The background to the political events that shaped the ministry of Jeremiah are, to some degree, lost to history. That is, many of the details are not available. But we do have in the Bible (with the help of archaeological finds) more than enough information to have a general picture of what took place. Though … Continue reading –>
It was against this background that the young Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry. The word of the Lord came to him, and he spoke it in hopes that the people, if they would heed these words, would be spared the ruin that otherwise was sure to come. Read Jeremiah 2:1-28 and answer the following questions: … Continue reading –>
…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 A couple of years ago I attended the “Best Weigh” program at my church. While I wanted to lose a little weight I was not aware of just how much weight I really needed to lose. The doctor … Continue reading –>
Current Lesson The crisis. How long can a crisis last? Consider the crisis in the Garden of Eden when our destinies were set in turmoil for thousands of years to come. In this quarter’s lessons, we look at the plight of human beings who deal with constant crisis. Were crises faced during Jeremiah’s service caused … Continue reading –>
After the division of the nation, things went from bad to worse. In the Northern Kingdom, King Jeroboam made some terrible spiritual choices that had a long-lasting impact for evil. Read 1 Kings 12:26-31. What should this tell us about how immediate circumstances can so blind our judgment? The king’s introduction of idolatrous worship helped … Continue reading –>
When the Israelites had finally entered the Promised Land, after years of wandering in the wilderness, it wasn’t long before troubles began. All it took was for a new generation to arise, one that didn’t know the Lord (Judg. 2:10), and a spiritual crisis started that, in many ways, infected the nation all through its … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Judg. 2:1-15; 1 Kings 12:26-31; 2 Chron. 33:9-10; Jer. 2:1-28; Jer. 5:2-3. Memory Text: ‘Israel was holiness to the Lord. The firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend; disaster will come upon them,’ says the Lord (Jeremiah 2:3, NKJV). If we could pick one word to describe … Continue reading –>
God always has a plan. There is never an emergency that He has not already provisioned a solution. There is never a crisis that can find Him unaware or unprepared. He never sleeps nor slumbers. And often, as is the case with Jeremiah, He chooses leaders who are unsuspecting of the role they will play … Continue reading –>
The last few weeks have been pretty intense in the religio-political world. The arrival of Pope Francis in America has elicited all kinds of responses. For some, he is a breath of fresh air. For others, he is no different from any other pope apart from his “terrific PR”.1 Regardless of which position you may … Continue reading –>
Harry and Alex* worked as security guards in Malawi. They often talked to break up the boredom. One night Alex said, I have an idea how we could earn some extra money. What’s that? Harry asked, interested. We could use our rifles in a little side business, Alex said, lifting his gun. Rich people have … Continue reading –>
