Bible scholars have often been impressed by the incredible literary quality in the Bible. In fact, many secular colleges teach courses on the Bible as literature. They study it, not because they think it is the Word of God but simply for its literary beauty.1 As Christians, we have the blessing not only of enjoying … Continue reading –>
Can we find the picture of our religious ancestors’ birth in Scripture? Our Adventist pioneers, those intrepid spiritual ancestors who set a pretty high bar in terms of mission, priorities, and love for their Savior, saw themselves in Revelation 10. So I’d like us to take a historical approach to Revelation 10. Oh, the inroads … Continue reading –>
“ ‘Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose’ ” (1 Chron. 23:5, NIV).1 Try to envision the scene above: four thousand people playing musical instruments in praise of the Lord! That must have been an amazing worship service. God’s … Continue reading –>
After God dramatically delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, He brought them to Mount Sinai. There, He joined them to Himself in a sacred covenant. Among all the varied instructions He gave them there, how was beauty included? Exod. 25:1–9.1 The first half of the book of Exodus details the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The … Continue reading –>
“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isa. 64:8).1 When is the first time the Bible reveals God displaying His skills working with “clay”? Gen. 1:26, 27, 31; 2:7. Scripture opens with God creating the first humans out of the “dust … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 64:5–8, Ps. 51:10, Heb. 8:1–5, 1 Chron. 23:5, Rom. 11:33–36, Acts 9:1–22. Memory Text: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4, NKJV). Key Thought: God as artist? … Continue reading –>
Someone sits in a restaurant, consuming a large meal, filled with fatty food that they wash down with a soft drink. They then finish off with a large bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in hot fudge. That night, before going to bed (and having a little snack before then, too), they get on their … Continue reading –>
“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel … Continue reading –>
by Bobby Wagh Raju heard the singing coming from the neighbor’s house and turned his music up as loud as possible. Sometimes he could still hear the singing, and he shouted abuses at the little group of Adventist believers who worshipped next door.1 Other neighbors avoided confronting Raju about his actions. They left the troublesome … Continue reading –>
“God is my best Friend,” Judy said quietly to her friend Stacy as the adult Sabbath school was tranforming into the worship hour.1 “Mine, too,” Stacy replied. “The best Friend I’ve ever had. I talk to Him a lot.” A set of shoulders in front of them paused and turned in their direction. It was … Continue reading –>
