Further Study & Surprised by the Spirit

FRIDAY
December 28
Further Study:

Read Ellen G. White, "Gethsemane," pp. 685-697; "Calvary," pp. 741-757, in The Desire of Ages.
"Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: 'If this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.' "—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 690,693.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does it help us in our own sufferings, this knowledge that God Himself, in the person of Christ, suffered worse than any of us ever could? What should the sufferings of Christ in our behalf mean to us? What comfort can we draw from this amazing truth? As you think about your answer, keep in mind the following statement from Ellen White: "All the suffering which is the result of sin was poured into the bosom of the sinless Son of God."—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, p. 129.


2. As a class, go over the sufferings of Christ looked at in this week's lesson. What were the crucibles that Christ faced? In what ways are they like our own; in what ways are they different? What can we learn from how He handled these challenges that can help us amid our own crucibles?


3. What are some of your favorite Bible promises, promises that you can cling to amid sorrow and pain? Write them out, claim them for yourself, and share them in class.


4. Write out a summary paragraph, highlighting whatever few main points you got from this quarter's lesson. What questions were resolved for you? What issues still remain unanswered? How can we help each other work through those things that still greatly perplex and trouble us?

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I N S I D E Story

Surprised by the Spirit
by GILBERT CANGY

A couple of years ago, God showed up in a mysterious way while I was ministering to young people. I had been invited to be the evening devotional speaker for a regional youth congress on Ambrym, a remote island belonging to Vanuatu, an island republic in the South Pacific.

Although Ambrym is halfway between Australia and the island nation of Fiji, it is still entrenched in its traditional village life. When we arrived, we were greeted by the village chief, who offered us a giant yam, a baby chick, and beautiful coconut juice traditional welcoming gifts for visitors, as he gave us permission to enter his territory.

Soon the evening meetings began. I was surprised to find a large number of older village folk coming to the meetings. I knew most of them did not speak English, but Bislama, their traditional language. Because the young people attending the youth congress all speak English, no translation had been provided. I decided that these older folks had come to hear the music and to support the youth in attendance.

The week of meetings went well, and toward the end of the week, I invited the youth to give their hearts to the Lord. Again I was surprised-this time at the number of older people who responded to the call. Later I expressed my appreciation for the support of the older folks, in spite of the fact that they could hardly understand what was being said.

"Oh, no," the man responded. "They have understood every word. Perhaps we should have told you that after your first night's message, some of the local elders came to ask us where you had learned Bislama. They were pleased that you were preaching in their language."

I paused in humility and praise as I realized that I was seeing God working as He had during Pentecost. God knew that these older people needed to hear His message of love and salvation, just as their youth needed to hear.

Mission is not dead. In some places it is as new as it was 2,000 years ago when everyone heard God's message in their own tongue. Your mission offerings make out reach to the farthest corners of the world possible.

GILBERT CANGY is the youth director in the South Pacific Division, headquartered in Australia.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org