Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/speaker/dr-derek-morris
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
www.ssnet.org
| Paul and Rome |  |
 | |
| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
" First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8, NKJV). |
| Ideally, in our study of the book of Romans, after a study of the historical background, we should begin with Romans 1:1 and then go through the entire book verse by verse. Because only one quarter has been allotted to the study of the book, we have had to be selective in what parts we can study. The book could easily take four quarters, not one, to explore. Hence, only the key chapters, in which the basic message is contained, will be covered. It is extremely important that a student of the book of Romans understand the book’s historical background. Without that background, it will be difficult for the student to know what Paul is saying. Paul was writing to a specific group of Christians at a specific time for a specific reason; knowing, as much as possible, that reason will greatly benefit us in our study. We must, in our imagination, go back in time, transport ourselves to Rome, become members of the congregation there, and then, as first-century church members, listen to Paul and the words that the Holy Spirit gave him at that time. Amazingly enough, though written a long time ago and in a whole other context, the book has messages relevant to His people today, in every land and in most every situation. Hence, we need to heed prayerfully the words written here and apply them to our lives.  |
| SUNDAY | June 27 |
Romans 16:1, 2 indicates that Paul probably wrote Romans in the city of Cenchreae, which was near the eastern port of Corinth, in Greece. Paul’s mention of Phoebe, a resident of greater Corinth, establishes that place as the likely background for the letter to the Romans.
One of the purposes of establishing the city of origin of the New Testament epistles is to ascertain the date of writing. Because Paul traveled much, knowing where he was at a particular time gives us a clue to the date.
Paul established the church at Corinth on his second missionary journey, A.D. 49–52 (see Acts 18:1–18). On his third journey, A.D. 53–58, he visited Greece again (Acts 20:2, 3), and at this time he received an offering for the saints in Jerusalem near the end of his journey (Rom. 15:25, 26). The Epistle to the Romans was, then, written probably in the early months of A.D. 58.
What other important churches had Paul visited on his third missionary journey? Acts 18:23.
Visiting the Galatian churches, Paul discovered that during his absence false teachers had convinced the members to submit to circumcision and to keep to other precepts of the law of Moses. Fearing that his opponents might reach Rome before he arrived, Paul wrote a letter (Romans) to forestall the same tragedy happening in Rome. Some (but not all) scholars believe that the Epistle to the Galatians was written also from Corinth during Paul’s three months there on his third missionary journey, perhaps shortly after his arrival.
“In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 373.
As we said, it is important in the study of any book of the Bible to know why it was written; that is, what situation it was addressing. Hence, it is important for our understanding of the Epistle to the Romans to know what were the questions agitating the Jewish and Gentile churches. Next week’s lesson will deal with these questions.
| What kinds of issues are agitating your church at present? Are the threats more from without or from within? What role are you playing in these debates? How often have you stopped to question your role, your position, and your attitudes in whatever struggles you’re facing? Why is this kind of self-examination so important? |
| MONDAY | June 28 |
A letter is one thing, a personal visit another. That’s why Paul, even though he wrote to the Romans, announced in the letter that he intended to see them in person. He wanted them to know that he was coming, and why.
Read Romans 15:20–27. What reasons does Paul give for not having visited Rome earlier? What made him decide to come when he did? How central was mission to him in his reasoning? What can we learn about mission and witnessing from Paul’s words here? What interesting—and important—point does Paul make in verse 27 about Jews and Gentiles?
The great missionary to the Gentiles felt constantly impelled to take the gospel to previously unentered areas, leaving others to labor in areas where the gospel had been established. In the days when Christianity was young and the laborers few, it would have been a waste of valuable missionary power for Paul to work in already entered areas. He said, “So have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation,” so that “they that have not heard shall understand” (Rom. 15:20, 21).
It was not Paul’s purpose to settle down at Rome. It was his aim to evangelize Spain. He hoped to get the support of the Christians in Rome for this venture.
What important principle can we take away for ourselves on the whole question of mission from the fact that Paul sought help from an established church in order to evangelize a new area?
| Read again the verses in Romans 15:20–27. Notice how much Paul wanted to serve; that is, his great desire was to minister and to serve. What motivates you and your actions? How much of a heart of service do you have? |
| TUESDAY | June 29 |
“But when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16, NKJV). What does this text tell us about how Paul finally got to Rome? What lesson can we draw from this for ourselves about the unexpected and unwanted things that so often come our way?
Life can take some very strange turns. How often our plans, even the ones formulated in the best of intentions, don’t come out as we anticipated and hoped for. The apostle Paul did, indeed, get to Rome, but it probably wasn’t as he had expected.
When Paul reached Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey with his offering for the poor, which he collected from the congregations of Europe and Asia Minor, unexpected events awaited him. He was arrested and fettered. After being held prisoner for two years at Caesarea, he appealed to Caesar. Some three years after his arrest, he arrived in Rome, and (we can assume) not in the manner that he intended to when he first wrote to the Roman church years before about his intention to visit them.
What do the following texts tell us about Paul’s time in Rome? More important, what lesson can we learn from them? Acts 28:17–31.
“Not by Paul’s sermon[s], but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: ‘Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.’ Philippians 1:14.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 464.
| How many times have you experienced unexpected twists in your life that, in the end, turned out for good? (See Phil. 1:12.) How can, and should, those experiences give you faith to trust God for the things where no good seems to have arisen? |
| WEDNESDAY | June 30 |
Here is Paul’s salutation to the church in Rome. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:7). What principles of truth, of theology, of faith, can we take away from his words here?
Beloved of God. While it is true that God loves the world, in a special sense God loves those who have chosen Him, those who have responded to His love.
We see this in the human sphere. We love in a special way those who love us; with them there is a mutual exchange of affection. Love demands response. When the response is not forthcoming, love is limited in its fullest expression.
Called to be saints. In some translations the phrase “to be” is in italics, which means that the translators have supplied the words. But they can be left out with the meaning intact. When they are omitted, we get the expression “called saints”; that is, “designated saints.”
Saints is the translation of the Greek hagioi, which literally means “holy ones.” Holy means “dedicated.” A saint is one who has been “set apart” by God. He or she still may have a long way to go in sanctification, but the fact that this person has chosen Christ as the Lord designates him or her as a saint in the Bible’s meaning of the term.
Paul says that they were “called to be saints.” Does this mean that some people are not called? How does Ephesians 1:4, Hebrews 2:9, and 2 Peter 3:9 help us understand what Paul means?
The great news of the gospel is that Christ’s death was universal; it was for all human beings. All have been called to be saved in Him, “called to be saints” even before the foundation of the world. God’s original intention was for all humanity to find salvation in Jesus. The final fire of hell was meant only for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). That some folk don’t avail themselves of what was offered doesn’t take away from the wonder of the gift any more than someone who goes on a hunger strike in a marketplace takes away from the wonderful bounties found there.
| Think about it: Even before the foundation of the world, God called you to have salvation in Him. Why should you not allow anything, anything at all, to hold you back from heeding that call? |
| THURSDAY | July 1 |
“First, thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8).
It is not known how the congregation in Rome became established. The tradition that the church was founded by Peter or Paul is without historical foundation. Perhaps lay persons established it, converts on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2) who then visited or moved to Rome. Or perhaps at some later period converts moving to Rome witnessed to their faith in that world capital.
It is surprising that, in a few decades from Pentecost, a congregation that apparently had received no apostolic visit should be so widely known. “Notwithstanding the opposition, twenty years after the crucifixion of Christ there was a live, earnest church in Rome. This church was strong and zealous, and the Lord worked for it.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1067.
“Faith” here probably includes the broader sense of faithfulness; that is, faithfulness to the new way of life they had discovered in Christ.
Read Romans 15:14. How does Paul there describe the church at Rome?
The three items that Paul selects as worthy of note in the Roman Christians’ experience are:
1. “Full of goodness.” Would people say this of our own experience? As they associate with us, is it the abundance of goodness in us that attracts their attention?
2. “Filled with all knowledge.” The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of enlightenment, information, and knowledge. Christians are urged to study the Bible and to become well-informed as to its teachings. “The words, ‘A new heart also will I give you,’ mean, ‘A new mind will I give you.’ A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth.”—Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 24.
3. “Able . . . to admonish one another.” No one can thrive spiritually if isolated from fellow believers. We need to be able to encourage others and, at the same time, be encouraged by others.
| What about your local church? What kind of reputation does it have? Or, even more important, does it even have one at all? What does your answer tell you about your local church? More important, if need be, how can you help improve the situation? |
| FRIDAY | July 2 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “The Mysteries of the Bible,” p. 706, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; “Salvation to the Jews,” pp. 372–374, in The Acts of the Apostles. Read also The SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 922; and The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 467, 468. “While apparently cut off from active labor, Paul exerted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years. As a prisoner of the Lord, he had a firmer hold upon the affections of his brethren; and his words, written by one under bonds for the sake of Christ, commanded greater attention and respect than they did when he was personally with them.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 454. “To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 373. “The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction between the saint and the sinner, between converted and unconverted. The two classes do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of a rainbow, but are as distinct as midday and midnight.”—Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 390. |
 Dwell on the question at the end of Thursday’s lesson. How could your class help improve your church’s reputation, if need be?  In class, share experiences about how a situation that at first seemed terrible was able to be turned to good. How can you use these experiences to help others who are struggling with unexpected calamities?  Dwell more on the idea that we were called to have salvation, even before the foundation of the world (see also Titus 1:1, 2; 2 Tim. 1:8, 9). Why should we find this so encouraging? What does this tell us about God’s love for all humans? Why, then, is it so tragic when people turn their backs on what has been so graciously offered them? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Getting to Know God Ariuntuya laughed at her older sister. "You are going to a Christian meeting?" she asked accusingly. "You used to mock people who didn't recite traditional prayers!" Ariuntuya's sister, Moogli, ignored her younger sister's taunts. Ariuntuya's family lives in Mongolia. A school friend had invited Moogli to attend a Seventh-day Adventist worship service held in a rented hall, and Moogli went. She liked the program and invited her sister to go with her. Ariuntuya went, and she had to admit that she liked it. But she preferred to sleep late rather than attend a religious program. Moogli continued attending the meetings. When some evangelists came to the city several months later, Moogli again invited Ariuntuya to attend. This time Ariuntuya attended with Moogli. Ariuntuya enjoyed the music and felt the love of the church members. Slowly Ariuntuya realized that church was more than a social club; it was about having a personal relationship with God. Ariuntuya began to consider how God would fit into her life. When the family moved to the capital city, the sisters found an Adventist church to attend. Ariuntuya's mother had never approved of the girls attending a Christian church. But when the young Adventist pastor hired the girls' mother to care for his children, she began attending church with her daughters. Ariuntuya had never really thought about praying for her mother, so she was surprised at her mother's change of attitude. "I realize now that God has been working in my life," Ariuntuya admits. "I realize that He works in other people's lives, even when we see no outward sign of it. I am learning to give God first place in my life. Now I pray for my parents to become Christians, and I invite others to consider giving their lives to God too. I'm glad that my sister kept inviting me, even when I made fun of her and refused to go." The Adventist Church in Mongolia is young, and members rely on the world church to help them grow. Your mission offerings to this frontline mission field are making a huge difference in the lives of people such as Ariuntuya and her family. ARIUNTUYA is a teenager living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-26-social-support-tie-binds
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES IN THE PDF SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
| Social Support: TheTie That Binds |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
Memory Text:
“ ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ ” (John 13:34, 35, NIV). |
| It is very clear that being unloved, lonely, and isolated increases the likelihood of various risky behaviors. Disease and premature death from all causes rises by 200 to 500 percent or more in such individuals. Saddest of all, isolation deprives us of the joy of everyday life, the joy that comes from satisfying and fulfilling relationships. One study was conducted on 170 military wives receiving prenatal care at a military hospital. The research showed that women without emotional and psychological support had three times as many complications as those with adequate support. Anything that promotes a sense of isolation may lead to illness and suffering. That which promotes love and intimacy, connection and community is healing and brings health. And no wonder because, as humans, we were meant to live in community and fellowship with one another. With these ideas in mind, we come to the final week in our study about health and temperance, and our topic deals with the important question of interpersonal relationships and how these can impact our physical well-being. |
The Week at a Glance:
Loving one another is the distinguishing characteristic of the disciples of Christ. Love blesses not only the recipient but the giver, as well.  |
| SUNDAY | June 20 |
As human beings, we are so immersed in sin that we often can forget just how bad it is, just how much it has affected us. It is not easy to realize how far we have fallen, because we have been down for so long.
Read Genesis 1:27. How does the fact that Jesus Himself is God help us understand better what it means to have been made in the image of God? How does knowing about Jesus help us understand the kind of characters our first parents had at the creation?
The Bible is clear: we were made in the image of God. It is clear, too, that Jesus is God (see John 1:1–3). Thus, in the beginning, humans reflected somewhat the moral character of Jesus. The Jesus who loved us so much that He stooped down and took on our humanity in order to save us— that is what humans were originally like. The Jesus who was willing to minister to others by washing the feet of His betrayer—that is what humans were somewhat like. The Jesus who, even while dying on the cross, took time to comfort the dying thief—that is what humans were like. The Jesus who cried out—“Father, forgive them because they know not what they do,”—that is what humans were to some degree like before sin entered.
The unselfish love and concern for others that marked Jesus’ life also must have been reflected to some degree in Adam and Eve before the Fall, who were from creation made “in the image of God.”
Hence, the idea of being like Jesus means being remade into the image in which we were originally created. And it is obvious from looking at Jesus, from seeing how He lived and how He treated people and how He loved even His enemies, that at the heart of Christ’s character was unselfish love for others. As humans, then, we originally were made to love and care unselfishly for those who were around us. That is certainly part of what it means to have been made in the image of God.
We were made, therefore, to love and to be loved, and this we cannot do in a vacuum. We need people to love, just as people need to be loved. This is what community and family are all about.
| Dwell more on this idea about what it means to have been made in the image of God and that Jesus is God. How does this fact help us understand just how fallen we are and how much we need a Savior? More so, how should this help us understand why we need to treat people better than we often do? |
| MONDAY | June 21 |
People are social beings. Not long after Adam was created, God provided a companion for him. He said, “ ‘It is not good for a man to be alone’ ” (Gen. 2:18, NIV). We need one another.
Hence, a crucial point regarding this reality must be understood.
Read Romans 14:7. What important principle is found in this text? How have you experienced the powerful reality of this truth?
In life or death, we impact others, especially those in our family. The responsible caring for our own health brings blessings not only to ourselves but to those with whom we share our lives.
What do the following texts tell us about how social relationships were meant as a blessing for us? Gen. 2:18, Eccles. 4:9–12; 1 Cor. 12:14–26, Gal. 6:2.
Because good relationships positively influence both our own and others’ lives, we should learn to give and receive graciously. It is incorrect to say, “It’s my body, and it’s nobody’s business but mine.” Society pays, directly or indirectly, for every person’s poor health choices. Human life, a precious creation of God, is of utmost worth and is deserving of preservation. In many places the value of life is not appreciated; for the Christian, every person is valuable. It is important to invest not only in your own health, but also in the health of others.
A doctor studied the importance of social ties and social support in relationship to disease and mortality rates. The close social, cultural, and traditional ties of the Japanese culture made for exemplary health outcomes. The better the social ties, the better the health. He further indicated that social isolation results in poorer health and higher mortality rates. Meaningful social relationships positively influence physical, mental, and emotional behaviors.
| In what ways have you benefited from a social network? How can you help others in the same way you have benefited? Do you tend to take more from the network, or give more? What does your answer say about yourself? |
| TUESDAY | June 22 |
All humanity is related through our common ancestry (Acts 17:26). We’re related, too, through the love that God has for all of us. Everyone may be redeemed by Christ’s precious blood, because God wants no one to be lost (2 Pet. 3:9).
The Bible is clear that through redemption in Jesus, all barriers between us should be brought down, because we are the same before the Lord: sinners in need of God’s grace.
How does Paul describe the people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus? Eph. 4:1–16. What does this mean in terms of how we should relate to one another?
No one hates his or her own body (Eph. 5:29, 30). All parts of the body interact to function effectively. If one part of the body suffers, all functions are affected. The closer we are to others, the more readily and powerfully we feel the impact of their problems.
When we interact socially and helpfully with others, it improves health. Two hundred and seventy-six healthy volunteers were exposed to the common cold virus. The effect of a variety of interpersonal relationships was explored. Those reporting the fewest types of relationships had more than four times the risk of developing a cold than those reporting greater numbers of relationships. These differences were not explicable by factors such as immunity, smoking, exercise, amount of sleep, alcohol intake, and so forth. It was shown that the diversity of relationships was more important than the total number of people with whom the individuals interacted. Mutually supportive, diverse relationships increased resistance to infection, at least according to this study.
All this points to what we have been talking about all this quarter: our emotional, mental, and spiritual health can have a powerful impact on our physical health. Central to our emotional and spiritual health are the kinds of interpersonal relationships we share with others.
Sure, there are times when most everyone wants to be alone, but that is not the same as being part of a larger community that can act as a support group, especially in times of need.
| How can you better involve yourself in the life of your church community? How much death to self will it take to be more involved? What gifts do you have that can benefit others? |
| WEDNESDAY | June 23 |
Recognizing the outstanding benefits of service one to another, we can understand why Mrs. White made this statement in Medical Ministry: “Christian kindness and earnest consecration are constantly to be manifest in the life.”—Page 204. A person can have all the theological knowledge in the world, but if the person is not kind, loving, and caring about others, what good does this knowledge do? This seems to be very much the theme of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. It would do us all some good to read that chapter over once in a while and then ask ourselves how well we are following what Paul says there.
What do the following verses teach us about how we are to relate to one another?
John 13:35
Rom. 15:7
Eph. 4:32
Col. 3:13
1 Thess. 4:18
James 5:16
1 Pet. 3:8
1 Pet. 4:9
1 John 1:7
An outstanding virtue of the Christian is to follow the example of Jesus in loving people despite their weaknesses. Jesus loved His disciples regardless of their many shortcomings and failures. He was caring and inclusive, even when he was rejected and betrayed. We are called to do the same. This can happen only as Christ works in our lives, and He can do that only to the extent that we surrender and allow Him to. As we grasp just how much grace and mercy have been extended to us by God, we can start doing the same to others. Loving the loving and the kind is relatively easy; most anyone can do that. It is when we are called to love the unloving, the ones who are hard to get along with, the ones who treat us nastily and unfairly—then it takes the grace of God working in us.
| How well do you love those who are not so easy to love? How can you learn to do better in that area? How would Jesus treat that person? Go and do likewise. |
| THURSDAY | June 24 |
The life of Jesus on earth was a life of service. From the earliest days of His ministry right up until the end, He was serving humanity. In fact, according to the Bible, He is still serving us today (Heb. 2:17, 18).
We each have been created with specific spiritual gifts for service. What are the various spiritual gifts and services found in the following verses?
Rom. 12:4–8
1 Cor. 12:1–5
Eph. 4:8–11
As we have seen, as human beings, we were made to love others, as Jesus loved. And when we do this, we simply do not benefit others. We benefit ourselves, as well.
Think for a moment how good you feel when you reach out and help others, when you selflessly give of yourself with no intention of getting anything back for yourself. Something inside us is touched. There is a sense of well-being; we get a satisfaction that, really, nothing else can match. And that is because, by giving of ourselves, we are living as we were meant to live. We are doing what we were originally created to do.
As we have seen, a positive mental outlook on life can have a positive impact on us physically, as well. Our body reacts better when we feel positive, happy, and fulfilled. No wonder, then, that scientific studies have shown positive medical benefits that arise from doing good for others. It makes perfect sense: by helpings others, we feel better, and when we feel better, our physical being is improved. What a perfect combination!
“You, brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Gal. 5:13, NIV). What does it mean to serve one another in love? How can you take these words and apply them in a practical way in your own life right now?
| Think of someone whom you can “serve in love” and do it, even if it takes self-denial on your part. After all, there is no question—Someone out there needs you. |
| FRIDAY | June 25 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “The Creation,” pp. 44–51, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Social Purity,” pp. 567–671, in Counsels on Health; “Saved to Serve,” pp. 95–107, in The Ministry of Healing; “Development and Service,” pp. 497–502, in The Ministry of Healing. “Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ’s life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. “We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless. “The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 105, 106. |
 Dwell more on the idea that, as beings made in the image of God, our first parents were somewhat like Christ, even though they still had a lot to learn. How does this help us understand our need for a Savior (After all, we can compare ourselves, to Jesus and see just how far we have fallen.)  Consider your own church situation, and discuss with your Sabbath School class whether the quality of fellowship could be improved. What can you do personally to improve the level of fellowship within your church? What could your class do as a whole to better strengthen the relationships within your church body? How well does your church deal with those who have special needs, such as shut-ins?  In class, talk about the benefits and happiness that come from serving others. Why do we get so much satisfaction from serving others? What things hold us back from doing this more often? How can we, through the power of Christ, fight against the inherent selfishness in us that keeps us focused on ourselves and our own needs rather than on the needs of others? What is your own experience with selfishness? That is, how have you seen in your own life just how ultimately unsatisfactory and empty existence can be when lived selfishly? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Planting Seeds by HUBERT XAVIER My friends and I were relaxing after lunch one day in Grenada, an island in the Caribbean, when a man walked up to us. He pointed his finger at me and said, "The Lord has something for you to do." Then he turned and walked into the busy marketplace. We stood there trying to figure out what had just happened. We searched for the man, but he had disappeared. My friends laughed the incident off, but I thought about it a lot. I went to church, but I wasn't close to God. Then one day a woman came into the store where I worked and asked me, "Son, have you given your life to Christ yet?" I had never seen her before, and her comment surprised me. "Lady, I'm preparing to do so," I told her, surprised. She walked away, and when I searched for her a moment later, she had gone. No one else had seen her. Could God be trying to tell me something? I wondered. I told a friend about these incidents, and he invited me to the Seventh-day Adventist church's Sunday evening Bible study service with him. I went and enjoyed it, so I continued attending. He invited me to attend worship on Sabbath morning, but I had to work. Finally I got up the courage to ask my boss for Saturday morning off so I could go to church. My friend and I studied the Bible together; and after attending evangelistic meetings, I became convinced that I had found God's true church. I decided to become an Adventist. But my boss refused to give me Sabbaths off. My relatives urged me to just go to church on Sunday, but I knew what I had to do. I quit. I found temporary work and threw my energies into working for God, but that didn't feed me. One day there was no food in my house. I knelt and told God that I was hungry and begged for some food. A knock at the door interrupted my prayer. It was a church elder. "I was passing by and felt impressed to stop and see how you are doing," he said. He gave me ten dollars and smiled. And so God provided. Eventually I found work with a company where I don't have Sabbath problems. As I wait on customers, I tell them what God is doing in my life and invite them to try Jesus too. I'm planting seeds in their hearts and pray that God will make those seeds grow, just as He did in my life. HUBERT XAVIER lives in Grenada, an island in the Caribbean. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
NUTRITION IN THE BIBLE
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-19-nutrition-bible
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES IN THE PDF SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
www.ssnet.org
| Nutrition in the Bible |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
Memory Text:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV). |
| A writer argued against belief in God, in the supernatural, or in any spiritual realities at all. He believed only in the material world, only in material things. “Man is,” he said, “what he eats. Period.” However extreme his position, he does have a point, at least somewhat. Though we certainly are more than what we eat, what we eat helps make us what we are. Our blood, bones, fat, and tissues all are fed by the food we put in our bodies. We know that if we stopped eating, we would die. We know, too, that our food impacts our physical being in many ways. Anyone who has ever eaten too much, or eaten the wrong things and become sick, knows how much food impacts us physically—and mentally, as well. Indeed, diet can impact our thoughts, which should not be surprising, because our brain is central to thought, and our brain is affected by the foods that feed it. This week we will take a look at diet, this very important component of a healthy lifestyle. |
The Week at a Glance:
A good diet is a very important factor in living a healthy lifestyle. |
| SUNDAY |
Read Genesis 1:26–30. What does it tell us about the original diet? What might it mean that both humanity and the animals had a similar diet?
God planted a garden full of fruits and nuts for the nourishment of our first parents. We only can speculate how different this produce may have been from what is available to us today, and we assume there was a wide variety of colorful, tasty treats, a great variety of fruits and nuts in the large cornucopia provided by God. We can imagine the tree of life, planted near the beautiful river, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves were for healing of all peoples and for the prevention of all diseases and sickness. This is how the apostle John describes the tree in Revelation 22:2, 3; this description of life in Eden is so brief, and we are left with many unanswered questions, but we do know Adam and Eve enjoyed food from one tree in the Garden that is no longer available to us.
Scientific research has confirmed that a vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet high in meat full of saturated fat. The Adventist Health Study, conducted by Loma Linda University, compared Seventh-day Adventist church members in the United States who share similar demographics and lifestyles except for two different categories of diet. When those who eat a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (plant food plus eggs and milk) were compared to omnivores who included red and white meats in their diet, the vegetarians had less heart disease, less types of cancers, less hypertension, less diabetes, less dementia, and less osteoporosis–leading to an increased life expectancy. The Adventist vegetarians enjoyed eight to ten additional healthy years of life by eating more whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. They also ate less refined grain products, sugar, and prepared foods. Other studies conducted in Europe, Australia, and South America confirm these findings, and more than four hundred reports on the health of Seventh-day Adventists have now been published in scientific journals.
| Some people tend to make diet the central focus of their religion, the idea being the stricter the diet, the holier the person. At the same time, why is it important that we watch our diet and seek to eat as healthfully as we can? |
| MONDAY |
As Christians we should not forget the fact that the first sin of humanity dealt with appetite. Adam and Eve were told not to eat of a certain tree (Gen. 2:16, 17), and they ate of it anyway (Gen. 3:6). This was sin, pure and simple. Hence, however much we must be careful not to make an idol out of diet, we must not diminish its importance. In the midst of so many voices, we need to seek wisdom in order to find the right balance in how we should eat and drink.
Read Genesis 9:3, 4, and compare it with Genesis 1:26–30. What change came to the human diet because of the Flood? Why do you think this happened? How does this change reflect an even greater disharmony brought to the earth because of sin?
Only after the Flood, with so much vegetation destroyed, did God give humans permission to eat animals. What a major shift in the whole balance of relationship between man and beast. We are so used to it today that we surely do not realize what an incredible change this must have been.
Read Genesis 7:1, 2; 8:20. How do these verses dispel the idea that the distinction between clean and unclean meats began with the Jewish nation?
These verses prove that the difference between clean and unclean meats did not originate with the Jewish economy. How could it have, when there were no Jews or Jewish nation at this time? No question, when God called the Jews out and made them a separate people under the covenant with Him, He gave them a detailed revelation of the distinction regarding clean and unclean meat. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide very extensive expositions on this topic. Though a certain amount of debate exists in the theological and even the medical world regarding the reasons for the distinction, the health component seems one of the most obvious reasons. Many of the animals deemed unclean do not exactly constitute the most healthful things a person can put in his or her body (such as rats, pigs, snakes, and vultures), do they? If, as we believe, God wants us to take care of our bodies, it would make sense that He would show us what things are not good for us to eat.
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| TUESDAY |
As we saw yesterday, the distinction between clean and unclean foods did not start with the Jewish nation. Nevertheless, many today assert that in New Testament times, the Bible obliterated this distinction, and it does not matter now what people eat.
Yet, that really does not make a whole lot of sense, if you think about it. Diet, after all, plays such an important role in our health; thus, it is very hard to imagine why the New Testament would show no concern about diet, which is so crucial to healthful living.
Read 1 Timothy 4:1–5. What is Paul saying? Does this mean that we can now eat unclean meat?
In this particular case, Paul was dealing with future heresies that would forbid believers to partake of two things that God gave humanity at creation, food and marriage. The foods involved are all foods that God had created for human consumption. Paul’s words here should not be taken to mean that unclean foods were “created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth” (1 Tim. 4:3, NIV). Otherwise, what? A rat should be “eaten with thanksgiving”?
