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Sabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Church Militant, The Church Triumphant, and the Armor of God Ellen White wrote of a future state of the church in which its members are all clad in this armor – the armor of Christ's righteousness. She wrote, "Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. 'Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners' (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." Ellen White, Prophets and Kings, p. 725.23 We want to be members of the church triumphant, the conquering church, and the way to do th...2023-09-2019 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansGod Gives Us the Armor He Uses Too! The strength of the Lord is linked with the armor of God. The way we become strong in the Lord is by wearing 6 pieces of armor, and when each piece is put on and used correctly, we will be able to stand in the evil day. Having on the armor gives us the same strength God has. Not only does it personally equip us, but it identifies us as part of God's army and thus we have the protection offered by the rest of His army, including the angels. An important, yet often missed, aspect of this is that...2023-09-1410 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansGod Gives Us the Armor He Uses Too! The strength of the Lord is linked with the armor of God. The way we become strong in the Lord is by wearing 6 pieces of armor, and when each piece is put on and used correctly, we will be able to stand in the evil day. Having on the armor gives us the same strength God has. Not only does it personally equip us, but it identifies us as part of God's army and thus we have the protection offered by the rest of His army, including the angels. An important, yet often missed, aspect of this is that...2023-09-1410 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansHow the Jesus Movement Dealt With SlaveryIn this study, we talk about slavery in New Testament times, with a special focus on the principles promoted by Jesus and his early followers regarding how to deal with slavery, and examine the incredible wisdom involved in their approach. For further study, see: "Are You Minding What Matters?" by Trent Wilde https://www.bdsda.com/are-you-minding-what-matters/?highlight=are%20you%20minding%20what%20matters Sabbath School Q3 2023: Ephesians - Week 11, "Practicing Supreme Loyalty to Christ" A Branch Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist perspective on the Sabbath School lesson. www.bdsda.com2023-09-0618 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansHow the Jesus Movement Dealt With SlaveryIn this study, we talk about slavery in New Testament times, with a special focus on the principles promoted by Jesus and his early followers regarding how to deal with slavery, and examine the incredible wisdom involved in their approach. For further study, see: "Are You Minding What Matters?" by Trent Wilde https://www.bdsda.com/are-you-minding-what-matters/?highlight=are%20you%20minding%20what%20matters Sabbath School Q3 2023: Ephesians - Week 11, "Practicing Supreme Loyalty to Christ" A Branch Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist perspective on the Sabbath School lesson. www.bdsda.com2023-09-0618 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansHeadship Based on Gender? This week's study investigates the merits of arbitrary headship based on gender, or any other factor other than truth. The writings of Genesis 1 and Galatians convey the fact that God doesn't distinguish between men and women as far as having dominion over the earth or being Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise goes, but do we have any reason to think that God distinguishes between men and women in regard to church leadership? In other words, even though God gave both men and women dominion over every living thing that moves upon the earth, and in...2023-08-2720 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansHeadship Based on Gender? This week's study investigates the merits of arbitrary headship based on gender, or any other factor other than truth. The writings of Genesis 1 and Galatians convey the fact that God doesn't distinguish between men and women as far as having dominion over the earth or being Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise goes, but do we have any reason to think that God distinguishes between men and women in regard to church leadership? In other words, even though God gave both men and women dominion over every living thing that moves upon the earth, and in...2023-08-2720 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansLove Walkers According to Ephesians 5:1-2 we are to be imitators of God by walking in love. But what does that mean? How do we do that? In this study, we look back at Ephesians 4, the chapter Paul was building on, to find the answer, and additionally discuss Ellen White's admonitions against "making flesh your arm," and the ad hominem fallacy. For further study, see: "How Does Faith Stop Us From Sinning? https://youtu.be/rHrjyYnY-Zc Sabbath School Q3 2023: Ephesians - Week 9, " Living Wisely." A Branch Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist per...2023-08-2312 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansLove Walkers According to Ephesians 5:1-2 we are to be imitators of God by walking in love. But what does that mean? How do we do that? In this study, we look back at Ephesians 4, the chapter Paul was building on, to find the answer, and additionally discuss Ellen White's admonitions against "making flesh your arm," and the ad hominem fallacy. For further study, see: "How Does Faith Stop Us From Sinning? https://youtu.be/rHrjyYnY-Zc Sabbath School Q3 2023: Ephesians - Week 9, " Living Wisely." A Branch Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist per...2023-08-2312 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs the Holy Spirit a Person or an Influence? What's up with the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit a person? Or is the Spirit a power or influence? As you probably know, this is a hot debate right now at least among some Seventh-day Adventists. Many SDAs today assume that there was no diversity of views about the personhood of the Holy Spirit among the SDA pioneers. It is thought that since the pioneers were clearly and adamantly against Trinitarianism, they were clearly and adamantly against the personhood of the Holy Spirit. But this is not the case. In this study, we take a...2023-08-1519 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIs the Holy Spirit a Person or an Influence? What's up with the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit a person? Or is the Spirit a power or influence? As you probably know, this is a hot debate right now at least among some Seventh-day Adventists. Many SDAs today assume that there was no diversity of views about the personhood of the Holy Spirit among the SDA pioneers. It is thought that since the pioneers were clearly and adamantly against Trinitarianism, they were clearly and adamantly against the personhood of the Holy Spirit. But this is not the case. In this study, we take a...2023-08-1519 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansUriah Smith's Story of the Ship, the Pilot, and the Rebellion Does the Bible validate the functioning of the gift of prophecy in the church only during the time of the apostles? Or does the gift continue until the return of Christ? The early Adventists found their answer in Ephesians 4:13 and shared it through a story by Uriah Smith about the captain of a ship who was bound to follow the instructions provided for a voyage. Does this pioneer's perspective apply still today? Are we part of the rebellion Uriah Smith speaks of? Or are we consistent with the pioneer's understanding of the scriptures on these points? For fur...2023-08-0817 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansUriah Smith's Story of the Ship, the Pilot, and the Rebellion Does the Bible validate the functioning of the gift of prophecy in the church only during the time of the apostles? Or does the gift continue until the return of Christ? The early Adventists found their answer in Ephesians 4:13 and shared it through a story by Uriah Smith about the captain of a ship who was bound to follow the instructions provided for a