This Blog is dedicated to bring to you the word of God that is done on Saturday's and also give you the past events of the particular week
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Day 5 Youth Week of Prayer
Focus : Youth and Identity
2015 Young Adults Week of Prayer
Wednesday - talent Night
Mini concert of about 20 minutes in length. Poems, music, drama, etc. This should be open to everyone in the church and community. Great tool to introduce people to Christ.
Verona was a very intelligent young lady who was a good debater, loved to argue, strongly opinionated, friendly and always liked to be in the company of others, especially those who considered themselves post–modern and cool. She enjoyed questioning standards and practices of the Church and liked to be considered a voice for the voiceless or for those who are too timid to speak. She was very socially aware, and considered herself responsible for networking with peers, to keep them abreast
of current events. She accomplished this through her online blogs, where she gave her honest opinions on topical issues. She stayed on top of the relevant news and trends through her very active twitter account. Her obsession with computers, the Internet and curiosity to acquire knowledge led her to an online
Ouija (Wee Gee) Board which is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words yes, no, hello, and goodbye, as well as various symbols and graphics. It is also known as a spirit board or talking board. The board uses a small heart–shaped piece of wood or movable indicator
to indicate the spirit’s message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the wood and it is supposedly moved around the board by the spirit to spell out words. This board is associated with demonic possession, and people are cautioned to have nothing to do with it. However, Verona developed an attraction to it and invited a friend to join her in the games one night. While playing, she suddenly became possessed by evil spirits. She began to growl and thrash around as though she was in a
trance. She became erratic, began hallucinating, showing signs of muscle spasm and difficulty swallowing. She became very difficult to manage, assumed superhuman strength and began talking with a very course voice, courser than that of a matured man. She made several attempts to find sharp objects and seemed desirous of taking her life and hurting others around her. In our world today, Satan and all his demons are looking for people to target with their darts. They look for both the weakness and strengths in individuals
and launch their darts precisely at those points where they are able to overpower them. As satanic involvement among young people and adults continues, the primary goal of the devil is to alter their values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society. These demonic forces influence people to seek after knowledge of unknown information, knowledge that is gained beyond the five senses and received through some supernatural involvement or connection. Luke Chapter 8:26–29 is a relevant text that addresses our topic, “Contending for the Mind”. “Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When
he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.”
Demon Possession and Mental Illness For centuries, many are of the opinion that mental illness is demon possession. Chris Cook’s article about demon possession and mental illness, published in the Autumn 1997 Christian Medical Fellowship Journal argued that it would seem reasonable to suggest that demon possession may be an aetiological (cause) factor in some cases of mental illness, but it may also be an aetiological (cause) factor in some non–psychiatric conditions, and in other cases it may be encountered in the absence of psychiatric or medical disorder. Furthermore, demon possession is essentially a spiritual
problem, but mental illness is a multifactorial affair, in which spiritual, social, psychological and physical factors may all play an aetiological (cause) role. Based on real life realities, mental illness must not therefore
be categorically considered demon possession. Demon possession may be more pronounced in some parts of the world today than in others. Differential diagnostic skills play a major role in of 70
Offering help to those whose problems could have demonic or medical/psychiatric origin. In the case of demon possession, spiritual discernment is of great importance in addressing such matters. On the other hand, in the case of mental illness, medical/psychiatric care is invaluable. Whether demon possession, mental illness, physical illness, social illness or spiritual illness, Jesus has power over them all and through consistency in prayer and dependence upon him by faith, healing and restoration is possible. This story of demon possession has spiritual implications for young people, children and adults today. There are extremes, which should be avoided in relation to demon possession or with reference to satanic movements. C. S. Lewis said: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devil. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight” (p.3).
The Demoniac According to this text, Jesus’ welcoming committee to the country of the Gadarenes consisted of one man who was totally possessed by demons. It is apparent that this was a serious problem in the time of Luke, since the gospel writers mentioned numerous such cases. The way he appeared could probably be compared to the “Incredible Hulk”, that television creation. Although his symptoms would have appeared to be those of an insane man, the various gospel writers tell us that it was a case of demon possession. Driven by his terrible condition, the man abandoned his home, alienated himself from
people and associated himself with the dead by living in the cemetery, which certainly is not a place anyone in his right mind would choose to live. Nudity was his preferred mode of dressing and he moved about in the community with rage and fury that engendered fear on the part of the residents. So strong he was when he got into his rage that even when they bounded him with chains he was able to burst them and set himself free (verse 29).
There were at least six disorders that the demonic possession inflicted on their possessor
2015 Young Adults Week of Prayer
Wednesday - talent Night
Mini concert of about 20 minutes in length. Poems, music, drama, etc. This should be open to everyone in the church and community. Great tool to introduce people to Christ.
Verona was a very intelligent young lady who was a good debater, loved to argue, strongly opinionated, friendly and always liked to be in the company of others, especially those who considered themselves post–modern and cool. She enjoyed questioning standards and practices of the Church and liked to be considered a voice for the voiceless or for those who are too timid to speak. She was very socially aware, and considered herself responsible for networking with peers, to keep them abreast
of current events. She accomplished this through her online blogs, where she gave her honest opinions on topical issues. She stayed on top of the relevant news and trends through her very active twitter account. Her obsession with computers, the Internet and curiosity to acquire knowledge led her to an online
Ouija (Wee Gee) Board which is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words yes, no, hello, and goodbye, as well as various symbols and graphics. It is also known as a spirit board or talking board. The board uses a small heart–shaped piece of wood or movable indicator
to indicate the spirit’s message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the wood and it is supposedly moved around the board by the spirit to spell out words. This board is associated with demonic possession, and people are cautioned to have nothing to do with it. However, Verona developed an attraction to it and invited a friend to join her in the games one night. While playing, she suddenly became possessed by evil spirits. She began to growl and thrash around as though she was in a
trance. She became erratic, began hallucinating, showing signs of muscle spasm and difficulty swallowing. She became very difficult to manage, assumed superhuman strength and began talking with a very course voice, courser than that of a matured man. She made several attempts to find sharp objects and seemed desirous of taking her life and hurting others around her. In our world today, Satan and all his demons are looking for people to target with their darts. They look for both the weakness and strengths in individuals
and launch their darts precisely at those points where they are able to overpower them. As satanic involvement among young people and adults continues, the primary goal of the devil is to alter their values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society. These demonic forces influence people to seek after knowledge of unknown information, knowledge that is gained beyond the five senses and received through some supernatural involvement or connection. Luke Chapter 8:26–29 is a relevant text that addresses our topic, “Contending for the Mind”. “Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When
he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.”
Demon Possession and Mental Illness For centuries, many are of the opinion that mental illness is demon possession. Chris Cook’s article about demon possession and mental illness, published in the Autumn 1997 Christian Medical Fellowship Journal argued that it would seem reasonable to suggest that demon possession may be an aetiological (cause) factor in some cases of mental illness, but it may also be an aetiological (cause) factor in some non–psychiatric conditions, and in other cases it may be encountered in the absence of psychiatric or medical disorder. Furthermore, demon possession is essentially a spiritual
problem, but mental illness is a multifactorial affair, in which spiritual, social, psychological and physical factors may all play an aetiological (cause) role. Based on real life realities, mental illness must not therefore
be categorically considered demon possession. Demon possession may be more pronounced in some parts of the world today than in others. Differential diagnostic skills play a major role in of 70
Offering help to those whose problems could have demonic or medical/psychiatric origin. In the case of demon possession, spiritual discernment is of great importance in addressing such matters. On the other hand, in the case of mental illness, medical/psychiatric care is invaluable. Whether demon possession, mental illness, physical illness, social illness or spiritual illness, Jesus has power over them all and through consistency in prayer and dependence upon him by faith, healing and restoration is possible. This story of demon possession has spiritual implications for young people, children and adults today. There are extremes, which should be avoided in relation to demon possession or with reference to satanic movements. C. S. Lewis said: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devil. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight” (p.3).
The Demoniac According to this text, Jesus’ welcoming committee to the country of the Gadarenes consisted of one man who was totally possessed by demons. It is apparent that this was a serious problem in the time of Luke, since the gospel writers mentioned numerous such cases. The way he appeared could probably be compared to the “Incredible Hulk”, that television creation. Although his symptoms would have appeared to be those of an insane man, the various gospel writers tell us that it was a case of demon possession. Driven by his terrible condition, the man abandoned his home, alienated himself from
people and associated himself with the dead by living in the cemetery, which certainly is not a place anyone in his right mind would choose to live. Nudity was his preferred mode of dressing and he moved about in the community with rage and fury that engendered fear on the part of the residents. So strong he was when he got into his rage that even when they bounded him with chains he was able to burst them and set himself free (verse 29).
There were at least six disorders that the demonic possession inflicted on their possessor
(1) personality disorder in which his identity and individuality were consumed by the demons.
(2) Anti–social behavior that was manifested in his banishment to live in the seclusion of tombs, away from the civilization of human beings.
(3) Unusual spiritual insight that made him alert in recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and gave him unusual spiritual intelligence. (4) Super–human strength that made him uncontrollable by normal methods of
human control. He broke all attempted confining apparatus and set himself
loose.
human control. He broke all attempted confining apparatus and set himself
loose.
(5) Torment by causing those who fell victims to him to agonize constantly and
(6) the tendency towards self–destruction by continually doing harm to himself, using stones and other objects.
Guarding the Mind Against Demonic Possession Satanic influence on the mind can influence individuals to do unthinkable things. Some leave their home, family and friends and the members of their church to live in loneliness and isolation. Some indulge in various kinds of unchristian conducts. They become addicted to substance abuse, among which is alcoholic drinking and smoking. They become caught up in pornography,
fornication and effeminate behaviors. Some with very good intellectual abilities give up school and the pursuit of career and meaningful life vocation to become preoccupied with unambitious pursuits. The Apostle Paul counsels that we should not take lightly the ability of the devil and should be armed against his spiritual attacks and demon possession. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor
of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NIV).
fornication and effeminate behaviors. Some with very good intellectual abilities give up school and the pursuit of career and meaningful life vocation to become preoccupied with unambitious pursuits. The Apostle Paul counsels that we should not take lightly the ability of the devil and should be armed against his spiritual attacks and demon possession. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor
of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NIV).
“Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. ‘Gird up the loins of your mind,’ says the apostle Peter, ‘be sober... not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living.’ Says Paul, ‘Whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God” (MYP. P. 285). What It Means to Come to Jesus “When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him and said with a loud voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.’ For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him.) He was kept
under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered him” (Luke 8:28–30).
Ellen White said, “The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Savior’s presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan’s control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty
hand, another’s will held him, another’s words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible” (DA 255). When you come to Jesus, He opens conversation with you that could take your life into a new and different direction. When you make Jesus your friend the possibilities for cleansing, healing, restoration, achievement of progress, and success are endless. The people who have no special concern for us often make us feel good. Our real friends tend to ask hard questions and expect mature responses. They hold us to our best. Sometimes we’re less than grateful. In this encounter, the demoniac must have sensed it would produce a radical change in his life. Like the demoniac, individuals are ambivalent about dealing with radical changes. In the Preachers’ Commentary series, Larson, B., & Ogilvie said that after Jesus commanded the demons out He inquired of the man his name which
was a profound question about his identity similar to what modern psychiatry deals with. The man responded to Jesus with great insight, “My name is Legion”. In those days a legion was comprised of 6,000 soldiers. In biblical times, the number of demons living in the sufferer measured the degree of mental illness. (Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons.) The demoniac claimed to be possessed of 6,000, which meant that he was telling Jesus how sick he really was. It was the schizophrenic gentleman—whose identity
was lost and who existed with many different personalities, lonely and living on the outer edge of normal society in the cemetery—that ran to Jesus and opened conversation with Him that resulted in his cure. What is your identity? Who are you? Who would you tell Jesus that you are?
