Here is the link to this week's study to be discussed in our various Sabbath Schools on February 16th.

http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/13a/less07.html

The topic is "Through a Glass, Darkly."

Memory Text: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’” (1 Corinthians 3:19, NIV).

A scientist once challenged the need for God; he argued that he could create humanity just as well as any God could. God said, “Okay, go ahead and do it.” The scientist began to gather some dirt, but God said, “Wait a minute. Make your own dirt!”

Though this story is only a fable, the point is clear: God is the only One who can create from nothing. God made all the material of the universe, including our world, our possessions, and our bodies. He is the legitimate owner of every thing.

Here is the link to this week's study to be discussed in our various Sabbath Schools on February 23rd.

http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/13a/less08.html

The topic is "Jesus, Provider and Sustainer."

Here is the link to this week's study to be discussed in our various Sabbath Schools on March 2nd.

http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/13a/less09.html

The topic is "Marriage: A Gift From Eden."

Genesis 2:18 seems to be an important text in connection with this lesson. A quotation by Ellen White found in the Teacher's Quarterly appears to support this rendering of that verse:

Genesis 2:18

Expanded Bible (EXB)
The First Woman

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper [C in the sense of a partner or ally; the word does not imply subordinate status; see Ps. 79:9] who ·is right for [is suitable for; corresponds with] him.”

The same Hebrew word for "helper" is used here:

Psalm 79:9

Expanded Bible (EXB)

9 God our ·Savior [Victor], help us
·so people will praise you [L for the glory of your name].
·Save [Protect] us and ·forgive [atone for] our sins
·so people will honor you [L for your name].

While studying last week's lesson together my wife took a peek at this lesson. Before we knew it we had read through the lesson on marriage, taking turns like usually.

We discovered that this lesson contains the principles on which our marriage is based, and which, after seven years of marriage, still makes ours an exceptionally happy marriage.We prayed about it, and we still keep praying, and the Lord answers our prayers. That does not mean it is perfect.

Another secret of happiness is that I frequently say with a smile and emphasis: "Ida, I love you so much!"

She reacts with the sweetest smile imaginable and says: "I know you do, and I love you too!" That prevents any misunderstandings, and we are even more determine to keep on in love.

I read this to my wife before posting it, and she agrees with this description

This week's study probably doesn't even speak of this, however, I don't really know, as I haven't read each and every day of it yet, but here I go anyway.

Marriage was a gift of Eden to Adam in the creation of Eve from his own rib.

Sabbath was also a gift to both Adam and Eve.

After the Fall, both continued, however, only the Sabbath will continue for all eternity, but not the gift of marriage.

Why doesn't the gift of marriage also continue for all eternity?

We understand marriage also wouldn't continue for ever here on earth.
God commanded Adam and Eve to fill the earth. After the earth was full, it seems the human race would be taken to heaven to re-populate it. They would become similar to the angels and, therefore, would no longer marry.

God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human family might become one with the heavenly family. It was God's purpose to re-populate heaven with the human family, if they would show themselves obedient to His every word. {CC 21.5}