The Environment
(Genesis 1-3, Leviticus 18, Psalms 24, Revelation 16)
Health & Healing: Lesson 5

Introduction: The Bible in Romans 1:25 warns us against worshiping the creation rather than the Creator. Such worship, the Bible tells us, trades truth for a lie. On the other hand, the Bible tells us in Psalms 19:1 that the heavens declare the glory of God. How, then, should we react to our environment? Should we treat it as a trust from God? Should we consider it an idol? Should we say "It is all going to burn," and look forward to a new heaven and a new earth? Let's jump into our study of what the Bible says about the environment and find out more!

1. First Assignment
1. Read Genesis 1:27-28 and Genesis 2:15. What was the original work of Adam and Eve? (They were to "work" and "take care of" the garden. They were to "subdue" the earth and "rule" over the animals.)
1. What does that suggest should be our attitude toward's God's creation? (Taking care of it is part of the original assignment for humans.)
2. Imagine you are a teenager and your father gives you a new car and tells you to "work," "take care of," "subdue" and "rule" over your new car? How would you understand your relationship to the gift? (God's gift teaches us that we are superior to the creation and that it was created for us and not the other way around. But, God gives us the responsibility to care for the creation. In our parallel to the teenager, the car is to be kept under control and cared for.)
3. As you contemplate the creation, do you think that Adam and Eve needed to work to have enough to eat? (Probably not.)
1. If you are right, why did God (Genesis 2:15) tell them to "work" and "take car of" the garden? (God's plan for us is to work. Idleness is not the plan. Their work was to aid the environment in which they found themselves.)
4. Let's look again at the idea of (Genesis 1:28) of ruling the creation. What does this suggest about the idea of worshiping the creation or putting the needs of the creation ahead of the needs of humans? (Humans are the superior beings, not the creation. Those who put the needs of animals above the needs of humans have the roles reversed.)
1. Are the needs of humans and animals mutually exclusive?
2. Read Genesis 3:17-19. Does sin change the relationship between humans and the creation? (Adam is still working the ground, but his work is much harder. The creation is no longer cooperating with him.)
2. First Rest
1. Read Genesis 2:1-3. We have the creation. We have the assignment to humans to work to take care of the creation. Now we have a rest. What does rest have to do with the environment? (Part of our personal environment is to rest. Rest commemorates the creation.)
1. Why would God make this rest "holy?" (Something that is holy is set apart from the common. This teaches us that work to improve our environment is the common, but celebrating the Creator by taking a break from work is special and holy.)
1. Does it matter which day God rested? (If the designated day is holy, and the rest of the days are common, then "yes," it makes a difference.)
3. First Environmental Consideration
1. Read Leviticus 18:1-5. How were God's people to live compared to the lifestyles of the Egyptians and the Canaanites? (They were to follow God's laws and not live a pagan lifestyle.)
1. Leviticus 18:6-19 lists prohibited sexual relationships. Let's read Leviticus 18:20-23. What sins of today's popular culture are listed? (Adultery, abortion, homosexual relationships.)
1. Why is having sex with an animal listed next to homosexual sex? (Our culture has deadened our sensitivity to the one sin, but not to the other. God views them both as sin.)
2. Read Leviticus 18:24-25 and Leviticus 18:27-28. What "new" view of environmentalism is presented here? (One aspect of Christian environmentalism is that sexual sin defiles the environment.)
1. How can that be true? What does sex have to do with the environment? (God is not talking about clean air and clean water. He is talking about clean lives. Just as Adam's sin (which logically has no relationship to the environment) resulted in an uncooperative environment, so our sins will cause the land to "vomit" us out.)
3. Read Jeremiah 8:1-3. What caused God to predict, approvingly, digging up the bodies of kings, officials, priests, prophets and people, and leaving them out of the ground? (They worshiped the sun, moon, and stars, and consulted the position of these celestial objects to determine their behavior.)
1. Does that sound familiar? (Horoscopes are created based on the positions of the sun, moon and planets. This astrology is directly condemned by the Bible.)
1. Why? Isn't the study of the bodies of the universe important? (Read Romans 1:25. There is nothing wrong with studying the heavens or nature. Indeed, David tells us in Psalms 19:1 that they declare the glory of God. The problem comes in attributing importance to the creation rather than the Creator.)
2. Can you be a true environmentalist without believing in God? (No. You are missing the main point. God created the heavens and the earth. If you don't understand this, you don't understand our environment. It is like someone who loves the Shelby Cobra automobile and does not know about the man Carroll Shelby. If you think that the Shelby Cobra was a chance event in an automotive junkyard, you don't understand the Shelby Cobra.)
4. I was recently reading a book about Plato and a series of lectures on astronomy. Plato was convinced, as are scientists today, that "math" can explain most things. By that they mean there are rules by which the universe operates. What logically follows from such a premise? (First, that an Intelligence created us, we are not the product of random accidents. Second, if rules apply to everything else, why should they not apply to us? What is so surprising about a rule-driven universe vomiting out those participants who do not follow the rules?)
4. Renters versus Owners
1. Read Psalms 24:1-2. A popular environmental claim is that we are trustees of the environment for future generations of humans. Who does the Bible say owns the environment? (God.)
1. At present, I have a home that I own about 200 miles from where I teach, and a second place that I rent which is close to the university. I know about being both an owner and a renter. What obligation does the renter have that an owner does not have? (I feel like I have to be careful not to harm the place I rent. On the other hand, I have a much greater personal interest in the home I own.)
1. Is there an environmental lesson in the fact that God owns the earth and everything in it? (It provides a Biblical basis for the idea of humans being "trustees" of the earth. We are trustees not so much for our descendants (although that makes logical sense), as we are for God.)
2. One of the blessings of being a renter is that I do not have to worry about the general maintenance of the building. Read Revelation 16:1-3 and Revelation 16:8-9. What is the Owner doing to the environment?
1. Right now we have a scientific debate about whether "global warming" has anything do with the conduct of us "renters." There is clear historical evidence of prior periods of warming and cooling of the earth. One of the earliest maps in existence shows a shoreline at the polar cap! How should we react to the message that God will send "intense heat" that will "sear" people? (The Owner can do what He wants with His property. As a renter, I still have an obligation to try to avoid injuring the Owner's property.)
3. Friend, God's original assignment to humans was to take care of the earth. Part of that assignment, however, is to live a life in accord with a rule-governed universe. Will you, right now, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your heart to guide you into becoming an obedient and helpful steward of God's Kingdom?
5. Next week: Faith and Healing.

