Sabbath Afternoon - April 27, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Psalms 119:162; John 16:13-15; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:15-18. 


Thought for Meditation:
 Work in faith, and leave results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.  {LHU 219.3}  

"If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:31, 32) (Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 245).  {LHU 219.4}  

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet.  {LHU 219.5}  


Memory Text:

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalms 119:11). 


This week's SSLesson will demonstrate how God's people are being guided and strengthened by the faith they have in the truth. This also includes the truthfulness of His words and those who have been a part of such a great revival and reformation in the church's history.


Study Outline:

The Foundation of Faith
Sunday - April 28, 2024

God's Word Alone - Sola Scriptura/ Soli Deo Gloria

Psalms 119:103-104; Psalms 119:147; Psalms 119:162; 1 Peter 1:23; Revelation 22:2. 


Monday - April 29, 2024

Passing on God's Word

2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 13:8; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 14:13.  


Tuesday - April 30, 2024

Enlightened by the Spirit

John 14:25-26; John 16:13-15; 2 Peter 1:20-2.


The Foundation of Salvation

Wednesday - May 1, 2024

Christ Alone... Grace Alone

Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8-10.  


Thursday - April 2, 2024

Obedience: The Fruit of Faith

Romans 3:27-31; Romans 6:15-18; Romans 8:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:18-24; Hebrews 11:10.  


Friday - April 3, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

The Foundation of Faith

Sunday - April 28, 2024

God's Word Alone - Sola Scriptura/ Soli Deo Gloria

Psalms 119:103-104; Psalms 119:147; Psalms 119:162; 1 Peter 1:23; Revelation 22:2. 

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16)


The Bible Delineation of Characters of Human Life

As an educator no part of the Bible is of greater value than are its biographies. These biographies differ from all others in that they are absolutely true to life. It is impossible for any finite mind to interpret rightly, in all things, the workings of another. None but He who reads the heart, who discerns the secret springs of motive and action, can with absolute truth delineate character, or give a faithful picture of a human life. In God's word alone is found such delineation.  {CC 10.2}  

No truth does the Bible more clearly teach than that what we do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experiences of life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds.  {CC 10.3}  


The History came Fresh from the Fountain of Eternal Truth

The Bible is the most comprehensive and the most instructive history which men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God's word alone we find an authentic account of creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth, and that stretched out the heavens. Here, only, can we find a history of our race, unsullied by human prejudice or human pride.  {CE 37.4}  


The Only Secure Foundation and Sure Guide

In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart; . . . and thy neighbor as thyself" (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide.  {Ed 228.4}  

"The stability of thy times and the strength of thy happiness shall be wisdom and knowledge" (Isaiah 33:6, Leeser's)--that wisdom and knowledge which God's word alone can impart.  {Ed 229.1}  

It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: "This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations." Deuteronomy 4:6.  {Ed 229.2}  


The Only Safeguard for Integrity, Purity, Well-being and Stability

Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life's perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. "The statutes of the Lord are right," and "he that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalm 19:8; 15:5.  {Ed 229.3} 


Consider the Following

The reformers of the 16th century literally changed the world. But they made it clear that there was nothing special about them. They were people transformed by God. For this reason they declared: “To God alone the glory.”

How was this transformation carried out in them? It was the reading of the Word of God that performed the miracle. What did the Bible do for them, and what can it do for us?

(1) It is the foundation of faith

(2) By believing in his promises we renew our faith and courage

(3) Its leaves are like the fruit of the tree of life

(4) Radiate joy, hope and light

(5) It gives us direction, certainty, strength and wisdom

(6) Livens our being physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually

In those dark times, the Bible saturated their lives to the point of giving their lives to remain faithful to its teachings. And today, does it also saturate your life?

Monday - April 29, 2024

Passing on God's Word - The Bible Available to Everyone

2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 13:8; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 14:13.  

