If asked, “What central theme runs through all the Bible?” how would you respond? Jesus? The plan of salvation? The cross? Yes to all three, of course! But these three important topics unfold against an even more all-encompassing theme: the great controversy. This theme pervades the Bible, from the book of Genesis to the book … Continue reading –>
The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan has two mysteries –the mystery of iniquity and the mystery of Godliness. The phrase, “mystery of iniquity” is mentioned only one time and only in the KJV. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the … 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 –>
The concept of a struggle, a controversy, between good and evil is found in many cultures. The idea has persisted through the millennia often expressed through myths. Today, because of the influence of higher criticism and modernist rationalism, many Christians deny the reality of a literal devil and evil angels. These were, the argument goes, … Continue reading –>
A little heaven on earth. [Lesson 2 for October 8] Wouldn’t you have enjoyed having Job at the beginning of the book as one of your friends? Or as a member of your local congregation? Plenty of money and a generous heart. Or, as the poetry of the book states, “blameless.” Do you think Job’s worried … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Job shows the controversy going on as Satan comes as his accuser. Christ redeemed humanity and will finally destroy Satan. Lesson for October 8, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Job 1:1-6. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What kind … Continue reading –>
The book of Job brings up many important issues. But many of these same issues do not get answered there. We need the rest of the Bible. And even then we still “see through a glass, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). As we saw yesterday, for example, the book of Job says nothing about how Satan’s rebellion … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Great Controversy” 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 Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
The opening scenes of the book of Job show us a few crucial points. First, as we have stated, they reveal the reality of another dimension beyond what, of ourselves, we can now know-a heavenly dimension with heavenly beings other than God. Second, they also show just how interconnected our earthly life here is with … Continue reading –>
The book of Job pulls back a veil and reveals a dimension of existence that our eyes and ears and worldly philosophies could never show us. (If anything, these verses should show us just how limited our eyes and ears and worldly philosophies are when it comes to understanding the big picture!) And what these … Continue reading –>
