Further Thought: “Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in man. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation coming to their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly pointing all … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ message to His disciples in Matthew 24 that blends events regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the days before His return is followed by three end-time parables in Matthew 25. These parables outline the character qualities that really matter to Jesus for a people waiting for His second coming. The parable of the ten virgins … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 4:23-25 and Matthew 9:35. What threefold approach formed the basis for Christ’s ministry? How did He meet people’s needs, and what impact did it have on their lives? Jesus combined the threefold ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. He shared eternal principles so all of us could live lives of meaning and purpose. He said, “I … Continue reading –>
Our Lord’s method of evangelism goes beyond memorized speeches and canned presentations; it is as rich and dynamic as life itself. Every day we rub shoulders with people who have all kinds of needs: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Christ is eager to meet those needs through us as we show concern for people’s loneliness, … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ goal was to bring out the best in people. Even when the circumstances were unusually challenging, He responded with grace. Luke’s gospel records that the crowds “marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22, NKJV), and John’s gospel adds that “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, … Continue reading –>
Jesus always looked for the good in others. He drew out the best in them. One of the criticisms the religious leaders of His day had with Jesus was that He “receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2, NKJV). They were concerned because He fellowshiped with “the ungodly”. Their view of religion was one of … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Matthew 5:13-14; Phil. 2:15; Mark 12:34; Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 25:31-46. Memory Text: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, NKJV). Jesus genuinely cared for people. He was more interested in their concerns and needs than … Continue reading –>
New Heart for Alex By Andrew Mcchesney Alex was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, a hole in the heart, as a baby in Finland. Doctors hoped that the heart would heal itself, but it didn’t. So when he was 8, doctors performed open-heart surgery. Afterward, Mother looked at the small boy lying in the recovery … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “A Knowledge of God”, pages 87-91, in Steps to Christ; “Bible Readings With Families”, pages 192-193, in Gospel Workers; and “Bible Work Techniques”, pages 481-486, in Evangelism. God is working on hearts all around us. If we have the spiritual discernment to see where God is already working, we will regularly observe opportunities to share … Continue reading –>
Good news is for sharing. Think about the times in your life that you have been delighted with good news. It may have been the day you were engaged to be married, the birth of a child, a new job, or the purchase of a new car or home. You were so excited that you … Continue reading –>
