We are now entering the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. He has yet to go to the cross, has yet to be resurrected, and has yet to reveal Himself fully as the crucified and risen Savior of the world. However much those who followed Jesus loved Him and appreciated Him, they still had … Continue reading –>
Why Speaking Out on Church-Related Sexual Abuse Is Actually Witnessing Recently I have had three conversations going – one on Facebook, two on text – that involve clergy sexual misconduct. Cindy . . . Chelsea . . . Kirsten . . . I’m so sorry. These women are hurt, frustrated, angry, and lost, and they feel they … Continue reading –>
Each year in the week before Easter I like to contemplate the life of Jesus day by day of the week leading up to His crucifixion. This week as we study the following five stories from that all-important week, I will again contemplate these scenes. I will not only search the meanings and lessons, but I … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 26:1-16, Luke 12:48, Matt. 26:17-19, 1 Cor. 5:7, Matt. 26:36-46, Matt. 26:51-75. Memory Text:“‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me … ’” (Matthew 26:31, NIV). In this lesson, Jesus is now entering the final moments before the cross. The world, even the universe, begins … Continue reading –>
In the context of the events depicted in Matthew 24, Jesus also said, “‘Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place’” (Matt. 24:34, NKJV). This text has led to confusion because, obviously, all these things didn’t take place in a single temporal generation. Dr. … Continue reading –>
“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” Matthew 24:40-41 NLT Many people have used this passage to suggest a secret rapture, where people will suddenly just disappear and be taken … Continue reading –>
The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hopes; it is the fulfillment of all that we have been promised. Without it—what? We would rot in the ground after death just as everyone else does. Without the Second Coming and all that it entails, everything else about our faith becomes a lie, … Continue reading –>
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 The Pharisees and religious rulers were standing in the way of salvation. Matthew 23 is a scathing condemnation of the most revered men in Jewish society. The reverence, respect and fear of these men touched all areas … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Teachings of Jesus About the Last Days” 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 … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ response here in Matthew 24 was in regard to “the sign of Your coming” (Matt. 24:3, NKJV); that is, of Christ’s coming to reign. What other warning does Jesus give in the context of events before His return, and how has this been seen through history? Matt. 24:23-26. Here’s Jesus, from a worldly perspective … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 24:15-22. What is Jesus talking about here? Again, what kind of picture does He present in response to the questions asked Him? “The abomination of desolation” is generally understood as some kind of sacrilege or desecration of what is holy. Jesus is obviously talking about the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come in … Continue reading –>
Blind Guides. Here is a picture of lapis luzili. What significance can we place on this beautiful gem in the offering of the covenant between God and His people? (See the lesson guide.) How astonished do you think the top leaders of the new nation were to behold God? How did they respond? How long did their … Continue reading –>