Sometimes even the most stable of us struggle with the question of identity. The genius inventor and architect of the United States government Benjamin Franklin, was reputed to be very mean within his own family. Which was the real Ben Franklin? Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal” yet it is said that he kept slaves until the day he died. Which was the real Thomas Jefferson? Tolstoy is revered as one of the great Christian writers and statesmen of his time, yet his wife said he never gave her a kind word or a cup of water. Again, will the real Leo Tolstoy please stand up? Even the apostle Paul, in Romans 7:19, 24, speaks of a divided self: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice… O, wretched man that I am.” It seems all of us are potentially schizophrenic. But here is the good news: by coming to Jesus, our true identity can be revealed and we cannot be too confused, mixed up or deranged for Him to straighten us, heal us and restore us. Ellen White said, “The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fails of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature” (DA, p. 258). He was the answer to the problems of the demoniac. This same Jesus who stilled the storm is also the One who
can heal our minds, resolve identity crisis, rearrange our thought processes and set us on our way rejoicing. He can save us from all of the situations that, however unwittingly, we get ourselves into. This Ultimate Being, God Himself, is our friend. C. Raymond Beran gives us this description of a friend: A friend… is a person with whom you dare to be yourself; your soul can be naked with him. He seems to ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. He doesn’t want you to be better or worse. When you are with him you feel as a prisoner feels when he is declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it’s genuinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and indecent hates,
your meanness and absurdities and in opening them up to him they are lost, dissolved in the white ocean of his loyalty. He understands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, neglect him, tolerate
him, it makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that purges to the bone. He understands!
When we evaluate ourselves we may realize that we never had a friend like that, neither have we been such a friend, and that is the reason we are here this moment. We need that friend who can help us to be that friend! Jesus is such a friend! When He says, “Tell me about it!” you can open up and reveal your confusion, you can reveal to Him who you are. You can tell Him, “I failed in my marriage.” “I’ve alienated my children.” “I betrayed my best friend.” “I have split personality.” “I am addicted to pornography.” “I am a sex addict.” “I am struggling with homosexual tendencies.” “I am growing more and more indifferent to spiritual things.” “I am an avid liar.” “I am hooked on drugs.” “I am obsessed with social media, movies and all kinds of pleasurable entertainment that I cannot find time for study of the Bible, prayer, and personal worship.” By opening up to Him, we can find integration and become one joyful person with someone to love, something to do and something to hope for.
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God” (MYP. P. 285). What It Means to Come to Jesus “When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him and said with a loud voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.’ For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him.) He was kept
under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered him” (Luke 8:28–30).
Ellen White said, “The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Savior’s presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan’s control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty
hand, another’s will held him, another’s words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible” (DA 255). When you come to Jesus, He opens conversation with you that could take your life into a new and different direction. When you make Jesus your friend the possibilities for cleansing, healing, restoration, achievement of progress, and success are endless. The people who have no special concern for us often make us feel good. Our real friends tend to ask hard questions and expect mature responses. They hold us to our best. Sometimes we’re less than grateful. In this encounter, the demoniac must have sensed it would produce a radical change in his life. Like the demoniac, individuals are ambivalent about dealing with radical changes. In the Preachers’ Commentary series, Larson, B., & Ogilvie said that after Jesus commanded the demons out He inquired of the man his name which
was a profound question about his identity similar to what modern psychiatry deals with. The man responded to Jesus with great insight, “My name is Legion”. In those days a legion was comprised of 6,000 soldiers. In biblical times, the number of demons living in the sufferer measured the degree of mental illness. (Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons.) The demoniac claimed to be possessed of 6,000, which meant that he was telling Jesus how sick he really was. It was the schizophrenic gentleman—whose identity
was lost and who existed with many different personalities, lonely and living on the outer edge of normal society in the cemetery—that ran to Jesus and opened conversation with Him that resulted in his cure. What is your identity? Who are you? Who would you tell Jesus that you are?
Sometimes even the most stable of us struggle with the question of identity. The genius inventor and architect of the United States government Benjamin Franklin, was reputed to be very mean within his own family. Which was the real Ben Franklin? Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal” yet it is said that he kept slaves until the day he died. Which was the real Thomas Jefferson? Tolstoy is revered as one of the great Christian writers and statesmen of his time, yet his wife said he never gave her a kind word or a cup of water. Again, will the real Leo Tolstoy please stand up? Even the apostle Paul, in Romans 7:19, 24, speaks of a divided self: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice… O, wretched man that I am.” It seems all of us are potentially schizophrenic. But here is the good news: by coming to Jesus, our true identity can be revealed and we cannot be too confused, mixed up or deranged for Him to straighten us, heal us and restore us. Ellen White said, “The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fails of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature” (DA, p. 258). He was the answer to the problems of the demoniac. This same Jesus who stilled the storm is also the One who
can heal our minds, resolve identity crisis, rearrange our thought processes and set us on our way rejoicing. He can save us from all of the situations that, however unwittingly, we get ourselves into. This Ultimate Being, God Himself, is our friend. C. Raymond Beran gives us this description of a friend: A friend… is a person with whom you dare to be yourself; your soul can be naked with him. He seems to ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. He doesn’t want you to be better or worse. When you are with him you feel as a prisoner feels when he is declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it’s genuinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and indecent hates,
your meanness and absurdities and in opening them up to him they are lost, dissolved in the white ocean of his loyalty. He understands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, neglect him, tolerate
him, it makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that purges to the bone. He understands!
When we evaluate ourselves we may realize that we never had a friend like that, neither have we been such a friend, and that is the reason we are here this moment. We need that friend who can help us to be that friend! Jesus is such a friend! When He says, “Tell me about it!” you can open up and reveal your confusion, you can reveal to Him who you are. You can tell Him, “I failed in my marriage.” “I’ve alienated my children.” “I betrayed my best friend.” “I have split personality.” “I am addicted to pornography.” “I am a sex addict.” “I am struggling with homosexual tendencies.” “I am growing more and more indifferent to spiritual things.” “I am an avid liar.” “I am hooked on drugs.” “I am obsessed with social media, movies and all kinds of pleasurable entertainment that I cannot find time for study of the Bible, prayer, and personal worship.” By opening up to Him, we can find integration and become one joyful person with someone to love, something to do and something to hope for.
The Result of Coming to Jesus “When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told
it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had
been demon–possessed was healed” (Luke 8:34–36). The news went around the town like wild fire and the Gadarenes with great curiosity went out to experience firsthand the story told of this man who lived among them all these years as a lunatic. There are three basic ingredients of health and wholeness that are applicable for any age that Luke’s description of this new man provides. They found the man from whom the demons had departed sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. That’s exactly what the new psychiatry, the post–Freudian psychiatry, is all about—these three signs of wholeness are
1) submission to authority,
2) clothed and
3) in a right mind.
First, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus. He was acting responsibly under authority. No longer was he free to do his own thing. That had made him ill. He did his own thing when he was running about in frenzy, tearing
off his clothes and living like an animal. Now he submitted his life to the authority of Jesus. Christian freedom is a paradox. When you submit to the lordship of Christ and the Holy Spirit takes possession of your life,
you are most free. When the Spirit of God resides within, and Christ is enthroned, demons cannot abide. Martin Luther said, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all and subject to no one. A Christian man is the
most dutiful servant of all and subject to everyone.” We lose our freedom to find a new freedom.Second, he was clothed, which is another mark of wellness. He was no longer shameless. His nakedness symbolized shamelessness, a flaunting of all morals and absolutes. This is a common disease today. There are those who tell us everything is relative and, if it feels good, do it. But under Jesus’ lordship, the man put on clothes with a new sense of what is decent and proper. Third, he was in his right mind. He saw the world as it is. No longer was he paranoid and convinced that everybody was out to get him. Those who suffer from those feelings should always convince themselves by the help of the Holy Spirit to remember that most of the world doesn’t even know that they exist. On the other hand, being in your right mind means coming to accept the fact that everybody does not and will not love you. They don’t. You may have enemies. In his right mind, the
man who was possessed saw life as it actually is.
3) in a right mind.
First, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus. He was acting responsibly under authority. No longer was he free to do his own thing. That had made him ill. He did his own thing when he was running about in frenzy, tearing
off his clothes and living like an animal. Now he submitted his life to the authority of Jesus. Christian freedom is a paradox. When you submit to the lordship of Christ and the Holy Spirit takes possession of your life,
you are most free. When the Spirit of God resides within, and Christ is enthroned, demons cannot abide. Martin Luther said, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all and subject to no one. A Christian man is the
most dutiful servant of all and subject to everyone.” We lose our freedom to find a new freedom.Second, he was clothed, which is another mark of wellness. He was no longer shameless. His nakedness symbolized shamelessness, a flaunting of all morals and absolutes. This is a common disease today. There are those who tell us everything is relative and, if it feels good, do it. But under Jesus’ lordship, the man put on clothes with a new sense of what is decent and proper. Third, he was in his right mind. He saw the world as it is. No longer was he paranoid and convinced that everybody was out to get him. Those who suffer from those feelings should always convince themselves by the help of the Holy Spirit to remember that most of the world doesn’t even know that they exist. On the other hand, being in your right mind means coming to accept the fact that everybody does not and will not love you. They don’t. You may have enemies. In his right mind, the
man who was possessed saw life as it actually is.
Tell Your Story
“But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:38, 39). Now the man was so obsessed with Jesus who restored him that he wanted to join the ranks of the disciples to be going around with Him, but Jesus had another mission for him. Jesus sent him back home to minister and to witness. It was a person-to-person ministry. He said go back home: Let your family know what has been done for you. Go to your neighborhood and let your friends and neighbors know what the Lord has done for you. Go and tell your story! There are many out there who need to meet the Man who made this
change in your life. Jesus wants us to be a part of the whole healing process in society so He sends us. This is what the Kingdom of God is about. When you are converted, help to bring the flock together. There are many who will listen to you when they see the change that has taken place in your life. Go and tell your story
and in telling your story you are telling the story of Jesus! This is what He has done for me! He restored me and He will do it for you! That is the Gospel. Seventh–day Adventist young people all around the world must join in sharing this wonderful story. For in a little while He, Jesus, who heals, restores, redeems, and saves will be coming back to take the faithful witnesses home and you should be among those who will share in this eternal experience.
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
Butler, T. C. (2000). Vol. 3: Luke. Holman New Testament Commentary (126). Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Chris Cook, (1997). Demon Possession and Mental Illness. Retrieved from Christian Medical
Fellowship on July 4, 2014 at
http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=619
C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1971), p. 3.
Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Vol. 26: Luke. The Preacher’s Commentary Series (152– 153). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (256). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Lk 8:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
White, Ellen G. (1964). Desire of Ages. Review and Herald Publishing Association. Washington,
DC Hagerstown, MD.
White, E. G. (1930). Messages to Young People. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald
Publishing Association.
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
Butler, T. C. (2000). Vol. 3: Luke. Holman New Testament Commentary (126). Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Chris Cook, (1997). Demon Possession and Mental Illness. Retrieved from Christian Medical
Fellowship on July 4, 2014 at
http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=619
C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1971), p. 3.
Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Vol. 26: Luke. The Preacher’s Commentary Series (152– 153). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (256). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Lk 8:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
White, Ellen G. (1964). Desire of Ages. Review and Herald Publishing Association. Washington,
DC Hagerstown, MD.
White, E. G. (1930). Messages to Young People. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald
Publishing Association.
Discussion Questions
1. Identify and discuss ways by which Satan seeks to invade the minds of
young people today.
2. How can young people guard their minds against the invading forces
of the devil?
3. How is it that people who are active in the faith eventually fall prey to
the devil?
4. In what ways do peers and others influence young people to become
receptive to demonic possession?
5. Identify specific situations of demon possession and state how can you help one who is possessed to overcome.
Day 4 Youth Week of Prayer
Focus : Youth and Morality
Day 4 : Tuesday
Alone in His Presence
Bible Text: John 8: 1–11
Suggested Opening Hymn: I Come To The Garden Alone tuesday - young ladies Night
Special emphasis on young ladies bringing visitors this night. Of course anyone can and should bring visitors every night, however, only the young ladies who bring visitors will receive gifts.
He had an enormous craving for alcoholic beverages, smoking of anything that was possible to smoke, and delightfully indulged anything obscene. He lived carelessly. To be in a state of soberness and not in drunkenness was rare. Two young ladies who were active members of a small witnessing group in their church targeted this young man for whom they had great compassion and desired to see change his lifestyle, and for him to live happily in hope of the second advent of Christ. On one of those rare occasions when he was sober, they visited him and began discussing the topic of love. His interest was piqued and he asked them to return to continue the discussion. He promised them he would make sure to be sober for the visit. The visits and discussions continued; eventually they got to the point of discussing the love of God. They began Bible studies with him until eventually he began attending church.
