SDA Sabbath School Lesson 10-Third Quarter 2015-Philip as Missionary

[Wally]

 Lesson 10 August 29—September 4

Philip as Missionary

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 4:18, Acts 2:44-47,4:34-37, 6:1-7, Acts 8,21:7-10.

Memory Text: ""But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth"" (Acts 1:8 NIV).

World mission was the main concern of the risen Christ during the 40 days between His crucifixion and ascension. The New Testament preserves at least five of His Great Commission statements: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-49, John 20:21, Acts 1:5-8. Together they constitute the greatest assignment ever given to Christians. Among the commands was a geographical strategy for mission outreach, from its Jerusalem base to all Judea and Samaria, then ultimately to the ends of the earth. This was a command that they, indeed, took seriously and set out to fulfill.

This geographical strategy is prominent in the mission work of Philip the evangelist. According to Acts 8, his work extended outward from Jerusalem in expanding circles. That is, it kept spreading farther and farther as time progressed.

Who was this Philip the evangelist? What does the Word of God tell us about him and the work that he did during the earliest days of the church? Finally, what lessons can we take away for ourselves from the inspired record of this early missionary?

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 5.

Sunday August 30

Philip the Evangelist

"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18, NKJV). Think about what Paul is saying here, especially as we study this week about Philip the evangelist, someone of whom we know little except for the few references in the Bible. As we will see, though, Philip did a good work even though most of what he accomplished we know little about. Who are some people whom you know of who have done great things for God but with little outward recognition? Why is it always important to keep the principle of Paul’s words in mind, especially if we do a work that doesn’t garner much acclaim or attention? See also 1 Cor. 4:13.

Philip was a popular Greek name that means "horse lover." In the New Testament there are four persons called by that name. Two had the additional name "Herod" and were part of the Herodian ruling family, which exerted a generally harsh rule over Israel in New Testament times. The remaining Philips had outstanding roles in mission.

The first, Philip of Bethsaida, was a disciple who was instrumental in bringing Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43-46). Later he brought Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20-21).

The second Philip was designated "the evangelist" in Acts 21:8 to distinguish him from Philip the disciple. He first appeared in the Jerusalem church as a "table waiter" (Acts 6:2-5) who turned evangelist and missionary (Acts 8:12). His missionary service, extending over twenty years and supplemented by his four prophesying daughters, is mentioned in Acts. We know little else of his background.

"It was Philip who preached the gospel to the Samaritans; it was Philip who had the courage to baptize the Ethiopian eunuch. For a time the history of these two workers (Philip and Paul) had been closely intertwined. It was the violent persecution of Saul the Pharisee that had scattered the church at Jerusalem, and destroyed the effectiveness of the organization of the seven deacons. The flight from Jerusalem had led Philip to change his manner of labor, and resulted in his pursuing the same calling to which Paul gave his life. Precious hours were these that Paul and Philip spent in each other’s society; thrilling were the memories that they recalled of the days when the light which had shone upon the face of Stephen upturned to Heaven as he suffered martyrdom flashed in its glory upon Saul the persecutor, bringing him, a helpless suppliant, to the feet of Jesus."—Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 204.

Monday August 31

Waiting on Tables

Read Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:34-37. What kind of picture of the early church is presented here?

No question, things were for a time going quite well among the early believers. Of course, everyone is fallen, and before long some tensions started to rise.

Read Acts 6:1-7. What problems arose, and how did the church deal with those problems?

Rapid growth of the Jerusalem church brought with it social tension. Philip was appointed to a team to deal with it. Converts included underprivileged and economically challenged persons whose participation in the daily common meals placed increasing demands on church leaders. A murmuring about unfair distribution of food to Greek-speaking widows emerged. This was especially sensitive because of reminders by the Hebrew prophets not to neglect widows and orphans.

To resolve this serious issue, all 12 apostles gathered the believers and proposed the appointment of seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, who would literally "deaconize (Greek for "serve") tables" so the 12 could "deaconize the Word" (see Acts 6:3, 4). All seven had Greek names, perhaps indicating a balancing of welfare service for the neglected Greek-speaking widows. Among them was Philip, the first time that this Philip is mentioned in the Bible.

The apostles argued that additional leadership was needed so that they should not be overworked by the administration of the resources necessary for communal life. They emphasized that their call was to devote themselves to the Word of God and to prayer.

What are some of the potentially divisive issues in your own local church, and how can you allow God to use you to help ease them?

[Wally]

Tuesday September 1

Philip in Samaria

Saul, a future apostle and missionary, makes his first appearance in the Bible at the stoning of the deacon Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This wave of persecution only helped further the spread of the gospel.

Read Acts 8:1-6. What was the result of the persecution of the church in Jerusalem?

Samaria was the first stop on the geographical spread of Christianity. Samaritans considered themselves descendants of Israelites left behind when Assyria exiled most of the Israelites in 722 B.C. The Jews, however, considered Samaritans to be descendants of foreigners the Assyrians forcibly settled in Israel. Jewish-Samaritan relationships during the New Testament era were marked by tensions and outbreaks of violence. However, as we saw earlier, Jesus had already paved the way for mission work there when He dealt with the woman at the well, who, in turn, began to "evangelize" her own people.

