Despite historical challenges to religious freedom, there have always been people who have chosen to be faithful to God and His Word. In this episode, join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as he discusses part two of chapter 35 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

Join as he delves deeper into prophecy, highlighting the rise of the Roman Church and its impact on future religious liberty. Watch to learn more.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-35-pt-2-liberty-of-conscience-threatened-pastor-ted-wilson/

1.Read Mark 8:27–29 again. How often do you confess your faith in Jesus as the Christ before others?

Mark 8:27–29 describes a pivotal moment when Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is and then who they believe He is. Peter answers, “You are the Christ.” This confession is a crucial expression of faith and recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah. This passage prompts us to reflect on our own confession of faith. Here are some questions and considerations to help deepen this reflection:

1. How often do I confess my faith in Jesus to others? Consider the situations in which you openly speak about your faith. Does your confession of faith show up in conversations, actions, or the way you live?

2. How do I express my faith? Confessions of faith can take many forms—through words, actions, decisions, and the way you lead your life. Think about how you make your faith visible in your daily life.

3. What challenges or fears do I have when it comes to confessing my faith? Often, there are fears or uncertainties that prevent us from speaking openly about our faith. Reflect on the specific challenges you face and how you might address them.

4. How can I strengthen my confession? Consider the steps you can take to confess your faith more consciously. Perhaps there are ways you can be more active and open about Jesus in your personal environment or social context.

Confessing Jesus as the Christ is a central aspect of the Christian life. It’s not just about having a personal conviction but also about living and sharing this conviction boldly and authentically. By reflecting on your own confession, you can find ways to deepen your relationship with Jesus and demonstrate what your faith means to you.

2.What is the right balance between experiencing communion with Christ on the mountaintop and serving the needs of others in the valley?

Finding the right balance between experiencing communion with Christ on the mountaintop and serving the needs of others in the valley is a fundamental question for the Christian life. This balance is important because both aspects represent different but complementary dimensions of faith.

1. Mountaintop Experiences (Communion with Christ): The “mountaintop experience” refers to times of intense closeness to God, spiritual enlightenment, and deep communion with Christ. These moments are often formative and provide us with strength, clarity, and inspiration. Examples include personal prayer experiences, communal worship, intensive Bible study, or special spiritual encounters.

2. Valley Experiences (Serving Others): The “valley experience” refers to the everyday reality of dealing with the needs of others and actively serving them. This involves the practical challenges of faith, integrating our beliefs into daily life, and engaging in social justice and charity.

Finding the Right Balance:

1. Nourishment and Source of Strength: Communion with Christ on the mountaintop provides the spiritual nourishment and strength needed for effective service. These moments are crucial for personal renewal and growth in faith. They help us build a deeper relationship with God and experience His guidance. Without this regular renewal, we might feel exhausted or burnt out.

2. Application of Faith: Serving the needs of others in the valley is the expression of our spiritual experiences and beliefs. It’s the practical application of the faith that has been strengthened and renewed on the mountaintop. Service challenges us to make our faith concrete and visible in real-life situations.

3. Integration of Both Dimensions: It’s important to integrate both dimensions. Mountaintop experiences should not be isolated or self-serving. They should motivate us to be active in the valley and to live our faith through our actions. Conversely, serving others should not merely be a duty but should flow from a deep, personal faith rooted in communion with Christ.

4. Regular Reflection and Balance: Regularly reviewing and reflecting on our balance between these two dimensions is necessary. It involves ensuring that we are not only living in spiritual communion without forgetting practical application and vice versa. It requires a conscious effort to maintain a balanced relationship between prayer and action, worship and service.

Practical Steps:

• Schedule Time for Silence and Prayer: Regularly create times of silence and prayer to strengthen your spiritual connection with God.

• Active Participation in Service: Engage actively in church services or social projects that help you put your faith into practice.

• Self-Reflection: Regularly check how your spiritual experiences influence your actions and vice versa, to ensure you maintain a healthy balance.

• Community with Others: Seek fellowship with other believers for mutual encouragement and support, helping to maintain the balance.

The right balance between communion with Christ and serving others is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling faith life. It helps us remain deeply rooted in our faith while being effective in practical expressions of this faith.

3.Discuss the answer to the question of greatness at the end of the Wednesday section. What is the difference between what the world considers greatness and what God considers greatness? Which people does the world consider great that God might not? Conversely, whom might God consider great, whom the world ignores or even despises? What does this difference tell us about how distorted and twisted the ideals of this world really are?

The question of greatness and the difference between worldly and divine views of greatness is central to understanding the Christian faith and our values.

Difference Between Worldly and Divine Greatness:

• Worldly Greatness: In the world, greatness is often defined by external attributes such as power, wealth, influence, and prestige. Those who are considered great are often those in high societal positions, those with significant wealth, fame, or considerable influence. The world measures greatness by the ability to influence or dominate others and by the level of personal success.