The Water of Life

 

The Water of Life
(John 2-4, Romans 6)
Health & Healing: Lesson 4

Introduction: Read the first chapter of the Gospel of John, and ask yourself "Why did John start out his account of Jesus this way?" My reaction is that John is concerned that people do not understand who Jesus is. John essentially says, "Pay attention and I'll teach you what you should know about Jesus." Then John tells us a number of stories to teach us about Jesus. Three of John's first four stories explaining who Jesus is have something to do with water. The wedding at Cana story (John 2) converts water to wine. The Nicodemus interview (John 3) focuses on water baptism. The Samaritan woman story (John 4) explains about living water. Let's dive into our study and learn more about "the Water of Life!"

1. Wedding Water
1. Read John 2:1-5. Have you ever heard a conversation between a teen and a parent that sounds like this? (It seems that Jesus' mother is not really listening to Him. Jesus says "This is not the right time," and His mother hears "Yes, I'll do it.)
1. Is this a problem which needed fixing? Our lesson series is about health and healing. Which would be better to drink, water or wine?
2. Read John 2:6-10. How much wine did Jesus make? (Between 120-180 gallons!)
1. Since we are on the topic of water, what does this teach us about Jesus and water? (Jesus has the power to convert water into something special. He can make water more than water.)
2. What does this teach us about Jesus' willingness to make water special for us? (Jesus is liberal in His gift of converted water. He gives us more than we need. He gives us better than we need.)
2. Well Water and Living Water
1. Read John 4:1-3. Why would the Pharisees keep track of how many people were being baptized by John versus Jesus' disciples? (No doubt the Pharisees considered these two to be unauthorized competition. They were concerned.)
1. What caused Jesus to go back to Galilee - learning that the Pharisees were keeping track of Him or learning that He was winning in the baptismal contest? (Recall John 2:1-4. Jesus was concerned about the timing of His ministry. Apparently, He did not want to appear to be in a contest with John or to focus the attention of the Pharisees on Himself so soon in His ministry.)
2. Read John 4:4-6. The most direct way for Jesus to go back to Galilee is to travel through Samaria. He has been doing that, it is noon and the disciples have gone off to buy food (John 4:8). Jesus is tired. He sits down at a historic well to rest.
1. What kind of a relationship did the Samaritans have with the Jews? (It was pretty bad. The Jews thought the Samaritans were inferior, and the Samaritans had the kind of reaction you would expect.)
3. Read John 4:7-9. Is this woman being nasty to Jesus? Or, is she just needling Him for asking for a drink?
1. Do you think she is refusing to give Jesus a drink? Or, is she just reminding Him of the problems between the Jews and Samaritans?
4. Read John 4:10. How would you react to this statement if you were a Samaritan? (Talk about a superiority complex! He asks you for a drink, then announces He is "very important" and already has better water than you can give Him.)
5. Read John 4:11-12. How does this woman react? (She challenges Jesus - none of what Jesus says seems possible. After all, it was Jesus who first asked her for a drink!)
1. Does Jesus answer her question? Does He say He is greater than Jacob?
2. The prior chapter of John recounts Jesus' night meeting with Nicodemus - one of the most powerful spiritual and political leaders of the Jews. Read John 3:3-5. How would you compare the reaction of Nicodemus to the reaction of the Samaritan woman? (Jesus has both Nicodemus and the woman asking "How can you say such a thing? It makes no sense!")
1. Why is Jesus talking with Nicodemus about water? (He is talking about baptism - spiritual cleansing.)
6. Read John 4:13-14. What kind of water is Jesus talking about? Well water? (No. Spiritual water.)
1. Let's contemplate this just a minute. Assume you lived in that area of the world. What would water mean? (In dry, sandy, dusty areas, water makes all the difference. My brother used to live in Palm Springs, California. One city block is green and lush, the next block a dry sandbox. Water makes all the difference.)
1. What does Jesus' water mean for our life?
2. Think back to the wedding at Cana. What did Jesus' water mean for their life? (It made basic life better. It made life enjoyable. It made life richer and fuller.)
2. Look again at John 4:14. What happens to us when we drink Jesus' water? (We become springs of Jesus' water "welling up to eternal life.")
1. Tell me what you think it means to live that kind of life? (Full, exciting, vibrant life!)
2. I once read a magazine that attacked those Christians who love to celebrate their salvation. The magazine suggested that Christians should be very sober and sad because of their sins? (Our sins should sober us, but Jesus has forgiven our sins and has given us eternal life. A bubbling spring is not a good description for a sad and sober Christian.)
3. Our lesson series is about health. What lesson do we learn about health from Jesus' conversation about water? (Jesus gives us a life-giving, lush, bubbling life!)
3. Deep Water
1. Read John 3:1-5. Why is Jesus' statement true? What is the underlying logic?
2. Read Romans 6:1-4. What does the water of baptism do for us? (This is the logic of baptism: when we go under the water ("buried") we symbolically go under the ground and die Jesus' death for our sins.)
1. How does this symbolism unite the lesson of the wedding of Cana and the lesson of the Samaritan woman at the well? (Water, in Jesus' hands, can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Water, in Jesus' hands gives us new, bubbling, vibrant life to share with others.)
2. In the story of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, what do class, station in life, intelligence, gender, spiritual learning, money, power and past sins have to do with the availability of Jesus' water? (Not only is Jesus' water available to those in the highest and lowest places in life, but the need for Jesus' water is the same for both.)
3. Read Romans 6:5. What kind of life does Jesus' water bring us? (We will be resurrected into eternal life!)
4. Friend, human history is filled with the quest for some special drink that will give us life and health. We have the secret that humans have long sought - the water that give vibrant, bubbling, everlasting life! Will you, today, determine to follow Jesus' instruction to Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman? Will you (if you have not been) be baptized into the death of Jesus, and rise from the water into His resurrection? Will you determine to drink Jesus' living water that will make you a bubbling, vibrant spring of a Christian sharing Jesus' life-changing water with others?
4. Next week: The Environment. 

