Walla Walla University Good Word Broadcasts: Recent Episodes
Walla Walla University Good Word
Good Word is an invitation. An invitation to explore biblical and theological topics presented in regularly published Bible Study guides. The Bible awaits our continued study and investigation; Good Word provides one way to approach it.
Opening QuestionWhat aspects of the future worry you most?IntroductionThis lesson is primarily drawn from Daniel 2 and 3 and some New Testament parallels, especially Relation 13. Generally, Daniel can be divided into two sections: chs. 1-6 are narrative while chs. 7-12 are more prophetic/visionary. Yet in both chs. 2 and 4, Nebuchadnezzar has dreams. In both, Daniel interprets them for the king, setting the stage for, and giving us clues of interpretation regarding, the later chapters of the book. It often surprises Bible readers when they learn that the narratives of Daniel are just as significant to helping interpret Revelation ...
Opening QuestionWhat value do you find hearing ancient stories?IntroductionThis lesson focuses on two small books: Ruth (4 chapters) and Esther (10 chapters). These stories have been told in Christian and Jewish circles with much respect for these faithful women, holding them up as beautiful exemplars. The stories contain some surprises when read beyond the children’s books, but these only make the stories more complex and dramatic. I highly recommend reading through both books in their entirety, rather than reading a section here or there. We will find, as the quarterly addresses, that these stories have a future-focus as well.RuthRead ...
Opening QuestionCan God affect human events without violating our freedom of choice?IntroductionIn this study, the author examines stories from the Old Testament that in one way or another foreshadow, typify, or parallel some final events of the New Testament. The concept here is called typology. Essentially, typology is when an Old Testament historical person(s), place, event, or institution somehow prefigures Christ or last-day events. Many Old Testament stories find a parallel in Jesus Christ, such as the near-sacrifice of Isaac, and God’s substitution of a ram for the firstborn. An important question that may not find an easy answer is ...
Opening QuestionWhat is the greatest struggle you’ve endured?IntroductionThe Psalms offer encouragement to God’s people as they journey through the struggle with sin and seek victory. One of the ways god encourages us is by painting pictures of a glorious future, providing hope of a world restored. This is a major theme of the Psalms, as well as the Hebrew Prophets and Revelation, too! Psalm 46The lesson this week asks us to meditate on this Psalm. Read Psalm 46, and for each verse or section, consider what experiences here and now are addressed by the lines. For the choir director. A Psalm ...
Opening QuestionDo you love poetry? Why or why not?IntroductionThe figurative language of poetry allows us to not only express specific ideas, but also feelings, images and pictures in ways that prose cannot. The use of symbols, of metaphor, simile, parallelism, and chiasm all contribute to create literary pictures and emotions that resonate in the heart, that move and draw us. Revelation borrows much of the imagery of the Psalms. The lesson this week explores some of these connections. The Psalms as a WholeIt is helpful to consider the lyrics (sadly, most of the music is lost to us) of the ...
Opening QuestionHow do you think you would respond if you met God face to face?IntroductionThis lesson directs us to the throne, and to the living beings and their activities around it. While not a tremendous amount can be known of the angelic world—indeed some angelology goes far beyond scripture!—several books of the Bible highlight their role and proximity to God. We can learn more about the purposes of God by examining these beings.Angels in GenesisThroughout the Old Testament, when God sends a messenger to speak or meet with his people, that being is called “the angel of the Lord.” ...
Opening QuestionWhat would you give up for someone you love?IntroductionThe lesson this week is how the concept of sacrifice found throughout the Bible plays a role in the prophetic literature. As an earlier lesson noted, Genesis is the starting point for most major topics in Scripture, and certainly in Revelation. Sacrifice is so much a part of Revelation, that if we miss the temple/sanctuary structure of the book and the various sacrifices that take place there, we will fail to grasp the big picture of the Great Controversy, and how God uses His own sacrifice and that of His ...
Opening QuestionWhat good does human-led government provide us, and are there potential pitfalls?IntroductionScripture is clear about God wanting to be Israel’s sole leader; humans do poorly at ruling when they trust to their own abilities, thinking, plans, and effort. This is not to say that all humans have failed, but that leadership and rule inherently contain a power-dynamic that the broken, sinful heart can easily abuse. This can happen even when rulers believe in their causes or have the best of intentions. How does the history of Israel’s monarchy move power from their nation to others, and how does ...
Opening QuestionDo we ever see God working in obvious ways through the nations of the world or in secular governments?IntroductionWhile every human is individually accountable to and beloved by God, we also see larger groups of people become the object of God’s regard or judgement, nations through which He can work, show His power, or choose as His special possession; or nations that reap the results of God’s wrath for their iniquity. The lesson this week explores the role that the Babylonians played in later prophetic literature, and how the call of and covenant blessings to Abraham finds fulfillment ...
Opening QuestionWhat use is there for “marriage” outside of a Judeo-Christian worldview? Why would anyone want such a commitment in our western world?IntroductionGenesis 1-2 introduces God making humankind according to His own image. Reading Genesis 1:26-31 we find that image is contained in a male-female relationship with the possibility of producing offspring to fulfill God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply. Thus, the image of God is found in this special bond. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most parodied, mocked and attacked social institutions of our society. But just what is being attacked? It's not just ...
Opening QuestionHow might the beginning of God’s story in the Genesis hint at how the Bible ends with Revelation?IntroductionCommentators have frequently noted Revelation’s allusions to Genesis and the rest of the Torah (books of Moses). But provides much more than simply ideas for John to use in the apocalypse; it provides the context and origin from which the rest of the Bible’s farthest reaching and deepest issues are developed and concluded. Every major topic in theology has it’s roots here. Themes (systematic categories) such as God, Man, Creation, Marriage, Sabbath, the Fall, Sin, Death, Judgment, Destruction of Wicked, Prophecy, ...
Opening QuestionIf you believe in a God who knows the future, is that comforting to you? Why or why not?IntroductionThe lesson this week introduces the idea of God’s foreknowledge as the basis for prophetic messages. Christian doctrine often includes as part of theology proper (the study of “God,”) a belief in God’s omniscience. If God knows everything, then He knows the future as well. God’s knowledge of the future is fairly standard orthodox belief in most Christian denominations. However, there are some scholars who believe the future is unknowable, and thus God cannot know it. Also, questions of free ...
This study guide is meant to accompany the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School lesson for the 2nd Quarter of 2025. The format of this guide follows a similar pattern for each week’s lesson: an introduction to the topic, a short discussion on several verses or a bullet list of concepts for a passage, followed by questions in bold type. Please read through the Biblical passages, and then prayerfully consider the bolded questions. Perhaps you’ll find better questions that should be asked, and answered!From the inception of the Advent movement, disciples of Jesus Christ have found challenge and hope, warning and ...
Theme: “Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law”Leading Question: Is the word “law” friendly or frightful?Almost no one uses the word “law” in a friendly way. When someone says, “It’s the law!” It usually a hard-liner.Let’s look at examples of the different ways we use law:Mr. Thompson, you have broken the law.You have fulfilled the requirements for your BA degree.You broke your arm because you fell, breaking the law of gravity.Question: Assign a “friendliness” number to each of those uses. Use this scale:NegativeNeutralPositive-5-4-3-2-10+1+2+3+4+5Briefly describe why you gave the number you did.Another way of looking at law is to reflect ...
Relevant Verses: John 5:17, 20, 36–40, 46, 47; 8:12–30Theme: The Father’s TestimonyLeading Question: Have you ever waited for something important to happen and it felt like a life time?Healing on Sabbath (John 5)There were many who were sick—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed—all aying at the pool gate of Bethesda. The man who was ill for 38 years was singled out. The length of time that the man has been ill, in the context of a human life span in the first century, suggests that he has been sick virtually his entire life. This includes his life-long dependance ...
Relevant Verses: John 8:54–58; 12:1–8; 19:4–22; 20:19– 31Theme: Signs Faith versus Blessed FaithLeading Question: What do you need to believe?The tension between signs faith and belief without having seen is a curious one in John’s Gospel. On one hand, Jesus’ sings are featured with prominence in order that people might believe that Jesus is the Messiah. On the other hand, Jesus rebukes the seeking of signs, and those who believe without having seen are considered blessed.The Anointing of JesusThe anointing of Jesus, like previous sign acts in the Gospel of John, is described in a single verse, indicating that ...
Relevant Verses: John 1:32–36; 3:25–36; 5:36–38; 6:51–71; 7:37–53Theme: The Scandal of JesusLeading Question: Have you ever felt offended by something Jesus asked you to do?The miracle of the loaves and fish is recounted in all four Gospels. According to John’s account in chapter 6, this miracle becomes a “sign” pointing beyond itself on a much deeper level. Jesus left after feeding the people and crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee but was pursued by the crowd who asked for further miracles. They eventually found him in the synagogue in Capernaum. Here, John’s Gospel tells us, ...
Relevant Verses: John 4Theme: The Witness of the Samaritan WomanLeading Question: Does a personal relationship with Jesus always feel good and comfortable?There could be no character more opposite to Nicodemus than the Samaritan woman at the well.Question: What are some of the contrasts you can draw between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman?Question: What do you make of the detail that “it was necessary” for Jesus to go through Samaria on his journey from Judea to Galilee (John 4:3-4)? Is it just a geographical detail? Is it a theological necessity? (Remember: “God so loves the world …”)Question: What is the ...
Relevant Verses: John 1; 3Theme: Witnesses of the MessiahLeading Question: How comfortable are you with being a permanent bystander or witness for someone else?There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.John 1:6-8A key term in the Gospel of John is the word “witness,” which appears 14 times in the Gospel. The purpose is to show that Jesus is God in the flesh and messiah. To do this, the ...
