Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “David and Goliath,” pp. 643–648, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Hezekiah,” pp. 331–339; “Deliverance From Assyria,” pp. 349–366, in Prophets and Kings; section 4.k., in “Methods of Bible Study,” which can be found at http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/bible-interpretation-hermeneutics/methods-bible-study.
“The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity. It lights up the far-distant past, where human research in vain seeks to penetrate. In God’s word only do we behold the power that laid the foundations of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only do we find an authentic account of the origin of nations. Here only is given a history of our race unsullied by human pride or prejudice.”—Ellen G. White, Education, p. 173.
“He who has a knowledge of God and His Word has a settled faith in the divinity of the Holy Scriptures. He does not test the Bible by man’s ideas of science. He brings these ideas to the test of the unerring standard. He knows that God’s word is truth, and truth can never contradict itself; whatever in the teaching of so-called science contradicts the truth of God’s revelation is mere human guesswork.
“To the really wise, scientific research opens vast fields of thought and information.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 325.
Discussion Questions:
Flesh out the question asked at the end of Wednesday’s study. Yes, it’s good when we find archaeological evidence that confirms biblical history. But what happens when archaeological evidence is found that is interpreted in ways that contradict the biblical story? What should this tell us about the fact that we must depend on the Word of God as the Word of God and trust it as such, regardless of the claims of archaeology or any other human science?
Think about all biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled in the past that, from today’s vantage point, we can see as having been fulfilled. Think, for example, of most of the kingdoms of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7. How can we learn from these prophecies, which have been fulfilled in history, and to trust the Lord about the prophecies that are yet for the future?
Inside Story
From Armenia to Cyprus
By Ermine Orphanidi
I was born in Armenia to a Greek father and an Armenian mother. From childhood, I believed in God and wanted to own a Bible. But at the time, Bibles were hard to find and very expensive in Armenia.
One day, a Seventh-day Adventist neighbor invited me to a series of meetings. Those who attended faithfully would receive a free Bible. I jumped at the idea of finally owning a Bible.
Death always bothered me. It seemed like such a meaningless end to life. Then the preacher spoke about the resurrection at Jesus’ second coming. It was amazing. I can still vividly remember the picture that he showed of resurrected people coming out of their graves. When a call was made for baptism, I was the first to stand.
Something happened. Before baptism, I tried to read the Bible a few times, but I couldn’t understand it. I wondered how others could spend hours reading it. After baptism, everything began to make sense. I consider this to be one of the many miracles that God has performed in my life.
Four months after my baptism, I moved to Cyprus. Though part Greek, I did not speak Greek and felt like a stranger in a strange land. For 16 years I didn’t know about the Adventist church in Cyprus. Many trials came my way, but God stood by me.
Then, through a friend, I located the church. Apprehension filled me on my first visit. How would the church members relate to me? All apprehension vanished as the members enveloped me with love. To this day, my church is my family, my second home.
Since that first visit five years ago, I have hardly missed a Sabbath. Now I am fluent in Greek. I enjoy teaching adult and teen Sabbath School classes. Even more remarkable, my mother, sister-in-law, and two nieces also attend church with me. The love of the members won them over. I am waiting and praying for the day, soon, when my son will also take his stand for Jesus.
I thank God for His goodness and look forward to a happy life with Him here and for eternity. Part of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help construct a new church building and community center in Nicosia, Cyprus. Thank you for helping to spread the gospel around the world.
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