Finding Hope Through Discovery in Bible Study

Worship: From Exile to Restoration September 3, 2011 Larry R Evans Introductory Reflections As we study this week’s lesson one principle becomes dominant: God only requires what He first gives – faithfulness. While one theme of this lesson might be apostasy, the first theme is God’s faithfulness to His promises. God is trustworthy; we are not. God’s love is without flaw; ours is not. God is willing to forgive; we often are not. God’s love calls us but ours hardly notices His anguish caused by our slowness to respond to His calls to return. The ultimate question arising from this lesson is this: “Where do we stand?” or better yet “For whom do we stand?” Perhaps the brightest light coming from this week’s lesson can be summarized in Philippians 1:6, “ . . . he who began a good work in you will carry it out onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This is only possible because of God’s faithfulness and His persistent calls to each one of us to return to Him. Quiz 1. ...

Worship: From Exile to Restoration September 3, 2011 Larry R Evans Introductory Reflections As we study this week’s lesson one principle becomes dominant: God only requires what He first gives – faithfulness. While one theme of this lesson might be apostasy, the first theme is God’s faithfulness to His promises. God is trustworthy; we are not. God’s love is without flaw; ours is not. God is willing to forgive; we often are not. God’s love calls us but ours hardly notices His anguish caused by our slowness to respond to His calls to return. The ultimate question arising from this lesson is this: “Where do we stand?” or better yet “For whom do we stand?” Perhaps the brightest light coming from this week’s lesson can be summarized in Philippians 1:6, “ . . . he who began a good work in you will carry it out onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This is only possible because of God’s faithfulness and His persistent calls to each one o...

Teacher for Week: Larry R Evans July 30, 2011 Reflective Introduction This lesson study may not be relevant for you . . . · IF you have always appreciated worship and worship leaders, · IF you have always enjoyed following orders, · IF you have always dug deeply into God’s Word to see what He wants from you, · IF the word "obedience” generates positive emotional feelings, · IF you have never gossiped or expressed negative thoughts about leadership with any organization but especially especial of the Church—at any level, · IF you have never thought that the worship service where you have ever attended should be changed and that if it wasn’t you thought about packing up and leaving. However, on the other hand, this lesson might be what you are looking for . . . or should be. Reflective Quiz 1. True worship ...

Sabbath School Class Study Outline June 24, 2011 Larry R Evans I am challenged by the words of Paul Tournier, a Swiss physician and theologian. He wrote: “The church must proclaim, but it must also show: show what happens when a businessman wants to be honest, when a physician really respects the human person, when an artist really seeks his inspiration in God, when a lawyer applies his faith in his profession. This means, now and always, a veritable revolution. Even in our world today, as deeply pagan as it is, every man can have a totally new experience as soon as he allows God to direct his real life and not merely to inspire his feelings.” (Paul Tournier in The Whole Person in a Broken World , p.167) This week we close this quarter’s study of “Garments of Grace.” If indeed we are “clothed” with the garments of Christ’s grace then we will grow in our reflection of Him. Tournier also includes a statement from Gustave Thibon who said, “No sooner does ...

Larry R Evans Class Teaching Notes April 2-9, 2011 Reflective Introduction It has been said that “A bit of carbon in iron makes powerful metal; a bit of truth in a lie makes powerful deceit.” It could also be said that a bit of self-exaltation mixed with bestowed wisdom and beauty can lead to self-destruction. Such is one insight from this week’s lesson. But let’s not stop there! What happens when a convicted sinner yields his or her heart in faith to the grace of a loving Savior? Can a leopard change his spots? Of course not, but the miracle comes when the sinner puts self aside and allows Christ to live inside. This inner controversy is the very same one that raged in Heaven leading to the expulsion of Lucifer. What he failed to learn in Heaven redeemed sinners are learning in a world raging with the expressed inner turmoil of a fallen angel: Rom 7:21-25 21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner ...