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Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 3--Thessalonica in Paul’s Day

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Richard Myers:
Friday July 20

Further Study: “Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. . . .

“At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart.”-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 32.

“Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted. One after another, like stars in the darkened heavens, such teachers had arisen. Their words of prophecy had kindled hope in the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world.”-Page 33.

“When Paul first visited Corinth, he found himself among a people who were suspicious of the motives of strangers. The Greeks on the seacoast were keen traders. So long had they trained themselves in sharp business practices, that they had come to believe that gain was godliness, and that to make money, whether by fair means or foul, was commendable. Paul was acquainted with their characteristics, and he would give them no occasion for saying that he preached the gospel in order to enrich himself. . . . He would seek to remove all occasion for misrepresentation, that the force of his message might not be lost.”-Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, pp. 234, 235.
Discussion Questions:

    What do you think Ellen White meant when she wrote (above) that the “Spirit of Inspiration” was imparted to Gentile teachers?

The Bible is clear on this matter. The church had failed to do its appointed work. The Spirit of God had gone out into the world to do that which the church had not. We see this clearly in the wise men from the East who came to Jerusalem searching for the King. They were being led of God and with them they brought gifts for the newly born Christ. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matt.  2:1,2.

Today, is no different. In the area of health reform, we find the world has done a better job of sharing much of the truth given to the church. Yes, there is within the church, just as in the days of ancient Israel, faithful ones who are doing the work. The call for revival and reformation has gone forth and we are seeing success. Praise God!

To what degree is God at work in the world of ideas outside the Christian context?

All good things come from God. When an unbeliever discovers something new that will be a blessing to man, God is at work. God will even use a donkey if necessary to lead men in the right direction.
Numbers
  22:22   And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants [were] with him. 
  22:23   And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. 
  22:24   But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall [being] on this side, and a wall on that side. 
  22:25   And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. 
  22:26   And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where [was] no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 
  22:27   And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. 
  22:28   And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

And another good example is the spreading of the health message by those not of our faith.

Can a person be saved if they have never heard the name of Jesus? If so, on what basis?

The Spirit of God is at work with every person born on this earth.  To each is granted a period of probation that he might learn of God's great love and the plan of salvation. When there is no teacher, when there is no missionary, God is still at work. In nature is given clear indication of the love and power of God. All are without excuse for not knowing of His presence. Again, the Bible is clear on this.

1:17   For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 
  1:18   For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
  1:19   Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them. 
  1:20   For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 
  1:21   Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 
  1:22   Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 
  1:23   And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 
  1:24   Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 
  1:25   Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 
  1:26   For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 
  1:27   And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 
  1:28   And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

God sees it all and those who refuse to come to Him, will gradually move further and further away from Him. All are without excuse. The wise men from the East who heralded the birth of Christ were led by a star in the heavens. So it is today. When the church does not do its appointed work, then God will until she awakes to her solemn responsibility.

On what basis can a person be saved who never heard the name Jesus?

On the same basis as anyone. God requires a full surrender. All who die to self will be saved. It is the living God through the person of the Holy Spirit that makes the difference in a person's life. If we have His Spirit within, we have life. If we do not have His Spirit filling our hearts, we do not have life. Life is only found in Christ. (Romans 8 ).


    In what contexts would a private home or apartment be an effective location for a church in today’s world?

There are two reasons why one would use a home instead of a proper building. First, as in the days of the Waldensees, it can be dangerous to have church in the open. A second reason is in starting up a company, there is only a small group meeting together. Until there are enough to provide the funding to build or buy a church, it is necessary to meet in homes or other available locations. It ought not be used to start another organization. But, there are times when no suitable church may be available and then God would have a company begin so that there is a holy place of worship for all who are walking in the light of God's love and Word. Meeting in homes until a church can be built is necessary.


Are designated church buildings always the best way to do church? Why, or why not?

I think we have covered this pretty well. God would have church buildings so that He has His witnesses of His work. Unless there is some good reason to not have a designated church building, then it is the best way to do church.

    How can your church learn to better adapt its outreach to the local community? That is, why must we always remember that what might work in one area might not in another?

This is certainly true. But, we have been given a good example of how to do outreach. Look at the life and work of Christ. Yes, we can look at Paul, but Christ is an even better example.  The way Jesus worked is the way we are to work. He plowed the field before the Seed was planted. When following in His path, the church will meet with great success. He spent more time healing, than preaching. The very last work to be done before Jesus comes will be door to door medical missionary work. In certain lands, this is the only method that will work. This will work in all areas of the world.

Summary: The biblical accounts of Paul’s missionary activity are set in the context of ancient Rome. As we see Paul wrestling with everyday issues, we can learn how to better apply the principles and lessons that God placed in Scripture for us today. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul was guiding ancient urban Christians through challenging times.

Yes, but the culture of the times does not undo Biblical principle. A good example we have today is the popular use of Satanic music in many churches. They believe it is necessary to participate in the upbeat music to meet the world where it is. No. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Another glaring example is the making of women priests and pastors because the world has removed role distinctions. We are not to be all things to all people by violating Biblical principles. The Bible is very clear on the role distinction of men and women in the home and in the church. Many unconverted in the world understand that their daughters and wives are not to be placed on the front lines of battle. No. Men and women do not have the same roles in life. When the church yields up the truth, those in the world who are being led by God's Spirit will see it.

Another good example of where churches have failed and the honest of heart in the world see it, is with the teaching of evolution in some churches. Some in the world understand they did not come from monkeys. And many in fallen churches understand the Bible is clear on the creation of man 6,000 years ago. No, culture is not to dictate evangelism or church practice in contradiction to the Word of God. The Bible is to be our guide. The author has it right when he said "we can learn how to better apply the principles and lessons that God placed in Scripture for us today." Scripture is to be the absolute foundation of all we do.

ejclark:
Interesting how the author leaves the door wide open for pluralistic ideas to be embraced.  This is nothing new from this author.

I also noticed how he opens the door for the use of "Spirit of Inspiration" to replace the Biblical gift of "Spirit of Revelation".  Something very popular with his friend Graeme Bradford.  I wouldn't be surprised if our author believes all Christendom is the Remnant Church.

ejclark:

--- Quote from: ejclark on July 20, 2012, 05:43:07 PM ---  I wouldn't be surprised if our author believes all Christendom is the Remnant Church.

--- End quote ---
I stand corrected, just read a blog that suggests the very thing.

Carla Hepker:

--- Quote from: Richard Myers on July 20, 2012, 06:40:50 AM ---Friday July 20


On what basis can a person be saved who never heard the name Jesus?

On the same basis as anyone. God requires a full surrender. All who die to self will be saved. It is the living God through the person of the Holy Spirit that makes the difference in a person's life. If we have His Spirit within, we have life. If we do not have His Spirit filling our hearts, we do not have life. Life is only found in Christ. (Romans 8 ).


--- End quote ---

I am so glad that God does the judging, for He does not see as man sees, He looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Continuing in Romans, from where Richard quoted, Romans 2 - hmmm, the whole chapter is good, but I will just quote a few verses - Romans 2:13 - 15 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another;)

As Richard said, each of us is required to fully surrender. We are required to to live up to the light we have. Romans makes it clear that those "Gentiles" who follow their conscience, will like everyone else be "rendered to according to their deeds" (Romans 2:6). The lesson author already pointed out that the Spirit of Inspiration works with those who are not "Jews" or "in the church". That is why, in these last days, God has a people in Babylon that are called to come out.

Continuing on in the lesson, the room or building we worship in is not as important as how we worship - which should be in spirit and in truth (see John 4:19 - 25). It is very possible to have the "correct" building structure and not worship God in it. It is also very possible to worship God in the plainest of rooms.

Glen:

--- Quote from: Richard Myers on July 15, 2012, 08:08:06 PM ---Christ and Him crucified as the only way of salvation.
--- End quote ---

Most certainly; "Christ and Him crucified" IS "the only way of salvation."

....God.... 21 ....made him to be sin for us....that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21

Satan expected the death of Jesus on the Cross to be the destruction of Christ; while in reality, Christ's death was the "death knell" of Satan.

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain.... The Great Controversy 503.02

Whether Penitent or Impenitent, the wages of sin is death; we all must die. At End Time, whether within Laodicea or without, the Penitent "self" dies in Christ, baptized in the likeness of His death; while the Impenitent ARE dead while they live.  ....she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 1 Timothy 5:6

We may "be made the righteousness of God"; HIS LOVE PERSONIFIED, as Christ reigns within the soul-temple:
When we as penitent sinners accept the truth as it is in Jesus, the fact that Christ was "made.... to be sin for us" opens before us an abundant entrance into the kingdom God. We are made members in particular of the body of Christ (His Bride the Church), joined to the Head, which IS Christ. Self, as ourselves (Romans 6:11), is reckoned dead indeed; that, we may live, yet not we, but Christ; henceforth (2 Corinthians 4:10; Galatians 2:20).

When God's professed Christians on this Earth, today, fully accept this Truth, we will march in holy, joyful unison, an exceeding great "army of youth", (with the Fountain of Youth possessing us) renewed in His likeness, overflowing with the Water of Life, speaking with one voice (Revelation 14:2; Revelation 19:6) because we are of One mind. The unity thus manifested, even the imparted life of Christ within the weakest Penitent (2 Corinthians 12:10), will stir the powers and legions of darkness to such viral intensity, that  all others are finally sealed, and Christ and His angels may come to take His Faithful to Himself. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed “with the Spirit of His mouth,” and destroyed “with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

....The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked.
The Desire of Ages 107.04

What speech is to thought, so is Christ to the invisible Father. He is the manifestation of the Father, and is called the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity clothed with humanity, that man might bear the image of the invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His character (Manuscript 77, 1899).

....Christ himself is “the way, the truth, and the life.” When we individually rest upon Christ, with full assurance of faith, trusting alone to the efficacy of his blood to cleanse from all sin, we shall have peace in believing that what God has promised he is able to perform. As Christ represented the Father, so we are to represent Christ to the world. We cannot transfer our obligation to others. God desires to make known to you what is the richness of his glory, that you may preach the mystery of salvation to those around you,—Christ in you the hope of glory. The Review and Herald March 5, 1889.06

....In being united to Him by faith, believing and receiving Him, you become a part of Himself. Your character is His glory revealed in you... The Southern Review October 25, 1898.02

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