Tag / William Earnhardt
Video Sermon: Turning Bad Breaks Into Victories
Even With bad Breaks we are More Than Conquerors
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV
In John 8:1-11 Some men with terrible motives and intentions seduced a woman and dragged her to Jesus to see if He would condemn her or even allow her to be stoned to death. As evil as their intentions were what they inadvertently did was they brought a woman to the feet of Jesus where she found salvation. As terrible as it was, and believe me it was not Jesus’ idea for them to do her that way, but in the end Jesus turned things around to work out in her favor and to God’s glory.
Terrible things happened to Jesus. Satan worked through evil men to make the Son of God a degraded spectacle on the cross. yet through it all Jesus became the Savior of the world. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that the one who was so despised, rejected and degraded is Lord. In the process a multitude that no one can number will be saved.
The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord’s permission, and “all things” that are permitted “work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28.- Ellen White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, Page 71.
What a wonderful promise that nothing can touch us but what infinite love permits, and all these things work together for our good if we love God. Without ever reading Romans 8;28 or this passage from Mount of Blessing I just shared, Joseph realized that all the bad breaks he endured worked out to develop his character so he could save lives. Instead of being bitter and resentful Joseph saw even the bad breaks and evil intentions of others were working to his advantage. Not only did Joseph forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery but instead of blaming them he said it was actually God who did it- and He did it for the good of others.
But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5 NKJV
Not only did Joseph not blame his dysfunctional family for all the bad breaks in his life, but he refused to acknowledge them as bad breaks. Instead he realized through all of the evil intentions of his dysfunctional family and even Potipher’s wife’s terrible accusations God was working to refine his character in order to get him exactly where he needed to be in order to save many lives.
When bad breaks come our way instead of blaming others for our situation lets trust God the same way Jesus and Joseph did. Let’s share in their hope and encouragement. Surely God is working out something wonderful in our lives.
Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.-Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Page 679.
Instead of being resentful and bitter over supposedly bad breaks lets bask in the love of God! God’s great love is working through our tribulations and persecutions making us more than conquerors.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 NKJV
You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.
05: Come Unto Me -Sabbath School Teaching Plan
Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on July 31, 2021.
Main theme for this week’s lesson: The yoke Jesus gives us is not a burden. It’s a support system. It’s His grace.
Read Together Matthew 11:28-30. Discuss the main idea of this passage.
Study: what type of rest does Jesus give us? How might the preceding verses help us understand?
Apply: How do we take Jesus’ yoke? How does that make our burden light? See God Will Definitely Give you More Than you can Handle.
Share: Share a time God gave you rest from a trial or temptation.
Read Together Matthew 5:5 and Galatians 5:1 and identify the main idea of these passages.
Study: What does it mean to be meek? What is the yoke of bondage Christ frees us from?
Apply: How do we stay meek and have rest and peace in a doge eat dog world?
Share: Tell about a meek person you know. How do they show meekness while having a confident rest and peace?
Read Together Exodus 18:13-22. Discuss the theme of this passage.
Study: What does bearing another person’s burden look like in this story?
Apply: How do you keep from being over-worked and over burdened? Should we send ourselves on a guilt trip for not doing a job in the church someone else could have just of easily done?
Share: Do you know of someone at work, home or church who is being burned out like Moses? How can you help them this week? Or if you are burned out how can you delegate some of your responsibilities?
Read Together Galatians 6:2 and identify the main idea of this passage.
Study: How does bearing each others burdens help us fulfill the law of Christ?
Apply: How does bearing someone else’ burden help you bear your own? An old story is told about a man who was caught in a snow bank in a blizzard. He was freezing and about to give up an die when he heard another man moaning in the storm. The first man found the strength to rescue the other man and ended up saving himself in the process. Do you believe this story to be true? Why or why not?
Share: Are there any burdens or responsibilities that someone can help you with, even a shut in or a child? How could you actually be helping them by letting them help you? Would it even be worth adjusting our expectations in order to help them by letting them help us?
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT
Giving in Light of the Cross
What belongs to God?
For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. Psalms 50:10-12 NLT
What besides the earth is His?
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalms 24:1 NLT
Aside from creation why are we God’s?
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19- 20 NLT
What is required of a steward?
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT
What will a faithful steward always remember?
