Sabbath Afternoon - October 14, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Genesis 11:1-9; Genesis 12:1-3; Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 1:21; Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 13:1; Acts 8:1-4; Acts 1:8. 

Thought for Meditation:
 It is the efficiency of the Holy Spirit that makes the ministry of the word effective. When Christ speaks through the minister, the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of the listeners to receive the word. The Holy Spirit is not a servant, but a controlling power. He causes the truth to shine into minds, and speaks through every discourse where the minister surrenders himself to the divine working. It is the Spirit that surrounds the soul with a holy atmosphere, and speaks to the impenitent through words of warning, pointing them to Him who takes away the sin of the world. {GW 155.2} 

Memory Text:

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). 


This week's SSLesson will investigate why God's mission is being rejected by many, and how God will fulfill His mission for humanity. This will include the example of Abraham and the Early Christian church.


Study Outline:

God's Call to Mission

Sunday - October 15, 2023

Moving Beyond Our Comfort Zone - Reason for Rejecting the Mission

Genesis 11:1-9; 9:14-15; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.  


Monday - October 16, 2023

Becoming a Blessing to the World - The Purpose of the Mission

 Genesis 12:1-3; 3:15; 17:19;  Numbers 24:17;  Isaiah 9:6;  Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 1:21;  Hebrews 11:8, 9.   


Fulfilling the Mission

Tuesday - October 17, 2023

Abraham's Call - His Example

Genesis 12:6; 7;10-20; 13:1; Hebrews 11:8.


Wednesday - October 18, 2023

The Early Church and Comfort Zones - Get Out of the Comfort Zone

Acts 8:1-4; 1:8; 11:19; 10:9-15,28-29; Galatians 2:8, 11-12.  


Thursday - October 19, 2023

Starting From Where You Are - Where to Start?

Acts 1:8; Revelation 14:6-12.  


Friday - October 20, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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God's Call to Mission

Sunday - October 15, 2023

Moving Beyond Our Comfort Zone - Reason for Rejecting the Mission

Genesis 11:1-9; 9:14-15; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.  

“And they said, Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower, whose top will reach to heaven; and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4)


God's Commission to Every Child of God

Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal, and for this reason, Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at ease, or, for the sake of greater worldly advantages, to remove from places where they might be a power for good. Others he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. But all such are regarded by Heaven with tenderest pity. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls had succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, "What doest thou here?" I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? Who sent you?--Prophets and Kings, pp. 171, 172.  {ChS 182.1} 

Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, "What doest thou here?" In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of God's Word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving. --Prophets and Kings, p. 172.  {ChS 182.2}


The Upward Path is the Hard and the Downward Road the Easy Way 

Yet do not therefore conclude that the upward path is the hard and the downward road the easy way. All along the road that leads to death there are pains and penalties, there are sorrows and disappointments, there are warnings not to go on. God's love has made it hard for the heedless and headstrong to destroy themselves. It is true that Satan's path is made to appear attractive, but it is all a deception; in the way of evil there are bitter remorse and cankering care. We may think it pleasant to follow pride and worldly ambition, but the end is pain and sorrow. Selfish plans may present flattering promises and hold out the hope of enjoyment, but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In the downward road the gateway may be bright with flowers, but thorns are in the path. The light of hope which shines from its entrance fades into the darkness of despair, and the soul who follows that path descends into the shadows of unending night. {MB 139.1}  


Strive and Agonize to Enter at the Strait Gate

Those who have a healthy experience in the Christian life, will be better fitted for their duties in business life, for their responsibilities in the home and in the church, than if they were but half-hearted followers of Christ. The Saviour has said: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." We are to strive, to agonize, to enter in at the strait gate; for many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. It will take something more than mere seeking to enter in at the strait gate; for the gate to death is wide, and the road broad, and easy of access, and many there be that go in thereat. If we would enter in at the strait gate, we must be partakers of the sufferings of Christ. We must know what it is to practice self-denial, that we may come into sympathy with the Father and Son. Jesus said: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  {RH, July 5, 1892 par. 3}  


Consider the Following

God's command was clear: “fill the earth” (Gen. 9:1). But those who survived the flood had other plans (Gen. 11:1-4):

(1) They did not want to obey God by spreading themselves over the Earth

(2) They did not trust God's promise not to send a new flood

(3) They trusted in their own salvation effort (“a tower”).

