Lesson 1 It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and excitement even in ministering to men’s spiritual needs

Biblical evidence

Mark 6:30-32 30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

Practical application for 2008

It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and excitement even in ministering to men’s spiritual needs for two reasons:

1. Personal piety is neglected,
2. The powers of mind and soul and body are overtaxed.

It is true that Self-denial is required of the disciples of Christ, and sacrifices must be made; However, care must also be exercised lest through their overzeal Satan take advantage of the weakness of humanity, and the work of God be marred.

Lesson 2 As activity increases and men become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and methods and seeking to make a savior of our activity.

Biblical evidence

Mark 6:30-31 30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Practical application for 2008

In the estimation of the rabbis it was the sum of religion to be always in a bustle of activity. They depended upon some outward performance to show their superior piety. Thus they separated their souls from God, and built themselves up in self-sufficiency. The same dangers still exist. As activity increases and men become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence on God, and seeking to make a savior of our activity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work. While we are to labor earnestly for the salvation of the lost, we must also take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the word of God. Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good. {DA 362.2}

Lesson 3 Christ’s experience is to be ours

Biblical evidence

Matthew 14:13 13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Practical application for 2008

Christ’s experience is to ours. Although Christ’s life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility ; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! Again and again in the history of His earthly life are found records such as these: “Rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” “And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12.
In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Saviour found it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng that followed Him day after day. He must turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father. As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort and joy.
In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity. As a man He supplicated the throne of God till His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity. Through continual communion He received life from God, that He might impart life to the world.

Lesson 4 If today we would give heed to Christ’s word “come ye yourself apart” we should be stronger and more useful.

Biblical evidence

Mark 6:31 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

Luke 9:10 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

Practical application for 2008

If today we would take time to go to Jesus and tell Him our needs we should not be disappointed because…

1. Christ would be at our right hand to help us. We need more simplicity, more trust and confidence in our Saviour. He whose name is called “The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace;” He of whom it is written, “The government shall be upon His shoulder,” is the Wonderful Counselor. We are invited to ask wisdom of Him. He “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” Isa. 9:6; James 1:5.
2. In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices;
3. Everyone needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found.
4. This experience is the effectual preparation for all who labor for God. Amid the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, the soul that is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. The life will breathe out fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men’s hearts.

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Lesson 1 So bitter would be the enmity to the gospel that even the tenderest earthly ties would be disregarded.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:21-22 21 “Now brother will deliver up (betray) brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Practical application for 2008

So bitter would be the enmity to the gospel that even the tenderest earthly ties would be disregarded. The disciples of Christ would be betrayed to death by the members of their own households. “Ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake,” He added; “but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Mark 13:13. But Christ bade them not to expose themselves unnecessarily to persecution. He Himself often left one field of labor for another, in order to escape from those who were seeking His life. When He was rejected at Nazareth, and His own townsmen tried to kill Him, He went down to Capernaum, and there the people were astonished at His teaching; “for His word was with power.” Luke 4:32. So His servants were not to be discouraged by persecution, but to seek a place where they could still labor for the salvation of souls. {DA 355.3}

Lesson 2 The servant is not above his master

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:24-28 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 ” Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Practical application for 2008

The servant is not above his master. The Prince of heaven was called Beelzebub, and His disciples will be misrepresented in like manner. But whatever the danger, Christ’s followers must avow their principles. They should scorn concealment. They cannot remain uncommitted until assured of safety in confessing the truth. They are set as watchmen, to warn men of their peril. The truth received from Christ must be imparted to all, freely and openly. Jesus said, “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” {DA 355.4}
Jesus Himself never purchased peace by compromise. His heart overflowed with love for the whole human race, but He was never indulgent to their sins. He was too much their friend to remain silent while they were pursuing a course that would ruin their souls,–the souls He had purchased with His own blood. He labored that man should be true to himself, true to his higher and eternal interest. The servants of Christ are called to the same work, and they should beware lest, in seeking to prevent discord, they surrender the truth. They are to “follow after the things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:19); but real peace can never be secured by compromising principle. And no man can be true to principle without exciting opposition. A Christianity that is spiritual will be opposed by the children of disobedience. But Jesus bade His disciples, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” Those who are true to God need not fear the power of men nor the enmity of Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure. Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust with which God has honored them. {DA 356.1}

Lesson 3 It is Satan’s work to fill men’s heart with doubt. He leads men and women to look upon God as a stern judge.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:28-31 28 “… But rather fear Him (Satan) who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Practical application for 2008

