Read the story of Jacob’s wrestling with God (Genesis 32:1-32, NIV). What does this story say to us about perseverance, even amid great discouragement? (Keep the whole context of Jacob’s situation in mind before you answer.) We can know what is right and exercise our wills to do the right thing; but when we are under … Continue reading –>
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30). Dwell on the words of Jesus in the above verse. Would you call His words radical? If so, … Continue reading –>
One of the greatest enemies of our wills is our own feelings. We are increasingly living in a culture bombarded with pictures and music that can appeal directly to our senses, triggering our emotions — anger, fear, or lust — without our realizing it. How often do we think such things as “What do I … Continue reading –>
What is your greatest accomplishment ever? Chances are, whatever you achieved did not happen simply by your rolling out of bed in the morning. If we want to achieve something worthwhile in this life, it takes time and effort. Our discipleship to Christ is no different. Read Colossians 1:28-29. Though Paul talks about God working in … Continue reading –>
Have you ever prayed, “Please, God, make me good!” but little seems to change? How is it possible that we can pray for God’s great transforming power to work within us, but our lives seem to remain the same? We know that God has unlimited supernatural resources that He so eagerly and freely offers us. … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: John 16:5-15; Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 5:29; Genesis 32:1-32. Memory Text: “To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29, NIV). A man and woman sat together on a talk show. Both had experienced the murder of a child. The woman’s son had … Continue reading –>
Part 5: Crashing a Baptism By Andrew McChesney The day of Junior’s baptism arrived. Five people, including Junior, were to be baptized at 4 p.m. at Alpha Seventh-day Adventist Community Church in Manaus, Brazil. “I won’t go,” Father said. “Drive me to the temple.” On the way to church, Mother wondered out loud whether Father might … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Test of Faith,” Pages 145-155 in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Praise Ye the Lord,” Pages 315-319 in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5. “God has always tried His people in the furnace of affliction. It is in the heat of the furnace that the dross is separated from the true gold of the … Continue reading –>
So far this quarter, we have considered many examples of the crucibles that God uses to bring purity and Christlikeness to our lives. However, some people may view these examples and conclude that God is a severe and demanding taskmaster. Sure, some may say, “We know that God wants something good for us, but these … Continue reading –>
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9, , NIV). As God’s chosen apostle, Paul had endured … Continue reading –>