One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. Levitcus 27:30 NLT
What was this tenth to be used for?
As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel. Numbers 18:21 NLT
What is it used for today?
Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.1 Corinthians 9:13-14 NLT
Which tenth is God’s?
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:9 NLT
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:9 KJV
Note: We are to give God the best of what we have, as well as returning our offerings first, instead of just waiting to see what is left over after all our other expenses.
What do we do if we withhold tithe and offering?
Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you? “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Malachi 3:8- 9 NLT
What does God want us to prove Him about?
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10 NLT
Does he promise to care for us?
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:26-32 NLT
What should be placed first in our lives?
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT
How much above the tithe is the offering to be?
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6- 7 NLT
What besides our possessions should we be good stewards of?
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:16 NLT
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 KJV
Note: God has given us time and talents to be used for Him as well. God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter
Do you want to hear Jesus say this to you?
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 NLT
01: “Living in a 24/7 Society” Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan
01: “Living in a 24/7 Society” Sabbath School Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan
Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath July 3.
Key Thought: God invites us to a physical as well as spiritual rest in Him.
- Have volunteers read Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:11.
A. Ask the class to share the main idea of these passages.
B. Why did God create a rest day before anyone was tired? Was God tired? What kind of a rest did He take?
C. Personal Application: Does Sabbath rest include both physical and mental rest? In other words do you worry about paying bills and plan work appointments for the week ahead on the Sabbath? Exactly what kind of a rest is God inviting us to each Sabbath?
D: Case Study: A friend asks you what’s the difference between resting on Sabbath or Sunday? What difference does it make so long as you rest? What do you tell your friend from the Bible?
2. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 45:1-5.
A. Ask the class to share what the main thought of this passage.
B. How does God respond to Baruch’s aches and pains?
C. Personal Application: How does one find rest and peace even when everything seem to be going wrong?
D. Case Study: A single mother tells you she is so discouraged because she tries to raise her children in the Lord but it seems her ex-husband and his family undo everything she has done. It’s an uphill battle going nowhere. How can you encourage this single mother?
3. Have a volunteer read Mark 6:30-32
A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.
B. What does this passage tell us about Jesus understanding our need for rest?
C. Personal Application: What restful or recreational activities do you find refresh you spiritually as well as physically?
D. Case Study: A fellow church member complains that the pastor was talking about taking his kids to a ballgame the other night. The church member feels that the pastor should have been out working trying to save souls and this is no time for games. How does this make you feel and what do you tell your fellow church member?
4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 4:1-17.
A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.
B. Why was Cain a restless wanderer (Vs. 12 NIV)? Did God make him that way or was it because of his own actions?
C. Personal Application: How do we find rest for our sin weary souls? See Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Case Study: Is there someone you know who has been tired and stressed out lately? How can you encourage them this week or even give them a break?
Video: Healthy Living in Light of the Cross
Health and Temperance
Brief overview: God want us to be healthy and happy. See Leviticus 11, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Proverbs 20:1
Why it is important to know the truth about health and temperance:
You don’t have to be a doctor to know how important, rest; exercise and diet are to healthy living. Seventh-day Adventists have been sharing a health message for many years now. The December 2005 issue of National Geographichad an article on the health lifestyles of Seventh-day Adventists and reports that they live an average of eight years longer than the general population.
Why it is important to understand health and temperance in the light of the cross:
While we all want to live as long as we can this is great news, but the health message Adventists find in the light of the Cross is not just about living longer, but living better. The health message in the light of the Cross teaches us that a healthier body leads to a healthier mind, which is able to appreciate spiritual themes and make morally sound choices. So while those following Biblical health principles live longer, more importantly they live closer to Jesus.
Further Study on Health and Temperance
What does God call us to do?
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NLT
Will this have an impact on what we eat?
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
What warning does God give?
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives inyou? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT
Why is this subject so important?
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
Note: In view of the above principles, one should refrain from the use of things which tend to harm, impede, or shorten one’s life; as well as those things which God has strictly forbidden.
What is God’s warning about alcohol?
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. Proverbs 23:29-32 NLT
Who does the Bible say has woe and sorrow?
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.Isaiah 5:20-22 NLT
What should we not be deceived by?
Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. Proverbs 20:1 NLT
Will drunkards be in heaven?
or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10 NLT
What does God desire for us?
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 NLT
Did Noah realize a distinction between the animals?
Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have approved for eating and for sacrifice, and take one pair of each of the others. Genesis 7:2 NLT
Note: When the animals entered the ark, there were no Jews. The same health laws and principles apply to all mankind and for all time, as we all have the same stomachs.
How can we tell the difference?
Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.“Of all the land animals, these are the ones you may use for food. You may eat any animal that has completely split hooves and chews the cud. You may not, however, eat the following animals that have split hooves or that chew the cud, but not both. The camel chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is ceremonially unclean for you. The hyrax chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is unclean. The hare chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is unclean. The pig has evenly split hooves but does not chew the cud, so it is unclean. You may not eat the meat of these animals or even touch their carcasses. They are ceremonially unclean for you. Leviticus 11:1-8 NLT
What must seafood have to be eaten?
Of all the marine animals, these are ones you may use for food. You may eat anything from the water if it has both fins and scales, whether taken from salt water or from streams. But you must never eat animals from the sea or from rivers that do not have both fins and scales. They are detestable to you. This applies both to little creatures that live in shallow water and to all creatures that live in deep water. They will always be detestable to you. You must never eat their meat or even touch their dead bodies. Any marine animal that does not have both fins and scales is detestable to you. Leviticus 11:9-12 NLT
Why did God give this list?
“These are the instructions regarding land animals, birds, marine creatures, and animals that scurry along the ground. By these instructions you will know what is unclean and clean, and which animals may be eaten and which may not be eaten.” Leviticus 11:46-47 NLT
Who will be destroyed when Jesus returns?
“Those who ‘consecrate’ and ‘purify’ themselves in a sacred garden with its idol in the center—feasting on pork and rats and other detestable meats—will come to a terrible end,” says the Lord. Isaiah 66:17 NLT
Of course there is more to health than just what we eat.
Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,–these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature’s remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. –Counsels on Diets and Food, Page 301
What does God want you to do?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Romans 12:1NLT
12: Covenant Faith – Sabbath School Teaching Plan
Key Thought: Old Covenant, new covenant: Jesus paid the debt owed by the law, so that we can stand righteous in the sight of God.
Prepared by William Earnhardt, June 19, 2021
1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 1:18,19.
- Ask class members to share what is the main idea of this text?
- What are we ransomed from? Who are we ransomed to?
- Personal Application: What has the blood of Jesus ransomed you from?
- Case Study: Your coworker asks you how to know if you are saved or not. How do you respond? Do you have a Bible study presentation to lead someone to accept Jesus and salvation? Please see Salvation in Light of the Cross.
2. Have a volunteer read Genesis 15:6.
- Ask class members to share what is the main idea of this text?
- What did Abraham do to show that He believed the Lord and had faith? See also Genesis 26:5
- Personal Application: Abraham’s faith was tested in Genesis 22. How has your faith been tested?
- Case Study: One of your friends says there is no reason to obey God since we are saved by just believing. How do you respond to your friend? Hint: James 2:14-26.
3. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 7:18, 17:1-4.
- Ask class members what the main idea of these passages are?
- How is the idea of reckoning expressed in the context of these sacrifices?
- Personal Application: Knowing that Jesus accepts us with our faults how should that effect our attitude towards one another? See Colossians 3:13.
- Case Study: One of your relatives says they don’t feel forgiven even after they ask God to forgive them. How do you respond?
4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:11.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
- Why is no man justified by the law in the sight of God? By the way it is important to point out no one was ever justified by the law in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. While we have the law in both Old and New Testaments the law itself never saved anyone in both Testaments. See Romans 3:28-31.
- Personal Application: How do you know if your faith is a live faith or a dead faith?
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
Lesson 11: New Covenant Sanctuary – Sabbath School Teaching Plan
Key Thought: The old covenant-sacrificial system was replaced by the new; instead of animals being sacrificed by sinful priests in an earthly sanctuary, we now have Jesus, our perfect Sacrifice. He represents us before the Father in the sanctuary in heaven, which forms the basis of the new covenant and its promises.
Prepared by William Earnhardt for June 12, 2021
1. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 26:11,12; Exodus 25:8.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- Why did God command Israel to build the sanctuary? What reason does He give for doing this?
- Personal Application: Why did God need a sanctuary to live among us? Hint: Isaiah 59:2 See also Desire of Ages, Pages 161-162.
