AY Program Idea: The Miracles of Jesus

A belief in miracles is a necessary consequence of a belief in God. He who does not believe in miracles does not believe in God.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa. 55:8, 9.

Miracles, therefore, are simply God’s natural actions. His smallest acts must be miraculous in the eyes of men, simply because He is God. Since God is infinitely above man, and His ways are as much higher than man’s ways as the heavens are higher than the earth, it follows that no one can deny the existence of miracles at the present day without denying that God lives and directs the
affairs of the universe.

It is idle to speculate whether miracles are a setting aside of the laws of nature. What are commonly known as the “laws of nature,” are nothing less than God’s ways of working in the inanimate world.

We cease to wonder at them because they are so common that we do not recognize God in them. Familiar as the phenomena of the weather are to us, no man can make it rain. The most learned botanist cannot make a single blade of grass. No matter how deeply scientists may explore the operations of nature, there is still something in every one of them which they cannot explain.

The life of Jesus on earth, from His birth to His ascension, was a miracle, because it was the life of God. Thousands of people, who never heard of Jesus, had tried to live sinless lives, but not one had been able to do so. Philosophers had set forth lofty moral sentiments, but not one had been able to live out his own teachings.

But Christ lived a sinless life, in the face of such temptations as all the world together had never known. It was because He lived the life of the infinite God.

Activity:

Group the congregation into classes, according to seating arrangement or by age. Assign a group leader and a secretary to write down the discussion answers of the group. Allot some time for the groups to discuss over the questions given. After the allotted time, ask each group to share their answers with everyone with a song.

Group Discussion Questions:

1. Give an example of a miracle in the Bible before Jesus’ time.
2. Give an example of a miracle in the Bible during Jesus’ time.
3. Give a personal miracle story from the members of the group.
4. What is the purpose of miracles?
5. Are all miracles from God?

Highlights/Conclusion:

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 2 Cor. 5:19.

All His acts were the acts of the Father, who dwelt in Him. Said He: “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” John 14:10.

So the miracles that Christ did were the natural working of that life of God, which was His life.

These miracles were wrought for a definite purpose. After having told of many miracles that Jesus did, and His resurrection as the crowning one of the whole series, the apostle John said: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20: 30, 31.

Every miracle of Jesus, therefore, was for the purpose of showing us how we may receive His life, and have the same miracle wrought in us. It is truly said that His miracles of healing were the natural outgrowth of His sympathetic loving nature; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.” John 3:16.

Love to man prompted every step in the plan of salvation. Christ did not perform the miracles simply for the purpose of calling attention to Himself, but to show the love and the power of God toward man. The healing of the bodies of men was only an object lesson.

They were aids to faith, to enable men to grasp unseen realities; to show them the power of Christ to heal the disease of the soul. Whoever reads the accounts of the miracles of Jesus with this in mind, and not as stories told for our entertainment, will receive of the life which was manifested in the doing of those miracles. Each one illustrates some phase of the work of Christ in supplying
man’s spiritual needs.

The Power of Forgiveness

“And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of
the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said
unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins
be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said
within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus
knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in
your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be
forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may
know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,)

Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and
departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they
marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power
unto men.” Matt. 9:2-8.

One of the most common expressions to be heard among professed Christians when speaking of religious
things is this: “I can understand and believe that God will forgive sin, but it is hard for me to believe that He can keep me from sin.”

Such a person has yet to learn very much of what is meant by God’s forgiving sins. It is true that
persons who talk that way do often have a measure of peace in believing that God has forgiven, or does forgive, their sins; but through failure to grasp the power of forgiveness, they deprive themselves of much blessing that they might enjoy.

Bearing in mind the statement concerning the miracles of Christ, that “these are written that we might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:31), let us study the miracle before us.

The scribes did not believe that Jesus could forgive sin. In order to show that He had power to forgive sins, He healed the palsied man. This miracle was wrought for the express purpose of illustrating the work of forgiving sin, and demonstrating its power.

Jesus said to the palsied man, “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house,” that they, and we, might
know His power to forgive sin. Therefore, the power exhibited in the healing of that man is the power bestowed in the forgiveness of sin.

Note particularly that the effect of the words of Jesus continued after they were spoken. They made a
change in the man, and that change was permanent. Even so it must be in the forgiveness of sin.

The common idea is that when God forgives sin the change is in Himself, and not in the man. It is thought that God simply ceases to hold anything against the one who has sinned. But this is to imply that God had a hardness against the man, which is not the case.

God is not a man; He does not cherish enmity, nor harbor a feeling of revenge. It is not because God has
an angry feeling in His heart against a sinner that he asks forgiveness, but because the sinner has something in his heart.

God is all right, the man is all wrong; therefore God forgives the man, that he also may be all right.

