Sabbath: The Church and Education
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 4:18-23, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8.
Memory Text: “Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:6-8, NKJV).
Since the earliest times in which the faithful have gathered to worship God – in synagogues, homes, and churches – the Bible reveals people who, through their study of the Scriptures and through their worship, long to know God and to understand His will for their lives. The Bible also repeatedly reveals that the church is a place where serious and relevant discussions should take place, and where people can grow in their knowledge of God and His will for their lives.
Sometimes we are afraid of asking questions. However, in the Bible we often find that questions are used to bring people to a clearer understanding of God. In a similar manner, stories are used throughout the Bible to create opportunities for people to rethink their commitments. Jesus was particularly focused on this type of education with His disciples and followers.
If the church is to be a place of education, it must provide the space for genuine dialogue to occur. Just as we were repeatedly told as students in school, “There is no dumb question,” we must provide within the church a safe environment for each person to grow in grace and in understanding of God and His plan for their lives.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 28.
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One of the Hallmarks of our early church was the discussion and debate about our beliefs. The cut and thrust of personal discussion, where groups of believers got together to work out what we believe was quite dynamic. Clearly participants came with their own sets of beliefs and probably defended them quite vigorously. This was not a case of joining church because you agreed with their set of doctrines. It was more like a blacksmiths forge where beliefs were tried and tested with argument and counter argument until a consensus was formed.
I don't pretend that the situation was pretty. Some folk left the discussions disgusted that their perception was not accepted. the discussion groups were often ad hoc and quite vigourous. But it was in this cauldron of argument and discussion that our ideas were formulated and the church eventually grew on the basis of this study environment.
Now some 160 years later, we still have our Sabbath School classes as a forum for discussion. Unfortunately, there has been a trend in recent years for our Study Guide to be like a Catechism. Here is the question you should ask, and here is the correct church-approved answer. We have a sense that we have arrived at truth and are now maintaining the status quo!
Many years ago when I was studying Educational Sociology at University, I wrote an assignment paper on the sociological issues of the Adventist School where I was currently teaching. When I received the paper back from the tutor she had written in the marking comments, "Is the goal of your school to maintain the status quo?" That question bothered me. And being involved in Adventist Education and Sabbath School Study for a fair portion of my life it still bothers me. Education is not about maintaining the status quo. It is about building a dynamic that develops and understand and applies, not just to the textbook situations but to the new challenges and situations we face.
The authors of today's lesson got one thing very right!
Maurice,
I found your comments very profound about the Sabbath school quarterly and "discussion" period. Dynamic is not how I would describe the current state of affairs.
In my experience I have found that if a Sabbath School discussion lacks dynamic involvement I can change the dynamics by asking thought-provoking questions. This works whether I'm a student in the class or the teacher for the day.
Try it in your class!
When my husband first started coming to church, he had many questions. Unfortunately his questions were ultimately shut down or ignored by the Sabbath School teacher's and other leaders within the church. He wanted to go deeper but they did not, apparently those kind of questions were not permissible to ask. I have tried to answer many of my husbands questions over the years, accompanied by much prayer. I hope that someday he will open up and ask his questions again, and someone in the church besides me will take the time to sit down and listen, and answer his question as best they can with patience and love. So far, that has not happened, and he has not attended church regularly in years.
Tammy; unfortunately that has been my experience also and I was raised in a very traditional seventh Day Adventist home. My mother always took the time to answer my serious questions and she had battles with local church leadership about some of the questions I ask. And when I was 10 I was moved to an adult Sabbath school class with four or five adults including my mother assigned to that class. Without trying to sound Braggadocious I taught that class for about three years and it was a well attended class in our church of approximately 60 to 80 people.