His smoking, alcoholic drinking, and obsession for things X–rated gradually sub-sided until they became none existent. He became endeared to Jesus and to the church where he had developed friendships and was actively participating in church activities. Noel finally requested baptism and the Pastor carried his name to the church board for approval. One of the strong pillars of the church, Sister Lovington, opposed his baptism on the grounds that she thought he was not converted and it was too quick to baptize him. A majority vote on the board approved his baptism, however, and the Church Pastor eventually baptized him. One evening, a few weeks after his baptism, Sister Lovington who lived across from a nightclub, spotted his car parked almost in front of the club. She kept a watch for as long as she could to see at what time he would leave the area. Of course, at no time during her watch did she see Noel. Neither did she see what time the car left the area. The next day, she called the pastor and other members of the Church to tell them that her opinion of Noel was not valued by the Board and the Lord allowed her to witness that he spent almost all night in the nightclub across from her home. She insisted that he was not ready for baptism and tha the Church should discipline him for his continued secular lifestyle that was not representative of the gospel and of the Church. When Noel was called to the Board, Sister Lovington told the members that the newly baptized brother spent many hours in the nightclub and her evidence was his parked car. Surprised, Noel asked the sister for whom he had much respect and admiration as a member of the Church if she saw him in the club. She responded, “No, but your car was parked there”. The next night, Noel went and parked his car at the gate in front of her house. The fact is, his car developed mechanical problem and could not drive, that’s the reason it was parked near the nightclub. John 8:1–11 (NLT), “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. ‘Teacher,’ they said to Jesus, ‘This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’ They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’ Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.’” The pressure and resentment that that many young people of the Church
face stem from the assumptions that others develop and share about their conduct and deportment. Some remain in the church with these resentments while others leave the church and follow Christ from a distance. Some find it difficult to feel the mingling of love, justice, and mercy from those who should be redemptive and serve as spiritual mentors, coaches and guides. This story that the Apostle John relates, has great lessons for practical Christian living in these post–modern times from which both the youth and adults, and especially those in leadership can learn. I want us to bring your attention to
three main characters in this biblical story: a) the accusers, b) the accused woman, and c) Jesus the Supreme Judge. The reaction of the accusers and the last words of Jesus to the accused woman are of inestimable value to all Christians, irrespective of age. We must all leave something behind and stand alone in the presence of Jesus for therein, and therein only, do we find salvation and hope for eternity.The scripture identifies the woman’s accusers as the teachers of religious laws and the Pharisees. They were the official interpreters of the Law of Moses. They were the leaders of the councils of justice back in the day. They considered themselves a cut above the rest in matters of spirituality and upholding of moral standard. They conceived their function to be that of enforcing the Law of Moses. Their radar system covered a wide geographical expanse so very little passed their attention. They were the ones who called the Apostle Paul to the council for judgment, having accused him of: a) teaching against the law, b) bringing gentiles into the temple, c) polluting the temple, d) being a mover of sedition and e) being a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarene (Acts 21:28; 24:5,6). The Apostle Paul reminded them, “Brothers, I am a Phari-see, as were all my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” (Acts 23:6). When John was baptizing, some with ulterior motives went to be baptized, so John the Baptist exclaimed, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming judgment?” (Matthew 3:7). In one of His teaching moments, Jesus said to His hearers, “But I warn you, unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all! (Matthew 5:20) When Jesus went to the house of Mat-thew, the tax collector, and many who would not be considered conformist to the law attended and Jesus ate with them, the Pharisees were indignant and questioned the disciples of Jesus, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” (Matthew 9:11). So legalistic they were that one day they, the Pharisees, along with others went to Jesus and asked Him, “How come we fast, but your disciples don’t?” (Matthew 9:14).
They even accused Jesus of demon possession and of using such demon empowerment to cast out demons (Matthew 9:34). Again with ulterior motive they opposed Jesus for healing the sick on the Sabbath day (Matthew 12:10). The teachers of religious laws and the Pharisees were so confrontational andperfect that they even called a meeting and discussed plans for killing Jesus (Matthew 12:14). They closed the door to the kingdom for those whom they considered non–conformist. Under their administration, there was no room for error or mistake. Nothing but absolute perfection was binding for being a member of this spiritual community and forgiveness and acceptance was not an option. It was this caliber of individuals that brought the supposedly accused woman to Jesus with the following accusation, conviction and method of execution: “...this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4, 5).Have you ever been accused? Have you encountered what you may term ship-wreck in your Christian journey? Are you assailed by problem and difficul-ties in your personal and Christian walk, brought on by the temptations, pressures and assumptions of others? Has your Christian voyage become dangerous? Are your life in general and your Christian experience in particular, going in the wrong direction? How about your career choice, is it leading in a direction that could create fuel for those who would accuse you? What about the crowd that you are in, does it contribute to the accusations? If you have been wrongfully and unjustly accused, you are in good company. But we must be careful also, for it is easy to see ourselves as being accused and not to recognize, that we ourselves could also be accusers of others. We must be careful not to do to others what we ourselves do not want to be done to us.The Spirit of Prophecy said. “Those who are most guilty of wrong are the first to see wrong; therefore let every church–member see to it that his own heart is pure before God, that his name is not only written on the church books, but registered in the Lamb’s book of life. Then he will not be a judge of his breth-ren, he will not be a despiser of those whom he considers defective” (RH January 10, 1893, par. 7).
(march 21, 2015an opportunuty to positively impact the lives of those in your youth group and beyondPlan a Homecoming celebration) Form a Barnabas Support Group Barnabas strongly believed in giving people a second chance. When Paul was converted the Church was afraid to just throw the door open and let him in. It was Barnabas who put his reputation on the line for the terrorist-turned-Christian, PauWhen Paul decided that he did not want to take John Paul on a journey with him, because he had let him down before, it was Barnabas who decided to give the young John-Mark, who some thought of as a failure, a second chance. So strong was their disagreement that Barnabas and Paul separated for a while. Later on Paul saw the value in this young man, and even sent for him to help him in his missionary journey. Sometimes young people who make mistakes just need some-one to believe in them. Form a Barnabas Support Group to encourage and help those who may have grown up in the church, but decided to leave. You don’t need to know the reason. Just decide to pray, 5 minutes a day, every day for one young person you know who has left the church.The Bible says, “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.” (New Living Translation). Will you be a Barnabas today? Will you encourage a young person to come back Home?Help them find their way back home!
The Accused Woman In telling the story of the accused woman, John chose to conceal much of her identity. He did not mention her by name, if he knew it and the accusers did not say much about the case except to say she was caught in the act of adultery. According to the Law of Moses as recorded in Leviticus 20:10, “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” In this reported case, nothing was said of the man. Where was he? Why was the woman the only one brought to the tribunal? The Mosaic Law prescribed the method of death for both the man and the woman in the case of adulterous violation “If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, in transgressing his covenant... Then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones. On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst” (Deuteronomy 17:2–7).There is a place for the administration of discipline where there is blatant disregard for the moral principles clearly expressed in the Word of the Lord. The scriptures are clear however, that such discipline must be administered with clear justice. There must be proper investigation, so decision should not be taken without the facts and all concerned are to be a part of the system of justice. There should be no one–sidedness in the administration of justice. The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees were not thorough and fair–mind-ed in their administration. They were corrupt, partial and driven by malice, hate and grudge. Their relationship with the Lord was questionable and rather than seeking to uphold the principles of righteousness and truth they were intent on satisfying their own depraved self–interest.
There is always a place for Jesus in the administration of justice. There is always room for accommodating divine counsel and that is why Jesus’ method of resolution in this situation is exemplary.Jesus the Supreme Judge“...but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.” (John 8:6-8, New Living Translation [NLT]). It is of nterest to note that Jesus the Supreme Judge did not say that justice should not be done. Jesus did not deny them their request. He only wanted them to do a personal reflection before they administered what they considered justice. Many speculate about what Jesus wrote on the ground and the implication of that for both the accusers and the accused. Ellen White said, “Impatient at His delay and apparent indifference, the accusers drew nearer, urging the matter upon His attention. But as their eyes, following those of Jesus, fell upon the pavement at His feet, their countenances changed. There, traced before them, were the guilty secrets of their own lives” (DA 461.2). By writing on the ground it was a means of delaying action and giving time for personal reflection.At their insistence Jesus responded, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” This is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 13:9; 17:7 (cf. Lv. 24:14)—the witnesses of the crime must be the first to throw the stones, and they must not be participants in the crime itself. According to Ellen White, “The woman had stood before Jesus, cowering with fear. His words, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone,’ had come to her as a death sentence. She dared not lift her eyes to the Savior’s face, but silently awaited her doom.” It is obvious that Jesus was different from the other religious leaders and the Pharisees of His time. He demonstrated a decision–making skill that brought not just the guilt of the woman to the fore, but that of her accusers as well. There he skillfully revealed to them that as guilty as the woman was, so were they, and the conviction that she was worthy of, so were they likewise guilty to be convicted of something. Instead of throwing stones, Jesus threw compassion, forgiveness, love, grace, mercy, tolerance, and acceptance. Can you do with some of that at this moment?The Reaction of the AccusersJohn 8:9 reads, “When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.” Many believe that the accusers were “convicted by their own conscience” and their stunned departure testified as much. They had come with their ulterior motive to shame Jesus by using this woman as the scapegoat, however they left in shame, and the woman stood alone in the presence of Jesus! There comes the time when young people, children, and adults must leave something behind to be with Jesus. This is that time. The accusers left the woman behind them. They ran for their personal refuge. Were they converted when they left? We do not know. Probably some were. Not all who turn away from the accusation were converted. Some left with the same opinion still. In leaving her behind, some recognized that it was there time. It was not about the woman it was about them. This week of prayer is a time for us to contemplate and do that personal reflection. To focus not so much on those who accuse us, but to find out is the accusation true or false? Is it wrong or right? Am I giving reasons for these accusations? If it is true, what shall I do about it? If it is false, what shall I do about it? The accused had to address it. The accusers had to address it. This is that moment for personal reflection. Others must not be more significant in our lives and experiences than our relationship with Jesus! What did the woman do in the face of accusation when all accusers were gone to their homes? She stood alone in the presence of Jesus! It was a humbling experience for her to be standing alone in the presence of Jesus, but it was a privileged experience. The ring around her had melted away, and she was standing there alone!
Standing Alone With JesusAlone with the woman, Jesus addressed her for the first time. His form of ad-dress, “Woman”, was entirely respectful and customary in those days. He did not ask her if she was guilty. He knew the truth of the case. In fact His final words in verse 11 bear out this assumption. His question to her was, “Has no one condemned thee?” She answered with a direct, “No one, sir” (Gk. Kyrie), which meant, “No one, Lord”. It was at that point that Jesus came close to answering the question that was first set before him. Regardless of the exigencies of the Law of Moses, in this instance Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” Ellen White said, “In astonishment she saw her accusers depart speechless and confounded; then those words of hope fell upon her ear, ‘Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.’ Her heart was melted, and she cast herself at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out her grateful love, and with bitter tears confessing her sins” (DA 462). The confidence and personal absoluteness of Jesus’ words not only call to mind that Jesus came not to condemn but to save (3:17; 12:47), but prompt us to remember the Synoptic accounts that assign Jesus, like God himself, the right to forgive sin (Matt. 9:1–8). The proper response to mercy received on account of past sins is purity in the future. There is a place for forgiveness, forgiveness of guilt, forgiveness of those who accuse, and forgiveness even in innocence. Forgive!Young people, take your stand in the presence of Jesus. It is not in the crowd that salvation is found but in that one to one relationship where the conversation can be live and direct with no intervening commentators. Just Jesus and you! That is what all of us need, that one on one standing with Jesus our Savior, Messiah and Redeemer. How do you stand alone with Him? By finding time for personal prayer, by spending time in the reading and study of His Word, as well as the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy and other inspirational materials. By meditating on Him and regularly witnessing of saving grace in Jesus’ Last Words to the WomanThe last words Jesus spoke to the woman, as she stood alone in His presence were, “Neither do I condemn you, but leave your life of sin” (verse 11). It reminds us of Joseph’s experience. Out of grudge, jealousy, hate, and envy his brothers sold him as a slave to Egyptian merchants. His faithfulness to God based on the times he spent alone with the Lord paid great dividends. Though he passed through the pit, was sold and treated like an animal, terrorized and tempted, thrown into jail, he eventually became governor in Egypt. To the surprise of his brothers who had to obligate themselves to him for survival and were remorseful of their action and astonished at his position and authority he said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).The accusers brought the woman to Jesus. They meant evil, but it gave her an opportunity to be alone with Him and what an outstanding result it brought to her. Jesus’ verdict, “Neither do I condemn you,” was not rendered as a simple acquittal or a non–condemnation. The verdict was in fact a strict charge for her to live from this point on very differently—to sin no more. The liberating work of Jesus did not mean the excusing of sin. He established the point directly, even if the expression almost painted the woman as a habitual profligate person. He said to her, “Go home; you are alive, but leave your life of sin.” An encounter with Jesus always demands the transformation of life, the turning away from sin. The paralytic in John 5:14 was similarly warned to “sin no more”, but in that story the man was also confronted with the devastating consequences of failing to heed the warning. Jesus does not treat sin lightly, but He offers sinners the opportunity to start life anew. Young people, will you accept this opportunity right now and make that decision to start your life anew with Jesus? God’s purpose in sending his Son into the world was not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17). Will you accept Him now? Will you make that commitment this moment, to be alone with Jesus? Very soon He will be coming back for those who are committed. The entire world will not be saved, but whosoever chooses will be saved and salvation is for young people, too. This is your moment to accept God’s free gift of salvation and commit to Jesus your Savior.
