The Word of God is the foundation and heart of all true revival.
...In Jesus’ sermon about the Bread of Life, He explained the essence of all revival and the foundation of all spiritual life. He declared, “‘It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life’” (John 6:63, NKJV). Jesus’ statement is extremely significant. The Holy Spirit, who is the source of all spiritual revival, speaks through God’s Word in order to give to those who grasp it by faith a deep spiritual life. Revival occurs when the Holy Spirit impresses Jesus’ words upon our minds. This is why the Savior said, “‘“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”’” (Matt. 4:4, NKJV).
“In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God’s word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed.”-Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 464.
The essence of true revival is discovering God’s will as manifest in God’s Word. Jesus lived a life filled with the Holy Spirit. From His birth to His death, He was led and empowered by the Holy Spirit .
Evidence Characteristics of Genuine Revival
Matt. 9:6–8; 24:11, 12; Acts 2:22; Gal. 5:19–26; 2 Thess. 2:9–12
sunday AUGUST 18
Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). While they waited for this gift, they joined together in prayer (Acts 1:14). Then on the Day of Pentecost, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31, NIV). As a result, approximately three thousand people were baptized. Afterward, the disciples continued to devote themselves to fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread—both the Lord’s Supper and everyday meals (Acts 2:42). The Word of God continued to spread and the number of disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7). Their experience reveals the characteristics of true revival: prayer and the study of God’s Word, following Christ’s teachings, and maintaining a passionate commitment to spreading the gospel, all made possible because they accepted God’s gift of His Holy Spirit.The more we love Jesus, the more we desire to share His love.
Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, prayer and Bible study help us to understand our need of God, who grants us righteousness, grace, wisdom, and strength. Our spiritual batteries are thus recharged, and we receive power to show Jesus’ loving character to others. As we diligently seek the truth through Bible study, the Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s will and encourages us to share the good news with others. Genuine revival corresponds with increased interest in Bible study and involves a passion to share the gospel through words and acts of service.
Jesus reminds us that “ ‘many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold’ ” (Matt. 24: 11, 12, NIV). Lying preachers will deceive many people. The spread of evil will overwhelm many others.
Satan uses counterfeit miraculous signs, wonders, and physical manifestations to deceive people (2 Thess. 2:9–12). God, of course, can perform miracles, and He does (Acts 2:22). However, the main objective of revival is not to benefit from miracles, but to develop within our own lives the loving character of Jesus (Gal. 5:22, 23) and the desire to tell others about Him. The more we love Jesus, the more we desire to share His love; and the more we share His love, the more we will love Him.
Monday – God’s Love and His Law
John 17:3
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.Hebrews 10:7
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’”
2 Timothy 3:15-16
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Psalm 119:25
25 My soul clings to the dust;Revive me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:28
28 My soul melts from heaviness;Strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:49-50
49 Remember the word to Your servant,Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
Psalm 119:67
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,But now I keep Your word.
Psalm 119:81
81 My soul faints for Your salvation,But I hope in Your word.
Psalm 119:105-116
105 Your word is a lamp to my feetAnd a light to my path.
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
Psalm 119:130
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:154
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;Revive me according to Your word.
John 6:63
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.Matthew 4:4
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
God’s Love and His Law
Revival is all about knowing Jesus. It is a reawakening of the spiritual faculties of the soul. It is a personal and vital experience with the Savior. Knowing Jesus-really knowing Him as a friend-is the essence of all revival. From the depth of his personal experience with Jesus, the apostle Paul shared that he is praying for the Ephesians to “know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19, NKJV).This is in contrast to the story of the end-time virgins, five of whom had an outer form of godliness and religion but lacked an intimate experience with Jesus. Referring to their great need, Jesus said,
“‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you’” (Matt. 25:12, NKJV).
Knowing God always leads to obedience. God’s law reveals His love. A deeper relationship with Christ leads to a greater desire to please Christ. Obedience is the fruit of love. The more we love Him, the more we will desire to obey Him. Any so-called revival that does not emphasize repentance for the times that we have willfully broken His law is suspect. Religious fervor may stimulate a temporary religious high, but lasting spiritual change will be lacking.
...
