Contrary Passages? – Hit the Mark
We’re covering Lesson 9, Contrary Passages? How should we react when we come upon difficult passages in the Bible? Come join the discussion.
Wednesday: Preaching to the Spirits in Prison
Read 1 Peter 3:13-20. How did Christ preach “to the spirits in prison … in the days of Noah”? (See also Genesis 4:10.) Commentators who believe in the natural immortality of the soul usually point out that Christ preached “to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19, NKJV) while He was still resting in the tomb. For them, His disincarnated … Continue reading –>
Did Samuel Appear to King Saul After He Died?
While we are looking at apparent “contrary passages” in Scripture, let’s take a look at another one not included in this week’s lesson. In 1 Samuel 28:1-25, even though Saul has outlawed mediums he goes to consult one. He wants to talk to Samuel, who is dead. Ironically, he never wanted to talk to Samuel … Continue reading –>
Tuesday: To Depart and Be With Christ
Read Philippians 1:21-24 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. When did Paul expect to be “with Christ” (Philippians 1:23) and “with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)? Paul was driven with the passion to live “in Christ” now (2 Corinthians 5:17) and “with Christ” after His second coming (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17). For the apostle, not even death could break the assurance of belonging to his Savior and … Continue reading –>
9: Contrary Passages? – Singing with Inspiration
The theme hymn for this quarter’s studies “On Death, Dying and the FUTURE HOPE” is Hymn 214 – We Have This Hope. The studies we have completed so far are reverberating in Hymn 203 – This Is The Threefold Truth and will do through to the end of this quarter. To answer all our questions, the … Continue reading –>
9: Contrary Passages? – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: We need to look at some passages that some people us to justify the natural immortality of the soul. These reflections should strengthen our own convictions and help us to answer those who question this important teaching. November 26, 2022 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 16:19-31. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
Monday: “Today…With Me In Paradise
One of the Bible passages most widely used to try to prove the immortality of the soul is Luke 23:43 — “He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’” (NRSV). Almost all Bible versions (with few exceptions) translate this text in a similar way, giving the impression that on the very … Continue reading –>
Sunday: The Rich man and Lazarus
Read Luke 16:19-31. Why is this story not a literal description of the afterlife? Some scholars suggest that Luke 16:19-31 should be interpreted literally, that is, as describing the state of the dead. But this view would lead to several unbiblical conclusions and would contradict many of the passages that we have already looked at. First, we would … Continue reading –>
Sabbath: Contrary Passages?
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 16:19-31, Luke 23:43, John 20:17, Philippians 1:21-24, 1 Peter 3:13-20, Revelation 6:9-11. Memory Text: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39, NKJV). Peter warns us: “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason … Continue reading –>
8: The New Testament Hope – It is Written Discussions with the Author
Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr. Alberto Timm, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson, “Resurrections before the Cross.”
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