The Gift of Prophecy & God's Remnant Church
Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope
January 24, 2009
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 eternal salvation because they have confessed their sins and accepted Christ while at the same time they also believe that a person can do enough good works to earn eternal life. Beliefs were once chosen from Christian options (Catholic, Methodist, etc) but now Christian beliefs are pitted against different world religions such as Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. “Faith views are more often adopted on the basis of dialogue, self-reflection, and observation than teaching. Feelings and emotions now play an even greater role in determining the content of one’s faith. Does this challenge the way we conduct our Sabbath School classes? Do we promote “dialogue” at the expense of “teaching”? In our teaching do we incorporate emotion and feeling?
It is in this context that we enter into this week’s study of “The Gift of Prophecy and God’s Remnant Church.” Few appreciate the biblical worldview. To speak of a “remnant” seems exclusive and arrogant to many. Yet these are deeply rooted concepts of Scripture. It is a challenge that needs to be met with dialogue and reflection, to be sure, but central in all of this must be careful Bible study. Truth is not self-determined nor self-revealed but comes as a revelation from God. Otherwise, confusion and misdirection will result leading to “a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5). This quarter’s study couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. How much of what God has given through the Spirit of Prophecy will we, living in this time of the world’s history, “choose to accept”? Do we individually determine what is truth--what is acceptable and what is not? What role should the larger body of believers play? In our efforts to be relevant, how do we relate to Bible truth when our worldview clashes with what may be prevailing in different regions of the world? We are indeed living in challenging times but with these challenges also come opportunities. Many have a hunger for truth. In the long term, only truth will satisfy but are there ways of making it more palatable and clear. Let’s make sure our grasp and teachings of “truth” are biblical and not based on a sensational or culturally distorted version of God, His remnant movement and His plan for restoration. Then, and only then, will we have something to contribute to a culture in need of a confident, non-arrogant voice, calling out “Prepare the way for the Lord.” (Matt 3:3)
Reflective Discovery Questions
1. “The remnant” is an obscure concept in Scripture but will be highlighted in the last days. True or False? [Acts15:12-18; Isa 37:31; Zeph 3:13]
2. The historical battle between Christ and Satan is described in the last book of the Bible. True or False? [Rev 12]
3. Historically Satan has focused his wrath upon those whom God has chosen to enlighten the world regarding His plans for redemption. True or False? [Rev. 12:17; 13:15; 1 Ki 18; Mal 4; Mt 14]
4. When the book of Revelation uses the term “the testimony of Jesus” it is referring to our witness for Christ. True or False? [Rev 1:2, 9; 12:17]
5. Those who have the spirit of prophecy are called prophets. True or False? [Rev 19:10]
6. After the church was organized in 1863 it was believed that one of the identifying signs of the true church was if it had the Spirit of prophecy. True or False? [Rev 12:17; 19:10]
7. The word “remnant” means that those who belong to the remnant church will be saved when Jesus comes. True or False? [Jer 8:20]
8. An identifying mark of the remnant church is the gift of prophecy. True or False? [Rev. 19:10]
9. The idea of the remnant has more to do with a revelation of truth and of God’s character than with the holiness of those who had that knowledge. True or False? [Ezra 9:5-15]
10. Those who are part of the “remnant” carry a great responsibility. True or False? [Acts 15:12-15; Rev 14:1-12]
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 eternal salvation because they have confessed their sins and accepted Christ while at the same time they also believe that a person can do enough good works to earn eternal life. Beliefs were once chosen from Christian options (Catholic, Methodist, etc) but now Christian beliefs are pitted against different world religions such as Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. “Faith views are more often adopted on the basis of dialogue, self-reflection, and observation than teaching. Feelings and emotions now play an even greater role in determining the content of one’s faith. Does this challenge the way we conduct our Sabbath School classes? Do we promote “dialogue” at the expense of “teaching”? In our teaching do we incorporate emotion and feeling?
It is in this context that we enter into this week’s study of “The Gift of Prophecy and God’s Remnant Church.” Few appreciate the biblical worldview. To speak of a “remnant” seems exclusive and arrogant to many. Yet these are deeply rooted concepts of Scripture. It is a challenge that needs to be met with dialogue and reflection, to be sure, but central in all of this must be careful Bible study. Truth is not self-determined nor self-revealed but comes as a revelation from God. Otherwise, confusion and misdirection will result leading to “a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5). This quarter’s study couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. How much of what God has given through the Spirit of Prophecy will we, living in this time of the world’s history, “choose to accept”? Do we individually determine what is truth--what is acceptable and what is not? What role should the larger body of believers play? In our efforts to be relevant, how do we relate to Bible truth when our worldview clashes with what may be prevailing in different regions of the world? We are indeed living in challenging times but with these challenges also come opportunities. Many have a hunger for truth. In the long term, only truth will satisfy but are there ways of making it more palatable and clear. Let’s make sure our grasp and teachings of “truth” are biblical and not based on a sensational or culturally distorted version of God, His remnant movement and His plan for restoration. Then, and only then, will we have something to contribute to a culture in need of a confident, non-arrogant voice, calling out “Prepare the way for the Lord.” (Matt 3:3)
Reflective Discovery Questions
1. “The remnant” is an obscure concept in Scripture but will be highlighted in the last days. True or False? [Acts15:12-18; Isa 37:31; Zeph 3:13]
2. The historical battle between Christ and Satan is described in the last book of the Bible. True or False? [Rev 12]
3. Historically Satan has focused his wrath upon those whom God has chosen to enlighten the world regarding His plans for redemption. True or False? [Rev. 12:17; 13:15; 1 Ki 18; Mal 4; Mt 14]
4. When the book of Revelation uses the term “the testimony of Jesus” it is referring to our witness for Christ. True or False? [Rev 1:2, 9; 12:17]
5. Those who have the spirit of prophecy are called prophets. True or False? [Rev 19:10]
6. After the church was organized in 1863 it was believed that one of the identifying signs of the true church was if it had the Spirit of prophecy. True or False? [Rev 12:17; 19:10]
7. The word “remnant” means that those who belong to the remnant church will be saved when Jesus comes. True or False? [Jer 8:20]
8. An identifying mark of the remnant church is the gift of prophecy. True or False? [Rev. 19:10]
9. The idea of the remnant has more to do with a revelation of truth and of God’s character than with the holiness of those who had that knowledge. True or False? [Ezra 9:5-15]
10. Those who are part of the “remnant” carry a great responsibility. True or False? [Acts 15:12-15; Rev 14:1-12]
[1] January 12, 2009; Barna Research [barnagroup@barna.org]
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