Read John 12:20-32. How is the universality of the gospel message revealed in these verses? Jerusalem was buzzing with rumors. Christ’s triumphal entry had just occurred. Hosannas, though, were quickly replaced by questions. What was going to happen next? Would Jesus be crowned king? Among the crowd assembling for Passover were Greek worshipers. Notice their … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 11:20-24, Luke 4:25-30, 17:11-19, and John 10:16. What crucial message comes from these texts? How can we take what is written here and apply it to ourselves, in our own time and context? What principle is revealed here that we have to be very careful about? Christ wanted His own people, those who … Continue reading –>
Ancient prophets foretold the conversion of non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to a scripturally based faith. Heathen deities, pagan worship, and destructive lifestyles would be toppled by uncompromising submission to, and faith in, Jehovah. Israel’s enemies would stream into Jerusalem begging for admission, thirsting for spiritual knowledge. Israel’s commission was to broadcast God’s universal invitation to the … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 56:6-8; Matt. 11:20-24; John 12:20-32; Rom. 15:12; Acts 1:7-8. Memory Text: For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. (Isaiah 56:7, NKJV) Christ’s message, from its inception, was destined for everyone everywhere. Early on the gospel went worldwide, because it is universally applicable. Doubtless, … Continue reading –>
I saw it the minute I pulled into the parking lot of a large, modern church building. There in bold letters was a clear indication of the spirit of this church. You’re probably thinking I am referring to the church marque. It’s usually there where a church makes an attempt to share a little of … Continue reading –>
I wanted to attend university after high school, but I didn’t score high enough on some of my exams to qualify for the public university. So I decided to work part-time while I studied to retake the exams. My employers were Adventist Christians. They suggested that I apply to study at Valley View University, the … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, The Centurion, pp. 315-318; Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas, pp. 698-715; In Pilate’s Judgment Hall, pp. 723-740, in The Desire of Ages; Ministry to the Rich, pp. 209-216, in The Ministry of Healing; Almost Thou Persuadest Me, pp. 433-438, in The Acts of the Apostles. “It is … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Discipling the Powerful February 26, 2014] 1. Introduction. Have you ever thought of yourself as powerful? Have you ever held a position of authority that led others to think of you as powerful? When you were a youngster, did you ever long for a position that would place you as the person … Continue reading –>
Christ’s earliest disciples energetically advanced the gospel throughout the civilized world. Houses, synagogues, public stadiums, judgment halls, and royal palaces became stages for kingdom proclamation. Jesus, however, prophesied arrests, trials, and hostile royal audiences for those disciples (Matt. 10:16-20). Unfortunately, those saturated with earthly power were slowest to receive Christ. Read through as much of … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 26:57-68; 27:11-14; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:19-23, 31-40; 19:8-12. What can we learn from Jesus’ witness to these powerful men? Within these final scenes of Jesus’ earthly sojourn, Christ’s followers glimpse the painful price of unflinching faithfulness. From arrest until crucifixion, Christ bears witness before the most powerful in the land: monarchs, governors, priests. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The wealthy, world-loving souls can be drawn to Christ, but they are the most difficult to access. [Lesson plan for Discipling the Powerful February 24, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Romans 13:1-7. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. … Continue reading –>
While several of Christ’s encounters with powerful people ended acrimoniously, there were notable exceptions, such as with Nicodemus. Another constructive meeting involved a Roman centurion (ranking military officer). Read Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. What can we learn from these accounts about witnessing to people in power? When the centurion learned that Jesus was … Continue reading –>
