In the earliest chapters of Jeremiah, the Lord had warned his servant that his work as a prophet was not going to be easy. At the time of his calling, Jeremiah was told that Judah’s princes, kings, priests, and people would fight against [him] (Jer. 1:19). Although he was told that the Lord would sustain … Continue reading –>
Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 NLT Long ago, I was writing a blog post about humor. I compared the humor of my friends in different areas. Just a few minutes after publishing my post, I got a call from a friend here where I live. He told me I better … Continue reading –>
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). The sad story of Jeremiah is that the opposition he faced came from the very ones that, through him, the Lord was trying to save. The Lord wanted to … Continue reading –>
Certainly, Jeremiah’s task was not going to be easy. Maybe some people might find perverse pleasure in pointing out people’s sins, but most would find it to be very unappealing work, especially because of the reactions their words would provoke. Though some, when they hear the words of rebuke, might repent and reform, that’s usually … Continue reading –>
From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the last chapters of Revelation, the Bible presents to us only two options on how to live: we either follow the Lord with all our heart and soul, or we don’t. As Jesus said, in words that many have found troubling, He that is not with me is … Continue reading –>
He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord. Jeremiah 22:16 NLT George W. Jenkins not only began his Publix grocery store incorporation during the depression, but he also set up several foundations and charities so that even after his … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Jer. 17:5-10, Jer. 17:1-4, Jer. 11:18-23, John 3:19, Jer. 12:1-6, Jer. 14:1-16. Memory Text: Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise (Jeremiah 17:14, NKJV). What has been is what will be, and what has been done … Continue reading –>
When my dog Fred and I stepped into the park for an evening stroll last night, I noticed the pocket where I’d stuck my iPhone had gone empty. Don’t panic, I thought, you’ve only taken a few steps; certainly you’ll see it there on the ground. A traipse back and forth yielded nothing, nor did … Continue reading –>
A small group of Adventists in Malawi planned to hold evangelistic meetings. On the first night of the meetings we were disappointed when only a few people came. We prayed, but attendance hovered around 30. Some suggested that we cancel the meetings, but the speaker refused. If we pray earnestly, he said, God will make … Continue reading –>
In the closing years of Judah’s apostasy the exhortations of the prophets were seemingly of but little avail; and as the armies of the Chaldeans came for the third and last time to besiege Jerusalem, hope fled from every heart. Jeremiah predicted utter ruin; and it was because of his insistence on surrender that he … Continue reading –>
What became of Israel and Jerusalem after rejecting God’s message? Jer. 39:8-9. Everything that God had warned them would happen to them is exactly what happened. However much they didn’t want to believe the warnings, they certainly did believe them after it all came to pass. Who hasn’t, even on a personal level, experienced something … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Jeremiah’s message addressed a crisis that had been in the making through extended grace and increased apostasy that eventually led to exile. The Last Five Kings of Judah, October 10-16, 2015 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Chronicles 34:29-33. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important … Continue reading –>
