Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

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...

Old Testament Faith October 29, 2011 Larry R Evans (Notes with answers to be added on Friday, Oct. 28) Introduction Paul had an experience to share. The one-time-persecutor had a major life change. It impacted him personally so deeply that the boldness he once had for persecuting remained just as strong as he shared 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 pee...

The following are additional thoughts to the previously uploaded class notes: Some Additional Insights for Today’s SS Lesson Oct.1, 2011 Perhaps in connection with Stephen’s Death: “God permits what He hates in order to accomplish what He loves.” “Heaven and Hell can end up participating in the same event but for different reasons.” -- Joni E Tada (Used in one of my seminars on disabilities.) The Greek word used by the NIV of Stephen falling “asleep” (Acts 7:60)from the stoning is the same Greek word used by Jesus to describe Lazrus being “asleep” prior Jesus resurrecting him. (John 11:11) Some translations avoid the word “sleep” but within these contexts the word brings with it the certain hope of this a being temporary condition. Perhaps in connection with Paul’s Damascus road experience and our own: Comments by Ellen White: “It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin.” (Steps to Ch...