The Gospel of Nitrogen

The previous quarterly dealt with the same incident this lesson is focusing on.  Here is the Insight posted back then. Here is the link, https://sabbathschoolinsights.blogspot.com/2018/07/re-witnessing.html. The Gospel of Nitrogen  Everything is made of molecules. Some are small and others bigger.  Some are simple and others complex. Proteins are very large and  complex molecules. Proteins are made out of smaller molecules called  amino acids, and Nitrogen is an essential part of all amino acids.  However, nitrogen as a part of an amino acid is an atom. All  molecules are made out of atoms. Other molecules that contain nitrogen  are all nucleic acids (which provide energy and genetic information),  and most plant pigments involved in photosynthesis. Which implies  that plants need lots of nitrogen. The most common component of  plant fertilizers is, in fact, one of two forms of nitrogen - nitrate  (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+) ions—both usable forms of nitrogen for  plants.  With a concentration of about 78 percent, nitrogen gas comprises the  largest component of earth's atmosphere. It has at least a million  times more nitrogen than found in all living systems combined. The bad  news is that all of this atmospheric nitrogen consists of molecules of  N2 — that is, two atoms of nitrogen bound tightly together by, what  chemists call, three strong covalent bonds. Unfortunately, it takes a  great deal of energy to break the triple bond. Because plants can't  use molecular nitrogen (N2), nitrogen has to transform into one of the  two absorbable ions. When you break the bonds between the molecular  nitrogen, each nitrogen ion is open to attract and attach other atoms  and form different molecules. So, before the nitrogen can bond with  other elements like oxygen or hydrogen it has to become an ion itself.  Let us try to reiterate: the two nitrogen atoms are attracted to each  other, very strongly. Once bonded the nitrogen atoms cannot bond with  anything else unless that bond is broken. When the bond is broken,  the nitrogen will have open spaces to bond with other ions. Now,  notice that the symbol for nitrate has a negative sign and the  ammonium has a positive sign, this is why they are called ions and not  molecules. Both nitrate and ammonium have open spaces to bond as  well.  Back to nitrogen: it requires a lot of energy to break nitrogen's  triple bond. In His wisdom, the Creator provided several ways to  convert atmospheric molecular nitrogen into usable forms that will  dissolve in water so that plant roots can absorb it. The immense  energy of lightning easily breaks triple nitrogen bond, turning it  into nitrates and washing it down in the rain of a good thunderstorm.  Have you noticed how green your lawn is after a lightning strikes?  Even more critical, many types of bacteria convert nitrogen from one  form to another. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen  to the more plant-friendly ammonium ion (though it is toxic in large  concentrations). Other bacteria, called ammonifying bacteria, also  create the ammonium ion, but they do it by decomposition of plant and  animal matter. Check out the smell of your compost pile. It reeks of  ammonia. Fortunately, another family of bacteria called nitrifying  bacteria transforms the ammonium ion to the safer nitrates. (As you  might guess, the cycles are more complicated than what I am  describing.)  It is not uncommon for atoms in a "multi-atom" molecule to behave  differently than when they were a mono-atom molecule. As previously  mentioned, the bonds in molecules of compounds are very strong. The  atoms that compose the molecules now yield to one another. They work  as one. Whether, in ammonium or nitrate, nitrogen no longer behaves  as nitrogen. For example, water is not flammable. But, the two  elements that compose water – hydrogen, and oxygen - on their own are  very flammable.  This has a spiritual application. Let us go step by step. Before  conversion, the disciples could not bond. Before the crucifixion,  they were fighting for supremacy. That ceased after the ten days in  the upper chamber. Luke described what happened then, "And when the  day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one  place" (acts 2: 1). Ellen White describes the events in the following  quote,  "After Christ's ascension, His disciples--men of varied talents and  capabilities--assembled in an upper chamber to pray for the gift of  the Holy Spirit. In this room 'all continued with one accord in prayer  and supplication.' They made thorough work of repentance by confessing  their own sins. Upon them was laid no burden to confess one another's  sins. Settling all differences and alienations, they were of one  accord, and prayed with unity of purpose for ten days, at the end of  which time 'they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to  speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.' {7MR  94.4}  There was a definite change in them. This change was reflected in all  their followers: "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one  heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he  possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with  great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord  Jesus. And great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:32, 33, NKJV).  What happened? When the Holy Spirit began working in them, He broke  their bond to Sin or self. It takes the mighty grace of God to do  this. Now, they have open space to bond with Christ and with each  other. Christ could not use the disciples in their natural state.  They had to become spiritual ions to be able to bond with other  spiritual atoms.  So, the disciples laid aside all their ambitions. Now instead of  fighting, they were convicted by the Holy Spirit to die to self. The  words of Paul became a reality in them: "…be not conformed to this  world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," and do not  think more highly than he ought to think of himself (Romans 12: 2 –  3). God is waiting for us to let the Holy Spirit do the same work in  us.  Raul Diaz   RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

