Sunday: True Christian Education
The story is told of a rabbi who looking into the sleepy eyes of the young men who sat in his classroom, asked: “Students, when does one know when the night is ended and the day has begun?”
Several of the students cautiously raised their hands. “Rabbi,” one asked, “is it when you can tell the difference between a fig tree and an olive tree?”
Image © Sally Weimer at Goodsalt.com
“No.”
Another student raised his hand: “Rabbi, is it when you can tell the difference between a sheep and a goat?”
After listening to a host of answers, the rabbi announced, “Students, one knows the night has ended and the day has begun when you can look at a face never before seen and recognize the stranger as a brother or sister. Until that moment, no matter how bright the day, it is still the night.”
Read Luke 10:30-37. What was the point that Jesus was making with this story? And what should this tell us about what must be part of any true Christian education?
As Seventh-day Adventists, we have been blessed with an abundance of doctrinal light and truth (the state of the dead, the Sabbath, 1844 and the judgment, the great controversy, to name a few teachings) that even most of the Christian world still doesn’t understand. And yet, however crucial these truths are, what good do they do us if we are not kind to people, if we display prejudice against others, and if we allow the cultural and social biases of our environment to cause us to treat others as inferiors?
True Christian education, if nothing else, must cause us to rise above these human foibles and evils, and see others as Christ sees them, beings for whom He died, beings whose sins He bore on the cross, beings for whom He paid an infinite price. If we uplift the cross, as we must, then we will see the value and worth of every human being and, ideally, treat them as they truly deserve, in keeping with the value that God has placed on them. Christian education must include this teaching, or else it is not worthy of the name “Christian.”
| What prejudices does your culture and society teach, either subtly or even openly, that, as a Christian, you must rise above? |
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Perhaps one of the problems we have is the perception that we have the truth and the "others" don't. Listen to the descriptors we use to describe ourselves, our beliefs, and the beliefs of others.
One possible solution to this "us and others" dichotomy is to think of ourselves as fellow students, helping one another to understand and grow. (Incidentally, The first few chapters of Romans is a good introduction to this idea0
When I was an undergraduate student, my good friends and I would often compare our assignments after thy had been marked. I used to think that I had the most elegant solution to a problem until I saw my friend's solution, entirely different, yet just as viable and sometimes better than mine. It taught me not so be so arrogantly self-confident and miss the opportunity of learning from others.
In our spiritual interaction with others, we need to develop the ability to share the learning experience, not recite the curriculum.
Maurice, I'd like to suggest that if we don't know for certain that we have the truth that most around us will perish without, then why do "we" exist? What is our message to the world if we don't personally have what most desperately need?(there is no doubt that society in general has a real need) I also believe that if having no message, we will be left inactive and thus, irrelevant. Yes, many among us are actually ignorant of our "truth", and have little to share with others. It was this sobering realization that led me to personally devote myself to learn from the Word of God that I might no longer sin against Him. This is an ongoing, never-ending process of daily devotion and practice. The "good fight of faith" is real and must take place continually or we will have nothing and will be in need of the truth ourselves.
How we exhibit our understanding of Truth will demonstrate whether or not we have personally understood and accepted it.
Notice the manner of Jesus our Example, while talking to Nicodemus("you need to be born again") and the woman at the well("you don't know what you worship"). He spoke with a direct authority and both were convicted. His manner was the same with all, and this authority came from knowing the truth, but it was never presented apart from being meek and lowly of heart, which does not rob the truth of its boldness. Notice Peter at Pentecost or while standing before the Sanhedrin. It is good to remember Paul's counsel in Gal 6:1, as we are all in the same peril as anyone around us, but hopefully, some of us have found the Remedy for those lost, and are willing to share it effectively in the manner of Christ our Lord. (Unlike Jesus, we too often make "evangelism" a contest, and more of a tennis match instead of like washing feet. Ever watched any creation vs evolution debates?!)
When I taught Chemistry I knew that I knew much more than my students. But, my job wasn't to teach them what I knew. I wanted them to excited by Chemistry and enjoy the experience of discovery. What is better than a student discovering that zinc and hydrochloric acid produces hydrogen! It is certainly much better than being told:
Zn +2HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2
Likewise in our Christian interaction with others, creating experiences of discovery are more meaningful than telling them this is the "truth"!
