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Adventist News Network – February 9, 2024

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Adventist News Network – February 9, 2023  |
This week on ANN:  |
On this episode of ANN, a young Adventist couple’s experience in the Holy Land turns into a TV series.  |
GAiN Africa brings together communication leaders in Johannesburg. ADRA Uruguay assists thousands affected by floods.  |
Plus, the legacy of the leader of the Women’s Ministries department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  |
Stay tuned for these top stories from around the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-february-9-2024/

The Great Controversy Chapter 23: What is the Sanctuary? | Pastor Ted Wilson

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Join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his wife Nancy, as they explore Chapter 23 of “The Great Controversy” by Adventist pioneer, Ellen G. White entitled, What is the Sanctuary?
It is often believed that the sanctuary in ancient Israel was the location where several rituals took place. However, what took place there was so much more profound. In this episode, learn how the sanctuary message outlines and highlights Christ’s special work of redemption and understand its relevance for your life today.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the sanctuary message.
Want to know more?
For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the Sanctuary, visit https://www.adventist.org/christs-ministry-in-the-heavenly-sanctuary/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-23-what-is-the-sanctuary-pastor-ted-wilson/

Mission 150 – Episode 34 – Committing for Life in China

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This episode focuses on Merritt and Wilma Warren, who spent 47 years as missionaries, most of them in China. Merritt is thought to have hiked 25,000 miles across China!

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/mission-150-episode-34-committing-for-life-in-china/

Lesson 6: I Will Arise | 6.6 Summary

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6.6 Summary

Lesson 6 delves into various biblical texts, particularly Psalms 18, 76, and 144. These Psalms depict God as a mighty warrior and judge ready to save His people from threats. The Psalms emphasize the severity and urgency of God’s response to the cries and sufferings of His people.
The role of King David is highlighted as a successful warrior and gifted musician who praises God as the sole deliverer and sustainer of His people. Despite being engaged in war, David does not rely on his own abilities but acknowledges that God is the true deliverer. The Psalms underscore that worship and prayer are more powerful than human means and that God alone is the source of strength.
Furthermore, the Psalms emphasize God’s care for the oppressed and His commitment to justice. They call for advocacy for the poor, needy, and oppressed. Trusting in human means and leaders is portrayed as futile, and believers are encouraged to place their hope in God.
The Psalms also reflect the prophetic anticipation of God’s impending judgment on the unrighteous and the certainty of redemption through the divine judge, especially in connection with Jesus Christ. Finally, it is stressed that God is not only a judge but also a merciful deliverer who identifies with the poor and punishes those who do wrong.

 

Comfort and Hope: Psalms as Companions in Daily Life

The lesson “I Will Arise” from Psalms holds various connections to our everyday lives and faith:
  1. Trust in Times of Challenge: The Psalms show that even amid wars and difficulties, trusting in God is crucial. In our daily lives, this encourages us to rely on God’s help in challenging times and strengthen our faith.
  2. Dependency on God’s Power: King David emphasizes that his victories are not based on his own abilities but that God is the true deliverer. In everyday life, this reminds us that our abilities are limited, and we rely on God’s power.
  3. Caring for the Oppressed: The Psalms call for advocating for the poor, needy, and oppressed. In daily life, these calls remind us to actively promote justice and compassion, especially towards the weakest in our society.
  4. Hope and Praise as Sources of Strength: The Psalms show that praise and prayer are powerful sources of strength. In everyday life, these practices encourage us to find hope in the midst of challenges and uncertainties and deepen our connection with God.
  5. Avoidance of Trusting in Human Means: The Psalms warn against trusting solely in human leaders and means. In our everyday lives, this reminds us that our ultimate trust should be placed in God, not in transient human solutions.
  6. Awareness of God’s Justice and Love for the Poor: The Psalms emphasize God’s justice and His special care for the disadvantaged. In daily life, these teachings encourage us to advocate for justice and manifest God’s love through our actions toward the needy.
Overall, the Psalms in the lesson “I Will Arise” provide practical guidance for a deeper spiritual life and active participation in the service of justice and love in our everyday lives.

Discussion Questions:

1.Because the painful realization of evil in the world can lead one to question whether God truly reigns: How can we develop an unshakable faith that withstands temptation? That is, what must we focus on to preserve our faith in God’s love, goodness, and power? What should the cross tell us about God and His nature?