What God Has Done

What God Has Done

Robert and Gina were siblings who were destined to bounce from home to home. You see, they didn't want to be adopted, they wanted their mommy and daddy back. But mommy and daddy had forfeited not only their right to have Robert and Gina in their custody but were not even allowed to see them. Their rights as parents had been terminated, and it was permanent. But how Robert and Gina missed them. Yet, there was no going back. Well, you may ask, "did the parents really deserve not even being allowed to see their children?" Sadly, Robert and Gina's parents received what they wanted, for neither parent desired the best for the children. Neither parent called or wrote or attempted to visit the children. They not only never remembered Robert's or Gina's birthday, but they never tried to support them financially, did not send them to school or feed them. To the parents, Robert and Gina were unwanted burdens, and so they left them to fend for themselves. In a heightened state of anxiety and anticipation, Robert and Gina waited and waited for their parents to return, but they never did. Instead, someone called the local child and family agency, and the workers came out and rescued them. Robert and Gina were so sure their parents would return, that they did not want to leave. Angry, sullen and reluctant, they were taken out of the home and placed in foster care, as no relatives existed. Still mad at being taken away, and hopeful that their parents would return, they refused to cooperate. Young as they were, Robert and Gina thought that if they were bad enough, no one would keep them, and then the two could go home; until then, Robert and Gina had decided they could take care of themselves. The day finally came when the workers thought they were old enough to be told that their parents' rights had been terminated by the state. They were so angry that they determined to behave worse than before. 

But this foster home was different. The foster parents were gentle but firm and kind and loving. Furthermore, they had determined that they would adopt Robert and Gina. The foster care workers spoke at length with the foster parents, the court and finally with the children, and drew up the papers. All were made in readiness, but still, the children resisted. What more could be done for them? It was out of the question for Robert and Gina to return to the place where their parents had left them, for the drug and rodent infested apartment buildings had been razed. There were no other foster homes that wanted them, and they were too young for group home living or emancipation. What could be done? Finally, the foster parents requested Robert and Gina to come into the living room together. There they spoke with the children at length. They told them, "we know that both of you have been waiting for your mom and dad to return." "We also know that you have been angry that their rights have been terminated, and that you don't know where they are or even if they're alive." "We want you to know that we don't want to take your parent's love away from you and that we will never try." "We just want to adopt both of you and give you the benefits and privileges to which you'd be entitled if you'd been born to us." "We love you, and we hope you'll eventually come to love us, but it's your choice." If you were Robert or Gina, what would you choose? Would you choose to be adopted or would you want otherwise? I'm happy to be able to tell you that both Robert and Gina chose adoption, and came to love their adoptive parents. 

Our lesson this week focuses on 'what God has done.' If someone were to ask you what has God done, what would you say? Would you be able to tell them that every human being that had ever lived, is living or would live (the whole human race) was placed into Christ, the 2nd Adam?   And, that when He lived -- we lived, and when He died -- we died in Him, and when He was resurrected -- we were resurrected.  Furthermore,  that through His blood we have the forgiveness of sins, redemption and have been accepted in the beloved by the Father (I Cor. 15:45, Rom. 5:12 -21, Eph.1:6)? Would you say that by Christ's redeeming blood, He has given every human being the gift of choice and that whoever would like to be adopted into God's family now has the privilege to do so? The apostle Paul certainly would say these things if he were alive and were asked. How do we know? Because He has said so, in his writings.

In Ephesians 1:4, Paul says that the Father chose us 'in Christ' before the earth had a foundation. Brothers and sisters, this was before sin even entering our world, as our world wasn't yet created. How could we be chosen before earth's foundation when we weren't even alive? Well, scripture says that God foreknew us (see Ps. 139 the whole chapter and in particular, vs.14-16). Not only did He choose us, but He placed us 'in Christ.' By the way who is the 'us' He placed in Christ? Why it's the whole world -- not just believers, for by the offense of one -- Adam the 1st -- sin entered the world, and the wages of sin is the second death.

