Friday: Further Thought – Paul and the Rebellion
“Not only man but the earth also had by sin come under the control of the wicked one, and was to be restored by the plan of redemption. At his creation, Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan, and the dominion which he held passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became ‘the god of this world.’ He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam.
Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com
But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second.”-Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times, November 4, 1908. It’s so easy, though, as we look around at the world, to forget the crucial truth that Satan is defeated and that his “‘time is short'” (Rev. 12:12, NIV). Evil, death, and suffering pervade this world, though we are promised that, because of what Christ has done, all these will be eradicated. Also, if it isn’t clear to us by now, it ought to be: these will not be eradicated by anything we as humans do, except if we completely destroyed the earth and all life on it, which we’d probably do if given enough time, and God didn’t hold us back. Only the supernatural intervention of God will bring the promised changes for us. We certainly can’t take care of the problems ourselves.
Discussion Questions:
- “Enfeebled and defective, needing constantly to be warned and counseled, the church is nevertheless the object of Christ’s supreme regard. He is making experiments of grace on human hearts, and is effecting such transformations of character that angels are amazed, and express their joy in songs of praise. They rejoice to think that sinful, erring human beings can be so transformed.” -Ellen G. White, “The Signal of Advance,” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 20, 1903. What are some of the ways that we are transformed by what Jesus does for and in us?
- How do we see the great controversy expressed within the church, either at the local level or in the church as a whole? What are the issues being used to divide us, to weaken us, to keep us from doing what we have been called to do? How can we bring healing and unity when people just don’t agree on what we might believe are crucial points?
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"He is making experiments of grace on human hearts, and is effecting such transformations of character that angels are amazed, and express their joy in songs of praise." I don't remember ever reading this before. I love the expression "experiments of grace"! This whole passage is very personal for me. My walk with Jesus began not that long ago when he personally introduced himself to me. It was dramatic. Part of that drama was the instantaneous realization that I had done nothing to merit this gift. (I don't believe there is any merit in saying "yes" to life eternal.)
So when I think of that moment and realize that it was an experiment of grace conducted by the Creator of everything, what can I do but throw myself at his feet? I can understand why angels might be "amazed" at the transformation of this sinful, errant human being - me. I love the thought that He planned for that day... making sure all the scales, beakers, and Bunsen burners were ready. At the precise moment I was ready, He made his move. He revealed to me the dire nature of my sinfulness and then immediately, the magnitude of his love that he poured out for me on the cross. The experiment is still in progress and His grace is sufficient. I rejoice with those angels.
I too will join with Ellen G White , and agree that God has done a great and marvelous work on my behalf when Christ died on the cross just for a sinner like me, I just don,t understand it , but I plan when I go to heaven to ask Him why . The only thing that I thing I understand a little is that if I was the only sinner on the earth God would have send Jesus to died for me just the same, O what matchless love, my plea to all who don't accept Jesus as yet don't delay, do it today, you will be very happy that you do it, Thank God for loving one like me,what He has done for me He will do for you too.
I was born and grew up in the church, but as I get older I can see clearer and clearer God's wondrous grace and mercy especially towards me. I love this church and I am determine to serve my God as long as He gives me breath. God has done great things for me whereof I am glad. One thing I do know is that we are nearing home. Let us pray for each other and our church leaders in particular so that this church will continue to be that shining light on the hill. God bless you all.
Yesterday morning, on the very day we studied the lesson on 'the Last Enemy", I was shocked to learn of the sudden death of one of our Deans (a pastor) at my university. The Dean was well and about his usual business on Wednesday but on Thursday morning he took his last breath. As you can imagine, for the entire day the talking point was the unexpectedness of this well known and well loved and respected member of faculty and pastor of this worldwide church that we're all part of.
To say the least, his family and extended family, friends, colleagues, students and all connections are very sad and disappointed at the event. The sting of death is very real and as we studied it came as a result of the rebellion of our fore-parents yielding to the vice of the evil one.
What is more important though, is that Jesus is alive and "because He lives we can face tomorrow" with the wonderful hope of His soon return to take us home where we will never have to face death again nor the loss of our loved ones. "He that shall come, will come.." (Heb. 10:37).
HYMN:
We have this hope that burns within our hearts,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
We have this faith that Christ alone imparts,
Faith in the promise of his word.
We believe the time is here,
When the nations far and near
Shall awake and shout and sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope that burns within our hearts,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
Discussion Questions:
1: Through faith in the exceeding great and precious promises of God we are made in His likeness, becoming partakers of the Divine nature. Love for self becomes love for others, the unclean becomes clean, and the unholy, holy.
These are the privileges of all who exercise faith in God's amazing grace toward sinners, being yoked together with Jesus who invites each to "come unto Me".
2: When any depart from Truth or faith, many divisions will rise within the Church, which all all who are spiritual must work diligently to restore in the spirit of meekness. No less urgent are the lost “inside” than those who are lost outside of the church fellowship. Membership does not equal salvation, which only comes through faith that works by love and is seen in obedience to the will of God and righteousness of Christ. We need always remember "we wrestle not against flesh and blood..."
Me also. I have never seen the quote before, but what powerful words. I too am an experiment of grace. I am truly thankful the He already knows the outcome of this experiment. As we look at the story of Hanah and Samuel we see a glimse of what God did for us. He gave His "only begotten" to save us.