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

January 13, 2024 By admin

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/

Adventist News Network – January 12, 2024

January 12, 2024 By admin

Adventist News Network – January 12, 2023 |
This week on ANN: |
On this second 2023 retrospective episode of ANN International, ADRA, the Adventist humanitarian agency, has been actively delivering relief amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. |
‘I Will Go to My Neighbour’ initiative in the Solomon Islands led to a significant surge in baptisms. |
Also, thrilling moments at the 13th International Pathfinder Camporee in Sopron, Hungary! Over 2,600 participants from around the world showcased the global impact of the Pathfinder movement. |
Stay tuned as ANN brings you these captivating stories and provides coverage of other global news.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-january-12-2024/

The Foundation of Salvation | Pastor Ted Wilson

January 12, 2024 By admin

What is reality–especially when it comes to salvation? Is there more than one reality? Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explores the reality of love as an inherent attribute of God and a reflection of His presence in us. He further illustrates God’s love through the insightful parable of the wedding feast from Matthew 22, emphasizing Jesus’ call to His eternal feast.

Wilson focuses on the righteousness of Jesus Christ to express the importance of relying solely on Him for salvation.

Can anyone truly live a perfect life? The reality is that we can’t–not without Christ.

For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the experience of salvation, visit https://www.adventist.org/experience-of-salvation/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-foundation-of-salvation-pastor-ted-wilson/

Psalms – Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

January 6, 2024 By admin

Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley |

Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray |
This lesson focuses on the transformative power of the Psalms, particularly how they enrich the prayer life and assist believers in expressing their emotions and experiences before God. From daily reading to the deliberate selection of appropriate Psalms for various life situations, it illustrates the diverse applications. The comments emphasize that Psalms are relevant not only in times of despair but also in joyful moments, providing a comprehensive insight into human experience and divine wisdom.

Memory Text: Luke 11:1 – “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’.”

Content:
2.1 Fostering the Use of the Psalms in Prayer
The Psalms serve as a rich source for spiritual enrichment in prayer life. Their diversity allows individuals to express themselves in different life situations and address God in various ways. Through simple reading, reflection, and prayer on the Psalms, believers can gain deeper insights, correct false hopes, and discover new motives for prayer. The Psalms offer a timeless connection to human experience and divine wisdom.

2.2 Trust in Times of Trouble
Psalm 44 teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest feelings of suffering and confusion before God. The selective use of Psalms in worship should not deter us from honestly confronting the dark realities of life. Praying the Psalms allows us to freely express our feelings and helps maintain trust in difficult times by looking back on the past and hoping in God’s goodness despite the suffering.

2.3 A Psalm of Despair
Psalm 22 teaches us that the Psalms not only serve to express our prayers openly but also to guide us according to God’s standards. The lamenting words of the Psalm of desperation allow suffering individuals to express their sorrow. Despite the darkness, the psalmist expresses faith in God and declares that he will always praise God, regardless of circumstances. The Psalms lead worshippers to new spiritual horizons, teaching them to look beyond the present situation and demonstrating the transformative power of prayer when suffering is turned into praise.

2.4 From Despair to Hope
Psalm 13 shows a way we can move from despair to hope. The Psalm begins with complaints and grievances that many of us can relate to when we feel forgotten by God. However, the crucial choice is to consciously reflect on God’s faithfulness and love. The Psalm urges us to choose trust in God’s redeeming power, transforming despair into hope. The Psalms are more than words; they are means of change and deepening the relationship with God when we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to act according to their teachings.

2.5 Oh, Restore Us Again
Psalm 60 offers a prayer for difficult times, but even in good phases of our lives, we can benefit from it. The Psalm reminds us that suffering is a part of human life that affects everyone. In times of joy, lament Psalms like this can teach us compassion for the suffering and direct our focus to those going through tough times. These Psalms should inspire in us the desire to help the suffering by sharing the healing power that Jesus has exemplified.

2.6 Summary
This lesson emphasizes the significance of Psalms in prayer life. The focus is on the diverse use of Psalms, ranging from daily reading to selecting appropriate Psalms for personal situations. It explains how praying the Psalms can help express feelings and thoughts before God, from lament to praise. The commentary highlights that Psalms are valuable spiritual companions not only in difficult times but also in joyful phases of life, fostering the development of compassion for the suffering.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-2-teach-us-to-pray-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

A Christ-Centered Mission | Pastor Ted Wilson

January 6, 2024 By admin

If you’ve ever made a New Year’s Resolution, this video is for you. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference, looks at the ancient Israelites and their resolution at Mount Sinai, reflecting on how, like many modern resolutions, it was short-lived. This January, let’s shift our focus to Jesus Christ as the epitome of a mission-driven life, highlighting a deep understanding of His purpose from a young age that He articulated in Nazareth, using Isaiah’s prophecy.

What challenges did the early Christians face, marked by Satan’s attempts to disrupt and distort the Christian message? Pastor Wilson examines the period of the dark ages, where true followers of Christ’s teachings were forced into hiding and many martyred for their beliefs.

What is the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as described in Revelation 14? The video invites viewers to join in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to carry out this vital mission.

For a detailed look at the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, visit https://www.adventist.org/official-statements/mission-statement-of-the-seventh-day-adventist-church/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/a-christ-centered-mission-pastor-ted-wilson/