(4) They wanted to achieve fame (“a name”)

They were united in purpose. They had created their comfort zone and felt comfortable in it. They became disobedient, distrustful, self-sufficient, and proud.

Can you be immersed in a comfort zone that prevents you from carrying out God's mission?


Monday - October 16, 2023

Becoming a Blessing to the World - The Purpose of the Mission

 Genesis 12:1-3; 3:15; 17:19;  Numbers 24:17;  Isaiah 9:6;  Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 1:21;  Hebrews 11:8, 9. 

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2)


By Example, Joseph and Daniel Bring Blessings to All

From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped. Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life. {AA 13.2}  


Firmness and Self-Denial of the Hebrew Youth Brings the Lord's Approval and Blessing

The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial of the Hebrew youth, and their purity of motive; and His blessing attended them. He “gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” The promise was fulfilled, “Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Samuel 2:30. As Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While receiving instruction from man in the duties of court life, he was being taught by God to read the mysteries of the future and to record for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events covering the history of this world till the close of time. {CSA 55.2} 


Everlasting Life, the Blessing Christ gave to the World

Human beings have severed their connection with God, and their souls have become palsied and strengthless by the deadly poison of sin. But there was a time when the proclamation sounded through the heavenly courts, “I have found a ransom! A divine life is given as humanity’s ransom. One equal with the Father has become humanity’s substitute.”. . . {CTr 32.2} 

God gave His only begotten Son to the human race, that people might become partakers of the divine nature by accepting the remedy for sin and allowing the divine grace of Christ to work in their lives. . . . Fallen humans, by laying hold of the divine power brought within their reach, can become one with God. Everlasting life is the blessing that Christ came to give to the world. {CTr 32.3} 


Consider the Following

God had a specific plan for humanity:

(1) He promised to save us from sin (Gen. 3:15)

(2) He chose Abraham's descendants to fulfill his promise (Gen. 17:19)

(3) He chose Jacob, Judah and David (Num. 24:17; Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7:16)

(4) He announced the birthplace of the Savior (Mic. 5:2)

(5) He indicated the exact date of his appearance (Dan. 9:24-27)

(6) Finally, the promise was fulfilled in Jesus (Mt. 1:21)

From Eve to Jesus, God chose various people to whom he assigned the mission of blessing humanity with the good news of salvation (although, perhaps, they did not understand all that this entailed).

God invites you to continue blessing the world by proclaiming the gospel.


Fulfilling the Mission

Tuesday - October 17, 2023

Abraham's Call - His Example

Genesis 12:6; 7;10-20; 13:1; Hebrews 11:8.

“He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, […] and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there” (Genesis 12:5)


Abraham a Worthy Example 

It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice that was required of him. There were strong ties to bind him to his country, his kindred, and his home. But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no question to ask concerning the Land of Promise,-- whether the soil was fertile, and the climate healthful; whether the country offered agreeable surroundings, and would afford opportunities for amassing wealth. God had spoken, and His servant must obey; the happiest place on earth for him was the place where God would have him to be.  {ChS 181.2}  

Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar associations? Who will accept new duties and enter untried fields, doing God's work with firm and willing hearts, for Christ's sake counting His losses again? He who will do this has the faith of Abraham, and will share with him that "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," with which "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared."--Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 126, 127.  {ChS 181.4} 

Abraham, "the friend of God," set us a worthy example. His was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his altar, calling all within his encampment to the morning and the evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar remained. In following years, there were those among the roving Canaanites who received instruction from Abraham; and whenever one of these came to that altar, he knew who had been there before him; and when he had pitched his tent, he repaired the altar, and there worshiped the living God.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 128.  {ChS 210.4}  


