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August 23, 2026 Two Thousand Years, One Mission Why Seventh-day Adventists are looking toward 2027 as a renewed call to continue the mission of Jesus
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August 3, 2026 Men of the Iowa-Missouri Conference Take Up the Shield
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August 3, 2026 AdventHealth Expands Access to Care Across Johnson County Offers infusion services, sports medicine and full spectrum care for patients of all ages
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Adventist News
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Registration Open for the 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention
– August 18, 2026In considering the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Conscience & Justice Council (CJC) invites community leaders, faith leaders, advocates, educators, young adults, and all people passionate about conscience, justice, religious liberty, and the future of democracy to register for the 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention. The 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention takes place at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia—King of Prussia, located at 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, Penn., Sept. 17-20. “This year’s convention, themed ‘Religious Freedom and Democracy: Fractured, Fragile, or Firm?,’ will bring together people from diverse backgrounds to examine the relationship between religious freedom, democracy, conscience, justice, and the realities, not the ideals, facing America today, said Edward Woods III, Conscience & Justice Council chairperson. “As a content driven and networking convention, we look forward to addressing this timely theme from a biblical perspective.” Why This Conversation Matters Questions surrounding religious liberty and democracy are not merely historical or political questions—they touch the fundamental freedoms, responsibilities, and relationships that shape communities and society. The 2026 convention will invite participants to consider critical questions: What does religious freedom mean in a diverse democracy? How can people of faith engage in public life while respecting the conscience and convictions of others? What happens when democratic ideals and lived realities collide? How can communities strengthen principles of justice, liberty, and human dignity? What role can individuals, churches, and organizations play in protecting freedom of conscience for generations to come? Rather than simply discussing these questions from a distance, this convention seeks to foster engagement, learning, connection, and action. Featured Speakers Kevin Burton, Apocalyptic Abolitionism, Author Timothy Golden, Attorney and Philosopher Orlan Johnson, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director, North American Division Bettina Krause, Editor, Liberty Magazine Valerie Lee, Retired Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, The Ohio State University Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, African Methodist Episcopal Church Jeanette Senecal, Chief of Civic Learning & Impact, League of Women Voters Robert Schenck, Author, Confessions of a Former Christian Nationalist W. Nick Taliaferro, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Pilira Zapita, President, Association of Black Adventist Religion Scholars And so many more, please click here for the agenda. Be a Part of the Conversation Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their place. Register now at 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention Registration. You can also register by phone at 1-800-732-7587. Early registration ends Friday, Sept. 4. About the Conscience & Justice Council The Conscience & Justice Council is committed to strengthening conscience and justice ministry through training, mentoring, interactive programming, and an intergenerational and interfaith national convention. Its purpose includes encouraging thriving public affairs and religious liberty ministries at the local church level, developing programs addressing the biblical basis for conscience and justice, and sustaining a national community committed to these principles.
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Bethesda Temple Hosts Vegan Tasting Party
– August 17, 2026Bethesda Temple and the annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair, held at North High School in Omaha, Nebraska, brought the community together in a fresh and flavorful way by hosting a vegan tasting party featuring a variety of free plant-based meals. Pat Frampton, Community Services secretary and Darlene Brown, Health Services secretary at Bethesda Temple, did a fantastic job of organizing this innovative event which fed over 100 people. The event welcomed families, friends and neighbors to sample healthy vegan dishes prepared by church volunteers who wanted to show that nutritious food can also be delicious and satisfying. A designated area in the school’s auditorium was set up with beautifully decorated tables with an appetizer platter with several cheeses, dried fruit and different crackers, all vegan, and with delicious samples of foods such as hearty meatloaf, baked beans, nachos, fried tofu, delicious broccoli, corn bread and dairy-free desserts. The guests also enjoyed several specialty non-alcoholic drinks. Guests had the chance to ask questions about ingredients and learn simple ways to add more plant-based meals to their daily lives. Church leaders said the tasting party was designed to support the message of the annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair which cares for the body through better food choices, wellness education, and community support. Many attendees said they were surprised by how flavorful and filling the vegan meals were. Some came out of curiosity, while others were already interested in healthier eating habits. By the end of the event, the tasting area had become one of the fair’s most popular attractions, with guests returning for second samples and taking home ideas for meals they could prepare themselves. Because of the success and interest of the vegan tasting party, Bethesda Temple will be hosting a vegan cooking class in a few months to continue the process of educating our church family and the community on the value of a vegan diet. The church’s vegan tasting party was more than just a food event. It was a celebration of health, hospitality and community. Through free meal samples and friendly conversation, the church helped make the yearly health fair both enjoyable and inspiring for everyone who attended. Georgette Terrill is communication secretary for the Bethesda Temple in Omaha, Nebraska.
