The Message of the Prophets

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope

http://ssclassnotes.blogspot.com 

March 7, 2009
Larry R Evans 

Introduction

Last Sabbath Carrie and I went to a funeral. One week earlier we had visited this neighbor in the hospital.  She looked so much better than when we found her nearly incoherent a few days before that we assumed we would see her at home in a few days. This was not to be the case.  Life is indeed fragile.  It was the first Muslim funeral we had attended.  Personally I have much respect for many of the beliefs held by this rapidly growing religion.  The message we heard that day, however, reminded me why the Second Coming of Christ and the biblical messages surrounding this teaching are so important—so hopeful.  This week we are reviewing some of the teachings of the prophets.  In doing so we are looking at more than a list of doctrines.  We are looking at a worldview and the practical implications of the prophetic teachings.  How we look at these teachings is as important as the teachings themselves.  When it comes to these teachings what is your starting point?  Do you see these truths as independent biblical insights into God’s plan for your life or are they in some way connected?  What is the connecting link and what difference does that make to the development of your own worldview and lifestyle?  It’s something to think about as you work your way through the “Reflective Quiz.” 

Reflective Quiz

1.    Ellen White’s primary contribution to the Seventh-day Adventist Church was her establishment of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. True or False? 

2.    The answer to the question: “What is Christianity?” should be: “A relationship with Jesus?”  True or False?  [Acts 2:37-47; James 1:27; Matt 22:36-40] 

3.    Ellen White taught that we are saved by faith plus good works.  True or False? (Eph 2:8-10; James 2:18-26) 

4.    The way we keep the Sabbath can be a test of our allegiance to God.  True or False?  [Ex. 20: 1,2, 8-11; Jn 14:15] 

5.    As with righteousness by faith, immortality is given to the Christian once he accepts Christ.  True or False?  [Ps. 164:4; Jn 11:11-14; Acts 2:34; Jn 5:28,29]

6.    Jesus will come in a manner so that all will see Him which is why TVs, computers and Ipods are clear signs that His coming is near.  True or False?  [Rev 1:7; 1 Thess 4:16,17; Matt 24:5, 24-31] 

7.    It is possible to preach about the law and the gospel while exalting Christ in both.  True or False? [Ex 20: 1-2; 3-17; Deut 5:6, 12-15; Jn 14:15; Jn 15:1-8] 

Conclusion

Christianity has been described as “A powerful amplifier being undermined by poor wiring and weak speakers.”  Does that trouble you?  It does me.  In their book, UnChristian—What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity . . . and Why It Really Matters, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons say that “Most outsiders and nearly half of young insiders say that Christianity is confusing.” (p.122). Note the following: 

   “One of the things I do when I meet people is ask them, ‘What is Christianity?’  Undoubtedly half will respond, ‘A relationship with Jesus.’

   That is wrong.  The gospel cannot be merely a private transaction.  God didn’t break through history, through time and space, to come as a babe, be incarnated, and suffer on the cross just so you can come to him and say, ‘Oh, I accept Jesus and now I can live happily ever after.’  That’s not why he came. . . Jesus came as a radical to turn the world upside down.  When we believe it is just about Jesus and yourself, we miss the whole point.

   I even dislike using the words ‘accept Christ’ anymore—because it is so much more than that.  Christianity is a way of seeing all of life and reality through God’s eyes.  That is what Christianity is:  a worldview, a system, and a way of life.  I believe that when you truly see the gospel in its fullness,  it’s so much more.  It is the most exciting, radical, revolutionary story ever told.” (Quote from Chuck Colson, Ibid. p.87-88) 

Do you agree?  If so what impact does that have on the way you answered the questions in the reflective quiz above?  Without question the message of the prophets is vital.  The problem isn’t with the message but with the wiring and I am part of that.  Together we can make a difference in our world but it must begin with a biblical worldview and our willingness to allow the Holy Spirit make the necessary adjustments in our “vision” and approach to life in general.

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