Sabbath: The Role of the Bible
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 18th of April 2026
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study:
Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; John 17:17; Ephesians 1:13; Psalms 119:11; 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Memory Text:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NJKV).
The Bible. No doubt you own one copy or perhaps many. Throughout history, this precious book has been copied in secret, smuggled, and banned. It’s the most published book in the world, in any language, and also one of the oldest. Some have died so that the Bible could be preserved.
Where is the Bible in your life? Do you read it or does it sit beside your bed or on a bookcase gathering dust? Is life too busy for you to find time to really study the Word of God or do you feel too tired to open its pages?
God’s Word is living and powerful, and God is calling for you to let it speak to your heart, to encourage you, to challenge and change you, and to give you guidance and hope.
The Bible is not just an academic book or a collection of old stories. Instead, it is a beautiful, profound account of how the Creator of the universe seeks to draw us close to Him. If you have a desire to grow in your relationship with God, the best thing you can do is commit to spending quality time with Him daily, praying, reading His inspired Word, and surrendering your will to what it teaches.
I started to write that on my bookshelf I have a manual for my Nikon camera, Then I realised I did not have a paper manual, so I will do a reset!
On my computer I have a link to a manual for my Nikon Camera. It is equivalent to about 700 pages – which says something about the complexity of modern camera. I am very familiar with that manual, but I cannot quote any of it from memory. Importantly, I know where to find the stuff I need. More importantly I know it well enough so that when I am out in the bush photographing birds, I know which menu items to set and which buttons do useful things. I know it well enough so I can make the changes quickly as required. Camera manuals are only useful if you have a camera and can take the information and use it in the real world. It does not make a lot of sense to be able to quote the page and paragraph number of a particular instruction. You must put it into practice
The Bible is like a camera manual in that respect. It contains information that is important for living. I am not denigrating memorising and quoting it, but the Bible’s true value is not how much you know but how we put the information into practice.
The Bible may be the most published book in the world, but is it the most read, and is it put into practice by the readers?
Great question for humanity? Is the bible put into practice?
The Bible may be the most published book in the world, but is it the most read, and is it put into practice by the readers?
Where we going to have wars had we read about loving another?
It is estimated about 9% of Christians believe in the “Biblical worldview”, about 60% of self-professed Christians deny the existence of the devil, with numerous “evangelicals” holding the view that there are “many ways to God”, some even thinking the Bible contains errors, Jesus probably committed sin, and worse still that the teaching of His Second Coming is nothing more than wishful thinking. More and more churches are now emptying because of false doctrine, the allure of the world, and the failure to teach the next generation why Christianity is true and why the standards of the faith are not negotiable. As many churches have made the story of Jesus a monotonous lecture without meaning, God expects us to take a break and recognise the role of the Word of God in all the story of our salvation. The Bible remains God’s inspired Word, that reveals His character, His plan for salvation, and His purpose for our lives. It is through the Scripture that we know the God who created us, loves us deeply, and invites us into a growing relationship with Him.
In a season that is marked and reflected with hope from the Word of God, we are reminded of the light and truth that is only found in God’s Word. The story of Jesus—promised, born, and risen—not only offers hope that extends beyond a single season but brings eternal assurance and grace to all who believe in Him. The Bible is a story of our creation and salvation that starts in a garden and ends in a new city; it keeps all the way pointing to Christ. Written by human authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Bible conveys His truth (2 Timothy 3:16). It is a collection of wonderful books that comprise a storyline where Jesus’ direct words, prophecy, and letters together tell the unified story of God’s love, redemption, and plan for humanity.
The Bible is far more than a historical text that only exists, but is rather a living Word that reveals His character, His plan of our salvation in Christ, and God’s purpose for us. Through the Bible, we come to know the God who loves us deeply and invites us to a life of faith as we are transformed by His truth. John 20:31 says, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Thus the Bible is more than a mere textbook; the Bible is living and active (Heb. 4:12), showing us how we find wisdom, direction, and life through Jesus Christ. The Bible, through the Spirit of God, opens our hearts and eyes to see Jesus in the Scriptures, transforming our lives and equipping us to live in a way that reflects God’s glory in our lives.
Motanya – thank you! Being an effective apologist for the Christian’s Bible is very much needed in our day and time. You explained clearly the dangers we face when starting to see its Truth as ‘negotiable’. It is not; it is rather the ‘living Word of God’s Truth’ – unchanging in the context of man’s Salvation.
