The Bible begins at the beginning, which is no doubt why it begins with the words (actually one word in the Hebrew), “In the beginning … ” (Gen. 1:1). The particular focus of the chapter, of course, is the transformation of the earth from a state of being “without form, and void” (Gen. 1:2) to the world that … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 1, Gen. 8:22, Ps. 90:10, Job 1:13-19, Acts 9:1-22, Phil. 1:6, Rom. 8:1. Memory Text: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV). Some of the most beautiful poetry ever penned came from King Solomon: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time … Continue reading –>
The Seasons of Life The sixth day of Creation had come to an end. During the first five days, the world had been transformed from chaos to a thing of perfect beauty. Darkness was replaced by light. The waters were pushed back as God commanded them. “This far you may come, but no farther, and … Continue reading –>
By Andrew McChesney Maria Lemos Abel, a Seventh-day Adventist nurse, asked the mother to hold her 2-year-old daughter firmly for an injection of penicillin G procaine to treat a bacterial infection. But the mother didn’t heed the instructions, and Maria accidentally jabbed the syringe into her left index finger when the baby jumped in pain … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Without a Wedding Garment”, pages 307-319, in Christ’s Object Lessons; “The Controversy Ended”, pages 662-678, in The Great Controversy. The book of Revelation concludes with what was introduced at the beginning: the second coming of Christ in power and glory and the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom. The return of Christ, when He finally … Continue reading –>
John now describes the capital of the new earth, the New Jerusalem. While a real place inhabited by real people, the New Jerusalem and life in it are beyond any earthly description (1 Cor. 2:9). Read Revelation 21:9-21. What are the exterior features of the New Jerusalem? The New Jerusalem is referred to as the bride, the … Continue reading –>
After the eradication of sin, the earth will be transformed into the home of the redeemed. What will it be like? In Revelation 21:1, John saw “a new heaven and a new earth”. The Bible refers to three heavens: the sky, the starry universe, and the place where God dwells (2 Cor. 12:2). In Revelation 21:1, the earth’s … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 20:1-3 along with Jeremiah 4:23-26. During the millennium, what is the state of the earth? In what way is Satan bound by chains? The 1,000 years (or millennium) begin with the second coming of Christ. At this time, Satan and his fallen angels are chained. The chaining of Satan is symbolic, because spiritual beings cannot be … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 19:11-16. What is the name of the rider of the white horse, and what does it mean that a sharp sword comes from His mouth? What does this tell us about how to be on the winning side in the end? What we see here is a depiction of Christ’s second coming, the fulfillment … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 19:6-9 along with John 14:1-3. How does a wedding supper appropriately illustrate the long-awaited union between Christ and His people? Two thousand years ago, Christ left His heavenly home to invite His followers to a wedding supper (Matt. 22:1-14) that will take place after His marriage to His bride. “The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His … Continue reading –>
