Daily Lesson for Friday 13th of October 2023

For a witness unto all nations. “The Saviour’s words, ‘Ye are the light of the world,’ point to the fact that he has committed to his followers a world-wide mission. As the rays of the sun penetrate to the remotest corners of the globe, so God designs that the light of the gospel shall extend to every soul upon the earth. If the church of Christ were fulfilling the purpose of our Lord, light would be shed upon all that sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death; instead of congregating together and shunning responsibility and cross-bearing, the members of the church would scatter into all lands, letting the light of Christ shine out from them, working as he did for the salvation of souls, and this ‘gospel of the kingdom’ would speedily be carried to all the world.

“From all countries the Macedonian call is sounding, ‘Come over and help us.’ God has opened fields before us. Heavenly beings have been cooperating with men. Providence is going before us, and divine power is working with human effort. Blind indeed must be the eyes that do not see the working of the Lord, and deaf the ears that do not hear the call of the true Shepherd to his sheep. Some have heard the call of God, and have responded. Let every sanctified heart now respond, by seeking to proclaim the life-giving message. If men and women in humility and faithfulness will take up their God-given, appointed work, divine power will be revealed in the conversion of many to the truth. Wonderful will be the results of their efforts.”—Ellen G. White, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, November 14, 1912.

Discussion Questions

1. The credibility of the church’s influence in the community is determined mainly by the extent that we—the body of Christ—exemplify in our own lives God’s love in the fulfillment of His mission. How do you, personally, respond to this challenge?
   
   
2. How do you think your church is seen and understood by its non-Adventist neighbors? How do you know? If the perception is positive, what can you do to strengthen it more? If it is negative, what can you do to change it?
   
   
3. Why is keeping the “eternal gospel” as the center of our mission to the world so important? What ultimate hope can we pre­sent to anyone, anywhere, that is not centered on the great hope we have because of the gospel, the good news of what Jesus has done for us at the cross?
   
   

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/23d-02-further-thought/

Daily Lesson for Thursday 12th of October 2023

This week’s lesson has intentionally discussed two crucial mission texts that emphasize the centrality of disciple-making in the Great Commission and the message of the eternal gospel. Interestingly, both texts have at least a common connecting point: the “where” of mission. They read: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV), “those who dwell on the earth—to _every nation, tribe, tongue, and people_” (Revelation 14:6, NKJV; emphasis added).

Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com

In other words, the gospel of Christ is to reach all classes, all nations, all tongues, and all peoples. The influence of the gospel is to unite the saved in one great brotherhood. We have only one model to imitate, and that is Christ. If we accept the truth as it is in Jesus, national prejudices and jealousies will be broken down, and the spirit of truth will blend our hearts into one.

When Jesus said, “ ‘You will be my witnesses’ ” (Acts 1:8, NRSV), He had three different geographical areas in mind:

Area 1: “ ‘You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem.’ ” At that time, His disciples were very close to Jerusalem. So, Jesus was basically saying, “Begin to share your experience with God with people who are close to you.” Mission begins at home, with family, with neighbors, with friends. This is the initial place of mission.

Area 2: He then continues: “ ‘in all Judea and Samaria.’ ” Our mission also involves those who are in some ways close but at the same time distant from us. In this group are people who may speak the same language that we speak—people who have a similar culture but do not live or share the same reality that we do. This is our further place of mission.

Area 3: Beyond this, Christ says: “ ‘and to the end of the earth’ ” (NKJV). God’s mission calls us to reach individuals from all places, nations, people groups, languages, and ethnicities. This is our ultimate place of mission.

Amen!(0)

The post Thursday: The World: The Arena of Mission appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/23d-02-the-world-the-arena-of-mission/

Join us for Lesson 2, God’s Mission to Us: Part 2

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The post ‘God’s Mission to Us: Part 2’ – Hit the Mark Sabbath School appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/gods-mission-to-us-part-2-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this week’s featured guest, Dr. Kleber Gonçalves, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson, “God’s Mission to Us, Part 2.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyb5m0Ybqqo?si=Poa-nGgnvBS0pI6G&w=560&h=315]

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The post 2: God’s Mission to Us: Part 2 – It is Written: Discussions with the Author appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/2-gods-mission-to-us-part-1-in-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/

You can view an in-depth discussion of God’s Mission to us: Part 2 in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94N0NO9ic9I?si=LRlKGOOvAYOdWcsZ&w=560&h=315]

With thanks to

Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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The post 2: God’s Mission to us – Pt 2 – HopeSS Video Discussion appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/2-gods-mission-to-us-pt-2-hopess-video-discussion/