Intercer Adventist News

Closer To Heaven
You are here: Home / Archives for Adventist Sermons & Video Clips

Lesson 3.Light Shines in the Darkness | 3.1 Compromise: Satan’s Subtle Strategy

By

Lesson 3: Light Shines in the Darkness
Light in Darkness: Vigilance and Truth in a Changing World
In Lesson 3, we delve deeper into the interplay of truth and deception as depicted in the Bible. Referring to the words of Jesus and the writings of Apostle Paul, we are made aware of the subtle seductions and false doctrines that can jeopardize our spiritual journey. The importance of the Holy Scriptures as our unwavering foundation and shield against spiritual deception is emphasized. The lesson urges us to actively preserve and spread the light of the Gospel to provide guidance in an increasingly confusing and threatened world of darkness. It encourages us to heighten our spiritual vigilance and cling to the guiding power of the Bible to strengthen and protect our faith.

3.1 Compromise: Satan’s Subtle Strategy
Recognizing Truth: Jesus and Satan’s Strategies in Light of Scripture
Compare John 14:6 with 8:44. What contrast between the character of Jesus and Satan is evident in these two verses?
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” In John 8:44, Jesus describes Satan’s character, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
The contrast between the character of Jesus and the character of Satan is clearly visible in these two verses:
  1. Truth vs. Lie: Jesus is the embodiment of truth, while Satan is the father of lies. Jesus speaks the truth because He is the truth that comes from God. In contrast, Satan is willing to spread lies and deception to lead people astray.
  2. Path to Life vs. Temptation to Death: Jesus is the path to eternal life and to the Father. He offers redemption, hope, and a fulfilled life. Satan, on the other hand, is a murderer and tempter aiming to divert people from God and His path of truth and life.
  3. Divine Authority vs. Self-will: Jesus speaks and acts in accordance with the will of the Father. He is the incarnation of divine love, wisdom, and power. Satan, however, acts from his own will and self-interest, disregarding the truth and the well-being of people.
In summary, John 14:6 and 8:44 highlight the profound contrast between the divine character of Jesus and the corrupt character of Satan. Jesus stands for truth, life, and love, while Satan represents lies, death, and deception. It is important to be aware of these differences and choose the path of Jesus and the truth.
Read Proverbs 23:23 and John 17:17; 8:32. What similarities do you see in these Bible verses regarding the truth of God’s Word? What is their central message?
Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” John 17:17 states, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 8:32 declares, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The similarities in these Bible verses regarding the truth of God’s Word are:
  1. Truth as an indispensable value: In Proverbs 23:23, truth is portrayed as something of immeasurable value. It should be valued, sought after, and preserved.
  2. The Word of God as the source of truth: In John 17:17, God’s Word is directly associated with truth. It is the Holy Scripture that provides us with true knowledge and revelation of God’s truth.
  3. Freedom through truth: John 8:32 emphasizes that recognizing the truth leads to freedom. The truth of God’s Word has the power to free us from errors, deceptions, and the bonds of sin.
The central message of these Bible verses is the significance and power of the truth of God’s Word. They teach us to seek, value, and preserve the truth. God’s Word is the infallible source of truth that guides, educates, and liberates us. It is crucial that we rely on the Holy Scripture to recognize and live in the truth.
Jesus Himself, during His temptation in the desert test Luke 4:1–13, repeatedly referred to the Word of God to resist Satan. The Bible is a powerful tool that reveals truth to us and gives us the strength to resist the attacks of the enemy and walk in God’s wisdom and truth. It is of utmost importance that people have access to the Holy Scripture and can study it to recognize the truth and protect themselves from deceptions.
Discuss how Satan tries to distort or misinterpret God’s Word today.
Satan employs various strategies to distort or misinterpret God’s Word, especially in today’s modern world where information is easily accessible, and there exist many different opinions and interpretations. Here are some common methods Satan uses to distort the truth of God’s Word:
  1. False teachings and heresies: Satan promotes false teachings and heresies that deviate from biblical truth. He deceives people into accepting false beliefs and interpretations that do not align with Scripture. This can happen through false prophets, cults, or misleading religious movements.
  2. Dilution of Moral Values: In a world drifting further from Christian values, Satan tries to relativize or discard the moral and ethical commandments of the Bible. He promotes moral relativism that blurs the distinction between right and wrong.
  3. Cultural Adaptation and Modernization: Satan exploits cultural change and societal trends to adapt or alter God’s Word to current norms and values. He promotes a “modern” interpretation of the Bible that deviates from traditional and historical interpretation.
  4. Doubt and Skepticism: Satan tries to sow doubt and skepticism about the reliability and truth of the Bible. He questions the authority and inspiration of Scripture to divert people from the absolute truth of God’s Word.
  5. Using Out-of-Context Scriptures: Satan can take individual Bible verses out of context or misquote them to convey a misleading message. He exploits ignorance or unfamiliarity with Scripture to spread false teachings.
  6. Secular Philosophies and Ideologies: Satan uses secular philosophies, ideologies, and scientific theories that contradict biblical teachings to influence the understanding and interpretation of Scripture. He tries to reconcile the Bible with human beliefs and schools of thought rather than considering it as the infallible Word of God.
It is important to be vigilant, study the Scripture, and remain in prayer to protect ourselves from Satan’s deceptions and distortions. Through a solid knowledge of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can recognize the truth, expose false teachings, and walk in the right doctrine.

