Sunday
March 26
1. THE JOY OF CREATION
a. How does the Bible describe everything that God had made? Genesis 1:31.
“As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, . . . noble rivers and lovely lakes. . . . Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. . . . The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 44.
b. What should lead us to praise God? Psalm 139:14.
“The real evidence of a living God is not merely in theory; it is in the conviction that God has written in our hearts, illuminated and explained by His word. It is in the living power in His created works, seen by the eye which the Holy Spirit has enlightened.”—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 325.
Monday
March 27
2. THE PURPOSE OF OUR WORLD
a. What does Scripture teach regarding the origin of all created things? Genesis 2:4; Colossians 1:16.
“The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a coworker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. . . . The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34.
“God spoke, and His words created His works in the natural world. God’s creation is but a reservoir of means made ready for Him to employ instantly to do His pleasure.”—Lift Him Up, p. 66.
b. For what purpose did God create the world? Isaiah 45:18; Revelation 4:11.
“God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. That purpose will be fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal home of the redeemed.”—The Adventist Home, p. 540.
c. How were Adam and Eve created, and what plan did God have for them? Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:5, 6.
“Created to be ‘the image and glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 11:7), Adam and Eve had received endowments not unworthy of their high destiny. Graceful and symmetrical in form, regular and beautiful in feature, their countenances glowing with the tint of health and the light of joy and hope, they bore in outward resemblance the likeness of their Maker. Nor was this likeness manifest in the physical nature only. Every faculty of mind and soul reflected the Creator’s glory. Endowed with high mental and spiritual gifts, Adam and Eve were made but ‘little lower than the angels’ (Hebrews 2:7), that they might not only discern the wonders of the visible universe, but comprehend moral responsibilities and obligations.”—Education, p. 20.
Tuesday
March 28
3. JEHOVAH, THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD
a. How does the Lord, the true God, differ from other gods? Jeremiah 10:11, 12.
“On every leaf of the forest or stone of the mountains, in every shining star, in earth and air and sky, God’s name was written. The order and harmony of creation spoke to them of infinite wisdom and power.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 51.
b. Why does God deserve all our obedience and reverence above all other things? Isaiah 42:5; 45:5; Psalm 139:13, 15, 16.
“Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.”—Ibid., p. 305.
c. What can we learn from the attitude of the angels towards God? Isaiah 6:1–3; Psalm 96:8, 4.
“Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces. God is greatly to be reverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him.”—Ibid., p. 252.
“Supreme love to God will be shown by every man or woman who is a true follower of Jesus. . . . We are His creatures, the work of His hands, and He is justly entitled to reverence, honor, and love.”—The Signs of the Times, March 4, 1897.
Wednesday
March 29
4. GOD THE LIFE-GIVER
a. How did God give life to the first man? Genesis 2:7. Because of His ability to give life, how is God described? Psalm 36:9.
“When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 415.
“The beating heart, the throbbing pulse, every nerve and muscle in the living organism, is kept in order and activity by the power of an ever-present God.”—Ibid., p. 417.
b. What did Abraham believe about God’s ability to restore life? Hebrews 11:19.
“As [father and son] came to the place which God had pointed out to Abraham, he built there an altar and laid the wood in order, ready for the sacrifice, and then informed Isaac of the command of God to offer him as a burnt offering. He repeated to him the promise that God several times had made to him, that through Isaac he should become a great nation, and that in performing the command of God in slaying him, God would fulfill His promise, for He was able to raise him from the dead.”—The Story of Redemption, p. 82.
c. How will this power be manifested in the future? Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51–54.
“The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and came forth clothed with glorious immortality. . . .Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air.”—Early Writings, p. 287.
Thursday
March 30
5. CREATED AS PART OF GOD’S FAMILY
a. How is Adam’s relationship to God described? Genesis 1:27; Luke 3:38. What was his nature like before the Fall?
“Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is ‘the express image’ (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and in perfect obedience to His will.
“As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy tint of health and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam’s height was much greater than that of men who now inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature; yet her form was noble and full of beauty.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.
b. What freedom does God give to every soul? Romans 14:12, 5 (last part).
“The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love—service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.”—Ibid., p. 34.
Friday
March 31
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How does understanding God more fully affect our relationship with Him?
2. What was God’s purpose in the creation?
3. How will obedience to God and His will help us reverence Him?
4. How is our very existence dependent upon Jehovah?
5. Why has God given us the freedom of choice in our relationship with Him?