As we all know, and some know too well, life is hard. Right at Eden, after the Fall, we were given some hints of how hard it would be, when the Lord let our first parents know what some of the results of their transgression would be (see Gen. 3:16–24). These were just hints though. … Continue reading –>
All through the book of Job, the three (and then four) men who came to speak to Job did so with good motives. They had heard what had happened to him, and they came “to mourn with him and to comfort him” (Job 2:11). However, after Job first started speaking, bemoaning the tragedies that befell … Continue reading –>
Is it too early to think about what we shall do with Christmas next year? Perhaps not, because it takes time to change ingrained thinking, and some of us may need a year to change our pattern of thought. I. What Is Christmas?1 Christmas is coming,” is the note that is sounded throughout our world from … Continue reading –>
At the beginning of a new quarter, it’s time to plan for our 13th Sabbath offering which will go to the Trans-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 –>
One of the great questions that has challenged human thinking deals with evil. Though some philosophers and even religionists have denied the existence of evil or think we should at least abandon the term, most people would disagree. Evil is real; it’s a part of this world. Though we can argue over what is or … Continue reading –>
Yes, the celebration of Christmas may have pagan roots. But read on to see how that might actually be a good thing. It seems almost inevitable at this time of year that an earnest friend, family member or perhaps someone at your church will announce – with all the breathless enthusiasm and urgency of one who has … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Corinthians 5:7 and 2 Corinthians 4:18. What crucial truths are revealed in these texts? How can these truths help us as we seek to be faithful followers of the Lord? The immediate context of 2 Corinthians 4:18 is eschatological, talking about the end times, when we are clothed in immortality, a great promise … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 5:7, Job 1-2:8, Matt. 4:10, Matt. 13:39, John 8:1–11, Heb. 11:10, Heb. 4:15. Memory Text: “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Job, before his suffering, revealed a personality in harmony with God. He had high ethical values, personal integrity, and a heart for the poor. Lesson 13, December 24, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Job 1:1, 1:8. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: The Protestant Reformation reclaimed the great truth of salvation by faith alone. This truth was first intimated in the Word back in Eden itself (see Gen. 3:15) and then given fuller expression in the life of Abraham (see Gen. 15:6, Rom. 4:3) before being successively revealed in Scripture up through Paul. Yet, the … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Character of Job” 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 … Continue reading –>
Earlier in the book of Job, amid the back and forth between the characters, Eliphaz the Temanite said to Job: “ ‘Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways blameless?’ ” (Job 22:3, NKJV). That’s a very ironic question, given what … Continue reading –>