FAITH FIRST

Faith First is a contemporary Christian singing group who commenced their ministry together in 1994. The group consists of four members, Andrea Judd, Marc Judd, Shani Judd-Diehl, and Scott Reed. All four members have been singing since they were children, and the group was finally formed while they were all students at Pacific Union College in Northern California. Faith First have performed concerts throughout the United States, as well as performing at youth conferences and churches, and on TBN’s “Praise The Lord”. The group is also well known through the Family Reunion concert series (www.familyreunionmusic.com).

VOR appriciate your ministry through the music that you perform, may the Lord keep you in ministry so that you can touch as many hearts of sons and daughters of the Lord. Amen

Celebrating Spiritual and Physical Fitness

Celebrating Spiritual and Physical Fitness
(Isaiah 40, Matthew 15, 1 Corinthians 3, John 5)
Health & Healing: Lesson 3

Introduction: Is there a difference between good ideas and Godly ideas? Is everything that makes common sense required by God? For example, is it a sin to drive without wearing a seat belt? If you say, "yes," is it a sin to buy an old car when new cars have numerous safety systems? If you say, "yes," is it a sin to buy a small car because large cars are demonstrably safer in an accident? If you say, "yes," then is it a sin to buy any car other than a Mercedes Benz S-Class - which is probably the safest large car in the world? What about our decisions on activities that do not cost us Mercedes money? These behaviors have an impact on death: 1)tobacco; diet/exercise; alcohol; microbial agents; toxic agents; firearms; sexual behavior; motor vehicles; illicit use of drugs. Are decisions in each of these areas a matter of righteousness and sin? Let's plunge into the Bible and see what God suggests!

1. Bird Health
1. Read Isaiah 40:30-31. Exercise is high on our list of decisions which have a clear impact on health. What kind of exercise is involved in these verses? (Flying, running, walking.)
1. No one ever told me I should fly for exercise. Are we talking about physical exercise in this text? (We know we cannot fly like an eagle, so the references to soaring, walking and running must be spiritual (or at least psychological) rather than physical.)
2. Let's assume that I am wrong, and we are talking about physical health. What does the text say gives us this physical health? Is it spending each morning in the gym? (No. "Hope in the Lord," gives these benefits.)
1. What does "hope in the Lord" mean? (Trusting God.)
2. Read Luke 12:22-26. In this second bird comparison, what is the connection between worry about our physical well-being and length of life? (None. Ravens do not plant food, reap food or store food - yet they eat.)
1. Is this an instruction to be lazy? (I doubt it. The two bird comparisons have the same point: trust God. Perhaps we should reorder the list of things that prolong the quality and quantity of life and put "trust God" at the head of the list.)
2. Mind and Body
1. Read Job 14:5, Psalms 55:23, and Exodus 20:12. As you consider the statement in Job, do you think that his unhappy statement is about specific persons or a general statement about the human life-span?
1. If you take all three texts together, what is the primary key to long-life? (Our life-span is in God's hands. It appears to be more a spiritual matter than a physical matter. This reinforces our original conclusion about trusting God.)
2. Read Matthew 15:15-20. How does Jesus compare our body with our mind? (What we think and say is much more important that what we eat.)
1. Read Matthew 15:12-14. What did Jesus call those who placed their emphasis on eating? ("Blind guides!")
2. Context is very important. Read Matthew 15:1-2 to see what triggered these remarks by Jesus. What does the context teach us about Jesus' remarks. (Jesus' statements are very broad, but what caused them was a hygiene dispute, rather than a dispute over diet.)
3. After the texts we have read, we might conclude that our physical health is of no spiritual importance. Is that true? What does 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 suggest?(Our body is where the Holy Spirit lives. Therefore we need to keep our body in good order.)
1. Does the text tell us how to do this? (No. It is not clear what we are to do to preserve our body.)
4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-13. In the introduction, we discussed the difference between good ideas and what is required for righteousness. What does Paul say about diet here? (He makes that same distinction. Something may be "permissible" (meaning, "not sin"), but not a good idea (not beneficial).)
1. What is the ultimate end of food and diet? (God will destroy both.)
5. Read 1 Corinthians 6:13-20. We now see what Paul means by taking care of our "temple" and not destroying it. Does Paul's instruction have anything to do with diet and fitness? (No. Paul tells us that sexual immorality is inconsistent with the Holy Spirit living in our "temple." Christians often refer to their "temple" with regard to diet, smoking or fitness, but Paul specifically says he is not writing about food.)
3. Supernatural Intervention
1. There is much scientific evidence that diet and exercise increase the quality and quantity of life. In Exodus 22:31, Leviticus 11 and Leviticus 17:13-15 God gives advice on diet. Has what we have discussed so far given us reason to ignore that advice?
2. Read Genesis 6:7-8. If you could choose to be Noah or someone who had a great diet and worked out every morning, which would you choose? (Your life expectancy would be much longer if you chose to be Noah.)
3. You know the story of the destruction of Sodom. Read Genesis 19:12-13. What would be your life expectancy if you were not related to Lot? (Short.)
4. Read 1 Chronicles 10:13. Why did Saul die? (Because of unfaithfulness to God.
1. We have read three texts (and there are many more) that record that God supernaturally intervenes to take the life of some humans. What does this teach us about physical and spiritual fitness? (We have to keep the spiritual and physical in proper perspective. God cares about what we eat. He cares a lot more about our spiritual fitness.)
1. How do we become spiritually fit?
4. Spiritual Diet and Fitness
1. Read John 6:51 and John 6:53-58. What is the miracle diet for eternal life?
1. Is this actual food? (Jesus says it is "real food" and "real drink" but I think He means the principles are real, not that we are cannibals.)
2. Read Leviticus 17:11-12. How do you think Jesus' listeners reacted to His statements? (The Jewish leaders would have thought He was advocating something that was prohibited by God!)
1. I need some practical help here. What does it really mean to eat Jesus' flesh and drink His blood? (Think again about Leviticus. Life is in the blood. By accepting Jesus' blood (death on the cross) we look to Him for salvation. We look to Jesus for guidance and protection (the trust we discussed earlier). We must eat and drink to live. Jesus teaches us that we should be as constant in seeking Him as we are in seeking food and water.)
2. Read 1 John 5:12 and John 5:24-25. If you want to live a long and healthy life, what is the formula? (We "cross over" from our life here on earth to eternal life when we accept Jesus as our Savior!)
3. Friend, a healthy diet and exercise are very good ideas which will likely increase the quality and extend the quality of your life. I am a vegetarian and I walk the beach in the morning. When I lived closer to the university, I used to ride my bike to work for exercise. I take the stairs instead of the elevator. However, these good ideas for physical fitness pale in comparison with the importance of spiritual fitness which frees us from worry, and allows us (right now) to cross over to eternal life. Will you commit right now, to eternal life and health?
5. Next week: The Water of Life.