Hello Robert – I agree with you that ‘we’ have the ‘Truth’, though I see us first as fellow Christians holding Scriptural Truth, and not as a 7th Day Adventist. As I perceive it, the essence of the Gospel Truth is to bring awareness that there is a God, and that His Son Christ Jesus is vested by Him with authority to speak for His Father. Do I understand your question correctly to mean: “Why do ‘we’ Adventists exist?”, or do you mean this in general terms as 'we' Christians? Taking into account both interpretations of your question, I would answer – because we have a portion in the organized church of believers as well as individuals to put forth the Truth as best we understand it.
I believe that by accepting the general Truth as revealed in the Scriptures first, the Seeker of Truth will be encouraged to explore further details of the spiritually perceived Gospel message as they become important and applicable in his/her personal life as a Christian.
Excepting worshiping God on His Sabbath, I hold that teaching other doctrinally delineated truths first will not be as fruitful as teaching the basic Gospel Truth – Love God with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding, love your fellow man as you have been loved, showing mercy and kindness to all – will prepare the heart and mind to accept additional scripturally based truths related to those issues unique to the Adventist’s doctrine as the Child of God is maturing in his walk by Faith.
Hi Brigitte, what do you think of this passage: "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things", which is Luke's record of the gospel commission given by Jesus in Luke 24:45-48?
Isn't this good news for every sinner? Keep in mind that all know they are sinners and accountable to God, if we believe Jesus(John 16:8). No matter how many reject this conviction, it is our message, to be given "with a loud voice" to every "nation, kindred, tongue and people"(Rev 14:6). In Matthew we have Jesus adding that we are to teach them to "observe all things" that He has commanded us. So we have a clear truth to share with all people. It is specific, and will be with great power by those who receive the Holy Spirit. With both urgency and holy conviction it will be given. This means we must be urgent and convicted ourselves. Reading Ellen's accounts of this last work it is described as not being timid and uncertain. She describes "faces lighted up" with the power and glory of heaven. We read that it will be as bold, direct and specific as the message of John the Baptist at Jesus' first advent.
Are we equipped for this? Are we preparing for it today?
When I said "we" I meant those who have come to understand the message of the 3 angels, which no other body of Christians believe or teach that I am aware of. Most look for the 70th week of Daniel 9 to be fulfilled, a temple to rise, a millennium to come, and a strange version of an antichrist to tattoo the wicked, while they receive the true "mark" of the beast power and seek to destroy those who fear God and keep His commandments.
Hello Robert – Thank you for clarifying the ‘we’ in your previous comments and for sharing your concern to be prepared to meet the times foretold in the Scriptures, in particular as written about in the ‘3 Angels message’. I have noticed over time that this topic is very close to your heart and wise to be so to everyone’s heart.
I suppose that your question is asked in the context of Truth which Christians should “preach in His name among all nations”, … . Luke24:45-48KJV - This passage contains the basic information (Gospel) to be preached/disseminated/spread out into all the world; it contains the Truth about who Christ Jesus is, testified to by the law of Moses, the Prophets and written about in the Psalms. It also points out to start at Jerusalem first before going into all the world.
The ‘Good News’ should also contain the information that His *time of suffering* was foretold, as well that He rose from the dead. This part of the preaching is to identify Him as the Truth bearer, the Son of God. The following portion, v.47 is the pre-requisite to enter the Way, the Truth and the Light – preaching that “remission of sins should be preached in HIS name not in any other name or form.
Yes, I certainly agree that we need not to be “timid and uncertain” when testifying to Christ Jesus’ Good News and boldly declare it and seek occasion to do so.
I appreciate the thought Robert but I think one needs to understand what version of "the truth" a person plans to share. If it's Christ and Him crucified for your sins and mine, I'm with you. The state of the dead, the judgement, the Sabbath, etc., follow a long way off.
Just wondering Jack, how "far off" to these truths follow? Can I repent if I don't know the law? Can I be saved without repentance? The law & gospel are one message(see Rev 14:6,7), but if separate, they are without meaning or power to save. Christ can only draw sinners to Himself, the "righteous" have no need. Without the law, I am sinless. But if we magnify the law(understand what this means, it is vital!), Jesus will be seen as the Only and True Remedy for the soul.
Great point, Maurice !
The study guide asks what prejudices are there in my society and how do I rise above them?
Should we discuss specifics or general principles?
I believe our opinions on prejudices and how to resolve them is where we reveal the character of Christ in us to secular people without using religious language.
In my country there is a huge issue with violent protests in the streets outside a school about freedom of association. In Shakespeare's terms the Capulets had a party but the Montagues were not invited. Now the friends of both sides are fighting in the street as to whether everyone should have been invited or whether the Capulet's have the right to only invite their friends. As a Christian what do I have to say about this drama? Should the Church publically express an opinion about who is right and who is wrong? Should the government force the Montague's and Capulet's to stop fighting and be friends?
