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Lesson 4.Standing for the Truth | 4.1 Persecuted Yet Triumphant

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Lesson 4. Standing for the Truth
Steadfast in Darkness: Courage, Renewal, and the Radiance of Faith
In a world that is constantly changing, where different opinions and values often clash, standing up for truth becomes an increasingly important task for Christians. The history of Christianity is rich with examples of brave men and women who were willing to suffer and even sacrifice their lives for their beliefs. This lesson leads us into a deep exploration of the meaning, value, and challenges of standing up for truth.
Starting with the concept of “progressive light” in divine revelation, we explore why God reveals truth progressively and how these principles can be applied to today’s church. We also consider the dynamic between new discoveries of truth and the previous teachings that the people of God understood, emphasizing why new light should never contradict old light.
The challenges we face in our culture can sometimes lead to conflicts with biblical teachings. Therefore, we discuss strategies and approaches to remain good citizens while resisting the distorted values of our culture.
Finally, we delve deep into the inspiring letter of Jan Hus, reflecting on how his courageous example and teachings can still influence and challenge us today. This lesson challenges us to examine our beliefs, to be courageous, and to stand up for truth, even when faced with challenges and resistance.

4.1 Persecuted Yet Triumphant
Persecution and Victory: God’s People in Prophetic Times
Read Daniel 7:23–25 and Revelation 12:6,14. To which prophetic time periods do these verses refer?
The mentioned verses from Daniel 7:23–25 and Revelation 12:6,14 refer to prophetic time periods often described as 1260 days or “a time, times, and half a time.” These time spans are symbolic and represent an extended period in Christian history.
  1. Daniel 7:23-25: In this section, Daniel describes a vision of four beasts representing different kingdoms or dominions. The fourth beast is depicted as particularly powerful and destructive. Verse 25 states that it will “speak words against the Most High” and “oppress the saints of the Most High.” This time of oppression is depicted as 1260 days or a time, times, and half a time.
  2. Revelation 12:6,14: In Revelation, a woman is portrayed giving birth to a child and being pursued by a dragon. The woman flees to the wilderness where she is protected for “a time, times, and half a time” (verse 14). This also corresponds to the 1260 days or 3½ years of persecution.
Both passages employ the day-year principle, where a prophetic day corresponds to a literal year. This principle is based on other biblical texts like Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6 and has been applied by many Bible scholars and historians throughout history.
The mentioned historical events, such as the Ostrogoths’ departure from Rome in AD 538 and the Pope’s deposition by Napoleon’s General Berthier in AD 1798, are interpreted as the beginning and end of this 1260-year period of persecution and spiritual darkness. During this time, many Christians were persecuted and killed for their faith, yet they remained steadfast in their beliefs, seeing their victory in Christ.
It is important to note that this is a specific interpretation of the mentioned biblical texts and is not shared by all Christians. There are various theological views and interpretations of these and other prophetic texts in the Bible.
How has fulfilled biblical prophecy strengthened your faith?
For many people, especially devout Christians, fulfilled biblical prophecies can be a source of strength and affirmation of their faith. When they see certain prophecies made in the Bible actually come to pass in history, it can bolster their confidence in the reliability and authenticity of the Holy Scriptures.
The fulfillment of prophecies can be seen as evidence of the divine inspiration of the Bible and God’s sovereignty. It demonstrates that God sees beyond time and that His Word is true and reliable. For many believers, this serves as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and reliability in their lives.
However, it is important to emphasize that the interpretation and application of biblical prophecies often spark discussions and debates within the Christian community. There are different views and theories about how specific prophecies should be understood and applied.

The connection between fulfilled biblical prophecies and our everyday life in faith can be diverse and profound. Here are some possible ways this connection might look:
  1. Trust and Hope: Recognizing that God has fulfilled His promises and prophecies in the past strengthens trust in Him and provides hope for the future. In challenging times, believers can recall God’s faithfulness and trust that He is working in their current situation.
  2. Confirmation of Faith: Fulfilled prophecies can serve as confirmation of faith. They demonstrate that the Bible is not just a historical document or a book of moral teachings but contains divine wisdom and insight that are relevant and true in the real world.
  3. Motivation for Faithfulness: The stories of Christians who remained steadfast in their faith despite persecution and suffering can serve as inspiration. They encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith even when faced with challenges.
  4. Eternal Perspective: Knowing that God sees beyond time and that His plans unfold despite human contradictions and difficulties can help believers adopt an eternal perspective. It reminds them that current hardships and sufferings are temporary, while God’s promises and eternal life in Christ are of lasting value.
  5. Community and Sharing of Faith: Understanding and acknowledging fulfilled prophecies can also help strengthen faith within the community. Believers can share these insights to encourage others to grow in faith and trust God in their own lives.
However, it is important to stress that the interpretation of biblical prophecies and their application in everyday life can be a personal and sometimes controversial matter. Not all Christians agree on their interpretations, and it is essential to approach differing views with humility and respect. The most important thing is that fulfilled prophecies can help strengthen faith and deepen the relationship with God by testifying to His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Even in the greatest darkness, God’s people find refuge and victory through His unwavering love and care.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-4-1-persecuted-yet-triumphant/

The Only Way to Win

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This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8.

