Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

December 26, 2009 Larry R Evans Reflective Introduction Does it strike you as strange, as it does me, that after wandering in the wilderness for forty years the Israelites now need cities of refuge? What’s going on here? In Numbers 32 we are given a history lesson—an important one. Here we are reminded at the outset that it was the Lord who opened the way for their escape from Egypt (vss.3,4). Then the circuitous route through the desert leading to the very edge of the Promised Land is outlined. Such memories surely must have brought some pain as their rebellious ways were uncovered once again. But with the pain also came great anticipation as they looked across the Jordan to their new home. Within a very short time God was going to give His wandering people something they had not experienced since before their captivity in Egypt—their independence. As good as that is, it isn’t doesn’t come without inherent dangers. Just ask Adam, Eve, Cain and Able how they handl...

December 26, 2009 Larry R Evans Reflective Introduction Does it strike you as strange, as it does me, that after wandering in the wilderness for forty years the Israelites now need cities of refuge? What’s going on here? In Numbers 32 we are given a history lesson—an important one. Here we are reminded at the outset that it was the Lord who opened the way for their escape from Egypt (vss.3,4). Then the circuitous route through the desert leading to the very edge of the Promised Land is outlined. Such memories surely must have brought some pain as their rebellious ways were uncovered once again. But with the pain also came great anticipation as they looked across the Jordan to their new home. Within a very short time God was going to give His wandering people something they had not experienced since before their captivity in Egypt—their independence. As good as that is, it isn’t doesn’t come without inherent dangers. Just ask Adam, Eve, Cain and Able how they handl...

December 19, 2009 Larry R Evans Reflective Introduction Will we ever learn from our mistakes? That is the dominating issue for this week’s lesson. It is a tough one because while the principles remain the same, new circumstances arise which ask the same question but in different ways. Wise is the person who can discern the real issue and apply the lessons learned from the past. We must ever bear in mind, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” (Ellen White, Life Sketches , p.196) Reflective Quiz 1. A plan for distributing the land of Canaan prior to the arrival of the children of Israel was a demonstration of faith. [Num.26:52-56] True or False? 2. The land of Canaan was to be divided among the tribes of Israel on a first come first serve basis. [Num. 26:52-56] True or False? 3. Policies were established for God’s people prior to the development of the...

December 12, 2009 Larry R Evans [There will be no additional notes this week] Reflective Introduction It is easy for us to forget just how ugly sin is to God and what the long term effects are to us, our families, society and country as a whole. Sin may be attractive at times but it is terribly expensive. This week’s lesson is not easy for at least two reasons: we neither feel the full weight of sin nor do we fully understand the cultural setting where God carried out “His vengeance.” To grasp the terrible weight of sin we may at times need to reflect upon the death of Jesus. Movies which focus on the physical pain of the cross really miss the horrendous destructive nature of sin. The separation from God caused by sin is sin’s most devastating characteristic. As we study Numbers 31 we get but a glimpse of how terrible sin really is that side of the cross. What an advantage we have to see Numbers 31 through the lens provided by the cross. The vengeance poured out upon t...

December 5 2009 Larry R Evans Reflective Introduction In last week’s class we learned that if a character defect is not overcome when tested, we will be brought back over the same ground until it is. But what happens if it is not overcome? Is maintaining a religious front sufficient? Who are the losers in such a scenario? This week’s lesson addresses this serious concern that should awaken all of us to the spiritual dangers lurking nearby. Reflective Quiz 1. At times traits of “insanity” can be seen in “sane” people. [Num. 22:4, 22-32] True Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain are all credited with defining insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Regardless of who said it, this does describe both Balak and Balaam whom we will be studying today. Maybe it describes you and me as well, as we fight the good fight of faith. We are surprised why we keep making the same mistakes but we don’t ch...