I’ve been a member of a wide variety of churches over the years. Everything from one-room country churches to an urban megachurch. Although our core beliefs were the same, each church was unique. Churches over time take on an identity of their own. Some churches are classified as liberal, others conservative. Some churches are seen … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Mysteries of the Bible”, p. 706, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; “Salvation to the Jews”, pp. 372-374, in The Acts of the Apostles. Read also The SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 922; and The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 467, 468. “The salvation of humankind does not result from a divine afterthought … Continue reading –>
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8). It is not known how the congregation in Rome was established. The tradition that the church was founded by Peter or Paul is without historical foundation. Perhaps lay persons established it, converts … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Apostle Paul in Rome” 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 … Continue reading –>
Here is Paul’s salutation to the church in Rome: “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:7). What principles of truth, of theology, and of faith can we take away from these words? Beloved of … Continue reading –>
1. The Apostle Paul’s letter. What tragedy occurred in Galatia that urged Paul to hurry to Rome? What issues threatened the unity of Christian believers in Rome as it had in Galatia? Do you ever get the feeling that more than anything else, early Christians in the region we call the Holy Land needed strong … Continue reading –>
“Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16, NKJV). What does this text tell us about how Paul finally got to Rome? What lesson can we draw from this about the unexpected … Continue reading –>
Five hundred years ago this month, Martin Luther, a 33-year-old theology professor, posted his 95 Theses. And although he was seeking, at first, merely to refute a papal charlatan who was milking Luther’s flock by selling indulgences, Luther’s act of defiance became the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation-and the world has never been the … Continue reading –>
The introduction to this quarters lessons commences with Martin Luther (page 4), therefore, how could we not start with the amazing hymn written by him in 1529, Hymn 506, “A Mighty Fortress”. Our first Memory Text of the final quarter for 2017, brings to mind: Hymn 559, “Now Thank We All Our God”. Paul states … Continue reading –>
There’s no question that the personal touch is the best way to communicate in most cases. We can phone, email, text, even Skype, but face to face, flesh to flesh, is the best way to communicate. That’s why Paul announced in his letter to the Romans that he intended to see them in person. He … Continue reading –>
