A preacher once said, Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it. Israel had asked for and longed for a king, just like the nations around them. They got what they asked for, and so much of Israelite history after the era of the judges was the story of how these kings … Continue reading –>
However much we like to talk about objectivity, about viewing things as they really are, as human beings we are hopelessly subjective. We see the world not so much as the world really is, but as we really are. And because we are fallen and corrupted beings, this corruption is going to impact our perceptions … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Chronicles 33:1-25, Hab. 1:2-4, 2 Kings 22, Phil. 2:3-8, 2 Kings 23:1-28, 1 Cor. 5:7. Memory Text: Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law … Continue reading –>
After completing high school, I worked as a literature evangelist for three years. One day I visited a hospital, and there I saw someone who looked familiar. I barely recognized him, but it was one of my former drinking buddies, my childhood friend. He was dying of TB and AIDS. I stared at him in … Continue reading –>
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). No doubt we can look around in nature, in human relationships, and in the marvels of the creation itself and get a view of God’s love, however much sin has damaged that creation as well as our … Continue reading –>
As we saw yesterday, whatever his fears, whatever his own emotions, Jeremiah stood firm, fully aware of the potential death that his stance could bring him. He warned the princes and the people very clearly in Jeremiah 26:15 (know for certain [NKJV], he said) that if they killed him they would face punishment for spilling … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Crisis Continues” 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 School … Continue reading –>
In Numbers 21 the Children of Israel wanted the luxuries of Egypt instead of the presence of God. So God allowed snakes to enter the camp, providing the opportunity to learn how much they depended on Him. The people soon realized they had made a mistake and begged for the snakes to be removed. That … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Knowing or not knowing God is reflected in practical ways in our lives. Where relational knowledge is lacking, idolatry sets in and brings a need of repentance. The Crisis Continues, November 7-13, 2015 1. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 10:10-15. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important … Continue reading –>
From our perspective looking back, it’s hard to believe the hardness of the hearts of the people. As we saw in yesterday’s lesson, Jeremiah’s message-however strong-was still filled with hope. If they repented, God would avert the horrific punishments that, based on the covenant promises and curses, would come upon them. If only they would … Continue reading –>
More challenges. Poor Jeremiah. Since Jeremiah was a godly man, we‘re sure he wasn’t being punished. But he suffered as if he were a lawbreaker or a rebel. Why do trials keep falling on the prophet of God? Do you and I ever get in trouble without doing anything wrong? How do you feel when … Continue reading –>
Read Jeremiah 26:1-6. What hope is the Lord offering the people here? The message here was the same as the message all through the Bible, Old and New Testament, and that is the call to repentance, to turn away from our sin and find the salvation that God offers to all. What is the message … Continue reading –>
