Join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as he continues with Chapter 25 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White, with a look at the foundation leading up to the “Mark of the Beast.”

What is this mark? Is it a literal mark or a symbol that carries a deeper meaning? Explore more deeply and find answers in scripture with Pastor Ted Wilson.

To learn more about the Sabbath and its importance to your life, read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/ and join us next week for more.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-25-the-foundation-of-the-mark-of-the-beast-pastor-ted-wilson/

13.6 Summary
Waiting on God’s Time: Patience and Trust Amidst Challenges

The summary of Lesson 13, “Wait for the Lord,” involves an in-depth examination of various biblical passages and their application to the daily lives of believers. The lesson emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting on God, trusting in His guidance, and hoping for the fulfillment of His promises.

In Lesson 13, various Bible verses such as Psalm 27:14; 37:7,9,34; 39:8; 40:2; 69:7; Galatians 5:5; and Romans 8:18–25 are first explored, calling God’s people to be patient and to trust in God’s timing and guidance. These verses emphasize the need for patience, perseverance, and hope in times of waiting and uncertainty. The Apostle Paul particularly describes in Romans 8:18–25 the creation’s waiting for redemption and encourages believers to hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises amid difficulties.

As Adventist Christians, we are called to testify to the hope of the new creation in Christ, which is associated with His second coming. Our waiting for His return is based on the certainty of His first coming and the associated resurrection. Therefore, our waiting is not passive but an active trust and anticipation of the fulfillment of divine promises.

The lesson also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and resting in His guidance, as depicted in Psalm 131. The psalm teaches us humility, dependence on God, and trust in His care. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 18:3 to be humble and trusting like children in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Furthermore, the power of remembering past deeds of God is highlighted, as depicted in Psalm 126. The experiences of past rescue and deliverance give God’s people strength and hope for the present and the future. By remembering God’s faithfulness and care, we can express our gratitude and find comfort in difficult times.

Finally, the symbolism of the morning in the Bible is considered, particularly in Mark 16:1–8, where the resurrection of Jesus Christ is described on the morning of the first day after the Sabbath. Jesus’ resurrection promises us hope and victory over death, showing that death is not the final word and that through Christ, we have hope of eternal life with God.

Overall, the lesson illustrates the close connection between faith and the daily lives of believers by encouraging them to patiently wait on God, trust in His guidance, remember His faithfulness, and hope for the fulfillment of His promises.

The connection between the biblical teachings on waiting for God and the daily lives of believers is complex and influences various aspects of our lives:

1. Patience and Endurance: The teachings on waiting for God teach us patience and endurance in difficult situations. In daily life, we often encounter challenges that require immediate solutions, but faith teaches us to be patient and trust that God will act in His time.

2. Trust and Hope: By waiting for God’s guidance, we learn to trust Him and have hope in His promises. In everyday life, we can rely on God’s guidance even when circumstances seem unclear or difficult.

3. Humility and Dependency: The Bible teaches us to be humble and to rely on God like children. In daily life, this humility reminds us that we do not have control over everything and that we depend on God’s grace and guidance.

4. Gratitude and Remembrance: Remembering God’s faithfulness and care in the past inspires gratitude and gives us hope for the future. In daily life, we can express gratitude and find comfort in difficult times through remembering God’s blessings.

5. Hope for Eternal Life: The teachings on waiting for God’s kingdom and the promise of resurrection give us hope for eternal life with God. This hope influences our perspective on life and gives us confidence even in the midst of suffering and difficulties.

Overall, the connection between faith and daily life shows that the biblical teachings on waiting for God and hoping in His promises can have practical effects on our daily behavior, attitudes, and relationships. Faith gives us strength, comfort, and hope as we navigate the challenges of life.

1.Why is waiting important in our spiritual lives? Discuss the experiences of waiting by some biblical heroes of faith. How did waiting refine and strengthen their faith? (Romans 4:19–22; Hebrews 11)

Waiting plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives for several reasons:

1. Patience and Character Building: Waiting teaches us patience and endurance, important virtues in the Christian life. By waiting for God’s timing, we develop a character that is steadfast and not influenced by circumstances.

2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Through waiting, we learn to rely on God’s sovereignty and trust Him even when we do not see immediate answers or solutions. This strengthens our faith and relationship with God.

Some biblical heroes of faith, such as Abraham and Sarah, are examples of individuals who were strengthened through waiting for God:

• Abraham and Sarah (Romans 4:19–22; Hebrews 11): Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise that they would have a son. Although they initially showed doubt and impatience, their faith grew over time. Eventually, they received Isaac, the son of promise, and their faith was strengthened as they realized that God is faithful, even when His timing is different from ours.

• Noah (Hebrews 11:7): Noah waited for decades for God’s promise of a great flood to be fulfilled, and during this time, he obediently built the ark. His faith and loyalty were tested during this waiting period, but in the end, he was saved through his patience and obedience.