In his letters to the Romans and the Corinthians (Romans 14, 1 Cor. 8:4–13, 10:25–28), Paul addressed the implication for Christians of the widespread practice in the Gentile world of offering flesh food to idols. Early Christians struggled with the question of whether the eating of such food was an act of pagan worship. Those strong in their faith did not believe it was, and thus they could eat all edible things offered to idols. Those who did not have such a strong faith used only vegetables, which were not offered to idols. Paul urged that no one should despise those who eat only vegetables or judge those who “eat all things” suitable for food.
What's wrong with using Acts 10 as proof that the New Testament has done away with the clean/unclean distinction in regard to human diet? See Acts 10:28.
| Where are you in the whole question of diet? What improvements do you know that you should make in what you eat, in how you eat it, or even in the amount you eat? |
| WEDNESDAY |
“Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Prov. 23:19-21). What important health principle do we find in these verses? How can we learn to apply this principle to ourselves, in the area of health and temperance?
“In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. . . Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables . . . prepared in as simple and natural manner as possible are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 295, 296.
Just because someone is a vegetarian does not automatically mean that he or she is eating a healthy diet; at the same time, just because someone eats some meat does not automatically mean he or she is defiling their body temple. Other factors for a good diet are important, as well.
You could be a vegetarian and yet at the same time be consuming too much fat, too much salt, or too much sugar, all of which can lead to a variety of serious health issues, things like diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, and cancer.
Or you could be simply consuming too much food in general. You can be on the strictest total vegetarian diet possible, and yet, because you eat too much, you could become overweight with some very negative health consequences.
In diet, as with all things, temperance is important. Too much of even good food can be detrimental to your health. In general, the idea is to eat a wide variety of healthy food, certainly enough to meet all your nutritional needs, while at the same time not overeating and taxing the system. As with everything in health, balance is the key.
| Our church does not make vegetarianism a test of fellowship. And it should not either. Many faithful Adventists choose not to be vegetarians. What, though, are the advantages of being a vegetarian, if you are in a position to get enough of the right foods for a proper diet? |
| THURSDAY |
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). How are we to understand this text in the context of the whole question of diet and health? What are some of the extremes that we need to avoid?
As Adventists, we should be very thankful for the counsels we have been given on health. The best medical science affirms the basic principles of the kind of diet we advocate. In Ellen G. White’s last address to the General Conference in 1909, she counseled “We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God’s people.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 159. In other words, if we are in a position to eat this way, we should seek to do it. It does not make us righteous, it does not make us holy, and it certainly does not put us in a position to judge those who do not eat the way we think is best. It can, though, make us healthier, and who does not want good health?
Today, nutritionists often display what is called a food pyramid, a diagram that shows what the best foods are and the amounts that should be consumed. At the base of the pyramid are the whole grains: breads, pasta, and brown rice. These should be eaten in the largest quantities, about six to eleven servings per day. The next level includes fruits and vegetables, recommending about five to nine servings per day. Next are dairy products and eggs, about two to three servings a day. These can be important for vegetarians, in order to make sure that we get enough vitamin B12 in our diet. Total vegetarians should take vitamin B12 supplements. The next group, almost at the top (which means these should be eaten in even smaller amounts), includes legumes, nuts, seeds, and meat alternatives for vegetarians. A nonvegetarian diet would include fish, fowl, and meat, but only in moderate quantities. Finally, at the top, which means one should consume the smallest amounts, are fats, oils, sweets, and iodized salt.
| Our health is a precious gift. Diet plays an important role in health. How wise, then, for us to seek to do the best we can in what we eat. How important for us to exercise self-discipline and self-control when tempted to eat what we know is not good for us. God gave these truths to us for our benefit. When we ignore them, we hurt ourselves and, as so often is the case, others are made to suffer, as well. |
| FRIDAY |
| Read Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods. From the SDA Church Manual, we read: “Christian behavior . . . means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures.” Twenty-first Fundamental Belief: “The original diet. The Bible does not condemn the eating of clean animals. But God’s original diet for man did not include flesh foods because He did not envision the taking of any animal’s life and because a balanced vegetarian diet is the best for health—a fact for which science offers mounting evidence. “The diet God ordained in the Garden of Eden—the vegetarian diet—is the ideal, but sometimes we cannot have the ideal. In those circumstances, in any given situation or locale, those who wish to stay in optimum health will eat the best food that they can obtain.” The General Conference Nutrition Council, in their Position Statement of 2006, titled Vegetarian Dietary Guidelines states, “We recommend the generous use of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; a moderate use of low-fat dairy products (or nutritional equivalent alternatives); legumes, nuts, and seeds; a very limited use of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt.” |
What are some of the dietary challenges that you face in the area where you live? Is there an abundance of food, which can lead to eating not only the wrong foods and also to overeating? Or is there a struggle to get enough of the right foods? What can you as a class do to help those who could be struggling either way? What are the extremes in diet that we need to avoid? How should our understanding of the nature of humanity impact our understanding of how important our physical bodies are? In other words, because we do not believe that the soul is immortal, and can exist independently of the body, should not we then have even more reason to take care regarding how we treat our bodies? Explain.  Many new Adventists do not know a thing about a healthy diet. How can we help them learn about this important topic in a balanced way that doesn’t push them into extremism? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| The Little School That Could by SARAH KIDEN Like most church schools, the primary school in Yei, a city in southern Sudan, was established with more faith than financing. Three teachers were appointed, and they set up their classrooms in the church sanctuary until the members could build a school. In Sudan, as in many developing countries, most teachers are high school graduates with no specific teacher training. When the school grew to 200 students, church members could wait no longer. They built a four-classroom school constructed of poles plastered with mud and covered by a thatched roof. The school continues to grow and has become an important part of religious outreach in the city of Yei. Church members produce a radio program for the local Christian radio station, and children from the school have become an important part of the programming. They take turns reciting Bible verses and singing songs on the live radio programs. This radio program has helped boost the church's outreach into the community and has increased the school's enrollment, as well. People in the community often ask how the children can learn so many Bible verses and so many songs. And some ask how their children can be a part of the Yei Seventh-day Adventist Primary School. Enrollment continues to increase, and today more than seven hundred students study there. The school has added more classrooms and teachers to accommodate the increased enrollment. And more children want to study there. Emerging from a civil war that spanned several decades and destroyed most public buildings, Sudan struggles to provide an education for its children. The few schools that exist can't accommodate the thousands who want to learn to read and write. Churches have stepped into the gap and provide the bulk of education in southern Sudan. Textbooks are another challenge. Relief agencies have provided a few textbooks for teachers in schools, but the children have none. They must write down everything that they need to learn. It is slow progress, but it is the only way for now. Your mission offerings support education in Sudan and around the world. Thank you for your support and your prayers. SARAH KIDEN teaches at Yei Seventh-day Adventist Primary School in southern Sudan. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
OPTIMISM: HAPPINESS AND HEALING
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-12-optimism-happiness-and-healing
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES IN THE PDF SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
| Optimism: Happiness and Healing |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| 1 Kings 19:2–18; Psalm 27; Psalm 42; Luke 8:14; 10:38–42; Rom. 8:35–39; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10; 1 Thess. 5:16, 17. |
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23, NIV). |
| Two men are in prison. The gaze of one is drawn to the shiny, twinkling stars that bejewel the velvety firmament. As he takes in the beauty and majesty of this scene, he is filled with optimism and hope: there is something better beyond the bars! The other person focuses on the muddy ground surrounding the prison cells. There is nothing there to encourage him, and so he becomes less and less optimistic. He is robbed of hope largely because of the direction of his gaze. The Scriptures portray real-life issues in terms that apply to us today. We are not spared situations that lead to despair, even for faithful disciples of the Lord. Fortunately, God’s Word has abundant encouragement and fountains of hope and optimism. Hope influences our outlook in every life situation. It enables us to be optimistic even in troubled circumstances. This optimism affects how we feel emotionally and also influences our physical health positively, enhancing our immunity and general well-being. We often cannot change external circumstances, but we so often can change our attitude toward them. This week we will look at this principle and from a biblical perspective see why we have so much to be hopeful about. |
The Week at a Glance:
Optimism and hope can have a very positive impact on our health. |
| SUNDAY | June 6 |
Depression is a common affliction today. Along with the general sadness that accompanies depression, there is the loss of enjoyment of those things that formerly were pleasurable. Sufferers experience tiredness, a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness, and a loss of energy. Sleep is disturbed, and various physical symptoms—digestive problems, headaches, and backache, among others—often result.
If not recognized and treated, depression even may lead to suicide. This is a problem in all age groups, but, in some societies, those 24 years and younger are especially vulnerable.
There are two main kinds of depression. The first occurs in response to unpleasant circumstances of life, such as death, illness, job loss, or a broken relationship. Everyone experiences some of these at one time or another. The other kind of depression is related to chemical imbalances in the central nervous system. This often is genetic and is as much an illness as any disease. We need to be accepting of people with these challenges and avoid judgment and stigmatization.
Below are biblical examples of great characters who suffered symptoms of depression. Who were they, and what were their symptoms?
Psalm 42
1 Kings 19:2–18
These two champions of the Old Testament suffered times when their lives were darkened by the overwhelming shadows of despair. David spent days and nights weeping. Elijah was suicidal, but, rather than take his own life, he requested the Lord to perform the deed (1 Kings 19:4). In today’s terms, he may have lamented that he was the only Adventist upholding the standards!
In His consistently grace–filled way, God deals gently with both David and Elijah. David is impressed that he must place his hope in God (Ps. 42:11), and the outcome will be a praise–filled life. Having fed him in a still, small voice, God reminds Elijah of his mission and from where his strength comes. Elijah then proceeds to call and start the in-service training of Elisha, who was to take his mantle.
| Everyone at some point struggles with depression. While that is generally unavoidable, you still can make choices that will help avoid potentially depressing situations. What kind of choices are you making—and where will they likely lead? |
| MONDAY | June 7 |
Optimism and hope often are crowded out of our lives by our busy schedules. We can become so focused on things and work, even good and necessary activities, that we lose out on our relationship with Jesus. This relationship is essential to our growth in all aspects of our lives.
Read the following texts. What do they tell us about how we are to live our lives? What are the lessons we can learn from each of these examples?
Mic. 6:8
Luke 8:14
Luke 10:38–42
Luke 12:16–21
Success is coveted and sought after. Individuals often expend long hours in pursuit of this goal. How often we follow after success when our real goal should be that of significance. Is what I do, say, and think significant, or am I like the “successful” farmer in the parable who was to be called to final account and be termed a fool? (See also Luke 21:34.)
Martha was engrossed in the essential tasks of providing food and drink for her guest. Like us, she became so busy in the work for the Lord that she neglected the life-giving relationship with the Lord of the work. Jesus reminded her that Mary had chosen more wisely and affirmed the choice of relationship significance over work success.
And sometimes, like the seed, we can be overcome with the cares of this life in just trying to survive. This can encompass assuring the necessities for the family, education for our children, or just keeping up with providing the demands of living on this tumultuous planet. Nurturing our relationship with Jesus impacts every aspect of our lives and allows for the celebration of an optimistic and hope-filled outlook, even in times of distress and pressure.
| How much of what you are doing will be remembered in eternity? In contrast, how much are you doing that will one day be eternally forgotten? What does your answer tell you about yourself, how you’re living, and, perhaps, what choices you need to make? |
| TUESDAY | June 8 |
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17. How are the two admonitions related?
Three decades ago much was written about praising God in all circumstances, which is fine in principle. Yet, many of these writings heaped guilt on those who were struggling to come to terms with death, loss, tragedy, disability, and heartache, as if these people were being unfaithful to the Lord and not living as real Christians because they were not joyous and happy and full of praise during these crises.
We do not always rejoice in all situations. Jesus certainly did not (Matt. 26:38, John 11:35), and who is going to accuse Him of being unfaithful? Job, too, though faithful to the Lord, does not appear very joyful for most of the book that bears his name. On the contrary, he is a miserable and wailing wreck.
Yet, even amid all the pain and tragedy of life, we still can have cause for joy and optimism, no matter how much these reasons might feel buried beneath the woes and cares that so greatly trouble us. And that is because, thanks to Jesus and the promises we have from Him, we know that these things are only temporary; that these things have not taken God by surprise; and that despite it all and how hard and incomprehensible our sufferings are, God loves and cares about us. It is when we live amid suffering that we cling to these promises, that we cling to the hope before us, that we can find reason for joy and optimism even among the worst situations.
What hope and optimism can you draw from these promises?
Rom. 8:31
Rom. 8:35–39
1 John 3:1
Rev. 21:4
| What other Bible promises can you cling to give you reasons to be optimistic and hopeful even amid trying circumstances? How have these texts helped you work through difficult situations? |
| WEDNESDAY | June 9 |
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. What is Paul saying here, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives, especially in times of distress?
Norman Cousins, the author of a book called Anatomy of An Illness, was the editor of a popular magazine in the United States for about thirty years. In 1964 he was struck down by a disease that affected his collagen, the body’s connective tissue. He suffered great pain. He had a hard time moving his fingers, his limbs, even his jaw. He found it hard to turn over in bed. Meanwhile, lumps started forming all over his body, as well. Once the diagnosis was made, the doctors prescribed all sorts of pain-killers and sedatives, things like aspirin and codeine, and other drugs, including many different sleeping pills. At one point, his cousins’ body started to have a reaction to the drugs, and he broke out in hives that were even more painful than the disease itself. Things were looking bad for Norman, especially because only one in about five hundred patients ever recovers from this disease.
Finally, fed up with all these medications and their bad side effects, he started to watch some funny films from a popular TV show called Candid Camera. In bed he would laugh and laugh at the antics. Almost immediately he noticed a change. The more he laughed, the better he felt. The nurse would sometimes read him humorous stories that would make him howl with glee. Over time, the tests showed that he was getting better. Before long, the lumps on his body began to shrink, and he returned to his job. Soon after, the man who had found it hard to turn over in bed was playing tennis, playing golf, riding horses, and playing the piano!
Though no one is saying that laughter is the solution to all our medical problems, there is no question that a good attitude can have a positive impact on our health.
| So often attitude is something that you can control if you really want to, is it not? What is your general attitude? How can you learn to be more optimistic? How should focusing on the Cross and what it reveals about God help you have a more positive outlook on life? |
| THURSDAY | June 10 |
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”(Prov. 17:22).
Yes, there are physical benefits to laughter and joyful thinking. Laughter exercises the lungs and stimulates the circulatory system. As a result, increased oxygen enters the blood. Laughter acts as a relaxant, and in the long term it can be associated with mild decreases in blood pressure. Laughter increases the production of the chemical endorphins, which soothe and relax the mind, relieve pain, elevate the mood, and increase immune cell activity. This optimism and merry heart will be entirely appropriate, because they are founded on the knowledge that God is in control of our lives.
Read Isaiah 26:1–4. How can you apply this passage practically in your life?
When our minds are steadfast and we trust in Him, we reap definite benefits. Studies have shown that viewing others in a positive and benevolent way can beneficially impact our resistance to infection (as well as make us pleasant to be around!). As we cultivate and nurture our relationship with Christ, our physical health is benefited, and we can find the kind of emotional and spiritual healing that can aid physical healing, too.
We are faced with a choice in Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart does good; a broken spirit has negative effects on our total being. David learned the importance of this choice and reminded himself of God’s preserving role in this ongoing struggle.
Read Psalm 27. What hope is presented here? How can we apply these words to ourselves?
| There is ample evidence that a vibrant relationship with God impacts our total well-being. What changes do you need to make in order to have a better relationship with the Lord? |
| FRIDAY | June 11 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “Mind Cure,” pp. 241–259, in The Ministry of Healing. “Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house?”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251. “Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour’s love; and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fulness of joy; for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 209, 210. “In this hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced, even in times of severe trial and affliction. “ ‘Ye greatly rejoice,’ ” Peter wrote, “ ‘though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, . . . ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 517, 518. |
| Do you know someone who is suffering from depression? If so, what can you do to help? So often a kind word or even a friendly gesture can go a long way in making someone feel better. What can your class or the church as a whole do to help those struggling with depression? Proverbs 3:7, 8 reads, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” How does this fit in with the lesson this week? Next time you are feeling down, make a concentrated effort to dwell on positive things. Think about God’s love. Read some Bible texts that you especially like. Praise the Lord in song and in prayer. You might be surprised at how much better you feel. Though the emphasis this week has been on our feelings and the importance of feeling good, we must remember that faith is not feeling. In other words, just because we are feeling down, depressed, or discouraged does not mean we have lost our connection with God. What is the difference between faith and feeling, and why is it important to know that difference? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Lead Me to Truth by FOLORUMSO ALAWODE AJIBADE I grew up in a church and knew well its doctrines. But I felt that some things my church taught were wrong. I read the Ten Commandments, and I knew that they prohibited worshiping idols. But when I asked the priest why we prayed before statues, he said that the images were like pictures of family members in our home. Still, it didn't seem right. Finally I asked God to lead me to His truth. And God answered my prayer. One day as I sat in my home, I had what must have been a vision, in which I saw a banner with the words, "Seventh-day Adventist Church." I had seen a few Adventist churches in my life, but I knew nothing about what the church teaches and had never worshiped in one. The next day, Sabbath, a Voice told me, "Go, and worship today." Another voice countered, "Don't go today; go next week." I dared not tarry. I prepared and went to the nearest Adventist church. When I arrived, someone took my name and welcomed me as a visitor. I told them, "I am not a visitor. I will become part of this church from today." I found the people having a Bible study. Later I learned that this was Sabbath School. I met the pastor and told him of my vision, and he came to my house several times a week to study the Bible with me. Others came to visit as well. I was glad for this. When members of my former church asked me why I wasn't coming to church, I told them that God has sent me to the Adventist Church, and there I have found salvation. I was baptized a few months later. I am so happy to have found the truth in Jesus. I'm only sorry that I hadn't prayed years ago that God would show me these truths. I will devote the rest of my life to sharing the gospel with everyone I meet. Leading people to Christ has become my life. Thank you for your mission offerings, which helped bring the light of truth to this soul who was in darkness. FOLORUMS0 ALAWODE ABRADE lives in western Nigeria. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
INTEGRITY: WHOLENESS AND HOLINESS
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-05-integrity-wholeness-and-holiness
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
www.ssnet.org
| Integrity: Wholeness and Holiness |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 39:6–12; 1 Sam. 24:1–10; Dan. 6:1–10; Matt. 4:1–11; Rom. 1:26, 27; Eph. 3:14–21. |
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8, NIV). |
| The preacher was being distracted by noisy children. To make matters worse, they were his own. Finally, he had to stop preaching and tell the children they would be punished when the service was over. Silence descended on not only the children but everyone. The sermon was completed, the service ended, and Sabbath lunch was a delight. Visitors laughed and relaxed, and it was a happy Sabbath. That evening a pleasant euphoria came over the household. The little daughter, feeling perhaps the freedom of relaxation, came to her preacher dad. “Daddy?” she said. “Yes, dear?” he responded. “Today, you promised to punish me and you didn’t. You told a lie.” No question, integrity is a lot easier to talk about than to display. Even the “best” of us find ourselves easily compromised unless we are careful. Truly in the “littlest things” it is so easy to slip. This week we will take a look at this topic and how it impacts our lives on so many levels. |
The Week at a Glance:
Moral integrity impacts our health—spiritually, mentally, and physically. |
| SUNDAY | May 30 |
Compromise is so easy, isn’t it? Especially as one gets older, things do not often appear so black and white as they once did. We give in a little here, a little there, and hold firm from our new position. Then, over time, we give in a little here, a little there, and hold firm from our newest position. Then, over time, from this latest position, we give a little here, a little there, and then hold firm. Before long, we find ourselves in a place that we once never would have dreamed we would be in. That is what compromise is all about.
And though sometimes we need to loosen up a bit and be willing to give here and there, oftentimes we do so on the very things that we should not budge on at all!
Read Matthew 4:1–11. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, what were the three avenues of temptation through which Satan approached Him? How did Jesus refute those temptations, and what can we take away from this account for ourselves?
Satan found Jesus an impregnable wall. No matter what he tried to do, he failed to get Jesus to compromise on anything. Jesus was as impregnable as the Great Wall of China had been for centuries. Only better. And that was because the Great Wall was once breached. What happened? Someone bribed the gatekeeper! All that work, all that masonry, all that stone became almost useless when one single guard stopped doing what he was supposed to.
Yes, compromise is easy. Too easy. Satan will work through our appetite, through our presumption and pride, and through our desire for worldly things, through any avenue he can in order to lead us into sin, to get us to violate our integrity, and to push us away from Jesus. We not only need to be aware of his devices, we need to know how to claim God’s promises and not be seduced into doing what we know is wrong. Only through a constant and firm reliance on the power of God, and a willingness to die to self, can we overcome.
| In what areas of your life have you compromised what you know is right? How did you feel the first time you did it? Does it bother you less now than at first? Or does it not even bother you at all anymore? |
| MONDAY | May 31 |
There are so many temptations out there, temptations that can so often lead to moral compromise. How easy it is for a traveling staff person to pad the expense account? How easy for a man to sneak a few looks at Internet pornography? How easy for children to lie to their parents? How easy for folks to cheat on their taxes? How easy to overindulge in food and drink? How easy to cheat in school. How easy to . . . and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Read the following accounts. In what ways could these men have so easily violated their integrity? What can we learn from these stories? As you read each account, think of the background to these temptations, think of all the pressure on these men to compromise, think about how easily they could have rationalized another choice.
Gen. 39:6–12
1 Sam. 24:1–10
Dan. 6:1–10
If we are honest with ourselves, many of us will admit we are devious or at least less than transparent in many of our dealings. Sometimes we will not tell a lie, but we do not exactly convey the truth. We may believe a situation is not helped by openness. Such behavior can be found in many areas of life. What are ways in which you may have chosen expediency over forthrightness? Why is it so easy to do?
| Think about a non-biblical character, either from history from the news or from a personal acquaintance, whom you deem as a person of integrity. What are the traits this person has that you wish you did? How can you seek to emulate those traits better in your own life? |
| TUESDAY | June 1 |
A young man purchased a pleasure boat with a nice little motor and trailer. The unit appeared clean and satisfactory, and—being purchased second hand—it was not too expensive. Eager to try out his new acquisition, he took some friends and rode out to the public slip and launched the boat. It ran well, and the group made their way to a small island off the mainland in Lake Ontario.
Beaching the little boat, they explored the island and returned to the boat to head home. A short distance out, a splashing sound alerted them to the fact that they were taking on water. Quickly, the boat capsized, dumping the three friends into the chilly waters. A most fortunate rescue forestalled serious repercussions. What happened? A single rotted timber was found in the base of the hull that, with the wave action on the beach, had led to a split in the wood. Just one bad piece, out of all the others, was enough to overturn the boat.
How similar can it be in our lives, as well? We might be so solid, so faithful, so firm and unwavering in so many ways, and yet with one area in which we have not surrendered to the Lord, one sinful area we seek to hold onto, we can find ourselves in deep moral, spiritual and even physical trouble.
Read Ephesians 3:14–21. What is Paul saying to us here? How does this bear on our personal integrity? How can we experience these promises in our own lives?
So much is promised us in these texts. The Holy Spirit can strengthen us from within; that is, He can change us, not like some cosmetic surgery but more like heart surgery, something working deep within us. And this change comes to us by faith, by knowing the reality of God’s love for us. The Lord seeks a complete transformation in our lives; He desires that we be “filled with the fulness of God.” Notice, too, that unlike many self-help and new age philosophies, Paul is not talking about our tapping into some innate power found within us. No, the power that “works in us” is the power of God, who can do more than we ask or think. The question is, Are we allowing Him to, or are we letting our carnal natures rule instead?
| What might it mean to be “filled with the fulness of God”? Be prepared to talk about your answer in class. |
| WEDNESDAY | June 2 |
Read Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:15-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 1:7. What is the basic message of these texts to us today?
Young Megan went off to college. It was her first time away from home for a long period of time. Though she had been taught about sexual immorality, and though she knew what the Bible and her church taught about it, she suddenly found herself in situations where the pressure was very great to give in. She knew it was wrong, she knew this was not what she wanted for her life, she knew that God had something better for her. At first she was strong; at first she resisted. Then, slowly but surely, she compromised, one step at a time. In the beginning, the guilt was terrible; but over time it did not bother her as much as before—not until she found herself with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. Then, and only then, did she start to really ponder the reality of her mistakes.
Sexual immorality in and of itself is bad enough. It is sin, and sin damages our relationship with God and with others. But in this day and age, it can be a very real physical hazard. There are numerous sexually transmitted diseases, from herpes to HIV-AIDS, that can be physically devastating. The surest way to protect yourself from these diseases is to follow biblical principles of sexual morality. Sexual pleasure is for a man and a woman within marriage. Period. Anything outside of that is outside of God’s plan and is wrong; even worse, it can lead to some very serious physical consequences, as well.
And not just physical either. The emotional toll can be terrible, especially for women, upon whom the stigma for sexual immortality often falls the heaviest, however unjustly. Even some secular organizations agree that sexual abstinence outside of marriage is the best choice a person can make.
Of particular concern today is the question of pornography, which since the rise of the Internet is more prevalent than ever. God alone knows how many millions of lives will be ruined through this terrible scourge. There is help for those who get caught up in it; however, for many the shame seems so great they are afraid to get the help they need.
| What are your temptations, struggles, frustrations and fears in this special area of human life? Whatever your situation, how can you better avail yourself of the promises of God to see you through them? |
| THURSDAY | June 3 |
In Romans 12:1, 2, Paul implores the Christian to present himself or herself in wholeness to the Lord in service. The integrity of body, mind, and spirit is brought as a whole to the Lord. This requires integrity in each part of the whole.
Some easily comprehend the importance of pure minds but are lax about their physical bodies. As we have seen, this is not a biblical position. Our bodies are gifts from God, and because of that we are commanded by God to take care of them.
Integrity requires that our actions reflect our belief. Today, there remains little room for debate over the broad principles of healthful living. Medical science teaches what we have known for years now. Exercise is important for the body. If we know this, we show a lack of integrity if we neglect giving our bodies the exercise they need. Fresh clean water and moderate amounts of sunshine are so very beneficial. Because we know these things, we are called upon to follow them.
In a time where an epidemic of obesity sweeps many nations, few would refute the dangers of gluttony. We must make choices that only we as individuals can make, regarding how much food we eat and the kind we eat, especially if we are having problems with weight. Tobacco is recognized by nearly all as being the world’s most rampant killer. The use of substances ranging from alcohol and marijuana to cocaine has gutted the productive lives of millions. The Spirit of Prophecy no longer stands alone in advocating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Even government departments of agriculture recommend a reduction in the consumption of many high-fat flesh foods. In short, how much better to follow a vegetarian diet, especially when we know how much better it is for us.