Shirley, I struggle with the political division, and as a friend of Jesus, what do I do besides pray?!
I live in the southeast portion of the United States and there is controversy over Civil War monuments. As a friend of Jesus, what do I do besides pray??
In my church we have sex offenders coming to hear the word of God. At what point do we include them in more than a passive way in worship and prayer during our service?
What about race relationships and LGBTQ...
These are questions that divide us. How can we foster the element of unity and love?
I pray for knowledge, wisdom, and discernment. For peace. For love. For Jesus to come soon!
How do I demonstrate the love of Jesus and maintain biblical principles?
Beth, JESUS fellowshiped with all types of sinners, even gossipers, and HE excepted and forgave them all! The disciples, however, Did not deem them to be fit as deacons are elders… Royce
Royce, thank you. I chuckled with your inclusion of gossipers...that cuts out a large portion of members...
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples , if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
The question is asked- 'What prejudices does your culture and society teach, either subtly or even openly, that, as a Christian, you must rise above?'
My culture and society both within the church and outside of the church had taught me a lot of things, both positive and negative. Prejudice is one. I believe to myself the Holy Spirit is guiding me in all my ways. I do not have to depend on humans per say, but on Jesus as my provider. Some of the types of prejudice includes, but not limited to- Racism, Sexism, Ageism, Classism, Homophobia, Nationalism, Xenophobia, even religious prejudice.
I often spoke about being a migrant and residing in one of the develop countries. When I came I was so naïve and spiritually blind to prejudice that I thought being a SDA all was well. Then I heard about a 'black' and 'white' conference. The more I investigated and understood, the more it changed my perspectives. I said it cant be. Humans/educators in high positions aren't so blind to the working of Satan. Heaven is a place where no division exist and we have to foster togetherness and no prejudice while on earth. The more it was told to me about the divisions that exist because of e.g music or the pay scale depending on what race you represent.
Solution- I realized Satan wants to get me at all cost. There are so much things going on in and out of the church that I can loose my soul salvation. I do what I know is right according to Jesus teaching, the bible and not what the mandate from the 'church people' says. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith.
Hi Lyn,
I live in the area you described as Black Conference and White Conference. As a reminder to all, be sure to research the truth of both sides before coming to conclusions. Thank you.
I don't know all the answers, but I have discovered some pointers in the Word of the LORD.
Jesus did not get involved with politics, He got involved with individuals.
He made it clear in the sermon on the mount what the character would be of those who belonged to His Kingdom.(read William's post), However He treated those who didn't conform with dignity and compassion and invited them and gave them the opportunity to join if they wanted to change.
In the story of the good Samaritan he didn't look at the outside of the man like the Jewish leaders but recognized he needed healing and that it wouldn't happen right away.
Prejudice exists when people are labelled and are divided into groups based solely on the label and treated differently and most often unfairly.
So don't label and separate (apartheid means living apart from each other)
How do we discuss issues without our built in prejudices being involved. My suggestion, use unrelated labels like Shakespeare did in Romeo and Juliet, the Montagues and Capulets - was it fair that they couldn't be together because they belonged to different groups?
Lastly when there are two sides, neither will be all right or all wrong so be neutral like Switzerland in the world war.
Beth- I did all my research but sorry if I offended you. If others are writing about us and out religious division, itn't it time for us to be concern and make inward search? I am not here to say who is right from who is wrong, what is the reason for the division( it is already known), to represent one side, neither am I here to make none confess. That's the work of the Holy Spirit. Bible says all knees shall bow and every tongue shall confess. Rev 15:1-8. The Holy Spirit cant work in division. How many times did we heard the SDA leaders coming out plain to represent its members according to certain issues. Sometimes are so concern about things that has nothing to do with souls salvation, instead of being concerned about the oppressed and freedom from physical oppression etc. Sometimes people put things in front of people and still maintain that we love Jesus. Jesus says to love God supreme and thy neighbor as yourselves. He never said to love things in front of people. Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image. Ex 20:4-5.
I found these three pamphlets interesting.
1. The Huntsville School.
2. The Oakwood Manual training School.
3. And their cries came up to God.
Lyn, not to worry, I am not easily offended. I have found that living in this neck of the woods, people who come into our area often have a perception that does not reflect truth and then they "bandwagon" and this bothers me. What I do know is that culture is deeply ingrained and when one wants to make a change, there is a right way and a wrong way to enter that culture to do so. I think of the mission field and future missionaries who take classes so as to win people's friendship and not offend. For me, this is what I call a Jesus effect. He knew how to approach and talk to people to gain a win, even those that turned away, He was still kind and polite.
