“Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1, NKJV). Imagine this scene from the perspective of Satan himself. The divine, exalted Being whom he knew as the Son of God had now lowered Himself—had taken on human flesh—in order to save the human race. This was … Continue reading –>
Matthew 3 begins with John the Baptist, whose first recorded word in the text is an imperative—“Repent!” (Matt. 3:2). In one way, that’s a summary of what God has been saying to humanity since the Fall: Repent, accept My forgiveness, put away your sins, and you will find Redemption and rest for your souls. And … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 3:1-12; 2 Pet. 1:19; Phil. 2:5-8; Matt. 4:1-12; Isa. 9:1-2; Matt. 4:17-22. Memory Text: “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people’” (Matthew 4:19, NIV). One of the great struggles of humanity has been to know what the meaning and purpose of … Continue reading –>
Look at this quote from Ellen G. White: “It is thus that every sinner may come to Christ. ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.’ Titus 3:5. When Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive blessing from God, tell … Continue reading –>
Somewhere in the night air between Matthew 1 and Matthew 2, Jesus was born. It likely wasn’t on December 25. Based on the timing of the priest Zechariah’s temple service, scholars suggest that Jesus was probably born in the fall, when sheep were still out in the fields, perhaps in late September or October. It’s … Continue reading –>
In this week’s lesson on the Son of David I originally planned to focus on the character of Joseph, since he is often marginalized in our discussions of the incarnation of Christ. Mary rightly draws our attention, as it was she who actually carried to birth the long-awaited Messiah. But it was the lineage of Joseph that the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth tells us that God is with us, He brings salvation, and we are called to be the children of God. Son of David, March 26 – April 1, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 1:21. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Son of David” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 NLT When I was a youth reading my Bible all the way through for the first time and came to the begats, such as in Matthew 1, I found them … Continue reading –>
What do the following texts say about human nature? What powerful evidence do we have about the truth of these sentiments? Rom. 3:9-10; Romans 5:8; John 2:25; Jer. 17:9. As has often been stated, but is worth repeating, the Bible does not paint a rosy picture of humanity or human nature. From the Fall in Eden … Continue reading –>
