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Study => Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School Lesson => Topic started by: Wally on June 28, 2013, 03:31:40 PM

Title: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on June 28, 2013, 03:31:40 PM
Quarter 3, 2013

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Revival and Reformation





by: Mark Finley


In every generation, God’s Spirit strives to bring revival to the hearts of His people. Revival is an ongoing, daily experience. Each of us should identify with an old hymn that says: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” Deep within, we know these words are true.

Our hearts are, indeed, prone to wander. Our minds drift from the eternal to the mundane. Our thoughts turn so easily from the heavenly to the earthly. Too often we seem to be in bondage to deeply entrenched habits. At times our own attitudes and reactions baffle us.

And that’s because, as the result of sin, our natures are fallen (Jer. 17:9). Our natural tendency is to turn from God’s way to our own (Isa. 53:6). With the apostle Paul we cry out, “O wretched man that I am” (Rom. 7:24), and with David we plead, “Revive me, O LORD, according to your lovingkindness” (Ps. 119:159, NKJV).

Revival is all about a God of lovingkindness seeking to deepen His relationship with us. The initiative in revival is His. His Spirit creates longings within us. His Spirit convicts us of our need. His Spirit reveals Jesus’ goodness and grace.

Throughout history, God’s Spirit has moved mightily in revival. When Israel drifted from God’s plan and purposes, God used the young King Josiah to lead the nation back to Him, and a mighty revival followed. At the dedication of the temple, God said to Solomon: “ ‘If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land’ ” (2 Chron. 7:14, NKJV). God’s heart longing was for Israel to meet the conditions of revival, experience the power of revival, and reveal the light of His love to the entire world.

When God’s people responded to His appeals for revival, He worked mightily in their behalf. This was true for the New Testament Christian church, the Reformation, and the Advent Movement. It will also be true for God’s end-time people. His Holy Spirit will be poured out in its fullness and the earth will be “illuminated with his glory” (Rev. 18:1, NKJV).

This quarter’s lessons focus on the varied aspects of revival and reformation. Together we will probe such questions as, What are the conditions that God has given for the outpouring of His Spirit? Is God waiting for some magical moment to pour out His Spirit on His last-day church? What does it mean to live a Spirit filled life? Is there anything we can do to cooperate with God in order to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit now? Where does revival and reformation begin?

Ellen G. White described the importance of revival in these words: “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs.”- Selected Messages, book 1, p. 121. Heaven places priority on revival. What could be more important? This quarter, as we study such topics as prayer and revival, the Word and revival, witnessing and revival, a finished work and revival, and other related subjects, let us pray that God will powerfully speak to our hearts and draw us closer to Him.

Why not open your heart to the moving of His Spirit right now? Why not ask Him to do something extra special in your life today? He will answer your prayers, and heavenly blessings will flow in ways that you have not yet imagined.

A native of Connecticut, USA, Mark Finley, an internationally known evangelist, was a vice president at the General Conference from 2005-2010. After retiring from full-time employment, he became an assistant to the president of the General Conference to work part-time with the Revival and Reformation initiative. Pastor Finley and his wife, Ernestine, have three children and two grandchildren.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on June 28, 2013, 03:33:20 PM
Lesson 1 June 29-July 5

Revival: Our Great Need

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read  for This Week's Study: Rev. 3:14-21, Heb. 12:7-11, Matt. 25:1-13, Zech. 3:1-5, Song of Sol. 5:2-5.

Memory Text: “ ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me’ ” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV).

Laodicea is the last church in Revelation’s sequence of seven churches. The name means, “a people judged.” It is also a fitting symbol for God’s last-day people.

Laodicea was located in an open valley in southwestern Turkey. It was an important financial capital, a fashion mecca, and an educational and medical center. Its inhabitants were independent, self-confident, and rich.

The one vital natural resource that the city lacked, however, was water. The water was piped in via Roman aqueducts from a spring five miles south of the city. By the time the water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm. Jesus used that symbolism to represent the lukewarm condition of His last-day church, described as self-confident, complacent, apathetic, and spiritually indifferent. It is a church that has lost its passion. It is a church that needs a spiritual revival.

Nevertheless, the Laodicean message is filled with hope. Christ speaks to His people in love, offering to meet their heart needs and revive their deepest spiritual longings.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 6.

SUNDAY June 30

Hope for Lukewarm Laodiceans

Jesus addresses each of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 with a title of Himself that is appropriate for their spiritual condition. The titles He uses in His message to the church of Laodicea ring with the assurance of spiritual renewal for all those who will heed His call.

Read the following Bible passages (Rev. 3:14-15; 2 Cor. 1:20; John 3:10, 11; Col. 1:13-17). Why do you think that Jesus used the titles “the Amen,” “the faithful and true witness,” and “the beginning of the creation of God” to address the Laodicean church?

In Revelation 3:14, the Greek word for “beginning” is arche. It can mean “beginning,” in the sense that the one to whom it refers is the beginner of the event or action. In this context, arche refers to Jesus as the Beginner, or the first cause of all creation. In other words, He is the Creator (John 1:1-3; Eph. 3:8-9).

This is extremely significant. Jesus, the One who spoke and worlds came into being, the One who created the earth, the One who spoke life into existence-this same Jesus speaks hope to Laodicea. The all-powerful Creator can create new life. He can recreate new spiritual longings in our hearts. He can transform our spiritual lives.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 6:14-15. What do these texts mean to you personally?

Why is the Laodicean message a message of hope? What is it about the introduction to this message of strong rebuke that encourages you? Which of the three titles of Jesus do you personally identify with the most, and why?

MONDAY July 1

A Loving Rebuke

Read Revelation 3:15-16. Why does Jesus give the Laodicean church such a strong rebuke? What does it mean to be lukewarm? What other words might Jesus have used in place of “lukewarm”?

Commenting on Revelation 3:15-16, Ellen G. White states: “The message to the Laodicean church applies most decidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth.”- The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 962. This is a fascinating statement. An insipid religious experience is one that is lifeless. It has the outer husk of Christianity but lacks the substance. It has the external form but lacks the living power. The Laodiceans are not heretics or fiery fanatics; they are, simply, spiritually indifferent. The Laodiceans appear to be good moral people. They have what Paul calls, “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5, NKJV). Jesus speaks of religious people in His day who “draw near to [Him] with their mouth and honor [Him] with their lips, but their heart is far from [Him]” (Matt. 15:8, NKJV).

Read Hebrews 12:7-11; Job 5:17-19; Psalm 94:12; and Proverbs 29:15, 17, and describe God’s purpose in His rebukes.

Our Lord loves His people too much to let them go easily to perdition. He will do whatever it takes to rekindle a spiritual flame in their hearts. His strong rebuke is because of a stronger love. His chastisement is only because of His longing to heal us. The prophet Hosea echoes this sentiment with this call to repentance: “Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up” (Hos. 6:1, NKJV).

Has God ever used painful, even embarrassing, experiences to humble you and draw you closer to Him? What did you learn from these experiences that, ideally, ensures you won’t have to go through them again?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on June 28, 2013, 03:35:01 PM
TUESDAY July 2

Perception and Reality

There is a gap between what Laodicea says and does. There is an even greater gap between the spiritual experience that Laodicea thinks she has and what she actually does have .

Read Revelation 3:17. What is Laodicea’s evaluation of herself? What is our Lord’s assessment of her? How do you think a people could be so blinded to their true spiritual condition? In what ways might we be blind regarding our own spiritual condition?

One of Satan’s fatal deceptions is to blind us to the reality of our spiritual needs. Some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were blind to their own spiritual poverty. They were Bible-reading, Sabbath-keeping, tithe-paying “church” members looking for the coming of the Messiah. Yet, many were in darkness regarding the type of spiritual kingdom that He would usher in. Jesus called them “blind guides” (Matt. 23:24). Paul writes to the church at Corinth about those “whose minds the god of this age has blinded” (2 Cor. 4:4, NKJV). This is why Jesus said that He came for the “‘recovery of sight to the blind’” (Luke 4:18, NKJV). Jesus will restore the spiritual eyesight that we have lost if we allow Him. Every time that Jesus opened blind eyes in the New Testament, He was revealing His desire to open the eyes of our minds in order to enable us to see Him clearly.

Read Matthew 25:1-13. What are the similarities between the foolish virgins and the members of the church at Laodicea?

What ways have you found to keep spiritually alert? Why do you think it is so easy to become spiritually indifferent? What are some ways to counteract religious apathy?

WEDNESDAY July 3

The Divine Remedy

There is hope for Laodicea, just as there is hope for all who are afflicted with spiritual apathy and in-difference. Our Lord has the divine remedy. The fact that the Lord speaks to this church shows that hope for the church exists if His people accept and follow His counsel .

Reflect on Jesus’ counsel in Revelation 3:18-19. What does Jesus mean when He talks about “gold refined in the fire,” being clothed in “white garments,” and our eyes being anointed with “eye salve”? (See also 1 Pet. 1:7, Zech. 3:1-5, Rev. 19:7-9, Eph. 4:30.)

“Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul-temple, proclaiming, ‘I stand at the door, and knock.’ As a heavenly merchantman, he opens his treasures, and cries, ‘Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.’ The gold he offers is without alloy, more precious than that of Ophir; for it is faith and love.

“The white raiment he invites the soul to wear is his own robes of righteousness, and the oil for anointing is the oil of his grace, which will give spiritual eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the spirit of the enemy. Open your doors, says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritual riches, and transact your business with me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of me.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Aug. 7, 1894.

Ellen G. White quotes Revelation 3:20, saying of Jesus, “‘I stand at the door, and knock.’” Jesus knocks; He doesn’t break down the door and force His way in. What this means is that, in the end, regardless of what God is willing to do for us, we must make the choice to let Him in. Ask yourself, “How resistant am I to opening the door to Him?” If you are resistant, ask yourself, “Why?” What is holding you back? What sin, what indulgence, don’t you want to let go of, or what is it that you find so hard to let go of?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on June 28, 2013, 03:36:33 PM
THURSDAY July 4

A Relentless Love

Compare Revelation 3:20 to Song of Solomon 5:2-5. What similarities do you find in both instances? What do these passages reveal about God’s love?

The evening meal in the Middle East was and still is extremely important. When the work of the day was over and the men returned from the fields for the evening meal, the entire family gathered around the table. In most instances the extended family lived together. The number at the evening meal often would be quite large. Grandfather and grandmother, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nephews and cousins, adults and children might be present. In this grand reunion after a hard day’s work, stories were told, experiences shared, and counsel given. It was a time of fellowship. It was a time of warmth and family intimacy. Jesus longs to have fellowship like this with us, as well.

How does Christ’s promise in Revelation 3:21 reveal His heartfelt desire for each one of us?

The book of Revelation mentions God’s throne more than 40 times. This is more than any other book of the Bible. At God’s throne, we join in with the heavenly chorus and joyously proclaim: “ ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing’ ” (Rev. 5:12, NKJV). He promises that we can participate in this grand festive scene of rejoicing once the long saga of sin ends.

