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Wally

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The Book of Luke





And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).

We know that verse. It comes from one of the most well-known and beloved stories in all literature, sacred or mundane. Astonishingly enough, we would never have heard it but for a simple missionary doctor who embedded that precious gem in a letter he wrote to his learned friend Theophilus.

The doctor’s name is Luke, a Gentile convert, and the letter is The Gospel According to Luke. In addition to the Gospel, Luke also wrote the book of Acts. Having been a travel companion of Paul, Luke was a keen observer of, and participant in, the great Jesus movement sweeping the Roman Empire. This close association with Paul led Luke not only to grasp the profound meaning of the Christian church—which stood its ground against Caesar’s demand to be honored as divine—but also to learn more deeply from credible sources about the Man behind it all: Jesus Christ. So, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke wrote a two-volume work on what could be called "Origin and History of the Christian Church."

Part 1 of this work is the Gospel, written and delivered to Theophilus before Acts was written (Acts 1:1). Many conservative scholars date Luke’s Gospel to about A.D. 61–63.

Theophilus was a Greek convert, and in addressing the letter to him, Luke was especially conscious of directing his Gospel to the Greek and Gentile members of the community of faith, while not disregarding the Jewish roots of Jesus. Matthew wrote primarily to the Jews, and so he emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah. Mark wrote to the Romans, and we see Jesus marching across the land with the news about the kingdom. John was a deep thinker, and in his Gospel emerges Jesus the Word, the Creator, the Son of God. But Luke writes with an eye on the Gentiles. To them he presents Jesus, the Son of man, as the Savior of the world and Friend of humanity. The universality of salvation is the underlying theme of his Gospel; so, his genealogy traces Jesus all the way to Adam and links him to God, while Matthew’s genealogy stops with Abraham, the father of the Jews (Luke 3:23-38; compare with Matt. 1:1-17).

Luke’s Gospel is the largest in the New Testament. Some miracles appear only in Luke, such as the raising of the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11-17) and the healing of Malchus (Luke 22:50, 51). (For other miracles, see Luke 5:4-11, 13:11-17, 14:1-6, 17:11-19.) Many parables are peculiar to Luke, including several famous ones: the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), the rich foolish man (Luke 12:16-21), the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32); the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:10-14). The Zacchaeus story (Luke 19:1-10) is also Luke’s unique contribution.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Luke claims to have surveyed the historical materials, interviewed the eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2), and then with "perfect understanding of all things" written "an orderly account" that the reader(s) "may know the certainty" of Jesus and His good news (vss. 3, 4, NKJV).

When asked if he would recommend a good biography of Jesus, the great theologian James Denney replied, "Have you tried the one that Luke wrote?"

Good idea. Let’s try it together, as a world church, this quarter.

John M. Fowler has served the church for 53 years as pastor, theology and philosophy teacher, editor and educational administrator. As author of numerous articles and books, he has written two Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides: The Cosmic Conflict Between Christ and Satan (2002) and Ephesians: The Gospel of Relationships (2005).
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
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 Lesson 1 March 28-April 3



The Coming of Jesus




Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Luke 1:2-3; 2 Tim. 3:16; Luke 1:5-22; Deut. 18:15; Luke 2:9-12,25-32.

Memory Text: "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37, NKJV).

The Gospel of Luke was written primarily to the Gentiles. Luke himself was a Gentile (implied in the context of Colossians 4:10-14), as was Theophilus, to whom the Gospel is addressed.

In addition to being a physician, Luke was a meticulous historian. In introducing the Gospel, Luke places Jesus in real history; that is, he puts the story in the historical context of its times: Herod was the king of Judea (Luke 1:5), Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire (Luke 2:1), and a priest by the name of Zacharias was exercising his turn in the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 1:5,9). In chapter 3, Luke mentions six contemporary dates related to the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.

Thus, Luke places the story of Jesus in history-real people, real times-in order to dismiss any idea of mythology with his narrative. His readers must stand in awe and wonder at the fact that Jesus is real and that through Him God has invaded history with the "Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11, NKJV).

Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 4.

Sunday March 29

"An Orderly Account" (Luke 1:1-3, Acts 1:1-3)

Acts 1:1 tells us that before Acts was written, its author wrote a "former account." This, and the fact that both accounts were addressed to Theophilus, helps lead us to conclude that one author was responsible for both books. The two accounts can be viewed as Part 1 and 2 of "Origin and History of the Christian Church." Part 1 is a narrative of the life and work of Jesus (the Gospel of Luke) and Part 2 (Acts of the Apostles) is an account of the spread of the message of Jesus and of the early church.

How was the Gospel written? Read Luke 1:2-3 and 2 Timothy 3:16.

Luke was aware of many who had written about the events that have shaken the city of Jerusalem and beyond-the events concerning Jesus Christ. The sources for such literary works included many "eyewitnesses and ministers of the word" (Luke 1:2, NKJV)-a clear reference to the disciples and other contemporaries of Jesus. Luke himself had an exposure to these witnesses and ministers (such as Paul and other apostolic leaders) and possibly also to the Gospels written by Mark and Matthew. Luke, obviously, was not an eyewitness to the Jesus story, but he was a credible and authentic convert to Christ.

Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience, presenting Jesus as the Great Teacher, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the King of the Jews. He often referred to Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in Christ. Mark wrote to a Roman audience about Jesus, the person of action. Luke, a doctor and a Gentile, wrote to the Greeks and the Gentiles about the universal Jesus-the Savior of the world. Luke mentions that the purpose of his writing is twofold: to present an "orderly account" (Luke 1:3, NKJV) and to provide certainty to the great teachings of the new era. Certainty about truth, as in Jesus, is one goal of his Gospel.