“True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand. It is impossible to work for the salvation of men and women without presenting to them the need of breaking away from sinful gratifications, which destroy the health, debase the soul, and prevent divine truth from impressing the mind. Men and women must be taught to take a careful view of every habit and every practice and at once put away those things that cause an unhealthy condition of the body, and thus cast a dark shadow over the mind. God desires His light bearers ever to keep a high standard before them. By precept and example they must hold their perfect standard high above Satan's false standard, which, if followed, will lead to misery, degradation, disease, and death for both body and soul.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 480.
| Review all of your personal health habits. Are you living up to all the light you know? If not, what is keeping you from making the kinds of changes that can do you only good? |
| FRIDAY | June 4 |
| “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”—Ellen G. White, Education, p. 57. “There is work for us to do—stern, earnest work. All our habits, tastes, and inclinations must be educated in harmony with the laws of life and health. By this means we may secure the very best physical conditions, and have mental clearness to discern between the evil and the good.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 28. “Our danger is not from scarcity, but from abundance. We are constantly tempted to excess. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired for the service of God, must observe strict temperance in the use of His bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 29. |
| Look at the last Ellen G. White quote above. What does she mean when she write that our danger is from excess? Sunlight is an important component of good health. Here, too, however, we need a balance: a few minutes of sunlight each day can be a great blessing for us; on the other hand, overexposure can lead to health problems. How do we find the right balance here as with everything else? What can your local church do to help with the problem of HIV-AIDS in your local community? Though in some parts of the world, the problem is greater than in others, we all can do at least a small part. What can you do to encourage the young people in your church to abstain from sexual activity outside of marriage? Why is this so important? How can the church help, not just in sexuality but in other things, as well that the young struggle with? How can you help the young (or old, for that matter) make the right choices when it comes to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? It is one thing to give them dire warnings; it is another actually to do things to help them avoid making the wrong choice or to give them help if they do make mistakes. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Treasure in the Street by HILARIO CATUKU As I walked along the street in Luanda, the capital city of Angola, one day, I noticed a folded paper fluttering on the ground. I picked it up and read the title. "Three Angels' Messages," it said. Later at home I read the tract. It spoke about spiritual Babylon, a term that I didn't know. I asked some church members what "spiritual Babylon" meant, but no one knew. I read the tract again, and asked God to show me what lesson He had for me from this tract. One day I felt impressed to ask a classmate about the Ten Commandments. As we talked, he recited the Ten Commandments. When he got to the fourth commandment, I asked him to tell me more about it. He explained that Jesus kept the Sabbath. I sensed that this was what God was trying to tell me through the tract. But I didn't know of any church that worshiped on Saturday. Then my classmate invited me to worship with him on Sabbath. I was curious, so I went. I was impressed with the way the members talked about the Bible issues. The pastor's message touched my heart too. After the worship service, I met the church elder, who gave me some Bible study guides and information on the Sabbath to read during the week. I continued worshiping with my friend on Sabbath. Several weeks later I told my aunt, with whom I live, that I was attending the Seventh-day Adventist church. She told me that Sabbath is a Jewish tradition; Christians don't keep the Sabbath. I read Hebrews 4:8-10 to her and explained that this was written after Christ died, meaning that the Sabbath is still valid. She felt betrayed and urged me to give up these false beliefs. But I felt I had found something precious. I attended school at night, and my classes didn't end until after sunset on Fridays. I talked to the principal, who allowed me to take my exams earlier on Fridays. But sometimes I still couldn't finish before the sun set. So I left the remaining answers blank. In spite of this, I passed. I know that God used these experiences to lead me to a deeper faith. Angola has more than 300,000 Adventist believers, but many more need to hear God's call out of "spiritual Babylon." Your offerings help us reach more people for Christ in Angola. HILARIO CATUKU is a teenager who lives in Luanda, Angola. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
TEMPERANCE
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-29-temperance
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
http://www.ssnet.org
| Temperance |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen 9:20–27, Prov. 20:1, 23:31–35, 1 Cor. 6:19, 10:31, 2 Pet. 1:5–9. |
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). |
| He had been a respected judge, but he now lived in poverty, the victim of alcohol abuse. Because of this horrible addiction, which robbed him not only of his dignity but of his family and his livelihood, he had exchanged his robes of judicial office for the rags of a tramp. What a tragic ending to what had been such a prosperous and useful life! In 2007, newscasts were filled with the tragic news of the unnecessary death of a young woman who died from drinking too much water! Water? Yes. As part of a radio contest, she drank an excessive amount of water and died later that day. The autopsy revealed no other cause but water intoxication. Water, although essential for life and usually harmless, can kill when taken in excess. This week we study about temperance in a world that regards excess as success. The illustrations above show that unhealthful things ought to be completely avoided, and healthful substances and practices should be used in moderation. In so many cases, moderation is the key element so often missing. Let’s take a look at what true temperance is about and why the Lord wants us to be temperate. |
The Week at a Glance:
As human beings, we have been bought with the blood of Jesus. Hence, we have a moral responsibility to take care of our bodies, and temperance is the key to fulfilling that responsibility. |
| SUNDAY | May 23 |
What would you like your legacy to be? More specifically, for what would you like to be remembered after your death? That you were rich, popular, or politically powerful? What are the things that really matter?
All through the Bible we find characters who have left legacies. Some very good, some very bad, and some a mixed bag.
Look at Noah. Noah probably is remembered best as the first and not-so-successful evangelist. He preached for 120 years and could boast of only a handful of human converts, and those were of his own immediate family.
God’s view of Noah, however, was very positive. Amid the evil and wickedness of the antediluvian world, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8, NIV).
How did Noah find favor with God? Why? Gen. 6:9, 22; 7:1.
Despite Noah’s faithfulness and obedience and doing all that God has asked, there’s another story that was recorded for us as well. Read Genesis 9:20–27. What lessons can we take away from this sordid tale?
Noah achieved the notoriety of being the first named drunkard in the Bible. How sad that a man who did so much good for the Lord, who had been given so much responsibility, and who had been so highly regarded would fall as he did.
The mind is the channel for most communication and it must be kept free from toxins and substances that may cloud reason and judgment. Noah’s experience is a warning and example for our instruction that, even the “best” among us, even the strongest and most faithful, are not immune to temptation and even to outright sin. Drinking would have been bad enough, but it sounded like Noah went on a binge. If Noah could fall like that, what about the rest of us?
| Do you know a well-respected church leader who has fallen in one way or another? It always hurts when someone we look up to stumbles and falls and disappoints us. How can we learn to extend the promises of grace even to those who, like us, really do not deserve it? |
| MONDAY | May 24 |
In the first decade of the twenty-first century, alcohol has been implicated in almost 1.8 million deaths per year; this translates into 3.2 percent of total deaths worldwide. The amount of alcohol consumed is rising steadily. Binge drinking (the consumption of four to five successive drinks in males and three to four successive drinks in females) is growing alarmingly among adolescents and young adults. This trend shows no sign of abating. Alcohol has consequences through intoxication, drunkenness, dependence (addiction), and other chemical effects on the body.
What instruction, experience, and warnings are found in the Bible that warn us against alcohol? Judg. 13:2–8, Prov. 20:1, 23:31–35, Isa. 5:11, Eph. 5:18).
Interestingly, long before any scientific description of the negative effects of alcohol on the fetus (fetal alcohol syndrome), Samson’s mother was warned not to take alcohol during her pregnancy. Solomon also warns against the effects of alcohol, specifically wine and beer. From his observation and possibly even experience, he describes how alcohol changes and modifies behavior, usually leading to regrets. Isaiah graphically describes how inappropriately priests behave when intoxicated, confirming the warnings given by the other writers. Paul, too, has words of caution regarding alcohol.
The biblical descriptions of alcohol consumption mostly reveal inappropriate and undesirable behaviors and warn against these.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). We can be sure that the use of alcohol is one of the devil’s greatest traps. How many millions of lives have been ruined over the centuries through use of this dangerous drug, which is poison to both the body and the mind. How much better for ourselves and our loved ones were we to avoid this dangerous trap completely, with no compromise at all.
| Who does not know people whose lives have been hurt by alcohol, either through their own use or through the use of others. Why take a chance for yourself? What steps can you take to help ensure that you, or your loved ones, never start down this dangerous path, which promises nothing good but only sorrow and heartache? |
| TUESDAY | May 25 |
Since the early 1970s, debate has raged about the benefits of wine and alcohol in general on heart health. Much has been written in the lay and scientific press about studies done in France on this issue. In recent years, re-analysis of the data on the French population and further follow-up have cast significant doubt on the whole theory. Vested interests in the alcoholic beverage industry have kept the subject in public view. Many church members are wondering whether their health is suffering through their not drinking alcohol on a regular basis.
There is no literature at all to show any apparent or real benefit of alcohol to the health of young people. The claim of apparent cardiovascular health benefits of alcohol in the middle-aged population has been successfully challenged in recent scientific literature.
In the studies that showed apparent benefit, individuals who had been previous alcohol drinkers were included in the control (non-drinking) groups; some of these had stopped drinking because of alcohol-related health problems. These same control groups, in general, were in poorer health than the drinkers. Reanalysis of the data, correcting for these defects in study design, showed no demonstrable health benefits to moderate drinking, compared to the nondrinkers. Further, more analysis of the groups studied showed that those in the moderate drinking group who originally had been thought to have better health outcomes differed in other ways from the control group. They had better diets, exercised regularly, were of a higher socio-economic status, and had better access to healthcare. This set of circumstances is well-known to be associated with improved health and longevity. The benefits in these studies were not due to moderate drinking but to other lifestyle practices.
How blessed we have been to have a health message that has warned us in detail of the ravages of these poisons, even before the epidemiologists did. How dangerous it is to seek what turns out to be a nonexistent health benefit in exchange for a wide spectrum of dangerous effects of alcohol. These range from impairment of motor skills and judgment to the potential destruction caused by trauma, violence, accidents, domestic violence, cirrhosis, cancer, addiction, and even dementia.
Even just one measure of alcohol impairs neurological function and may even trigger alcohol dependence. Most important, alcohol impairs our ability to make sound judgments and respond to the Holy Spirit. Who hasn’t seen people make utter fools of themselves, or even worse, through alcohol use?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. How could this apply to the topic at hand? On a more personal note, how can you take that principle and apply it to your own life? What changes might you need to make in order to better manifest what the Bible says here?
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| WEDNESDAY | May 26 |
“Temperance” sometimes appears to be an outdated word. We often equate it with movements and organizations that focus particularly on alcohol and tobacco. We think of the old songs promoted by these movements and sung by our early church, warning young women about the disgusting habits of those who chew and spit tobacco. We almost caricature the whole issue, and we avoid mention of the word in our sophisticated age.
It is sometimes thought easier not even to talk about temperance. While we fail to talk about and instruct in temperance, some in our church are being overcome by things that were once thought to be problems only of “the world.”
Read 2 Peter 1:5–9. How should these words be applied to all areas of our life, particularly when it comes to our health habits? How can we take this biblical admonishment and turn it into reality for ourselves?
Temperance is so much more than not smoking cigarettes, taking illegal drugs, drinking alcohol, or even tea, coffee, and soft drinks. And that is because even good things, when taken to excess, can cause problems.
What are your work habits? Do you keep reasonable hours? Is there time for God, family, recreation, physical fitness, and service to others?
How much time do you spend sleeping, or are you working all the time? Or, on the other hand, do you sleep too much? Too much sleep, as well as too little, can have negative health effects.
What about diet? Maybe you do not eat pork or even chicken, but are you piling your plate so high with food that you can barely get up from the table when done?
We know sunlight is good for us. But too much can be a cancer-causing agent. Exercise, too, is important. Many do not get enough, while too much can hurt your body. Even sexuality, while a gift from God, can be taken to excess, with negative side effects.
Ellen G. White caught the essence of true temperance with this simple statement: “True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.”—Patriarch and Prophets, p. 562.
| Look at all areas of your life. How temperate are you? In what areas do you need to change? Might you even now be suffering some negative effects from wrong practices? Why not seek some help in making needed changes? |
| THURSDAY | May 27 |
The philosophy of many today is that our bodies belong to us, and we can do with them as we please. Some may justify this approach even further by adding the argument that in so living they harm no one but themselves. We know, though, that this kind of reasoning is so wrong.
What are ways in which the intemperance of others has hurt you or someone you know? Or, even more to the point, how might your intemperate actions hurt others?
The Bible talks of the importance of the body as a dwelling place. This abode is not only for our own benefit, thoughts, plans, and actions; our bodies are, in fact, temples of God. What a privilege and responsibility. Sometimes we are more caring of the houses in which we live than our own bodies.
Why should we take care of our bodies? What theme comes from the following texts that answers this important question for us? Why do these texts make sense only if God created us, as opposed to our being the chance results of purposeless cosmic forces? John 2:19–21; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
Jesus referred to His own body as a temple. Paul emphasizes this theme often and expands on it further by pointing out that we do not belong to ourselves. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20, NIV).
What a price was paid for our redemption. Only when we contemplate the Cross, and what happened there, can we even begin to understand our value and our worth before God. This thought alone should help us understand the sacred responsibility we have to take care of ourselves, not just spiritually but physically, as well.
God emptied heaven and allowed the blood of Jesus to be spilled for our redemption. We do not belong to ourselves; we have been redeemed and belong to God and owe Him our all, including faithful stewardship in the use of our bodies.
| Dwell more on the Cross and what Jesus did for us. Why should that motivate us in all that we do? If you truly believe that Christ, the Lord, died for your sins so that you can have the promise of eternal life, shouldn’t that take front and center in your life? How should this wonderful truth motivate you to take better care of your body temple? |
| FRIDAY | May 28 |
| Read Ellen G. White, "Helping the Tempted," pp.161-169, and "Working for the Intemperate," pp. 171-182 in The Ministry of Healing. Despite the growing problem of obesity in many parts of the world, gluttony is encouraged and accepted. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more of a problem because of diet, obesity, and lack of exercise, affecting even teenagers. Addiction to Internet activities and pornography has fostered unthinkable cases of violence and sexual abuse. Tobacco continues to be the largest single cause of preventable death throughout the world—over 5 million per year. There are warnings on the cigarette boxes; these go unheeded by many. Information is not preventive if we do not act on it. God has given, through various sources, consistent guidance on how to be healthy, happy, and holy. Blessed we will be if we follow the counsel. “ ‘Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful’ ” (2 Chron. 20:20, NIV). “There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.”—Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 398. |
| Look at this quote taken from above: “There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny.” What does this mean in practical terms? How does the society in which you live impact attitudes toward temperance? Does it encourage temperance, or does it promote attitudes that make temperance seem outdated? Why is it important to be aware of these influences, and, if needed, how can you learn to help others, especially the young, be persuaded by them? If possible, have a health expert speak in class about the right balance of things like diet, exercise, sleep, and sunlight. Some people have the mentality that if a little is good for you, then a lot must be even better. For example, if a little salt is good for the body, then a lot must be even better for it. What’s wrong with that kind of thinking? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Another Power by JOESIE DURANGO Tay Juan walked through the village with his spear in one hand and his charms in the other. These were the signs of his power. He claimed to heal the sick or appease the spirits with slain chickens or a slaughtered pig. When tribal conflicts arose, Tay Juan restored peace. As Sulads, student missionaries from Mountain View College, we had been warned about the powers of darkness we would face in the village. We knew that victory came only through a constant and close connection with Jesus. My partner and I prayed for God's strength and the Holy Spirit to boldly face Tay Juan and the powers of darkness. When I finally met Tay Juan, his dignified bearing reminded me of Elisha, but the smell of alcohol and the smoke from his cigarette told me otherwise. "I am so happy that you have come to teach my people," he said. "You have risked your lives to come here. You sacrifice your own needs for the sake of others. I, too, will learn from you." I felt so humble realizing that God had gone before us and had tamed the devil. Tay Juan calls my partner and me his children. When we warned him of the dangers of tobacco and palm wine, he listened. "Thank you for telling me this," he said. "I didn't know that these things could destroy my body." One evening he came to hear the children sing during our worship service. He loved the beautiful songs and asked for more. Tay Juan began attending worship every day. He listened to the songs and messages from God's Word. And when two pastors came to baptize some believers in our village, we were surprised to see Tay Juan join the line! Tay Juan gave his heart to Christ. One day he came to our cottage carrying a knife and a sword. "These weapons were my power, my protection from accidents and enemies," he began. "But I have a stronger power now and don't need these any longer." We prayed that God's protection would go with Tay Juan. Tay Juan continues to heal the sick, not with incantations or sacrificial chickens, but with prayers to the Great Physician, Jesus. JOESIE DURANGO served as a teacher in the Tubakon Literacy Center in the mountains of Mindanao, southern Philippines. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
AN ATMOSPHERE OF PRAISE
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-22-atmosphere-praise
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org/
| The Atmosphere of Praise |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 1:1, 2, 9–12, 20–26; Ps. 104:29; Dan. 5:23; Luke 15:7; Rev. 21:4. |
“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7, NIV). |
| A few years ago, a family of five went to a cabin in the mountains for a short Christmas vacation. One evening they shut all the windows tight in order to keep cold air from coming in, and they turned the furnace on full blast in order to keep the cabin warm through the bitter night. The only problem? The whole family died because the furnace had used up all the oxygen in their air! As most of us know, we can live a few weeks without food, a few days without water, but only a few minutes without air. Air, clear pure air, is vital to our existence. Impure, polluted air is the cause of many acute and chronic disease conditions often attributed to other causes. Every year millions of people, especially children, suffer terribly because of breathing polluted air. With oxygen going to every organ of our body, it is no wonder we need air as fresh and as clean as possible. The good news about fresh air is that not only is it free, in most cases people can have access to it. |
The Week at a Glance:
Clean, fresh air is a vital component in maintaining good health, and we should do all in our power to breathe as much clean air as possible. |
| SUNDAY | May 16 |
Read Genesis 2:15. What does it say about God’s intention for humanity regarding work, even before sin?
The earth at that point was chaotic; there was darkness, a void, formlessness. However difficult for us to understand exactly what was present or what was happening, it is clear that there was no created life at this time on the earth. Yet, even amid this primeval chaos, God’s presence is made manifest. This is revealed in the words, “and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” We can, for now, only speculate on what that means.
According to the texts, over the next few days God began the process of preparing the earth for life. Genesis 1:3–10 shows us part of this process. Notice the recurrence of separation and division. God separates light from darkness, God separates the waters of the firmament, God separates the land from water. All the way through there are these major divisions of these prime elements. After these initial divisions have been completed, God then brings forth the first life on earth.
Read Genesis 1:9–12, and Genesis 1:20–26. What does God create next? What conditions were needed in order for this to happen; that is, what was needed in order for this part of creation to be able to survive?
God had a great master plan for His creation. It called for many types of living things—things that would require constant support to survive. As the Creation story unfolds, it is clear that God planned for many of His created beings to live on dry land. It also is clear that He knew that these creatures would need oxygen in some form for sustaining life. We see this plan realized on day two of Creation, with the separation of the waters and the creation of the atmosphere. The space between the waters above and below was thus prepared to receive the rest of the creation that was to follow.
| The Creation account teaches that the Creation was a very orderly, planned, and meticulously executed event. It leaves no room for chance of any kind. What does that tell us about the character and power of God? How could this realization about God help you in whatever struggles you might be going through now? |
| MONDAY | May 17 |
In the creation of the animals that populated the earth, one thing they shared in common was the need for oxygen to sustain life. Air is a combination of gases in which oxygen forms about 21 percent of the total product (our entire atmosphere weighs about five thousand trillion tons!). Other component gases include nitrogen, argon, helium, hydrogen, and small trace gases. The amount of oxygen in the air is the ideal percentage for the breathing requirements of the creatures God made. It is another testimony to the carefulness and precision that God used in creating us.
What was the unique way God used air in the creation of Adam? Gen. 2:7. How does this account differ from the account of how God created the other creatures? What does this tell us about ourselves, about our uniqueness in the eyes of God?
Air obviously was important in the creation of all animals, in that all these animals need air to exist. Yet, the creation of humanity was different. God “breathed” into Adam the “breath” of life. Air, life-giving air, was certainly a component of this miraculous act of creation, for right after God breathed this breath into him, Adam became a living soul. When Adam was first formed, with all his organs, with all his flesh, with all the physical components needed for life, he still was lifeless, kind of a “corpse.” One more thing was needed, and that was life itself, which only God, the Life-Giver, could provide.
God did just that, and we ourselves partake every day of this gift of life. Indeed, the gift of life, carried with that breath, has been shared by everyone in the human race since then. Through our first father, Adam, the breath of God has been passed on to all of us. And through the act of breathing, we keep that original breath of life alive in us. Each breath we take should remind us of that original breath breathed into Adam!
| Take a deep breath. Unless you have respiratory problems, it seems so simple, so natural, so easy, and yet it is really a miracle from God, it is a legacy passed on to us from Eden. How thankful are you for the gift of life? Why wait until your life is threatened before you stop taking it for granted? |
| TUESDAY | May 18 |
“Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25, NKJV).
Look up the following texts: Daniel 5:23; Psalm 104: 29; 146:4. What do they tell us about the link between life and breath?
The air has many protective qualities. On a global level, the air and its suspended water vapor protect the earth and its people from solar radiation and from the cold vacuum of outer space. The air recycles water and many chemicals to moderate the climate. Within this atmospheric envelope, life is found over a very wide range of altitudes and temperatures. Some life forms require a high level of light and warmth. Other things require only a little light and very little heat to survive. Some animals require large amounts of oxygen, others only a scant amount.
On a more personal level, high-quality fresh air is the best suited to transfer oxygen to the blood through the lungs and to carry off the carbon dioxide that the body produces. This high-quality air is most available in natural environments, where trees, plants, and flowing waters are found. The plants absorb the carbon dioxide in exchange for renewing the oxygen content of the air.
We recall that God placed Adam and Eve in a garden setting surrounded by plants of all types and watered by a river that flowed through the garden and became the headwater for the great rivers of the antediluvian earth.
The message for us, then, is that in order to obtain optimal health, fresh air is crucial. We should seek to do all that we can in order to breathe the cleanest and freshest air possible.
A person carries about two quarts of oxygen in the blood, lungs, and body tissues at any given time. Every cell in our bodies requires air in order to work, and when that supply is cut off, life cannot exist. Indeed, brain cells deprived of oxygen for more than four minutes begin to die, and the person will, as well.
| How often do you take advantage of fresh air? What changes can you make that would give you more access to it? Sometimes it would take nothing more than opening a window. |
| WEDNESDAY | May 19 |
One of the great challenges that many people face, especially those living in cities, is that the air often is dirty and polluted. Other factors working against fresh air include tobacco smoke, especially when it is recirculated in office buildings. Breathing dirty air can lead to numerous health problems, including migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, and eye and respiratory ailments. In some parts of the world, millions of people, especially children, suffer life-threatening illnesses from breathing bad air, often from poorly ventilated cooking facilities.
In contrast, good clean air usually may be found in abundance in natural outdoor environments, especially around evergreen trees, green plants in mountains and forests, near moving waters such as oceans, lakes, and waterfalls, and after rain. It is estimated that the algae in the ocean provides almost 90 percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere, with the rest coming from plants. Live plants in your own home can help to clean the air there and remove carbon dioxide.
How important, then, that we do our best to breathe clean air. Exercise outside, as opposed to indoors, especially in the morning, if possible. In addition, especially for those who work inside, it is important to be able to take regular intervals or breaks in order to get outside and breathe fresh air, again if possible. After just a few moments outside, a person often will feel refreshed and reinvigorated. It’s so much better to sleep at night with a window open, even just a little, so that we can enjoy the benefits of fresh air while sleeping.
“In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. Good respiration soothes the nerves, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion. And it induces sound, refreshing sleep.
“The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Ill effects follow the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Health and Healing, pp. 151, 152.
Our personal situations vary; some folk have a lifestyle and situation in which about all they ever breathe is fresh, clean air; others, due to where they live and work, might find fresh air a precious commodity that they covet as much as a thirsty person does water.
Whatever your situation, how important it is for the best health to take advantage of fresh air when you can get it.
Read Genesis 1:26. What does this imply about our responsibility to the created world we have been given?
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| THURSDAY | May 20 |
The study so far this week has emphasized the physical properties of the atmosphere that God created for His family on earth.
We use the word atmosphere to describe not only the physical environment of air that surrounds us, but also the attitudes, feelings, emotions, support, and affirmation of those around us, which create an atmosphere that may be positive or negative.
“Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own— an atmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. Or it may be heavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin. By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 339.
One may thrive or die, depending upon the nature of such atmospheres. Let us now consider the atmosphere of heaven—a spiritual atmosphere of praise and joy—and study the effect it can have on the lives of believers here and now on earth.
What can you learn about the atmosphere of heaven from these texts? Job 38:6, 7; Pss. 103:20–22; 148:2; Luke 15:7; Rev. 21:4.
The atmosphere in heaven is clearly one of joy and praise to God. Several of the texts above call for the angelic host to praise God. It is a rich experience to see in the mind’s eye these mighty beings of light gathered about the throne of God in praise for His love, mercy, and grace. Heaven must be a place where joy, praise, and happiness reign.
The good news is that we may, by accepting the abiding presence of Christ and the Father in our lives (John 14:23), begin to experience these things now. We are called to action, to breathe the pure air of heaven now and be surrounded by the atmosphere of the heavenly home as we complete our sojourn on this earth.
| What kind of atmosphere surrounds you? That is, your words, your demeanor, your attitudes; are they more reflective of the lowlands of earth or of the promises of heaven? What does your answer tell you about yourself and your need to change? |
| FRIDAY | May 21 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “Not Judging, but Doing,” pp. 123–152, in Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing; “Growing Up Into Christ,” pp. 67–75, in Steps to Christ; “General Hygiene,” pp. 151–154, in The Ministry of Health and Healing. “God calls upon His people to arise and come out of the chilling, frosty atmosphere in which they have been living, to shake off the impressions and ideas that have frozen up the impulses of love and held them in selfish inactivity. He bids them come up from their low, earthly level and breathe in the clear, sunny atmosphere of heaven.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 607. “Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord.”—Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 135. “Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 99. |
What is the general quality of the air where you live? If you live in the country, it is probably very good, and you can breath plenty of it. If in the city, what challenges do you face? The question of air pollution is a serious one. What can you do as an individual, even on a very small scale, that could help with this problem? What are our obligations as a church to try to help alleviate this problem? “In fellowship with God, with Christ, and with holy angels, they are surrounded with a heavenly atmosphere, an atmosphere that brings health to the body, vigor to the intellect, and joy to the soul.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 513. How can the class assist each other in realizing this goal? Do you know people who have been suffering some sort of health problems due to poor air quality? If so, how could you help? Why not help them spend some time in a place where the air is pure and fresh?  Bring a health professional to class who could explain in more detail the benefits of fresh air. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| My Brother's Wish Ashika lives in Fiji. She grew up in an eastern Indian home where many gods were worshiped. Her parents had divorced, and Ashika and her brother lived with their grandparents. Then her father married a Seventh-day Adventist woman, and Ashika and her brother were introduced to Christ. Soon the brother and sister gave their hearts to God and were baptized into the Adventist Church. Their choice to follow Christ caused a deep rift within their extended family, but the teenagers were deeply devoted to God. Then Ashika's brother became sick and was diagnosed with bone cancer. Ashika stayed with her brother in the hospital whenever she could. One day he told her, "I won't live to become a pastor, Ashika. You must take my place." Ashika was devastated by her brother's death. Her brother's last wish troubled her, for she had planned to become a teacher. She wasn't interested in studying theology. What can I—an Indian woman—do with a theology degree? she wondered. Her parents encouraged her to apply to study theology at Fulton College, so she did. She hoped that the school of theology wouldn't accept her. But her parents were praying that God's will would be done in her life. When she learned that she had been accepted into the theology department, she realized that this was God's will. She surrendered to God. "Now I know that this wasn't just my brother's wish; this is God's calling," she says. "I rest in God's will and wait for Him to show me His plan." Ashika's decision to study theology in Fiji means stepping out against a culture in which women are not encouraged to be leaders in the church. But she is willing to follow the path God is laying for her. She is certain that He will guide her all the way. Roughly half the population of Fiji is a Indian; only a handful are Christians. Pray for this largely unreached population. And remember that your mission offerings support evangelism in Fiji and around the world. ASHIKA CHAND has graduated from Fulton College and is working in Fiji. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
REST AND RESTORATION
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church,
click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-15-rest-and-restoration
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM
htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org
| http://www.ssnet.org Rest and Restoration |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 2:15; Exod. 20:8-11; 23:12; Matt. 11:28-30; Mark 2:27; 6:30-32. |
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ ” (Mark 6:31, NIV). |
| A bright, young medical student at Loma Linda found himself burning out. Getting up at four in the morning, working until midnight, he struggled to keep up with his strenuous curriculum, but to no avail. He fell farther and farther behind. “In desperation he went to his professor for help. Being an astute man, the professor recommended that Tom get at least seven hours of sleep each night, no matter what, and thirty minutes of vigorous exercise everyday. Tom was incredulous, . . . but at last he reluctantly agreed to give this program a try. After all he was so far down he had nothing to lose. To his utter amazement his grades began to improve within just two weeks. By the end of the year he was in the upper third of his class and in due time successfully completed his medical training.”—“I’m So Tired,” Hardinge Lifestyle Series (Loma Linda, Calif. Loma Linda University School of Health, 1988), pp. 3-5. Many of us are just like Tom. We all need to have daily rest, as well as weekly rest in order to achieve optimum health physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. |
The Week at a Glance:
We need sufficient regular physical, mental, and emotional rest in order to function at our best. |
| SUNDAY |
Many of us live in a very tense and fast-paced environment filled with so many things to do and so little time to do them. Mother Teresa said: “I think today the world is upside down, and is suffering so much because there is very little love in the home, and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other. There is no time to enjoy each other.”