I think as we study the 4 gospels, we will see the process of how Jesus used the diversity of the 12 disciples more clearly and lead us towards a more loving unity within our church so that we can have holy boldness to stand for truth in love. Blessings!
God bless!
Beth, yes, remember Satan is the mastermind of all deception and he dont mind who and how he deceives people. He lures on our weaknesses until he spiritually blinds us. Many grew up in certain culture and that is all they knew about, they listened to certain messages and heard some people spoke so long that they reason that must be true. For example Eve at the unforbidden tree in Eden. But remember all things that are purposely done is seen by God. Our meeting and crossing path with others is not by mistake but for a reason. How can we help each other rethink/think our spiritual path in this selfish and evil world and prepare others for the kingdom of God?
Do we ever stop and think: supposed I am wrong???-----.
The battle for the soul is not about any people, it is about right and wrong, truth and error.
Hi,
Thanks to God I'm back!
Welcome back Cyrus. I look forward to your comments again.
So, unless we live in the Light, we will live in the night. Truth is light, and will stand the test of “to the law and the Testimony”(Isa 8:20). This "living" is not done once in a while, but continually, as we read in scripture: “day and night”(Ps 1:2), and whether we sit in our house, lay down, rise up, or while walking among others, we are to be learning/meditating and will be teaching...something. We get to decide what we will teach others(Deut 6:5-9).
In the familiar story of the good Samaritan, Jesus was answering the evasive question of the lawyer in a way that would teach everyone listening or reading this story about the importance of demonstrating the righteousness of the law at all times and with all people. A holy life is just that, a life, not an occasional display at certain times among specific people. True Christian education is about living a godly life at all times.
Actually, who is looking to society to know how to live? Society in general is quite corrupt. We have wonderful examples of those who lived among corrupt societies while remaining unsullied by the surrounding influences, which was the result of having received and followed a true Christian education.
The lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was. The context of the story reveals that he wanted to trap Jesus. The savior's answer was amazing...He answered with the wonderful story we all know. We all know who our neighbor is. Jesus did not waste his time splitting hairs...
If I treated the other person (immigrant,poor, rich, catholic,moslem, protestant, black, white, etc..) the way I wanted to be treated (like the good Samaritan...) the government or anybody else wouldn't have to intervene.
What a great story and so timely; perfect example that we are still in spiritual darkness if we cannot value our fellow man as we value ourselves. I agree whole heartedly with the writer’s closing sentence: “Christian education must include this teaching, or else it is not worthy of the name 'Christian'.”
Evidence of prejudice is all around and part of the experience in our daily life. The redeemed heart should have it much easier to reject prejudice than the heart still tied to societal norms. It is very important to me to help bridge this gap through compassion and understanding, assuming a person has potentially limited access to spiritual sources which would help to define and understand true equality. In my heart and mind I became 'Bridge-it'.
Because I have joined the Adventist Fellowship after getting to know many Christians from all types of denominations, I might have it a bit easier to look at anyone as a fellow Christian who loves God and Christ Jesus; introducing myself as a Christian not an Adventist when asked helps in this regard. I want to avoid 'creating' barriers as much as possible.
Short of the Covenant-relationship God had with His People, guided by His prophets and administered by His Judges, if there has ever been an effort by man to form a free society where all are seen and treated as equals, the American Constitution is the only contract with/by/for its citizens to attempt to establish this vision as encapsulated in its founding documents.
By implication it demonstrates that, because all mankind is equal in the eyes of God, that therefore all fellow man should be treated equal in the eyes of man who is created by God.
This perfect vision of the American concept of equality remaines probably unattainable, because it requires the faithful adherence to the spiritual law of equality in the eyes of God being expressed in the lives of all who believe this to be true. The forces of evil, though, are busy establishing a counterfit to govern the whole world without God.
Would the Christian diligently govern himself first based on the spiritually rooted and practically expressed laws of God, the governmental institutions put in place to govern man’s prejudicial, self-seeking behavior would not need to exist in the extend they do now. Now, God's influence is being actively removed from the marketplace of ideas.
I lay this outcome at the feet of the organized Christian institutions, who did not educate and teach loudly, clearly and emphatically to the responsibilities a Christian has as a member of the communal society to live the Gospel's Salt and Light; the Light ended up under a bushel and questionable conduct caused the Salt to be trampled underfoot - I hope and pray that a renewed effort focused on godly living will become the thrust of every Christian's life in the remaining days - Matt.5:15,15KJV!
