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 –>
Read James 5:14-15. What are the essential elements James prescribes for anointing the sick, and what important spiritual components are found in these texts? The fact that the sick person calls for the elders of the church to come and anoint him or her with oil in the name of the Lord and pray expresses … Continue reading –>
Read James 5:13. What interesting contrast is he presenting here? How do we apply these admonitions to our own experiences? Though dealing with two different things (suffering, cheerfulness), James links them with prayer and praise: pray when you are suffering, praise when you are cheerful. The two practices are not that different from each other, … Continue reading –>