Christ uses His greatest motivation for His indifferent end-time people. The greatest motivation to wake us from spiritual slumber is Jesus’ endless love, for He longs to spend all eternity with us. If that is not enough to shake us out of our spiritual apathy, what is? If that is not enough to bring us to our knees, seeking revival, what will?

His love has provided eternity for us. We have royal blood running through our veins. We are sons and daughters of the King of the universe. We can reign with Him, seated upon His throne forever.

Christ longs to be in fellowship with you. How much do you want to be in fellowship with Him? The answer is simple. How much time do you spend in prayer and fellowship with the Lord? What does your answer tell you about yourself and, perhaps, just how lukewarm you might be?

FRIDAY July 5

Further Study: “A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Feb. 25, 1902.

“The counsel of the True Witness is full of encouragement and comfort. The churches may yet obtain the gold of truth, faith, and love, and be rich in heavenly treasure. ‘Buy of me gold that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.’ The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ that may be wrought into the character. Purity of heart, purity of motive, will characterize everyone who is washing his robe, and making it white in the blood of the Lamb.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 24, 1888.
Discussion Questions:

    What is so dangerous about being lukewarm? Why can it lead us so easily to spiritual self-deception?

    Why do some Christians seem so radiant and others so indifferent? Is it a matter of different personality types, or is there something deeper? If so, what?

    Discuss with your class ways in which to avoid becoming spiritually indifferent. How can we keep our spiritual experience vibrant and growing? What are things that we can do as a church body, as a whole, to protect ourselves from becoming “lukewarm”?

    Why do you think God would rather have us “cold” than “lukewarm”? Why isn’t being lukewarm better than being flat-out cold? Hint: what’s more comfortable, being lukewarm or being cold?

Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on June 29, 2013, 09:48:57 PM
We begin a new quarter today. Are you excited that Mark Finley is teaching? We ought to be. The subject of this quarter's study is revival and reformation. After a long dry spell of not hearing about our need for revival and reformation, the call has gone forth throughout the world church. Here is a short message from the president the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Ted Wilson.



Mark Finley is a special assistant to Pastor Wilson working on revival and reformation in our church. He asks us in a message given to the church, what is it that causes a Christian to be vibrant and alive in Jesus and others to be spiritually dead? And what is it that causes some churches to be spiritually alive and others to be spiritually dead? Here is Pastor Finley's message on Revival and Reformation that will help us to better understand the burden God has placed on his heart as he prepared this quarter's Sabbath School lessons.  Revival and Reformation (http://www.revivalandreformation.org/seeking-finley)

Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on June 29, 2013, 09:57:07 PM
SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read  for This Week's Study: Rev. 3:14-21, Heb. 12:7-11, Matt. 25:1-13, Zech. 3:1-5, Song of Sol. 5:2-5.

Memory Text: 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.  Revelation 3:20

This is where Jesus stands in relationship to most in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Is He in your heart or is He knocking on the door of your heart?

Laodicea is the last church in Revelation’s sequence of seven churches. The name means, “a people judged.” It is also a fitting symbol for God’s last-day people.

Laodicea was located in an open valley in southwestern Turkey. It was an important financial capital, a fashion mecca, and an educational and medical center. Its inhabitants were independent, self-confident, and rich.

The one vital natural resource that the city lacked, however, was water. The water was piped in via Roman aqueducts from a spring five miles south of the city. By the time the water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm. Jesus used that symbolism to represent the lukewarm condition of His last-day church, described as self-confident, complacent, apathetic, and spiritually indifferent. It is a church that has lost its passion. It is a church that needs a spiritual revival.

Nevertheless, the Laodicean message is filled with hope. Christ speaks to His people in love, offering to meet their heart needs and revive their deepest spiritual longings.

Amen!  Let us read for ourselves what Jesus says to us today. It is very hard to misunderstand what He means. As we study the lesson this week, we shall see that others have understood what He means. As a people, we are in a lost condition even though we believe we are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing. While this is a strong rebuke, it is also a strong encouragement in that Jesus tells us how we may be converted.

  3:14   And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 
  3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 
  3:16   So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 
  3:17   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: 
  3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
  3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 
  3:20   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. 
  3:21   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. 
  3:22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on June 29, 2013, 10:31:18 PM
SUNDAY June 30

Hope for Lukewarm Laodiceans


Jesus addresses each of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 with a title of Himself that is appropriate for their spiritual condition. The titles He uses in His message to the church of Laodicea ring with the assurance of spiritual renewal for all those who will heed His call.

Read the following Bible passages

Rev. 3:14-15
  3:14   And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 
  3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 

2 Cor. 1:20
  1:20   For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 

John 3:10, 11
  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. 

Col. 1:13-17
  1:13   Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: 
  1:14   In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: 
  1:15   Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 
  1:16   For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 
  1:17   And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.   

Why do you think that Jesus used the titles “the Amen,” “the faithful and true witness,” and “the beginning of the creation of God” to address the Laodicean church?

In Revelation 3:14, the Greek word for “beginning” is arche. It can mean “beginning,” in the sense that the one to whom it refers is the beginner of the event or action. In this context, arche refers to Jesus as the Beginner, or the first cause of all creation. In other words, He is the Creator (John 1:1-3; Eph. 3:8-9).

This is extremely significant. Jesus, the One who spoke and worlds came into being, the One who created the earth, the One who spoke life into existence-this same Jesus speaks hope to Laodicea. The all-powerful Creator can create new life. He can recreate new spiritual longings in our hearts. He can transform our spiritual lives.

Amen!  He tells us that since He was lifted up, He is drawing all men unto Himself. He promises that He will save us if we will stop resisting His calling and His love. He tells us that He is not sitting waiting to destroy us, or waiting for us to come to Him, but rather He is actively drawing us, to Himself. He did not just suffer and die for us, but He is a "living high priest" that is standing at the door knocking, wanting in. Why not ask Him in?

Read

2 Corinthians 5:17
  5:17   Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Galatians 6:14-15
 6:14   But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 
  6:15   For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 

One may work and work and work, and it will avail nothing. But, if we will allow Christ to possess our hearts, then He will make us new creatures, He will fill us with His Spirit. See Ezekiel 36:26 and 27.

What do these texts mean to you personally?

Why is the Laodicean message a message of hope? What is it about the introduction to this message of strong rebuke that encourages you? Which of the three titles of Jesus do you personally identify with the most, and why?

Do you see the Laodicean message as "present truth"?  Do you see the message as a strong rebuke to our church today? Do you see that Christ does not intend to discourage us with His message, but to encourage us? Why would anyone be encouraged by a strong rebuke? Has a prophet said anything about the Seventh-day Adventist Church and this message?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: JimB on June 30, 2013, 07:12:27 AM
Why do you think that Jesus used the titles “the Amen,” “the faithful and true witness,” and “the beginning of the creation of God” to address the Laodicean church?

1 - "the Amen".    If my understanding is correct that the word "amen" means "so be it" then I believed He used this title to show us that He is the one who declares all things as they were, are, and will be. Even declaring that He is willing to give anyone a new heart.

2 - "the faithful and true witness"     I think He used this title because He tells us exactly how things are. Good or bad. He doesn't play things down or up. It's not love to Not rebuke a child who wishes to run into a busy street.

3 - “the beginning of the creation of God”   I think He used this title to wake up the sleepers as to who they are ignoring. The Author and Finisher of our faith. The Creator of all things especially including the new heart that He so much desires us to have as a gift from Him! Imagine a personal gift directly from the Creator of the universe to you personally!
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on June 30, 2013, 08:34:17 AM
Amen, Jim!!  The Creator God is our friend.  Even more than this, He became our Brother. He is forever linked to humanity. Such a humiliation!!  He stands at the door knocking!!!  He loves us and gave Himself for us.

The term "the righteousness of Christ" has been used to justify sin. But, when properly understood it is so beautiful and meaningful. The righteousness of Christ is seen in the character of our God. The great revelation of His character is just what Jim is sharing. That God would condescend to become one of us, to take upon Himself the "likeness of sinful flesh".  We take too much for granted and miss the great blessing of seeing Christ's righteousness for what it really is. It is the grace that transforms the life of the sinner. It is the center of the Latter Rain.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on June 30, 2013, 11:15:01 AM
Many have opportunity today to study this week's lesson. Often we look to man for our wisdom instead of going directly to God. He has inspired some writers in order that we might know His will, rather than that of erring humans. The Laodicean message is one of three messages to be given in His church. Thus, it would be good to know not only the message, but what He has said about it, what is its purpose, and if it will accomplish the task for which it was given. Rather than use my words, let's read what God has inspired for us to know about this important message.

The Laodicean Church

Dear Brethren and Sisters: The Lord has again visited me in much mercy. I have been greatly afflicted for a few months past. Disease has pressed heavily upon me. For years I have been afflicted with dropsy and disease of the heart, which has had a tendency to depress my spirits and destroy my faith and courage. The message to the Laodiceans has not accomplished that zealous repentance among God's people which I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make continual progress upon me, and I thought that I must lie down in the grave. I had no desire to live, therefore I could not take hold of faith and pray for my recovery. Often when I retired to rest at night I realized that I was in danger of losing my breath before morning. In this state I fainted at midnight. Brethren Andrews and Loughborough were sent for, and earnest petitions were offered to God in my behalf. The depression, the heavy weight, was lifted from my aching heart, and I was taken off in vision, and shown the things which I now present before you. 
 
I saw that Satan had been trying to drive me to discouragement and despair, to make me desire death rather than life. I was shown that it was not God's will that I should now cease from the work and lie down in the grave; for then the enemies of our faith would triumph, and the hearts of God's children would be made sad. I saw that I should often feel anguish of spirit, and should suffer much; yet I had the promise that those around me would encourage and help me, that my courage and strength might not fail while I was so fiercely buffeted by the devil. 

I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and His people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, God would have wrought for His people in greater power. Yet the efforts made since the message has been given, have been blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth. 

God will prove His people. Jesus bears patiently with them, and does not spew them out of His mouth in a moment. Said the angel: "God is weighing His people." If the message had been of as short duration as many of us supposed, there would have been no time for them to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, and excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work which God designed that it should. God reads the heart. Lest His people should be deceived in regard to themselves, He gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and then proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness.

God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: "God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people." Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: "They are joined to their idols, let them alone," and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.

God proves His people in this world. This is the fitting-up place to appear in His presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, persons will show what power affects their hearts and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him noblehearted and generous, like his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions. 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith; and it is a fearful fact that many are leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an old experience which they had years ago; but when brought down to this heart-searching time, when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate. They seem to think that a profession of the truth will save them. When they subdue those sins which God hates, Jesus will come in and sup with them and they with Him. They will then draw divine strength from Jesus, and will grow up in Him, and be able with holy triumph to say: "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors of religion had never named His name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers of Jesus. They are a stumbling block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips, while their heart is far from Him. 1T 188

None need ever wonder what the Laodicean message means, to whom it is addressed, and if it will be successful. This quarter's study is sitting squarely on what is so precisely explained in this inspired message to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

What are we being told is the purpose of the message and will it be successful?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 01, 2013, 08:50:32 PM
MONDAY July 1

A Loving Rebuke


Read Revelation 3:15-16.

