Strained relationships. Have you ever found yourself struggling with a strained relationship? Not getting along, with someone or several people you used to like but now it seems they just don’t seem to want to be your friend anymore? After you were converted to a life of friendship with God, did you sometimes find that … Continue reading –>
The hymn that asks the Lord to break down every idol or barrier to help us mend broken relationships is: Hymn 318, “Whiter Than Snow” To restore friendships (Sunday) we may sing: Hymn 480/481, “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” along with Hymn 588, “Lord of All Nations”. We ask the Lord in: Hymn 193, “Savior, … Continue reading –>
What is forgiveness? Does forgiveness justify the behavior of someone who has horribly wronged us? Is my forgiveness dependent on the offender’s repentance? What if the one with whom I am upset does not deserve my forgiveness? How do the following passages help us to understand the biblical nature of forgiveness? Rom. 5:8-11; Luke 23:31-34; 2 Cor. 5:20-21; Eph. 4:26. … Continue reading –>
As we saw in an earlier lesson, the church at Corinth had deep problems. What principles does Paul outline in 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and 2 Corinthians 10:12-15 for healing and restoration, which are so vital to church unity? In these passages, the apostle outlines critical principles for church unity. He points out that Jesus uses different … Continue reading –>
While he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul met a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had fled from Colosse to Rome. Paul realized that he personally knew Onesimus’ master. The Epistle to Philemon is Paul’s personal appeal to his friend regarding a restored relationship with the runaway slave. Relationships mattered to Paul. The apostle knew that … Continue reading –>
Paul and Barnabas worked together in witnessing for Jesus. But they had a disagreement over whether they could trust one as fearful as John Mark (Acts 15:36-39). The potential dangers of preaching the Gospel had caused John Mark at one point to desert Paul and Barnabas and return home (Acts 13:13). “This desertion caused Paul to judge … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Tim. 4:11, Philemon 1:1-25, 2 Cor. 10:12-15, Rom. 5:8-11, Eph. 4:26, Matt. 18:15-17. Memory Text: “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10, NKJV). As we have seen, even after Pentecost the relationship between … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Unity in Diversity”, pages 98-103, in Evangelism. The following quote helps reveal how the early church, united in Christ, was able to maintain unity despite differences among them, and thus be a powerful witness to the world. “Within the church, Scripture illustrates how the Holy Spirit guided the early church in its decision-making … Continue reading –>
Contrast the mood of the disciples during the Lord’s Supper in Luke 22:24 with the one they had shortly before the Pentecost experience in Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1, and Acts 2:46. What made such a difference in their lives? In Acts 1:14 and Acts 2:46, the phrase “with one accord” also means “persevered with one mind.” This came as a result of their being … Continue reading –>
In Romans chapters 14 and 15, the apostle Paul addresses issues that deeply were dividing the church at Rome. His response to these issues was to invite the Romans to show tolerance and patience for one another and not divide the church over these concerns. What can we learn from his counsel? Read Romans 14:1-6. What … Continue reading –>