In some cultures, the drive to “get ahead,” to make money, to be a “success,” dominates everything to the point where marriage, families, and even health are sacrificed.
Of course, working hard, doing one’s best, and striving to provide for oneself and one’s family are good; the Bible has little time for slackers (Prov. 6:9, 13:4, 2 Thess. 3:10). We can, however, take a good thing too far, and as a result we and the ones we love and care about suffer. So often we hear about a father who works all the time, arguing that he is doing it “for his family,” when in the end, it is the family who is being hurt by the father’s continued and excessive absence.
Read Genesis 2:15. What does it say about God’s intention for humanity regarding work, even before sin?
From the beginning, even in the pre-Fall world, God’s intention was for humans to work. And to rest from work, as well. Especially now, as fallen beings thousands of years removed from the tree of life, we must remember that our bodies have limitations, and, therefore, resting is vitally important.
Read Mark 6:30–32, 45–46. What do these texts say to us about the need for rest, regardless of what we are doing and how important our work might be?
Jesus and His disciples took time to rest. He knew that His body needed time to be refreshed. We, too, need time for daily rest. Persistent cheating on our sleep produces, in time, physical and emotional loss. No matter how young, how healthy, how strong, our bodies need rest, and sooner or later an intemperate lifestyle will catch up to us.
| What things drive you? What things motivate you? What things cause you to work the hardest? Whatever they are, however noble and good they might be, you need to ask yourself if they are worth ruining you health over. |
| MONDAY |
All of us are aware of the need to rest. We need food, we need water, and we need rest. So often our bodies themselves give us the signal that it is time to rest, and so often the signals are loud and clear. Much of the time, if we would listen to what our bodies tell us, we would get enough rest. Unfortunately, we so often are caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, of earning money, of running here and there, that we don’t listen to our own flesh. How many folk—struck down by sickness—have finally been forced to rest, and for a long time, too, who otherwise would have been fine had they listened to what their own bodies were telling them?
Sooner or later, we will rest—one way or another. The question is, Why not do it the best way possible?
What signals does your body send to you, telling you it’s time to slow down and rest? How well do you listen?
Every living creature needs time for rest to restore that which has been used. Consider the word restoration, which means “the act of returning to an original state or condition.” In adjective form it means a “reinvigorating medicine” or “anything that reinvigorates.”
“Sleep, nature’s sweet restorer, invigorates the tired body and prepares it for the next day’s duties.”—Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 342.
We need to realize our limitations. We cannot do our work in our own strength. God promises grace to cope with our work. In regular rest, we permit the Lord to restore our bodies so we will awaken refreshed, ready to do His will.
Read Exodus 23:12. What reason is given there for rest?
The verb translated “refreshed” occurs as a verb only a few times in the Old Testament, yet it is based on a very common noun, often translated “soul” (Gen. 2:7), which has the meaning of “life” or “that which breathes.” In other words, it’s as if the word soul were made into a verb, and so the idea is that, through resting, we are getting more life, more breath, more “soul” as it were. Rest is therefore basic, even fundamental, to us as living humans, and by denying ourselves that needed rest, we are denying our basic humanity.
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| TUESDAY |
What is Jesus’ invitation to all of us? Matt. 11:28-30. What is your understanding of what Jesus is saying here? More important, how have you experienced this promise in your own life?
The rest that Jesus offers here is more than physical rest. It is rest for the soul. We need to experience the complete rest that Christ offers us. A deep sleep will suffice for physical rest. A vacation may give us emotional rest. But where can we find spiritual rest, relief from the deepest issues of the heart?
Jesus is ready to give spiritual rest to all who come to Him. What does that rest include?
It includes freedom from the pain and guilt that accompany the human struggle for acceptance through good works. We can rest in the promise that we are accepted by God because of Jesus’ perfect works, and certainly not our own imperfect ones. By His grace and the transforming power of the Spirit, Christians can yield themselves to Jesus, and He will give them rest. The just shall live by faith (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11).
Human effort falls far short from the high standard that God requires of us. It is so comforting to know that Jesus paid the penalty for sin and that His righteousness covering us—a righteousness that exists outside of us but is credited to us by faith—contains our assurance of eternal life. His perfect life and sacrifice are our only hope. In Him our soul can find rest.
Jesus speaks not only to those who are encumbered by sin but also to those who stagger under the burdens of life, whatever they are. God knows what our struggles are, He knows what our burdens are, and offers us to lay them at His feet, trusting in His loving-kindness and care for us, regardless of our situation. What a rest for our weary souls when we learn to trust in Him!
All of us need a time and place where we can direct our minds to God. Prayer, Bible reading, and Christ-centered meditation bring with them a sense of peace and restoration.
It is in this place of personal worship that one will hear the still, small voice of encouragement and hope. This coming apart from the strains and stresses of life allows time for the Holy Spirit to restore our soul.
| How can you better avail yourself of this wonderful promise offered us in Jesus? |
| WEDNESDAY |
Read Genesis 1. During the days of creation, the evening and the morning defined each day. God was creating a natural rhythm that would permit the cycle of work and rest, to rejuvenate and restore the body in a regular fashion.
The human body requires daily rest. Studies on sleep deprivation show a variety of negative effects. These may include increased risks of diabetes, obesity, poor school performance, traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities— even psychotic behavior. The workday of airline pilots, air traffic controllers, and resident physicians is strictly regulated, laying out precisely the length of time for work and the time set aside for rest. Traditionally, before the convenience of electrical lighting, people naturally would sleep during the hours of darkness and work in the light.
In today’s modern world, we have to guard against the temptation to work more than is healthful.
Science’s discovery of the circadian rhythm, in which the body works on a daily 24-hour cycle, with specific release of hormones at certain times of the day, supports the statement made by Mrs. White: “Sleep is worth far more before than after midnight. Two hours’ good sleep before twelve o’clock is worth more than four hours after twelve o’clock.”—Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 224.
Studies performed in sleep laboratories show a need for different kinds of sleep. Adult sleep requirements range from six to nine hours. Sleep requirements are met when sleepiness and drowsiness are absent during the day and there is a sense of well-being and alertness.
People awake for 17 to 19 hours will perform at a level comparable to those who are intoxicated.
List some of the factors you think affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Some suggestions to help you have better sleep are:
• Exercise Daily.
• Keep you room at a comfortable temperature
• Avoid eating for two to three hours before sleeping.
• Avoid tension and excitement before sleep.
• Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, or caffeine.
| How well do you sleep? What practices are you engaged in that could be hindering your sleep? What changes need you make in order to better take advantage of this important aspect of human health? |
| THURSDAY |
Read Genesis 2:1–3 and Exodus 20:8–11. What do these verses tell us about just how fundamental the whole idea of rest is?
God rested on the seventh day, after completing the work of creation. The Hebrew verb for “rested” there comes from the same word designated “Sabbath” (Shabbat). This fact shows just how ingrained into the fabric of creation itself the seventh-day Shabbat and the rest it offers really are. However hard for us to fully grasp, the text makes it clear that God Himself rested on the Sabbath day.
Jesus said “ ‘The Sabbath was made for man not, and man for the Sabbath!’ ” (Mark 2:27, NKJV). What was the context of the statement, and what did He mean?
Though it is so easy to get caught up in rules and regulations, we never must forget that the Sabbath is a day for our benefit. It is for reflection and enjoyment of the wonderful gifts our God has given us. It is a time to contemplate God’s goodness. The Sabbath is a perpetual sign of our recognition of His love. The good news of the Sabbath is that, through keeping it, we do not just talk about “resting in Christ,” but we—in a very real and tangible way—express that rest, showing that we trust in Christ’s works for us, and not our own, as the way of salvation.
Besides all the spiritual benefits, the Sabbath provides us a time to step aside from the toil and struggles and stress and fatigue of the week. Sabbath is God’s way of allowing us, without guilt, to truly relax, to rest, to take it easy and unwind. Sabbath provides a way for our bodies and souls to get the rest they so often need.
| What is your Sabbath experience? Is it truly a delight, a blessing, a rest? Or, as in the time of Christ, has it become just another burden? How can you learn to derive all the benefits possible from this divinely given day of rest? |
| FRIDAY |
| Read Ellen G. White, “Temperance in Labor,” p. 99, in Counsels on Health. “Those who make great exertions to accomplish just so much work in a given time, and continue to labor when their judgment tells them they should rest, are never gainers. They are living on borrowed capital. They are expending the vital force which they will need at a future time. And when the energy they have so recklessly used is demanded, they fail for want of it. The physical strength is gone, the mental powers fail. They realize that they have met with a loss, but do not know what it is. Their time of need has come, but their physical resources are exhausted. Everyone who violates the laws of health must sometime be a sufferer to a greater or less degree. God has provided us with constitutional force, which will be needed at different periods of our lives. If we recklessly exhaust this force by continual over-taxation, we shall sometime be the losers.”—Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, pp. 397, 398. |
| What about your local society and culture? Is it one that pushes and drives people to work, work, and work? Or it is one that is more relaxed? How can you learn to find the right balance in regard to rest in whatever culture you live? Some folk might have a hard time sleeping because of one thing: a guilty conscience. If that is you, what has Jesus done at the cross that could help you there? At the same time, what might you need to do to make things right and ease your conscience? Bring to class some reputable scientific research on the need and the benefits of rest and discuss how you can benefit from this knowledge. How has the Sabbath rest been a blessing to you? Share some of these blessings with others in class. Focus not just on the spiritual benefits but the physical, as well. Dwell more on the amazing fact of God Himself resting on the seventh day of creation. What message is there for us? How are we to understand this? How does it help us better understand how important Sabbath rest really is? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| New Life in Christ by DOLGORSUREN ULZII-ORSHIH Doogii wept and prayed in the temple in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Her husband had died, and for 18 days she prayed to the idols so that his next life would be better and that her grief would subside. But she returned home to learn that her eldest son had died. She returned to the temple and grieved and prayed for a month. This time she bought a small idol so she could pray for protection for her remaining children. Her grief and depression were almost unbearable. One day a friend visited and saw how depressed Doogii was. "Why are you still grieving?" the friend asked. "There is a God who loves you." Doogii's friend invited her to attend church with her the following Sunday, where the people prayed for Doogii. Doogii was impressed that these people really cared for her, and she continued to attend the church. In time she accepted Jesus as her Savior and joined the church. Once again she was happy and at peace. She met a cattle farmer who lived in the countryside, and the two married and eventually moved to the nearby small town. One day Doogii met a young woman who invited her to attend a small group meeting. Doogii went and enjoyed the deep Bible study with these people. Her husband went to the small group meetings with her. The couple then attended evangelistic meetings, and Doogii realized she had known so little about God before. Following the meetings she joined the Adventist church by profession of faith. Her husband is studying the Bible with the Global Mission pioneer who leads their small congregation. "I'm happier now than I've ever been in my life," Doogii says. "I know that Jesus loves me and accepts me as His daughter." Doogii shares her faith with others and invites them to visit the small congregation of 30 or 40 members that meets in an apartment. "We're growing, and soon we'll have to find a larger place to meet," she adds, smiling. Doogii's joy will be full when her husband and children commit their lives to God, but she knows that God is leading, and she can rest in Him. Your mission offerings support the growing work in Mongolia. Thank you for your support. DOLGORSUREN ULZII-ORSHIH shares her faith in Hotol, Mongolia. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
FAITH AND HEALING
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church,
click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-08-faith-and-healing
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM
www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org
| Faith and Healing |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 3:8–10; Ps. 118:6; Prov. 17:22; Matt. 6:27-34; Heb. 13:6; 1 John 4:18. |
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV). |
| Convinced that he was the victim of an evil spell, a patient came to a physician with symptoms unrelated to any known disease or syndrome. The doctor placed before the patient two glass tubes, one filled with hydrogen peroxide, the other with plain water, though both looked identical. He then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with the hydrogen peroxide. The mixture immediately started to bubble and fizz, which the patient believed was the work of the evil spell. The doctor then gave the patient a simple saline injection, telling him that this would break the spell. After a while, he then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with the plain water in the other glass. There was no bubbling or fizzing, “proof” that the spell was broken. The patient left feeling cured, so much so that he brought all his friends to the doctor to be “cured,” as well. This story shows, indeed, how powerful an influence our mind has on our bodies, the subject for this week’s lesson. |
The Week at a Glance:
Faith and trust in the Lord’s goodness can have very positive health effects. |
| SUNDAY | May 2 |
For a few seasons, TV watchers were subjected to a show called “The Fear Factor,” in which contestants would be placed in various fearful situations: from sitting in a pit filled with scorpions or rats to walking through a building on fire—all in order to see how well they would deal with fear.
Of course, one doesn’t need to manufacture fear. Life itself, in this fallen world, is full of things that cause us to be afraid. A seventeenth-century British political philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, wrote that fear was the prime and motivating factor in all human life and that humans created governments for the main purpose of protecting us against those who would do us harm. No matter who we are, where we live, how good and safe we might feel, we all face things that cause us to fear.
Fear, though, in and of itself, isn’t always bad.
What are ways in which fear can help protect us? What are things, in fact, that we should be afraid of?
Fear is a natural and necessary emotion that helps humans cope with danger and helps them survive. This emotion and instinct is necessary in a world subject to accidents, crime, disease, terrorism, and war.
Fear is a natural and necessary emotion that helps humans cope with danger and helps them survive. This emotion and instinct is necessary in a What can we learn about fear from the Bible’s first mention of it? Gen. 3:8–10.
Sure, there are many things to make us afraid in this world. So often, though, we find ourselves fearing things that never come to pass. Fear is a very stressful emotion, one that can take a powerful physical toll on our bodies. In other words, fear is not merely limited to what it does to our minds; it can have a very deleterious effect on our physical health, as well. No matter who we are, where we live, what challenges we face, fear is an ever-present part of our lives. The question for us, then, should be, How are we to deal with it?
| What are your fears? How have they affected your life? How can you better take advantage of the promises of God in dealing with things that make you afraid? |
| MONDAY | May 3 |
A man said to the universe:
“Sir I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation.”—Stephen Crane
Read the poem above. What is the message there? How should we, as Adventist Christians, differ in our view of our place in the universe from the idea presented here? What is the main reason for that difference? Think for a moment: suppose there were no God, no Creator, no Divine Power who created us. Suppose, instead, we are what many folk claim we are: highly advanced apes, nothing more; just beings who arose amid a godless universe that cares nothing about us at all. Suppose we were at the mercy of mindless forces that have no interest or concern about us or our well-being? What kind of world would that be?
In contrast, that is not what we as Christians believe. We believe, instead, that God created us, sustains us, and cares for us. Because of this, we of all people should have reasons to be able to deal with the fears and trials that beset all humanity.
Look up the following texts. What hope and comfort, even amid fearful times, can you draw from these texts? Ps. 118:6; Prov. 3:5, 6; Luke 12:6, 7; Rom. 8:38, 39; Heb. 13:6; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 John 4:18.
There is no question, even as Christians who believe in the existence of God, that we face a scary world out there, a world where anything can happen. With our knowledge of God, however, we have a context, a background, to help us
better understand the world as a whole and our place in it.
And thus, ideally, we can have hope and comfort even amid the most trying times. This does not mean we do not face bad things, or things that can cause us to fear. It means, instead, that we have a firm foundation upon which to meet and deal with those fears.
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| TUESDAY | May 4 |
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Prov. 17:22, NKJV). What does this text tell us about the link between the mind and the body?
A young child lay dying in a hospital bed when his teacher visited him and gave him some schoolwork to do. “Here, Michael,” he said, “are lessons on verbs and adverbs. Do the best you can.” The teacher, though, could not help but sense the futility of it all, because the child seemed so lethargic, so empty, so resigned to death. Yet, right after that, the child had a remarkable turnaround. Before the prognosis was not good, when it was not expected that he would live, everything changed, and he now seemed well on his way to recovery. When asked about what happened, about why the schoolwork seemed to have changed him so much, he replied: “They wouldn’t give a dying boy work on adverbs and verbs, would they?”
No question, the link between our mind, our attitude, and our bodies is very powerful. Though science does not fully understand how that link works, it knows that the link is there, and it can make a world of difference in our overall health.
And here is where faith in God, and trust in His love and His goodness can make such a difference. How much easier to be calmer and less stressed when you know the reality of God’s love and His care for you! Studies from around the world have shown that religious faith brings with it clear health benefits, that those who believe in God tend to live longer, to suffer less depression, and to deal better emotionally with traumatic events. And while we certainly can’t rule out the supernatural and miraculous power of God to bring healing in our lives, that is not necessarily what is always involved here. Instead, the peace, the assurance, the hope that faith gives believers no doubt can bring about mental attitudes that will impact our overall health. A merry heart can, indeed, be like medicine—even better, because so often medicine can come with deleterious side effects.
| Read Matthew 6:27–34. What is Jesus saying to us here? How can you apply these words to whatever is causing you fear and worry now? Are any of those fears too great for the Lord to handle? Is anyone beyond the loving reach of God? How can you learn to surrender these fears to the Lord and have the peace that He promises? |
| WEDNESDAY | May 5 |
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13, NKJV). How can you learn to better claim these promises? What attitudes or actions are holding you back?
One of the greatest health challenges we all face has to do with stress; it does not have to be with major traumas in life but with life in general, with the daily pressures that we so often face.
Doctors report that up to 90 percent of patients they see come with stress-related complaints. Science has shown that when we are stressed, we release certain hormones that can affect various organs in our bodies. Over long periods of time, the organs can be weakened by these hormones, making them more susceptible to disease. Stress, for instance, can release adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster and more powerfully, leading to palpitations. Some stress hormones cause the blood vessels to constrict, causing hypertension. Stress can induce shallow and rapid breathing, even hyperventilation. Stress can result in the diversion of blood from the stomach, causing digestive problems. (Who has not felt what fear, anxiety, and worry can do to the stomach?) Stress can cause an increase in blood glucose, which in some people can lead to diabetes. Stress also is known to have a negative impact on our sleep, which in turn can have a negative impact on our overall health. Stress has been shown, too, to affect negatively our immune system, our body’s front-line defense against disease.
The list can go on and on. And so the point should be clear. We need to learn to handle stress. Here is where faith in God can have such an important role, because knowing and experiencing for yourself the reality of God’s love can have such a calming effect, greatly reducing stress and the negative health consequences that often follow it.
| Just being religious, in and of itself, is not the answer. What is most important is having a personal relationship with Jesus, knowing for yourself His love and care. This can be done through daily reading of the Word, through prayer, through talking to the Lord as if with a friend, through contemplating His character as revealed in nature and Scripture. How much time do you spend getting to know the Lord for yourself? Might you need, perhaps, to spend a little more time with your Lord and Maker? |
| THURSDAY | May 6 |
Even a superficial reading of the Gospels shows that much of Jesus’ ministry involved miraculous healing: the sick, the blind, the dying, even the dead all were healed through the supernatural power of the Lord. In many cases, too, faith is treated as a prerequisite to the healing itself (Matt. 9:2, 22, 28, 29; 15:28).
In contrast, in some cases, disbelief was a deterrent to healing, as in Nazareth (Matt. 13:58; Mark 6:5,6). In one case when the disciples were unable to perform a healing, Jesus said it was because of their unbelief (Matt. 17:14–20).
The fact, however, that faith is such an important component in these miraculous healings has led some to believe that if an attempt at healing through prayer fails, it is because of a lack of faith on the part of the one who is sick. Yet, this is a very superficial and false understanding of faith and healing.
Read the following texts in which Jesus miraculously healed people. What do the texts say about the faith of those who were healed? What lessons can we take from these examples? Matt. 12:9–13, Luke 13:11–13, 14:2–4, 22:47–52.
In none of these texts is there any mention of faith on the part of those who were healed. This is not to diminish the role of faith in the question of miraculous healing; it is just to show that expressed faith is not always a crucial component.
The fact is that we do not understand why in some cases we can see what is obviously a supernatural intervention of the Lord for healing. In other cases, healing comes from natural processes, in which we justifiably can believe that the hand of the Lord is working in behalf of the sick through these means. And there always are those cases where, for reasons we do not understand, healing does not come as we have prayed for and would wish for. The good news for us as Adventist Christians, however, is that even in these latter cases, we still can trust in the love, mercy, and goodness of God, even amid the inexplicable tragedies that always are part of a fallen world.
| How can we learn to trust in the Lord and in His love for us even when prayers for health and healing have not come as we would have liked? |
| FRIDAY | May 7 |
| “In true science there can be nothing contrary to the teaching of the word of God, for both have the same Author. A correct understanding of both will always prove them to be in harmony.” In light of this understanding, there should be no hesitation in seeking God’s help through true science—which is a revelation of His natural laws.—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 258. See also The Ministry of Healing, p. 462 and Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, vol. 12, pp. 751-783. The sympathy which exists between the mind and the body is very great. When one is affected, the other responds. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, under a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healer, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 60, 61; Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 345, 346. “We all desire immediate and direct answers to our prayers, and are tempted to become discouraged when the answer is delayed or comes in an unlooked-for form. But God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. And because we can trust His wisdom and love, we should not ask Him to concede to our will, but should seek to enter into and accomplish His purpose. Our desires and interests should be lost in His will. These experiences that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether depending on circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise. We must let patience have its perfect work, remembering that there are precious promises in the Scriptures for those who wait upon the Lord.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 230, 231. |
| What is the role of medical science in the healing of the Christian? Does our seeking of health and healing from medical science mean we don’t have faith in God? Discuss your answers with your class. What has been your own personal experience regarding the link between your attitudes and emotions and your physical health? What have you learned from your own experience that you could, if willing, share with others that could help them better use the power of the mind to benefit the body? Do you know someone in your church who is sick and in need of healing? How can you, either as an individual or as part of a class, help that person in the healing process? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| A Thousand Ways by ERIC KOFI BOADI-AGYEKUM I'm from Ghana, West Africa. I wanted to study in a university, but I didn't know which one. Someone told me about Valley View University (VVU), a Seventh-day Adventist school. I had never heard of the school or of Seventh-day Adventists before, but after I asked a lot of questions, I decided to go see the school. When I walked onto the campus I was amazed. Everyone was so friendly, so helpful, that I wanted to be a part of this institution. I called my brothers, who lived abroad, and they encouraged me to apply. They even promised to help sponsor me. So I applied. But on the day that I received my acceptance letter from VVU, my brothers told me that they couldn't help me. I was so disappointed. I prayed and fasted about this decision, and I was sure that God wanted me at VVU. Then suddenly I had no way to pay my school fees. I talked to my church, and the members agreed to help me the first year. So I enrolled. I come from a charismatic home, and the worship style I knew was far different from the worship services at Valley View. But I felt God's presence in the school's worships, and I realized what a deeply spiritual school this was. When help from my home church ran out, I had to earn my own school fees, a difficult thing in Africa. I was not a baptized Seventh-day Adventist, but I applied to be a student literature evangelist to earn a scholarship. I was accepted and sent to Nigeria to work. I loved working for God and being a part of the action. I didn't earn enough to pay all my school fees that summer, but God led me to a government worker who helped me. The next summer I returned to Nigeria to canvass. I earned half my school fees, and I feared that I would have to drop out of school. But again God provided in small ways, and I could stay. That semester I gave my life totally to God and was baptized. When I took my stand for Christ, the people who helped me withdrew their support. When I thought I had exhausted every means of paying my school fees, I learned that God has a thousand ways to provide. I've learned the importance of trusting Him for everything, for with Christ standing beside me, Satan cannot prevail. Your mission offerings make Christian education possible. Because of you, I found Christ. ERIC KOFI BOADI-AGYEKUM has graduated from Valley View University and is working in Ghana. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
THE ENVIRONMENT
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church
To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church,
click on the following link:
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-01-environment
www.cqbiblestudy.org
http://www.absg.adventist.org & http://www.ssnet.org
PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. THANK YOU.
| The Environment |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 1–2:7; 2:18–24; 3:7, 17–19; Ps. 24:1; Matt. 25:34–46; Mark 2:27, 28; 3:4. |
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1, NIV). |
| The Creator spent the first five days of Creation week preparing the environment for the human beings who were to follow. He placed Adam and Eve in a garden (Gen. 2:8, 15) and gave them the oversight of all earthly creatures. This offered them the opportunity for study, enjoyment, and the chance to develop as God’s representatives on earth. The Sabbath would seal their relationship with Him. Sin changed God’s preferred plan. The environment became hostile. Hard toil replaced pleasurable work. Selfishness ruled. Exploitation of the earth’s resources began and continues to this day. Forests have been cut down. Water courses have been changed, and pollution is rampant. The richness of the soil has been squandered thoughtlessly. Sunlight, though crucial for health, can become a foe of health if we are exposed to it in excess. Through all this, the world still supports our existence here, despite our endless abuse of the planet. |
The Week at a Glance:
Our environment is just as much a gift from God as life itself; thus, we have a responsibility toward it. |
| SUNDAY | April 25 |
Some theories today depict the creation of the earth, and life on it, as nothing but accidents, nothing but the chance creation of amoral forces that over time and without thought brought the earth and all life on it into existence. In contrast, the Bible presents a radically different picture of our origins. The contrast between the godless and purposeless model of our origins, as expressed by the theory of evolution, and the Genesis creation account could not be more distinct. These two views are, at their core, incompatible.
Read Genesis 1 and Genesis 2:1–7. How did God’s acts of Creation week prepare the way for the crowning act of Creation—man and woman? How did creation of humans differ from the rest of creation?
Let us pause for a moment at the scene of the Creator God working on the creation of man and woman. First, He forms Adam from the ground; here is God, the Sculptor. Then, when all else is ready, He bends down and breathes His own breath into Adam’s waiting form. God the Giver of life brings Adam to life. What a marvelous picture of our God at work!
But that is not all. He becomes God the Surgeon as He takes a rib from Adam and forms Eve to be the partner of Adam and the mother of the race. She is also to stand by his side in this perfect setting (see Gen. 2:18–24). He then puts these brand, new beings into the place of beauty and wonder He had spent previous time preparing.
God provided the most healthful surroundings for Adam and Eve. The restful green of foliage, the color of flowers and fruit—all combined to make the ideal home for them. The Lord did not plan a life of idleness for our first parents. They were to work in the garden and care for it. In this way they would find satisfaction and enjoyment. They would learn more of God in what we have come to call “God’s second book, nature.”
| Read through the Genesis creation account again in Genesis 1 and 2. What do we find there that points us toward the idea that, as humans beings, we should be good stewards of the earth? |
| MONDAY | April 26 |
How interesting that amid all the work of creation, God was not quite done until He created the Sabbath day. What a contrast: all the work of creating the world, the animals, the seas, the grass, and finally humankind—and then, one final act, the act of resting.
Read Genesis 2:2, 3. What can we read into the fact that God Himself rested on the Sabbath day?
God Himself, in the role of Creator, keeping the seventh-day Sabbath? Talk about showing us the deep roots of the Sabbath! Whatever the implications of that idea, one thing is sure: the seventh-day Sabbath came from God long before there ever was a Jewish nation and people.
The Sabbath, meanwhile, has provided us an opportunity to focus attention on the Creator, His love, and His care for His creatures in a way that would otherwise not be easily available to us. It helped set a limit to labor, even in a time when labor was relatively easy and productive.
After sin entered and work became much harder and tiring (Gen. 3:17–19), this limit on work and the call to remember the Creator became even more important. As a reminder of the Creation itself, it should help us focus on our responsibility to our created world, as well.
As the centuries passed, the true meaning of the Sabbath rest became lost in numerous rules and regulations that turned the thoughts of the people away from the true meaning and value of the Sabbath.
Read Mark 2:27, 28 and Mark 3:4. What was Jesus’ under-standing of the Sabbath?
Christ restored the meaning of the Sabbath to what God originally intended it to mean. He showed how God viewed the day as a time for doing good, for seeking the advancement of His kingdom, and for being of service to all in need.
| How could and should Sabbath keeping help us better understand the wonderful gift we’ve been given of this created world and, more so, how could and should it help us understand better our obligation to take care of it? |
| TUESDAY | April 27 |
Read Genesis 3:7, 17–19. What was the first indication to Adam and Eve that their action in eating the forbidden fruit had consequences?
