For long centuries now, Christians have been awaiting Christ’s return. It is, truly, the culmination of all our hopes — and not just ours, but the hopes of all God’s faithful throughout all history. Read Hebrews 11:13-16. What great promise is there, not just for the people of old but for ourselves, as well? In many … Continue reading –>
The prophetic big picture of history doesn’t just allow us to sit back and do nothing as events unfold, events that we really can’t control. So often the attitude can be, “Well, final events are going to happen as predicted, so what can we do about it other than just simply go along with them? … Continue reading –>
On the Mount of Olives, Jesus painted history in broad strokes as He responded to the questions of the disciples: “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus’ famous sermon, recorded in Matthew 24, covers the uninterrupted, historical … Continue reading –>
The oldest surviving disciple actually to have been with Jesus sat on a rocky prison island far from everything that was near and dear to him. What must have been going on in John’s mind as he found himself stranded on this desolate island? How did he wind up here, and like this, too? After … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Revelation 1:9-19; Matthew 24:4-8, Matthew 24:23-31; Revelation 14:6-12; Hebrews 11:13-16; Philippians 4:4-6. Memory Text: “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Have you ever felt that you were in … Continue reading –>
No More Resentment By Terri Saelee Imagine being 7 years old and fleeing for your life in a jungle. This was Jimmy Shwe’s life in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. Young Jimmy developed a deep resentment toward the authorities because of his experiences. At one point, lost in the jungle, he thought he would … Continue reading –>
Further Thoughts: “In the charge given him, Jonah had been entrusted with a heavy responsibility; yet He who had bidden him go was able to sustain His servant and grant him success. Had the prophet obeyed unquestioningly, he would have been spared many bitter experiences, and would have been blessed abundantly. Yet in the hour … Continue reading –>
Jonah seems to be more trouble than he is worth. Nineveh was dangerous, but in the story of Jonah the Ninevites don’t seem to be the problem. They understand the message and quickly repent. Jonah, the missionary, seems to be the weak link in this mission story. In this account, God pursues a reluctant prophet … Continue reading –>
Unfortunately, the story of Jonah doesn’t end with chapter 3. Read Jonah 4:1-11. What is Jonah’s problem? What lesson can we learn from his rather faulty character? Jonah 4 begins with Jonah’s anger toward God because his mission outreach was so successful. Jonah is worried about looking foolish. We find God taking the time to talk … Continue reading –>
Compared to any city or town in Israel, Nineveh is a huge city. It is an “exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent” (Jonah 3:3). Read Jonah 3:1-10. What is the response of this wicked place? What lessons can we take from this story for ourselves in our attempts to witness to others? While walking the … Continue reading –>
