• Home
  • Devotionals
  • BiblePhone
  • Blogs
  • TV
  • Prayer
    • Submit Prayer Request
    • Prayer Requests List
  • Contact us
  • Romanian

Intercer Adventist News

Closer To Heaven

  • About us
    • About Adventist Church
    • About Intercer Adventist News
    • About Intercer
    • About Lucian Web Service
    • Latest News
    • Romanian Church News
  • News and Feeds
    • Intercer Adventist News
    • 60 Second SlideShows
    • “Adventist Tweets” Paper
    • Adventists on Twitter
    • Adventists on Google Plus
    • Bible Resources
      • Adventist Universities Daily Bible
      • Answers For Me
        • Dear God
        • Healthy Living
        • Life Notes
        • Spiritual applications
        • Vegetarian recipes
      • Better Sermons
        • Spirit Renew Quotes
      • Daily Bible Promise
      • E-GraceNotes
        • Bible Says
        • City Lights
        • Family First
        • Staying Young
      • Story Harvest
        • Personal Stories
      • SSNet.org
    • Churches & Organizations
      • Adventist News Network
      • Adventist Review
      • Adventist World Radio
      • Avondale College
      • Babcock University Nigeria
      • BC Alive
      • British Union Conference
      • Canadian Adventist Messenger
      • Canadian Union
      • North American Division News
      • Outlook Magazine
      • PM Church – Pastor’s Blog
      • Potomac Conference
      • Record Magazine – Australia
      • Review and Herald
      • Trans-European Division
      • Washington Conference
    • Health
      • Dr.Gily.com
      • Vegetarian-Nutrition.info
    • Ministries
      • 7 Miracle (Youth)
      • A Sabbath Blog
      • Adventist Blogs
      • Adventist Today
      • ADvindicate
      • Creative Ministry
      • Grace Roots
      • Romanian Church News
      • Rose’s Devotional
      • UNashamed
    • Personal
      • Alexandra Yeboah
      • Iasmin Balaj
      • Jennifer LaMountain
      • McQue’s View
      • Refresh with Tia
      • Shawn Boonstra
  • Sermons & Video Clips
    • Churches
      • Downey Adventist Church
      • Fresno Central SDA Church
      • Hillsboro Adventist Church
      • Mississauga SDA Church
      • New Perceptions Television (PM Church)
      • Normandie Ave SDA Church
      • Remnant Adventist Church
    • Organizations
      • Adventist News Network (ANN)
      • ADRA Canada
      • Adventists About Life
      • Adventist Education
      • Adventist Mission
      • Amazing Facts
      • Adventist Church Connect
      • BC Adventist
      • Church Support Services
      • In Focus (South Pacific)
      • IIW Canada
      • NAD Adventist
      • NAD Church Resource Center (Vervent)
      • NARLA
      • Newbold
      • Review & Herald
      • SECMedia
      • Video Avventista (Italy)
    • Ministries
      • 3AngelsTube.com
      • Answered.TV
      • AudioVerse.org
      • AYO Connect
      • Christian Documentaries
      • GAiN #AdventistGeeks
      • GYC
      • Intercer Websites
      • Josue Sanchez
      • LightChannel
      • Pan de Vida
      • Revival and Reformation
      • Stories of Faith
      • SAU Journalism/Communication
      • Spirit Flash
      • The Preaching Place (UK)
      • Toronto East Youth Nation
    • Personal
      • Esther-Marie Hartwell
      • McQuesView
      • Pastor Manny Cruz
    • Sabbath School
      • Ecole du Sabbat Adventiste
      • Sabbath School Audio Podast
      • Sabbath School daily
  • Resources
    • Bible and Bible Studies
    • Health
    • Music
  • All articles
  • G+ News & Marketplace
    • G+ News & Marketplace Group
    • G+ Page
You are here: Home / Archives for Adventist Sermons & Video Clips / Fulfilled Desire

Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate | 4.3 The Compassion of Jesus | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