voyage. Does this pioneer's perspective apply still today? Are we part of the rebellion Uriah Smith speaks of? Or are we consistent with the pioneer's understanding of the scriptures on these points? For fur...2023-08-0817 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansAre We Satisfied to Have All Our Prophets Dead Prophets? This week's Sabbath School lesson notes that in Ephesians 3:1-6, Paul receives new light on the mystery of the gospel, that is – that it is to go to the Gentiles. Paul tells us that this mystery was made known to him, and also to the other apostles and prophets, and that this mystery was something that was not known to previous generations. In other words, this mystery revealed to Paul and the other apostles and prophets was radically new light for the people of their day, but, as the lesson said, not much of a surprise to us...2023-07-3115 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansAre We Satisfied to Have All Our Prophets Dead Prophets? This week's Sabbath School lesson notes that in Ephesians 3:1-6, Paul receives new light on the mystery of the gospel, that is – that it is to go to the Gentiles. Paul tells us that this mystery was made known to him, and also to the other apostles and prophets, and that this mystery was something that was not known to previous generations. In other words, this mystery revealed to Paul and the other apostles and prophets was radically new light for the people of their day, but, as the lesson said, not much of a surprise to us...2023-07-3115 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansEnmity - The Cause of Party Lines People sometimes say that in order to have reconciliation, one of the two parties must decide to just let go of their position solely for the sake of unity – one party needs to suck it up. But all of us know that this method really doesn’t bring true reconciliation or true peace. How could it? We would just be saying, "'Peace! Peace!' when there is no peace," right? Furthermore, Ephesians 2 says nothing about achieving peace and reconciliation this way. It says that what brings about reconciliation between two parties is the cross. It says that by the cros...2023-07-2610 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansEnmity - The Cause of Party Lines People sometimes say that in order to have reconciliation, one of the two parties must decide to just let go of their position solely for the sake of unity – one party needs to suck it up. But all of us know that this method really doesn’t bring true reconciliation or true peace. How could it? We would just be saying, "'Peace! Peace!' when there is no peace," right? Furthermore, Ephesians 2 says nothing about achieving peace and reconciliation this way. It says that what brings about reconciliation between two parties is the cross. It says that by the cros...2023-07-2610 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansHow Does Faith Stop Us From Sinning? Many know Ephesians 2:8-9 by heart: "“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast." (WEB) Saved from what? The very next verse (10) tells us, saved from bad works, or wrong-doing. So, we are saved from sinning through faith. People often assume that what we are saved from is the *penalty* of sin, even while we continue to commit sin in our actual experience. But as we show from Scripture, the salvation offered in the Gospel is...2023-07-1913 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansHow Does Faith Stop Us From Sinning? Many know Ephesians 2:8-9 by heart: "“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast." (WEB) Saved from what? The very next verse (10) tells us, saved from bad works, or wrong-doing. So, we are saved from sinning through faith. People often assume that what we are saved from is the *penalty* of sin, even while we continue to commit sin in our actual experience. But as we show from Scripture, the salvation offered in the Gospel is...2023-07-1913 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIf We Never Are Able to Keep the Law, Wouldn't Satan Be Right? This week’s Sabbath School study is called, “The Power of the Exalted Jesus.” One of the things it considers is the “now” and “not yet” statements in scripture in relation to the scope of the reign of Jesus. Fridays first discussion question reads, “Ponder the ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ of the exaltation of Jesus. In what sense is Jesus already the Lord of ‘all things,’ with the demonic powers subservient to Him—that is, the ‘now’? And in what sense does His full reign over all things look toward the future—the ‘not yet’? (See 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.)” Sabbath School Quarterly Lesson, F...2023-07-1214 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIf We Never Are Able to Keep the Law, Wouldn't Satan Be Right? This week’s Sabbath School study is called, “The Power of the Exalted Jesus.” One of the things it considers is the “now” and “not yet” statements in scripture in relation to the scope of the reign of Jesus. Fridays first discussion question reads, “Ponder the ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ of the exaltation of Jesus. In what sense is Jesus already the Lord of ‘all things,’ with the demonic powers subservient to Him—that is, the ‘now’? And in what sense does His full reign over all things look toward the future—the ‘not yet’? (See 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.)” Sabbath School Quarterly Lesson, F...2023-07-1214 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Shekinah and the Glorious Star Wednesday's Sabbath School study is entitled, "The Holy Spirit: Seal and Down Payment." First, we look at what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Then, we take a look at something Ellen White said about being sealed. She wrote, “The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name.” Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15.1. In particular, we study the chain of truth concerning "the glorious star containing Jesus' new name" through the gospel of John, the Old Testament, and Ellen W...2023-07-0717 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Shekinah and the Glorious Star Wednesday's Sabbath School study is entitled, "The Holy Spirit: Seal and Down Payment." First, we look at what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Then, we take a look at something Ellen White said about being sealed. She wrote, “The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name.” Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15.1. In particular, we study the chain of truth concerning "the glorious star containing Jesus' new name" through the gospel of John, the Old Testament, and Ellen W...2023-07-0717 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansDo You Know the Mystery In Ephesians? The memory text for this week is Ephesians 1:9-10. It speaks of a mystery that has been revealed by Jesus before He went to the cross. When we understand what the mystery is by comparing Ephesians with John 14 and 17, we will recognize that Satan has done everything he can to shroud it again in mystery, and thereby frustrate God's plan for all of us in heaven and on earth. For further study: "The King of Crises in the Seventh-day Adventist Church," by Trent Wilde, https://www.bdsda.com/the-king-of-crises-in-the-seventh-day-adventist-church-2/?highlight=th...2023-06-2814 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansDo You Know the Mystery In Ephesians? The memory text for this week is Ephesians 1:9-10. It speaks of a mystery that has been revealed by Jesus before He went to the cross. When we understand what the mystery is by comparing Ephesians with John 14 and 17, we will recognize that Satan has done everything he can to shroud it again in mystery, and thereby frustrate God's plan for all of us in heaven and on earth. For further study: "The King of Crises in the Seventh-day Adventist Church," by Trent Wilde, https://www.bdsda.com/the-king-of-crises-in-the-seventh-day-adventist-church-2/?highlight=th...2023-06-2814 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Loud Cry - Expect Something Unexpected Ellen says that the message from the Revelation 18:1 angel is an *addition* to the third message, joining it as the Midnight Cry joined the second angel's message. The Midnight Cry was a message that came in the