The Father of the Faithful, Faithfulness - Life Richest Blessings 

Abraham’s test was the most severe that could ever come to a human being. Had he then turned from God, he would never have been registered as the father of the faithful. Had he deviated from God’s command, the world would have lost this rich example of faith in God and victory over unbelief. . . . {CTr 83.5} 

Nothing is too precious to give to God. Confidence in the divine Word will lead to a doing of that Word.—Letter 110, 1897. {CTr 83.6} 

Lot did not know their true character, but politeness and hospitality were habitual with him; they were a part of his religion-- lessons that he had learned from the example of Abraham. Had he not cultivated a spirit of courtesy, he might have been left to perish with the rest of Sodom. Many a household, in closing its doors against a stranger, has shut out God's messenger, who would have brought blessing and hope and peace.  {CC 52.3}  

Every act of life, however small, has its bearing for good or for evil. Faithfulness or neglect in what are apparently the smallest duties may open the door for life's richest blessings or its greatest calamities. It is little things that test the character. It is the unpretending acts of daily self-denial, performed with a cheerful, willing heart, that God smiles upon. We are not to live for self, but for others. And it is only by self-forgetfulness, by cherishing a loving, helpful spirit, that we can make our life a blessing. The little attentions, the small, simple courtesies, go far to make up the sum of life's happiness, and the neglect of these constitutes no small share of human wretchedness.  {CC 52.4}  


Consider the Following

God assigned Abraham a mission and a territory to carry it out (Gen. 12:1-5).

But things were not easy. The difficulties overwhelmed him to the point of abandoning his place in the mission (Gen. 12:10). As his faith failed, he made more mistakes (Gen. 12:11-13).

Patiently, God “pushed” him to return to Canaan (Gen. 12:17-20). She hadn't abandoned him, she was still counting on him. Despite his mistakes, God forgave Abraham and gave him another chance (and a few more).

God sends you to fulfill his mission. You may fail or make mistakes at some point, but He is patient and merciful. It restores you, and continues to count on you.


Wednesday - October 18, 2023

The Early Church and Comfort Zones - Get Out of the Comfort Zone

Acts 8:1-4; 1:8; 11:19; 10:9-15,28-29; Galatians 2:8, 11-12.  

“At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1)


The Son of Man Sustained the Early Church

He who sustained these early witnesses to the truth will not forsake His people in the final conflict. {CTr 314.2} 

It was in a time of fierce persecution and great darkness, when Satan seemed to triumph over the faithful witnesses for God, that John in his old age was sentenced to banishment. He was separated from his companions in the faith, and cut off from his labors in the gospel, but he was not separated from the presence of God. The desolate place of his exile proved to him to be the gate of heaven. He says, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day ”the holy day that God had blessed and set apart as His own—“and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book. . . .And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man.”. . . {CTr 314.3} 

Christ walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in communion with His people. . . .Although He is High Priest and Mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He walks up and down in the midst of the churches on earth. . . . {CTr 314.4} 


Fierced Persecutions Endured Under Paganism

Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, the mystery of iniquity carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and his apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church. Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ.  {GC88 49.2}   


Great Crisis is Coming Upon the World - Fires of Persecution Rekindled

Here the great crisis is coming upon the world. The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world. In this time of peril we can stand only as we have the truth and the power of God. Men can know the truth only by being themselves partakers of the divine nature. We have need now for more than human wisdom in reading and searching the Scriptures; and if we come to God's Word with humble hearts, He will raise up a standard for us against the lawless element.  {2SM 367.4}  


Consider the Following

After its success in Jerusalem, the church seemed to have no intention of expanding further (Acts 2:41; 4:4). It was his comfort zone.

Because of the persecution instigated by Saul, the believers were scattered and carried the mission to Judea, Samaria and other places; However, their vision of the mission was still limited (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19).