The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy intelligences, all waiting to do His will. Through channels which we cannot discern He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. But it is in this speck of a world, in the souls that He gave His only-begotten Son to save, that His interest and the interest of all heaven is centered. God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every sincere prayer He answers, “Here am I.” He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation and every trial the angel of His presence is near to deliver. {DA 356.3}
Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s notice. Satan’s hatred against God leads him to hate every object of the Saviour’s care. He seeks to mar the handiwork of God, and he delights in destroying

even the dumb creatures. It is only through God’s protecting care that the birds are preserved to gladden us with their songs of joy. But He does not forget even the sparrows. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” {DA 356.4}

Lesson 4 The servants of Christ are to be Christ’s witnesses upon earth, channels through which His grace can flow for the healing of the world. So Christ will be His servants representative in heaven.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:32 32 ” Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

Practical application for 2008

Jesus continues: As you confess Me before men, so I will confess you before God and the holy angels. You are to be My witnesses upon earth, channels through which My grace can flow for the healing of the world. So I will be your representative in heaven. The Father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My perfection. I am the medium through which Heaven’s blessings shall come to you. And everyone who confesses Me by sharing My sacrifice for the lost shall be confessed as a sharer in the glory and joy of the redeemed.

Lesson 5 He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:33 33 “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Practical application for 2008

He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him. He cannot communicate that which he has not received. The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession.

A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ is revealed in the following ways:

1. Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking, by foolish talking, by words that are untruthful or unkind.
2. They may deny Him by shunning life’s burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure.
3. They may deny Him by conforming to the world, by uncourteous behavior, by the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness.

In all these ways men and women declare that Christ is not abiding in them. And “whosoever shall deny Me before men,” He says, “him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.”

Lesson 6 The Saviour bade His disciples not to hope that the world’s enmity to the gospel would be overcome, and that after a time its opposition would cease

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:34-37 34 ” Do not think (hope) that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 “For I have come to ’set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 “and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Practical application for 2008

So why are we not to hope that the world’s enmity to the gospel would be overcome, and that after a time its opposition would cease. The answer is that the creating of strife (because the gospel is preached) is not the effect of the gospel, but the result of opposition to it.

Of all persecution (because the gospel is preached) the hardest to bear is variance in the home, the estrangement of dearest earthly friends. But Jesus declares, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.”

Lesson 7 The mission of Christ’s servants is a high honor and a sacret trust.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:40-42 40 ” He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water (only) in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Practical application for 2008

The mission of Christ’s servants is a high honor, and a sacred trust. “He that receiveth you,” He says, “receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me.” No act of kindness shown to them in His name will fail to be recognized and rewarded. And in the same tender recognition He includes the feeblest and lowliest of the family of God: “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones”–those who are as children in their faith and their knowledge of Christ–”a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in nowise lose his reward.” {DA 357.4}

Lesson 1 The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:16 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Practical application for 2008

Like a serpent, Christ did not suppress one word of truth. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief and iniquity.

Yet Christ was harmless as doves. Christ exercised the greatest tact, and thoughtful, kind attention in His intercourse with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. And tears were in His eyes when He uttered His scathing rebukes.

Under provokation, self may arise up. Yet the servants of Christ today are not to act under the dictates of the natural heart and pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefiting. A heavy storm and heavy rain may only destroy the withering plants. Contrary, a gentle dew or the still showers will refresh the withering plants.

For two reasons, the servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart when provocated. First, it is the spirit of Satan that is revealed in anger and accusing. When the servants of Christ speak unfitting words under provokation they do what Satan wants them to do. Second, God’s servants are to represent God.

God desires His servants to deal only in the currency of heaven, the truth that bears His own image and superscription. The power by which the servants of Christ are to overcome evil is the power of Christ. The glory of Christ is their strength. They are to fix their eyes upon His loveliness. Then they can present the gospel with divine tact and gentleness. And the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible.

Lesson 2 The servants of Christ who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet not only men, but Satan and his agents.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:16 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Practical application for 2008 (Desire of Ages (DA) by Ellen G. White)

Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet, not only men, but Satan and his agents. Let them remember the Saviour’s words, “Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3. Let them rest in the love of God, and the spirit will be kept calm, even under personal abuse. The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply. His Holy Spirit will influence the mind and heart, so that their voices shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves. {DA 353.3}

Lesson 3 The servants of Christ were not to put implicit confidence in those who knew not God, and open to them their counsels.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:17 17 But beware of men…:

Practical application for 2008

The servants of Christ were not to put implicit confidence in those who knew not God, and open to them their counsels for the following reasons:

1. Implicit confidence in those who know not God would give Satan’s agents an advantage. Man’s inventions often counterwork God’s plans.
2. Those who build the temple of the Lord are to build according to the pattern shown in the mount,–the divine similitude.
3. God is dishonored and the gospel is betrayed when His servants depend on the counsel of men who are not under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God. Those who rely upon it will surely err.

Lesson 4 Persecution will spread the light

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:17-18 17 …they (men) will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Practical application for 2008

Why will persecution (Loss, suffering and even death) reveal the contrast between Satan’s agents and the representatives of Christ? In other words, how can persecution lift up Christ before the rulers and the people? The answer is the following:

The servants of Christ will be brought before the great men of the world, who, but for this, might never hear the gospel. The truth has been misrepresented to these men. They have listened to false charges concerning the faith of Christ’s disciples. Often their only means of learning its real character is the testimony of those who are brought to trial for their faith. Under examination these are required to answer, and their judges to listen to the testimony borne.

God’s grace will be dispensed to His servants to meet the emergency. “It shall be given you,” says Jesus, “in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” As the Spirit of God illuminates the minds of His servants, the truth will be presented in its divine power and preciousness. Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse and oppress the disciples. But under loss and suffering, even unto death, the Lord’s children are to reveal the meekness of their divine Example

Lesson 5 The servants of Christ were not to prepare no set speech to present when brought to trial.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:19-20 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Practical application for 2008

The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present when brought to trial. Their preparation was to be made day by day in treasuring up the precious truths of God’s word, and through prayer strengthening their faith. When they were brought into trial, the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the very truths that would be needed. {DA 355.1}
A daily, earnest striving to know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, would bring power and efficiency to the soul. The knowledge obtained by diligent searching of the Scriptures would be flashed into the memory at the right time. But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with the words of Christ, if they had never tested the power of His grace in trial, they could not expect that the Holy Spirit would bring His words to their remembrance. They were to serve God daily with undivided affection, and then trust Him. {DA 355.2}

Lesson 1 In our own time, evangelistic work would be far more successful if a christian brother was associated with brother, friend with friend, and none were sent forth alone to witness.

Biblical evidence

Mark 6:7 7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Practical application for 2008

It was the Saviour’s purpose that the messengers of the gospel should be associated two and two for the following reasons:

1) they could help and encourage each other

2) they could counsel and pray together

3) they could supplement each others weakness.

Lesson 2 The followers of Christ are to labor as Christ did.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 10:7-8 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Practical application for 2008

So how are we to work?

1. We are to feed the hungry
2. We are to clothe the naked
3. we are to comfort the suffering and afflicted
4. We are to minister to the despairing
5. We are to inspire hope in the hopeless

If we labor as Christ did the promise will be fulfilled to us also:

Isaiah 58:8 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. It is true that the sword or the court of justice are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker.

But the loving missionary can do more than the sword and court of justice. Often the heart will harden under reproof; but it will melt under the love of Christ. The missionary cannot only relieve physical maladies, but he can leadl the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a Comforter such as the world knows not.

Lesson 3 In his instruction to the disciples, Christ’s eye penetrates the future.

Matthew 10:16 16 Behold…..

Practical application for 2008

In the training of the disciples, Christ’s speech is organized as follows:

1. Christ beholds the broader field (outside the lost sheep of Israel) like the gentiles and the Samaritans.
2. Christ beholds the experience of His servants through all the ages till He shall come the second time.
3. Christ shows His followers the conflicts they must meet
4. Christ shows the character and plan of the battle
5. Christ lay open before His disciples the perils they must encounter, the self-denial that will be required.
6. Christ desires them to count the cost, that they may not be taken unawares by the enemy.
7. The disciples’ warfare is not against flesh and blood, but “against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12, R. V.
8. The disciples are to content with supernatural forces , but they are assured of supernatural help such as:

• All the intelligences of heaven like the angels
• The Holy Spirit
• The grace of God
• The power of Omnipotence

Lesson 1 To talk of faith in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts HIm merely as the Saviour of the world can never bring healing to the soul.

Biblical evidence

Luke 8:45 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ “

Luke 8:46 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

Luke 8:47-48 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Practical application for 2008

So what faith is unto salvation (healing to the soul)? And what faith will not bring healing to the soul?

