Let’s look again at Paul before Agrippa. The apostle Paul stands before this man, the last in the line of Jewish kings, the Maccabees, and of the house of Herod. Agrippa professed to be a Jew, but at heart he was a Roman. (See The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 436). The aged apostle, … Continue reading –>
In Acts chapter 26, we find the apostle Paul standing as a prisoner before King Agrippa. Here, speaking directly to the king, Paul gave his own personal testimony, talking about his life not only as a persecutor of Jesus’ followers; but then, after his conversion, his life as a witness to Jesus and the promise … Continue reading –>
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV). The New Testament church exploded in growth. There were 3,000 baptized on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Thousands more were added to the … Continue reading –>
It was early Sunday morning, and the two Marys hastily made their way to the tomb of Christ. They were not going to ask Him for anything. What could a dead man possibly give them? The last time they saw Him, His body was bloodied, bruised, and broken. The scenes of the cross were deeply … Continue reading –>
Read Mark 5:15-20. Why do you think Jesus sent the man into Decapolis to witness to his family and friends rather than nurturing him in his newfound faith by keeping him with Him? The word Decapolis comes from two words: deca meaning ten, and polis meaning city. The region of Decapolis was an area of ten cities along the shores of the … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 5:15-20, Mark 16:1-11, Acts 4:1-20, 1 John 1:1-3, Gal. 2:20, Acts 26:1-32. Memory Text: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20, NKJV). There is unusual power in a personal testimony. When our hearts are warmed by Christ’s love and we are changed … Continue reading –>
Stopped at the Airport By Glenn Ernford Lie Only one question will be asked on Judgment Day. I heard it when my international flight landed in Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon. The U.S. immigration officer glanced at my Norwegian passport and then up at me at Portland International Airport. “What are your plans?” … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “God’s Purpose for His Church”, pages 9-16, in The Acts of the Apostles, and pages 822-828 in The Desire of Ages. The New Testament church faced the danger of failing to understand the purpose for its existence. Ellen G. White describes this danger: “The persecution that came upon the church in Jerusalem resulted … Continue reading –>
This week we have focused on answering the question, “Why witness?” We have discovered that as we share our faith, we have the joy of cooperating with God in His mission to the world. Our witness of His love provides people with greater opportunities for salvation, since they can see more clearly His grace and … Continue reading –>
Loyalty to Christ requires a commitment to do His will. It necessitates obedience to His commands. It results in a heart that beats with His heart in saving the lost. It places priority on the things that He prioritizes. Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and 2 Peter 3:9. What do these passages tell us about the heart … Continue reading –>