I still have questions and I am still met with the old-school “this is the way the church has always taught it” Ideas. Isaiah says it very eloquently “Come let us reason together.” A thanking, reading, listening Seventh-day Adventist Christian and/or any honest individual should have questions. Historicists and teachers of Urijah Smith’s Daniel and Revelation Do not want to reason together. I’ve been retired for about five years and I’ve been back in the church for 20. It should be fairly obvious why I was gone for so long!… Royce
Tammy, maybe he would venture to ask his questions here in this forum. I think those that contribute here would welcome his questions.
Our congregation has two very active zoom Sabbath school classes in which we have excellent discussions. In fact I would even say we have better discussions now that we are virtual than we did pre-pandemic. I would love to see daily study groups based on this principle of open discussion, I believe we would see much growth in the church. Blessings to all and may we be facilitators of spreading Truth to this hurting, broken world.
Hi Karen,
I have to agree with you that my SS class has become deeper and richer in thought and study since the pandemic. Zoom has provided a platform for each person to participate because the environment seems more personal and small group'ish. SS is where I find a safe place to share the deep thoughts I have termed "wondermental ponderlings".
Thank you Maurice for your inspiring words, I totally agree with you and the Sabbath School authors that the church, and Sabbath School specifically, must be a "SAFE environment for each person to grow in grace and in the understanding of God and His plan for their lives." However, we must be careful in doing so, and as wise teachers and Leaders, we must help to keep, or maintain, the church as that Safe environment against people who appear to be scholars, and are really wolves in sheep clothes, going to the church with their own agenda.
Here's what happened to our church last year:
We had this group of 8 people, 6 or 7 women and 1 man. They came to our church for Sabbath School and worship service on a regular basis; sometimes they would arrive together, and sometimes a few of them would come earlier then the others. Our church received this group with Christian kindness, as we always do, hoping that this group is looking for a new church home; we had no idea that this little group had a bigger agenda. Being one of the Sabbath School teacher, I teach any other week, I had no idea that this group was out to destroy the very fiber of our little congregation. These people appeared to believe in the Sabbath day and most of our other fundamental beliefs. Being a leader in the church, many times we are so busy with preparation for service that we didn't see these wolves whispering in our members ears about the church, the problems within the church, especially when it come to our church structure, their disapproval of the General Conference, our colleges and universities, and our Pastors. This went on for almost 6 months, they were talking to our members after church and at fellowship dinners, whispering their complaints of the church and its structure into the ears of our members. So, for months, I still did not suspect anything, I really thought these people were sincere Christians. They must have realized that I was one of the leaders in our church because they never talked to me directly, or had a one-on-one conversation with me about their complaints. However, when they thought they had enough of our faithful members listening to them, they slowly started challenging me and the other Sabbath School teacher right there in the middle of the Sabbath School class. The leader, the only male figure head in the group, challenged me so bad one day that I was almost in tears, trying to show the other members that he was a better teacher. Well, that is when the blinder came off for our leaders; that's when our leaders began to see, or to confirm their suspicion that these people have an agenda, but we still continued to welcomed them, and treat them with respect. Also, after that incident, I began to notice that during Sabbath School times, the woman of this little group would take the opportunity to complain about the church when that wasn't the topic of discussion. I thought to myself, "that was weird"; but I didn't think too much about it. Then a few weeks before last Christmas, this small group give everyone in our Sabbath School class a gift; they probably gave out about 20 to 25 gift bags that day. I didn't have time to look at the gift during church, because again, as a leader and had to help prepare for worship service. When I got to my car and open up my gift, there was a large scented candle, the jar style candle, and a printed pamphlet of their beliefs; Yes, the sheppard's rod beliefs. I knew without even reading the pamphlet the beliefs inside of it. I called our Head Elder, and she said "Yes, the Pastor and I are going to discuss how to handle this". That next Sabbath, the Sabbath before Christmas, this little group showed up at the church again, with no idea that we now know who that really were. They walked up to the front door, the Male leader of the group came to the door first, and the woman was about 100 feet behind him. When he opened the door, our Head Elder greeted him, then told him "that If they continue to try to indoctrinate our members with their beliefs, they are no longer welcome to attend our church". The Male leader pretended like he didn't know what the Elder was talking about, so our Elder had to come out and say it plainly: "We know that you guys are Sheppard's Rod and we do not need that here at our church". Then before the women had a chance to get to the front door, our Elder asked him, "Do you want to tell them, or do you want me to tell them?" He reply no, that he would tell them. He then asked the Elder, "How do you know we are sheppard's rod?" And the Elder only held up the pamphlet. The man then turned around and they all left, and they never came back to our church again. We had a special seasonal prayer for that little church that they have a true conversion experience with Jesus, and stop their agenda of going from church to church; they had been to several of our churches in our town here.
