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Lesson 2.Covenant Love | 2.1 The Everlasting Love of God | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

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Lesson 2.Covenant Love
Covenant Love – God’s Eternal Faithfulness and Our Response
In Lesson 2, we delve into the deep, unshakable love of God, known as federal love. This love forms the foundation of His relationship with us—a relationship marked by faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace. God’s love is not merely a feeling but an active expression of His character, visible in His covenants with humanity.
The Bible reveals that God’s love is infinite and unchanging, yet the blessings of His relationship require our response in the form of obedience, faithfulness, and love for others. Through studying this lesson, we learn how God’s love shapes our lives and calls us to pass on this love.
Lesson 2 invites us to discover the significance of God’s federal love and to reflect on how we can respond to it—in our relationship with God and in how we interact with others. We are encouraged to recognize the depth of God’s love, accept it, and make it visible in our daily lives.
2.1 The Everlasting Love of God
God’s Infinite Love – An Invitation to Salvation
Read Psalm 33:5 and 145:9. What do these verses teach about the extent of God’s goodness, compassion, and mercy?
This section highlights the central message of the Bible: God’s immeasurable love for every person. John 3:16 is aptly used as the core verse to illustrate God’s love and His plan for salvation. The reference to Psalm 33:5 and 145:9 invites us to explore God’s goodness and mercy, recognizing that His love knows no bounds.
Particularly moving is the address to those who feel unlovable. This perspective shows how comprehensive God’s love is—it applies to everyone, regardless of feelings of unworthiness. This thought offers comfort and hope, strengthening our trust in God’s unconditional acceptance.
A suggestion would be to further develop the idea of how to respond to God’s love in daily life, such as through trust, gratitude, and sharing this love with others.
Read 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; and Ezekiel 33:11. What do these verses teach about God’s desire to save all people?
The cited verses—2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; and Ezekiel 33:11—convey a powerful message about God’s desire for all people to be saved. They emphasize that God is not only love but also patience, compassion, and hope in every interaction with humanity. His will that no one should perish is a central aspect of His character.
John 3:17 complements this statement by describing God’s intention: He did not come to judge the world but to save it. It demonstrates God’s respect for human free will, making His love all the more significant—a love that does not force but invites.
The emphasis on Jeremiah 31:3 and Psalm 136 on the eternal nature of God’s love highlights the constancy and immutability of this love. It is inspiring to recognize that God’s love does not cease even in the face of rejection. This challenges us to ask ourselves how we experience and reflect this love in our lives.
The idea that a deeper understanding and experience of God’s love could shape our own behavior is extremely practical and encouraging. When we are permeated by this eternal love, we could indeed learn to treat others with patience, kindness, and mercy that goes beyond our own limitations. It would be helpful to add examples or prompts on how to concretely experience and share this love in everyday life.
If God loves all people, that means He must love some pretty despicable individuals, for there are some (indeed many) detestable people out there. What should God’s love for these people teach us about how we should also try to deal with these people?
God’s love for all people, including those we might consider despicable, reveals a profound truth: God’s love is unconditional and independent of human actions or character traits. This reality teaches us valuable lessons about how we should strive to interact with such individuals.
  1. Distinguishing Between Person and Deed: God loves the person even if He rejects sin or evil. This distinction can help us approach others with compassion, even if we disapprove of their actions. It involves respecting a person’s dignity as God’s creation, even when we find their behavior immoral or harmful.
  2. Humility Before Our Own Imperfection: Recognizing that God loves us despite our flaws should humble us. We all depend on God’s forgiveness. This humility can lead us to judge others less harshly and instead seek ways to extend grace to them.
  3. Prayer and Hope Instead of Condemnation: Instead of condemning people, we could pray for them and hope that they will change. God does not give anyone up—this attitude can serve as our model. It helps to remember that even detestable people are loved by God and may be transformed by His grace.
  4. Practical Love for Others: The challenge lies in treating people we find difficult with respect and kindness. This does not mean we condone their behavior or expose ourselves to harmful situations, but it does mean that we do not intentionally harm them or act out of hatred.
  5. Remembering Jesus’ Example: Jesus showed love and compassion for sinners, outcasts, and even those who rejected Him. He called for repentance, but He did so out of love, not contempt. His example encourages us to act in love, even when it is difficult.
Learning to love despicable individuals is not an easy path, but it reflects the depth of God’s love. It requires patience, grace, and the willingness to question our own prejudices. In this attitude, we can not only receive God’s love but also pass it on—even to those who seem least deserving.
God’s eternal love is not only a theological truth but also a practical invitation to shape our thinking, feelings, and actions. Here are some concrete connections between the understanding of God’s immeasurable love and our daily lives and faith journey:
  1. Trust in Difficult Times The assurance that God’s love is unshakable can provide comfort in times of doubt, pain, and failure. When we feel unloved or unworthy, God’s love reminds us that our value does not depend on our achievements but on His unconditional acceptance.
  2. Gratitude in Daily Life By consciously acknowledging the breadth and constancy of God’s love, we can develop an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness for God’s mercy can help us appreciate small joys in everyday life and maintain a perspective of hope even in challenges.
  3. Patience with Others Remembering God’s patience with us motivates us to extend the same patience to others. In conflicts or tense situations, we can learn to work towards forgiveness and reconciliation instead of being driven by anger or resentment.
  4. Love and Compassion for Neighbors The call to reflect God’s love means treating people with respect and kindness—even those who are hard to love. Practical examples might include:
    • Being kind to a difficult coworker or neighbor.
    • Supporting people in need, regardless of their background or behavior.
    • Praying for someone who has hurt us.
  5. Humility in the Faith Life Recognizing that God loves all people equally leads us to humility. It reminds us that no one receives God’s love based on their own merits. This can encourage us to admit our own faults while not judging others too harshly.
  6. Evangelism Through Lived Love God’s desire for all to be saved invites us to share His love. Our daily lives offer numerous opportunities to make this love visible through words, actions, and testimony—whether through sincere conversations about faith, practical help, or exemplifying a life in God’s peace.
  7. Following Jesus in Dealing with Others Jesus showed us how to embody God’s love—through patience, compassion, and forgiveness even in difficult situations. In our daily lives, we can follow Jesus’ example in interacting with sinners and outcasts by encouraging, supporting, and giving them dignity.
Summary
God’s infinite love is the foundation for our trust in Him and a model for our actions. It calls us to live in gratitude, engage in loving our neighbors, and grow in humility. As we begin to experience and share God’s love in our daily lives, we not only transform our own lives but also the relationships with the people around us.