With the entry of sin into their lives, Adam and Eve faced some hard consequences. First, as Ellen White wrote, the clothing of light that had covered them disappeared. The environment that had clothed them changed. The environment of the plant world changed, as well. Thorns and thistles grew. The soil became hard and unyielding. And, worst of all, there was now the entrance of death, something that they never were to have known.
Suddenly, the wonderful environment that had been theirs to enjoy now had a new face, and it presented to them new challenges, challenges that over time and in subsequent generations only became worse. Humans, meanwhile, began to exploit the earth, often for their own gain and glory.
See 1 Kings 10:14–22. What does this tell us about how humans had come to view the Creation
Besides exploitation, decay, loss of substance, and death have been present with all peoples—so much so that we may take them for granted as part of the cycle of life. But it was not so in the beginning and is not in God’s final plan. Humankind’s stewardship of the earth has turned into an exploitation of it, as greedy people seek to take all from the earth that they can, regardless of the consequences.
The pollution of air and water, the contamination of soil, the presence of new and fearful disease agents, all point to the aging of the earth and the escalating need for renewal. As more and more countries seek to develop, and as developed countries seek to continue to maintain their standard of living, the health challenges humanity faces could be enormous because of damage to the environment.
| Years ago, a political leader made a statement to this effect: “We don’t have to worry about the environment because Jesus is coming back soon.” What is the logic of that argument? How would you respond to it? |
| WEDNESDAY | April 28 |
Read Psalm 24:1. What implications do these words have for us and how we relate to the world? As we look around at the conditions in our world, we need to ask the question, “What, if anything, can we do to improve the environment?”
We need to begin by reminding ourselves of the Lordship of God over the earth. We are not free of responsibility to Him and His created works. Not only the earth is His but the people also—we and everyone else. We have responsibility to Him for other people, as well as the rest of the earthly Creation. We can conserve resources.
One example is water. We can be thoughtful in using water. We can support efforts to provide clean water to those who do not have it. In certain parts of the world, lack of clean water is a very serious problem, leading to a tremendous loss of life.
We can follow the diet that the Lord has outlined for us. If more people were on a vegetarian diet, there would be more food to go around because it takes a lot more natural resources to sustain a meat-eating diet than it does a vegetarian one.
We can care for the plants and trees that we have responsibility for. This will assist in maintaining clean air.
To whatever degree we can, we should seek to reduce the level of carbon emissions, which is increasingly becoming a world-wide concern due to the potentially dangerous impact to the environment caused by carbon emissions.
By being good stewards of the earth, by seeking to take care of the environment, by not hoarding natural resources for ourselves, by being willing to share with others out of our own abundance (if we have it), we can improve the daily life of those who need our help. As Christians, as those who profess to follow the Lord Jesus, we are obligated to help those in need.
| Read Matthew 25:34–46. How might our stewardship of the earth in some way play a role here in doing what Jesus asks us to do? What other verses could you think of that also could apply to this issue? |
| THURSDAY | April 29 |
Only in the light of eternity will we be able to grasp fully the negative impact of sin on the environment. It’s hard for us to imagine what this world must have looked like and how perfectly suited for life the environment must have been for our first parents.
Of course, sin didn’t just impact the earth. It impacted humans, as well. Among the negative impacts of sin on humans was their degeneration into idolatry, which was manifested in (among other ways) their worshiping and serving “created things” (Romans 1:25, NIV) as opposed to the Creator.
Read 2 Kings 23:5, Jeremiah 8:2, and Ezekiel 8:16. What was going on here? Why, in one sense, would it make sense to worship the sun?
One thing we can know for sure about the environment of the earth today is that sunlight, though very important for our health, can have exceedingly deleterious effects if we’re exposed to too much. Thus, in a sense, modern sun worshipers are living in almost as much ignorance as their ancient predecessors.
We now know that too much exposure to sunlight increases the risk of various skin cancers.
On the other hand, sunlight exposure helps to produce vitamin D, which is essential for body metabolism and the building of strong and healthy bones. Adequate exposure to sunlight also helps to prevent certain types of cancer.
What, then, is the optimal exposure to sunlight? Light-skinned people in equatorial environments who rely on sunlight for their vitamin D require at least five minutes per day of direct exposure. Dark-skinned people in the same environment require about thirty minutes to make the same amount of vitamin D. In areas where the hours of sunlight are more limited, vitamin D should be supplemented under medical supervision.
It also is healthful to open curtains and windows to allow sunlight to enter our rooms, which helps destroy certain bacteria.
Studies show that folk without adequate sunlight exposure can be more prone to suffer from seasonal depression (known as “seasonal affective disorder”); this problem occurs especially in areas where the days are short in winter. The cure is very straightforward: more exposure to light, even if artificial, in the winter months.
| The bottom line? As with so much else regarding healthful living, temperance and balance in regard to sunlight exposure are crucial. |
| FRIDAY | April 30 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “The Creation,” pp. 44–51, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “The Controversy Ended,” pp. 675–678, in The Great Controversy. “ ‘Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.’ ” Romans 1:20. The things of nature that we now see give us but a faint conception of Eden’s glory. Sin has marred earth’s beauty. On all things may be seen traces of the work of evil. Yet much that is beautiful remains. Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness, mercy, and love, created the earth and filled it with life and gladness. Even in their blighted state, all things reveal the handiwork of the great Master Artist. Wherever we turn, we may hear the voice of God and see evidences of His goodness.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Health and Healing, pp. 234. |
The issue of the environment, especially the question of global warming, has in recent years come to the forefront of the news. What is the response of your nation, community, and church to these issues? How should a Christian, someone who believes that God did create the world, relate to questions of the environment differently than someone who believes we are here as products of pure chance alone? How can and should the Sabbath play a role in our concern for the environment? How does Sabbath keeping help us be better environmentalists? If Jesus is coming back soon, as we believe, should we really be all that concerned with the environment? Justify your answer. Do some research, if possible, on the negative health effects that damage to the environment is causing in various parts of the world. What about in your own community? What role could and should your church take in this area? How might you be able to use any activism here in outreach?  What are ways, even small ways, you could make some lifestyle changes that could impact the environment for good? How much self-sacrifice would it take on your part? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| The Prodigal Soul Winner by ALBERTO VILLANUEVA As a youth I found no reason to live. I was deeply into alcoholism and was having problems with my family. I left home and moved to another part of Mexico. I met an Adventist man who gave me a well-marked Bible. I read it, especially the marked verses, and was amazed that God's Word was so alive. I began attending church and eventually asked the pastor to prepare me for baptism. God rescued me from a hopeless life and gave me a ministry to people who are living as I once lived. I've seen God open many doors. My wife had some distant relatives with whom we became friends. I wanted to study the Bible with them, but when I asked the husband, he said it was impossible; they were strong members of another faith. Right there I silently prayed for God to open this man's heart. As we stood to leave, the man said, "Come back soon and share the Bible with us!" The family began Bible studies, but one of the sons, Servino, refused to study with us. We continued studying together for three months, and eventually Servino joined us again. Seven family members committed their lives to Christ, including Servino. Only later did I learn that Servino had been so angry about the Bible studies that he had plotted to kill me. I held a short evangelistic series in a mountain village. As I walked to one family's home, I noticed that I was being followed. When I arrived at the family's home, the man of the house recognized one of the men following me. "Be careful," he whispered. "These men are thieves. Carry a weapon to protect yourself." I told him that I carried no weapon. The host, who owned a small store in the area, told the thief, "Leave this man alone. He's a missionary who has come to share God's love with us." The thief disappeared and didn't bother me. Eventually, two members of this man's family were baptized, along with five other people. I share the gospel with others because God shared it with me. I praise God that some 50 people have been rescued from Satan's lies and have committed their hearts to Christ. Pray for those who are searching for something better in life. And remember that your mission offerings help make a difference in the lives of those who need to know about God's love. ALBERTO VILLANUEVA shares his faith in Morelos, Mexico. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10b/less05.html |
THE WATER OF LIFE
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com/
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| The Water of Life |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 2:10; Isa. 40:31; Matt. 9:2-7, John 4:1-26; 9:1-11; Rom. 6:1-6. |
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14). |
| It is amazing how our senses can deceive us. The earth is spinning on its axis at about a thousand miles per hour, while careening around the sun at about 18 miles per second. And yet, despite all this motion, it feels to us perfectly immobile. Meanwhile, things like tables, chairs, rocks, and people (matter, basically)—however solid they appear to our senses—are mostly empty space. At any given moment, billions of subatomic particles from the sun are burrowing through our bodies, and yet we feel or see or hear none of them. And, despite all outward appearances, our humans bodies are made mostly of—water. Water? Yes, we are truly aquatic beings, in the sense that our bodies are made up of about 60 per cent water. Our brains, believe it or not, are about 85 per cent water. Even our hard bones are about 10 to 15 per cent water. Full of wonder and mystery, water is foundational to all physical life. Without it, we could not exist. This week we will take a look at both the spiritual and physical aspects of this truly essential liquid. |
The Week at a Glance:
God is the Source of physical and spiritual water, which is essential for life. |
| SUNDAY | April 18 |
Read John 4:1–26. What are the different ways water is used in this story? What do the different kind of waters mean? What message is there from this story for us today?
Jesus met a woman in Samaria who had come to draw water at Jacob’s well. He asked for a drink. In the ensuing conversation, He told her that He could give her water that would take away her thirst forever and referred to Himself as the “Living Water.” Such a concept implies His ability to satisfy the need for peace, joy, freedom from guilt, forgiveness, and a sense of oneness with God. Christians find such a solution in Jesus Christ.
It is wonderful that He has offered to all of us an opportunity to come and unite with Him in service. His offer is still valid today, for He never changes. Many have found their restlessness, insecurities, and sense of futility transformed as they partake of His compassion, love, and acceptance.
God has promised us an abundance of spiritual water, as long as we seek Him. In Revelation 22:17, He invites us all to take the water of life freely. We can experience an abundance of the Holy Spirit in our lives as long as we are close to Jesus Christ, the Fountain of Life. In His love, He invites everyone to drink freely of the Water of Life (John 4:13, 14). His invitation to receive this Living Water forever is extended to all of us.
As God provided the children of Israel water from the rock, so Jesus provides this Water of Life (1 Cor. 10:1–4) to us today.
No matter who we are, no matter what our past has been, no matter what our mistakes are, and even no matter what our present situation is, the offer of this Living Water is for us. We are told to drink freely of it. It’s offered to us through the grace of Christ.
| No question, Jesus offers all of us this Living Water. What has your own experience with this water been? How have you known for yourself the benefits and promises found in it? Are you taking of it freely, or are you holding yourself somewhat back? If the latter, ask yourself why. Whatever immediate “gains” you might think you are getting from holding back, how could they possibly compare to promises offered us in Jesus? |
| MONDAY | April 19 |
Read Acts 8:35–39. Here Philip preached the Scripture to the eunuch, telling him the good news of Jesus. The eunuch accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God. When they saw water, he asked Philip, “What hinders me to be baptized?” He then was baptized by Philip, and he went out rejoicing.
There is no miracle in the water itself; it is a symbol of cleansing. It is the gift of the Spirit that transforms the life. Baptism is an outward proclamation of the acceptance of Jesus. Read John 3:5–8. Jesus told Nicodemus that “unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (NKJV).
What takes place when someone has been baptized by immersion (Rom. 6:1–6)?
A genuine conversion symbolized in baptism by immersion signifies the cleansing of one’s life. The New Testament mentions baptism by immersion many times, emphasizing the importance of this rite in our Christian experience.
“ ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ ” (Acts 2:38, NIV).
When we are saved, we are spiritually baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26, 27) and received into His body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13). In biblical symbolism, baptism by water represents inner cleansing (Eph. 5:25, 26) and spiritual rebirth (John 3:5), both of which are central themes of salvation.
Many people take baptism for granted, but for many in the world the act requires immense courage. In a few countries baptism can lead to isolation from spouse, family, and community to imprisonment or even to death.
Among Jesus’ last recorded words on earth were these: " ‘Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’ " (Mark 16:16, NIV). Think about that for a moment. Jesus’ very last call is to believe in Him, which includes a call to be baptized. If He puts it in that category, we cannot overlook its significance.
| Read again Romans 6:1–6. How have you experienced the reality of Paul’s words there? How has your “newness of life” in Christ changed you? What have you been spared from? In what areas do you still need more change? How can you better cooperate with the Lord, who offers to wash away your sins? |
| TUESDAY | April 20 |
Genesis 2:10 reveals that in the Edenic earth, even before sin, water was available for God’s creatures. What’s implied in that fact?
As creatures, we all need air, water, and food to preserve our existence (Gen. 1:29). In the description of Eden, aside from the presence of a beautiful garden, there was also a river that gave rise to four other rivers, Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates. God provided water to preserve the lives of His creatures.
As God’s creatures, we need water in order to survive. In fact, every body cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function. Water helps to regulate body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to the cells, removes waste, prevents constipation, moistens tissues, cushions joints, and keeps blood flowing throughout the body. We need to drink more water than our thirst demands. Many liquids, such as water, milk, and fruit and vegetable juices, contribute to hydration; however, alcohol and caffeinated beverages may paradoxically increase fluid loss, which may be harmful.
Pure water is superior to many other drinks. Start your day with one or two glasses of water and continue drinking water between meals to make sure you are well hydrated.
Water has other healthful functions, as well. Hand washing may reduce transmission of many infectious agents from person to person. A large percentage of infectious disease would be eliminated by hand washing, especially before eating. Daily bathing removes accumulated dirt, which can lead to disease, as well.
Read Leviticus 11:40; 13:6, 34, 53, 54; 15:3–13). What point comes through here?
A fair amount of scholarly debate exists regarding the purpose behind these cleansing rituals in the Old Testament. Many argue that these are purely ritual, with no health aspect involved at all. And though in some cases that point seems more obvious than in others (such as when the priests had to wash their hands and feet before going into the tabernacle [see Exod. 30:20, 21]), with what we know today about germs and cleanliness, the Lord could have instituted these things for health purposes as well, even if the Israelites themselves had no idea of germ theory and the like.
| Whatever the facts are, today we know that using water to keep ourselves clean gives us wonderful health benefits. |
| WEDNESDAY | April 21 |
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).
Meditate upon this text. What promises can you take from it for yourself? How can you apply it to yourself?
An historic experiment conducted by Dr. Pitts at Harvard University had athletes—walking on a treadmill at three and a half miles per hour in a hot environment—consume as much water as they lost in their sweat. At the end of the experiment, the athletes felt as if they could continue walking—seven hours later!—G.C. Pitts, R.E. Johnson, F.C. Conzolazio, “Work in the Heat as Affected by Intake of Water, Salt, and Glucose,” American Journal of Physiology 142:253, 1944. The same athletes, deprived of water during the experiment on another day, reached the point of exhaustion within three and half hours.
The message is obvious. Water can give us power and energy, especially when we are doing strenuous work. In contrast, inadequate water intake may result in dehydration, which leads to fatigue and exhaustion much more quickly than if we were drinking enough water. Also, insufficient water can impair our vital functions. Though compensatory mechanisms may come into play, a chronic water deficiency will lead to ill health.
It is possible that adequate fluid intake may limit some symptoms such as headaches, thus decreasing the need for headache medicine, which can cause bad side effects, especially if used often. As most athletes know, during prolonged and arduous exercise, water requirements increase significantly.
Nevertheless, it is possible to drink too much water, resulting in water intoxication. The appropriate amount of water intake depends upon multiple factors, such as temperature, body size, and kidney function but it should be sufficient to result in pale or clear urine in normal circumstances. In most cases people should make an effort to drink at minimum of six to eight (at least 250 ml. per glass) glasses of water per day, more when doing strenuous work in hot environments.
| How much water are you drinking each day? Make a conscious choice to keep track of how much water you are drinking, and if you’re not getting enough, what’s holding you back from doing something so simple and yet that holds so many benefits for you? |
| THURSDAY | April 22 |
“He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight” (John 9:11).
Read John 9:1–11, the story of Jesus’ healing the man blind from birth. What is different about this healing miracle in comparison to some of the others? See for instance Matt. 8:8–13; 9:2–7; Luke 8:46, 47? What possible meaning could be found in this difference, if any?
It is essential that water used both internally and externally be clean. Many people have difficulty in accessing pure, clean water. Water taken from contaminated sources requires either chemical treatment or boiling to make it safe for consumption and domestic use.
Water is beneficial externally as well as when used internally. It may be used externally in treatments known as hydrotherapy. The intelligent, careful use of hot and cold wet towels in this process of hydrotherapy may bring relief to a number of conditions. Caution should be employed in cases of poor circulation, persons with diabetes, or neurological illnesses. It could very well be to your advantage to get proper training in the use of hydrotherapy.
“But many have never learned by experience the beneficial effects of the proper use of water, and they are afraid of it. Water treatments are not appreciated as they should be, and to apply them skillfully requires work that many are unwilling to perform. But none should feel excused for ignorance or indifference on this subject. There are many ways in which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple home treatments. Mothers, especially, should know how to care for their families in both health and sickness.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 237.
How conscientious are you with your health habits in general? That is, how could you be taking better care of yourself now? Why wait until your bad habits make you sick? How much better it would be to start following good health principles now and prevent disease instead of going through the hassle of seeking to be cured. |
| FRIDAY | April 23 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “Beverages,” pp. 419, 420, in Counsels on Diet and Foods; “Frequent Bathing,” p. 104, in Counsels on Health. “Those who treat the sick should move forward in their important work with strong reliance upon God for His blessing to attend the means which He has graciously provided, and to which He has in mercy called our attention as a people, such as pure air, cleanliness, healthful diet, proper periods of labor and repose, and the use of water.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 303. “The priest had that morning performed the ceremony which commemorated the smiting of the rock in the wilderness. That rock was a symbol of Him who by His death would cause living streams of salvation to flow to all who are athirst. Christ’s words were the water of life. There in the presence of the assembled multitude He set Himself apart to be smitten, that the water of life might flow to the world. In smiting Christ, Satan thought to destroy the Prince of life; but from the smitten rock there flowed living water. As Jesus thus spoke to the people, their hearts thrilled with a strange awe, and many were ready to exclaim, with the woman of Samaria, ‘Give me this water, that I thirst not.’ John 4:15.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 454. |
| In some parts of the world, people can walk into a grocery store and find about forty varieties of bottled water. In other parts of the world, folk have to struggle to find enough clean water to drink. What can we do to help those who don’t have enough water for life’s basic necessities? What is the water situation where you live? How can we improve the stewardship of water in our communities? If you have access to a health professional or someone who knows about the topic of water, ask him or her to come to class and spend some time giving more details about the use and benefits of water. Ask, too, about the daily things we can do in order to derive as many health benefits as possible from the use of water. Jesus tells us to come and drink freely of the water of life (Rev. 22:17). What does that mean? How do we do that? What requirements, if any, are placed on us in order to drink of this water? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| The Lost Cow Subba Rao was worried. His cow had wandered off while grazing, and Subba couldn't find her. Like most people living in the villages near his in Andhra Pradesh, India, Subba Rao relied on his livestock for a livelihood. Now his cow was missing. Subba asked his neighbors if they had seen his cow, but no one had. Subba asked people in the neighboring villages if they had seen his cow, but again no one had seen her. Subba grew more concerned, for the cow was his most valuable possession, and she was about to have a calf. Subba offered gifts to the idols in his home and prayed that his cow would find her way home. But days passed, and the cow did not return. When three weeks had passed with no word about the cow's whereabouts, his friends encouraged him to forget about her. Surely she was dead by now. Then someone suggested that Subba Rao ask the Adventist pastor who lived in the village to pray for his cow. Subba saw no harm in trying, so he went to see the pastor and asked, somewhat reluctantly, whether he would pray for Subba's lost cow. The pastor agreed. He called together several church members to meet and pray together for Subba's missing cow. Subba watched and listened to the believers' prayers. The pastor and church members urged Subba to believe in Jesus, the true and living God, the only God who could hear and answer his prayers. Subba nodded thoughtfully. Three days later Subba's cow returned home. The next day the cow delivered a healthy calf. Subba Rao and his family rejoiced over the lost cow. He told the pastor and the church members of their answered prayers. The pastor invited Subba and his family to come to church and worship God, who had heard and answered Subba's prayers. Subba accepted, and today he and his family worship in the Adventist church regularly. The family is learning more about the God who cares for them and even cares for their cow. Soon Subba and other members of his family will be baptized into God's family. After all, if Jesus cares about their missing cow, how much more does He care about them? Our mission offerings help plant churches in villages throughout India and around the world. SUBBA RAO shares his faith in his home village of India. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10b/less04.html |
CELEBRATING SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com/
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q204-17-celebrating-spiritual-and-physical-fitnesshttp://www.ssnet.org
| Celebrating Spiritual and Physical Fitness |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Ps. 139:13-15; 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 9:24–27; Eph. 2:8; 2 Tim. 4:7; 2:3–5; Heb. 11:6. |
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). |
| Much effort had gone into the preparation that ultimately led to Roger Bannister running the mile in under four minutes. There was endless training and practice that included, among other things, strenuous mountain climbing. Meanwhile, others around the world had their eyes on the prize that had meant so much to this young athlete. May 6, 1954, dawned, the day that Roger Bannister had been preparing for emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and physically for years now. Yet, the morning before—he had slipped on a polished floor and limped the rest of that day! Nevertheless, the race began the next day, and Roger Bannister ran the mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds—the first person to run the under-four-minute mile! Using imagery from athletics, the apostle Paul encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb. 12:1, NIV). Yet, the race Paul is talking about is a race so much more important than the one Roger Bannister won! This race demands our best possible spiritual and physical fitness, and an important component of that fitness is derived from exercise, our topic this week. |
The Week at a Glance:
Physical exercise is a very important part of keeping and maintaining our health. |
| SUNDAY | April 11 |
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). What was Paul, the great teacher of salvation by faith alone, talking about here? What point was he making?
Across the centuries, humans have been fascinated with athletics, and many have marveled at feats of the athlete. Who hasn’t at times been envious of what these people have done with their bodies? And yet, whatever their natural abilities, most of these people achieved what they did through sheer hard work.
Someone once asked an award-winning, long-distance runner if the runner thought this person could become a great runner, as well. “Sure,” the athlete replied, “all you need to do is run 15 miles a day for six days a week and then, on the seventh, run 25. Do that for a year and you’ll have a good chance of making it.”
The Bible, in numerous places, compares the life of faith with some sort of athletic endeavor. Read the following texts (1 Cor. 9:24–27, Phil. 3:12–14, 2 Tim. 2:3–5). What basic point are they making, and how have you experienced the meaning of these texts yourself?
One so easily can form an incorrect impression of how much (or little) joggers, cyclists, and runners are enjoying themselves from merely looking at their facial expressions. It sometimes may appear that the whole endeavor is a punishment. There are, however, many benefits to persisting with an exercise program. These will be discussed later in the week. The benefits come from the determined application and discipline required to perform the exercise itself. There are certain rules to be adhered to. Regularity of exercise is essential. There must be a goal and sometimes even a prize.
| These principles apply to both spiritual and physical fitness. To be spiritually fit, we need to focus on Jesus. We need to read His Word, pray, and meditate. There are so many things that distract our attention. These may include good and noble causes—our work, studies, or even church activities. But we need to cast off the activities and distractions that keep us from growing in grace and prioritize our goals if we are going to finish strong. |
| MONDAY | April 12 |
Read Ephesians 2:8 and Hebrews 11:6. How are these verses related? Most important, how do we maintain and build up the faith that we have been given as a gift?.
Those who have suffered a broken bone or severe joint sprain have experienced the immobilization necessary for healing to take place. Supportive casts, bandages, and even surgical pins are used to help stabilize an injured joint or fractured limb. As a result of the immobilization, the muscles related to that particular area are not used. With this lack of use, a process of atrophy or wasting occurs. The muscles become thin and weak. When the healing of the bone or joint has taken place, movement begins to return, and with sustained use and exercise, muscle strength is regained.
“Action is a law of our being. Every organ of the body has its appointed work, upon the performance of which its development and strength depend. The normal action of all the organs gives strength and vigor, while the tendency of disuse is toward decay and death. Bind up an arm, even for a few weeks, then free it from its bands, and you will see that it is weaker than the one you have been using moderately during the same time. Inactivity produces the same effect upon the whole muscular system.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 237, 238.
So it is with faith. If faith is not exercised, it does not grow. The vital movements and actions of the limbs and body of faith cannot take place. Though faith is a gift, if it is not exercised, if we do not make choices based on it, if we do not reach out and by it claim God’s promises, if we are not willing to take chances based on faith, if we will not exercise faith to the point of being brought to our knees in submission and humility—then we are in danger of losing it.
What a tragedy, because faith is one of the most precious of all God’s gifts. Only those who know what it’s like to live in this world without faith, without the knowledge of God, without the hope found in His promises, can tell you just how wonderful and precious a gift it really is.
| How often are you exercising the gift of faith? You might say that you believe and that you have faith, but how well do your actions show it? How can you learn to exercise your faith daily in small things so that when big things come, you will be able to reveal the faith that you profess? |
| TUESDAY | April 13 |
The dejected young officer kicked a small stone in the dry, desert sand. His mother was to undergo surgery for breast cancer. The demands of the military operational schedule would not allow him to return to be at her side. With a tinge of anger and rebellion, he asked, “Why? Why? Why?” He had been praying for faith and, in these moments, when things were not going as he wanted, when his prayers weren’t answered as he had hoped, he found his faith waning. The darkness of doubt crept into his soul and, for a few moments, he wondered if God existed at all. Then as the sun rose, and the beauty of the dawn filled the sky, his mind went to some verses in the Bible, to a story that he had known since childhood, and as he dwelt upon that story, his faith returned. However difficult it was for him to understand about things, however hard it was for him to see the reasons for what had happened, he pressed on ahead, trusting and loving His Lord Jesus.
Read John 20:24–29. What does this story say to you? How often do you need to believe without seeing? Why is that such an important aspect of what it means to exercise faith?
After Jesus patiently and tenderly revealed His wounds to Thomas, Thomas acknowledged “My Lord and my God” (vs. 28). The text that stuck in the young military officer’s mind was: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (vs. 29, NKJV).” This was indeed the key—to believe without seeing; to take God at His word without insisting on “proof.” After all, for some folk, all the “proof” in the world will not convince them to believe. Living by faith is, then, going on what we already know of God’s love; it means trusting God based on what we have already experienced; it means taking Him at His word because He has shown us His goodness and love—no matter how difficult our circumstances are and no matter how much we do not see or understand.
| When was the last time you needed to act on faith without seeing? What happened? What did you learn from that experience that could help others who might be facing a similar situation? If you had it to do over, what would you have done differently, and why? |
| WEDNESDAY | April 14 |
So far this week we have been looking at what it means to exercise faith. We have looked at some of the Bible’s images of athletes and racing that he used to talk about the Christian walk of faith.
At the same time, too, we have been told that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. What is Paul saying there? How might the question of physical exercise be linked to these verses?
Our bodies are gifts from God. They are not to be abused. Science has shown us, over and over, that almost every aspect of our physical being is benefited by exercise. Sure, we were not all called to sprint four-minute miles. But in almost all cases, we can do enough exercise in order to benefit ourselves greatly, not just physically but mentally and spiritually, as well.
As Christians, we do not believe in the Greek idea of a separate immortal soul. We do not believe in the pagan idea that the body is somehow evil. Our minds, our bodies, these are both gifts from God, and they are very closely related. How we feel physically will impact how we feel mentally, and that will impact how we feel spiritually, as well. Everything is related, and we cannot neglect any aspect of our being without impacting other aspects, as well.
“The requirements of God must be brought home to the conscience. Men and women must be awakened to the duty of self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom from every depraving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body are the gift of God, and are to be preserved in the best possible condition for His service.”—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 130.
