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What is a danger of great spiritual experiences?
What is a danger of great spiritual experiences?

What is a danger of great spiritual experiences?

In "Biblical Perspective" R.E. Trotter writes:

So awe-inspiring was the heavenly vision which John beheld that he fell at the feet of the angelic messenger entrusted with such a revelation, in an unwarranted attitude of worship. It is said that in the Early Church there was a tendency to worship angels, and that this and a similar incident earlier are recorded as warnings to the Church. As the angel deflects attention from himself, he reminds John that he is but a fellow servant with him and with all who have accepted Christ and hold His testimony. The angel then seems to say, in effect, “Keep your worship for God, for He is at the center of all true prophecy.”

Source: Christ, the Triumphant Lord: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 59.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-05T09:00:00+00:00August 5th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: worship|0 Comments

What is the "fine linen" in Revelation 19:8?
What is the "fine linen" in Revelation 19:8?

What is the "fine linen" in Revelation 19:8?

In "Biblical Perspective" R.E. Trotter writes:

It is not unusual for the bride to make her own wedding dress, and in a very real sense the wedding garment we will wear will be the work of our own hands. The fine linen is the righteousness or the “righteous acts” of the saints. We are saved and sanctified by faith, but “faith without works [acts of righteousness] is dead.” At the Great White Throne Judgment they were judged “according to their works” (20:12). At the judgment seat of Christ “every man's work shall be made manifest” (1 Cor. 3:13). In passing judgment on the seven churches Jesus said to each of them, “I know thy works” (Rev. 2, 3).

Source: Christ, the Triumphant Lord: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 58.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-04T09:00:00+00:00August 4th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Works|0 Comments

Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Marriage Supper of the Lamb

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and asthe voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth’’ (Revelation 19:6)
It had been beautiful, though long (two hours!), ceremony. Now, the wedding party and guests had gathered at the home of the bride's family. In the night twinkled Christmas icicle lights. Tables, decorated beautifully, were arranged on the patio and in the pavilion, next to a swimming pool in which balloons were floating. Romantic music punctuated the night air. The servers began distributing the four-course supper. First served was Seven Seas soup. Next the guests ate tamales, then nachos. Finally (after many were already stuffed), the main course was served - chicken, beef, rice, salad, bread. The guests enjoyed the food, milled around visiting and congratulating the bride and groom. Finally, toasts were made, the newlyweds kissed, and early in the next morning's hours, the guests departed, having celebrated seemingly to their last ounce of energy.
Someday, Christ will present us, His Church, His holy Bride, to Himself - blameless, without spot or any blemish. And we will feast! Can you even imagine the beauty and glory of this great marriage supper? Won't all the trials and trouble we experience on earth seem more than worth it then?

Knowing Christ's intention for us, His Bride, how should you prepare for this soon coming event? (David Woods)

This devotional is the Sunday, August 7, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-03T09:00:00+00:00August 3rd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Marriage|0 Comments

Plan at least four social activities for your class outside of the Sunday school hour.

Why should you plan at least four social activities - outside of the church - per year? This is important, first, because our goal in Sunday school is not simply to present a lesson, but to develop disciples. Discipleship happens in the course of relationships. While relationships can be developed in an hour-long session, activities outside of the class may create stronger bonds of friendship. A second reason for social activities outside of the church is to provide entry-points for unchurched people. While the unchurched person may be reluctant to attend a Sunday service, they may be much more receptive to join you for a barbecue, board games, etc.
This best practice suggested at least four social activities per year. By planning one special activity per quarter, this could be easily accomplished. Special consideration, however, should be taken as to the purpose and promotion of such events.

Will your activity be simply for fellowship of believers, or for outreach to unchurched friends?
If the former, how can you design the event to encourage deeper fellowship among your class?
If the latter, when would be the most appropriate time, in order to give them an easier transition into your class (e.g., a week or two before the next quarter begins, in order to encourage them to start the next study with you)?
How should you balance a social activity with promotion of your class?

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-02T09:00:00+00:00August 2nd, 2016|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: Sunday School|0 Comments

The Triumphant Christ

Lesson 10 - August 7, 2016
Focus Text: Revelation 19:4-16
Central Truth: No power is able to prevent the triumph of Christ.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list ways that knowing that Christ is triumphant gives purpose to a Christian's life.
Lesson Outline:

Praise to the Father (Revelation 19:4-6)
Wedding of the Bride (Revelation 19:7-9)
Triumph of the Son (Revelation 19:10-21)

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-01T09:00:00+00:00August 1st, 2016|Categories: Weekly Lesson Summaries|Tags: Christ|0 Comments

Prayer – Lesson 9, The Rule of the Antichrist

Heavenly Father, as our classes study about the Antichrist today, help them to be encouraged by the fact that despite his power he is still subject to you, that his time will be short-lived, and Christ's reign will be eternal! In Jesus' name we pray this, Amen.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-31T08:00:00+00:00July 31st, 2016|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: prayer|0 Comments

How should we apply John's vision of the end times to our lives?
How should we apply John's vision of the end times to our lives?