• Divine Greatness: God defines greatness quite differently. In the kingdom of God, true greatness is characterized by humility, service, and love. Jesus taught that the greatest in the kingdom of God is the one who serves and cares for others, especially the weak and needy. Greatness, in divine terms, means being a servant, putting others’ needs above one’s own ambitions.

People the World Considers Great but God Might Not:

• Wealthy and Influential Figures: Individuals with great material wealth or influential positions are often seen as great. However, God looks at the heart and values people based on their character and actions, not external success or status.

• Celebrities and Public Figures: People who gain fame through media and entertainment are often considered great. Yet, God’s measure is not fame or public recognition but the depth of faith and how they use their talents and resources for the good of others.

People God Might Consider Great, Whom the World Ignores or Despises:

• Poor and Unremarkable Individuals: People often overlooked or deemed insignificant by the world, such as the poor, widows, orphans, and generally less privileged individuals, might be of great importance in God’s eyes. Their humility and faith are often deeper and more authentic.

• Hidden Servants: Those who do not receive public acclaim but serve faithfully and quietly are considered great in God’s eyes. Their love and dedication are invaluable, even if they work behind the scenes without recognition.

• Kindness and Selflessness: Individuals who selflessly care for others and put their needs before their own show the kind of greatness that God honors.

What This Difference Tells Us About the Distortion of Worldly Ideals:

• Distorted Values: Worldly ideals often focus on external attributes and short-term success, leading to the neglect or ignorance of true values like humility, love, and service. This distortion reflects a superficial view that misses the depth and true significance of human life and faith.

• Superficiality: The world tends to set superficial standards for greatness that do not account for inner qualities and character. God’s true greatness often lies in unassuming and selfless actions that do not always receive public recognition.

• Changed Perspective: The difference shows the need to shift our perspective and move away from worldly standards. It reminds us that God’s values often contrast with what the world considers important. We are called to align our values and priorities with divine standards and view life from God’s perspective.

Overall, this contrast teaches us that true greatness from God’s perspective is often entirely different from worldly views and that we should not be guided by superficial ideals. Instead, we should strive for humility, service, and genuine faith, reflecting God’s true greatness.

4.How can you learn to take sin so seriously that, as Jesus said, you would be better off enduring physical harm than sinning?

To learn to take sin so seriously that you would prefer to endure physical harm rather than sin, consider the following approaches:

1. Understanding the Seriousness of Sin:

   • Reflect on the Impact: Begin by reflecting on the serious consequences of sin for your life, your relationship with God, and others. Sin can significantly impact not just your spiritual life but also your everyday life.

   • Study Scripture: Read and meditate on biblical teachings about sin. The Bible describes sin as something that destroys the relationship with God and leads to a life away from Him.

2. Recognize Personal Responsibility:

   • Self-Examination: Regularly examine your own life and actions. Ask yourself if there are areas where you are neglectful about sin or accommodating temptations.

   • Serious Self-Analysis: Be willing to face uncomfortable truths about your behavior and motives. This can be done through prayer, self-reflection, or discussions with a trusted spiritual advisor.

3. Take Radical Measures:

   • Avoid Temptations: Identify situations or circumstances that lead you into temptation and try to avoid or change them. This might mean avoiding certain behaviors or environments that lead you to sin.

   • Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself from temptation. This might also involve distancing yourself from people or situations that lead you into temptation.

4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines:

   • Prayer and Repentance: Use prayer and repentance to strengthen your relationship with God and to find the spiritual strength to resist sin. Regular prayer and confession help you recognize your dependence on God and seek His help.

   • Study Scripture: Regularly read the Bible to develop a deeper understanding of God’s will and the importance of holiness. The Scriptures provide guidance and wisdom on how to live a life pleasing to God.

5. Seek Healthy Community:

   • Support from Other Believers: Engage with other believers who can encourage and support you in living a life of holiness and integrity. Sharing challenges and praying for each other can help you remain steadfast.

   • Mentors and Role Models: Find spiritual mentors or role models whose lives and handling of sin inspire and challenge you. Their experiences and insights can help you develop a serious attitude towards sin.

6. Pursue a Consistent Lifestyle:

   • Long-Term Change: Work towards making permanent changes in your life, not just short-term solutions. Develop a long-term plan for spiritual growth and holiness.

   • Reflect on Lifestyle: Regularly review your lifestyle and priorities to ensure you live in accordance with God’s will and take sin seriously.

By implementing these approaches, you can learn to take sin seriously and understand the urgency Jesus conveyed about dealing with sin. It’s about recognizing the reality and consequences of sin and taking radical steps to lead a life that honors God and strengthens your faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-teaching-disciples-part-1-7-7-questions-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 17, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 18

¹ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

² And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

³ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

⁵ And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

⁶ But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

⁷ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

⁸ Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

⁹ And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

¹⁰ Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

¹¹ For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

¹² How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

¹³ And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

¹⁴ Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

¹⁵ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

²¹ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

²³ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

²⁴ And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

²⁵ But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

²⁶ The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

²⁷ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

²⁸ But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

²⁹ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

³⁰ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

³¹ So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

³² Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

³³ Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

³⁴ And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

³⁵ So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Matthew Chapter 18 presents a central teaching of Jesus that deals with the structure and ethics of the Christian community. It begins with a question from the disciples about rank and greatness in the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus uses this opportunity to teach profound principles about humility, sin, forgiveness, and community. This passage highlights the importance of having a childlike heart in following Jesus and the indispensability of forgiveness in the Christian fellowship.

