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Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed | 10.1 The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism

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Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed
Biblical Truth Against End-Time Deceptions
In a world increasingly characterized by spiritual deceptions and supernatural phenomena, it is becoming ever more important to understand the truth about spiritism and its dangers. Lesson 10, “Exposing Spiritism,” provides an in-depth examination of the deadly consequences of spiritism and how the Bible describes death in both the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, the lesson highlights the role of spiritism in the end times and the challenges believers will face during this critical phase.
This lesson reminds us of the importance of steadfastly adhering to biblical truth and not losing sight of the hope of Christ’s return. While Satan seeks to deceive people through false signs and wonders, we are called to remain vigilant and to strengthen our faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Only through a deep understanding of Scripture and trust in God’s promises can we resist the deceptions of the end times and maintain our eternal hope.

10.1 The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism
The Dangerous Contradiction to Biblical Truth
The belief in the natural immortality of the soul and the idea that death is merely a transition to a new phase of life is deeply rooted in history and has its origins in paganism. This notion was early on adopted by the church as it sought to adapt its faith to the broader Roman world, thereby straying from its biblical foundations. Ellen G. White emphasizes in “The Desire of Ages” that “the theory of the immortality of the soul is one of the false doctrines that Rome borrowed from paganism and incorporated into the Christian religion” (DA 500).
A look at Matthew 10:28 reveals the biblical perspective on the immortality of the soul: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse makes it clear that the soul does not exist independently of God’s judgment and power. The supposed immortality of the soul is questioned here, as only God has the power to destroy both body and soul.
God expressly forbade the Israelites from engaging in any form of occultism and spiritism. Deuteronomy 18:11 emphasizes that no one among them was to practice divination, sorcery, interpretation of omens, or consult the dead. These prohibitions were strictly enforced, as shown in Leviticus 20:27, where the death penalty was prescribed for such practices. This harsh punishment was meant to protect Israel from the seduction of false gods and the loss of true faith.
Spiritism and witchcraft are clearly depicted in the Bible as demonic and deceptive. They offer a deceptive form of worship and supposed spiritual fulfillment but can never satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. Spiritism is a central part of Satan’s plan to deceive and enslave humanity. However, there is hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ, who breaks the chains of evil through His grace and power and frees the captives. In Him, we find true freedom and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.
Read Ecclesiastes 9:5, Job 7:7-9, and Isaiah 8:19-20. What do these Bible passages teach us about death and communication with the dead?
The Bible passages Ecclesiastes 9:5, Job 7:7-9, and Isaiah 8:19-20 offer clear teachings about death and the impossibility of communication with the dead.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 states: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” This verse underscores that the dead have no consciousness and no knowledge of the world of the living. This refutes any notion that the deceased can actively participate in the lives of the living or communicate with them.
Job 7:7-9 describes the transience of human life: “Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more; while your eyes are on me, I shall be gone. As the cloud fades and vanishes, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up.” Job emphasizes that after death, there is no return to life and that the dead do not come back. This clearly contradicts the idea that the deceased continue to exist and exert influence after death.
Isaiah 8:19-20 warns against seeking advice from mediums: “And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah admonishes that one should seek God and His teaching instead of seeking advice from the dead. This makes it clear that any communication with the dead is not only useless but also against God’s commandments.
In summary, these Bible passages teach that the dead have no consciousness, cannot interfere in the lives of the living, and that any form of communication with them is against God’s will. The belief that the dead immediately go to heaven after death and can continue to exert influence is unbiblical. This false teaching makes people susceptible to deceptions by Satan, especially in times of crisis. Biblical faith emphasizes the necessity of relying solely on God’s teaching and revelation to find truth and protection.