In these passages John makes two crucial points. First, knowing God leads to keeping His commandments. Second, loving God leads to loving one another. John’s point is clear. Genuine spirituality results in a changed life. The heart of revival is not a warm sensation of feeling close to Jesus. It is a transformed life filled with the joy of serving Jesus. God’s great goal in all revivals is to draw us closer to Him, to deepen our surrender to His purpose for our lives, and to release us for witness and ministry in His cause.
How are you in your own personal relationships? What do those relationships tell you about your own walk with the Lord? In what ways might you need to progress in both your relationship with God and with others?
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Logos A Strong Foundation for Spiritual Revival
2 Chronicles 34; Ps. 119:25, 28, 105; Matt. 7:21–23; 1 Corinthians 12; Gal. 5:16, 22–25; 2 Tim. 3:14–16
Monday AUGUST 19
When Revival Saved a Nation (2 Chronicles 34; 2 Tim. 3:14–16)The Israelites experienced several revivals, one of them occurring during the time of King Josiah. When he was 16, he began to seek God, and despite being related to wicked kings, he determined to revive true worship within the kingdom. When he was 20, he began to rid Israel of idol worship. To this end, he repaired “the temple of the Lord his God” (2 Chron. 34:8, NIV). While doing so, Hilkiah the priest discovered the Book of the Law of the Lord that God had given to Israel through Moses. After Josiah read this book to the people, he pledged himself to serve God. Everyone else also pledged themselves to serving God.
There can be no spiritual revival without [the Bible].
Centuries later, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about how the Holy Scriptures were “written to show men how they may be saved from their sins. There are many so-called sacred ‘writings’ in the world, but only the Bible safely points the way to man’s redemption. . . . Only the Bible reveals how men may break the bonds of sinful habits and find pardon from God. Consequently man’s first duty should be to understand the Bible for himself.”1
Avoid False Spiritual Revivals (Matt. 7:21–23)
Many people have been deceived by self-proclaimed church leaders who use their so-called gifts of tongues, prophecy, healing, and other miracles to create revivals. False spritual revivals always have existed. Jesus spoke about them in Matthew 7:21–23: “ ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” ’ ” (NIV). The fact that Jesus says He never knew them “is evidence that their teachings and miracles had not been spoken in harmony with the will of God, or by His power.”2
“It is evident from the Scriptures that the performance of miracles is not of itself conclusive evidence that divine power has been in operation. The greatest miracle of time and eternity is a life transformed according to the divine likeness.”3
Things Needed for Spiritual Revival (1 Corinthians 12; Gal. 5:16, 22–25)
Through the grace of God, the Holy Spirit equips believers with certain gifts for building and strengthening the church—the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read about some of these gifts (also see Romans 12; Ephesians 4; and 1 Pet. 4:10, 11). “The spiritual gifts given to each person by the Holy Spirit are special abilities that are to be used to minister to the needs of the body of believers. . . . There are many gifts, people have different gifts, some people have more than one gift, and one gift is not superior to another. All spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and their purpose is to build up Christ’s body, the church.”4
Other things needed for spiritual revival are the fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 5:3–5; Gal. 5:16, 22–25; 1 Tim. 6:11; and 2 Tim. 3:10). “While the Christian life is about doing (bearing fruit), this doing will be hollow and meaningless unless it is driven by being. And this means being transformed by the indwelling Spirit of God, whose first work is to convict us of sin, who then gives us ongoing victory over sin, and finally, who fills us with the most wonderful gift of all, the fruit of the Spirit—which, in a word, is the mind of Christ.”5
The Foundation of Spiritual Revival (Ps. 119:25, 28, 105; 2 Tim. 3:14–16)
No foundation is stronger when it comes to spiritual revival than the Bible—God’s Word. There can be no spiritual revival without it. And Jesus gives us the perfect example of living a life that is grounded in it. His life centered around it, and He met every temptation with it (Matt. 4:1–10).
We see in both the Old and the New Testaments that God’s Word taught His people many wonderful truths. Today, these same truths regarding repentance and God’s plans for restoring people to Him can be read and heard nearly everywhere in the world. It is good to listen to other people explain the words of the Bible or preach from it. But those two activities should never replace reading and studying the Bible ourselves.
The Bible gives us principles regarding family life and how to do honest work. The Bible also sets the standard for how to relate to our Creator and Savior. When we sincerely study the Bible in order to grow closer to God, we will experience true spiritual revival.
