SDA Sabbath School Lesson 8

Friday November 22, 1996

Further Study: What aspect of church life does Hebrews 10:25 promote, and why? What is the biblical basis and reason for corporate worship? Exod. 20:8-11; Ps. 96:6-9; Acts 11:26.

The reasons for church and Sabbath School attendance are many and varied. They include the following: worship, praise, fellowship, prayer, studying the Word, spiritual instruction, guidance, inspiration, and the enrichment of personal and collective religious experiences. Furthermore, Christ communicates not only to individual believers but also to His churches (Rev. 2:7; Rev 3:21, 22,: Rev 22:16, 17). We, therefore, must be active in His church to receive and value His messages.

"God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate the attributes of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for all who love Him." - Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 368.

Read any or all of the following to learn more about the elements of church life we studied this week: "Baptism" in Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 91-99; "Church Duties" in Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 613-621; "The Lord's Supper" in Seventh-day Adventists Believe, pp. 194-213.

Discussion Questions:

  1. After studying this week's lesson, how would you answer the Key Questions in Sabbath Afternoon's lesson?
  2. Do you think it is necessary to believe all the official doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in order to be a faithful member? Explain your answer from Scripture. (Consider Gal. 1:8, 9; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Tim 4:1-5; 2 John 9; Rev. 12:17.)
  3. As a Sabbath School member, how can you become more directly involved with soul-winning activity and the nurture of Sabbath School and church members? Perhaps meet together as a class this Sabbath or next to discuss this matter in detail.

Summary: Church life is a sacred life based on our relationship with our Saviour. It involves commitment, service, and intimate communion with Christ and fellow believers. In joining His family, we pledge ourselves to work with Him and our sisters and brothers to evangelize the world.