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 –>
Not only did God promise Abraham that in him would all the families of the earth be blessed; the Lord said that He would make of him a “great and mighty nation” (Gen: 18:18; see also Gen: 12:2, Gen: 46:3) — quite a promise to a man married to a woman past child-bearing age. Thus, when Abraham was without … Continue reading –>