summer of 1844. It built upon the 1st and 2nd angel's message, but it was distinct from them and had content of its own. It was a new message teaching them something they didn't already know. So, in light of this, we can know that the Loud Cry is its own distinct message. It must have content that builds on and...2023-06-2316 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Loud Cry - Expect Something Unexpected Ellen says that the message from the Revelation 18:1 angel is an *addition* to the third message, joining it as the Midnight Cry joined the second angel's message. The Midnight Cry was a message that came in the summer of 1844. It built upon the 1st and 2nd angel's message, but it was distinct from them and had content of its own. It was a new message teaching them something they didn't already know. So, in light of this, we can know that the Loud Cry is its own distinct message. It must have content that builds on and...2023-06-2316 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 2 Last week, we focused on the "faith of Jesus," since this is an imperative distinction for the saints who are allowed to proclaim the third angel's message. We learned that Jesus' faith was ultimately in truth - that Jesus had faith in His Father, not merely because He was His Father, but because of the way His father lives – the way His father conducts Himself. He knew His Father was just, merciful and loving. If His Father wasn't these things, then no, He probably wouldn't have trusted Him, nor should He have. But Jesus had evidence that His Father wa...2023-06-1114 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 2 Last week, we focused on the "faith of Jesus," since this is an imperative distinction for the saints who are allowed to proclaim the third angel's message. We learned that Jesus' faith was ultimately in truth - that Jesus had faith in His Father, not merely because He was His Father, but because of the way His father lives – the way His father conducts Himself. He knew His Father was just, merciful and loving. If His Father wasn't these things, then no, He probably wouldn't have trusted Him, nor should He have. But Jesus had evidence that His Father wa...2023-06-1114 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Patience of the Saints - Having the Faith of Jesus, Part 1 Having the "faith of Jesus" is an imperative distinction for the saints who are allowed to proclaim the third angel's message (see Revelation 14:12). In Desire of Ages, Ellen White writes about the extreme feelings Jesus experienced while on the cross of despair, that He had no hope of ever being resurrected, and thought that He would never see His Father ever again. Jesus, while on the cross, thought that the Father did not favor Him anymore. But Ellen tells us that Jesus finally did overcome these feelings of despair, and the "sense of the loss of...2023-06-0514 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Patience of the Saints - Having the Faith of Jesus, Part 1 Having the "faith of Jesus" is an imperative distinction for the saints who are allowed to proclaim the third angel's message (see Revelation 14:12). In Desire of Ages, Ellen White writes about the extreme feelings Jesus experienced while on the cross of despair, that He had no hope of ever being resurrected, and thought that He would never see His Father ever again. Jesus, while on the cross, thought that the Father did not favor Him anymore. But Ellen tells us that Jesus finally did overcome these feelings of despair, and the "sense of the loss of...2023-06-0514 min
Sabbath School with Branch DavidiansDo Living People Have Immaterial "Souls"?It is true that "The belief that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body is . . . nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture." But, even though scripture does not teach that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body, does scripture teach that there is a separate entity in the body called a "soul" that exists while the body is alive? In other words, does scripture teach that the living human is made of two substances: a material body and an immaterial soul – the immaterial soul being ultimately responsible for human consciousness? Do living hu...2023-06-0115 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansDo Living People Have Immaterial "Souls"?It is true that "The belief that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body is . . . nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture." But, even though scripture does not teach that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body, does scripture teach that there is a separate entity in the body called a "soul" that exists while the body is alive? In other words, does scripture teach that the living human is made of two substances: a material body and an immaterial soul – the immaterial soul being ultimately responsible for human consciousness? Do living hu...2023-06-0115 min
Sabbath School With Branch DavidiansDo Types Control Our Destiny?In today's study, we discuss the main principle behind prophetic symbolism and typology that will help us understand how and why they are used, and that even hopefully will help us understand God's character a little better. Did God to purposely make someone's life terrible, like Hagar's, just so that people of a later generation could enjoy the benefit of a typological symbol? Are types and anti-types some kind of pre-planned design of God's that is just playing itself out? Do types control our actions or our destiny, or is our destiny in our own hands? Join...2023-05-2613 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansDo Types Control Our Destiny?In today's study, we discuss the main principle behind prophetic symbolism and typology that will help us understand how and why they are used, and that even hopefully will help us understand God's character a little better. Did God to purposely make someone's life terrible, like Hagar's, just so that people of a later generation could enjoy the benefit of a typological symbol? Are types and anti-types some kind of pre-planned design of God's that is just playing itself out? Do types control our actions or our destiny, or is our destiny in our own hands? Join...2023-05-2613 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansWhat Does It Mean to "Keep the Sabbath Holy"? This week's lesson is about the Sabbath. So, we thought we'd take the opportunity to bring some clarity to two aspects of the Sabbath: First, what the word "Sabbath" means, and second, what it means to keep it "holy." "Sabbath" is actually just the English pronunciation of the Hebrew word "Shabbat." In other words, the word "Sabbath" isn't actually a *translation* of the Hebrew word - it is just a way of *pronouncing* the Hebrew word. While it's cool to know that the Hebrews referred to the seventh day of the week as "Sabbath" or "Shabbat"...2023-05-1915 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansWhat Does It Mean to "Keep the Sabbath Holy"? This week's lesson is about the Sabbath. So, we thought we'd take the opportunity to bring some clarity to two aspects of the Sabbath: First, what the word "Sabbath" means, and second, what it means to keep it "holy." "Sabbath" is actually just the English pronunciation of the Hebrew word "Shabbat." In other words, the word "Sabbath" isn't actually a *translation* of the Hebrew word - it is just a way of *pronouncing* the Hebrew word. While it's cool to know that the Hebrews referred to the seventh day of the week as "Sabbath" or "Shabbat"...2023-05-1915 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIs God Beyond Time and Space?In this study, we talk about the idea of God's transcendence and immanence; that is, the idea that God is above and beyond all creation and yet in our world at the same time. Theologians also explain it as God existing outside of space and time while also existing in every point of space and every moment of time. Of course, to say that God is outside of space and time is to say that God is immaterial (or, bodiless). Every bodily entity has location and a time and thus can't be in two places at once...2023-05-1016 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs God Beyond Time and Space?In this study, we talk about the idea of God's transcendence and immanence; that is, the idea that God is above and beyond all