Power of Forgiveness

FRIDAY December 19

Further Study:

“Christ gave to humanity an existence out of Himself. To bring humanity into Christ, to bring the fallen race into oneness with divinity, is the work of redemption. Christ took human nature that men might be one with Him as He is one with the Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten Son, that men may be partakers of the divine nature, and be complete in Him.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 251.

“Are you in Christ? Not if you do not acknowledge yourselves erring, helpless, condemned sinners. Not if you are exalting and glorifying self. If there is any good in you, it is wholly attributable to the mercy of a compassionate Saviour. Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your virtues, your piety, your philanthropy, or anything else in you or connected with you, will not form a bond of union between your soul and Christ. Your connection with the church . . . will be of no avail unless you believe in Christ. It is not enough to believe about Him; you must believe in Him. You must rely wholly upon His saving grace.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 48, 49.

Discussion Questions:

At the present time the new and the old creations coexist in us. How do you day by day experience the reality of these two creations? Which one comes most naturally and easily to the surface, and why?

Scripture promises a new heaven and a new earth; that is, all that’s here is going to be swept away, gone forever. How should the awareness of the temporality of all things help us set priorities in our lives?

Describe in practical terms what it means for you to be “in Christ.” How does that experience impinge on the way you relate to God and to others?

How should the image of the church as the body of Christ impact the quality of life of the church? What is it that keeps the members together as one body in Christ? Col. 3:14. How can you better contribute to the unity of the church in its message and mission?

Summary:

Adam, through his sin, initiated a humanity separated from God. Christ came in union with God, overcame the enemy, died for our sins, and instituted a new humanity, one in union with God free from the enslaving powers of sin and death. We are by nature part of the old humanity but become members of the new through faith in Him. Thus, we begin a new life in union with Jesus and His church.

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		I N S I D E Story
		Power of Forgiveness by MEENAL THIRUPDUVANAM I grew up in a traditional Indian home and was married when I was 15. We had three children when my husband decided to leave India and work abroad. He said he could earn more money in a month than he could earn in India in a year, so I agreed. But he stayed away for 12 years and never once sent us money. I struggled to feed the children. Then I learned that my husband was wasting his money on gambling, drinking, and lavish living. I visited every temple in the area asking the gods to send my husband home, but nothing worked. My mind wasn't at peace as I watched my children suffer for lack of food. They attended school and worked hard, but still we lacked money. I moved to a larger town where wages were higher, for the children's tuition had increased, and they needed school supplies and books. After years of struggle, my children completed their education and married. At last life became a little easier. Then I learned that my husband had returned to India and was living in my former town. People there knew where we were, but he did not look for me. I went to his home and offered him money to return home and unite with the family once more. He came to live in my home, but he drank heavily and worked little. Some lay people held evangelistic meetings near my home, and I went. I was impressed by the message I heard and by the love I saw in the eyes of the young couple who led the meetings. My husband did not want me to attend the meetings and even hid my Bible from me. This irritated me, but I was learning to be patient and calm with him in spite of his criticism. I started attending the Adventist church, but I wanted to wait to be baptized until my husband was ready. He told me he might become an Adventist someday, but I should not wait. So I was baptized. I know my husband watches my life and sees the difference Jesus makes. He stopped drinking and chewing betel nut, and sometimes he attends church with me. My neighbors tell me that since I have become a Christian I am more loving and kind than I was before. I thank God for giving me a new heart, a heart that can love my husband and share my faith with others. And I thank the believers who give their mission offerings every week so that people like me can hear the message of God's love MEENAL THIRUPDUVANAM lives near Madurai, India.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org