But the word of God grew and multiplied.   (Acts 12:24)


Jesus Diligently Study the Great Library of God's Created Works

The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.  {DA 70.2}  


Christian Should Strive to Spread Abroad the Knowledge of Truth

The day is far spent, the night is at hand, and it is essential to work while it is day; for the night cometh, in which no man can work. In a time like this, we should have but this object in view,-- the employing of every means that God has provided by which the truth may be planted in the hearts of men. It is for this very purpose that the word of God was sent to the world, that it might control the life, and transform the character. It is the duty of every Christian to strive to the utmost of his ability to spread abroad the knowledge of the truth. Christ has commissioned His disciples to go forth into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations {FE 201.2}  


Zeal in Spreading the Light like Luther's Pen has a Power

In the face of persecution and death, the truth for that time was spread far and near. The word of God was carried to the people; all classes, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, studied it eagerly, and those  who received the light became in their turn its messengers. In those days the truth was brought home to the people through the press. Luther's pen was a power, and his writings, scattered broadcast, stirred the world. The same agencies are at our command, with facilities multiplied a hundredfold. Bibles, publications in many languages, setting forth the truth for this time, are at our hand and can be swiftly carried to all the world. We are to give the last warning of God to men, and what should be our earnestness in studying the Bible, and our zeal in spreading the light! {6T 403.2} 


The Treasures of God's Word as a Banquet Prepared for Us

A banquet has been prepared for us. The Lord has spread before us the treasures of His Word. But we must not come to the repast clothed in citizen's dress. We must have on the white robe of Christ's righteousness which has been prepared for all the guests. But the spirit of the world is carnal. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). The more spiritual knowledge one has, the better able is he to distinguish between good and evil.  {20MR 336.1} 


Consider the Following

Tyndale (1494-1536) set out to correct the errors of Wycleffe 's Bible (translated from Latin), making a direct translation from the original languages. He published the New Testament translated from Greek.

Miles Coverdale continued and complemented Tyndale's work with the translation of the Old Testament from the Hebrew originals. Thus, in 1535, the first printed Bible in English was published.

This version served as the basis for the most widely used Bible translation among English speakers: the King James Version , published in 1611.

Erasmus of Rotterdam published the New Testament in Greek at that time (which served as the basis for all the translations of the reformers).

While the English versions of the Bible were being prepared and published, other reformers

also translated the Bible into their native language:

(1) Martin Luther: German (1534)

(2) Pierre Robert Olivétan : French (1535)

(3) Brest Bible: Polish (1563)

(4) Casiodoro de Reina: Spanish (1569)

(5) Kralice Bible: Czech (1579)

(6) Jonas Bretkunas: Lithuanian (1579)

(7) Jurij Dalmatin: Slovenian (1584)

(8) Giovanni Diodati: Italian (1607)

(9) João Ferreira de Almeida: Portuguese (1691)

Tuesday - April 30, 2024

Enlightened by the Spirit -The Interpreter of the Bible - TM 475

John 14:25-26; John 16:13-15; 2 Peter 1:20-21

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.   (2 Peter 1:20) 


Read and Study the Fourth Chapter of Zechariah. 

The two olive trees empty the golden oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the golden bowl from which the lamps of the sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. With this oil God's ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they, in turn, may impart it to church. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." God's servants can obtain victories only by inward purity, by cleanness of heart, by holiness. It is of the utmost importance that ministers set a right example. If they follow lax, loose principles, their example is quoted by those who are doing wrong as a vindication of their course. The whole synagogue of Satan is watching for defects in the lives of God's representatives, and the most is made of every defect.-- Review and Herald, December 22, 1904.  {TM 188.2}  

For further study, please visit these sites:

Meat In Due Season - 11. The Golden Bowl - Zec 4 (google.com) 

Meat In Due Season - 11.1 The Universal Dairy (google.com) 


Let Heaven Guide - Somebody is to Come to Interpret

Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, [SEE APPENDIX.] and when he appears, men may say: "You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message."  {TM 475.3} 


Old Truths in its New Beauty - The Holy Spirit Enlightens

Christ in His teaching presented old truths of which He Himself was the originator, truths which He had spoken through patriarchs and prophets; but He now shed upon them a new light. How different appeared their meaning! A flood of light and spirituality was brought in by His explanation. And He promised that the Holy Spirit should enlighten the disciples, that the word of God should be ever unfolding to them. They would be able to present its truths in new beauty.  {COL 127.2}  