When Jesus, illustrating the forgiveness of sin, said to the man, “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine
house,” the man arose and went to his house. The power that was in the words of Jesus raised him up, and made him walk.

That power remained in him, and it was in the strength that was given him on removing the palsy that he
walked in all time to come, provided, of course, that he kept the faith.

This is illustrated by the Psalmist when he says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto
me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Ps. 40:1, 2.

There is life in the words of God. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are
life.” John 6:63. The word received in faith brings the Spirit and the life of God into the soul.

So when the penitent soul hears the words, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee,” and receives those words as the living words of the living God, he is a different man, because a
new life has begun in him.

It is the power of God’s forgiveness, and that alone, that keeps him from sin. If he continues in sin after receiving pardon, it is because he has not grasped the fullness of the blessing that was given him
in the forgiveness of his sins.

In the case before us, the man received new life, His palsied condition was simply the wasting away of his
natural life. He was partially dead. The words of Christ gave him fresh life.

But this new life that was given to his body, and which enabled him to walk, was but an illustration, both to him and to the scribes, of the unseen life of God which he had received in the words, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” and which had made him a new creature in Christ.

With this simple and clear illustration before us, we may understand some of the words of the apostle Paul, which otherwise are “hard to be understood.”

First, read Col. 1:12-14. “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

See the same statement concerning redemption through Christ’s blood in 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Rev. 5:9.

Mark two points,—we have redemption through Christ’s blood, and this redemption is the forgiveness of
sins. But the blood is the life. See Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:13, 14.

Therefore Col. 1:14 really tells us that we have redemption through Christ’s life. But does not the Scripture say that we are reconciled to God by the death of His Son?—It does, and that is just what is here taught. Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity.” Titus 2:14. He “gave Himself for our sins.” Gal. 1:4.

In giving Himself, He gives His life. In shedding His blood, He pours out His life. But in giving up His life, He gives it to us. That life is righteousness, even the perfect righteousness of God, so that when we receive it, we are “made the righteousness of God in Him.”

It is the receiving of Christ’s life, as we are baptized into His death, that reconciles us to God. It is thus that we “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” “after
the image of Him that created him.” Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10.

Now we may read Rom. 3:23-25, and find that it is not so very difficult: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified [that is, made righteous, or doers of the law] freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission [sending away] of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

All have sinned. The whole life has been sin. Even the thoughts have been evil. Mark 7:21. And to be carnally minded is death. Therefore, the life of sin is a living death. If the soul is not freed from this, it will end in eternal death.

There is no power in man to get righteousness out of the holy law of God; therefore God in His mercy puts His own righteousness upon all that believe. He makes us righteous as a gift out of the riches of His grace.

This is the beginning of the Christian life. It is receiving the life of God by faith. How is it continued?—
Just as it is begun. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Col. 3:6.

For “the just shall live by faith.” The secret of living the Christian life is simply that of holding fast the life which, received at the beginning, forgives the sin.

God forgives sin by taking it away. He justifies the ungodly by making him godly. He reconciles the rebel
sinner to Himself, by taking away his rebellion, and making him a loyal and law-abiding subject.

It is sometimes said, “But it is difficult to understand how we can have the life of God as an actual
fact; it cannot be real, for it is by faith that we have it. So it was by faith that the poor palsied man received new life and strength; but was his strength any the less real?

Was it not an actual fact that he received strength? “Cannot understand it”? Of course not, for it is a manifestation of “the love of God that passeth knowledge.”

But we may believe it and realize the fact, and then we shall have an eternal life in which to study the wonder of it. Read again and again the story of the healing of the palsied man, and meditate upon it until it is a living reality to you, and then remember that “these are written, that ye might believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.

His words, for He declares—speaks—His righteousness into and upon all who have faith in the blood of Christ, in whom is God’s righteousness; “for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Col. 2:9. And this declaring or speaking the righteousness of God upon us is the remission or taking away of sin.

Thus, God takes away the sinful life by putting His own righteous life in its place. And this is the power of the forgiveness of sin. It is “the power of an endless life.”

Time and Eternity: A thanksgiving.

Do you celebrate anniversaries?

“Praise God for another year!” Or “Why are we still here?”

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12

Ebenezer – “the stone of help”

There is more encouragement to us in the least blessing which we receive ourselves than in reading biographical works relating to the faith and experience of noted men of God.

The things we ourselves have experienced of the blessings of God through His gracious promises we may hang in memory’s halls, and whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate, we may look and may consider these tokens of God’s love. Our High Calling, 135

Every token of God’s care and goodness and mercy should be hung as imperishable mementos in memory’s halls.

God would have His love, His promises, written upon the tablets of the mind.

Guard the precious revealings of God, that not a letter shall become obliterated or dimmed.

Oh, where, as a people, are our commemorative stones?