The biblical teachings about death and the impossibility of communication with the dead have profound implications for our daily life and faith:
  1. Truth and Clarity in Matters of Faith: By relying on the Bible as the source of truth, we avoid the confusion and deceptions that arise from false teachings. This strengthens our faith and helps us live more clearly and decisively.
  2. Protection from Spiritism and Occultism: Knowing that the deceased have no consciousness and cannot communicate with the living protects us from the dangerous influence of spiritism and occultism. These practices are not only unbiblical but also open doors to harmful spiritual influences.
  3. Focus on God and His Teaching: The admonition in Isaiah 8:19-20 to adhere to God’s teaching and revelation directs our focus towards a trusting relationship with God. Instead of seeking answers from spiritualistic sources in times of need or uncertainty, we learn to bring our questions and concerns to God and find guidance in His word.
  4. Comfort and Hope in the Resurrection: The biblical belief in the resurrection of the dead at Christ’s return gives us comfort and hope. Death is not the end but a temporary state until the resurrection. This gives us a positive perspective on life after death and encourages us to live a life in accordance with God’s will.
  5. Responsibility for Our Lives: The awareness that we have only this life to shape our character and make our decisions strengthens our sense of responsibility. It motivates us to live meaningfully and act consciously in accordance with our faith convictions.
  6. Community and Support: A shared understanding of biblical teachings strengthens the community among believers. By encouraging and supporting each other, we create an environment based on truth and love that helps us overcome the challenges of life.
Overall, these teachings influence our daily life and faith by providing us with guidance, protection, comfort, and a deeper understanding of our responsibility and our relationship with God. They encourage us to live a life in truth and close communion with God.

The biblical truth about death protects us from spiritualistic deceptions and directs our focus towards a trusting relationship with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-1-the-deadly-consequences-of-spiritualism/

The Great Controversy – Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed  |
Biblical Truth Against End-Time Deceptions   |
Lesson 10 delves into biblical teachings about death and the dangers of spiritism, especially in the end times. The Bible clearly states that death is a state of sleep, with no conscious existence until the resurrection. This lesson demonstrates how spiritism, based on the false doctrine of soul immortality, leads people astray. In the end times, Satan will intensify the use of supernatural signs and wonders to deceive believers. It is crucial for Christians to remain firmly rooted in God’s Word and faith in Jesus to resist these deceptions.
Memory Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16.17 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Content:
10.1 The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism
The Dangerous Contradiction to Biblical Truth
The notion of the soul’s natural immortality and communication with the deceased, as practiced in spiritism, contradicts biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes death as a state of unconsciousness (Ecclesiastes 9:5) and warns against all forms of occultism (Deuteronomy 18:11). Belief in soul immortality, derived from pagan traditions, can make people susceptible to satanic deceptions. These teachings divert from true worship of God and open doors to dangerous spiritual practices. Conversely, Jesus offers liberation and protection from such deceptions through His grace and power.
10.2 Death in the Old Testament
A Biblical Perspective on Life After Death
The Old Testament teaches that death is a state of sleep, where the dead rest until the resurrection. Psalms and Kings describe death as sleep or “joining one’s ancestors” (Psalm 6:6; 115:17; 1 Kings 2:10). This contradicts the notion of disembodied spirits wandering after death. Job and Daniel emphasize the resurrection as the next conscious experience of the dead (Job 14:12; Daniel 12:2). This biblical perspective guards against spiritist deceptions by showing that the dead know nothing and await their awakening. Believers should find comfort in the awareness of biblical truth and guard against occult deceptions.
10.3 Death in the New Testament
Hope for Resurrection and Eternal Life in Christ
The New Testament continues the Old Testament symbolism of death as sleep, as seen in John 11:11-14 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Both testaments teach that there is no conscious existence after death until the resurrection. In the New Testament, the resurrection at Christ’s return is emphasized, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. These texts underscore that eternal life is found only in Christ, and the resurrection is His ultimate victory over death. Paul argues that without Christ’s resurrection, our faith would be in vain, highlighting the central role of the resurrection in Christian hope. Believers in the New Testament eagerly awaited Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead, strengthening their faithfulness and endurance in trials.
10.4 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 1
The Seductive Power of Supernatural Deceptions
In the end times, people will be seduced by great signs and wonders performed by demonic spirits (Matthew 24:5, 11, 24; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9; Revelation 13:13-14; 16:13-14). These deceptions aim to manipulate people’s emotions rather than appeal to their rational thinking. Spiritism, based on the false doctrine of soul immortality, will play a central role in this deception, almost capturing the world. It is dangerous to trust our feelings, as Satan can exploit them to bypass our thought processes and deceive us. Our security lies solely in Jesus and His Word, which can protect us from these deceptions.
10.5 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 2
Preserving Hope and Faith Amid End-Time Deceptions
Our hope of redemption is rooted in Christ, and His sacrifice secures for us the “blessed hope” of His second coming (Titus 2:13). Satan seeks to destroy this hope by distracting people with supernatural signs and wonders from biblical truth. Matthew 24:23–27, 2 Corinthians 11:13–14, and 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 warn of Satan’s deceptive power, even posing as Christ. These deceptions aim to hinder people from keeping the commandments of God and maintaining faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12). We must remain vigilant and guard against teachings that divert us from these essential characteristics, regardless of accompanying supernatural phenomena.
10.6 Summary
The Biblical Truth About Spiritism and the Need to Stand Firm
Lesson 10, “Exposing Spiritism,” explores the biblical truth about the state of the dead and the dangers of spiritism. The Bible describes death as sleep, with no conscious existence until the resurrection at Christ’s return. Spiritist practices are based on the false doctrine of soul immortality and open doors to demonic deceptions. In the end times, Satan will use supernatural signs and wonders to divert people from truth and salvation in Christ. Believers must rely on God’s Word and faith in Jesus to resist these deceptions.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Adventist News Network – May 31, 2024: ADRA responds to world emergencies and Other World News

