Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Vineyard of the Lord,” pages 15-22; “Hope for the Heathen,” pages 367-378; and “The House of Israel,” pages 703-721, in Prophets and Kings. “No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and … Continue reading –>
Whatever the mistakes and failings of ancient Israel, the Lord was not finished with the plan of creating a faithful people to serve Him. In fact, the Old Testament looked forward to a time when the Lord would create a spiritual Israel, a faithful body of believers, Jews and Gentiles, who would carry on the … Continue reading –>
Despite Israel’s repeated cycle of apostasy, divine judgments, and repentance, what hope is found in these texts? Isa: 4:3 Mic: 4:6-7 Zeph: 3:12-13 Although God’s plan for ancient Israel was spoiled by disobedience, it was never completely frustrated. Among the weeds, a few flowers still grew. Many of the Old Testament prophets speak of this faithful … Continue reading –>
“Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not” (Jer: 11:8). Look at the above text. The Lord says that He will bring … Continue reading –>
Genesis 35:12 The promise that a land would be given to God’s people, Israel, was first given to Abraham and then repeated to Isaac and Jacob. Joseph’s deathbed words repeated this promise (Gen: 50:24). God informed Abraham, however, that “four hundred years” would pass before the seed of Abraham would take possession of the land (Gen: 15:13, Genesis … Continue reading –>
“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deut: 7:6). There is no question about it: The Lord specifically had chosen the Hebrew people to be His special … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ezek: 16:8; Deut: 28:1, Deuteronomy 28:15; Jer: 11:8; Gen: 6:5; John 10:27-28; Gal: 3:26-29; Rom: 4:16-17. Memory Text: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). “In a … Continue reading –>
Trusting God or Science By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission The physician showed the 3D ultrasound images to Dr. Hernando Díaz. “You’re a physician,” he said. “Here is the evidence. End the pregnancy.” Hernando’s pregnant wife, Erica, wept. The images showed that their baby had Potter’s Syndrome, a rare condition associated with kidney failure, abnormal limbs, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Abraham in Canaan,” pages 132-144 and “The Test of Faith,” pages 145-155, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice that was required of him … . But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no question to ask concerning … Continue reading –>
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen: 12:2). In Genesis 12:2, God promises to make Abram’s name great — that is, to make him famous. Why would the Lord want to do that for any sinner, no matter … Continue reading –>
