Though the Bible covers a lot of history, it has made time to depict some romances. There was a strong, affectionate bond between Abraham and Sarah. He doesn’t desert her during her long years of barrenness. In fact, it is only at Sarah’s urging that Abraham takes Hagar as a surrogate wife. The ties of … Continue reading –>
“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Gen. 2:23).1 We need to begin with the initial chapters of Genesis for the first romance in Scripture, that of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve are special creations … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 2:21–25, Exod. 20:5, Isa. 43:4, 62:5, Song of Songs, John 2:1–11. Memory Text: “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you’ “ (Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV). Key Thought: How are we to understand the loving side of God? Love is, perhaps, … Continue reading –>
“Let the converting power of God be experienced in the heart of the individual members, and then we shall see the deep moving of the Spirit of God. Mere forgiveness of sin is not the sole result of the death of Jesus. He made the infinite sacrifice not only that sin might be removed, but … Continue reading –>
“My wife is the most beauiful woman in the world,” Stan announced to Barry while lunch being prepared by his wife Donna, who was in the kitchen with Barry’s wife Joanne.1 “You think so!” said Barry. “Did you see that dress she was wearing today?” “Yes, I did. It was pretty. I like the way the colors were so nicely … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : God is the ultimate Artist as Potter, Musician, Author, Architect, and Creator of all that is beautiful and very good. [Teaching Plan for "God as Artist" March 14, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 64:6-9. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
God is also a sculptor, but not one limited to granite or marble. Instead, He sculpts our characters. He can take a sinful human being and mold and chisel and hammer away until that person reflects something of heaven’s glory. God has given extensive evidence of such profound skills. From cover to cover in Scripture, … Continue reading –>
Bible scholars have often been impressed by the incredible literary quality in the Bible. In fact, many secular colleges teach courses on the Bible as literature. They study it, not because they think it is the Word of God but simply for its literary beauty.1 As Christians, we have the blessing not only of enjoying … Continue reading –>
“ ‘Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose’ ” (1 Chron. 23:5, NIV).1 Try to envision the scene above: four thousand people playing musical instruments in praise of the Lord! That must have been an amazing worship service. God’s … Continue reading –>
After God dramatically delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, He brought them to Mount Sinai. There, He joined them to Himself in a sacred covenant. Among all the varied instructions He gave them there, how was beauty included? Exod. 25:1–9.1 The first half of the book of Exodus details the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The … Continue reading –>
“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isa. 64:8).1 When is the first time the Bible reveals God displaying His skills working with “clay”? Gen. 1:26, 27, 31; 2:7. Scripture opens with God creating the first humans out of the “dust … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 64:5–8, Ps. 51:10, Heb. 8:1–5, 1 Chron. 23:5, Rom. 11:33–36, Acts 9:1–22. Memory Text: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4, NKJV). Key Thought: God as artist? … Continue reading –>
Someone sits in a restaurant, consuming a large meal, filled with fatty food that they wash down with a soft drink. They then finish off with a large bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in hot fudge. That night, before going to bed (and having a little snack before then, too), they get on their … Continue reading –>
“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel … Continue reading –>
“God is my best Friend,” Judy said quietly to her friend Stacy as the adult Sabbath school was tranforming into the worship hour.1 “Mine, too,” Stacy replied. “The best Friend I’ve ever had. I talk to Him a lot.” A set of shoulders in front of them paused and turned in their direction. It was … Continue reading –>