  3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 
  3:16   So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 


Why does Jesus give the Laodicean church such a strong rebuke? What does it mean to be lukewarm? What other words might Jesus have used in place of “lukewarm”?

Commenting on Revelation 3:15-16, Ellen G. White states: “The message to the Laodicean church applies most decidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth.”- The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 962. This is a fascinating statement. An insipid religious experience is one that is lifeless. It has the outer husk of Christianity but lacks the substance. It has the external form but lacks the living power. The Laodiceans are not heretics or fiery fanatics; they are, simply, spiritually indifferent. The Laodiceans appear to be good moral people. They have what Paul calls, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3:5. Jesus speaks of religious people in His day who "draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."  Matt. 15:8.

The author of the lesson is brave, bold, and accurate. For how many years has the church waited for leadership to give the correct Laodicean message?

Read

Hebrews 12:7-11
  12:7   If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 
  12:8   But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 
  12:9   Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 
  12:10   For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness. 
  12:11   Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

Job 5:17-19
  5:17   Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: 
  5:18   For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. 
  5:19   He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 

Psalm 94:12
94:12   Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Proverbs 29:15, 17
  29:15   The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 
  29:16   When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 
  29:17   Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 

Such a blessing to have such good Bible quotes to learn from!

Describe God’s purpose in His rebukes.

Our Lord loves His people too much to let them go easily to perdition. He will do whatever it takes to rekindle a spiritual flame in their hearts. His strong rebuke is because of a stronger love. His chastisement is only because of His longing to heal us. The prophet Hosea echoes this sentiment with this call to repentance: "Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.' Hos. 6:1.

Has God ever used painful, even embarrassing, experiences to humble you and draw you closer to Him? What did you learn from these experiences that, ideally, ensures you won’t have to go through them again?

That would be really good if we learned the first time. I don't know about others, but being chastised once did not work for me. From what I hear and see in the church, it appears that many don't learn the first, second, or third time.  God is long-suffering and He continues to patiently labor with His people. How has God chastised you?  Did you know it came from the Lord?  Was it Satan punishing sin with sin? Or did God intervene Himself?  Has He withheld a blessing as a chastisement? How do we tell chastisement from tribulation that is not chastisement?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 02, 2013, 08:33:40 AM
What is the purpose of chastisement? Do we see this in Scripture? How about when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Why did he do that? And why did the serpents come into the camp of the Israelites? Did God send them? Did Satan send them? Was 9/11 chastisement? If so, God did not do it. Share with us the underlying principles so that when God is blamed for many bad thing that are happening and are going to happen in the future, you can explain to those who think God is doing it because the Sun Day has been defiled, that He is  not. It is true that God destroyed every living thing on this Earth except what was in the oceans and what was on the ark, but God did not destroy the Trade Towers. God is depending upon you and me to teach correct doctrine about His rebukes. Satan has maligned His character and continues to do so. We are to be His witnesses and teachers of the truth regarding His character. We know that God is not going to burn the wicked for eternity. The subject of the chastisement of sinners is just as important to teach correctly so that God's character is not maligned.

We remembered what sorrow and suffering might have been our portion. Twenty-eight years ago, when the train was wrecked three miles from Jackson, there was heard, not the moaning of dumb animals, but the groans and shrieks of wounded and dying human beings; and the next morning, as we took the cars to pursue our journey, we had on board the coffins of the dead, who, only a few hours before, had been as full of life and hope as any of us who were on the train. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them;" and we felt that our safety on this occasion was due to the protection of heavenly messengers.

How carefully should we avoid mirth and unbecoming levity on the cars, on the boat, wherever we may be; for the daily record of disasters shows that there is no safety anywhere. Even in our homes we are in danger; for storms, floods, and fire are sweeping off thousands, while earthquakes are destroying additional thousands. If there ever was a time when we should be sober and watch unto prayer, it is now. Our lives are safe only when hid with Christ in God. We need every day to purify ourselves even as he is pure. There is always hope for us in God. Faith is our defense, for it connects our human weakness with divine power. Men may laugh at our credulity in believing that angels of God were commissioned to avert a terrible calamity; but I am just simple enough to believe it, and this faith I shall cherish. I believe that God delivered us from what Satan would have been glad to make a terrible calamity.  RH, January 29, 1884

And when San Francisco was hit by earthquake and fire  in 1906, was it God or Satan that caused this? Was it a warning or did it just happen? We cannot always tell, but we have enough light to be able to teach the truth about the character of our God.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 02, 2013, 05:22:50 PM
What is the purpose of chastisement?

It is a correction revealed to bring us back to right living with God. It has been my experience that God has used His word and His people to bring this about, to show me where I am off track.

Hebrews 12:7-11
  12:7   If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
  12:8   But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
  12:9   Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
  12:10   For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.
  12:11   Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 02, 2013, 05:30:17 PM


This is where Jesus stands in relationship to most in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Is He in your heart or is He knocking on the door of your heart?

That is the question. In our hearts is where He should be, yet for a while He has been standing outside the door of our hearts knocking.


Quote

 As a people, we are in a lost condition even though we believe we are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing. While this is a strong rebuke, it is also a strong encouragement in that Jesus tells us how we may be converted.

  3:14   And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 
  3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 
  3:16   So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 
  3:17   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: 
  3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
  3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 
  3:20   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. 
  3:21   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. 
  3:22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

Amen and this is why this series of lessons is so important. The rebuke stings, but I'll tell you face to face, I want to know what I must do to be saved. Revelation 3 tells us. He would not have us guessing. What gratitude!
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 02, 2013, 05:39:35 PM
Commenting on Revelation 3:15-16, Ellen G. White states: “The message to the Laodicean church applies most decidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth.”- The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 962. This is a fascinating statement. An insipid religious experience is one that is lifeless. It has the outer husk of Christianity but lacks the substance. It has the external form but lacks the living power. The Laodiceans are not heretics or fiery fanatics; they are, simply, spiritually indifferent. The Laodiceans appear to be good moral people. They have what Paul calls, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3:5. Jesus speaks of religious people in His day who "draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."  Matt. 15:8.

I do not recall reading her comments including "insipid." And yes, it is a fascinating statement. While reading the rest of Elder Finley's commentary, that is who we are! Woe, woe, woe! Lifeless ... lacking in substance, no living power, spiritual indifference. How often do we see the state of a particular situation and label it Laodicean, yet bundling our condition all together, it is exactly as he described it.

Cry to heaven!
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: JimB on July 02, 2013, 05:47:07 PM
It is a correction revealed to bring us back to right living with God. It has been my experience that God has used His word and His people to bring this about, to show me where I am off track.

I will not attempt to show you where you're wrong because I happen to believe the same. It is not love to not discipline a child who insists on running into a busy highway. However, I'm a little more interested in the following questions from Richard.

What is the purpose of chastisement? Do we see this in Scripture? How about when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Why did he do that? And why did the serpents come into the camp of the Israelites? Did God send them? Did Satan send them? Was 9/11 chastisement? If so, God did not do it. Share with us the underlying principles so that when God is blamed for many bad thing that are happening and are going to happen in the future, you can explain to those who think God is doing it because the Sun Day has been defiled, that He is  not. It is true that God destroyed every living thing on this Earth except what was in the oceans and what was on the ark, but God did not destroy the Trade Towers. God is depending upon you and me to teach correct doctrine about His rebukes. Satan has maligned His character and continues to do so. We are to be His witnesses and teachers of the truth regarding His character. We know that God is not going to burn the wicked for eternity. The subject of the chastisement of sinners is just as important to teach correctly so that God's character is not maligned....

And when San Francisco was hit by earthquake and fire  in 1906, was it God or Satan that caused this? Was it a warning or did it just happen? We cannot always tell, but we have enough light to be able to teach the truth about the character of our God.

I'm not going to pretend that I know these answers and I would like to. I have a friend who believes all these disasters in the US are God's judgments. I read an article years ago by a priest who said that 9/11 happened because Sunday is not kept holy. Richard stated that God did not destroy the trade towers and I have a tendency to lean in the same direction but I'm not sure that I could plainly state reasons from the Bible for that belief. Can one tell who causes disasters and if so how? What are the Biblical principles in discerning the truth?

However, I do not wish to high-jack this discussion on the Sabbath School to lesson to be only about this. Maybe should be discussed elsewhere?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 02, 2013, 05:47:49 PM
That would be really good if we learned the first time. I don't know about others, but being chastised once did not work for me. From what I hear and see in the church, it appears that many don't learn the first, second, or third time.  God is long-suffering and He continues to patiently labor with His people.

Yes, He is. I am from an Irish clan of Stewarts. Neither did we learn the first time. I recall difficult lessons from great-great grandfather and grandfather. God had to revisit us with chastisements, most times through His holy book and again, sometimes through His people. It is much easier to be quietly humbled before God rather than man, but sometimes it takes public humiliation for us to learn the lesson.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 02, 2013, 10:46:53 PM
What is the purpose of chastisement?

It is a correction revealed to bring us back to right living with God. It has been my experience that God has used His word and His people to bring this about, to show me where I am off track.

Mimi, you have been blessed if this is the extent of God's chastisement with you. Others are allowed to suffer great loss and or pain from either God's direct hand or Satan's hand. To be corrected by doctrine is a very gently rebuke.  I have suffered great loss because of my sin. God has let me reap what I have sowed when I have taken my eyes off of Him.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 02, 2013, 11:40:54 PM
What is the purpose of chastisement? Do we see this in Scripture? How about when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Why did he do that? And why did the serpents come into the camp of the Israelites? Did God send them? Did Satan send them? Was 9/11 chastisement? If so, God did not do it. Share with us the underlying principles so that when God is blamed for many bad thing that are happening and are going to happen in the future, you can explain to those who think God is doing it because the Sun Day has been defiled, that He is  not. It is true that God destroyed every living thing on this Earth except what was in the oceans and what was on the ark, but God did not destroy the Trade Towers. God is depending upon you and me to teach correct doctrine about His rebukes. Satan has maligned His character and continues to do so. We are to be His witnesses and teachers of the truth regarding His character. We know that God is not going to burn the wicked for eternity. The subject of the chastisement of sinners is just as important to teach correctly so that God's character is not maligned....

And when San Francisco was hit by earthquake and fire  in 1906, was it God or Satan that caused this? Was it a warning or did it just happen? We cannot always tell, but we have enough light to be able to teach the truth about the character of our God.

I'm not going to pretend that I know these answers and I would like to. I have a friend who believes all these disasters in the US are God's judgments. I read an article years ago by a priest who said that 9/11 happened because Sunday is not kept holy. Richard stated that God did not destroy the trade towers and I have a tendency to lean in the same direction but I'm not sure that I could plainly state reasons from the Bible for that belief. Can one tell who causes disasters and if so how? What are the Biblical principles in discerning the truth?

