Further Study:
| Read Luke 5:1-11; Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 132-143; 244-252 (cf. Matt. 9:9; Luke 5:27, 28; John 21:1-11); The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 352, 739, 909-911. "Here were the four partners, in possession of the largest catch of fish they had ever brought to shore. At the moment of their greatest material success they abandoned their business.... Even in view of the higher significance of the miracle it must have taken a real measure of faith to leave their chosen occupation for an uncertain livelihood as followers of an itinerant teacher who, up to this time, had apparently had small success. . . . On the part of the disciples there was not the least hesitancy. The decision to dissolve their successful partnership as fishermen for a higher partnership with Jesus as fishers of men was made instantly and intelligently. They needed no time to think things over, no time to provide for the needs of their families.... They had launched out into the deep as ordinary fishermen; when they returned to shore they launched out by faith into the 'deep' to which Christ now called them, to fish for men."—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 739. |
Discussion Questions:
In what ways do you need to rearrange your priorities so that you can glorify God more effectively and be more consistent in your discipleship? 
In reference to Thursday's lesson, what are the advantages that we today have over the disciples? What are the things that we know about that they did not? Make a list of these things and bring them to class. Discuss what you each find and then ask yourselves: What are we doing with these advantages to help us grow in grace ourselves?, How can these advantages help us go out and make disciples? 
Dwell more on the question regarding the call of Levi Matthew. In class discuss the question of prejudice against certain groups. What about your church as a whole? What groups of people are deemed outcasts in your society? How can you minister to them? So often churches reflect the culture around them, including the prejudices of that culture. How open are you to the Matthews of your own society? What can you do to help your own church overcome this terrible symptom of fallen human nature?
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Growing God's Church by OD I remember the day well. My cousin Tulga and I were chatting in his home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He started talking about Jesus and invited me to visit a Bible study he attended. I decided to go. I really enjoyed the small group meeting in someone's apartment and attended whenever I could. My new friends were different from other people I knew. I felt safe there; no one was trying to hurt me or make me look bad. I began to come out of my shell. The Bible texts they read were powerful and seemed directed straight at me. The principles I learned helped me deal with issues in my life. I began reading the Bible on my own, and I could see my life changing. Tulga told me that Sabbath was the day God had set aside as holy, that humans changed the day of worship to Sunday. I realized he was right, that my church didn't teach the Bible as Adventists did. I eventually started attending the Adventist church. After months of deep Bible study, I joined the Adventist Church. I love music and play the guitar and the piano. At first I wanted to introduce the livelier music that had drawn me to the Sunday church into the Adventist church. But my new church family helped me realize that some of this music was not appropriate to worship. I joined a singing group that sang several styles of music-classical, traditional, and some modern. But all the music focused on Jesus. I realized that through our music we can touch people who don't know Jesus yet, and we can share our faith with other Christians. God gave me musical talent, and I want to use it to build up the young church in Mongolia. I have translated some Christian songs into Mongolian and teach them to new groups. Recently I helped some Korean young people, hold evangelistic meetings in Mongolia. After they left, I was shocked to learn that someone wanted to sponsor me to study theology in Korea. I had finished high school and had planned to attend a university in Mongolia and study mechanical engineering. But I understand that this is God's will, and I am thrilled. I used to look forward to being older and having authority and power. But now I realize that God is challenging the young people of Mongolia to use their talents for Him while they are young. Your mission offerings have had a huge impact on growing the church in Mongolia. Thank you for your support.
OD is studying theology in Korea and will return to Mongolia to minister to his people. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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