In a world where death always has the final word, at least for now, what great hope is found in these verses? Luke 7:11-17, Mark 5:21-43, John 11:37-44. Politicians, entertainers, and athletes must necessarily offer something to generate a following. Politicians utilize hypnotic rhetoric and incredible promises. Entertainers use their abilities to generate emotion and … Continue reading –>
He had only one hope. No other options. No other solutions. He had used every resource at his disposal and everything that concerned family members and friends could do had been done. Now dangling in a bed let down through the roof of Peter’s house, he was at his moment of truth. The familiar story … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : There is an intimate correlation among physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We need to minister to the total person. [Lesson plan for Discipling the Sick January 27, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 9:1-3. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
Through physical healing and mental restoration, Jesus made disciples. Often Christ’s patients suffered both mental and physical diseases. Physical restoration itself was never the final objective. The ultimate goal was always discipleship. Healing could provide twenty, fifty, perhaps seventy-five additional quality years. Discipleship offered eternal life with Christ. In Luke 8:26-39, the demon-possessed man from … Continue reading –>
Study Mark 2:1-12. What can we learn regarding the connection between physical sickness and sinfulness? What lessons should we not take from this story, as well? Contrary to biblical doctrine, ancient Greek philosophy separated the spiritual (soul) and physical (body) dimensions of human existence. Believing that human souls were immortal, many Greeks devalued the importance … Continue reading –>
Read Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:17, and John 9:1-3. In what way are we to understand these texts? What questions do they raise? What hope do they offer us? In antiquity, sickness was considered the result of sinful actions. (And even today, who hasn’t at times-even if only for a moment-wondered if illness, either their own … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 53:4, Matt. 8:17, Mark 2:1-12, Phil. 4:4-9, 1 John 3:20-22, John 11:37-44. Memory Text: Large crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the … Continue reading –>
Jonathan is a quiet boy with a shy smile. He lives in a small village in southern Mexico. One day his neighbor, Tia Maria, invited Jonathan to go to Sabbath School with her. Jonathan had never been to church before. His mother said he could go, so he agreed. On Sabbath Jonathan and Tia Maria … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, “Blessing the Children,” pp. 511-517; “The Temple Cleansed Again,” p. 592, in The Desire of Ages. “Baptism”, pp. 93-95, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6; “Bible Teaching and Study,” pp. 185-186 in Education. “It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the … Continue reading –>
Since this interesting question came up in our comments, I did a little research. And it leads me to conclude that the contemporaries of Christ were far more literate than we like to give them credit for. Now I’m not an expert in history or biblical languages, nor a mathematician, but I’m thinking that we … Continue reading –>
While flipping through the channels on my TV the other day, I ran across a “law and order” show in which a detective was saying how abusers always seek the trust of the person they want to abuse. I have heard similar things in pastor group meetings, and this has prompted me to share what … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Discipling Children January 22, 2014 1. The Children’s Ministry. Do you remember special church times just for children? Sabbath school in a children’s division? Story time? Vacation Bible School? Or maybe even children’s church? How important is discipling children in your church family? In your home? By adding “in” after the “n” in … Continue reading –>