Those who exercise can attest to the wonderful benefits that come from it. And the good news is, you do not need excessive amounts of it.
| Though many folk are busy, we are commanded by God to take care of ourselves, and exercise is one important way we can do it. What about you? How much time do you spend exercising? What excuses do you use to get out of doing it? |
| THURSDAY | April 15 |
No question, just as faith needs to be exercised, our bodies do, as well. Before starting an exercise program, however, we need to be sure that our health will permit regular exercise. If there are any pre-existing health conditions or disabilities, it is wise to be guided by a physician as to the appropriate intensity of exercise to be undertaken.
Three points need to be kept in mind with any exercise program: frequency, intensity, duration.
1) Frequency. Currently, recommendations for optimal health and fitness suggest that we should exercise at least six times a week.
2) Intensity. The appropriate intensity of exercise will vary depending upon your age and medical condition. Over time, if you are consistent, you will be able to exercise harder and harder. It’s good to get your heart beating faster and to work up a sweat. You have to pace yourself. What works for one person might not work for another.
3) Duration. It is estimated that 45-90 minutes of exercise per day is great. It would be beneficial if exercise were at least done for 30 minutes, six days per week. The exercise time may be divided into portions. For example, 10 minutes each morning, midday, and evening. It should be arranged to suit your program. Walking is an excellent and sustainable form of exercise.
There are many proven benefits of exercise. Regular exercise helps control weight. It is beneficial in helping to reduce high blood pressure and an important adjunct to any medical therapy for high blood pressure (under medical supervision and guidance). When exercise is regularly performed there is a decreased incidence of Type 2 diabetes. Additional benefits to heart health include the fact that regular exercise improves the protective, healthy high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).
Regular exercise gives one an improved feeling of well-being. This occurs partly through chemicals called endorphins, which the body produces during exercise. Exercise has been associated with delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and it generally improves mental performance. People who exercise regularly have less depression. Exercise plays a role in the prevention of breast and colon cancer. The benefits are many and varied.
Read Psalm 139:13–15. Dwell on just how incredibly designed we are and what a miracle of creation our mere existence is. Why is it so important for us, then, to take care of our bodies? What kind of exercise regimen are you on, and how, if needed, could you improve what you are doing?
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| FRIDAY | April 16 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “The Touch of Faith,” pp. 59-72, in The Ministry of Healing. “The only way to grow in grace is to be disinterestedly doing the very work which Christ has enjoined upon us—to engage, to the extent of our ability, in helping and blessing those who need the help we can give them. Strength comes by exercise; activity is the very condition of life. Those who endeavor to maintain Christian life by passively accepting the blessings that come through the means of grace, and doing nothing for Christ, are simply trying to live by eating without working. And in the spiritual as in the natural world, this always results in degeneration and decay. A man who would refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength that he already had.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 80, 81. |
| What other parallels can you draw between exercising faith and exercising the body? Where do the parallels break down? Someone driving in a car saw a woman jogging. He rolled down his window and yelled, “You’re going to die, anyway!” However rude, the man was right. As important as physical exercise is, and no matter how physically fit we become, we must always remember that, in the end, we are mortal and—unless we happen to be alive when Jesus returns—we are all going to die. The best exercise regimen in the world doesn’t save us from death. Healthful living and exercise do not lead to eternal life. Only faith in Jesus does. Why is it important always to keep this distinction in mind? If possible, bring to class some of the latest validated scientific findings on the benefits of exercise. What do the studies teach, and how can we help our church as a whole better understand the benefits of exercise? How, too, can you get church members to start exercising more than they are now? Without being judgmental of anyone, look around at your church. Do folk look like they are getting plenty of exercise, or do they look like they need to do more? What can you do to help? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Prayer Warriors Larisa knows the power of prayer. Prayer strengthened her during the difficult years when her homeland, Belarus, was under Communist control. Today she leads a prayer ministry that reaches out to all people. Andrei walked into the prayer room one Sunday and asked the members to pray for him. His doctors said he was dying of cirrhosis of the liver. "I've prayed for months to be free of my addictions, but I'm weak," he said. "Please, pray for me." The prayer group prayed for Andrei, and Larisa taught him more about God. As Andrei surrendered his will completely to God, he received victory from his addictions. His body was healed as well, and today Andrei leads one of several prayer groups in his city. "Life was hopeless for me before God changed my life," he said. "Now I have hope and peace and a mission to reach other addicts for Jesus. I invite them to come to Jesus and find strength in prayer." Many who come to Larisa's prayer group seeking help are not believers. Some are members of other churches, but everyone receives earnest prayer. Lyuda, a new believer, asked Larisa to pray for her son, Maxim. He had broken his leg, and bone splinters had failed to heal properly. Doctors said he would not walk again without surgery, but they couldn't afford to pay the medical costs. The group prayed for Maxim, and a few months later X-rays revealed that the bone splinters were growing together. The boy did not need surgery. Arturo was a Christian, but his wife was not. When she lost her voice, doctors found nodes growing on her larynx. Arturo asked Larisa and her prayer warriors to pray. Larisa said they would pray first for her spiritual well-being and then for her physical health. Arturo's wife began attending church, and in time she gave her heart to God and was baptized. The prayer group continued praying, and when she returned to see her doctor, he could find no sign of the nodes on her larynx. Today she sings for God's glory. "Everyone who asks for prayer receives prayers," Larisa says. "God always answers our prayers, and many have come to know Jesus because of intercessory prayer. Some have received different answers than they asked for, but God's answers are better than those they pray for." Believers in Belarus continue to struggle for their religious freedom. Our prayers and mission offerings are helping believers in this country reach out to others. LARISA FILIPOVA leads a prayer group in Minsk, Belarus. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
THE POWER OF CHOICE
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q204-10-power-choicewww.ssnet.org
| The Power of Choice |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
| Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-13; Deut. 30:10–19; Ps. 119:11; Col. 3:2; Heb. 11:8–10. |
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). |
| Jackie and Carol (not their real names) were sisters, separated by two years, who grew up together in a loving home. By the time she reached adolescence, Jackie was applying herself diligently to her studies. She did well and, after graduating from high school, went to university to study business. Today, she is in her mid-thirties, holds a responsible position with an investment company, is married, and lives comfortably in her own home. Carol chose to party and enjoy herself. She dropped out of high school and began to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Today she is a single mother, living on government assistance, in rehabilitation for her drug dependency, and remains slightly jealous—though grudgingly proud—of her sister’s success. Both girls had the same opportunities, the same chances, and the same set of choices. Jackie chose one way, Carol another. Each now is living with the consequences of those choices. Choices—we all have them, we all have to make them, and we all have to live with the consequences of the ones we make. Hence, the important question for us all is: What will those choices be, and how can we know how to make the right ones? This week we will look a little more at the power of choice. |
The Week at a Glance:
God gave humans the power of choice. With those choices, however, come consequences. |
| SUNDAY | April 4 |
We often hear people talk about “freedom.” Political movements usually, in one way or another, make great proclamations about “freedom.” One state in the United States boasts the motto: “Live free or die.”
Freedom is, in fact, a very complicated subject. The word means different things to different people in different contexts. It’s not always easy to pin down exactly what people mean when they talk about “freedom.”
One thing, though, is certain: when God created humans, He made them moral beings, and in order for humans to be truly moral they had to have moral freedom. In other words, they had to have the capacity to chose wrongly, if they wanted to. If not, if they didn’t have that option, they really couldn’t be free.
Read Genesis 2:16, 17. What is implied in God’s words to Adam? How is Adam’s moral freedom revealed in these texts
In Genesis 3:1–6, we see the moral freedom given to both Adam and Eve. Why would God have warned them against eating of the tree unless they had been given the power of choice? Hence, we see perfect beings in a perfect environment allowed moral freedom. At the very foundation of human existence, the reality of our freedom has been made readily apparent.
Read Genesis 3:1–6. What are the places where Eve and Adam both exercised free will? How could they at each of these stages have made better choices? What can we learn from these texts about the kind of choices we make?
Human moral freedom must be something very important in the eyes of God. After all, look at what our abuse of that freedom cost Him. So sacred, so fundamental, is this gift that, rather than deny it to us, God would go to the cross instead of leaving us to our demise because of how we misused this gift.
| What basic mistake did both Adam and Eve make? How can we, with the knowledge of their mistakes, avoid doing similar things in our own context? In what ways do we face similar temptations? |
| MONDAY | April 5 |
Read Genesis 3:7–13 and answer the following questions:
1) If you could define, in one word, what the couple experienced, what would that word be, and why? How do we in our own experience today sometimes face the same thing?3:21.
2) What other emotion did they experience that they had not known before? Again, in what ways do we experience the same thing, and why?
When the Watergate scandal in the United States was exposed by the press in the early 1970s, it was revealed that much of the White House activity focused on cover-up operations. When President Richard Nixon finally resigned, it was not because he either had authorized the break-in to the Democratic Party’s premises or had a part in planning the break-in; instead, he was guilty of trying to cover up what others had done.
In a sense, what we see in these verses is Adam and Eve attempting a cover-up job, trying to hide from God what they had done or at least trying to shift the blame from themselves.
Of course, most folk who know the Lord know that it’s impossible to hide anything from Him. When the hair of our head is numbered (Matt. 10:30), we can’t fool Him about our actions. But we can fool ourselves, can’t we? How easily we find ways to try to shift the blame on others. If only my boss hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that. If only my spouse hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that. If only God had taken away the temptation when I prayed, then I wouldn’t have fallen. If only this, if only that. . . .
Sure, we sometimes face powerful temptations, temptations that pull at the very fabric of our being. The
situation is worse, too, because we already come with corrupted and fallen natures, which makes it that much easier for us to succumb when tempted and tried. As bad as sin is, as bad as the consequences often are, we make it worse when we refuse to accept responsibility. After all, how can we overcome sin if, in our own minds, we don’t blame ourselves for it?
| How open are you to accepting responsibility for your wrong choices? Or do you always find ways to blame others for it? If so, when are you going to stop? |
| TUESDAY | April 6 |
However much our natures changed after the fall of Adam and Eve, as humans we still have the power of choice. We still have free will. What we do with that free will is, really, entirely up to us. We can surrender to God and obey Him, or we can choose to go our own sinful way.
Read Hebrews 11:8–10. What does this tell us about Abraham and his choices? What can we learn from those choices?
Think of the incredible implications of these words. According to Jesus, the most important of all commandments wasn’t to keep the Sabbath, nor was it any of the prohibitions against killing, stealing, and adultery. On the contrary, the most important of all the commandments dealt with what was in our hearts, in our souls; it dealt with what is inside of us and not with our outward actions, however important they might be.
Indeed, if the most important commandment deals with our love to God, then the foundation of all the commandments deals with a relationship. After all, what is love if not a relationship—one in which we love God above and beyond everyone and everything else?
What were, however, some of the wrong choices that Abraham made? What were the consequences of those choices too? See Genesis 16; Gen. 21:9–14.
“Polygamy had become so widespread that it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but it was no less a violation of the law of God, and was fatal to the sacredness and peace of the family relation. Abraham's marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 145.
Read Daniel 1:8–16.The words “Daniel purposed in his heart” indicate that Daniel’s choice was both conscious and firm. The consequences of this deliberate and reasoned decision influenced the whole life of Daniel and occasioned his special blessing and attention by the Lord. Daniel re-affirmed his commitment to the Lord daily in his seasons of prayer and devotion.
It is one thing to say that we should make right choices; it is another to have the conviction of heart to do it. What are ways that we can program our minds so that we are more likely to make the right choices? Ps. 119:11, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:2?.
| In the end, we are free to choose for the Lord or free to choose against Him. There is no middle ground. We are on one side or the other. This doesn’t mean that we don’t make mistakes or fall (look at Abraham, for instance); it means, instead, that we must “purpose in our hearts” to seek to do God’s will, whatever the costs. We must “purpose in our hearts” to choose what is right, and what is right is what God commands us to do. What is important, one thing that we should never forget, is that if we fall, if we make the wrong choices, God does not cast us off. The danger, instead, is that we can feel so guilty, we can feel so bad, that we are in danger of giving up. In such cases, our only hope is to cast ourselves at the foot of the cross and claim the forgiveness offered in Jesus. |
| WEDNESDAY | April 7 |
Read Deuteronomy 30:10–19. What is the essence of the Lord’s words to His people? What points jump out at you? More important, how do you understand the idea that their choice will impact the life of their seed, their children? What does that mean? How can our choices impact our children?
The consequences of life choices affect not just ourselves but often our children, as well. Our influence is so much greater than we imagine, especially on our children.
One example is that of drinking alcohol. A whole lot of hoopla has been made of the supposed “benefit” of one glass of alcohol per day. This promotion, empowered by liquor industry lucre, has fooled many. Few people, though, are aware that these studies seriously are flawed and when corrections for these flaws have been applied, it is found that these touted benefits are nonexistent.
Alcohol remains what it has always been, one of the great scourges of humanity; and with all the warnings we have been given about it, how foolish to let our guard down now.
It is known that about 7 percent of persons who take a first drink will become alcoholic or problem drinkers. The choice to introduce alcohol into our homes, even just a little here and there, may or may not have repercussions on us individually. We may not be damaged greatly by it. But what of our children? What about the example you leave? If you drink, it’s much more likely your children will, as well. Is it worth choosing something that may steal the life of your child? Studies clearly have shown that children raised in homes where alcohol is present are much more at risk of alcohol problems than are children raised in homes where alcohol is not consumed. That simple fact alone should make us even more cautious about the examples we set.
Read again Deuteronomy 30:10–19. Your choices impact not just yourself but your children, too. And if you don’t have children, why risk making a choice that, in the end, presents so many hazards? God gave us these health principles for our good. Do we have the faith to trust Him at His Word?
| Who has not seen examples of the devastation brought by alcohol use? Why be foolish and risk that for yourself or, even worse, why do something that influences others in the wrong direction? |
| THURSDAY | April 8 |
“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her; and the Most High Himself shall establish her.’ The Lord will record, When He registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there’ Selah.” (Ps. 87:5, 6, NKJV).
Though all have the power of choice, not all have an equal array of opportunities. Some choices limit future possibilities and opportunities. Some individuals suffer disadvantages without the choice being theirs. Consider the disadvantages that cloud the lives of some: children born into homes where drugs are used, where domestic violence prevails, where poverty is extreme. Consider the ravages of violent corruption and desperation. We all, to one degree or another, have been placed in situations that are not of our own choosing.
Read Psalm 87:5, 6. What is the message there for all of us regarding some of the circumstances that are not of our own choosing? How too should these verses help us better understand the meaning of Matthew 7:1, 2?
God knows our circumstances; God knows that many of us have been brought into horrible situations not of our own doing. God alone fully knows the backgrounds of us all.
Who hasn’t, at times, met people struggling with some terrible issues, issues brought about by choices that others made: a choice of a parent to abandon the family; a choice of a spouse to commit adultery; a choice of a friend to betray someone who had trusted him or her? The variables are as endless as they are scary.
Yet, the good news in all this is that we can make one choice that is the most important of all. We can choose to follow Jesus. As we choose Jesus as our personal Savior, as we repent from our sinful ways, and as we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through this gift, God now enters and influences our hearts and minds to direct our actions and to lead us to bear fruit. We become branches of the True Vine.
According to Galatians 5:22, 23, the fruit of the Spirit does not come individually but as a cluster. It is the result of the Spirit taking control of our will, at least to the degree that we choose to let Him. In other words, through the power of God working in our lives, we can—by our choices—allow the Lord to negate some of the negative things brought upon us by choices we ourselves had never made.
What are some of the things you have struggled with that are the result of choices that others, not you, have made? How has God worked in your life to negate some of the negative results of those choices? What better choices can you yourself make that could help in the healing process? |
| FRIDAY | April 9 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “Good Angels More Powerful Than Evil Angels,” p. 96, in Selected Messages, book 1. “Every soul has a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. And the angelic agencies are all ready to come to the help of the tried and tempted soul. He, the Son of the infinite God, endured the test and trial in our behalf. The cross of Calvary stands vividly before every soul. When the cases of all are judged, and they [the lost] are delivered to suffer for their contempt for God and their disregard of His honor in their disobedience, not one will have an excuse, not one will need to have perished. It was left to their own choice who should be their prince, Christ or Satan.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 96. “God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong. God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 458. |
| In class, discuss the whole question of “freedom.” What does freedom mean? Is someone who chooses to be a slave really free? How free are we, really? What are the limits of freedom? When can freedom be a bad thing? Think about all the negative effects of alcohol. Think of the lives ruined through its use. When contrasted with the supposed “benefits,” why is it so smart never to get involved with it at all? Some folk have been born into loving, Christian homes with parents who loved them, cared for them, and taught them about Jesus and His grace. Others have been born into homes where the parents abused them and neglected them, and even if they did talk about Jesus, they certainly didn’t reflect Christ in their lives. Their actions revealed them to be agents of Satan, not of Christ. What hope does the gospel hold out to these people? What promises can you point them to? There’s no question, some folk have been born in horrible circumstances with consequences that, to one degree or another, will haunt them for the rest of their lives. At the same time, why must we be careful not to spend the rest of our lives blaming our parents, or our poor upbringing, for our problems? How can we learn to, through God’s grace, move beyond these things? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Long-Distance Faith Silas Motea is a lay Bible worker who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied the Bible with a young couple who were baptized. Then Stella, the young wife, lost her job. For months she searched for work and sometimes wondered why God was allowing this trial. At last she found a new job in her field of expertise. She shared her faith with her new coworkers, and that's when she met Mpho, a woman who wanted to know more about the Bible. The two women began studying the Bible together. Mpho found the Bible studies so compelling that she stopped in the middle of one Bible study and called her mother long distance to share what she was learning. Mpho's mother, Siongile, was excited too and wanted to know more. But she lived 250 miles (400 kilometers) away. Stella didn't know anyone who lived near Siongile, so Mpho arranged to call her mother every day so she could join the Bible studies over the telephone. Stella, Mpho, and Siongile studied together, long distance, almost every day. Siongile was excited about what she was learning and wanted someone to visit her. Stella didn't know anyone who lived in Siongile's area, so she asked Motea and his wife, who lived much closer to Siongile, to visit. They were happy to go. When the couple arrived at Siongile's home, they found that the woman had invited several neighbors to join her for the Bible study. During the Bible study Motea learned that Siongile had been searching for God even before her daughter had called her. And when Siongile learned that her daughter was studying with Adventists, she asked an Adventist nurse to take her to church. Siongile was so excited about what she was learning that Motea and his wife spent the entire day studying the Bible with her. They stayed overnight and continued their Bible studies the following day. In two days the trio had completed an entire series of Bible studies, and Siongile sighed, "Why did I have to wait so long to find this message? If I had learned this while I was still young, I could have raised my children in this faith and shared the good news with my friends!" Siongile traveled 250 miles [400 kilometers] to tell her other children what she was learning. Both Siongile and Mpho have been baptized; and Siongile wants to become a literature evangelist so she can share her new faith with others. Our mission offerings help provide materials to reach those who are searching. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
HEALTH AND HEALING: PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q204-03-praise-god-whom-all-blessings-flowhttp://www.ssnet.org
Health and Healing Introduction Contents Helps Discussion Groups |  |
INTRODUCTION “The Redemption of Our Bodies”“If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee” (Exod. 15:26).The promise of immunity from Egypt’s diseases was given to the children of Israel soon after they left their captivity. Yet, this promise wasn’t based simply on supernatural intervention; it was based also, maybe even especially, on the natural laws of health. If they followed what the Lord commanded them to do in the area of health and sanitation, as opposed to what their captors did (for instance, while the Egyptians used human excrement for medicinal purposes, the Hebrews were to bury theirs outside the camp), they would be spared the ailments that afflicted the Egyptians. Even here, then, we can see God’s concern for not just the spiritual well-being of His people but for their physical well-being, their health, as well. This idea also is found in the Hebrew word shalom, commonly translated as “peace.” Yet, the word conveys a deeper sense, that of a completeness, of a wholeness and a fullness that involves the total person, physical health included. The first use of the word shalom in the Old Testament appears when Jacob, inquiring about Laban, the grandson of Abraham’s brother, asks: “And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well . . .” (Gen. 29:6). In both instances, the word translated “well” comes from shalom. Of course, it makes perfect sense that God would care about our physical health. After all, He created us as physical beings. Before sin, before the Fall, we were already in the flesh. We were made as fleshly beings. Our fall wasn’t to the flesh; it was a fall in the flesh. Our bodies aren’t evil, or bad, the prison houses for the soul or the like (as some religions have taught). Our bodies are wonderful gifts from a loving God who created us in His image and who wants us to enjoy our physical existence, at least as much as possible in this fallen world. Thus, this quarter we are going to look at what’s often been a neglected aspect of the wonderful truths God has given us as a movement, and that is the health message. The Lord revealed these principles to us for the same reason He died for us, because He loves us and wants what’s in our best interest. Of course, we all are mortal, we all face sickness, and, unless Christ comes in our lifetime, we all die. Nothing is going to change that now, and certainly not healthful living. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best to take care of ourselves; that doesn’t mean we aren’t under a divine obligation to take care of our body temples. As Paul expressed it: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20, NKJV). This quarter’s lesson on healthful living, written by the General Conference Health Department in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, was produced with the desire to help us enjoy all the shalom we possibly can now, until that final day in which we receive, once and forever, “the redemption of our bodies” (Rom. 8:23, NIV). Contributors from the Health and Temperance Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists were Allan Handysides, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Peter Landless, Stoy Proctor, and Thomas Zirkle. | |
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Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow! |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” (Psalm 103:1, NKJV). |
| As the Hubble telescope has probed ever deeper into the universe, the mysteries of creation have become ever grander. If such limitlessness is incomprehensible to our finite minds, how much more so must be its Creator, who—by necessity—must be more complex than what He has created. If we cannot understand the universe itself, how could we fully comprehend the One who made it? Zophar the Naamathite asks Job, “ ‘Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?’ ” (Job 11:7, NKJV). The answer, of course, is that he can’t. As if all this were not enough, this same God who created the universe is the one who in the person of Jesus bore not only our humanity but our sins, as well. The God who created the universe faced in Himself the punishment for our iniquities, in order that we could have eternal life. With a truth like this ever before us, how could we not love this God and offer Him our very best praise and worship? |
The Week at a Glance:
An appreciation of the love, the power, and the majesty of our God should lead us to an attitude of praise, even in the worst of situations. |
| SUNDAY | March 28 |
By creating humanity with a free moral will, that is, by giving humans the capacity to choose to obey or disobey Him, God also had made provision for the potential consequences should humanity make the wrong choice with the freedom given it. That provision is what’s known as the “gospel,” the good news of what Jesus has done for us in order to restore us to the eternal life that we were originally created to have.
Read 2 Timothy 1:9. Dwell on the implications of the idea that God had prepared the plan of salvation even before the world began. What does it tell us about God’s unconditional love for us that He would do this even before we existed? How does this text help us understand what grace is all about?
God’s great love and grace were in operation for us even before our existence. The gospel was, in a sense, a warranty on our souls. God knew what was going to happen and, in His love and wisdom, He had the plan of salvation in place to meet the crisis when it arrived. And, of course, at the center of that plan was the sacrificial death of Jesus in our stead. The only way we could be redeemed from our fallen condition was through the Cross, the place where God Himself, in our humanity, bore the punishment for our sins. Nothing else would have sufficed; nothing else could have. No matter how steep the price, Jesus was willing to pay it in our behalf.
How then are we to respond in the face of such love for us? Eph. 4:32; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 3:13. What is the basic message that all these texts have in common?
| To love unconditionally is an alien concept to the human heart. There is almost always an ulterior motive, one usually tainted with self. Yet, at the same time, if we had to wait until our motives were absolutely pure, we might not get anything done, would we? How much time should you spend, then, dwelling on the character of Christ? How could that help you learn to act more and more out of the kind of unconditional love that has been shown to us in Jesus? |
| MONDAY | March 29 |
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8, 9, NKJV). Summarize in your own words the meaning of this text. Ask yourself this question too: Why must salvation be by faith and not by works? Why can works not save us? See Gal. 3:21.
An epileptic youth fell, convulsing, onto the New York City subway tracks as an oncoming train entered the station. Without hesitation, a stranger flung himself on top of the writhing youngster. Holding the boy flat, the man lay until the train screeched to a halt above him. Then he called out, “We are OK!” His risky act of self-denial was the only thing that saved the boy from certain death. What a powerful illustration of grace, of unmerited favor, of what Jesus has accomplished for us. Imagine how grateful that boy must have been to that man. How much more so should we, then, be grateful to Jesus for what He has done in our behalf?
The crucial question for all of us is—How do we manifest that gratitude in our lives? It’s one thing to talk about how grateful we are for Jesus or how much we love God because of what Jesus has done. But the real issue for us, the true test of the reality of our faith, is our works—works that arise not from trying to earn salvation (we can’t) but from a heart filled with gratitude and praise for what we have been given and promised in Jesus.
Sometimes, though, it’s not easy for us to appreciate fully what Christ has done for us. In a youth class where the plan of salvation was being explained, a boy raised his hand and said, “I have not done anything to deserve dying.” Well, the fact of the matter is we all deserve death. Or, perhaps, one could phrase this question another way. What have we done that we deserve living? What have we done that we deserve eternal life? What is it about us, that God would go through so much to save us?
| Dwell on the paragraph above. What answer do you have to those questions? After all, what have any of us done to deserve eternal life? Who among us is so worthy that it’s understandable why Jesus would die for that person? How does your answer help you better understand just how grateful we should be for salvation? More important, how well do your works reveal that gratitude? |
| TUESDAY | March 30 |
When asked what was the most important of all commandments, Jesus responded: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matt. 22:37, 38). What does that text mean? How are we to do what Jesus commands here?
Think of the incredible implications of these words. According to Jesus, the most important of all commandments wasn’t to keep the Sabbath, nor was it any of the prohibitions against killing, stealing, and adultery. On the contrary, the most important of all the commandments dealt with what was in our hearts, in our souls; it dealt with what is inside of us and not with our outward actions, however important they might be.
Indeed, if the most important commandment deals with our love to God, then the foundation of all the commandments deals with a relationship. After all, what is love if not a relationship—one in which we love God above and beyond everyone and everything else?
Why would love for God be the most important of all relationships? Why would that be so fundamental? What spiritual dangers arise if we love something, anything, more than God?
God, in fact, had purposed from the start that humanity would be capable of enjoying a special relationship with Him. It was His purpose to provide a higher plane of experience for humans than the rest of the creatures He had made on earth. This truth is reflected in Genesis 1:26—“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” None of the other creatures was made in His image; none of the other creatures was given the responsibility given to humanity. Hence, humans are not just highly developed apes; there’s a vast qualitative gap between humanity and the rest of God’s creation on earth. We are special, and part of that specialness is revealed in the love relationship that we are called to have with God, something that the animals and plants are not capable of experiencing.
| What is your own experience in loving God? How do you know that you love God? Write out a paragraph expressing what that means and how that love has changed your life. Bring it to class on Sabbath. |
| WEDNESDAY | March 31 |
“Be joyful in God. Christ is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Look toward the light. Accustom yourselves to speak the praise of God. Make others happy. This is your first work. It will strengthen the best traits of character. Throw the windows of the soul wide open heavenward, and let the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness in. Morning, noon, and night your hearts may be filled with the bright rays of heaven’s light.”—Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, April 7, 1904. How can you take these words and make them a reality in your own life?
No question, as Christians we have much to praise God for; that is, whatever our struggles, whatever our fears, whatever our pains, whatever our losses and disappointments, we all have much to be thankful to God over, do we not? After all, in the end, no matter what our immediate situation is, we still have the hope and promise of eternal life in Jesus, the hope and promise that “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). That alone, if nothing else, gives us reasons to praise.
Whatever your struggles right now, what are things that you have to praise God for? Write down a list of these things and why you are thankful to God for them.
Before we can praise in sincerity, we need to have personally experienced the goodness of the Lord. We need to know for ourselves the reality of God and the reality of God’s love for us as individuals. This is something the Lord will do for anyone and everyone who is open to His leading. It is only our stubborn hearts and carnal natures that keep us from knowing for ourselves the goodness and love of God. And once we come to know that goodness and that love, how could we help but praise the Lord?
| How can you learn to live more and more in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, despite whatever trials and sufferings you face? |
| THURSDAY | April 1 |
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).