However, I do not wish to high-jack this discussion on the Sabbath School to lesson to be only about this. Maybe should be discussed elsewhere?

Jim, we won't high-jack the Sabbath School lesson, because the topic is "A Loving Rebuke".  As we have seen, it is not love to allow a child to go unrebuked. We are not "bastards" that the Lord would let us continue in sin unto our deaths. We are His children and He wants to help us. Thus, we see chastisement of people, cities, and nations all in an attempt to turn the sinner away from sin. It is out of love that God chastises His people. So, when the Trade Towers came down, what was God's part in it?  When God sent the great flood was it chastisement or something else?  We have not done a very good job of teaching in this area.  The lesson has opened the door for us to learn about chastisement. 

It is out of love. So when we see devastation on every hand, when we see cruelty to man and beast, we need to be careful as to who we say did it. Because this is a major concern in our day, we need to bring it into our discussion.  "When God's restraining hand is removed, the destroyer begins his work. Then in our cities the greatest calamities will come. Is this because people do not keep Sunday? No; but because men have trampled upon the law of Jehovah. The Lord is slow to anger. This should inspire the heart with gratitude. "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet" (Nahum 1:3).  3MR 314.

The desecration of the Sun Day will be be said to be why God is bringing judgments upon America. But, it is not so. Satan is attempting to cast blame upon both God and Seventh-day Adventists who keep the seventh day Sabbath according to Bible truth. This is the course taken in an attempt to justify making a Sunday law. To appease God's wrath because of Sun Day desecration. God allows Satan to do this because of the immorality in the land. Sin is being punished by sin, but it is at Satan's hand and with a specific purpose.

We see the same with the failure of David to deal properly with his children, in this case Amnon:

David had neglected the duty of punishing the crime of Amnon, and because of the unfaithfulness of the king and father and the impenitence of the son, the Lord permitted events to take their natural course, and did not restrain Absalom. When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God Himself will take the case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise which will punish sin with sin.  PP 728. 

This was chastisement of both father and son. As with the serpents in the wilderness, God removed His restraining power and the natural course of events takes place. In the case of the Trade Towers, some said God punished New York because of her iniquities. If so, it was God removing His restraining hand. He did not raise up Muslim terrorists to bring calamity upon New York. Satan did. And, if you want to see how clever Satan is, read a transcript of what Jerry Falwell said. All was true except for one transgression with which he accused New York. Satan laid the foundation for future events in that one untruth that Falwell attributed to NYC.

It is the character of God that we want to be correctly represented when we speak of punishment and chastisement. It is true that God will not forever hold back His wrath against the transgressors of His law. But, it is also true that He is perfectly just, "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." Exodus 34:7. 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 03, 2013, 01:36:30 AM
TUESDAY July 2

Perception and Reality


There is a gap between what Laodicea says and does. There is an even greater gap between the spiritual experience that Laodicea thinks she has and what she actually does have .

Read Revelation 3:17.

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: 

What is Laodicea’s evaluation of herself? What is our Lord’s assessment of her? How do you think a people could be so blinded to their true spiritual condition? In what ways might we be blind regarding our own spiritual condition?

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. What does this mean? What is the spiritual condition of all who do not recognize their need? Are the in a converted state or not? It may be easy to see others are blind, but do we ask God if we are spiritually blind? Have we understood this message and asked God to show us our own heart?

One of Satan’s fatal deceptions is to blind us to the reality of our spiritual needs. Some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were blind to their own spiritual poverty. They were Bible-reading, Sabbath-keeping, tithe-paying “church” members looking for the coming of the Messiah. Yet, many were in darkness regarding the type of spiritual kingdom that He would usher in. Jesus called them “blind guides” (Matt. 23:24). Paul writes to the church at Corinth about those “whose minds the god of this age has blinded” (2 Cor. 4:4, NKJV). This is why Jesus said that He came for the “‘recovery of sight to the blind’” (Luke 4:18, NKJV). Jesus will restore the spiritual eyesight that we have lost if we allow Him. Every time that Jesus opened blind eyes in the New Testament, He was revealing His desire to open the eyes of our minds in order to enable us to see Him clearly.

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

  25:1   Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 
  25:2   And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. 
  25:3   They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 
  25:4   But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 
  25:5   While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 
  25:6   And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 
  25:7   Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 
  25:8   And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 
  25:9   But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 
  25:10   And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 
  25:11   Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 
  25:12   But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 
  25:13   Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 
What are the similarities between the foolish virgins and the members of the church at Laodicea?

It is such a blessing to read the truth regarding this message from Jesus to us. Too long have "blind guides" led the church astray. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us a Sabbath School lesson that addresses the real need of our church. There are many in the church who are seeking truth. Now, they have it before them in a manner that can be understood. It is true that the Laodicean is blind and cannot see his own condition, but some will listen to the plea of Jesus and respond. This message will do its appointed work in the church.  Jesus is coming soon. Today is the day to open the eyes and heart to the message of God's love. This is what Jesus means when He says to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. Jesus stands at the door knocking, offering us faith that works by love, His love. He wants to give us His character and His Spirit. This is what it means to have revival and reformation. We must have Jesus. This is the reality of Christianity.

The five foolish virgins had lamps, they had Bibles with the truth. But, they did not let the truth take possession of the life. They were destitute of the character of God because they did not have His Spirit. They were not new creatures in Christ Jesus. So it is with the church member who is "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Like the foolish virgins who "took their lamps, and took no oil with them," the Laodicean has not the indwelling Spirit of God. Unless there is change, a new birth experience, the Lord will say unto them "I know you not" and they will be barred from entering heaven.

What ways have you found to keep spiritually alert? Why do you think it is so easy to become spiritually indifferent? What are some ways to counteract religious apathy?

The answer is always the same, we need Jesus all of the time, not part of the time. We need to make a full surrender to Him, allow Him into  our hearts, then cling to Him. God has given us the answer as to how to have this experience and how to maintain it. I know I sound like a broken record, but if ever there was an opportunity to express this truth, it is in this week's lesson. Not my words, but the Words of Jesus. "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Revelation 3:18-22.

If we want this experience, then do as Jesus said. He offers these free. Well...there is something that must be given in exchange, a sin polluted heart must be given up. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even the Son of Man must be lifted up."  He was lifted up and is drawing all men unto Himself. Cease resisting that love. Learn of His love, build up your faith. Gold tried in the fire is faith that works by His love. Behold Him lifted up upon the cross. Look and live!!  By beholding become changed into His image, His character. He offers us His white raiment. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Do what it says if you want to counteract religious apathy. "But we all....beholding....the glory of the Lord (His character), are changed into the same image(His character) from glory to glory....by the Spirit of the Lord."  It is an intellectual as well as a spiritual truth that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually assimilates itself to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence. The mind is "plastic" and changes according to what it beholds. Just as we are what we eat, so it is with the mind, it becomes changed according to what it beholds. What are we beholding daily? If it is Jesus, then we have chosen the good and God will take care of the rest. By His grace we shall be changed into His character and fitted for heaven. And while we are on this earth, we shall be His witnesses. Then our perception of our spiritual condition will be seen as it truly is. The blindness to our need of Jesus continually to do any good thing and enter heaven will be removed and we shall see the reality of the matter. Our perception will be correct. We will know of our fallen nature and our need of Jesus.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 04, 2013, 05:23:46 AM
 
Quote
What is Laodicea’s evaluation of herself? What is our Lord’s assessment of her? How do you think a people could be so blinded to their true spiritual condition? In what ways might we be blind regarding our own spiritual condition?

As I was studying on Laodicea I came across this statement in the Counsels to Writers and Editors page 99.   "I am commissioned now to say to our brethren, Humble yourselves, and confess your sins, else God will humble you. The message to the Laodicean church comes home to those who do not apply it to themselves. They are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. Saith the Lord, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth."  This was written to editors and contributors for the periodicals who it was stated did not think that the Laodicea message applied to them.

It seems to me that those who are rich and increased with goods would be the very last to think this message has any application for them. What does it mean to be rich and increased with goods? I would like to hear what others think on this.

We need to identify the problem before we can see if this has application for us personally.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: JimB on July 04, 2013, 06:58:27 AM
It seems to me that those who are rich and increased with goods would be the very last to think this message has any application for them. What does it mean to be rich and increased with goods? I would like to hear what others think on this.

We need to identify the problem before we can see if this has application for us personally.

Al, before I give you my 2 cents on your question I just want to say something else. I don't know anyone who likes reproof or to be rebuked. It is not a pleasant thing especially if it's truth. But for some reason and I can't put my finger on it I'm enjoying these lessons this week. While I enjoyed last quarters lessons very much I think this quarter is special.

Now on your question, Al. As I understand things people can be rich and increased with good both temporally and spiritually. When all is well temporally. When money doesn't seem to be a problem and you can afford the extras life seems very good. It's very easy sit back and think it will always be that way. When I was reading the lessons this week my mind went back to the great depression of the 30's. When the markets crashed and rich men saw their "portfolios" disappear over night many committed suicide. They never imagined a day could come where they'd have nothing and they lost all hope of recovery. Satan pulled the rug out from underneath them and they had nothing solid to stand on.

We can also be rich and increased with goods spiritually. A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other. And believing that knowing the truth is enough they sit back and enjoy life and it's benefits. But we all know that knowing isn't enough. Even the world has a saying that says....  "now I know and knowing is half the battle". People may know that smoking cigarettes is literally killing them but that doesn't stop them from smoking. This knowledge needs to be applied to our personal lives. It needs to find practical application.

I was trying to keep this post short but one last thought. In college some courses will have 2 kinds of tests. Written and practical. In order to pass the course the student must pass both the written and practical tests.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 04, 2013, 02:46:50 PM
Amen, Jim!  Al, you are right. Sometimes we see things so simply that we forget that others may not. The message from Jesus is very simply stated. Most understand it and make the application elsewhere, not thinking we need to see if it applies to us. What does it mean to be "rich and increased with goods"?

I think part of the answer is given in the text in context. "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."  "and in need of nothing" helps us to better understand what is being said about those in the church who are in a lost condition. Maybe if we work backwards it will help. When Jesus speaks to us, is He not speaking of our spiritual condition? Yes. So, when He says that the Laodicean is "in need of nothing", what does He mean?  Complacent to say the least. But, we want to get to the very bottom of the truth. What is it that the Laodicean needs, that he does not have?  And in a spiritual sense, what do Seventh-day Adventists have that the world and other churches do not have? Why are we "rich"?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 04, 2013, 03:02:31 PM
WEDNESDAY July 3

The Divine Remedy


There is hope for Laodicea, just as there is hope for all who are afflicted with spiritual apathy and in-difference. Our Lord has the divine remedy. The fact that the Lord speaks to this church shows that hope for the church exists if His people accept and follow His counsel .

Amen!!  The Laodicean message is full of hope. Jesus loves us. He does not treat us as "bastards". "If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." He rebukes us, then pleads with us to turn to Him.