Maybe the idea to consider there to be “many ways to God” comes from the misconception that the Bible is only a book like so many others trying to explaining ‘life here on earth’. Unless we recognize that the Bible’s main purpose is found in leading us to accept our life in the Spirit of Christ leading to everlasting life, we are unable to apply its Truth during this Life correctly.
The Bible’s Truth only reveals its ‘living/creative power’ when accepted in the context of the promised life to come. All its applications applicable to our present life are a catalyst for engaging the believer to trust the Way of Faith lighted by God’s Truth which leads to everlasting life. I consider that if one does not see the spiritual Truth contained in our Bible in this Way, all acts of ‘faith’ remain earth-bound.
Without the Bible, our knowledge and understanding of God will be very limited indeed. The Bible reveals the nature and character of God. The Bible also points us to Jesus. The Bible is our spiritual nourishment. As we need physical food to grow and survive, so do we need the Bible for spiritual growth and survival. Without physical food, we will die. So, it is true, without the Bible, we are spiritually dead. The Bible connects us to God, the source of life. It helps us to establish a personal relationship with God by following His instructions. My sincerest prayer to God this quarter is that He would help us invest quality time in studying His Word. Meditating on it and reflecting with a sincere, open heart. Above all, to keep it in our hearts.
“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, NLT).
God has been absent in my life for the last 55 yrs. Pretty much from graduation from the academy.
In 55 years no one from church or academy knocked on my door until a resent anniversary . Two of my old friends asked if I was still faithful. My reply was no and time went on
It was not the death of my mother or the death of my father that I allowed the Holy Spirit to enter my heart. It was a combination of the death of Charlie Kirk and the more recent death of my baby sister. Neither were Adventist but Kirk was a Christian man whom I had been following and found love for the man and the message he spoke.
After these events I remember my father giving me a Bible and a book, “The Great Controversy”. I looked and could not find either of them. I was watching TV a few months ago and seen a commercial for a book called, The Rise and Fall of Israel. Israel had been on the news a lot lately so I was interested in the book and ordered it. Started thumbing through the book and discovered it was a reprint on “The Great Controversy”. The book my father gave me 50 yrs earlier and could not find. I began reading with great interest.
I soon discovered the writings of Ellen White were available online. I installed the app and downloaded her entire library. I started reading the Bible daily and I am halfway through “The Great Controversy”.
And more recently, like this week found these Bible studies on line. It was not on my own initiative but that of my niece who lost her mother (my baby sister). She asked me for the Bible studies my father used when she was a little girl and used in his prison Bible studies. I had no clue what she was looking for for it had been 25-30 yrs ago. So I was doing her a favor and started searching the internet and came across these very same Bible studies I read today. So I owe it to my niece for finding them. However she was looking for some that were in comic form, possibly for children. I’m still looking,
I apologize for the context of my comment not being with subject of the study. I can’t say I am an Adventist today but I am beginning to get reacquainted with God through all these beautiful online resources that are provided by the Seventh-day Adventist organization. Thank you!
Thanks Brian . That is an uplifting testimony. It is good to see the Adventists embracing technology to spread Gods word . I myself came to adventism 10 years ago through 3ABN ( Adventist) radio . To God the glory.
Dear Brian, praise be to the Lord and the mysterious ways he draws us to him. I have been wandering in the wilderness for almost 50 years after leaving God’s church and recently found a copy of the Great Controversy in a thrift shop which I began reading. God has revealed his truth through his servant Ellen White which points us to the Bible every time and our Lords amazing and long enduring love. While you might think that your comments are ‘off topic’ I believe the Lord is reaching out to those in this world who are seeking his kingdom and want a closer relationship with our Saviour.
Brian: 64 yrs ago I dropped out of LaSierra College & left all I knew to be right and good. After a 50 year absence, 13 yrs ago I came back to the Lord it has been quite a journey. Our God is wonderful in that He will take us back no matter
what has transpired. Welcome back and I will be praying for you on your journey.
May God richly bless you.
Isn’t it wonderful that you ‘came back’, & He was waiting all those years to welcome you: Luke 15:11-32.
Thank you for encouraging those of us who pray for years for loved ones without any obvious results. I believe your parents will be so happy to see you on that Resurrection morning. And praying that we will see our family members there also.
God is good.
Brian: Welcome home! Welcome to this Bible study group! It is exciting to hear a fresh voice in the comments.
