Lesson 11 December 8-14
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Revelation 4:8, 11; Matthew 4:8, 9; Daniel 3:8-18; Revelation 14:9; Revelation 14:6, 7; Acts 4:23-31.
Memory Text: “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth-to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:6, 7, NKJV).
Soon after the day of Pentecost, the early Christians spent much of their time in worship. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42, NKJV). The joy that came from knowing Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, filled their hearts with thanksgiving and gratitude to God. What a privilege to know this wonderful truth. These early Christians felt the need to spend time together in fellowship, study, and prayer, all in order to thank God for His revelation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and for what He had done in their lives.
The church of Jesus Christ is by definition a worshiping community, called into being by God to be “a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV). Gratitude to God expressed in community worship transforms people’s hearts and minds into the character of God and prepares them for service.
This week’s lesson focuses on the meaning of worship and how it preserves unity among believers in Jesus.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 15.