The Power of Choice

The Power of Choice
(Genesis 2-4, Deuteronomy 30, Hebrews 11)
Health & Healing: Lesson 2
 

Introduction: Too many choices! Have you ever heard someone say that? Wegman's is a new grocery store in my area. I've never seen anything like it. The different kinds and amounts of food to choose from seem almost sinful. Some people in the world do not have enough to eat, and this store seems to have not only every kind of food, but an astonishing variety of each food. Milton Freedman is an economist who wrote a book entitled "Free to Choose." He argued that a free people in a free economy will prosper. Thus, Wegman's, with its overwhelming number of choices, is the direct result of a free economy. Wegman's felt sinful. Is this idea of a free people making free choices sinful? Or, is free choice at the heart of God's Kingdom? Let's jump into our study of the Bible and find out!

1. First Freedom
1. Read Genesis 2:15-17. Would God get sued by a products liability lawyer?
1. We have a deadly product which looks like many other beneficial products. The product is not labeled, God only gave an oral warning. It has a deceptive, even attractive title ("knowledge of good and evil"), and not "killer tree". The dangerous fruit looks good (Genesis 3:6). It is not hidden away or fenced off, it is (Genesis 3:3) in the "middle of the garden." Does God have any defense to putting this deadly poisonous fruit tree where it can easily harm someone?
2. Read Genesis 3:9-12. Does Adam have a complete and absolute defense against any charges God might bring? Not only can he claim the things I just mentioned, but now God's agent (the woman) gave him some fruit and encouraged him to eat it.
1. Should we also sue God for punitive damages (damages intended to punish a knowingly reckless defendant)?
3. If God were the manufacturer of chain saws, the purpose of the chain saw is to cut wood, not your leg. The manufacturer does everything, within reason, to make sure the chain saw is used only for its intended purpose. What is the intended purpose of this fruit tree in the middle of the garden? (It can only have one intended purpose, to pose a test of human free choice.)
1. With all of the obvious steps that God could have taken to make it more difficult to eat the fruit, why did He not do more? (God is the intelligence of the universe. He obviously decided not to do more. The only reason I can think that He would do this is to give humans absolute free choice.)
4. What did God value more than free choice?(Whatever else is included in free choice, nothing seems more important than it. God and humans suffered terribly as a result of being given free choice. Can you hear Adam and Eve saying, "If You loved us, you would not have allowed this to happen?")
1. Some people say that religion should have nothing to do with politics. Some suggest that communism or some sort of socialism is most consistent with Christianity. What does Genesis teach us? (God's system of government maximizes individual freedom. Although God created a rescue plan for our freedom to choose, there was no obvious safety net in Eden to keep us from choosing sin.)
2. Choices and Consequences
1. Read Genesis 4:1-2. Cain was the first human who was birthed. How did Eve view Cain's birth? (A cooperative venture with God.)
2. Read Genesis 4:3-7. What choices were given to Cain?
1. Did Cain possess the power to master sin? (God says "you must master [sin].")
3. Read Genesis 4:8. Is this premeditated murder? (It seems so, because Cain asked Able to go out to the field.)
4. Read Genesis 4:9-14. What are the results of Cain's choice? (His brother is dead, and Cain's life is ruined.)
1. Why did God not protect Abel? Recall that Genesis 4:4 tells us that God looked on Abel with favor.
2. When Eve and Adam heard of this, how do you think they felt?
1. What went through Eve's mind when she thought back about how God blessed her with Cain (Genesis 4:1)?
2. Would Adam and Eve blame themselves for this tragedy? Did they bear part of the blame? (Yes. They introduced sin into the world.)
3. Would Adam and Eve have preferred, at this point, not to have had free choice?
1. What had free choice cost them?
5. Read Deuteronomy 30:10-14. Is it possible to keep God's law? (This text says obedience is "not too difficult" or "beyond [our] reach.")
1. Read Romans 3:10-12 and Romans 3:19-20. How do you reconcile Deuteronomy 30 and Romans 3? They seem to contradict each other!
6. Read Deuteronomy 30:15-19. Does this help us to understand the apparent conflict between Deuteronomy and Romans? (Romans makes clear that no one can, through human effort, meet the perfect standard of righteousness required by God. On the other hand, Deuteronomy teaches us that we all have free choice. We can choose life or we can choose death. We can choose to "walk" in God's ways or we can choose to live a disobedient life.)
1. Do these choices have consequences? (Deuteronomy 30:16 tells us that obedience helps us to "live and increase." Deuteronomy 30:18 tells us that if we disobey we will be destroyed.)
2. Notice again Deuteronomy 30:19-20. Who else benefits from our choices? (Our children! We previously observed how the choices of Adam and Eve impacted the lives of their children - who themselves made choices.)
3. The Rule of Choice
1. The media and some Christians scoffed when a prominent American television evangelist pointed out that the recent devastation in Haiti might have something to do with the long-standing practice of voodoo by some Haitians. Is that a reasonable statement, given the texts we have just studied? (Yes.)
1. What about all of the Haitians who are devout Christians? Can they suffer because of the choices of others? Or, do earthquakes have nothing to do with the choice of anyone?
2. Read Luke 13:1-5. What does Jesus say about suffering and sin? (Sin will kill the wicked in the end. However, bad things that happen to us during life might not be the result of our sin.)
1. How can Jesus disagree with what Moses was inspired to write in Deuteronomy 30? (I think this is like English grammar - there are exceptions to the rule. The general rule, noted by the evangelist, is that our choices have consequences for good or for evil. But, sometimes bad things happen which have nothing to do with the choices that we made. Jesus warns us against thinking that we are more righteous because we have not suffered.)
3. Read Hebrews 11:32-34. Are these heroes of faith? (Yes. This is the "faith chapter" of the Bible and these are some of the heroes.)
1. How did life turn out for these heroes? (It turned out great. They won!)
4. Read Hebrews 11:35-38. Are these also heroes of faith? (Yes. But, their names are not even mentioned.)
1. How did life turn out for these heroes? (It was lousy - the worst ("sawed in two")!)
5. Read Hebrews 11:40. How do you explain these outcomes in the face of our study about choice and the results? (The normal rule is that choosing God makes our life better here on earth. Sometimes this rule does not apply, and we cannot conclude someone is a sinner just because they suffer. But, there are no exceptions to the rule when it comes to eternal life. Choosing God brings eternal life. Choosing evil brings eternal death.)
6. Friend, will you choose eternal life today? Why not, right now, ask Jesus to be your Master and ask that the Holy Spirit guide your life into right choices?
4. Next week: Celebrating Spiritual and Physical Fitness.

