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Psalms – Lesson 3: The Lord Reigns | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 3. The Lord Reigns  |
This lesson explores various facets of God’s sovereignty and rule through Psalms such as 8, 97, 75, and 105, emphasizing the importance of God’s faithfulness to His covenant and the reliability of His testimonies, as outlined in Psalms 19, 93, and 119. The Psalms illustrate God’s love for creation, His role as a just judge, and the connection to His people through an eternal covenant. The reliability of God’s laws is highlighted as a foundation for security and stability, with believers trusting in God’s sovereign rule and anticipating the coming of His kingdom.
Memory Text: Psalm 93:1 – “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.”  
Content:
3.1 The Lord Has Made Us
Psalms 8 and 100 underscore creation as an expression of God’s sovereignty and love. These texts clarify God’s dominion over nature, revealing His power and dignity. The Psalms depict God not only as the Creator of the world but also desiring a close relationship with His people, expressing His love and care. Ultimately, the Psalms emphasize the uniqueness of God as the only worthy object of worship and trust.
3.2 The Lord Reigns
The Psalm texts, especially Psalm 97, highlight God’s sovereign rule, clothed in honor, majesty, and power. Metaphors of clouds and darkness illustrate the sublime power and brilliance of the divine kingship. God’s rule is manifested in creation, salvation, and judgment, extending His kingdom over the entire world. Despite constant challenges from evildoers, the psalmist trusts in God’s sovereign rule and rejoices in faith for the coming of God’s kingdom through the redemptive work of Christ and its completion at His return.
3.3 God Is the Judge
The Lord, as a sovereign King, is not only the Creator but also the legislator and judge. Psalm 75 emphasizes the futility of the boasting of the wicked, as the Lord will judge the world and end the rule of evil. Images of a foaming cup and cutting off the horns of the wicked portray the irrevocable destruction of the evildoers. God’s judgment involves an examination of the hearts of people, with the righteous being freed and the wicked being permanently destroyed. While God is a forgiving God, He holds His people accountable for their actions.
3.4 Ever Mindful of His Covenant
God’s people find peace and assurance of redemption in times of judgment through God’s faithfulness to His eternal covenant. The Lord has established His dwelling in Zion and entered into a precious covenant with His people, actively maintained through God’s actions. Psalm 105 highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant in the history of Israel, emphasizing that God was present in both good and bad times, leading His people through various challenges. Remembering God’s covenant requires not only awareness but also actions, with God’s people honoring Him, following His laws, and telling others about Him to manifest God’s protective covenant for the entire world.
3.5 Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
The Psalms, especially Psalm 19, 93, 119, 1, 18, and 25, emphasize the reliability of God’s testimonies. These testimonies refer to the laws and regulations governing religious and social life, known for being “very reliable.” The stability of God’s throne and the world is reflected in His laws, considered unchangeable and indestructible. God’s faithfulness to His promises and commandments is both reassuring and demanding, requiring trust and obedience. Those who adhere to God’s law find stability, security, and protection amid life’s challenges.
3.6 Summary
In this lesson, the sovereign rule of God over creation, His role as Judge, His faithfulness to the eternal covenant, and the reliability of His testimonies are emphasized. The Psalms illustrate God’s power, love, and relationship with His people. Despite challenges, believers trust in God’s sovereign rule and look forward to the coming of His kingdom. God’s judgment is portrayed as inevitable for the wicked, while faithfulness to His covenant ensures security and peace for His people. The reliability of His testimonies provides confidence and protection amidst life’s uncertainties.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-3-the-lord-reigns-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Psalms – Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray |
This lesson focuses on the transformative power of the Psalms, particularly how they enrich the prayer life and assist believers in expressing their emotions and experiences before God. From daily reading to the deliberate selection of appropriate Psalms for various life situations, it illustrates the diverse applications. The comments emphasize that Psalms are relevant not only in times of despair but also in joyful moments, providing a comprehensive insight into human experience and divine wisdom.
Memory Text: Luke 11:1 – “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’.”  
Content:
2.1 Fostering the Use of the Psalms in Prayer
The Psalms serve as a rich source for spiritual enrichment in prayer life. Their diversity allows individuals to express themselves in different life situations and address God in various ways. Through simple reading, reflection, and prayer on the Psalms, believers can gain deeper insights, correct false hopes, and discover new motives for prayer. The Psalms offer a timeless connection to human experience and divine wisdom.
2.2 Trust in Times of Trouble
Psalm 44 teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest feelings of suffering and confusion before God. The selective use of Psalms in worship should not deter us from honestly confronting the dark realities of life. Praying the Psalms allows us to freely express our feelings and helps maintain trust in difficult times by looking back on the past and hoping in God’s goodness despite the suffering.
