Introduction. Are you comfortable with the idea that some of the proverbs in the Bible reflect sayings of the heathen? If not, why not? If the truth espoused by the ancient Egyptians corresponds with truth followed by Christians, should we not embrace that truth as well? [Thought questions for Words of Truth February 24, 2015] 1. … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for Words of Wisdom February 17, 2015] 1. Products of our environment. Have you ever known a devoted, Christian family who adopted a child from a disruptive family? Did they believe they could overcome the errors of the youngster’s birth parents by firmly planting their feet in a Christian environment? Why doesn’t it always work out that … [Click to read more …]
[Thought Questions for Dealing with Fights February 10, 2015] 1. Introduction. What’s that? Fights among God’s people? Or fights by evil people that can do us damage? Let’s take a look in this week’s lesson about dealing with fights. Have you ever witnessed a snappy, angry exchange between two people who should care for each other? … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for What You Get is Not What You See February 3, 2015] 1. The fool in us. Our lesson this week opens with a stern warning. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How often have you said something like, “He didn’t know … [Click to read more …]
[Though questions for The Blessings of the Righteous January 27, 1015] 1. Introduction. A whole three months on the book of Proverbs? Plenty of advice awaits us on this journey. I apologize for being gone for so many months. First I ended up in the hospital and then rehab with a bad hip fracture, then my … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for The Everlasting Gospel December 23, 2014] 1. Where we are today. How long has it been since God made clear the essence of the gospel? Did He explain the gospel to Adam and Eve in the garden? How? Could you explain the gospel in 25 words or less? We are saved by faith, by the … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for Prayer, Healing, and Restoration December 16, 2014] 1. Words with power. One of my favorite texts growing up in Sabbath school is this week’s memory text containing these words, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” I repeated those words until they were embedded in my heart. But what did they … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 9, 2014] 1. Parousia. Does the word “parousia” echo a sense of majesty and anticipation in you? Did it for New Testament Christians as they applied the word to the Second Coming of Jesus? What two conditions does James propose to Christians who want to be ready for … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for Weep and Howl December 2, 2014] 1. Weep and howl! Can you imagine the impression those words made on James’ readers and listeners? What if you went to church one week, and the pastor walked to the pulpit wearing his usual invisible robe of humility but places his hand in the open Bible … [Click to read more …]
[Thought questions for One Lawgiver and Judge November 26, 2014] 1. Introduction. Have you ever complained about a new stop sign in your neighborhood? Or about the lack of stop signs or posted speed limits nearby? Imagine that you live in the capital city of the United States, Washington, DC. What would the term “diplomatic immunity” … [Click to read more …]