January 20, 2025 By admin

4.3 The Compassion of Jesus
The Lived Mercy of God
Read Matthew 9:36; 14:14; Mark 1:41; 6:34; and Luke 7:13. Also see Matthew 23:37. How do these verses illuminate the way Christ was moved by the needs of people?
The verses found in the Gospels—Matthew 9:36; 14:14; Mark 1:41; 6:34; Luke 7:13; and Matthew 23:37—provide a profound picture of Jesus’ compassion. Repeatedly, it is emphasized that Jesus did not merely feel pity for people but was moved to action by this pity. It is a compassion that goes beyond a mere sense of sorrow; it leads to concrete actions where He addresses people’s needs—whether through healing, offering comfort, or fostering faith.
Jesus’ compassion was deep and moved on an emotional level that still challenges us today. In Matthew 23:37, we see Jesus’ pain and sorrow as He looks upon Jerusalem, a city that had turned away from Him. The depiction of Jesus “like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings” conveys an image of care, protection, and closeness, which is linked to God’s care for His people in the Old Testament. This metaphor, frequently applied to God, shows how much Jesus loved people and longed for their return to Him.
What these verses make clear is that Jesus’ compassion was not superficial. It was deeply rooted in His innermost being, and He understood human distress not only intellectually but felt with people on a very personal and emotional level. In His lament over Jerusalem, we can see the intensity of His love and His sorrow over the people’s failure to come to Him. This lamenting, almost paternal love is a central expression of Jesus’ compassion, which both comforts and challenges.
For us today, this means that we can learn from Jesus’ example to not only feel pity in the midst of need but also to take action. It is about seeing people’s needs and responding in the same way Jesus did—by acting and helping. The compassion Jesus shows us challenges us to open our hearts and practice love and care for others.
There is no better example of God’s great, merciful love for us than Jesus, who gave Himself up in the highest demonstration of love for us. Yet Christ is not only the perfect image of God; He is also the perfect example for humanity. How can we shape our lives according to Christ’s example, focus on the needs of others, and thus not only preach God’s love but show it concretely?
Jesus’ life serves as the ultimate model for how we can act in love and compassion for others. Jesus not only preached but demonstrated His love through concrete actions—whether by healing, uplifting the broken, offering forgiveness, or sharing God’s word. He often set aside His own needs to help those in need, providing us with the best example of true, selfless love.
To shape our lives according to Christ’s example, we can focus on several important principles:
  1. Compassion and Care: Like Jesus, who empathized with people and understood their distress, we should take the suffering of others seriously. It’s about not just seeing people’s needs but emotionally engaging with them and acting. This means approaching those who are suffering, whether through a listening ear, practical help, or prayer.
  2. Selflessness: Jesus lived selflessly, placing others’ well-being above His own. To follow this example, we can ask ourselves: How often do we place ourselves and our desires at the center? Moving towards selflessness means setting aside our own comfort and interests for the needs of others.
  3. Forgiveness and Peace: Jesus forgave those who wronged Him and called us to forgive as well. This attitude can have practical effects in our lives—whether by letting go of grudges, offering reconciliation, or striving for peace where conflicts exist.
  4. Humility: Christ, the King of Heaven, washed His disciples’ feet and showed us true humility. In our daily lives, we can demonstrate humility through modest service to others without expecting recognition or praise. We can respond to Jesus’ humility in the way we approach life’s tasks and by respecting every person.
  5. Practicing Love for Neighbor: Jesus said that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. This means approaching others with genuine, practical love. In today’s world, this might mean helping someone in need, supporting a friend in difficult times, or serving others through volunteer work or donations.
  6. Active Testimony and Invitation: Implementing God’s love in actions also means actively living the Gospel. It’s not enough to just talk about God’s love; we must make this love visible through our actions. This can mean reaching out to others in an authentic and affectionate way to lead them to faith.
In summary, it’s about actively implementing God’s love in our daily lives by acting as Jesus has shown us—to love, show compassion, selflessness, forgiveness, humility, and deep concern for others. By doing so, we not only preach God’s love but also live it. We provide the world with a practical example of what it means to live in God’s love and to share that love.
The connection between Jesus’ compassion and our everyday lives and faith is evident in how we respond to the needs of others and live out God’s love concretely. The deeds of Jesus described in the Gospels—His healings, His comfort, accepting the outcasts, and fostering faith—challenge us to not only speak about compassion but to embody it in our own actions. These verses teach us that true compassion is more than a feeling of sorrow or regret. It means taking action and addressing the needs of others.
When we follow Jesus’ example in our daily lives, it involves recognizing the needs of the people around us and responding to them, not just acknowledging but also taking action. Jesus often placed others’ needs above His own and acted selflessly to help and heal. In our daily lives, we can draw inspiration from this selfless service by asking ourselves how often we are willing to set aside our own interests to serve others.
The principles of compassion, selflessness, forgiveness, humility, and practiced love for neighbor that Jesus exemplified should not remain mere words but should be reflected in our concrete actions. An active testimony of God’s love means that we convey His care, grace, and mercy through our deeds, not just our words. This can involve everyday actions like helping a neighbor, listening to a friend in need, or letting go of grudges.
In today’s world, God’s love becomes visible when we serve the needy like Jesus, seek reconciliation, foster peace, and actively live out love. By following these principles, we not only preach God’s love but also demonstrate it to the world in a practical, tangible way. This makes our faith vibrant and provides an example of what it means to live and share in God’s love.