- Case Study: Suppose a class member were to ask if God abhorred us before the sanctuary was built? What would you say?
2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:4, Hebrews 9:14.
- Ask class members what the main idea of this passage is?
- How does God delivers us from this present, evil world? Does God do this now or later? hint: Titus 2:11-12 and 1 John 2:6 and 1 John 4:17.
- Personal Application: In what ways and by what means has Jesus saved you from this evil world?
- Case Study: A coworker laments that she has given up trying to quit smoking. She has resigned to just letting God forgive her over and over. How do you encourage your coworker?
3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 8:1-6.
- Ask class members to share the main idea of this passage.
- What are the better promises the New Covenant is based on? Hint: Read “Better Promises Make a Better Covenant.
- Personal Application: How does knowing Jesus is your High Priest give you confidence?
- Case Study: Your neighbor tells you That God gave the new covenant because the old Testament law was too hard to keep. He says the Old Covenant had too many faults. What do you tell your neighbor? Hint: Hebrews 8:8 says God found fault with the people, not the law. Psalm 19:7 says the law is perfect converting the soul.
4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:24; I Timothy 2:5,6.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
- What does it mean that we have one mediator? Do we need human priests or mediators? Why, why not?
- Personal Application: What does Jesus being in the Heavenly Sanctuary have to do with our practical life ?” Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
Negative Feelings Play a Positive Role in our Salvation
For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 NLT
To me, a lot is said in the brief passage above. It tells me no one was ever saved by the Old Covenant. Those who lived and died before Jesus came were never saved by the law or by the Old Covenant. Before and after the cross everyone is saved by grace and by the New Covenant. The same law of ten commandments exist in both the Old and New Testament while it never saved anyone in the Old or New Testament. Obedience has always been the goal in both the Old and New Covenant but it was never the means to attaining salvation. It is grace that gives us obedience. See Ephesians 2:8-10.
The purpose of the animal sacrifices were to help those in Old Testament times to look forward to the cross of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Many animal rights activists and animal lovers have wondered why God would design a daily sacrificial system where countless animals would be killed everyday. What we need to understand is it was not God’s plan for countless animals to be killed every day. In Exodus 12:1-6 God tells the people to take a lamb into their home on the 10th day of the month but not to kill it until the 14th day. Why did God want the lamb in their home for four days before sacrificing it? I believe it gave them time to fall in love with their little pet so that it would break their hearts to have to sacrifice it. It was not God’s plan for countless animals to be sacrificed. It was God’s plan that the sacrifice would break their hearts and they would turn from sin. Just as Samuel told Saul,
Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT
I can’t really blame those in the Old Testament who became callous in regard to the daily animal sacrifices. A while back I was praying to God and casually thanked Him for sending Jesus to die for me. As soon as I said “Thank you for dying for me” I realized I had just said that as casually as I would thank someone who bought my lunch! I had to remind myself of the awesome sacrifice Jesus made for me on the cross, and that He deserved more of a thank you than someone who just treated me to lunch. As someone participating in the New Covenant I need to allow myself to fully grasp the awfulness of my sin. This is hard when we are conditioned these days to “stay positive” and avoid being negative. We love popular preachers who motivate us and make us feel good about ourselves. But do negative feelings and emotions still have a part in our New Covenant lives? James says they do.
Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. James 4:9 NLT
Negative feelings and emotions play a positive role in our lives. They bring us to true repentance and true salvation which brings us to true joy. They teach us to avoid sin which destroys true joy.
So I don’t become callous to the blood of Jesus the way many in Old Testament times became callous to the blood of animals, I need to keep fresh in my mind the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. No wonder so many inspired hymn writers wrote, “Jesus keep me near the cross,” and “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died. My richest gain I count as loss and pour contempt on all my pride.” And “my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross.” No wonder an inspired author wrote,
It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross. -Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Page 83.
This is my prayer…
Dear Jesus I am sorry for the times I thanked you for dying for me the same casual way I thank someone for buying my lunch. Also I want to express how deeply I appreciate your awesome sacrifice not just by my words or even tears alone. I need the power of your blood to not only forgive my sins but to also empower me to live a life of obedience and thanksgiving. I want everything I do to shout “I love you Jesus!” In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.
In Light of The Cross 