So far, we have seen that God is a God of love and grace, and He desires to have a special relationship with us, one that none of the other creatures here on earth can enjoy. At the center of that relationship stand the Cross and the plan of salvation, because—of all the reasons we have to love God—the Cross remains by far the best one.
How does 1 John 4:10—“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins”—capture the essence of what it means to love God?
When you love someone, words of praise and appreciation are natural. When we, as Christians, give our hearts to the Lord, we get the gift of the Holy Spirit, and He fills the Christian with a deep sense of gratitude or appreciation. From such appreciation there will arise a heart filled with praise and adoration of God.
Yet, there is an important point that many folk forget. True praise for God involves the whole being. That is, we praise God not only on a spiritual, emotional, and mental level but with our physical bodies too. It is the application of healthful habits in life that give us clarity of mind, the balance to the whole.
Scientists have uncovered fascinating physical changes in the brain that follow habitual practices. For instance, drugs induce changes in the brain that become firmly entrenched and make for powerful addictions. Degeneration in our blood vessels likewise results in impaired brain functioning. A disease like Alzheimer’s is a result of destruction of brain cells. Clearly, we are dependent on our physical state to enjoy clear mental, emotional, and spiritual relationships. Many foods and drinks, included as a very occasional item in the diet, will have no measurable effect. But they become problems when incorporated as habitual practices. We give our God praise from the whole of our being by offering our whole life as a living sacrifice.
Dwell more on the idea of praising God with our bodies. What might that mean? How might lifestyle choices be a means of praising God? At the same time, how might wrong lifestyle choices be a way of denying God? |
| FRIDAY | April 2 |
| Read Ellen G. White, “The Anointing of David,” pp. 637–642, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “David, in the beauty and vigor of his young manhood, was preparing to take a high position with the noblest of the earth. His talents, as precious gifts from God, were employed to extol the glory of the divine Giver. His opportunities of contemplation and meditation served to enrich him with that wisdom and piety that made him beloved of God and angels. As he contemplated the perfections of his Creator, clearer conceptions of God opened before his soul. Obscure themes were illuminated, difficulties were made plain, perplexities were harmonized, and each ray of new light called forth fresh bursts of rapture, and sweeter anthems of devotion, to the glory of God and the Redeemer. The love that moved him, the sorrows that beset him, the triumphs that attended him, were all themes for his active thought; and as he beheld the love of God in all the providences of his life, his heart throbbed with more fervent adoration and gratitude, his voice rang out in a richer melody, his harp was swept with more exultant joy; and the shepherd boy proceeded from strength to strength, from knowledge to knowledge; for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 642. |
| In class, discuss your answer to the question of what it means to love God. How do we as fallen beings love God? What does that mean? How does love for God differ from love for other people or other things, whatever they are? Why is praise to God so important to us? How does praise and worship draw us closer to God? How does praise and worship help us to better know and love God? Also, why is praise to God especially important during times of crises? After all, anyone can praise God in good times, right? What does it take to be able to praise Him during bad ones? As we have been stressing all week, salvation is by faith alone. None of us is good enough to deserve salvation; more so, none of us ever could be made good enough to deserve it either. Salvation has to be a gift, a gift from a loving and benevolent God to a fallen race of beings who, at their core, are corrupted by sin and who in and of themselves have nothing to offer the Lord. And yet, at the same time, we have been called, over and over again in the Bible, to obey God. In others words, though we are not saved by works, works are a part of what it means to be saved and to have salvation. How do we understand the relationship between faith and works? How can we learn to praise God and reveal our love to Him through our works, while at the same time not getting caught in the trap of believing that these works save us? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Emergency Room Evangelism by FABIO DA SILVA I fell, landing hard on my shoulder. Searing pain shot through me when I tried to move. My friends helped me up and took me to the hospital emergency room. Gurneys lined the wall filled with patients far more seriously injured than I was. One man had been shot, another stabbed, and another was seriously ill. I walked around while waiting to be seen, praying silently for those lying around me. Then I saw I Samuel, a man I had met once. He was awaiting treatment too. I talked to him about Jesus and offered him Bible studies. He agreed to the studies, but nurses moved him before I could get his address. I was admitted to the hospital. As I lay in my bed, I prayed for those I had met in the emergency room. I realized that God was with me, even when I hadn't felt His presence. When I was released from the hospital, I went to the government office to apply for disability until I could work again. There I met Samuel and reminded him about the Bible studies. We decided to meet every afternoon to study together. When I arrived at Samuel's home the next day, his wife met us. She had invited another woman to the study, and this woman invited another friend who invited her mother. The mother became so excited about the Bible studies that she called some of her friends and asked me to start another study with them. When I arrived at this woman's house I found seven people ready to study the Bible. Within a few days 12 people were studying the Bible from one invitation. When the studies ended, all 12 asked to be baptized as the result of a chance meeting in the emergency room! We needed a place to meet and learned that the conference had purchased a house nearby to be used to plant a church. It already had been remodeled and even had a baptistry! The new believers with whom I had studied were the first ones to be baptized in this new church. And their passion for sharing Christ spread to family and friends. Today we have 30 baptized members and 10 visitors in an area of Belem, Brazil, that before this had been difficult to reach. This church may have begun as an "accident," but your purposeful mission offerings helped make it happen. Thank you for your support. FABIO DA SILVA is a builder in Belem, Brazil. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
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| The Fruit of the Spirit: The Essence of Christian Character |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” " (Colossians 1:27, NKJV). |
| When Moses asked God to show him His glory, it was then that the Lord revealed to him His character as merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth (Exod. 34:6). And so when “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image from glory [character] to glory [character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). “By believing in Christ, the fallen race he has redeemed may obtain that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all defilement. Then Christlike attributes appear: for by beholding Christ men become changed into the same image from glory to glory, from character to character. Good fruit is produced. The character is fashioned after the divine similitude, and integrity, uprightness, and true benevolence are manifested. . . .”—Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 54.  |
| SUNDAY | March 21 |
So often our prayers are more about what we can get as opposed to what we should become. Think about your own prayers, or about the prayers that you hear others pray. No matter how legitimate the concerns are, what category do most of them fall under: What can I get, or what can I become? How do we understand this tendency in light of what Jesus says to us below?
“ ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ ” (Matt. 6:33, NKJV). What does Jesus mean when He tells us to seek “first” the kingdom of God? Why seek that first? See Matt. 16:26.
How does Romans 14:17 help us understand what the kingdom of God is?
Notice that righteousness, peace, and joy are the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, we should seek first the fruit of the Spirit before anything else. In the end, we can have everything the world offers, but what does that mean if we don’t have righteousness, peace, and joy?
If someone were to ask, “But does this mean that Jesus isn’t interested in my physical or financial well-being?” how would you answer in the light of Christ’s command to put the fruit of the Spirit before physical or material needs?
A concerned mother said, “Pastor, please pray for my boy, he is out of the faith, and he has lost his job. Pray that he will find work.” Was this concerned mother seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness for her son? Keeping in mind that the priority of the Christian life is not to get but to become, what should her request for her boy have been?
| What are your main concerns as revealed not just by your prayers but by your life in general: getting what you want for yourself or becoming what God wants you to become? What does your answer tell you about your priorities? |
| MONDAY | March 22 |
Galatians 5:22, 23 and Ephesians 5:9 are not the only texts that list the fruit that constitute the essence of Christian character. Many of the fruit are repeated in 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:10, and 2 Peter 1:5–7, where qualities are added, such as godliness, virtue, and knowledge. It is interesting to note that 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 echoes the qualities of love and states many of them using the negative word not: “does not envy; . . . does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity” (NKJV).
It should be clear by now that there is not one official checklist when it comes to the fruit of the Spirit. There are many different aspects and nuances of Christian character. What the apostles do in each case is to list those that are especially applicable to their readers. What led Paul to the enumeration in Galatians was doubtless his pastoral knowledge of the particular needs of the congregation to which he was writing.
The fruit of “godliness” is mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:11. In the original language, the word godliness meant reverence, respect, and piety toward God. Romans 5:4, 5 mentions the quality of “hope.” What role does hope play in the Christian character? When all is said and done, our Christian faith offers us nothing if not hope.
Second Peter 1:5–7 is a list of qualities, among them “virtue,” which is not mentioned in the list in Galatians 5:22, 23. Virtue is associated with moral goodness as modesty and purity. Why is this quality indispensable in the Christian life? How does this quality relate to the seventh commandment?
Second Peter 1:5, 6 adds “knowledge” to the list. Though the word that is used, gnosis (gno’-sis), signifies general knowledge and understanding, as fruit of the Spirit-filled life, what role would knowledge play? How would knowledge relate to, for instance, the gift of discernment?
Peter did not call his list in 2 Peter 1:5–7 the fruit of the Spirit, but essentially that’s what they are, because they reveal what kind of people we should be as followers of Jesus.
| How well are these characteristics manifested in your own life? If you are discouraged by what you see, what’s your one hope? What’s the only place you can flee to, and what can you find there? |
| TUESDAY | March 23 |
Yesterday’s discussion question brought up the question of how well we are doing in cultivating the fruit that is our privilege to bear for the honor and glory of God. No doubt, as one looks at all these qualities of character and then compares oneself to them, it would be easy to get discouraged. After all, shouldn’t we be bearing more fruit than we are?
That’s a fair question, one that we should all seriously think about. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5). We need to take stock of ourselves; of how we are living and of what kind of witness we present to the world.
At the same time, too, we can face a danger. As Christians, we have the example of Jesus, the only sinless human being who ever lived. As we compare ourselves to Him, how easy it could be to get discouraged. How easy to see His sinlessness and perfection in contrast to our sinfulness and weaknesses. We do have a perfect standard to follow, a perfect law to obey, and a perfect Savior to emulate. As we all know, we often fall so far short of that standard, of that law, and of that Savior. How easy it can be, too, after falling and falling, after not seeing the kind of growth we would like, to get discouraged, even to the point of giving up, thinking, Why bother, I just can’t do it?
Here, though, is where we need to understand fully what salvation by faith is about. Here is where we need to understand where our salvation lies, and here is where we need to understand what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.
Read Romans 3:20–26. What message is there for us about salvation? Why is this truth so important to cling to, especially when we feel discouraged about the state of our own fruit?
| No matter how earnestly we seek to live the Christian life and fight the battle against sin and self, as long as we keep before us, every day, every moment, the reality that our acceptance with God is found in Jesus and His righteousness, which He worked out for us and which He credits to us by faith, we will never give up. Why should we? Our salvation remains secure, not in ourselves but in Jesus. |
| WEDNESDAY | March 24 |
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, NKJV). What is this text saying? Does it mean that God doesn’t love those who love the world, or that those who love the world don’t love God? Explain.
“At times the longings of the soul go out for holiness and heaven; but there is no time to turn aside from the din of the world to listen to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the Spirit of God. The things of eternity are made subordinate, the things of the world supreme. It is impossible for the seed of the word to bring forth fruit; for the life of the soul is given to nourish the thorns of worldliness.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 51.
While we must be aware of the dangers of legalism, ancient Israel always backslid when it tried to contemporize itself and become like the nations around it. First John 2:15 warns that love of the world makes impossible a heartfelt love for God. How careful we need to be as a church in making sure that, in our attempts to reach the world, we don’t become enamored by it and swept into it, all in the name of the Lord!
How can a person know when his or her love for the world has superseded his or her love for God? What signs should we look for?
The danger of loving the world more than God takes on new meaning in James 4:4: “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (NKJV). Why would James use the metaphor of adultery for church members who are swept up with the world? Notice, too, how John leaves no room for compromise in 1 John 2:15. It’s either God, or it’s the world.
| What aspects of the world do you struggle with the most? What things do you find alluring? How can you learn to fight the fight of faith and not get swept up in something that, in the end, cannot satisfy and will destroy you? |
| THURSDAY | March 25 |
Although we cannot make a seed grow, there are definitely things we can do that will facilitate growth until it bears fruit. So it is in the Spirit-filled life. While the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer is a part of the great mystery of life itself, Scripture has given us definite instruction on how to encourage that growth so that we may fulfill Jesus’ desire that we bring forth much fruit to the glory of the Father (John 15:8).
What follows below are some ways to encourage the growth of the fruit of the Spirit: Through study of the Word of God. What does 2 Timothy 3:16 declare that the Scripture is profitable for? As a result, what will be accomplished in our lives? (See vs. 17; see also Ps. 119:105.)
Through prayer. “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, pp. 254, 255.
Through the right kind of thoughts. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). How can we learn to keep our mind on elevated thoughts?
Through our Christian witness. The man that Jesus healed of demons requested to go with Him. Jesus denied his request and rather asked him to return to where he lived and tell what the Lord had done for him (Mark 5:18–20). How does sharing our faith contribute to the growth of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives?
The fruit of the Spirit isn’t going to happen on its own. Your own choices will determine your destiny. What changes do you need to make in your lifestyle, in your associations, in anything and everything you do that can better allow for your spiritual growth? |
| FRIDAY | March 26 |
| “God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of the Scriptures. “ ‘And bring forth fruit.’ Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, ‘I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.’ Ps. 40:8. ‘I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.’ John 5:30. And the Scripture says, ‘He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.’ 1 John 2:6.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 60. |
 As a church, with a mission to spread the three angels’ messages to the world, we often struggle to find ways to make ourselves and our message relevant to the culture around us. What inherent dangers do we face when we do that? History shows that more often than not, the church through the centuries ends up getting converted to the ways of the world, as opposed to the world getting converted to the ways of the church. What about us, as Adventists? Do we fool ourselves in thinking that this isn’t happening to us, or that it can’t happen to us? Do we see evidence of this already happening? And, if so, what can we do?  In the twenty-first century, in your own culture, what are some of the greatest challenges to growing the fruit of the Spirit? What specific aspects of the culture must you unflinchingly fight against?  Why is the Cross so central to the whole question of the fruit of the Spirit and character development? What does the Cross offer us that’s indispensable in character development? After all, without the Cross, what would even be the purpose of bearing this fruit?  Why do our character development and good works bring glory to God? What’s that all about? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| In Difficult Times: Part 2 by RICHARD LASU We were trying to plant a church in Kajo Keji, southern Sudan, but Satan was angry. A few days after we started work, our landlord threw us out. Soldiers patrolled the streets, and it was dangerous to be out. But we didn't know where to go. We knelt and placed our lives in God's hands. Then we started walking. We reached a home behind a large fence. I knocked, and a security guard answered. The man knew we were pastors and told the owner, who invited us to sleep in his sitting room. The next morning this man told us he was a soldier and was being transferred to another area. He invited us to stay in his house and care for it for as long as we needed it. Nearby we found a big mango tree. We cleared the debris from under it and started holding worship services there. Two days later the woman who had befriended us found us and asked for Bible studies. One Sabbath we were worshiping with five other people when a soldier came saying he had a warrant to arrest our former landlord's wife. I asked the soldiers to wait until our worship was over, but he refused, saying he must take her immediately. Finally he agreed to allow us to pray with her before he took her away. Just as the soldier and the woman disappeared around a curve, a plane flew over and dropped bombs on the town center. The soldier fled the scene, and the woman returned to worship with us. Our prayer service turned into a praise service. Within a few months 30 people were worshiping with us, and 11 people were preparing for baptism. Other churches in the area weren't happy about our work and tried to break up our new congregation. But we fasted and prayed, and God worked on our behalf. The woman who had befriended us became a leader in the church. It isn't easy to plant a church among opposition. But God blessed our efforts. The war in southern Sudan has disrupted the lives of millions of people, but peace has come, and the people are returning to their villages. The church in Kajo Keji is growing again. Your mission offerings help advance the work in difficult places around the world. Thank you! RICHARD LASU pastors several church groups and works with Adventist World Radio in Arua, Uganda. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS TRUTH
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.com
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q103-20-fruit-spirit-truth
| The Fruit of the Spirit Is Truth |  |
| |
| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” " (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV). |
| The Greek word for truth, aletheia, has two meanings. One is objective truth (actual facts, verity, or principle), and the other is subjective truth (truth as a personal excellence—a candor of mind that is free from affectation, pretense, dissimulation, falsehood, and deceit). Truth, then, is what we know, the objective “facts on the ground,” as it were. But there’s the subjective element of truth, as well, which entails how we individually respond to what we learn. When both of these are real in our lives, we will manifest truth as a fruit of the Spirit. That’s why both elements are crucial to the Christian walk. We need to know the basic objective truth as it is found in Jesus, and then we need the personal subjective experience of having our lives changed by that truth. Look at Judas. He was with Jesus for more than three and a half years. Judas had all sorts of truth revealed to him. He saw things the rest of us only can read about. And yet, in the end, look what good it did him. May we all take heed. |
| SUNDAY | March 14 |
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, NKJV) Write out a short paragraph explaining what you think this text means.
On one level, this text radically challenges the relativism (the idea that truth is only subjective and personal) so current in much of the world today. Jesus’ words leave no ambiguity: There’s none of this “Each finds his own path to God,” and so forth. With these words, Jesus establishes the reality of objective truth. Here is Truth. Period. Few verses in the whole Bible are more contrary to the sentiment of relativism than these.
At the same time, there’s a whole other element, as well. The Truth is a Person. You come to truth through a relationship with a Person. This is a radically different idea from the notion of truth being only a group of facts. Jesus, a human being, is the Truth; thus, if you want to know truth, you have to know Jesus.
How does what’s written above help us understand Christ’s words in John 17:3?
We have to be careful, however, with this notion that all our religion means is having a relationship with God. Everyone lives in a relationship with God, one way or another. Folk who deny His existence live in relationship with God. Pilate had a relationship with Jesus; so did Caiaphas. Even the devil has a relationship with Jesus—he hates Him. The gospel is not a call to have a relationship with Jesus but to make a commitment to Him. Nicodemus, for instance, had a relationship with Jesus, one in which he eventually committed his life and all that he had to Christ. That’s the kind we all need!
| No question, you have a relationship with Jesus. The question you need to ask yourself is, What kind do you have? And, How can you make it better? |
| MONDAY | March 15 |
“ ‘However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth’ ” (John 16:13, NJKV).
In view of what we learned yesterday, it is obvious that the work of the Holy Spirit is to point us to Christ and to help us abide in Him. “ ‘But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me’ " (John 15:26, NKJV).
Look at this powerful insight: “The preaching of the word will be of no avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. One might be able to present the letter of the word of God, he might be familiar with all its commands and promises; but unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 671, 672.
What emphasis is Ellen G. White placing on the work of the Holy Spirit here?
What we see in the work of the Holy Spirit is both the objective and subjective aspect of Truth. The Spirit comes, and He testifies of Jesus and reproves “ ‘the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment’ ” (John 16:8). These are hard facts about the world, about God, about reality.
At the same time, the work of the Holy Spirit doesn’t end simply with teaching us these truths. Our lives need to be changed by our understanding of them. These objective and eternal truths will do us no good unless our lives are transformed by them, and part of that process (perhaps even the most important part) is for us, as she wrote, to be broken on the Rock (see Ps. 51:17).
| How were you broken (or were you ever)? What happened? What changes came? What did you learn about life, about suffering, about God from that experience? What other lessons might you still need to learn? |
| TUESDAY | March 16 |
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13, NKJV).
“With all your heart” means “sincerely,” true in word and act. The word sincere comes from two Latin words—sine (without) and cera (wax). Apparently in the past, less-than- honest sculptors would secretly fix the flaws and cracks in their work by plugging them with wax, which, of course, doesn’t hold. Hence, sincerity means being real and genuine, not artificial. It means speaking or acting “from the heart” and meaning it.
Read 2 Chronicles 25:2. What is that text saying? What important point is being made about what’s inside us?
The Hebrew word translated in some versions as “perfect” comes from the root slm (from which shalom is derived). It means, basically, “full,” “complete,” or “at peace.” Thus, we have here a king who did the right thing but not with a heart that was in the right place. He wasn’t sincere in his actions. This raises the possibility that a person could be doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Though we may be able to fool some of the people some of the time, and ourselves all the time, we can't fool God any of the time. How interesting that when David prayed for his son, the first thing he wanted him to have was “a perfect heart” (1 Chron. 29:19, NASB).
Sincerity is important because the one who isn’t sincere, the one whose heart isn’t committed to what’s true and right, is someone with a divided heart. There is surely something else pulling on such a person, and as long as he or she doesn’t let go, as long as this person still allows those other allegiances a place, the heart cannot be slm, complete or perfect before God. The key, then, is complete surrender to the Lord, a complete letting go of self. It’s not easy; in a real sense, to have that happen you need to be, as we saw yesterday, broken on the Rock.
| How sincere are you in your faith? We’re not talking about occasional doubts, or having deep unanswered questions (everyone at times has doubts, and all have deep unanswered questions), nor are we talking about struggling with sin. Instead, we’re talking about your heart. Is it fully committed to God, “complete” before Him, or is it divided between God and something of the world? If it is the latter, what choices must you make? |
| WEDNESDAY | March 17 |
Last week we saw how Jesus had sharp words for the fake “righteousness” of the scribes and the Pharisees (see Matt. 23:27), calling them “hypocrites.” The word hypocrite in the original language (hupokrites) means “actor.” Jesus was letting them know that He could discern their inner feelings and secret sins. It was as though He were telling them, “You act one way but inside you are another, as though you were acting out in a play. Cannot you be real?” Another time Jesus said, “ ‘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” ’ ” (Mark 7:6, NKJV). His meaning is obvious.
Read 1 Timothy 4:2 and Titus 1:15. What important point is Paul talking about here? Our conscience is the place where the Holy Spirit makes contact with us. What can happen to us if we constantly are doing wrong?
No question, the more we continue in evil, and the more we do what we know is wrong, the more defiled our conscience becomes and the further from the Truth we get. Again, you can have more than enough head knowledge to be saved. The final fires will, unfortunately, have way too many folks who knew more than enough objective truths to be saved. But, as we are saying, objective truth alone is not a fruit of the Spirit. Truth lived out in our life, that’s the fruit we need to bear.
Read Hebrews 5:14 and John 7:16, 17. How do these texts help us better understand the idea of truth as a fruit of the Spirit?
| What’s your own experience of a “seared conscience”? How long did it take until the act that had, at first, seared your conscience barely touched it at all? Why did that happen, and why is it so spiritually dangerous? |
| THURSDAY | March 18 |
"I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father” (2 John 4, NKJV). “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6, NKJV). What important point is being made in both these texts regarding what it means to have a saving relationship with Jesus?
Truth, as a fruit of the Spirit, isn’t just what we know—it’s what we do. Living in God’s light means more than just knowledge. Look at how John explains what walking in darkness is like: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:9–11).
Thus, walking in the light, walking in the truth, is more than just keeping the Ten Commandments, at least according to the letter of the law. In the end, when all is said and done, isn’t living in the truth basically manifested by how we deal with people and how we treat them? If we are sharp, cross, unforgiving, vengeful, hateful, unsympathetic; if we treat people as means rather than as ends, if we are trampling upon others in an attempt to advance ourselves, then we are walking in darkness, no matter how strictly we keep the Sabbath, no matter how faithfully we adhere to the health message, no matter how much we profess faith in Jesus, pay tithe, and go to church. In one sense, it’s often a lot easier to learn correct doctrine and theology than it is to be kind, selfless, and giving to others, is it not?
Think about your interactions with folk in the past twenty-four hours. How have you treated them? What kind of words did you use? How comfortable would you be if your attitudes and actions toward them were made public (don’t worry, one day they will; see Matt. 10:26). What does your answer tell you about what changes you need to see made in your life? |
| FRIDAY | March 19 |
| “It is not the length of time we labor but our willingness and fidelity in the work that makes it acceptable to God. In all our service a full surrender of self is demanded. The smallest duty done in sincerity and self-forgetfulness is more pleasing to God than the greatest work when marred with self-seeking. He looks to see how much of the spirit of Christ we cherish, and how much of the likeness of Christ our work reveals. He regards more the love and faithfulness with which we work than the amount we do.”—Ellen G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 402, emphasis supplied. “The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. ‘Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.’ By the life we live through the grace of Christ, the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master's use; they are trusted to do His work in His name.”—Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 535. |
Is there any sense at all in which truth could be relative; that is, it may not apply all the time to every situation? If not, why not? Are there certain truths, perhaps, that could be relative while others aren’t? Dwell more on this idea of what it means to be sincere in your faith. However crucial sincerity is, why is that not enough? After all, folk who strap bombs to themselves and blow themselves up are, it would seem, sincere. What else is needed? Why is spending time in the Word so important if truth is more than head knowledge? What are ways in which we can learn to study our Bible so that the Truth in there can impact and change our lives for the better? How can you help someone whose conscience has been so hardened in sin that they don’t feel their need of help?  In class, discuss this question: What’s better, to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reason? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| In Difficult Times: Part 1 by RICHARD LASU My partner and I arrived in Kajo Keji, a small town in southern Sudan, to plant a church. We knew no one and had no place to stay, so we prayed for God's leading. We found a Protestant pastor's home, and he invited us to stay with him that night. The next day was Sabbath, and we spent time explaining to the pastor who we were and what we believe. He invited us to preach in his church the next day, which is a custom in our region. We gladly accepted. We chose to speak on the Second Coming, for we knew the people would rejoice to be reminded that Jesus is coming again. After church many of the members stopped by the pastor's house where we were staying to visit with us. The next morning we thanked the pastor for his hospitality and went in search of a hut in which to live. We met a woman in town who said that she had been at church on Sunday. When we told her that we were looking for a place to stay, she suggested that her husband had several huts he wasn't using and was will¬ing to introduce us to him. Her husband agreed to give us a hut at no cost because we were pastors. We thanked the couple and moved in. That evening the woman gathered her neighbors at the hut to worship with us. For three days we worshiped with these neighbors in the morning and again in the evening. But the woman's husband lost interest and stopped coming. The next evening as I sat in the hut, I heard feet running on the dirt path. Suddenly our landlord burst into the hut with a gun. "Why are you making my hut a place for worship?" he demanded. Before I could answer the man, his wife, who had heard the shouting, ran to my hut. Then a soldier entered and pointed his gun at me. He thought I was robbing the man, and he tried to stab me. The landlord's wife cried out, and the soldier realized his mistake. The landlord ordered us to leave his compound and threw our things outside. We picked up our things and wondered where to go. It was ten o'clock at night, and we had no place to go. Soldiers had imposed a curfew, and it was dangerous to be out. We didn't know what to do. (Continued next week) | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.com CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q103-13-fruit-spirit-righteousness  http://www.ssnet.org  The Fruit of the Spirit Is Righteousness |
| |
| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
" 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled' " (Matthew 5:6, NKJV). |
| Last week we finished our study on nine branches of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). The next two weeks we will study two more: "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth" (Eph. 5:9, NKJV). In this verse, Paul repeats the reference to "goodness" while he adds righteousness and truth. This week we look at what this "righteousness" is. We understand righteousness in two ways. First, there is the imputed righteousness of Christ, which is what Jesus has done for us, the righteousness that covers us and that is our title to heaven. Second, there is the imparted righteousness of Christ, which is what He does in us, through the Holy Spirit, to mold us into His image. Thus understood, righteousness has two inseparable components, even though it's all really one righteousness--the righteousness of Christ, without which we would have no hope of salvation. |
| SUNDAY |
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28). “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright”(Ps. 11:7, NKJV). “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness” (Prov. 15:9, NKJV). “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed”(1 Pet. 2:24, NKJV). “That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit”(Rom. 8:4, NKJV). “ ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ ”(Matt. 6:33, NKJV). “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him”(1 John 2:29, NKJV).
Referring to the texts quoted above, respond to the following questions:
If we cannot be justified by the law, how then are we justified?
Although we know that God hates sin but loves sinners, what wrong conclusions must we avoid?
What does it mean: “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us”? Can we ever keep the law well enough to fulfill it? Or does Paul mean something else? If so, what?
How should our lives be changed when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
What does it mean “to do righteousness”? Can we be righteous without doing righteousness? Justify your answer.
| |
| MONDAY |
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God”(Rom. 10:3, NKJV). What do you think Paul was talking about here? About whom is he talking, and how might these folk have tried to establish their “own righteousness”? Given human nature, why is that impossible anyway?
