Now, at the end of the year, it is common to look toward January with a hopeful resolve for the New Year. People want to be healthier, stronger, and happier. Pastor Ted Wilson, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has a special message about the abundant life you may have in 2024.

Adventist health practices have been noticed around the world. Scientific studies have shown that those practicing the Adventist lifestyle of a plant-based diet, regular exercise, abstinence from harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking plenty of water, and having adequate rest can significantly increase a person’s life expectancy by several years.

Follow this weekly series with Pastor Ted Wilson to counter the devil’s deception with the truth of God. 

For a detailed look at the healthful lifestyle of Adventists, visit https://www.adventist.org/who-are-seventh-day-adventists/adventist-focus-on-lifestyle

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/an-abundant-life-pastor-ted-wilson/

Sam and David are joined by a native of Kenya, Dr. Oscar Osindo, director of the Adventist Church’s Institute of World Mission, to talk about his many years of experience as a foreign missionary for the Church, about his years of involvement in ministry to Muslims, and his current work with the Institute of World Mission, training, resourcing and supporting current Seventh-day Adventist missionaries.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/mission-150-episode-31-training-cross-cultural-missionaries-today/

Read Revelation 1:1–7. In what ways do you see evidence that Revelation is focused on God’s mission in the last days?

“In this book, Jesus Christ reveals the future. God gave him the command to show his servants what must soon take place according to God’s will. Christ sent an angel to his servant John to convey everything. John passes on everything he has seen and heard. He testifies to what God has said and what Jesus Christ has shown and confirmed to him. Blessed is the one who reads the prophetic words of this book to others, and blessed are those who hear and act upon them. For soon all this will come to pass. John writes this to the seven churches in the province of Asia: I wish you grace and peace from God, who is always present, who was from the beginning, and who is to come; grace and peace also from the seven spirits before God’s throne and from Jesus Christ, who reliably testifies to God’s truth. He is the first to rise from death to an imperishable life and reigns over all the kings of the earth. He loves us and has shed his blood for us to free us from our guilt. He gives us a share in his reign and has made us priests who serve God, his Father. To him belong all honor and power for eternity. Amen! Look! Jesus Christ will come on the clouds. All people will see him, even those who crucified him. Then all the peoples of the earth will mourn and lament. This will surely happen. Amen!”

The passage from Revelation 1:1–7 focuses on the revelation of Jesus Christ about the future and indicates several signs that could point to God’s mission in the end times:

1. God’s command to Jesus Christ: The passage emphasizes that God has given Jesus Christ the command to show his servants what must soon take place according to God’s will. This suggests that Revelation reveals a divine mission regarding the future.

2. Prophetic words: In verse 3, it is emphasized that blessedness applies to those who read, hear, and act upon the prophetic words of the book. This could suggest that Revelation is not only a passive revelation but also a call to action in view of the imminent events in the end times.

3. Soon to be fulfilled: The text highlights multiple times that the events will soon come to pass. This emphasizes the urgency of the message and could be interpreted as a sign of the immediacy of God’s mission in the end times.

4. The return of Jesus Christ: The mention of the return of Jesus Christ on the clouds in verse 7 is a central element. The idea that all people, including those who crucified Jesus, will see him underscores the eschatological significance and God’s end-time mission.

5. Grace and peace: The greetings to the seven churches and the mention of grace and peace from God, the seven spirits, and Jesus Christ could be considered signs of God’s mission of redemption and peace in the end times. Overall, the emphasis on prophetic revelation, imminent fulfillment, and the return of Christ suggests that Revelation deals with God’s mission in the end times and the upcoming eschatological events.

Read Revelation 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:9. What do the titles for the redeemed in these verses signify?

Revelation 1:6 – he gives us a share in his reign and has made us priests who serve God, his Father. To him belong all honor and power for eternity. Amen!

1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Both verses emphasize the special position of the redeemed and use titles that describe their identity and role in Christ:

1.Revelation 1:6: “Kings and Priests”

1. • Kings: The title “Kings” emphasizes the royal dignity and authority of believers. Through Christ, they are called to participate in his royal reign.

   • Priests: The title “Priests” indicates that the redeemed have a special connection to God and are empowered to serve Him and mediate for others. This role as priests expresses closeness to God and the ability to engage in service.

2.1 Peter 2:9: “A royal priesthood”

1. • This verse uses the expression “royal priesthood,” which, like Revelation 1:6, combines the idea of royal authority and priestly function.

   • Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s special possession: These additional descriptions emphasize the chosen, holy, and ownership relationship of the redeemed to God. In both verses, the special position of the redeemed as kings and priests, possessing royal authority and exercising a priestly function, is emphasized. These titles underscore the privileged position of believers in Christ and their destiny to play a significant role in God’s plan of redemption.

Not only have we been created by God, but we have been redeemed by Him, and at such an amazing cost, too. Why should this truth give us so much hope, no matter our present situation?

The truth that we are not only created by God but also redeemed by Him offers immense hope, regardless of the current situation. Here are some reasons why this truth is so encouraging:

1. Value and Significance: The fact that God has created us and redeemed us at an astonishing price indicates our immeasurable worth. We are not randomly existing beings but intentionally wanted and loved by God.

2. Love and Grace: Redemption through Jesus Christ reveals the love and grace of God. Regardless of our mistakes and weaknesses, God is willing to redeem us and enter into a relationship with us. This love and grace provide hope even in difficult situations.

3. Forgiveness and New Beginning: Redemption means forgiveness and the possibility of a fresh start. Regardless of the mistakes we have made, redemption gives us the chance to begin anew and move toward a life in harmony with God’s intentions.

4. Divine Care: The astonishing price of redemption, the sacrifice of Jesus, underscores God’s dedication to our well-being. This care gives us hope, knowing that God is not indifferent to our fate but actively interested in helping and guiding us.

5. Purpose and Meaning: Redemption gives our lives deep purpose and meaning. We are not alone in this world but have a connection to God that fills our lives with significance. This connection offers hope even when external circumstances are challenging.

6. Eternal Life: The hope of redemption extends beyond this transient world. It promises eternal life in the presence of God, where there will be no more tears, pain, or darkness.

Overall, the truth of creation and redemption by God gives us hope because it is based on love, grace, forgiveness, care, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. Even in the most difficult life situations, we can trust in this truth and find comfort.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-end-of-gods-mission-13-1-revelation-gods-last-day-mission/