In contrast, by the abundant unmerited favor of the Father, the gift of the righteousness of Christ came upon all men so that all were justified and received the gift of life. Just as by the disobedience of one, the many (all) were made sinners -- by the obedience of One, the many were made righteous, and we judge thus, "if one died for all, then were all dead (Romans 5:10-19, 2 Cor. 5:14)." So, in Christ, we -- the human race -- were made right with God. Going back to our true story in which the names where changed, the papers were prepared without the children's consent. They had no say in the preparation or rectifying of the wrong their parents had done. Just so, we had no say in what the 1st Adam did, which was to plunge us into sin and no say in what the 2nd Adam -- Christ -- did which was to rectify the wrong which our first parent had done.

In our story, did Robert and Gina have a say to whether they were adopted or not? Sure they did, and so do we. If Robert and Gina refused to be adopted, no court of law would dishonor their wishes and proceed with the adoption. By the same token, the court of heaven will not dishonor our choice regarding heavenly adoption, it is ours alone to make. Yet, as the prospective adoptive parents attempted to persuade the children to accept the adoption as in their best interest, so the Holy Spirit tries to convince us that the Father loves us and would be delighted to adopt us as His sons and daughters. According to Galatians 3:5, Paul says that Christ was sent to redeem all of us who were under the condemnation of the second death (the law), that we might receive (if we so desire) the adoption of sons. (Vs. 6) And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may cry, 'Abba -- Father.'" Galatians 3:26 says "For ye are all the children of God by faith 'in Christ Jesus'." Who is referred to here as the children of God? Those who choose to live by faith. 

Romans 8:15,16 also reiterates the same message. Let's look at verse 15, "For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage (to sin / Satan) again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby ye cry Abba, Father." Verses 16 and 17 add valuable information too. They say, "The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are the Children of God: And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and Joint-heirs with Christ..." Wow, what a wonderful gift has been given to us, and sadly how little we think of it. Many of us are often wondering if the Father truly loves us. Some of us even question whether or not we're really saved. How sad that we think God is far away from us and has forgotten us. How could a parent who is in his right mind, forget his children? Sometimes human parents do when they're preoccupied, but for the most part, parents do not forget their children. If a loving parent thinks about his or her children and plans for them, wouldn't a perfect God? How could He forget when He does not suffer from the effects of sin? 

It seems as if one of the reasons we forget that God loves us is that we resist being led by Him. Somehow, we're still convinced that we can go it alone -- that as long as we live Politically Correct lives, as long as we're nice to people and live a social gospel, we'll be all right. But Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the (Holy) Spirit of God, they are the sons (and daughters) of God. Could it be that we're still under the dominion of our first parent (Adam the 1st) -- and that we're trying to obey the law so we won't be condemned? What a waste of perfectly good energy. For there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are 'in Christ Jesus,' who walk not after the flesh, but after the Holy Spirit. For it is only the law of the Spirit of life 'in Christ Jesus' that has made us free (already) of the law of sin and death. Brothers and sisters, we've been freed from the condemnation of the second death, by dying 'in Christ' and being raised with Him to sit in heavenly places. The Father has chosen us to be a part of His family 'in Christ,' and our adoption papers have been prepared and signed in His blood. Freely He has given us this wonderful gift, hoping against hope that we will choose to receive and share it with others. He is waiting for our smile of recognition and understanding, anticipating and hoping that we'll choose to love Him in return. The Holy Spirit is prompting us, let us not resist -- for as many as are led by the Holy Spirit -- they are the sons of God.

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

The Law and the Gospel

The Law and the Gospel

Memory Text: "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:3, 4, NKJV).

This verse presents a dilemma because depending on how you read it the emphasis could be on knowing Christ- (which would make keeping the law a fruit of knowing Him) or on keeping the law (which would make knowing Him a fruit of keeping the law).  Which one is it? 

We could try looking at the verse closer and see where it leads us.  Let us start within the expression, "that we know Him."  In John 17:3, Christ stated that knowing Him (and His Father) is eternal life.  In John 6, Christ says that eating His flesh and drinking His blood gives life.  When we eat and drink, we assimilate the food and beverages; it becomes part of us.  So, although we do not think about it in this manner, there is an intimate relation between food and us.  What we eat and how we eat will eventually be revealed.  This is akin to knowing someone, the more time you spend with them, the more the two assimilate each other. Finally, it will be evident that the two spend a lot of time together.  To those around Peter, it became apparent that Peter was with Jesus; Peter now spoke like a Galilean (Matthew 26:73).  Peter in many ways acted like Jesus.  So, Peter's speech was evidence that he was with Jesus.  Peter did not go around speaking like Jesus to prove that he was one of them.  It just came out.  When the disciples preached many said that it was evident that they had been with Jesus.  There was a transformation. 