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Le 20:10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
Borchert, G. L. (1996). Vol. 25A: John 1–11. The New American Commentary (375–376).
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(206–207). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter–Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans
White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association.
White, E. G. (1893, January 10). “‘; Let Both Grow Together’;” The Review and Herald.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever being wrongfully accused? How does it feel?
2. Considering this message about the woman caught in adultery, how should one who is wrongfully accused deport him or her self in the process of self-defense?
3. What are the best means by which young people can protect them-selves from indulging in corruptive moral activities and situations?
4. Discuss how you would encourage a youth who is either wrongly or rightly accused about some moral issues and is facing actions by the Church Board.
5. Explain what you think Jesus meant when He said to the guilty woman, “Neither do I condemn you; go and leave your live of sin.”
Day 4 : Tuesday
Alone in His Presence
Bible Text: John 8: 1–11
Suggested Opening Hymn: I Come To The Garden Alone tuesday - young ladies Night
Special emphasis on young ladies bringing visitors this night. Of course anyone can and should bring visitors every night, however, only the young ladies who bring visitors will receive gifts.
He had an enormous craving for alcoholic beverages, smoking of anything that was possible to smoke, and delightfully indulged anything obscene. He lived carelessly. To be in a state of soberness and not in drunkenness was rare. Two young ladies who were active members of a small witnessing group in their church targeted this young man for whom they had great compassion and desired to see change his lifestyle, and for him to live happily in hope of the second advent of Christ. On one of those rare occasions when he was sober, they visited him and began discussing the topic of love. His interest was piqued and he asked them to return to continue the discussion. He promised them he would make sure to be sober for the visit. The visits and discussions continued; eventually they got to the point of discussing the love of God. They began Bible studies with him until eventually he began attending church.
His smoking, alcoholic drinking, and obsession for things X–rated gradually sub-sided until they became none existent. He became endeared to Jesus and to the church where he had developed friendships and was actively participating in church activities. Noel finally requested baptism and the Pastor carried his name to the church board for approval. One of the strong pillars of the church, Sister Lovington, opposed his baptism on the grounds that she thought he was not converted and it was too quick to baptize him. A majority vote on the board approved his baptism, however, and the Church Pastor eventually baptized him. One evening, a few weeks after his baptism, Sister Lovington who lived across from a nightclub, spotted his car parked almost in front of the club. She kept a watch for as long as she could to see at what time he would leave the area. Of course, at no time during her watch did she see Noel. Neither did she see what time the car left the area. The next day, she called the pastor and other members of the Church to tell them that her opinion of Noel was not valued by the Board and the Lord allowed her to witness that he spent almost all night in the nightclub across from her home. She insisted that he was not ready for baptism and tha the Church should discipline him for his continued secular lifestyle that was not representative of the gospel and of the Church. When Noel was called to the Board, Sister Lovington told the members that the newly baptized brother spent many hours in the nightclub and her evidence was his parked car. Surprised, Noel asked the sister for whom he had much respect and admiration as a member of the Church if she saw him in the club. She responded, “No, but your car was parked there”. The next night, Noel went and parked his car at the gate in front of her house. The fact is, his car developed mechanical problem and could not drive, that’s the reason it was parked near the nightclub. John 8:1–11 (NLT), “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. ‘Teacher,’ they said to Jesus, ‘This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’ They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’ Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.’” The pressure and resentment that that many young people of the Church
face stem from the assumptions that others develop and share about their conduct and deportment. Some remain in the church with these resentments while others leave the church and follow Christ from a distance. Some find it difficult to feel the mingling of love, justice, and mercy from those who should be redemptive and serve as spiritual mentors, coaches and guides. This story that the Apostle John relates, has great lessons for practical Christian living in these post–modern times from which both the youth and adults, and especially those in leadership can learn. I want us to bring your attention to
three main characters in this biblical story: a) the accusers, b) the accused woman, and c) Jesus the Supreme Judge. The reaction of the accusers and the last words of Jesus to the accused woman are of inestimable value to all Christians, irrespective of age. We must all leave something behind and stand alone in the presence of Jesus for therein, and therein only, do we find salvation and hope for eternity.The scripture identifies the woman’s accusers as the teachers of religious laws and the Pharisees. They were the official interpreters of the Law of Moses. They were the leaders of the councils of justice back in the day. They considered themselves a cut above the rest in matters of spirituality and upholding of moral standard. They conceived their function to be that of enforcing the Law of Moses. Their radar system covered a wide geographical expanse so very little passed their attention. They were the ones who called the Apostle Paul to the council for judgment, having accused him of: a) teaching against the law, b) bringing gentiles into the temple, c) polluting the temple, d) being a mover of sedition and e) being a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarene (Acts 21:28; 24:5,6). The Apostle Paul reminded them, “Brothers, I am a Phari-see, as were all my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” (Acts 23:6). When John was baptizing, some with ulterior motives went to be baptized, so John the Baptist exclaimed, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming judgment?” (Matthew 3:7). In one of His teaching moments, Jesus said to His hearers, “But I warn you, unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all! (Matthew 5:20) When Jesus went to the house of Mat-thew, the tax collector, and many who would not be considered conformist to the law attended and Jesus ate with them, the Pharisees were indignant and questioned the disciples of Jesus, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” (Matthew 9:11). So legalistic they were that one day they, the Pharisees, along with others went to Jesus and asked Him, “How come we fast, but your disciples don’t?” (Matthew 9:14).
They even accused Jesus of demon possession and of using such demon empowerment to cast out demons (Matthew 9:34). Again with ulterior motive they opposed Jesus for healing the sick on the Sabbath day (Matthew 12:10). The teachers of religious laws and the Pharisees were so confrontational andperfect that they even called a meeting and discussed plans for killing Jesus (Matthew 12:14). They closed the door to the kingdom for those whom they considered non–conformist. Under their administration, there was no room for error or mistake. Nothing but absolute perfection was binding for being a member of this spiritual community and forgiveness and acceptance was not an option. It was this caliber of individuals that brought the supposedly accused woman to Jesus with the following accusation, conviction and method of execution: “...this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4, 5).Have you ever been accused? Have you encountered what you may term ship-wreck in your Christian journey? Are you assailed by problem and difficul-ties in your personal and Christian walk, brought on by the temptations, pressures and assumptions of others? Has your Christian voyage become dangerous? Are your life in general and your Christian experience in particular, going in the wrong direction? How about your career choice, is it leading in a direction that could create fuel for those who would accuse you? What about the crowd that you are in, does it contribute to the accusations? If you have been wrongfully and unjustly accused, you are in good company. But we must be careful also, for it is easy to see ourselves as being accused and not to recognize, that we ourselves could also be accusers of others. We must be careful not to do to others what we ourselves do not want to be done to us.The Spirit of Prophecy said. “Those who are most guilty of wrong are the first to see wrong; therefore let every church–member see to it that his own heart is pure before God, that his name is not only written on the church books, but registered in the Lamb’s book of life. Then he will not be a judge of his breth-ren, he will not be a despiser of those whom he considers defective” (RH January 10, 1893, par. 7).
(march 21, 2015an opportunuty to positively impact the lives of those in your youth group and beyondPlan a Homecoming celebration) Form a Barnabas Support Group Barnabas strongly believed in giving people a second chance. When Paul was converted the Church was afraid to just throw the door open and let him in. It was Barnabas who put his reputation on the line for the terrorist-turned-Christian, PauWhen Paul decided that he did not want to take John Paul on a journey with him, because he had let him down before, it was Barnabas who decided to give the young John-Mark, who some thought of as a failure, a second chance. So strong was their disagreement that Barnabas and Paul separated for a while. Later on Paul saw the value in this young man, and even sent for him to help him in his missionary journey. Sometimes young people who make mistakes just need some-one to believe in them. Form a Barnabas Support Group to encourage and help those who may have grown up in the church, but decided to leave. You don’t need to know the reason. Just decide to pray, 5 minutes a day, every day for one young person you know who has left the church.The Bible says, “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.” (New Living Translation). Will you be a Barnabas today? Will you encourage a young person to come back Home?Help them find their way back home!
The Accused Woman In telling the story of the accused woman, John chose to conceal much of her identity. He did not mention her by name, if he knew it and the accusers did not say much about the case except to say she was caught in the act of adultery. According to the Law of Moses as recorded in Leviticus 20:10, “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” In this reported case, nothing was said of the man. Where was he? Why was the woman the only one brought to the tribunal? The Mosaic Law prescribed the method of death for both the man and the woman in the case of adulterous violation “If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, in transgressing his covenant... Then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones. On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst” (Deuteronomy 17:2–7).There is a place for the administration of discipline where there is blatant disregard for the moral principles clearly expressed in the Word of the Lord. The scriptures are clear however, that such discipline must be administered with clear justice. There must be proper investigation, so decision should not be taken without the facts and all concerned are to be a part of the system of justice. There should be no one–sidedness in the administration of justice. The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees were not thorough and fair–mind-ed in their administration. They were corrupt, partial and driven by malice, hate and grudge. Their relationship with the Lord was questionable and rather than seeking to uphold the principles of righteousness and truth they were intent on satisfying their own depraved self–interest.
There is always a place for Jesus in the administration of justice. There is always room for accommodating divine counsel and that is why Jesus’ method of resolution in this situation is exemplary.Jesus the Supreme Judge“...but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.” (John 8:6-8, New Living Translation [NLT]). It is of nterest to note that Jesus the Supreme Judge did not say that justice should not be done. Jesus did not deny them their request. He only wanted them to do a personal reflection before they administered what they considered justice. Many speculate about what Jesus wrote on the ground and the implication of that for both the accusers and the accused. Ellen White said, “Impatient at His delay and apparent indifference, the accusers drew nearer, urging the matter upon His attention. But as their eyes, following those of Jesus, fell upon the pavement at His feet, their countenances changed. There, traced before them, were the guilty secrets of their own lives” (DA 461.2). By writing on the ground it was a means of delaying action and giving time for personal reflection.At their insistence Jesus responded, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” This is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 13:9; 17:7 (cf. Lv. 24:14)—the witnesses of the crime must be the first to throw the stones, and they must not be participants in the crime itself. According to Ellen White, “The woman had stood before Jesus, cowering with fear. His words, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone,’ had come to her as a death sentence. She dared not lift her eyes to the Savior’s face, but silently awaited her doom.” It is obvious that Jesus was different from the other religious leaders and the Pharisees of His time. He demonstrated a decision–making skill that brought not just the guilt of the woman to the fore, but that of her accusers as well. There he skillfully revealed to them that as guilty as the woman was, so were they, and the conviction that she was worthy of, so were they likewise guilty to be convicted of something. Instead of throwing stones, Jesus threw compassion, forgiveness, love, grace, mercy, tolerance, and acceptance. Can you do with some of that at this moment?The Reaction of the AccusersJohn 8:9 reads, “When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.” Many believe that the accusers were “convicted by their own conscience” and their stunned departure testified as much. They had come with their ulterior motive to shame Jesus by using this woman as the scapegoat, however they left in shame, and the woman stood alone in the presence of Jesus! There comes the time when young people, children, and adults must leave something behind to be with Jesus. This is that time. The accusers left the woman behind them. They ran for their personal refuge. Were they converted when they left? We do not know. Probably some were. Not all who turn away from the accusation were converted. Some left with the same opinion still. In leaving her behind, some recognized that it was there time. It was not about the woman it was about them. This week of prayer is a time for us to contemplate and do that personal reflection. To focus not so much on those who accuse us, but to find out is the accusation true or false? Is it wrong or right? Am I giving reasons for these accusations? If it is true, what shall I do about it? If it is false, what shall I do about it? The accused had to address it. The accusers had to address it. This is that moment for personal reflection. Others must not be more significant in our lives and experiences than our relationship with Jesus! What did the woman do in the face of accusation when all accusers were gone to their homes? She stood alone in the presence of Jesus! It was a humbling experience for her to be standing alone in the presence of Jesus, but it was a privileged experience. The ring around her had melted away, and she was standing there alone!
