Peter warns us: “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV). Paul adds, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, 3, NKJV). This being the case, we should look not only at those passages that easily can be explained to fit our beliefs but also at passages that are commonly used to teach something different from what we believe.
As we do, we should follow the inspiring example of Jesus. “Christ Himself did not suppress one word of truth, but He spoke it always in love. . . . He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 353.
This week we will study some intriguing passages that people use to justify the natural immortality of the soul. These reflections should strengthen our own convictions and help us to answer kindly those who question this crucial teaching.
Thought question: Who (especially of those who have been victims of injustice) hasn’t cried out for justice, which has not yet come? Why must we, by faith, trust that ultimately the justice so lacking in this world will nevertheless come? What comfort can you draw from this wonderful promise?
Contrary Passages? (Qtr 4 - Week 9: 26 November) Part1
Contrary Passages? (Qtr 4 - Week 9: 26 November) Part2
Audio recordings are available 5-10 minutes after the show has aired.