Philip’s call to wait on tables now became that of a missionary evangelist to the Samaritans. As a refugee fleeing religious persecution in Jerusalem, he did not waste his time. He proclaimed that the Messiah, awaited by both Jews and Samaritans, had come (Acts 8:5,12).

Read Acts 8:6-15. How successful was Philip’s ministry in Samaria?

Philip was used mightily of the Lord in this early foreign mission field. The statement of the woman at the well, that "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" (John 4:9, NKJV) had now become a thing of the past.

What animosities, grudges, and prejudices that have poisoned your soul need to become "things of the past"? Isn’t it time to let it all go?

Wednesday September 2

With the Ethiopian

According to Acts 8:26-39, Philip’s next contact was with the Ethiopian treasury administrator, bringing mission another step toward ""the end of the earth"" (Acts 1:8, NKJV). Philip was the link between Samaria and the Gaza mission. From Samaria, north of Jerusalem, Philip was called to Gaza, which is south of the city. His work in the north focused on a group; here it focused on a single person. In Samaria, Philip could proclaim Christ only from the five books of Moses, for this was all the Samaritans accepted; here he could also use the book of Isaiah, probably in Greek translation.

Read Acts 8:26-39. As you do, answer the following questions:

What were the texts in Isaiah (from Isaiah 53) that the Ethiopian was reading, and why would they have given Philip the perfect opportunity to evangelize him?

In contrast to Philip’s work in Samaria, where he did miracles (Acts 8:6), all he did with the Ethiopian was study the Bible. What point can we take away from this for ourselves as we minister to others?

The Spirit of the Lord called Philip away as soon as he had finished explaining the "good news about Jesus" and had baptized the Ethiopian. Philip had no opportunity to transmit his beliefs and teachings to his new convert. The Ethiopian was left to embrace the Christian faith in the context of his African culture, guided by the Old Testament and the Spirit of God, which had already been working in him, for he already was a worshiper of the Lord and a believer in His Word.

Philip explained to the Ethiopian crucial Old Testament texts about the death of Jesus. Why must Jesus, His death and resurrection, be central to the message we give to the world? What is our message without Him?

[Wally]

Thursday September 3

Philip as Evangelist, Father, and Host

Philip, clearly, was anointed to do the Lord’s work. Commentators are divided on what "the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip" (Acts 8:39) means, whether he was simply told to go to Azotus (vs. 40) or was miraculously transported there. Either way, the crucial point for us is that Philip was a man surrendered to the Holy Spirit; and thus, God was able to use him to do a great work for Him.

Read Acts 8:40. What does it tell us about Philip that helps us to understand why he was named the "evangelist"?

Read Acts 21:7-10. What can we learn about Philip from these few verses?

At this stage of the story we learn that Philip was a family man with four unmarried daughters. Philip’s call out of the deaconate into evangelism involved him in extensive travel. We know about the journey from Jerusalem to Samaria, then on to Gaza, followed by "all the towns" on the 50-mile (80-kilometer) coastline between Azotus and Caesarea. There were probably unrecorded journeys. Like all the pioneering missionaries, he would have been harassed, inconvenienced, and subjected to the "ups and downs" such commitments entail. Still, he managed his family to the extent that four daughters were deemed by the Holy Spirit suitable to receive the gift of prophecy. This testifies to good parenting and true godliness in this pioneering Christian missionary family.

The text reveals that the apostle Paul stayed with Philip "a number of days" (Acts 21:10 NIV). Twenty-five years earlier, Paul, then named Saul, had been an aggressive and fierce persecutor of the Christians (Acts 9:1-2). His persecution of Jerusalem believers forced Philip to flee to Samaria (Acts 8:1-5). Now, years later, persecutor and persecuted meet in the home of Philip, who hosts Paul’s visit. What an interesting meeting of brothers and fellow workers with Christ in the great cause of bringing the gospel to the non-Jewish world!

In our work for others, why is it so crucial never to forget our first obligation: our families?

Friday September 4

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "The Gospel in Samaria," The Acts of the Apostles, pages 103-111.

"When they were scattered by persecution they went forth filled with missionary zeal. They realized the responsibility of their mission. They knew that they held in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world; and they were constrained by the love of Christ to break this bread to all who were in need."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, page 106.

"And when His disciples were driven from Jerusalem, some found in Samaria a safe asylum. The Samaritans welcomed these messengers of the gospel, and the Jewish converts gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies."—Pages 106, 107.

Discussion Questions:

    As we’ve seen, the gospel breaks down barriers between people. At least, that is the ideal; the reality has at times been radically different. What is it about human beings, even among Christians—among those who understand that we are all the same before God, who understand that the Cross is the great equalizer—that we allow cultural, social, and other barriers to divide us to the great extent that they still do? How can the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is so universal, discourage such prejudices?

    As we saw, the persecution of the early church caused believers to flee, and as a result, the gospel started spreading in ways that it might not have done without persecution. Though God was able to bring good out of it, we must remember that religious persecution is never good, never right, never justified. What should our attitude be toward those who are facing religious persecution, even if we don’t agree with their religious beliefs? (See Luke 6:31.)

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 4:18, Acts 2:44-47,4:34-37, 6:1-7, Acts 8,21:7-10.

