Further Thought: Read the article “Forgiveness”, pages 825, 826, in The Ellen G. White Encyclopedia. “When the laborers have an abiding Christ in their own souls, when all selfishness is dead, when there is no rivalry, no strife for the supremacy, when oneness exists, when they sanctify themselves, so that love for one another is seen and felt, … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 18:15-17. What three steps does Jesus give us to help us to resolve conflicts when we are wronged by another church member? How are we to apply these words in our contemporary situations? Jesus’ desire in giving the counsel of Matthew 18 is to keep interpersonal conflict within the church in as small a … Continue reading –>
A few years ago I was visiting family and friends in an Adventist University community. Several different family and friends attend several different Adventist churches in the area. Sabbath, I decided to join a particular friend at his church. The sermon was on how we are not to judge others. As I sat and listened … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The Bible gives us examples of how we can have good and close relationships with others, even in a world of sin. December 8, 2018 1. Have a volunteer read Philemon 1:15-19. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. What was the relationship … Continue reading –>
Strained relationships. Have you ever found yourself struggling with a strained relationship? Not getting along, with someone or several people you used to like but now it seems they just don’t seem to want to be your friend anymore? After you were converted to a life of friendship with God, did you sometimes find that … Continue reading –>
The hymn that asks the Lord to break down every idol or barrier to help us mend broken relationships is: Hymn 318, “Whiter Than Snow” To restore friendships (Sunday) we may sing: Hymn 480/481, “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” along with Hymn 588, “Lord of All Nations”. We ask the Lord in: Hymn 193, “Savior, … Continue reading –>
What is forgiveness? Does forgiveness justify the behavior of someone who has horribly wronged us? Is my forgiveness dependent on the offender’s repentance? What if the one with whom I am upset does not deserve my forgiveness? How do the following passages help us to understand the biblical nature of forgiveness? Rom. 5:8-11; Luke 23:31-34; 2 Cor. 5:20-21; Eph. 4:26. … Continue reading –>
As we saw in an earlier lesson, the church at Corinth had deep problems. What principles does Paul outline in 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and 2 Corinthians 10:12-15 for healing and restoration, which are so vital to church unity? In these passages, the apostle outlines critical principles for church unity. He points out that Jesus uses different … Continue reading –>
While he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul met a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had fled from Colosse to Rome. Paul realized that he personally knew Onesimus’ master. The Epistle to Philemon is Paul’s personal appeal to his friend regarding a restored relationship with the runaway slave. Relationships mattered to Paul. The apostle knew that … Continue reading –>
Paul and Barnabas worked together in witnessing for Jesus. But they had a disagreement over whether they could trust one as fearful as John Mark (Acts 15:36-39). The potential dangers of preaching the Gospel had caused John Mark at one point to desert Paul and Barnabas and return home (Acts 13:13). “This desertion caused Paul to judge … Continue reading –>