God’s love is unshakable—a gift that sustains us and a model we can pass on.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-1-the-everlasting-love-of-god-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

05.01.2025 – 2 Corinthians Chapter 10 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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January 5, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 10
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary
Introduction
2 Corinthians Chapter 10 is a striking example of Paul’s defense of apostolic authority amidst personal attacks and misunderstandings. In the church at Corinth, there were voices questioning his authority, both due to his outward appearance and his demeanor. Paul uses this opportunity to demonstrate that his strength and authority do not stem from human power or rhetoric, but from divine calling and the spiritual weapons he received through Christ. This chapter encourages us to recognize the value of God’s standards and to avoid judging by external or fleshly criteria.
Commentary
Gentleness and Spiritual Authority (Verses 1–6):
Paul begins with an appeal to the Corinthians to be guided by the gentleness and humility of Christ. He points out that his ministry is not based on human boldness or fleshly strength but on the power of God. The spiritual weapons he employs are mighty in demolishing strongholds of thought, pride, and false teachings. This illustrates that the true battle of faith is spiritual in nature and that Christ’s authority brings everything under His obedience.
Standards of True Authority (Verses 7–11):
Paul challenges the Corinthians with the question of whether they judge by outward appearances. He emphasizes that his connection to Christ is just as genuine as those who criticize him. He asserts that his authority comes from God and that his actions align with the words in his letters. This underscores that true spiritual authority is evident in the consistency between words and actions.
Humility in Service and the Glory of God (Verses 12–18):
Paul critiques the self-exaltation of some of his opponents who measure and praise themselves. He emphasizes that true praise comes only from God and that all work in Christ’s service must occur under God’s direction and within the scope of His calling. Paul demonstrates that he does not boast of others’ achievements but strives to spread the Gospel further and give glory to God.
Summary
2 Corinthians Chapter 10 highlights the true nature of spiritual authority and the spiritual battle. Paul demonstrates that human standards and fleshly weapons have no place in God’s service. Instead, true strength is rooted in the power of God, which can demolish strongholds of pride and unbelief. Paul encourages the church to grow in humility and obedience, reminding them that all glory belongs to God. This chapter invites readers to reevaluate their perspective and live according to Christ’s standards.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 85—By the Sea Once More
This chapter is based on John 21:1-22.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 85, based on John 21, describes the renewed encounter of Jesus with His disciples after His resurrection at the Sea of Galilee. In a time of uncertainty and inner struggles, Jesus strengthens the disciples, reminds them of their calling, and reinstates Peter in his ministry. This meeting is marked by forgiveness, love, and the renewal of the divine mission. It is a message of hope and an invitation to align oneself with Christ in trust and obedience.
Commentary
The Miracle of the Catch – Renewal of the Calling:
The fruitless night on the sea symbolizes the limits of human effort without divine guidance. Only through Jesus’ instruction do the disciples’ nets become full. This miracle recalls the first catch at their calling and confirms that Jesus, despite His death and resurrection, continues to care for their needs. It serves as a picture of how God’s work succeeds through faith and collaboration with Him.
The Restoration of Peter:
Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” reflecting Peter’s threefold denial. This examination publicly rehabilitates Peter and renews his apostolic ministry. The repeated command to “Feed my lambs” and “Feed my sheep” highlights Peter’s responsibility as a spiritual shepherd. His repentance and humility prepare him to care for both young believers and the broader congregation.
Following and Trust:
Jesus commands Peter to follow Him, regardless of what happens to others. This teaching emphasizes the personal responsibility of each disciple to serve Christ without being distracted by the tasks of others. Jesus makes it clear that everyone has their own path of discipleship rooted in His divine plan.
Summary
Chapter 85 illustrates Jesus’ faithfulness to His disciples and His willingness to forgive and renew them despite their failures. The miracle of the catch reminds the disciples of their calling, while Peter’s threefold reaffirmation of his devotion reinstates him as a shepherd of the church. The call to “Follow me!” is a universal appeal to all Christians to align themselves with Christ in trust and obedience without comparing themselves to others.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:16-20.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 86, based on Jesus’ final instructions, focuses on the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This is not only a command to the disciples of that time but also an enduring mission for all Christians. It describes the equipping of the disciples with divine authority, the universal reach of the Gospel message, and the responsibility of every believer to proclaim the Good News. This message calls for dedication, collaboration, and faith in God’s work.
Commentary
The Great Commission – Divine Authority and Universal Mission
Jesus began His words with the assurance: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This assurance demonstrates that the proclamation of the Gospel does not rely on human strength but on His authority. The command “Go into all the world” emphasizes the universal nature of the message: all nations, peoples, and cultures are to hear the Gospel. This global perspective highlights God’s boundless love and desire for salvation.
The Responsibility of Believers
The commission is not only directed at the apostles but also at all believers. The church is called to actively participate in the salvation of souls. This service can take the form of preaching, personal testimony, or practical help. Such work requires dedication, trust in God, and a willingness to serve with humility and love.
Promises and Challenges
Jesus promised to support His followers: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This assurance gives believers courage, even in the face of persecution and challenges. The promise of the Holy Spirit as a source of supernatural strength was essential for the disciples and remains a central support for ministry today. However, the Great Commission is also a test of faith, dedication, and trust.
Summary
Chapter 86 demonstrates that Jesus’ Great Commission is the foundation of the Christian church. This mission is comprehensive, requiring faith, dedication, and the active involvement of every believer. The promise of divine support provides strength and courage, while the universal scope of the message reveals God’s all-encompassing love. The success of the mission depends on how deeply believers trust in and collaborate with Jesus in their dedication.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/05-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/