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A Harvest of Hope: Five Years of Faith
– August 13, 2026True gospel ministry rarely happens in quiet comfort behind closed doors. It lives on the sidewalks of our neighborhood, unfolds in the warm smiles shared across a crowded table, and takes root in those sacred, gentle moments when we pause to pray with someone. Half a decade ago, Tabernacle of Praise Adventist Church set out with a simple, prayerful burden: to relieve the overwhelming financial strain that St. Louis families face each August, and to ensure our community’s children step into the school knowing they are deeply loved, valued, and prayed over. What began as a humble leap of faith has, by the abundance of God’s grace, blossomed into one of our church’s most sacred annual traditions—BackPack Sabbath. This year marked our fifth anniversary, and under the Spirit-led action of Stewardship Leader Beverly Diggs who said, “1,0000 backpacks, 1,000 futures, and the Tabernacle of Praise church coming together to make it all possible.” The Lord multiplied our efforts beyond what we could have asked or imagined: 1,000 Children Blessed: One thousand students were blessed with brand-new backpacks filled with school essentials, empowered to begin their academic year with dignity, confidence, and joy. 180 Sacred Encounters: We had the privilege of connecting personally with 180 local families—not merely passing out supplies, but listening to their hearts, and laying the foundation for lasting spiritual relationships. Kingdom Partnerships: We were deeply honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with incredible community allies, including Save Our Youth–St. Louis and Behind It All, whose generous collaboration allowed us to widen our reach and surround our city with love. Faith in Action: The Heart of Every-Member Evangelism Putting tools into the hands of a thousand children requires far more than logistical planning; it requires a church family willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Members from our youngest youth to our cherished seniors answered the call. Some spent hours packing and distributing backpacks, others fixed lunch or offered warm words of welcome to visitors, or prayed before the throne of grace. Ministry is not confined to the pulpit or the sanctuary; sometimes, the gospel is a fresh box of crayons handed to a child. Sometimes, it is reminding a struggling person that they are not alone. And so often, it begins with the simple, heartfelt declaration: “We are so glad you are here!” Those 180 families we met are not just numbers. They represent 180 divine appointments, 180 open doors, and 180 precious opportunities to witness to the glory of God, offer tangible support, and introduce them to a Savior who cares about them. With Grateful Hearts Stewardship team member, LaKeta Carrell said, “This was a joyous occasion to see the church united and engaged in ministry.” To every church member who donated, every volunteer who packed a bag, every partner who stood beside us, and every warrior who covered this day in prayer: thank you! Your selfless devotion poured the physical love of Christ directly into the hearts of St. Louisans. Five years of backpacks. Five years of compassionate outreach. Five years of planting seeds of hope and building eternal relationships. We praise God for all He has accomplished, yet we move forward with expectant hearts, knowing that in His hands, this is only the beginning. To God alone be the glory! “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 Lee Carrell works with multiple church projects in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Born to Create: Using Creativity as Ministry
– August 13, 2026Creativity is not limited to artists, designers or people working in media. The desire to create is part of who we are—and it can become a powerful way to serve God. That idea is at the heart of “Born Creators: Bridging Art, AI, and Ministry,” presented by Felipe Gutierrez at the 2025 Society of Adventist Communicators Convention. The presentation is now available through the Adventist Learning Community. Gutierrez explores creativity within the Adventist community and reminds communicators that God is the original Creator. Throughout Scripture, people used the gifts God gave them to build, write, design, teach and communicate. But being creative also brings challenges. Technology continues to change, artificial intelligence is reshaping creative work, and it can be easy to compare our work with what others are producing. Gutierrez encourages creatives to remain humble, collaborate with others and never stop learning. His message is also a reminder to protect the curiosity that made us creative in the first place. New tools may change how we create, but they don’t have to change why we create. Whether you design graphics, produce videos, take photographs, write stories or simply have an idea you want to explore, your creativity can be used for ministry. Watch Gutierrez’s presentation through the Adventist Learning Community and be inspired to keep creating, learning and sharing. Want to continue learning alongside other Adventist creatives? Registration is open for the 2026 Society of Adventist Communicators Convention, Oct. 15–17 in Orlando, Florida.
