0:00:00.136,0:00:18.613 ♪ theme music ♪ 0:00:18.613,0:00:21.176 (Derek) Welcome to Hope Sabbath School, 0:00:21.176,0:00:22.990 an in-depth, interactive study 0:00:22.990,0:00:24.629 of the Word of God. 0:00:24.629,0:00:26.628 I'm glad you joined us[br]we're in the middle 0:00:26.628,0:00:28.954 of a series on "The Gospel in Galatians." 0:00:28.954,0:00:30.519 Actually, we just started, 0:00:30.669,0:00:32.886 but we're already learning amazing lessons 0:00:32.886,0:00:34.198 for our lives today, 0:00:34.198,0:00:35.518 The precious Good News, 0:00:35.518,0:00:37.330 and how when we try to share it, 0:00:37.330,0:00:40.238 sometimes people resist the truth 0:00:40.238,0:00:41.572 as it is in Jesus. 0:00:41.572,0:00:44.775 Our topic today: Paul's Authority[br]and Gospel, 0:00:44.775,0:00:47.031 and there are amazing lessons for us. 0:00:47.031,0:00:49.487 So we're glad you joined us[br]for Hope Sabbath School. 0:00:49.487,0:00:51.688 And hello to the team;[br]we're back again. 0:00:51.688,0:00:53.648 The Gospel in Galatians, 0:00:53.682,0:00:55.311 what did we learn 0:00:55.311,0:00:57.075 from the first part of our series 0:00:57.075,0:01:00.386 about Paul being transformed? 0:01:00.386,0:01:03.283 What was the most important[br]takeaway lesson for you? 0:01:03.283,0:01:05.768 Well, we'll share that as we study today. 0:01:05.768,0:01:07.589 I hope you were with us. 0:01:07.589,0:01:09.683 If you missed the first part[br]of this series, 0:01:09.683,0:01:14.702 you can go to our website:[br]hopetv.org/hopess. 0:01:14.702,0:01:16.158 You can watch part one 0:01:16.158,0:01:17.561 of "The Gospel in Galatians." 0:01:17.561,0:01:19.510 And we're always happy to hear from you. 0:01:19.510,0:01:23.243 You can write to us at sshope@hopetv.org. 0:01:23.254,0:01:25.009 Here are just a few emails. 0:01:25.009,0:01:27.478 You know, we know of 150 countries. 0:01:27.478,0:01:29.262 You say, "Derek, how do you know?" 0:01:29.262,0:01:31.014 Well, we have one Android app 0:01:31.014,0:01:33.091 that's being used in 150 countries, 0:01:33.091,0:01:35.189 so there's a lot of people joining us 0:01:35.189,0:01:36.365 for Hope Sabbath School. 0:01:36.365,0:01:38.150 And we've got an Apple app. 0:01:38.150,0:01:39.624 By the way, for those of you 0:01:39.624,0:01:41.159 who have an iPhone or an iPad, 0:01:41.159,0:01:43.400 you can download Hope Sabbath School. 0:01:43.400,0:01:46.349 It's free, and you can access the program. 0:01:46.349,0:01:48.614 Got an email just a few weeks ago 0:01:48.614,0:01:51.920 from someone who in China watched[br]one program, 0:01:51.920,0:01:55.462 went back and watched 100 hours 0:01:55.462,0:01:57.977 of interactive Bible studies[br]in our archives. 0:01:57.977,0:01:59.651 So it's there for you. 0:01:59.651,0:02:01.047 Here are a few notes. 0:02:01.047,0:02:04.213 One from Albert in Namibia, 0:02:04.213,0:02:06.626 that's former German West Africa, 0:02:06.626,0:02:09.080 you know, just north of South Africa, 0:02:09.080,0:02:11.492 and Albert writes, "It's so edifying 0:02:11.492,0:02:12.857 to watch and listen 0:02:12.857,0:02:15.121 to you explain the Bible so clearly. 0:02:15.121,0:02:17.509 My wife and I enjoy 0:02:17.509,0:02:20.181 your Bible study every Friday evening 0:02:20.181,0:02:22.027 in preparation for the Sabbath. 0:02:22.027,0:02:24.536 I am a teacher, and I gain 0:02:24.536,0:02:26.349 a lot of knowledge from your classes, 0:02:26.349,0:02:29.604 which I apply during my class," good? 0:02:29.604,0:02:32.223 That's what we want, download the outline. 0:02:32.223,0:02:34.584 "What I want to know is 0:02:34.584,0:02:37.795 whether your class is consisting 0:02:37.795,0:02:39.712 of all student pastors 0:02:39.712,0:02:44.157 because you all seem to know the Bible." 0:02:44.157,0:02:49.075 I guess you could tell, Albert, by the way 0:02:49.075,0:02:50.220 that everybody laughed 0:02:50.220,0:02:52.075 that they're not all student pastors. 0:02:52.075,0:02:54.706 "May the Good Lord continue blessing 0:02:54.706,0:02:56.293 and giving you spiritual wisdom 0:02:56.293,0:02:57.674 as you share the Good News 0:02:57.674,0:02:59.046 with the whole world," amen? 0:02:59.046,0:02:59.780 (Team) Amen. 0:02:59.780,0:03:01.570 (Derek) So what's the takeaway there? 0:03:01.570,0:03:02.576 And the answer is, 0:03:02.576,0:03:04.852 we can all do something for Jesus, right? 0:03:04.862,0:03:06.669 Whether we're teachers or counselors 0:03:06.669,0:03:08.942 or physicians or homemakers 0:03:08.942,0:03:15.113 or construction workers or pastors, right?[br]Bible teachers. 0:03:15.113,0:03:16.909 We can all do something for Jesus. 0:03:16.909,0:03:18.530 Thanks for writing to us, Albert. 0:03:18.530,0:03:21.914 Here's a note from Kwasi in Ghana. 0:03:21.914,0:03:25.027 Anyone with Ghanaian roots? 0:03:25.027,0:03:27.469 Oh, Joshua! Ghanaian roots, all right. 0:03:27.469,0:03:30.943 Have a little wave here for Kwasi. Okay. 0:03:30.943,0:03:35.240 "I live in Accra," he writes. 0:03:35.240,0:03:36.956 "Your Sabbath School discussion 0:03:36.956,0:03:41.166 has made me an extraordinary Christian 0:03:41.166,0:03:42.753 and has blessed me. 0:03:42.753,0:03:46.142 It's built my personal relationship[br]with Jesus." 0:03:46.142,0:03:47.344 (Team) Amen. 0:03:47.344,0:03:50.409 (Derek) "It's made me a Bible student!" 0:03:50.409,0:03:52.227 This is all good, isn't it? 0:03:52.227,0:03:53.790 "It's helped me organize 0:03:53.790,0:03:55.566 some children in my community 0:03:55.566,0:03:57.677 to share the Word of God with them." 0:03:57.677,0:04:00.562 It gets better and better,[br]doesn't it, Mario? 0:04:00.562,0:04:03.717 "Every Sunday morning we do exercise 0:04:03.717,0:04:05.716 with the children also 0:04:05.716,0:04:07.642 to strengthen our physical bodies." 0:04:07.642,0:04:10.871 It sounds like a pretty holistic approach,[br]right? 0:04:10.871,0:04:11.951 Teach the Word of God, 0:04:11.951,0:04:13.207 help them to be healthy. 0:04:13.207,0:04:16.145 "It's my desire that the Hope[br]Sabbath School discussion 0:04:16.145,0:04:19.038 will be translated[br]into different languages 0:04:19.038,0:04:22.009 around the world; the program is amazing." 0:04:22.009,0:04:23.729 Well, I want to tell you 0:04:23.729,0:04:25.105 that it's already happening 0:04:25.105,0:04:26.986 in different part of the world, 0:04:26.995,0:04:28.258 that Hope Sabbath School 0:04:28.258,0:04:30.794 is being broadcast in other languages, 0:04:30.794,0:04:32.321 also with closed captioning, 0:04:32.321,0:04:33.908 but you pray for us, Kwasi, 0:04:33.908,0:04:35.507 because we're praying it could go 0:04:35.507,0:04:37.636 to every nation, kindred, tongue,[br]and people. 0:04:37.636,0:04:39.397 Thanks for being part of the miracle. 0:04:39.397,0:04:41.867 Here's a note from Ludwig in Peru. 0:04:41.867,0:04:43.401 He's written to us before. 0:04:43.477,0:04:45.511 Ludwig says, "I'm always instructed 0:04:45.511,0:04:47.749 by your Friday evening Bible study. 0:04:47.749,0:04:49.498 I thank God for all of you. 0:04:49.498,0:04:53.688 This program is so didactic[br]and instructive." 0:04:53.688,0:04:57.054 I think he looked up a few words there[br]for us. 0:04:57.054,0:04:59.532 "Big hug to all of you,[br]and God bless you all," amen? 0:04:59.532,0:05:00.255 (Team) Amen. 0:05:00.255,0:05:01.609 (Derek) Thanks for writing. 0:05:01.609,0:05:04.804 I know, Ludwig, you said you've been[br]learning a lot of English, too, 0:05:04.804,0:05:06.827 while you've been watching the broadcast. 0:05:06.827,0:05:09.049 Here's a note from Tammy in New Jersey 0:05:09.049,0:05:10.848 in the United States of America. 0:05:10.848,0:05:13.072 She says, "Thank you so much 0:05:13.072,0:05:15.033 for what you do; it's an encouragement. 0:05:15.033,0:05:16.409 I love Hope Sabbath School. 0:05:16.409,0:05:18.564 I watched the first episode 0:05:18.689,0:05:21.763 of Hope Sabbath School in December 2016 0:05:21.763,0:05:24.319 during a Sabbath school breakfast 0:05:24.319,0:05:26.082 I'd planned for our church. 0:05:26.082,0:05:27.766 I'd heard of Hope Channel, 0:05:27.766,0:05:30.081 but not having a television, 0:05:30.081,0:05:32.068 I'd never seen it before 0:05:32.068,0:05:33.911 and never seen Hope Sabbath School. 0:05:33.911,0:05:36.246 Well, I loved it, and I was thrilled 0:05:36.246,0:05:39.010 when I found out you could get it online." 0:05:39.010,0:05:40.609 It's easy; you can get the app, 0:05:40.609,0:05:44.731 or you can watch it online,[br]hopetv.org/hopess. 0:05:44.731,0:05:48.330 And she concludes, "May God[br]continue abundantly 0:05:48.330,0:05:49.726 to bless your ministry. 0:05:49.726,0:05:51.603 Thank you, thank you, thank you! 0:05:51.603,0:05:52.813 I love being a member 0:05:52.813,0:05:53.962 of Hope Sabbath School." 0:05:53.962,0:05:54.749 (Team) Amen. 0:05:54.749,0:05:56.436 (Derek) All right, and by the way, 0:05:56.436,0:05:58.353 she's involved in a children's ministry 0:05:58.353,0:05:59.375 there in New Jersey, 0:05:59.376,0:06:00.551 and so she can do 0:06:00.551,0:06:02.205 an interactive Bible study with us 0:06:02.205,0:06:03.928 as part of Hope Sabbath School. 0:06:03.931,0:06:06.538 One last note, from Trinidad and Tobago. 0:06:06.538,0:06:08.999 That's in the beautiful Caribbean. 0:06:08.999,0:06:13.262 Just a short note, Leslie Ann writes 0:06:13.262,0:06:16.662 and says, "I'm from the island[br]of Trinidad and Tobago." 0:06:16.668,0:06:18.971 I guess that's considered one country,[br]isn't it? 0:06:18.971,0:06:21.385 "I enjoy watching and doing the lesson. 0:06:21.385,0:06:24.665 I also enjoy watching Jason 0:06:24.665,0:06:26.145 sing the Scripture songs." 0:06:26.145,0:06:28.985 Well, Jason, why don't you wave[br]to Leslie Ann, 0:06:28.985,0:06:30.102 and we're going to sing 0:06:30.102,0:06:31.981 the Scripture song right now, actually. 0:06:31.981,0:06:34.488 We've got a brand new song for this series 0:06:34.488,0:06:36.987 from the Gospel in Galatians. 0:06:37.018,0:06:39.521 It's taken from Galatians, chapter 2, 0:06:39.521,0:06:42.006 which says, "I have been crucified[br]with Christ, 0:06:42.006,0:06:44.064 and I no longer live, 0:06:44.064,0:06:46.789 but Christ lives in me," it's a miracle. 0:06:46.789,0:06:48.365 If you haven't learned the song, 0:06:48.365,0:06:50.868 go to our website, download the song, 0:06:50.868,0:06:53.297 the sheet music, so you can sing along. 0:06:53.297,0:06:55.244 We're going to sing it right now. 0:06:55.244,0:07:09.597 ♪ music ♪ 0:08:46.150,0:08:47.857 (Derek) There's so much included 0:08:47.857,0:08:52.223 in that one verse from Galatians 2:20,21. 0:08:52.248,0:08:54.938 The Son of God loves you 0:08:54.938,0:08:57.805 and gave Himself for you;[br]isn't that awesome?! 0:08:57.805,0:08:59.628 I just want to pray 0:08:59.628,0:09:01.311 that Jesus would be lifted up today 0:09:01.311,0:09:03.197 as we study the gospel in Galatians. 