We often don’t know what we are talking about because our opinions are built around incomplete knowledge of the facts. This week’s lesson on Retributive Punishment serves as a prime example. Although they expressed themselves with care and genuine concern, the friends of Job did not know what they were talking about. Their summation of the … Continue reading –>
Words matter. That’s the takeaway I received for this week’s lesson on The Curse Causeless. This week our attention is on the words of Job’s friend Eliphaz. He was one of the three, who in their concern and respect for Job, came to see him after his life was turned upside down. I imagine it … Continue reading –>
“42,773” That’s the number of people who commit suicide each year in the United States where suicide is the 10th leading cause of death [1]. Depression, which has many causes, may not lead to suicide but it wears down the life forces of many. It is the leading cause of disability in the US among … Continue reading –>
If the story of Job is a microcosm of The Great Controversy anticipated, we, the church, are in serious trouble. Please allow my generalities for the sake of discussion. May it be true that you are an exception to the following. As a church we talk often about the Great Controversy scenario of the end-time – … Continue reading –>
It is called the bait and switch. That’s when one thing is advertised, usually at a great price, with the intention of substituting either something more costly or of less value. This tactic has been used for everything from automobiles to grocery store bargains. The goal is to get people in the door who otherwise … Continue reading –>
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143. For many years … Continue reading –>
He saw something no one else saw. In those despised by society, He saw royalty – Sons and daughters of God. Though far away from Him, they were loved, cherished and not forgotten. He heard something that no one else heard. He heard the heart cries of publicans and sinners when no one cared enough to … Continue reading –>
As an American, I find the timing of this week’s lesson on Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part 1 providential. Our nation, not unlike nations around the world, is grappling with social unrest that includes the question of Justice and Mercy. How justice is meted out and how mercy is applied leaves a lot … Continue reading –>
We live in a world obsessed with a quest for dominion. Brutal crimes are perpetrated, schemes of deception are levied against the helpless and the strong take from the weak. Innocent lives are wiped out en masse with little recourse to justice in large part due to a quest for dominion. Church politics, once an … Continue reading –>
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 The Pharisees and religious rulers were standing in the way of salvation. Matthew 23 is a scathing condemnation of the most revered men in Jewish society. The reverence, respect and fear of these men touched all areas … Continue reading –>
