Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

“Living by the Spirit” Sabbath School Class December 17, 2011 Larry R Evans, Teacher Introduction Gabe Lyons, in his book The Next Christians, says that research shows that over 76% of Americans self-identify as Christian. (p. 5) However, as he points out, finding that 76% is not easy. Perhaps this coincides with research reported in the book Unchristian, also co-authored by Lyons, in which it was stated that 87% of “young outsiders labeled Christians as judgmental.” (Ibid. p.32) What’s going on! There seems to be a disconnect between a profession and the Christian walk. Lyons suggests that part of the problem comes when Christians emphasize only a “half story”. God’s story isn’t confined to the fall and redemption. In fact he says, “Creation and restoration are the bookends to Christ’s earthly work . . . “ (p.51) This week’s lesson in actuality must be seen from a comprehensive perspective which includes: creation, the fall, redemption and restoration. “Living by the Spirit” i...

“The Road to Faith” Larry R Evans Sabbath School November 12, 2011 Introduction Perhaps one of the most difficult subjects to understand but also one of the most important is the relationship between law and gospel. How this “single” subject is understood shapes to a large degree one’s view of God as well as one’s own of self. Is the law at odds with the promise made to Abraham or does it give even more emphasis to the promised grace of God? That will be the focus of our study this week. The following are a few quotes from Ellen White on Galatians 3:21-25 that may be of interest to you in your study. Ellen G White Comments Found in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary , Vol.6, p.1071 20-31 (Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 22:17). With Humble Hearts Survey the Atonement.--Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This i...

“The Road to Faith” Larry R Evans Sabbath School November 12, 2011 Introduction Perhaps one of the most difficult subjects to understand but also one of the most important is the relationship between law and gospel. How this “single” subject is understood shapes to a large degree one’s view of God as well as one’s own of self. Is the law at odds with the promise made to Abraham or does it give even more emphasis to the promised grace of God? That will be the focus of our study this week. The following are a few quotes from Ellen White on Galatians 3:21-25 that may be of interest to you in your study. Ellen G White Comments Found in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary , Vol.6, p.1071 20-31 (Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 22:17). With Humble Hearts Survey the Atonement.--Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This i...

Old Testament Faith October 29, 2011 Larry R Evans Introduction Paul had an experience to share. The one-time-persecutor had a major life change. It impacted him so deeply on a personal level that the boldness he once had for persecuting remained just as strong as he went about sharing the grounds for his new life. The problem he faced now was with those who believed as he once did. He understood their perspective, however, and his writings to the Galatians reveal answers he no doubt found from his own study and reflection. One thing was clear. He would not tolerate compromise on the essence of the gospel. He rediscovered his own theological roots in Abraham. What he once used to justify his thinking now had grown to mean just the opposite. He had no time for anything that took away from the all-sufficient ransom price that Christ paid for each of us. He was amazed at how easily some had forgotten what they had once known. The pressure from peers was compromising the powerf...