Memory Text: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8

World mission was the main concern of the risen Christ during the 40 days between His crucifixion and ascension. The New Testament preserves at least five of His Great Commission statements: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-49, John 20:21, Acts 1:5-8.

 28:18   And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
 28:19   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 
 28:20   Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. 
 
16:15   And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

 24:47   And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 
 24:48   And ye are witnesses of these things. 
 24:49   And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 

 20:21   Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

 1:5   For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 
 1:6   When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 
 1:7   And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 
 1:8   But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Together they constitute the greatest assignment ever given to Christians. Among the commands was a geographical strategy for mission outreach, from its Jerusalem base to all Judea and Samaria, then ultimately to the ends of the earth. This was a command that they, indeed, took seriously and set out to fulfill.

Yes, this was quite the assignment. Does our work include the giving of the gospel message to the whole world? Yes, the first angel's message included the proclamation of the "everlasting gospel". But, there is not only more to our message, but here is also a time constraint and the sad fact that the early church while not a pure and perfect church  was not in a Laodicean  condition. How would you compare the assignment entrusted to our church with that given to Philip and his brethren?

This geographical strategy is prominent in the mission work of Philip the evangelist. According to Acts 8, his work extended outward from Jerusalem in expanding circles. That is, it kept spreading farther and farther as time progressed.

Who was this Philip the evangelist? What does the Word of God tell us about him and the work that he did during the earliest days of the church? Finally, what lessons can we take away for ourselves from the inspired record of this early missionary?

Good questions that may help us to better understand what God has entrusted to us and why it is that we have not done that which was entrusted to us as a people. Philip and his fellow workers were looking forward to the return of Jesus. They were motivated by the love of God to spread the gospel around the world. If they were so excited and moved to action, and yet so far away from the second coming, how is it that we are not so excited and moved by the fact that Jesus is even at the doors today? "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.    Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors." Mark 13:24-29.

We have good reason to be excited and the most wonderful message ever entrusted to man or angel. Yet, it seems that the situation in Israel when Jesus was born is similar to what we see today in the church. Do we have Philips in this our day? Just before the royal birth of our Savior, what was the attitude of Israel? "The tidings of his birth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad. Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer.
     With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David's line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent."  DA 44.

Are we preparing a people to receive Jesus as His soon coming? Or  do we not see the fulfillment of prophecy with the pope addressing the U.S. Congress in a few weeks? It would be hard to believe a Laodicean church would  be aware of the events soon to take place. What are your plans for next week? Are you busy taking care of your personal business or are you involved in ministry? Are you sharing the gospel, talking about Jesus, and witnessing the character of God in your sphere of influence?

As we study this week's lesson, let us pray that some of the fervor that Philip had will rub off on us.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday August 30

Philip the Evangelist

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18. Think about what Paul is saying here, especially as we study this week about Philip the evangelist, someone of whom we know little except for the few references in the Bible. As we will see, though, Philip did a good work even though most of what he accomplished we know little about. Who are some people whom you know of who have done great things for God but with little outward recognition? Why is it always important to keep the principle of Paul’s words in mind, especially if we do a work that doesn’t garner much acclaim or attention? See also 1 Cor. 4:13.

I have never thought of this verse in those terms. It is true that some do things to be recognized, while others do things to please God and others. But, to me the verse has more to do with what we want in life. Do we want the things of this world which are all going to burn  up soon, or are we living for the things we cannot see which are eternal? Are we placing out treasure in heaven,  or are we storing up treasure here on this earth? On one hand we can see what we are getting, on the other, our reward is postponed to a great degree until we depart this  wicked dark world. Consider the verse again. Do we want something we can see now, which is temporal, or do we want something we cannot see which will last for eternity?  What lasts for eternity? Think on that for a moment and the verse comes into proper focus.

Philip was a popular Greek name that means "horse lover." In the New Testament there are four persons called by that name. Two had the additional name "Herod" and were part of the Herodian ruling family, which exerted a generally harsh rule over Israel in New Testament times. The remaining Philips had outstanding roles in mission.

The first, Philip of Bethsaida, was a disciple who was instrumental in bringing Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43-46). Later he brought Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20-21).

The second Philip was designated "the evangelist" in Acts 21:8 to distinguish him from Philip the disciple. He first appeared in the Jerusalem church as a "table waiter" (Acts 6:2-5) who turned evangelist and missionary (Acts 8:12). His missionary service, extending over twenty years and supplemented by his four prophesying daughters, is mentioned in Acts. We know little else of his background.

"It was Philip who preached the gospel to the Samaritans; it was Philip who had the courage to baptize the Ethiopian eunuch. For a time the history of these two workers (Philip and Paul) had been closely intertwined. It was the violent persecution of Saul the Pharisee that had scattered the church at Jerusalem, and destroyed the effectiveness of the organization of the seven deacons. The flight from Jerusalem had led Philip to change his manner of labor, and resulted in his pursuing the same calling to which Paul gave his life. Precious hours were these that Paul and Philip spent in each other’s society; thrilling were the memories that they recalled of the days when the light which had shone upon the face of Stephen upturned to Heaven as he suffered martyrdom flashed in its glory upon Saul the persecutor, bringing him, a helpless suppliant, to the feet of Jesus."—Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 204.