0:09:03.316,0:09:05.351 Father in Heaven, thank You. 0:09:05.351,0:09:09.541 Thank You that God so loved the world 0:09:09.541,0:09:13.021 that You sent Your one and only Son 0:09:13.021,0:09:16.576 that whoever believes in Him[br]should not perish 0:09:16.576,0:09:18.992 but have everlasting life. 0:09:18.992,0:09:21.597 We see sickness and death all around us. 0:09:21.597,0:09:23.659 We know that sin 0:09:23.659,0:09:25.602 brings death and destruction, 0:09:25.602,0:09:26.872 but I thank You 0:09:26.872,0:09:28.754 that You've given us hope in Your Word 0:09:28.754,0:09:30.825 even today, hope in Jesus. 0:09:30.825,0:09:32.784 And I pray as we study 0:09:32.784,0:09:34.315 the Gospel in Galatians, 0:09:34.315,0:09:37.721 as we study "Paul's Authority and Gospel," 0:09:37.721,0:09:40.522 that You would work in supernatural ways 0:09:40.568,0:09:42.009 in each of our hearts, 0:09:42.009,0:09:43.471 Hope Sabbath School members 0:09:43.471,0:09:44.744 all around the world. 0:09:44.744,0:09:46.424 May lives be blessed today 0:09:46.424,0:09:48.039 to bring honor to Your name. 0:09:48.039,0:09:50.371 I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 0:09:50.371,0:09:51.294 (Team) Amen. 0:09:51.294,0:09:53.652 (Derek) Now before we go[br]into Paul's authority, 0:09:53.652,0:09:55.474 I want to go back 0:09:55.501,0:09:57.346 to our previous study, Nicole. 0:09:57.346,0:09:59.359 How could it be 0:09:59.359,0:10:01.329 that God could take a rebel 0:10:01.329,0:10:03.195 who was forcing people 0:10:03.195,0:10:06.008 to blaspheme and wreaking havoc 0:10:06.008,0:10:08.228 (you remember that word?)[br]in the church 0:10:08.228,0:10:11.733 and call him "My chosen servant" 0:10:11.733,0:10:13.374 to be an ambassador 0:10:13.374,0:10:15.027 for the Gospel message? 0:10:15.027,0:10:16.115 How can that happen? 0:10:16.115,0:10:20.070 (Nicole) Because God loves each and every[br]one of us and wants us all to be saved. 0:10:20.070,0:10:24.836 So He uses us wherever we are to spread[br]His Word to those He wants to save. 0:10:24.836,0:10:29.553 In terms of this case, He knew he was[br]a Zealot, even if it was a Zealot 0:10:29.553,0:10:33.801 in the time before he was transformed,[br]and he was doing evil things. 0:10:33.801,0:10:38.258 God knew that he was a Zealot[br]and when he was actually changed, 0:10:38.258,0:10:39.995 he'd be a Zealot for Him. 0:10:39.995,0:10:43.534 And so God was like, "I know the end[br]from the beginning, and so, therefore, 0:10:43.534,0:10:47.061 this person's going to be the person[br]I need at this time 0:10:47.061,0:10:49.119 to bring my Word to those who need it." 0:10:49.119,0:10:50.610 (Derek) Is that encouraging? 0:10:50.610,0:10:52.000 That God sees the potential 0:10:52.000,0:10:55.134 even in the midst of all our stumblings? 0:10:55.134,0:10:56.717 We're going to talk about Paul 0:10:56.847,0:10:58.229 as he writes now. 0:10:58.229,0:10:59.574 Many think this was 0:10:59.574,0:11:01.155 one of the earliest documents 0:11:01.155,0:11:03.369 that we have in what we call[br]the New Testament, 0:11:03.369,0:11:05.941 about 49-50 A.D. 0:11:05.941,0:11:09.413 And it's written because of a problem[br]in the church, 0:11:09.413,0:11:11.938 but by then, even at that time, 0:11:11.938,0:11:13.166 we're going to see 0:11:13.166,0:11:16.367 that the Christian church recognized 0:11:16.367,0:11:18.228 the Holy Spirit working in this man, 0:11:18.228,0:11:21.267 name changed from Saul of Tarsus to...? 0:11:21.267,0:11:22.013 (Team) Paul. 0:11:22.013,0:11:23.496 (Derek) ...to Paul the Apostle. 0:11:23.496,0:11:26.350 So let's start in 2 Peter, chapter 3. 0:11:26.367,0:11:28.537 We're going to come back[br]to Galatians here, 0:11:28.537,0:11:30.753 but Jonathan, would you read for us 0:11:30.753,0:11:34.054 2 Peter 3, verses 15 and 16. 0:11:34.054,0:11:37.416 I want you to listen carefully as Peter, 0:11:37.416,0:11:39.626 in some ways a little humorous, 0:11:39.626,0:11:42.600 he says, "Paul is not always easy[br]to understand," 0:11:42.600,0:11:44.352 but there's a testimony 0:11:44.352,0:11:46.685 about the authority of his work. 0:11:46.685,0:11:49.412 (Jonathan) I'm reading[br]from the New International Version: 0:12:12.654,0:12:14.232 (Derek) So, I've always read that 0:12:14.232,0:12:16.077 and thought, "Oh, it's not always easy 0:12:16.077,0:12:17.774 to understand Paul," which is true. 0:12:17.774,0:12:19.411 Sometimes I read a text, and I go, 0:12:19.411,0:12:21.274 "What does that mean?" 0:12:21.274,0:12:23.321 Maybe I need to come[br]to Hope Sabbath School 0:12:23.321,0:12:25.830 and get a little help from some sisters[br]and brothers. 0:12:25.830,0:12:28.419 But there were a couple[br]of little phrases there 0:12:28.435,0:12:32.020 that showed that Peter, 0:12:32.020,0:12:34.548 one of the church leaders, an apostle, 0:12:34.548,0:12:38.661 recognized the work of the Apostle Paul 0:12:38.661,0:12:39.962 as being from God. 0:12:39.962,0:12:40.904 What did you hear? 0:12:40.904,0:12:43.674 Laurel, did you hear something[br]that caught your attention? 0:12:43.674,0:12:47.459 (Laurel) It just was amazing that Peter, 0:12:47.570,0:12:50.427 who was part of the original 12[br]with Jesus, 0:12:50.427,0:12:53.229 recognized that Paul was also called, 0:12:53.229,0:12:55.378 even though he wasn't with Christ 0:12:55.378,0:12:56.926 when He was physically on Earth. 0:12:56.926,0:12:59.623 (Derek) That's right; He wasn't[br]one of the twelve, right? 0:12:59.623,0:13:02.908 So he has seen something in his ministry. 0:13:02.908,0:13:05.476 Didn't Jesus say, "By their fruit..." 0:13:05.476,0:13:07.234 (Derek, Team) "...you'll know them." 0:13:07.234,0:13:09.852 So he had seen something[br]from the fruit of his ministry 0:13:09.852,0:13:11.979 that said, "He's an apostle." 0:13:11.990,0:13:14.256 What does apostle mean, by the way?[br]Do you know? 0:13:14.256,0:13:15.563 One who's sent out, right? 0:13:15.563,0:13:17.904 "He's an apostle of Jesus Christ," okay? 0:13:17.904,0:13:20.330 What else, even in the wording[br]of the passage, 0:13:20.372,0:13:21.925 did you see something? 0:13:21.925,0:13:23.584 Christine and then Marcus. 0:13:23.584,0:13:25.575 (Christine) It says here in verse 15 0:13:25.575,0:13:29.700 that God gave Paul the wisdom[br]and the knowledge... 0:13:29.700,0:13:32.245 (Derek) Aha, wisdom, I think the way[br]Jonathan read it, 0:13:32.245,0:13:33.886 wisdom comes from God, all right? 0:13:33.886,0:13:36.810 Anywhere else, a little clue, Jason? 0:13:36.810,0:13:38.813 (Jason) In verse 16, he talks about those 0:13:38.813,0:13:41.139 who twist and distort the meaning, 0:13:41.139,0:13:42.849 and he's saying they do it 0:13:42.849,0:13:44.049 to their own destruction. 0:13:44.053,0:13:45.970 And so, you can deduce from that, 0:13:45.970,0:13:47.504 if you understand it correctly, 0:13:47.504,0:13:49.089 that's the way to salvation. 0:13:49.089,0:13:51.216 He's preaching the message of God. 0:13:51.216,0:13:53.047 (Derek) That's an interesting thought, 0:13:53.047,0:13:56.794 and actually there's another phrase[br]attached to there which is important, too. 0:13:56.794,0:13:58.022 Did you notice it, Peter? 0:13:58.022,0:14:00.324 (Peter) It says, "as the rest[br]of the Scripture." 0:14:00.341,0:14:04.506 (Derek) Okay, so he's including[br]Paul's testimonies, 0:14:04.506,0:14:08.093 not only as a wisdom from God[br]like Christine said 0:14:08.093,0:14:11.543 but as part of Scripture, God breathed. 0:14:11.543,0:14:13.967 It's Peter who says all Scripture 0:14:13.967,0:14:15.495 is God breathed, right? 0:14:15.495,0:14:17.447 No private interpretation, 0:14:17.447,0:14:19.528 as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 0:14:19.528,0:14:21.373 All right, but that's interesting. 0:14:21.373,0:14:23.928 Also, implicitly he's saying, 0:14:23.928,0:14:26.910 "If you listen, it's for your salvation," 0:14:26.910,0:14:28.607 that gives it authority. 0:14:28.607,0:14:29.693 "If you twist it, 0:14:29.693,0:14:30.978 it's for your destruction." 0:14:30.978,0:14:33.210 All right, so Paul is recognized 0:14:33.244,0:14:36.563 by at least Peter, but I think 0:14:36.563,0:14:38.627 we could say by the Christian community. 0:14:38.627,0:14:39.988 God's at work in him, 0:14:39.988,0:14:41.825 and God is speaking through him. 0:14:41.825,0:14:44.559 We're going to look at one of his letters[br]in this series, 0:14:44.559,0:14:46.306 the Gospel to the Galatians. 0:14:46.319,0:14:49.804 The standard format of a letter... 0:14:49.804,0:14:51.917 did you find this from your study? 0:14:51.917,0:14:53.733 What's the standard format of a letter 0:14:53.733,0:14:55.773 back in those times, Tricia Lee? 0:14:55.773,0:14:59.235 (Tricia Lee) I don't know about back then,[br]but I do know like when you're 0:14:59.235,0:15:02.932 in grammar school, you're taught that you[br]start with a greeting or some type 0:15:02.932,0:15:07.191 of salutation, then you have who it's to[br]and the subject of the message, 0:15:07.191,0:15:10.598 and you kind of end off with some type of,[br]you know... 0:15:10.598,0:15:13.238 (Derek) Farewell or closing remark or? 0:15:13.367,0:15:15.387 Is that pretty much, Jason, 0:15:15.387,0:15:17.124 the way it looked in these letters 0:15:17.124,0:15:19.608 during the New Testament era? 0:15:19.608,0:15:23.306 (Jason) Largely yes, and you generally[br]start with the positive, too. 0:15:23.306,0:15:26.243 So you'll say, "Oh, you guys, this is[br]a nice thing about you," 0:15:26.243,0:15:29.133 whether you're writing a letter now[br]or these letters of Paul. 0:15:29.133,0:15:30.390 They're always saying, 0:15:30.390,0:15:32.293 "This is a good thing that you have." 0:15:32.293,0:15:33.837 "This is what I like about you." 0:15:33.837,0:15:36.357 (Derek) That would probably[br]still work today, right? 0:15:36.357,0:15:39.745 If you've got a problem with someone,[br]you can say, "Here's some things 0:15:39.745,0:15:42.675 I really appreciate about you, but,"[br]and talk about a problem. 0:15:42.701,0:15:46.414 And that's pretty much standard format, 0:15:46.414,0:15:49.532 greeting, some word of thanksgiving, 0:15:49.532,0:15:50.936 body of the letter, 0:15:50.936,0:15:53.639 and then some closing remark, 0:15:53.639,0:15:55.008 and typically with Paul 0:15:55.008,0:15:57.298 it would include, "the grace of the Lord 0:15:57.298,0:16:00.416 be with you," right, something like that. 0:16:00.416,0:16:02.042 Let's see how he begins 0:16:02.042,0:16:05.090 the letter to the Galatians. 0:16:05.090,0:16:09.226 Galatians, chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, 0:16:09.226,0:16:11.921 and, Alyssa, if you'd read that for us, 0:16:11.921,0:16:13.326 and then we'll compare that. 0:16:13.326,0:16:15.958 If someone could find[br]Ephesians 1, verse 1, 0:16:15.958,0:16:18.468 and Colossians 1, verse 1, 0:16:18.475,0:16:20.838 let's see if they're similar 0:16:20.838,0:16:22.500 or if there are some differences. 