What do the following texts tell us about the preparation needed in order to receive the Holy Spirit’s power in its fullness? Acts 1:14,Zech. 10:1, Acts 3:18-20, 4:31, Ps. 119:25,John 6:63. The Scriptures invite us to ask God for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). The disciples believed Christ’s promise, waited in unity, and prayed for the outpouring of the Holy … Continue reading –>
Both the Old and New Testament use the symbolism of water to represent the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah quotes the words of our Lord, “‘“I will pour water on him who is thirsty. . . . I will pour My Spirit on your descendants”’” (Isa. 44:3, NKJV). Isaiah uses a common Hebrew literary device called … Continue reading –>
Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is accompanied by His great promise. What is that promise, what does it mean in a practical sense, and how can we draw comfort from it? Why is that promise so important to us? The disciples preached not in their strength but in Christ’s. According to Paul, in fact, the gospel was … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 28:18-20; James 5:7, 8; Zech. 10:1; Matt.3:11; Rev. 18:1; 19:11-16. Memory Text: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming … Continue reading –>
“When the laborers have an abiding Christ in their own souls, when all selfishness is dead, when there is no rivalry, no strife for the supremacy, when oneness exists, when they sanctify themselves, so that love for one another is seen and felt, then the showers of the grace of the Holy Spirit will just … Continue reading –>
I come from an influential family in central India and grew up worshipping stone gods. My parents wanted the best education for me, so they enrolled me in an Adventist secondary school. We didn’t know what “Adventist” meant then. I liked the school and made friends quickly. One friend, Amith, invited me to his home … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Reformation: Healing Broken Relationships September 18, 2013] 1. After the crash. Imagine that you’re a professional cake decorator and are just now putting the finishing touches on a cream-colored four-layer cake with an intricate pattern and pretty red roses made of icing when there’s a loud crash and wooden boards begin falling … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 18:15-17. What three steps does Jesus give us to help us to resolve conflicts when we are wronged by another church member? How are we to apply these words in our contemporary situations? Jesus’ desire in giving the counsel of Matthew 18 is to keep conflict in as small a group as possible. His … Continue reading –>
What is forgiveness? Does forgiveness justify the behavior of someone who has horribly wronged us? Is my forgiveness dependent on the offender’s repentance? What if the one with whom I am upset with does not deserve my forgiveness? How do the following passages help us to understand the biblical nature of forgiveness?Rom. 5:8-11; Luke 23:31-34; 2 Cor. 5:20-21;Eph. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Jesus longing for His church is for members to respect one another and live in Christian love and unity. [Teaching plan for Healing Broken Relationships September 16, 2013] 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Timothy 4:11. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this … Continue reading –>
As we saw in an earlier lesson, the church at Corinth had deep problems. What principles does Paul outline in 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, 12:1-11, and 2 Corinthians 10:12-15 for healing and restoration, all of which are so vital to revival and reformation? In these passages, the apostle outlines critical principles of church unity. He points out that Jesus uses different … Continue reading –>
While he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul met a runaway slave named Onesimus who had fled from Colossae to Rome. Paul personally knew Onesimus’ master. The Epistle of Philemon is Paul’s personal appeal to his friend regarding a restored relationship with the runaway slave. Relationships mattered to Paul. The apostle knew that fractured relationships are … Continue reading –>