creation and yet in our world at the same time. Theologians also explain it as God existing outside of space and time while also existing in every point of space and every moment of time. Of course, to say that God is outside of space and time is to say that God is immaterial (or, bodiless). Every bodily entity has location and a time and thus can't be in two places at once...2023-05-1016 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansEllen White on SinlessnessIn the EGW notes for Friday's lesson, it is suggested we read Selected Messages, "The Claim to Sinlessness," book 3, p. 353. The last paragraph on the page reads, "Why is it that so many claim to be holy and sinless? It is because they are so far from Christ. I have never dared to claim any such a thing. From the time that I was 14 years old, if I knew what the will of God was, I was willing to do it. You never have heard me say I am sinless. Those that get sight of the loveliness...2023-05-0216 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansEllen White on SinlessnessIn the EGW notes for Friday's lesson, it is suggested we read Selected Messages, "The Claim to Sinlessness," book 3, p. 353. The last paragraph on the page reads, "Why is it that so many claim to be holy and sinless? It is because they are so far from Christ. I have never dared to claim any such a thing. From the time that I was 14 years old, if I knew what the will of God was, I was willing to do it. You never have heard me say I am sinless. Those that get sight of the loveliness...2023-05-0216 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansEven the Unsaved Will Praise God's JudgmentsBetween Revelation 5:11-14, Romans 14:10-12, and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, it's clear that eventually everyone will be satisfied with God's judgments. Everyone will acknowledge the love of God and the righteousness of Christ - even those who don't receive salvation. How could that be? God's judgments are true and righteous; basically, they are correct and when all the evidence brought forward in the judgment will be laid open before all, it will be indisputable. What is God correct about? Well, among other things, His determination of whether someone is righteous or not. But will the...2023-04-2411 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansEven the Unsaved Will Praise God's JudgmentsBetween Revelation 5:11-14, Romans 14:10-12, and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, it's clear that eventually everyone will be satisfied with God's judgments. Everyone will acknowledge the love of God and the righteousness of Christ - even those who don't receive salvation. How could that be? God's judgments are true and righteous; basically, they are correct and when all the evidence brought forward in the judgment will be laid open before all, it will be indisputable. What is God correct about? Well, among other things, His determination of whether someone is righteous or not. But will the...2023-04-2411 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansAre You God's Temple, or Are Y'All God's Temple? What did Paul mean by saying, "Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives (or dwells) in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. Was Paul saying that the Holy Spirit is a disembodied immaterial "being" who actually takes up residence in each Christian's body? Or is he saying that the Holy Spirit is not a being at all, but a force or an influence that acts upon the human body to makes us do righteous things? Or did Paul mean something else? For further study, see: "What is the Spirit of Pr...2023-04-1714 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansAre You God's Temple, or Are Y'All God's Temple? What did Paul mean by saying, "Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives (or dwells) in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. Was Paul saying that the Holy Spirit is a disembodied immaterial "being" who actually takes up residence in each Christian's body? Or is he saying that the Holy Spirit is not a being at all, but a force or an influence that acts upon the human body to makes us do righteous things? Or did Paul mean something else? For further study, see: "What is the Spirit of Pr...2023-04-1714 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs the Investigative Judgment Scriptural? As you may know, the SDA pioneers unitedly believed and taught that the investigative judgment began at the fulfillment of the 2300 days of Dan. 8:14 in on Oct. 22, 1844. But many in the church today question this doctrine. In this study, we'll be looking at some of the scriptural evidence for the investigative judgment, and the timeframe within which scripture narrows it down to, saying nothing of the 2300 days of Daniel 8 nor the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem from Daniel 9. For deeper study: "The Judgment and the Harvest," Victor Houteff: http://www.bdsda.com...2023-04-1109 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIs the Investigative Judgment Scriptural? As you may know, the SDA pioneers unitedly believed and taught that the investigative judgment began at the fulfillment of the 2300 days of Dan. 8:14 in on Oct. 22, 1844. But many in the church today question this doctrine. In this study, we'll be looking at some of the scriptural evidence for the investigative judgment, and the timeframe within which scripture narrows it down to, saying nothing of the 2300 days of Daniel 8 nor the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem from Daniel 9. For deeper study: "The Judgment and the Harvest," Victor Houteff: http://www.bdsda.com...2023-04-1109 min
Sabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs the Investigative Judgment Scriptural? As you may know, the SDA pioneers unitedly believed and taught that the investigative judgment began at the fulfillment of the 2300 days of Dan. 8:14 in on Oct. 22, 1844. But many in the church today question this doctrine. In this study, we'll be looking at some of the scriptural evidence for the investigative judgment, and the timeframe within which scripture narrows it down to, saying nothing of the 2300 days of Daniel 8 nor the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem from Daniel 9. For deeper study: "The Judgment and the Harvest," Victor Houteff: http://www.bdsda.com...2023-04-1009 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansJesus' Appearance in Revelation 14 Is Not the Second Coming Most SDAs invariably know that not every mention of Jesus riding on a cloud in the bible represents the physical return of Christ to the earth. For example, we know that Daniel 7:13, in which the cloud riding Jesus goes before the Ancient of Days to receive his kingdom, does not depict the second coming of Christ to the earth, but the coming of Christ to the Ancient of days in the Heavenly Sanctuary at the commencement of the Judgment. So what about the mention of Jesus riding on a cloud in Revelation 14:14? Does this appearance of Christ...2023-04-0314 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansJesus' Appearance in Revelation 14 Is Not the Second Coming Most SDAs invariably know that not every mention of Jesus riding on a cloud in the bible represents the physical return of Christ to the earth. For example, we know that Daniel 7:13, in which the cloud riding Jesus goes before the Ancient of Days to receive his kingdom, does not depict the second coming of Christ to the earth, but the coming of Christ to the Ancient of days in the Heavenly Sanctuary at the commencement of the Judgment. So what about the mention of Jesus riding on a cloud in Revelation 14:14? Does this appearance of Christ...2023-04-0314 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansWhat Did the Pioneers Think the Spirit of Prophecy Was? Revelation 12:17 is the most solemn message from Jesus on how to find God's end-time church - how to know it from all others that claim to be God's church. We note that the remnant people "keep the commandments of God and *have,* (present tense), the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy." Now we might be inclined to assume that the Seventh-day Adventist church must be the remnant church because we "have" the writings of Ellen White, the end-time prophet. But is that what Ellen White and the pioneers thought, or what the book of...2023-03-2813 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansWhat Did the Pioneers Think the Spirit of Prophecy Was? Revelation 12:17 is the most solemn message from Jesus on how to find God's end-time church - how to know it from all others that claim to be God's church. We note that the remnant people "keep the commandments of God and *have,* (present tense), the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy." Now we might be inclined to assume that the Seventh-day Adventist church must be the remnant church because we "have" the writings of Ellen White, the end-time prophet. But is that what Ellen White and the pioneers thought, or what the book of...2023-03-2813 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Laundry Lists for the Second Death Revelation 21:8 is what might be called a "laundry list" of descriptions of people who will experience the second death. There are other such lists in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:5, and Galatians 5:19-21. The prophets John and Paul are basically telling us the same thing: those who practice sin will not inherit God’s Kingdom. There are also "laundry lists" for those who will *not* experience the second death, like 1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 5:22-24, and Matthew 5:3-12. The difference between these two groups? One knows Jesus, and has stopped sinning, and the other, according to 1 John 2:3-6, continues in s...2023-03-2011 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Laundry Lists for the Second Death Revelation 21:8 is what might be called a "laundry list" of descriptions of people who will experience the second death. There are other such lists in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:5, and Galatians 5:19-21. The prophets John and Paul are basically telling us the same thing: those who practice sin will not inherit God’s Kingdom. There are also "laundry lists" for those who will *not* experience the second death, like 1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 5:22-24, and Matthew 5:3-12. The difference between these two groups? One knows Jesus, and has stopped sinning, and the other, according to 1 John 2:3-6, continues in s...2023-03-2011 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansWhat's All the Fuss About the Investigative Judgment? How many Seventh-day Adventists today really understand the investigative judgment? Some may think, we have other doctrines more important than this doctrine of the investigative judgment, right? Do we really need to understand this doctrine in order to make it to heaven? I mean, if Jesus' death for the sins of the world made it so all we need to do to make it to heaven is believe this, and then our sins, past, present and future are covered by the vicarious righteousness of Christ, then what is all the fuss about the investigative judgment? I...2023-03-1314 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansWhat's All the Fuss About the Investigative Judgment? How many Seventh-day Adventists today really understand the investigative judgment? Some may think, we have other doctrines more important than this doctrine of the investigative judgment, right? Do we really need to understand this doctrine in order to make it to heaven? I mean, if Jesus' death for the sins of the world made it so all we need to do to make it to heaven is believe this, and then our sins, past, present and future are covered by the vicarious righteousness of Christ, then what is all the fuss about the investigative judgment? I...2023-03-1314 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansSecurity and Assurance of Receiving a Hundredfold Most of us focus on the wrong things that we think we need for security – like acquiring lots of food and clothing and money. We work so hard to have money, and then we hoard it for fear that if we don't, we will be destitute someday. But Jesus tells us to not worry about these things, but to seek first the Kingdom of God. Christ commanded his followers to give up their personal earthly wealth and share with their brothers and sisters in Christ (see 1 John 3:17). By living according to these Kingdom principles, no one needs to...2023-03-0713 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansSecurity and Assurance of Receiving a Hundredfold Most of us focus on the wrong things that we think we need for security – like acquiring lots of food and clothing and money. We work so hard to have money, and then we hoard it for fear that if we don't, we will be destitute someday. But Jesus tells us to not worry about these things, but to seek first the Kingdom of God. Christ commanded his followers to give up their personal earthly wealth and share with their brothers and sisters in Christ (see 1 John 3:17). By living according to these Kingdom principles, no one needs to...2023-03-0713 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansYou CAN Control Your Thoughts Every Moment It is incredible to me that the Ten Commandments are so comprehensive, even being our schoolmaster of thought. Covetousness is based in selfishness, and selfishness is the foundation for every other sin. As Sunday's lesson points out, covetousness could even be considered the original sin – that of Lucifer. Covetous thoughts are immoral. And covetous thinkers will not enter the kingdom of heaven, as the lesson for Sabbath points out, according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. In this study, we discuss the erroneous idea of "original sin," that sin is an action as stated in 1 John 3:4, and that all...2023-02-2712 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansYou CAN Control Your Thoughts Every Moment It is incredible to me that the Ten Commandments are so comprehensive, even being our schoolmaster of thought. Covetousness is based in selfishness, and selfishness is the foundation for every other sin. As Sunday's lesson points out, covetousness could even be considered the original sin – that of Lucifer. Covetous thoughts are immoral. And covetous thinkers will not enter the kingdom of heaven, as the lesson for Sabbath points out, according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. In this study, we discuss the erroneous idea of "original sin," that sin is an action as stated in 1 John 3:4, and that all...2023-02-2712 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansChristian Success Vs. Christian Failure The basic meaning of success is the achievement of an aim or a goal, and the sorts of goals people usually have in mind when talking about success have to do with bringing about some different set of circumstances in the future. If the circumstances come about, the person is considered successful while if they don't come about, the person is thought to be unsuccessful. John the Baptist's life seems unsuccessful from the standpoint of most ideas of success. Let's face it, no one would probably include being beheaded as an end goal or aim in life...2023-02-2011 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansChristian Success Vs. Christian Failure The basic meaning of success is the achievement of an aim or a goal, and the sorts of goals people usually have in mind when talking about success have to do with bringing about some different set of circumstances in the future. If the circumstances come about, the person is considered successful while if they don't come about, the person is thought to be unsuccessful. John the Baptist's life seems unsuccessful from the standpoint of most ideas of success. Let's face it, no one would probably include being beheaded as an end goal or aim in life...2023-02-2011 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansHow the Common Misunderstanding of the Gospel Actually Hurts the Poor What did Jesus do for the poor? Well, we know that not every thing He did was written down (John 21:25), but, from Matthew 11:5, we know one thing He did for the poor - He preached the gospel to them. The Sabbath School lesson rightly says that things like war, famine, sickness, and crime, among other things, cause poverty. And what does the gospel do to these things? Well, if received and put into practice, it will be the end of them. Basically, where there is selfishness, lust, greed, and gluttony – or any sin - there will al...2023-02-1318 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansHow the Common