How a Peanut Factory Transformed Lives

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Uncover the story of reconciliation and transformation as former rebels earn a living and build places of worship. This content highlights the impact of faith and community support. Like, subscribe, and share your insights in the comments! #ReconciliationThroughWork #EmpowermentThroughFaith #CommunityOfBelievers #awr #adventistworldradio #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9kLPIOG-5g

The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 2.Covenant Love | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 2.Covenant Love  |
Covenant Love – God’s Eternal Faithfulness and Our Response  |
Lesson 2 addresses the infinite and faithful love of God that He extends to His covenant people. This love is not only a gift but also an invitation to an intimate relationship with Him. Through the concept of chesed love, it becomes clear that God’s mercy and goodness are not conditional, though the full enjoyment of the blessings of this relationship is. The lesson reminds us that God loved us first and that our love for Him and our neighbors is a response to this love. It invites us to consciously experience God’s love and reflect it through obedience and love for others.
Memory Text: John 14:23 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him’. ”
Content:
2.1 The Everlasting Love of God
God’s Infinite Love – An Invitation to Salvation
God’s eternal love is unmistakably revealed in the Bible: God loves everyone, regardless of their condition or past. John 3:16 and other verses like Jeremiah 31:3 emphasize that this love is everlasting and all-encompassing. God desires that all people be saved, yet He does not force His love upon anyone. This love, which also extends to “detestable” persons, challenges us to practice love and compassion ourselves. When we experience God’s love in our lives, it changes our attitude toward others and empowers us to love even those who seem unlovable. God’s love remains a model for our actions—unconditional, relentless, and saving.
2.2 Covenant Love
Covenant Love – God’s Faithfulness and Our Response
God’s covenant love is described in the Bible by the Hebrew word chesed, which represents God’s unwavering goodness, mercy, and love in a faithful relationship. This love is boundless and steadfast, yet the full blessing of the relationship depends on His people’s willingness to follow Him and reciprocate this love. Deuteronomy 7:6–9 shows that God’s love is unconditional, while the covenant relationship requires mutual faithfulness. The pinnacle of God’s chesed is visible in Jesus Christ, who gave Himself on the cross. This love invites us to consciously experience it daily and respond by loving God and one another with faithfulness and gratitude.
2.3 Conditional Relationship
God’s Love and Our Response – Conditional Blessings, Unconditional Love
The relationship with God is characterized by His unconditional love, but the benefits of this relationship depend on our free choice to accept this love. If we fail to respond to God’s love, we can sever ourselves from the blessings of His presence and the promise of eternal life, even though His love never ceases. Texts like Hosea 9:15 and John 14:21 show that maintaining the blessings of this relationship requires obedience and faithfulness. God’s love remains like the sun that continuously shines, but we can cast ourselves into the shadows. Nature, even after the fall, reflects God’s love and invites us to experience and respond to this reality daily.
2.4 Mercy Forfeited
Conditional Grace – The Responsibility of Forgiveness
God’s love is eternal and unmerited, yet we have the choice to accept or reject it. The parable of the unforgiving servant shows that, like the servant, we owe a debt to God that we could never repay, yet He forgives us out of His boundless grace. This forgiveness requires us to extend it to others. The servant forfeited his master’s grace because he was not willing to forgive others. Similarly, rejecting to reflect God’s love can lead us to cut ourselves off from the blessings of His grace. The depth of the forgiveness we have received should move us to show mercy to others.
2.5 You Have Freely Received; Freely Give
Passing On Received Love – The Call to Neighborly Love
