Jesus respected and upheld the law of God ( Matthew 5.17-18). Yet Jesus also challenged the religious leadership over their interpretation of the law. None of His challenges was more threatening to the establishment than the choices He made on Sabbath keeping. The synagogues did not fail to make the Sabbath an opportunity for education – … Continue reading –>
The ups and downs of Israel’s experience with God were closely linked to the way they related to the Sabbath. God saw their unwillingness to respect the Sabbath as a sign of His irrelevance in their lives (Jer: 17:19-27). A renewed commitment to the Sabbath was also part of restoration – a signal that priorities were … Continue reading –>
When Moses is asked to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, it is clear that the masses have lost their perspective as children of God. They need to rediscover who the God is who asks for their worship and gives them so many promises of an amazing future. The Sabbath is a pivotal learning experience … Continue reading –>
Have you ever wondered why God chose to give us two harmonious Creation accounts in the first two chapters of Genesis? Genesis 1 recounts the Creation week and the growing wonder of the earth as it is given form and then life, culminating in the creation of man and woman on the sixth day. Genesis … Continue reading –>
Great Hope in Doctor’s Office By Andrew McChesney A series of major life changes troubled Hélène Iborra in Paris, France. After raising two children, she lost her mother. Wishing to do something new in her life, she took a job at a luxury store. But then she suffered a leg ailment that required surgery. After … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 1:1-2:25; Exod: 16:14-29; Isa: 58:1-14; Matt: 12:1-13; Luke 13:10-17. Memory Text: “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath’” ( Mark 2.27-28, NKJV). Jodie was the only Seventh-day Adventist in her graduate program, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Genesis 3:1-24, Ecclesiastes 2:18-23, Ephesians 6:5-8; Read Ellen G.White, “The Temptation and Fall,” pages 52-62, in Patriarchs and Prophets. Work – a curse or blessing? It seemed to come as part of the curse of sin (Gen: 3:17). A closer reading reveals it was the ground that was cursed, and not the work. Ellen G. White states … Continue reading –>
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Eccles: 9:10). The wisest of men uses these words of counsel regarding stewardship in every aspect of life. When asked to comment on Christian stewardship, many confine their thoughts to the Christian’s fiscal responsibility. Although money is certainly an important aspect of stewardship, to limit … Continue reading –>
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal: 5:25). One’s work and spirituality are inseparable. Christianity is not a garment that can be put on or taken off as one changes moods or passes through different phases of life. Instead, Christianity creates a new being who manifests himself or herself … Continue reading –>
Skim over Exodus 25:10-30, Exodus 25:38. How particular was God when He asked Moses to erect a tabernacle of worship? What does this tell us about God’s character? When God told Moses to build a tent “for Him,” Moses could have said, “No problem, Lord! I have been pitching tents ever since I ran away from Egypt … Continue reading –>
