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Sabbath School Lesson - Further Study

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Sabbath School Lesson - Further Study

Further Study

Posted: 02 Jul 2010 03:40 AM PDT

FRIDAYJuly 2

Further Study:

Read Ellen G. White, "The Mysteries of the Bible," p. 706, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; "Salvation to the Jews," pp. 372–374, in The Acts of the Apostles. Read also The SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 922; and The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 467, 468.

"While apparently cut off from active labor, Paul exerted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years. As a prisoner of the Lord, he had a firmer hold upon the affections of his brethren; and his words, written by one under bonds for the sake of Christ, commanded greater attention and respect than they did when he was personally with them."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 454.

"To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 373.

"The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction between the saint and the sinner, between converted and unconverted. The two classes do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of a rainbow, but are as distinct as midday and midnight."—Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 390.

Discussion Questions:

Dwell on the question at the end of Thursday's lesson. How could your class help improve your church's reputation, if need be?

In class, share experiences about how a situation that at first seemed terrible was able to be turned to good. How can you use these experiences to help others who are struggling with unexpected calamities?

Dwell more on the idea that we were called to have salvation, even before the foundation of the world (see also Titus 1:1, 2; 2 Tim. 1:8, 9).Why should we find this so encouraging? What does this tell us about God's love for all humans? Why, then, is it so tragic when people turn their backs on what has been so graciously offered them?

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World Reputation

Posted: 01 Jul 2010 12:22 PM PDT

Thursday's Lesson - World Reputation

"First, thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (Rom. 1:8).

The church in Rome had a reputation through the then known world. Their faith was spoken about everywhere. When we look at this text we have to ask ourselves the question what is known about us ? What are people saying about us? We must set forth good examples so that people will know us to be faithful throughout our spheres of influence.

Read Romans 15:14. How does Paul there describe the church at Rome?

Here he says that they are full of goodness and filled with all knowledge and they were able to admonish one another. When Paul describes the church of Rome he uses lofty descriptives. From Paul's descriptions we can see that the church in Rome was distinguished.

All of these characteristics are worth imitating but the ability to admonish one another stands out. The church should be a place where we can lift up each other and encourage each other and reprove each other in love. I can understand why the church was know throughout the world.

What about your local church? What kind of reputation does it have? Or, even more important, does it even have one at all? What does your answer tell you about your local church? More important, if need be, how can you help improve the situation?

Unfortunately not many of the churches that I have attended have had this example. I have been apart of some small groups which have been more apt to do this for me. Often times our churches just become meeting halls and not places where growth and fellowship occurs. It will take intentional action in order to change this.

Individually we must become intentional about how we interact with each other. It is always to push the responsibility upon an abstract group, be we are that group. When we don't individually contribute to the solution we are apart of the collective problem.

Prayer: Father I pray that you may help us to admonish one another and to encourage one another. Teach us to love more faithfully and fully. Thank you Father for the example and the precious blood of Jesus , may we be transformed by His love. In Jesus name Amen.

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