The Spirit of God will Give Light to Those in Darkness

God will move upon men in humble positions to declare the message of present truth. Many such will be seen hastening hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to give the light to those in darkness. The truth is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, will proclaim the word of the Lord. Children will be impelled by the Holy Spirit to go forth to declare the message of heaven. The Spirit will be poured out upon those who yield to His promptings. Casting off man's binding rules and cautious movements, they will join the army of the Lord.--Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 26, 27.  {ChS 105.3} 


Multitudes Will Join the Armies of the Lord - The Power of the Spirit

Many . . . will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the Word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power. Multitudes will receive the faith and join the armies of the Lord.--Review and Herald, July 23, 1895.  {Ev 700.1}  


Declaration of the Truth with the Might of the Spirit's Power

Many . . . will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the Word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and ... they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power.  {AG 220.4}  


Consider the Following

When Martin Luther first read the Bible in Latin, his life was transformed.

As he flipped through its pages, he was aware that a higher power was illuminating his mind. The Gospel became alive and effective. The dark traditions faded away, and the grace of Christ arose. What power illuminated his mind?

The Holy Spirit, the only authorized interpreter of the Bible, was the one who revealed the truths contained in it. And the same Holy Spirit is given to us so that we can understand it too! (John 14:26; 16:13).

From that moment it was evident that there could be no harmony between the traditions taught by the official church and the truths contained in the Bible. The only rule of faith and conduct is contained in the Bible, and is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

The Foundation of Salvation

Wednesday - May 1, 2024

Christ Alone... Grace Alone - SOLA GRATIA / SOLA FIDE / SOLUS CHRISTUS


Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8-10.  

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (Ephesians 2:8)


The Righteousness Which is of God by FAITH - Salvation by GRACE 

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Philippians 3:9. {OFC 151.6} 

It is one thing to read and teach the Bible, and another thing to have by practice its life-giving, sanctifying principles engrafted on the soul. . . . “By grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). The mind should be educated to exercise faith rather than to cherish doubt, suspicion, and jealousy. We are too prone to regard obstacles as impossibilities. To have faith in the promises of God, to go forward by faith, pressing on without being governed by circumstances, is a lesson hard to learn. Yet it is a positive necessity that every child of God should learn this lesson. The grace of God through Christ is ever to be cherished, for it is given us as the only way of approaching God. . . . {OFC 152.1} 

The faith mentioned in God’s Word calls for a life in which faith in Christ is an active, living principle. It is God’s will that faith in Christ shall be made perfect by works; He connects the salvation and eternal life of those who believe, with these works, and through them provides for the light of truth to go to all countries and peoples. This is the fruit of the workings of God’s Spirit. {OFC 152.2} 


Living Faith Enables to Reckon Self as Dead but Alive unto God

Those who trust wholly in the righteousness of Christ, looking to him in living faith, know the Spirit of Christ, and are known of Christ. Simple faith enables the believer to reckon himself dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Should we try to unfold these precious promises to the worldly wise, they would but ridicule us; for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  {RH, July 1, 1890 par. 3} 


Mind Being Educated to Exercise Faith

Faith works by love and purifies the soul from all selfishness. Thus the soul is perfected in love. And having found grace and mercy through Christ's precious blood, how can we fail to be tender and merciful? "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 5:8). The mind should be educated to exercise faith rather than to cherish doubt and suspicion and jealousy. We are too prone to look at obstacles as impossibilities.  {2MCP 533.3}  

To have faith in the promises of God, to walk forward by faith, pressing on without being governed by circumstances, is a lesson hard to learn. Yet it is a positive necessity that every child of God learn this lesson. The grace of God through Christ is to be ever cherished; for it is given to us as the only way of approaching God. Faith in the words of God, spoken by Christ enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, would have enabled the children of Israel to leave a record of a very different character. Their lack of faith in God gave them a very checkered history.-- MS 43, 1898.  {2MCP 533.4}  


Obedience to the Law is Abiding in His Love

The so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God is not faith, but presumption. "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). But "faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). Jesus said of Himself before He came to earth, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8). And just before He ascended again to heaven, He declare, "I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" (John 15:10). The Scriptures says, "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3). . . .  {RC 274.4} 


Consider the Following

Three fundamental truths emerge from Ephesians 2:8.

