Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #3 — Dialogue

Picture: Counsel #3 — Dialogue CCL 42.1

Sabbath School is about sparking the kind of fire Jesus Himself ignited — a fire of open and meaningful conversation about faith. Imagine having the answers to life's biggest questions — your purpose, relationships, overcoming challenges, knowing God, being prepared for His coming. Studying the Bible with others can be the key to unlocking those answers. CCL 42.2

But God wants us to be conversation starters, not just passive listeners. We need to be able to discuss what we learn, wrestle with tough themes, and figure out how it applies to our lives today. Communal Bible reading and discussion acts as a powerful safeguard. Together, we can identify misquotations, challenge misinterpretations, and ensure a correct application of the Bible's message.^[67] CCL 42.3

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy aloud, and blessed are those who hear and obey the things written in it, because the time is near!” Revelation 1:3 NET CCL 42.4

“The student of the Sabbath school should be in earnest, should dig deep and search with the greatest care for the precious gems of truth contained in the weekly lessons. The privileges and opportunities which they now have of becoming intelligent in regard to the Scriptures should not be neglected. God would have those who profess to be His followers thoroughly furnished with proof of the doctrines of His word.” Ellen White in Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 22 CCL 42.5

Reflect: Ever feel like your faith is under attack? How might Sabbath School help equip you to defend your beliefs with confidence? CCL 42.6