Where are set up our monumental pillars carved with letters expressing the precious story of what God has done for us in our experience?

Can we not, in view of the past, look on new trials and increased perplexities– even afflictions, privations, and bereavements–and not be dismayed, but look upon the past and say, “‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’ {3SM 320.2}

I will commit the keeping of my soul unto Him as unto a faithful Creator. He will keep that which I have committed to His trust against that day. ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.'”– Manuscript 22, 1889.

Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer.

Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us–the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed–thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage. {OHC 135.5}

We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history. Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 31.1

God’s goodness in hearing and answering prayer places us under a heavy obligation to express our thanksgiving for the favors bestowed upon us.

We should praise God much more than we do. The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly acknowledged. The record of them should be placed in our diary, that when we take the book in hand, we may remember the goodness of the Lord, and praise His holy name. —(Review and Herald, May 7, 1908.) {Pr 94.3}

The blessings of God were meant to overflow.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33

We don’t need merely more time.
What we need is eternity.

We need to set up Ebenezers.

In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

AY Program Idea: The Adventist Home

“The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home.” Messages to Young People, page 324.  

Far-Reaching Influence of the Home

The mission of the home extends beyond its own members.

The Christian home is to be an object lesson, illustrating the excellence of the true principles of life. Such an illustration will be a power for good in the world….

As the youth go out from such a home, the lessons they have learned are imparted. Nobler principles of life are introduced into other households, and an uplifting influence works in the community.

The home in which the members are polite, courteous Christians exerts a far-reaching influence for good. Other families will mark the results attained by such a home, and will follow the example set, in their turn guarding the home against Satanic influences.

The angels of God will often visit the home in which the will of God bears sway. Under the power of divine grace such a home becomes a place of refreshing to worn, weary pilgrims.

By watchful guarding, self is kept from asserting itself. Correct habits are formed. There is a careful recognition of the rights of others. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul stands at the helm, presiding over the whole household. Under the hallowed influence of such a home, the principle of brotherhood laid down in the word of God is more widely recognized and obeyed.

Influence of a Well-ordered Family

It is no small matter for a family to stand as representatives of Jesus, keeping God’s law in an unbelieving community. We are required to be living epistles known and read of all men. This position involves fearful responsibilities.

One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following God’s directions, and that their children will serve Him in the church. Their influence grows; for as they impart, they receive to impart again.

One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following God’s directions, and that their children will serve Him in the church. Their influence grows; for as they impart, they receive to impart again

The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness of its practical power upon the heart.

The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of godliness.

Our business in this world… is to see what virtues we can teach our children and our families to possess, that they shall have an influence upon other families, and thus we can be an educating power, although we never enter into the desk. A well-ordered, well-disciplined family in the sight of God is more precious than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Wonderful Possibilities are Ours

Our time here is short. We can pass through this world but once; as we pass along, let us make the most of life. The work to which we are called does not require wealth or social position or great ability. It requires a kindly self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose. A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means of lighting many other lamps.

Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements limited; yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life, we shall become channels for the currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing, bringing life, and beauty, and fruitfulness where now are barrenness and dearth.

God-fearing parents will diffuse an influence from their own home circle to that of others that will act as did the leaven that was hid in three measures of meal.

Faithful work done in the home educates others to do the same class of work. The spirit of fidelity to God is like leaven and, when manifested in the church will have an effect upon others, and will be a recommendation to Christianity everywhere. The work of whole-souled soldiers of Christ is as far-reaching as eternity. Then why is it that there is such a lack of the missionary spirit in our churches? It is because there is a neglect of home piety.

Influence of an Ill-regulated Family

The influence of an ill-regulated family is widespread, and disastrous to all society. It accumulates in a tide of evil that affects families, communities, and governments.

It is impossible for any of us to live in such a way that we shall not cast an influence in the world no member of the family can enclose himself within himself, where other members of the family shall not feel his influence and spirit. The very expression of the countenance has an influence for good or evil.

His spirit, his words, his actions, his attitude toward others, are unmistakable. If he is living in selfishness, he surrounds his soul with a malarious atmosphere; while if he is filled with the love of Christ, he will manifest courtesy, kindness, tender regard for the feelings of others, and will communicate to his associates, by his acts of love, a tender, grateful, happy feeling.

Best Missionaries Come From Christian Homes

Missionaries for the Master are best prepared for work abroad in the Christian household, where God is feared, where God is loved, where God is worshiped, where faithfulness has become second nature, where haphazard, careless inattention to home duties is not permitted, where quiet communion with God is looked upon as essential to the faithful performance of daily duties.

Discussion Questions

1. Identify the factors that mold the character of family members.
2. Give examples of means by which we can encourage our family members to be practical everyday missionaries.
3. What can be done in our homes so that there will be more missionary spirit in our church?