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Lesson 4: The Lord Hears and Delivers | 4.1 My Frame Was Not Hidden From You

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Lesson 4: The Lord Hears and Delivers
In the fourth lesson, we explore the Psalms as powerful expressions of worship, prayer, and relationship with God. The Psalms offer a rich range of emotions and experiences, from deep despair to exuberant praise. We will examine the different types of Psalms, explore their structure and meaning, and understand how they shape our understanding of God’s character and care for us. Let’s dive into the rich world of the Psalms and be inspired by their timeless wisdom.
4.1 You discern my going out and my lying down
Read Psalm 139:1–18. How is God’s power (V. 1–6), presence (V. 7–12), and goodness (V. 13–19) poetically described? What does God’s greatness reveal about His promises?
Poetic Descriptions:
  • God’s Power (Verses 1–6): The Psalm begins by acknowledging God’s comprehensive knowledge of the psalmist. God knows every thought and word even before they are spoken, portraying divine power that transcends space and time. The phrases “You have searched me” and “You know my sitting down and rising up” underscore God’s all-encompassing power and wisdom.
  • God’s Presence (Verses 7–12): The Psalm continues to describe God’s presence as omnipresent. It states that even in the farthest places, whether darkness or the grave (Sheol), God is there. Metaphors like the wings of the morning and the uttermost parts of the sea emphasize that no place is beyond God’s reach. This poetic depiction highlights God’s closeness to humanity, irrespective of spatial or geographical boundaries.
  • God’s Goodness (Verses 13–19): God’s goodness is emphasized in the creation and formation of humans in the womb. The psalmist praises God for the marvelous ability to know and shape each individual uniquely. The words “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” express gratitude and admiration for God’s goodness. The certainty that God knows and loves the psalmist in every aspect leads to profound trust and joy.
God’s Greatness and Promises: The greatness of God, manifested in His power, presence, and goodness, lends weight and depth to God’s promises. The assurance that God knows every aspect of our lives and is powerful beyond space and time strengthens confidence in God’s promises of help and deliverance. The close relationship with God, deepened by the awareness of His comprehensive knowledge and care for us, fortifies faith in His promises.
The psalmist recognizes in God’s greatness not only a majestic reality but also a source of hope and comfort, strengthened by God’s promises.
Some may find the idea that God knows everything about them – even their darkest secrets – to be a somewhat daunting thought. Why, then, is the Gospel our only hope?
The fact that God knows everything about us, including our darkest secrets, can be intimidating for some when associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of punishment. In this regard, the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, may appear as our only hope. Here are some reasons why the Gospel is a source of hope in the midst of this awareness:
1. God’s Love and Forgiveness: The Gospel proclaims God’s love for humanity despite their sins. Jesus Christ came to save humanity by dying on the cross for sins. Through faith in Him and accepting His forgiveness, people can have a relationship with God. The Gospel teaches that God’s love and forgiveness are greater than any sin, offering hope for a fresh start.
2. Redemption and Liberation: The Gospel includes the message of redemption and liberation from the power of sin. Jesus Christ provides the possibility of inner transformation by freeing people from the slavery of sin. Through faith in Him, people can find a new identity in Christ and lead a life shaped by God’s grace and strength.
3. Grace and Acceptance: The Gospel emphasizes God’s unconditional grace. It teaches that acceptance by God is not based on personal achievements but on His grace. This brings a deep sense of acceptance, even in the midst of imperfection and weaknesses.
4. Hope for Eternal Life: The Gospel offers hope for eternal life through the resurrection of Christ. It promises that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life with God. This perspective transcends the limitations of the present world and provides a hopeful view of eternity.
5. Relationship with God: The Gospel offers the possibility of a personal relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, people have access to God as their heavenly Father. This relationship provides comfort, guidance, and the assurance that God, who knows everything about us, accepts us lovingly.
In summary, the Gospel is the source of our hope because it provides a positive response to the daunting realization of our sinfulness. It offers a path to forgiveness, transformation, and communion with a loving God who accepts us despite our flaws.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-1-my-frame-was-not-hidden-from-you/

