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This is How Rose Rediscovered Her Faith

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What role does faith play in overcoming challenges? In this video, we explore how Rose’s encounter with AWR’s broadcasts leads her back to her roots in faith. Discover the importance of listening and the impact it can have on our lives and those around us. Subscribe for more content that inspires and uplifts! #RediscoveringFaith #InspiringJourneys #AWRBroadcasts #awr #adventistworldradio Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcKCa1zemDI #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUFeIQBtkgU

Sabbath: The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

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Daily Lesson for Sabbath 14th of December 2024

Jesus standing before the cross smiling with outstretched arms

Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study: John 18:33-40; John 19:1-5; John 19:17-22; John 19:25-27; Luke 2:34-35; John 20:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.

Memory Text:

“Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice’ ” (John 18:37, ESV).

Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the climax of John. The first ten chapters cover roughly three and a half years; chapters 11–20, in contrast, cover about one to two weeks.

The four Gospels present the death of Jesus in different ways. Though their accounts are compatible, each author emphasizes key points that especially resonate with the themes of his Gospel. Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture; Mark emphasizes the parallel between the baptism of Jesus and the Cross; and Luke focuses on the Cross as healing and salvation (the story of the thief on the cross).

But John presents the Cross as the enthronement of Jesus, particularly tied to the idea of the hour, which is referred to numerous times throughout the book (John 7:30, John 8:20, John 12:27). This idea of enthronement is an ironic picture since crucifixion was the most ignominious and shameful way to die that the Romans used. This contrast points to the deeply ironic depiction that John presents: Jesus is dying in shame, but it is, at the same time, His glorious enthronement as the Savior.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 21.

Sunday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24d-12-the-hour-of-glory-the-cross-and-resurrection/

“The Criminal and the Godpod”

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This week I’m sharing the powerful story of Lejoby from Madagascar. You may have read his story in last month’s newsletter, but now we have it on video! Lejoby was a feared Dahalo leader who hated the outside world and lived with his gang of thieves deep in a cave. From there, they would raid the nearby villages and terrorize the community. One night, they raided several homes and seized whatever they could get their hands on, including food, clothes, books and household items. But as they made their escape, the load became too heavy, so they dumped all the books in a ditch. Once safely inside their cave, Lejoby began inspecting their loot. He came upon what looked like a small radio, something very prized in that part of the world. The amazing thing was that even deep in the rocky cave, the radio had great reception. This surprised and delighted everyone. What Lejoby and his gang didn’t know was that their “radio” was none other than a solar-powered Godpod packed with Bible studies, children’s stories, music and the whole Bible! Watch this video to find out what happened next. It’s an incredible story of God’s love, even for hardened criminals like Lejoby, because often man looks at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart. Yours in the Blessed Hope, Duane McKey
President MB017CL4YEFLYQB FR3PDAAGYCPCZ677 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfZ0WDgfwU4

SATIRE: Pastor’s Kid Cast as Baby Jesus for 17th Consecutive Year

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BERRIEN SPRINGS, Michigan — The annual Christmas nativity play at the Berrien Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church has once again stirred controversy as Pastor Heirloom Parker’s son, 17-year-old Timmy, was cast as Baby Jesus for the 17th consecutive year. The decision, announced during last Sabbath’s potluck, has raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates over haystacks and […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-pastors-kid-cast-as-baby-jesus-for-17th-consecutive-year/

Lesson 11.The Father, the Son, and the Spirit | 11.6 Summary | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH

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11.6 Summary
The Unity of the Trinity: Love, Truth, and Redemption
Lesson 11 deals with the deep relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as their roles in creation, redemption, and the guidance of humanity. It illustrates how the Trinity works in perfect unity to fulfill God’s plan for the world.
1. The Father in Heaven
  • The Father is the origin of all and the source of love and life.
  • Through creation, He called humanity into existence to live in a loving relationship with Him.
  • Despite the rupture caused by sin, the Father took the initiative for salvation by sending His Son.
2. Jesus and the Father
  • Jesus is the revealer of the Father; through Him, we understand the nature and love of God.
  • Jesus lived in complete unity with the Father, demonstrating God’s will through His words and actions.
  • He came to heal the broken relationship between God and humanity and to grant us eternal life.
3. Knowing the Son Means Knowing the Father
  • Whoever knows Jesus knows the Father, for Jesus is His perfect representative.
  • His words and works reveal God’s love, truth, and righteousness.
  • Through the Son, the Father becomes accessible, and we can have an intimate relationship with Him.
4. The Holy Spirit
  • The Holy Spirit works as a renewer and guide into all truth.
  • He brings about spiritual rebirth, convicts of sin, and teaches us to understand and apply God’s Word.
  • The Spirit strengthens and comforts believers, empowering them to lead lives that honor God.
5. Jesus’ Prayer
  • In the high priestly prayer (John 17), Jesus prays for unity, love, and truth among His disciples.
  • He emphasizes that true unity can only be based on God’s truth and Word.
  • Jesus’ life and prayer demonstrate the dedication with which He desires to lead us into a deep relationship with God.
Key Thoughts of the Lesson
  • Unity in the Trinity: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in perfect harmony to realize God’s love and redemption plan.
  • God’s Love: The Father seeks us, the Son shows us the way, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in truth.
  • Our Relationship with God: Through faith in Jesus, we can become part of God’s family and live in unity with Him.
Practical Application
  1. Trusting God: Recognize that the Father loves you and has a plan for your life.
  2. Following Jesus: Live in the truth and love that Jesus has revealed.
  3. Living with the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and renew you to lead a life that honors God.
  4. Seeking Unity: Promote the unity based on love and truth within the church and in your relationships.
The lesson invites us to view the Trinity not just as a theological concept but as a living reality that permeates and shapes our lives. It reminds us that through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are called into fellowship with God and other people.
It shows us how the unity and workings of the Trinity can shape and form our lives.
1. Trusting God – The Father in Heaven
  • Connection: Knowing that the Father is the source of love and life gives us security and direction. His initiative for salvation shows that He loves us immeasurably and never gives up on us.
  • Practical: We can live with confidence that God loves us, cares for us, and has a plan for our lives—even in difficult times.
2. Following Jesus – Jesus and the Father
  • Connection: Jesus reveals the Father to us. His words and works show us how to live in love and obedience.
  • Practical: By following Jesus’ example, we can reflect God’s truth and love in our relationships and decisions. His ministry reminds us that we are also meant to be a blessing to others.
3. A Living Relationship – Knowing the Son Means Knowing the Father
  • Connection: Through Jesus, we have access to the Father. This intimate relationship is the foundation of our faith and our lives.
  • Practical: In prayer, through God’s Word, and in fellowship with other believers, we can deepen this relationship and experience how God guides and strengthens us.
4. Led by the Spirit – The Holy Spirit
  • Connection: The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Guide, and Teacher. He renews our hearts, leads us into truth, and gives us the strength to do God’s will.
  • Practical: We can listen to the Spirit’s guidance, especially in decisions, challenges, and our service. His work enables us to become more like Jesus.
5. Unity and Truth – Jesus’ Prayer
  • Connection: Jesus prayed for unity and love based on the truth of God’s Word. This unity is a testimony to the world.
  • Practical: By seeking love, forgiveness, and truth in our relationships, we can contribute to unity in the church and in our families. Jesus’ prayer encourages us to trust God in all things.
Keys for Our Lives:
  1. Love and Unity: The unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shows us the importance of building relationships on love and truth.
  2. Truth and Obedience: God’s Word is the foundation of our lives. It leads us, sanctifies us, and helps us understand God’s will.
  3. Mission and Community: We are part of God’s great plan to share His love and truth. Through our lives, we can be a testimony to God’s work.
Final Thought:
The Trinity is not an abstract doctrine but a living reality that permeates our lives. It shows us that we are loved by God, redeemed through Jesus, and guided by the Holy Spirit. This truth invites us to live in unity with God and others, deepen our relationship with Him, and carry His light into the world.

Live today in the assurance that the Father loves you, the Son saves you, and the Holy Spirit guides you – you are part of God’s great plan.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-the-father-the-son-and-the-spirit-11-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

13.11.2024 – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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December 13, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;
23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary
Introduction
In the third chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthians and their conflicts, which have arisen from divisions and jealousy. He highlights the importance of unity in faith and the role of God’s servants while emphasizing the foundation of the Christian faith—Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual growth and our understanding of collaboration in faith.
Commentary
Paul begins with a sharp critique of the Corinthians’ immaturity (verses 1–4). He describes them as “fleshly” and “children in Christ,” unable to grasp the depth of faith. This immaturity manifests in disputes and divisions within the congregation. Paul admonishes them to shed such childish behaviors and to grow spiritually.
In verses 5–9, Paul shifts the focus to the role of faith workers. Neither he nor Apollos are of central importance; they are merely servants through whom God works. Paul emphasizes that it is God alone who gives growth in faith. This perspective calls us to practice humility and recognize God as the source of all fruitfulness.
In the section on the responsibility of teachers (verses 10–15), Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus Christ is the only cornerstone upon which the life of faith can be built. The quality of each work will ultimately be tested, and only that which is based on eternal values will endure. This warning is directed especially at leaders and teachers in the faith, who are responsible for laying solid and lasting foundations.
In verses 16–17, Paul explains that believers are the temple of God, in which the Holy Spirit dwells. He emphasizes the holiness of this temple and warns against defiling it. This statement underscores the sanctity and value of each believer and calls us to reverence and responsibility.
Finally, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world (verses 18–23). The wisdom of men is foolishness to God, and all things belong to believers because they are anchored in Christ. Paul urges the Corinthians not to rely on people or seek glory from them but to find their identity and inheritance in Christ.
Summary
Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and divisions caused by jealousy and human thinking. He emphasizes that God’s servants are tools in God’s hands and that the growth of faith comes solely from God. Jesus Christ is the only foundation of faith, and the quality of the work built upon it will be tested. Believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within them. Paul concludes with the exhortation not to rely on human wisdom or glory but to rest in the wisdom and glory of Christ.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/

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