Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

Getting Beyond Church Rites & Rituals Class Teacher Larry R Evans December 1, 2012 Reflections to Begin Our Study “And when God saves his people, he not only rescues them from the oppressor but he saves them for himself.  ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians.’ He said ‘and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself’ (Exodus 19:4).   This is the theme already mentioned that ‘salvation’ and ‘covenant’ belong together.  Similarly the ‘new song’ of praise to Christ in heaven declares: ‘thou was slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God’ (Revelation 5:9)”  -- John Stott in Christian Mission in the Modern World. Over and over God wishes to remind us through the symbols of faith and trust that He works to bring us to Himself.  The symbolical services of the Lord’s Supper, Communion, foot washing and baptism all emphasize redemption, commitment and restoration.  Each represents God’s desire to be one with us. Question

Dear Sabbath School Class and Special Guests, Because of so much going on this week I wasn't planning on preparing teaching notes per se but alas I ended up doing it any way.  There is so much to cover.  As I studied I remembered something I read years ago and it seemed to fit in with how we view God, Satan and victory over sin.  At least it caused me to think again about how I sometimes limit what God really wants to do in my life.  See what you think of the quote: “There is no such thing as a peace of soul approach to religion.  It makes of God a gigantic Bayer aspirin . . . take God three times and you won’t feel any pain.”  (John Powell,  Why Am I Afraid to Love , p.34) So what do you think?  Does it have anything to do with "Victory Over Evil Forces" or am I connecting dots that don't necessarily connect? Larry R Evans, D.Min.    Victory Over Evil Forces Sabbath School Lesson Study Notes Larry R Evans, Class Teacher November 10, 2012

Sabbath School Class & Special Guests Such an important study for this week.  It is hard not to consider the rapid changes taking place in our world and then feel estranged by the very world in which we live.  Fortunately our hope is not built on what happens in this world.  As I've reflected upon our changing world and the direction of much of the conversation that takes place, I thought of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. (John 24:13-49) They had been caught up in the discouraging news of the day -- Jesus had been crucified.  They could see no further than what was buzzing by the broadcast system of their day.  Then suddenly, a stranger appeared who seemed ignorant of all that was going on.  As you know, that Stranger was not ignorant at all.  He was Jesus, the resurrected One!  We must not let the focus of our attention be so fixed on either personal or global problems that we miss out on the real news at hand.  Jesus has said, "I am with you always, to the very