0:16:22.500,0:16:24.106 By the way, all of those letters 0:16:24.106,0:16:26.309 were written by the Apostle Paul. 0:16:26.309,0:16:29.112 (Alyssa) In the New International Version[br]it says: 0:16:42.690,0:16:45.560 (Derek) Okay, that's his greeting there. 0:16:45.560,0:16:46.690 Keep that in mind. 0:16:46.690,0:16:48.129 Does someone have Ephesians? 0:16:48.129,0:16:50.084 Joshua, chapter 1 and verse 1. 0:16:50.084,0:16:54.581 (Joshua) I'll be reading from the New[br]King James Version. 0:16:54.581,0:16:55.964 The Bible says: 0:17:02.904,0:17:05.490 (Derek) All right, so that's to the church[br]in Ephesus, 0:17:05.490,0:17:07.865 then he writes to the church in Colossae, 0:17:07.868,0:17:10.812 we call that Colossians, Marcus, verse 1. 0:17:10.812,0:17:15.281 (Marcus) I'll be reading from the King[br]James Version: 0:17:22.523,0:17:25.047 (Derek) So what did they have in common, 0:17:25.047,0:17:28.672 those three opening salutations? 0:17:28.672,0:17:30.188 What did they have in common? 0:17:30.188,0:17:31.395 (Harold) He's an apostle. 0:17:31.395,0:17:33.997 (Derek) Okay so, Paul, an apostle,[br]gives his name 0:17:34.102,0:17:35.817 like we do even today, right? 0:17:35.817,0:17:37.843 Gives the name and says 0:17:37.843,0:17:39.969 he's an apostle of Jesus. 0:17:39.969,0:17:41.749 What was different, Mario? 0:17:41.749,0:17:43.012 What did you see different 0:17:43.012,0:17:45.141 in the Galatian intro? 0:17:45.161,0:17:47.838 (Mario) He expounds on that. 0:17:47.838,0:17:49.918 He says not by the will of man 0:17:49.918,0:17:51.520 but of God, you know. 0:17:51.520,0:17:52.663 So you can tell 0:17:52.663,0:17:54.593 that he needs to clarify something. 0:17:54.593,0:17:57.990 (Derek) Why would he have to do that,[br]anybody? 0:17:57.990,0:18:01.297 He didn't do it to Ephesus or to Colossae. 0:18:01.297,0:18:06.030 Why would he have to do that for Galatia,[br]Alyssa? 0:18:06.030,0:18:07.680 (Alyssa) This is still early. 0:18:07.680,0:18:09.686 Remember, he had to go to all those places 0:18:09.686,0:18:11.741 and represent himself anew 0:18:11.741,0:18:13.022 to each new church, 0:18:13.022,0:18:15.478 so maybe he was still kind of having[br]to defend 0:18:15.478,0:18:16.711 that God did call him. 0:18:16.711,0:18:18.073 (Derek) Possibly, of course 0:18:18.073,0:18:20.861 we haven't read the letter yet, have we? 0:18:20.861,0:18:23.118 That is a possibility, though. 0:18:23.274,0:18:25.454 He's like, "You may not know me," 0:18:25.454,0:18:27.235 but actually there's something else 0:18:27.235,0:18:28.669 going on here. Nicole? 0:18:28.669,0:18:31.483 (Nicole) His letter talks[br]about false teachings, 0:18:31.483,0:18:36.140 so in this case he's saying, "Listen,[br]I'm from God. 0:18:36.140,0:18:37.238 I'm an apostle of God. 0:18:37.238,0:18:39.120 I'm bringing you the truth and the Word 0:18:39.120,0:18:40.413 that you need to hear, 0:18:40.413,0:18:41.958 and I want you all to be careful 0:18:41.958,0:18:43.632 of what else is going on around you 0:18:43.632,0:18:45.355 that may draw you away from Christ." 0:18:45.355,0:18:47.543 (Derek) And implied (stay with me now), 0:18:47.676,0:18:49.715 implied is that these people 0:18:49.715,0:18:52.678 who are giving these false teachings 0:18:52.678,0:18:54.855 are saying what about Paul? 0:18:54.855,0:18:56.842 (Team) That he's not from God. 0:18:56.842,0:18:59.318 (Derek) He's not a true apostle, right? 0:18:59.318,0:19:02.844 Or he's sent by man and not sent by God.[br]Jonathan? 0:19:02.844,0:19:05.925 (Jonathan) It seems like multiple times[br]throughout this that he's 0:19:05.925,0:19:08.324 emphasizing this, that, "My authority[br]doesn't come 0:19:08.324,0:19:09.923 based on other people; it's God." 0:19:09.923,0:19:12.015 It's the truth that matters[br]and not people. 0:19:12.015,0:19:14.769 (Derek) Well let's take a look[br]as we read on in Galatians. 0:19:14.902,0:19:16.421 Jason, if you could read 0:19:16.421,0:19:17.872 the first six verses, 0:19:17.872,0:19:20.823 it will include the initial salutation[br]that we read, 0:19:20.823,0:19:22.411 verses 1 through 6. 0:19:22.411,0:19:25.458 He's going to go past 0:19:25.458,0:19:27.101 saying thank you about anything, 0:19:27.101,0:19:29.901 and he's going to come right to the issue[br]at hand. 0:19:29.901,0:19:33.119 Let's take a look, Galatians 1:1-6. 0:19:33.119,0:19:34.277 (Jason) I'll be reading 0:19:34.277,0:19:36.234 from the New King James Version, 0:19:36.234,0:19:39.362 Galatians, chapter 1, verses 1 through 6: 0:20:21.515,0:20:23.984 (Derek) Whoa! So something's up here. 0:20:23.984,0:20:26.191 We're going to get right to it, 0:20:26.191,0:20:28.372 but he has kind of given us[br]the gospel message 0:20:28.372,0:20:31.162 right in those first few verses. 0:20:31.175,0:20:33.326 How would you summarize[br]the gospel message 0:20:33.326,0:20:36.403 from those verses? Peter. 0:20:36.403,0:20:39.221 (Peter) The salutation[br]that he gives there, grace and peace, 0:20:39.221,0:20:40.801 is very interesting to me, 0:20:40.801,0:20:42.067 and is actually used 0:20:42.067,0:20:43.433 almost in every letter, 0:20:43.433,0:20:44.731 and Peter uses it, 0:20:44.731,0:20:45.960 "Grace and peace to you." 0:20:45.960,0:20:47.244 ""Grace and peace to you." 0:20:47.244,0:20:49.669 And it's almost like, the heart of God, 0:20:49.669,0:20:52.015 full of grace, brings something 0:20:52.015,0:20:53.394 to our hearts, peace, 0:20:53.394,0:20:55.411 and He does that through forgiveness, 0:20:55.411,0:20:57.375 and this is given to all men. 0:20:57.375,0:21:00.021 (Derek) So even in the greeting[br]you're seeing a message. 0:21:00.021,0:21:01.512 Many Bible scholars would say 0:21:01.512,0:21:03.854 grace would be a more typical[br]New Testament, 0:21:03.960,0:21:05.536 and shalom, or peace, 0:21:05.536,0:21:07.562 would be more from the Hebrew heritage, 0:21:07.562,0:21:09.659 but we're bringing both 0:21:09.659,0:21:11.372 in Christ Jesus, right? 0:21:11.372,0:21:13.001 What's the message? 0:21:13.001,0:21:13.962 What did you hear 0:21:13.962,0:21:18.336 in the first six verses, anybody?[br]Yes, Alyssa? 0:21:18.336,0:21:20.983 (Alyssa) Christ died for us,[br]but in accordance 0:21:20.983,0:21:25.765 that God the whole Trinity is[br]working together also, he mentions that. 0:21:25.765,0:21:29.425 And that when we've been transformed[br]by that message, 0:21:29.578,0:21:31.194 we give glory back to Him. 0:21:31.194,0:21:33.831 (Derek) Yeah, "He gave Himself[br]for our sins," 0:21:33.831,0:21:35.730 is the way my Bible translates it, 0:21:35.730,0:21:39.898 "that he might deliver us from..."? 0:21:39.898,0:21:40.788 (Team) Evil. 0:21:40.788,0:21:43.451 (Derek) "...this present evil age,[br]according to the will 0:21:43.451,0:21:47.000 of God our Father, to whom be glory,"[br]and then he, like, "God is awesome." 0:21:47.000,0:21:49.540 You know, he kind of ends[br]his little statement there. 0:21:49.540,0:21:51.165 But he up front says, 0:21:51.282,0:21:55.808 "This is God's plan of salvation,[br]through Jesus," right? 0:21:55.808,0:21:59.539 "...to deliver us[br]from the present evil age. 0:21:59.539,0:22:04.209 What is wrong with you?!"[br](Thank you, Nicole.) 0:22:04.209,0:22:09.038 "Where did you get some other gospel?" 0:22:09.038,0:22:12.899 Some other...what does[br]the word gospel mean, do you know? 0:22:12.899,0:22:14.127 (Team) Good News. 0:22:14.127,0:22:17.555 (Derek) "Where do you find some other news[br]that isn't good news at all?" 0:22:17.555,0:22:22.169 So he obviously is dealing immediately[br]with a challenge. 0:22:22.187,0:22:24.393 Now before we go into that, 0:22:24.393,0:22:26.723 a revelation about the Good News 0:22:26.723,0:22:29.770 was not only given to him, right? 0:22:29.770,0:22:33.221 Let's go back; in our first study[br]in this series, 0:22:33.221,0:22:37.109 we looked at that amazing[br]concise statement by Peter. 0:22:37.109,0:22:38.584 Do you remember that? 0:22:38.584,0:22:40.057 Guided by the Holy Spirit. 0:22:40.057,0:22:43.535 In Acts 10, verses 34 to 43. 0:22:43.535,0:22:45.193 I want to hear that again. 0:22:45.193,0:22:46.681 I'm always amazed, Nicole, 0:22:46.681,0:22:48.089 if you could it for us... 0:22:48.089,0:22:51.687 I'm always amazed at the brilliance 0:22:51.687,0:22:53.841 of this concise statement 0:22:53.841,0:22:55.438 about the Gospel message. 0:22:55.438,0:22:57.811 And we know it's not because Peter says, 0:22:57.811,0:22:59.357 "Well, I'm a great scholar." 0:22:59.357,0:23:01.055 No, no, he was a fisherman 0:23:01.055,0:23:03.342 who wholly surrendered his life to God, 0:23:03.342,0:23:05.344 and by the Spirit he's speaking. 0:23:05.344,0:23:07.428 So let's hear his testimony. 0:23:07.428,0:23:11.053 (Nicole) I'm reading Acts 10,[br]verses 34 through 43, 0:23:11.053,0:23:14.224 and I'm reading from the New[br]International Version, and it says: 0:24:34.096,0:24:36.377 (Derek) I love that;[br]it's so powerful, isn't it? 0:24:36.377,0:24:39.330 And by the way, when he says,[br]"as all the prophets," 0:24:39.330,0:24:41.342 he kind of says that it's the testimony 0:24:41.342,0:24:42.461 of the whole Scripture. 0:24:42.461,0:24:45.393 It reminds me of a Bible study[br]that Jesus gave. 0:24:45.393,0:24:47.411 Do you remember when that was,[br]Tricia Lee? 0:24:47.411,0:24:49.656 (Tricia Lee) When they were[br]walking to Emmaus. 0:24:49.656,0:24:53.333 (Derek) Right, first to Cleopas and the[br]other disciple on the road to Emmaus, 0:24:53.442,0:24:55.047 but then with the disciples 0:24:55.047,0:24:56.289 in the Upper Room. 0:24:56.289,0:24:59.254 And He said all of these prophecies, 0:24:59.254,0:25:01.133 all of the Scriptures, what? 0:25:01.133,0:25:02.370 (Team) "Testify about Me." 0:25:02.370,0:25:05.293 (Derek) Yeah, they "testify about Me,[br]and not only about Me 0:25:05.293,0:25:07.020 but that I had to suffer." Why? 0:25:07.020,0:25:08.825 He suffered for our sins, right? 0:25:08.825,0:25:10.881 He bore our sins that He might...? 0:25:10.881,0:25:12.719 What was that wonderful word? 0:25:12.719,0:25:13.908 (Team Member) Deliver us. 0:25:13.908,0:25:16.260 (Derek) Deliver us[br]from this present evil age. 0:25:16.260,0:25:18.960 Wonderful news, but all of that... 0:25:18.960,0:25:20.615 You say, "That's a great summary; 0:25:20.615,0:25:23.372 I'm going to write it down, Acts 10:34-43. 0:25:23.372,0:25:26.433 If anybody non-Christian comes and says, 0:25:26.433,0:25:27.620 'Could you give it to me 0:25:27.620,0:25:29.295 in like just a couple of minutes?'" 0:25:29.295,0:25:32.949 You say, "Well, let me read to you[br]what the Holy Spirit said through Peter." 