Unfortunately, the issue of disunity among God’s people didn’t end even in New Testament times. For example, the first four chapters of Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians are an appeal for unity. While in Ephesus Paul heard that various divisions had erupted in the church at Corinth. Thus, he begins his letter with a … Continue reading –>
The path of apostasy, and its dire consequences, didn’t happen overnight. But the wrong choices and decisions that accumulated over the long centuries finally led to some terrible consequences for God’s people. Read the story of King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:1-16. What caused this terrible division among God’s people? “Had Rehoboam and his inexperienced counselors understood … Continue reading –>
Unified, one and all. Aren’t you glad you grew up in a home and always worshiped in a church where all was peace and harmony? Where everybody agreed with everybody else? You didn’t? You’ve witnessed arguments and disagreements at church and at home? You’ve heard criticism of the way your church–local, regional, national or worldwide–operates? … Continue reading –>
Stories from the book of Judges show the numerous negative consequences of Israel not following the Lord’s will. Soon after Israel entered into Canaan, people began to pattern their spiritual lives on the false religions of the Canaanites surrounding them-exactly what they were told not to do! Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only problem they were … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The examples of Scripture reveal that faithful obedience to God’s will promotes unity and harmony among God’s people. Disobedience and personal inclinations can foster disunity. Lesson 2, October 13, 2018 1. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 3:14-18. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this … Continue reading –>
The first sentence in our lesson tells of asking “Israel to obey God’s instructions” Hymn 590, “Trust and Obey”. Further, in that paragraph we are exhorted to follow God’s will: Hymn 623, “I Will Follow Thee”. The last paragraph in the Sabbath Afternoon study reminds us to be faithful: Hymn 602, “O Brother, Be Faithful”. … Continue reading –>
The history of the people of Israel is filled with stories of disobedience and anarchy, followed by a return to God and obedience, and then followed again with more disobedience and conflicts. This pattern repeats itself over and over. Each time God’s people consciously followed His will, they were blessed with peace and life. Each … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Deut. 28:1-14, Jer. 3:14-18, Judg. 17:6, 1 Kings 12:1-16, 1 Cor. 1:10-17, Acts 20:25-31. Memory Text: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV). Old Testament prophets repeatedly called upon the people of Israel to obey God’s instructions. Disobedience and carelessness would lead to … Continue reading –>
By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission Seventh-day Adventist students who wish to become nurses no longer face a Sabbath conflict with the opening of the church’s first nursing school in Bangladesh. The three-story facility that houses the Bangladesh Adventist Nursing Institute was funded in part by a Thirteenth Sabbath Offering and stands on the campus of … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “The Creation”, pages 44-51, and “The Call of Abraham”, pages 125-131, in Patriarchs and Prophets. God’s original purpose in the creation of humanity is also reflected in the institutions of the family (Gen. 2:21-24) and the Sabbath. The Sabbath was intended for all humanity, as Jesus clearly indicated in Mark 2:27-28. In fact, its universal nature is … Continue reading –>