Blogs
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The Teacher’s Notes–Love-driven Ministry, Lesson 9 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, "First and Second Corinthians"
– August 22, 2026Sabbath School Lesson for August 22-28, 2026 Introduction of Lesson 9, Love-driven Ministry Memory Text: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.” 2 Corinthians 2:4 NKJV The tone in Paul’s next letter to the Corinthians is packed with emotional love and is best understood with knowledge of the historical background of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. As we know, he had just written them scathing rebukes about their lack of love. In addition to Paul’s concern over how they would receive his previous message and advice, other unavoidable misunderstandings caused him to express more boldly his love for them. He requested that they give him the benefit of the doubt in judging his words and actions. Paul had deep compassion and concern for others that reflects the love that drove the ministry of Jesus. This second epistle of Corinthians shows us Paul’s anguish and concern for all the churches where he visited and ministered. This week, we’ll explore: Sunday: Thanksgiving Monday: Simplicity and Sincerity Tuesday: Changing Plans for Love Wednesday: Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of Love Thursday: Triumph in Christ Sunday: Thanksgiving Paul was generous with praise and thanksgiving for all the ways God had comforted him in the past. When he expressed compassionate care for someone, he wanted it known that it was only through God’s providing comfort to him that he are able to comfort others. All the apostles had surely withstood many troubles and hardships in their missionary efforts, as Paul often reminded them. But he regretted none of their trials, because it was through such pain that they were able to comfort others. Through intercessory prayer and gratitude to God, we can all experience the same peace and joy that were given the apostles, despite their grief and heartaches. God blesses us so we can bless others when we bless Him. What a glorious cycle of blessings we are given! Verses for reflection and discussion: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 What reason(s) does Paul give for why we should be thankful to God for our suffering and hardships? 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Why do you think Paul felt the need to list some of their trials in this epistle? What makes it possible for us to have intercessory prayer for others, and why must we do it with thanksgiving (v. 11(? Monday: Simplicity and Sincerity To convince the Corinthians of his good intentions and love, Paul described his interactions with them with these two words: simplicity and sincerity (2 Corinthians 1:12). Some in Corinth had tended to think of Paul as vacillating and indecisive. But he pointed out that he and his associates had always dealt with them honestly, not hiding things or twisting the truth to fit their needs. Paul attempted at all times to show personal integrity as he ministered in the various churches he cared for so deeply. It’s important to have the kind of holy integrity Paul claimed for himself. It means that, with God’s help, we, too, can have strong moral principles that cause us to do the right thing even when no one is watching. It was important for Paul to remind them that his intentions and motives had always been clear and pure. He was quick to credit God with any good that came from his missionary endeavors. God alone made everything he did possible. Verses for reflection and discussion: 2 Corinthians 1:12, 13 What other words would you use to describe Paul’s simplicity and sincerity? How can we have the simplicity and sincerity Paul had shown to the Corinthians? How would you like others to describe your interactions with them? 2 Corinthians 2:17 and 4:2 What do these verses tell us about Paul’s motives for his ministry? What words and actions describe the opposite of simplicity and sincerity? How is it possible to see the difference in motives, when it is often so subtle and covered up? Tuesday: Changing Plans for Love Paul had declared his plans to visit Corinth and even stay with them for the winter (1 Corinthians 16:5, 6). But, evidently, upon getting a report from Timothy, it seemed best to postpone that visit until things had calmed down after his last letter to them. Not wishing to cause them