God’s love is a gift that we neither deserve nor can repay, yet we are called to pass it on. The Bible teaches that true love for God is shown in our love for others (John 15:12; 1 John 4:7–12). Those who have received mercy are called to act mercifully themselves. The parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that extending forgiveness is a sign of true discipleship. Jesus’ command to love others as He has loved us calls us to make God’s love visible both in words and actions. Through this lived-out love, we can lead others to hope for eternal life.
2.6 Summary
Covenant Love – God’s Faithful Devotion and Our Response
Lesson 2 illuminates God’s unwavering and eternal love shown in a special covenant relationship with His people. This love is unmerited but remains steadfast, even when often rejected by us humans. God’s chesed—His faithful goodness—invites us to accept this love and respond through obedience and love for Him and others. Although we can never repay His love, we are called to pass it on by living out forgiveness and mercy. This lesson reminds us that God’s love is the foundation of our relationship with Him and that our love for others should be a visible sign of our discipleship.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-god-of-love-and-justice-lesson-2-covenant-love-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

How AWR Transformed Lives through Business

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Discover how AWR is helping former rebels transition to a new life by supporting them in starting farms and small businesses. See how these efforts provide economic stability and hope for the future. Click the like button, subscribe for more content, and share your thoughts in the comments! #EconomicEmpowerment #NewBeginnings #AWRInitiatives #awr #adventistworldradio #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ccwiGtgYN0

Editorial: “A Time to Deconstruct… and A Time to Innovate”

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I remember a particular theology class, with one of the hardest professors on campus during graduate school. After handing out the syllabus he said something that stayed with me for years afterwards. “If you look at the syllabus and decide that you would like to leave the class, please leave now. Otherwise, I ask that […] Source: https://atoday.org/editorial-a-time-to-deconstruct-and-a-time-to-innovate/

Sunday: The Everlasting Love of God

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Daily Lesson for Sunday 5th of January 2025

Scripture is clear: God loves everyone. The most famous verse of Scripture, John 3:16, proclaims this truth: “ ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ ” (NKJV).

Read Psalms 33:5 and Psalms 145:9. What do these verses teach about how far God’s loving-kindness, compassion, and mercy extend?
Jesus Watches Over Earth

Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com

Some might think that they are unlovable or that God might love everyone else but not them. Yet, the Bible consistently proclaims that every single person is loved by God. There is no one whom He does not love. And because God loves everyone, He also wants everyone to be saved, as well.

Read 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Ezekiel 33:11. What do these texts teach about God’s desire to save everyone?

The verse after John 3:16 adds: “ ‘For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved’ ” (John 3:17, NKJV). If it were up to God alone, every human being would accept His love and be saved. Yet, the Lord will not force His love on anyone. People are free to accept or reject it.

And even though some do reject it, God never stops loving them. In Jeremiah 31:3, He proclaims to His people: “ ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you’ ” (NKJV). Elsewhere, the Bible repeatedly teaches that God’s love endures forever (see, for example, Psalms 136:1-26). God’s love never runs out. It is everlasting. This is hard for us to understand because we often find it easy not to love others, don’t we?

However, if we as individuals could learn to experience the reality of that love—that is, to know for ourselves God’s love—how differently we might live and treat others.

If God loves everyone, this means He must love some pretty despicable characters because there are some (a lot, in fact) despicable characters out there. What should God’s love for these people teach us about how we should seek to relate to them, as well?

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25a-02-the-everlasting-love-of-god/

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