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August 25, 2026 Central States Strengthens Pathfinder Ministry Through Leadership Training
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August 25, 2026 RMC Announces Nathaniel Gamble as New VP for Administration
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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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Adventist News
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Bethesda Temple Elevates the Community With Five Days of Faith, Giving and Fellowship
– August 25, 2026Bethesda Temple in Omaha, Nebraska, recently welcomed more than 500 visitors during its Elevate Community Event, held July 15–19, 2026. Advertised through Facebook, the five-day outreach initiative brought local residents together for spiritual encouragement, practical assistance, and family-friendly activities. Each evening, attendees registered to receive a free featured giveaway designed to meet an everyday need. Items distributed throughout the week included diapers, sneakers, food gift cards, and gas cards. Before receiving the evening’s featured giveaway, participants attended a service featuring uplifting music, a brief spiritual message, and an icebreaker giveaway. Pastor Brandon Williams delivered an energetic message each night, encouraging attendees to strengthen their faith, make positive changes, and pursue a closer relationship with God. At the conclusion of each message, Williams invited anyone moved by the Spirit to respond. Several people raised their hands each evening and joined Williams at the front of the church for prayer, publicly expressing their desire to make positive spiritual changes and become part of the body of Christ. Some visitors returned throughout the week, receiving not only practical assistance but also what church members described as nightly blessings. The event demonstrated how faith-based outreach can address both spiritual and practical needs. By combining worship with meaningful assistance, Bethesda Temple created a welcoming environment where community members could receive encouragement, fellowship, and support. The celebration concluded on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a community Fun Day. Families enjoyed a bounce house, face painting, games, music, and free massages in massage chairs. A mobile diabetes unit offered free diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their health. Representatives from the local fire station also attended to share fire safety information and give children an up-close look inside a fire truck. Children received free backpacks filled with school supplies, helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Free food was served throughout the afternoon, with the church’s kitchen team feeding more than 200 people. The variety of activities gave children, parents, and older adults opportunities to participate in an atmosphere filled with joy and fellowship. Volunteers played an important role in the event’s success. From welcoming and registering guests to organizing giveaways, preparing meals, and assisting with activities, church members worked together to serve their neighbors. Their efforts helped ensure that visitors felt welcomed, supported, and valued. The Elevate Community Event was more than a series of giveaways. It was an opportunity for Bethesda Temple to demonstrate its commitment to faith, service, and community connection. Over five days, residents received essential items, health resources, spiritual encouragement, and memorable family experiences. Through Williams’ nightly messages and the congregation’s generosity and service, Bethesda Temple created an event that encouraged hope, connection, and positive change. The week concluded with strengthened relationships and a reminder of what can happen when a church opens its doors and intentionally serves its community. By Georgette Terrill, Bethesda Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church Communication Leader
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Central States Strengthens Pathfinder Ministry Through Leadership Training
– August 25, 2026The Pathfinder club is one of the most effective entities to teach our children principles that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. To make this a success, committed volunteers are necessary. After conducting a brief survey among Pathfinder leaders in Central States Conference, the results showed that many folks lack the necessary training needed to effectively run a Pathfinder club. It also showed some folks are interested in volunteering in the Pathfinder club, but they lack the knowledge in working with the Pathfinder curriculum and with the Pathfinders. To address those issues and concerns, an all-inclusive Pathfinder training workshop training was offered last April at the conference center in Kansas City, Kansas. Around 100 people attended the presentations on mental health wellness and identifying concerning mental health cues in Pathfinder-aged children. Presenting on that topic was Dr. Dustin Young, a licensed social worker and professor at Andrews University. From the Southern New England conference, Glorimar Teixeira presented on the Master Guide Track. Cesar and Nelly Cruz presented the training track in Spanish. The main presenter from Northeastern Conference, Judith Hill, presented the Basic Pathfinder Training Track. The 10-hour Basic Pathfinder Training course was geared toward volunteers and anyone who works or is planning to work with a Pathfinder club in any capacity. Employees from Adventsource were also present selling Pathfinder club related items. Please keep the CSC Pathfinder clubs in your prayers. There are plans in place that require seven prayer warriors and additional support for success. By the end of 2029, God willing, the plan is to have a total of 100 Master Guides throughout the conference. This will include those who have previously been invested plus those who will be invested leading up to that time. Also, during the summer of 2027 plans will be put in place to hold the first ever Central States Conference Pathfinder Fair. Ian Francis is Pathfinder director for the Central States Conference.
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RMC Announces Nathaniel Gamble as New VP for Administration
– August 25, 2026The Rocky Mountain Conference is pleased to announce that Nathaniel Gamble has accepted the call to be the new vice president for administration. Gamble presently serves as RMC’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, a member of the RMC Executive Committee, and lead pastor of the Grand Junction district of churches on the Western Slope of Colorado. He will maintain his role as PARL director and begin his new administrative role for the conference on August 1. “I am excited to have Nathaniel join our administrative team here in the Rocky Mountain Conference. His love for Jesus and pastoral experience, coupled with strong administrative skills, will be a great blessing for our conference family,” said Dave VandeVere, RMC president. Gamble was born and raised in the Rocky Mountain Conference region and received his Bachelor of Arts in religion from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, and his Master of Arts in theology from the Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He is currently finishing his Doctor of Philosophy in systematic theology from the Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “We are very excited that the Lord has been preparing Nathaniel for this type of work and that he is willing to accept this position. He has the administrative skills that are essential to the role, plus a deep theological understanding. RMC is blessed to have him join the leadership of the conference,” remarked Doug Inglish, current RMC vice president for administration who is retiring. Serving RMC since 2019, Gamble has held several lead and district pastor positions, chaired the Mile High Academy Board from 2021-2025, and served as the conference’s PARL director since 2022. In his pastoral roles, he facilitated training, mediation and safety at his local churches, and created the MHA Bylaws and Constitution committee that drafted a new constitution for the academy. Gamble has also contributed to the Adventist position against Christian Nationalism and is a published author with the North American Division Ministerial Association. “It is a great honor, privilege and weighty responsibility to serve the members and workers of the Rocky Mountain Conference in the capacity of vice president of administration,” remarked Gamble. “While I did not actively seek this position, God and RMC have called me to this role, and I am heartily willing to serve according to the Lord’s grace.” He added: “I see [this] role as uniquely situated to encourage and promote compassion and listening to each other throughout the conference, so I’m looking forward to using my administrative abilities to continue building up unity and mission between the schools, churches, pastors, teachers and church members in RMC. I ask the members of RMC to keep me in their prayers so that I continually pursue humility, obedience and attentiveness to Jesus as I execute the responsibilities of this role on behalf of my brothers and sisters. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.” Gamble is joined by his ministry partner and wife, Alex, and toy poodle puppy, Johnny. He enjoys learning Colorado and Wyoming history and exploring ghost towns. You will also find Gamble spending time reading Greek poetry, learning about Christian communities in Jerusalem, and losing at chess.
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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.
Blogs
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It’s Not Too Big For God No Problem Too Big
– August 25, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/Vtk8aBy9tag?si=KiFI_rOTgmEx2ydi
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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
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.