Our Beliefs
Why do some people struggle with believing in God based on what others say about Him and what they see happening in the world? (Use Genesis 3:15)
He promises to defeat the enemy of God and set His children free, to have a good life in this world, and to spend eternity in Heaven. In Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) God speaks to Satan, “And I will put enmity (conflict) between your seed and the woman's seed: He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his feet.”
According to 1 Peter 5:8, what does the devil do to hinder us in the great controversy?
Answer: 1 Peter 5:8 says the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. He tries to hinder us by creating fear, doubt, and temptation.
Why does the lesson use the analogy of standing close to a painting to describe understanding the great controversy?
According to the lesson, why is there a problem with the way the world talks about God?
Answer: The world talks about God without agreement because people speculate and have varying opinions. The lesson emphasizes the need for a clear, unified message.
According to the lesson, why does God care about what we think about Him? Romans 7:21-25
Answer: God cares because He created us with the capacity to care. Our thoughts about Him matter, and He desires a genuine relationship with us. Romans 7:21-25 illustrates the internal struggle.
According to Romans 5:12-21, what impact did Adam's sin have on humanity?
Adam's sin brought sin and death into the world, affecting all humanity. Romans 5:12-21 explains how through Adam's disobedience, sin spread to all, but through Christ's obedience, grace abounds.
How does the lesson suggest we can resist the devil with the power of the Holy Spirit? (Refer to Romans 8:19-22)
How can a clear understanding of the big picture provided by the great controversy impact our perspective on the challenges in the world?
Answer: Understanding the big picture helps us make sense of challenges, knowing they are part of the broader conflict. It provides hope and purpose in the midst of difficulties.
How does the Christian message about God differ from the various speculations in the world, as mentioned in the lesson?
Answer: The Christian message is not a snapshot but a view of the big picture. While the world speculates, Christians have a message based on God's Word that provides a comprehensive understanding.
How does the lesson describe the internal war for our loyalty to God, using the analogy of two lions?
The lesson describes the internal war by using the analogy of two lions—the lion of good and the lion of evil. It signifies the ongoing battle within us, where we make choices that either strengthen our connection to God (feeding the lion of good) or draw us away from Him and others (feeding the lion of evil).
How does the memory text from Ellen G. White emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in the great controversy? - Romans 8:26-27
Ellen G. White's text emphasizes that Christ sends the Holy Spirit to guide, protect, and sustain us in the great controversy, supporting us in the battle. This aligns with Romans 8:26-27, where the Spirit intercedes for us.
In what ways can Christians actively participate in overcoming the enmity between God and Satan? - Romans 12:21
Answer: Christians can actively participate by choosing to follow God's principles, resisting temptation, and spreading the message of redemption. Romans 12:21 encourages overcoming evil with good.
Explore the idea of the great controversy helping us make sense of the little parts in the scene. Provide examples from your understanding.
Answer: The great controversy explains why evil exists, the purpose of suffering, and the significance of individual choices. It connects seemingly unrelated events, making sense of the broader narrative.
Explore the role of God's communication through historical events like the Red Sea, Mount Carmel, and Calvary. How does it impact our understanding of Him?
Answer: God's communication through these events reveals His power, love, and redemptive plan. They show His character and reinforce the message of the great controversy.
Choose three things you want to do to feed the "lion of good" based on the challenge presented in the lesson.
Answer: Examples could include prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, acts of kindness, and helping others. These activities strengthen our connection to God.
What does Joshua 24:15 encourage us to do regarding our loyalty to God?
Joshua 24:15 encourages us to choose whom we will serve. It's a call to make a conscious decision to remain loyal to God despite challenges.
Explore the significance of the term "enmity" in the context of the great controversy. How does it affect our relationship with God?
Answer: "Enmity" denotes hostility and opposition. The term highlights the adversarial relationship between God and Satan, impacting our choice to align with one side in the spiritual conflict.
In what ways does the great controversy offer answers to questions like "Why is this world so bad?" and "Will there ever be a time when there is no pain?"
Answer: The great controversy answers these questions by revealing the origin of evil and the assurance of eventual restoration. It provides hope for a future without pain through Christ's victory.
How does the lesson emphasize the uniqueness of God's communication through His Word compared to other sources?
Answer: God's Word is a reliable source, providing a clear message about Him. Unlike worldly speculations, it offers a comprehensive understanding of God's character and plan.
Reflect on a personal experience where you felt the internal war between good and evil, and how it influenced your choices.
Share a personal experience or an example where you faced a moral dilemma or internal struggle. Discuss how your choices reflected the ongoing battle between good and evil within.
Explain the concept of the great controversy in your own words, incorporating references from Romans 8:19-22.
Analyze the role of enmity in the specific events mentioned in the Bible, such as the Red Sea, Mount Carmel, and Calvary. (Exodus 14), (1 Kings 18), and (Luke 23)
Answer: Enmity is evident in these events as God intervenes to demonstrate His power and defeat evil forces. The Red Sea (Exodus 14), Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), and Calvary (Luke 23) showcase God's victory over enmity.
How does the concept of the great controversy offer hope and assurance in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
Answer: The great controversy assures us that God is in control, and evil will be defeated. It offers hope by showing that our present struggles are part of a larger narrative leading to ultimate triumph.
Reflect on the idea that God has spoken to us through His Word, and although everything has not been explained, we have enough information to say yes to God. How does this perspective impact your faith?
Answer: This perspective builds faith by acknowledging that God has communicated enough for us to choose Him. It encourages trust in His wisdom, even when aspects remain unexplained.
Explore the role of personal choices in the great controversy and how individuals contribute to the ongoing battle between God and Satan.
Answer: Personal choices shape the course of the great controversy. By aligning with God through righteous choices, individuals contribute to God's victory. Conversely, sinful choices support Satan's rebellion.