Nobody beyond reach. What is the primary warning of our memory text, Romans 12:2? Does materialism have something to do with our wanting to be wealthy? If it’s not wrong to be wealthy, is there anything wrong with working hard to gain wealth? At what point does our striving for financial gain become materialism? Do … Continue reading –>
Welcome to 2018 and the study of “The Life of a Christian Steward” in our first quarters Lesson studies. To go against the grain of the beliefs and practices of this world, we may make our theme song Hymn 316, “Live Out Thy Life Within Me”. With this in place, Jesus’ love will shine to … Continue reading –>
The advertising world is powerful. Companies spend billions putting images of their products before us. They almost always use beautiful and appealing people to promote what they are selling. We look at that ad and see ourselves, not just with the product but as actually being like the people in the ad. Materialism would not … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 12:15-21. What’s the message to us here? How might the principle here apply even to someone who is not necessarily rich? Whether we are rich or poor, our desire to own things can take our mind off what really matters and focus it, instead, on what’s only temporal and fleeting and certainly not worth … Continue reading –>
Money has become the god of this world, and materialism is its religion. Materialism is a sophisticated and insidious system that offers temporary security but no ultimate safety. Materialism, as we define it here, is when the desire for wealth and possessions becomes more important and more valuable than spiritual realities. Possessions may have value, … Continue reading –>
The Life of a Christian Steward As Christians, we need to recognize our sinful condition before we see a need for change. That change can come only and thoroughly through Christ working in us. And one expression of His work in us is in the area of stewardship. Though stewardship encompasses many different aspects of … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 John 2:16-17; Luke 14:26-33; Luke 12:15-21; Deut. 8:10-14; 1 Tim. 6:10; John 15:5; Gal. 2:20. Memory Text: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV). The Word of God tells His people … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Unity and Love in the Church”, pp. 477, 478; “Love for the Erring”, pp. 604-606, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; “Helping the Tempted”, p. 166, in The Ministry of Healing; p. 719, in The SDA Bible Commentary,vol. 6. “I was shown the danger of the people of God in looking to Brother and Sister … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The Christian life is responding to the convictions God lays on our hearts while also lifting up others for love, peace, and harmony’s sake.. Lesson 13, December 30, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Romans 14:10-14. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
In 1 Samuel God wanted to be the king of Israel, but Israel wanted to be like the other nations and have their own king. Instead of being a peculiar people, they wanted to blend in with the world as much as possible. Even today, I hear Christian leaders boast how the church resembles worldly … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 15:1-3. What important Christian truth is found in this passage? In what way does this passage capture so much of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? What other verses teach the same idea? Most important, how can you, yourself, live out this principle? As Paul brought his letter to a close, what varied benedictions … Continue reading –>
In this discussion about not judging others who might view some things differently than we do, and not being a stumbling block to others who might be offended by our actions, Paul brings up the issue of special days that some want to observe and others don’t. Read Romans 14:4-10. How are we to understand what … Continue reading –>
