“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). What is this text saying to us? 1 At the cross, in the most humiliating, inconceivable manner imaginable, God triumphs over and shames the enemy. Love, justice and compassion fuse in a singular dynamic act. God forgives sinners … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 1:18, Gen. 3:15, Rom. 16:20, 1 Pet. 1:19, Mark 10:32–45, Matt. 27:46. Memory Text: “ ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ “ (Revelation 5:12, NKJV). Key Thought: The Triune God is not only our Creator, He’s our Redeemer, as well. Closely … Continue reading –>
In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her that she is going to be the mother of the Messiah. In verse 30, Gabriel tells her not to be afraid. In Matthew 1:19-25, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him not to be afraid to marry Mary. In … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Through all her ministry, Ellen G. White was uncompromising in her rejection of the theory of evolution. “It is,” she wrote, “the worst kind of infidelity; for with many who profess to believe the record of creation, it is infidelity in disguise.”—The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1879. “[S]hall we, for the privilege … Continue reading –>
Irina Mezeuan Irina is a teenager who lives with her family in the Republic of Georgia. As a child she suffered from a painful spinal tumor, and doctors gave her only four years to live. Her mother, desperate for help, met a woman who was lending books in the marketplace. Irina’s mother chose several books … Continue reading –>
The creation story is one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture. Imagine Moses, wrapped up in the awe of an Almighty God sweeping the history of time. With humility and awe Moses describes the beginning of earth and all that is within it.1 Day 1 God establishes light. Three days later, on Day 4, God … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Christians must stand firm on the literal story of a six day Creation, for it is foundational to all we believe. [Teaching Plan for "In the Beginning" January 11, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Colossians 1:14-17. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
What wonderful promises are found in these texts? Isa. 65:17, Isa. 66:22, 2 Pet. 3:13, Rev. 21:4. Also, how are they linked with the biblical model of Creation, as revealed in the opening chapters of Genesis? 1 The whole Christian hope rests on the promises of a new heaven and a new earth, a heaven and earth without the devastation that sin … Continue reading –>
Read John 1:1–13. In what ways does John link Creation with the Cross? Why are the two teachings inseparable? 1 In numerous places the Bible clearly links the Lord as Creator with the Lord as Redeemer, a link that provides more evidence that evolution cannot be reconciled with the Bible, especially with the teaching of the … Continue reading –>
The Psalms contains a rich corpus of songs praising the Creator. Regularly and jubilantly the psalmists refer to the “great works” of God.1 Psalm 19. The progression of thought is audacious. First, David describes the glories of the heavens and firmament, including the blazing sun. He compares the brilliant energy of the sun to a bridegroom … Continue reading –>
Many, even among those who call themselves Adventists, question the true origin of the Sabbath and of the 7-day weekly cycle. Of course, the Bible claims that God instituted both during the Creation Week described in Genesis. However, critics of the biblical account claim that the seven-day week was actually invented by the Assyrians, or … Continue reading –>
The drama of Creation week is extraordinary. Day after day the Creator speaks into existence the life systems and life forms that continue to amaze scientists. Even God refers to the extreme joy of that time. 1 How does God express to Job the excitement that was part of the earth’s creation? Job 38:4–7. A hint of … Continue reading –>
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1, NKJV). How does this opening line automatically make the Bible and Darwinian evolution mutually exclusive? 1 The book of Genesis opens with God already in action as Creator. No explanation for, or introduction of, God is given. None of the Bible writers thought that God needed … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 19:4; Job 38:4–7; Deut. 32:10, 11; Psalm 19; John 1:1–13; Rom. 5:12; Isa. 66:22. Memory Text: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16, NKJV). Key … Continue reading –>
In the doctrine of the Trinity, we do not find three different divine roles displayed by one Person (that is modalism). Nor are there three gods in a cluster (that is tritheism orpolytheism). The one God (“He”) is also, and equally, “They,” and “They” are always together, always closely cooperating. The Holy Spirit executes the will of both … Continue reading –>
Guillaume Djossou Giving one’s life to God can be a life-or-death decision in some regions of the world. As a lay pastor and church planter working near the city of Cotonou, Benin, I saw this first hand. When Ann and her husband became Adventist Christians, Ann’s father, a fetish priest in Benin, cursed her with … Continue reading –>