Probably the image most Adventists have of Elder John Byington is based on the only photograph they’ve ever seen which portrays the aged patriarch as a silver-haired, balding, bearded, wrinkled, scowling preacher in a black frockcoat and white shirt buttoned tightly around the neck. Consequently, they might be surprised to learn that he was a … Continue reading –>
Way back in the late 1990’s, before android devices, I was working for a delivery company, and would sometimes find myself in someone’s office waiting for them to get a package ready. To kill time I would play a little game on my cell phone. I remember thinking to myself, If they can put a game … Continue reading –>
Mary has slept and eaten little for the last 48 hours or so. Friday was a blur. Her best Friend, her Teacher, her Lord was crucified as a common criminal that day. Her thoughts tumble one over another in wild disarray. He had hinted at his death. That’s why she had bought that expensive alabaster … Continue reading –>
Or did He create wine – that is what we understand by wine? Some ask, “Why do Seventh-day Adventists teach total abstinence from alcohol when Jesus Himself made wine in His first miracle?” (John 2:1-12) It helps to know that “wine” in the Bible doesn’t mean quite the same thing as it means now. The … Continue reading –>
I must admit, when I first saw the title of this week’s lesson I was less than excited. I’m to be a guest teacher at a church this weekend and envisioning myself, a man, warning against the evils of loose women, was not a happy thought. Plus, the dangers of and avoidance of alcohol is … Continue reading –>
While Seventh-day Adventists have a health and temperance message to give to the world, God has been using His people in every church and age to spread this message. A while back, I visited the Congregational church in Litchfield, Connecticut, which was formed back in the 1700’s. When I got home, I googled the history … Continue reading –>
Studying this week’s Sabbath School lesson, on the humility of the wise, reminded me of a conversation I had, during fellowship dinner in a church I spoke in. A mother told me she was always pushing her daughter to do her best, and win awards and honor roll certificates. She would brag about how wonderful … Continue reading –>
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25 NLT Just a few weeks ago an unemployed pastor friend was trying to find a church and a conference to pick him up. I told Him how Jesus holds the stars of the churches in His hand in Revelation 1, and I … Continue reading –>
A Protestant lady visiting my church asked why we keep Saturday as the Sabbath. I explained that we love Jesus, and Jesus said if we love Him to keep His commandments. (See John 14:15) She responded indignantly, “But you can’t keep the commandments!” I should have been surprised, but I had heard such a response … Continue reading –>
When I was a soldier I met a guy named Kenny. He smoked, drank, slept with different women all the time and got kicked out of the Army for doing drugs. However, according to Kenny, he was saved because four years before he had prayed a prayer at a youth rally. He didn’t do anything … Continue reading –>