I'm telling you all this story because as Leaders we must be careful. The man of this group of so good that he almost had one of our deacons believing their lines of unfounded beliefs. I'm a believer of searching the Scriptures, studying, researching, and having discussions, but in the future I will be more prepared and will be listen out for whispering wolves the next time. I now try very hard to get to church earlier so that I'm not be so busy preparing, and I have plenty of time to listen.
Also, I'm not sure if you all are aware, especially during this time of pandemic, that many within and without our church are using these new digit platforms to teach error, or to promote their own agenda against the church. We have to be "wise as serpents, and gentle as doves" in order to fight this threat that the enemy of our soul is trying to do to our churches; he realizes that Jesus is coming soon, and he must make his last effort within the church to try to prevent us from spreading God's word to His lost sheep. The enemy will not succeed because Jesus told us, His disciples, to "Watch and pray".
God blessing to you All. (Sorry for the long post.)
Thank you so much, Toni, for sharing this story which provides balance to the call for open discussion.
Yes, we need to provide a safe environment even for the spiritual "babies" among us. (Sometimes that may mean that some discussion has to happen in a smaller circle than the Sabbath School class. I have occasionally suggested to leave a subject for discussion after class. Usually persons with an agenda don't bother to take the time to engage with a facilitator outside of the Sabbat School class.) And that requires that leaders be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves."
May God continue to bless you as you serve in your local congregation. Thank you for your regular contributions to this blog. 🙂
Inge,
We sometimes do so if they are members. However, if it's a visitor we try our best to facilitate and encourage them to return for our bible class. I believe we have to have discernment. Because of where I'm coming from in my spiritual walk, I'm always keen to help those who have questions. Even with some members when there's an unresolved issue when the lesson is done in one, I'd seek out that member and pray and provide additional information to help them understand. At times, I myself have heard something said that doesn't sit well with me but God sort it out, even if it's year after. This is why I love this forum! I have learnt so much and still learning.
God bless!
Thanks, Nikki. Sounds like you have it figured out. 🙂
You made a good point in "seeking out" someone after class if they had unrelated questions, rather than waiting for that person to come to you.
I'm fairly open to "off-topic" questions in any Sabbath School class I teach if it seems to be something important to a person. I believe we need to pray for discernment as to when to follow a different topic that is important to someone and when to suggest that the topic be addressed after class. (In the latter case, we need to make sure to take time with that person after class.)
Tony- thanks for your timely input. Many times I said the church had failed to educate members in several areas. We teach about the 28 doctrines and felt satisfied. As a believing SDA, how many of us knew and aware of the name David Koresh and The Shepperd's Rod doctrine? Some think it is a no-no to educate others about those, they say we should only be teaching about spirituality and be saved. As a result we are seeing those actions in our congregations.
Thought provoking question- What do others think about our book stores selling all of those things/books that we dont believe in? Are we promoting messages that is not biblically?
What do others think?
Is the main purpose of the books sold to "promote" something we don't believe, or are they books by Christian authors writing on subjects of mutual interest, even they don't believe everything exactly as we do?
Is this Sabbath School group a safe place to have a dialogue on God's plan for my life?
