The book of Hebrews describes the new covenant as better than the old covenant (Heb. 8:1-2, 6, NRSV). The obvious question, then, is Why did God establish the old covenant if it was faulty? The problem, however, was not with the covenant but with the response of the people to it. Read Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews … Continue reading –>
Like many of his countrymen, Paul thought he was in good spiritual standing. But then he saw Jesus as the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself up for me (Gal. 2:20, NASB). Suddenly he saw himself not saved, but lost; not God’s servant, but God’s enemy; not righteous, but the chief of … Continue reading –>
Some have a very hard time finding the gospel in the Gospels! The teachings of Jesus can seem legalistic but only if we fail to hear the rest of the story. Most people in Israel at the time of Jesus considered themselves to be in a good position before God. They supported the temple by … Continue reading –>
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith (Heb. 4:2, NIV). This verse is startling in its implications. Foremost is that the gospel, not simply good news but … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 4:2; Ps. 130:3-4; Luke 15:11-32; Rom. 3:24-26; Heb. 10:1-4; Rev. 14:12. Memory Text: The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV). In our study of James, we have looked … Continue reading –>
Giovanni Zaldivar My pastor was planning to hold evangelistic meetings. He printed some invitation cards for members to give their friends to remind them of the meetings. He urged everyone to invite their families, friends, and neighbors, and we young people of the church wanted to be included. At that time Cuba’s government was more … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, Prayer for the Sick, p. 225-233, in The Ministry of Healing;Snares of Satan, p. 518-523, in The Great Controversy. “Christ . . . asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. Freely ye have received, He says,freely give. Matt. 10:8. Sin is the greatest of … Continue reading –>
God’s Spirit worked through Elijah to restore the relationship between Israel and Himself. But most of Elijah’s work was not on Mount Carmel. That was just the beginning! He carried it forward in small villages and homes and in training future spiritual leaders through the schools of the prophets to multiply his work of revival … Continue reading –>
Read James 5:17-18. What do we learn about prayer from Elijah’s example? How is it connected with healing, forgiveness, and restoration? These verses illustrate the assurance given at the end of James 5:16: the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (NASB). Elijah was a righteous man and even translated to heaven, but … Continue reading –>
More important than the healing of the body is the healing of the soul. Our purpose is not, after all, to make people healthier sinners but to point them to the eternal life found in Jesus. Perhaps that is why the only clear reference to healing in the passage for this week is our memory … Continue reading –>
