Church discussions sometimes seem to get stuck on the apparent need to choose between a focus on social work or gospel work, either charity or witnessing, either justice or evangelism. But when we better understand each of these concepts and observe the ministry of Jesus, the difference breaks down, and we realize that preaching the … Continue reading –>
More than a place to meet. Is the church more than a group of people who come to the church building once a week to study God’s word? What are some limitations of a church bound up entirely in meeting the needs of worshipers for a meeting place to present a weekly program of interest … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, we should look to the church as an organized community of believers. By working in a community of faith, we can bless those around us. 1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 2:11,12.. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point … Continue reading –>
As a community of servants we are to be watchful of what is happening around us: Hymn 597, “Ye Servants of the Lord”. We are then to be faithful to our mandate to “Go, Preach My Gospel”, Hymn 378, as instructed in our Sabbath afternoon introduction to this week’s lesson study. Being in a role … Continue reading –>
The standard definition of the remnant people identified in Bible prophecy is found in Revelation 12:17: those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (NKJV, see also Rev. 14:12). In the Bible’s story, these features mark out God’s people in the later stages of earth’s history. But, also in the Bible stories, … Continue reading –>
We have seen in the early chapters of Acts how the first Christian believers established a different kind of community, caring for those in need among them, and together reaching out to those outside the community, offering them help where needed and inviting them to join in with what God was doing among them. Adding … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 2:14-16, Exod. 32:1-14, 1 Pet. 2:12, Phil. 2:15, Eph. 2:19, Heb. 10:23-25. Memory Text: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:23-24, NKJV). In seeking to fulfil the Christian mission, … Continue reading –>
U.S. Biker Embraces Sabbath By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission The invitation startled Richard Smith as he stopped at a senior center to collect meals to deliver on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to retirees in the U.S. state of West Virginia. “Would you like to go to the Seventh-day Adventist church with me?” asked Ruth, who also … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “A Higher Experience”, pages 503-516, in The Ministry of Healing; “Duty to the Unfortunate”; and “Man’s Duty to His Fellow Men”, pages 511-526, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3; “Doing for Christ”, pages 24-37, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2. “Search heaven and earth, and there is no truth revealed more powerful than … Continue reading –>
Solomon wrote that there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Eccl. 3:7, NIV). He was right, and finding that balance is not simple for any of us. However, when it comes to speaking for the oppressed and being a voice for the voiceless and seeking to overcome evil with good, is … Continue reading –>
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 –>