Psalms – Lesson 4: The Lord Hears and Delivers | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 4.The Lord Hears and Delivers  |
In Lesson 4, the powerful message of the Psalms about God’s power, presence, and care is thoroughly explored. Psalm 139 vividly conveys that God’s knowledge of us is profound and unique. In contrast to human help, which is limited, God has the means to assist us. The assurance of God’s care, especially emphasized in Psalm 121, reveals that God secures our life’s path and provides comprehensive protection. In times of trouble, the Lord is a refuge, as illustrated in Psalms 17, 31, and 91, encouraging believers to trust in God’s proven care. The Psalms also illustrate God’s sovereignty over natural forces, particularly in Psalm 114, which views the liberation from Egypt as a symbol of God’s power. The help from the sanctuary is depicted as superior refuge and redemption, emphasizing the holiness of the sanctuary and inviting believers to trust in the heavenly throne of grace. The worship in the sanctuary becomes an impressive representation of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Memory Text: Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”   
Content:
4.1 My Frame Was Not Hidden From You
Psalm 139 eloquently describes God’s power, presence, and goodness. The poetic depiction emphasizes that God’s knowledge of us is profound and unique. Unlike human help, which is often limited, God knows us intimately and has the means to help us. This awareness should not frighten us but lead us into the embrace of Jesus. God’s presence is emphasized by showing that there is no place beyond His reach. The greatness of God invites us to burst into joy and to fully trust in His help and deliverance.
4.2 Assurance of God’s Care
The Bible reveals God as the living caretaker involved in our daily affairs. The Psalms, especially Psalm 121, show that God secures our life’s path, is constantly vigilant, and provides physical and spiritual protection. His closeness is emphasized by the image of the right hand, and poetic images of the sun, moon, coming and going underscore God’s comprehensive care. The psalmist relied on this loving care of God, and so should we place our trust in His protective hand.
4.3 The Lord Is a Refuge in Adversity
The psalmist reveals in Psalms 17, 31, and 91 that the Lord is a refuge in times of trouble. In the midst of difficulties, the psalmist turns confidently to God, his secure fortress and shield. The image of the shadow of God’s wings provides comfort and security, similar to the protection offered by a bird mother or a hen. These metaphysical images underscore the psalmist’s trust in God’s proven care, rooted in his past experience and strengthening his faith for the future. Trust in God is the conscious decision to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over one’s life under all circumstances.
4.4 Defender and Deliverer
The poetic depiction of God’s marvelous deliverance in Psalm 114 vividly illustrates His sovereignty over natural forces and human powers. This deliverance from Egypt is seen in the Old and New Testaments as a symbol of God’s power to save His people. Paul interprets the Exodus from Egypt in 1 Corinthians 10:1–4 as a spiritual lesson, considering the story as a metaphor for salvation through Jesus Christ. Amid the dangers on the way to the heavenly Jerusalem, the Psalms encourage believers to trust in the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus himself echoes the spirit of Psalm 114 by calming the storm and declaring that the Church has nothing to fear, as he has overcome the world. The great deeds of the Lord should make the earth tremble in His presence, not out of fear, but in acknowledgment and worship. With God by their side, believers have nothing to fear.
4.5 Help From the Sanctuary
In the mentioned Psalms, help is primarily associated with the sanctuary. The sanctuary serves as a place of refuge, security, and redemption. God defends the oppressed, gives strength from His sanctuary, and proclaims righteous judgments. The refuge in the sanctuary surpasses the safety of other places, as God personally dwells in His presence. This aspect finds parallels in the New Testament, where Jesus is mentioned as the High Priest who empathizes with our weaknesses, and believers are encouraged to boldly approach the throne of grace, the heavenly sanctuary. The holiness of the sanctuary requires humility and acknowledgment of one’s sinfulness, while also emphasizing God’s grace and faithfulness, leading to a right relationship with God through repentance and acceptance of forgiveness. The worship in the sanctuary thus becomes a representation of the redemption found through Jesus.
4.6 Summary
The lesson emphasizes the impressive power, presence, and goodness of God, poetically described in Psalm 139. It illustrates that God not only knows us intimately but also has the means to help us. The assurance of God’s care is emphasized through Psalms like 121, highlighting the safety and protection of the sanctuary. In times of trouble, the Lord is a refuge, as shown in Psalms 17, 31, and 91, and believers are encouraged to build their trust confidently on God. The Psalms also illustrate God’s sovereignty over natural forces, particularly in Psalm 114, which considers the liberation from Egypt as a symbol of God’s power. Help from the sanctuary is portrayed in the Psalms as superior refuge and redemption, emphasizing the holiness of the sanctuary and inviting believers to trust in the heavenly throne of grace. The worship in the sanctuary becomes a representation of redemption found through Jesus Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Adventist News Network – January 19, 2024

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Adventist News Network – January 19, 2023  |
This week on ANN:  |
In this retrospective episode of ANN, Heroes: The Bible trivia game hits one million downloads.  |
The evangelistic series ‘Hope For Africa’ results in one hundred thousand mass baptisms in Nairobi, Kenya.  |
Plus, ADRA leads $105 Million food resilience project in Congo.  |
Stay tuned for more top stories from 2023 now.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-january-19-2024/