Let's take a moment to consider this statement and its importance. What did Paul and Philip discuss that was so "thrilling"? What an interesting subject!  Here we have Philip who was so persecuted by Paul (Saul) that he had to leave Jerusalem which caused him to do that which Paul ended  up doing. They both would one day discuss what had happened before Paul was converted. This is all very interesting, but there is more that is very important. What specific memory was said to be thrilling? The event that caused Saul to fall helpless at the feet of Jesus.

Saul was quite the young Pharisee rising quickly in the nation. He was admitted to the  Sanhedron as he continued his persecution of Christians. He was blameless in his "outward" keeping  of the law. But, inwardly he was selfish and a murderer. What best describes his condition before he murdered his first man? "For I was alive without the law once." Romans 7:9. What does this mean since Saul always had the law, he was born with the law in his mouth. "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee." Acts 23:26. As  with  all Pharisees, the  law was their god. When was Paul "alive without the law"?  Paul is speaking in spiritual terms. He  is speaking of spiritual life and death. Before he found he was condemned by the law which he had not understood went past outward actions to the intent of the heart, he thought he  had spiritual life. He thought he was alive, " but when the commandment came, sin revived" and he found himself dead without spiritual life, dead in trespasses and sins. His motive for keeping the law was selfish and therefore he was not keeping the commandment as God requires. God looks upon the heart, he sees the motive.

Back  to what Philip and Paul were thrilled to recount. "They recalled of the days when the light which had shone upon the face of Stephen upturned to Heaven as he suffered martyrdom flashed in its glory upon Saul the persecutor." Why would this thrill both  Paul and Philip? It is a revelation of how Saul was converted. Does it not thrill us to recall how God works  to bring sinners to the foot of the  cross so the sinner is  transformed into a saint? What power!! What wisdom! What a God!!  I long to see the day when Stephen meets Saul!!! He has no idea what his words and  death did to lead to the transformation of the one Satan was using to torment the faithful Christians in Stephen's day. It was Saul who led the mob to stone Stephen. "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen..." Acts 7:58,59.

If we want to be "evangelists" as were Paul and Philip, then let us understand what is being said in this powerful statement that thrilled the two men. If we will study this carefully in the context of the conversion of Paul, we will not be led away from the truth of the true gospel which has been greatly perverted by false teachers who have entered into the church to steal away the prize which is ours.

Let us go back to Romans seven  where Paul is telling us about his conversion. Many have been deceived on what Paul wrote. Satan has taken this chapter and led many to think they are converted when in fact they are not. Conversion is a radical change in character. Sadly, many are buried alive by men  and women who were also buried alive since self never died. By the way, the book from which the Spirit of Prophecy quote was taken, Sketches From the Life of Paul, is well worth reading. You  will no longer be deceived on what we are discussing now if you  prayerfully study that book. Romans  seven and eight will be clearly seen for what they are, a revelation of the conversion of Saul from sinner to saint.

7:9   For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 
 7:10   And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death.  (An understanding of the  depth of the law, it reaches to the motive of the heart, revealed to Saul that he was not spiritually alive as he had thought, but was dead. He  saw the commandment brought death to the sinner. The wages of sin is death.)
 7:11   For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me]. 
 7:12   Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 
 7:13   Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 
 7:14   For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Paul is telling us that when he understood the depth of the commandment, he saw himself carnal, sold under sin. He goes on in the rest of the chapter explaining how he had no power at this point to keep the law, he could only sin even though he wanted  to  stop.)

You can read through our topic on Romans 7 and 8 if you want to see more on this subject. For  now we want to bring this directly back to Sunday's lesson. As Saul was breathing out Satanic hate for Chrisitians, he  was successful at ending the life of Stephen. But, something dramatic happens as Stephen is about to die. He has just finished his last evangelistic sermon. He bravely rebuked those who had murdered Christ, setting the truth in plain lines so that the hearers gnashed their teeth on Stephen. "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it]. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth." Acts  7:51-54.

What happens at this point? It is where Philip and Paul  are thrilled to recount the event.

 7:55   But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 
 7:56   And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 
 7:57   Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 
 7:58   And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 
 7:59   And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 
 7:60   And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 

Don't miss the important doctrinal point of the discourse. What led  to the crisis in Saul's life. How did this even lead to the conversion of Paul (Saul)? This is the whole point of Paul in writing Romans Seven and eight. If you want to lead others to Christ, if you want to help ground  new converts so they will not be taken snare by the false teachers in Christians churches, understand what Paul is teaching, what Ellen White is saying in the quote. What led to the conversion of Saul who in Romans seven is a slave to sin? Listen to what Saul cries out in verse 7:24"   "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" All through Romans 7, at this point in Saul's life, he has no idea how he will ever be able to keep the law since he has discovered he is sin, that it  is in his flesh. In utter despair he prays to God that he might know who can help him to overcome  self.

