Friday: Further Thought – The Holy Spirit and Revelation
Read Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, “The Scriptures a Safeguard” pp. 593-602. Read also Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, “Let Not Your Heart be Troubled,” pp. 662-680.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Think about all the truth that we know only because it has been revealed to us in the Bible. Think, for instance, about creation. What a contrast between what the Word of God teaches about how we were created and how humanity teaches we were created-that is, through the process of what is now called “the neo-Darwinian synthesis.” Look at how wrong humans have it! Think, too, about the Second Coming of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead at the end of the age. These are truths that we could never learn on our own. They have to be revealed to us; and they are, in the Word of God, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the most important truth of all, that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that we are saved through faith in Him and His works for us, is a truth that we could have never figured out on our own. We know it only because it has been revealed to us. Think about other truths that we know only because they have been told to us through the Word of God. What should the fact that such crucial truths are found only in the Bible tell us about how central the Word of God needs to be in our lives?
Discussion Questions:
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Without creation then there won't be recreation. Without Jesus dying for us, there won't be the ressurection of the saint. Therefore, the holy spirit is at work here which revealed these truth through the word. "Indeed Peter flesh and blood did not tell you this but the Holy Spirit......"
My prayer this morning Father is that you baptize us with your Holy Spirit, IJN. Amen
It's like Adventists have not understood the work of the Holy Spirit. Some expect that there will be a time when the Spirit will revive the church, but the Spirit has always been there and that should put it clear to the growing church. That's why even praying for the sick and chasing of demons is a challenge. And because of a wrong belief many members have given up in faith. The Holy Spirit has been hovering from time indefinite. Examine what our memory text says and discover what it means. surely the author meant it wisely. Enjoy the sabbath.
I'm not sure what you've been exposed to, but the many churches, sermons, retreats, etc. that I've attended have never once indicated that the Holy Spirit isn't currently with us and working on our hearts. I've always read, as well as heard in sermons, that the Spirit is always with us. Maybe some things aren't being taught or read in your area's church, I would suggest asking for bible study/sermon or conducting one yourself if you think your church community is having a major misunderstanding of the Scriptures and the presence of the HS 🙂
What is truth? Well, there is only three sources by the which I have found reliable truth. One, (the word of God, Jn. 17:17. Two, nature, it does not lie, you could see it's accuracy, and much could it teach us there by. ( three) experience, what has happen to you has happened to you, and much can be learned from it, for good or for better.
Robert, your list did not mention the role of the "community of believers" as a source. The history of the early church has many examples of believers coming together to study and discuss issues and being blessed by the experience. Also, one of the strengths of the early Adventist church was their willingness to have group discussions about their beliefs.
Undoubtedly, some of these discussions were fairly vigorous but the willingness to share and listen to others provides an opportunity for understanding to grow and develop. Even it education circles, while the lecture still has a role to play, often the real learning occurs in tutorials and seminars where students have the opportunity to express their perception of the concepts under discussion. The cut and thrust of discussion is a great tool for learning and development of ideas.
In our spiritual lives, the opportunity for discussion among believers is paramount in maintaining our spiritual development. It is one reason why I see Sabbath School, properly organised, as having an important role in the church. It is also the reason that I have been involved in Sabbath School Net for over 20 years. A discussion group such as this, gives us all an opportunity to share and challenge one another as a diverse group of believers. While we do not always agree with one another, we are united in our desire to experience and grow our understanding of truth. I believe that the Holy Spirit works through this discussion group.
Thank you for this prospective...it's a wonderful way to gauge truth
When what is revealed to us through scripture is rejected and we choose to accept falsehood we surrender ourselves to insecurity, fear, pride and/or several other forms of deceit and confusion.
Since God's word is the source of all spiritual truth, those who do not study the word will stumble and fall into darkness. Additionally, because the Holy Spirit is the One who inspired the word He will be available to all who desire to have a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Simultaneously , we will receive power because where the Spirit is there is power and we need this power to live above sin. Now we see why David said " Thy word have I hid in my heart so I might not sin against thee.
If the word is in the heart it is very likely that the Spirit will be in the hear too.
As it relates to new light, the only new light that should be acknowledged is information that the specific individual has not gotten before on how to live a better Christian life including healthier living e.g. Drinking a glass of room temperature water before going to bed reduces the risk of heart attack. It is new to that individual but not to God's councils. God wants us to know what is already there. We don't know the half.
The bible is the word of God and the word of God is true.If you really need truth we got to go where truth is and that is the bible.John 8:32 And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is true.
The bible is the standard by which one should go by.Apart from it is true, it reflects God's character. It was written by inspired men of God anything God created is perfect and he can fix. But, if we go against the word of God we are opening ourselves to the consequences of evil. When we speak about truth we are set free, we feel pure, there is transparency, Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is true. He is a sheild to all who come to Him for protection. (NIV)
I encourage us to live the word and stay in the word. God bless
From a human point of view, the truth is something that none can change! A fact! Thus, I must proove for myself, in my own life, what the truth really is! How do I do that? Only through faith. I may be able to see a few things and test them. But there is a whole lot more that to my little understanding can seem nonsense! May God have mercy on which Light I'm using to build up my faith through the strugling of my life! May I cling to the right Hand while going through the darkness that is to look at the future!
You are right; lest we forget where we are coming from as Adventist and lose the footprint.