Standing Alone With JesusAlone with the woman, Jesus addressed her for the first time. His form of ad-dress, “Woman”, was entirely respectful and customary in those days. He did not ask her if she was guilty. He knew the truth of the case. In fact His final words in verse 11 bear out this assumption. His question to her was, “Has no one condemned thee?” She answered with a direct, “No one, sir” (Gk. Kyrie), which meant, “No one, Lord”. It was at that point that Jesus came close to answering the question that was first set before him. Regardless of the exigencies of the Law of Moses, in this instance Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” Ellen White said, “In astonishment she saw her accusers depart speechless and confounded; then those words of hope fell upon her ear, ‘Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.’ Her heart was melted, and she cast herself at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out her grateful love, and with bitter tears confessing her sins” (DA 462). The confidence and personal absoluteness of Jesus’ words not only call to mind that Jesus came not to condemn but to save (3:17; 12:47), but prompt us to remember the Synoptic accounts that assign Jesus, like God himself, the right to forgive sin (Matt. 9:1–8). The proper response to mercy received on account of past sins is purity in the future. There is a place for forgiveness, forgiveness of guilt, forgiveness of those who accuse, and forgiveness even in innocence. Forgive!Young people, take your stand in the presence of Jesus. It is not in the crowd that salvation is found but in that one to one relationship where the conversation can be live and direct with no intervening commentators. Just Jesus and you! That is what all of us need, that one on one standing with Jesus our Savior, Messiah and Redeemer. How do you stand alone with Him? By finding time for personal prayer, by spending time in the reading and study of His Word, as well as the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy and other inspirational materials. By meditating on Him and regularly witnessing of saving grace in Jesus’ Last Words to the WomanThe last words Jesus spoke to the woman, as she stood alone in His presence were, “Neither do I condemn you, but leave your life of sin” (verse 11). It reminds us of Joseph’s experience. Out of grudge, jealousy, hate, and envy his brothers sold him as a slave to Egyptian merchants. His faithfulness to God based on the times he spent alone with the Lord paid great dividends. Though he passed through the pit, was sold and treated like an animal, terrorized and tempted, thrown into jail, he eventually became governor in Egypt. To the surprise of his brothers who had to obligate themselves to him for survival and were remorseful of their action and astonished at his position and authority he said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).The accusers brought the woman to Jesus. They meant evil, but it gave her an opportunity to be alone with Him and what an outstanding result it brought to her. Jesus’ verdict, “Neither do I condemn you,” was not rendered as a simple acquittal or a non–condemnation. The verdict was in fact a strict charge for her to live from this point on very differently—to sin no more. The liberating work of Jesus did not mean the excusing of sin. He established the point directly, even if the expression almost painted the woman as a habitual profligate person. He said to her, “Go home; you are alive, but leave your life of sin.” An encounter with Jesus always demands the transformation of life, the turning away from sin. The paralytic in John 5:14 was similarly warned to “sin no more”, but in that story the man was also confronted with the devastating consequences of failing to heed the warning. Jesus does not treat sin lightly, but He offers sinners the opportunity to start life anew. Young people, will you accept this opportunity right now and make that decision to start your life anew with Jesus? God’s purpose in sending his Son into the world was not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17). Will you accept Him now? Will you make that commitment this moment, to be alone with Jesus? Very soon He will be coming back for those who are committed. The entire world will not be saved, but whosoever chooses will be saved and salvation is for young people, too. This is your moment to accept God’s free gift of salvation and commit to Jesus your Savior.
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Le 20:10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
Borchert, G. L. (1996). Vol. 25A: John 1–11. The New American Commentary (375–376).
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers
Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(206–207). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter–Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans
White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association.
White, E. G. (1893, January 10). “‘; Let Both Grow Together’;” The Review and Herald.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever being wrongfully accused? How does it feel?
2. Considering this message about the woman caught in adultery, how should one who is wrongfully accused deport him or her self in the process of self-defense?
3. What are the best means by which young people can protect them-selves from indulging in corruptive moral activities and situations?
4. Discuss how you would encourage a youth who is either wrongly or rightly accused about some moral issues and is facing actions by the Church Board.
5. Explain what you think Jesus meant when He said to the guilty woman, “Neither do I condemn you; go and leave your live of sin.”
Day 3 : Youth Week of Prayer
Focus : Youth and Home
Day 3 : Monday
Hang on to Jesus
Bible Text: Luke 15: 11–32
Suggested Opening Hymn: Love Divine All Love Excelling
Monday - young Men’s Night
Special emphasis on young men bringing visitors this night. Of course anyone can and should bring visitors every night, however, only the young men who bring visitors will receive gifts.
My wife and I met Orlando when we served in our first pastoral district. We were absolutely impressed with him. He was present at church for every service. Sunday night evangelistic meetings, Wednesday night prayer meetings and all the Sabbath services, from Sabbath School to Vespers. He was exceptionally active in the youth department, serving as AY leader and Pathfinder Director interchangeable. Everyone knew that he was a committed member of the church who was greatly loved by the children, young people and adults. After we left the district, we would see him on occasions, talked to him about his faith and other social interests that he had and affirmed him spiritually. Years elapsed; we lost contact with him until one day we were going visiting a particular city where we met inadvertently. This time, he was not dressed according to his custom, and the bottle in his hand certainly did not reflect the spiritual cause he represented. When we asked him what was going on in his life both spiritually and socially, he said prophecy had fulfilled on him. We asked what he meant and his response was a paraphrase of 2 Timothy 3:2–4, “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy... without self–control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” He said he was no longer a member of the Church; he wanted to return to Christ and his for-
mer love for the church, but it was like climbing an impossible mountain and often he felt angry with himself. This experience is reminiscent of the parable of the lost son told by Jesus. Luke 15:11–32 highlights more than just the lost son. There are at least three important characters and a joyful celebration that are essential to be emphasized from this parable. The three characters are the lost son away from home, the prodigal father and the lost son at home. The celebration is a focus on the great rejoicing that takes place when the wanderer returns to the love at home.
The lost son away from homeIn the parable, Jesus made mention of no name except to say a certain man had two sons. One of those sons became tired of the discipline, rules, guidelines, dos and don’ts of home. He became jealous of and attracted to the lifestyle of his peers and contemporaries who in post–modern life could be likened to the hipster culture, a fad that now controls the souls of many young people. He felt that their value of and obsession for independent thinking was just ideal for him. The counter–culture movement that idealized creativity, intelligence, and wit gave him an insatiable craving for indulgence. The progressive politics and excessive appreciation for art and indie–rock that consumed their engagement were just what he desired to be involved with. The autonomy they had and ability to make decisions independent of pa-rental coercion made him yearn for freedom. The external appearances that made them seem to be enjoying the luxuries of life captured his attention and instilled within him a boredom that home could not dispel and only independence of will, freedom of movement and uninhibited choice of decision making could satisfy. Their dressing enamored him, as well as the pleasure, entertainment and apparent trendy lifestyle that seemed cool.
He wanted to be like them. Drinking, pop music, dancing, smoking, movies, sex, partying, fraternities, social networks, designer clothing and brand names such as Levi James, Michael Kors, Porsche cologne, and Nike caught his fancy. With such mental intoxication he demanded of his father: “...give me my share of the estate...” (verse 12). He was interested in his father’s wealth, but not in the emotional, social, physical or spiritual health of his father. Without a struggle, his kind, loving, compassionate and compliant father divided to him the wealth that he demanded. What an experience it was for him, liberated at last! “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squan-
dered his estate with loose living” (verse 13). He was cool, but excessive and extravagant in the way he spent what had been given to him. The text says, “He squandered his property in reckless living.” Another translation says that he “wasted his possessions with prodigal living”. He blew his money carelessly and soon lost his wealth. He was irresponsible, wasteful and reckless. This is the tendency of human beings, prompted by the powerful satanic forces to become impatient of divine control, desiring to be independent of God, seeking to be his own master—that “sin of sins”, in which all subsequent sins are included.Like the son who left home with riches, many young people are living in squander–land. Like wayward Christians they drift away from the church and live like the lost son away from home to that far country where they can seek to silence their conscience and squander the moral and spiritual wealth and values that they were taught at home and church. They are interested in God’s goods but not in Him. They are interested in the food He places on the table but not in God. They are interested in the air He provides for them to breathe but not in Him. They are interested in the good health that He gives them but not in Him. They are interested in God’s gifts; the boyfriend and the girlfriend, the money and the natural talents and abilities, but they are not interested in God. “And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father...” (Verses 14–20, ESV).In that far country, the lost son beyond all danger of interference from home,
intoxicated with his new found resources, and eager for the luxury of using them at–will squandered his wealth and lost his dignity and the members of the fraternity. He did not realize the value of what he had at home, in his father’s house. He felt he was missing out on the fun and gossip out there in the cosmopolitan centers of the society. When he lost it, he lost them. No more could he eat well and eat clean. No more Broadway shows and shopping spree. The days of the cologne and deodorant were over and the only role–on he had was that which the pigs rolled over him. Althea was in Church with no job or husband, life was hard and things were not going well. She was tired of the dos and don’ts of a boring Church with boring preachers and boring programs and boring members. She left church to be in friendship with a young man who was without God or interest in Church. Not long after, she became pregnant and never saw the young man again. Now she ended up out of church, without a job, without a husband, with a child without a father, no money and no one to take care of her. She depended on handouts and ended up in a mental institution. Many young people and adults ask: “Why do we need church now? There are more fun things to do and church is just not interesting. It’s my life, some say, and we’ll live it the way we want! It is like saying, God, I wish you were dead! In fact, God, you are dead to me. Have you been there? Have you done that? Do you have the t–shirts or some souvenir to show? Are you just about sporting, working, eating, enjoying? No time with the life–giving Word of God? No communion with the Heavenly Father? No fellowship with the family of God?In some sense we probably have all been there—probably not in outright vice and bawdy living, but at least in drifting away from God and living for our own desires. That’s the lost son away from home in us all, wasting and squandering our birthright. Hard times actually caught up with him. Jamieson and Brown, in their Critical and Explanatory Commentary on the Whole Biblesaid, “This was his lowest depth. He was perishing unpitied, alone in the world, and ready to disappear from it unmissed! But this is just the blessed turning–point; midnight before dawn of day.” Now he decided to return to his father not as a son, because he knew there was no life in those relationships. He desired to return home for a job that pays: a hired servant. Once it was, “Any place rather than home.” Now, “Oh, that home! Could I but dare to hope that the door of it would not be closed against me, how gladly would I take any place and do any work, happy only to be there at all.” Ellen White said: “Miserable as he was the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home” (CSA 12.6).We often refer to this parable in Luke 15:11–32 as the story of the prodigal son, but the word PRODIGAL is mentioned nowhere in the scriptures. The term can be applied to the Father as much as it can be to the sons. According to the Free Online Bible – Prodigal is from a Latin root that may be both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective there are two principal meanings:
1) Recklessly wasteful or extravagant: By that it means that you could have prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; or you could live a prodigal life. 2) Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: You could therefore give prodigal praise to someone.As a noun, it is one who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance. When we are talking about the “prodigal” son – we use the term in a negative sense. That son was excessive and extravagant in the way he spent what had been given to him. The text says, “He squandered his property in reckless living.” Another translation says that he “wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” That’s what it means to be “prodigal” in the negative context of the son. He blew his money carelessly. He was irresponsible. He was wasteful and reckless in how he lived. On the other hand, the father was “excessive” or “extravagant” in a more neutral or even a positive sense. He was “recklessly extravagant” in his love. He was lavish and abundant in his love, in his grace, in his giving. To both sons, he gave profusely and generously. How was he a Prodigal Father? The younger son asked for his share of property. Usually, this distribution is made after one’s death. He was still alive and here the son was asking for what was not due. It is almost like saying, “Well dad, since you are dead, at least to me, I need my portion now.” Can you recognize the emotional detachment here? For many individuals, God may well be dead, as long as they get what they want! What an insult, what a slap in the face to tell the father, “I want my share of the inheritance and I In our day, the father could be justified if he slapped such an impudent son! Instead, he acceded to the demand. Here the father demonstrated patience and forbearance and his costly, excessive love dominated. Years passed and now the situation had changed. The son was returning home without a gift, without money, without change of clothing, without the desired goods, brand names and fame that he went in search of. Returning to a father whom he wished was dead and all he had was a prepared speech for acceptance to a humiliating and demeaning position.What was the anticipated reaction? He expected rejection, anger, and a tongue–lashing. Instead, before he was able to recite his memory gem, he saw a father, coming down the road, coming to meet him. He was not angry! He was running to meet him with a happy look on his face. Before he got a chance to speak he got a big hug, a warm embrace, and a kiss on his neck. By the time he began to recite his memory gem, listen to the father’s reckless, happy, extravagant, lavish love: “...bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoe on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found...” (Verses 22–24).Here we see the true “prodigality” of his father. This is a father’s excessive, extravagant grace. He does not deserve this! He says, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (verse 21). By the time he got to this point, the words melted into happy tears. He now realized that his idea was not working. There was a better plan. His father did not want him as a hireling. He was not getting what he deserved. His father wanted his son back! Full restoration. This was lavish, extravagant love on the part of this prodigal father! Costly love! Giving love!