Jesus’ compassion challenges us to not only feel pity but to take active steps to help and make God’s love visible through our actions.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-3-the-compassion-of-jesus-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Adventist Sermons & Video Clips, Fulfilled Desire

Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate | 4.2 Gut-Wrenching Love | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

January 19, 2025 By admin

4.2 Gut-Wrenching Love
God’s Deep Yearning for His People
Read Hosea 11:1–9. How do the images in these verses illustrate how God loves and cares for His people?
The passage from Hosea 11:1-9 vividly demonstrates the depth and passion of God’s love for His people. The images used in these verses convey an intense affection and care comparable to the relationship between a parent and their child. God is depicted as the father who lovingly cares for His people, “holds them by the arm,” supports their growth, and provides healing and nourishment. This care is so profound that it is likened to the way a parent teaches their child to walk—a very intimate and patient gesture.
However, the passage also addresses the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel. Despite all the care and love God has bestowed upon them, His people repeatedly turn away from Him, which deeply grieves God. This back-and-forth between divine love and human failure reflects the tension between grace and justice. God’s compassion is immeasurable, yet He is also just and must consider the responsibility for His people’s behavior.
The image of God’s heart “weeping” in compassion speaks of the intensity of His emotions, far beyond what we typically feel. It portrays God’s innermost movement—a compassion that exists not only in thoughts but in a genuine and deep feeling of closeness and care for His people. This language shows us that God does not love us in an abstract way; His love has emotional depth that is reflected in His actions.
The image of God’s burning compassion found in the verses illustrates how much He longs for His people’s return. It is a portrayal of love that not only considers the people’s faults and weaknesses but also the strong desire to forgive and heal them. God’s love is tireless and deep, even when confronted with pain and sorrow.
These verses challenge us to reflect on the depth of divine love and how we, as humans, respond to this love. It is a love that continually draws us back, despite our flaws and shortcomings, and calls us to grow in a relationship of care and trust. God’s heart beats for His people—with a love so strong and passionate that it exceeds all human measures.
Anyone who has ever been a parent knows what the study reflection is talking about. No other earthly love is even remotely comparable. How does this help us understand the reality of God’s love for us, and what comfort can and should we derive from this understanding?
A parent’s love for their child is one of the strongest and deepest earthly experiences that many people can have. It is unconditional, relentless, and often selfless, as parents do everything to ensure their child’s well-being. When we connect this love with divine love, we gain a deeper understanding of how God loves us. This earthly love can be seen as a faint reflection of God’s infinite and perfect love, which goes far beyond what we can experience as humans.
The study reflection describes God as a father who loves His people like a parent loves their child. This image helps us grasp the depth and intensity of God’s care and compassion. Just as parents accompany their child’s growth and well-being, so does God accompany us in our lives. However, while parental love is limited by human constraints and can sometimes fail, God’s love is perfect and infinite. God’s love is always present, never grudging, and never impatient—it surpasses any human measure and remains constant in all circumstances.
This comparison between parental love and divine love brings us comfort because we know that we are loved by a God who knows our deepest needs and accompanies us with immeasurable care. In times of weakness, pain, or disappointment, we can remember this image of loving, steadfast, and patient parental love. It is comforting to know that God never abandons us, even when we turn away from Him or are trapped in our mistakes and weaknesses.
Understanding that God’s love for us is as deep and passionate as a parent’s love can also encourage us to approach Him with trust and openness. Just as a child goes to their parents for comfort, help, or guidance, we can come to God knowing that He waits for us with an open heart and deep compassion. This love is not just an abstract concept but a living reality that shapes our lives and guides us through life’s highs and lows.
From this understanding, we can draw comfort because we know that God’s love always accompanies us, carries us, and never gives up on us. Even when we feel lost or unloved, God’s love is always there, ready to heal us, guide us, and shelter us in His presence.