If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them, they will have a counselor whose wisdom is far above any human wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his guide. The first sword that Joshua used was the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God….

It was because the strongest influences were to be brought to bear against his principles of righteousness that the Lord in mercy charged him not to turn to the right hand or to the left. He was to follow a course of strictest integrity…. If there had been no peril before Joshua, God would not over and over again have charged him to be of good courage. But amid all his cares, Joshua had his God to guide Him.

There is no greater deception than for man to suppose that in any difficulty he can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in any emergency, a stronger defense under any circumstance….

The Lord has a great work to be done in our world. To every man He has given His work for man to do. But man is not to make man his guide, lest he be led astray; this is always unsafe. While Bible religion embodies the principles of activity in service, at the same time there is the necessity of asking for wisdom daily from the Source of all wisdom. What was Joshua’s victory? Thou shalt meditate upon the Word of God day and night. The word of the Lord came to Joshua just before he passed over Jordan…. This was the secret of Joshua’s victory. He made God his Guide.26The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:993.

Those holding the positions of counselors should be unselfish men, men of faith, men of prayer, men that will not dare to rely upon their own human wisdom, but will seek earnestly for light and intelligence as to what is the best manner of conducting their business. Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled the directions given by God,—His requirements, reproofs, and restrictions,—lest he should move unadvisedly.27Ibid., 993, 994.
Conflict and Courage p. 116
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Hannah and her family. Her husband’s parents and grandma were burned to death this morning when their house burned down. Rose
—-Please pray for Maggie as she travels to be with her sister and family during the death of Cindy’s grandson. Rose
—-Please pray for my brother Jacques. He does not have much time to live. Pray that God will visit him and he gives his heart to Jesus. Andree
—-I really need double prayers for my niece and my sister. Mom and daughter. My niece is having back surgery tomorrow removing old hardware and fixing another bulging disc and my sister lost her walking because she has a bulging disc in her back and it has pinched off her nerve. Kim is my niece and my sister is named Chris Sylvia
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Dear Friends,

As Ron and I were driving home from work one evening, Ron began laughing heartily. Puzzled, I asked the reason. He answered, “You see how nice and green the grass is in that field? Well, we just passed a cow that was down on her knees with her head poked through the fence eating the dry, brown grass on the outside.”

What a silly cow! She was surrounded with nice, fresh grass but desired the old, withered stalks on the outside of the fence. Yet, upon reflection I realized that cow is no different than many of us. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt 6:24 God has provided the the way to eternal life, but how often we would rather have the “dry grass” this world has to offer even though we know we know that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17 Paul advises, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. . . . Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Col 3:1-17

