Jesus used farming language in His teaching about the kingdom, as pointed out in lesson 5. As we have seen, farming is not merely an event; it is a patient process! It is a regularly repeated cycle with different stages and different jobs for different people at different times. We need to be open to … Continue reading –>
Read James 2:14-26. In what ways do these verses encapsulate who we are and why we are here? In Sunday’s study, the disciples start out pointing to the beauty of the temple buildings. Jesus points their attention to the condition of the church within and its mission to an ending world. The fact is that … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Peter 3:1-18. Summarize the teachings in this chapter that pertain to revival and reformation. How do these verses fit in with the topic we have been studying all quarter? God’s desire is that “everyone” will “come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NIV). Though we cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit in … Continue reading –>
At the beginning of a new quarter, it’s time to plan for our 13th Sabbath offering which will go to the Inter-European Division. In this post you will find some patterns for making 13th-Sabbath offering boxes for your family or for your whole church. “The Adventist Church is built on mission. Our commission comes from Christ, … Continue reading –>
The disciples had just been admiring the glorious scene as the sun’s rays glinted off the temple. Jesus, wanting to focus their attention on the realities facing the Christian church in the near future and the end of time, cryptically gave them a dose of reality by saying: “ ‘Do you see all these things? … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 24:35-25:46, 2 Peter 3:1-18, James 2:14-26, John 4:35-38, 1 Cor. 3:6-8, Rev. 21:1-4. Memory Text: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans … Continue reading –>
Read Ministry to the Cities, (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 2012). It is a collection from the Ellen G. White Estate of most of the Ellen G. White materials on urban ministry. A Seventh-day Adventist expert in urban ministries did a study in the Ellen G. White periodical index regarding her counsel on … Continue reading –>
It is called the bait and switch. That’s when one thing is advertised, usually at a great price, with the intention of substituting either something more costly or of less value. This tactic has been used for everything from automobiles to grocery store bargains. The goal is to get people in the door who otherwise … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Urban Ministry in the End Time” 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 … Continue reading –>
No one is saying that outreach and ministry are easy. The fact is, they are not. Humans are fallen, corrupt, and not naturally spiritual. As Paul said about himself: “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Rom. 7:14, NKJV). If Paul says that, what about those who … Continue reading –>
Mary, an elderly lady in my Tampa First SDA Church family, told me how she became a Seventh-day Adventist in the early ’30s in British Honduras, now Belize. She was school age, when her little brother noticed a huge tent going up in town. He told their mother he wanted to go to the circus. His … Continue reading –>
Common–or uncommon–sense? [Lesson 12 for September 17] Advice to God’s people confined to exile: Work for the good of the country where you are taken. “If it prospers, you too will prosper.” Stunning words? or common wisdom? More people live in cities today than in the country or less populated areas. Does that mean we should … Continue reading –>