REACT
1. What prevents you from growing spiritually?
2. What place does the Bible currently have in your life? Do you read it out of habit, or do you let God’s Word become a part of your life?
1. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 2nd ed., vol. 7, p. 344.
2. Ibid., vol. 5, p. 359.
3. Ibid.
4. Life Application Study Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 1991), p. 2081.
5. Richard O’Ffill, The Fruit of the Spirit (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press®, 2009), p. 14.
Ephesians 4:14
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,Matthew 23:27-28
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.Luke 11:39-40
39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. 40 Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?Mark 7:5-9
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”
9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’1 John 5:4
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ, p. 21.
Christ Inspires the Soul With Confidence
Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.What kind of faith is it that overcomes the world? It is that faith which makes Christ your own personal Saviour—that faith which, recognizing your helplessness, your utter inability to save yourself, takes hold of the Helper who is mighty to save, as your only hope. It is faith that will not be discouraged, that hears the voice of Christ saying, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, and My divine strength is yours.” It is the faith that hears Him say, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
The reason why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter, as one who reproves, who warns, who admonishes them, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Christ has all power in heaven and in earth, and He can strengthen the wavering, and set right the erring. He can inspire with confidence, with hope in God; and confidence in God always results in creating confidence in one another.
Every soul must have a realization that Christ is his personal Saviour; then love and zeal and steadfastness will be manifest in the Christian life. However clear and convincing the truth is, it will fail to sanctify the soul, fail to strengthen and fortify it in its conflicts, unless it is brought in constant contact with life. Satan has achieved his greatest success through interposing himself between the soul and the Saviour.
Christ should never be out of the mind. The angels said concerning Him, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus, precious Saviour! Assurance, helpfulness, security, and peace are all in Him. He is the dispeller of all our doubts, the earnest of all our hopes. How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame! Jesus is the fullness of our expectation. He is the melody of our songs, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. He is living water to the thirsty soul. He is our refuge in the storm. He is our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption. When Christ is our personal Saviour, we shall show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light....
Christ died because the law was transgressed, that guilty man might be saved from the penalty of his enormous guilt. But history has proved that it is easier to destroy the world than to reform it; for men crucified the Lord of Glory, who came to unite earth with heaven, and man with God.—The Review and Herald, August 26, 1890.
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
Formalism, Fanaticism, and Faith
One of the challenges of true revival is breaking through the icy surface of cold formalism, while at the same time avoiding the fiery flames of fanaticism. Formalism is rigidly locked in the status quo. It is satisfied with the external husks of religion while it denies the living reality of faith. Fanaticism tends to go to extremes. It goes off on religious tangents. It tends to be unbalanced, focusing on one aspect of faith to the neglect of all others. Fanaticism is often self-righteous and judgmental. The apostle Paul longed that the Christian church “no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Eph. 4:14, NKJV).The deeper issue in both of these experiences is the commitment of the heart. Signs and wonders can never take the place of authentic biblical faith. They are not a substitute for surrendering to the will and Word of God. The essence of real revival is a faith so deep that it leads to an obedient life committed to do God’s will. A biblically based revival echoes John’s words, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith” (1 John 5:4, NKJV).
“What kind of faith is it that overcomes the world? It is that faith which makes Christ your own personal Saviour-that faith which, recognizing your helplessness, your utter inability to save yourself, takes hold of the Helper who is mighty to save, as your only hope.”-Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ, p. 21.
Which side do you tend to lean toward: formalism and tradition, or more toward experience and excitement? If, perhaps, you lean too much toward one side or the other, how can you find the right balance?
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Testimony Beware . . . They Are Everywhere
Ps. 119:105; Matt. 24:11–13, 24; 2 Thess. 2:9–12
Tuesday AUGUST 20
“The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles.”1“Evil angels are upon our track every moment. . . . [They] assume new ground and work marvels and miracles in our sight. . . .
“A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.”
“Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the mind of many are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in God’s word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan’s power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ.”2
“While the people are so destitute of God’s Holy Spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit’s power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of God’s Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence.”3
“A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.”4
1. Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 52.
2. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 302.