Luke, an inspired author of Scripture, used other material in his writings. Very interesting. Obviously that use of other sources doesn't negate the inspiration or authority of what he wrote. What lessons should that have for us as Seventh-day Adventists regarding the question of how inspiration, either canonical or noncanonical, works on inspired writers?

Monday March 30

"Call His Name John"

For nearly four hundred years after Malachi divine silence marked the history of Israel. With the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus the divine silence was about to be broken.

The birth stories of John and Jesus have parallels. Both are miracles: in the case of John, Elizabeth had gone well past the child-bearing age; in the case of Jesus, a virgin was to bear the child. The angel Gabriel announced both birth promises. Both announcements were received in a spirit of wonder, joy, and surrender to God's will. Both babies were to grow and become strong in the Spirit (Luke 1:80,2:40).

But the mission and the ministry of the two miracle babies were distinct and different. John was to be a preparer of the way to Jesus (Luke 1:13-17). Jesus is "the Son of God" (Luke 1:35) and the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies (Luke 1:31-33).

Read Luke 1:5-22. Though Zacharias is depicted as "blameless," his lack of faith at the angel's announcement brought a rebuke. How does this help us to understand what the concept of "blameless" means for a believer in Jesus?

"The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness."-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 98.

The miracle of John had a decisive purpose in God's dealing with His people. After 400 years of prophetic absence in the history of Israel, John did break forth into that history with a specific message and with a decisive power. John's mission and message was "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17, NKJV). He was to be the forerunner of the Messiah, the one to prepare the way for the mission of Jesus.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
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Tuesday March 31

"Call His Name Jesus"

The birth of Jesus Christ was no normal event. It was marked in God's eternal calendar, and "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4, NKJV). It is the fulfillment of the first promise God made after the entrance of sin in Eden (Gen. 3:15).

Read the following pairs of texts. In each one, how was the birth of Jesus an amazing fulfillment of prophecy? What does this tell us about why we must learn to trust all of God's promises? Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22-24; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:21-23; Mic. 5:2; Luke 2:4-7.

Six months after Gabriel announced to Zacharias the coming birth of John, he announced to Mary of Nazareth an even greater miracle: that a virgin will "conceive . . . and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:31, NKJV).

The virgin birth of Jesus goes against all nature, and it cannot be explained by nature or naturalistic philosophy. Even Mary had her question: "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (Luke 1:34, NKJV). The angel assured her that this would be the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), and "with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37, NKJV). Mary's immediate and faithful submission was remarkable: "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38, NKJV). Every human question, no matter how natural or logical, must give way to the divine answer. Be it Creation or the Cross, the Incarnation or the Resurrection, the downpour of manna or the outpouring of Pentecost-the divine initiative demands human surrender and acceptance.

While Mary answered her own question by submission and surrender to God's sovereignty and eternal purpose, Gabriel assured her with another great answer: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35, NKJV).

Some secular cultures have been browbeaten into believing that everything, ultimately, has a naturalistic and scientific explanation. Why is this such a narrow, even superficial, view of the grandeur and greatness of reality?

Wednesday April 1

The Manger of Bethlehem

Luke begins the story of the Bethlehem manger with a note of history. Joseph and Mary left their home in Nazareth to travel to their ancestral town of Bethlehem as a result of a census decree of Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Such historical details must lead Bible students to appreciate Luke's submission to the Holy Spirit, so that he would record the details of the Incarnation within the framework of history.

Reflect on the poverty of Jesus as seen in Luke 2:7. Compare the image of "swaddling clothes," the "manger," and "no room . . . in the inn," with Paul's description of the condescension of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-8. What kind of a road did Jesus walk on our behalf?

The story of the poor circumstances in which the Lord of heaven incarnated Himself continues with the first visitors the manger had: the shepherds. Not to the rich or the powerful, not to the scribes or the priests, not to rulers and the powers that held sway over the land did the "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10, NKJV) come, but to humble and despised shepherds. Observe the majesty and the simplicity of the message: A Savior is born to you. In the city of David. He is Christ the Lord, the Anointed One. You will find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes (author's translation). Heaven's most precious gift came in such a simple package, as often it does. But the gift brings "glory to God," "on earth peace," and "goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14, NKJV).

Luke's record of the angel (Luke 2:9-12) brings out three vital matters of Christian theology. First, the good news of the gospel is for "all people." In Jesus both the Jew and the Gentile become one people of God. Second, Jesus is the Savior; there is no one else. Third, Jesus is Christ the Lord. These three themes, so clearly established early in Luke, later became the foundation of the apostolic preaching, particularly that of Paul.

Think about what we believe as Christians: the Creator of all that was made (John 1:1-3) not only entered into this fallen world as a human being but lived the hard life that Jesus did, only to wind up on a cross. If we really believe that, why should every aspect of our life be lived in submission to this amazing truth? What parts of your life reflect your belief in the story of Jesus, and what parts don't?
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
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Thursday April 2

The Witnesses to the Savior

Although writing primarily to the Gentiles, Luke was aware of the importance of the Jewish heritage through the Old Testament. He takes care to link the New Testament story with the Old and provides the scene of Mary and Joseph having the Baby Jesus circumcised on the eighth day and taking Him to the temple in Jerusalem, all according to Jewish law (Luke 2:22-24).

Read Luke 2:25-32. Note three points about the theology of salvation that Simeon brings to the fore: salvation is through Jesus; salvation is prepared by God; salvation is for all peoples-to the Gentiles as well as to Israel. How do these truths tie in with the first angel's message of Revelation 14:6-7?

Simeon's prophecy also predicted two significant features of Jesus' ministry.