2.3 A Psalm of Despair
Psalm 22 teaches us that the Psalms not only serve to express our prayers openly but also to guide us according to God’s standards. The lamenting words of the Psalm of desperation allow suffering individuals to express their sorrow. Despite the darkness, the psalmist expresses faith in God and declares that he will always praise God, regardless of circumstances. The Psalms lead worshippers to new spiritual horizons, teaching them to look beyond the present situation and demonstrating the transformative power of prayer when suffering is turned into praise.
2.4 From Despair to Hope
Psalm 13 shows a way we can move from despair to hope. The Psalm begins with complaints and grievances that many of us can relate to when we feel forgotten by God. However, the crucial choice is to consciously reflect on God’s faithfulness and love. The Psalm urges us to choose trust in God’s redeeming power, transforming despair into hope. The Psalms are more than words; they are means of change and deepening the relationship with God when we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to act according to their teachings.
2.5 Oh, Restore Us Again
Psalm 60 offers a prayer for difficult times, but even in good phases of our lives, we can benefit from it. The Psalm reminds us that suffering is a part of human life that affects everyone. In times of joy, lament Psalms like this can teach us compassion for the suffering and direct our focus to those going through tough times. These Psalms should inspire in us the desire to help the suffering by sharing the healing power that Jesus has exemplified.
2.6 Summary
This lesson emphasizes the significance of Psalms in prayer life. The focus is on the diverse use of Psalms, ranging from daily reading to selecting appropriate Psalms for personal situations. It explains how praying the Psalms can help express feelings and thoughts before God, from lament to praise. The commentary highlights that Psalms are valuable spiritual companions not only in difficult times but also in joyful phases of life, fostering the development of compassion for the suffering.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-2-teach-us-to-pray-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Psalms – Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms |
The first lesson introduces us to the fascinating world of the Psalms, a collection of poetic expressions that represent the heart and soul of worship in ancient Israel. From their use in worship to their diverse themes and the inspired prayers and praises of the Psalmists, we will gain a deep insight into the meaning and timeless relevance of these biblical texts. This lesson will take us on a journey through the Psalms, exploring their cultural, emotional, and spiritual depth.
Memory Text: Luke 24:44.45 – “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”  
Content:
1.1 The Psalms in Ancient Israel’s Worship
Designed as hymns of praise, the Psalms served both private and communal worship in ancient Israel. In the temple, they were performed as hymns with instruments, melodies, and lead singers. Their use extended from temple dedications to religious festivals and pilgrimages to Jerusalem, with specific Psalms sung on festive occasions. The Psalms were not only an integral part of Israelite worship but also a source of inspiration for prayer and liturgy, as evident in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the early Church.
1.2 Meet the Psalmists
The Psalms provide insight into the diverse experiences of their authors, including King David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Heman, Ethan, Solomon, and Moses. The Holy Spirit inspired these Psalmists, who, despite deep faith, also faced discouragements and temptations. The timeless themes in the Psalms, from needs to joys, reflect human experiences and demonstrate that cries for deliverance and praises of divine faithfulness remain relevant to this day. The Psalms are not only historical testimonies but also sources of hope and expressions of God’s grace amid human challenges.
1.3 A Song for Every Season
The Psalms, as seen in examples like Psalm 3, 33:1–3, and 109:6–15, reflect the diversity of human experiences. From hymns praising God’s majesty to thanksgiving songs for His blessings and lament Psalms earnestly pleading for deliverance, they cover a broad spectrum. Wisdom Psalms offer practical life guidelines, royal Psalms point to Christ as the sovereign King, and historical Psalms recall Israel’s past. The poetic power of the Psalms is enhanced through devices like parallelism, imagery, merism, and wordplay, and the recurring element “Selah” invites reflection. Thus, the Psalms provide an expression of worship and reflection for every life situation and mood.
1.4 Inspired Prayers
The Psalms are not only inspired prayers and praises of Israel but also expressions of a vibrant interaction between God and His people. In personal invocations like “my God” and “LORD of hosts,” the Psalmists actively seek God’s presence. The beauty of the Psalms lies in representing God’s Word in the form of prayers and praises from believers. Romans 8:26–27 emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer, a dynamic also reflected in the Psalms. The versatility of the Psalms, from hope to sorrow, makes them timeless and relevant to people of all cultures and ages. Jesus himself quoted from the Psalms, and their spiritual depth speaks to the diverse experiences and challenges people face in their lives.