0:25:32.949,0:25:35.413 But we could get even more concise[br]than that. 0:25:35.413,0:25:37.142 Someone have John 3:16, 0:25:37.142,0:25:39.187 would read it for us? 0:25:39.187,0:25:41.231 Anybody have John 3:16? 0:25:41.231,0:25:42.843 You say, "I'd like to repeat it." 0:25:42.843,0:25:46.243 John 3:16, got a volunteer? 0:25:46.376,0:25:48.003 Jason, read it for us, please. 0:25:48.003,0:25:53.962 (Jason) I'll be reading from the New[br]King James Version, John 3:16: 0:26:06.030,0:26:07.797 (Derek) Well that challenges 0:26:07.797,0:26:09.159 the whole idea that it's 0:26:09.159,0:26:11.396 just for the Jews, right? 0:26:11.396,0:26:13.163 It says "whoever." 0:26:13.163,0:26:15.190 God so loved the...? 0:26:15.190,0:26:15.981 (Team) World. 0:26:15.981,0:26:17.523 (Derek) I mean it's right there 0:26:17.523,0:26:19.257 in that very simple statement. 0:26:19.357,0:26:21.561 So, I have a question for you, Mario. 0:26:21.561,0:26:25.188 Why do people make the Gospel message, 0:26:25.188,0:26:27.161 the Good News about what God has done 0:26:27.161,0:26:28.374 for us in Jesus, 0:26:28.374,0:26:30.208 why do people make it so complicated? 0:26:30.208,0:26:34.458 (Mario) Oh, wow, we have something[br]inside of us 0:26:34.458,0:26:40.455 that wants to give out steps or processes[br]to accomplish things. 0:26:40.455,0:26:43.583 I mean, in our jobs and in school, 0:26:43.583,0:26:46.847 there's this system that tells us,[br]you know, 0:26:46.847,0:26:48.765 you have to do this and this and this, 0:26:48.765,0:26:50.524 and then you can get what you want. 0:26:50.524,0:26:52.827 So it's hard for us to conceive 0:26:52.827,0:26:56.537 that a God can love us 0:26:56.554,0:26:58.701 and give something to us 0:26:58.701,0:27:02.706 without us having to do something[br]to earn it, 0:27:02.706,0:27:04.459 but that it is a gift 0:27:04.459,0:27:07.023 if we would just submit to His will... 0:27:07.023,0:27:08.468 (Derek) Now the New Testament 0:27:08.468,0:27:10.679 and especially the writings of Paul 0:27:10.679,0:27:12.665 are all about a new creation. 0:27:12.665,0:27:15.342 They're all about deliverance 0:27:15.342,0:27:17.021 from the present evil age, 0:27:17.021,0:27:20.005 but that is the fruit 0:27:20.005,0:27:23.095 of accepting the Gospel message. 0:27:23.095,0:27:24.916 Somehow we try to make it 0:27:24.916,0:27:27.907 more complicated than "whoever believes[br]in Him." 0:27:27.907,0:27:29.411 We've got several hands. 0:27:29.411,0:27:31.506 Let's take a moment to reflect on this. 0:27:31.506,0:27:34.204 (Harold) One way, and we have[br]seen this, actually, 0:27:34.204,0:27:35.714 throughout the New Testament, 0:27:35.714,0:27:37.810 what we studied last time, traditions. 0:27:37.810,0:27:39.656 At times we fall into a routine, 0:27:39.656,0:27:42.005 as Tricia Lee mentioned[br]in a previous study, 0:27:42.005,0:27:45.034 that at times we are so ingrained... 0:27:45.034,0:27:48.601 we get so comfortable that we believe 0:27:48.601,0:27:50.417 that that's the way to go to be saved. 0:27:50.417,0:27:53.140 (Derek) That's maybe even[br]what the Bible teaches, right? 0:27:53.140,0:27:54.790 Because we've done it for so long, 0:27:54.790,0:27:56.648 or what our religious teacher told us. 0:27:56.655,0:27:59.046 (Harold) Yes, and Jesus even rebuked[br]the Pharisees 0:27:59.046,0:28:00.384 because, "You come to Me," 0:28:00.384,0:28:01.694 you know, "with your mouth; 0:28:01.694,0:28:04.016 you're worshiping with your mouth[br]and everything, 0:28:04.016,0:28:05.267 but yet you come to Me 0:28:05.267,0:28:06.958 by the commandments of men." 0:28:06.958,0:28:09.338 And this is found in Matthew,[br]chapter 15. 0:28:09.370,0:28:11.381 (Derek) Right, so that could happen 0:28:11.381,0:28:13.491 for us, too, right? Tricia Lee? 0:28:13.491,0:28:16.513 (Tricia Lee) He's reminding us[br]that we're in an evil age. 0:28:16.513,0:28:18.749 The devil is out there[br]trying to deceive us. 0:28:18.749,0:28:21.783 From the garden he said,[br]"Did God really say?" 0:28:21.783,0:28:26.223 And when we have simple truths[br]about salvation, that doubt comes 0:28:26.223,0:28:29.878 into our minds like, is it really[br]that easy to be saved through Christ? 0:28:29.878,0:28:36.264 You can hang your doubts on anything,[br]but it's just like, we have to believe 0:28:36.264,0:28:40.705 the true Word that God says[br]and not question this simple path 0:28:40.705,0:28:42.011 that God already laid out. 0:28:42.011,0:28:45.170 (Derek) I guess there's two approaches[br]that the devil could bring. 0:28:45.170,0:28:49.173 One would be to say 0:28:49.173,0:28:52.209 it's not that simple, right?[br]It's more complicated, 0:28:52.209,0:28:55.028 or it's not even true. 0:28:55.028,0:28:57.738 This is not true, 0:28:57.739,0:29:00.182 but it's not that simple, you know? 0:29:00.182,0:29:03.601 (Tricia Lee) Is He really[br]going to forgive you if you ask Him? 0:29:03.601,0:29:05.464 (Derek) Or maybe it's for someone else, 0:29:05.464,0:29:08.116 but would it really be for you? 0:29:08.116,0:29:11.502 Anybody else, why do we make it[br]so complicated, Jonathan? 0:29:11.502,0:29:14.702 (Jonathan) I think sometimes we really[br]want it to be... 0:29:14.702,0:29:16.071 It's an issue of pride. 0:29:16.071,0:29:21.292 I mean like, if I can make all these[br]so wonderful thoughts and ideas, 0:29:21.292,0:29:24.958 then it becomes about me and about what[br]I'm doing or what I'm thinking 0:29:24.958,0:29:29.368 or having the right knowledge, but this is[br]so simple, like a child can understand. 0:29:29.368,0:29:33.195 (Derek) Didn't Jesus say something[br]about we need to become as little children 0:29:33.195,0:29:35.584 if we would enter the Kingdom? 0:29:35.584,0:29:36.993 (Jonathan) That's humbling. 0:29:36.993,0:29:38.958 (Derek) It requires humility? 0:29:38.958,0:29:40.718 (Jonathan) Yeah. 0:29:40.718,0:29:42.058 (Derek) Yes, Peter. 0:29:42.058,0:29:44.529 (Peter) I was thinking, too,[br]that sometimes maybe... 0:29:44.529,0:29:46.058 can God be that good? 0:29:46.058,0:29:47.752 Can it be that good? 0:29:47.755,0:29:50.075 (Derek) You mean a distorted picture 0:29:50.075,0:29:51.587 of the character of God 0:29:51.587,0:29:53.144 could hold me back 0:29:53.144,0:29:55.035 from believing that God could be 0:29:55.035,0:29:55.985 that good to me. 0:29:55.985,0:29:57.262 (Peter) Right, right. 0:29:57.262,0:29:58.535 (Derek) Part of the reason 0:29:58.535,0:29:59.551 we study the Bible 0:29:59.551,0:30:02.692 is to find out the truth about God, right?[br]Joshua? 0:30:02.692,0:30:04.740 (Joshua) I believe it was along the lines 0:30:04.740,0:30:06.180 of what Jonathan said. 0:30:06.180,0:30:07.995 He mentioned that, you know, 0:30:07.995,0:30:09.969 the Gospel is even for little children, 0:30:09.990,0:30:12.309 as easy that they can understand it. 0:30:12.309,0:30:13.715 And I remember as a child 0:30:13.715,0:30:15.495 I always saw the Gospel 0:30:15.495,0:30:17.688 as something that was easy to digest, 0:30:17.688,0:30:19.341 like Jesus loves me, 0:30:19.341,0:30:22.310 He wants to save us from our sins, 0:30:22.310,0:30:24.042 we're going to Heaven one day, 0:30:24.042,0:30:25.316 and it was that simple. 0:30:25.316,0:30:26.657 But then as I got older, 0:30:26.657,0:30:29.784 things started to become more and more[br]and more complicated. 0:30:29.784,0:30:32.584 People are like, "Oh! This prophecy,[br]that prophecy." 0:30:32.584,0:30:34.457 "We have to be saved through this." 0:30:34.457,0:30:36.762 "If you do this,[br]this is going to happen to you." 0:30:36.762,0:30:38.868 And your mind just has 0:30:38.868,0:30:43.232 this, for some people,[br]a spiritual breakdown. 0:30:43.232,0:30:45.188 Like, "Whoa, it takes all of that now? 0:30:45.188,0:30:47.190 Every move that I make now, 0:30:47.190,0:30:48.204 I have to be worried 0:30:48.204,0:30:50.672 if God is going to like me or not like me? 0:30:50.672,0:30:52.688 Is He going to strike me from Heaven?" 0:30:52.688,0:30:56.349 And I think that we lose touch 0:30:56.349,0:30:59.976 of that real essence of who Christ is, 0:30:59.976,0:31:02.984 making things complicated,[br]as we've been discussing. 0:31:02.984,0:31:04.565 (Derek) "Whoever believes in Him 0:31:04.565,0:31:06.096 should not perish." 0:31:06.096,0:31:07.591 But of course we need Scripture 0:31:07.591,0:31:08.772 to know how He is. 0:31:08.810,0:31:11.688 Otherwise we could[br]make up some Jesus, right? 0:31:11.688,0:31:13.239 The Bible is crucial, 0:31:13.239,0:31:15.303 and Jesus, when He said, "Baptize 0:31:15.303,0:31:18.052 in the name of the Father, Son[br]and Holy Spirit," 0:31:18.052,0:31:19.541 He did say, "Teach them 0:31:19.541,0:31:21.884 to observe all things I've commanded you." 0:31:21.884,0:31:25.541 But all of that is an outgrowth 0:31:25.541,0:31:27.815 of my relationship with Him 0:31:27.815,0:31:29.171 as my Savior, right? 0:31:29.171,0:31:30.147 Well let's go back 0:31:30.147,0:31:31.554 to the letter of Galatians, 0:31:31.554,0:31:32.978 and, Laurel, could you read 0:31:32.978,0:31:35.801 Galatians 1, verses 6 through 9? 0:31:35.801,0:31:38.344 Like we noticed in the first part 0:31:38.344,0:31:40.520 (we read verse 6 already,[br]but read it again), 0:31:40.520,0:31:42.200 he skips over, "I'm really thankful 0:31:42.200,0:31:43.639 for so much about you," 0:31:43.670,0:31:45.521 and comes in - boom! 0:31:45.521,0:31:46.804 "We've got a problem here." 0:31:46.804,0:31:49.132 Let's read verses 6 through 9[br]of Galatians 1. 0:31:49.132,0:31:51.841 (Alyssa) I'll be reading from the New[br]King James Version: 0:32:29.571,0:32:31.142 (Derek) Now that word accursed, 0:32:31.142,0:32:32.477 I've got in my margin there 0:32:32.477,0:32:33.966 is the word anathema. 0:32:33.966,0:32:35.500 I mean, it's not like, 0:32:35.500,0:32:37.910 "That's not a good thing to do." 0:32:37.921,0:32:39.587 It's like really strong language. 0:32:39.587,0:32:43.587 Why is Paul...and someone could say, 0:32:43.587,0:32:45.107 "Well, that's your perspective; 0:32:45.107,0:32:46.498 this is my perspective"... 0:32:46.498,0:32:50.182 why is he so intense about people... 0:32:50.182,0:32:54.373 "You cannot preach some other gospel 0:32:54.373,0:32:58.419 other than what was manifested[br]through Jesus," Marcus? 0:32:58.419,0:33:01.066 (Marcus) Because that would portray[br]a false Christ. 0:33:01.066,0:33:02.900 Just like you said earlier as well, 0:33:02.900,0:33:05.052 you said that it's not the same Christ 0:33:05.052,0:33:06.404 if you pervert the gospel, 0:33:06.404,0:33:07.907 and this is the early church. 0:33:07.907,0:33:09.355 So, what comes out of this 0:33:09.355,0:33:12.135 may affect future churches[br]in the next generation. 0:33:12.135,0:33:13.490 (Derek) So it's not so much 0:33:13.490,0:33:15.259 that, "You don't like my teaching," 0:33:15.261,0:33:18.931 as "You're saying something about God[br]that isn't true!" 0:33:18.931,0:33:19.784 (Team) Yes. 0:33:19.784,0:33:22.011 (Derek) And...? And what? 0:33:22.011,0:33:23.869 What's the implication of that? 0:33:23.869,0:33:26.184 Destruction for people! 