Relevant Verses: John 1:1-18Theme: The Power of the WordLeading Question: What image does “the Word was God” convey for you?The prologue is the most profound statement about Jesus’ identity in the New Testament, identifying Jesus as the “Word” (logos). The Greek term logos had a conceptual background in Judaism and in Greek philosophy. In the Old Testament, God’s word is the dynamic force of his will. The psalmist declares, “By the word (logos) of the Lord were the heavens made” (Psalm 33:6). God speaks and it is done (Isa 55:11). In Greek philosophy, logos was used of the divine ...
Relevant Verses: John 6:1–15, 26–36; 11Theme: Signs of DivinityLeading Question: What persuades you about Jesus as a divine being?Nowhere in the New Testament is Jesus presented as more thoroughly human and more thoroughly divine than in the Gospel of John. Consider these polarities pointed out by Prof. Paul N. Anderson, The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel (p. 26-27):On one hand, Jesus’ divinity is pronounced in John: The glory of Jesus is testified to from the beginning of the Gospel (1:4; 2:11; 11:4; 14:13; 17:1) and his “glorification” is emphasized extensively (1:51; 3:14; 6:62; 8:28; 12:23, 34; 13:1) Jesus is ...
Relevant Verses: John 2:1–11; 4:46–54; 5:1– 5:1–47Theme: Follow the SignsLeading Question: When was the last time you felt a subtle nudge to do something?There are signs everywhere, from the traffic signs that tell you how to act on the road, signs directing you in an airport, and signs telling you the name of streets and stores. If you’re hungry, you look for the sign of your favorite place to eat. If you’re lost, you try finding a sign telling you where you are and how you can get to where you want to go. But signs don’t work in ...
Opening QuestionIf Jesus rose from the dead as the Gospel of Mark says, what impact does that have on us today?IntroductionThe good news of the resurrection is recounted briefly in Mark, but still climatically. Main characters shift from the disciples to the women and Joseph of Arimathea, Pilate, and a “young man in white.” These characters mark a shift in the story to uncertainty, yet promises new things.Mark 15:42-47Mark locates the timing of Jesus’ death to Friday, the preparation day before the Sabbath. He also notes that Joseph of Arimathea provides a tomb for Jesus. One of the most ...
Opening QuestionIs the cross an appropriate symbol for Christianity?IntroductionPassion literature requires suffering, but not necessarily death. Jesus both suffers, and then dies in the Gospel account of Mark. The scenes are difficult to take in; perhaps for some, it can even be painful enough to read that they do not like to dwell on it. But face it we should, internalizing it draws us to the one suffering.Mark 15:1-15Pontius Pilate is known from Roman inscriptions, and some writings. He was not known as a reliable ruler, but when faced with the conundrum of Jewish riot vs. crucifying an innocent ...
Opening QuestionWhy do we sometimes distrust the court system to act justly?IntroductionChapter 14 of Mark begins with Jewish leaders plotting to take Jesus out, and ends with Him in handcuffs and facing a court charade. But these scenes also set up the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Peter about the denials. Jesus is mistreated but is also fulfilling the 3 predictions about His death in Chs. 8-10. Even in these difficult scenes, Jesus is only further showing His power.Mark 14:1-2The plot to kill Jesus again shows how fearful the leaders were of losing their power, and how precarious the ...
Opening QuestionIf you could know your whole future, would you do so?IntroductionThe future always captures our imagination. We worry about our own future and legacy, about our world and its sustainability, about our family and friends, and even about objects like our houses or collectibles. When asked about the future, Jesus tells His disciples the most significant aspects of religious history ahead of them, and the lessons that come from it. Mark 13 parallels Matthew 24-25 in some significant ways.Mark 13:1-8Shocked by Jesus’ prophecy that the temple would be dismantled, Peter, Jacob (Greek name usually translated into English as ...
Opening QuestionWould you rather live with no controversies or with them?IntroductionDr. Shepherd notes how this section adds controversies at the close of Jesus’ ministry that parallel the beginning of his ministry. The “sandwich story” concept in Mark extends even to the macro-level of the narrative structure. Some have wondered if Mark knew that he was writing in these parallel forms, if it was his just a subconscious Hebrew way of thinking, or if it was a divine inspiration that created such order. Either way, the closing scenes in Mark depict Jesus once again in contention with the religious leaders. ...
Opening QuestionIf you could request any gift from God, what might it be?IntroductionAs this lesson completes chapter 10, we also complete the three major chapters on discipleship in Mark. We learn more about Jesus’ death, and also Jesus’ approach to lordly authority and power among disciples. As a church, we have much to learn about this truth from Jesus, and much to relinquish in our hierarchal structure built on a nearly apostolic succession model of power through position/title.Mark 10:1-12Jesus is asked about divorce. And if there is a topic more ripe for discussion and disagreement based on popular opinion ...
Opening QuestionWhat makes someone a good student?IntroductionMany commentators will divide Mark into two sections: the first half ends at 8:30 or perhaps 8:38, and the 2nd half ends at 16:8 (or 20). The first half answers the question, “who is Jesus”? This half shows the path to identity ending at Caesarea Philippi where Peter announces the identity of Jesus. The second half asks, “why will Jesus die?” and shows the path to the cross and the passion of Jesus.This lesson examines several teachings on discipleship. Jesus will predict his death, and then reveal to the disciples the cost of ...
Opening QuestionDoes Jesus care what we eat?IntroductionOne of the more challenging passages in Mark’s gospel is chapter 7’s discussion about unclean hands and foods. But perhaps we ask the wrong questions when we read it. ThisMark 7:1-23Read through this passage, maybe a couple times. As you do, ask yourself what is the main issue raised and what is Jesus’ response to it? Without question, Jesus is addressing food, ritual purity and the tradition of the elders. The Jews in Jesus’ day believed that touching food in the market touched by gentiles would defile them spiritually, and especially so if ...
Opening QuestionWho is more in need of immediate care: a person with a cold, or someone suffering a heart stroke?IntroductionSeveral “boat scenes” in Mark’s gospel reveal misunderstandings of the disciples and give Jesus ample opportunity to teach and rebuke. The first is found at the end of Mark 4. Chapter 5 continues the exorcism stories, and concludes with another Markan “sandwich story” about two daughters healed by Jesus’ touch and another Messianic secret “hushing.” Chapter 6 includes yet another “sandwich story,” explaining the death of John the Baptist.Mark 4:35-41When the storm on the sea arises, Jesus is sleeping. The ...
Opening QuestionWhy do people enjoy riddles?IntroductionThis week’s study examines the Parables in Mark 4. In many ways, this chapter is parallel to Matthew 13. Jesus was not unlike the Rabbis of His day in using parables. But for Jesus, the parable was the vehicle to communicate the reality and characteristics of the Kingdom, not just reinforce Rabbinic traditions.Mark 4:1-9, 14-20The parable of the Sower is the quintessential simile: “the Kingdom of Heaven is like…” But this story also provides us a means of understanding how parables function; Jesus gives us an interpretation. While many scholars argue for one main ...
Opening QuestionHave you ever been involved in something contentious or scandalous?IntroductionThis week’s lesson covers the next stories in Mark chapters 2 and 3. The stories are again punctuated with the word “immediately” which drives the stories forward. Jesus heals, but more than that, He also forgives sin. If this wasn’t enough to raise controversy, Jesus then asks a tax collector to become His student as well! But the controversies only begin here. Jesus becomes a target in these chapters!Mark 2:1-12One of my favorite stories in the gospels, a few points are worth noting here: first, Jesus does not heal ...
Opening QuestionWhat is the most spontaneous thing you can remember doing?IntroductionOur lesson this week takes on Mark 1:16-45. These verses cover a range of topics including the call of the first disciples, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He preaches, prays, heals, casts out demons (a highlighted and oft-repeated miracle in Mark’s gospel), and speaks with authority.Mark 1:16-20Jesus calls his disciples and they immediately leave their nets, and they follow Him. Perhaps they had heard his initial preaching about repentance, and the arrival of the Kingdom of God. This would have stoked much messianic fervor in their hearts.Jesus’ ...
Opening Question:What do people mean when they say, “it’s the Gospel truth”?IntroductionWe begin our study this quarter of the Biblical “gospel” according to Mark, and the first couple days focus on John Mark as a historical character in the Christian scriptures. Modern historical critical scholars believe they have discounted John Mark as author of this gospel, but many of their arguments are built around speculation and an overemphasis on Mark’s author (or implied author) as ignorant of Palestinian geography and Judaism. The earliest writings after the disciples who speak about Mark’s authorship ascribe it to Peter who shared his ...
Texts for the Week: John 8:32; Ezek. 20:12, 20; Rev. 7:1, 2; Rev. 14:1; Joel 2:21–24; Hos. 6:3; James 5:7, 8; Rev. 18:1–4.Opening Question: “Should we think of time as a circular thing, or a linear thing? Are we going round and round in history, or moving from a beginning to a point of destiny?”The lesson this week looks at what might be called the closing scenes of earth’s history. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has read widely from the Bible that, in the Bible’s view of reality, time is linear rather than circular. In ...
Verses for This Week: Rev. 14:7, 9, 12; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 13:1, 2; Rev. 12:3–5, 17; Rev. 13:11–18.Opening Question: “What can be said about the possibility of a final conflict taking place between the forces of good and evil?”The title of this week’s lesson gives forth an indication of what the subject matter is going to be, the discussion of the great and final conflict that is envisioned particularly in the Book of Revelation.With even a cursory reading of the Book of Revelation, a person can readily tell that the book, with all its symbols and beasts and apocalyptic ...
Texts for this Week: Matt. 10:28; Eccles. 9:5; Isa. 8:19, 20; John 11:11–14, 21–25; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 16:13, 14; Matt. 24:23–27; 2 Thess. 2:9–12.Opening Question: “What is the condition of a human after they die and why is that question of importance?The lesson this week covers some interesting ideological territory that has created a great division in human thought. It has to do with the spiritual underworld and also with the ideas people have about death. We will begin with the death part first.What happens when a person dies? This is a question to which all thought ...
Texts for this Week: Rev. 14:6–12; Eccles. 12:13, 14; Prov. 28:9; Dan. 7:25.One of the things that received a lot of careful attention as the result of careful Bible study among those who founded the Adventist movement, was the law of God. They saw it as a major element at least in part because it was a transcript of God’s character and desires, and it was also the basis upon which judgment would be rendered. A passage of scripture that was of particular interest to them was Revelation 14:6-12 where the remnant of the faithful would be characterized by ...
Texts for the Week: Exod. 25:8, 9, 40; Heb. 8:1–6; Lev. 16:21, 29–34; Lev. 23:26–32; Heb. 9:23–28; Dan. 7:9, 10; Matt. 25:1–13; Rev. 11:19.Opening Question: “What do you know about the services in the Old Testament Sanctuary?”The primary text for this week is taken from Hebrews 8 and it has as its focus a high priest who is in heaven “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens…” Here is an immediate clue that the lesson this week will have links to the Old Testament tabernacle or temple with its various services, a ...
Verses for This Week: 1 Thess. 4:13–18; Matt. 24:27, 30, 31; 2 Pet. 1:19–21; Dan. 8:14; Dan. 9:20–27; Ezra 7:7–13.Opening Question: “What role does hope play in the lives of human beings?”The lesson this week is anchored by a well-known verse from the writings of the ancient prophet Isaiah - “And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation’” (Isaiah 25:9, NKJV). This is one place of ...
Texts to Read for This Week: Rev. 11:3–6; Zech. 4:14; Rev. 12:5, 6, 14, 15; Dan. 7:25; Isa. 54:17; Ps. 119:89; Rev. 11:15–18.Opening Question: “What happens to a person or even a whole society when the word of God is suppressed or ignored?”The opening scripture passage for this week is Revelation 11:3-6, a selection of verses that speaks of two witnesses that will prophecy in sackcloth for a period of 1,260 days. Clearly, this is highly symbolic language that has to be interpreted if we are to gain any understanding of what is being spoken about.Some parts of these ...
Verses to be read this week: Ps. 119:103, 103, 147, 162; John 16:13–15; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Eph. 2:8, 9; Rom. 3:23, 24; Rom. 6:15–18.Opening Question: “What do you think would happen if the common person in our skeptical age were to read and understand the great truths of the Bible?As the title of this lesson indicates, this week we are invited to think about people who maintained their faith against all odds. The official lesson focuses on the period of history known as the Reformation. Of course, the Reformation is not mentioned in the Bible but there are ...
Key Texts: Dan. 7:23–25; Rev. 12:6, 14; Jude 3, 4; Rev. 2:10; Acts 5:28–32; Ps. 19:7–11; 1 John 5:11–13.Opening Question: “How is it that some people will stand for their beliefs even in the face of death while others won’t?”The lesson this week covers some challenging ground. It invites us to reflect on those who were willing to pay even with their lives, the cost of following God and orienting their lives by His word.It is a thing of strange fascination to read about the centuries that followed the acceptance of the Christian faith by so many in the ...
Key Texts: John 8:44; Prov. 23:23; Acts 20:27–32; 2 Thess. 2:7–12; Ps. 119:105, 116, 130, 133, 160; Prov. 16:25; 2 Cor. 4:3–6.Opening Question: “What can be done to prevent or slow doctrinal and behavioural drift in the Christian community?"The lesson this week covers some interesting territory in that it invites us to look at the early centuries of the Christian era not so much from the viewpoint of the persecutions that took place from time to time, but from a change that took place as Christianity became more and more acceptable, finally becoming the religion of the empire. Along ...
Major Texts: Isa. 41:10; Luke 19:41-44; Matt. 23:37, 38; Heb. 11:35-38; Rev. 2:10; Acts 2:44-47; John 13:35.Opening Question: “Should we regard persecution as something good for the Church, or bad?”The lesson this week picks up the story of the Great Controversy as it played out in the very early stages of the Christian era. It is widely known that the first few centuries after which Christianity appeared in Jerusalem, were very difficult years. The church faced a lot of adversity as did individual Christians. Some periods of time were truly grim featuring the execution of Christians because they would ...
Major Texts for this Lesson: Rev. 12:7-9; Ezek. 28:12-15; Isa. 14:12-14; Gen. 3:15; John 17:24-26Every story has to have a beginning. The verses listed above all speak to the beginning of the conflict.The first passage is truly remarkable, even disturbing for it tells of a war in heaven. One is hard-pressed to understand why or how there was war in what we would imagine to be a pristine, untroubled space. But the passage is quite clear, that there was war in heaven between Michael and his angels, and the dragon who is elsewhere identified with Satan, and his angels ...
Opening Question: “What shall we make of the biblical statement that there was once war in heaven?”The lessons this quarter focus on a grand theme that has been well-known in the SDA community from its very beginning. The name most often given to this grand theme is “The Great Controversy,” or, more fully, “The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.” This name speaks of a conflict that can be traced from before the Creation story all the way to the time when the Kingdom of God is finally fully established. It tells the story, From Eden lost to Eden ...
Leading Question: Stories often have an arc. There is tension, and the story draws us along because in the unfolding of each story, we see a bit of ourselves and what it means to be human. When you think of stories that have been powerful in your life, where does waiting fit in the storyline?Scripture Focus: Psalm 27:14, Psalm 131, Psalm 126, Matthew 18:3The Big Idea: Waiting in the Bible is active, not passive. Active waiting can involve silence and sound,calm and activity. And while waiting is depicted primarily as a human activity, God also waits.For Discussion:In translations from ...
Leading Question: What does it mean to bless God? What does it mean to receive a blessing?Scripture Focus: Psalm 104, Psalm 103, Deuteronomy 6:13, Psalm 96, Psalm 98The Big Idea: Praise is the beginning, the end, and everything in between in the book of Psalms,absolutely fundamental to the life of God’s people both individually and in community.For Discussion:In Hebrew poetry, when a line is used to start and end a poem, it is called an inclusion. This creates something like a sandwich, holding the meat of the poem inside. Psalm 104, like Psalm 103, begins and ends with the ...
Leading Question: WFor you or people close to you, what is a place that is tied to spiritual experiencesor memories of connection with God?Scripture Focus: Psalm 84, Psalm 125, Psalm 122, Psalm 46The Big Idea: For many of the biblical writers, Zion, or Jerusalem, was the place where God dwelt and from which God blessed the people.For Discussion:The author of Psalm 84 speaks with jubilation and longing about the dwelling place of the LORD. Perhaps most famous is the line in verse 10: “Better is one day in your courts, than a thousand elsewhere.” The subtitle of this psalm ...
Leading Question: What role do stories about the past play in equipping people to navigate life withall its twists and turns?Scripture Focus: Psalm 78, Psalm 105The Big Idea: Knowing where we come from is an important part of knowing who we are. Many of the psalms contain recitations of the long history of the people with God, and these recitations then form the foundation for discernment in the people’s continued journey with God.For Discussion:In our ongoing quest to make sense of life’s big questions and situate ourselves within some kind of larger narrative, the ways we remember and recount ...
Leading Question: Covenant relationship is a thread that winds throughout the biblical literature, conceptualized in a variety of ways. What does it mean to say humans are in covenant relationship with God?Scripture Focus: Psalm 89, 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 23, John 10:11-15, Psalm 22, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 7:20-28The Big Idea: Covenant is renegotiated and reimagined many times in the biblical narrative, the constant being that God initiates and sustains relationship with humans.For Discussion:Psalm 89 begins with the phrase, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever.” God’s covenant love (ḥesed) is then expounded on by telling the story ...
Leading Question: What is wisdom?Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 128, Psalm 90, Psalm 137 and 138The Big Idea: It is usually books like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes that are described as “wisdom literature.” But the Psalms also include collected wisdom and even the way the songs and poems are organized invites us as readers into a journey of discernment.For Discussion:William Brown describes the book of Psalms as a hymnbook, a prayer book, and a textbook, and argues that the wisdom psalms reveal “points of dialogical contact between Psalms and the wisdom corpus, snapshots of a larger dialogue over what ...
Leading Question: When do we as humans need God’s mercy?Scripture Focus: Psalm 57:9, 10, Psalm 136, Psalm 51The Big Idea: The covenant loyalty of God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, and God invites his people to not only see how his covenant love continues forever as the bedrock of existence but also how the invitation remains for humans to partner with God and embody covenant love.For Discussion:Discussion question: Psalm 51 is a well-known poem, memorized by many, some of its lines being used a lyrics in modern songs. What is your most vivid memory of this ...
Leading Question: What does it mean when God stands up?Scripture Focus: Psalm 12:5, Psalm 18, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Psalm 96, Psalm 99The Big Idea: The writers of the Psalms understood God as a divine being who intervenes in thehuman realm, standing up for justice and righteousness and advocating for the oppressed.For Discussion:Along with the metaphor of God as king, discussed earlier in the quarter, the Psalms also depict God as a mighty warrior and a just judge. Psalm 18 is filled with vivid imagery. The most famous metaphor in Psalm 18 is probably “God is my rock.” But the poet ...
Leading Question: Have you ever had something asked of you that felt like an insult, amisunderstanding of who you are and what matters most to you? What was this like for you?Scripture Focus: Psalm 137, Psalm 22, Psalm 73The Big Idea: Exile is a thread that runs throughout the biblical text. Exile is event, and exile is a metaphor for the human condition.For Discussion:How people understood God’s presence and what they believed about how to access it changed significantly over the centuries in which the biblical literature was written and edited. In Exodus 25:8, the Lord says to Moses, ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVayKey Texts: Eph 6:10-20, Part 1Key Questions Since we are now under the authority of the exalted Christ (Eph 1:20-23), why not simply ignore the powers of darkness (Eph 6:12)? What is the timing of the battle or war Paul imagines? Is it a future one only, occurring on “the evil day”? Or is it continuous, happening throughout the Christian era? How does Paul elsewhere use military language in describing his own ministry and that of his co-workers? In what type of warfare are they engaged? How does this contribute to our understanding of ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVayKey Texts: Eph 6:1-9Key Questions What principles should we use in interpreting and applying the counsels of Paul’s “household code” in Ephesians 5:21-6:9? See the “Excursus,” below. What “grand substitution” does Paul ask slaves to make? (See Wednesday’s lesson) Since slave masters were active agents of an immoral institution, why didn’t Paul simply dismiss them from the church? In considering how to apply Paul’s counsel to children and parents and to slaves and slave masters, Friday’s lesson offers five challenging questions to be considered. Which of those questions do you find most pressing and ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 5:21-33
Key Questions
What element of Paul's discussion of the relationship between Christ as Bridegroom and the church as bride (Eph. 5:25-27, 29) do you find most inspiring? Why? How does Paul’s “one flesh” model of marriage enrich the common models debated by Christians today—the “complementarian” model (which looks to creation as establishing enduring, complementary roles for men and women in marriage) and the “egalitarian” model (which also looks to creation, this time for an enduring understanding of the equality of husbands and wives)? What strategies might struggling families find in Eph ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 5:1-20
Key Questions
What arguments does Paul offer to support his ban of crude speech among Christians? (Eph 5:3-5, 12). Which of these arguments are most applicable to our day? What “bargains” are on offer to you as you await Christ’s return? (see Eph 5:16 and Wednesday’s lesson). What would it mean to “snap up” those bargains? In Ephesians 5:18b-20 Paul imagines Christians gathered to worship. In your own words, describe the early Christian worship service he recounts. Paul has illustrated the use of thanksgiving in prayer (Eph 1:3-23, esp. v. Eph ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 4:1-16
Key Questions
In Eph 4:17-32 Paul is very interested in the quality of speech practiced by Christians, especially within the fellowship of believers. Why is this such a big deal for him? How are we doing on this today? How do we build a culture of intra-church communication that mirrors Paul’s counsel in Eph 4:17-32? (See the addendum to the lesson, “Take the Pledge!”) What does Ephesians 4:30 suggest with regard to the themes of the “personhood” and full divinity of the Holy Spirit? Compare Eph. 4:3-6; Matt. 12:31, 32; ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 4:1-16
Key Questions
Is the role of the ascended Jesus described in our passage limited to the first century? If not, what are the implications for the way we staff congregations and view each other as church members today? How have Eph 4:11-13 been important to Seventh-day Adventists in understanding the functioning of spiritual gifts in general and in understanding the role of Ellen White? (see Wednesday’s lesson) How might Eph 4:1-16 offer a corrective to some, defective views of church “unity”?
What shift occurs at Eph 4:1? Paul begins the second half ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 3:1-21
Key Questions
Eph 3:10 provides something a bit unusual, a “job description” for the church. How would you paraphrase the church’s task? How might we go about accomplishing it? Eph 3:13 may come as close to a “purpose statement” as Paul provides in the letter. What worry might well motivate the letter? In his prayer report (Eph 3:14-19), Paul reports his prayer request for wonderful, spiritual assets. Which means the most to you (or which do you need the most) just now? The last half of our passage, Eph 3:14-21, presents ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 2:11-22
Key Questions
What does Paul say in Eph 2:11-22 about Christ’s work of reconciliation performed at the cross? (See the phrases “by the blood of Christ,” Eph 2:13; “in His flesh,” Eph 2:15; “through the cross,” Eph 2:16). How does that work relate to Paul’s earlier “announcement of theme” (in Eph 1:9, 10)? How might Eph 1:11-22 help believers bring something distinctive and effective to current conversations about race relations? How might it add value to usual concepts of diversity? (And, should Christians be less interested in relationships among races or ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 2:1-10
Key Questions
Paul describes the conversion story of pagans who have become Christians. Does every conversion story track on the same basic steps he discloses here in Ephesians 2:1-10? Paul writes that the believers “were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph 2:3). What does that mean? How does the phrase relate to concepts of “original sin”? (See the “Excursus” that concludes this study guide) In what sense is the believer called to track on the trajectory of Jesus from death to exaltation/enthronement? (Eph 2:4-6) How does ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 1:15-23
Key Questions
In the age of hyperconnectivity and social media, what “powers” attract our allegiance today, threatening to compete with Christ for our loyalty and worship? Read back through Ephesians 1:19-23, praying that the exaltation of Jesus may occur in your heart and mind. In what ways do you most need the power of Christ’s resurrection and exaltation to be expressed in your life? How might we live if we truly believed that Jesus is exalted at the heart of the cosmos? Isn’t the exaltation of Jesus more a matter of ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Eph 1:3-14
Key Questions
Reviewing Ephesians 1:3-14 and the long list of gifts Paul includes in his thank you note to God, which one is most precious to you? Why? How might our eschatological outlook change if we focused on God’s “plan for the fullness of time,” to “unite all things” in Christ? (Eph 1:9, 10) How would your life change if you took more seriously the great purpose of life, to live “to the praise of His glory”? (Eph 1:11, 12) Compare the “sealing” by the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 1:13, ...
Study Guide Prepared by: John McVay
Key Texts: Acts 18-20; Eph 1:1, 2; 6:21-24
Key Questions
Which of the events, listed below, provides the most help in understanding the setting of Ephesians? Why? One modern commentator writes, “‘Pound for pound’ Ephesians may be the most influential document ever written.”Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians, NIVAC (Zondervan, 1996), 37. Why do you think Ephesians has been so impactful? An Adventist author of yesteryear compared studying Ephesians to a mountain climber who “suddenly comes out at a place where bursts upon his vision a grand and enrapturing scene in every direction, filling his soul with wonder ...
Opening Question
What prophecy of the Bible do you most look forward to seeing fulfilled and why?
Introduction
This week, we wrap up our study of the three angels’ messages. We will consider the goal that awaits God’s redeemed, those who are faithful and keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus.
Revelation 21-22
Read Revelation 21-22. Consider what awaits you as you struggle through this life. Then answer the following questions as we conclude our overall study of Revelation 14:6-13.
In light of the challenges God’s people go through on earth, would you say that Revelation 21-22 make up for it? Is the ...
Opening Question
In what ways would someone know you are a Christian if you never told them?
Introduction
The lesson today should have taken more time to speak about the Seal of God, and instead spent a bit of time on Christian history; helpful history, but not directly in the text of the Bible. We’ll ask more questions about Revelation 7 and the sealed saints today.
Revelation 7
When we read Revelation 7, we see angels holding back the four winds of heaven waiting for God’s saints to be sealed. They are said to receive God’s seal on their foreheads only, as opposed to ...
Opening QuestionWhat is the Mark of the Beast in Revelation?IntroductionOur lesson today begins to address the 3rd angel’s message. This is a sobering note, and requires us to recount the context again. In Revelation 13, the land-beast compels people to worship an image (of the sea-beast) just as Daniel’s friends in Dan. 3. Anyone who refuses to worship the beast will receive God’s seal and favor, but face death from human forces. Anyone who does worship the beast will live temporarily and be marked, but must turn their backs on God. It is into this world-wide dilemma that the ...
Opening QuestionCan you recall a time someone lied to you or led you astray? How did it make you feel?IntroductionToday’s lesson is less from an exegesis (study drawing meaning from the text) of the three angels’ messages and more about a theme from Ellen White’s book Great Controversy. It deals with two main issues: the role that Sunday plays in the Christian religious world today, and the role of spiritualism in the last days and the ability of the forces of evil to play on misconceptions about life and death. This is not to say these are not Biblical ...
Opening QuestionDo you believe that ancient Babylon will be rebuilt?IntroductionWe now move to the 2nd Angel’s message. Although the city of Babylon has not been mentioned yet in the apocalypse, at our very first glimpse we learn that it fell. In the Old Testament, Babylon was a city rebuilt at Shinar, the location of the ancient city of Babel. (compare Genesis 10:10 and 11:2 with Daniel 1:2). Babylon was, according to the prophets, a tool in the hand of God to punish His people for their sin and disobedience. But they went too far, and failed to give Yahweh ...
Opening QuestionWhy does it seem so hard to find time for real rest these days?IntroductionThe lesson this week links the judgment with human accountability for right actions, and then ties in the commandments of God and the Sabbath particularly. The theme appears to be obedience through actions, but little is said about the source of the power to live out the law. Phrases like “make decisions in light of eternity,” “adherence to the seventh-day Sabbath,” “faithfulness” and “obedient lives” suggests we pass through the judgment by simply knowing the right thing, and then doing it. Because the lesson shows ...
Opening QuestionWith so many scientific claims made about life on earth evolving through millions of years, can Christians still believe in God as a creator?IntroductionThe final phrase of the 1st angel’s message is another imperative, and this time it urges people to worship. Many secular humanists have said that God is narcissistic because He commands people worship Him or die. But here in Revelation 14, it is an angel giving this message, and the context is vitally important. We must remember that there are conflicting objects of worship, of allegiance, of homage, or service. Revelation 13 pictured a Christ-like ...
Opening QuestionWhat are some of the most important turning points in the history of this world?IntroductionThis lesson jumps back to Daniel 8 and 9, and relates the time-prophecies there to the three angels’ messages. The links between the two chapters are abundant, and there is no question that although the vision of Daniel 8 and the visit of the angel in Daniel 9 may be separated by some time, they are literarily and thematically bound. The real shame in the lesson is that it doesn’t return to Daniel 2 and 7 also to build a stronger historicist foundation. In ...
Opening QuestionWhen have you ever questioned whether God was who you hoped He was?IntroductionThis week’s lesson studies the next phrase of the 1st Angel’s message: because the hour of His judgment came. Many people fear judgment, and that is only natural if they know that the judge who condemns or acquits is using a law which they’ve broken. But judgment need not be negative. Many people cry out for justice under the law, they want their case heard, especially when the prosecutor is being unfair with the evidence and the defendant is innocent. The judgment is then the best ...
Opening QuestionIf you met God face-to-face, how do you think you’d react?IntroductionThe first angel flying in midheaven who has the everlasting gospel proclaims in a loud voice two imperatives in Greek: 1) Fear God, and 2) Give glory to him. These must be unpacked a bit in order to understand what the text is suggesting and what it is not. But these imperatives appear to be a part of the everlasting gospel. The call to fear God and give him glory are again urged in response to the beast compelling everyone to worship a human-made image, an idol. The ...
Opening QuestionIn a world where bad news seems common, what is some good news that you’ve received?IntroductionThe lesson this week looks at the “everlasting gospel” in Rev. 14:6. Sometimes we’ll use this word to describe something being the absolute truth if it’s the “gospel truth.” The word “gospel” comes from the Greek term “euangellion,” meaning “good news” or “a good report.” It was often used to describe the birth of a King’s son who could continue on the leadership of a country. The word could also mean a good report about a person. Throughout the New Testament, the “euangellion” ...
Opening QuestionIs it discrimination to divide people into groups?IntroductionOur lesson this week is based on Revelation 14:14-20. It merges two concepts or interpretations of this section: the judgment/separation of people into two distinct groups, and the harvest, which the writers assume means the 2nd Coming of Christ. Thus, the lesson tries to deal with both topics at the same time but does not provide as much background into why or how the structure of Revelation 12-14 informs these conclusions.What is the harvest? How does it fit into Revelation’s narrative? What is the context before and after this passage? We ...
Opening QuestionIs the idea of good and evil only something for story books and Hollywood movies, or do you see evidence of it in your own life and the world around you?IntroductionOur lesson this week backs up from the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14 to chapter 12 and the dragon’s war against Christ. But really, the lesson should start in Ch. 11. Each sequence of seven in Revelation (Churches, seals, trumpets, angels, plagues) begins with a setting in the Hebrew Sanctuary, next to an item of furniture. John introduces us to these furniture scenes in ch. 1 when ...
For nearly over 175 years, Seventh-day Adventists excited about Christ’s return have looked to Revelation 14 for parameters of our socio-spiritual context, and the primary content of our last-day message in response. Adventist leaders in the fledgling Sabbatarian movement found these messages provided not only a reason for existence, motivation for mission, and compelling communique for the world, Revelation also situated these messages in a prophetic timeline that allowed the believers to situate themselves in God’s unfolding Revelation in the last days. Adventism was animated by these messages, driven forward in growth as a church, in transformed lives through ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 11:6, Isa. 62:11, Rom. 6:23, John 14:1–3, Revelation 21, Matt. 25:20–23, Rom. 8:16–18.Question – “What rewards may the faithful rightfully look forward to?Our final lesson for this quarter invites thought and discussion on the matter of the rewards of faithfulness. The foundational text is from Matthew 25:21 -- “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” This comes from the parable commonly known as the parable of the ...
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Chron. 20:1–22, 1 Chron. 21:1–14, 2 Pet. 3:3–12, 1 John 2:15–17, Rev. 13:11–17.A foundational text for this week is 2 Chron 20:20 ~ “Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”The lesson this week invites some reflection and discussion around the topic of managing our affairs during tough times. Everyone knows that tough times do come. We also know the coming of tough times is not always predictable. And tough ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 12:16–21, Eccles. 2:18–22, Prov. 27:23–27, 2 Cor. 4:18, Eccles. 5:10, Col. 1:15–17.The lesson this week takes us into some interesting and, to some, delicate territory, that of dealing with finances as a person gets toward the end of their lives. The foundational passage from the Bible is from Revelation 14:13, a verse many people have never read:“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 14:12–14, Eph. 5:5, Joshua 7, John 12:1–8, Acts 5:1–11, 1 Cor. 10:13.The lesson this week takes up a challenging topic: the whole topic of the human propensity to covet, known as covetousness. An appropriate foundational passage from the Bible is this:“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Eccles. 12:1; Gen. 2:15; 1 Tim. 5:8; Col. 3:23, 24; Gen. 39:2–5; Prov. 3:5–8.This week, the official Sabbath School lesson takes up the subject of being successful in life, of how to plan to be successful in life; a noble enterprise to be sure. The primary text for this week is from the book of Colossians:“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23, 24, NKJV).It is ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 4:16–19; Isa. 62:1, 2; Deut. 15:11; Matt. 19:16–22; Luke 19:1–10; Job 29:12–16.This week we have a lesson that is quite challenging, titled “Unto the least of These.” It invites us to reflect on what should be understood to be the Christian responsibility to care for those the Bible designates as “the least of these.” The least of these that are often spoken of in the Bible are those who have lost all societal place and support. In biblical days, those were commonly understood, and were identified as being, the orphans, the widows, the ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 6:5–14, Heb. 11:8–13, 2 Cor. 4:18, Gen. 13:10–12, Gen. 32:22–31, Heb. 11:24–29.The foundational passage for this week is Mark 8:36, 37, which reads, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”We could put alongside this the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:19, 20, where he told his followers to lay up treasure in heaven where no moth or rust or thieves can destroy or steal it. And we might add the ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Deut. 28:1, 2, 12; Matt. 6:24; 1 John 2:15; Prov. 22:7; Prov. 6:1–5; Deut. 15:1–5.This week we are going to talk about debt: what it is, what it does to and for us, what the Bible says about debt. We will also talk about how to get out of debt.The foundational text is Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rules over the poor, the borrower is servant to the lender.”The issue of debt is a very big one today. Debt is everywhere in our world, particularly in the Western world where everything seems to run ...
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 9:6, 7; Deut. 16:17; Ps. 116:12–18; 1 Chron. 16:29; Mark 12:41–44; Mark 14:3–9.The lesson this week considers the many and various offerings mentioned in the Bible that were given in addition to tithe. In other words, tithing was considered a very basic thing in the Bible with generosity being calculated by what was given in addition to the tithe.The matter of generosity is a very interesting one. Those who are generous particularly in their giving of money to good causes, often tell of the great joy that comes to them as a ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 14:18–20; Mal. 3:10; Deut. 12:5–14; Lev. 27:30; 1 Kings 17:9–16; 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.The lesson this week is precisely focused on the concept of tithing. It is commonly understood that a “tithe” is 10% or a tenth part of something. The primary text is the famous one from Malachi 3, “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such ...
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 10:22, John 6:29, Deut. 28:1–14, Prov. 3:1–10, Mal. 3:7–11, Matt. 6:25–33.The lesson this week is built around the fact that, in the long ago, God made a covenant with Abraham through which all the families of the earth can be blessed. That covenant has continued to this day and it may still bring its benefits to those who believe. The foundational text is from Deuteronomy 28:“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, ...
Relevant Verses: Isaia 65:17-18; 66:22-23; Rev. 21:1-5Leading Question: Our title suggests a clean slate. But is that actually possible? Can we actually understand salvation if we have no memory of what we have been saved from.Comment: Many things about the transition from old to new we cannot understand. What stands outmost vividly in the OT view is the continuance of death. There will still be death – but no premature death. And we should note that the new heaven and new earth is viewed as something that happens on earth. Three passages are particularly important, two from the OT (Isaiah ...
Relevant Verses: Deut. 4:5-8; Jer. 31:33-34; Rom. 8:1; John 3:16-17Leading Question: How can we make the idea of judgment good news? Or will it always have to have a touch of bad news too?Comment: If there are two concepts that are difficult for devout conservatives to appreciate (diversity and change). So there are two biblical ideas that are very troublesome for sensitive, conscientious people (law and judgment). Quoting the official study guide, this week’s lessonconsiders “the end-time judgment process with its three main phases: the pre-advent judgment, the millennial judgment, and the executive judgment.”I do not want to deny the ...
Relevant Verses: Luke 2:52; Acts 8:4-24Leading Question: If there is a biblical “”World View,” where did the other one come from? Or is there more than one?As the word suggests, “world view” is a way of looking at the world. There are many different world views, but our lesson this week simply focuses on the Christian world view as seen in Jesus and those who follow him. Initially, the lesson looks at the formative years of Jesus’ childhood, quoting Luke 2:52 (NIV): “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”The official study guide notes ...
Relevant Verses: 1 Sam 38:3-25; James 4:7Leading Question: If neither you nor I like to be deceived, why doesn’t God just waive his magic wand and get rid of all deceptions?Comment: No one likes to be deceived. Why couldn’t God take a more active hand in preventing deception?This weeks addresses a number of deceptions that are not specifically identified in Scripture. We will look at those, but first we should document the ones that are found in Scripture. We should also note that a great Deceiver constantly stalks our world.Question: When you think of the great Deceiver, what incident stands ...
Relevant Verses: Rev. 6:19-11; 1 Peter 3:13-20; Phil. 1:21-24; Luke 16:19-31; John 3:16
Leading Question: “Typically Seventh-day Adventists do not believe in an eternally burning hell, yet they do believe in hell. What’s the difference?”
Comment: From a biblical point of view, the word hell either translates as the word grave or sheol. In the Old Testament everyone who died went down to sheol. That’s the “cold” hell. The dead are gathered to their fathers in this cold hell of Sheol. They are cut off from God and very everything living.
In the New Testament the “hot” hell is depicted as a lake ...
Relevant Verses: Rev. 6:19-11; 1 Peter 3:13-20; Phil. 1:21-24; Luke 16:19-31; John 3:16
Leading Question: “Many of our lessons this quarter deal with “contrary passges.” Why can’t we just talk about the truth and not worry about ‘contrary passages’?
Comment: Sometimes error is so deeply rooted that it is necessary to confront it directly. In this lesson we will look at several key passages that seem to support the idea of immortal soul (and an eternally burning hell). First on the list is promise Jesus made to the thief on the cross. All 79 translations listed in Bible Gateway translate Luke 23:43 with ...
Relevant Verses: Heb. 11:39-40
Leading Question: “ In the middle of history, what does it mean to switch from one hope to another? Can’t God make up his mind which hope is right?
Comment: The New Testament hope is clearer, more focused, than the OT hope and there is a difference between the two, yet both are part of God’s master plan. And lurking in the background of this week’s lesson, indeed of all the lessons this quarter, is non-biblical teaching of the immortal soul concept.
The official study guide notes a crucial point from Hebrews 11:39, 40. After citing all the hopeful and ...
Relevant Verses: Matt. 28:1-10; 1 Cor. 15; Rev. 21:4
Leading Question: The Title, “Christ’s Victory over Death” suggests that through his death, Christ vanquished death forever. If that is a biblical statement, does that make it true for all time?
Comment: Revelation 21:4 offers believers a definite promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more.” If that is a statement in Scripture, shouldn’t that be something we can trust?
This week’s lessons addresses all the efforts that the forces of evil employed to keep Jesus locked in the tomb.
Question: Did the efforts that the Jewish leaders put forth ...
Relevant Verses: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12; Philippians 2:5-11
Leading Question: Why would that simple title, “He Died for US” be so important for a lesson quarterly entitled, “Life Everlasting: on Death, Dying, and the Future Hope”?
Comment: I would like to organize our discussion around two famous passages of Scripture, one coming before the cross, the “Song of the Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 52:13 - 53:23), the other coming after the cross ( Philippians 2:5-11), also referred to as a hymn.
We can place these two hymns within the life of the believing community, asking crucial questions:
What is their devotional value? Prophetic value? Predictive value? ...
Relevant Verses: Deut. 4:5-8; 13-14; 5:22-33
Leading Question: “What would lead the Sabbath School lesson editors to include a lesson on ‘resurrections before the cross’ in this quarter’s line-up?
This is a wonderful collection of stories. I was powerfully moved as I read through them. I think it would be helpful and interesting simply to read them and comment on what we found particularly helpful, moving, inspiring, or intriguing.
Moses: Deut. 34:5-7, Jude 9; Luke 9: 28-36
Deut. 34:5-7 (NIV) And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. 6 He buried him in Moab, in the ...
Relevant Verses: Deut. 4:5-8; 13-14; 5:22-33
Leading Question: How is an Old Testament Hope different from a New Testament Hope?
This will be a challenging lesson for those who want a more open approach to the exegesis of Scripture. For those who want a more thorough and open discussion of the topic, three of my books will provide insight. Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God? addresses the OT/NT divide. But in so doing, adopts what could be described as a “radical accommodationist” approach to Scripture. The late David Wright, the left-of-center Evangelical historian at the University of Edinburgh who helped me ...
Relevant Verses: Deut. 4:5-8; 13-14; 5:22-33
Leading Question: “For you, what is most puzzling about human nature, the most difficult to explain?”
The official study guides defines the point of this week’s lesson as two fold: “This week we will consider how the Old Testament defines human nature and the condition of human beings at death”
To do that we have to make some comparisons between Genesis 1 and 2. I was drawn to this comparison by a question from an elderly Adventist pastor who was beginning to see things in the Bible that he hadn’t see before. Initially I didn’t understand ...
Relevant Verses: Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12
Leading Question: “How does the Bible explain the entrance of rebellion and death into a perfect world?”
Question: The title of our lesson talks about death in a sinful world. Is that an easier question to address than the one that asks about death in a perfect world? Are both of them mysteries or only one?
The official study guide points out that God’s warning to the first couple indicates the existence of free will (why warn if there was no danger of falling?), a theme that is important to Adventists. But the caution from Gordon ...
Relevant Verses: Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12
Leading Question: “How does the Bible explain the entrance of rebellion and death into a perfect world?”
Question: The title of our lesson talks about death in a sinful world. Is that an easier question to address than the one that asks about death in a perfect world? Are both of them mysteries or only one?
The official study guide points out that God’s warning to the first couple indicates the existence of free will (why warn if there was no danger of falling?), a theme that is important to Adventists. But the caution from Gordon ...
Relevant Verses: Gen. 3; Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-19; Rev. 12
Leading Question: “Why does the Old Testament tell us so little about the Great Adversary?”
Biblical Names for the Great Adversary. When we explore the teaching of the Bible on the Great Adversary, we are tantalized by the nature of the evidence. In the order in which they appear in Scripture, here are the key names with brief comments about each one:
Serpent. When the serpent is first introduced in Scripture in Genesis 3:1, the NRSV describes it simply as being “more crafty than any other wild creature that the LORD God ...
Relevant Verses: Gen. 3; Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-19; Rev. 12
Leading Question: “Why does the Old Testament tell us so little about the Great Adversary?”
Biblical Names for the Great Adversary. When we explore the teaching of the Bible on the Great Adversary, we are tantalized by the nature of the evidence. In the order in which they appear in Scripture, here are the key names with brief comments about each one:
Serpent. When the serpent is first introduced in Scripture in Genesis 3:1, the NRSV describes it simply as being “more crafty than any other wild creature that the LORD God ...
Opening Question
Why did God allow Jesus to suffer so much?
Introduction This week, we finally take time to focus on Jesus Christ’s own suffering. In reality, this subject should be the guiding principle of the entire quarter. It is God’s experience of suffering through the person of Jesus, and the Father’s pain in giving Him up, that give us the greatest example to follow. We know our pain is understood, that our Creator is not separated from our or griefs and pain.
The Servant More than 600 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied that God’s “servant” would suffer and bear the sins ...
Opening Question
Why did God allow Jesus to suffer so much?
Introduction This week, we finally take time to focus on Jesus Christ’s own suffering. In reality, this subject should be the guiding principle of the entire quarter. It is God’s experience of suffering through the person of Jesus, and the Father’s pain in giving Him up, that give us the greatest example to follow. We know our pain is understood, that our Creator is not separated from our or griefs and pain.
The Servant More than 600 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied that God’s “servant” would suffer and bear the sins ...
Opening Question
What makes people so fearful of dying?
Introduction Dying is the end of all flesh. Almost every person who has ever lived before this current generation has also died. But death is also a metaphor used for spiritual growth; that is, we must die to our own desires and our self-rule before we can truly live. There is a great paradox here, as Jesus says, the one who seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will find it. So, do we seek to save our lives by dying? ...
Opening Question
What makes people so fearful of dying?
Introduction Dying is the end of all flesh. Almost every person who has ever lived before this current generation has also died. But death is also a metaphor used for spiritual growth; that is, we must die to our own desires and our self-rule before we can truly live. There is a great paradox here, as Jesus says, the one who seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will find it. So, do we seek to save our lives by dying? ...
Opening Question
The lyrics of a song say that waiting is the most bitter lesson a believing heart has to learn. Do you agree?
Introduction Delayed gratification. Patience. Waiting. Hoping. Putting our desires behind those of others. Looking to the end-goal rather than now. These are the experiences of people struggling to be all they can be yet mired in difficulty and struggle. We look a the patience of God this week, and trust that God Himself is our model and example.
Two Long Noses In the Old Testament, God declares himself (Exodus 34:6-7, and later in Numbers 14:18) to be the God who ...
Opening Question
Do you admire people who go through challenges with poise, patience, and humility?
Introduction The quarterly begins a definition of meekness as “enduring injury with patience and without resentment.” No citation is given for this definition.
Wikipedia has this definition: Meekness is an attribute of human nature and behavior that has been defined as an amalgam of righteousness, inner humility, and patience .Meekness has been contrasted with humility alone insomuch as humility simply refers to an attitude towards oneself—a restraining of one's own power so as to allow room for others—whereas meekness refers to the treatment of others.
Either way, this word ...
Opening Question
When trouble comes to your life, is praising God your first, natural response?
Introduction This week takes us to another level of faith response—praying and praising when under the worst conditions. Our study guide will examine a few examples of those praising God when most would be cursing.
Praise in Prison? Read Acts 16. Paul and Silas had been doing God’s will in preaching to those in Philippi but were harassed by a demon possessed woman; when she was relieved of the evil spirit, those who used her for profit became enraged and had the apostles put in prison. Verse 25 notes ...
