Pastor Wilson has a special message of hope and love to share this week. Building on the foundation of believers through the ages who spoke the truth of Scripture boldly, he shares truth pertinent to the time at hand. The message: One of the most obvious attacks today is regarding human sexuality, where God’s Word is turned on its head and interpreted the opposite of what is written.

Some of the most basic facts given in Scripture are being ignored or twisted, such as Genesis 1:27 and 28 which say, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and . . . said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. . .’”

To learn more about human sexuality and how it relates to our present experience, subscribe to our channel for updates.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/taking-a-bold-stand-on-human-sexuality-pastor-ted-wilson/

The commentary on Lesson 8, “Mission to the Needy,” provides a profound reflection on various aspects of Christian service and the responsibility to care for the needs of others. Here are some key points:

8.1 The Faith of Friends:

• Emphasizes the inspirational power of the story of friends bringing their helpless friend to Jesus, highlighting that true friendship is demonstrated through actions, not just words.

• Underscores the creativity and determination of the men who overcame obstacles to bring their friend to Jesus.

• Challenges to be creative in one’s own service and not give up when traditional ways are not sufficient.

• Reminds to recognize the needs of people around us and proactively approach them.

8.2 Christ’s Method Alone:

• Presents a clear five-step process for effective service with authentic compassion.

• Highlights the importance of personal commitment and empathic closeness by mingling with the helpless.

• Emphasizes that true help occurs where it is most needed, similar to Jesus, who stayed among suffering people.

• Stresses compassion as a crucial factor in effective service, based on Jesus’ example.

8.3 Refugees and Immigrants:

• Emphasizes the relevance of the topic of immigrants and refugees, calling to embrace them, inspired by the biblical story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus’ flight to Egypt.

• Underscores the challenge of overcoming cultural differences and reaching out to strangers.

• Uses biblical references to highlight the importance of mercy and care for strangers.

• Calls for taking concrete actions, whether through prayer, gathering information, or active collaboration with organizations.

8.4 To Help the Hurting:

• Reflects on the universal reality of human suffering and stresses the need to address the needs of others, regardless of material status.

• Emphasizes that help should be not only material but also spiritual and emotional, inspired by Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18.

• Reminds that Christian assistance requires unconditional love and selflessness.

8.5 Greater Love:

• Highlights the ongoing need in the world and individual responsibility to assist others in distress.

• Uses John 15:13 as a guiding principle for Christian service, encouraging going beyond one’s comfort zone.

• Illustrates the importance of friendship and assistance through the example of a missionary family.

• Calls for actively learning about other cultures and religions and consciously opening up to the needs of others.

Overall:

The commentary provides a comprehensive and profound engagement with Christian service, encouraging demonstrating faith through actions, being creative, and actively approaching the needs of others.

It underscores the importance of compassion, authenticity, and selflessness in serving the needy.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-6-summary/

Today, in our devotion, we want to explore a profound theme: theodicy, the question of God’s justice in the face of evil. This question accompanies us through the centuries, and the Apostle Paul touches on it in Romans 3:1–4. Theodicy is not just a theological question but a key aspect in the Great Controversy between Good and Evil.

In Romans 3:4, Paul quotes Psalm 51:6 and discusses how God Himself is “justified in His words and prevails when judged.” Here, the concept of theodicy, grappling with God’s justice despite the existence of evil in the world, is introduced. The Great Controversy, unfolding before humans, angels, and the entire universe, reveals God’s goodness despite the challenges that evil brings.

Amid suffering and sin in this world, it is often challenging for us to understand why God allows what happens. However, the words from the Great Controversy, as portrayed in “Good News” (GN), show that God’s goodness, wisdom, and justice will ultimately be revealed. Every question about truth and error will be clarified. Satan’s works will condemn him, and God’s actions in the Great Controversy will be revealed as wise, just, and good.

Read Revelation 15:3: Why is it important to praise God even in the midst of challenges?

Despite the difficulties and incomprehensibilities of life, it is crucial to praise God. Worshiping and praising God amidst evil is an act of faith and dedication. Even though we may not fully grasp the depth of theodicy, we can trust that God’s ways are just and true. Praising God shows our faith that He will ultimately triumph.

Let us pray together and praise God, even when we are in the midst of challenges. May our praise be an expression of our trust in God’s goodness and justice.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-praising-god-amidst-evil-theodicy/

The thoughts on “Greater Love” emphasize the ongoing need in the world and the responsibility of each individual to assist others in their distress. The reference to John 15:13, where Jesus says there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends, serves as a guiding principle for Christian service.

The narrative of a missionary family engaging with their Hindu neighbors, following Jesus’ example, illustrates the importance of actively approaching others and making their lives a blessing. The call to make a friend by being a blessing emphasizes the need to look beyond one’s own horizons and consciously open up to the needs of others.

The challenge of turning a stranger into a friend is portrayed as not easy but rewarding. The call to prayer and seeking God’s help underscores the dependence on divine guidance and wisdom in this task. The emphasis is on building friendships and not just providing assistance but also leading the needy to God as the true Helper.

The concluding challenges encourage actively learning about other cultures and religions, specifically looking for individuals in one’s own environment to pray for and support. The questions at the end provide practical guidance to consciously think about how to implement Jesus’ example of serving as a friend in one’s own life practice.

Overall, the text urges going beyond one’s comfort zone, offering friendship and assistance, and actively seeking ways to lead people to Jesus. It is an encouragement to put “greater love” into action and thus concretely live out Jesus’ command to love one another.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-5-greater-love/

In Job 6:4–8 and 9:1–12, we discern Job’s struggle with this agonizing question. He does not question the existence of God but rather the reason for his own suffering. This question becomes particularly complex when considering that Job believes in a loving God. In contrast, an atheist in a godless world might perceive suffering as senseless, a consequence of harsh and cold natural forces without a higher purpose.

Job, however, is confronted with a profound dilemma. Job 10:8–12 reflects his agonizing thoughts. He poses the painful question that many of us have asked: Why do people suffer if there is a good and loving God? Why do even those considered “good,” like Job, experience seemingly senseless suffering and trials?

The dilemma lies in the fact that Job and we, as believers, don’t have the option to dismiss suffering as a random consequence of a godless universe. Our conviction in a loving God who created everything puts us in an inner conflict. Wrestling with this question is one of the existential challenges of our faith.

Read Job 38:1–3: How did God respond to Job’s questions and doubts?

God answers Job from the storm and poses questions that challenge Job’s human understanding. This encounter reveals that there are often things beyond our comprehension. Even though we don’t have a complete answer to why there is suffering, we can trust that God is greater than our questions and that His love and wisdom can shine amid the dilemma.

Let us pray together in this assurance and ask God for wisdom as we grapple with the questions of suffering and faith in a loving God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-between-suffering-and-faith-in-a-loving-god-the-dilemma/