The connection between God’s deep yearning for His people and our everyday lives and faith lies in the ability to understand this divine love as a model for our own relationship with God and others. The images used in Hosea 11:1-9 illustrate God’s unwavering love and care, even when we turn away from Him. This love is evident in His constant companionship and desire to heal, guide, and provide for us. In our daily lives, we can recall this love during times of uncertainty or weakness and know that we are never abandoned.
Divine love, compared to parental love, reminds us that we are carried and loved by God in every situation—regardless of our mistakes or weaknesses. This realization should give us comfort, especially in difficult moments of life when we might feel distant from God or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. God’s love is constant and never grudging, which invites us to continually turn to Him, no matter how often we have failed or turned away.
This understanding of God’s love can also have a profound impact on our relationships with others. Knowing that we are loved by such a compassionate and patient God can inspire us to extend that love in our actions. We can learn to approach others with more patience, understanding, and care—just as God approaches us. This love, present in our daily lives, gives us the strength to remain steadfast in difficult times and to consistently turn to both God and our fellow human beings with an open heart.
Ultimately, understanding God’s infinite and passionate love helps us find comfort and strengthen our faith. It reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed, His love continually draws us back and never abandons us. God’s heart beats tirelessly for us, encouraging us to deepen our relationship with Him and to approach Him with trusting devotion.

God’s love is unwavering and deep, enveloping us with care and longing, even in our darkest moments.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-2-gut-wrenching-love-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Adventist Sermons & Video Clips, Fulfilled Desire

Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate | 4.1 More Than a Mother’s Love | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