Reflect on Jesus’ counsel in Revelation 3:18-19.

  3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
  3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 

What does Jesus mean when He talks about “gold refined in the fire,” being clothed in “white garments,” and our eyes being anointed with “eye salve”?

See also

1 Pet. 1:7
  1:7   That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

Zech. 3:1-5
  3:1   And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 
  3:2   And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 
  3:3   Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 
  3:4   And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. 
  3:5   And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. 

Rev. 19:7-9
  19:7   Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 
  19:8   And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 
  19:9   And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 

Eph. 4:30
  4:30   And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

“Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul-temple, proclaiming, ‘I stand at the door, and knock.’ As a heavenly merchantman, he opens his treasures, and cries, ‘Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.’ The gold he offers is without alloy, more precious than that of Ophir; for it is faith and love.

“The white raiment he invites the soul to wear is his own robes of righteousness, and the oil for anointing is the oil of his grace, which will give spiritual eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the spirit of the enemy. Open your doors, says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritual riches, and transact your business with me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of me.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Aug. 7, 1894.

Ellen G. White quotes Revelation 3:20, saying of Jesus, “‘I stand at the door, and knock.’” Jesus knocks; He doesn’t break down the door and force His way in. What this means is that, in the end, regardless of what God is willing to do for us, we must make the choice to let Him in. Ask yourself, “How resistant am I to opening the door to Him?” If you are resistant, ask yourself, “Why?” What is holding you back? What sin, what indulgence, don’t you want to let go of, or what is it that you find so hard to let go of?

Praise God for the truth being made plain, simple, and straight. This is the truth. Why are not all converted? Because true conversion requires two things that most are unwilling to do. To surrender pride and to make a sacrifice. The only solution to this selfishness is Christ. The answer is always the same, we need Jesus. He tells us what to do. Buy of Him faith the works by love, His love. He tells us to buy of Him white raiment, His character. He offers to us, Eyesalve, that we might see. Yes, the blind, through Christ might be healed. It is such a hopeful message to hear of Christ still standing at the door of the blind, the naked, the wretched, pleading for entrance into the hearts of those who are rejecting Him. He loves us despite our woeful condition as a people. Here is His promise to us "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:25-27.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 04, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
Wednesday

how are we to buy? How are we to receive the remedy?
are we even seeing the remedy? And maybe we are seeing the remedy but are we seeing it with both eyes?
maybe  we think the remedy was bought for us and therefore we really ought not to trouble ourself with going to the true physician.
how do we overcome these? Maybe we say that the Lords knows the entry into our hearts! So how is it that He asks us to open?
can we reason together? Can we show each other the folly of our ways? The pitfalls...?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 04, 2013, 08:05:23 PM
How haughty we are! All others are babylon we say. And yet together with the 3 angels message the Lord specifically says   Revelation 18:4: 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Does this mean anything to us.
our time should be comparable to the times of the apostles for we shall see God and be changed! Are we ready to see God? Can we in our state comprehend this daunting picture for if we could see God even with a tiny speck of sin we'd surely die for the Lord is light and darkness flees away from Him. Only Jesus can lead us into seeing God. Clothed in His righteousness we will see the father.
1 John 2:1-11: 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [...] 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. [...] 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

now do we walk like He did? For only then will we know that we abide in Him
 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 04, 2013, 08:25:49 PM
Thursday

Song of Solomon 5:2-5: 2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night. 3 I have put off my coat; how shall II put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? 4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole [of the door], and my bowels were moved for him. 5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
How much delight do wd have in the one who loves us? If sincere we would have openned the door yesterday Do we ever remember that this is a heavenly merchantman? And that the goods are free? For He already paid the ransom?
Revel[color=red]ation 3:20: 20 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. [/color]
  .
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 04, 2013, 08:44:25 PM

Quote
Al, before I give you my 2 cents on your question I just want to say something else. I don't know anyone who likes reproof or to be rebuked. It is not a pleasant thing especially if it's truth. But for some reason and I can't put my finger on it I'm enjoying these lessons this week. While I enjoyed last quarters lessons very much I think this quarter is special.

One thing I have realized over the years by both being a teacher and a student in Sabbath School is that I can gain more insights by getting people's two cents worth. I have been enjoying this lesson trying to make it practical so I can see if the shoe fits. Reproof goes against our nature and most of the time we don't like to see ourselves as being faulty especially if we are rich and increased with goods. I have been reproved many times during my Christian walk either by God's Word or by someone else administering the medicine. But the one point that helps us to take reproof is realizing that we are not perfect and admitting our weaknesses and desiring to be more like Christ.  

Quote
Now on your question, Al. As I understand things people can be rich and increased with good both temporally and spiritually. When all is well temporally. When money doesn't seem to be a problem and you can afford the extras life seems very good. It's very easy sit back and think it will always be that way. When I was reading the lessons this week my mind went back to the great depression of the 30's. When the markets crashed and rich men saw their "portfolios" disappear over night many committed suicide. They never imagined a day could come where they'd have nothing and they lost all hope of recovery. Satan pulled the rug out from underneath them and they had nothing solid to stand on.


Here is a good point. I would have leaned more towards the spiritual definition but wealth and a life of ease certainly can affect the spiritual life. The great depression is a another illustration to help us realize how the things of this world are not permanent. We need to be content with what have. Money or riches are not evil but it takes a very special person who can use it wisely and still keep their trust and faith in God.   

Quote
We can also be rich and increased with goods spiritually. A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other. And believing that knowing the truth is enough they sit back and enjoy life and it's benefits. But we all know that knowing isn't enough. Even the world has a saying that says....  "now I know and knowing is half the battle". People may know that smoking cigarettes is literally killing them but that doesn't stop them from smoking. This knowledge needs to be applied to our personal lives. It needs to find practical application.

This is so true knowing is not the same as doing. There is a statement that I shared from Desire of Ages sometime back on this forum which said "The greatest deception of the human mind is that a knowledge of the truth constitutes righteousness." This would be like a smoker thinking he or she is not smoking because they have knowledge of its affects.  This could be the real root of being rich and increased with goods.   

Quote
I was trying to keep this post short but one last thought. In college some courses will have 2 kinds of tests. Written and practical. In order to pass the course the student must pass both the written and practical tests.

Very good illustration very glad to hear they have practical tests. How does it work in the real world. I heard a story of a man who had stacks of magazines on how to build things and he could talk about how to build a shed to a birdhouse but he has never had a hammer in his hands. He was rich and knowledge and proud of it. This is what I think you are saying about Laodicea condition but it could go much deeper. If  others have some other comments on what it means to be rich and increased with goods it might help give us some other perspectives.  
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 04, 2013, 09:19:36 PM
Amen, Jim!  Al, you are right. Sometimes we see things so simply that we forget that others may not. The message from Jesus is very simply stated. Most understand it and make the application elsewhere, not thinking we need to see if it applies to us. What does it mean to be "rich and increased with goods"?

Richard we have heard the Laodicea message for years there was a time when I would have applied this message to certain people in the church but now I am asking "is it I". Sometimes I need to simplify it myself so I can take a personal spiritual assessment. If we don't understand what it is saying then we lose the opportunity to change. When I teach class I have discovered that when you ask a question that this is the first time people have heard it so it takes time for them to process it. Some teachers get nervous and answer the question themselves not giving others a chance to add their input.  I find that many have some great insights that make the lesson a blessing for myself and others.   

Quote
I think part of the answer is given in the text in context. "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."  "and in need of nothing" helps us to better understand what is being said about those in the church who are in a lost condition. Maybe if we work backwards it will help. When Jesus speaks to us, is He not speaking of our spiritual condition? Yes. So, when He says that the Laodicean is "in need of nothing", what does He mean?  Complacent to say the least. But, we want to get to the very bottom of the truth. What is it that the Laodicean needs, that he does not have?  And in a spiritual sense, what do Seventh-day Adventists have that the world and other churches do not have? Why are we "rich"?

You have posed some other questions by asking questions. If we don't know what the riches are then how do we know what we need? "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." Luke 5:31 I wonder if the being whole is the same as being rich and increased with goods?  Another point take for example the Pharisee who pays his tithe and goes to church and prays every day or maybe twice a day and even fasts twice a week. I wonder if this spiritual leader thinks he is complacent? JimB has offered some good thoughts on being "rich" but we still need to get some others ideas to help us identity the condition better. What are your thoughts?    
 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 04, 2013, 10:42:29 PM
If sincere we would have opened the door yesterday Do we ever remember that this is a heavenly merchantman? And that the goods are free? For He already paid the ransom?

Yes and no. wigina, Saul of Tarsus was sincere in his desire to serve God, but he set about to persecute those he deemed worthy of death because they followed Jesus. Many are not sincere, but the five foolish virgins are sincere, but being sincere will not get their lamps filled with oil. They must act on their sincerity. It may be that many are in a Laodicean condition which would allow for sincerity. Al asked the question what does it mean to be rich and increased with goods. While it seems a simple thing, I am thinking that maybe many do not understand?

Let's look at what Jim said

We can also be rich and increased with goods spiritually. A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other. And believing that knowing the truth is enough they sit back and enjoy life and it's benefits. But we all know that knowing isn't enough.

I think Jim has answered Al's question. Seventh-day Adventists are God's chosen people not because they live the truth, but because they have been entrusted with His truth.  And as a people we know it. How many other Christians know the Sabbath is the seventh day and it is still binding? How many really understand that the Lamb of God is Jesus and He had to die as shadowed forth in the Hebrew sanctuary? How many know that eating pig is harmful? How many know that eating cow is harmful? How many know that drinking cow milk is harmful and causing cancer? How many know that the righteousness of Christ will not cover one unconfessed and unforsaken sin? How many know that God sent a prophet in our day? Shall I go on? There is no need to. What Jim has said is true. "A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other." This is why we believe we are rich and increased with goods, spiritual goods, God's truth. I have a library of inspired books that few in the world have. They are in my native tongue, written in our day so that I can understand them without any difficulty. Rich is an understatement.

So, Jesus tells us that we think we are rich with these goods, but He added an important thought "and in need of nothing." Jim addressed this when he said that knowing the truth is not enough. He said that some fit this description "believing that knowing the truth is enough."  They do not know they need anything else. How very sad! Such a deception. Actually, they think they know the truth, but while they understand some doctrinal matters, not being converted, they lack spiritual discernment. So even with the light shining brightly, they do not understand the gospel message. They therefor believe they are converted when in fact they have not been. Such a deception!

Al points out that if we have not searched our own hearts and come to the conclusion we need Jesus all the time, every minute of every day, then the Laodicean message has not done its work in our own lives and we remain miserable, blind, and naked. The righteousness of Christ is not a robe that we wear until we see our need and flee to Christ for His grace.

We have only one more day to wrap up this week's lesson. So far, our discussion has been very good. Pastor Finley opened the door. We are so appreciative of this week's lesson.

Brother Al, I am sure that you have more to add to your thought about what it means to be rich and increased with goods. Share with us before time runs out on this week's lesson.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 04, 2013, 11:10:33 PM
THURSDAY July 4

A Relentless Love

Compare Revelation 3:20 to Song of Solomon 5:2-5.

 3:20   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. 

  5:2   I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. 
  5:3   I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? 
  5:4   My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. 
  5:5   I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. 

What similarities do you find in both instances? What do these passages reveal about God’s love?

The lesson got to the point, did it not?  How do these verses define "gold tried in the fire"?

The evening meal in the Middle East was and still is extremely important. When the work of the day was over and the men returned from the fields for the evening meal, the entire family gathered around the table. In most instances the extended family lived together. The number at the evening meal often would be quite large. Grandfather and grandmother, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nephews and cousins, adults and children might be present. In this grand reunion after a hard day’s work, stories were told, experiences shared, and counsel given. It was a time of fellowship. It was a time of warmth and family intimacy. Jesus longs to have fellowship like this with us, as well.

How does Christ’s promise in Revelation 3:21 reveal His heartfelt desire for each one of us?

3:21   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. 

The book of Revelation mentions God’s throne more than 40 times. This is more than any other book of the Bible. At God’s throne, we join in with the heavenly chorus and joyously proclaim: “ ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing’ ” (Rev. 5:12, NKJV). He promises that we can participate in this grand festive scene of rejoicing once the long saga of sin ends.

Christ uses His greatest motivation for His indifferent end-time people. The greatest motivation to wake us from spiritual slumber is Jesus’ endless love, for He longs to spend all eternity with us. If that is not enough to shake us out of our spiritual apathy, what is? If that is not enough to bring us to our knees, seeking revival, what will?

It is sad, but for some it is not enough. So, God gave us more. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." Jude 21-24.  The message in Revelation 14 that we are to take to the world mentions fire and brimstone. Shall we hide this truth from the world?  We put Jesus in the center of this message, speak of His love, but it would be unloving and unkind to hide the justice of God from the sinner.

His love has provided eternity for us. We have royal blood running through our veins. We are sons and daughters of the King of the universe. We can reign with Him, seated upon His throne forever.

Christ longs to be in fellowship with you. How much do you want to be in fellowship with Him? The answer is simple. How much time do you spend in prayer and fellowship with the Lord? What does your answer tell you about yourself and, perhaps, just how lukewarm you might be?

Amen!! By beholding we shall become changed. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes where we see the sacrifice He made that we might know of His love.  Are we doing that each day?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 04, 2013, 11:30:38 PM
I am sure we are on the same wave length, I was thinking of sincerity on these lines

1 John 2:6: 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

how do we treat each other and how do we treat others? Can there be a comparison made between what I do and maybe someone like Philip or barnabas?
increased with goods or ''seemingly '' increased with goods! Those nominal Adventists who only come for the ''D'' in SDA someone once said D here stands for devine service, can they quote from scripture? Can some of us quote from scripture like the waldensians commited entire books to memory? Sometimes it really is 'seemingly rich'' to me!
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 05, 2013, 12:52:01 AM
Yes, wigina, there is such a thing as nominal Seventh-day Adventists.  The Laodicean message is addressed to them.  But, there is a danger that we will think it applies to all others, but not to me. This is where it gets difficult. How do we know if it applies or does not apply to ourselves? It does not apply to all in the church. Not all are blind and naked. Some know their need and have died to self and are alive to Christ. These are not Laodiceans. Have we searched our own hearts to see if it applies? Surely it would be wise to do so. Then, how does one know if it applies to himself? How about this as a  preliminary test. I refuse to think that it might and do not ask God to search my heart as did David. Does that work for you, wigina? Are we on the same page? "Nominal" being those who have a name, but whose hearts are far from God, and refuse to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 05, 2013, 07:43:05 AM
The first thing I notice in this message to Laodicea that it is written to the church. The very first warning is against being lukewarm not being cold or hot. And because of this condition the angels says these kind of people will be vomit in his mouth and will be spit out. This is a very strong expression. 
Lukewarm is defined as being as church members who are rich and increased with goods having need of nothing. They don't know they are wretched and miserable, poor. blind and naked.

A similar religious group are also identified in Matthew 7:21-23  "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

They make reference to their good works which they feel gives them some entitlement to enter the kingdom of heaven. Then Christ says to them "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." This is very similar to being lukewarm and being spit or vomited out of the mouth of God. 

These people are very religious they use the Lord's name and they foretell future events and do mighty works for God. One main element that is lacking in their experience is they did not know Christ as a personal friend. Christ said "I don't even know who you are."

Being rich and increases with goods includes a great wealth of knowledge of the truth as mention by JimB.  But there is also an a abundance of good works "increased with goods." I think of the Pharisee who also made reference to his good works which in his mind made him feel superior to others. He had no love in his heart for Christ and esteemed himself better than others. His religion was one of externals. It is very easy to become satisfied with our attainments but still be missing the most important thing.

Richard if you don't mind we could come back to your list you gave from last week's lesson. A person can avoid listing to rock music, and eating cheese and read their bible every day and still be lukewarm. But the danger is here that we can easily think that doing all the right things constitutes conversion. So when you say they are not converted they say yes we are look at our good works.

Lukewarm could include have a abundance of spiritual truth as well many outward reforms in our lives but the reforms are central and not Christ.  A person can observe all the forms of religion and even be zealous and maintain the doctrines of the church and still be lukewarm.

I don't want to make this post to long and I am sure this still leaves us with some other thoughts. So before the day is over it might be good to spend some time on what it means to be wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Richard discussed this on Tuesdays lesson and some good points were made and other questions were asked. 

I think also of the publican in Luke 18:13 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." Is this your experience? How did the publican come to see himself in this light?
 







Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 05, 2013, 07:58:14 AM
Wednesday

how are we to buy? How are we to receive the remedy?

This is a good question. We are asked to buy in Revelation 3:18 and this is also mentioned in Isaiah 55:1 "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1

Why does God use the word "buy"? In Revelation we are to realize that we are poor, blind and naked so we can buy and in Isaiah we need to be thirsty before we can buy.  
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 05, 2013, 08:27:03 AM


I don't want to make this post to long and I am sure this still leaves us with some other thoughts. So before the day is over it might be good to spend some time on what it means to be wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Richard discussed this on Tuesdays lesson and some good points were made and other questions were asked. 


" What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness, of those who feel rich and increased with goods? It is the want of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condition they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with Christ's righteousness. . . . They may be crying, " The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we," while their hearts are filled with unholy traffic and unrighteous barter. The courts of the soul temple may be the haunt of envy, pride, passion, evil surmising, bitterness, and hollow formalism. Christ looks mournfully upon His professed people who feel rich and increased in the knowledge of the truth, and who are yet destitute of the truth in life and character."   {OHC 349.4}


We can also be rich and increased with goods spiritually. A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other. And believing that knowing the truth is enough they sit back and enjoy life and it's benefits. But we all know that knowing isn't enough.

I think Jim has answered Al's question. Seventh-day Adventists are God's chosen people not because they live the truth, but because they have been entrusted with His truth.  And as a people we know it. How many other Christians know the Sabbath is the seventh day and it is still binding? How many really understand that the Lamb of God is Jesus and He had to die as shadowed forth in the Hebrew sanctuary? How many know that eating pig is harmful? How many know that eating cow is harmful? How many know that drinking cow milk is harmful and causing cancer? How many know that the righteousness of Christ will not cover one unconfessed and unforsaken sin? How many know that God sent a prophet in our day? Shall I go on? There is no need to. What Jim has said is true. "A person can know (or posses) truth and even try to live like it. They can even have many friends who also know the truth and support each other." This is why we believe we are rich and increased with goods, spiritual goods, God's truth. I have a library of inspired books that few in the world have. They are in my native tongue, written in our day so that I can understand them without any difficulty. Rich is an understatement.

So, Jesus tells us that we think we are rich with these goods, but He added an important thought "and in need of nothing." Jim addressed this when he said that knowing the truth is not enough. He said that some fit this description "believing that knowing the truth is enough."  They do not know they need anything else. How very sad! Such a deception. Actually, they think they know the truth, but while they understand some doctrinal matters, not being converted, they lack spiritual discernment. So even with the light shining brightly, they do not understand the gospel message. They therefor believe they are converted when in fact they have not been. Such a deception!

Amen. In my mind, this sums it up.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 05, 2013, 09:24:35 AM

A similar religious group are also identified in Matthew 7:21-23  "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

They make reference to their good works which they feel gives them some entitlement to enter the kingdom of heaven. Then Christ says to them "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." This is very similar to being lukewarm and being spit or vomited out of the mouth of God. 

These people are very religious they use the Lord's name and they foretell future events and do mighty works for God. One main element that is lacking in their experience is they did not know Christ as a personal friend. Christ said "I don't even know who you are."

Being rich and increases with goods includes a great wealth of knowledge of the truth as mention by JimB.  But there is also an a abundance of good works "increased with goods." I think of the Pharisee who also made reference to his good works which in his mind made him feel superior to others. He had no love in his heart for Christ and esteemed himself better than others. His religion was one of externals. It is very easy to become satisfied with our attainments but still be missing the most important thing.

Richard if you don't mind we could come back to your list you gave from last week's lesson. A person can avoid listing to rock music, and eating cheese and read their bible every day and still be lukewarm. But the danger is here that we can easily think that doing all the right things constitutes conversion. So when you say they are not converted they say yes we are look at our good works.

Lukewarm could include have a abundance of spiritual truth as well many outward reforms in our lives but the reforms are central and not Christ.  A person can observe all the forms of religion and even be zealous and maintain the doctrines of the church and still be lukewarm.

I don't want to make this post to long and I am sure this still leaves us with some other thoughts. So before the day is over it might be good to spend some time on what it means to be wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Richard discussed this on Tuesdays lesson and some good points were made and other questions were asked. 

I think also of the publican in Luke 18:13 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." Is this your experience? How did the publican come to see himself in this light?

Amen, Al.   The publican was not in a Laodicean condition even though his church was. You ask about last week's lesson on Malachi where I commented about one group in the church who reject great light. Let's look at that comment which you wanted to return to. Actually while the part you referenced was about one group, the point I made involved both groups who are unconverted, not just those who oppose obedience.


There are two forks in the road, not just one. On the one road is dry formalism, or even Phariseeism. The other road more traveled is rock music, dancing, chicken, and cheese and a love, love, love that is full of hypocrisy.  God expects us to walk in the light of His counsel.  "The Lord expected the chosen nation and its leaders to obey His commands."