I believe it is, so then I have a question for our group. If I have an important decision to make - like what career to follow or choosing a life partner or whether I should accept a call to a specific ministry - how do I know the LORD's will for me?
Are there guidelines or steps to help me decide?
Shirley,
I personally don't think the Sabbath School or class study time is the time to talk about me. I had always tried to keep it about Bible study. I think that perhaps a small group might be a better time to bring me into it. How do I know the Lord's will for me is the #1 question of human kind.
Bud,
I believe that the purpose of Bible study is to get to know the character of the LORD and the plan He has for each one of our lives. When we study Jesus' method of teaching we see He often discussed specific cases to teach general principles.
I believe that by drawing on the whole Bible it is possible to outline about eight steps or principles on how to know the LORD's will for one in any major decision one has to make in one's life.
I can imagine asking for contributions to draw up such a list would make for a very dynamic discussion!
I think in sabbath school class is a good time to release what's on your heart. You know during this pandemic,we don't get to see each other like we would. I know we all say, happy sabbath, however there those that have burden on their mind. Yes we need to ask question, that's the only way we can get answers. Of course we need to pray about our issues.
Do we need to use SS class time to go off topic because that is the only time most will meet with one another? Our churches are empty 6 days out of 7 in most places. Perhaps many different reasons for this, but close, spiritual fellowship with one another is not yet our priority for a large percentage of members. The pandemic is not the true barrier since this lack has prevailed long before this, and we still have phones, email, or even writing a letter. Most are too busy with this present life it would seem, which is a real danger we have been warned of(Luke 21:34).
It is within everyone's ability to get a small group to study any worthy topics during the week, but few seem interested. Just try and see what the response is.
The SS lesson, studied properly, can reveal God's will on the various topics covered in the lessons. This will be the focus of all who really wish to know God's will that they might obey it, but the merely curious will find little to nothing. If I am not in agreement with all God has given me to follow, what can He possibly show me beyond what He has already shown(Amos 3:3)? If self is not denied and our cross not taken up(Matt 16:24), can we be led by the Lord? It is our daily personal devotion by which God will speak to us most clearly and intimately(Ps 91:1). Do we allow Him the opportunity with our entire devotion and earnest desire? As our Example, Jesus never had to consult another person to know God's will for His life, even as a youth. If I am not walking with the Lord, I am not safe to walk with any erring mortal(Jer 17:5).
Hello Shirley – Bud’s comment: “How do I know the Lord’s will for me is the #1 question of human kind”, but then saying that it is better kept 'private' is in my eyes inconsistent thinking. One can address the issue in general terms, without compromising the final, personally arrived at and applied 'strategy'.
I think that “this Sabbath School group is a safe place to have a dialogue on God’s plan for ‘my’ life”, if we understand your question to focus not on a personal ‘my’, but on the general ‘my’, referring to the group or Christian's in general.
Yes, how do we know the LORD’s will for us?
I am sure that each one of us can tell their personal experience how they arrived at or attempted to know the will of God; but all of us, in my opinion, benefit from a general outlining of some guidelines.
I think it very crucial to the spirtual education as Christians to include the practical application of the faith when seeking to find the Will of God as needed in our professional and personal lives; the lack of clarity is a testimony for our limited understanding.
You are so successful when looking into Ellen White's writings to locate comments related to lesson topics, it would be wonderful if you could locate something related to this topic of Education.
Yes, there are basic guidelines or steps to help one decide! To be able to be guided by/find the Will of God requires that we have a living, faithfully maintained, close relationship with Him. If we do, we would ask the Lord’s Holy Spirit to reveal to us the hidden ‘secrets of *our* heart’ first and so clear the way to open our heart and mind to the Spirit’s leading. Prov.3:5-7KJV - We are admonished to look for and trust in all things the will of God as expressed in the Scriptures; this includes the decision making process related to personal matters like choosing a career, a life-partner, or accepting a specific ministry.