A “do-it-yourself” activity is one in which a person does or makes something (as in woodworking or home repair) without professional training or assistance. In its broadest sense it is an activity in which one does something oneself or on one’s own initiative. We sometimes refer to a particularly successful person as a self-made man or woman. According to the Bible, however, a “do-it-yourself” approach to true righteousness is impossible. There is nothing that we can do of ourselves, no matter how hard we try, to be righteous before God. Our righteousness is as “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). In fact, seeking to make yourself righteous often leads to the opposite result.
Read Matthew 5:20 and 23:25–28. How does Jesus here pinpoint the problem that comes from those who seek to make themselves righteous?
The crucial thing for Christians to understand is how utterly dependent they are upon Christ for their righteousness. What makes them holy before God is what Christ has done for them, not what they do. The moment someone loses sight of that truth, it’s so easy for self-righteousness to rise up, along with pride and inner corruption. The scribes and Pharisees were prime examples of how that happens. So concerned with their outward deeds of piety, they lost sight of what really matters.
| In what ways might you be guilty of the same sin as the scribes and Pharisees? How might this trap be more subtle than we think? |
| TUESDAY |
Read Romans 5:17–19 and summarize in your own words what Paul is saying here. How are we condemned, and how do we become righteous?
If the righteousness of Jesus is a gift, how do we obtain it? Gal. 3:6, James 2:23.?
In Romans 5:19, notice the emphasis on disobedience and on obedience. One man’s disobedience, Adam’s, led to all of us becoming sinners. This is basic biblical teaching. Adam’s sin brought the downfall of the human race. We’re all, each of us, every day of our lives, living with the results. No one is immune.
The same verse, however, also talks about obedience. Whose obedience? Of course, the obedience of Christ, who alone has the righteousness needed for salvation, the righteousness given to all those who will “receive the abundance of grace” Indeed in that same verse Paul says that those who receive this grace get “the gift of righteousness.” Notice, it is a gift. As a gift it must be unearned and be undeserved. The moment it’s earned, or deserved, it’s no longer grace (Rom. 4:4).
Yet, it’s not a blanket gift. The righteousness of Christ is’nt automatically bestowed on everyone (Rom. 5:17, NASB). Paul is clear, it comes to those who will receive it; that is, it is given to those who claim it by faith—such as Abraham, who believed God, and it was “accounted to him for righteousness”(Gal. 3:6).
| Do you really understand what it means to be saved by faith? How well do you grasp the idea that it’s only the righteousness of Jesus, credited to you by faith, that allows you to stand righteous and justified before God? What can you do to better grasp this wonderful provision, the foundation of the gospel? |
| WEDNESDAY |
Though we are covered by the righteousness of Christ, that righteousness must be revealed in our lives. Righteousness isn’t just a legal declaration. It also becomes a reality in the life of the person who has it.
How carefully we should heed John’s words: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7).
What might we be deceived about in regard to what it means to be righteous?
Righteousness is the fruit of the Spirit that is connected to obedience. To some people, obedience is inconsistent with salvation by faith. On occasion one might hear, “Now that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, won’t you accept Him as the Lord of your life?” The implication seems to be that our obedience to the will of God and our salvation are separate issues. That’s a radical misinterpretation of what salvation is. John wrote that living a righteous life is a verifiable indicator of those who have salvation.
Read 1 John 2:3–6. What’s John’s point there?
When the subject of obedience is raised, it is not unusual for someone to point out that we are not saved by works. While there can be no doubt that Lucifer’s obedience to the will of God did not put him into heaven, we must bear in mind that it was his disobedience that caused him to be expelled. The same can be said for Adam and Eve. Their obedience did not put them into the Garden of Eden, but it was their disobedience to the will of God that resulted in their being put out of the garden.
“Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine.”—Ellen G. White,Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312.
| How well do you manifest the fruit of righteousness in your life? What practices might you need to give up that are hindering the fruit of righteousness in your life? (Be careful not to try to rationalize them away!) |
| THURSDAY |
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:1–3).
How does John tie in the love of God with the love other fellow believers have and with keeping the commandments? Why would he link all these together?
“The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God.”—Ellen G. White,Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 97, 98, emphasis provided.
And what better way to inspire a desire to be loyal to God than through contemplation of His incredible sacrifice in our behalf on the cross? There’s no power in telling people that they have to keep the law. The power comes in pointing people to Jesus and to His substitutionary death in our behalf. The power comes from letting sinners know that their sins can be forgiven through Jesus, and they can stand perfect before God in the robe of Christ’s righteousness.
Love of God, and not the fear of hell and condemnation, should be the power that motivates our lives, and nothing will cause us to love God more than focusing on the Cross and the riches and promises that are ours through it.
Do you really love God? If so, how do you know? (Might you be deceiving yourself?) What do you do or say that reveals the reality of this love? In other words, what evidence is there that this love is real? |
| FRIDAY |
| “It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. ‘He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.’ ‘Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.’ 1 John 3:24; 2:3. This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 312, 313. |
| How can we avoid the trap of legalism, that of thinking that our works will save us or that of cheap grace, thinking that our works have nothing at all to do with our salvation? How do we strike the right balance here? Which ditch do you tend to lean more toward, cheap grace or legalism? What is the inherent danger of having our lives driven by the desire to do good works? What can this lead to, and how can we avoid it? Think of a person you know who seems to be “righteous.” What is this person like? How does he or she act? How does he or she treat people? What does this person talk about? What can you learn from this person? We tend to think of righteousness in individual terms, which is correct. But is there not a community element, as well? Can our church community be “righteous”? If so, how? What would a “righteous” church community look like? How does yours compare with the ideal that you’ve come up with? If salvation by faith means more than merely making a profession of faith in Christ and having our names registered on the church roll, then what does it really mean? What is “faith” in the biblical sense of the term? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| A Child's Song by MA YE PORTER Asap peeked into the hospital ward in her hometown of Kavieng, Papua New Guinea. The doctor wasn't there, so she slipped inside. She knew that the doctor didn't want her to be around sick people, but Asap was on a mission. The patients looked so sad, and she wished she could do something to cheer them up. Sing! A voice seemed to whisper. So Asap walked from bed to bed singing songs she had learned in Sabbath School. One old man, Salatiel, smiled as Asap approached his bed. "What church do you attend, Girlie," he asked teasingly. "The Adventist church," she answered. "What day do you attend church?" he asked. "On Sabbath, the seventh day," she said innocently. Her simple answer surprised him. He gave her his Bible and said, "Show me a verse that says that Saturday is the Sabbath." Five-year-old Asap couldn't read, but she opened the Bible and pointed to a verse. "Here," she said to the man. "Read this." Salatiel read the verse Asap had pointed to. He blinked and read it again. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord" (Exod. 20:10). "Go get your father," he told Asap. "Hurry!" Asap scampered from the hospital and soon returned with her father. "1 want you to see this miracle," Salatiel said, pointing to the verse Asap had shown him. "Surely the Sabbath is the Lord's day of worship!" he said. Asap's father studied the Bible with Salatiel, and by the time the old man was well enough to return to his village, he had accepted many new Bible truths. "How am I going to explain this to my pastor and others in my village?" Salatiel asked. Asap's pastor offered to go with him to help him. Many people listened as Salatiel and the pastor explained the Sabbath and other Bible truths, and soon several asked to be baptized. The pastor invited Asap and her family to attend the baptism, and when it was SalatiePs turn to be baptized in the sea, little Asap took his hand and led him to the water. Today a new group of believers worship in a little bamboo church in their village—all because a little girl obeyed when the Holy Spirit whispered, "Sing!" Someone needs your help to find the Savior today. And every day your mission offerings help to share your faith with people you may never meet. MAYE PORTER and her pastor-husband have served as missionaries throughout the South Pacific Division. Currently they share their faith on Norfolk Island, off the coast of eastern Australia. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10a/less11.html |
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS SELF CONTROL
Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.com
CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH
http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q103-06-fruit-spirit-self-control
www.ssnet.org The Fruit of the Spirit Is Self-Control |  |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27, NKJV). |
| Though listed last by Paul in Galatians 5:22, 23, "self-control" (sometimes translated "temperance") is surely not the least of the fruit of the Spirit. It could easily have been first, because it plays a major role in the maturing of other spiritual fruit. It might be said that self-control is the glue that holds all the other qualities together. Like other fruit of the Spirit, self-control is a gift of grace. It has been called "disciplined grace": grace because it is free, disciplined because there is something for us to do. Self-control may sound negative, but it is an integral part of grace itself. If we don't control ourselves—our feelings, our appetites, our drives—then they control us. Thus, it's either self-control under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit or it's being controlled by someone or something else. We, ultimately, decide. |
| SUNDAY |
Synonyms for self-control include self-discipline, strength of mind, and willpower. This fruit of the Spirit extends far beyond simply restraining Christians from doing what's prohibited but includes enabling us to do what's good.
First John 2:15, 16 admonishes us to stay away from three lusts. What are they, and, more important, how would they be manifested in our lives if we aren't careful?
Philippians 4:8 lists what should be the focuses of the Christian life. What are they, and how can doing what Paul says here protect us from the dangers listed in 1 John 2:15, 16?
There are obviously dos and don'ts in the Christian life. There is a constant struggle with self, with the flesh, with the ways of the world. Paul shares this dilemma in Romans 7:15-18, when he talks about the struggle between what he knows he should do and what he's tempted to do. However, in Romans 8:1, he gives us the answer: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (NKJV).
He's talking about walking in the Spirit. A life without the Spirit is incapable on its own of developing the fruit of the Spirit. Though we have the will, Paul speaks for all of us when he says that we don't have the power. The answer to the dilemma of Romans 7 is not when can we overcome but how. And the how is found through faith in Jesus. We give ourselves to Jesus, we claim His righteousness, we are no longer condemned, and we surrender ourselves to Him and choose to walk in the Spirit, choose to follow His will, claiming His promises of victory. The key is holding onto the promises; here's where the power comes from. We cannot do it alone. We have to make the conscious choice to overcome in His name. The struggle is as much vertical (reaching up in faith) as it is horizontal (battling the clamors of the flesh). We need to do both.
| |
| MONDAY |
Betrayed by his own family, sold into slavery, Joseph had very good reasons to doubt the love and care (even the existence) of the God that he had been taught about since childhood. That's not, however, what he did.
Read Genesis 39:7-20. In these verses, where do we find the key to why Joseph acted as he did?
How was Joseph "rewarded" for his refusal to yield to temptation? Gen. 39:20. He was falsely accused and thrown into prison. Is that what he gets for being faithful?
This is an important point to remember. Can we expect that our determination to do what is right, no matter the cost, will mean that things will turn out OK for us in the short term? What about folk who have lost their jobs, their spouses, their families, indeed, even their lives because they refused to compromise with sin? We have examples of this in the Bible, and perhaps you know people who have gone through something similar. Or, perhaps, you have gone through it yourself. In the end, suppose Joseph had spent the rest of his life rotting in jail? Had he still done the right thing?
| "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life"(Gal. 6:8, NKJV). What is this text telling us? What is placed in contrast to what? What is at stake? Why, then, is the issue here of paramount importance? How does what Paul writes here help us to understand why, no matter the immediate results, Joseph did right? |
| TUESDAY |
In Judges 13-16, the Bible gives us the story of Samson. Read through the texts (as much as time allows), keeping in mind the idea of self-control and temperance. There are plenty of powerful lessons we can learn from Samson's example. How tragic that someone with so many gifts and so much promise could get so easily sidetracked.
"Samson in his peril had the same source of strength as had Joseph. He could choose the right or the wrong as he pleased. But instead of taking hold of the strength of God, he permitted the wild passions of his nature to have full sway. The reasoning powers were perverted, the morals corrupted. God had called Samson to a position of great responsibility, honor, and usefulness; but he must first learn to govern by first learning to obey the laws of God. Joseph was a free moral agent. Good and evil were before him. He could choose the path of purity, holiness, and honor, or the path of immorality and degradation. He chose the right way, and God approved. Samson, under similar temptations, which he had brought upon himself, gave loose rein to passion. The path which he entered upon he found to end in shame, disaster, and death. What a contrast to the history of Joseph!"--Ellen G. White, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1007.
Read Judges 13:24, 25. Considering what we know about Samson, what important message, and warning, are found in those two texts?
Despite his great promise, Samson allowed his passions and lusts to overcome everything good. Who hasn't struggled with the reality of this conflict? The great controversy isn't just a symbol; it depicts the battle between Christ and Satan that is waged, not simply as some cosmic conflict in the heavens but in every human being, as well. Though Christ paved the way for all people to share in His victory, the battle for our hearts and flesh is being fought, indeed, in our hearts and our flesh. Sure, Christ won it all for us. But we have to choose to claim His victory all the time and, by the choices we make, we are deciding for one side or another in the great controversy.
| How are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy in your own heart and flesh? What choices are you making? What do these choices tell you about which side you really are on? |
| WEDNESDAY |
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified"(1 Cor. 9:24-27, NKJV).
Read prayerfully and carefully Paul's words here to the Corinthians. Notice how much in this he talks about himself and his struggles. We should find comfort in seeing that even a faithful Christian like Paul, one of the true giants of faith, had to struggle with self, with sin, with the flesh. We are not alone in our battle. Heaven is going to be filled with people who knew the clamors of the flesh.
Based on the texts above, answer the following questions:
(1) What analogy does Paul use to help us understand the battle with self and sin that we all struggle with? What are the crucial differences, though, between the analogy and the reality he's referring to?
(2) How confident was Paul regarding the race he was in? Where did his confidence come from? Why should we have the same confidence?
(3) Though Paul shows confidence, he's also aware of the possibility of failure. How does he describe it, and what is his solution? How does his answer fit in with the theme this week?
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| THURSDAY |
"Thereforee we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1, NKJV). Paul here again uses the race analogy that we saw earlier. What are some of the "weights" that you find are holding you back?
Read Colossians 3:1-10. These verses give us rules for holy living as new persons in Christ. From these verses we learn several important things we must do to grow self-control in our lives. What do you find listed there, and how can you apply them to your own life and in a way that they will help get victory over the sin that so easily encumbers us?
Every skill has to be practiced. Self-control doesn't come in a day. It comes in hits and misses, in successes and failures, as we try to practice it day after day. "Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12, NKJV); "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Phil. 3:12, NKJV).
Don't constantly put yourself in places where your weaknesses will be tested, where your most-difficult-to-control drives will be out on the firing line of temptation. We must avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Rom. 13:14).
What are some areas of your life where self-control is definitely lacking? Why is it sometimes easier to get "victory" over dessert than to get victory over a spirit of bitterness and resentment? What changes can you make that will help you have more self-control? |
| FRIDAY |
| Read Ellen G. White, "Samson," pp. 560-568, inPatriarchs and Prophets. "The divine promise to Manoah was in due time fulfilled in the birth of a son, to whom the name of Samson was given. As the boy grew up it became evident that he possessed extraordinary physical strength. This was not, however, as Samson and his parents well knew, dependent upon his well-knit sinews, but upon his condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a symbol. Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his parents had done, his would have been a nobler and happier destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him. The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which darkened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson's affections, and he determined to make her his wife. To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, his only answer was, "She pleaseth me well." The parents at last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place."—Ellen G. White,Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 562. |
| G. Gordon Liddy was one of the infamous Watergate conspirators. Liddy ended up serving more jail time than anyone else in this scandal, which rocked the United States in the 1970s. One time, when trying to recruit a young woman for criminal activity, Liddy invited her to a restaurant. During the discussion, she asked how she could trust him; that is, suppose he were caught, how could she know that he would not turn her in? In order to prove to her his self-control, Liddy placed his finger over a lit candle at the table, and held it there long enough for his flesh to start burning before he removed it. His point was to show her just how much self-control he had. How does that kind of self-control compare with the fruit of the Spirit we have looked at this week? Can we find something noble and worth emulating in that kind of self-control? Are self-control and discipline always necessarily good? In what ways might self-control become a means to fanaticism? How could we avoid the danger of making self-control a form of legalism? Do you know someone who is suffering because of principle; that is, when tempted, they exhibited self-control like Joseph, and are now suffering some difficult consequences? How can you, either as a class or as an individual, help this person through his or her difficult time? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| My Brother's Prayer by U. K. RAO I live in a village on the eastern coast of India. As a teenager I got involved with a gang and began drinking. The gang was known for its violence and law breaking, but I stayed away from those activities. My younger brother, Simon, isn't like me. He has a heart for God. Even though our village doesn't tolerate Christians, my younger brother became a Christian. This caused trouble in my family, and my parents sent him away. One night I was at home drinking when Simon sneaked into the house. He came into my room and began praying. I remember saying, "Brother, pray for me." And he did. As he prayed for me, I felt the desire for alcohol leave my body. "What power is in you that when you pray to your God, I become sober?" I asked him. "God has told me to pray for you," Simon answered. "His power will help you." He invited me to attend church with him, and I agreed to go. On Saturday morning I heard a voice so real that I turned to see who was talking. The voice said, "Go to the church." I started toward the church when I met some of the gang members and invited them to come with me. They laughed and made fun of Jesus. But I was determined to go. My brother's prayers were changing me. Whenever I craved alcohol, that voice whispered, "Simon is praying for you; Jesus can deliver you." Soon I was alcohol free, and six months later I was baptized. My conversion stirred up people in my village. Some wanted to learn about God, but others were furious. Non-Christians don't want Christians near them. They wouldn't let them draw water from the well or even breathe the same air. New believers were fined or forced to leave the village. I was warned not to talk about God or Jesus to other villagers. Then the lay evangelist who was working with the new believers in our village suddenly died. The field president asked me to prepare to take his place. People who knew my background of drinking and gangs wondered at the change in me. I told them that the living God saved me and took away my desire to drink. Because they saw the change in my life, some listened and began to worship with us. Now we have 50 people worshiping in a small room each Sabbath. These people want God's power in their lives. And my greatest joy is to lead them to Jesus. U. K. RAO is a Global Mission pioneer in Orissa State, India. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10a/less10.html |
| Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.com CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q102-27-fruit-spirit-meekness  www.ssnet.org  The Fruit of the Spirit Is Meekness |
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| SABBATH AFTERNOON |
“ ‘Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth’ ” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV). |
| Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit that seems very much lost in our aggressive, self-centered culture. Because people associate it with weakness, most do not admire others for being meek. Yet, it is what we are called to be. What is meekness? It's an attitude of humility toward God and gentleness toward people—when we recognize that God is in control and that we can trust Him, even when things don't go the way we would like, which is so often the case (is it not?). To be meek one needs confidence, not in oneself but in the Lord. Although weakness and meekness may look similar, they are not the same. Weakness is due to negative circumstances, such as lack of strength or lack of courage, hardly the words to describe Jesus, who said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart"(Matt. 11:29). Meekness, rather, is the result of a person's conscious choice to trust in God and lean on Him, as opposed to pushing for one's own ways. Thus, meekness arises out of strength, not weakness. |
| SUNDAY | February 21 |
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:29). What is Jesus telling us here? How can being meek and lowly in heart bring rest to our souls?
Meekness is the absolute ceasing to fight for our agenda and believing that God will fight on our behalf for His. Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The meek person is not occupied with self (see Luke 22:42)—an attitude that's key to the promise of finding rest for our souls. After all, aren't our turmoil and agitation so often due to seeking only for ourselves and what we want? In the truest sense, then, a meek person is one who has learned to die to self, and that takes faith, courage, and perseverance, not necessarily traits the world would associate with meekness.
Read Romans 12:3. How is the idea of meekness represented here? In what ways is this the key to being meek?
Ephesians 4:2 is another text that helps us understand what meekness is. Notice how it's related to Romans 12:3, in that both texts emphasize in their own way why arrogance and selfishness are contrary to the Christian's walk. After all, why should any Christian be arrogant about anything? Are we not all sinners? Would we all not be doomed to eternal destruction were it not for Jesus? Are we not all utterly dependent upon God for every breath, every heartbeat? Does not every gift and talent we have come from God? What then do we have to be proud about? Nothing! Indeed, considering all that it cost to save us, Christians should be the meekest and humblest folk on earth.
| Think about how utterly dependent you are upon God for everything. Where, then, does that pride and arrogance in your heart come from, and how can you get rid of it? |
| MONDAY | February 22 |
Remember the crisis that Abraham faced in deciding with his nephew Lot how to divide up the land?(See Gen. 13:8, 9.) In view of the fact that God had promised to make of his descendants a great nation, what might have been Abraham's justification in taking the best for himself? Instead, Abraham allowed Lot to choose first, saying that he would take what was left over. How was this action a characteristic of meekness?
Most everyone knows the story of Joseph being sold as a slave into Egypt by his brothers. Read again the story of their coming to him, now second in command in all Egypt, and begging to be able to purchase food (Genesis 45). How did Joseph's meekness determine how he treated his brothers? Had he not been meek, what would he probably have done? How is Genesis 50:20 an example of the worldview of those who are meek?
As a young man David had been anointed to be the next king of Israel. King Saul became insanely jealous and for years pursued David and his men with the intent to kill him. On two occasions David had an opportunity to kill Saul (1 Sam. 24:3-7, 26:7-12). If David had not been meek, what might have been his rationalization for killing Saul? Why is it so easy for us to use a spiritual excuse for doing something that is in our own interest?
In Numbers 12:3, Moses is described as the meekest man of his time. Yet, his decisive actions do not seem to fit the popular concept of meekness. His demand to Pharaoh to let Israel go was forceful and followed up with action. When Israel worshiped the golden calf, his "anger burned," and before it was over he had taken the calf which they had made, burned it with fire, ground it to powder, and made the children of Israel drink it (Exod. 32:19, 20). How are we to understand the meekness of Moses?
Jesus, of course, is the greatest model of meekness of all (Matt. 11:29). What are some of the examples of His meekness? How, for instance, was His meekness revealed in John 18:21-23? Or how about Matthew 26:39? At the same time, we find examples of Jesus doing things that don't appear to be meek, such as when He drove the money changers out of the temple or all the times He confronted the Pharisees and others regarding their hypocrisy. How do these examples help us understand that meekness can be manifested in some very bold ways?
| What can you find in common among these examples of meekness? What can you learn from them that could help you understand what meekness is and isn't? |
| TUESDAY | February 23 |
"Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zeph. 2:3, NKJV). Meekness is the opposite of pride. There is much emphasis today on the importance of having self-esteem. When does self-esteem go over the edge and become pride?
Meekness is necessary for receiving God's Word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, NKJV). A person who does not have a humble spirit cannot receive God's Word because there is a conflict of interest. Why is this so?
Meekness is necessary for effective witnessing. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15, NKJV).
"Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested [unselfish] love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 142.
Meekness gives glory to God. First Peter 3:4 says, "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that ‘meek and quiet spirit,’ the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revelation 3:4."—Ellen G. White,The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 523, 524.
| How does putting emphasis on external beauty potentially conflict with the development of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly with the fruit of meekness? As the fruit of meekness grows in you, how should your life be different from what it was before? In the area of meekness, what changes have you seen in your life since you've accepted Christ? What attitudes might you be harboring that make it difficult for you to be meek? |
| WEDNESDAY | February 24 |
Meekness will be manifested in how we relate to others. That is, it's something that is active, something that will reveal itself in our words, attitudes, and actions. You might think that you are meek, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you are. To be meek is to manifest it.
How do the following texts show us how meekness is to be revealed in our lives? Why is meekness so important in these situations?
Matt. 5:39
Matt. 18:21, 22
Gal. 6:1
2 Tim. 2:24, 25
Titus 3:2
Phil. 2:2, 3
As we've been saying all along, meekness is wrongly associated with weakness. It is anything but. In fact, go back over the verses we've looked at today. Can you not see how it takes strength, moral and spiritual strength, to reveal meekness in most of these situations?
| Of course, if meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, it's something that comes to us from God and not from ourselves. Nevertheless, we need the daily surrender to the Lord, the daily willingness to obey in faith, in order for this to be made manifest in our lives. |
| THURSDAY | February 25 |
E. D. Hulse said, "Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it."
A small town wanted to recognize and reward its meekest citizen. A survey was taken of their small community, which eventually identified the person. In a ceremony attended by all the important people, the meekest citizen was presented with a ribbon on which were inscribed the words, "The Meekest Man in Town." However, the next day they had to take the ribbon away from him, because he was wearing it!
How do you understand the promises and rewards mentioned in the following texts?
Ps. 22:26
Ps. 25:9
Ps. 37:11
Ps. 147:6
Isa. 29:19
Matt. 5:5
These verses are comforting because there are times when the meek are taken advantage of. But we have learned in this study that a meek person isn't concerned with lifting himself up before men but rather lifting God up. As a result, God promises to exalt the one who is meek. The rewards can be experienced now and, most surely, in the new heaven and new earth of eternity.
| These verses are comforting because there are times when the meek are taken advantage of. But we have learned in this study that a meek person isn't concerned with lifting himself up before men but rather lifting God up. As a result, God promises to exalt the one who is meek. The rewards can be experienced now and, most surely, in the new heaven and new earth of eternity. |
| FRIDAY | February 26 |
| "Christ is not to be hid away in the heart and locked in as a coveted treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by the possessor. We are to have Christ in our hearts as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life, refreshing all who come in contact with us. We must confess Christ openly and bravely, exhibiting in our characters his meekness, humility, and love, till men shall be charmed by the beauty of holiness. It is not the best way to preserve our religion as we bottle perfumes, lest the fragrance should escape."—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 400, emphasis supplied. "The peace of Christ, the peace of Christ—money cannot buy it, brilliant talent cannot command it, intellect cannot secure it; it is the gift of God. The religion of Christ—how shall I make all understand their great loss if they fail to carry its holy principles into the daily life? The meekness and lowliness of Christ is the Christian's power. It is indeed more precious than all things which genius can create or wealth can buy. Of all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace."—Ellen G. White,Counsels on Health, p. 403, emphasis supplied. |
| God promises to increase joy in the lives of those who are meek. Why do you think meek people can be joyful? Give several reasons. How will cultivating the fruit of the Spirit that is meekness improve your everyday life? What are ways in which meekness can be misconstrued as weakness? All this talk about meekness raises an important question: Are Christians never to stand up for their own rights? Do we allow ourselves to be doormats, constantly stepped on without doing anything in our own defense? Is there a balance here and, if so, how do we find it? Nietzsche argued that Christianity was a religion born from those who were weak, who didn't have power, and thus who took traits like humility and meekness and made them appear like something good, something to strive for. How would you respond to such an argument? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| God's Thousand Ways by JUNKO ASANUMA I live in Japan where fewer than 2 percent of the people profess any form of Christianity. While studying at the university, I lived with my parents and large family. We weren't Christians, but we were happy. I met a young man at the university, and we began dating. One day he invited me to attend a Christmas program at a church. He said he had been studying the Bible with someone there, but I knew nothing about church or about Christians. After we graduated from the university, he went on for further education while I took a job in a private high school in another city. I got my own apartment closer to the school, and I liked my work. But 1 missed my family terribly. I spent my evenings surfing the Internet and e-mailing my boyfriend. But we were too far apart to maintain a relationship. I was devastated when we broke up. My life was so empty and lonely that sometimes I thought of committing suicide. I often cried while talking to my friends, so I stopped calling them. In the midst of my despair I remembered the church that my boyfriend had invited me to attend. If God was real, as my former boyfriend said, could God really save me? Could He help me solve my problems? I found the little Seventh-day Adventist church my boyfriend had taken me to, and with a heart heavy with burdens, I opened the church door. The pastor greeted me warmly and saw to it that I sat with a friendly person. After church he invited me back and offered to study the Bible with me and help me find the answers I was searching for. In the Adventist church I discovered a world of hope and love. The pastor e-mailed me often, answering my questions, sending me copies of sermons I had missed and inspirational articles. My bruised heart began to heal. I felt a new purpose, a new hope in life. I committed my life to God and accepted His invitation to become His child through baptism. I praise God for finding ways to shed His love on my wounded heart. He used so many different ways to show me His love: through the Internet, friendly church members, Bible studies, and many others. I thank God for the generosity of church members around the world who give mission offerings liberally to lead me to Christ. JUNKO ASANUMA lives in Japan with her husband and two children. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10a/less09.html |
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