Copr. 2010, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: http://www.GoBible.Org/study/602.php> 

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!
(Psalms 103, 2 Timothy 1:9, Exodus 15, Romans 12)
Health & Healing: Lesson 1
 

Introduction: How important is your health? Would you like to wake up every morning feeling great? If money is any gauge, I have read that in the United States alone over two trillion dollars (trillion, not billion) is spent each year on our health. Does God care about our health? Is there a connection between righteousness and health? Do we have an obligation to God to do our best to stay healthy? Let's dive into our new series of studies to see what the Bible has to say about health!

1. Reasons for Praise
1. Read Psalms 103:1. What does it mean to praise God with our "inmost being?" (This is not superficial praise. This is praising God from our core - from deep inside.)
2. Read Psalms 103:2. I often hear people say we should praise God "because of who He is." What additional reason does the Psalmist give us to praise God? (He gives us benefits! This seems a selfish reason to give praise, but it is natural (and easy) to praise someone who helps us.)
3. Read Psalms 103:3-5. What is the Psalmist describing? (The previously mentioned benefits that God gives us!)
1. Let's list these benefits. (Forgiveness of sin. Healing disease. Pulling us out of a pit. Giving us love and compassion. Satisfying our desires with good things. Giving us youth.)
1. As you look at this list, do any of these benefits have anything to do with health? (Yes! Giving us a youthful feeling and getting rid of our diseases.)
2. Do you attach any importance to the fact that when the Psalmist lists our benefits he lists the forgiveness of sins first and healing of diseases second? (Eternal life is logically more important than life on earth.)
1. Let's look at these two benefits - forgiving our sins and healing us from disease - in more detail.
2. Praise for Forgiveness of Sin
1. Read 2 Timothy 1:9. When did God formulate His plan to fix our sin problem? (Before the beginning of time. Before the beginning of our existence.)
1. What does this suggest about God's thinking when He created us? (He created us with the knowledge that we might reject Him.)
1. Assume you are a parent and your child has rejected you. If you could turn back time and not have this child born, would you do it? (A parent who says, "I would have this child anyway" shows incredible love. Our God has shown incredible love to us.)
2. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Do we deserve to have our sins forgiven and eternal life? (No. It is a gift from God, and not the result of our works. However, we have been created to do good works.)
3. Now we understand why the Psalmist in Psalms 103:3 praises God for forgiving our sins.
3. Praise God for Healing Disease and Giving Us Youth
1. Read Exodus 15:26. What connection is there between obeying God and sickness? (God says that if we obey, he will not bring the diseases on us that He brought on the Egyptians.)
1. Does this mean that when we get sick it is because we sinned? (Perhaps.)
2. What does the book of Job teach us about this subject? (Job's "friends" were telling him that he was sick and suffering because he had not been obeying God. But, we know from the first chapter of Job that God told Satan that Job was "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:8.)
1. What should we conclude from Job and Exodus 15:26 about the origin of illness? (Sometimes we get sick because we have not followed God and sometimes we get sick because we have followed God. In addition, our common sense tells us that sometimes we get sick simply because we live in a sin-filled world.)
3. Let's look again at the last few words of Exodus 15:26: "I am the Lord, who heals you." Is there both a negative and positive involvement of God in our health? (God seems to say He is a healing God. That is His normal attribute, the positive side of health. However, He also brings diseases on the disobedient. God is involved in our health in both a positive and negative way.)
2. Read Jeremiah 7:22-23. Could God have just given the people commands about worshiping Him? (Of course. This is the way people viewed pagan gods.)
1. What else did God do for us? (God is not just seeking our worship, He is seeking to have a relationship with us. He wants our lives to go well - and for that reason He has given us a series of commands. This is the positive side of obedience, the "healing" side.)
2. What examples do we see of this in the Bible? (If you skim over Leviticus chapters 11-15 you will find numerous regulations that God gave Moses to keep the people healthy and disease-free.)
3. Read Proverbs 3:7-8. Avoiding arrogance, fearing God, shunning evil: do these have any obvious connection to health and strong bones? (This suggests a connection between spiritual health and physical health. This seems more than the idea of God putting diseases on us as a judgment or a test, or healing us as a blessing. There is some inherent connection between righteousness and health. The natural result of obedience is a strong and healthy body.)
4. Praise Sacrifice
1. Read Romans 12:1. I thought Jesus was the Lamb of God who died to take away our sins. Why are we sacrifices?
1. Let's work through this problem. What is the reason for us to be sacrifices? ("In view of God's mercy." This is a reference to the mercy Jesus showed us by dying for our sins. As His followers, we need to have the same sacrificial attitude.)
2. How is our sacrifice different from that of Jesus? (We are a "living" sacrifice. I'll choose that over being a "dead" sacrifice!)
3. How is this worship? (As part of our worship to a God who gave His life for us, we make some sacrifices.)
4. Now for the tough question, what kind of sacrifice are we talking about? What does it mean for you to "offer" your "body" as a "living sacrifice?"
2. Read Romans 12:2. What does this suggest is the answer to the prior question? (Our "sacrifice" is to conform to God's will and not the will of the world.)
1. Romans 12:1 referred to our body and this refers to our mind. Are both involved in this living sacrifice? (Clearly, there is a physical component to this. A healthy body reflecting a positive relationship with God is part of the "sacrifice." Our actions begin with attitudes of our minds. We need to present a total sacrifice: mind and body!)
2. Is health a part of this? (The parallel seems to be a renewed mind and renewed body. These reflect our total worship of God.)
3. All sorts of people worship their body. This is one of the main goals of our age. Is that what is being discussed here? (The text warns us about conforming to the pattern of the world. Instead, our worship is a mind and body reflecting the greatness of our God.)
3. Friend, if you have not thought about the relationship between health and spirituality, if you have not thought about taking care of your body as part of your worship of God, will you consider it today? Why not commit today to asking God to help you renew not only your mind, but also your body as part of your "living sacrifice?"
5. Next week: The Power of Choice.

