Receptivity to the gospel. She was a woman, a Samaritan woman. A woman alone, but a woman who believed. Our lesson points out that this Samaritan woman had receptivity to Jesus in her heart. The little country of Samaria was not a high priority among the disciples. There was no reason, from their perspective, to spend time … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 15:7 and Ephesians 4:32. How would you describe the foundation of all acceptance? What is the essence of an accepting attitude? In these two passages the apostle Paul presents the principles underlying our acceptance of one another. Because Christ has forgiven and accepted each one of us, can we possibly refuse to forgive and … Continue reading –>
Friendship alone does not win people to Christ. We might have many friends, people we enjoy being with and who enjoy being with us, but if we never tell them what Jesus means to us and how He changed our lives, our friendship may make little eternal difference. Sure, we might be fun to be … Continue reading –>
The title for the quarter’s lesson pamphlet immediately brings to mind Hymn 499 – What A Friend We Have in Jesus. The first sentence of our Sabbath afternoon study raises Hymn 245 – More About Jesus. This is quickly followed by His love in Hymn 190 – Jesus Loves Me, then the grace our Savior … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Our attitude toward others often determines their response toward us. Jesus presented the truth, but always in love. His message was one of acceptance, forgiveness, grace, and hope. August 29, 2020 1. Have a volunteer read John 4:27-30, 39-42. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in … Continue reading –>
Our attitudes often determine our ability to influence others. A harsh, critical, and unfriendly attitude is going to drive people away from you, and even if you are able to witness, your words, no matter how truthful, are much less likely to be received. In contrast, a positive attitude and a belief in others draws … Continue reading –>
Read John 4:27-30, John 4:39-42. How does Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrate the truth that all sorts of people are open to the gospel, even in unexpected places? The last place the disciples expected to find hearts receptive to the gospel was in Samaria. The Samaritans were in constant conflict with the Jews over … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: John 4:27-30, John 4.39-42; Matthew 15:21-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4; Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:15. Memory Text: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in man. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation coming to their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly pointing all … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ message to His disciples in Matthew 24 that blends events regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the days before His return is followed by three end-time parables in Matthew 25. These parables outline the character qualities that really matter to Jesus for a people waiting for His second coming. The parable of the ten virgins … Continue reading –>
