I was arrested and jailed for a murder I did not commit. I had been a lay pastor of a little church before I was imprisoned, and I was angry at this injustice. Then a group of Adventists visited the prison, and I heard their message of hope. But I found it difficult to accept … Continue reading –>
“…I will come back and take you to be with me…” John 14:3. NIV When I was a child, I always looked forward to visits from Grandma. While visits might coincide with a birthday or a holiday, Grandma could make any day a holiday just by being there. She would greet me and my siblings … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : When we accept the gospel, we live it out in faith, hope, and love as we grow more and more into the image of Jesus.. [Teaching plan for Finial Events August 29, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:1-3. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on … Continue reading –>
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 I have often heard that the Great Controversy between God and Satan is about whether we can keep God’s law, and … Continue reading –>
It was an unusual meeting taking place entirely in the minds of those attending. “Jesus is coming again in seven days.” One of the faithful who had seen Jesus after the resurrection was sure He would return right away. A week would be about right. “He’s coming on October 22, 1844.” A young Adventist believer spoke with conviction. “The Bible says … Continue reading –>
(1 Thess. 5:9-11) As we have seen, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul has drawn a series of contrasts to illustrate the two sides of judgment when Jesus returns. In our passage for today (1 Thess. 5:9-11), Paul addresses the contrast between wrath and salvation. Believers can have confidence in the last days because in Christ there is assurance that … Continue reading –>
I have a theory that the followers of God have always had a job to do – a mission to accomplish – and, following my tendency to oversimplify things, I have concluded that we can narrow all the possibilities down to three specific tasks. From my perspective, the way the Bible tells God’s story fits … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8. How does the drunken/sober analogy help us better understand preparation for the second coming of Jesus? Paul begins verse 6 with “therefore” or “so then,” depending on the translation. He has established that true followers of Jesus are children of the light and of the day. In today’s passage he continues the … Continue reading –>
(1 Thess. 5:4, 5) In the opening verses of the fifth chapter, Paul addresses the condition of those who, for whatever reason, are not prepared. The Thessalonians already know that the reality of the Second Coming is certain; only the timing is unknown. The surprise will be tragic for those who are not ready. Some are … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 and Acts 1:6,7. What is the meaning of “the times and the seasons” (NKJV) in these texts? “The day of the Lord” is a phrase found frequently in Old Testament judgment passages. It describes a decisive, “end-time” intervention by God, with a strong emphasis on the negative consequences of disobedience (Isa. 13:6-9, Jer. 46:10, Ezek. 30:2-12). In our passage for today, … Continue reading –>
