Mary, an elderly lady in my Tampa First SDA Church family, told me how she became a Seventh-day Adventist in the early ’30s in British Honduras, now Belize. She was school age, when her little brother noticed a huge tent going up in town. He told their mother he wanted to go to the circus. His … Continue reading –>
We ought to set our course by the stars, not the lights of every passing ship. -Omar N Bradley Jesus does not call us to follow other Christians. He calls us to follow Him. I was seven years old, lying awake in the middle of the night, thinking about how Jesus died for me. I … Continue reading –>
Back in the ’80s I was invited to preach in a church in Northern Oklahoma. I arrived in time for Sabbath school, and heard the Sabbath School superintendent talking about how everyone should be friendly, and if we have guests, invite them home for lunch. I thought how nice! After my sermon, as I was greeting people … Continue reading –>
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143. For many years … Continue reading –>
How special are the men and women working in our community services centers around the world? Well consider this: Nowhere in the Bible do I read of a high priest being raised from the dead, or a pastor or head elder. But I do read this: At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, … Continue reading –>
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:6-7 NKJV I’ve been told the beatitudes are building blocks to a complete conversion. I find it interesting that after we are filled with God’s righteousness, instead of seeing ourselves as … Continue reading –>
In evangelism workshops its almost become a cliche now, Jesus…reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. ….. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs.-Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 151. How interested are we really in other … Continue reading –>
And behold, a pea plant flourished in the garden and brought forth a beautiful pod with three peas in it. In the fullness of time, the wind blew and the pea pod fell to the ground and split open, spilling the peas onto the dirt. The first pea, looking around, saw the dark damp earth … Continue reading –>
Too often in church conversations, we quote Bible verses and Spirit of Prophecy quotations, but we share little about the practical application of those passages in everyday Christian life. By contrast last year’s excellent article by Lars Justinen, “Hot Lunch and Syrian Refugees,” is worth reading as a practical application of what this set of lessons is all about. Not all of … Continue reading –>
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…. 1 Corinthians 1:17 NKJV Does the church have to baptize every member of the community in order to serve its purpose? Is it possible God has some people cross our paths just because they need to be loved, regardless if they join our church or … Continue reading –>
