The days of spiritual preparation, following Jesus’ ascension, culminated in the events of Pentecost. The first verse tells us that on that day, just before the Holy Spirit was poured upon the disciples, they were all together, of “one accord”, in one place (Acts 2:1). In the Old Testament, Pentecost was the second of three major … Continue reading –>
In the last hours spent with the disciples before His death, Jesus promised that He would not leave them alone. Another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent to accompany them in their ministry. The Spirit would help them remember many things Jesus had said and done (John 14:26), and would guide them in discovering more truths (John … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 1:12-14, Acts 2:5-13, Rev. 14:12, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37, Acts 5:1-11, 2 Cor. 9:8-15. Memory Text: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42, NKJV). Church unity is the result of a shared spiritual experience in Jesus, who is the truth. “I am the way, the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “The Spirit of Unity”, pages 179-188, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9. “Christ recognized no distinction of nationality or rank or creed. The scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and a national benefit of all the gifts of heaven and to exclude the rest of God’s family in the world. … Continue reading –>
It has become an iconic line from the movie, A Few Good Men, back in 1992. Colonel Nathan R. Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson, is being interrogated during a military trial. He and Lieutenant J.G. Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, have the following exchange: Col Jessep: I’ll answer the question. You want answers? LTJG … Continue reading –>
Christianity is a religion of relationships: relationship with God and with one another. It makes no sense to claim to have a deep relationship with God without that relationship having an impact on the relationships one has with other people. Christianity cannot be lived in a vacuum. The principles of unity Paul discusses in his Epistle … Continue reading –>
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Eph. 4:7, NKJV). While salvation is a gift given to all people who will receive it, some spiritual gifts are given to certain people for a special purpose. Read Ephesians 4:11. What gifts of leadership does God give to the church? … Continue reading –>
Our unity comes as being a member of the body of Christ: Hymn 570, “Not I, But Christ”. We are reminded on Sunday that we are all family in Christ, and therefore: “Heir of the Kingdom”, Hymn 594. “God prepared salvation before the foundation of the world” : Hymn 646, “To the Name That Brings Salvation”. … Continue reading –>
The key to unity. Those words seem to imply that unity is a goal of God’s people. But what kind of unity? A cohesive group of criminals unites to attack a boarding school of young Christian children. It took a lot of planning to organize this offense. But is that what God wants us to do–unite … Continue reading –>
Paul is practical in his inspired words to the Ephesians. The unity that exists between Jews and Gentiles, between people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, is not a myth or simply a theoretical construct; it is a reality that demands us “to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Eph. 4:1, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