The liberals see the Phariseeism, the conservatives see the liberal rejections of obedience. There are two forks in the road and the Laodicean church does not see both forks. Satan cares not which fork is taken. It is never good enough to see the error on one side. This is what makes up Laodicea. It is so easy for the liberal to see the conservative who is a Pharisee. It is so easy for the conservative to see the liberal who says he is saved in his sin. But, the majority do not see their own sin, thus Laodicea. The road more traveled is the teaching that one is saved in sin. That one unknown sin does not reveal a separation from God and the need to be re-justified. But, the greater danger and more cloaked lie is that of the Pharisee who believes his "good works" will save him when in fact the heart is not fully given to God and the good works are not pure and holy, but defiled by selfishness. The only ones who will enter heaven will be those who are filled with the Spirit of God. If converted, they are born of His Spirit and will manifest His Spirit, all of the fruits of His Spirit, not one will be missing. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. How many are teaching this? How many sermons have preached this? How many books have you read that say this? If none, then we certainly are in a Laodicean condition. For this is the gospel message and it is "milk" not "meat". 

Shame on the Pharisees and shame on the Nicolaitanes. With the light so brightly shining on our path, there is no excuse at this late date to be so deceived. Go to the Bible for yourselves. Cease seeking the wisdom of man and drink from the pure fountains opened for sinners. Buy of Jesus gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. Jesus will heal us.  Then an end will come to the evil in this world. Until it does, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is responsible for all of the suffering and death that continues in this world. It ought to have ended many years ago. Jesus weeps......and stands at the door knocking. 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 05, 2013, 09:46:49 AM
FRIDAY July 5

There have been only a few times in my Christian life where I have been so encouraged as I am now. One was when Pastor Wilson addressed the World Church on the last Sabbath of the Atlanta General Conference Session. He called for revival and reformation. Now, we have Pastor Finley doing the same in our Sabbath School lesson. And,  now there is enough time to get to the very foundation of the Laodicean condition and the solution to it. I hope that many of you recognize what this means to the church, to the world, and to Jesus.

Further Study: “A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Feb. 25, 1902.

“The counsel of the True Witness is full of encouragement and comfort. The churches may yet obtain the gold of truth, faith, and love, and be rich in heavenly treasure. ‘Buy of me gold that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.’ The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ that may be wrought into the character. Purity of heart, purity of motive, will characterize everyone who is washing his robe, and making it white in the blood of the Lamb.”-Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 24, 1888.

Sadly, this is not what is believed by Laodicea. "True righteousness wrought into the character."  Not just outward obedience. "Purity of heart, purity of motive."  Show me the preaching and teaching of man where it is said.  Now, not just in the last generation. So very sad!! But, I am so encouraged because these passages where chosen in an effort to awaken a sleeping church to its condition. Pastor Finley must understand the true nature of conversion and thus the true meaning of the message in Revelation chapter three to the Laodicean church. As encouraging as is the message from Jesus, is the teaching of Pastor Finley. As we close this week's lesson, the first in this new quarter, say a prayer of thanksgiving for the faithful God has in His church.

I will leave Pastor Finley's closing questions for others to answer. Let us hear from some of the hundreds that are being blessed by reading this week's lesson. It is easy to register. Just click on "register" at the top of the page. We want to hear from you. We have members from around the world. Many are reading from around the world. Let us "press together" as we near the end. Share what God is teaching you. It will be a blessing for you and an encouragement for us all.


Discussion Questions:

    What is so dangerous about being lukewarm? Why can it lead us so easily to spiritual self-deception?

    Why do some Christians seem so radiant and others so indifferent? Is it a matter of different personality types, or is there something deeper? If so, what?

    Discuss with your class ways in which to avoid becoming spiritually indifferent. How can we keep our spiritual experience vibrant and growing? What are things that we can do as a church body, as a whole, to protect ourselves from becoming “lukewarm”?

    Why do you think God would rather have us “cold” than “lukewarm”? Why isn’t being lukewarm better than being flat-out cold? Hint: what’s more comfortable, being lukewarm or being cold?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 05, 2013, 12:11:06 PM
The path is narrow and very very rarely travelled. The journey is lonely if you love company! The way is full of thorns and briar! Yet will I steadfastly abide. Tears well and sometimes they fal when I imagine that twas me on that cross, that He carried a burden alien to Him, that He accepted to die at the hands of His creation!
wonderful love cannot express this action! It is therefore wigh humility that I approach the throne. And I die in Him everyday. He knows my pastures and always leads me out of trouble. My precious redeemer!
The glory of angels we cannot behold except that Jesus expressly permit for if any look at an holy being wuth even a little speck of sin, we die how much more God?? Therefore I ask Him to cover me completely with His righteousness. Do you? Pray kets get iut of this laodocean state and build the Holy mount and let Him make for himself a remnant,
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 05, 2013, 12:34:34 PM
lukewarm  gives the Lord a hard timetime deciding what to do with us. Make us permanent hot or cold. In this state we assume we know yet like the Pharisee we mock God by fist clenching and chest thumping. Laodecia is such that we cannot reproove error if we cannot do this now when the angels still holr the four winds what about when they are let lose?
Jesus reprimanded Peter 3 times but Judas was only the does it ring a bell
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 05, 2013, 12:54:23 PM
lukewarm  gives the Lord a hard timetime deciding what to do with us. Make us permanent hot or cold.

He wants us to be one or the other and He does not determine which we will be. We do. There is free will involved. Either we repent and return to him (become hot again) or we turn away (cold). Lukewarm is disgusting to Him. He wants us to make a decision. Of course, He wants us to decide upon eternal life and live.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 05, 2013, 01:04:10 PM
Amen and amen!!  Why does He really want us one way or the other? I can see a couple of very good reasons.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: wigina on July 05, 2013, 07:21:14 PM
After I choose to be hot and steadfast in him, Then He will stand up and will ask satan, have you considered my servant wigina? That there is none like him? And the devil will ask the Lord to remove His hedge around me so that He would persecute to the point of death. And yet it will not be I living but my Lord Jesus in me and as He has overcome so to will I overcome!
Now that is a true promise that the Lord has asked me to claim and am gonna claim it in Jesus name.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on July 06, 2013, 04:10:06 AM
As I was preparing to lead out in the lesson study for this Sabbath I came across these statements from Ellen White.  I'm sure I've read them before, since I've read all of the Testimonies, but I don't remember them, and they are quite relevant to our lesson for this week.

Speaking of Laodiceans, she says, "They profess to love the truth, yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet they are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the principles of their faith. . . .  They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests demand it. The internal work of grace is wanting in their hearts; of such it is said: '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.'"  4T, p. 87. 

Paul's words come to mind:  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on July 06, 2013, 04:22:30 AM
Pardon me if someone has already posted this, but I thought it was interesting. 

Someone once said (and I can't remember who it was) that revival without reformation leads to fanaticism; reformation without revival leads to legalism.  I think there is a lot of truth to that statement.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Glen on July 06, 2013, 05:54:48 AM
...Someone once said that revival without reformation leads to fanaticism; reformation without revival leads to legalism...

Doesn't your quoted description fit Laodicean theology, nicely, embracing all professed Christendom, ecumenically? (We generally, primarily consider "Laodicea" as complacent SDA'-ism.)

Christ overcame every temptation of the enemy, because in him divinity and humanity were combined; but there is no safety for any soul who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness, a round of ceremonial ex-actions. To attend services on the Sabbath, to pray occasionally or regularly, makes no one a Christian...The question to ask the soul is, “Am I a partaker of the divine nature, represented as being born again? 2ST 9-26-92.04 
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 07, 2013, 05:44:26 AM
How were the discussions in Sabbath School yesterday? Ours was lively yet somber. The hard questions were asked and only few braved answers. Self is our problem. We clearly saw that in the lesson. The divine service message hit "self" again through an examination of the first commandment - "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Sabbath was awash with spiritual blessings cutting to the heart of the matter. That we could have more such as that one is my prayer. Actually, I know we will. Revival and reformation will do its work among God's people so we may be fitted for His service.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Wally on July 07, 2013, 07:22:33 AM
I should not be the person to comment on our lesson study yesterday, since I was the one leading out.    But I tried to bring out the unpleasant realities of the Laodicean condition, and it seemed to go well.  I may have messed with their minds a bit when I suggested that a person in a Laodicean condition will not be likely to recognize it because they think all is well--so how can they be reached?  No one dared venture an answer, so I said that it could only come through the promptings of the Holy Spirit and that some Laodiceans might need a "Damascus Road" type experience to wake us up.  No one disagreed.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 07, 2013, 07:41:25 AM
I should not be the person to comment on our lesson study yesterday, since I was the one leading out.    But I tried to bring out the unpleasant realities of the Laodicean condition, and it seemed to go well.  I may have messed with their minds a bit when I suggested that a person in a Laodicean condition will not be likely to recognize it because they think all is well--so how can they be reached?  No one dared venture an answer, so I said that it could only come through the promptings of the Holy Spirit and that some Laodiceans might need a "Damascus Road" type experience to wake us up.  No one disagreed.

Very good question Wally it might be well for us to try to answer this question here? How do we get from lukewarm to hot if we don't see our need? The Holy Spirit is always at work for many in your class  this question will still be in their minds. Wally did you have a answer for this question before you asked it? Don't want to put you on the spot but if you would like please share.

The other thing I would have liked for us to discuss some more is what "hot" is. I have some ideas on this but wonder how others understand hot.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 07, 2013, 09:03:42 AM
I should not be the person to comment on our lesson study yesterday, since I was the one leading out.    But I tried to bring out the unpleasant realities of the Laodicean condition, and it seemed to go well.  I may have messed with their minds a bit when I suggested that a person in a Laodicean condition will not be likely to recognize it because they think all is well--so how can they be reached?  No one dared venture an answer, so I said that it could only come through the promptings of the Holy Spirit and that some Laodiceans might need a "Damascus Road" type experience to wake us up.  No one disagreed.

Exactly. How can we know what we don't know if not through the Holy Spirit?
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 07, 2013, 09:14:34 AM
The other thing I would have liked for us to discuss some more is what "hot" is. I have some ideas on this but wonder how others understand hot.

Here are some examples of some who were hot so we can see exactly what that looks like by the characters of these persons:

Abraham
Enoch
Moses
Hosea
Jeremiah
Isaiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
John the Beloved
Paul and countless others through history. We have the hot among us.

What do they have in common? A love for God that surpasses everything else in their lives. They listened to the voice of God. They communed with Him throughout the day, every day. He was ever on their minds and their lives were wholly given over to Him. They spared nothing for Him and His cause.

They were wholly converted. They did not have the Romans 7 experience.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 07, 2013, 09:35:06 AM
Yesterday was the best Sabbath School I have ever seen. Pastor Finley set it up for the church. Nothing could have been better to awaken a sleeping church to its condition. There is never enough time to cover the lesson completely in depth. But, knowing that we would not be able to address all points in the lesson, we got to the main point of the lesson. Pastor Finley wanted to open to the church that to be in a Laodicean condition is to be in a lost condition. Asking the church if this is true, all agreed. None disagreed that there are those teaching that we are saved in our sins, thus we are being told that all is well, when all is not well. When looking into the faces of the class, it was so very encouraging that most were seeing the truth about the serious nature of the subject. None, not one, disagreed with the lesson.  It was my joy to be able to then share why I see this as so encouraging. When Pastor Wilson was elected GC president, he began calling for revival and reformation in his first sermon to the world church. He has continued for the last three years. He has Pastor Finley working full time in this area. Now, the world church hears the Laodicean message as it was inspired by Jesus. His Words with a correct interpretation. Looking into the faces of the class I could say "Jesus is coming soon!" That we are here today listening to this message, is evidence that the last thing that needed to be done so that Jesus can come, is for the church to repent of her backsliding and to do the work appointed to her. Thus, the very hard rebuke, having been acknowledged, opened the way for the Words of Jesus to encourage the church. I shared the promise in One Testimonies where Ellen White said this message will accomplish its work. "I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and His people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, God would have wrought for His people in greater power. Yet the efforts made since the message has been given, have been blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth."

Some will reject this message as just too strong. Pride will not be given up. But, the message will be given, is being given, and will do its work. The message is given so that we may see what shuts Jesus out of our hearts. Such a strong rebuke to say this. But, if we love God and want to glorify Him in our lives, we will fall on our faces and repent of our unloveliness. Then will the church be on fire for Jesus. Al asked, what does it mean to be "hot" instead of "lukewarm"? What will we see in the church as this message does its work in the hearts of church members? Is this going to cause a shaking in the church?

Mimi, said that we have an example throughout the Bible of what "hot" is. Will we see a revival of this kind of character in the church today? It is interesting that her comment as to what they had in common was not what we generally would think of, obedient strong men who often faced great trials because of their refusal to yield up the truth. She pointed out their strong love of and dependence upon God. Is this what we are about to see in the Seventh-day Adventist Church?



Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 07, 2013, 09:36:55 AM
Yes.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 07, 2013, 09:39:45 AM
Amen! Are we appropriately thankful and rejoicing?  Jesus is coming soon, very soon!!!
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 07, 2013, 10:27:24 AM
Mimi,

This is a very good list of those who love and serve God. This made me think of Isaiah when it comes to this topic it is stated "Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! His view of himself might be expressed in the language of the apostle Paul, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"  {4BC 1139.1}  Here we have the man of Roman 7 crying out for that which he did not have and Isaiah had to come to the same point in his experience before he could take hold of the promises of God.

"He had not know this (his true condition) until the vision was given him of the Lord." What did Isaiah see in this vision?

" I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
Isa 6:2  Seraphim were standing above him: each had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he flew.
Isa 6:3  And one called to the other and said, Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!
Isa 6:4  And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

What must we see in order to have a true understanding of ourselves? "So will it be with all who behold Christ. The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone and shall make the apostle's confession our own: "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Romans 7:18; Galatians 6:14.  {AA 561.2}  I also see this as the answer for Wally's question.
 
Richard very glad that things went well in class. God is moving on hearts and pray that we all respond so that we can give glory to His name.


Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Mimi on July 07, 2013, 11:22:35 AM
Amen! There are only 2 places in the Bible where the word "wretched" is used. Romans 7 and Revelation 3.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 07, 2013, 03:04:13 PM
Amen!  Very good thought, Al.  The Laodicean condition is just what Saul and Isaiah experienced before conversion. And, the solution to their condition is just what Jesus offers to us in Revelation chapter three when He tells us to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. We need to see the character of our God, His love for us while we were yet sinners.  We need to come to very same point as did Saul when he cried out "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Until we see our lost condition we cannot be saved. It is only when we see our need that we shall turn to Jesus with the whole heart. This is the Laodicean message. It reveals our need of Jesus and His great love for us.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Glen on July 08, 2013, 06:21:08 AM
At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone and shall make the apostle's confession our own: "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Romans 7:18; Galatians 6:14. {AA 561.2}

Christians will know their sufficiency is in Christ alone, as He knew His sufficiency was in the Father, alone.

John 2:24, 25
24 ...Jesus...knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Romans 8:3, 4
3 ...God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh...
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Richard Myers on July 08, 2013, 07:38:20 AM
Amen, Glen!!  But, because there are two forks in the road, before ceasing to teach, it is necessary to block the other fork also, or else many will remain led astray by the "evangelical gospel" which is no gospel at all.  "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:12,13. And, in context "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:2-11.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 09, 2013, 07:30:02 AM

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Glen thanks for sharing how do you or those reading understand what Christ meant when he said "I can of mine own self do nothing. . .? This does go along with the message for this lesson. While this statement seems simple enough it might be well for us to take some time to talk about it. The other part is also very good. "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."



Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Glen on July 10, 2013, 06:05:37 AM

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Glen thanks for sharing how do you or those reading understand what Christ meant when he said "I can of mine own self do nothing. . .? This does go along with the message for this lesson. While this statement seems simple enough it might be well for us to take some time to talk about it. The other part is also very good. "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."

"As I hear, I judge", Christ said, and as Christ dwells in the Believer, so He will be in the Believer, speaking and living as He did. Do I claim to have "arrived"? -Oh, no; but, as I perceive more and more of the Truth as it is in Christ, I long to manifest Him more distinctly. I'm understanding more each day just how lost in Laodicea I've been; and, by His grace I dig deeper, more humbly, into His Word. I pray my family and Church family will be merciful to me as I press ever upward in faith, even as they desire that from me.

I remember that the Spirit speaks in Mark, Luke, and Revelation and says, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith; and, in 1 Timothy 5:6, the Spirit of God declares that, she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

John 7:
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived.  The Faith I Live By, p. 93.7

The souls of those whom we desire to save are like the representation which Ezekiel saw in vision,—a valley of dry bones. They are dead in trespasses and sins, but God would have us deal with them as though they were living. Were the question put to us. “Son of man, can these bones live.” our answer would be only the confession of ignorance. “O Lord, thou knowest.” To all appearance there is nothing to lead us to hope for their restoration. Yet nevertheless the word of the prophecy must be spoken even to those who are like the dry bones in the valley. We are in no wise to be deterred from fulfilling our commission by the listlessness, the dullness, the lack of spiritual perception, in those upon whom the word of God is brought to bear. We are to preach the word of life to those whom we may judge to be as hopeless subjects as though they were in their graves. Though they may seem unwilling to hear or to receive the light of truth, without questioning or wavering we are to do our part. We are to repeat to them the message. “Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”  RH January 17, 1893, par. 6
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Glen on July 11, 2013, 06:12:16 AM
So; there may be a Church Member; adult family member;  a child; stranger; whomever; whom, at whatever "height" of Christian growth we may individually consider ourselves to be, that seems to us as not comprehending certain truths that seem so obvious to us. How will we react to their questions, or what may appear to us as idiotic stumbling and mumbling, as it were. Will we get "that look" on our countenance, a cold sullen sternness, aloof distancing; a steeling of ourselves in any obvious manner from manifesting the love and mercy, the closeness Christ manifested in his fellowship with even the unbelieving? -I'm not talking about you; or you; but about my past mistaken and misplaced zeal.

I understand that Psalm 32:2 says, Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. -However; His mercy and kindness reaches even those who ARE guilty.

Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our belief in, and appreciation of, them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we cannot ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. Give love to them that need it most. The most unfortunate, those who have the most disagreeable temperaments need our love, our tenderness, our compassion. Those who try our patience need most love. We pass through the world only once; any good thing we can do, we should do most earnestly, untiringly, with the same spirit as is stated of Christ in His work. He will not fail nor be discouraged. The rough, stubborn, sullen dispositions are the ones who need help the most. How can they be helped? Only by that love practiced in dealing with them which Christ revealed to fallen man. Treat them, you may, as they deserve. What if Christ had treated us thus? He, the undeserving, was treated as we deserve. Still we are treated by Christ with grace and love as we did not deserve, but as He deserved. Treat some characters, as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut off from them the last thread of hope, spoil your influence and ruin the soul. Will it pay? No, I say no, a hundred times no. Bind these souls who need all the help it is possible for you to give them close to a loving, sympathizing, pitying heart, overflowing with Christlike love, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. Had we not better try the love process? Fundamentals of Christian Education, Page 280

I have purposed in my heart this morning to delve deeper into this concept, and humbly solicit your prayers.
Title: Re: Third Quarter--2013--SDA SS LESSON 1--Revival: Our Great Need
Post by: Al on July 11, 2013, 11:31:14 AM
So; there may be a Church Member; adult family member;  a child; stranger; whomever; whom, at whatever "height" of Christian growth we may individually consider ourselves to be, that seems to us as not comprehending certain truths that seem so obvious to us. How will we react to their questions, or what may appear to us as idiotic stumbling and mumbling, as it were. Will we get "that look" on our countenance, a cold sullen sternness, aloof distancing; a steeling of ourselves in any obvious manner from manifesting the love and mercy, the closeness Christ manifested in his fellowship with even the unbelieving? -I'm not talking about you; or you; but about my past mistaken and misplaced zeal.

This is a good lesson for all of us. Christ loved all and thought the best for all. He knew their hearts but always held out an open hand. Talked about zeal I had allot of it when I thought I was the reformer of reformers. I just thank God for his grace. I remember an experience when I was given health lectures with a Doctor some years back. The doctor later approached me and in the best way he could told me that I was not very loving. In reply I told him that anyone could say this to me at any point in my Christian experience and they would be correct we could always be more loving. But when I got home I complained to my wife bitterly about what he said to me. I did not like the medicine at first but it was a life changing experience which started me on a new path. I can look back at my past and see how many flowers I have trampled in the path of my religiosity.  

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I understand that Psalm 32:2 says, Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. -However; His mercy and kindness reaches even those who ARE guilty.

Yes I am glad for this wonderful truth. God has opened the door of mercy and grants us forgiveness and the power for a changed life. This is why he sent the message of grace to the church of Laodicea because he loved them and desired for them to be a light on a hill. This truth of "no guile" is just what you described in your first paragraph. The root word for guile means to "shoot at, to delude or betray."

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Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our belief in, and appreciation of, them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we cannot ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. Give love to them that need it most. The most unfortunate, those who have the most disagreeable temperaments need our love, our tenderness, our compassion. Those who try our patience need most love. We pass through the world only once; any good thing we can do, we should do most earnestly, untiringly, with the same spirit as is stated of Christ in His work. He will not fail nor be discouraged. The rough, stubborn, sullen dispositions are the ones who need help the most. How can they be helped? Only by that love practiced in dealing with them which Christ revealed to fallen man. Treat them, you may, as they deserve. What if Christ had treated us thus? He, the undeserving, was treated as we deserve. Still we are treated by Christ with grace and love as we did not deserve, but as He deserved. Treat some characters, as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut off from them the last thread of hope, spoil your influence and ruin the soul. Will it pay? No, I say no, a hundred times no. Bind these souls who need all the help it is possible for you to give them close to a loving, sympathizing, pitying heart, overflowing with Christlike love, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. Had we not better try the love process? Fundamentals of Christian Education, Page 280

This is well spoken and the heart of true Christianity.

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I have purposed in my heart this morning to delve deeper into this concept, and humbly solicit your prayers.

Praise God that His grace works on our hearts. We can prayer for each other. I will be praying for you. I also did notice your post before this and have read it several times. Glen as you know I am a church member and we can hold up each others hands as we grow in God's grace.