Jesus Is Coming Soon | Pastor Ted Wilson

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Have you ever experienced the wait and expectation that arises before something you’ve been looking forward to finally arrives? Perhaps the day of your wedding, the first day of your new job, or even that all-inclusive vacation you’ve desperately been needing. 
During the wait, time can seem as if it passes ever so slowly. From our human point of view—especially in today’s Instagram world—anything less than instant is slow. 
For 180 years, Adventists have been preaching and proclaiming the Second Coming of Christ. While many wait in anticipation for this life-changing event, others can feel like that long-awaited day is still an eternity to come.
In this video, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explores the reality of Christ’s Second Coming and encourages listeners that it is still possible to wait in hope for His return. 
Want to know more?
For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the Second Coming, visit https://www.adventist.org/second-coming/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/jesus-is-coming-soon-pastor-ted-wilson/

Psalms – Lesson 3: The Lord Reigns | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 3. The Lord Reigns  |
This lesson explores various facets of God’s sovereignty and rule through Psalms such as 8, 97, 75, and 105, emphasizing the importance of God’s faithfulness to His covenant and the reliability of His testimonies, as outlined in Psalms 19, 93, and 119. The Psalms illustrate God’s love for creation, His role as a just judge, and the connection to His people through an eternal covenant. The reliability of God’s laws is highlighted as a foundation for security and stability, with believers trusting in God’s sovereign rule and anticipating the coming of His kingdom.
Memory Text: Psalm 93:1 – “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.”  
Content:
3.1 The Lord Has Made Us
Psalms 8 and 100 underscore creation as an expression of God’s sovereignty and love. These texts clarify God’s dominion over nature, revealing His power and dignity. The Psalms depict God not only as the Creator of the world but also desiring a close relationship with His people, expressing His love and care. Ultimately, the Psalms emphasize the uniqueness of God as the only worthy object of worship and trust.
3.2 The Lord Reigns
The Psalm texts, especially Psalm 97, highlight God’s sovereign rule, clothed in honor, majesty, and power. Metaphors of clouds and darkness illustrate the sublime power and brilliance of the divine kingship. God’s rule is manifested in creation, salvation, and judgment, extending His kingdom over the entire world. Despite constant challenges from evildoers, the psalmist trusts in God’s sovereign rule and rejoices in faith for the coming of God’s kingdom through the redemptive work of Christ and its completion at His return.
3.3 God Is the Judge
The Lord, as a sovereign King, is not only the Creator but also the legislator and judge. Psalm 75 emphasizes the futility of the boasting of the wicked, as the Lord will judge the world and end the rule of evil. Images of a foaming cup and cutting off the horns of the wicked portray the irrevocable destruction of the evildoers. God’s judgment involves an examination of the hearts of people, with the righteous being freed and the wicked being permanently destroyed. While God is a forgiving God, He holds His people accountable for their actions.
3.4 Ever Mindful of His Covenant
God’s people find peace and assurance of redemption in times of judgment through God’s faithfulness to His eternal covenant. The Lord has established His dwelling in Zion and entered into a precious covenant with His people, actively maintained through God’s actions. Psalm 105 highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant in the history of Israel, emphasizing that God was present in both good and bad times, leading His people through various challenges. Remembering God’s covenant requires not only awareness but also actions, with God’s people honoring Him, following His laws, and telling others about Him to manifest God’s protective covenant for the entire world.
3.5 Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
The Psalms, especially Psalm 19, 93, 119, 1, 18, and 25, emphasize the reliability of God’s testimonies. These testimonies refer to the laws and regulations governing religious and social life, known for being “very reliable.” The stability of God’s throne and the world is reflected in His laws, considered unchangeable and indestructible. God’s faithfulness to His promises and commandments is both reassuring and demanding, requiring trust and obedience. Those who adhere to God’s law find stability, security, and protection amid life’s challenges.
3.6 Summary
In this lesson, the sovereign rule of God over creation, His role as Judge, His faithfulness to the eternal covenant, and the reliability of His testimonies are emphasized. The Psalms illustrate God’s power, love, and relationship with His people. Despite challenges, believers trust in God’s sovereign rule and look forward to the coming of His kingdom. God’s judgment is portrayed as inevitable for the wicked, while faithfulness to His covenant ensures security and peace for His people. The reliability of His testimonies provides confidence and protection amidst life’s uncertainties.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-3-the-lord-reigns-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

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