First, Christ is "destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel" (Luke 2:34, NKJV). Yes, Christ has brought light and salvation to all, but not without cost to the recipient. With Christ there is no neutral ground: accept Him or reject Him, and upon the appropriate response one's salvation depends. Christ demands exclusiveness; we abide in Him or we do not. Those who abide in Him will rise up and be part of His kingdom; those who reject Him or remain indifferent to Him will fall to the ground and perish without hope. Faith in Christ is nonnegotiable.

Second, Simeon prophesies to Mary, "a sword will pierce through your own soul also" (Luke 2:35, NKJV). The reference no doubt is to the Cross, which Mary will witness. Mary and all the generations that follow her ought to remember that without the Cross, there is no salvation. The Cross is the hub around which the entire plan of salvation revolves.

Salvation is a gift in that we can do nothing to earn it. Yet, it can still be very costly to those who claim it for themselves. What has following Christ cost you, and why is that cost, whatever it may be, cheap enough?

Friday April 3

Further Study: "Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, was a medical missionary. In the Scriptures he is called "the beloved physician." Colossians 4:14. The apostle Paul heard of his skill as a physician, and sought him out as one to whom the Lord had entrusted a special work. He secured his co-operation, and for some time Luke accompanied him in his travels from place to place. After a time, Paul left Luke at Philippi, in Macedonia. Here he continued to labor for several years, both as a physician and as a teacher of the gospel. In his work as a physician he ministered to the sick, and then prayed for the healing power of God to rest upon the afflicted ones. Thus the way was opened for the gospel message. Luke's success as a physician gained for him many opportunities for preaching Christ among the heathen. It is the divine plan that we shall work as the disciples worked."-Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 140-141.
Discussion Questions:

    If Luke in writing his Gospel took into account previously published materials, how are we to understand the inspiration of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16)? How does inspiration work? See Ellen G. White, "The Inspiration of the Prophetic Writers," Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 15-23.

    The virgin birth is of God's making, marked by His mystery, majesty, and mission. It is truly beyond human understanding too. But the question is "So what?" How many secular things are beyond human understanding, as well? If God does exist, and He has the power to create and sustain the universe, why should something like the virgin birth be beyond His power? Only those whose worldview is limited to natural laws alone (at least the ones we now currently understand) could, a priori, dismiss the idea of a virgin birth. In contrast, those whose worldview incorporates the supernatural should have, a priori, no reason to reject it. After all, look at what the angel said to Mary after giving her the incredible news: "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

    An American TV interviewer is reported to have said that if he had an opportunity, the person he would most like to interview would be Jesus, and he would ask Him just one question: "Are You indeed born of a virgin?" Why is that question, and the answer to it, so important?

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
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Lesson 1 March 28-April 3

The Coming of Jesus

Sabbath Afternoon


Read for This Week's Study: Luke 1:2-3; 2 Tim. 3:16; Luke 1:5-22; Deut. 18:15; Luke 2:9-12,25-32.

Memory Text: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

The Gospel of Luke was written primarily to the Gentiles. Luke himself was a Gentile (implied in the context of Colossians 4:10-14), as was Theophilus, to whom the Gospel is addressed.

In addition to being a physician, Luke was a meticulous historian. In introducing the Gospel, Luke places Jesus in real history; that is, he puts the story in the historical context of its times: Herod was the king of Judea (Luke 1:5), Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire (Luke 2:1), and a priest by the name of Zacharias was exercising his turn in the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 1:5,9). In chapter 3, Luke mentions six contemporary dates related to the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.

Thus, Luke places the story of Jesus in history-real people, real times-in order to dismiss any idea of mythology with his narrative. His readers must stand in awe and wonder at the fact that Jesus is real and that through Him God has invaded history with the "Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.

It is interesting to note that "among Paul's assistants at Rome were many of his former companions and fellow workers. Luke, 'the beloved physician,' who had attended him on the journey to Jerusalem, through the two years' imprisonment at Caesarea, and upon his perilous voyage to Rome, was with him still." Luke learned much though his time with the Apostle Paul. He was also with Paul in Philippi, and when Paul left that place Luke stayed, doing double service as a physician and a gospel minister. He was indeed a medical missionary, and his medical skill opened the way for the gospel to reach many hearts.

So it is today, physicians stand on vantage ground and through their labor to heal medical maladies they can reach hearts to heal them spiritually. The medical missionary work is the "right arm" of the gospel message. The last work to be done on this earth before Jesus returns will be door to door medical missionary work. Let us consider this as we study the writings of the "beloved physician" Luke.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
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Sunday March 29

"An Orderly Account" (Luke 1:1-3, Acts 1:1-3)


In many of our Sabbath School lessons, rather than studying the Bible verse by verse, there are other methods undertaken that leave much of Scripture unread. We will post all verses in the Book of Luke. If you have comments or questions on verses not mentioned, please share your  thoughts.



 1:1   Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 
 1:2   Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 
 1:3   It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 
 1:4   That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. 
 1:5   There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth. 
 1:6   And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 
 1:7   And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years. 
 1:8   And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 
 1:9   According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 
 1:10   And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 
 1:11   And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 
 1:12   And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 
 1:13   But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 
 1:14   And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 
 1:15   For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 
 1:16   And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 
 1:17   And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 
 1:18   And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 
 1:19   And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. 
 1:20   And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 
 1:21   And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 
 1:22   And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 
 1:23   And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. 
 1:24   And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 
 1:25   Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men. 
 1:26   And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 
 1:27   To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. 
 1:28   And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women. 
 1:29   And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 
 1:30   And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 
 1:31   And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 
 1:32   He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 
 1:33   And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 
 1:34   Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 
 1:35   And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 
 1:36   And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 
 1:37   For with God nothing shall be impossible. 
 1:38   And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. 
 1:39   And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 
 1:40   And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 
 1:41   And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 
 1:42   And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb. 
 1:43   And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 
 1:44   For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 
 1:45   And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 
 1:46   And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 
 1:47   And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 
 1:48   For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 
 1:49   For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name. 
 1:50   And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation. 
 1:51   He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 
 1:52   He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree. 
 1:53   He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 
 1:54   He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy; 
 1:55   As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 
 1:56   And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. 
 1:57   Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 
 1:58   And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 
 1:59   And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 
 1:60   And his mother answered and said, Not [so]; but he shall be called John. 
 1:61   And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 
 1:62   And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 
 1:63   And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 
 1:64   And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue [loosed], and he spake, and praised God. 
 1:65   And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 
 1:66   And all they that heard [them] laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 
 1:67   And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 
 1:68   Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 
 1:69   And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 
 1:70   As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 
 1:71   That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 
 1:72   To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 
 1:73   The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 
 1:74   That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 
 1:75   In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 
 1:76   And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 
 1:77   To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 
 1:78   Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 
 1:79   To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 
 1:80   And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. 

Acts 1:1 tells us that before Acts was written, its author wrote a "former account." This, and the fact that both accounts were addressed to Theophilus, helps lead us to conclude that one author was responsible for both books. The two accounts can be viewed as Part 1 and 2 of "Origin and History of the Christian Church." Part 1 is a narrative of the life and work of Jesus (the Gospel of Luke) and Part 2 (Acts of the Apostles) is an account of the spread of the message of Jesus and of the early church.

How was the Gospel written? Read Luke 1:2-3 and 2 Timothy 3:16.

 1:2   Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 
 1:3   It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
 3:16   All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 
 3:17   That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 


Luke was aware of many who had written about the events that have shaken the city of Jerusalem and beyond-the events concerning Jesus Christ. The sources for such literary works included many "eyewitnesses and ministers of the word" (Luke 1:2)-a clear reference to the disciples and other contemporaries of Jesus. Luke himself had an exposure to these witnesses and ministers (such as Paul and other apostolic leaders) and possibly also to the Gospels written by Mark and Matthew. Luke, obviously, was not an eyewitness to the Jesus story, but he was a credible and authentic convert to Christ.

Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience, presenting Jesus as the Great Teacher, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the King of the Jews. He often referred to Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in Christ. Mark wrote to a Roman audience about Jesus, the person of action. Luke, a doctor and a Gentile, wrote to the Greeks and the Gentiles about the universal Jesus-the Savior of the world. Luke mentions that the purpose of his writing is twofold: to present an orderly account (Luke 1:3) and to provide certainty to the great teachings of the new era. Certainty about truth, as in Jesus, is one goal of his Gospel.

I have already included verse 3:16 in context so that we could know why Luke was writing his account of the gospel. The Bible tells us why: "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."  The inspired Word is a revelation of our God and it is this that gives us faith to believe, to trust in Christ as our personal Savior. It is the Word that reveals God's grace and brings life. It converts a sinner into a saint.

Luke, an inspired author of Scripture, used other material in his writings. Very interesting. Obviously that use of other sources doesn't negate the inspiration or authority of what he wrote. What lessons should that have for us as Seventh-day Adventists regarding the question of how inspiration, either canonical or noncanonical, works on inspired writers?

"Other material"?  We take this to mean "uninspired" material. If uninspired, could it be wrong? Or  by "other material" does the author mean material that was inspired and reported by others?  It makes a difference, does it not?  It important that we rightly understand the difference. Why?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2015, 05:49:44 AM »
Monday March 30

"Call His Name John"


For nearly four hundred years after Malachi divine silence marked the history of Israel. With the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus the divine silence was about to be broken.

The birth stories of John and Jesus have parallels. Both are miracles: in the case of John, Elizabeth had gone well past the child-bearing age; in the case of Jesus, a virgin was to bear the child. The angel Gabriel announced both birth promises. Both announcements were received in a spirit of wonder, joy, and surrender to God's will. Both babies were to grow and become strong in the Spirit (Luke 1:80,2:40).

But the mission and the ministry of the two miracle babies were distinct and different. John was to be a preparer of the way to Jesus (Luke 1:13-17). Jesus is "the Son of God" (Luke 1:35) and the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies (Luke 1:31-33).

Read Luke 1:5-22. Though Zacharias is depicted as "blameless," his lack of faith at the angel's announcement brought a rebuke. How does this help us to understand what the concept of "blameless" means for a believer in Jesus?

It doesn't.  Sadly, the  author did not explain what he was interested in teaching. But, the subject is an important one, in that many  do not believe that grace can transform a sinner into a saint. Satan  takes two false positions to lead many astray from the truth.  He either wants us to  believe that we are saved in sin, that we cannot be "blameless" or he wants us to believe we are "blameless" when we are not abiding in Christ. Many believe his lie that we are converted (justified) when we are not filled with the Spirit  of Christ. He does not care in the least which way we go, he is successful on either hand.

What do you think "blameless" means? Was Zacharias blameless when he did not believe  the angel? If we deny the truth, what does this signify? What is the problem, and what is the solution?


"The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness."-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 98.


Amen!! When there is a lack of faith such as seen in the response of Zacharias, what can we say about his "spiritual life" at that moment? "In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul." What are the  conditions, as expressed in this  inspired statement, to being able to do any good thing? And when the  conditions are met, what is it that is impossible to do? Is there then any excuse for sin?


The miracle of John had a decisive purpose in God's dealing with His people. After 400 years of prophetic absence in the history of Israel, John did break forth into that history with a specific message and with a decisive power. John's mission and message was "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17). He was to be the forerunner of the Messiah, the one to prepare the way for the mission of Jesus.

"to make ready a people prepared for the Lord".  What does this mean? And, why would it be necessary for John to do this? How deep were the deceptions that held the Jews captive? Is there a similar deception in the church today? Does the Bible warn us of this deception? Where would we find this warning in Scripture?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #7 on: March 31, 2015, 06:19:56 AM »
Tuesday March 31

"Call His Name Jesus"

The birth of Jesus Christ was no normal event. It was marked in God's eternal calendar, and "when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). It is the fulfillment of the first promise God made after the entrance of sin in Eden (Gen. 3:15).

Yes, and no. It is only half of the first promise made in the garden. The promise being referred to  is known  as the "everlasting covenant". "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15. What was the other half of the promise? The great deception in the church involves this  promise. It is a blessing that the author of the lesson has brought the everlasting covenant to our attention. It is the reason why Jesus came to our lonely dark spot in the universe. As we study the  Book of Luke, we need to keep the  lesson centered in Christ. We need to keep the gospel message front and center. Jesus came to change us that we might be redeemed from our lost condition. What is the promise in the everlasting covenant?


Read the following pairs of texts. In each one, how was the birth of Jesus an amazing fulfillment of prophecy? What does this tell us about why we must learn to trust all of God's promises?

Deut. 18:15;
               The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 

Acts 3:22-24
 3:22   For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 
 3:23   And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 
 3:24   Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 

Isa. 7:14
               Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

Matt. 1:21-23
 1:21   And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 
 1:22   Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 
 1:23   Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

Mic. 5:2
        But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. 

Luke 2:4-7.
 2:4   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 
 2:5   To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 
 2:6   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 
 2:7   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 


Six months after Gabriel announced to Zacharias the coming birth of John, he announced to Mary of Nazareth an even greater miracle: that a virgin will "conceive....and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS." (Luke 1:31).

The virgin birth of Jesus goes against all nature, and it cannot be explained by nature or naturalistic philosophy. Even Mary had her question: "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1:34). The angel assured her that this would be the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), and "with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). Mary's immediate and faithful submission was remarkable: "be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38). Every human question, no matter how natural or logical, must give way to the divine answer. Be it Creation or the Cross, the Incarnation or the Resurrection, the downpour of manna or the outpouring of Pentecost-the divine initiative demands human surrender and acceptance.

Amen! And  that includes "re-creation" as well. If God says that He will cleanse  us from all sin, then we accept His word, we do not deny it. If He says that He will  cleanse the heart from sin, then we believe He has the power to do it. If He promises to write His law upon the heart, do we deny His power to do this? That would be  like Zacharias not believing the angel, would it not? Where is the problem then  with so many denying the everlasting covenant?


While Mary answered her own question by submission and surrender to God's sovereignty and eternal purpose, Gabriel assured her with another great answer: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35).

Some secular cultures have been browbeaten into believing that everything, ultimately, has a naturalistic and scientific explanation. Why is this such a narrow, even superficial, view of the grandeur and greatness of reality?

Everything does have a true "scientific" explanation. We just cannot understand it. If we understood everything, then we would be as God.  When God  speaks, His power is in harmony with science, true science. But, man has no idea as to that science. Those who want to explain everything through  a human devising are fighting against God. They deny His existence and His Word. But,  these "brilliant" men are without excuse for knowing there is a God above all  and that His Word  is  Truth.  "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #8 on: March 31, 2015, 07:20:52 AM »

Wednesday April 1

The Manger of Bethlehem

Luke begins the story of the Bethlehem manger with a note of history. Joseph and Mary left their home in Nazareth to travel to their ancestral town of Bethlehem as a result of a census decree of Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Such historical details must lead Bible students to appreciate Luke's submission to the Holy Spirit, so that he would record the details of the Incarnation within the framework of history.

Reflect on the poverty of Jesus as seen in Luke 2:7. "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Compare the image of "swaddling clothes," the "manger," and "no room . . . in the inn," with Paul's description of the condescension of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-8.

2:5   Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 
 2:6   Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 
 2:7   But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 
 2:8   And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 


What kind of a road did Jesus walk on our behalf?

Better to present the inspired statement rather than my words:


     The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. 
     Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
     The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!  The Desire of Ages, pgs. 48, 49. 


The story of the poor circumstances in which the Lord of heaven incarnated Himself continues with the first visitors the manger had: the shepherds. Not to the rich or the powerful, not to the scribes or the priests, not to rulers and the powers that held sway over the land did the "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10) come, but to humble and despised shepherds. Observe the majesty and the simplicity of the message: A Savior is born to you. In the city of David. He is Christ the Lord, the Anointed One. You will find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes (author's translation). Heaven's most precious gift came in such a simple package, as often it does. But the gift brings "glory to God," "on earth peace," and "goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Luke's record of the angel (Luke 2:9-12) brings out three vital matters of Christian theology. First, the good news of the gospel is for "all people." In Jesus both the Jew and the Gentile become one people of God. Second, Jesus is the Savior; there is no one else. Third, Jesus is Christ the Lord. These three themes, so clearly established early in Luke, later became the foundation of the apostolic preaching, particularly that of Paul.

Think about what we believe as Christians: the Creator of all that was made (John 1:1-3) not only entered into this fallen world as a human being but lived the hard life that Jesus did, only to wind up on a cross. If we really believe that, why should every aspect of our life be lived in submission to this amazing truth? What parts of your life reflect your belief in the story of Jesus, and what parts don't?

Are we half and half? Half belief and half unbelief? Are we serving two masters? Impossible! We serve one of the other. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24. Do we try to serve two masters? What part of your life reflect that you do not believe the story of Jesus? What is the conditions for salvation? You may say, "just believe".  Let's look a little closer at what this means. "Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Luke 24:25. "Believe all that the prophets have spoken."  Not just half of it. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" James 2:19,20.