: hang on to jesus
Love full of grace and tenderness, acceptance and forgiveness.The father demonstrates love through his actions. He conceals his son’s humiliation or nakedness with his best robe, he places upon him the signet ring, and shoes which are symbols of belonging to the family. The young man is welcomed back into the family and to seal the deal he is honored with an extraordinary feast.
This is an apt representation of the character of our heavenly Father! God does not strike us down when we deserve it. He loves us so much that He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ in the flesh, to show us how much He loves us. Jesus came as the friend of wayward, running away from home sinners. He came to demonstrate the Fathers grace and mercy and to welcome us back to the family. By looking to the cross we see the extravagant length that God will go to restore us to his family. Probably you have not left home. You may have been with the family of God physically and are actively or passively involved, but are disheartened. To you too, the prodigal father extends such costly love. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’” While the father and his employees were rejoicing and celebrating that the lost son was recovered the brother at home was sad, having a fit and refusing to participate. He sarcastically referred to him as “this son of yours”, thereby refusing to acknowledge his own brother. Jealousy and material possession clouded his joy because his heart was not in the right place. He was recklessly callous and heart hardened. He was extravagantly emotionally and spiritually disconnected. He was lavishly disheartened at the return of his brother.
The demonstration of his disgust and unhappiness was extravagant. He was the prodigal son at home or the lost son at home. How sad, that many of us could be in church, yet we are lost! There could be many at home who are having a fit—not celebrating, because they think the soul that has returned to the Lord is not repentant and not converted.
Like the son at home, many live their lives in the Father’s house and yet they are submerged in spiritual drought, pain, disappointments, and social calamities. They could even be feeling dishonored, discredited and by–passed. They cannot see or feel any reason for celebration. Self–pity is likely to settle in and they may even be tempted to leave home, especially when they see the treatment that the run–away receives. Then comes the father to the at–home, self–pitying one, – He entreats and invites him saying, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” Ellen White said, This elder brother has not been sharing in his father’s anxiety and watching for the one that was lost.
He shares not, therefore, in the father’s joy at the wanderer’s return. ...He makes it plain that his own service has been that of a servant rather than a son. When he should have found an abiding joy in his father’s presence, his mind has rested upon the profit to accrue from his circumspect life. His words show that it is for this he has foregone the pleasures of sin.” (COL 207.3) God is interested in an intimate relationship with all of us, rather than just a superficial and emotional experience that is prompted by milk and honey, streets of gold and mansions.50 Reclaim! monday : hang on to jesus
The Joyful Celebration (Luke 15:32)
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (verse 32, NIV). In actual fact, the prodigal father is saying to the son at home, “...but we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.”What rejoicing there is! A festive celebration! We advocate that when one comes to Jesus the members of the church should have a literal celebration.
Baptisms should be held at prime time in the services of the church that captures the attention of every member. Except in rare cases where the circumstance does not warrant otherwise, baptism should not be a sunset affair where just two or three are gathered in the case where numerous persons
are involved in the faith. We must kill the fatted calf. There must be rejoicing in church, rejoicing on earth when one returns to the Lord. We all come into the party the same way, only through the extravagant, excessive, lavish, reckless, costly love of our Prodigal Father. And there is and will be celebration in Heaven, so let the party begin! We should have prayer breakfasts,
welcome socials, and assimilation receptions.
Our prodigal Father has meals for the stay–at home and the returned–home to enjoy here and in the hereafter. Our celebration here is only a foretaste
of the heavenly banquet to come. Our prodigal Father is preparing mansions for us. Our prodigal Father has eternal life to invest us with. It is excessive,
extravagant, and glorious––this is how it is! For this is how our heavenly Father is..... We have not seen our best days yet!
And in a little while – He will send Jesus:
• Jesus: The one who gave up the glory of heaven to come and meet us by the way, He will come to meet us in the air!
• Jesus: He will come with angels!
• Jesus: He will come as a conquering lion to snatch us from the grasp of the pleasure of the enemy
• Jesus: The rock of ages will come for us!
• Jesus: Will take us to the heavenly celebration in the kingdom!
Will you come back to him this moment?
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on
the Whole Bible (Lk 15:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: A commentary on the Greek text. New Interna-
tional Greek Testament Commentary (820). Exeter: Paternoster Press.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jn 17:9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
White, E. G. (2002). A Call To Stand Apart. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing
White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons. Review and Herald Publishing Association.
Discussion Questions
1. What outstanding distinctions can be noted between the lost son away from home and the lost son at home?
2. Identify some attitudes and behaviors of the members at Church that could influence young people to leave the church.
3. Explain how young people can resist the negative emotions expressed to them by church members and continue in the faith.
4. What are some significant characteristics about the prodigal father that make home attractive?
5. Give your personal testimony on temptations to leave home (the Church) that you have faced and how you managed to overcome and remain in the faith.
Day 3 : Monday
Hang on to Jesus
Bible Text: Luke 15: 11–32
Suggested Opening Hymn: Love Divine All Love Excelling
Monday - young Men’s Night
Special emphasis on young men bringing visitors this night. Of course anyone can and should bring visitors every night, however, only the young men who bring visitors will receive gifts.
My wife and I met Orlando when we served in our first pastoral district. We were absolutely impressed with him. He was present at church for every service. Sunday night evangelistic meetings, Wednesday night prayer meetings and all the Sabbath services, from Sabbath School to Vespers. He was exceptionally active in the youth department, serving as AY leader and Pathfinder Director interchangeable. Everyone knew that he was a committed member of the church who was greatly loved by the children, young people and adults. After we left the district, we would see him on occasions, talked to him about his faith and other social interests that he had and affirmed him spiritually. Years elapsed; we lost contact with him until one day we were going visiting a particular city where we met inadvertently. This time, he was not dressed according to his custom, and the bottle in his hand certainly did not reflect the spiritual cause he represented. When we asked him what was going on in his life both spiritually and socially, he said prophecy had fulfilled on him. We asked what he meant and his response was a paraphrase of 2 Timothy 3:2–4, “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy... without self–control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” He said he was no longer a member of the Church; he wanted to return to Christ and his for-
mer love for the church, but it was like climbing an impossible mountain and often he felt angry with himself. This experience is reminiscent of the parable of the lost son told by Jesus. Luke 15:11–32 highlights more than just the lost son. There are at least three important characters and a joyful celebration that are essential to be emphasized from this parable. The three characters are the lost son away from home, the prodigal father and the lost son at home. The celebration is a focus on the great rejoicing that takes place when the wanderer returns to the love at home.
The lost son away from homeIn the parable, Jesus made mention of no name except to say a certain man had two sons. One of those sons became tired of the discipline, rules, guidelines, dos and don’ts of home. He became jealous of and attracted to the lifestyle of his peers and contemporaries who in post–modern life could be likened to the hipster culture, a fad that now controls the souls of many young people. He felt that their value of and obsession for independent thinking was just ideal for him. The counter–culture movement that idealized creativity, intelligence, and wit gave him an insatiable craving for indulgence. The progressive politics and excessive appreciation for art and indie–rock that consumed their engagement were just what he desired to be involved with. The autonomy they had and ability to make decisions independent of pa-rental coercion made him yearn for freedom. The external appearances that made them seem to be enjoying the luxuries of life captured his attention and instilled within him a boredom that home could not dispel and only independence of will, freedom of movement and uninhibited choice of decision making could satisfy. Their dressing enamored him, as well as the pleasure, entertainment and apparent trendy lifestyle that seemed cool.
