In the United States, we have an airline, called Southwest, who ask on their commercials, “Want to get away?” In each commercial someone will find themselves in an embarrassing situation, where they would gladly fly to the other side of the world and hide under a rock. The airline then suggests getting on their plane to get away from it all.

In Mark 5 we read about a man who was in a very embarrassing situation before his conversion. When I tell you everything that happened with this man, you will agree with me, that after his conversion, he would gladly hop on an airplane to get away. However, Jesus sent him on a mission trip—back home!

For sake of space, I am going to mention only highlights from the story, but you can read it for yourself here.

Sadly, demon activity has not changed much over the years. This man was hanging out in tombs, obsessed with death, much like those controlled by demons today. Jesus is life, and when we don’t have Jesus, all that’s left is death. He refused to be “tamed,” “taught” or “controlled.” The exact words may vary, based on your favorite translation, but the idea is the same. He was not going to be bound by biblical standards, like so many today, who do not want to hear what is right and wrong.

He cut himself. Today many cut themselves trying to find healing, not realizing, Jesus was already cut and wounded to bring them healing. The demoniac is tormented by the presence of Jesus. Today, an unconverted person does not want to be where Jesus can be found. They want nothing to do with Bible study, prayer meeting or family worship.

None of these demonic demonstrations faze Jesus. He heals the man and he becomes converted. Verse 15 tells us that, after his conversion, the man is clothed and in his right mind. Luke 8 tells us this man was naked at the beginning of the story. Mark tells us at the end that after the conversion he is clothed. Another sign of demonic activity is wanting to dress improperly or not at all. When we become converted, we dress appropriately.

Now that the man is converted, we see that he wants to be with Jesus. He tells Him in verse 18 that he wants to be with Jesus.

Now I am imagining that if I had been seen by my  community, running around naked in a cemetery, that I would now like to jump on a Southwest airlines jet, or any jet for that matter and get away!  I think a nice mission trip to the other side of the planet would now be in order, so I could preach the gospel about as far away as I could get from the people who saw me running around a cemetery naked, cutting myself.

But in Mark 5:19 Jesus sends him on a mission trip—back home! Jesus tells the man to go back home and tell what wonderful things Jesus has done for him.

Friend, if Jesus has done wonderful things for you, if He really has changed your life, you don’t need to get away. While foreign mission trips are fun, fruitful and rewarding, chances are Jesus may have a mission field for you right in your very home. Jesus doesn’t send everyone to the other side of the planet, as much as we may sometimes like that idea—especially after an embarrassing moment, when we want to get away.

Jesus may have a mission trip planned for you right in your very home.  The people saw the change in this man. So much so that in verse 15 it says it scared them or made them afraid! It must have been a real shock when the reality of what Jesus had done in this man’s life was seen.

If you run to the other side of the world, people won’t see the change.

If Jesus has changed your life, you don’t need to be afraid. You can confidently go back home, clothed with the righteousness of Christ and in your right mind, and tell them what wonderful things Jesus has done for you.

Amen!(5)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/rb5OJfhxzYA/

What counsel does the New Testament have for marriages divide by religion? 1 Cor. 7:12-15; 1 Pet. 3:1-2.

The blessing of being a Christian partner. In 1 Corinthians Paul responds to converts’ concerns that staying married to an unbelieving spouse might be offensive to God or bring defilement upon themselves and their children. Not so, says Paul.

Peace

The sacred state of marriage and its intimacies are to continue after a partner’s conversion. The presence of one Christian partner “sanctifies” the other partner and the couple’s children. The word “sanctifies” should be understood in the sense that unbelieving spouses come into contact with the blessings of grace through living with their Christian partners.

Heartrending as it is, the unbelieving partner may decide to abandon the marriage. Though consequences will be serious, the merciful word of our God—who always upholds human freedom of choice—is “let him do so”. The believer “is not bound in such circumstances” (1 Cor. 7:15, NIV).

Called to live in peace. The clear preference of the Word of God is that despite the challenges of a spiritually divided home, a way might be found for the peace of Christ to reign there. The hope is to keep the marriage intact, to give evidence of the triumph of the gospel in the midst of difficulty, and to promote the comfort of the partner with whom the believer is one flesh, though he or she be unbelieving.

What might be the limitations of a spouse’s responsibility toward a nonbelieving partner?

Lovingkindness, unwavering fidelity, humble service, and winsome witness on the part of the believer create the greatest likelihood of winning the non-Christian spouse. Submission in a Christian marriage arises out of reverence for Christ (compare Eph. 5:21). When a spouse relates with Christian submission to an unbelieving partner, the first allegiance is always to Christ. Faithfulness to the claims of God on one’s life does not require a spouse to suffer abuse at the hands of a violent partner.

Amen!(1)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/mQeYJNS46dY/

The memory text shows a chosen generation – those who can pour out thanks to God in 
Hymn 276, “Thanks to God”, Hymn 694/695,
“Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow”,
Hymn 1, “Praise to the Lord”, or
 Hymn 276, “Thanks to God”. Meanwhile others are praying fervently 
Hymn 654, Lord, Bless Our Home” and
Hymn 653, “Lead Them, My God to Thee”.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/x_b2eXhl93c/

1. What have they seen in your house?  What feelings does this question stir in your heart? If police suspect a crime has occurred in a house, what evidence do they search for? What about your house and your spiritual condition? Is there any physical evidence in your house of your love for God?  Look around. Can God-centered action that takes place in your house be detected? Do you ever run into a spell of time when things don’t look right in your house, and you communicate a wrong spirit by the clutter and  messiness there? What do the angels see in your house and in your actions? Does it trouble you to wonder, “What have they seen in your house?” 
2. Learning from a king’s mistake. Hezekiah was a rich ruler, no question about that. And a sick man until he was miraculously healed by God. Then what happened? How did Hezekiah show gratitude for his healing? Why did he choose this method of showing (or not showing) his thankfulness for the miracle that spared his life? Have you noticed how strained it seems to be to bring up a spiritual topic when visiting friends–even faithful members of the church? Why the reluctance? What are some ways you and I can share our love for Christ the next time visitors come to see you? 
3. Family first.  The best place to begin your work of witnessing of Christ’s love for you is (choose one): (A) at church after the sermon; (B) with friends who are eager to talk about their love for Jesus; (C)   at home with family members; (D) at work on a job that is not especially spiritual. How can you share your joy of  being a Christian with a relative who does not have a personal walk with God?  Do we as Christians need to spend more time planning and developing witnessing opportunities we can use at home? Why don’t we spend more time talking about our love for Jesus in  conversations with others? What should we do when any hint of a spiritual topic seems to pull family members away? 
4. Peace that wins. Likely you have some–and maybe many–relatives who simply do not care for your religious beliefs and try to stop any conversation that supports them. Paul’s friends wondered if it wouldn’t be better to divorce a husband or wife who becomes converted to Christianity. That would result in less controversy in the home, wouldn’t it? What was Paul’s thinking on this? Do you know any Adventist married couples who do not share the same religious teachings? If your marriage partner differs from you on key Bible principles, what should you do? Suggest ways to turn the following actions into acceptance of the Christian faith: Lovingkindness, unwavering fidelity, humble service, and winsome witness. 
5. Family life is for sharing. “That was some sermon,” a family member comments as the Sabbath meal is served. How can a sermon that leads a family member to make a comment like that result in a meaningful conversation at the dinner table? What are some ways a family can prepare a spiritual setting for talking about insights gained from Bible study or a church-related event? Does your family have a habit you have developed in sharing spiritual insights with others? If not, why not come up with some ideas for sharing as a part of your family life? 

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/Jakm3Xde1EY/

The most natural first recipients of our gospelsharing endeavors are the people in our households. There is no more important mission field than this.

What conclusions can be drawn from John 1:40-42 about sharing faith at home? See also Deut. 6:6-7; Ruth 1:14-18.

Ruth and Naomi

An enthusiastic report. Andrew went beyond mere reporting; he arranged for his brother, Simon, to meet Jesus. An enthusiastic report about Jesus and an introduction to Him as a person—what a simple formula for sharing the gospel with relatives in our homes! After the introduction Andrew stepped back. From then on, Jesus and Peter had a relationship of their own.

Helping children to a place of faith. Children in a home can often be overlooked as fitting recipients of gospel-sharing efforts. Parents mistakenly assume children will simply absorb family spirituality. This must not be taken for granted. While children and young people learn from the modeling they observe, it is also true that these younger members of the Lord’s family need individual attention and opportunity to be personally introduced to Him. Deuteronomy 6 is insistent on this point: Attention must be given to the most effective kind of religious education. Regular spiritual habits of personal and family worship are to be encouraged in the home. Time and earnest efforts must be put forth on behalf of children and youth.

What can we learn from the evangelistic efforts of Naomi? Ruth 1:8-22.

Ruth saw Naomi at the lowest of moments: when she tried to push her daughter-in-law away and when, angry and depressed, she lashed out against God as she recounted her losses (Ruth 1:15, Ruth 1:20-21). No more eloquent testimony than Ruth’s can be given to show that youth can meet and make a commitment to a perfect God, even when introduced to Him by an imperfect parent.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/b8weP_9_uiQ/