Luke understood the conditions of salvation. He  knew  it was more than believing a superficial belief. He reported the conversation Jesus had where the conditions of salvation came up. "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." Luke  10:27,28. When we love Jesus with the whole heart, then we are empowered to keep His commandments and to love even our enemies. Then we have eternal life....for as long as we continue abiding in Christ and He in us.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2015, 11:00:24 AM »

Sunday's Lesson  (bottom of the page)

Luke, an inspired author of Scripture, used other material in his writings. Very interesting. Obviously that use of other sources doesn't negate the inspiration or authority of what he wrote. What lessons should that have for us as Seventh-day Adventists regarding the question of how inspiration, either canonical or noncanonical, works on inspired writers ?


I hope the quarterly author is talking about Mrs. White using sometimes other writings for instance when writing the history part of "The Great Controversy".
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2015, 11:32:13 AM »
    Monday's Lesson

I wish the author would come out with what he is hinting at. He seems to imply that one can be blameless while not trusting in or believing God. I think we can know on two counts how this may be reconciled.

#1. Zacharias and Elizabeth were referred to as "blameless" before the situation regarding the conception of their son , John.
#2. The context of being "blameless" was in regard to "walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord." vs. 6.

What Scripture is not saying is that John and Elizabeth were both blameless regarding the unbelief about the conception of their son. In other words they were not blameless at all times and in every sense of the word. The author seems to blur this implying that John was blamelessly sinning. Not good.

While I can certainly understand how easy it would be for John to disbelieve God in that instance, he was not blamelessly sinning as the author apparently would have us believe.

 
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2015, 01:16:21 PM »
Amen, cp.  Zacharias and his wife were walking in the light when he was called blameless.


Sadly, the  author did not explain what he was interested in teaching. But, the subject is an important one, in that many  do not believe that grace can transform a sinner into a saint. Satan  takes two false positions to lead many astray from the truth.  He either wants us to  believe that we are saved in sin, that we cannot be "blameless" or he wants us to believe we are "blameless" when we are not abiding in Christ. Many believe his lie that we are converted (justified) when we are not filled with the Spirit  of Christ. He does not care in the least which way we go, he is successful on either hand.

What do you think "blameless" means? Was Zacharias blameless when he did not believe  the angel? If we deny the truth, what does this signify? What is the problem, and what is the solution?


I don't like author's picking and choosing what verses to teach and which one's to leave out. That is why I will post the whole chapters as we proceed with our lessons. We see an example of important verses missed in our study of Proverbs last week. Here is an example Present Truth. From chapter one in Luke we find this: "That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life." Verses 74, 75.  As with "blameless" we shall now have to contend for a real meaning with the words "holiness" and "righteousness".  Many do not believe they can be applied to fallen humans. Yet, in these verses they do apply to humans. Those who object, do so in order to negate the power of grace to transform sinners into saints.
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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2015, 08:54:12 AM »
Thursday April 2

The Witnesses to the Savior


Chapter 2

 2:1   And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 
 2:2   ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 
 2:3   And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 
 2:4   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 
 2:5   To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 
 2:6   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 
 2:7   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 
 2:8   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 
 2:9   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 
 2:10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 
 2:11   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 
 2:12   And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 
 2:13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 
 2:14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 
 2:15   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 
 2:16   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 
 2:17   And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 
 2:18   And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 
 2:19   But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. 
 2:20   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 
 2:21   And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 
 2:22   And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 
 2:23   (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 
 2:24   And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 
 2:25   And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 
 2:26   And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 
 2:27   And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 
 2:28   Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 
 2:29   Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 
 2:30   For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 
 2:31   Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 
 2:32   A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 
 2:33   And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 
 2:34   And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 
 2:35   (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 
 2:36   And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 
 2:37   And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day. 
 2:38   And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 
 2:39   And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 
 2:40   And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 
 2:41   Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 
 2:42   And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 
 2:43   And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it]. 
 2:44   But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance. 
 2:45   And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 
 2:46   And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 
 2:47   And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 
 2:48   And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 
 2:49   And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 
 2:50   And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 
 2:51   And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 
 2:52   And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. 
 


Although writing primarily to the Gentiles, Luke was aware of the importance of the Jewish heritage through the Old Testament. He takes care to link the New Testament story with the Old and provides the scene of Mary and Joseph having the Baby Jesus circumcised on the eighth day and taking Him to the temple in Jerusalem, all according to Jewish law (Luke 2:22-24).

Read Luke 2:25-32. Note three points about the theology of salvation that Simeon brings to the fore: salvation is through Jesus; salvation is prepared by God; salvation is for all peoples-to the Gentiles as well as to Israel. How do these truths tie in with the first angel's message of Revelation 14:6-7?

14:6   And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 
 14:7   Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 


Yes, the whole world will be warned before the end comes. We are living in that day when the "hour of His judgment is come", but few who call themselves "religious" understand that we are at the end and the judgment is set. We are witnessing today, what Christ suffered when He came to His own and His own knew Him not. Persecution for believing and living the  truth has begun and will continue until the end.


Simeon's prophecy also predicted two significant features of Jesus' ministry.

First, Christ is "set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel" (Luke 2:34). Yes, Christ has brought light and salvation to all, but not without cost to the recipient. With Christ there is no neutral ground: accept Him or reject Him, and upon the appropriate response one's salvation depends. Christ demands exclusiveness; we abide in Him or we do not. Those who abide in Him will rise up and be part of His kingdom; those who reject Him or remain indifferent to Him will fall to the ground and perish without hope. Faith in Christ is nonnegotiable.