Opening Question
Is there anything you cannot see in the physical world, but believe exists anyway?
Introduction Our lesson takes on the topic of faith and believing in the unseeable and guarding against doubt. If the crucible teaches us anything, it is that our difficulties will give way to positives at some point. But that can be hard to believe, and God can be hard to trust if, as we have already noted, He Himself leads us into the fire.
Trusting God’s Graciousness Even in trails, we can ask God for succor, for relief, or at least for endurance and wisdom. Jesus asks us ...
Opening Question What is your greatest hope in this life, and perhaps the afterlife? IntroductionThroughout our struggles and challenges and life of pain or suffering, we long for hope that it is temporary. The lesson this week looks at some of the hope God’s people have experienced in the past. In a previous lesson, we looked at Hebrews 12 in more detail, so rather the look at the specific passages of the lesson, this study guide will examine the aspects of hope when things seem darkest. The lesson begins with Habakkuk and God telling him that things will get worse before they ...
Opening Question In a world where emotions drive behavior, how can we keep a balance between mere reaction and taking God-approved action? IntroductionSome of the most difficult theological conversations revolve around salvation as “God’s work” and the role of human will in both responding to His grace and in continuing Christian experience. The old classic work by Pastor-Speaker Morris Venden “Salvation by Faith and Your Will” takes this topic head on. How do we best understand the role of God in purifying and remaking us in His image and our own in allowing him to do that work, in obeying His ...
Opening Question Do you ever fear that God isn’t who you hope He is? IntroductionThe examples this week of “crucible” experiences are Abraham, Job, Hosea, and Paul. Each were asked to endure hardship, but each also was faithful. But the lesson is more concerned about how God might be perceived through these experiences than the lessons learned by each hero of faith. Abraham’s TestWhen Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, all hope in God’s promise to make Abraham the father of many nations would seem to have been squelched. Today, most modern people recoil at such a request, and some people and ...
Opening Question What would you be willing to endure if you knew the result would be a character like Christ’s? IntroductionBy now, most people know the basics of the story that introduces the lesson this week. A refiner knows then Gold or Silver is pure when the face of the refiner is perfectly reflected back by the hot, liquid metal. The implication is that only through intense heat and refinement will the metal become all it should be, with all impurities burned away of skimmed from the top. Does this harmonize with Scripture? How does God restore His “image” in sinful ...
Opening Question
Can our most severe trials be opportunities for God’s greatest miracles and victories?
IntroductionThe lesson introduces a passage from Ellen White’s book, The Ministry of Healing, about how a bird caged and covered will learn to sing in the darkness a song unable to be learned in the light. While I love the book, as a Biblical scholar, I prefer to focus on Scripture. The examples for today’s lesson about the birdcage do in fact come from the Bible, and exemplify God’s victories even after leading His people intentionally into trials. At the End of the RoadExodus 1-13 tells the ...
Opening Question
Why do people often blame themselves for a painful loss or suffering even when they had no control over such events?
IntroductionThis lesson describes the effects of the crucible used in chemistry and engineering processes. It’s valued for its ability to create generous tremendous heat, to purify, separate, mix, and transform base metals and other elements.
Although the terms crucible or kiln or melting pot are not used in Genesis 4:22, the implication of Tubal-Cain as a metalworker in bronze and iron implies the use of such an instrument. The process of smelting and refining metal begins early in the ...
Opening Question When have you traveled through a dangerous area where you felt unsafe? Introduction A recent viral video on social media showed a field filled with sheep. Visitors approached the fence and were invited to call the sheep with the exact same phrases as the shepherd used. But when strangers called, the sheep never even looked up from their meal of grass. When the shepherd approached the fence and cried out the same call, the sheep lifted their heads, then ran down to the fence to meet him. The sheep knew the shepherd’s voice.
Our study this week explores the 23rd Psalm ...
This study guide is meant to accompany the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School lesson for the 3rd Quarter of 2022. The format of this guide follows a similar pattern for each week’s lesson: an introduction to the topic, a short discussion on several verses or a bullet list of concepts for a passage, followed by questions in bold type. Please read through the Biblical passages, and then prayerfully consider the bolded questions. Perhaps you’ll find better questions that should be asked, and answered!
This quarter’s lesson is dedicated to the task of exploring Christian suffering, trials, and difficulty. The introduction to ...
Theme: Family Reconciliation
Leading Question: Is it possible to redeem negative events of the past?
With this lesson, the study of the Book of Genesis concludes. It carries the title Genesis, the Book of the Beginnings. However, to truly understand the storyline of this book one must pay attention to its ending.
Genesis ends with three significant scenes. First, Jacob blesses his grandsons, Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Second, Jacob blesses his twelve sons. In these the blessings spoken over his three eldest sons, Ruben, Simeon and Levi, reflect a significant amount of tension in the family. And third, after the death ...
Theme: The Risks of Power
Leading Question: What does a powerful position do to the person who holds that power?
Genesis tells of one of the most sudden and radical transformations in the Bible. Joseph, in a single day, moves from zero to hero, from forgotten, languishing prisoner to viceroy of Egypt, the most powerful man in the land, in control of the nation’s economy.
Joseph has been asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. But he does far more than that. First, he interprets the dreams. Second, he projects the Egyptian economy for the next 14 years. He also diagnoses the problem. The ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 32-36
Theme: A Changed Life
Leading Question: What if victory looks more like being defeated? What if strength feels more like being weak?
After his wrestling match with the unnamed man at Jabbok, Jacob was told: “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Gen 32:29, NASB). This change of name takes place not once but twice. After the encounter with Esau, and the episode of Dina and Shechem, God told Jacob to go to Bethel. Then we read: “After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 25-30
Theme: The Struggles of Life
Leading Question: What are you willing to struggle for in your life?
Who is Jacob? The first time we hear a description of him he is called “a content man” (NIV) and “a peaceful man” (NASB). The Hebrew phrase, ish tam, tells of a simple, quiet, plain, and straightforward man. But that is exactly what he turns out not to be in the lengthy section of Genesis 25–36.
Jacob was born holding on to Esau’s heel. He bought Esau’s birthright. He stole Esau’s blessing. When his blind father asked him who he was, he ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 22
Theme: Abraham’s Test
Leading Question: What is Abraham’s test?
At the opening of Genesis 12, God called on Abraham to leave his land, his birthplace and his father’s house, and promised him, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you” (Gen 12:2).
Another promise followed, “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted” (Gen 13:16).
Then a third promise, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them . . . so shall your ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 12-17
Theme: A Relational World
Leading Question: How do you describe a good relationship?
The covenant found in Genesis 12–17 is known as the “Covenant Between the Parts.” The covenant was for Abraham and his offspring. In Genesis 12–17, we are able to recognize three developments of the covenant: In Genesis 12, God promises Abram land, descendants, and blessings, but does not place any stipulations or conditions for the covenant to be fulfilled.
According to Genesis 15, God vows to fulfill His promises again without conditions. He shows Abram a vision of a fiery torch passing between the animal parts of ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 10-11
Theme: God and Abraham
Leading Question: What is Faith?
The journey of Abraham with God begins with two words, Lech Lecha, “God said to Abraham, ‘Go forth from your land, your birthplace and your father’s house to a land I will show you’” (Gen 12:1). The Bible does not tell us about his childhood, his youth, his relationships with his family, how he married Sarah, or anything about his character. Why would God call Abraham to become the one whom we credit with monotheism and the father of faith of the three monotheistic religions in the world, ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 10-11
Theme: A Scattered World
Leading Question: Why is a unified world threatening to human life?
Life after the flood begins with God’s solemn oath:
“I will never again curse the ground on account of the human , for the intent of the heart of the human is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.” (Gen 8:21; my translation).
Note the following:
“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of the human was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 6
Theme: A World Under Water
Leading Question: If God asked for your opinion before opening up the floodgates, what advice would you give? How might you have responded to “the wickedness of human beings on earth” (Genesis 6:5)?
Genesis 6–9 presents a story that challenges our assumptions not only about the nature of God but also about the biblical text and how it relates to other ancient flood stories. For example, the biblical flood story has numerous rival myths from many cultures in the world, including ancient documents that report striking parallels to Genesis 6–9. Perhaps, the most famous ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 4
Theme: A Violent World
Leading Question: Does God favor some over others?
Eve bears two sons, Cain and Abel. The brothers grow to become a shepherd and a farmer, taking up the creational commands to have dominion over the animals and to cultivate the earth (1:28). To cultivate the earth was reiterated by God in Gen 3:23, which was explicitly met by Cain in his line of work. The brothers bring offerings without any command to do so from the yield of their labors; and, Cain is the first to do this worshipful act.
Question: Was Cain’s offering truly ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 3
Theme: Theme: A Fractured World
Leading Question: Was it really a question of picking and eating the wrong kind of fruit?
Genesis 3 is an exceptionally rich story, full of irony and ambiguity about a world of loss and pain and death, but also a story with the promise for a restored world at its very core.
First, it is important to note that the identification of Genesis 3 as the “fall of humanity” and “fall into sin” cannot be interpreted with terminology and concepts specific to sin. The word “sin” is not mentioned anywhere, neither the word “fall.” ...
Relevant Verses: Genesis 1-2
Theme: The Wonder of Creation
Leading Question: How would you describe a good world?
Genesis 1–2 contains the two primary biblical stories about creation of the universe where God brings order to the sky, the land, and the seas and fills the earth with living beings. These chapters stand in contrast to other ancient creation stories which centre around chaos, warring gods, and humans created to serve the gods. The two chapters address questions about the nature of God, the world, and humanity; about the reason for a seven-day week and Sabbath rest; about the intimate relationship between ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 13
Leading question: What is the most important admonition in the book of Hebrews?
Some eighteen admonitions are packed in to Hebrews 13. How should we identify which one is most important or which ones are most important?
Question: Is the title of the lesson, which also reflects this week’s memory verse, the most important: “Let brotherly love continue” (KJV)?
Comment: Of all the admonitions, this one seems to come closest to Jesus’ one-verse summary of his message: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12) 1. Let mutual love continue 2. Don’t neglect hospitality ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 12-13
Leading question: What makes a kingdom “unshakeable”?
The reference to an unshakeable kingdom comes at the end of Hebrews 12. The section in which it appears is worth noting as it is jam-packed with vivid and potentially troubling images. Heb. 12:25-29: See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! 26 At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, “Yet ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 10-12
Leading question: What can we learn from the way New Testament writers remodel Old Testament stories?
The official study guide declares: “Hebrews 11 and 12 are probably the most-loved chapters of the book.” So let’s ponder the “faithful” characters described in chapter 11. We can go through the characters and add names under each of the following headings. The results should stir up some lively class discussion:
- Hebrews’ version is glossier that the Old Testament original. Abraham *laughed (as did his wife Sarah ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 9-10
Leading question: Is there more than one way to find full and direct access to God?
Comment: From the perspective of Hebrews, the way to find access to God is through the veil with Jesus. The result is stated in the memory text for today’s lesson: Hebrews 9:24: For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. The author of Hebrews trumpets the amazing truth which he has experienced: Jesus gives direct access ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 9-10
Leading Question: “Why were sacrifices needed?
Our leading question comes from one of the sections of the official study guide. And it triggers several more questions. And one of them focuses on the question of why sacrifices were necessary.
Question: Is it possible that sacrifices were not God’s idea in the first place?
Comment: One of the tantalizing verses of that great penitential Psalm, Psalm 51, suggests that animal sacrifices were, in fact, not God’s idea, certainly not his ideal:
Psalm 51:15-17 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you have ...
Relevant Verses: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8
Leading Question: Is the covenant described in Hebrews 8 a brand new one, or a renewed covenant as it is Jeremiah 31?
Hebrews 8:8-12 is a straightforward quotation of the New Covenant promise in Jeremiah 31:31-34. But by placing it in a new setting, Hebrews contrasts the Old and New covenants rather than seeing them as complementary. In short, Jeremiah breathes continuity and renewal, Hebrews announces contrast and obsolescence.
Question: Are there any clues in Hebrews that the author is taking a different approach than is found in Jeremiah? Hebrews 8:6-13: But Jesus has now obtained a ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 7
Leading Question: Can you point to a time in your life when Jesus was an “Anchor” of your soul?
Comment: The passage in Hebrews that refers to the “Anchor of the soul” is one that takes us to heavenly places where Jesus is a presence for us (Hebrews 6:19). Hebrews 6:16-20: Human beings, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute. 17 In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 5-7
Leading Question: Roman Catholics regularly use priests in their worship; Protestants believe in the priesthood of all the believers. So how can Jesus as “High Priest” be meaningful to those who are not accustomed to priestly mediation?
Comment: The world of priestly mediation is a strange one for us. The overall message of the book of Hebrews is that through Jesus we have direct access to God. Somehow, saying that Jesus is our high priest is intended to help us get that message.
Question: Why did the author of Hebrews need to go through such elaborate arguments to ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 2,4
Leading Question: Jesus said, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” Is it possible to find rest without coming to Jesus?
Jesus’ well-known rest invitation comes at the end of a record of tumultuous events. John the Baptist has been put in prison and Jesus pronounces strong judgment on some of the cities where he had been most active, including Capernaum. After all that, he “commands” the weary to come to him for rest.
Question: Does one need a command to come to Jesus? Does one need to come to Jesus in order ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 2,4
Leading Question: Does Hebrews 4 support the Sabbath or undermine it?
Hebrews 4 is a compact, closely argued chapter that focuses on Sabbath rest. But before we look at the text of chapter 4, let’s do a quick overview of the chapter in light of the chapter title, “Jesus, Our Faithful Brother.”
The emphasis on Jesus as our “Faithful Brother” is based on Hebrews 2:11-12, 17. In 2:11-12 we read that Jesus was “not ashamed” to call us his brothers and sisters. Here is God incarnate, declaring that he is not “not ashamed” to call this race of rebels ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 1, 3
Leading Question: What makes Jesus, the promised Son, better than Moses?
Comment: Since the whole quarter’s study focuses on Jesus the “better” revelation, it is no surprise that this lesson emphasizes the “Promised Son.”
Question: How does Hebrews 1:1-4 sharpen the focus on the “Son” more sharply than any other passage in the book? Why should this particularly label loom so large for the author of Hebrews?
Some specific comparisons in chapter 3 that are worth noting:
Hebrews 3:2-6: This passage compares Moses and Jesus. At first glance, the passage almost suggests “no contest” since Jesus was God’s Son ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 1-2
Leading Question: Is it more difficult for modern people to believe that Jesus was fully God, or that he was fully human?
Comment: In our largely secular world, any discussion of a God/Man is likely to be foreign territory. Which would be the “easier” goal to reach: to teach that Jesus was God or that Jesus was Human?
For this week’s lesson , I want to look more closely at Hebrews 2. The Adult SS study guide actually sketches out a very broad scope for the lesson: “The Message of Hebrews.” And if you scan the list of ...
Relevant Verses: Hebrews 1
Leading Question: Is the revelation of God in Jesus Christ better than all previous revelations?
Note: A resource I have found very helpful in preparing this study guide has been William Johnsson’s Hebrews, in the Abundant Life Bible Amplifier series (PPPA, 1994). References in the study guide to Johnsson are simply indicated by his last name and the page number.
Our leading question brings several other questions into play that we should consider.
Question: If the revelation of God in Jesus is better than all others (as the letter to the Hebrews implies), why did God give lesser revelations in ...
Relevant Verses: Num 20:1–13; Deut 34:1–12; Jude 9
Theme: Legacy
Leading Question: Why is the resurrection so central to the Christian faith?
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day” (Deut 34:5–6).
“What an extraordinary way to end a book: not just any book but the Book of books – with Moses seeing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, tantalisingly near, yet so far away that ...
Relevant Verses: Matt 4:1–11; Deut 8:3
Theme: The Importance of Deuteronomy for Jesus
Leading Question: Is the law still important even for Christ?
There are about 60 references to the book of Deuteronomy in the New Testament, with 44 direct quotes. Jesus quoted and used the book of Deuteronomy more than any other book in the Old Testament. In Matt 4:1–11 he used Deut 8:3; 6:16; and 6:13 to counter Satan’s temptations. Acts 10:34 references Deut 10:17 that God doesn’t show favoritism. Paul speaks of the “Book of the Law” in Gal. 3:10 and references Deut 27:26. In Gal 3:13 he references ...
Relevant Verses: 2 Kings 22; Jer 7:1–7; 29:13; Dan 9:1–19
Theme: The Importance of Deuteronomy for the Prophets
Leading Question: Why is a book of law book important?
Scott Redd, Bible scholar and president of the Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington D.C asks, “What would Plato be without Socrates, or Timothy without Paul, or Luther without Augustine, or Foucault without Nietzsche, or Bob without Woody, or Elvis, The Beatles, and every hair-spritzed glam rocker to follow them without the blues riff? Ask this and you get a sense of the architectonic influence that the book of Deuteronomy has over the prophet Jeremiah ...
Relevant Verses: Deut 4:32–39; 5:15; 8:7–18
Theme: Remember the past, but don’t be a captive to it!
Leading Question: Is it always good to remember the past?
The book of Deuteronomy upholds a religion of memory. The verb “remember” (Hebrew zachor) appears 15 times in this book. Actually, throughout the entire Old Testament memory is a prominent word with no fewer than 169 occurrences. “Remember that you were strangers in Egypt”; “Remember the days of old”; “Remember the seventh day to keep it holy.”
The first paragraph in the official Sabbath School lesson for this week begins as follows, “Two words appear all ...
Relevant Verses: Deut 4:25–31; 5:22–29; 30:1–10
Theme: Repentance
Leading Question: Why is it not good enough to say sorry?
Deuteronomy 30 brings Moses’ third speech to the Israelites to a climactic end. After placing blessings and curses before the people according to the ancient custom of a covenant ceremony, the tone changes. Moses offers an exceptional word of assurance to the descendants of slaves, namely, if they should be slaves again in exile, God will surely act on their behalf and reinstate them as free people. The first ten verses in Deut 30 stress an element that will be essential should this ...
Relevant Verses: Daniel 30:1–20
Theme: Choose Life
Leading Question: What does life expect of us?
Here is an excerpt from an essay with the title, “Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything” written by Victor Frankl (1905–1997), the Viennese neurologist and psychiatrist imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he lost his mother, father, and brother. His 1946 memoir Man’s Search for Meaning remains one of the most profound and vitalizing books ever written, abounding with wisdom on how to persevere through the darkest times. The question can no longer be “What can I expect from life?” but can now only be “What ...
Relevant Verses: Deuteronomy 7; 9:1–6; 10:1–15
Theme: Law and Grace
Leading Question: What makes you feel better about yourself: following rules or accepting a gift?
Question: How important is it for you to show that you obey God’s commandments? Would you break the rules because of something/someone you care about?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes about Deuteronomy as a book that calls us to obey the commandments of God. Yet there is no verb in biblical Hebrew that means to obey. This is an astonishing fact. So glaring is the lacuna that when Hebrew was revived in modern times a verb had to be found ...