And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27). Discipleship means accepting Christ as Savior and Lord. Following Jesus means that you are ready to undergo the same suffering that Christ did. Thus, we must be honest in the way in which we present our message. Certainly … Continue reading –>
Study Luke 12:49-53; 14:25-26; Matthew 10:37. In what way are we to understand these strong words? What is Jesus telling us here? Modern television newscasters would have concocted a prominent scandal from these words. Today, celebrated religious leader Jesus of Nazareth advocated familial hatred during His afternoon address. Analysts are comparing these current pronouncements with … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 12:49-53; Deut. 21:15; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Matt. 18:8-9; John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:32-12:4. Memory Text: Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:7, ESV) Throughout history, nameless millions willingly sacrificed their lives … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 19, 2014] 1. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Imagine us wretched creatures of this earth glorifying God the Father of all! He doesn’t see us as wretched at all, but as fallen sinners that He is ready to glorify and lift to the courts … Continue reading –>
“If you insist on joining another church, you will no longer live with me,” my auntie told me firmly. After my parents died, my brother and I lived with our aunt. She had sent us to an Adventist school so we’d have a Christian education. But she didn’t expect me to become an Adventist. I … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, The Last Journey From Galilee, pp. 488-496; Who is the Greatest? pp. 436-440; in The Desire of Ages. The Training of the Twelve, pp. 17-24; The Great Commission, pp. 25-34; Pentecost, pp. 35-46; The Gift of the Spirit, pp. 47-56; in The Acts of the Apostles. The disciples felt … Continue reading –>
Through teaching and personal example, Jesus taught His disciples to associate with sinners, even notorious ones such as prostitutes and tax collectors. How else would they disciple the whole world? His teaching often focused on these sinners. His characterization of them as lost demonstrates how merciful Christ was. He might have characterized them as rebellious … Continue reading –>
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Spiritual gifts are given for nurture and outreach. The question we have is what are my gifts and how can I use them? [Lesson plan for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 17, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 4:28-30. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Compare the following passages: Mark 6:7-13, Matt. 16:14-19, 18:17-20, 28:18-20, John 20:21-23. What do these verses tell us about the kind of authority that Jesus’ disciples had? What does this mean for us today? Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church’s faith, and Jesus now honored him as the representative … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 24:47-53, Acts 1:6-8, 16:6-10. Why was waiting for the Spirit necessary? What was the Spirit’s role in the evangelistic outreach of the primitive church? What encouragement might modern believers draw from Paul’s experience when facing frustration? What lessons regarding patience and waiting for God’s timing are suggested within these passages? Through discourse and … Continue reading –>
Nearing His earthly departure, Christ’s concern focused upon His disciples, whom He had selflessly served and deeply loved. They would not be abandoned. Although Jesus Himself had to return to heaven, the Holy Spirit was commissioned to supply the spiritual intimacy that the disciples had enjoyed in His presence. Christ’s instruction regarding the Spirit’s work … Continue reading –>