And what is the cost? We must give up our sin sick souls. Christ offers us a new heart cleansed from sin in exchange for our selfishness. Yes, we must pick up the  cross and bear it, but what is that compared to the peace that comes when Jesus has possession of the heart? We need to learn of our continual need of Jesus just as the lesson points out. There is no "neutral ground" that so many believe in. They think they can serve two master, both sin and Christ, but it is impossible. We are either dead to sin and  alive unto Christ (abiding in Him and He in us) or we are selfish and serving sin and Satan. Such a deception that we can be justified (saved) when we are not abiding in Christ and His Spirit in us! "We abide in Him or we do not." Mark these words and study in light of them. "If we have not His Spirit, we are none of His."
Romans 8:9.


Second, Simeon prophesies to Mary, "a sword will pierce through thy own soul also" (Luke 2:35). The reference no doubt is to the Cross, which Mary will witness. Mary and all the generations that follow her ought to remember that without the Cross, there is no salvation. The Cross is the hub around which the entire plan of salvation revolves.

Why is this so? How does the cross bring salvation to the sinner? Why are not all saved by the cross? Do these verses have anything to do with our salvation and how we can gain or lose it?

 2:42   And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
 2:43   And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it].
 2:44   But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance.
 2:45   And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
 2:46   And it came to pass, that after three days they found him


Salvation is a gift in that we can do nothing to earn it. Yet, it can still be very costly to those who claim it for themselves. What has following Christ cost you, and why is that cost, whatever it may be, cheap enough?

What is the relationship between good works and the death of Christ on the cross?  We cannot earn salvation, it is a free gift, but not all will gain salvation because they have not done something. What must I do to be saved?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2015, 09:14:24 AM »
Friday April 3

Further Study: "Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, was a medical missionary. In the Scriptures he is called "the beloved physician." Colossians 4:14. The apostle Paul heard of his skill as a physician, and sought him out as one to whom the Lord had entrusted a special work. He secured his co-operation, and for some time Luke accompanied him in his travels from place to place. After a time, Paul left Luke at Philippi, in Macedonia. Here he continued to labor for several years, both as a physician and as a teacher of the gospel. In his work as a physician he ministered to the sick, and then prayed for the healing power of God to rest upon the afflicted ones. Thus the way was opened for the gospel message. Luke's success as a physician gained for him many opportunities for preaching Christ among the heathen. It is the divine plan that we shall work as the disciples worked."-Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 140-141.

Why does a prophet tell us that "we shall work as the disciples worked." She links the working of Luke to what we are to do today. Can we who are not educated as doctors do the  same work that Luke did?  Here is a statement that will benefit all who have a burden to save souls:

     I am deeply interested in the subject of medical missionary work and the education of men and women for that work. I could wish that there were one hundred nurses in training where there is one. It ought to be thus. Both men and women can be so much more useful as medical missionaries than as missionaries without the medical education. I am more and more impressed with the fact that a more decided testimony must be borne upon this subject, that more direct efforts must be made to interest the proper persons, setting before them the advantages that every missionary will have in understanding how to treat those who are diseased in body, as well as to minister to sin-sick souls. This double ministration will give the laborer together with God access to homes, and will enable him to reach all classes of society. 

     An intelligent knowledge of how to treat disease upon hygienic principles will gain the confidence of many who otherwise would not be reached with the truth. In affliction, many are humbled in spirit, and words in favor of the truth spoken to them in tenderness by one who is seeking to alleviate physical sufferings may touch the heart. Prayer--short, weighted with tenderest sympathy, presenting the suffering ones in faith to the Great Physician--will inspire in them a confidence, a rest and trust, that will tend to the health of both soul and body. 

     I have been surprised at being asked by physicians if I did not think it would be more pleasing to God for them to give up their medical practice and enter the ministry. I am prepared to answer such an inquirer: If you are a Christian and a competent physician, you are qualified to do tenfold more good as a missionary for God than if you were to go forth merely as a preacher of the word. I would advise young men and women to give heed to this matter. Perilous times are before us. The whole world will be involved in perplexity and distress, disease of every kind will be upon the human family, and such ignorance as now prevails concerning the laws of health would result in great suffering and the loss of many lives that might be saved. 

     While Satan is constantly doing his utmost to take advantage of men's ignorance and to lay the foundation of disease by improper treatment of the body, it is best for those who claim to be sons and daughters of God to avail themselves while they can of the opportunities now presented to gain a knowledge of the human system and how it may be preserved in health. We are to use every faculty of mind which God has given us. The Lord will not work a miracle to preserve anyone in health who will not make an effort to obtain knowledge within his reach concerning this wonderful habitation that God has given. By study of the human organism, we are to learn to correct what may be wrong in our habits and which, if left uncorrected, would bring the sure result, disease and suffering, that make life a burden. The sincerity of our prayers can be proved only by the vigor of our endeavor to obey God's commandments.  CH 504.
 


Discussion Questions:

    If Luke in writing his Gospel took into account previously published materials, how are we to understand the inspiration of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16)? How does inspiration work? See Ellen G. White, "The Inspiration of the Prophetic Writers," Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 15-23.

    The virgin birth is of God's making, marked by His mystery, majesty, and mission. It is truly beyond human understanding too. But the question is "So what?" How many secular things are beyond human understanding, as well? If God does exist, and He has the power to create and sustain the universe, why should something like the virgin birth be beyond His power? Only those whose worldview is limited to natural laws alone (at least the ones we now currently understand) could, a priori, dismiss the idea of a virgin birth. In contrast, those whose worldview incorporates the supernatural should have, a priori, no reason to reject it. After all, look at what the angel said to Mary after giving her the incredible news: "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

    An American TV interviewer is reported to have said that if he had an opportunity, the person he would most like to interview would be Jesus, and he would ask Him just one question: "Are You indeed born of a virgin?" Why is that question, and the answer to it, so important?