January 18, 2025 By admin

Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate
The Source of True Love and Grace
Lesson 4 delves into the profound dimensions of God’s love for humanity. It illustrates how God, in His immeasurable mercy and compassion, responds to human suffering and distress. Through biblical examples and comparisons, such as the love of a mother for her child, it becomes clear that God’s love far surpasses our human understanding and is always faithful and unconditional. In this lesson, we learn how to reflect God’s compassion and love in our own lives by adopting the same merciful attitude in our relationships with others.
4.1 More Than a Mother’s Love
God’s Infinite Compassion
Read Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 49:15; and Jeremiah 31:20. What do these depictions convey about the nature and depth of God’s compassion?
In Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 49:15, and Jeremiah 31:20, God’s compassion is compared to that of a mother who would never forget her child—but it is also explained that even under extreme human conditions, such as a mother forgetting her child, God’s love will never fail. These passages highlight the extent of God’s love, which sets no conditions and never ends. Particularly, the significance of the Hebrew term racham, closely related to the word “womb,” emphasizes how deep and intimate God’s compassion is. It is described as a love that surpasses even maternal love, embodying deeper dimensions of care and closeness.
The idea that God, despite the resistance and unfaithfulness of His people, still acts as a loving father who calls out to His children with deep compassion and longing reveals that God’s love is not merely superficial affection but a profound, inner, and unwavering force that overcomes even the worst flaws and failures of His creation. This portrayal of God’s compassion challenges us to imagine a love that never wanes, forgives all, and is not deterred by human errors.
The fact that God goes beyond normal human standards in caring for His people and expresses His feelings in the deepest inner language underscores how much He longs for healing and reconciliation with His people. This mercy and love demonstrate that God’s compassion and care have no end but continue to flow regardless of circumstances or the behavior of His children. Thus, God’s love is far more than the strongest human love—it is an inexhaustible source of compassion and mercy.
For some of us, the realization that God’s compassion for us is akin to that of a loving father or mother is very comforting. However, some people find it difficult because their parents were not loving. In what other ways could God’s compassion be made more accessible to them?
For individuals who have not experienced a loving parent-child relationship or who may have been abused or neglected, the concept of God’s compassion as a loving father or mother can be hard to grasp. Nevertheless, there are other ways to convey God’s compassion and love in a manner that is accessible and comforting to such individuals:
  1. God’s Love as Unconditional Care: It can be helpful to focus not only on the parental relationship but also on God’s unconditional and unwavering care. In the Bible, God is often described as the “Shepherd” who cares for His sheep (e.g., Psalm 23). This image can be conveyed to those who have experienced harmful parental relationships, as a shepherd loves and protects his sheep without reservation. Here, God’s love is portrayed as one that never ceases but always provides the best care and security.
  2. God’s Presence and Comfort in Pain and Suffering: Another way to highlight God’s compassion is to emphasize His role as a comforter in times of pain and suffering. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, God is described as the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. God is not only a distant father but also an empathetic companion in difficult moments, who does not abandon us in our darkest times.
  3. God’s Presence in Community: God’s compassion can also be conveyed through the community of believers. For those who have not experienced parental love, the church or a supportive community can be a place where they experience God’s compassion through others. Many biblical texts emphasize that Christians should love and support one another (John 13:34-35). Through mutual help and care, a picture of God’s love can be created that is tangible on a human level.
  4. God’s Love as a Creative Force: God’s compassion can also be communicated through His role as Creator. The creation story shows that God created us with love and intention (Psalm 139:13-16). This appreciation for the individual and life can be comforting to those who did not feel loved by their parents, as it helps them recognize that they possess inherent, divine value and infinite love regardless of human recognition.
  5. God’s Healing Power: Finally, it can be emphasized that God is a healer who heals both physical and emotional wounds (Isaiah 61:1-3). People who have been hurt in the past can experience God’s healing and liberating love, which frees them from the scars of the past and leads them to a new life in peace and trust.
In summary, God’s compassion can be experienced in various ways—not only through parental metaphors but also through images of comfort, healing, community, and creative love. These different perspectives can help individuals experience God’s compassion in ways that are accessible, especially for those who have not experienced a loving parent-child relationship in their past.
The connection between God’s infinite compassion and our everyday lives and faith lies in the deep and personal experience of His love and care, which is reflected in many aspects of our lives. This love is not just an abstract concept but influences our daily lives and our view of ourselves and others. When we apply the texts from Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 49:15, and Jeremiah 31:20 to our daily lives, we recognize how God’s compassion can comfort and guide us in various areas of life.
  1. God’s Love as a Constant Source of Comfort and Security in Daily Life: The idea that God’s compassion is like that of a mother who never forgets her child provides important support in everyday life, especially in difficult moments. In times of uncertainty or loss, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s love never ends—it remains regardless of our circumstances. This realization helps us build a stable foundation for our trust and hope in daily life.
  2. God’s Compassion in Personal Relationships: In our daily interactions with others, whether in the family, among friends, or at work, we can model God’s love to show care and compassion in our own relationships. Understanding God’s unconditional love enables us to learn to be patient, merciful, and forgiving in our human relationships. This divine quality helps us overcome conflicts and make our interactions with others more loving.
  3. God’s Healing Power in Daily Life: God’s compassion is also evident in His healing power, which renews us both physically and emotionally. In everyday life, we can experience God’s healing touch in moments of pain, disappointment, or loss. Knowing that God heals us and leads us to a new life gives us hope and the courage to accept ourselves and our wounds and to walk the path of healing.
  4. Trusting in God’s Guidance and Care: The biblical depictions of God’s compassion as a shepherd caring for His sheep can also encourage us in daily life to trust that God guides and provides for us, even when we find ourselves in difficult or unclear situations. When we rely on His care, we experience a deeper inner peace and a tranquility that accompanies us in our daily decisions and actions.
  5. God’s Love as a Source of Strength and Hope: God’s unwavering love, which overcomes even the unfaithfulness of His people, reminds us that we are never too far from His love. Even in our weaknesses and mistakes, we can trust that God’s love continually lifts us up. This gives us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith and not be discouraged by life’s challenges.
Through all these perspectives, God’s compassion becomes a practical force in our daily lives. By being aware of His love, we can grow in faith and align our actions and thoughts more closely with His mercy and care. This deep experience of God’s compassion not only helps us find peace and comfort but also encourages us to treat ourselves and others with more patience, understanding, and love.

God’s love is immeasurable and unwavering; it accompanies us in every moment, offering comfort, healing, and endless care.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-1-more-than-a-mothers-love-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Adventist Sermons & Video Clips, Fulfilled Desire