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Adventist News Network – May 31, 2024: ADRA responds to world emergencies and Other World News  |
This week on ANN:  |
·ADRA extends solidarity and love amidst natural disasters and conflicts through swift emergency responses worldwide.
· From the Caribbean to Asia, thousands experience spiritual renewal through global baptisms, embracing the message of Jesus.
· Also, Adventist leaders in Europe mobilized efforts to multiply disciples and establish churches in the face of secularization.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you need to know about what is happening in the church around the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-may-31-2024-adra-responds-to-world-emergencies-and-other-world-news/

Lesson 9.The Foundation of God’s Government | 9.6 Summary

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9.6 Summary
A Look at Law, Sabbath, and End-Time Conflict
Lesson 9 explores the foundation of God’s government, particularly through examining the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14. These messages call people to decide between worshiping the Creator and worshiping the beast. The first angel reminds us that God’s hour of judgment has come and calls for true worship of God. The second angel warns of Babylon, a symbol of fallen religious systems that lead to false worship. The essence of the decision lies in faithfulness to God by keeping His commandments and faith in Jesus Christ. This decision impacts not only spiritual life but also everyday life and values. Through obedience, trust, and strengthening of faith, God prepares believers for future challenges by guiding them through trials, instructing them in His Word, providing fellowship with other believers, and strengthening them with personal experiences of His faithfulness.

The connection between Lesson 9 and our daily life and faith is fundamental. The lesson emphasizes the choice between worshiping the Creator and worshiping false gods or systems. This decision is not only theological but also affects our daily actions and beliefs.
In everyday life, our faithfulness to the Creator is shown through our behavior and decisions. By keeping His commandments and obeying His Word, we express our faith and devotion. The Sabbath, as a sign of worshiping the Creator, can permeate our daily life by consciously setting aside time for rest, worship, and fellowship with God and other believers.
Our faith in Jesus Christ also influences our daily decisions and relationships. It enables us to show love and forgiveness to others, even when it’s difficult, and to rely on God’s promises when faced with challenges. Faith in Jesus gives us the strength to remain steadfast in difficult times and to share the hope we have found in Him with others.
Overall, the connection between Lesson 9, our daily life, and our faith is inseparable. Our decisions, beliefs, and actions in everyday life should be guided by our faith in the Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ. By understanding and living this connection, we can lead a life that honors God and aligns with His will.

Reflecting on the Sabbath issue reminds us that truth often stands in contrast to the majority, and understanding Holy Scripture is our most important source of knowledge.