Developing an unshakable faith that endures even in the midst of the painful awareness of evil requires a conscious alignment with specific fundamental principles and convictions. Here are some key aspects to focus on in order to maintain faith in God’s love, goodness, and power:
  1. God’s love and goodness: Reflect on biblical promises and testimonies of God’s love and goodness.
  2. The Cross as the center of faith: Recognize the cross as the central symbol of Christian faith, representing God’s unconditional love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
  3. God’s sovereign rule: Trust that God is sovereign over all, even over evil, and His plan surpasses human understanding.
  4. Faith community: Surround yourself with a supportive faith community to share experiences and find strength.
  5. Prayer and spiritual practices: Maintain regular prayer and spiritual practices for a deeper connection with God.
  6. Cultivate gratitude: Foster a grateful attitude, focusing on positive aspects of life and acknowledging blessings.
  7. God’s Word as an anchor: Ground your faith firmly in God’s Word, finding strength and comfort in verses about God’s love, goodness, and power.
2. Why is it important not to rely on human means (leadership figures, institutions, or social movements) as the ultimate wisdom and solution for justice in the world but solely on God’s Word and judgment?
It is crucial not to rely exclusively on human means, leadership figures, institutions, or social movements as the ultimate wisdom and solution for justice but solely on God’s Word and judgment, for several reasons:
  1. Limited wisdom of human leadership: Human leaders and institutions have limited wisdom and understanding.
  2. Changeability of human authority: Human leaders and structures are subject to change, while God’s Word is constant and unchanging.
  3. Influence of sin and corruption: Human leaders and institutions may be influenced by sin and corruption, whereas God’s Word is pure and free from error.
  4. God’s perspective and wisdom: God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding, providing a divine perspective beyond human limitations.
  5. Moral foundation: God’s Word serves as an unshakable moral foundation, offering clear guidance in times of uncertainty.
  6. Trust in God’s sovereignty: Relying on God’s Word acknowledges dependence on His sovereignty, even when human solutions seem unclear.
  7. Eternal perspective: God’s Word reminds us of our ultimate home in eternity, framing justice within a larger context.
Overall, dependence on God’s Word and judgment highlights the need to look beyond human limitations and temporal boundaries, ensuring that true justice and wisdom are found in God.
3. What practical implications does the truth that the sanctuary is the place of divine judgment have?
The truth that the sanctuary is the place of divine judgment has several practical implications for the spiritual life and behavior of believers:
  1. Awareness of holiness and sin: Understanding the sanctuary as the place of divine judgment promotes awareness of holiness and sin in believers’ lives.
  2. Repentance and confession: Recognition of God’s judgment in the sanctuary leads to a deeper understanding of the need for repentance and confession of sins.
  3. Emphasis on redemption: The sanctuary underscores the significance of redemption through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Believers recognize the forgiveness available through Christ’s sacrifice.
  4. Commitment to justice: Believers, aware of God’s judgment, are motivated to pursue justice in accordance with God’s commandments.
  5. Confidence in divine justice: The belief in the sanctuary as the place of divine judgment instills confidence that God, as the ultimate Judge, will address all injustices.
  6. Holiness and spiritual growth: The sanctuary’s focus on God’s judgment encourages believers to pursue holiness and experience spiritual growth.
  7. Anticipation of Christ’s return: The sanctuary emphasizes the anticipation of Jesus Christ’s return, a source of hope and encouragement for believers.
In summary, the truth about the sanctuary as the place of divine judgment influences believers’ attitudes and behaviors, fostering a deep respect for God’s holiness and justice.
4. How can we understand the harsh language of some Psalms? How does this language help us empathize with the humanity of those who wrote them?
The harsh language in some Psalms, especially those that call for revenge and retaliation, can be challenging to understand at first glance, particularly when compared to the principle of loving one’s enemies (as in Matthew 5:44). It is essential to comprehend these Psalms in context and consider their linguistic nuances. Here are some perspectives that can help:
  1. Expression of profound suffering: Psalms were often composed during times of extreme distress, reflecting the deep pain and desperation of the authors fighting for survival.
  2. Prophetic proclamation: Some Psalms have a prophetic dimension, foretelling divine judgment on evildoers. They serve as predictions of God’s actions rather than personal calls for revenge.
  3. Trust in divine justice: The harsh language often expresses confidence in divine justice, entrusting revenge to God as the righteous Judge.
  4. Honest communication with God: Psalms represent honest dialogue between the worshiper and God, allowing for the open and sincere expression of emotions, including anger and pain.
  5. Solidarity with the oppressed: The harsh language may also demonstrate solidarity with the oppressed, advocating for justice for the suffering.
  6. Acknowledgment of human weakness: The harsh language reminds us that Psalmists were human, with weaknesses and emotions. It reflects the human experience in all its highs and lows.
Understanding these contexts helps believers empathize with the human experiences of the Psalmists, viewing the Psalms not only as prayers but also as expressions of human spirituality in various life situations.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-i-will-arise-6-6-summary/

Lesson 6: I Will Arise | 6.5 The Lord’s Judgment and the Sanctuary

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6.5 The Lord’s Judgment and the Sanctuary

Read Psalm 96:6–10; 99:1–4; and 132:7–9,13–18. Where does God’s judgment take place, and what does the answer to this question mean for us? How does the sanctuary help us understand how God will deal with evil?