Something happened in Saul's life to cause him to see his Laodicean condition. Something happened that allowed the Pharisee of Pharisees to see he was a lawbreaker, not a law keeper who had been blameless  in his outward keeping of the commandment. This is why the statement quoted  in today's lesson is so important. Listen again to what thrilled them. "They recalled of the days when the light which had shone upon the face of Stephen upturned to Heaven as he suffered martyrdom flashed in its glory upon Saul the persecutor, bringing him, a helpless suppliant, to the feet of Jesus." It was the miraculous glory shining upon Stephen's face that Saul could not explain or even understand. How could a member of the apostate followers of Jesus manifest the glory of God? It did not make sense. But, there was something else that had an  even greater impact on the life of this young Pharisee. If we want to be a Philip or a Paul, if we want to have their experience and lead others to Christ, then we need to be grounded  in the gospel. How  is one saved? What is the transforming power? It is grace. We are saved by grace through faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8. How was Saul converted by grace? What did  Stephen say when he was dying from the actions of Saul?

 7:59   And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 
 7:60   And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

This is the evidence of true conversion. Mark it. It is called grace. As Jesus was being nailed to the cross, He too, manifested the same grace. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34. Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners. This is grace, for we do not deserve such love!

Saul witnessed the glory of God shining on the face of Stephen and he witnessed the grace of a true Christian willing to die that Saul might be saved! Thrilling to consider such  a transformation as in the life of Saul the persecutor. It was the character  of those who Saul was persecuting that caused the conversion of Saul. They witnessed the very same grace as Jesus and Stephen. Their prayers for Saul was "Father forgive Saul, he does not know what he does." But, it was the words and prayer of Stephen and the glory shining on his face that began the conversion process of Saul. He had to think about what he had  done in calling  for the  death of such  a holy  man who was willing to forgive Saul and those who were stoning him. You can read about this in Sketches from the Life  of Paul. It was the glory and testimony of Stephen that brought Saul to the foot of the cross. We read about his torment in Romans seven as he realized he  was a murderer and was under condemnation. He tried to ignore the Spirit of God revealing his true condition, but He kept coming back to him. God loves us and does not leave us in our deceptions until we no longer hear His calling to us. This is why he prayed as he did in verse 24 and why when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus he did not resist. It was an answer to his prayer to be delivered  from the body of death which was his flesh. Saul wanted to  be delivered from sin and self. How about us? Have we come to that point of really wanting to be delivered from sin?

There is no excuse for sin, even though it be in our flesh.  God will make us partakers of His divine nature and give us power to overcome all sin if we will continually abide in Jesus. Many are perplexed  by such a straight proclamation of the gospel truth. It conflicts with their present understanding that allows one to be saved when sinning. How could one sin cause one to be under condemnation? Because it reveals a separation between man and God. We come into the world with a fallen nature that can do no good thing until we make a full surrender to Christ. We must be born  again of His  Spirit if we want to be delivered from the body of death in which we live.

It is by beholding the loveliness (grace) of Jesus that we are changed into His image (character). It  would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Jesus. It will transform the life. It is a promise. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 cor. 3:18. Do this and  one day you too will thrill, as did Philip and Paul, when you recall the power of grace in your life and those whom you bring to the foot of the cross.

[Richard Myers]

Monday August 31

Waiting on Tables

Read Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:34-37.

2:44   And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 
 2:45   And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 
 2:46   And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 
 2:47   Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 
 
 4:34   Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 
 4:35   And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 
 4:36   And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus, 
 4:37   Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet. 
 
What kind of picture of the early church is presented here?

No question, things were for a time going quite well among the early believers. Of course, everyone is fallen, and before long some tensions started to rise.

"Of course everyone is fallen."  Of course, therefore all will continue sinning. Or, is it possible to be a Daniel, or a Peter after he sees his need of Jesus?  We have pointed out the church was deprived of one of its greatest pillars, Paul, by the cowardice of the leaders of the church. But, we have never said "of course everyone is fallen." Since everyone is fallen, does that mean everyone will fall? There  is no excuse for sin because our heavenly Father provided at great expense and risk, a solution for us so that we will not sin. When Moses sinned at the end of his life, he was punished for that sin  so that we would never hear such absurd statements such as "even Moses  sinned". We do not hear that, do we? Why not? Because God made an example out of Moses so that  all would understand that even though Moses had a fallen nature, it was no excuse  for his great sin. The reason why people  sin is because they are not in a converted state, they are full of self and are not filled with the Spirit of God. Sadly, the church continues to allow false teachers in the  pulpit and teaching Sabbath School. They baptize and bring into church membership many who are not fully surrendered to Christ. This is why we see the teaching of evolution in some of our schools, the acceptance of homosexuals as church members, a divorce rate that equals that of the world, why we are losing our children to the world, and many others things in the church that mimic the world. Until we understand what it means  to be converted, the church will remain blind to its true condition which is laodicean.

When  things do not go well in the  church, it is indeed often the result of a fallen professing Christian. Some, like Moses, take their  eyes  off of Jesus and sin. On  the other hand, let's look at this realistically. Why are there so many problems in the church today? Is it because "everyone is fallen"? No, it is because many were never converted and thus the  Holy Spirit is not in the life, therefore, the fruits of the Spirit are not in the life. What do we expect? A fallen human being  who manifests  the works of the flesh. This is why there is so much division in the church. "The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ. vol 6, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary; pg 1075. 