The next expression is "Keeping the commandments."  Who are these that keep them? Paul identifies the just as those who keep the commandments (Romans 2: 13).  The words just and righteous are the same word in Greek.  Abraham was just.  How was Abraham just?  He believed God's words, and it was counted to Him for righteousness (Romans 4:3).  Now, if Abraham's faith made him just, and the just keep the commandments, it follows that only those who hear God's words and believe them (since faith comes through Hearing and hearing through the word) keep the commandments (Romans 10:17).  The best way to know someone is to hear what they say and seek to understand them. 

What are the commandments?  We could argue that they are the Ten Commandments.  We typically also call it the Law.  The Ten Commandments speak of things we would do for others, not ourselves.  Not one of the commandments says anything about how you are to treat yourself, but how you are to treat God and others.  Christ stated in Matthew 22: 37 - 40,

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

This is a summary of the commandments.  It says in essence, put God and others first.  This is what Jesus did, he put His Father and others first.  So much that He went to die on the cross, so others may live.  That is why the Father sent Him (Romans 5:8).  So, John puts it this way,

1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

In the Gospel according to John 15: 10 – 17, Jesus is quoted saying that this is the commandment He gives to us,

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love…

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

And we see in this passage how laying down your life is related to abiding in Christ's love.  So, is love related to the commandments?  Paul gives the answer,

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

How do we relate faith to all of these?  Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).  Anything outside of faith is Sin (Romans 14:23).   So, anything outside of faith transgresses the Law.  We have concluded that the law, in essence, says to love God and others above yourself; so, not loving God and others above yourself – or loving yourself above others – is transgressing the law, and it is not of faith; therefore it is a Sin.  So, if love fulfills the law and does not transgress it, love is not Sin therefore love is of faith.  This means that since loving God and others above yourself is laying down your life, then it follows that only those who lay down their life for others, as Christ laid His life down for us, are just or righteous; they keep the law.  So, how do we know you know Christ?  Because you are willing to lay down your life for others as He laid His down for you. 

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

Elusive Righteousness

Elusive Righteousness

 

The Word elusive means: difficult to find, catch, or achieve; difficult to remember or recall; to elude capture, perception, comprehension, or memory; difficult to define or describe; be difficult to detect or grasp by the mind.  We use this word to describe something that may seem within grasp, but yet we can never reach it.  It could be used for that promotion or raise you never get.  In some organizations, a specific landmark amount of members is never reached.  It can be used for a fugitive or criminal that is hard to catch.  It is also used for a particular animal that is hard to hunt or fish.

 

There is a metaphor used in an old Spanish love song that I think illustrates this point well.  To tell the lover his or her love will always be unrequited, the singer makes this statement,

 

"The sea and the sky look equally blue

and in the distance, they seem to meet and unite,

better remember that the sky is always sky

that never, never will the sea reach."

 

The point is obvious, "As the sky is elusive to the sea, so am I to you."

 

God's ways are higher than ours.  God says through Isaiah "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).  In the above metaphor, we are the sea, and the Lord is the sky.  We will never reach God.  That is why God sent His Son to reach us.  So anything from God is unattainable for us unless it is through Jesus.  That is why Paul says that "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Romans 3:28).  The word justified means to be made righteous; this means that man is made righteous by faith and not by attempting to obey the law in his strength.  Paul is saying that your effort to obey the law on your own will be futile and therefore you will never be righteous.  Righteousness will be elusive in your strength.  The more you try, the harder it gets to reach it. 

 

But, Paul makes it clear that being justified by faith does not make the law void, on the contrary, it exalts the law (Romans 3:31).  Then He uses Abraham as an example of how justification by faith works.  Paul says of Abraham,

 

Romans 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 

Abraham was no exception in regards to how to become righteous.  It was not on his strength, but by faith.  He believed God's Word and this believing the Word was counted to Him as righteousness.  Ellen White says that Righteousness is obedience to the law (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 367); this means that when Abraham believed God's word, it was counted unto Him as obedience to the law.  It was faith that made Abraham a doer of the Law.  And, so it is with us. 

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz