Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “As a Child”, pages 68-74, and “The Temptation”, pages 114-123 in The Desire of Ages.
“Men consider themselves wiser than the word of God, wiser even than God; and instead of planting their feet on the immovable foundation, and bringing everything to the test of God’s word, they test that word by their own ideas of science and nature, and if it seems not to agree with their scientific ideas, it is discarded as unworthy of credence”. — Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, March 27, 1884, p. 1.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Those who become best acquainted with the wisdom and purpose of God as revealed in His word, become men and women of mental strength; and they may become efficient workers with the great Educator, Jesus Christ. … Christ has given His people the words of truth, and all are called to act a part in making them known to the world. … There is no sanctification aside from the truth, the word. Then how essential that it should be understood by every one!” — Ellen G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 432.
Discussion Questions:
- If Jesus, the Gospel writers, and Paul treated the Old Testament Scriptures as the Word of God, what should this tell us about why many of the modern views of Scripture today are wrong and why we should not fall for these arguments, no matter who teaches them?
- Just to give people an idea of where many modern biblical scholars have gone with their skepticism, here are a few things that many modern scholars deny. They reject a literal six-day Creation, accepting billions of years of evolution instead. They reject a sinless Adam in an unfallen world. They reject a universal worldwide flood. Some reject the literal existence of Abraham. Some reject the story of the Exodus. Some reject the miracles of Jesus, including even His bodily resurrection. Some reject that idea of predictive prophecy, in which prophets tell the future, sometimes centuries or even millennia in advance. What should these conclusions tell us about what happens when people start doubting the authority and authenticity of Scripture? Also, what are ways to try to help such people come to a clear understanding of truth?
- In response to the question at the end of Tuesday’s study, how do we understand how all Scripture can be inspired, even the parts that are not necessarily applicable to us today?
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<–Thursday
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Relativism - “Relativism is a popular idea because, on the surface, it sounds accepting, inclusive, and easy-going. But it is only when we think through its implications, and apply them rigorously to life, do we see the pitfalls of being so accommodating.”
https://www.josh.org/truth-versus-relativism/
It is written - We should always be ready to give a reason for our faith. This is why many of our children lose faith in college because they have not learned for themselves how to defend the faith.
Law - Satan claimed it was impossible to be obedient to the law of God. If Christ had abolished the law it would have proved the claim of satan. Jesus came to point true law keeping reflects the character of God.
Emmaus – He does not leave us in our desperate situation. He is forever reaching out to us. Are you willing to listen? Are you willing to be still?
Origin - Billy Graham: “If the bible told me that Jonah had swallowed the whale I would have believed it” Why? I believe in the inspired Word of God because it originates in God himself.
Apostles – Agape introduced by Christ himself later used by the apostles demonstrate the supreme love God has for us. Only inspired writers could ever reference this love because selfless love cannot originate in humanity.
Mental Disease – with so many shades of gray man cannot distinguish truth. The mental strength of men had been weakened to the point he no longer has the strength to resist the illusions of the devil. The scientific evidences built on the foundation of many presumptions are accepted as the absolute truth. There are so many unanswered questions in both camps; however, I would trust in the Love of God which has been evidenced at the cross.
The Bible reads like no other book. It calls for a response from the reader, and makes claims that are too bold to be overlooked as nothing or as a deliberate deception. Who would try to pull that off without evidence? That scripture is God's voice to a fallen race is evident to the honest reader, yet, "none of the wicked will understand".
Yes, Jesus and the apostles had confidence in the scriptures, but that will mean nothing to anyone who doesn't taste for themselves. Their confidence may inspire us, but without personal experience, there will be no benefit for anyone. The only view of the Bible that counts is our own.
There is no one safe to follow except the Lamb of God, and He lived by every word from God.
The gospels give evidence that Jesus knew Scripture but that in itself, while remarkable in many ways, is not the point. Jesus was able to use Scripture in such a way to challenge embedded religious practices of the day. The Pharisees certainly knew their scripture and in many of their encounters with Jesus they are referred to as "Rabbi" or teacher, yet they had a lot to learn, and indeed unlearn. Jesus was able to pint them in a new direction of thinking with the phrase, "but I say unto you ..." and he would give a new perspective on an old truth.
Is it possible that in the 21st century we have become so focused on getting a unified church view of "Truth" that we have become traditional in our interpretation of scripture, lacking the dynamic of a shared journey into truth. What would Jesus say to us today after prefacing his remarks to us, "But I say unto you ..."?
As students of the Bible, there are many things in it that transcends human comprehension. That is where faith comes in and we know that God is just and fair. One of the signs of the end is that the enemy will make people doubt the Bible so he can lead them astray.
What do we do when we don’t agree with one another on a biblical principle? First, we need to understand that it doesn’t contradict itself. Second, God might want us to dig more in the word even though we might not come to an agreement. It is very important that we don’t insult other brothers/sisters if they don’t agree with us. What might seem clear to us might not be to somebody us. Pray God so He can enlighten that person instead of looking down at him/her.
Lastly, even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t understand His teaching. In John 16:12, “ I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.“ In John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.“ we need the a Holy Spirit to open our hearts like He did to His disciples after His ascension in heaven.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please open my hearts and every human beings hearts on this earth so they can have a better knowledge of God.
Have a blessed day in the Lord and let Him guide us every minute.
What would Jesus say to us today after prefacing his remarks to us, "But I say unto you...
To some of us He would say, I marvel at your faith, and some of us, in thee I find no gile, and some of us your faith has made you whole, and some of us niether do I condem you, go and sin no more.
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan... Matt 4:1
Jesus and the Apostles view of the Old Testament.
We were given two chapters to read for today as mentioned above. I encouraged each to read and re-read same. The have a great message for us as Christians and SDA in general.
The childhood of Christ- Christ grew up as any other child. His mother was his earthy guide and teacher.
Quote from the reading- The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.
What was the role of his earthy father? The bible told us Jesus never went to the earthy Jewish schools yet he knew so much from his teenage mother, one who never had man higher learning/higher education, as that from the temple teachers.
Many SDA are afraid to send their children to Public schools lest their children become contaminated with the teaching. Was Jesus contaminated as a child while growing in Nazareth? Nathaniel asked, can anything good come out of Nazareth?
I read there were a group known as the Waldensees. These people were a group that rose up in the 'dark age', that time when the bible were removed, band and burnt. These people learnt the bible orally and knew what their were about. They taught their children at home, it is said some memorized chapters of the bible, some ever memorized books of the bible. Their parents were not afraid to sent them to the public school/higher learning. Their purpose were engraved in their minds. They were going to learn the trade/work, but the greater purpose was to spread the word of God. Can we trust our children/grands to be the same. Can we send them out like Christ while he was in the temple teaching the learnt men, yet he was not contaminated? Can our children at church, pathfinder, adventure club change the world?
Can we Christians/SDA turn the world up side down?
What would Jesus say today?..."Buy of Me..."(Rev 3:18). If I am merely "traditional in [my] interpretation of scripture", isn't that my fault? The church must be a group of individuals who know the truth for themselves by individually "following the Lamb of God", and not someone else. Too many have followed a favorite preacher/teacher/author, and not the Way, the Truth and the Life. Without a personal experience in God's word, we are left to follow a fallible example at best.
Be still and know that I am God. Ps 46:10
Speak to my soul today Jesus.
Jesus and the Apostles view of the Old Testament.
Quote from the above reading-The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation that existed at Christ's first advent will again exist, with intensity of evil, before His second coming. Christ declares that the condition of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in Sodom and Gomorrah. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart will be evil continually. Upon the very verge of that fearful time we are now living, and to us should come home the lesson of the Savior's fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish which Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence.
After Christ baptism he went to the wilderness alone to fast. Jesus fasted for forty days. His Apostles were not with him, he had no followers at that time. He needed strength and guidance before his earthy ministry.
It was after leaving the wilderness he called his Apostles to follow him, some came on their own.
Matthew 24:1-41
After Jesus leave the temple and his Apostles came and sat with him, he told them about the signs of the last days. Matthew 24:37. Jesus does not want anyone to be left in the dark. Appetite was the first sin of humans. Just before the flood in Noah time men were eating and drinking. Here we see again humans were entangled with sin through appetite. Jesus first temptation was aimed at his appetite. Did that problem of appetite existed in the Apostle time? What about our time, do we still have problems with appetite, at home/school/church/in our communities?
Appetite does not stop with food but our indulgences and craving for that which 'satisfies' our sinful cravings. Our lustful desires. Rom 1:26 Apostle says that which is not natural to one's appetite.
A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without restraint. Professed followers of Christ are today eating and drinking with the drunken, while their names stand in honored church records. Intemperance benumbs the moral and spiritual powers and prepares the way for indulgence of the lower passions. Multitudes feel under no moral obligation to curb their sensual desires, and they become the slaves of lust. Men are living for the pleasures of sense. {PP 101.3}
Rom 12:1-2 Paul begs us to present our bodies (spiritual,mental, social/emotional, physical) daily to Christ as a living sacrifice. We must die to sin, to live for Christ.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
I have spoken to many Christians who believe in the "billion years" theory. I don't understand how one can pick and choose which part of the scriptures you will trust and believe. For me, it's either all truth and inspired by God or none of it is. Just that simple.
I come from a Protestant background and joined the Adventist family of faith after attending a prophecy seminar.
My decision to join the Adventist family 30 years ago was based on the desire to worship God on the Sabbath day.
Joining the online Sabbath school classroom due to the Corona virus' restrictions, I have been greatly blessed by reading thoughts and opinions offered by my fellow online 'class mates'.
There is no thought or opinion, no matter how eloquently expressed, which compares with the 'learning/understanding/edifying' that is accomplished when reading, studying and meditating on the writings found in the holy Scripture.
Ellen White has been remarkably and wonderfully blessed and used by God's Holy Spirit to expound the holy Word of God; making it easier for the reader of her writings to receive the word of God and share her insights and blessings: "There is no sanctification aside from the truth, the word. Then how essential that it should be understood by every one!" (quote from her under Friday's 'Further Thoughts')
Jeremiah 29:11-13 assures God's people that He is still with them, v.11 - 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'
Please, read again Matthew 6 and remind yourself and understand what is so very important in our lives. Jesus directs us to be humble and pray and not to be enticed by earthly gain of any kind and so become distracted from staying and living under the Father's care.
Please, read again Matthew Chapter 7 to remind yourself and know that all that seek will find and be found.
Verses 7 and 8: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
So do we walk the journey of sanctification!
Please, read again chapter 3 of Paul's letter to the Corinthians to remember that we all learn, we all contribute:
v. 9 -'for we are all laborers together with God:ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building;
v.13 - 'every man's work shall be made manifest:for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is'.
v.20 - 'And gain, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Peter Ch.5 v.6-11 - To remind us and to understand that to the God of all grace be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen