Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope January 31, 2009 Larry R Evans  Introductory Reflections Last week we introduced the subject of “The Gift of Prophecy and the Remnant Church” with a report from George Barna which indicates that we can no longer assume that our society is primarily Christian.   The rise of world religions and the trend for the majority to be eclectic makes the “sure word of prophecy”   and the appointment of prophets by God even more relevant albeit less popular in some circles.   As a continuation of this context I share some excerpts from the journal called, The Scientific American. “Last weekend I traveled to Edinburgh to attend a small workshop on religion. The group consisted of a multidisciplinary group of scholars—psychologists, biologists, political scientists, philosophers, and anthropologists—each of whom were studying the natural (that is, Darwinian) foundations of religious belief and behavior. The meeting took place at a marvelously o...

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope January 31, 2009 Larry R Evans  Introductory Reflections  Last week we introduced the subject of “The Gift of Prophecy and the Remnant Church” with a report from George Barna which indicates that we can no longer assume that our society is primarily Christian.   The rise of world religions and the trend for the majority to be eclectic makes the “sure word of prophecy”   and the appointment of prophets by God even more relevant albeit less popular in some circles.   As a continuation of this context I share some excerpts from the journal called, The Scientific American. “Last weekend I traveled to Edinburgh to attend a small workshop on religion. The group consisted of a multidisciplinary group of scholars—psychologists, biologists, political scientists, philosophers, and anthropologists—each of whom were studying the natural (that is, Darwinian) foundations of religious belief and behavior. The meeting took place at a marvelously...

  Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope January 24, 2009 Larry R Evans  Introductory Reflections        In a recently published report of a survey published by George Barna [1] , it was noted that it can no longer be assumed that if one is born in America that he or she will “affiliate with the Christian faith.”   One half of all adults now contend that Christianity is just one of many options from which Americans choose.   Furthermore, the findings suggest that a huge majority (71% to 26%) of adults pick and choose what they believe rather than adopt a church or denomination’s slate of beliefs. They accept what they deem to be helpful and accurate theological views while they discard the rest of the teachings of the Bible.   In so doing Americans are embracing an unpredictable and contradictory body of beliefs. For example, millions who label themselves as Christians believe that the Bible is totally accurate also believe that Jesus sinned.   They also believe they wil...

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope January 24, 2009 Larry R Evans Introductory Reflections In a recently published report of a survey published by George Barna [1] , it was noted that it can no longer be assumed that if one is born in America that he or she will “affiliate with the Christian faith.” One half of all adults now contend that Christianity is just one of many options from which Americans choose. Furthermore, the findings suggest that a huge majority (71% to 26%) of adults pick and choose what they believe rather than adopt a church or denomination’s slate of beliefs. They accept what they deem to be helpful and accurate theological views while they discard the rest of the teachings of the Bible. In so doing Americans are embracing an unpredictable and contradictory body of beliefs. For example, millions who label themselves as Christians believe that the Bible is totally accurate also believe that Jesus sinned. They also believe they will experience ete...

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope January 10, 2009 Larry R Evans Introductory Reflections The prophetic gift has not always been necessary but communication with God always has. While in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed open and full communion with God. This changed when sin entered. Regardless, God has always had and still has an overwhelming desire to communicate and, when possible, be with those whom He created in His image. From the walks in the Garden to the sanctuary placed in the middle of the encampment of the Israelites to the Urim and Thummim to the anointing of prophets and, of course, coming as Jesus – the Immanuel (God with us). This gift of prophecy is in reality God’s gift of Himself for through it He desires to prepare a people to be with Him without the interruption of sin. Reflective Discovery Questions 1. The gift of prophecy was not part of God’s original plan. True or False? [Gen 3:8,9; Num 12:6] 2. The first person called a prophet in the na...