How can this be corrected? It would be good for the churches to elect sanctified church men as elders. The elders are responsible for the spirituality of the church. Even if the pastor is not sanctified, the elders can take up the slack. They ought to be the teachers in the church. As for the Sabbath School lesson, the General Conference has not met its responsibility in selecting only consecrated teachers to prepare the quarterly lessons. If they would be faithful to their trust, they would  not allow false teachers to prepare the lessons. As we have often quoted Paul in regards to this responsibility, we do once again. It is not human wisdom we share, but Biblical truth. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8,9.

In being faithful to this truth, I say accursed be that man that teaches a false gospel in our lessons. How do we identify a false gospel? It would  be good to know that. Let us begin with the fruits of the Spirit. When one is converted, he is filled with the Holy Spirit, is he not? Jesus said that one must be born of the Spirit in order to have life. As the author of our lesson corrected pointed out, kind of, all have a fallen nature, but in order to resist sin and have eternal life, we must be born of the Spirit. And when we are born  of the Spirit we are partakers of God's divine nature because we have God in our hearts and minds. And if we have the Spirit, we are empowered to manifest the fruits of the Spirit, all of them, not one is missing. Love, joy, peace,  long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. If we do not have all of these, then we are not converted because we are not fully surrendered and are not filled with the Spirit. Self is alive and that is the gospel truth. We have not loved Jesus supremely so we are not partakers of His divine nature. Romans seven  is not the experience of the converted Christian, it is the experience of one who wants to be a Christian, but does not know how. Accursed be the man or woman that teaches a false gospel.


Read Acts 6:1-7.

 6:1   And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 
 6:2   Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 
 6:3   Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 
 6:4   But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 
 6:5   And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 
 6:6   Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. 
 6:7   And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 

What problems arose, and how did the church deal with those problems?

Rapid growth of the Jerusalem church brought with it social tension. Philip was appointed to a team to deal with it. Converts included underprivileged and economically challenged persons whose participation in the daily common meals placed increasing demands on church leaders. A murmuring about unfair distribution of food to Greek-speaking widows emerged. This was especially sensitive because of reminders by the Hebrew prophets not to neglect widows and orphans.

To resolve this serious issue, all 12 apostles gathered the believers and proposed the appointment of seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, who would literally "deaconize (Greek for "serve") tables" so the 12 could "deaconize the Word" (see Acts 6:3, 4). All seven had Greek names, perhaps indicating a balancing of welfare service for the neglected Greek-speaking widows. Among them was Philip, the first time that this Philip is mentioned in the Bible.

The apostles argued that additional leadership was needed so that they should not be overworked by the administration of the resources necessary for communal life. They emphasized that their call was to devote themselves to the Word of God and to prayer.

What are some of the potentially divisive issues in your own local church, and how can you allow God to use you to help ease them?

Can church members who are filled with the Spirit of God create difficulties in the church? Did Jesus create division in the church? Can two walk together if they be not agreed? Where  do we find a solution when there is a divisive issue in the church? When there is division, is there a time when a converted Christian ought to remain quiet? Are there times when it  would be sin to remain quiet? How can we know when to speak up and when to be quiet?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday September 1

Philip in Samaria

Saul, a future apostle and missionary, makes his first appearance in the Bible at the stoning of the deacon Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This wave of persecution only helped further the spread of the gospel.

Read Acts 8:1-6.

8:1   And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 
 8:2   And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him. 
 8:3   As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison. 
 8:4   Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 
 8:5   Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 
 8:6   And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 

What was the result of the persecution of the church in Jerusalem?

Samaria was the first stop on the geographical spread of Christianity. Samaritans considered themselves descendants of Israelites left behind when Assyria exiled most of the Israelites in 722 B.C. The Jews, however, considered Samaritans to be descendants of foreigners the Assyrians forcibly settled in Israel. Jewish-Samaritan relationships during the New Testament era were marked by tensions and outbreaks of violence. However, as we saw earlier, Jesus had already paved the way for mission work there when He dealt with the woman at the well, who, in turn, began to "evangelize" her own people.

Philip’s call to wait on tables now became that of a missionary evangelist to the Samaritans. As a refugee fleeing religious persecution in Jerusalem, he did not waste his time. He proclaimed that the Messiah, awaited by both Jews and Samaritans, had come (Acts 8:5,12).

Read Acts 8:6-15.

 8:6   And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 
 8:7   For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 
 8:8   And there was great joy in that city. 
 8:9   But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 
 8:10   To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 
 8:11   And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 
 8:12   But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 
 8:13   Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 
 8:14   Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 
 8:15   Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 

How successful was Philip’s ministry in Samaria?

Philip was used mightily of the Lord in this early foreign mission field. The statement of the woman at the well, that "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" (John 4:9) had now become a thing of the past.

What animosities, grudges, and prejudices that have poisoned your soul need to become "things of the past"? Isn’t it time to let it all go?

Unconverted sinners do not "let it all go".  The only solution is to let Jesus take possession of the heart and mind. When He is given full control, then the sinner manifests the fruits of the Spirit, not one is missing. If your soul is poisoned, then only a full surrender to Jesus can cleanse it. How does one make a full surrender? That is a well kept secret. Which of our Bible students can share how it is that a sinner can become a saint. Did Jesus reveal the answer? If so where  can we find it in Scripture?