The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

January 18, 2025 By admin

Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 4.God Is Passionate and Compassionate  |
The Source of True Love and Grace b 
|
God’s nature is characterized by deep compassion and boundless mercy. The Bible describes His love as stronger and more intimate than the deepest human affection, comparable to the care of a parent for their child (Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 49:15). Despite the unfaithfulness of His people, God remains faithful, patient, and full of mercy. In Jesus Christ, this divine mercy becomes visible through perfect compassion and selfless dedication. This lesson invites us to better understand God’s loving actions and to reflect His mercy in our own lives.
Memory Text: Isaiah 49,15 – “ ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.’ ”
Content:
4.1 More Than a Mother’s Love
God’s Infinite Compassion
God’s compassion surpasses every form of human love, even the intimate affection of a mother for her child. Psalm 103:13 and Isaiah 49:15 show that God treats us like beloved children and never forgets us, even when human parents might fail. The Hebrew term racham, derived from the word for womb, highlights God’s deep, “womb-like” motherly love. Jeremiah 31:20 describes God’s unwavering desire for His people despite their unfaithfulness. This deep, inner longing of God demonstrates that His mercy is boundless and steadfast. For people with painful family experiences, God’s compassion can be made understandable through Jesus’ life and actions—through His healing proximity to the outcast and His unconditional love.
4.2 Gut-Wrenching Love
God’s Deep Yearning for His People
Hosea 11:1–9 portrays God’s intimate, fatherly love for His people, whom He tenderly cares for like a parent accompanies their child’s growth. Despite Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness, God’s love endures, wrestling with pain and compassion, revealing His deep emotional bond. God’s heart “turns away” in compassion, reflecting His passionate longing for reconciliation. This heart-wrenching love combines compassion and justice, for God’s love is not blind but profound and just. For us, this means that God does not abandon us in our missteps but calls us to repentance with patience and mercy. This knowledge brings us comfort and hope that God’s love remains unchanged even in our weakness.
4.3 The Compassion of Jesus
The Lived Mercy of God
Jesus embodied God’s boundless compassion by not only feeling pity but actively addressing people’s needs (Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:41). He healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and took in the outcasts, always moved by genuine mercy. Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37) shows His deep longing to gather and protect the people—like a bird caring for its chicks. These images illustrate that Jesus’ love is as strong and caring as the Father’s in the Old Testament. Jesus’ life was the perfect revelation of God’s love in human form. As His followers, we are called to emulate this example by approaching others with compassion and making God’s love visible through concrete actions.
4.4 A Jealous God?
God’s Passionate Love and Faithfulness
God’s jealousy (el qanna) is not a destructive or envious emotion but an expression of His deep, passionate love and desire for an exclusive relationship with His people. This divine jealousy is comparable to the devotion of a faithful husband who wants to protect his beloved wife from infidelity (2 Corinthians 11:2). It arises from God’s care and desire to prevent His people from the harm caused by false idols and ways (Psalm 78:58). Unlike human jealousy, which is often selfish, God’s jealousy is just and directed toward the well-being of His people. It shows how seriously God takes His relationship with us and that He meets us with an incomparable, protective love. This divine passion can teach us to act faithfully, lovingly, and protectively in our relationships—with a love that seeks the best for others.
4.5 Compassion and Passionate
God’s Love as a Model for Our Lives
God reveals in Jesus Christ a compassionate and passionate love that is shown through care, comfort, and deep empathy (Isaiah 63:9; Luke 19:41). This divine love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, is patient, kind, and free from selfishness. It requires us to act with compassion and love not by our own strength but through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). The death of the self—the laying down of selfishness and pride—is necessary to make room for God’s love. Only when we ask God to renew our hearts can we live this pure, selfless love. This love leads us to actively comfort others, approach them with compassion, and make God’s love visible through our actions.
4.6 Summary
The Depth of Divine Love
Lesson 4 demonstrates that God’s compassion and mercy go far beyond human understanding. Like a parent’s love for their child, God’s affection is deep, steadfast, and infinite (Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 49:15). His passionate love is especially described in the caring jealousy with which He seeks to preserve His people from unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:24). In Jesus Christ, God’s compassion becomes visible as He meets the needy with full mercy and gives Himself up for humanity (Matthew 9:36; Luke 19:41). This divine love is meant to inspire us to encounter others with compassion, patience, and selfless love through the power of the Holy Spirit. God invites us to embrace His mercy and actively share it in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-god-of-love-and-justice-lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Adventist Sermons & Video Clips, Fulfilled Desire, Sabbath School

Lesson 3.To Be Pleasing to God | 3.7 Questions | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

