The great controversy theme is implicit in Jesus’ parable of the sower. The listing of four types of responses to the gospel message indicates that there are more than just “good” and “bad” people in the world. Life is more complex than that, and so we need to be careful how we approach those who … Continue reading –>
“‘Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Matt. 11:29, NKJV). How does taking His “yoke” bring rest to our souls? This offer points to a personal dimension amid the much larger one of Jesus’ mission to free … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 11:29; Rom. 4:1-6; Matt. 13:3-8, Matt. 13:18-23; Matt. 7:21-27; James 2:17; Matt. 7:1-5. Memory Text: “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). When we think of the great-controversy theme, we tend to think of it in grand, … Continue reading –>
Though one can find writers through the centuries touching on the theme of the great controversy, and though some evangelicals today are looking at the idea more closely-no one has a deeply developed great- controversy worldview as does the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A literal, physical, moral, and spiritual conflict between Christ and Satan is, indeed, … Continue reading –>
“I’m so happy that I didn’t sneeze.” Martin Luther King, Jr. On September 20, 1958, as he sat signing autographs for his book, Martin Luther King Jr was stabbed and nearly killed. He was whisked to the hospital with the blade of the knife still stuck in his chest. It would take a delicate and … Continue reading –>
In Matthew’s version, while the first temptation focused on appetite and the second on manipulating God, the third was a direct challenge to Christ Himself, to His kingship and to His ultimate mission on earth. Read Matthew 4:8-10, Deuteronomy 34:1-4, and Revelation 21:10. What is the significance of the “exceeding high mountain” that Satan took … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Victory in the Wilderness” 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 –>
Key Thought : Jesus came to restore that which Adam lost, to save sinners from their sins, and to reveal the true character of God. Victory in the Wilderness -January 30 – February 5, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 3:7-12. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important … Continue reading –>
The first temptation parallels the Exodus but had its roots in the Fall. By placing a priority on faithfulness to God, instead of giving in to appetite, Jesus recovered the ground that Adam lost at the tree of knowledge. However, to completely bridge the gap from where the human race had descended since the time … Continue reading –>
Did Jesus need to be baptized? Was He just setting a good example for us to follow, or was He actually repenting? Suppose you are eating at your favorite restaurant, and the waiter spills the drinks all over you. I guarantee that the manager is going to come out and apologize all over the place. … Continue reading –>
Immanuel or Emmanuel? What is the difference in meaning or use between these two words? Or is there any? Did the devil ever control or own the earth? If so, when? how? What is his influence over the earth now? Should we be afraid of soon-coming events? David Tasker, the author of this quarter’s lessons, says … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 4:1-3. What is happening, and why? How do we see the great controversy being played out here? “When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and … Continue reading –>
