The Undercover Adventist

Today, we’re diving into a topic central to the Christian journey: dying to self. This concept is at the heart of discipleship and echoes the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” But what does it mean to die to self, and how can we, as followers of Christ, overcome selfishness to live in the fullness of His love and purpose? Let us explore this together under three main points: understanding the call, practicing self-denial, and depending on God’s grace. Understanding the Call to Die to Self The Bible is rich with teachings about surrendering our own desires to align with God’s will. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This isn’t just a poetic statement; it’s a call to action. To die to self means to let go of our selfish...

God's Love and Justice Sabbath School Lesson 5 The Wrath of Divine Love You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson. ------------------------------ >   Download the notes for Lesson 5 video here. ----------------------------- >  Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice -----------------------------

 Learning to reflect the good kind of "jealousy" that God displays involves understanding its nature and purpose. In the Bible, God’s jealousy is rooted in His love, righteousness, and desire for the best for His people. It’s not selfcentered or destructive but protective, caring, and devoted. Here's how we can emulate this kind of jealousy toward others. Cultivate Pure Motives       God’s jealousy is rooted in love. Similarly, our concern for others should stem from genuine care for their wellbeing rather than selfish desires or envy.       Ask yourself: Is my jealousy about wanting the best for this person, or is it about me? Protect Relationships Out of Love       God’s jealousy reflects His commitment to His covenant relationship. In the same way, show dedication to the people you care about by prioritizing their growth, happiness, and faithfulness to what is good.       Be willing to have honest ...

  Modeling our lives after Christ, particularly by focusing on the felt needs of others, involves embodying His love through actions and attitudes that reflect His character. Here’s how this can be approached practically and spiritually. Cultivate Christlike Humility    - Jesus exemplified humility by serving others, even washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). Modeling this humility means being willing to serve without seeking recognition.    - Reflect on ways to prioritize others’ needs over your own desires, valuing them as Christ does (Philippians 2:3-5). Practice Compassionate Service    - Jesus responded to the immediate, tangible needs of those He encountered—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and comforting the grieving.    - Identify ways to meet people’s practical needs in your community, such as volunteering at shelters, providing meals, or helping with housing or employment support. Be Intentional in Relationships   ...