The connection between these biblical concepts and our daily life and faith is profound and relevant. Here are some key aspects that illustrate this connection:
  1. Choosing Truth: In a world flooded with information and various opinions and interpretations, we must actively seek the truth and choose it. This requires a conscious commitment to study, reflect on, and apply the Holy Scripture in our lives.
  2. Resisting Compromise: Satan often uses subtle methods to tempt us to compromise our beliefs and principles. We must remain vigilant and steadfast to resist the temptations and deceptions that want to divert us from the truth.
  3. Building a Solid Foundation: Our relationship with God and our understanding of His Word should be based on a solid and unshakable foundation. This helps us remain steadfast and be guided by the truth in difficult times and challenges.
  4. Freedom through Truth: The truth of God’s Word has the power to free us from the bonds of sin, errors, and deceptions. By recognizing and living in the truth, we can lead a life characterized by God’s love, wisdom, and freedom.
  5. Community in Faith: It is important to be in a community of believers who encourage, strengthen, and support each other. Joint prayer, Bible study, and fellowship promote our spiritual growth and help us stay in the truth.
In conclusion, it is crucial to be vigilant, steadfast, and committed in our daily life and faith. We must actively seek the truth, resist compromises, and have a solid foundation in God’s Word. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and community in faith, we can recognize, live in, and lead a fulfilled and God-pleasing life.

Thought of the Day: Truth remains unshakable, even when lies and deceptions attempt to overshadow it.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-light-shines-in-the-darkness-3-1-compromise-satans-subtle-strategy/

He Lost His Patience

By

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4.

Notwithstanding the fact that Moses was the meekest man that lived upon the earth, on one occasion he drew the displeasure of God upon himself…. The undeserved reproaches of the people which fell upon him led him for a moment to forget that their murmuring was not against him, but against God; and instead of being grieved because the Spirit of God was insulted, he became irritated, offended, and in a self-willed, impatient manner struck the rock twice saying: “Hear now, ye rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock?” …

Moses revealed great weakness before the people. He showed a marked lack of self-control, a spirit similar to that possessed by the murmurers. He should have been an example of forbearance and patience before that multitude, who were ready to excuse their failures, disaffections, and unreasonable murmurings, on account of this exhibition of wrong on his part. The greatest sin consisted in assuming to take the place of God. The position of honor that Moses had heretofore occupied did not lessen his guilt, but greatly magnified it. Here was a man hitherto blameless, now fallen. Many in a similar position would reason that their sin would be overlooked because of their long life of unwavering fidelity. But no; it was a more serious matter for a man who had been honored of God to show weakness of character in the exhibition of passion than if he had occupied a less responsible position. Moses was a representative of Christ, but how sadly was the figure marred! Moses had sinned, and his past fidelity could not atone for the present sin…. Moses and Aaron must die without entering Canaan, subjected to the same punishment that fell upon those in a more lowly position. They bowed in submission, though with anguish of heart that was inexpressible; but their love for and confidence in God was unshaken…. But few realize the sinfulness of sin…. The cases of Moses and Aaron … show that it is not a safe thing to sin in word or thought or deed.18Testimonies for the Church 4:369, 370.
Conflict and Courage p. 109
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayer Requests
—-Pray for Debbie who broke her hip and her leg. Also pray for Randy who has prostate cancer and for C who has had death in the family as well as tragedies lately Thankyou, M
—-Please pray for God’s leading in E’s life. R
—-Have a request for 2 people that have been infested with various parasites and they are coming out of their skin, nose and stools. Having trouble getting in to the medical facilities to get help. Their names are Keelie and Jerry. They are getting weak. Michael
—-My daughter’s company is having big issues only prayers can help. Please pray that God will show mercy to bring the issues to an end. anon
—-Please pray for a dear friend, Dick. He’s been ill for several months, and now they want a biopsy. However, not until. May! He needs help now. Sylvia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,

Spring is such a beautiful time of year, that it is my favorite season. The flowering trees transform this drab world into a thing of beauty. Spring flowers are blooming and a multitude of tiny blue flowers are covering the ground. Birds are twittering their special mating songs.

Just as the earth’s awakening from winter’s chill tells us that spring is here and summer is on its way, so the signs foretold in God’s Holy Word helps us to know that Jesus is coming soon. Just as we can read the signs of spring all around us, so as we see the rapid fulfilling of the great prophecies of Daniel chapters 7-12 and Revelation chapters 13-18, we can know that the King of the Universe is soon to take us to His Heavenly Home as He has promised. (John 14:1-3)

Our Dear Saviour laments, “When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?” Luke 12:54-56 He, Who sees the future has given us signs whereby we may know the end of all things is near. “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. . . . Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. . . . For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. . . . Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matt 24:1-33

May we, as we see these rapidly fulfilling signs prophesied in God’s Holy Word, be ” sober, and watch unto prayer” making our “calling and election sure: for if [we] do these things, [we] shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto [us] abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 1:10,11

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/he-lost-his-patience-2.html

Worship Apr 13, 2024 | Deliverance Rooted In Wellness – Part II — Anthony Medley

By



Worship : Deliverance Rooted In Wellness – Part II — Anthony Medley
Study: The Central Issue: Love or Selfishness? — Sadhana Jaladhi THANK YOU. Media Ministry needs your continued financial support. Please donate by visiting "https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANB4RC/envelope/start" and select “Media Ministries”. Connect With Us
X: RemnantSDA
Facebook: RemnantSDAchurch.org
Instagram: RemnantSDAchurch Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKo5NG7hp30

The Great Controversy – Lesson 3.Light Shines in the Darkness | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

