Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). Faith can be such a challenging concept: assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It is so hard to trust in things we cannot see. In fact, it may seem foolish to do […]

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Philippians is a wonderful book. We have heard references to this letter of Paul’s many times and know familiar verses: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (1:6). Therefore God also has highly exalted Him [Christ] and given Him the name which is above […]

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6, ESV). Barreling down the freeway toward Grandma and Grandpa’s house, I heard the dreaded “low fuel” warning come on. I knew, but had forgotten, that the gas was low. […]

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The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (KJV). Let’s see how the truth of this statement is illustrated in a Bible story we all know in the book of Joshua. By looking at the what, who, where, when, why, and how of Israel’s Jordan crossing, […]

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“Faithful” is our theme for 2021, and in this space over the next six issues, we’ll look at six Bible characters whose faithfulness in their own unique context speaks to us in ours. Our goal here is to challenge and encourage the Church of God to embody faithfulness, in our own time, after the examples […]

The post Focus on the Faithful – Abraham appeared first on Bible Advocate.

On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, collapsed, plunging many to their death. Investigation showed that the bridge was carrying far more weight than it was built to carry. That’s because cars and trucks weighed more in the ‘60s than they did in 1928 when the bridge was built. Unable […]

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What roles do natural disasters, tragic accidents, plagues like COVID-19, and other human sufferings play in God’s will or plan?    Scripture offers no single, simple solution to this question. Consider these oft-heard answers, open your Bible, and see how they stack up against the Word.  Human suffering demonstrates God’s wrath and punishment for sin. […]

The post Why Does God Allow Suffering appeared first on Bible Advocate.

Peace Where is the peace the angels proclaimed? The earth still swirls with sin and pain. Only humble hearts swept clean Contain the Holy Gift. Believe, trust, bow low. Wise men still seek Him to know. Our true Peace.   “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. . . . Do not […]

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A Message from President Stacy COVID-19 Dear Members & Friends of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day): As we and the entire world are facing the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, I find guidance from three statements, one by our Lord Jesus Christ and two by the Apostle Paul. Statement 1 […]

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Of all the ladies I cared for as a private caregiver, Bee was one of my favorites. I loved so many things about her, including her melodramatic manner. When Bee experienced a troubling symptom (that may or may not have indicated something serious), she’d let out a heavy sigh and say, “Well, if I die, […]

The post Dying to Live appeared first on Bible Advocate.

Like many other women, I can look you in the eye and carry on an intelligent conversation while overhearing two or three other conversations taking place around me. It’s a gift and a bother. My husband calls it eavesdropping. I call it paying attention. We recently sat at a restaurant enjoying a pleasant buffet-style breakfast […]

The post Reason Enough appeared first on Bible Advocate.

I set out as a young man to refute Christianity. I met some young Christians who challenged me to intellectually examine the evidence for Christianity, and I agreed. I aimed to show them, and everyone, that Christianity was nonsense. I thought it would be easy. I thought a careful investigation of the facts would expose […]

The post If I Had Faked the Resurrection appeared first on Bible Advocate.