Read Matthew 5:9. In the kind of world we live in, how do we do what Jesus says here? Ultimately, how successful can we be? See Mark 13:7. Violent conflict is a significant cause of suffering. Included in the costs of war are the direct victims and shattered lives, the attention and resources devoted to military machinery … Continue reading –>
“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV), and generous giving is an important aspect of the Christian life. While we must allow the Bible to challenge our giving and financial priorities, generosity is more than just throwing money at a cause, no matter how worthy. Instead, generosity is one of the largest of life … Continue reading –>
We are reminded on Sabbath afternoon that the horrors of this world for the poor, homeless, oppressed, slaves, the exploited, the selfish, greedy and violent will come to an end abruptly as “Jesus Is Coming Again”, Hymn 213. Other hymns of this flavour are Hymn 212, “’Tis Almost Time for the Lord to Come”, Hymn … Continue reading –>
Our world as a hopeless mess. Without the light of God shining on our world there would be no life worth living. We know God is not happy with the way His created world of human beings have turned against Him to transform this world into a state of spiritual darkness. You may wonder why He … Continue reading –>
:Key Thought: Evil exists in many forms : poverty, violence, oppression, selfishness, and greed. We need to stand up against these evils and act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God and man. September 21, 2019 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 6:31-34. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
Resisting the possibility of letting our good intentions be overwhelmed by “all the trouble in the world”, many of us would like to do more to make a difference in the lives of the suffering. There are a number of attitudes and actions that can help us make positive responses to those in need. Compassion: … Continue reading –>
As was made clear in the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament writers, those who choose to live as members of the kingdom of God live by a different set of values and priorities than does the world. Read Matthew 6:25-33. What is the reassurance we are given in these verses, and how should this … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 6:25-33; James 1:5-8; James 2:15-16; Isa. 52:7; 1 John 3:16-18; Isa. 58:1-10. Memory Text: “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion” (Psalm 112:4-5, NKJV). As we have seen, the Bible is filled … Continue reading –>
TV Draws People By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission As a child in New Zealand, Coralie Schofield was warned about the potential dangers of television and cautioned to stay away. Today, she is surprised—and overjoyed—that people are flocking to Seventh-day Adventist churches across the country because of television. “It’s the most humbling experience to see. It’s … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Called to Reach a Higher Standard”, pages 309-322, in The Acts of the Apostles; “Desolation of the Earth”, pages 653-661, in The Great Controversy. “When the voice of God turns the captivity of His people, there is a terrible awakening of those who have lost all in the great conflict of life. While … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 21:1-5, Revelation 22:1-5 and spend some time trying to imagine what life will be like as described here. Why is it difficult to imagine life without sin, death, pain, and tears? The Bible’s descriptions of our life after sin are unquestionably wonderful and glorious and no doubt barely represent what is awaiting us. Even in … Continue reading –>
Read Ecclesiastes 8:14. In what ways do you see the stark and powerful reality of what is written here? While suffering, oppression, and tragedy are hard enough to bear in their own right, the injury or insult is harder still if it appears to be meaningless or unnoticed. The possible meaninglessness of sorrow is heavier than … Continue reading –>