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday September 2

With the Ethiopian

According to Acts 8:26-39, Philip’s next contact was with the Ethiopian treasury administrator, bringing mission another step toward "the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:. Philip was the link between Samaria and the Gaza mission. From Samaria, north of Jerusalem, Philip was called to Gaza, which is south of the city. His work in the north focused on a group; here it focused on a single person. In Samaria, Philip could proclaim Christ only from the five books of Moses, for this was all the Samaritans accepted; here he could also use the book of Isaiah, probably in Greek translation.

Read Acts 8:26-39.

 8:26   And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 
 8:27   And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 
 8:28   Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 
 8:29   Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 
 8:30   And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 
 8:31   And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 
 8:32   The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 
 8:33   In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 
 8:34   And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 
 8:35   Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 
 8:36   And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 
 8:37   And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 
 8:38   And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 
 8:39   And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 

As you do, answer the following questions:

What were the texts in Isaiah (from Isaiah 53) that the Ethiopian was reading, and why would they have given Philip the perfect opportunity to evangelize him?

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Evangelism is centered in Christ and Him crucified. Isaiah 53 reveals the grace by which man is saved.

In contrast to Philip’s work in Samaria, where he did miracles (Acts 8:6), all he did with the Ethiopian was study the Bible. What point can we take away from this for ourselves as we minister to others?

It  is a little more involved than just studying Scripture. The Holy Spirit had led the study to the chapter that opened the  all important message of God's love for us while we were yet sinners. It is grace that was revealed. So, it is with us. We must lead the  sinner to Christ and Him  crucified, the uplifted Savior.

The Spirit of the Lord called Philip away as soon as he had finished explaining the "good news about Jesus" and had baptized the Ethiopian. Philip had no opportunity to transmit his beliefs and teachings to his new convert. The Ethiopian was left to embrace the Christian faith in the context of his African culture, guided by the Old Testament and the Spirit of God, which had already been working in him, for he already was a worshiper of the Lord and a believer in His Word.

"In the context of his African culture"?  Did his African culture have anything to do with Christianity? I don't know. But, today, we do not see the culture of most societies inculcating Christian values. While the Ethiopian may have been studying the  Bible, he had to do so when his culture was antagonistic towards Bible truth. If we want to see a good example of this, just look at the Netherlands and see what a person in that culture has to overcome in order to become a Christian. The Ethiopian had to battle against much of his culture, but it would take time without a teacher to understand how much would have to change in his life. It seems today many lift up cultures despite their anti-Bible behavior.

Philip explained to the Ethiopian crucial Old Testament texts about the death of Jesus. Why must Jesus, His death and resurrection, be central to the message we give to the world? What is our message without Him?

Let Paul answer the question.

 1:17   For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 
 1:18   For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 
 1:19   For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 
 1:20   Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 
 1:21   For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 
 1:22   For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 
 1:23   But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 
 1:24   But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 
 1:25   Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 

[Richard Myers]

Thursday September 3

Philip as Evangelist, Father, and Host

Philip, clearly, was anointed to do the Lord’s work. Commentators are divided on what "the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip" (Acts 8:39) means, whether he was simply told to go to Azotus (vs. 40) or was miraculously transported there. Either way, the crucial point for us is that Philip was a man surrendered to the Holy Spirit; and thus, God was able to use him to do a great work for Him.

Read Acts 8:40.

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. 

What does it tell us about Philip that helps us to understand why he was named the "evangelist"?

Read Acts 21:7-10.

21:7   And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 
 21:8   And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him. 
 21:9   And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. 
 21:10   And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

What can we learn about Philip from these few verses?

At this stage of the story we learn that Philip was a family man with four unmarried daughters. Philip’s call out of the deaconate into evangelism involved him in extensive travel. We know about the journey from Jerusalem to Samaria, then on to Gaza, followed by "all the towns" on the 50-mile (80-kilometer) coastline between Azotus and Caesarea. There were probably unrecorded journeys. Like all the pioneering missionaries, he would have been harassed, inconvenienced, and subjected to the "ups and downs" such commitments entail. Still, he managed his family to the extent that four daughters were deemed by the Holy Spirit suitable to receive the gift of prophecy. This testifies to good parenting and true godliness in this pioneering Christian missionary family.

The text reveals that the apostle Paul stayed with Philip "a number of days" (Acts 21:10). Twenty-five years earlier, Paul, then named Saul, had been an aggressive and fierce persecutor of the Christians (Acts 9:1-2). His persecution of Jerusalem believers forced Philip to flee to Samaria (Acts 8:1-5). Now, years later, persecutor and persecuted meet in the home of Philip, who hosts Paul’s visit. What an interesting meeting of brothers and fellow workers with Christ in the great cause of bringing the gospel to the non-Jewish world!

In our work for others, why is it so crucial never to forget our first obligation: our families?