further pain or distress, he changed his plans and continued first to Ephesus before coming back to Corinth. This departure from his original itinerary, however, caused some upheaval among the Corinthian believers, who now claimed that Paul was indecisive and vacillating. In his defense, Paul repeated his sincere love for them, explaining that he had not responded with a “yes or no” attitude when his plans changed, but with the firm reply to God’s wishes, which was always a “yes”. How careful we must be not to misinterpret someone’s intentions, but instead to give our brothers and sisters in Christ the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Paul’s ministry would have been much easier, if the Corinthian church members had heeded his advice and remembered Paul’s sincere love for them. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 and 2 Corinthians 1:15, 16, 2:1, 3 Why would Paul’s visit have caused pain at that time? 2 Corinthians 1:17-19 What did Paul mean by mentioning that God was faithful and our answer should always be “yes” to Him? Wednesday: Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of Love Thankfully, Titus, one of Paul’s Greek converts and a trusted companion, reported that the reaction of the Corinthian church to Paul’s earlier epistle had been positive. The strong words of Paul must have been effective in correcting the situation involving one of their members. No one was happier to receive such news. Paul again reminded them that the purpose of church discipline is always restorative. It must have given Paul hope and joy that he, too, had been forgiven and that all was well between him <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-love-driven-ministry-lesson-9/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Love-driven Ministry, Lesson 9 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, “First and Second Corinthians”“>Read more…
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Summer Health Tips Stay Active In The Summer
– August 21, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/EiClNHUvHRI?si=LvDagM3ki0OyNZ2y
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Longevity Myth Quality Of Life
– August 21, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/qp-tB-tlxI8?si=l-amurUQnPs9CeJX
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What Genealogies Tell Us V Noah Stands Alone
– August 19, 2026The Genesis 5 genealogy forms a chain with ten links, and we’ve already seen two of those links standing out as different. Now we turn to the third break in the pattern, link number ten: Noah. He breaks the pattern in several ways. Noah breaks the pattern much like Enoch: it doesn’t list a death for either of them. And then there’s Noah’s age before becoming a father. Another break with the pattern, but not as obvious. The nine generations before Noah — Adam through Lamech — average about 117 years at first fatherhood. The longest time being Methuselah’s 187 years. But for Noah, it’s 500 years! That’s not just a little longer, it’s more than 4 times longer than the average, and nearly three times as long as Methuselah! Enoch’s story shows us that this genealogy uses numbers symbolically to tell us a story. Seventh generation and 365 years—with no death—communicates a clear message. Surely this radical difference in the age before becoming a father must mean something. That’s one unresolved question. But that’s not the only one. After stating 500 years, the author adds yet another break with the pattern. Up till now, every generation says that the individual lived so many years, and fathered—the next person in line. But the Noah link doesn’t do that. It says he became the father of not one, but three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. This naturally raises a question: were they triplets? Reading further along in Genesis, we discover that they are not. So why name them all at once, instead of just the firstborn? But that further reading also reveals that Shem, although named first, is not the firstborn. We now have three separate breaks in the pattern. 