To the church in Smyrna, Jesus is introduced as “‘the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life’” (Rev. 2:8, NKJV; see Rev. 1:18). To the church at Pergamum, Jesus is the one with the sharp two-edged sword held in His teeth (Rev. 1:16, Rev. 2:12). What is the significance of the … Continue reading –>
In Revelation 2:1, Jesus is pictured holding the seven stars and walking among the lampstands as He addresses the church at Ephesus. These symbols point to significant realities. The lampstands are the churches, and the seven stars are angels tasked with caring for the churches (Rev. 1:20). In other words, there is a close connection … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 2:1-7, Hos. 2:13, Rev. 2:8-17, Rev. 2:18-3:6, Isa. 60:14, Rev. 3:14-22. Memory Text: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV). John was … Continue reading –>
Peter warned that scoffers would say: “‘everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’” (2 Pet. 3:4, NIV). This was nothing new; the same sentiments were expressed before the Flood. “As time passed on, with no apparent change in nature, men whose hearts had at times trembled with fear, began to be … Continue reading –>
Although the wait for the Second Coming seems never-ending to us, the time is not a concern to God. “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Pet. 3:8, NKJV). Throughout the Scriptures the end is always close, whether the day of the Lord in … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Peter 3:3-7. What is Peter saying here about the past that can help us deal with issues in the present, as well as in the future? The battle between light and darkness, between the followers of Jesus and the promoters of evil, seems about to reach its climax. The devil, as a hungry … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Peter and 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 … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. What is he saying about prophecy that’s so important? Peter had seen many things in his time, and he lists some in this passage: Jesus transfigured on the mount (2 Pet. 1:18) and the confirmation of the prophecies concerning Jesus (2 Pet. 1:19). Each of these had impacted Peter deeply; yet, … Continue reading –>
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 –>