1.The world is changing so quickly and dramatically. Why must we always be vigilant so that end-time events do not catch us unprepared?
We must always be vigilant so that end-time events do not catch us unprepared because the world is changing so quickly and dramatically. In a time when technological advancements and societal changes are progressing rapidly, we can easily be distracted from the fundamental values and principles rooted in Holy Scripture. Without vigilance, we risk losing sight of the signs of the times and succumbing to the temptations of a fast-paced, human-centered world. Only through vigilance can we strengthen our faith, prepare for upcoming challenges, and remain faithful to God’s guidelines in a changing world.
2.How can the understanding of God’s judgment and law be reconciled with the fact that we are saved by grace alone?
The understanding of God’s judgment and law can be easily reconciled with the fact that we are saved by grace alone. God’s grace does not mean that the law is abolished or that judgment has no place. Rather, grace, law, and judgment complement each other in God’s plan of salvation.
God’s law serves as a standard of righteousness and shows us the way of obedience to God and love for our fellow human beings. It reveals God’s character and His holy principles. However, since we are all sinners and have broken the law, we cannot stand before God through our own works.
This is where grace comes into play. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have the opportunity to receive forgiveness of our sins and be saved by faith in Him. This grace is an undeserved gift from God, granting us salvation that we cannot earn on our own.
God’s judgment is part of His righteous plan to hold people accountable and judge evil. It will reveal who has accepted God’s grace through faith in Christ and who has deliberately turned away from Him. Judgment will not only condemn the guilty but also reward the faithful and bring them into fellowship with God.
In summary, the Bible shows that grace, law, and judgment are inseparable and work together to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity.
3.How can you bear witness to those who do not understand the significance of the true Sabbath and seriously observe Sunday, the first day of the week?
To bear witness to those who do not understand the significance of the true Sabbath and observe Sunday, you can approach this in several ways:
  1. Biblical Foundations: Explain the biblical principles and texts that highlight the Sabbath as the God-ordained day of rest, such as the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8-11.
  2. Historical Background: Share information about the development of Sunday observance in the history of Christianity and emphasize the difference between God’s command and human traditions.
  3. Personal Testimonies: Share personal experiences and testimonies about how observing the Sabbath has strengthened your faith and deepened your relationship with God.
  4. Loving Explanation: Be patient and loving in your explanations, and approach those who observe Sunday with respect and understanding for their beliefs.
  5. Living Example: Live out your faith consistently and show through your life how observing the Sabbath influences your values and priorities.
  6. Prayer: Ask God for wisdom and guidance to open people’s hearts and make them receptive to the truth about the Sabbath.
By bearing a loving, respectful, and authentic witness, you can help people understand the significance of the true Sabbath and seriously consider how they want to honor God in their worship.

4.What danger lies in the union of church and state powers? How should we as Christians relate to the government?
The union of church and state powers poses the danger of restricting religious freedom and violating freedom of conscience. When religious authorities are closely linked with state institutions, there is a possibility that religious beliefs will be enforced and people will be forced to act against their conscience.
As Christians, we should relate to the government in a manner guided by biblical principles:
  1. Prayer: We should pray for our leaders to make wise decisions and promote the common good.
  2. Submission: According to the Bible, we should submit to governmental authorities as long as their requirements do not contradict God’s commandments (Romans 13:1-7).
  3. Conscientious Citizenship: As citizens, we have a responsibility to engage in our government, advocate for justice and freedom, and work for the welfare of our fellow human beings.
  4. Separation of Church and State: We should advocate for the separation of church and state to preserve religious freedom and ensure that no religion is favored or disadvantaged.
  5. Bearing Witness: We should bear witness to Christ and His truth in all areas of our lives, including our political beliefs, and work for a society based on the principles of love, justice, and mercy.
By following these principles, we can contribute as Christians to ensuring that governments act justly and respect religious freedom, promoting a society based on the values of God’s kingdom.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-9-6-summary/