Psalms 96:6–10; 99:1–4; and 132:7–9,13–18 provide insights into the themes of the judgment of the Lord and the sanctuary. These Psalms emphasize the holiness of God and His sovereign actions in connection with judgment and the sanctuary.
  1. The Judgment of the Lord: In these Psalms, God’s judgment is described as something that goes beyond the entire world. His rule is not confined to a limited space but extends over all nations. God’s judgment takes place to establish justice and righteousness. It is a manifestation of His sovereignty and holiness.
  2. Where Does God’s Judgment Take Place? God’s judgment is depicted in the context of His rule and sovereignty. It is not limited to a specific geographical location but permeates the entire cosmos. The Psalms emphasize the omnipresence and universality of God’s judgment, reaching all peoples and nations.
  3. The Significance for Us: The realization that God’s judgment takes place everywhere should evoke in us a reverence for His holiness and sovereignty. It reminds us that there is a just Judge who stands above all and will ultimately ensure justice. This can give us hope, especially in times of injustice and suffering.
  4. The Sanctuary: The mention of the sanctuary in Psalm 99:1 underscores the holiness of God. The sanctuary was, in the biblical context, the place where the presence of God was particularly felt. It symbolizes purity, holiness, and God’s inaccessibility to the unholy.
  5. How Does the Sanctuary Help Us Understand How God Will Deal with Evil? The sanctuary serves as a symbol of God’s holiness and His absolute separation from all evil. It shows us that God does not dwell in evil; instead, He judges and punishes it. God’s holiness in the sanctuary highlights His purity and His aversion to evil.
Overall, these Psalms teach us that God’s judgment is omnipresent and sovereign. The emphasis on God’s holiness in the sanctuary illustrates that God does not tolerate evil and that His judgment is shaped by His purity and righteousness. This can encourage us to trust in God’s sovereignty and find hope in His justice.
The Psalms underscore the close connection between God’s judgment and the sanctuary. For the psalmist, the sanctuary was not just a physical place but also the space where their understanding of the problem of evil and God’s redemptive plans were transformed (Psalm 73:17–20).
The sanctuary is depicted as the site of divine judgment, symbolized by instruments like the Urim and the breastplate of the high priest. Many Psalms portray God on His throne in the sanctuary, ready to judge the world due to its sin and wickedness.
The sanctuary reveals God’s plan of redemption, which stands in contrast to pagan notions of forgiveness of sins. In the Bible, sin is considered a violation of God’s moral law. God’s holiness demands justice and righteousness, which His people are also called to pursue by keeping God’s law.
The sanctuary is the place of forgiveness and restoration of righteousness, symbolized by the mercy seat of God’s throne and the “right sacrifices.” However, God’s forgiveness does not exclude the fact that He takes vengeance on the evil deeds of unrepentant individuals.
The Psalms emphasize the constant awareness of God’s holiness and the necessity of a righteous life according to the requirements of His covenant. The divine judgment from Zion results in the well-being of the righteous and the defeat of the wicked. The Psalms promote a joyful expectation of God’s arrival as a judge, especially on the Day of Atonement. They also strengthen the certainty of the impending arrival of the divine judge, identified as Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
In conclusion, these Psalms teach us that the sanctuary is not only a physical place but also a spiritual space where God’s judgment and His redemptive plans are revealed. They encourage us to lead a life of justice and worship according to God’s holiness and to maintain the joyful expectation of the arrival of the divine judge.

Read Romans 8:34. How does this verse show us that what Christ does in the heavenly sanctuary is good news for His people?

In Romans 8:34, it says: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” This verse shows us that what Christ does in the heavenly sanctuary is good news for His people for several reasons:
  1. No Condemnation: The verse begins with the rhetorical question of who could condemn. The answer is that no one can. The fact that Christ died for us, was raised, and is at the right hand of God means there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. His sacrifice has erased the guilt of believers.
  2. Christ as Mediator: The verse emphasizes that Christ is at the right hand of God and interceding for us. This position at the right hand of God symbolizes authority and power. Christ serves as a mediator for believers, standing before God and advocating for them. His role as an intercessor means he advocates for those who trust in Him.
  3. Divine Support: Christ’s presence at the right hand of God signifies divine support for believers. His exaltation illustrates that His mission of redemption has been fully accepted. His service in the heavenly sanctuary ensures that those who belong to Him receive divine assistance and care.
  4. The Message of Grace: The verse underscores the message of grace. Instead of facing condemnation, believers gain forgiveness and acceptance through Christ. His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary is a constant testimony to the undeserved grace of God granted to believers.
Overall, Romans 8:34 shows us that what Christ does in the heavenly sanctuary is good news for His people, bringing forgiveness, support, intercession, and the assurance of God’s grace. It heralds a hopeful reality for those who believe in Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-i-will-arise-6-5-the-lords-judgment-and-the-sanctuary/

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