Ideally, the highest purpose for our decision should be to reflect the Glory of God, to hold the furtherance of His Image at the highest esteem, holding these to be the most important aspects when we make our choice. The field of information/thoughts influencing our choices becomes greatly reduced when starting from this premise, and we are better equipped to choose that which meets God’s spiritual criteria/will when contemplating our practical personal, free-will choice. Rom.8:28 KJV - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
For this discussion on knowing God's will, it is worthy of group study and when more appropriate, private study. God will "instruct and teach"(Ps 32:8) each of us our specific duty, where a group discussion might tend to lead the individual astray at times when needing to know God's specific will in our personal situation(Ps 118:8, Jer 17:5). Who better to reveal God's will to me than God? Sometimes, as with Saul/Paul, God will work through another to help us realize His working through the church.
So what is God's will generally? What does the Bible tell us? Paul writes: "be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is"(Eph 5:17). This means it is possible to know, or why would be be considered foolish(unwise) for not knowing? The Psalmist writes: "I delight to do your will O my God, yes, your law is within my heart"(Ps 40:8). In a day where even among SDAs the law is getting a bad reputation, it is till the main topic of Jesus' teaching and central to the Old Testament patriarchs, prophets, and gets the sharpest focus in the Psalms and Proverbs. It is the will of God, which is why Paul writes: "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification"(1 Thess 4:3). Sanctification is keeping God's commandments and having the faith and testimony of Jesus. God's greatest desire for each is to be holy as He is holy. In this we will find our greatest joy, peace, and delight.
Eight steps for those who have committed their life to the LORD to discover to which ministry in which place is the LORD leading them.
1) Have no preference of your own, Num 22-24, Matt 26:39
2) Don’t depend on your feelings only, 2Tim 1:7, John 10:4
3) Consult God’s Word for principles & communication, Ps 32:8, 2Tim 3:16, in your daily reading you will note texts that apply
4) Remember how God has led you in the past Deut 8:2, divine appointments – people crossing your path John 4:7-10
5) Consult Godly friends, Ex 18:23-24
6) Pray specifically for guidance, James 1:5, Isa 37:14-20, Philip 4:6-7
7) Take time to consider all above, make a decision & tell the LORD, Jos 24:15, Ex 32:26, 1Kings 18:21, Ps 95:7-8, Matt 6:24
8) Step out in faith (Jos 3:13) and invite the LORD to stop you if you are wrong Acts 16:6-10
Note: God’s timing takes into consideration His plans for our whole life and our place in His plans for the world.
Shirley,
Depending on how the discussion is trending, I think personal questions are appropriate. It is not unusual for someone to have a burning need to ask for help in understanding something and the wealth of knowledge in the class is an asset to the seeker. As the teacher of the class, I don't permit counseling sessions to happen, but as people share their experiences and provide suggestions, and offers of prayer, it does tend to build a community of caring, connecting, and empowering. Second and last comment, if the Holy Spirit is in the presence of the group- all are blessed by the conversation and interactions:)
Let me start by saying that the church has made a lot improvement in the aspect of love. In my culture, we have shown to be more loving than 20 years ago. Is that enough? Truth is progressive. Some people have left the church because we didn’t accept their beliefs. In Ephesians 4: 4-6, “there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Based on this verse, some of our brothers and sisters believe that we should one worship style and we should all interpret scripture the same way. Is it so?
Some of the pillars of our faith don’t change. For example, the 7th day is the sabbath; the state of the death, the 2nd coming, etc. But some of our interpretations might change on for example the 7 horses of Revelation. We need to look at the big picture which is: to let the Holy Spirit teaches and guides us. In John 16:12, “I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.” We need to be in tune with the Spirit in order to receive His truth.
Let us pray God so the Holy Spirit can continue to lead us in ALL truth.
