In the Beginning
The Apostle Paul encouraged us in the Book of Hebrews to look to the faithful men and women of the past as worthy examples for life lessons. Faith was the main ingredient in their lives but how did they activate that faith and how was it put in play in every corner of their lives? Some of the most valuable treasure in the scriptures is the examples of those who have lived a life for God…more
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Specific, Individual Assignments-Noah and Moses
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 ASV).
Benjamin Stein
Noah and Moses played major and historic roles in God’s plan. Their convictions and consecrations to the Lord’s service are powerful examples for us even today. Noah and Moses both gave their will, their life, their everything, in service to God. Their experiences were similar: each displayed leadership under extreme pressure, each endured difficult trials, and each enjoyed miraculous deliverance…more
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A Genuine Christian Life-A Man After God’s Own Heart
David’s life is an amazing allegory of the Church class. Larger pictures and detailed events alike carry a wealth of meaning and symbols. Our Lord himself quoted Psalm 22 on the cross, which shows us the unique way that God used David in prophecy. The parallels between David’s life and the history of the Church class have long been a source of study and inspiration for students of the Bible...more
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psalms 51:1). (Scripture citations from the American Standard Version)
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Rahab, Deborah, and Ruth-A Life for God
“Someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18 NASB).
The Bible portrays many worthy individuals prior to the Gospel Age who exemplified faithfulness to the Heavenly Father. These three Old Testament women, Rahab, Deborah, and Ruth, faithfully served Jehovah. Their lives provide encouraging lessons for the consecrated at the end of this age...more
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News and Views-Current Events
V Religious
The Church of England is ditching cassocks — and even the Devil — as its drive to modernize gathers momentum. Vicars will be allowed to conduct communion services in more casual clothing, including jeans, after the Church agreed this weekend to review existing rules on clerical investments…more
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Today in Prophecy-Ebola Pandemic
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (Malachi 4:1,2).
The international group Doctors Without Borders recently warned that Ebola treatment centers in West Africa have been “reduced to places where people go to die alone.” Dr. Margaret Chan, World Health Organization Director‑General, said that it has been completely overwhelmed by the disease, estimating that the virus‑caused deaths number more than 1500 throughout Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria...more
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The Right Place and the Right Time-Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, Priscilla
Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, and Priscilla
“It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles” (Luke 24:10)
A disturbed woman, a business lady, and a homemaker: what did these women have in common? Each was chosen for a special reason by the Lord. Each was in the right place at the right time with the right attitude of heart...more
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Born to a Destiny-John the Baptist
The calling and life of John the Baptist are perhaps the greatest example of all of the prophets for the Gospel Age Church. He was born to a destiny of announcing the Messiah to the Jewish nation. He accepted that calling and ordered his life in full consecration to fulfill it. In his example, we see our calling to a similar destiny 2000 years later. We are inspired with his purpose. We desire to fulfill our destiny of announcing the Messiah to the world. We also must develop strength of character and hope to receive the approval of Jesus Christ. As with John, this may come with social stigma and rejection...more
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Two Sides of Faith-Peter and Paul
Jesus opened up Peter’s heart to the Gospel with profound emotional experiences that rocked Peter’s world. The words Jesus spoke gave Peter hope, purpose, and love. Peter knew which way to point his emotional compass and this early heartfelt devotion to Jesus was rewarded with a rich life of sacrificial service in Jesus’ footsteps. Peter first saw Jesus as the Messiah in his heart. The beginning of Peter’s faith was how he felt about Jesus…more
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Categories: 2014 Issues, 2014-November/December