0:33:26.184,0:33:28.227 This is life and death! 0:33:28.227,0:33:31.838 It's not just, "Do you like your sermon[br]or your sermon?" 0:33:31.838,0:33:33.910 This is life and death; 0:33:33.910,0:33:36.172 we're talking about how people can be 0:33:36.172,0:33:38.987 set right with God, right?[br]Yes, Mario. 0:33:38.987,0:33:40.213 (Mario) I just feel like 0:33:40.213,0:33:41.332 I need to highlight 0:33:41.332,0:33:43.044 the same applies to us today. 0:33:43.046,0:33:45.853 This is about the character of Christ 0:33:45.853,0:33:50.428 as perceived in someone else's eyes[br]through our testimony, 0:33:50.428,0:33:53.435 and we get hung up on our doctrine 0:33:53.435,0:33:55.919 as a means to salvation. 0:33:55.919,0:33:58.029 And there are so many things that we try 0:33:58.029,0:34:00.523 to hang the hat of salvation on, 0:34:00.523,0:34:02.805 but we've got to preach Christ 0:34:02.805,0:34:05.242 and Him crucified, as Paul said, you know, 0:34:05.242,0:34:07.414 and we have to be careful about that. 0:34:07.414,0:34:09.010 (Derek) Now some people might get 0:34:09.010,0:34:10.749 a little offended with Paul. 0:34:10.749,0:34:12.583 They'd say, "Paul, that's a little," 0:34:12.730,0:34:15.196 (we have an expression in English), 0:34:15.196,0:34:17.962 "over the top. Please." 0:34:17.962,0:34:19.853 But let's look at a couple of places 0:34:19.853,0:34:25.048 where Jesus was fairly (what could I say)[br]direct 0:34:25.048,0:34:28.444 when He felt the same issue, 0:34:28.444,0:34:29.878 "You're getting in the way 0:34:29.878,0:34:32.732 of people learning the truth about God." 0:34:32.732,0:34:36.167 Mark, chapter 9, verse 42, 0:34:36.167,0:34:37.479 Harold, do you have that? 0:34:37.479,0:34:40.305 Again I do believe that Jesus, 0:34:40.305,0:34:42.866 He spoke with love in His heart. 0:34:42.866,0:34:45.106 I don't like if He's portrayed 0:34:45.106,0:34:47.581 as some kind of angry Savior, 0:34:47.581,0:34:51.518 but He spoke strongly here, didn't He?[br]Mark 5:42? 0:34:51.518,0:34:54.790 (Harold) I'll be reading from the New[br]King James Version: 0:35:10.001,0:35:12.836 (Derek) Now, Bible students have discussed 0:35:12.836,0:35:15.170 whether the little ones He's talking about 0:35:15.170,0:35:18.649 are children or new believers. 0:35:18.649,0:35:20.910 What do you think? 0:35:20.910,0:35:22.252 (Team) Both. 0:35:22.252,0:35:24.718 (Derek) Multiple choice, right? 0:35:24.718,0:35:26.319 "All of the above," right? 0:35:26.319,0:35:28.085 If you cause a child to stumble 0:35:28.085,0:35:30.221 that they can't, as children do, 0:35:30.221,0:35:31.982 just say, "Jesus, I trust You, 0:35:31.982,0:35:33.707 and I want You to save me, 0:35:33.707,0:35:35.480 and I want to be with You forever," 0:35:35.480,0:35:38.772 and the Savior says, "Amen," right? 0:35:38.798,0:35:41.119 But also the new believer? 0:35:41.119,0:35:42.288 (Team) Yes. 0:35:42.288,0:35:45.834 (Derek) So, we want the new believers[br]to learn everything 0:35:45.834,0:35:47.769 that Jesus taught, right? 0:35:47.769,0:35:49.628 So, how do we do that 0:35:49.628,0:35:53.284 without making a stumbling block for them? 0:35:53.284,0:35:54.925 What is crucially important 0:35:54.925,0:35:57.766 when we're teaching them all those things? 0:35:57.766,0:36:04.856 Are you stretching your fingers, Nicole?[br]Yes, tell me. 0:36:04.856,0:36:08.663 (Nicole) I think that it starts with us[br]praying and asking for the Spirit 0:36:08.663,0:36:14.099 to fill us with what we need in order[br]to reach those that we're dealing with. 0:36:14.099,0:36:17.267 And so we don't become a stumbling block[br]ourselves, we have to have 0:36:17.267,0:36:19.812 that connection with Christ to lead us[br]the right way. 0:36:19.812,0:36:21.752 (Derek) Okay, but we want to teach them 0:36:21.866,0:36:23.195 to observe all things. 0:36:23.195,0:36:27.565 So how do we do that without[br](what's the word) 0:36:27.565,0:36:30.253 damaging the gospel or mutating the gospel 0:36:30.253,0:36:33.413 or proclaiming some other gospel? 0:36:33.413,0:36:35.578 How do we do that, Alyssa? 0:36:35.578,0:36:38.458 (Alyssa) Well, first, everything[br]has to come from Scripture. 0:36:38.458,0:36:41.044 Don't try to show them anything[br]that isn't here. 0:36:41.044,0:36:45.193 And also, if they're not secure yet[br]in their salvation, 0:36:45.193,0:36:47.845 first things have to come first. 0:36:47.845,0:36:50.436 (Derek) So I believe in Bible prophecy,[br]it's wonderful. 0:36:50.436,0:36:52.025 By the way, I've met many people 0:36:52.025,0:36:55.909 who believe in the authenticity[br]of the Bible by Bible prophecy, 0:36:55.929,0:36:58.541 but you're saying, "I'm going[br]to tell them about Jesus 0:36:58.541,0:36:59.298 and how to have 0:36:59.298,0:37:00.730 a living connection with Him," 0:37:00.730,0:37:05.118 and then we talk about how do we live[br]as a Christian 0:37:05.118,0:37:08.118 rather than, "Here's the list of things 0:37:08.260,0:37:11.543 that can maybe earn God's love and favor 0:37:11.543,0:37:13.214 or maybe earn your way to Heaven." 0:37:13.214,0:37:16.542 (Tricia Lee) It's a great question,[br]and I think that churches struggle 0:37:16.542,0:37:19.238 with how to disciple and how to teach[br]our new believers. 0:37:19.238,0:37:22.912 We should never be afraid of teaching[br]what the Bible says or what Jesus says, 0:37:22.912,0:37:26.535 but there's a big difference between[br]teaching what Jesus taught and lived 0:37:26.535,0:37:30.914 and then now trying to force people[br]to make those changes and believing 0:37:30.914,0:37:34.541 that we somehow now take on the role[br]of the Holy Spirit in converting people. 0:37:34.541,0:37:38.127 I can teach you and show you, and I should[br]never hide what the Bible says, 0:37:38.127,0:37:41.805 but I have to understand my role is[br]to teach; my role is not to convert. 0:37:41.805,0:37:45.697 I cannot force someone to make a change[br]that it might have taken me many years 0:37:45.697,0:37:47.295 to come to myself. 0:37:47.295,0:37:50.634 So we have to have patience and humility[br]and realize that we are only 0:37:50.634,0:37:54.185 pointing people to the Bible teachings[br]and allowing the Holy Spirit to work 0:37:54.185,0:37:57.176 that miracle in their life just like[br]He worked in our lives. 0:37:57.176,0:38:00.597 But we shouldn't be afraid to show[br]somebody what the Bible says 0:38:00.597,0:38:04.265 just because it might be too much; maybe[br]we should hide it from them now - no. 0:38:04.265,0:38:07.964 The Bible teaches all these things;[br]it's okay to teach it, but we should never 0:38:07.964,0:38:11.687 feel like we have to force someone to make[br]the same change just like we have. 0:38:11.687,0:38:14.837 (Derek) And would it be okay to say[br]we always need to remind them 0:38:14.837,0:38:17.624 what the foundation of our faith...[br]where it is? 0:38:17.624,0:38:20.441 It's in Jesus, right?[br]Our Savior. 0:38:20.441,0:38:23.471 Saved by His grace through faith? 0:38:23.471,0:38:25.832 Let's talk about healthful living, 0:38:25.853,0:38:27.335 or let's talk about... 0:38:27.335,0:38:29.105 you could name something else... 0:38:29.105,0:38:30.919 how Jesus is coming back, 0:38:30.919,0:38:34.663 but first I have to talk[br]about the Gospel message, right? 0:38:34.666,0:38:36.389 And the assurance of salvation. 0:38:36.389,0:38:37.792 Several hands raised, Peter? 0:38:37.792,0:38:41.582 (Peter) I was just going to say when we[br]talk about, like, we're saying doctrine 0:38:41.582,0:38:44.839 or anything, living, Jesus sits[br]for His portrait, and how we present 0:38:44.839,0:38:46.126 the teachings of the Bible. 0:38:46.126,0:38:49.053 And what portrait of Jesus[br]are you painting in your doctrine, 0:38:49.053,0:38:51.020 in your lifestyle that you're coaching, 0:38:51.020,0:38:53.241 whatever it is, X, Y, Z - fill it in - 0:38:53.241,0:38:55.226 what portrait of Jesus are you painting? 0:38:55.226,0:38:56.910 (Derek) First I have to know 0:38:56.910,0:39:00.204 the truth about Jesus and who He was.[br]Jonathan. 0:39:00.204,0:39:03.647 (Jonathan) I was thinking how,[br]in a musical, you can have the same notes, 0:39:03.647,0:39:06.905 even in the same order, but if you change,[br]like maybe if you start 0:39:06.905,0:39:10.792 with a different emphasis, or if you put[br]it in a different bass note or something, 0:39:10.792,0:39:12.159 the music totally changes. 0:39:12.159,0:39:15.150 You can be saying the same things,[br]but if you're emphasizing 0:39:15.150,0:39:21.251 without that foundation of who God is,[br]His love for us, and salvation, 0:39:21.251,0:39:24.324 then you're communicating[br]a different song, a different tone. 0:39:24.597,0:39:26.167 (Derek) One other text 0:39:26.167,0:39:27.802 where Jesus spoke rather strongly, 0:39:27.802,0:39:31.813 in Matthew 23:13,14, He was saying, 0:39:31.813,0:39:33.651 "Don't get in the way of people 0:39:33.651,0:39:35.640 knowing the truth about Me." 0:39:35.640,0:39:41.445 Christine, do you have Matthew 23,[br]verses 13 and 14? 0:39:41.445,0:39:44.645 (Christine) I'll be reading from the New[br]King James Version, 0:39:44.645,0:39:49.387 Matthew, chapter 23, verses 13 and 14;[br]it says: 0:40:12.575,0:40:14.541 (Derek) And what does it say at the end? 0:40:14.541,0:40:16.021 "You will receive" what? 0:40:16.140,0:40:18.671 (Derek, Team) A greater condemnation. 0:40:18.671,0:40:23.559 You know, you will be held accountable. 0:40:23.559,0:40:25.596 Isn't that what it's saying? 0:40:25.596,0:40:27.158 For getting in the way 0:40:27.158,0:40:28.869 of people knowing the truth. 0:40:28.869,0:40:30.192 Now I don't know about you, 0:40:30.192,0:40:33.314 but we're here, and this is an in-depth,[br]interactive Bible study; 0:40:33.314,0:40:35.393 we've got a lot of people watching this. 0:40:35.407,0:40:37.103 That would cause me to be praying, 0:40:37.103,0:40:38.209 "Oh, Lord, help us 0:40:38.209,0:40:41.031 to tell the truth about You," right? 0:40:41.031,0:40:43.036 "To tell the truth about Your gospel, 0:40:43.036,0:40:46.224 to tell the truth about the Christian life 0:40:46.230,0:40:48.442 in response to the grace 0:40:48.442,0:40:50.540 that's been shown to us," and all of that. 0:40:50.540,0:40:51.944 We want to go now 0:40:51.944,0:40:55.411 and look at where Paul gets his message 0:40:55.411,0:40:57.103 because, as someone pointed out 0:40:57.103,0:40:59.133 (Laurel, I think you mentioned earlier), 0:40:59.133,0:41:01.340 he wasn't one of the 12 Disciples. 0:41:01.340,0:41:03.130 So where does he get his message? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well let's take a look 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at his own testimony, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we're looking in Galatians, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 chapter 1, verses 11 through 17, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and then we'll read on in the chapter 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and also testimony from his letter[br]to the Corinthians. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But first, Galatians, chapter 1, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and, Peter, if you could read that for us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 verses 11 through 17. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Peter) I'm reading Galatians, chapter 1,[br]verses 11 to 17, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) What's he saying? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Harold) He was called[br]through God's grace. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) He was called[br]through God's grace, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but more than that, what's he saying? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This revelation...? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) Is not from man. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) "...is not from man. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I didn't learn it from anyone[br]except Jesus!" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In that sense he's saying, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I may not have walked with Him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when He was here on Earth, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I've walked with Him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 since He ascended to Heaven." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's a startling claim, isn't it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But that's what he's saying, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "The way I received the message." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's keep reading; Mario,[br]if you could read, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as he continues now,[br]in verses 18 through 24. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Again, they're saying, "You're not[br]a real apostle." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "You weren't one of the twelve," right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "You weren't there; in fact, your history 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 shows you've been fighting against[br]the truth." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because, by the way, these Judaizers 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 are believers in Jesus. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So they're not just like those 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who are opposed to Jesus, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but they're saying, "But there's more, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and you're not telling the whole story." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Paul says, "I got it from Jesus." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Reading on, verses 18, is it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Mario) Through 24, reading Galatians, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 chapter 1, 18 through 24, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) That's his testimony,[br]"I've been changed." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Now let's look at one example 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of a revelation given to him,[br]1 Corinthians 11. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He's talking here about the beginning 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of what we call the Lord's Supper 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or the Communion service. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Now again, obvious question, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but was he there in the Upper Room? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek, Team) No. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) So, how is he 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 going to tell the believers about that? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well, let's see what he says. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Joshua. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) The Bible says: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) That's very specific, isn't it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's not like, "Well, and there was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 this little service in the Upper Room 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 before Jesus was crucified." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's actually quoting Jesus, what He said, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and explaining what it meant. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So I have a question for you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He says, "I received it from the Lord." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How did Jesus reveal that to him? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Did He appear to him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like on the Damascus road? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Did He give him a vision? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You know, a vision, he's still awake, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but he receives a message from Heaven. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Or a dream, we think of like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 dreams were given to prophets, too? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How did Jesus reveal that to him, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what happened in the Upper Room? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The answer is? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek, Team) We don't know. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Could it have been 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 any one of those? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Could the Lord Himself have come 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like He did on the Damascus road? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Or have given him a vision? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But what is Paul[br]absolutely convinced about? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) That it's from Christ. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) That it's a revelation[br]from Jesus, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, both that little piece 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of what happened in the Upper Room, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but actually the entire message[br]he's proclaiming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he said, "This doesn't come from me; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it comes from God." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So why is that so important 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as he's about to speak to the Galatians 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who were listening to false teaching? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why is it important that he asserts 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the source of his message? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Wouldn't it be enough to say, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I learned it from the apostles"? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jason, what do you think? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Jason) Because he's being attacked 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as not being connected with Jesus, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as not being part of that origin. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They're saying, "You came in[br]after the fact, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and you're trying to proclaim to us[br]this stuff 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even though you haven't experienced it[br]yourself. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In fact, you were even one[br]of our persecutors, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so how do we know 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that you're actually genuine?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And they're basically challenging him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 by bringing this other gospel in. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And he's saying, "Look, this is[br]from Jesus, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and here's the evidence for it." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) We're going to study 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about the whole Conflict and the message 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the gospel to the Galatians, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I just want to pause and ask, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 does it startle you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that Jesus would call someone 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who'd been such a fierce opponent? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Would it be fair to say to almost become[br]a primary witness? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I mean, how many books 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of the New Testament 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 did - let's choose some of the Apostles -[br]Peter. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How many books of the New Testament[br]did Peter write? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well we've got 1 and 2 Peter, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's the clue, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Give me another Apostle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek, Team) John. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Okay, how many books 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of the New Testament[br]did John write? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Five? Okay, you've got 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the Gospel of John, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Revelation. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) He says, the Revelation[br]of Jesus Christ 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 through His servant John." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Okay, so you've got five there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Give me another Apostle[br]besides Peter and John. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not Timothy, he was not an Apostle, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But Matthew was...Matthew, how many[br]did he write? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) One. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) One that bears his name, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 an important Gospel, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Give me another Apostle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Philip? How many did he write? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek, Team) None. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Give me another one. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 James, the brother of John, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that's not the one who wrote 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the book of James, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, many of the Apostles 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 didn't write any books 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of the New Testament, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And how many did you say again 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Thirteen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Doesn't it startle you? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What does that tell you about God? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not just about Paul. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You say, "He was obviously a changed man." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What does that tell you about God?[br]Christine. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Christine) That God can use anyone 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to get them to proclaim the message. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) He can use anyone. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Can we complete that sentence, Tricia Lee? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Even me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Okay, yeah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God can use anyone, even me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I still need a little qualifier[br]in there, Nicole? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) God can use anyone, even me...? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) If you're willing...[br]if you're willing to be used. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) If I'm willing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And how is that willingness revealed? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How is that willingness revealed? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How is it apparent that I am willing 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to be used by God, even me, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to proclaim the Good News about Jesus? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) By doing the work. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) I think before I do the work, no? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) It's choosing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Believing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Choosing, believing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team Member) Responding to the call. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) How do I respond to the call? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I listen? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team Member) Repent first. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) I repent. I...? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) Pray? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Pray. I surrender. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I humble myself before God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This message is not about me;[br]it's about Jesus. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "And God, You're going to have to work[br]supernaturally 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because I don't want to mess that up." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I certainly don't want to proclaim 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a false gospel, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I humble myself...So, I'm willing, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 surrender? Even me? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That Paul could do that? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And God could use him in such[br]an amazing way? Joshua? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) This is helping me to think 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because if you think about the most[br]well-known pastors and evangelists 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that you hear about 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 throughout the Christian church, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 many of them were not raised[br]as Christians. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Yeah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) Many of them actually converted[br]to Christianity, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and through the experience 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that they had with Jesus, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they just went full force, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and that goes across the board. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I think it just goes to show 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that when we have that true conversion, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 our past is no longer a priority. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our past is just a shadow of who we were, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we are now new in Christ. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Doesn't Paul say somewhere, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I consider all of that..." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What was the word he used? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think a literal translation[br]is "cow dung," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but "rubbish" would be a little more... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's garbage compared to the excellency[br]of knowing Christ. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not just knowing about Him, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But knowing Him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's like he can't keep quiet. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And if we're willing...even me? Even me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So in the last few minutes we've got, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want you to give a testimony 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of how you have been blessed, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 not only to know Jesus 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and have that relationship, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but you've been blessed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that God would use you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to share the truth about Jesus 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with someone else, okay? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And you may share a specific instance. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You may share something 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that's happening to you right now. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So let's talk about that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can't share what we don't know, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, coming to know Him and sharing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Who can share a testimony of being blessed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as a result of that? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We'll start with you, Harold. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Harold) One day I was going[br]to Radio Shack 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (that's like an electronics store), 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and they were closing down. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The thought came, "Well, since it's[br]closing down, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there's some people who are there," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I'm a type that I like[br]to talk one-on-one. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And usually the store's kind of empty. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There was this lady, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I had this material, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I started talking to her, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like saying, "Hey, I have this material[br]for you, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if you're interested." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) So this was something[br]about the Bible? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Harold) Yeah, all about the Bible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Actually that lasted like an hour or more,[br]the conversation. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) It must have been a quiet day[br]at the store. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Harold) No, it was interesting. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There were more customers coming in. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It was so inspiring 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that I started even asking, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Hey, customers, would you be interested?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I was not afraid; I was really so blessed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because the lady was asking[br]so many questions, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even asked for material 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that I had at home; this was interesting. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I purchased the material 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 thinking that I would read it, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and then she mentioned to me, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I remember reading this book 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 back in the day by this person." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I'm like, "Wow, interesting!" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I have this book at home, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I just bought one, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 thinking that I would use it, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I brought it for her. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 She was so blessed and was acknowledging 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all the truth that was being shared 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that I felt blessed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It was like, wow, somebody received[br]God's truth today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even the people who were[br]around us listening 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or even receiving the material. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That made my day, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I thank God for that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) For those of you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the second row, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you couldn't see he was smiling. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He was blessed to be used 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to bless someone else, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and it sounds like God was at work 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even in him getting that book 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that they wanted to read, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and it was already there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In some ways you might think, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Well, that's not as dramatic as[br]the Damascus road." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it was dramatic for you, wasn't it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Anybody else, being blessed? Joshua. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) Years ago I was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in Antigua visiting family, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I was sitting in my Aunt Nola's house, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I saw Hope Sabbath School 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for the first time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 As I watched the people... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Was that before you ever became[br]a participant? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Joshua) Oh, yeah, this was before that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I was watching the show, and I said, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I can't really relate to these people; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they look too holy." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I said, "You know what? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They're going into all these deep things[br]about the Bible," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so I just kept watching it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I had no idea that God was ever 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 going to put me on this show 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to do this same exact work. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And now I know that we're not all perfect 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and that through media God can reach 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so many people across the world. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'm very thankful to be here, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I met my wife on this show. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Oh, you did, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and she's not here, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just in case the viewers are trying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to guess which one it is. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But back to what you said, Tricia Lee, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Even me," "Even me."[br]Isn't that amazing? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Surrendered to God, you're watching[br]the show, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and, you know, our producer Elroy, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when he was in grad school, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he said, "I wish I could...," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He was watching Hope Sabbath School, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and he was really blessed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He was saying, "I wish I could 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 produce a program like that," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and today he's our producer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Isn't that awesome! 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) That's the kind of people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we want to be a part of the team, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That we believe God is working[br]in miraculous ways. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One last testimony, yes, Nicole. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) I would continue what Joshua said[br]in saying I'm blessed to be 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on this program also, and it's funny[br]because I met you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at a church here locally, and I hadn't[br]really heard of Hope Sabbath School, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and you actually talked about it[br]in church. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I was like, "Let me see what he's[br]talking about," and I watched 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 this program a couple of times. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I just think that the Lord really led me[br]to that church, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 led me to meet with you that day, and put[br]me in this program, and it's just been 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a blessing because I'm meeting people[br]who have seen the programs, and they're 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 very blessed by the program. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And so it's this great blessing to me[br]that I can be a part of this ministry. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) I think that's why the Apostle[br]Paul was so passionate, because he's like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "It's not just about me being saved; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's about sharing that blessing, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the grace of God I've come to know[br]and experience. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want to share that with everybody, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even if they try to kill me," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 which, by the way, happened[br]quite frequently 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for the Apostle Paul. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And when people tried to distort 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the truth of the Gospel, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he got really upset 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because he wanted people to know 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the true character of God and God's plan. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want to share the truth 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about Jesus, too, don't you? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's pray that he'll work in us[br]in wonderful ways. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Father in Heaven, thank You 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for the beautiful truth of the Gospel. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Forgive us if we've made it complicated 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or a stumbling block put in the way[br]of someone 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so they don't hear the truth. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Help us to continue to study Your Word, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to learn the truth of the Gospel 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to be able to share it in a way 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that will bless many lives,[br]including ours. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In the name of Jesus. Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Well, thanks for joining us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for Hope Sabbath School. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We have so much to learn, but you know? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God loves us, and He will be withe us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 each step of the journey. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Take what you're learning 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and be a blessing to those around you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 ♪ theme music ♪