The Jews took the form of tithes and offering and gifts and turned them to their own benefits. Do we have the same in our churches/union/conferences? How much do we know (for those who are interesting) how money is being spent? Does it bring glory to God? Does some benefit from the money collected? Is there a way that all and not some of the members can benefit? Who can borrow, and who cant? Why? Why not?
Lyn, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has conference business sessions where it is appropriate to ask those questions and receive clear answers. Income and expenditure statements are typically available to all delegates well before hand so you can study the detail and prepare your specific questions. The Church is our church; it is not run for us. We should take responsibility and ensure that the “mechanics” of the church are well looked after.
Good morning and Happy Sabbath:
First of all, I would like to say the previous posts is why I find such interest in the SDA Church. Studying G-Ds word in-depth has always been a passion for me, even if I didn't do it as often as I should! Here as of late I had attended Catholic Church, and have been a member of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. However, this SDA Church as I have mentioned previously really causes me to look deeper, into the Word itself, as opposed to traditional repetitive activities. I reflect more with this group than ever and find it refreshing. I always had questions, and always searched deeper, however at some point it always was told me, "That is our Sacred Tradition." I was always told truth never changes, why do you continue to seek? EGW's statement above gives me solace in my seeking this truth over the traditional aspect. Had we in my previous Church study looked to maintain a "status quo?" Currently, I am struggling with a number of things the biggest though which has rocked me is the verse of Hebrews 10:10-14. This has deepened a questioning in me-"If the Bible is Truth of G-Ds Word, and HIS sacrifice is "once for all" how can the Sacrament of The Lords Supper be a true presence, another sacrifice, if it(His Sacrifice) was once for all? This is quite a frightening question for me. I think it is because of questions like these that I have, I feel so welcomed in this Church, as my questions are not looked upon as unacceptable, but welcoming. I am so pleased I have found this SDA Church and this Bible Study School.
Hello John – Happy to meet you again in the group of students of the Word seeking out the depth of the Truth in the Word of G-D. Just being curious, would you mind sharing with me the reason why you write the word ‘God’ the way you do?
My walk to seek out Truth was similar to yours. I have decided to join the Adventist fellowship of believers because of the worship on Sabbath, and since Adventist Scriptural interpretations are rooted in Protestantism’s understanding to be free from the power of indoctrination as vested in many church-organization, I have no problem studying together with them to discover the unaltered Truth of God’s Word. Reading Ellen White’s book “The Great Controversy” has helped me discover many unsettling things about the power of organized religions which also inspired me to join the Adventist’s Fellowship.
I believe that, ultimately, as a committed, faithful Truth Seeker, the Holy Spirit will direct your path. He never stops revealing the deep Truth and will lead you to the fellowship which represents the closest allegiance to the Word of God which can be formed based on Scripture – my own experience testifies to that. Like you, I have learned about many *doctrines*, but to truly know God is to know Him personally in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Hello Brigitte:
Thank you so very much for your reply, It means so very much to me that I am not alone and on this journey with fellow believers, I find so much solace in that.
I must say I never thought much lately on my posts concerning the way I say Our Creator's name. I guess it is or stems from my study within Synagogue.
I sometimes slip up-but usually say or type it as so. Though Reform Judaism is most of the legal adherence, that it really does not apply to computers, the Internet, etc. However only to the written word of our Creator.
However, typed or written-I just feel a little squeamish in the event something destroys or loses the correspondence or some other calamity, I feel very disturbed that our Creators name would be destroyed or lost.
In Jewish theology, a name is not merely a random combination of sounds. The name conveys the nature and essence of the thing named. His name is reverent...
Because a name represents the reputation of the thing named, a name should be treated with the same respect as the thing's reputation.
G-DS reputation is above all and deserves respect and the admiration which goes along with it.
So because I had studied with Rabbi-and just so it is understood it is not forbidden to use Our Creators name, but it is forbidden to deface or erase his name.
