In this lesson, we focus upon the nature of true faithfulness to Christ in the eyes of the worldly wise.

Importance of data gathering; courage and character in decision making

In vision, John sees the beast coming up out of the abyss and after describing his appearance, activity, and authority expresses the need for God’s people in that day to trust in His good exercise of sovereignty.

In Christ’s earthly ministry, He continually faced animosity, rejection, and hostility from the Jews and religious leaders. Yet, instead of engaging those who rejected Him, He understood that the gospel goes forth not by human effort, but by supernatural power and means. In Matthew 12:15-21, God affirms Christ as His beloved servant who sows the gospel in seeds of gentleness and quietness to the weak and wavering of the world.

Brian examines the words of Jesus in the upper room to remind us that we should expect ridicule and persecution from this present world system, as we share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

No one took Jesus life from Him; in obedience to the heavenly Father He willfully gave it up.

With all this, new life is imparted to a condemned robber.

What is our response to tragedy? What is the message we are intended to understand but so often miss?

The problems with subjective decision making; error to avoid