3. White, Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 121.
4. Ibid., p. 128.
Wednesday - Ministry and Miracles
Luke 19:10
10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”Matthew 9:6
6 Bt that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”Matthew 9:8
8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.Matthew 24:11-13
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.Matthew 24:24
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.Revelation 19:20
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.Luke 16:31
31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
Ministry and Miracles
False revivals often place their major emphasis on miracles. Genuine revivals focus on ministry. False revivals emphasize spectacular signs and wonders; genuine revivals recognize that the greatest miracle is a changed life.The healing miracles of Jesus testified to the fact that He was the Messiah. As our compassionate Redeemer, the Savior was concerned with alleviating human suffering. But He was even more concerned with the salvation of everyone He touched with His healing grace. The purpose of Jesus’ redemptive ministry was to “seek and save” lost mankind (Luke 19:10). Speaking to the religious leaders regarding the paralytic, Jesus declared, “‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’”-then He said to the paralytic, “‘Arise, take up your bed and go to your house’” (Matt. 9:6, NKJV). The crowd’s response to this miracle was to glorify God (Matt. 9:8).
Miracles were an outgrowth of Jesus’ redemptive ministry, but they were not the main reason He came to earth.
These people are deceived by false miracles “because they did not receive the love of the truth.” When the desire for the spectacular is far more important than the desire for a new life in Christ, the mind is open to deception. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus concludes with Jesus’ insightful words, “‘But he said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”’” (Luke 16:31, NKJV). In other words, spectacular signs and marvelous wonders can never take the place of understanding and then following God’s Word. Obedience to God is primary; signs and wonders, if and when they come, are always only secondary.
What kind of miracles have you experienced in your own life, in your own walk with the Lord? What have you learned from them? How important are they to your faith.
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
How-to Revive, Reform, Redo
Ps. 139:23
Wednesday AUGUST 21
It is not always easy to revive and reform our spiritual lives. When I desired to study the Bible daily, I found it difficult to do so, because my goal was merely to study every day. Therefore, I revised my initial objective to include the following. I call it my “revival plan”:The finish line is Christ’s return. Always seek His guidance.
Do a self-check. Ask God to show you aspects of your life that need improvement. Perhaps it might be your bad habit of arriving late for church or that you are not doing anything to help people in need. Make a list and ask God to help you choose where to start and what He would like to help you work on. Let Psalm 139:23 be your prayer.
Be practical. At one point in my life, I was determined to go through the “Follow the Bible” plan. However, that lasted only a few days. Ask God to show you something to study that will be relevant to your needs. Studying something you need or that interests you will help you to maintain your daily devotions. Even then, however, you will most likely experience lapses. Then try to remember what Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13, NKJV).
Create a supporting environment. I keep a Bible beside my laptop in my office. That reminds me to read it before I start working. I also read the Bible on my tablet PC while riding the bus home in the evening. There are also Bible version apps for any type of electronic device you might have.
Be a good example. We tend to see what’s negative about others rather than what’s negative about ourselves. So be concerned only with your own improvement and be careful not to criticize others. However, it’s always good to share in friendly, nonthreatening ways what’s working for you in terms of revival and reformation.
Finally, remember that the process of revival and reformation is ongoing. The finish line is Christ’s return. Always seek His guidance.
REACT
1. Why is it important to identify areas in your spiritual life that need to be improved?
2. What should we say or do when people at church criticize us even when they are not setting a good example themselves?
Thursday – Fruits and Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:Romans 12:4-8
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it inour ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.Galatians 5:16
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.Galatians 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who areChrist’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.John 15:1-7
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
Fruits and Gifts
The gifts of the Holy Spirit might be divided into two large categories: some gifts are qualities, other gifts are callings. For example, the gifts of helps, hospitality, exhortation, and teaching are qualities that God imparts to individual believers (Rom. 12:6-8). The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers are callings given to individual believers (Eph. 4:11-12). Both categories serve a similar purpose. They have been imparted by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the spiritual life of the church and equip it for mission. Spiritual gifts are not an end in themselves. They have been given by God for the benefit of His church.
...The gifts of the Holy Spirit might be divided into two large categories: some gifts are qualities, other gifts are callings. For example, the gifts of helps, hospitality, exhortation, and teaching are qualities that God imparts to individual believers (Rom. 12:6-8). The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers are callings given to individual believers (Eph. 4:11-12). Both categories serve a similar purpose. They have been imparted by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the spiritual life of the church and equip it for mission. Spiritual gifts are not an end in themselves. They have been given by God for the benefit of His church.