January 17, 2025 By admin

1.What Could It Mean to “Receive Selflessly”? How Will the Relationship of Giving and Receiving Look in Heaven and on the New Earth?
What Could It Mean to “Receive Selflessly”?
“Receiving selflessly” means accepting gifts, love, or support without ulterior motives or expectations of something in return. It involves accepting what is given with a humble and grateful heart, purely out of love or kindness.
In our world today, receiving is often associated with pride, shame, or the feeling of needing to give something back. However, receiving selflessly means appreciating and accepting the gift of giving without feeling obligated. It requires humility and trust—especially in faith—to accept God’s grace, forgiveness, and love, even when we cannot earn them.
🔹 In Daily Life, This Means:
  • Accepting help from others without feeling inferior.
  • Accepting God’s grace without trying to “repay” it through good deeds.
  • Being grateful and humble when others offer their love and time.
How Will the Relationship of Giving and Receiving Look in Heaven and on the New Earth?
In heaven and on the new earth, the relationship of giving and receiving will be perfectly harmonious. There, love, joy, and community will exist in complete harmony. Everyone will give out of pure, selfless love, and receiving will be free from pride, guilt, or expectation.
🔹 Perfect Love and Harmony:
  • Everyone will give with joy and dedication, without fear of being exploited.
  • Everyone will receive with joy and gratitude, without pride or shame.
🔹 God’s Presence as the Source:
  • God’s love will be the origin of all giving, so every gift will be an expression of His perfect love.
  • Every person will be perfectly fulfilled through God’s presence, so giving and receiving will happen not out of lack but out of abundance.
🔹 No Boundaries Between Giving and Receiving:
  • There will be no calculation of who gives or receives more—everything happens in the flow of divine love.
  • Giving will bring joy, and receiving will fill the heart without guilt.
Conclusion:
Receiving selflessly means accepting gifts with gratitude and humility, without expecting anything in return. In heaven and on the new earth, giving and receiving will exist in perfect harmony, supported by God’s perfect love. Everyone will give joyfully and receive joyfully—free from pride, guilt, or expectations.
2.From a Distant Part of the Cosmos, Heavenly Messengers Referred to the Prophet Daniel Three Times as Chamudot, “Beloved,” “Desirable,” “Precious.” In Daniel 9:23, Gabriel Says Ki Chamudot Attah, “For You Are Greatly Beloved” (EB). In Daniel 10:11, a Heavenly Being (Perhaps Gabriel Again) Calls Him Isch Chamudot, “Beloved Man,” an Expression Later Repeated Towards Daniel (Dan 10:19). Reflect on What This Says About God and How Close He Is to Us. What Hope Can You Draw from This Amazing Thought for Yourself?
The thrice-mentioned designation of Daniel as “chamudot” – “beloved,” “desirable,” “precious” – by heavenly messengers in Daniel 9:23, Daniel 10:11, and Daniel 10:19 is a deeply moving expression of God’s personal and intimate affection for Daniel. This special address reveals much about God’s nature and His relationship with us humans.
  1. God’s Personal Love and Nearness
    That Daniel is addressed as the “beloved man” shows that God views each individual not just as part of humanity but as a unique, valuable person. God’s love is personal, concrete, and individual. Daniel was not just a prophet to God but a beloved child to whom He was close.
🔹 What This Says About God:
  • God sees each of His children as valuable and precious.
  • He meets us not distantly but with deep affection.
  • God’s love is not based on performance but on His grace.
  1. God’s Nearness in Difficult Times
    Daniel lived in a difficult time of exile, full of challenges and trials. In this situation, God speaks to him through His messengers with encouragement, comfort, and recognition.
🔹 What This Shows Us:
  • God is especially near when we go through tough times.
  • He sees our struggles, our faithfulness, and our worries.
  • He encourages us to remain faithful because we are loved.
  1. Hope and Encouragement for Our Own Lives
    If God loves Daniel so personally, then we too can claim this love for ourselves. God’s love applies to every person who seeks Him and trusts Him.
🔹 What Hope This Gives:
  • You are valuable in God’s eyes, regardless of your weaknesses.
  • God knows you by name and calls you beloved and precious.
  • In times of uncertainty, we can know that God does not leave us alone.
  • God’s love is steadfast—regardless of external circumstances.
  1. Our Identity as Loved by God
    This assurance changes our view of ourselves. Our identity is not shaped by external successes or others’ opinions but by the fact that we are unconditionally loved by God.
🔹 Practical Hope:
  • Even in doubts and weakness, we can know: “I am loved by God.”
  • God’s love gives us courage to face challenges.
  • This love encourages us to meet others with love and appreciation.
Conclusion:
