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More Testimonies About Jesus – Hit the Mark Sabbath School

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Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 7 – More Testimonies About Jesus. It’s the fastest hour of the week!

Hit the Mark Sabbath School

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/more-testimonies-about-jesus-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

Conservative, Liberal, Traditional, Progressive, or . . . What?

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Reinder Bruinsma  |  7 November 2024  | I am often referred to as a liberal Adventist. For some this would be an unwelcome allegation, to say the least. But it does not really worry me. In fact, I tend to see it as a badge of honor, and I would be quite upset if I […] Source: https://atoday.org/conservative-liberal-traditional-progressive-or-what/

Call to Prayer 2024 – Catherine Walsh

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Catherine was doing all the right things to improve her health, but she just wasn’t getting any better. In fact, she kept getting sicker and sicker. She was in so much pain that Catherine was becoming angrier with God while she pleaded with Him to heal her. Yet the pain was not going away.
Listen to Catherine‘s riveting story of what God did in her life. for more information visit: calltoprayer.iiw.ca November 9 – 16, 2024 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dff24Jrjrbs

Lesson 6.More Testimonies About Jesus | 6.6 Summary | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH

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6.6 Summary
Revelations of the Messiah
In Lesson 6, we examine how various testimonies reveal and challenge the identity and mission of Jesus. The lesson begins with the testimony of John the Baptist, who refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and announces Him as the Savior who bears the sins of the world. This message calls people to gain a new understanding of the Messiah—not as a political liberator but as a spiritual redeemer.
Next, the lesson discusses the testimony of the Father, who confirms Jesus’ divine sonship during Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, demonstrating that Jesus acts in perfect alignment with God’s will. Jesus’ works, miracles, and teachings are also testimonies of the Father, expressing His love and mercy for humanity.
The crowd’s reaction to Jesus, especially during the Feast of Tabernacles, highlights another aspect: many recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah or prophet, while others remain skeptical and question His origin. These differing reactions reflect the challenge that Jesus’ words and works posed to people. Despite various responses, there are also voices of defense, such as that of Nicodemus, who advocates for fair judgment and shows that some come to faith.
The lesson reminds us that faith in Jesus often means questioning our own beliefs and expectations and having the courage to make a personal decision for Him—even if that decision goes against the majority. It invites us to approach others with humility, compassion, and openness and to shape our lives as testimonies of God’s love and truth.
Lesson 6 teaches us how diverse testimonies about Jesus can also impact our daily lives and faith, inspiring us in various ways:
  1. A Deeper Understanding of Jesus’ Role as Redeemer
    Just as people in Jesus’ time were invited to recognize Him as the Redeemer who satisfies their deepest needs instead of seeking short-term solutions for their earthly desires, we are invited to see Jesus as the one who not only helps us externally but also heals us internally and grants us peace.
  2. Seeking God’s Confirmation in Our Lives
    The Father’s testimony shows the confirmation Jesus receives from God. Similarly, in our daily lives, we can seek God’s guidance and confirmation, trusting that our worth and calling are based on His love. This helps us give less weight to the voices of the world and walk our path in confidence.
  3. Openness to People in Different Stages of Faith
    The crowd’s reaction reminds us that people find faith in Jesus in various ways. Instead of judging, we can approach them with patience and understanding, just as Nicodemus advocated for fair judgment. Our faith becomes more inviting, and we are enriched by the diversity of experiences.
  4. Courage to Believe Against the Tide
    Many in the crowd did not understand Jesus and were skeptical. Similarly, we often experience that our faith is unpopular or misunderstood. This lesson encourages us to remain faithful and hold on to the truth of Jesus as our Redeemer—even if it means standing alone or in the minority.
  5. Humility and Compassion in Our Interactions with Others
    The arrogance of the religious leaders was a barrier to recognizing Jesus. For us, this is a reminder that true discipleship requires humility and compassion, especially toward those who are still seeking truth. Instead of judging people based on their knowledge or background, we can accompany them lovingly.
Lesson 6 calls us to lead a life of faith characterized by openness, humility, and a deep connection to God’s will. We are invited to live out our testimony daily and reflect the love and truth of Jesus through our actions.