(1) We are saved by grace alone

(2) The means to achieve grace is by faith alone

(3) This is the gift of God, the gift of his Son: Christ alone

Because of our sin, we are condemned to eternal death (Rom. 6:23a). However, God has

provided a way to pay our debt and give us eternal life (Rom. 6:23b).

When Martin Luther discovered that Christ was his only source of salvation, he began to

preach that truth. Thousands, who had been chained by the deceptions of the enemy, were

freed and transformed.

Although salvation is free, its cost was infinite, and sufficient for all (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 8:32).


Thursday - May 2, 2024

Obedience: The Fruit of Faith - Grow in Grace

Romans 3:27-31; Romans 6:15-18; Romans 8:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:18-24; Hebrews 11:10. 

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18)


Steadfast Faith Gives Evidence of Closely Connected with the Saviour

When our minds are engrossed with the things of this life, we cannot bear fruit to the glory of God. Living faith, expressed by a life of faithful obedience, will avail to lift us out of this bondage to the world. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Steadfast faith gives evidence that we are closely connected with the Saviour. Let us put away everything like fretfulness, and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord. Let us talk of his love, and sing of his grace and power. Faith will connect us with him, and we shall be part of the Living Vine, and bear much fruit. We shall be patient and loving, and all the powers of our being will be devoted to God. Whatever gift you have, it is of God, and it should be given back to him; but how many devote their God-given ability to the glorification of self! Christ wants us to come close to himself, to accept the great sacrifice he has made for us. He is anxious to be our Helper, to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. Will you let him help you? Say to the world, "Jesus is my Saviour; he saves me today, making me his obedient child, and enabling me to keep all his commandments." If you knowingly disregard one of God's commandments, you do not have saving faith. Genuine faith is a faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Genuine faith will lead you to seek for the salvation of precious souls for whom Christ has died. We are to reveal Christ to them in our character and life.  {ST, June 8, 1891 par. 7} 


Consider the Following

During the Middle Ages, people thought about earning their salvation (and that of their

ancestors) through masses, bulls, lacerations, pilgrimages...

— All of this was distressing. It was never enough. Until they discovered the grace of Christ.

From that moment on they felt truly free. Did that freedom lead them to despise the Law, or

to obey it?

— John Wesley (1703-1791), one of the founders of the Methodist movement, was moved by

reading Luther's introduction to Romans. His new faith led him to seek growth in grace.

— Knowing himself saved by grace did not lead him to despise the Law, but to study it more

carefully, so that his life would be increasingly in harmony with the life that Christ expected

of him. 


Friday - May 3, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Good Works the Fruit of Faith 

Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and cooperates with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory, and the believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ. It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained.  {1SM 397.1} 

Those who are justified by faith must have a heart to keep the way of the Lord. It is an evidence that a man is not justified by faith when his works do not correspond to his profession. James says, "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was his faith made perfect?" (James 2:22).  {1SM 397.2} 

The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24). "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3).  {1SM 397.3}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The grand principle maintained by these Reformers—the same that had been held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, by John Huss, by Luther, Zwingli, and those who united with them—was the infallible authority of the Holy Scriptures as a rule of faith and practice. They denied the right of popes, councils, Fathers, and kings, to control the conscience in matters of religion. The Bible was their authority, and by its teaching they tested all doctrines and all claims. Faith in God and His word sustained these holy men as they yielded up their lives at the stake. “Be of good comfort,” exclaimed Latimer to his fellow martyr as the flames were about to silence their voices, “we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”—Works of Hugh Latimer 1:8” EGW (The Great Controversy, pg. 249)


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