• Joseph (Genesis 37-50): Joseph had to wait many years for God’s plan for his life to be fulfilled. Despite many trials and sufferings, he maintained his faith and loyalty to God. In the end, he was exalted and served as a savior for his family and the people of Israel.

These examples demonstrate that waiting on God is often accompanied by trials and challenges, but it is also a means through which our faith is refined and strengthened. Ultimately, God’s faithfulness and sovereignty are revealed as we patiently wait on Him.

2.What is the goal of our waiting? (Psalm 37:34–40) In other words, what is promised to us when all things are finally settled? What hope do we find in these texts, for example, for the justice that has been lacking in this life for so long?

The goal of our waiting is outlined in the quoted Bible verses from Psalm 37:34–40. Here are some key points:

1. The Promise of Salvation: The psalmist promises that those who wait on the Lord will be saved and inherit the land. This salvation includes not only material blessings but, above all, deliverance from evil and eternity in God’s presence.

2. Liberation from the Wicked: God will exterminate the wicked and protect the righteous. This means that in the end, righteousness will prevail, and those who remain faithful to God will be shielded from injustice and oppression.

3. The Perseverance of God’s Children: God’s children will not perish but will stand forever. Even in times of trial and suffering, believers can trust in God’s faithful hand that enables them to endure.

4. Salvation by the Lord: The Lord will rescue His servants who trust in Him. This promise offers hope amid difficulties and urges believers to wait for God’s salvation, even if it may not be immediately apparent.

The hope found in these texts is the certainty that God will ultimately triumph and provide His justice and salvation for those who patiently wait on Him. This hope encourages believers to remain steadfast even in the midst of suffering and injustice, trusting in God’s promises. Ultimately, God will resolve all things and establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace, where His children will be with Him forever.

3.Why is the waiting for Jesus almost over for the deceased, as far as their experience is concerned (Ecclesiastes 9:5)? What hope can we draw from this answer?

In Ecclesiastes 9:5, it says: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.” This verse speaks about the state of the deceased, emphasizing that they no longer experience anything that happens in life. Their perception and experience have ceased, and they no longer have a share in the things that occur under the sun.

The waiting for Jesus by the deceased is considered almost over because according to the Christian belief, the return of Jesus Christ will mark the end of time and the resurrection of the dead. For those who have died in faith, this means that their waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises is nearing its completion. The hope we can draw from this answer is the certainty that death is not the end, but rather Jesus Christ will come again to establish His kingdom and grant eternal life to believers.

For those who die in faith, the waiting for Jesus is almost over because they can be assured that they will be resurrected and have eternal communion with God. This hope provides comfort and assurance, especially in times of loss and grief, and encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and trust in God’s promises.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-6-summary/

13.5 Joy Comes in the Morning
Divine Redemption in the Morning Light: The Symbolism of Morning in the Bible

Read Mark 16:1–8. What happened on the morning referred to here, and why is it very important for us?

Mark 16:1–8 recounts what happened on the morning of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Here are the key events:

1. Early on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus (Mark 16:1).

2. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw that the large stone sealing the entrance had been rolled away (Mark 16:4).

3. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in white, who announced to them that Jesus had risen. He said to them, “He is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you” (Mark 16:6–7).

4. The women left the tomb filled with fear and amazement and told no one, as they were afraid (Mark 16:8).

Why is this very important for us? The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of the Christian faith. It confirms Jesus’ divine nature and His power over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus opened the way for our own redemption and eternal life. The hope of resurrection inherent in this event is crucial for Christians, as it demonstrates that death does not have the final word and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have eternal life with God. The encounter of the women at the empty tomb of Jesus reminds us that we should share the message of resurrection and that amidst fear and uncertainty, we can trust in God’s promises.

It’s said that death is engraved into our cells from birth. While that may be true, at least for fallen beings, what has the resurrection of Jesus promised us regarding the temporality of death? Why should we never forget how temporally limited death is for us?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ promises us hope and victory over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus showed that death is not the end but that there is life after death. For Christians, the resurrection means that death no longer has the final say, but that eternal life with God is a reality for believers.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus broke the power of death through His death and resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, it says, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Through Jesus Christ, death is temporally limited for believers because they have the hope of resurrection to eternal life with God. Jesus promised that all who believe in Him will have eternal life (John 11:25-26). Therefore, we should never forget how temporally limited death is for us because through Christ, we have the hope of a life that transcends death. This faith gives us comfort and assurance, even when faced with the loss of loved ones or our own mortality.

The connection between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our everyday life in faith is of paramount importance. Here are some aspects of this connection:

1. Hope and Comfort: The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope and comfort amidst suffering, grief, and the daily struggle against the limitations of our earthly lives. It reminds us that death is not the final word and that through Christ, we have hope for eternal life with God.

