Right after Peter’s bold confession of faith in Jesus as “‘the Christ, the Son of the living God,’” Jesus says something in answer to Peter. Read Matthew 16:17-20. What did Jesus say to Peter, and how are we to understand what He meant? The phrase “on this rock” has been controversial within the Christian church. … Continue reading –>
I once visited Rome and stood in the very room next to the Sistine Chapel that was the Pope’s office during the Reformation. I saw an old chair next to the wall, so I sat down, closed my eyes and thought about the wooden desk standing across the room. I wondered about the conversations and … Continue reading –>
Imagine what it must have been like for Peter, who had been with Jesus almost from the start. What must have gone through his mind as he witnessed one incredible event after another: the healings, the casting out of demons, the feeding of the multitudes, the amazing teachings, the controlling of nature, raising the dead, … Continue reading –>
Relationships in the Family of God The Bible uses several analogies for the church—a body, a building, a flock, and even a brood of chickens. My personal favorite, being somewhat of a human development and relationship expert, is family. The Lord tells us, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 4:4, Heb. 7:26, Matt. 16:13-20, Eph. 2:20, Matt. 16:21-27, Matt. 17:1-9. Memory Text:“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” (Matthew 16:15, NIV). From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the … Continue reading –>
A Christian was speaking to students on a secular campus about the existence of God. After using all the common arguments, he took a different tack, saying: “You know, when I was about the age of most of you, and not believing in God, every now and then, when something would convict me that maybe … Continue reading –>
That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” Matthew 14:15-16 NLT The disciples realized the crowd needed food, but they … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 15:29-39 and compare it with Matthew 14:13-21. What are the similarities and the differences between the two stories? Many people don’t realize that there are two feedings of the multitudes in the Gospels: the first for the Jews, the second for the Gentiles. In both instances, Jesus has “compassion” for the people. It’s … Continue reading –>
After feeding, healing, and preaching to His own Jewish people, Jesus makes a dramatic decision. He leaves the area of the Jews and enters the region of the outsiders, the Gentiles. Read Matthew 15:21-28. How are we to understand this story? In many ways, this isn’t an easy story to read, because we’re without the … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Lord of Jews and Gentiles” 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 –>
“Therefore the LORD said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men’” (Isa. 29:13, NKJV). Though this was the Lord speaking to ancient Israel, what message is here … Continue reading –>
Discussion Starters for Lesson 7, May 7-13, 2016 Memory text… “‘I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles’” (Isaiah 42:6, NIV). Does it trouble you at all … Continue reading –>
