Lessons from Matthew 3
All four gospels introduce Jesus’ ministry with the work of John the Baptist (cf. Mark 1:4; Luke 3:2–3; John 1:6–7). He is mentioned as baptizing in a wide area that included “the wilderness of Judea” (Matt 3:1), “all the region around the Jordan” (Luke 3:3), and “Bethabara beyond the Jordan” (John 1:28). His wide and…
Read MoreLessons from Matthew 2
Matthew 2 continues the presentation of Jesus begun in chapter one, but the focus shifts from Jesus as “the Son of Abraham” (Matt 1:1) to His being “King of the Jews” (Matt 2:2). As we saw in “Lessons from Matthew 1,” David is introduced as “the king” (Matt 1:6) and Jesus is introduced as “the Son of David” (Matt 1:1).
Read MoreLessons from Matthew 1
The Gospel of Matthew heads the New Testament canon. This prominent placement, rather than being merely a historical accident, witnesses to its foundational significance for Christians. Just as the book of Genesis introduces us to our God and the Creator of all, so this first Gospel introduces us to Jesus Christ, “God with us,” our…
Read MoreOpen or Closed Communion?
Adventist historical practice relative to open or closed communion and the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 in connection with the question are explored.
Read MoreHermeneutics and Scripture in the Twenty-First Century
The “Methods of Bible Study” document voted by the 1986 Annual Council, which affirms Scripture’s divine inspiration and authority, as well as how to study the Bible, is explained and contrasted with more recent critical approaches to biblical interpretation. The role of culture is also addressed.
Read MoreDose Leviticus 26 Contain a Time Prophecy of 2,520 Years?
An examination of Leviticus 26:18 in its context shows that it is not a prophecy but conditional statements of blessing and cursing depending on Israel’s response to God. Statements made by James and Ellen White support this interpretation.
Read MorePowerful, Easy-to-Use Bible Software
Use of Accordance Bible software (now available in both Mac and Windows versions) is reviewed and explained, including basic and advanced searches, tagged texts and tools, and scholarly packages that were available up to 2011.
Read MorePowerful, Easty-to-Use Bible Software
Use of Accordance Bible software (now available in both Mac and Windows versions) is reviewed and explained, including basic and advanced searches, tagged texts and tools, and scholarly packages that were available up to 2011.
Read MoreEssential Guidance for Surviving the End Time
Important principles for God’s people to survive the end time are found in the early chapters of Daniel, Revelation, and The Great Controversy. These are briefly considered and explained.
Read MoreJohn 2:1–11. What Kind of Wine Did Jesus Make at Cana?
The miracle of turning water into wine is the first recorded miracle of Jesus. But what kind of wine was it? Did He make fermented wine or grape juice? If it was not fermented, how was it preserved?
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