Read 1 Peter 2:18-23. How do we today understand the difficult content of these verses? What principle can we take from them for ourselves? A careful reading of 1 Peter 2:18-23 reveals that rather than an endorsement of slavery, the texts give spiritual counsel on how to think about difficult circumstances that, at the time, … Continue reading –>
Though written long ago, the Bible nevertheless touches on issues very relevant today, such as the relationship between Christians and their government. In some cases, it’s pretty obvious. Revelation chapter 13 talks about a time when obeying the political powers would mean disobeying God. In such a case, our choice is clear. (See Thursday’s study.) … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 2:13-23; 1 Pet. 3:1-7; 1 Cor. 7:12-16; Gal. 3:27-28; Acts 5:27-32; Lev. 19:18. Memory Text: “Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV). Peter’s letter also tackles head-on some of the difficult social questions of … Continue reading –>
Here are some hymn suggestions for this week’s lesson. In Sabbath afternoon’s introduction to the lesson study for the week, the Gentiles of all nations are grafted into God’s covenant people. Hymn 202; “Tell it to every kindred and nation”. Our responsibility for “proclaiming the great truth of the salvation offered in the Lord” is … Continue reading –>
“The church is very precious in God’s sight. He values it, not for its external advantages, but for the sincere piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the growth of the members in the knowledge of Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience. “Christ hungers to receive from His … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Peter refers to the Christians as a holy nation, God’s own people. By doing so, he is taking covenant language that referred to ancient Israel and applying it to the New Testament church. Lesson 3, April 15, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 2:1-4. a. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
A couple of days ago John Clarke died. He dropped dead of natural causes at the age of 68 doing what he loved best; bush-walking with his family and photographing birds. John Clarke is a household name in Australia and New Zealand (Fred Dagg for NZers), well known as a TV personality, satirist and critic … Continue reading –>
I have met a few people who have an image of Jesus in their minds, not based on Scripture, but on speculation. As a child I became interested in futball (soccer for U.S.A readers) and mentioned to my family that the game is so old Jesus may have played a form of futbal as a … Continue reading –>
The parallels with the Old Testament church didn’t end with just salvation and our being called out and chosen by God. The question is, Called out and chosen for what? Peter quickly gives the answer. Peter points out that this special relationship is for a purpose. Christians are to “proclaim the excellencies of him who … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “A Royal Priesthood” 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 Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
In the book of Exodus, chapter 19, the Lord said to Moses: “‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed … Continue reading –>
Royal Priesthood. Do you cringe from Peter’s using language appropriate for the Jewish people of the Old Testament and applying it to us today? Are you proud to be a “Gentile believer in Jesus”? Or do you think of yourself as a person with a Jewish theological background who has accepted Jesus as Saviour? What key responsibility … Continue reading –>
