The beatitudes, sometimes referred to as be-“attitudes,” are building blocks to a complete conversion. Each be-“attitude” gives us a glimpse of Christ, and what we may become when our attitude is converted to His attitude. Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NKJV The poor in spirit … Continue reading –>
In spite of being constantly under Satan’s fiercest attacks, Jesus lived an unselfish life of loving service. His priority was always centered on other people, not on Himself. From childhood to the cross, He showed a constant tender disposition to minister to others. His willing hands were ever ready to relieve every case of suffering … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 9:36, Mark 10:21, Luke 10:30-37, Matt. 25:31-46, Luke 6:32-35, John 15:4-12. Memory Text: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34, NKJV). Contrary to what many think, the command to love our … Continue reading –>
The people did not see that coming. They were hoping for and expecting an announcement that the long-awaited kingdom would soon begin. There was no denying that Jesus was more than a normal man. It was not only the miracles He performed but His king-like bearing and an authority that none could deny. As they … Continue reading –>
Renalto and his parents live in a town on the beach in northern Peru. When he was 8 years old, his mother lost her job. The family faced difficult financial times. Renalto’s younger brother was sick, and Mother had to stay home with him. So Renalto walked the few blocks to church alone. He prayed … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, Consecration, p. 43-48, in Steps to Christ; Nicodemus, p. 167-177, in The Desire of Ages. The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it … Continue reading –>
Paradoxically, it is only by dying that we may truly live. When baptized, we (ideally) died to our old nature and rose again to a new life. It would have been wonderful if the old man of sin had permanently died when we were buried under baptismal waters. Sooner or later, however, all of us … Continue reading –>
Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn, and students who aren’t, come to school to be loved. Nicholas A. Ferroni There is no true education, growth or maturity without love. On my first day of Kindergarten, way back in the mid 1900’s, I was given a red badge to wear, which … Continue reading –>
Along with studying the Bible, prayer is indispensable in order for us to abide in Christ and grow spiritually. Even Jesus Himself needed prayer to be united with the Father. He left us an example of a life of prayer. Prayer marked the crucial moments of His life. He prayed when He was baptized. He … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Christian growth is the natural consequence of a healthy relationship with God and church family. [Lesson Plan for Growing in Christ August 4, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 3:1-3. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What does it … Continue reading –>
A flourishing spiritual life is possible only by constantly depending on Christ. Jesus used the illustration of the vine to teach us how to accomplish this. I am the vine, you are the branches, said Jesus (John 15:5, NKJV). In the Old Testament, Israel was depicted as a vine that the Lord had planted (Isa. … Continue reading –>
Being born again is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus made use of the fact that the Greek word pneuma means both Spirit and wind in order to illustrate the process of conversion (John 3:8). The wind blows; none of us can start it, direct it, nor stop it. Its great … Continue reading –>
