Adventists Join the MOB

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FRIDAY

July 9

Further Study:  

Read Ellen G. White, “Jew and Gentile,” pp. 188–192, 194-197; “Apostasy in Galatia,” pp. 383–388, in The Acts of the Apostles; “The Law Given to Israel,” pp. 310–312; “The Law and the Covenants,” pp. 370–373, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “The Chosen People,” pp. 27-30, in The Desire of Ages. “But if the Abrahamic covenant contained the promise of redemption, why was another covenant formed at Sinai? In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. . . . “The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own hearts, and that without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God’s law; and they readily entered into covenant with God.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 371, 372. “Through the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 383.

Discussion Questions:

In class, go over your answer to Wednesday’s final question. In what ways might your local church or you in your own home or maybe even you with yourself be laying burdens on others (or on yourself) that are not necessary? How can we recognize if we are really doing these things? Or might we be in danger of going too far the other way? That is, how can we recognize if we have become too lax in our lifestyle and standards to the point where our lives don’t reflect the high calling that we have in Christ?      What are some of the arguments folk use to claim that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding on Christians today? How do we answer those claims? Why, on the face of it, are those claims so wrong, and why in many cases do those who make not really live as if they believe the Ten Commandments are no longer binding?      Read again the first 12 verses in Galatians 1. Notice how uncompromising, how dogmatic, and how fervent Paul was regarding his understanding of the gospel. What should that tell us about how, at times, we must stand absolutely unwavering in certain beliefs, especially in a day and age of pluralism and relativism? How does this show that certain teachings cannot be compromised in any way?

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		I N S I D E Story
		Adventists Join the MOB Michael Surak, an Adventist from Pennsylvania, recently joined the MOB. So did Edgar and Joycie Lao of Texas. In fact, more than 320 Adventists across North America have joined the MOB and are experiencing a fulfilling ministry. Missionaries Of the Blind (MOB) is an arm of Christian Record Services, the Adventist church's ministry to the blind. MOB connects Adventists across North America with the 23,000 blind and visually-impaired people who receive Braille, large print, or audio publications from Christian Record Services. Volunteers spend one or two hours a month visiting blind or visually impaired people in their communities, building friendships and praying with them. Michael visits Carl, a 31-year-old man who has been blind since birth. "Carl has such a cheerful spirit," Michael says. "I thought I would uplift him, but he uplifted me." "So many blind people receive materials from Christian Record on a regular basis," says Pastor David Klinedinst, personal ministries director for Christian Record. "Some of them even attend our camps for the blind program. We want to reach out to the people we serve and connect them with a local Seventh-day Adventist church where they can find fellow¬ship, friendship, and worship." "Most blind people are eager for a visit," Klinedinst says. "They receive Christian Record's materials regularly, so when visitors identify them¬selves as volunteers with Christian Record, they are welcome. MOB is a wonderful way to be involved in an outreach ministry and make friends for Jesus." Edgar and Joycie Lao had tried to start a Bible study group in Texas, but they found most people too busy to attend. Then they joined MOB. The first blind person Edgar became friends with was Raul, a bird watcher who "watches" birds with his ears. Edgar went bird watching with Raul and was introduced to other blind birders. He prayed with the group and invited them to church. Among the group of blind birders was a young woman named Gladie. Edgar offered to sign her up to receive the free books and magazines Christian Record provides. She accepted the offer and enjoys receiving the free materials. Soon Edgar invited Gladie to church, and she came, along with two of her sisters and her nephew. Gladie has since been baptized. Your mission offerings help support the ministry of Christian Record Services. Christian Record Services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's ministry to the blind and visually impaired, is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. If you would like to visit a blind person, visit moh.christianrecord.org, or call 402-488-0981.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email:   info@adventistmission.org  website:  www.adventistmission.org