Read for This week’s Study: Job 12:10;1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Gen. 3:17; John 12:31; 1 Cor. 1:18-21. 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). Theologian William Paley wrote a book in 1802 entitled Natural Theology, in which he argued that one … Continue reading –>
In the late 1860s in the United States, shortly after the Civil War, which abolished slavery, a former slave owner is loading sacks of vegetables onto his wagon near the town square. Across the street he sees his former slave and yells out to him, “Get over here and load these bags onto my wagon … Continue reading –>
In his book, The Three Edwards, Thomas Costain tells the story of three kings of England from 1272 to 1377 all of whom were conveniently and confusingly named Edward. According to a well-used illustration from Costain’s book, in the mid to late 1300′s, there was a Duke Raynald III. He was extremely overweight. He was … Continue reading –>
“God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. It was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken. There was to be no death in Eden. . . .”-Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church, p. 228. “Satan represents God’s law of love as a law … Continue reading –>
They’re off! Thirty-one kayakers wearing life jackets, hats, and eager smiles embarked on a five-day mission adventure down the Rospuda River in Poland. Their colorful kayaks were crammed with sleeping bags, tents, clothes, and food, and their most important cargo—magazines and books to share with people they met along their route. Their goal was to … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Creation and the Fall February 6, 2013] 1. Enmity from God. Why did God put enmity between the woman and the snake in the Garden of Eden? (Gen 3:15). How is that sense of hostility carried out even to this day? Why does the Bible refer to the devil as a snake or serpent throughout Scripture? … Continue reading –>
In Genesis 1 and 2, God utters declarative statements (or imperatives) such as: “Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven. . . . Let the earth bring forth living creatures. . . . It’s not good for man to be alone.” All these declarations deal with Creation, and with establishing humanity in that … Continue reading –>
In Genesis 3, after the Fall, the Lord’s opening words are all questions: “Where are you? . . . Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? . . . What is this you have done?” (Gen. 3:9,11,13 NIV). In contrast, God’s first declarative statement … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Understanding the issues underlying all temptations better equips us for successful spiritual life. There issues are highlighted in the fall of Adam and Eve. [Teaching plan for Creation and the Fall February 4, 2013] 1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 3:1. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 3:4-6. What are the principles that led to Adam and Eve’s downfall? What can we learn from their experience that can help us to deal with whatever temptations we face, as well? Satan was successful in drawing Eve into conversation and in raising doubts about what God said and why. Now he tells Eve … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 3:2-3. How did the woman respond to the serpent? What mistakes did she make? Though Eve clearly knew the command of God, which shows her culpability, she does make a statement that goes beyond what God had said, at least as recorded in the Bible. God had clearly instructed Adam and Eve not to … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 3:1. How is Satan, in the form of a serpent, described? How is the truth of that depiction revealed even in that one verse? The cunning of the serpent is seen in the way he introduces his temptation. He does not make a direct attack but attempts to engage the woman in conversation. Note … Continue reading –>
Read for This week’s Study: Gen. 3:1-15;Matt. 4:3-10;Col. 2:20-23; John 3:17; Rev. 14:6-7. Memory Text: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15, NIV). A comic used to play a woman character called Geraldine. In one monologue she was … Continue reading –>
According to Scripture, Adam was the first man and was specially created from the dust by God. Our understanding of the origin of morality is founded in the origin of Adam. Biblical concepts of morality are, then, inseparable from biblical concepts of origins. Recognizing Adam as the first human also refutes the possibility that any … Continue reading –>
Chief Asang was weeping, and no one could console him. I had no idea why he was upset, but I asked God to help me comfort him. I am a student missionary teaching the children of the chief’s people. As I approached the chief, he reached out and hugged me. “Thank you for coming,” he … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Creation and Morality January 30, 2013] 1. Depending on the Creator. What was God’s intention when He created mankind? Did He have a grand plan or did He just want to create a pleasant and invigorating environment for His new friends through eternity? Why do you think God laid down a firm rule about not eating … Continue reading –>