Copr. 2010, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: http://www.GoBible.Org/study/601.php> 

FOLLOW THE BIBLE

Read a statement from Mark Finley Vice President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Statement

Historically the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been known as "a people of the Book," although the terminology "people of the Book" originally came from the Qur'an, referring to the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "Do not dispute with the People of the Book: say, we believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you; our God and your God is one" (Sura 29.45). The term "people of the book" was often used in reference to Adventists because, in the past, they studied their Bibles. For more than 150 years Seventh-day Adventist families have begun their day by reading the Bible and used its teaching for inspiration, guidance and source of encouragement for their daily living. Seventh-day Adventists promote the Bible as the voice of truth in this sinful world. Sadly, an alarming picture emerges today.

The findings of the Barna Research Study of June 2001 should concern us. In comparing seven religious practices of 12 major denominations, the Barna Study concluded that Seventh-day Adventists ranked number seven in the frequency of Bible reading, and only number twelve in prayer practices. The Barna study correlates with a survey (3,646 surveys returned) by the Institute of Church Ministry at the theological seminary at Andrews University reveals that only 51% of the Seventh-day Adventist administrators, pastors, and lay people who responded have any form of daily devotions and family worship. These studies indicate that Seventh-day Adventists in some places are no longer the "People of the Book."

We are reminded by the pen of inspiration that "no other Book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad enabling truths of the Bible" (SC 90), and that "none but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict" (GC 593). Therefore, there is an urgent need for all leaders at all church levels to do something to increase the number of Adventists spending time each day studying their Bibles and witnessing for their Lord.

Follow the Bible is part of a coordinated initiative by church leadership to lift the vision of Seventh-day Adventists worldwide in renewing their commitment to read and share the Bible. Church leadership envisions an international Bible Route with a Bible traveling the world between GC annual council, October 2008 and GC session, June 2010. The eyes of the entire Adventist community will follow this Bible as it journeys the world. As it is brought into cities, towns, and villages, large numbers of Adventists will gather to recommit their lives to following the Bible. Millions of Adventists worldwide will participate in Bible reading marathons as the Bible passes through their areas. Church leaders will speak to large and small groups gathered to rededicate themselves to the word of God as the Bible is brought to their church or school. Thousands of evangelistic meetings will be planned to encourage seeking men and women to "Follow the Bible."

Therefore, Follow the Bible will have the following objectives:

• To create worldwide community awareness that Seventh-day Adventists are people who believe and follow the Bible as the Word of God.

• To revive and encourage Seventh-day Adventist members around the world to return to the Bible, to accept its authority, and determine to follow the Bible in their daily life.

• To involve Seventh-day Adventists around the world in personal study, small-group study, and sharing the message of the Bible to others in the community.

This will possibly be the most traveled Bible in the history of the world as it makes its journey, and momentum will build within the Adventist community. This Bible will be preached from and read in more languages than any other book in the history of mankind. All of the media ministries of the Church will cover the story. The public media will feature its journey. This initiative will surely restore the image of the Church, that Seventh-day Adventists really are people of the Book. We are truly people who Follow the Bible.

NEXT ARTICLE ON FOLLOW THE BIBLE IS CONVERSATION:-
Follow the Bible: a journey to spiritual renewal
Editor’s note: How many people in your congregation read the Bible regularly? What about your denomination? You might be surprised at the low ratio. “Follow the Bible” is an initiative launched by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but we believe that all denominations would benefit by designing their own programs to encourage greater reading of the Word of God.

The editors of Ministry interviewed three leaders of the world church of Seventh-day Adventists: Jan Paulsen, president; Matthew Bediako, secretary; and Mark Finley, one of the vice-presidents.

Nikolaus Satelmajer (NS): What is the purpose of the Follow the Bible project?

Jan Paulsen (JP): We have been known historically, and we’ve described ourselves as the “people of the Book,” suggesting that the values we hold, the things we believe, and the impetus to our mission is all based and rooted in Scripture.

We have always encouraged our people to stay close to the Book, to read it. Yet the sad fact is that far too many of our people spend little or no time reading the Bible. They limit their spiritual nurture as far as the actual reading of the Word of God is concerned to what is being served when they attend a meeting—what is being read to them in church. They don’t spend time themselves in the Bible—or very, very little time studying the Scriptures. This is what drives the project. Follow the Bible is to lift up the Bible as the Word of God, to highlight its relevance as being a message that addresses all people, all cultures, all times, and to encourage our people to spend quality time with the Bible.

Willie Hucks (WH): Do you believe it will increase readership of the Bible among our church members? If so, how?