1) The 500 years before a son is identified, 2) naming 3 offspring at once, rather than just one, and 3) why name Shem first, when he’s not the firstborn? Three questions, and they turn out to share one answer. Go back to that 500 years. Genesis gives us a precedent for what “father of” can mean, and it isn’t always the nearest generation. In Genesis 46, Leah’s genealogy includes her grandchildren, and even two great-grandchildren, as her “sons and daughters.” And people in the gospels often referred to Jesus as “Son of David,” even though David reigned roughly 1000 years before Christ’s birth. So “father,” “mother,” might indicate a progenitor, but not necessarily an immediate ancestor. Once you allow that, 500 years stops looking like an error and starts looking like a signal. Shem, Ham, and Japheth are far more likely to be Noah’s grandsons, or even great-grandsons, than his literal sons born in old age. That also answers the second question. If Noah’s entry skips generations, it isn’t trying to list every link in Noah’s chain. It’s naming three people for a reason that has nothing to do with birth order — and the reason arrives two chapters later. These are the three who walk onto the ark. They and their wives are the whole of what comes out the other side of the flood. The genealogy was never counting descendants. It was counting survivors. Which leaves the third question, and it’s the one that points furthest ahead. Shem goes first not because he was born first, but because his line is the one the story is about to follow. Turn the page into the next genealogy, and it opens with him — running from Shem straight through to Abram. The author has already told us who matters before we get there. So: no death for Noah, an age four times the average, three names instead of one, and the “wrong” son listed first. Four breaks in a single entry, and every one of them points the same direction — toward the flood, and beyond.
Featured Stories
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A Gift That Keeps the Fire Burning for Flag Mountain Camp
– August 24, 2026Have you ever noticed how some of the best learning happens out in nature? At Flag Mountain Camp, sometimes it happens with a hammer in hand and a piece of hot steel on an anvil. This year, we have something to be extra thankful for at Flag Mountain Camp. The camp was awarded a $3,500 STEM grant through the Versacare Foundation. Versacare made 35 grants available to camps across the North American Division, and we are so blessed that Flag Mountain Camp is one of those camps to receive this grant! Now here’s the part I really like. Blacksmithing at camp isn’t something brand new to Flag Mountain. Blacksmithing has been around since 2016; sometimes the program was strong, sometimes not. Like a lot of good ideas, it needed the right support at the right time. About three years ago, a family from the Dakota Conference territory donated $500 to help us get things going again. That gift allowed us to purchase a small gas forge. And wouldn’t you know it, that one piece of equipment helped turn an “on again, off again” activity into a steady part of camp life. Since the summer of 2023, campers have been stepping up, heating metal, shaping it, and learning by doing. There’s something powerful about that. They’re not just watching; they’re creating. They’re seeing how heat changes metal, how effort shapes results, and how patience pays off. Our blacksmithing instructors also teach spiritual lessons from the Bible as they teach campers this amazing skill. That’s STEM learning, camp style. But here’s the honest truth: we’ve been making it work with what we have. And while that’s part of camp ministry, it’s also why this new grant matters so much. With the $3,500 from the Versacare Foundation, we’ll be able to improve the program in ways that really count. We can purchase better equipment, with tools that are safer, more durable, and even specifically designed with young people in mind. That means more campers can participate, and they can do so with greater confidence and safety. It also means we can keep this program going strong year after year. I think about it this way: God often takes something small and grows it into something meaningful. A $500 gift helped restart a program. Now, a $3,500 grant helps strengthen it for the future. And along the way, campers are learning skills, building confidence, and maybe even discovering something new about themselves, or even a lifelong career. We’re grateful for the family who gave, for the Versacare Foundation, and for the chance to keep offering experiences that matter—because sometimes, the lesson a young person needs isn’t just something they hear. Sometimes, it’s something they build. Ted Struntz is youth and young adults director for the Dakota Conference.
