Read 1 Peter 4:1-7. Why are our lifestyle choices important, and how do they affect our readiness for Christ’s return? Peter comments that believers have already spent enough of their lives doing what others around them pressured them to do (1 Pet. 4:3). But now things have changed, and believers may be thought “strange” for … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. How is the great controversy seen in these two verses? These verses come from Exodus 19:6, “‘a kingdom of priests and a holy nation’” (NKJV); and Deuteronomy 7:6, (repeated in Deut. 14:2) “a holy people,” “chosen . . . to be a people for Himself,” and “a special treasure” (NKJV). These … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Deut.14:2; 1 Pet. 4:1-7; 2 Pet. 1:16-21; 2 Pet. 3:3-14; Dan. 2:34-35. Memory Text: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”(1 … Continue reading –>
“Not only man but the earth also had by sin come under the control of the wicked one, and was to be restored by the plan of redemption. At his creation, Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan, and the dominion … Continue reading –>
Evidently some in the church at Corinth were confused about the resurrection. Paul carefully explains its importance as a key element of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4). It seems there is some concern about the believers who have died (1 Cor. 15:6), and some are suggesting that those who have died would miss out on … Continue reading –>
The reality of the great controversy, and that we are in a literal battle with a real enemy (Eph. 6:11), is revealed by Paul’s use of war imagery in Ephesians 6:1-24. Read Ephesians 6:11-17. What do these verses tell us about how real, and personal, the battle is? It is not what the various pieces … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Paul and the Rebellion” 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 … Continue reading –>
The role and functions of the church are clearly spelled out in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. Here we find the church likened to a body, and with the role of each of its members clearly defined and working together as a harmonious whole (1 Cor. 12:12). Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. What is the essential message of … Continue reading –>
“The church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard.”-Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places, p. 284. Nowhere is this classic Ellen G. White statement better illustrated than in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-23, Paul likens … Continue reading –>
While Paul is best known for his clear exposition of the gospel, his explanation of the great controversy is also crucial. In the midst of his teaching the Good News, he summarizes his main points: we have been “justified by faith” through Jesus (Rom. 5:1); we have direct access to God, and we “rejoice in … Continue reading –>