In response to the study guide question I say that in my country there is an ongoing situation that is very alarming relating to prejudice. Despite the end of apartheid a generation ago, racial tensions in South Africa have remained high. My country was the only one in the world in which racial discrimination was a matter of governmental doctrine until 1994. Sad to note that during the entire period of apartheid, my church remained silent. Truth be told she was an active supporter of governmental policy. The violent protests that are now taking place are as a result racism. Former and current Brackenfell High School pupils have opened up about racism they experienced and are experiencing at the school. Just for speaking out against racism at the school these black pupils have received death threats. Colonel Andre Traut confirmed that a case of intimidation was registered by Siya Ntutwana, a black former pupil, at Rondebosch police station. I believe the Church should decry racism and urge reconciliation among all the people of the country. The Adventist response to racism can’t begin and end with prayers for healing and peace in our nation or for more tolerance and understanding in our world, it has to demonstrate a living testimony of healing, peace, tolerance and transformation within its own ranks.
Hello B,
I am so sorry for the pain you have endured over the years just because your outside is not white.
When I read Genesis 1:27 about how our Creator made man and woman from HIS image, I feel perplexed about how cruel we are to each other. We share the same DNA as our Heavenly Father. HE has no grandchildren...only children. My heart hurts over the prejudice, racial tensions, and abuse. Our SDA church has heavy burdens to carry and fear can drive us underground rather than stimulate us into change agents. I think that is one reason we are saved as individuals and not groups.
Dear B - Yes, Christians all over the world would want to stand with all who suffer opression in any form, especially based on race and ethnicity; it is disheartening to find that this was not your experience. Yes, 20 years is a long time for a society to still experience pain and anguish associated with extracting oneselve from the effects of the at one time institutionalized oppression.
For the Christian, to come to God with prayers and the cry for help to find the right way to address these issues, is the beginning of the walk by faith that the circumstances will improve.
As one engages in the loving, caring, compassionate support of those who experience and struggle with racially based injustice, one also want to demonstrate ones own willingness to fairness when addressing the perpetrators of injustice. This is a very difficult healing process in which Christians need to remain faithful, knowing that, with God and their own example of brotherly love and inclusion, things will change for the better in His time.
I want to encourage you to be bold in the Spirit, hoping and praying that those who respond to the suffering of discrimination are not seeking to use violence against the perpetrators; that you stand firm in your conviction that God uses changed hearts and minds to demonstrate the right way of living with our fellow man - changing one soul at a time!
I am encouraging you to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with His creative ways to address the process of the healing of the soul.
Amen, Amen, and Hallelujah- Psalm 148:1-14
Brigitte. You said it so perfect. The question is asked- are we as Christians/SDA standing on the side of right, truth, justice, equity, ect. Are we standing like Christ? Christ stood up for those qualities. It did not matter who the group of people was, whether Jews or Samaritans. Christ never took a side in wrong because he was a Jew. He called out James and John and many others.
Let us as a body of believers go and seek out the lost, the oppressed, the disenfranchise, the marginalized, the hunger because of racial bias, the homeless, the lonely, etc and show them Jesus love, show them a better way.
Let healing begin with you and me.
Jesus was indeed quite a Teacher. He used repulsive metaphors to declare truths about Himself (Jn 3:14-15). In the parable of the Good Samaritan, it appears that He took an insult directed at Him (Jn 8:48-49) and cleverly silences a critic's attempt to further discredit Him (Lk 10:25).
In the spirit of "higher" Education, however, I believe that those who care could learn something more about the Teacher. Could He have embraced an insult from the Jewish leaders about Him being a "demon possessed Samaritan" to teach some wonderful truth about His mission to Earth? Is it conceivable that the Samaritan in His story is actually Him in metaphor? Notice the "Samaritan's" compassion (Lk 10:33), compared with the Teacher's compassionate action (Mt 14:14). Notice that the "Samaritan" uses His own resources--His "oil", His "wine", His "own animal" and His "money"--to provide a Jewish man's healing (Lk 10:34-35). This appears to agree with the prophetic metaphor (Num 21:8) that He would be the "serpent" of healing (Jn 3:14-15).
If the Teacher embraced "Samaritan" and "serpent", could He have also embraced "scapegoat" (Lev 16:10,21-22) and (gasp!) "swine" (Mk 5:13-16)? I believe the apostles Paul (2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13-14) and Peter (1 Pt 2:20-25) points potential students in a particular direction.