Mark Finley (MF): I’ll give you a little background on how Follow the Bible started. A group of us began to think and pray about what we could do to stimulate Bible reading among Seventh-day Adventist members. As we talked and prayed about it, we took a look at some of the data that was coming in that Dr. Paulsen referred to, indicating that Bible reading—although it has been a top priority for Seventh-day Adventists through the years—was beginning to come to the point in some minds where the Bible was not predominant, and some of them weren’t studying the Bible as they had in past years. So we wondered if we could come up with an idea—if we could do something symbolic—that people could rally around. So the idea of the traveling Bible came up. We would produce a Bible in sixty-six languages. Each book of the Bible is in a different language—probably unique in the history of Christianity. If we could bring that Bible to key centers with thousands of people coming to major congregations or rallies, we could stimulate Bible reading. That will happen really in three ways. It’ll happen at convocations where people will come by the thousands as this traveling Bible travels around the world—probably the most traveled Bible in the world. As these thousands come, sermons will be preached from the Bible, and people will be encouraged to read the Bible.

Secondly, as they come to each rally, they will be given a Bible-reading guide. It is unique in two ways. You can start any place. For example, let’s say that the rally is in January, you can start in January and read from January to January. If you come to the rally in March, you can start in March and read from March to March. We think that as Ministry, other periodicals, Hope Channel, and all of the media outlets focus specifically on this Bible-reading project, members will be thrilled to read the Bible with millions of others. They will be stimulated at the convocations where they will receive this Bible-reading guide.

Thirdly, there’s a Web site: www.Follow theBibleSDA.com, and anybody can log in to the Web site any place in the world, and they can join in this odyssey of the traveling Bible, and they can begin reading the Bible as well. So, we think it’s going to renew a spirit in pastors to preach on the Bible. We think the pastors will encourage people to participate and log on to the Web site. We can see pastors all over the world busing people into these large rallies. So we think that this will stimulate Bible reading among hundreds of thousands.

Matthew Bediako (MB): I believe that it is going to arouse interest in Bible reading. As I was growing up, we were known as people who really loved to read and know our Bible. It is not so now. Fewer members are spending time reading the Bible and praying. So, this will arouse the interest of more people to begin to read and pray often.

NS: Ministry goes to thousands of ministers.

What specifically do you envision they can do? What is it that they would be able to do with this project?

MF: There are a number of things that they could do. We will prepare three sermons and post them on the Web site so that pastors can download, take those sermons to use as a base, and modify them to preach on the Word of God. We think that pastors will be able to encourage their people as well to be part of this Bible-reading plan.

Pastors could also publish the Web site address in their church bulletins.

So, pastors will be able, in a variety of ways, to participate in the Follow the Bible project. I think one of the amazing things about it is that it’s not limited to any geographic area. The Bible is a universal Book; the Bible is going to pass through each part of the world.

I really encourage pastors, when they hear that the Bible is going to be at a certain place in their area, to make these convocations and rallies a special event and use it as a springboard to stimulate Bible reading among their members.

JP: I think every minister, whatever the denomination, will want the Word of God to be central.

MF: The title is unique: “Follow the Bible.” It’s easily translatable, you’re following the Bible with your eyes as it goes around the world, but you’re also following the Bible through a daily reading plan.

WH: What will happen regarding Follow the Bible at the 2010 General Conference (GC) Session1 to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States?

JP: A few months ago, the world completed the Olympic Games in China where the Olympic flame traveled the world and finally arrived at its goal. In a sense, the Bible is the spiritual flame that we lift up as a church. It is making the journey around the world, appealing to people everywhere to follow it. We lift it up, and I think it is a wonderful point that it should be the focus of arrival at the General Conference session. The General Conference session is a unique gathering of God’s people of Seventh-day Adventist believers around the world. It will deal with issues that may seem very businesslike and some of it is that. Yet, we are a spiritual community first and foremost. We are mission driven first and foremost—that is our agenda.

Everything that we are, that we want to accomplish for God is spelled out in the Word of God. So I think it is the most suitable, fitting thing that the GC session should open with our spiritual torch arriving, being delivered there, symbolically telling the people around the world that not only is it a spiritual community gathered here, but that which holds us together as a people is the Word of God. So, I see this as a symbolic act as well as just underscoring the study of the Bible.

NS: What do you all see beyond the GC session? Hopefully it isn’t just “Here it is in Atlanta, we brought the torch.” What do you envision after that?

MF: The General Conference session really connects the previous five years and launches the next five years. We would like to see that as the Bible is brought into the GC session, like the Olympic torch as Dr. Paulsen mentioned, and millions of Seventh-day Adventists have been following the Bible, that the General Conference session itself give emphasis to the Word of God, the very foundation of our faith, and this be a stimulus for our people beyond the GC session in reading and studying the Bible.

JP: There is another face of this which is fortuitous, but points to the same thing.

At this particular General Conference session, we are focusing on the life of the church pastor: the challenges, the fulfillment, the tasks, the assignment of the local church pastor, the one given the responsibility to specifically nurture and feed the flock. Where do pastors go to find what they need? They go to the Bible. So I see the linkage between highlighting the ministry of pastors to their congregations and the source to which they go.

WH: What is your long-term hope for this initiative?

MB: I hope that after the Bible has passed through a region, then that area will have a strategy whereby every church and every institution will put in place paths to encourage more people to read the Bible. I can see the possibilities.

For instance, one time in the Inter-American Division2 they had young people writing their favorite verses of the Bible on a sheet and it became a long sheet. They made a big publicity event of it—garnering a lot of interest. I hope this will help us encourage our young people to really begin to study the Bible.

MF: In one region, studies indicate that approximately forty-nine percent of Seventh-day Adventists do not have a devotional life in reading God’s Word.

Now, one can question any study and we recognize that; but let’s assume that it’s ten or fifteen percentage points higher than that if you look at the whole world.

Whatever the number is, our long-term goal is to raise it significantly. The focus of the initiative is not a big event. The big event, the large convocations and rallies, are to stimulate families to read the Bible. Our long-term initiative is to encourage members to read the Bible.