Commentary

The Disciples’ Dispute over Rank (Verses 1-5):

The disciples approach Jesus with the question of who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This question reveals their misunderstandings about the nature of God’s kingdom. Jesus responds by placing a child in their midst and pointing out that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is determined by humility and the willingness to lower oneself like a child. In this teaching, children represent innocence, dependence, and trust—qualities that are also central in following Jesus.

Warning Against Leading Others Astray (Verses 6-9):

Jesus gives a stern warning against leading the “little ones” astray, referring to those who are weak in faith. The drastic imagery of cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye underscores the seriousness of this warning. It highlights the need for radical measures to avoid sin and temptation. This passage makes clear the severe consequences of sin for both the community and the individual.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Verses 10-14):

The parable of the lost sheep emphasizes God’s immeasurable love, showing that He does not want any of His “little ones” to be lost. It demonstrates that God actively seeks and rejoices when even one of His sheep is found. This narrative reveals the value of each individual in God’s eyes and calls the community to avoid despising anyone.

Correction and Prayer in the Church (Verses 15-20):

Here, Jesus provides clear instructions on how to handle sin and conflicts within the church. The process of correction should be done in love and with the goal of restoring the sinner. Prayer and unity within the church are emphasized, and it is assured that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, He is in their midst.

On Forgiveness (Verses 21-35):

The final teaching on forgiveness is one of the strongest in the New Testament. Peter asks how many times he must forgive, and Jesus responds with “seventy times seven,” indicating an unlimited willingness to forgive. The parable of the unmerciful servant illustrates the consequences of failing to forgive. It underscores that the mercy we receive must also be extended to others.

Summary

Matthew 18 teaches essential principles for living in the Christian community: humility, avoidance of sin, the importance of each individual, responsible correction, and, above all, the necessity of unlimited forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven is determined by a childlike heart and a willingness to forgive. These teachings challenge believers to reflect the principles of the kingdom of heaven in their actions and interactions with one another.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan

This chapter is based on Luke 10:25-37.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 54 of “The Life of Jesus” delves into the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that conveys profound lessons about true religion and neighborly love. Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the importance of compassion and practical love, which go beyond mere formalism. It demonstrates that the true expression of faith lies in the willingness to help others, regardless of their cultural or religious differences. In a time when self-righteousness and exclusion were prevalent, Jesus places the commandment of love above all other commandments.

Commentary

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most profound and instructive parables, revealing the essence of true religion. It is not about outward rituals or formal religious practices, but about the active exercise of love, compassion, and mercy towards others, regardless of their background, faith, or social status. Jesus uses this story to expose the hypocritical attitude of the religious leaders of his time and to highlight the central importance of neighborly love.

The Good Samaritan represents the contrast between theoretical religiosity and practical, living love for one’s neighbor. While the priest and the Levite—religious authorities—pass by the injured man, it is the Samaritan, an outsider, who demonstrates true divine mercy. The parable underscores that true piety is not about distancing oneself from others but about caring for those in need and standing by them in their distress.

Through this parable, Jesus challenges his listeners and all believers to live out God’s love not just in words but in actions. He shows that a true neighbor is not just someone close to us, but anyone who needs our help. This teaching is a call to break down barriers of prejudice and self-righteousness and to cultivate an attitude of impartial mercy.

Summary

The Parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates the necessity of placing love for one’s neighbor and mercy above formal religious practices. Jesus makes it clear that true religion is not in the mere observance of rituals but in actively helping those in need. The Samaritan, who shows compassion despite cultural hostility, serves as a model of genuine divine love. The parable challenges us to break down barriers and see every person as our neighbor, whom we can help. This teaching remains a timeless reminder that love for God and our neighbor is the essence of the law and the life of faith.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

This chapter is based on Luke 17:20-22.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Chapter 55 focuses on Jesus’ central message that the Kingdom of God is not manifested through outward signs or worldly power, but rather begins within the individual. This teaching sharply contrasted with the expectations of the Pharisees and many Jews, who were anticipating a visible, earthly kingdom. Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual state that grows in the hearts of believers, independent of external circumstances or worldly forms of government.

Jesus taught his disciples that the true glory of his mission does not lie in worldly splendor, but in the spiritual renewal of individuals through the Holy Spirit. It was only after his ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the disciples fully grasped the scope of Jesus’ mission. They came to understand that Christ’s kingdom is not established through earthly laws or power structures, but through the transformation of the heart and the following of Christ.

This message remains relevant today: the Kingdom of God is not built through political power or external reforms, but through inner renewal and living according to the teachings of Christ. Believers are called to seek not worldly glory, but to walk in humility and self-denial, following the path of Christ, who brought true light and life into the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/17-08-2024-matthew-chapter-18-believe-his-prophets/