It’s interesting to hear the positive influence that Charlie Kirk had on so many people and upon you. I too was shocked and heartbroken upon his untimely martyrdom. I’ve heard a multitude of, even athiests, who began praying for the first time seeking God’s will and purchasing a Bible. I would dare say His witness in life and death impacted millions around the globe.
I believe God allows each of us to walk a certain path in life to equip us to minister to individuals that other people would not be equipped to do. You have spent 55 years apparently absent from God and have a unique perspective that you can share with this forum.
Again, I extend a hearty welcome and look forward to your sharing with us.
“Brethren, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7
Praise God!
Such testimonies, just build the soul. Thank you, Brian!
Dear Brian,
Welcome home to the church of your earthly father and your Father in heaven!
Your heavenly Father is eager to embrace you, and you will feel that embrace as you spend time getting re-acquainted with Him.
These Sabbath School lessons can help, and I encourage you to also read whole books of the Bible for yourself. Always ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you read. You could begin with Genesis and maybe moving on to Exodus. Then read the gospels. Reading whole books gives you context for texts you may have heard before.
As for those comic-style lessons/books, I seem to remember that Amazing Facts put out several such booklets in 8 1/2″x11″ format. We used to have 4 such booklets, but I cannot find a trace of them in an online search – even on the Internet Archives.
the newer lessons are good – focusing more on Jesus who is our only hope of salvation.
Thank you Brian. May the Holy Spirit guide you through your quest to the knowledge of God more.
Amen!
Last week, we saw that Lucifer’s pride gave rise to evil, and soon after also led humanity into sin. OK, but what does that have to do with the importance of the Bible? Everything. The first men had a closer bond with God; Enoch, for example, walked and talked with Him. But humanity became more and more wicked, to the point that divine light led to annihilation. It is at this moment that the Bible ‘shines’ on behalf of each one of us. It is written: ‘You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life in them; and they themselves testify of me’ John 5:39. The Bible not only nourishes us spiritually, but is also a direct line of dialogue with God. We know well that a relationship without dialogue is doomed to fail. Therefore, let us be aware of the importance of God’s word in our Christian journey.”
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear you” (Isaiah 59:2).
I may get in trouble for over thinking, or playing word games, yet the author left out the word meditate or meditation today, instead she used the phrase, spend time with Him daily. Let’s look at 1 Timothy 4:15. From the New King James Version. “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” Now from the EVS: “ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” Mmmmm. Practice these things, living a Christian life, is meditating on these things. By the way ESV uses the word meditation only once in the New Testament, the NKJV 3 times, KJV 14 times, Ellen White uses the word meditate over 1,700 time. Another phrase that could be used is, mind stayed on God. Isaiah 26:3. Are we keeping our minds stayed on God? Yes if we are having a daily relationship with Him. Repeating the author: “The Bible is not just an academic book or a collection of old stories. Instead, it is a beautiful, profound account of how the Creator of the universe seeks to draw us close to Him.” Good reason to practice these things.
John: Agreed! When I have my daily morning prayer I converse with God; this involves me talking and then listening to God’s response, His still small voice. A two way sharing is taking place. It took me years to understand this concept of actually listening during prayer.
Also I find verses that I have committed to memory will appear in my mind as I listen and I will ruminate, if you will, on these words. It’s remarkable the depth of meaning in a verse of scripture that one can draw out in the early morning hours, alone with God.
Yes, thank-you Edmond for your testimony. I agree, with prayer communication and listening to the still voice, the Holy Spirit for me brings back portions of Bible verses that I was familiar with, coming to mind enough to be able to find the text and verse He has alluded to by a Bible search engine. The promise the Holy Spirit will bring these things to memory is fulfilled. John 14:26. Also, the blessing is that our faith is stronger by listening and acting. James 1:22.
Let me include that in the history of learning to read, mothers used the Bible to teach their children how to read.
Let us not forget that the Bible is also on our mobile phones .
Very good Obeng-Akrofi Priscilla. Our mobile phones are a valuable weapon against the delusions of the Devil, since we use them for the Bible in multiple versions, and for other biblical sources that most of us do not have availability in our home library’s.
The Bible presents the truth. And the truth has a name: Jesus. The whole book is about a love story of a Father for His children, and how He rescues them. Jesus, the Father’s special Son, is the main character of the book, who is sent to pay the price for the other children who decided to rebel against Him.
The bible is the word of God
The Bible is the written word, Jesus is the living word.