Peter himself believed it was an abomination to speak the gospel to Gentiles, so God had to perform a miracle on him (Acts 10:28).

Like Peter, sometimes we will have to put aside our comfort, or our personal feelings and opinions, in order to correctly fulfill the mission that God has assigned to us.


Thursday - October 19, 2023

Starting From Where You Are - Where to Start?

Acts 1:8; Revelation 14:6-12.  

“and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8)


Nature Speaks and Acts the Will of the Creator

The material world is under God's control. The laws that govern all nature are obeyed by nature. Everything speaks and acts the will of the Creator. The clouds, the rain, the dew, the sunshine, the showers, the wind, the storm, all are under the supervision of God, and yield implicit obedience to Him who employs them. The tiny spear of grass bursts its way through the  earth, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. The Lord uses these, His obedient servants, to do His will. The fruit is first seen in the bud, enclosing the future pear, peach, or apple, and the Lord develops these in their proper season, because they do not resist His working. They do not oppose the order of His arrangements. His works, as seen in the natural world, are not one half comprehended or appreciated. These silent preachers will teach human beings their lessons, if they will only be attentive hearers.  {17MR 58.1}  


The God of Heaven Lives, the Great Overseer Lives

"Greater strength must be brought into the managing force of the Conference. . . . God has not put any kingly power in our ranks to control this or that branch of the work. The work has been greatly restricted by the efforts to control it in every line. Here is a vineyard presenting its barren places that have received no labor. And if one should start out to till these places in the name of the Lord, unless he should get the permission of the men in a little circle of authority he would receive no help. But God means that His workers shall have help. If a hundred should start out on a mission to these destitute fields, crying unto God, He would open the way before them. . . . If the work had not been so restricted, . . . it would have gone forward in its majesty. It would have gone in weakness at first, but the God of heaven lives; the great Overseer lives. . . .  {LS 386.2}  

"There must be a renovation, a reorganization; a power and strength must be brought into the committees that are necessary." [GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN, 1901, PP. 25, 26.]  {LS 386.3} 


Consider the Following

As we are led by the Holy Spirit, we may be called to cross physical, cultural, ethnic, etc. boundaries. The limit: “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).


Friday - October 20, 2023

Insights and Further Study

In the parable the son who said, "I go, sir," represented himself as faithful and obedient; but time proved that his profession was not real. He had no true love for his father. So the Pharisees prided themselves on their holiness, but when tested, it was found wanting. When it was for their interest to do so, they made the requirements of the law very exacting; but when obedience was required from themselves, by cunning sophistries they reasoned away the force of God's precepts. Of them Christ declared, "Do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not." Matthew 23:3. They had no true love for God or man. God called them to be co-workers with Him in blessing the world; but while in profession they accepted the call, in action they refused obedience. They trusted to self, and prided themselves on their goodness; but they set the commands of God at defiance. They refused to do the work which God had appointed them, and because of their transgression the Lord was about to divorce Himself from the disobedient nation.  {COL 278.4}  

Self-righteousness is not true righteousness, and those who cling to it will be left to take the consequences of holding a fatal deception. Many today claim to obey the commandments of God, but they have not the love of God in their hearts to flow forth to others. Christ calls them to unite with Him in His work for the saving of the world, but they content themselves with saying, "I go, sir." They do not go. They do not co-operate with those who are doing God's service. They are idlers. Like the unfaithful son, they make false promises to God. In taking upon themselves the solemn covenant of the church they have pledged themselves to receive and obey the word of God, to give themselves to God's service, but they do not do this. In profession they claim to be sons of God, but in life and character they deny the relationship. They do not surrender the will to God. They are living a lie.  {COL 279.1}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“With the help of God, every true believer can see where there is work to be done. When the human will cooperate with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent, and the worker can make opportunities […] If you will go to work in earnest, ways will open before you for the accomplishment of this work. Lean upon the divine arm for wisdom, strength, and skill for the work that God has given you to do.” EGW (Our High Calling, October 19)