How could a father or mother forget their child? Selfishness is the condition of all who are not in a converted state. Each person who comes into this world is in need of a Savior to save them from themselves. In other words, unless converted we will see as many divorces in professing Christian families as in the world. Playing Church does not make one an unselfish, loving, caring father, mother, or spouse. Only Jesus can transform a sinner into a saint. We may agree that it is crucial to never forget our families, but when one looks at the situation in the church, we find that many have put their "work" no matter what it is in front of their families. How very sad. How could one forget their family? It appears to be easy when one is working for the Lord. Then God comes first, so we can forget about the vows made to spouse and the responsibility for children  brought into the world. And what does the church do about it? Often it contributes to the  problem by ignoring it and putting men and women in places of responsibility when they are not converted. This has the effect of telling them they are doing great.

It is sad to say it, but a woman can forget her sucking child. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." Isaiah 49:15.

[Richard Myers]

Friday September 4

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "The Gospel in Samaria," The Acts of the Apostles, pages 103-111.

"When they were scattered by persecution they went forth filled with missionary zeal. They realized the responsibility of their mission. They knew that they held in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world; and they were constrained by the love of Christ to break this bread to all who were in need."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, page 106.

What is this "bread" and what is its relationship to the 1888 message? Is this what we are sharing with the world?

"And when His disciples were driven from Jerusalem, some found in Samaria a safe asylum. The Samaritans welcomed these messengers of the gospel, and the Jewish converts gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies."—Pages 106, 107.

Amazing!! It would not take long to discover there are some people  groups today who we might assume are our "bitterest enemies", but in fact include many who are longing for the "bread of life" that has been entrusted to us as a people. Can we identify a few of these groups?

Discussion Questions:

    As we’ve seen, the gospel breaks down barriers between people. At least, that is the ideal; the reality has at times been radically different. What is it about human beings, even among Christians—among those who understand that we are all the same before God, who understand that the Cross is the great equalizer—that we allow cultural, social, and other barriers to divide us to the great extent that they still do? How can the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is so universal, discourage such prejudices?

Not appreciating cultural differences that are anti-Bible does not keep truly converted Christians from ministering to those who have many  changes to make. The evidence of conversion are the fruits of the Spirit which enable us to love our enemies. There are great divisions among people because people believe and act differently. Christian culture is not the culture of worldly societies. We all must turn from the culture of the world and become and act like Christians. Being prejudiced, not appreciating an anti-Christian culture is not wrong. It is the world that has pushed the idea that all cultures are good and we ought  to get over our dislike of some of their practices. An extreme example will show the wrongness of this worldly thinking.

Some cultures sacrificed their children. Some cultures  in India have a caste system. Some treat women as chatel. This  does not  mean  we do not love those  captive to such practices. Heaven has a culture much different  from the culture of worldly societies. America has a Christian heritage, but no longer appreciates it. She now has a culture similar to Europe. Sadly, that culture has entered into the church. It is time to recognize that "culture" is not our God. We are to seek to understand Bible behavior, and follow the example of Jesus.

    As we saw, the persecution of the early church caused believers to flee, and as a result, the gospel started spreading in ways that it might not have done without persecution. Though God was able to bring good out of it, we must remember that religious persecution is never good, never right, never justified. What should our attitude be toward those who are facing religious persecution, even if we don’t agree with their religious beliefs? (See Luke 6:31.)

I am not  sure what Kim Davis' theology is, but we ought to take a look at the persecution she is under. The ACLU and the homosexual agenda wants to crucify her. A Bible Answer What should our attitude be toward her?

As for not agreeing with some religions, there is "religion"and there is religion. Let's look at what is being said. It is sad when we have no discernment of the real battle we face daily. Shall we name different religions and think about calling them religion? Does the author of our lesson recognize "false religion" and  what it means to persecute them? What happened in the fifth and sixth  trumpets? It was Islam persecuting professing Christians. God used Islam to block the spread of the papacy and kept them occupied so the Protestant "religion" could succeed. The reformation was given an opportunity to grow when the papal armies were fighting the hordes of Muslims. Which religion was persecuting who?

What shall we do with ISIS? Some like Obama say it is not Islam. Is it no religion at all? That is a ridiculous  statement. Of course it is a religious group that calls themselves the  Islamic State. Shall we not make war  against them? What does it mean to persecute? It has a broad definition, does it not? Shall we speak against allowing ISIS  members to remain citizens if in our country? Should they be jailed or executed. Prejudice, persecution of religion?  We must seek to understand what God has  called us to  be and to  do. We must study for ourselves, for there is so much false teaching, we shall be deceived  if we rely upon others to tell us what God wants.

Even amongst ISIS there may be one who can be saved. Our justified prejudice against ISIS ought not stop us from wanting to save the lost. An evil culture is no reason to not love the sinner. Can we see  the need to question what we are being taught? Turn to Scripture, not to man. God sends teachers who will point us to Jesus and His Word, but we must be reading the  Bible to know who it is that comes from God and who does not.

"Paul was led and taught by the Holy Spirit; but, notwithstanding this, those who were not thus taught were filled with jealousy and malice when they saw him advocating truths which they had not sanctioned. They were determined that he should move no faster than they. Had they, like the noble Bereans, searched the Scriptures with a humble, teachable spirit, they would have learned the truth as Paul preached it; but they studied only to find something to sustain themselves and condemn him."  LP 279.

Have a blessed Sabbath dear brothers and sisters. Jesus is coming soon!!