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom 12:1, 2

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/the-only-way-to-win-2.html

Lesson 3: “Light Shines in the Darkness” | 4-20-24

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Study: Light Shines in the Darkness — Jacob Wayd THANK YOU. Media Ministry needs your continued financial support. Please donate by visiting "https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANB4RC/envelope/start" and select “Media Ministries”. Connect With Us
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The Great Controversy – Lesson 4. Standing for the Truth | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 4. Standing for the Truth  |
Steadfast in Darkness: Courage, Renewal, and the Radiance of Faith  |
Lesson 4 takes us through the dark times of medieval church history, where God’s people remained steadfast despite persecution and challenges. This lesson illuminates the radiance of faith that penetrates even the deepest darkness, showcasing how God gradually revealed light and understanding through chosen servants to lead the world out of darkness. We are inspired by courageous reformers and believers who, despite personal weaknesses and temptations, held firmly to God’s truth and promises.
Memory Text: John 3:14.15 – “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Content:
4.1 Persecuted Yet Triumphant
Persecution and Victory: God’s People in Prophetic Times
The verses from Daniel 7:23–25 and Revelation 12:6,14 refer to prophetic periods when God’s people were persecuted but remained victorious. These texts depict a time of persecution by the medieval church, symbolized by 1260 days or a time, times, and half a time, equivalent to 1260 years. Despite these challenges, God’s people found refuge and strength in His love and care. This period of persecution began in 538 AD with the expulsion of the Ostrogoths from Rome and ended in 1798 AD with the deposition of the Pope by Napoleon’s General Berthier. Despite severe persecution, Christ’s believers remained victorious through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, holding onto their faith even unto death. Their victory over the powers of darkness was and is ensured through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.
4.2 Light Vanquishes the Darkness
The Triumph of Faith over Misconceptions and the Eternal Hope of the Faithful
The epistle of Jude urges Christians to defend the faith against those who pervert God’s grace. This was especially relevant for the medieval church, which often deviated from the pure teachings of the Bible due to the introduction of pagan practices and human traditions. The Waldensians stood as courageous defenders of biblical truth and genuine faith during a time when the church was marked by such deviations. In Revelation 2:10, God promises faithful believers the “crown of life,” an eternal reward for those who remain faithful through trials, sufferings, and even death. This divine comfort has guided generations of believers, including the Waldensians, through difficult times, reminding us that our faith and loyalty are ultimately of eternal significance.
4.3 Courage to Stand
Unyielding Faith in Times of Darkness
Steadfastness in faith, courage in the face of persecution, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word characterized the Waldensians and reformers. Like Peter and the apostles in the Acts of the Apostles, they recognized the need to obey God rather than men. By secretly transcribing and disseminating the Bible within their communities, they preserved the holy scriptures for centuries. Their determination and commitment, despite great danger, shone like the rising morning light, growing brighter until the full day.
4.4 The Morning Star of the Reformation
The Beacon of the Reformation: Passion for God’s Word
Joy in the Word of God and a profound conviction of its truth were at the heart of the Reformation, shared by courageous reformers like Wycliffe. Their passionate dedication to the Holy Scriptures was not only personally uplifting but also a driving force to propagate the Gospel message. Despite persecution and resistance, they became shining examples, changing the world through their unwavering trust in the Holy Scriptures.
4.5 Cheered by Hope
Hope in Darkness: God’s Unshakable Promises
Even in the darkest times and most severe trials, faithful Christians of the Middle Ages found comfort and strength in God’s unshakable promises. They viewed death as defeated and drew hope and joy from their deep communion with Christ. Jan Hus, despite his own sufferings and impending execution, experienced an inner peace possible only through God’s grace. God’s eternal promises serve as an anchor for us today, reminding us of His faithfulness, even in our most challenging moments.
4.6 Summary
Steadfastness and Hope: The Legacy of Faith in Times of Persecution and Darkness
In the fourth lesson, “Standing for Truth,” the history of the faithful people during prophetic times is illuminated, showing their victory despite persecution by the medieval church. The Waldensians and reformers are highlighted as shining examples of unwavering steadfastness in faith. Their passion for God’s Word and deeply rooted hope in God’s unshakable promises guided them through the darkest times. Despite persecutions and personal sufferings, they found comfort and strength in communion with Christ and the eternal assurances of the Gospel.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Sunday: Persecuted Yet Triumphant

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Daily Lesson for Sunday 21st of April 2024

Read Daniel 7:23-25 and Revelation 12:6,14. What prophetic time periods are referred to in these passages?

Whenever God’s people remain faithful to Him, Satan is enraged. Persecution often follows. The prophet Daniel described a time, still future to him, when the medieval church would “make war against” and “persecute” God’s people (Daniel 7:21,25, NKJV).

Peter and Apostles Released from Prison

Image © Providence Collection at Goodsalt.com

The prophet John described this same period as a time when God’s church would be forced to flee into the wilderness, where she would be “nourished for a time and times and half a time” (Revelation 12:14, NKJV). Revelation 12:6 adds, “The woman [the church] fled into the wilderness where she has a place prepared by God” (NKJV). God’s people were nourished in the wilderness. His Word strengthened and sustained them as the great controversy raged on during this long and dark period of papal domination.

God’s people found a “place prepared” for them by God. In life’s greatest challenges, God always prepares a place for His faithful followers. During the times of their greatest trial, His people have found refuge in His love and care. (See Psalms 46:1-11.)

The 1,260 days and the time, times, and half a time in Revelation 12:6,14 are both referring to the same period (3½ times or years x 360 days per year = 1,260 days). Biblical prophecy is often written in symbols. In the prophetic portions of Daniel and Revelation, one prophetic day equals one literal year. We find this day-year principle in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6.

The day-year principle rests not on these two texts only, but on a broad scriptural foundation. William Shea, chronologist and Old Testament scholar, gives twenty-three lines of biblical evidence throughout the Old Testament for this principle. Bible interpreters have used it throughout the centuries.

The Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths were tribes that believed doctrines differently than Rome’s official teaching. The 1,260 days began when the last of these barbarian tribes, the Ostrogoths, were driven out of Rome in a.d. 538. This period of spiritual darkness continued until a.d. 1798, when the Napolean’s general Berthier removed the pope from Rome. Countless Christians were martyred during this long period because they obeyed the Word of God. Even in death, they triumphed. In Christ they were free from the guilt and the dominion of sin, overcoming “through the blood of the Lamb.” Christ’s victory over Satan on the cross was their victory. Though they died, their death is only a rest until the return of Christ.

How has fulfilled Bible prophecy strengthened your faith?

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The post Sunday: Persecuted Yet Triumphant appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24b-04-persecuted-yet-triumphant/

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