True faith is demonstrated by standing up for the truth with courage and humility, even when the world goes in a different direction.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-more-testimonies-about-jesus-6-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

8.11.2024 – Acts Chapter 12 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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November 8, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 12
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary
Introduction
Acts chapter 12 depicts a dramatic turning point in the young Christian community: the persecution by King Herod Agrippa I., who persecutes the members of the church, kills James, and imprisons Peter. The latter half of the chapter is marked by a miraculous rescue, demonstrating God’s supernatural intervention. It also portrays the downfall of the ruler Herod, who claims the glory for himself and ultimately experiences God’s wrath. This chapter serves as a reminder of how God thwarts the plans of the powerful and allows His community to grow despite threats and opposition.
Commentary
The story of Peter’s arrest and his rescue by an angel emphasizes the power of prayer and God’s intervention in seemingly hopeless situations. Peter’s calmness in prison—sleeping between the guards—demonstrates his trust in God’s protection. The community consistently prays for his release, and the miracle that occurs serves as a testament to the faith and power of prayer. The angelic rescue reminds readers that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human power. The scene where Peter finally appears before the house of praying believers, and they initially cannot believe that he is free, highlights their joy and astonishment, underscoring the unimaginable nature of divine intervention.
The chapter also describes the end of Herod, illustrating divine justice. Herod, who allows himself to be worshiped as a god, is punished for his pride and self-exaltation. The worms that consume him symbolize the fleeting nature of human power and the unassailable nature of divine justice. Herod’s demise contrasts with the continued growth of the church—a clear reminder that the word of God and His plans cannot be hindered by any worldly power.
Summary
Acts chapter 12 highlights the dramatic events surrounding Peter’s arrest and his miraculous liberation by an angel. The power of prayer and God’s intervention are vividly portrayed as the community prays for Peter and God supernaturally frees him from prison. Herod’s tragic end, after he claims glory for himself, serves as a cautionary example of the limits of human power and God’s claim to honor and worship. While Herod falls, the church continues to grow, demonstrating the unstoppable spread of the Gospel.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 74—Gethsemane
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-50; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-12.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 74, “Gethsemane,” leads us into the deepest and most moving episode in the life of Jesus: the prayer and inner struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately before His arrest. The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John depict how Jesus, accompanied by His closest disciples, goes to Gethsemane at night and prepares for the impending suffering. This scene reveals the painful inner conflict that Jesus experiences in His human nature as He willingly takes on the burden of the world’s sins. Here in Gethsemane, His absolute dedication and obedience to the Father’s will become intensely visible. The disciples, exhausted and inattentive, fall asleep while Jesus engages in the most bitter spiritual struggle of His life. Gethsemane becomes the epitome of His sacrifice and His unparalleled love for humanity.
Commentary:
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is a portrayal of deepest devotion and pain. Here, we encounter a side of Jesus that is both human and divine: He wrestles with the burden of sin that threatens to separate Him from the presence of God. This scene reveals that Jesus, although divine, truly endures the wrath and consequences of human sin in His human nature. The words “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” demonstrate His anguish and simultaneously His willingness to follow God’s will, predestining Him as the sin offering for humanity.
Jesus’ dedication is all the more remarkable in light of the weakness of His disciples. He urges them to stay awake and pray, yet three times He returns to find them asleep. This scene highlights human frailty in the face of spiritual reality and accentuates Jesus’ loneliness and determination. The angels who appear to Him at the end serve as the final divine encouragement before He embarks on the painful path to the cross. Through this episode, it becomes clear that Jesus, fully aware of the magnitude of His sacrifice, resolutely continues the path to the redemption of humanity.
The climax comes when Jesus confronts His betrayers and the armed crowd without using divine power to defend Himself or flee. Instead, He faces His impending fate calmly and steadfastly. His example in Gethsemane is a powerful image of self-sacrifice and obedience to God’s will, regardless of personal pain and suffering.
Summary:
Chapter 74 describes the events in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus experiences the most severe inner struggle of His life before His suffering and crucifixion. In deep prayer, He wrestles with the burden of humanity’s sins and the separation from the Father that sin brings. Despite His anguish, He decides to fulfill the Father’s will and drink the “cup” that lies ahead. The disciples who accompany Him fail to stay awake and fall asleep despite His pleas. After a final prayer, Jesus receives divine strength from an angel that fortifies Him for His journey. When the soldiers and the betrayer Judas arrive, Jesus faces them without resistance and is taken captive. The scene in Gethsemane highlights Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice and dedication, becoming the symbolic center of His suffering for humanity.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-11-2024-acts-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/

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