From a human perspective, Jesus’ earthly ministry did not look so successful. Though He had attracted a fairly popular following while alive, it did not catch on en masse. Many leaders rejected Him, and, of course, the Romans crucified Him, causing His closest disciples to scatter and flee. Things looked pretty bad until His resurrection … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 1:1–11, 2:14–41, 17:15–34, 18:1–16, 1 Corinthians 13. Memory Text: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV). Soon after Christ returned to heaven, the early church began to … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, “God With Us,” pp. 19–26, in The Desire of Ages. “Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that … Continue reading –>
Over the long years of Christian history, the church has been divided over the issue of Christ’s divinity. Was He truly the eternal God, one with the Father since eternity? Or was He created later, a being who came into existence through the creative power of the Father? Though early on in our own church, … Continue reading –>
One of the most popular questions that is posed concerning Sabbath observance is whether or not it is proper for a husband and wife to engage in sexual relations during the Sabbath hours. This question was raised in response to a posting I made on the significance of the Sabbath. Although the Bible doesn’t answer … Continue reading –>
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23). After pointing the Samaritan away from specific places of worship and then telling her of the superiority of the Jewish faith over hers, Jesus then … Continue reading –>
As we have seen numerous times, even with all the intricate and deep forms of worship that the Lord had instituted for Israel, it was not the forms alone that the Lord cared about. The forms and traditions and liturgy were all means to an end, and that end was a person surrendered in body … Continue reading –>
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give … Continue reading –>
Though Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been the subject of an intense amount of religious interest through the centuries, most of that interest is tradition derived from a host of sources that are not rooted in Scripture. Nevertheless, in the question of Christ’s coming to earth, Mary played a crucial and pivotal role: in … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: By His example in life and word, Jesus reinforced the need for God’s supremacy in our thoughts and service, and the importance of worshipping in spirit and truth.. 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 4:5-8. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
A TRUE STORY A few weeks ago I saw a strange and brilliant display of color and watched for a minute or two as lovely pastel colors floated in perfect circles in a row across my vision. Most of my vision was blocked by the display except for a slice along the bottom portion. I … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: There is temptation to relax our vigilance in God’s service and conform to worldly customs. Confession, repentance, and obedience are still responsibilities for God’s presence among His people.
1. Have a volunteer read Ezekiel 8:9-14.