The faith that will not bring healing to the soul:

1. A nominal faith that merely accepts Christ as the Saviour of the world
2. A faith that is merely an intellectual accent to the trutth. For example he who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith cannot receive healing to the soul. It is not enough to believe about Christ;
3. Many hold faith as an opinion. Such faith will not bring healing to the soul

The faith that will bring healing to the soul:

1. The only faith that will bring healing to the soul is that faith which embraces Christ as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves.
2. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God.
3. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase in vigor, a confiding trust by which the soul becomes a conquering power.

Lesson 2 The Lord calls upon us for confession of His goodness.

Biblical evidence

Mark 5:30 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

Mark 5:32-33 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

Luke 8:47 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

Practical application for 2008

Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. {DA 347.3}

Lesson 3 The Lord works continually to benefit mankind, yet man is unmindful of His great love.

Biblical evidence

Luke 17:12-19 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 “Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

Practical application for 2008

The Lord works continually to benefit mankind. For example, God impart His bounties in the following ways:

1. God raises up the sick from the beds of languishing
2. God delivers men and women from peril which they do not see.
3. God commissions the heavenly angels to save men from calamity
4. God commissions the heavenly angels to guard men from “the pestilence that walketh in darkness” and “the destruction that wasteth at noonday” (Psalm 91:6)

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory for the following reasons:

1. Faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more.
2. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others.
3. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him.

From the people of Israel we may know how to remember the loving-kindness of the Lord and the multitude of His tender mercies.
Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people.” Ps. 116:12-14.

Lesson 1 People have the opportunity to “turn from the person of Christ” in two ways:

1)They may refuse to obey Christ’s word because obedience would involve the sacrifice of some worldly interest

2) They reject Christ’s grace, and drive His Spirit from them because they fear that Christ’s presence shall cause them pecuniary loss

Biblical evidence

Matthew 8:34 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

Practical application for 2008

The people of Gergesa had before them the living evidence of Christ’s power and mercy. They saw the men who had been restored to reason; but they were so fearful of endangering their earthly interests that He who had vanquished the prince of darkness before their eyes was treated as an intruder, and the Gift of heaven was turned from their doors. We have not the opportunity of turning from the person of Christ as had the Gergesenes; but still there are many who refuse to obey His word, because obedience would involve the sacrifice of some worldly interest. Lest His presence shall cause them pecuniary loss, many reject His grace, and drive His Spirit from them. {DA 339.2}

Lesson 2 It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour

Biblical evidence

Luke 8:38-40 38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Practical application for 2008

Here was a work for them to do,–to go to a heathen home, and tell of the blessing they had received from Jesus. It was hard for them to be separated from the Saviour. Great difficulties were sure to beset them in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation from society seemed to have disqualified them for the work He had indicated. But as soon as Jesus pointed out their duty they were ready to obey. Not only did they tell their own households and neighbors about Jesus, but they went throughout Decapolis, everywhere declaring His power to save, and describing how He had freed them from the demons. In doing this work they could receive a greater
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blessing than if, merely for benefit to themselves, they had remained in His presence. It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour. {DA 339.4}

Lesson 3 As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourself have seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ.

Biblical evidence

Luke 8:38-39 38 … But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.”

Practical application for 2008

The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple, wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing. {DA 340.1}

Lesson 4 The demoniacs of Gergesa represent what humanity would become if given up to Satanic jurisdiction

Biblical evidence

Mark 5:2-5 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

Matthew 8:28 28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.

Luke 8:27 27 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.

Luke 8:29-30 29 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. 30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.

Practical application for 2008

The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan’s influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour’s invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man’s enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man’s friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7. He has called us “to the obtaining of the glory”–character–”of our Lord Jesus Christ;” has called us to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” 2 Thess. 2:14; Rom. 8:29. {DA 341.1}
And souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still through the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness, and sent forth by the Son of God to tell what “great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” {DA 341.2}

Tell a story to the world, what you know, what you yourself have seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ. Email your story to newstart3@hotmail.com or give your witness in the box below, remember to give your name and email address.

Lesson 1 We are to rest in the care of our Saviour

Biblical evidence

Matthew 8:24 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.

Practical application for 2008 (Desire of Ages (DA) by Ellen G.White)

As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help. {DA 336.2}

Lesson 2 How often the disciples’ experinece is ours!

Biblical evidence

Luke 8:22-23 22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.

Matthew 8:24-26 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

Practical application for 2008

How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best. {DA 336.3}

Lesson 3 While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. But Christ who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace to every soul.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 8:24-25 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves… . 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Matthew 8:26 26 … Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Practical application for 2008

There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man’s experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isa. 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet;
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so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Ps. 107:29, 30. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Rom. 5:1; Isa. 32:17. {DA 336.4

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