What do you say to someone who has experienced what he or she judges to be a supernatural manifestation from God? How could you help him or her to know if it truly were from God or from the other side? How does our understanding of the reality of the great controversy help us when we seek to understand who or what can be behind miracles?
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Opinion Anointing Oil for Free
Ps. 119:25, 28, 49, 50, 67, 81, 105, 116, 130, 154; Matt. 24:1–13, 24
Thursday AUGUST 22
One night I watched a program on a Christian channel. A famous pastor from a charismatic church was speaking. During the program he kept pointing out how marvelous his anointing oil was. He claimed that this oil was able to save people from diseases and other general problems. Some people in the audience shared testimonies about the how oil had helped them. Many questions arose in my mind as I continued to listen. I wanted to hear what he had to say about Jesus, but he never did talk about Him.As the program continued, I became more confused by some of this pastor’s statements.
As the program continued, I became more confused by some of this pastor’s statements. He said that Christians cannot have problems and that they would always be showered with blessings and success. Yet 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (NKJV). Therefore, our suffering is evidence that we are united with Jesus.
Many people are fascinated with this pastor and his oil and are eager to join his church. They are tired and worn out, so they think that what he offers is the quickest and easiest solution to their problems. One Christmas, he began the service by announcing that he would be giving everyone in the audience a free bottle of his anointing oil. Jesus came to this world as a babe so that He could be our Savior. He started His service by citing the words of God while He was tempted by Lucifer in the desert (Matt. 4:1–11). Let us not be fooled by the world’s oil. Rather let us seek and find healing in the healing “oil” of God’s word as spoken and lived by our Savior, God’s Son.
REACT
1. Why do so many people follow false teachings?
2. What can we learn about Christ’s salvation through the miracles He performed?
3. How can we tell if what looks like a miracle is really from God?
Friday – Futher Study
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.orgFurther Study: “The promise of the Spirit is not appreciated as it should be. Its fulfillment is not realized as it might be. It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe.”-Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 328.
“The apostle’s earnest words of entreaty were not fruitless. The Holy Spirit wrought with mighty power, and many whose feet had wandered into strange paths, returned to their former faith in the gospel. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. In their lives were revealed the fruits of the Spirit-‘love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.’ The name of God was glorified, and many were added to the number of believers throughout that region.”-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 388.
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Exploration Don’t Blow It
John 3:5–8
Friday AUGUST 23
CONCLUDEWhile the Christian life is about doing, doing is ineffective unless it is motivated by the indwelling Spirit of God. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them all. The Bible is God-breathed and able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. And it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. But since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Be concerned only with your own improvement and be careful not to criticize others. Always seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 328.
The promise of the Spirit is not appreciated as it should be. Its fulfillment is not realized as it might be. It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe.The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ’s service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.
To every man God has given “according to his several ability.” The talents are not apportioned capriciously. He who has ability to use five talents receives five. He who can improve but two, receives two. He who can wisely use only one, receives one. None need lament that they have not received larger gifts; for He who has apportioned to every man is equally honored by the improvement of each trust, whether it be great or small. The one to whom five talents have been committed is to render the improvement of five; he who has but one, the improvement of one. God expects returns “according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12.
Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 387-388.
In his effort to regain the confidence of his brethren in Galatia, Paul ably vindicated his position as an apostle of Christ. He declared himself to be an apostle, "not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead." Not from men, but from the highest Authority in heaven, had he received his commission. And his position had been acknowledged by a general council at Jerusalem, with the decisions of which Paul had complied in all his labors among the Gentiles.It was not to exalt self, but to magnify the grace of God, that Paul thus presented to those who were denying his apostleship, proof that he was "not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles." 2 Corinthians 11:5. Those who sought to belittle his calling and his work were fighting against Christ, whose grace and power were manifested through Paul. The apostle was forced, by the opposition of his enemies, to take a decided stand in maintaining his position and authority.
Paul pleaded with those who had once known in their lives the power of God, to return to their first love of gospel truth. With unanswerable arguments he set before them their privilege of becoming free men and women in Christ, through whose atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. He took the position that every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God.
The apostle's earnest words of entreaty were not fruitless. The Holy Spirit wrought with mighty power, and many whose feet had wandered into strange paths, returned to their former faith in the gospel. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. In their lives were revealed the fruits of the Spirit--"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." The name of God was glorified, and many were added to the number of believers throughout that region.
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