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Seeking the Spirit Through Prayer
– August 24, 2026I watched a documentary a couple years ago that followed the training of Navy Seals. It was impressive to watch what young men would put themselves through to become a part of America’s elite fighting force. There was one aspect of the training that caught my attention in regard to the current state of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During their training candidates have to perform surf passage, where about eight individuals are in an inflatable raft with the task of paddling out to sea over large waves. All the groups on their first try completely failed, with rafts and bodies flying everywhere. In time they learned to listen to the officer giving directions and started rowing as a team. This teamwork led them to pass through the toughest of waves. As we think about the current the state of affairs within the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the local congregation to the General Conference, I believe we could find consensus in the following statement: We are not rowing together. The church is made up of people from all over the world with varying backgrounds, viewing the world through different lenses and ideologies. This doesn’t have to mean that we can’t paddle together, but it seems obvious to many, myself included, we are indeed paddling in different directions. If we are all honest, whether as lay persons or denominational employees, the affects of individuals trying to row in different directions is obvious. I am also concerned with the fact that more and more I hear statements, privately and publicly, that certain people groups with certain views are the problem in the church and if group X or Y were gone the church would move forward. The message is clear— certain people shouldn’t even be in the boat. This troubles me deeply. As a movement with a strong emphasis on prophecy, highlighting the rise and fallen of kingdoms and people groups, we should be strongly aware that no worldview is perfect. I am constantly reminded of Prov. 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death.” Follow that up with Rom. 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The message should be loud and clear that we cannot rely on our world view of how the church should look. Seeking to cleanse the church from those who see through different glasses than we do, won’t make the church better. What we need, what Jesus longs to do, is bind us together through the power of the Holy Spirit. This will only happen through sincere prayer with humble hearts. Imagine how far those Navy Seal hopefuls would get if they sat in the boat, tried to row in their own different directions, and criticized each other. They would be in a constant state of turmoil, getting dumped over and their bodies tossed by the waves. But that is our currently reality. My appeal to the readers of this article, regardless of what church or conference you belong to, would be to seek the Holy Spirit through prayer. That each of us would seek a deeper relationship with Christ, that would lead us to building bridges of relationships with each other and allow the Holy Spirit to dissolve the labels we give ourselves and each other and bind us as one in Christ. Lee Rochholz is president of the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
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Two Thousand Years, One Mission Why Seventh-day Adventists are looking toward 2027 as a renewed call to continue the mission of Jesus
– August 23, 2026In the waters of the Jordan River, something extraordinary happened. Jesus was baptized. As He prayed, heaven opened, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the Father declared, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21–22, NKJV). It was more than a baptism. It marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the fulfillment of a prophecy God’s people had been waiting centuries to see. Nearly 2,000 years later, Seventh-day Adventists around the world are looking toward 2027 as an opportunity to remember that moment, lift up Jesus and recommit ourselves to the mission He began. Why 2027? For Adventists, A.D. 27 is a familiar and significant date. Daniel 9:24–27 points forward to the coming of the Messiah. Beginning with the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem in 457 B.C., the 69 prophetic weeks—or 483 prophetic years—bring us to A.D. 27. Luke places the ministry of John the Baptist during the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1–3) and later records Jesus coming to John to be baptized and the Holy Spirit descending upon Him. For Seventh-day Adventists, Daniel’s prophecy gives this moment added significance. Messiah means “Anointed One.” At His baptism, Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and began His public ministry. Soon afterward, Jesus announced what that ministry would look like: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.