God’s thrice-mentioned designation of Daniel as the “beloved man” shows how personal, near, and loving God is towards His children. This truth gives us hope: We too are valuable, loved, and precious in God’s eyes. This love carries us through difficult times, gives us new strength, and fills our lives with meaning.
3.How Are the Examples of the Heroes of Faith from Hebrews 11 Connected with the Content of This Week’s Study Reflection? What Do These Examples Reveal About How One Can “Please God Through Faith”? What Can You Learn from Such Examples of Faith and Their Fidelity and Apply to Your Daily Life?
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 are impressive examples of what it means to live pleasingly to God through faith. Their stories reflect central themes of the lesson: trust, fidelity, dedication, and striving to live according to God’s will despite difficulties. Their experiences show that a life of faith is not marked by perfection but by trust and obedience to God.
  1. Connection to the Themes of the Lesson:
  • God’s Joy in Faith (Hebrews 11:6):
    “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
    This principle runs throughout the entire lesson. Whether it’s about the Prodigal Son, God’s joy over repentance, or living as living stones, faith is always the foundation for pleasing God.
  • Honest, Imperfect Faith:
    The father in Mark 9:24 asks, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This shows that even weak faith can be pleasing to God when it is honest. Similarly, the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 did not always have perfect life stories, but their faith was genuine.
  • Active and Lived Faith:
    The heroes of faith acted because of their faith—Noah built the ark, Abraham left his land, Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Faith is demonstrated in actions, just as the lesson emphasizes that we, as living stones, should actively build God’s kingdom.
  1. What the Heroes of Faith Teach About Pleasing God Through Faith:
  • Faith Means Trusting Even Without Visible Proof:
    Abraham followed God’s call without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Similarly, we are to trust God even when the path is unclear.
  • Faith Means Perseverance in Trials:
    Many heroes of faith experienced severe trials but remained faithful to God. Job lost everything but remained steadfast. Moses held onto God’s promises despite setbacks.
  • Faith Means Obedience Even When It’s Difficult:
    Noah built the ark despite ridicule. Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Their obedience shows that true faith requires trust and dedication.
  • Faith Means Focusing on the Unseen:
    They lived with hope in God’s promises, even when they did not see them fully realized (Hebrews 11:13). This reminds us to orient our lives towards the eternal and not get stuck in earthly worries.
  1. What We Can Learn for Our Daily Lives:
  • Trusting God’s Guidance:
    Like Abraham, we can take bold steps, even if we don’t fully understand the way. Trust means letting God take the first step.
  • Patience in Difficult Times:
    Like Moses or Joseph, we can remain patient when God’s plan takes longer. God often works behind the scenes.
  • Faith is Shown in Actions:
    Like Noah actively built the ark, we should demonstrate our faith through concrete actions: through love, justice, and service to others.
  • Stay Steadfast in Trials:
    The heroes of faith remained faithful even when they faced misunderstanding, rejection, or suffering. Their example encourages us to remain faithful to God, even when it’s difficult.
  • Focus on God’s Promises:
    They lived not for the here and now but for God’s kingdom. This challenges us to orient our lives towards the eternal and not get stuck in earthly worries.
Conclusion:
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 show that a pleasing life to God is marked by trust, obedience, and perseverance. They were not perfect, but they held onto God’s promises. Their example encourages us to take courageous steps in faith in our daily lives, even when the path is unclear. God does not require perfect faith but a heart that trusts Him and is ready to follow Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Adventist Sermons & Video Clips, Fulfilled Desire

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • …
  • 628
  • Next Page »

SkyScraper

Intercer Ministry – Since 1997!

We’re on Pinterest!

Partners


The Seven Thunders Ministry

Recent Posts

  • Sunday: Our High Priest
  • Our Lord’s Example
  • God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #1006
  • SdS – Allusioni, immagini e simboli nelle profezie bibliche – Lezione 8
  • Proverbi 17:22 – Apri la porta del tuo cuore

About Intercer

Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]

Lucian Web Service


Intercer is proudly sponsored by Lucian Web Service - Professional Web Services, Wordpress Websites, Marketing and Affiliate Info. Lucian worked as a subcontractor with Simpleupdates, being one of the programmers for the Adventist Church Connect software. He also presented ACC/ASC workshops... [read more]

Archives

Follow @intercer

Categories

[footer_backtotop]

Website provided by: Intercer Romania · Intercer Canada · Lucian Web Service · Privacy · Log in


%d