Jesus’ first encounter with the disciples after His resurrection was very important. They were fearful, distressed, discouraged, and perplexed. They had locked the doors of the room out of fear, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. With a clear and warm voice He said to them: Peace to you. Startled and terrified as … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 5:14-16. What is Jesus saying here to each of us individually and as a church community? Throughout the Bible, light is intimately associated with God. The Lord is my light, sang David (Ps. 27:1), and John stated that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 5:14-16; Luke 24:48-49; John 20:21; Matt. 28:19-20; Rev. 14:6-12. Memory Text: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14, NKJV). Early in Jesus’ ministry, He called Peter and Andrew … Continue reading –>
Charlie Tui, like many young men in the island nation of Vanuatu, had come from an outer island to the capital city looking for work. Charlie found a job and moved into a barracks with other young men from his home island. The friends spent their weekends drinking and smoking. But one man was different. … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, Christian Unity, p. 236-248, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; One With Christ in God, p. 239-243, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8. Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was … Continue reading –>
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 –>