1.5 The Words of the Psalms
The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who, as the sovereign Creator, King, and Judge, occupies the center of the Psalmists’ lives. Trust in God extends across all life experiences, and the Psalms emphasize His omnipresence and care. Even in difficult times, the Psalmists remain focused on calling upon and praising God. The worship in which the Psalms were used formed the center of the biblical community’s life, expressing everything within it. The Psalmists grasp the dual attributes of God, both distant and near, in His heaven and amid His people. They understand this tension as an inseparable part of spiritual reality, and their awareness of God’s goodness strengthens their hope for His intervention.
1.6 Summary
The first lesson on the Psalms highlights their diverse use in the worship of ancient Israel, both privately and communally. The Psalms reflect the experiences of various authors, including King David, and offer timeless themes from needs to joys. Their broad spectrum includes hymns, thanksgiving songs, lament Psalms, wisdom Psalms, royal Psalms, and historical Psalms. The Psalms are inspired prayers and expressions of a vibrant interaction with God, with the Holy Spirit playing a central role in prayer. The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who stands at the center of life, emphasizing His omnipresence and care, while the tension between closeness and distance is understood as an inseparable part of spiritual reality.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-1-how-to-read-the-psalms-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

God’s Mission, My Mission – Lesson 13: The End of God’s Mission | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series GOD’S MISSION, MY MISSION with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 13: The End of God’s Mission |
Lesson 13, “The End of God’s Mission,” guides us through the book of Revelation, emphasizing the clear focus on God’s end-time mission. The Trinity collaborates in rescuing humanity, with Revelation highlighting the urgency of this mission. The Three Angels’ Messages, situated in the context of the Great Controversy, call for proclaiming the eternal Gospel and promoting worship of the Creator. Success in the mission is defined by shaping faithful disciples who are pure, loyal, and open to the Holy Spirit. The vision of the New Earth concludes the lesson, encouraging believers to invest in God’s mission, reach unreached people groups, and ultimately live with the redeemed in the promised new heaven and on the New Earth.
Memory Text: 2.Peter 3:11.12 – “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God . . . ?”  
Content:
13.1 Revelation: God’s Last-Day Mission
The opening lines of Revelation clarify its focus on God’s end-time mission. Verses 1:4–5 demonstrate the Trinity working together in the salvation of humanity, highlighting Jesus as a faithful witness and the firstborn from the dead. Titles in Revelation 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:9 emphasize that God’s redemption brings not only security but also a new, royal, and priestly status for believers. The urgency of the mission is underscored in Revelation 1:7, pointing out that Jesus is coming, and the nations will mourn their loss. Thus, Revelation clearly concentrates on God’s mission among people in the end times.
13.2 Three Angels’ Messages and Mission
Revelation provides a compelling depiction of the Great Controversy, particularly emphasized in Revelation 12:12, where the devil descends to earth with great wrath. Revelation 14:6–12 presents the Three Angels’ Messages, the core of our Seventh-day Adventist mission. This message warns of end-time events and calls for choosing the eternal Gospel and worshiping the Creator. Jesus’ statement that whoever does not gather with Him scatters underscores the urgency of our mission to prepare the world for the decision between life and death. Our calling is to proclaim the hope of the eternal Gospel and warn the world of the impending events while preserving God’s commandments and faith in Jesus.
13.3 The Final Crisis
The mission command that Jesus gave to His disciples emphasizes the universal significance of the message to be taken to all nations. The Three Angels’ Messages expressed in Revelation 14:6 reflect this mission, urging all nations and languages to recognize the truth. Christ’s love extends to all humanity, irrespective of race or ethnic background. The end times will be characterized by a clear separation between those who submit to Satan and those who obey Jesus Christ. Amid increasing polarization and threats to conscience freedom, it is urgently necessary to proclaim the Gospel and expose Satan’s strategies – a task central to the Three Angels’ Messages and our mission.
13.4 Success in Mission
Success in the mission is not solely defined by quantitative measures such as baptism numbers or church size but, above all, by the character of disciples who become faithful followers of Jesus. The focus is on the process of sowing and watering, while God brings about the growth, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:6. True followers of Jesus are characterized by purity and loyalty, akin to a pure bride remaining faithful to her fiancé. They heed the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, remain unaffected by deceptions, doubts, or immoral behavior, and are open to correction and spiritual instruction. Success in the mission is thus manifested in shaping disciples who are not only saved but actively participate in Jesus’ mission.
13.5 Mission Complete
Revelation 21:1–4 and 21:22–22:5 paint the picture of a glorious New Earth, freed from death, sin, and wickedness. This paradise will be populated by people of all ethnicities and languages, reunited with their loved ones and encountering their loving Redeemer. The General Conference Mission Committee has established clear criteria for reached and unreached people groups, with a reached group being capable of testifying without external assistance. Now is the time to invest in God’s mission, make disciples of unreached people groups, and thus hasten the return of our Redeemer. This mission has the ultimate goal of living with the redeemed in the promised new heaven and on the New Earth.
