The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is often hailed in literature as the essence of Christianity. Luke provides selections of the sermon in Luke 6:20-49 and elsewhere. Because Luke placed the sermon immediately after the official choosing of the disciples (Luke 6:13), some scholars have called it the Ordination Charge to the Twelve. As … Continue reading –>
As a physician and scholar, Luke was acquainted with the role of authority. He was familiar with the authority of philosophy in Greek scholarship and education. He knew the authority of the Roman law in civil matters and government function. As Paul’s traveling companion he knew the ecclesiastic authority that the apostle commanded with the … Continue reading –>
People often ask me how old a child should be before they can be baptized. Many are surprised to hear I was just seven when I was baptized. I still remember the night – I was lying in bed, thinking about the cross and Jesus’ love for me. I decided I wanted to be baptized. I … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 8:22-25, Luke 4:31-37, Luke 6:20-49, Luke 8:19-21, Luke 10:25-37, Deut. 6:5. Memory Text: And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority (Luke 4:32, NKJV). When Christ came to the earth, humanity seemed to be fast reaching its lowest point. The very foundations of society were undermined. Life had … Continue reading –>
South Korea – Daesung Kim When I started pastoring the Seoul Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, office buildings surrounded the church and it was very difficult to meet people in the surrounding vicinity. As I was thinking about how to make contact with the people who work nearby, I thought that it could be very practical … Continue reading –>
Further Study: By the lost sheep Christ represents not only the individual sinner but the one world that has apostatized and has been ruined by sin.-Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 190. On the value of one soul: The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to Gethsemane, … Continue reading –>
Sivan 30, I am so grieved I can barely write. My younger son asked for his inheritance, and has taken it and left home. I thought he loved me, but he only loved the things I gave him, and apparently wants nothing to do with me personally. My only solace is in my oldest son, … Continue reading –>
The mission statement of Jesus that He came to seek and save that which was lost is an affirmation of a holistic ministry. He came to make men and women whole, to transform them physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. Luke gives us two instances that illustrate how Jesus restored two broken men into wholeness. One … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : At the foot of the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value of a soul. [Lesson Plan for The Mission of Jesus May 18, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:4-7. a. Ask class members to share a thought on … Continue reading –>
[Thought Questions for The Mission of Jesus May 5, 2015] 1. To seek and save the lost. How well do these words of Luke define the mission of Jesus? Do we need a sense of dedication like this in our lives as well? Did Jesus know who was lost? Did He know where they were? … Continue reading –>
Although Jesus came to seek and save those lost in sin, He never forces anyone to accept the salvation He offers. Salvation is free and available to all, but one must accept the free offer in faith, which results in a life in conformity with God’s will. The only time we have for such an … Continue reading –>
The return home (Luke 15:17-20) was a journey of repentance. The journey began when he came to himself. Recognition of where he was, in comparison with what his father’s home was, drove him to arise and go to his father. The prodigal son returns home with a four-part speech that defines the true meaning of … Continue reading –>
