Read Matthew 4:1-3. What is happening, and why? How do we see the great controversy being played out here? “When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and … Continue reading –>
The appearance of John the Baptist must have sent ripples of excitement throughout the region. Here was someone who looked like the prophet Elijah (Matt. 3:4, 2 Kings 1:8). He was the first prophetic voice the people had heard in 400 years. God had never been silent for so long before. Now He was speaking … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 1:20-23. What is the significance of the name given to Jesus: “Emmanuel?” Why did Jesus come to this earth to be “with us?” First, He came to restore the dominion that Adam lost (Rom. 5:12, 15). We catch a glimpse of the royal aspect of Jesus (having dominion) when He inspired the crowds (5,000 … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 1:20-23, John 9:39, Matt. 3:7-12, Matt. 4:1-10, Deut. 34:1-4, Rev. 21:10. Memory Text: “‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost’” (Luke 19:10, NKJV) . “When Satan heard that enmity should exist between himself and the woman, and between his seed … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Controversy Continues” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
No question, the Word of God, as we have studied this week, time and again shows God’s faithfulness to His people. Of course, in many cases, at the time things were happening, that faithfulness wasn’t always obvious or apparent. In the accounts we looked at, we were able to see the beginning to the end; … Continue reading –>
1. Choosing those qualified to fight wickedness. Why does God seem to choose insignificant folks like Nehemiah and Ruth to play key roles in the war against evil? What should be the primary focus of our thinking before we arrive at the day of deliverance? 2. David, Goliath and Bathsheba. There’s a trio to contend with! Our lesson points … Continue reading –>
The story of Nehemiah also comes at a time when the nation of Israel no longer existed as a political entity but as a remnant scattered across foreign lands. God, though, as always, would be faithful to His covenant promises, even when the people failed to live up to their end of the covenant. Read … Continue reading –>
This week we look at how some monumental Bible characters played important roles during times of crisis. The author of this lesson week’s lesson pointed out how each of the persons in the lesson was instrumental in a period of deliverance needed for God’s people. But what was it about these characters that led to their … Continue reading –>
It’s so hard for us today (as no doubt it has been for people from various cultures through the centuries) to understand the customs and tradition of the ancient Persian Empire, where the story of Esther unfolds. One thing is certain, though: the Lord had used that empire in the process of fulfilling the covenant … Continue reading –>