2. Certainty of Victory: The resurrection is a sign of victory over sin, death, and all evil. This assurance of victory empowers us to live our faith with confidence and steadfastness, even when faced with difficulties and challenges.

3. Transformation and New Life: The resurrection of Jesus Christ signifies not only the end of death but also the beginning of a new life. It opens up the possibility of spiritual transformation and a life of abundance filled with the presence of God.

4. Sharing the Gospel: Just as the women at the empty tomb of Jesus were instructed to spread the message of the resurrection, we are also called to tell others about the redeeming power of Jesus. Our everyday life in faith should be a testimony to the hope and joy we have received through the resurrection.

5. Expectation of Eternal Life: The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that our life here on earth is temporary, but eternal life with God is promised to us. This expectation of eternal life shapes our perspective and priorities in daily life as we prepare to encounter Christ in His glory.

Overall, the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ permeates our daily life in faith by giving us hope, certainty of victory, transformation, a mission to share the Gospel, and the expectation of eternal life. It is important to recognize this connection in our everyday lives and strive to reflect it in our relationships, decisions, and actions.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-5-joy-comes-in-the-morning/

13.4 Waiting in God’s Sabbath Rest
The Two Sides of the Sabbath: Creation and Dedication

Read Psalm 92. What two aspects of the Sabbath are emphasized in this Sabbath song?

In Psalm 92, two aspects of the Sabbath are emphasized:

1. God’s Creation and Preservation: The psalm praises God for His great deeds, particularly for His creation and preservation of the world. By mentioning God’s victory over His enemies, it is evident that the Sabbath recalls creation, in which God created the world and exercises His sovereign authority over it. Sabbath rest provides believers with the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate God’s work of creation.

2. Deliverance from Evil and Hope for Eternal Peace: In addition to creation, the psalm also highlights deliverance from evil and hope for eternal peace. The Sabbath reminds us that God not only created the world but also actively works to defeat evil and redeem His creation. Sabbath rest allows believers to reflect on God’s redemption work and draw hope for a future of peace and justice.

Overall, Psalm 92 emphasizes the two fundamental aspects of the Sabbath: celebrating God’s creation and preservation and remembering the redemption from evil and hope for eternal peace. The Sabbath serves as a time of worship, gratitude, and anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Read Psalm 92 again. What a great hope is offered to us there, and how can we draw comfort from what is written there right now?

Psalm 92 offers a great hope grounded in God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and sovereignty. Here are some key aspects of this comfort and hope that can be drawn from the psalm:

1. Steadfast Joy and Praise: The psalm emphasizes the importance of thanking the Lord and praising His name both in the morning and in the evening. This steadfastness in praise and gratitude indicates that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, joy in the Lord does not diminish.

2. The Greatness of God and His Works: The psalm highlights the greatness and glory of God, especially in His works of creation and judgment over evil. The emphasis on creation and judgment reminds us that God is above all and that His plans are unshakable. In times of uncertainty, we can draw comfort from knowing that God is sovereign over all and His intentions cannot be thwarted.

3. Punishment of the Wicked and Elevation of the Righteous: The psalm proclaims the punishment of the wicked and the elevation of the righteous. This promise of God’s justice gives us comfort when we are confronted with injustice and evil. We can trust that God will ultimately punish evil and elevate the righteous.

4. Fruitfulness of the Righteous and Their Steadfastness: The psalm compares the righteous to palms and cedars, which thrive in their fruitfulness and steadfastness. These images convey the comfort that those who faithfully serve God will bear fruit and experience steadfastness even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 92 offers a hope that is grounded in God’s character, His works, and His promises. Even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, we can draw comfort from the fact that God is sovereign, His justice prevails, and He exalts those who serve Him faithfully.

Psalm 92 offers a great hope grounded in God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and sovereignty. Here are some key aspects of this comfort and hope that can be drawn from the psalm:

1. Consistent joy and praise: The psalm emphasizes the importance of thanking the Lord and praising His name, both in the morning and in the evening. This consistency in praise and gratitude indicates that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, joy in the Lord does not fade away.

2. The greatness of God and His works: The psalm highlights the greatness and glory of God, especially in His works of creation and judgment over evil. Emphasizing creation and judgment reminds us that God is above all and that His plans are unshakable. In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the fact that God is sovereign over all and His intentions cannot be thwarted.

3. The punishment of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous: The psalm proclaims the punishment of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous. This promise of God’s justice gives us comfort when confronted with injustice and evil. We can trust that God will ultimately punish evil and exalt the righteous.

4. The fruitfulness of the righteous and their steadfastness: The psalm compares the righteous to palms and cedars, which thrive in their fruitfulness and steadfastness. These images convey the comfort that those who faithfully serve God will bear fruit and experience steadfastness even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 92 offers a hope grounded in God’s character, His works, and His promises. Even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, we can find comfort in the fact that God is sovereign, He administers justice, and He exalts those who serve Him faithfully.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-4-waiting-in-gods-sabbath-rest/