How should we apply John's vision of the end times to our lives?

In Doctrinal Discussion, Don Englund answers this question, writing:

First, we should release ourselves from any hope that mere human government will bring lasting peace in this world. Second, we must be aware that the forces of Antichrist that deny Christ and seek to delude us are present and active in our world. As Satan in his anti-God ruse demands worship of himself, let's pray that our worship will be wholly focused on Christ, the Incarnation of the Father.

Source: Christ, the Triumphant Lord: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 55.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-30T09:00:00+00:00July 30th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: worship|0 Comments

What do we sometimes miss about the Antichrist?
What do we sometimes miss about the Antichrist?

What do we sometimes miss about the Antichrist?

In "God's Word for Today" Steve Oliver writes:

We are given a significant amount of information about Antichrist in this passage. He is a powerful world ruler, deriving his authority from Satan, the ruler of this world. The “name of blasphemy” (13:1) points to an ingrained contempt for the things of God, and in keeping with this, his words are full of blasphemy. His mimicry of Christ, seen in seeming resurrection, is not surprising since this beast is attempting to take the place of God himself. What is surprising is that Antichrist can “make war with the saints, and . . . overcome them.” Throughout history, persecution has resulted in the spread of the gospel and widespread conversions; but here the persecution by Antichrist is more or less successful in stamping out Christianity. In the midst of this description of nearly limitless power and blasphemy, it is easy to miss a minor but crucial part of the description: Antichrist is merely a pawn in the ongoing war of Satan against God. He is permitted to have authority and to persecute the saints. But ultimately, God is in control even in these terrible circumstances, and Antichrist can do no more than God allows.

Source: Christ, the Triumphant Lord: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 52.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-29T09:00:00+00:00July 29th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Antichrist|0 Comments

Who is the Antichrist?
Who is the Antichrist?

Who is the Antichrist?

In "God's Word for Today" Steve Oliver writes:

Antichrist is a much-studied and much-debated topic. There are some schools of thought that see him as only symbolic of human rebellion against God, and others who view Antichrist as a movement or religion rather than a per-son. Among those who think he is an individual, some peo-ple speculate wildly in their search for this future world ruler. Six-six-six becomes the key to a secret code, which will enable them to identify him before he is revealed. Others equate his mark with some element of culture, such as VISA® credit cards or Monster Energy® drinks.
One of the effects of this search for Antichrist can be that we lose sight of the most important things about him — his evil and his futile rebellion against God. Rather than trying to figure out how quickly this prophesied individual will appear, we need to understand his character and guard against emulating that.

Discussion: How can we avoid "missing the forest for the trees" as we study Revelation (and even other scripture passages)?
Source: Christ, the Triumphant Lord: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 51.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-28T09:00:00+00:00July 28th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Antichrist|0 Comments

The Character of Antichrist Depicted
The Character of Antichrist Depicted

The Character of Antichrist Depicted

“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” (v. 24).

“God is my Fuehrer!”
These words sprang from the lips of Martin Niemöller, pastor of one of the largest churches in Berlin when Adolf Hitler was chancellor of Germany. Well loved, articulate, and a faithful pastor, his congregation included many soldiers, government officials, and individuals of all kinds. However, when Pastor Niemöller stood up to Hitler by refusing to proclaim him as the head of the Christian church, he became a marked man. This statement finally resulted in his confinement to a concentration camp until the end of World War II.
We must remember that the spirit of an antichrist will always be exposed. Truly, his character will be revealed. In the last days another Antichrist, a world leader, will come who proclaims himself to be both Lord and Saviour. He will deceive many, yet he too shall fall when the King of Kings returns! (James Baker)

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.
(Martin Luther; Public Doman)

*Are we strong enough to stand and say, “God is my Fuehrer”?*
This devotional is the Monday, July 25, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Image Credit: "Martin Niemöller (1952).jpg" by J.D. Noske / Anefo
from Nationaal Archief (CC BY-SA 3.0 NL). Image resized, cropped.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-27T09:00:00+00:00July 27th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Antichrist|0 Comments

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