So is there a difference between uniformity and unity? In “uniformity,” you will find the word “uniform.” And that serves as a good illustration. When I taught in a Christian school with school uniforms, all the students look equally good. But do you believe their uniforms make them equally good in heart and character? In … Continue reading –>
Why is reconciliation with an offended brother a prerequisite for acceptable worship? See Matt. 5:23-24. There were different kinds of offerings brought to the altar, but Jesus was probably referring to an animal sacrificed so the sinner could receive divine forgiveness. Before we can obtain God’s pardon, however, we must make things right with others. … Continue reading –>
How can Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1-5 help us to avoid divisions and conflicts in the church? It is much easier to see the faults in others than to see our own. To criticize gives a false sense of superiority, because the critic compares himself with other human beings who seem to be worse than … Continue reading –>
Mo is a pretty cool dude. I don’t say super cool because, after all, he is my brother and so pretty cool will have to do. (I’m sure such a “theorem” would be reciprocated by a hearty “my sentiments exactly” on his part.) Anyhow, the point is he’s pretty cool. Now Candice, my special lady, … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The church is not an invention of man. The church was established by Jesus Christ to continue His covenant relationship with man. [Lesson Plan for The Church August 18, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 16:18. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this … Continue reading –>
What is the basis for the unity that Jesus prayed about for His church? See John 17:23 and John 15:1-5. You in Me, and I in you (John 14:20, NKJV) expresses the intimate relationship we need to have with Jesus. The presence of Jesus in our hearts produces unity. He brings to our lives two … Continue reading –>
It was Thursday night. After the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples went toward the Mount of Olives. On their way to Gethsemane, Jesus stopped and prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all who later would believe in Him through the apostles’ preaching. Although the agony of the Cross was before Him, His … Continue reading –>
Jesus said on this rock I will build My church (Matt. 16:18, NKJV). Who is the rock (petra in Greek) upon which the church is built? Some interpreters believe that Peter is the rock. They argue that the Lord used a play on words between Peter and rock (Petros and petra, respectively, in Greek)-a play … Continue reading –>
The speaker was telling us that when Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, He was saying that we need to love ourselves first. After all, if we don’t love ourselves, we can’t love our neighbors. I was only 15 and was sitting in a girls’ dormitory worship service. But something just didn’t … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Deut. 32:4; Ps. 28:1; John 17; John 15:1-5; Matt. 7:1-5; Matt. 5:23-24; Matt. 18:15-18. Memory Text: I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in … Continue reading –>
I’m Angelo. I live in Madagascar, the large island off the eastern coast of Africa. My parents are Christians, but they attended different churches and often fought over what to believe. To me church worship became a source of arguments, not an act of love. When I was 10 years old my mother wanted to … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, The Good Samaritan, p. 497-505; and The Least of These My Brethren, p. 637-641, in The Desire of Ages. All around us are poor, tried souls that need sympathizing words and helpful deeds. There are widows who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers … Continue reading –>