By

Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 3.Light Shines in the Darkness  |
Light in Darkness: Vigilance and Truth in a Changing World |
This lesson illuminates the eternal struggle between truth and deception, faith and doubt. We will delve into the importance of vigilance in faith and the need to defend God’s truth against the challenges of the modern world. Let’s dive deeper into the scriptures together and discover the significance of light in our darkness.
Memory Text: John 12:35 – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.”
Content:
3.1 Compromise: Satan’s Subtle Strategy
Recognizing Truth: Jesus and Satan’s Strategies in Light of Scripture
The Bible verses John 14:6 and 8:44 depict a profound contrast between the character of Jesus and that of Satan. While Jesus embodies truth and is recognized as the author of truth, Satan is the father of lies and distorts the truth to deceive people. This contrast underscores the necessity of recognizing God’s truth and safeguarding against Satan’s deceptions. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of the Holy Scriptures by responding to Satan’s attacks with God’s word, as seen in the example of Luke 4:1-13. It’s crucial to understand the truth of the Bible and not be swayed by distortions or false interpretations, as evidenced throughout history by the suppression of the Bible by certain institutions.
3.2 Savage Wolves
Paul’s Urgent Admonition: Vigilance Against Internal and External Threats to the Church
Paul’s warning to the church leaders of Ephesus in Acts 20:27-32 is a urgent call to vigilance. He speaks of “ravenous wolves” threatening the church and warns that false teachers will arise even from within. These prophecies highlight the constant danger of deviations and seductions within the church. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Paul emphasizes that the “mystery of lawlessness” is already at work, indicating a gradual departure from divine truth. It serves as a reminder for the church to remain vigilant and adhere to the pure doctrine of God’s word, resisting the currents of the time and the temptations of compromising with the truth.
3.3 Safeguarded by the Word
The Unwavering Foundation: Scripture as a Shield Against Deceptions
God’s word serves not only as a light for our paths but also as a shield against the deceptions of evil. It is the foundation of our faith and guides us through life’s complexities. Jesus and Paul emphasize the immense significance of the Holy Scriptures in protecting against errors and deviations from true faith. In a time when many question the authority of the Bible, it’s crucial to uphold its infallibility and see it as divine revelation. Only then can we grasp the fullness of salvation and guard against the tricks and pitfalls of the devil.
3.4 Human Reasoning Apart From Scripture
Divine Orientation in a Confusing World
The human mind is a valuable gift, but without divine guidance through the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of the Holy Scriptures, it can easily go astray. Satan’s deception is to make us believe that our intellect alone is sufficient to discern God’s will. Like a lost hiker in the woods, we need reliable orientation – the Bible – to safely find our way. Only in the light of divine truth can we distinguish between good and evil and discern genuine truth from deception. Therefore, recognizing God’s word as our ultimate source of truth and morality is essential.
3.5 Battle for the Mind
In the Light of the Gospel Against the Darkness of Doubt
The spiritual battle described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 illustrates Satan’s strategy to obscure people’s clear view of the Gospel. He uses distractions, temptations, and worldly concerns to cloud people’s perception and deter them from studying God’s word. The light of the Gospel, embodied by Jesus Christ, is the key to enlightenment and overcoming this spiritual darkness. By focusing on Christ and allowing his love and truth to guide us, we can see through Satan’s deceptions and walk in the light of the Gospel. It’s our responsibility to preserve and pass on this light in the darkness.
3.6 Summary
Light in the Eternal Struggle
The lesson “Light Shines in Darkness” emphasizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, with light symbolizing truth, love, and God’s work. Despite Satan’s attempts to blind people with deception and distractions, the true light is revealed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ is at the center of this light, offering hope and salvation amidst the world’s darkness. Believers are called to turn to this light, proclaim it, and boldly stand for the truth to overcome darkness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-lesson-3-light-shines-in-the-darkness-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Sunday: Compromise: Satan’s Subtle Strategy

By

Daily Lesson for Sunday 14th of April 2024

Compare John 14:6 with John 8:44. What contrast between Jesus’ character and Satan’s is seen in these two passages?

What Jesus says is true because He is the author of truth. Truth proceeds from the heart of an all-wise, all-loving, all-knowing God. He is the foundation of reality and of all truth.

Two Men Facing Each Other Covering Each Other's Eyes

Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com

In contrast, Satan is a liar and the father of lies. He is prepared to use lies, deceit, misinformation, and a distortion of the truth to lead God’s people astray. He deceived Eve in Eden by distorting truth, creating doubt, and blatantly denying what God said. Satan’s statement, “You shall not surely die,” in the context of eating the fruit, was a clear contradiction of what God had said. Throughout the centuries, Satan has used the same strategy. He undermines confidence in God’s Word, contradicts God’s revealed will, distorts Scripture, and at times misquotes the Bible to his advantage.

Read Proverbs 23:23, John 17:17, and John 8:32. What similarity do you see in these Bible passages regarding the truth of God’s Word? What is their central message?

“Satan well knew that the Holy Scriptures would enable men to discern his deceptions and withstand his power. It was by the word that even the Saviour of the world had resisted his attacks. At every assault, Christ presented the shield of eternal truth, saying, ‘It is written.’ To every suggestion of the adversary, He opposed the wisdom and power of the word. In order for Satan to maintain his sway over men, and establish the authority of the papal usurper, he must keep them in ignorance of the Scriptures. The Bible would exalt God and place finite men in their true position; therefore its sacred truths must be concealed and suppressed. This logic was adopted by the Roman Church. For hundreds of years the circulation of the Bible was prohibited. The people were forbidden to read it or to have it in their houses, and unprincipled priests and prelates interpreted its teachings to sustain their pretensions. Thus the pope came to be almost universally acknowledged as the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed with authority over church and state.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 51.

Discuss ways that Satan attempts to distort or misinterpret God’s Word today.

(0)

The post Sunday: Compromise: Satan’s Subtle Strategy appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24b-03-compromise-satans-subtle-strategy/

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

Categories