13.6 Summary
The final lesson poignantly reflects on God’s end-time mission. Revelation highlights the Trinity working together in rescuing humanity and underscores the urgency of the mission amid the challenges of the end times. The Three Angels’ Messages are identified as the core of our Seventh-day Adventist mission, calling for proclaiming the eternal Gospel and promoting worship of the Creator. Success in the mission is measured not only quantitatively but, above all, by shaping faithful disciples with purity, loyalty, and openness to the Holy Spirit. The concluding lesson outlines the anticipated picture of the New Earth, populated by people of all ethnicities, and calls for investing in God’s mission, reaching unreached people groups, and ultimately living with the redeemed in the promised new heaven and on the New Earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/gods-mission-my-mission-lesson-13-the-end-of-gods-mission-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

God’s Mission, My Mission – Lesson 12: Esther and Mordecai | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series GOD’S MISSION, MY MISSION with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 12: Esther and Mordecai |
In the captivating Lesson 12, we delve into the story of Esther and Mordecai, who live as captives in a foreign culture. This narrative reveals the challenges of external adaptation and emphasizes the significant inner loyalty to God that prevails even under the most adverse conditions. We gain a fascinating insight into life at the foreign court of the Persians, where Mordecai and Esther must act wisely to protect their identity. Mordecai’s steadfast testimony before Haman and Esther’s courageous approach to the king illustrate that even in seemingly hopeless situations, faith in God and the willingness to act can make a crucial difference. Ultimately, the Purim miracle demonstrates that God’s actions are often hidden in seemingly ordinary events, reminding us that His presence can be concealed beneath the surface of our daily lives.
Memory Text: Isaiah 49,6 – “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”  |
Content:
12.1 Captive in a Foreign Culture
Being captive in a foreign culture requires not only external adaptation but also inner loyalty. The history of the Jews under Babylonians and Persians shows that external laws alone do not guarantee true devotion to God. Even in an environment favorable to faith, loyalty must come from the heart to avoid sin and apostasy. In the end, determined loyalty overcomes the most adverse conditions.
12.2 In a Foreign Court
The story of Esther provides a fascinating glimpse into life at the foreign court of the Persians. Mordecai and Esther, strangers in a foreign culture, must act wisely to protect their identity. The decision to temporarily keep Esther’s Jewish heritage a secret highlights the challenges and the necessity of adapting to a hostile environment. In this politically and culturally complex situation, the narrative of Esther and Mordecai unfolds.
12.3 Mordecai’s Faithful Witness
Mordecai’s steadfast testimony before Haman depicts the confrontation between his firm faith as a devout Jew and the demands of Persian culture. His refusal to bow before Haman was based on his principle of worshiping only the Lord. By openly revealing his Jewish identity, Mordecai not only risked his own life but also that of his fellow Jews. In the midst of moral darkness at the royal court, Mordecai’s faith shines like the bright light of Daniel and his companions in Babylon.
12.4 For Such a Time as This
Esther revealed her Jewish identity at a crucial moment when Mordecai alerted her to the impending danger to her people. Her bold approach to the king, without a formal invitation, illustrates her willingness to risk her own life for the salvation of her people. Mordecai’s appeal to Esther’s responsibility and her subsequent dedication to fasting and prayer underline the strong faith that moved her to act at a critical moment. Esther shows that even in seemingly hopeless situations, faith in God and the willingness to act can make a crucial difference.
12.5 The Miracle of Purim
The Purim miracle in the story of Esther shows that God’s actions are often hidden in the seemingly normal events of life. Although God’s name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, the Jews recognize His work in their deliverance. The festival of Purim, arising from this miracle, emphasizes how God can work through seemingly natural circumstances. The fact that even people from the nations converted to Judaism demonstrates the transformative power of God’s invisible intervention in our lives. Purim reminds us that God’s presence is often hidden beneath the surface of our daily lives.
12.6 Summary
Lesson 12 illuminates the story of Esther and Mordecai, who live as captives in a foreign culture. The narrative underscores the importance of inner loyalty to God despite external adaptation and shows that determined loyalty overcomes adverse conditions even in hostile environments. Mordecai’s steadfast testimony, Esther’s courageous approach, and the Purim miracle illustrate how faith in God and the willingness to act can have a decisive impact even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/gods-mission-my-mission-lesson-12-esther-and-mordecai-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

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