To encourage fathers and mothers to read the Bible to their children. To encourage our college students to get actively involved in Bible reading and devotional life in their dormitories. To encourage lay people to investigate again the great teachings of Scripture and to be stimulated again by the Gospels and by Jesus. Here’s a statement that tells us how important Bible reading is, “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.”3 Another statement tells us that “If God’s word were studied as it should be, [there would be] a breadth of mind, a nobility of character . . . rarely seen in these times.”4 So, our goal is to help prepare our members for the coming of Jesus through their deep, serious Bible study that transforms their lives. That the same Spirit that inspired the Bible transforms people as they read it. Our goal is to help our members in this entire initiative find strength of character and renew their relationship with Jesus.

NS: Any major program has to be started and emphasized for a period of months, and years sometimes. What have you heard so far throughout the world?

JP: We have presented it at Annual Council and Spring Council5 to leadership from around the world. They received the idea enthusiastically. They saw instantly the spiritual impetus that this could communicate. All of us who are involved in leadership roles in the church, whether it be here from the world headquarters or from our regional headquarters around the world, have no other wish than to see our people become stronger and rooted in Scripture and be better able to share the values they hold to from Scripture.

So, anything that can help to make this better, stronger, and more effective, they support. When we presented it to our executive committee, they demonstrated huge enthusiasm for this.

It’s making its journey.

MF: Church leaders from throughout the world have really resonated with this idea. In one area of the world, the church leaders’ plans are being made so that various church units will participate in the traveling Bible event.

NS: Whenever the Bible has been the focal point in the past in Christianity, it always has brought positive change. The Reformation always started with the Word of God, whether it was Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Miller; whoever, it’s always been there.

MF: In the early Adventist movement, it has been the proclamation of God’s Word. God’s Word has provided that basis.

JP: If you look at our own church, particularly our own beginning—and I don’t mean just the one hundred fifty years in North America. I mean when our message came to northern Norway—my parents were baptized in the first wave of strong Adventism. People have strong convictions. The preaching from the Bible, the reading of the Bible lent itself to having very, very strong convictions about the values found in Scripture.

It wasn’t just a bland general spiritual feeling; they were strongly held values and convictions. Studying the Bible has been a part of our heritage.

1 It is the international gathering of Seventh-day Adventists that takes place every five years.

2 Church organizational unit for the Caribbean and the countries between North and South America.

3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1950), 593, 594.

4 White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1956), 90.

5 These are major meetings of world leaders and representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Waoow!!!!!

How great it was to see our VOR Chairman get married to Miss. JOYCE M. MTENGETI. I dont have many words to say but to thank all VOR members for the support you show.

Chairman has the following to say after the wedding;

       "Thankx Guyz. Brothers ASANTENI SANA, you just came to know about us before

         many but you have done a lot. We love you Guyz, We did it together, be proud.

        

         Regards to sisters, Ruth & Sapy have done wonderful, Edwin have done GREAT,

         Mahusi has been committed, Majogoro, Zacharia & Richard we LOVE you Guyz,

         thankx. James must have a BLESSED life, Gady & Mr. Advocate(Marwa) we
        appreciated your presence. We say THANK YOU. We love you. Mtusamehe
        tulipowakwaza"

Have a look on the following photo's and see what transpares there at Moshi Municipality on 20th Dec;2009;

Some of the VOR members making arrangement for the wedding programs. It was on 19th Dec;2009

This is Njoro SDA Church where Our Chairman got married. Above is outside the Church and below is the Church inside during that Great Day.

Some of the Njoro SDA Church Choir members sing. This Choir sang three nice songs that day. May GOD BLESS them.

The Bestman & the Bestlady (Bro. James & Sisy Yuster) marching at the Church.

Finally the moment reach when brides met at the Church after long and nice marching.

Pr. Panga present Marriage Certificate to Mr. & Mrs. Godfrey J. Nyomby

They are looking beautiful with their parents.

Mr & Mrs. G.J. Nyomby with their maids.

Mr. Godfrey Nyomby (the second from right) with his maids

They are looking handsome!!!!

Mrs. Joyce Nyomby with her Brides-maid

It was nice time when Groom place a wedding ring to the Bride.

VOR members presented their gift in the photo below; the members were lead by General Secretary (Mr. Marwa)

Some of the VOR members who attended the wedding in a photo together with the Bride & Groom after presenting our gift.

On behalf of the Executive Committee of VOR, I would like to thank you all for your support both financial and spiritual (through your prayers) and for the participation you show to both wedding in 2009 that of Mr. Gaddy Chuwa and this one of our beloved Chairman Mr. Godfrey Nyomby.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

WEDDING INVITATION

...appriciations from from brother Jonas

No one can deny that the current progress of our association is totally unique and comforting. I am supprised to see these wonderfull and remarkable progress which gives a clear picture that God has a treasure of committed stuff which can willingly depreceate themselves to make dreams come true.

Seeing this email, gives me a clear picture that if I sleep, the stone will speak. Regretebly, I really see my negative contributuion in these wonderfull success and yet my image still shining in the lovely memories of the very Founders of VOR. May God forgive me for my weak use of His Blesings. However, i am expecting to seen more communication on plans and programms so that we can be aligned and  connected always.

Moreever, I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. D.G Nyamsogoro for his wonderfull contribution to the lovely success of this association. Let his name allways be mentioned wherever and whenever VOR is on the paltform.

May El Shadai be with you all. May our new litttle families be joined soon and cherish thier home always and forever.

Thanks & Regards,

Bahati JONAS

bjonas@ccsabco.co.za

Jonas,

Thank you so much for appreciating this little gift that God has given tio his sons and daughter, we too appreciate the contribution of our brother G. Nyamsogoro. Keep the spirit and faith for VOR, we will be where God wants us to be soon.

God bless you

..... and then they are Mr & Mrs Gady Lucas Chuwa

Mr & Mrs Gady L. Chuwa on their 1st Outlook at Morogoro SDA Church on 6th of December 2009

.....tarantanta...... tarantanta....tarantataaaa.....wow, what a wonderful day that was to cheer the wedding of our beloved friends. Majogoro, Baraka, Richy, Zachariah, Steven, James, Charles, Neema, Chedy, Agness and the next bride & Groom (Joyce and Godfrey) were there on the side of VOR to cheer this event

......the next bride & groom were there too, (be there on 20th December 2009)

May the Grace of the Lord shine upon this newly born family forever and ever, Amen!!!!