… to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18, NKJV). A.D. 27 to 2027 represents approximately 2,000 years. But 2027 isn’t simply an anniversary to commemorate. His mission remains our mission. One Mission, One Focus You may already be hearing another name connected with 2027: OneVoice27. OneVoice27 is the worldwide church’s rallying call for Seventh-day Adventists to unite in sharing Jesus as we approach this 2,000-year milestone. It envisions members, congregations, institutions and media ministries using every available platform to lift up Christ and connect people with local churches. All Things New is the outward-facing expression of that larger movement—the invitation we can share with our friends, neighbors and communities. In North America, it provides a simple pathway: Pray Like Jesus. Serve Like Jesus. Share Jesus. Follow Jesus. Whatever name you encounter, the most important part isn’t the campaign name. It’s Jesus. Spend Time With Jesus Ellen White wrote, “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ” (The Desire of Ages, p. 83). Imagine what could happen if Adventists across Mid-America intentionally did exactly that. All Things New encourages members to spend time in Scripture and prayer and to read or listen to the four Gospels and The Desire of Ages. The goal is more than completing a reading plan. As we spend time with Jesus, we allow His life to shape ours. Then prayer moves us toward people. To Serve Like Jesus means noticing needs around us and responding with Christ’s compassion—helping a neighbor, volunteering or simply being available when God places someone in our path. Then we Share Jesus through Bible studies, personal testimonies, evangelistic meetings, conversations and the digital tools already in our hands. OneVoice27 recognizes the opportunity media provides to bring the hope of Jesus to the world. Ultimately, we invite people to Follow Jesus through baptism and a lifelong journey of discipleship, service and spiritual growth. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus came out of the waters of baptism filled with the Holy Spirit and began a ministry that changed the world. The world has changed. The ways we communicate have changed. But Jesus hasn’t changed. And neither has His mission. As we move toward 2027, the invitation is simple: Spend time with Jesus. Pray like Jesus. Serve like Jesus. Share Jesus. And invite someone else to follow Him. Learn more about All Things New and discover ways you and your church can participate at allthingsnew2027.com. The initiative begins in united in prayer September 5th, 2026.
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Before Chapter and Verse — Recovering the Flow of Scripture
– August 18, 2026The chapter breaks in our modern Bibles are not inspired, and some of them are poorly placed. The original biblical manuscripts did not contain the chapter-and-verse system we use today. And I think this is especially important for Bible study: a chapter break should never be allowed to interrupt the thought of the inspired writer. Who put the chapter breaks there? The chapter divisions commonly used today are generally credited to Stephen Langton, an English churchman and later Archbishop of Canterbury, around the early 13th century, probably about 1205–1220. The system became widely adopted in Latin Bibles and eventually passed into English Bibles. The verse divisions came later. In the New Testament, Robert Estienne (Stephanus), a French printer, produced the verse numbering we essentially recognize today in the 16th century. His 1551 Greek New Testament is especially associated with the modern New Testament verse divisions. So, roughly: Original biblical text → no modern chapters/verses Stephen Langton → chapter divisions Robert Estienne → New Testament verse divisions And some breaks really do interrupt the thought. One of the clearest examples is Romans 7–8. Paul finishes Romans 7 by crying: > “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” —Romans 7:24 Then Romans 8 begins: > “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” That’s a tremendous transition, but we need to remember that Paul didn’t write “Romans 7” and then “Romans 8.” Those numbers were added centuries later. Another excellent example is 2 Corinthians 4:18 → 5:1: > “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen…” Then: > “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God…” The thought continues seamlessly. And there’s a particularly interesting one in John 7–8. The narrative involving the woman taken in adultery occurs within a larger discussion surrounding Jesus’ teaching in the temple. The chapter number can make it feel like a new subject when it isn’t necessarily so. When we’re studying a passage, we should ask: > “Where does the writer’s thought actually begin and end?” rather than automatically assuming: > “The chapter starts here, therefore the subject starts here.” The chapter numbers are extremely useful for finding passages, but they’re not inspired divisions. In fact, sometimes the last verse of one chapter belongs more naturally with the next chapter, and sometimes the first verse of a chapter is actually the conclusion of the previous argument. One of the best habits in serious Bible study is therefore: Read the paragraph → read the whole chapter → read the surrounding chapters → then determine the context. That keeps an editorial number from becoming an interpretive authority. And this connects beautifully with “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10). Scripture should interpret Scripture—not the chapter numbers. Scott R. Holder writes for OUTLOOK on a variety of spiritual topics. An AI assistant was used in creating this article.