With its characteristic conciseness and clarity, the Gospel of Mark presents the commission in one short sentence: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15, NKJV). As in Matthew, the verb go in Greek is a participle that indicates not the task but the movement needed to fulfill the … [Click to read more …]
After His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples in Galilee, at the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them (Matt. 28:16, NKJV). Not only the eleven, but also more than five hundred brethren gathered there to meet the risen Lord (1 Cor. 15:6). The One who had conquered death said to them: All authority has … [Click to read more …]
John’s gospel also reports Jesus’ first encounter with the disciples in the upper room but mentions other elements not included in Luke’s gospel. According to John, in what way did Jesus define the mission of the believers? See John 20:21. Jesus had already mentioned this concept a few days before, when He prayed: As You … [Click to read more …]
Jesus’ first encounter with the disciples after His resurrection was very important. They were fearful, distressed, discouraged, and perplexed. They had locked the doors of the room out of fear, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. With a clear and warm voice He said to them: Peace to you. Startled and terrified as … [Click to read more …]
Read Matthew 5:14-16. What is Jesus saying here to each of us individually and as a church community? Throughout the Bible, light is intimately associated with God. The Lord is my light, sang David (Ps. 27:1), and John stated that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5, NKJV). … [Click to read more …]
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 5:14-16; Luke 24:48-49; John 20:21; Matt. 28:19-20; Rev. 14:6-12. Memory Text: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14, NKJV). Early in Jesus’ ministry, He called Peter and Andrew … [Click to read more …]
Charlie Tui, like many young men in the island nation of Vanuatu, had come from an outer island to the capital city looking for work. Charlie found a job and moved into a barracks with other young men from his home island. The friends spent their weekends drinking and smoking. But one man was different. … [Click to read more …]
Further Study: Ellen G. White, Christian Unity, p. 236-248, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; One With Christ in God, p. 239-243, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8. Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was … [Click to read more …]
Why is reconciliation with an offended brother a prerequisite for acceptable worship? See Matt. 5:23-24. There were different kinds of offerings brought to the altar, but Jesus was probably referring to an animal sacrificed so the sinner could receive divine forgiveness. Before we can obtain God’s pardon, however, we must make things right with others. … [Click to read more …]
How can Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1-5 help us to avoid divisions and conflicts in the church? It is much easier to see the faults in others than to see our own. To criticize gives a false sense of superiority, because the critic compares himself with other human beings who seem to be worse than … [Click to read more …]