Misunderstanding of the Gospel Actually Hurts the Poor What did Jesus do for the poor? Well, we know that not every thing He did was written down (John 21:25), but, from Matthew 11:5, we know one thing He did for the poor - He preached the gospel to them. The Sabbath School lesson rightly says that things like war, famine, sickness, and crime, among other things, cause poverty. And what does the gospel do to these things? Well, if received and put into practice, it will be the end of them. Basically, where there is selfishness, lust, greed, and gluttony – or any sin - there will al...2023-02-1318 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansForsaking Possessions: Jesus' Teaching ExplainedThis week, we talk about the idea of giving up everything, specifically as it relates to the Sabbath School's theme this quarter - financial stewardship. In the past few lessons, we've talked about God's requirements in returning to him a tithe (that is a tenth) of our income along with offerings, and we also covered the much neglected second tithe. We might think that once we have given God our tithes and offerings, we've done our financial duty to God and the rest of our money is ours to do with what we will. But is this...2023-02-0614 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansForsaking Possessions: Jesus' Teaching ExplainedThis week, we talk about the idea of giving up everything, specifically as it relates to the Sabbath School's theme this quarter - financial stewardship. In the past few lessons, we've talked about God's requirements in returning to him a tithe (that is a tenth) of our income along with offerings, and we also covered the much neglected second tithe. We might think that once we have given God our tithes and offerings, we've done our financial duty to God and the rest of our money is ours to do with what we will. But is this...2023-02-0614 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Second Tithe and the Worthy PoorSunday's lesson discusses three reasons people get into financial difficulty. First is ignorance in regard to good financial principles, second is greed or selfishness, and the third listed in the lesson is personal misfortune. In this lesson, we address the third reason people get into finacial difficulty...personal misfortune. Does the church church organization have any responsibility in these cases, assuming the person who has fallen on hard times because of no fault of their own is a faithful member of the church, has honestly endeavored to walk in all the light that has been given to them, and...2023-01-3112 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Second Tithe and the Worthy PoorSunday's lesson discusses three reasons people get into financial difficulty. First is ignorance in regard to good financial principles, second is greed or selfishness, and the third listed in the lesson is personal misfortune. In this lesson, we address the third reason people get into finacial difficulty...personal misfortune. Does the church church organization have any responsibility in these cases, assuming the person who has fallen on hard times because of no fault of their own is a faithful member of the church, has honestly endeavored to walk in all the light that has been given to them, and...2023-01-3112 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Final Elijah, The Judgment of the Living, and Tithes and OfferingsThis week, we learn more about the perfect fulfillment of Malachi chapter 3's prophecy relating to tithes and offerings and see that the message that the final antitypical Elijah brings during the judgment of the living (the judgment or cleansing that comes after the period of the judgment of the dead - see Ellen White, The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4, p. 314.3), will purify those who heed it before the church is purified from sinners. We will also show how God's reproof regarding robbing Him of tithes and offerings in Malachi 3 is particularly relevant to the SDA church today. 2023-01-2313 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Final Elijah, The Judgment of the Living, and Tithes and OfferingsThis week, we learn more about the perfect fulfillment of Malachi chapter 3's prophecy relating to tithes and offerings and see that the message that the final antitypical Elijah brings during the judgment of the living (the judgment or cleansing that comes after the period of the judgment of the dead - see Ellen White, The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4, p. 314.3), will purify those who heed it before the church is purified from sinners. We will also show how God's reproof regarding robbing Him of tithes and offerings in Malachi 3 is particularly relevant to the SDA church today. 2023-01-2313 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Storehouse and the Messenger of the CovenantMalachi 3 tells us that tithes are to be given to support God's house. And the Sabbath School lesson this week rightly points out that God's dwelling, and thus the storehouse for tithes, has transferred from place to place over time. This means that we can't simply assume that where God's storehouse was in the past must be where it is today. To be sure we're tithing to the right place, we need to keep pace with God's movements instead of mistakenly thinking He is where he only used to be. Scripture contains illuminating testimony on this point. We look a...2023-01-1711 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Storehouse and the Messenger of the CovenantMalachi 3 tells us that tithes are to be given to support God's house. And the Sabbath School lesson this week rightly points out that God's dwelling, and thus the storehouse for tithes, has transferred from place to place over time. This means that we can't simply assume that where God's storehouse was in the past must be where it is today. To be sure we're tithing to the right place, we need to keep pace with God's movements instead of mistakenly thinking He is where he only used to be. Scripture contains illuminating testimony on this point. We look a...2023-01-1711 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIs That a Salvation Issue?People sometimes equate "legalism" with the belief that we earn salvation by works. In reality, while these are both pitfalls, they aren't the same pitfall. To understand what legalism is and how you might be falling into it without even realizing it, we recommend another study of ours called "Legalism: Treating the Law as Policy Rather Than Principle," linked below. But in this study, we'll be talking about recognizing the importance and even necessity of good works without falling into the trap of believing we earn salvation by works. People often ask, "Is that a salvation issue?"...2023-01-0812 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs That a Salvation Issue?People sometimes equate "legalism" with the belief that we earn salvation by works. In reality, while these are both pitfalls, they aren't the same pitfall. To understand what legalism is and how you might be falling into it without even realizing it, we recommend another study of ours called "Legalism: Treating the Law as Policy Rather Than Principle," linked below. But in this study, we'll be talking about recognizing the importance and even necessity of good works without falling into the trap of believing we earn salvation by works. People often ask, "Is that a salvation issue?"...2023-01-0812 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Lamb's Wife and Their ChildrenEllen White took note of the places in scripture that parallel the church with the bride of Christ, but she also expounded upon scriptures where the church obviously isn't the bride of Christ, but is instead depicted as the wedding guests. We know from Revelation 21 that the bride, the Lamb's wife, is the New Jerusalem. And as Ellen White said that "in the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end," (AA 585) we look to find more information about this city elsewhere in Scripture. And what we find reveals the person whom this Holy City...2023-01-0418 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Lamb's Wife and Their ChildrenEllen White took note of the places in scripture that parallel the church with the bride of Christ, but she also expounded upon scriptures where the church obviously isn't the bride of Christ, but is instead depicted as the wedding guests. We know from Revelation 21 that the bride, the Lamb's wife, is the New Jerusalem. And as Ellen White said that "in the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end," (AA 585) we look to find more information about this city elsewhere in Scripture. And what we find reveals the person whom this Holy City...2023-01-0418 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Word "Spirit" and Its Range of MeaningsWe are going to see in this study that the term "spirit" and its variants: "spiritual," "spiritualistic," "spiritualism," and "spiritualize," have multiple different uses. And this is of course not peculiar to the word "spirit," it's just the way that all words work. People use words in different ways and understanding an author's meaning is not always as simple as we might imagine. This is especially the case when dealing with a word with a long history and we're considering it's use in writings from different times. And what complicates things even more with the word "spirit" is that...2022-12-2713 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Word "Spirit" and Its Range of MeaningsWe are going to see in this study that the term "spirit" and its variants: "spiritual," "spiritualistic," "spiritualism," and "spiritualize," have multiple different uses. And this is of course not peculiar to the word "spirit," it's just the way that all words work. People use words in different ways and understanding an author's meaning is not always as simple as we might imagine. This is especially the case when dealing with a word with a long history and we're considering it's use in writings from different times. And what complicates things even more with the word "spirit" is that...2022-12-2713 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Two Phases of the Pre-Advent JudgmentToday, we discuss the fact that there are two phases of the pre-Advent judgment, as both inspiration and reason attest to. The two phases are the judgment of the dead and the judgment of the living. Obviously, if when Christ returns his reward is with Him, to give every man according to his work (Revelation 22:12), the living necessarily have been judged by the time He comes. Ellen White also attests to this fact. It is clear that at some point, the judgment of the cases of the dead would be "all caught up" so to speak, and...2022-12-2015 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Two Phases of the Pre-Advent JudgmentToday, we discuss the fact that there are two phases of the pre-Advent judgment, as both inspiration and reason attest to. The two phases are the judgment of the dead and the judgment of the living. Obviously, if when Christ returns his reward is with Him, to give every man according to his work (Revelation 22:12), the living necessarily have been judged by the time He comes. Ellen White also attests to this fact. It is clear that at some point, the judgment of the cases of the dead would be "all caught up" so to speak, and...2022-12-2015 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansDid Ellen Understand the Plan of Redemption Like Jesus and Paul Did?Ellen says that the *purpose* of redemption is to restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the *perfection* in which he was created. This sure sounds like we are to fully expect, and are fully expected to be equal to the moral character of Jesus, as it is the very purpose of redemption. It's common for Christians to think we can't be morally perfect in this life - that we can't really have Jesus' character - and Christians also tend to believe that having a perfect character simply isn't necessary. 2022-12-1313 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansDid Ellen Understand the Plan of Redemption Like Jesus and Paul Did?Ellen says that the *purpose* of redemption is to restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the *perfection* in which he was created. This sure sounds like we are to fully expect, and are fully expected to be equal to the moral character of Jesus, as it is the very purpose of redemption. It's common for Christians to think we can't be morally perfect in this life - that we can't really have Jesus' character - and Christians also tend to believe that having a perfect character simply isn't necessary. 2022-12-1313 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansPutting the Kibosh on the Idea of Reincarnation The Sabbath School lesson this week looks at bible verses that conflict with the idea of reincarnation. This is great if your audience is made up of people professing to believe in the teachings of the bible, but what if you have an audience that doesn't share that belief, as would most likely be the case if you were witnessing to someone who actually did hold a belief in reincarnation, such as a Hindu? Peter, in 1 Peter 3:15, admonishes us to be able to give a reason to **everyone** who asks. And as Hindus have different writings they...2022-12-0613 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansPutting the Kibosh on the Idea of Reincarnation The Sabbath School lesson this week looks at bible verses that conflict with the idea of reincarnation. This is great if your audience is made up of people professing to believe in the teachings of the bible, but what if you have an audience that doesn't share that belief, as would most likely be the case if you were witnessing to someone who actually did hold a belief in reincarnation, such as a Hindu? Peter, in 1 Peter 3:15, admonishes us to be able to give a reason to **everyone** who asks. And as Hindus have different writings they...2022-12-0613 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansIs God Personally Omnipresent? Kellogg Said Yes, Ellen Said NoThe Sabbath School lesson for this week reads, "Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) wrote his famous work, The Divine Comedy, about a fictional journey of the soul after death. The soul went either to the inferno (hell) within the earth; or to purgatory, where the human spirit can purge itself and become worthy of ascending to heaven; or to Paradise, to the presence of God Himself. Though only a poem, fiction, Dante’s words ended up having a great deal of influence on Christian theology, especially Roman Catholic theology." Sabbath School Quarterly Lesson, Saturday, November 26, 2022 In this study we d...2022-12-0218 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansIs God Personally Omnipresent? Kellogg Said Yes, Ellen Said NoThe Sabbath School lesson for this week reads, "Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) wrote his famous work, The Divine Comedy, about a fictional journey of the soul after death. The soul went either to the inferno (hell) within the earth; or to purgatory, where the human spirit can purge itself and become worthy of ascending to heaven; or to Paradise, to the presence of God Himself. Though only a poem, fiction, Dante’s words ended up having a great deal of influence on Christian theology, especially Roman Catholic theology." Sabbath School Quarterly Lesson, Saturday, November 26, 2022 In this study we d...2022-12-0218 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansSticking a Stake and Refusing to Pull It Up If Evidence Demands?Peter, in 1 Pet. 3:15, admonishes us to be ready to defend our position, our hope, with a reason. And we should have these reasons at the ready. In other words, we ourselves should know the reason we believe something. And these should not be any old reason, but one that would actually serve to defend our belief. The word "reason" in the Greek is "apologia," where we get the word "apologetics" from. An "apologia" is a "reasoned statement or argument." Unfortunately, many Christians do not have defensible reasons for their beliefs. Their reasons for believing things do not...2022-11-2114 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansSticking a Stake and Refusing to Pull It Up If Evidence Demands?Peter, in 1 Pet. 3:15, admonishes us to be ready to defend our position, our hope, with a reason. And we should have these reasons at the ready. In other words, we ourselves should know the reason we believe something. And these should not be any old reason, but one that would actually serve to defend our belief. The word "reason" in the Greek is "apologia," where we get the word "apologetics" from. An "apologia" is a "reasoned statement or argument." Unfortunately, many Christians do not have defensible reasons for their beliefs. Their reasons for believing things do not...2022-11-2114 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansMaterialism: The Implication of the ResurrectionAccording to 1 Corinthians 15:16-19, 32; 1 Thessalonians 14:13-18; John 6:39-40; Genesis 3:19, among others, our hope is in the resurrection. Without it we can have no hope for those who have fallen asleep. If humanity possessed an immaterial spirit that continued to exist after death, these words would make no sense, as a resurrection would not be necessary in order to be with the Lord, because they would already be with the Lord, albeit without their physical bodies. And yet, that is what most of the professed Christian world believes. The Hebrew perspective that Jesus and the apostles plainly promoted...2022-11-1713 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansMaterialism: The Implication of the ResurrectionAccording to 1 Corinthians 15:16-19, 32; 1 Thessalonians 14:13-18; John 6:39-40; Genesis 3:19, among others, our hope is in the resurrection. Without it we can have no hope for those who have fallen asleep. If humanity possessed an immaterial spirit that continued to exist after death, these words would make no sense, as a resurrection would not be necessary in order to be with the Lord, because they would already be with the Lord, albeit without their physical bodies. And yet, that is what most of the professed Christian world believes. The Hebrew perspective that Jesus and the apostles plainly promoted...2022-11-1713 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansThe Furry Feet Fallacy Vs. the Evidence for the Resurrection of JesusWhy doesn't modern sentiment allow for something like the resurrection of Jesus? Clearly, as the lesson says, the historical evidence is strong enough that even those who don't believe Jesus rose from the dead tend to at least acknowledge that many people believed that they had seen the resurrected Jesus. We look at the arguments made by anti-resurrection apologists in an attempt to explain what caused all these different people to believe they had seen the risen Christ just aren't sound. Also, many believe that a resurrection is a supernatural event, and as such, is beyond the...2022-11-0813 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansThe Furry Feet Fallacy Vs. the Evidence for the Resurrection of JesusWhy doesn't modern sentiment allow for something like the resurrection of Jesus? Clearly, as the lesson says, the historical evidence is strong enough that even those who don't believe Jesus rose from the dead tend to at least acknowledge that many people believed that they had seen the resurrected Jesus. We look at the arguments made by anti-resurrection apologists in an attempt to explain what caused all these different people to believe they had seen the risen Christ just aren't sound. Also, many believe that a resurrection is a supernatural event, and as such, is beyond the...2022-11-0813 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansWhy Were the Early SDAs Called Atheists by Their Opponents?The lesson this week correctly defines "materialism" as "the idea that all reality is only material. It also says that materialism is part of the wisdom of the world, which is clearly a bad thing. Next, it also says that materialism means there is no God or supernatural realm. So clearly, for the lesson to say that materialism means there is no God shows that the lesson is taking the position that God is not material - in other words, that God is immaterial. The same applies for all the things the lesson places in the "supernatural realm of...2022-11-0319 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansWhy Were the Early SDAs Called Atheists by Their Opponents?The lesson this week correctly defines "materialism" as "the idea that all reality is only material. It also says that materialism is part of the wisdom of the world, which is clearly a bad thing. Next, it also says that materialism means there is no God or supernatural realm. So clearly, for the lesson to say that materialism means there is no God shows that the lesson is taking the position that God is not material - in other words, that God is immaterial. The same applies for all the things the lesson places in the "supernatural realm of...2022-11-0319 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansDo We Have an Unconscious Spirit That Sleeps When We Die?In this Sabbath School lesson it is pointed out that Jesus uses the metaphor for sleep in talking about death. But in what way is death like sleeping? Well, the main thing is inactivity and unconsciousness. But at least for death prior to the second death, there is also the fact that sleep is usually followed by awakening, a fitting parallel to resurrection. Of course this is all metaphor – it is just an analogy from an experience we understand to explain something we have not experienced ourselves. But where do you draw the line with the metaphorical si...2022-10-2313 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansDo We Have an Unconscious Spirit That Sleeps When We Die?In this Sabbath School lesson it is pointed out that Jesus uses the metaphor for sleep in talking about death. But in what way is death like sleeping? Well, the main thing is inactivity and unconsciousness. But at least for death prior to the second death, there is also the fact that sleep is usually followed by awakening, a fitting parallel to resurrection. Of course this is all metaphor – it is just an analogy from an experience we understand to explain something we have not experienced ourselves. But where do you draw the line with the metaphorical si...2022-10-2313 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansWhat's the Purpose of the Special Resurrection of Daniel 12?When does the special mixed resurrection of the wicked and righteous as prophesied in Daniel 12 occur? Many SDAs have the idea that it occurs right before the return of Christ, even the same day. What would be the point of having a distinct resurrection of those who died in the faith of the third angel's message together with some vile and wicked opposers of truth just hours before Christ's return and the resurrection of the rest of the righteous? If the purpose of this resurrection is just so they could see Christ, you'd think they c...2022-10-2209 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansWhat's the Purpose of the Special Resurrection of Daniel 12?When does the special mixed resurrection of the wicked and righteous as prophesied in Daniel 12 occur? Many SDAs have the idea that it occurs right before the return of Christ, even the same day. What would be the point of having a distinct resurrection of those who died in the faith of the third angel's message together with some vile and wicked opposers of truth just hours before Christ's return and the resurrection of the rest of the righteous? If the purpose of this resurrection is just so they could see Christ, you'd think they c...2022-10-2209 minSabbath School With Branch DavidiansAre Thoughts Immaterial?The Sabbath School lesson wonders about the mysterious is the nature of consciousness. It asks, "How does the few pounds of material tissue (cells and chemicals) in our heads, the brain, hold and create immaterial things, such as thoughts and emotions?" So what about thoughts? Are they immaterial? We may be inclined to think so, because a thought is not a concrete object. The word "thought" is not describing an object, but is describing a process of the physical brain. It isn't like a thought is literally floating around in the air or anything. 2022-10-1016 minSabbath School with Branch DavidiansAre Thoughts Immaterial?The Sabbath School lesson wonders about the mysterious is the nature of consciousness. It asks, "How does the few pounds of material tissue (cells and chemicals) in our heads, the brain, hold and create immaterial things, such as thoughts and emotions?" So what about thoughts? Are they immaterial? We may be inclined to think so, because a thought is not a concrete object. The word "thought" is not describing an object, but is describing a process of the physical brain. It isn't like a thought is literally floating around in the air or anything. 2022-10-1016 min