He wanted to be like them. Drinking, pop music, dancing, smoking, movies, sex, partying, fraternities, social networks, designer clothing and brand names such as Levi James, Michael Kors, Porsche cologne, and Nike caught his fancy. With such mental intoxication he demanded of his father: “...give me my share of the estate...” (verse 12). He was interested in his father’s wealth, but not in the emotional, social, physical or spiritual health of his father. Without a struggle, his kind, loving, compassionate and compliant father divided to him the wealth that he demanded. What an experience it was for him, liberated at last! “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squan-
dered his estate with loose living” (verse 13). He was cool, but excessive and extravagant in the way he spent what had been given to him. The text says, “He squandered his property in reckless living.” Another translation says that he “wasted his possessions with prodigal living”. He blew his money carelessly and soon lost his wealth. He was irresponsible, wasteful and reckless. This is the tendency of human beings, prompted by the powerful satanic forces to become impatient of divine control, desiring to be independent of God, seeking to be his own master—that “sin of sins”, in which all subsequent sins are included.Like the son who left home with riches, many young people are living in squander–land. Like wayward Christians they drift away from the church and live like the lost son away from home to that far country where they can seek to silence their conscience and squander the moral and spiritual wealth and values that they were taught at home and church. They are interested in God’s goods but not in Him. They are interested in the food He places on the table but not in God. They are interested in the air He provides for them to breathe but not in Him. They are interested in the good health that He gives them but not in Him. They are interested in God’s gifts; the boyfriend and the girlfriend, the money and the natural talents and abilities, but they are not interested in God. “And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father...” (Verses 14–20, ESV).In that far country, the lost son beyond all danger of interference from home,
intoxicated with his new found resources, and eager for the luxury of using them at–will squandered his wealth and lost his dignity and the members of the fraternity. He did not realize the value of what he had at home, in his father’s house. He felt he was missing out on the fun and gossip out there in the cosmopolitan centers of the society. When he lost it, he lost them. No more could he eat well and eat clean. No more Broadway shows and shopping spree. The days of the cologne and deodorant were over and the only role–on he had was that which the pigs rolled over him. Althea was in Church with no job or husband, life was hard and things were not going well. She was tired of the dos and don’ts of a boring Church with boring preachers and boring programs and boring members. She left church to be in friendship with a young man who was without God or interest in Church. Not long after, she became pregnant and never saw the young man again. Now she ended up out of church, without a job, without a husband, with a child without a father, no money and no one to take care of her. She depended on handouts and ended up in a mental institution. Many young people and adults ask: “Why do we need church now? There are more fun things to do and church is just not interesting. It’s my life, some say, and we’ll live it the way we want! It is like saying, God, I wish you were dead! In fact, God, you are dead to me. Have you been there? Have you done that? Do you have the t–shirts or some souvenir to show? Are you just about sporting, working, eating, enjoying? No time with the life–giving Word of God? No communion with the Heavenly Father? No fellowship with the family of God?In some sense we probably have all been there—probably not in outright vice and bawdy living, but at least in drifting away from God and living for our own desires. That’s the lost son away from home in us all, wasting and squandering our birthright. Hard times actually caught up with him. Jamieson and Brown, in their Critical and Explanatory Commentary on the Whole Biblesaid, “This was his lowest depth. He was perishing unpitied, alone in the world, and ready to disappear from it unmissed! But this is just the blessed turning–point; midnight before dawn of day.” Now he decided to return to his father not as a son, because he knew there was no life in those relationships. He desired to return home for a job that pays: a hired servant. Once it was, “Any place rather than home.” Now, “Oh, that home! Could I but dare to hope that the door of it would not be closed against me, how gladly would I take any place and do any work, happy only to be there at all.” Ellen White said: “Miserable as he was the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home” (CSA 12.6).We often refer to this parable in Luke 15:11–32 as the story of the prodigal son, but the word PRODIGAL is mentioned nowhere in the scriptures. The term can be applied to the Father as much as it can be to the sons. According to the Free Online Bible – Prodigal is from a Latin root that may be both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective there are two principal meanings:
1) Recklessly wasteful or extravagant: By that it means that you could have prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; or you could live a prodigal life. 2) Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: You could therefore give prodigal praise to someone.As a noun, it is one who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance. When we are talking about the “prodigal” son – we use the term in a negative sense. That son was excessive and extravagant in the way he spent what had been given to him. The text says, “He squandered his property in reckless living.” Another translation says that he “wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” That’s what it means to be “prodigal” in the negative context of the son. He blew his money carelessly. He was irresponsible. He was wasteful and reckless in how he lived. On the other hand, the father was “excessive” or “extravagant” in a more neutral or even a positive sense. He was “recklessly extravagant” in his love. He was lavish and abundant in his love, in his grace, in his giving. To both sons, he gave profusely and generously. How was he a Prodigal Father? The younger son asked for his share of property. Usually, this distribution is made after one’s death. He was still alive and here the son was asking for what was not due. It is almost like saying, “Well dad, since you are dead, at least to me, I need my portion now.” Can you recognize the emotional detachment here? For many individuals, God may well be dead, as long as they get what they want! What an insult, what a slap in the face to tell the father, “I want my share of the inheritance and I In our day, the father could be justified if he slapped such an impudent son! Instead, he acceded to the demand. Here the father demonstrated patience and forbearance and his costly, excessive love dominated. Years passed and now the situation had changed. The son was returning home without a gift, without money, without change of clothing, without the desired goods, brand names and fame that he went in search of. Returning to a father whom he wished was dead and all he had was a prepared speech for acceptance to a humiliating and demeaning position.What was the anticipated reaction? He expected rejection, anger, and a tongue–lashing. Instead, before he was able to recite his memory gem, he saw a father, coming down the road, coming to meet him. He was not angry! He was running to meet him with a happy look on his face. Before he got a chance to speak he got a big hug, a warm embrace, and a kiss on his neck. By the time he began to recite his memory gem, listen to the father’s reckless, happy, extravagant, lavish love: “...bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoe on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found...” (Verses 22–24).Here we see the true “prodigality” of his father. This is a father’s excessive, extravagant grace. He does not deserve this! He says, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (verse 21). By the time he got to this point, the words melted into happy tears. He now realized that his idea was not working. There was a better plan. His father did not want him as a hireling. He was not getting what he deserved. His father wanted his son back! Full restoration. This was lavish, extravagant love on the part of this prodigal father! Costly love! Giving love!
: hang on to jesus
Love full of grace and tenderness, acceptance and forgiveness.The father demonstrates love through his actions. He conceals his son’s humiliation or nakedness with his best robe, he places upon him the signet ring, and shoes which are symbols of belonging to the family. The young man is welcomed back into the family and to seal the deal he is honored with an extraordinary feast.
This is an apt representation of the character of our heavenly Father! God does not strike us down when we deserve it. He loves us so much that He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ in the flesh, to show us how much He loves us. Jesus came as the friend of wayward, running away from home sinners. He came to demonstrate the Fathers grace and mercy and to welcome us back to the family. By looking to the cross we see the extravagant length that God will go to restore us to his family. Probably you have not left home. You may have been with the family of God physically and are actively or passively involved, but are disheartened. To you too, the prodigal father extends such costly love. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’” While the father and his employees were rejoicing and celebrating that the lost son was recovered the brother at home was sad, having a fit and refusing to participate. He sarcastically referred to him as “this son of yours”, thereby refusing to acknowledge his own brother. Jealousy and material possession clouded his joy because his heart was not in the right place. He was recklessly callous and heart hardened. He was extravagantly emotionally and spiritually disconnected. He was lavishly disheartened at the return of his brother.
The demonstration of his disgust and unhappiness was extravagant. He was the prodigal son at home or the lost son at home. How sad, that many of us could be in church, yet we are lost! There could be many at home who are having a fit—not celebrating, because they think the soul that has returned to the Lord is not repentant and not converted.
Like the son at home, many live their lives in the Father’s house and yet they are submerged in spiritual drought, pain, disappointments, and social calamities. They could even be feeling dishonored, discredited and by–passed. They cannot see or feel any reason for celebration. Self–pity is likely to settle in and they may even be tempted to leave home, especially when they see the treatment that the run–away receives. Then comes the father to the at–home, self–pitying one, – He entreats and invites him saying, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” Ellen White said, This elder brother has not been sharing in his father’s anxiety and watching for the one that was lost.
He shares not, therefore, in the father’s joy at the wanderer’s return. ...He makes it plain that his own service has been that of a servant rather than a son. When he should have found an abiding joy in his father’s presence, his mind has rested upon the profit to accrue from his circumspect life. His words show that it is for this he has foregone the pleasures of sin.” (COL 207.3) God is interested in an intimate relationship with all of us, rather than just a superficial and emotional experience that is prompted by milk and honey, streets of gold and mansions.50 Reclaim! monday : hang on to jesus
The Joyful Celebration (Luke 15:32)
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (verse 32, NIV). In actual fact, the prodigal father is saying to the son at home, “...but we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.”What rejoicing there is! A festive celebration! We advocate that when one comes to Jesus the members of the church should have a literal celebration.
Baptisms should be held at prime time in the services of the church that captures the attention of every member. Except in rare cases where the circumstance does not warrant otherwise, baptism should not be a sunset affair where just two or three are gathered in the case where numerous persons
are involved in the faith. We must kill the fatted calf. There must be rejoicing in church, rejoicing on earth when one returns to the Lord. We all come into the party the same way, only through the extravagant, excessive, lavish, reckless, costly love of our Prodigal Father. And there is and will be celebration in Heaven, so let the party begin! We should have prayer breakfasts,
welcome socials, and assimilation receptions.
Our prodigal Father has meals for the stay–at home and the returned–home to enjoy here and in the hereafter. Our celebration here is only a foretaste
of the heavenly banquet to come. Our prodigal Father is preparing mansions for us. Our prodigal Father has eternal life to invest us with. It is excessive,
extravagant, and glorious––this is how it is! For this is how our heavenly Father is..... We have not seen our best days yet!
And in a little while – He will send Jesus:
• Jesus: The one who gave up the glory of heaven to come and meet us by the way, He will come to meet us in the air!
• Jesus: He will come with angels!
• Jesus: He will come as a conquering lion to snatch us from the grasp of the pleasure of the enemy
• Jesus: The rock of ages will come for us!
• Jesus: Will take us to the heavenly celebration in the kingdom!
Will you come back to him this moment?
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on
the Whole Bible (Lk 15:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: A commentary on the Greek text. New Interna-
tional Greek Testament Commentary (820). Exeter: Paternoster Press.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jn 17:9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
White, E. G. (2002). A Call To Stand Apart. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing
White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons. Review and Herald Publishing Association.
Discussion Questions
1. What outstanding distinctions can be noted between the lost son away from home and the lost son at home?
2. Identify some attitudes and behaviors of the members at Church that could influence young people to leave the church.
3. Explain how young people can resist the negative emotions expressed to them by church members and continue in the faith.
4. What are some significant characteristics about the prodigal father that make home attractive?
5. Give your personal testimony on temptations to leave home (the Church) that you have faced and how you managed to overcome and remain in the faith.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Youth Week of Prayer day 2
Focus : Youth and Temptation
Day 2 : Sunday
Let the Celebration Begin
Some months ago I preached on the
Intentionality of God’s Grace and what it does for all human beings; many
persons turned their lives over to Christ. After the service, my wife and I
stood at the door with others and greeted the congregants as they left the sanctuary.
Twenty-four-year-old Juan was one of the young men who responded to the alter
call. He told us that he was a second year University student who had not been
to church for many years but recently it had been on his heart very strongly
that he needed to return to the Lord. He woke up that morning, and just had a
feeling that he should attend church; he took three buses to get there that
Sabbath morning He passed many churches along the way, but ended where he felt
the Spirit of the Lord led him. He said he was satisfied that he attended the
right church at the right time. He was over just bubbling with joy to learn
that Grace included him in God’s plan”. We eventually introduced him to the
pastor and one of the elders of the Church. He stayed for lunch at church and
spent the rest of the day there. He participated in the afternoon Bible Study
conducted by the Church pastor, and enjoyed the special youth service that
followed; one of the elders took him home after the meetings. Introduction “What
man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave
the ninety–nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until
he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying
to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I
tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than
over ninety–nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:4–7). This
parable as told by Jesus is a hypothetical story that does no disregard the
ninety–nine that remain in the pasture. In fact the ninety–nine plus the one
comprises the entire flock of sheep and is representative of the whole
membership of the church. He used this parable because in the uplands of Perea,
raising sheep was a common occupation, and many of His listeners were shepherds
so it resonated very well in conveying the message He wanted to communicate.
While the emphasis of this parable seems to be on the lost sheep, we must not
lose the inherent messages about a) the ninety–nine grazing sheep, b) the one
lost sheep away from the flock, c) the shepherd, and d) the celebration. The
Ninety–Nine Grazing Sheep We have chosen to focus on the ninety–nine grazing
sheep before the one that was lost. Luke 15: 7, “Just so, I tell you, there
will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety–nine
righteous persons who need no repentance.” There is a comparison made in this
verse between the ninety–nine grazing sheep and the one lost one away from the
flock. Impression may be gleaned that there is no care for the sheep that is in
the fold and that greater emphasis is placed on finding the lost and rejoicing
upon the occasion of the recovery of the lost. If Jesus’ use of this parable
was intended to represent the Church and hence the Kingdom of God, then the
ninety–nine are significant because they have the function of making the
shepherd significant. They are the flock for Him to boast about and take care
of. They make the shepherd pleased about them. They are his treasure. God is,
after all, also pleased with the members of the Church who remain. He is
pleased with the righteous (Luke 1:6) or those who aspire to be righteous.
Ellen White said, “The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He
left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came
to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our
iniquities” (AA. P. 432). This parable is more concerned about the joy of the
Lord than the attitude of the sinner. When a young man or a young lady or
anyone for that matter, re-mains in the
faith and lives the repentant life every day, there is joy in heaven.When all
the members of the church live that sanctified life, joy is multiplied in heaven
every day. Everyone is special and significant to the Lord. Conversely, Jesus’
message conveyed through Luke’s theology is that only those who repent will be
saved and not the seemingly righteous; joy is now in heaven over the repentant,
rather than just at the final judgment. It must be noted, that among the
ninety–nine that remain, there are those who think they are righteous and have
no need to repent. They are so self–assured and self–confident that they see
all the faults in others are able to determine who is converted and those who
are just playing church, and how the Lord has already spewed them out of His
mouth. There is a relevant story of a man who developed an affinity for sheep
and wanted to become a sheep. He went to the shepherd and told him he would
like to become a sheep and inquired what shape–shifting actions he needed to
achieve such metamorphoses. The shepherd took it for what he thought it meant
and moved on as he thought the man was just gloating in his love for mythology.
