Dear readers,

In the sixth blog post of our journey through the book of Job – titled “An Unfounded Curse?” – we delve into the topic and face the challenges of Job’s seemingly groundless suffering. Here are the key points of this lesson:

Justice and Innocence Before God: The blog begins with a provocative question from Job 4:17, “How can a man be righteous before God?” We emphasize the difficulty of understanding God’s justice and the question of innocence before Him.

Perspectives of Companions: We take a look at the perspective of Job’s friends, who attempt to find meaning in his suffering. In doing so, we recognize how easy it is to draw premature conclusions and make hasty judgments, especially when we find ourselves in the role of comforters.

Dialogues between Job and his Companions: Significant portions of the Book of Job consist of dialogues between Job and his friends. These dialogues are considered a mirror reflecting the human quest for meaning amidst suffering and injustice.

The Transience of Life: The blog touches upon the transience of life and how Job’s story reminds us that our own lives are just as fleeting. It is emphasized that we can identify with Job in our moments of perplexity and suffering.

God’s Love as the Core of Being Human: Finally, the blog concludes with a profound reflection on what it means to be human. God’s love is highlighted as the essence of our humanity, giving our lives incomparable value and deep meaning.

This lesson encourages exploring fundamental questions of justice, meaning, and love in human existence. Examining Job’s experiences challenges us to cultivate compassion and recognize God’s love as a guiding principle in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with grateful hearts and seek wisdom in our reflections on Job’s suffering and the fundamental questions of life. Your Word has prompted us to contemplate justice, suffering, and love.

In the dialogues between Job and his companions, we recognize the human tendency to make hasty judgments and lean on simple answers in times of perplexity. In such moments, let us seek the wisdom that comes only from you and develop compassion for the sufferings of our fellow human beings.

We thank you for the insights from Job’s story, teaching us that our lives are transient and can be filled with uncertainties and trials. Help us find comfort and hope in your love during these moments.

May the understanding that your love is the heart of our humanity guide and inspire us. In the highs and lows of life, we want to trust that you, our Creator, have endowed us with incomparable worth and deep meaning.

Bless us as we continue to strive for understanding and spiritual growth. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-curse-causeless-in-the-shadow-of-doubt-a-glimpse-into-the-depths-of-jobs-suffering-summary/

How long did it take God to create everything we see around us? Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, outlines the foundational truths of the Bible that support our fundamental belief #6

How long did it take God to create everything we see around us? Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, outlines the foundational truths of the Bible that support our fundamental belief #6. Walk with Pastor Wilson through Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing its literal interpretation as a recent, six-day event and its significance in establishing the Sabbath. Learn how this belief in Creation can shape our understanding of God’s authority and impact our faith in the salvation process through Christ’s righteousness. Explore different views on the time span of Creation and contrast them with the Spirit of Prophecy and Biblical teachings, reaffirming the Adventist belief in a literal Creation and its theological implications, especially regarding the Sabbath and the second coming of Christ. Join us in this faith-affirming journey as we seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His authoritative voice in Creation.

Follow this weekly series with Pastor Ted Wilson to counter the devil’s deception with the truth of God. 

For a detailed look at this fundamental belief, visit https://www.adventist.org/creation/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/embracing-biblical-creation-pastor-ted-wilson/

What happened to animal sacrifice as seen in the Old and New Testament? To conclude the series on Christ and His ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary, Pastor Ted Wilson discusses Jesus’ ministry of intercession and how it gives us the opportunity to experience salvation. When we ask for forgiveness, He applies His blood to cover our sins. He served as the sacrifice on our behalf and serves now as our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary.

Take a walk with Pastor Wilson, through the Bible and Adventist history, to understand the sanctuary service and righteousness by faith. 

Follow this weekly series with Pastor Ted Wilson to counter the devil’s deception with the truth of God. 

For a detailed look at this fundamental belief, visit https://www.adventist.org/christs-ministry-in-the-heavenly-sanctuary/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-sanctuary-service-and-righteousness-by-faith-pt-3-pastor-ted-wilson/

Dear readers,

In difficult times, we often seek explanations, a reason for the suffering that befalls us. Eliphaz, a friend of Job, was no exception. His words were infused with truth and biblical teachings, but timing and context made the difference.

While the Bible may teach us that our actions are determined by our nature, the art of empathy is equally crucial. The story of Job reminds us that there are moments when comfort and compassion outweigh well-intentioned advice. Our world is complex, and hasty conclusions can do more harm than good. Ellen White points out that our actions often depend on our own decisions. Yet, when tempted to respond with harsh words to others, we should remember the words: “Often those to whom they are harsh and severe are standing under the stress of temptation.”

Hasty judgments can blind us to the hidden struggles of others. The Bible admonishes us not to judge but to approach with love and compassion. Matthew 7:1–2 reminds us not to judge, so that we ourselves will not be judged. Romans 2:1–3 warns against self-righteousness, and 1 Corinthians 4:5 reminds us that God has the final word.

In the art of empathy, we learn that not everything true should be said at all times. Job’s story shows us that compassion often heals more than wise words. In difficult times, we need not a judge but a friend.

Kind Creator,

We come before you with grateful hearts after delving into the deep waters of Job’s story. In the highs and lows of his life, we found our own reflections.

Today, we pray for wisdom, especially as we walk with others through their Job-like messages. Let us master the art of empathy, where we speak not only with our words but, above all, with our hearts.

Teach us not to judge hastily but to see the suffering of others with eyes of love. May our words be like balm, offering comfort and inspiring hope. In the challenging times of our fellow human beings, let us not respond with instructive words but with a shoulder to lean on and a heart that empathizes.

We acknowledge that we often cannot see the depths of others’ struggles. Grant us the grace to restrain our judgments and instead create space for understanding and compassion.

May our love for you become visible in our love for others. Help us pass on your goodness and grace, especially when words fail. In the storms of life, be our anchor, and may your love shine through our actions.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-curse-causeless-hasty-judgment-the-art-of-empathy-rush-to-judgment/