Jesus attracted people to Himself in various settings, including public ones. Scripture assumed a prominent role in Christ’s public proclamations. Direct quotations and scriptural allusions filled His sermons and public discourse. Read Matthew 5:17-39. In what ways do these verses show how Christ utilized Scripture for public ministry? During Christ’s earthly sojourn, the ordinary Israelites’ … Continue reading –>
Read the following texts. What do they tell us about the way in which Jesus viewed the Bible? Matt. 5:17-20, 12:3-8, 15:3-11, John 10:34-37, 17:14-19, Luke 24:44. Whenever Christ debated with the religious authorities, He relied not on abstract philosophy, not even on personal authority, but on the teachings of Scripture. When determining right from … Continue reading –>
While living in Texas I was taking a Texas history class at a community college. In writing a paper for class, I mentioned a political figure who was assassinated. I contrasted the pomp and circumstance of his funeral with the plain funeral of the man who killed him and was killed shortly after. I pointed … Continue reading –>
This was more than he bargained for. It started out innocently enough, but now things had taken an unexpected direction. With sincerity he had asked the question to which his mind desperately needed an answer. His question, though sincere, was also a potential trap the religious leaders were hoping to use to justify their malice … Continue reading –>
Because Jesus is the example for all believers, His level of commitment to Scripture becomes more than a matter of passing interest. Read Luke 4:1-12 and 16-21. What do these passages suggest about Christ’s attitude toward the Bible? The narrative of Christ’s wilderness temptations shows that, by quoting Scripture, Jesus rebuffed every satanic challenge and … Continue reading –>
When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. Ecclesiastes 8:11 NLT Several years ago I was studying with a family, while the wife’s father had a stroke and was in the hospital. I went to see him and arrived literally moments after he had passed away. The family … Continue reading –>
What? You say you’ve never met a porcupine? I’ll bet you have. In fact, you may be one yourself. I’m pretty sure I am. “The German philosopher Schopenhauer compared the human race to a bunch of porcupines huddling together on a cold winter’s night. He said, ‘The colder it gets outside, the more we huddle … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 4:1-12, Matt. 12:3-8, Matt. 5:17-39, Luke 24:13-32, Acts 1:16-20. Memory Text: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). Using a metal detector purchased from a rummage sale, Englishman Terry Herbert discovered gold-plated Anglo-Saxon … Continue reading –>
[Introduction to The Master of Discipleship December 27, 2013] In the beginning God created a perfect, sinless world. Human beings enjoyed the privilege of honoring, worshiping, and following their Creator. Life should have continued thus for eternity. Satan, however, seduced our first earthly parents, thus robbing humanity of ultimate meaning, purpose, and significance. Rebellion multiplied, … Continue reading –>
Mi Eh Kim was disappointed. She had arrived in Tokyo from China to study, but she couldn’t find a Chinese Adventist congregation and didn’t yet understand enough Japanese to understand people. She was used to worshipping God every Sabbath in China, and she worried about her spiritual life when she couldn’t go. She prayed to … Continue reading –>