However, at his insistence, the shepherd told him he had to look like sheep so
he went and got himself dressed in sheep’s skin and went among the sheep. When
he approached them, they ran, so he went back to the shepherd in disgust. This
time he told him he had to walk like the sheep. He watched them, practiced the
walk and then went walking among them. Again they ran. He went back to the
shepherd who told him he had to talk like them. He practiced and again, when he
went into their presence they ran. Back to the shepherd he went, who told him
he had to eat like them. That he did, but the reaction of the sheep did not
change when he went into their presence. Exhausted and disappointed, he went
back to the shepherd who finally said to him, “You look like a sheep, you walk
like a sheep, you talk like a sheep, you eat like a sheep, but you are not a
sheep. That is why they reject you.” Among the ninety and nine who are the
members of the church, there are those who are like that gentleman. They do
everything like Christians. They read the scriptures, they pray, they attend
the various services of the church; they may even have leading roles in the
church and are vegetarians. Some are
prayer warriors. They may be supporters of the church financially, return tithe
and offering and always contribute to various initiatives of the church and so
do not see themselves in need of anything. Yet they lack that heart conversion.
That total commitment to Jesus. They fail to spend time alone with Him and are
more concerned about fame, popularity, conceit, and secular things. Because we
grew up in the church and have never left does not mean heaven is rejoicing
about us. Are our lives testifying to the glory of God? Are we sharing our
faith in meaningful ways to others? Are we genuine? Can people take our words?
Do our words and our action match up? What happens when we are out of the sight
of others, what is our deportment like? There are some sick sheep within the
fold among the ninety–nine who need the attention of the shepherd. He is
reaching and calling and beckoning by means of the Holy Spirit, and the sheep
need to respond. There are those who consider themselves among the ninety and
nine who are actually aware that only their physical presence are there, but
their minds and thoughts are away from the flock. The others must do what they
can to nurture them. Not to push them away. Everyone’s conversion experience does
not come the same way and at the same time. That is why the sanctifying
experience of those in the faith should serve as an influencing catalyst to the
weaker vessels. That is why Jesus said “Let both grow together until the harvest:
and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘Gather up first the
tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my
barn’” (Matthew 13:30). The difference between the actual wheat and human
beings is that the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit is able to transform
the unconverted into powerful disciples. The Christian community is replete
with stories of young people who were shallow and frivolous in their spiritual
walk but who are stalwarts of the faith today because they remained in the
company of the ninety and nine and were inspired, influenced and motivated by
the Holy Spirit, the Grace of Christ and the encouragements of the spiritual
community. He is also interested to see repentance among the ninety and nine by
sharing the joy of the Lord in celebrating the salvation of sinners.In this
parable, Jesus was also emphasizing that ninety–nine self–righteous people who
keep all the rituals, festivals, and rules bring no joy to heaven, but one
sinner who confess his sins and repent sets off party time in heaven. God is
concerned about the lost that will admit they are lost and through the aid of
the Holy Spirit return to Him. He wants to help all of us put our sinful life behind
and follow Him. Pharisees or hypocrites will never do this, because they do not
realize they are lost! They always count themselves among the saved, even
though they have never repented of their sins. Today, the ninety–nine need to
get the party in heaven going. We must repent of our sins and be saved, not
just the one lost sheep away from the flock. Jesus wants the whole flock, one
hundred, not ninety–nine and neither is he only interested in one. Nonetheless,
to get to the one hundred, He begins with one!
The One Lost Sheep Away from the
Flock
In
telling this parable, Jesus did not specify if the lost sheep away from the
flock was a ewe or a ram. However, He wanted to emphasize the Shepherd’s interest
in those sheep that go astray irrespective of their gender. He specifically emphasized
one that developed an interest in other pastures and whether suddenly or
gradually left the company of the ninety–nine. Bowe Robert Bergdahl is a US
soldier who was held captive by the Taliban–aligned Haqqani network in
Afghanistan from June 2009 until his release in May 31, 2014. The circumstances
under which Bergdahl went missing and how the Taliban captured him became a
subject of intense media scrutiny. While there were numerous theories about his
disappearance, the facts suggested he was captured off base. Under Taliban
control, he knew he was captured, he knew the circumstance of his capture, he
was indoctrinated controlled and oppressed by his captors and had even lost the
ability to speak his own language fluently. However, the United States was
committed to leave no soldier behind and went in search until they entered in
an exchange deal to get him back into their ranks. This is an apt illustration
of what happens to many young people of the Church. While God did not enter
into an exchange, he sent His only begotten Son whom He loves dearly (John
3:16) to come in a combat situation to reclaim them all. What Love! And what
great rejoicing when they return. In one Sabbath School lesson that we studied
many years ago, it was explained that in a flock of sheep, it was normal for
each one to remain with the flock for up to eight or nine years, which was long
enough for the shepherd to name them and for them to recognize their shepherd’s
own signature call. Every night when the flock enters the fold, the shepherd
holds his rod across the entrance a few inches above the ground. As each sheep
passes under the rod, the shepherd inspects it for injuries and illness. In
that way, the shepherd identifies his own sheep very quickly. John 10:3 (NIV),
which corroborates this reasoning, says, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for
him, and the sheep listens to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and
leads them out.” It was further explained that the shepherd also counted his
sheep and would know immediately if even one was missing. The Clear Word
Devotional Bible renders Luke 15:4 accordingly: “If you owned a hundred sheep,
wouldn’t you be concerned if one of them were missing? Wouldn’t you leave the
ninetynine who are peacefully grazing in someone else’s care and go looking for
that one lost sheep until you found it?” Jesus knows every member of the Church.
He knows us by name. He knows our special marks and temperaments. He knows our
desires and aspirations. He knows our tests and our trials. He knows our
strengths and our weaknesses. He knows what makes us happy and what makes us
sad. We are His and He is our shepherd. When one goes missing, He does not
leave the ninety–nine unprotected to go in search of the one. However, He goes
in search! Let us remember that Jesus the great shepherd is omnipresent. He can
be everywhere at the same time. He is omniscient, there is nothing that He does
not know and He is omnipotent, there is nothing that He cannot do. None of us
needs to feel that because He is attending to the other sheep, He does not have
time for us. “For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After the Glorious One
has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you
touches the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8, NIV). All members of the Church
are under the watchful protective care of the great shepherd and that is good
news. Nothing happens to us except it happens in His presence. He will defend
us and vindicate
His name and authority.
In
Jesus’ parable, the sheep away from the flock knew that it was lost. It was
crying for help. It apparently wandered away from the flock. Like many young
people and older Christens, it was probably looking for greener grass. Probably
tired of the set order of the daily routine and as one youth said to us some
years ago, she “needed new experiences and more exciting and interesting
things”. It may be that the pressure of work or study or discouragement brought
on by inactivity or some social realities made them so tired that one Sabbath
they decided to stay home and sleep and eventually, never recovered from that
intoxicating temptation. It may even have been a sexual experience that caused
the eyes to open in a wrong direction. Some are away because they suffered indignity,
abuse, unfair treatment, and neglect that aroused their desire to wander. Many
young people who are getting cold and wandering from the fold of the Church
still believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath and should be kept holy. They
still be-lieve that the Seventh–day Adventist Church is the fold to which they
belong. They still are being bugged by their consciences every day to return to
the fold. However, the indoctrination and intoxication to which they have become
addicted influences them to become spiritually indifferent, careless, and
absorbed with the cares of everyday life. Sheep have a strong instinct to follow
others in front of them and so are young people. They will follows, even if it
is not a good decision, sometimes even to the slaughter. If one sheep jumps
over a cliff, the others are likely to follow. They often times know where they
are, that they are not in the right place but returning is not the easiest
thing. To come back the sheep needs help and encouragement. Those who are of
the ninety–nine must be deliberate in contacting and wooing them back to the
fold. Aw members of the Church, we need to go in search of the lost sheep away
from the fold. We go in our prayers. We go by contacting them through social
media. Send them a text, write on their wall, mention them in a tweet, and send
them an e–mail. Keep in touch through WhatsApp! We must go after those who have
left the faith and love them back to the Church. This is where they belong. The
church must be open and warm and caring and forgiving, and accepting. We must
plan intentionally to find them and bring them back. What did the shepherd do?
Ellen White said, “The sheep that has strayed from the fold is the most
helpless of all creatures. It must be sought for by the shepherd, for it cannot
find its way back. So with the soul that has wandered away from God; he is as
helpless as the lost sheep, and unless divine love had come to his rescue he
could never find his way to God” (COL. P. 187).The ShepherdFrom the question
that Jesus asked in Luke 15:4, the shepherd went in search of the one sheep. In
stating that the shepherd left the ninety–nine, Jesus was intent on emphasizing
that the shepherd was diligent, thorough, purposeful and intentional about
bringing back the one lost sheep. None is to fall by the way. None is to be
lost. All must be in the protective, loving care of the master. He wants all.
This parable more than any of its emphases, focuses on the caring, loving shepherd.
How interesting to note that the shepherd did not hire laborers to go in search
of the lost sheep. It was a personal search. He went himself and did not give
up until he brought back the wandering sheep. How persistent was the shepherd.
Jesus is persistent in His search for all the young people who are wandering
from him. It may not be that some of us have been absent from church for one
Sabbath or for any of the services of the church. We may even be active leading
in the Adventurer Club, serving as counselors and instructors in the Pathfinder
program. Some of us might even be the senior youth leader, winning the Bible
Bowl and are champion youth in the cause of the Lord, doing innovative and
creative things and are active in community impact, yet in our relationship
with the Good Shepherd, we are that lost sheep. It is time to take stock. Time
to do that introspection to evaluate our standing with our Savior. He wants to
and He will celebrate with all those who allow Him to take them back to the
fold.
The Celebration
There
is always a partying in heaven! Jesus said, “That’s the way things are in heaven.
When one sinner sees that he’s doing wrong, confesses his sins, and decides to
change his life, the celebration in heaven over this one person is something
you can’t imagine. The rejoicing is over the one who repents, and not over the
ninety–nine who are at home and don’t need to repent” (Luke 15:7, Clear Word
Translation). The ninety–nine need not worry because they had their rejoicing
and they are enjoying the trip to the kingdom and the fellowship of others in
the flock. It is now time to rejoice with those who have just returned. No time
now for self–pitying. It is time to celebrate the return of those who wandered.
Young people, you are special in heaven and on earth. The church loves you and
is in need of you. Come with your talents; you have a vital part to play in the
finishing of the gospel and in helping to nurture others in the faith.You who
have returned to the fold of Christ, welcome to the celebration! It is in two
dimensions and there is a third. It happens now in heaven as you return. It is
happening in the church as each member is overjoyed to see you return to the
faith, but the greater part of the celebration is yet to come. Jesus will be
coming back for you, for all. He will not come alone, but with retinue of
angels. We will be taken together to the kingdom and receive the crown of glory
at a great coronation that will happen at the gate of the city. Ellen White
said we will also receive our harp from the hand of the Savior where we will
join the heavenly choir in singing the song of the redeemed, “Home at Last”!
Yes, we will walk the golden streets of heaven and what a great reunion it will
be with family, friends, and loved ones. To look in the face of the lovely
Jesus and see the scars in his hands which were just for our salvation. What a
celebration it will be when we take up residence in the mansions He is now
preparing for us. It will be an eternity of celebration!Let the celebration begin!
Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!
Appeal and
Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: There
Were Ninety and Nine
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
Butler,
T. C. (2000). Vol. 3: Luke. Holman New Testament Commentary (249). Nashville,
TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers
Marshall,
I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: A commentary on the Greek text. New Interna-
tional
Greek Testament Commentary (602). Exeter: Paternoster Press
Stein,
R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (404). Nashville:
Broad-
man
& Holman Publishers
The
Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Lk 15:4–7). Wheaton: Standard Bible
Society
White,
E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press
Publishing
Association.
White,
E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons. Review and Herald Publishing
Association.
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think is the
attitude of heavenly beings toward those who re-main actively committed to
Jesus in their lifestyle and consecrated hearts?
2. Explain how young people who are
actively engaged in the mission of the church can be among the lost sheep of
the flock.
3. What are some temptations young
people face today that influencethem to display visible signs they are on the
verge of straying from Christ and what can be done to rescue them before they
fall by the way?
4. Identify some ways that the
members of the Church can celebrate the spiritual birth and experience of the
new, returning, and standing members of the faith.
5. How do good shepherds go in
search of young people who have who wandered from the flock today?
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