Hence my reason not to use HIS name haphazardly, legalistic, yes probably so, but it is with the same reason I am careful how I speak of Our Savior, Jesus whose name is above all names.
So there you go, that is the reason-and I wish to Thank you for noticing how I do that-I really love this Church. Oh-and I was also with the Lutheran and Catholic Church too, such a potpourri I have been! I will look to study EGW book as you have...
John - so kind of you to share your interesting reasoning why you choose to write the word ‘G-D‘ in this way - thank you! I usually use capitalization to highlight the elevated status of sacred matters or deities.
May our Heavenly Father bless your search for greater understanding and deeper insight into His wonderful Words of Truth and Light by granting you the guidance which will fill your heart with His Peace and Love! 🙂
Hi John, just wanted to mention that "God" is not His name. This word means "divine/mighty beings" since it is usually in the plural form of "elohiym", and can also be used to describe other beings besides the LORD. "LORD" is the old English rendering for "יְהוָֹה", the actual name of God/elohiym, which, as I have understood it, was spoken only in a whisper(?), and perhaps an abbreviated form, but I'm not sure. (Yah, Yehovah, JHVH)
Similarly, "king" is not the name of any king, only his title or even occupation. Thus the rendering in the law of "the LORD thy God", meaning "Jehovah (the)divine/mighty ones".(?)
Perhaps this practice you follow is also proper for His Title as well as His name? Also, elohiym is the title used for the heathen gods, as in Joshua 24:14.15. Those gods also had specific names to identify them.
I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on this.
Mr. Robert:
Thank you for your post-as it was an enlightening one. Yes you are correct in stating G-D is not his name...I believe he actually gave his name to Moses when he went up the mountain. However, it is a "play" on terminology so you are correct. But many people when speaking of him use the term... G-D. Hence my reason behind it. So many coincide the word G-D with who he is. With that being said the image of the name comes to mind the reputation as well. Thats my reasoning I guess.
John Adventist’s and evangelical churches take the fact that the Lord’s Supper (Holy communion) is an act we do to remember his sacrifice. We reflect on what he did once for all much like ANZAC day here in Australia. Luke 22:19. Do this in remembrance of me. and 1Corinthians 11:24,25
Hi John, Keep coming back, and keep asking questions. This is what keeps us strong in our faith. I do not know much about how other denominations celebrate The Lords Supper, but we do it in remembrance of what Christ did for us at the cross (1 Corinthians 11:25). He is not being sacrificed again and again as we partake of his body & blood, and we do not consider that we are eating his literal body and drinking his literal blood, but we are cleansed as we confess our sins to Him and if necessary to one another. Our service consists of searching our own hearts before the service, a foot washing service with our brothers & sisters, and then we celebrate by meditating on what He has done for us as we partake of the bread and grape juice (body & blood). We look forward to sitting down at His banqueting table and participating in Communion with Christ in heaven after His second coming as He said in Matthew 26:29 and Luke 22:18. I don't know if this answers your question at all, but I have found that our Communion is quite different from the way other churches celebrate it. Hope that gives you some insight.
Exo 8:28 (8:24) And Pharaoh said: 'I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away; entreat for me.' JPS, Jewish publication society.
John I’ve been confused about the Jewish tradition of writing G-D When even in their own original publications They use “the LORD our God” as it is above. God is his title LORD is the substitute for the name which they don’t speak or say. As you know he tells Moses and the burning bush tell them I AM. In Exodus 20 even HE uses it as a title. Exo 20:2 “I am the LORD thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.“ JPS
Very grateful to have you join our discussion group and you’re more than welcome, as far as I’m concerned, to use G – D if you wish…Royce
Thank you Royce-I truly am happy to be here amongst my Adventist friends. 🙂
(Church as the center of Education) I think that's where cell groups come in handy.
The commission from Christ to the Church is for the believers to go “preach” and to “teach”. Whether to the 3000 of Pentecost or the Ethiopian Eunuch along the road, the apostles followed the command of the Lord and made it their life work, after receiving the Holy Ghost and His gifts. As individuals, we are always witnessing/teaching by our manner of living and conversation. For the church to be effective in its mission each must place the Truth in Jesus above all other considerations of life in order to live and teach according to it. If truth is eclipsed by any other interest it will become corrupt and the influence corrupting. In the type it was shown that only the sacred fire was allowed, yet today there is evidence of “common fire” within many of our fellowships, and we find ourselves often in great perplexity and peril at a time when the last work for souls is soon to go forward.
We have an established platform of truth to share by preaching/teaching, and I would urge that we exercise caution regarding open discussions/questions. It is this practice that has allowed many ideas to infiltrate and lead many astray. There is a proper manner of doing this without creating an opportunity for open doubts to be urged. New ideas are to be presented properly to avoid divisions, but this is usually overlooked or simply ignored. There is a place for allowing this, but it is not to be done in our public meetings.
There are beliefs/teachings that have been given their "day in court", and the verdict pronounced. To keep these in active agitation openly is not following our Lord's instructions, which He has given for us to follow. Going against a church decision is considered by God as rebellion. We must learn the lessons found in God's word if we would not be found in rebellion against Him.
And after they sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest, do quickly. John 13:27.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,...let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Tim 2:19.
Robert-- you made some points but where is the safe place? Did you ever read about "Pew study" and the Adventist youths? How did we became so disconnected? Even before the pandemic and now we have zoom, how many is interesting in working with adventures, pathfinders, AY etc. Many older ones who were supposed to guide the youths have given up their post.
As SDA, what do we preach and teach to our family in our own house/homes? How is love in the congregation so lacking among and between mixed cultures? A sore spot for me.
Have you read recently about certain conferences and leaders on face book how we as a religious organization had to act quickly? Are we trying to guard what is already in the public domain?
You stated- 'Going against a church decision is considered by God as rebellion'. Church members consist of men and women like you and me. At times some do just what we are urged not to do to others in the bible- (use our tongue as a weapon against no one at church board/meetings). Do we think the Holy Spirit is there at all meetings to guide the leaders? Jesus said how to discipline members, do we follow his example?
We are urged to take heed, when we think we stand, lest we fall.
Many might men/women are falling, pray for others and ourselves that we do not be led astray. 2 Tim 4:10.
We as members need the upper room experience whereby we get rid of all those stuff/garbage, so that the Holy Spirit can unify us to do this great work. Those who are at the bottom are feeling the burden, the pressure and the squeeze. In bible times, Moses was given the clear mandate how to take care of the people. Are we using the bible to do same?
Hi Lyn,
The safe place to share an idea/belief not part of the church's beliefs is as pointed out in 5T,293, yet when having done that and not getting their way, some then bring it into local congregations which stirs up divisions. I've watched it happen in a congregation I was a member of in the past.
When any members are unconverted we cannot expect our churches to exist without love for one another or that people will follow the counsels given to us. We should not be surprised by our present condition if we have been diligent students of God's Word and the Testimonies.
When I say "church decisions" I refer to the G.C. when in session with representatives from all regions, and after prayerful study/discussion, a vote is taken to establish policy. I'm not referring to a local church, where I have seen leadership misleading against both the word of God and the Testimonies. (Few SDA actually study the Testimonies, or even the word of God for themselves, unfortunately)
The subject I wanted to address from the discussion above was that few are aware of how to address new ideas with the church and this has opened the door to so many divisive ideas being promoted and even followed after the world church took a vote to settle the issue(s), or when a properly appointed committee gave careful study to an issue that is still being promoted in our local congregations after being found faulty by those appointed to make a proper determination. It is as in the days of the Judges when everyone followed their own ideas no matter what their brethren have decided through proper channels.
You are correct Lyn, only a personal and complete devotion to follow the Lamb of God will fix our many issues. This will take place, shortly, I believe.