If you had the opportunity to ask Jesus a question, would you ask Jesus that question? I don't think so. Why would anyone ask that question? Would they believe Jesus when He answered them? If we have opportunity to answer questions of an unbeliever, what question do you consider of great importance to answer? If you could only answer one question, what answer would you want to share with an unbeliever? Why would you choose that subject?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2015, 07:27:43 PM »
In thinking about asking Jesus a question, how about "what must I do to be saved?"  That seems to have been a common question asked Jesus by the Jews. Think maybe many professing Christians might want to know? And, how about those in the world who are interested in eternal life?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

ejclark

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #15 on: April 04, 2015, 06:11:57 AM »
Monday March 30

"to make ready a people prepared for the Lord".  What does this mean? And, why would it be necessary for John to do this? How deep were the deceptions that held the Jews captive? Is there a similar deception in the church today? Does the Bible warn us of this deception? Where would we find this warning in Scripture?

I'm presently preaching a series in our church based on 1 Cor. 10:1-12. One of the stories it relates is of the Israelites lusting for flesh meat to eat and the destruction of those who were guilty of murmuring so strongly against God and Moses. John the Baptist, an anti-type of Elijah, was a vegan. The Remnant, again an anti-type of Elijah and John, have a very distinct health message to present. One that is not promoted as it should be these days.

Where would we find the warning? A big one is in 1 Cor 10:1-12

Thank you Richard for bringing the points out in this lesson that you did.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #16 on: April 04, 2015, 06:49:48 AM »
Thank  you, ej.  Let's take a look at 1 Corinthians, 10.


 10:1   Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 
 10:2   And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 
 10:3   And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 
 10:4   And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 
 10:5   But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 
 10:6   Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 
 10:7   Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 
 10:8   Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 
 10:9   Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 
 10:10   Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 
 10:11   Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 
 10:12   Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 


Very good, ej.  This is certainly present truth for a Laodicean church. God wants us to look at Israel and learn from their failure. Are we not those "whom the ends of the world are come"? There is a lesson here. "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." Amen!!

But, we know that there were only a few of the adults who began the exodus out of Egypt that entered the promised land. Something went wrong. "But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness."

We are told of their sins. "We should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer."

The question comes to us, "what must we do in order to not follow the ensample given by Israel?" We want to get to the foundation of our faith. I am sure that in your preaching, dear Brother ej, that you will present Jesus as the only answer. Again, thank you for sharing. Let us all rejoice in our blessings on this Sabbath Day.
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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #17 on: April 04, 2015, 06:53:10 AM »
Our  brother, ej, has presented the problem and given the answer from 1 Cor. 10, but we need to go deeper so that the answer is made more clear as to what I must do in order to not fall in the wilderness.  Many years after the exodus, John the Baptist had a burden to lead a nation deep in apostasy to repentance.

He saw his people deceived, self-satisfied, and asleep in their sins. He longed to rouse them to a holier life. The message that God had given him to bear was designed to startle them from their lethargy, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. Before the seed of the gospel could find lodgement, the soil of the heart must be broken up. Before they would seek healing from Jesus, they must be awakened to their danger from the wounds of sin. 

God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction. The ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God to deepen the sense of need, and prompt the cry, "What must I do to be saved?" Then the hand that has humbled in the dust, lifts up the penitent. The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" 


One of those in a leadership position in Israel was Nicodemus.  He was as blind as most others, he did not know his need of grace to do any good thing. Jesus was direct with him.

 3:3  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 
 3:4   Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 
 3:5   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
 3:6   That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

After seeing his need, Nicodemus needs to know how he can be born again of God's Spirit.

 3:9           Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 
 3:10   Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 
 3:11   Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 
 3:12   If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things? 
 3:13   And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. 
 3:14   And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 
 3:15   That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

 
Here we see Jesus answering his question. Yet, many today, even those who dare call themselves teachers, do not understand what we must do in order to be born again, saved. Evangelicals have succeeded in sending their false gospel into God's church. Many have no spiritual discernment and they pass over what Jesus said that we must do. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he must do? It is not a direct answer. It requires some other study in order to find the answer.

Something must be done in order to believe.

 3:16   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
 3:17   For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 
 3:18   He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 


Jesus is speaking to His church today: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked....As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. 3:17,19-21.

In both messages given by Jesus, He did not just reprove sin without telling us what we must do in order to come to repentance.  And, the Bible is very clear on how repentance comes about. What must I do in order to be saved? What must you do? We do not believe in once saved always saved, so what ever the answer, it is not a one time thing.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #18 on: April 04, 2015, 07:03:52 AM »
Jesus spoke of the cross in His message to Nicodemus. Thursday's lesson spoke of the cross. "The Cross is the hub around which the entire plan of salvation revolves. The  "evangelical" gospel speaks of the cross, and Friday many professing Christians celebrated the death of Christ on the cross. Tomorrow, many will celebrate Easter, yet most will not be saved. There is something missing. The cross saves no one. It is by grace we are saved through faith. Yet, again, Jesus spoke of the cross when telling Nicodemus what he must do in order to be saved. What must I do in order to come to repentance and be saved?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 1-Second Quarter 2015-The Coming of Jesus
« Reply #19 on: April 04, 2015, 07:10:31 AM »
Where is the cross of Christ in the  words of Jesus to Nicodemus?  "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."  In another conversation Jesus said "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:32.

Jesus was "lifted up" and is drawing "all men" unto Himself. Yet, so many do not respond to that drawing. Do we have a part in this that will help us be saved? Why did Jesus speak of  Moses in the wilderness in telling Nicodemus what he must do in order to be saved?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.