Lesson 9.The Foundation of God’s Government | 9.5 The Three Angels’ Messages

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9.5 The Three Angels’ Messages
The Choice between Worship of the Creator and the Beast
The message of the three angels in Revelation 14, particularly the proclamations of the first and second angels, presents an urgent call to decision and true worship. The first angel urges us to fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment has come. This means we should align our lives and faith in light of the impending divine judgment. Worshiping the Creator, who made heaven and earth, reminds us that our worship must be directed towards the true God, who alone is worthy.
The second angel warns of the fall of Babylon, which symbolizes a fallen and false religious system. This system has rejected the message of the first angel and has intoxicated the world with false worship and spiritual deception. This warning emphasizes the consequences of worshiping the beast and its image, which represents a departure from the true worship of the Creator.
The choice between worshiping the Creator and worshiping the beast is a decision of great significance and consequence. Every person will ultimately have to decide to whom they pledge their allegiance – Jesus, the Creator and Redeemer, or Satan, who works through the beast and its image. This decision is not only a theological or spiritual choice but also impacts our daily lives and values. It calls us to honor God in our daily lives and faith, keeping His commandments with the conviction that He is our Creator and righteous Judge.
Read Revelation 14:12. What are the two characteristic features of those who refuse to worship the beast? Why are both crucial?
Revelation 14:12 states: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” These two characteristics – keeping the commandments of God and having faith in Jesus – are crucial for several reasons:
  1. Keeping the Commandments of God:
    • Obedience and Loyalty: Keeping God’s commandments shows the believers’ loyalty to God. It is an expression of their obedience and dedication, even under extreme conditions and persecution.
    • Reflection of God’s Character: God’s commandments represent His character and principles. By keeping these commandments, believers reflect God’s nature and His righteousness.
    • Sign of True Worship: The Sabbath, as part of the commandments, plays a central role in the true worship of the Creator. Observing the Sabbath becomes a visible sign of loyalty to God and stands in contrast to the worship of the beast.
  2. Faith in Jesus:
    • Trust and Dependence: Faith in Jesus involves deep trust in His salvation, guidance, and promises. It is a faith that relies on Jesus in every situation.
    • Following Christ: Faith in Jesus also means following His example and obeying His teachings. It is a life lived in the footsteps of Christ, even when it is difficult and challenging.
    • Endurance in Trials: Faith in Jesus is especially crucial in times of trial and persecution. It gives believers the strength to remain steadfast amid opposition and threats.
Both characteristics – keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus – are therefore crucial because they define what it means to belong to God’s end-time people. These believers will be distinguished not only by their beliefs but also by their actions and trust in Christ. In a time of great conflict between good and evil, they will stand out through their obedience to God’s commandments and their unwavering faith in Jesus. This faithfulness and trust will guide them through the final challenges until Jesus returns.
How is God Preparing Your Faith Today for What Is to Come?
God is preparing our faith for future challenges by strengthening and shaping us through various means today. Here are some ways God does this:
  1. Trials and Difficulties:
    • Strengthening Faith through Challenges: God allows trials in our lives to solidify our faith. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
    • Building Trust: Through difficulties, we learn to trust God more and rely on His guidance. These experiences prepare us to remain steadfast in greater trials.
  2. Study and Application of Scripture:
    • Understanding and Wisdom: Studying the Bible provides us with wisdom and understanding of God’s ways. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
    • Practicing Obedience: By applying God’s commandments in our daily lives, we grow in obedience and dedication. This prepares us to remain faithful even in tough times.
  3. Prayer and Communion with God:
    • Daily Connection: Through prayer, we maintain a close relationship with God that sustains us in all circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray about everything and experience God’s peace.
    • Filling with the Holy Spirit: Prayer opens us to the guidance and strengthening by the Holy Spirit, helping us grow in faith.
  4. Community with Other Believers:
    • Encouragement and Support: Fellowship with other believers offers us encouragement and support. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of gathering together and encouraging one another.
    • Example and Teaching: Through the example and teaching of other believers, we are inspired and strengthened in our faith.
  5. Experiences and Testimonies:
    • Experiences of God’s Faithfulness: Personal experiences of God’s intervention and provision strengthen our trust in His faithfulness. These experiences are valuable reminders when facing future challenges.
    • Sharing Testimonies: Sharing and hearing testimonies from other believers encourages us and shows how God works in various situations.
Thus, God uses a variety of ways to strengthen our faith and prepare us for future trials. By embracing His guidance and growing in His grace, we will be able to face upcoming challenges with a firm and tested faith.

The connection between our daily life and our faith is closely linked to preparation for the future, especially considering end-time events and the associated spiritual challenges.
  1. Decisions in Daily Life and Faith: The decision between worshiping the Creator and worshiping the beast, as described in Revelation, has direct implications for our daily life and faith. Our daily decisions on how we live and whom we worship are an expression of our faith and loyalty to God.
  2. Obedience and Loyalty: By keeping God’s commandments and holding firmly to our faith in Jesus Christ, we demonstrate our loyalty to God in everyday life. Our obedience to God’s commandments and our trust in Christ influence our daily actions, decisions, and relationships.
  3. Preparation for Future Challenges: Living in obedience and faith prepares us for future challenges. Every day we live in faithful following of Christ strengthens our faith and determination to remain steadfast even in difficult times.
  4. Community and Support: Fellowship with other believers in daily life offers encouragement, support, and spiritual strengthening. By sharing experiences and praying together, we are strengthened and encouraged to live our faith.
  5. Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines: Daily prayer, Bible study, and spiritual disciplines strengthen our faith and help us prepare for upcoming challenges. These spiritual exercises help us deepen our relationship with God and recognize His guidance in our lives.
Overall, the connection between our daily life and our faith is crucial for our preparation for the future. By being faithful in everyday life and actively living our faith, we will be strengthened and prepared to face the end-time challenges with a firm and tested faith.

Those who honor God in their daily lives and keep His commandments are preparing their faith for any future challenge.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-9-5-the-three-angels-messages/

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