“And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty-fold, some thirty-fold.” —Matthew 13:3-9

Jesus had a very unique way of teaching spiritual truths in very practical settings. Many of the Jews were farmers and knew the cycle of plant life and animal life, and many examples and lessons were paralleled to the usual round of daily duties.

A well-established Seventh-day Adventist will be very familiar with the tragic rejection of light in 1888 when Jones and Waggoner had a message of Righteousness by Faith that was meant to – and would have closed the world down. But it didn't. The light shining forth was rejected and we are still here 138 years later.

Picture Jesus and the devil standing on the top of a high mountain, looking at the world — probably a similar view to what Moses had when Jesus showed him all the kingdoms, all the power, all the wealth, all the agriculture, and all the scenery. The devil said to Jesus, “All you have to do to get this is bow down and worship me. You don't have to go to the cross. You don't have to suffer.

For a good number of years now, we have read a daily devotional as we have retired to bed for the evening. We find it helps the mind to rest on a spiritual theme upon laying our heads on our pillows.

For a good number of years now, we have read a daily devotional as we have retired to bed for the evening. We find it helps the mind to rest on a spiritual theme upon laying our heads on our pillows.

As the Holy Spirit found receptive minds, the gospel in those early days really gained a foothold. Thousands were now converted to Christ and the word went with much power, “in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” —Acts 2:46,47. The early church's sense of urgency could not have been stronger.

There is no doubt that the ministry of Paul has a huge impact on the New Testament writings, enduring through to our day, but Paul didn't begin like that. He had a very different beginning, so great that he wasn't even Paul, but Saul.