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AdventInnovate: blacksdahistory.org

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Blacksdahistory.org is a website that provides free resources, history, and biographies about black Seventh-day Adventists. It was created by Dr. Benjamin Baker, historian and educator, in 2010. Check out the video below or at our YouTube Channel here. To comment, click/tap here. Source: https://atoday.org/adventinnovate-blacksdahistory-org/

9: The Cosmic Conflict — Singing with Inspiration

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The studies in this quarters pamphlet encourage us to see God’s Love and Justice, just as we may sing in 
Hymn 79 – O Love of God, How Strong and True! which is a beautiful theme hymn for our studies.

 The story of the wheat and tares gives us our first hymn to enjoy: 
Hymn 369 – Bringing In The Sheaves.

It is with wonder that we can believe we have our gracious God, and our angels, to guard us in the Great Controversy on this poor old earth. There is the story of our angels guarding us in
 Hymn 47 – God, Who Made The Earth And Heaven for our study time on Monday.

We may say to God that even with all the evil around us, we can still say 
Thy Love, O God – Hymn 354 (Tuesday).

Wednesday teaches us more about making each choice wisely. I choose today just as these hymns say: 
Hymn 6 – O Worship The Lord and 
Hymn 83 – O Worship The King. The story continues and finalizes with Jesus’ experiences teaching us to use Scripture, as He did: 
Hymn 272 – Give Me The Bible.

 Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-the-cosmic-conflict-singing-with-inspiration/

9: The Cosmic Conflict — Teaching Plan

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Key Thought: The cosmic conflict impacts every human being on a daily basis and the universe at large. Satan attempts to usurp the worship that is due God, but he will be defeated in the end.
March 1, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 13:24-27.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
  2. How does this parable help us understand evil in this world?
  3. Personal Application: In what ways are you even now experiencing the reality of the conflict between good and evil in your life? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t think we should be critical or concerned about evil or wrong-doing by anyone, lest we make a mistake and uproot wheat with the tares. We should just ignore wrong-doing in and out of the church, so that we are not condemned as judgmental.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ezekiel 28:12-19. Isaiah 14:12-15.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. What is the nature of Lucifer’s fall?
  3. Personal Application: How does building relationships of trust with others in the church show God’s loving character? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can a perfect being fall from heaven? How could God allow this to happen? Why didn’t He stop it before it got out of control?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 4:1-11.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. How is the reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan revealed here?
  3. Personal Application: Moral character is vital in loving and trusting someone. What virtues do you need to cultivate in order to reflect God’s character? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do we live without fear and apprehension here on the earth knowing that there are wicked spirits and evil everywhere we turn because this is the devil’s world?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read John 8:44,45; Revelation 12:7-9.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. What does this reveal about the character of the devil and his strategy?
  3. Personal Application: How often do you think about the fact that God is grieved by suffering as well? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-the-cosmic-conflict-teaching-plan/

What is Wisdom?

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We have all the knowledge of the world at our fingertips, yet the thing we need most, we cannot find on the internet. WISDOM. Wisdom means obeying the Lord, remembering His words, and understanding. Share this wisdom today! Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Po-IeSGLNM

Lesson 9.The Cosmic Conflict | 9.3 The Origin of the Controversy in Heaven | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

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9.3 The Origin of the Controversy in Heaven
The Fall of Lucifer – Pride as the Source of the Heavenly Conflict
Read Ezekiel 28:12–19 in light of Exodus 25:19–20. What is the nature of this being’s fall?
The origin of evil did not begin on Earth but in heaven. Ezekiel 28:12–19 offers insight into the fall of Lucifer, who later became Satan. Although initially addressed to the king of Tyre, the passage describes a being far beyond any human ruler. Terms like “anointed cherub,” “full of wisdom,” and “perfect in beauty” point to a heavenly figure—Lucifer, originally a high-ranking angel close to God’s throne (cf. Exodus 25:19–20, where cherubim surround God’s presence).
  1. The Fall of Lucifer: Pride and Rebellion
Lucifer was initially perfect, beautiful, and endowed with a special position before God. However, these very gifts led him to pride. In his heart, he exalted himself and desired to be like God (cf. Isaiah 14:12–14). This pride turned admiration into self-glorification and obedience into rebellion. Thus began the cosmic conflict—not due to external lack but because of internal selfishness and arrogance.
Key thought: Evil did not arise from God’s creation but from the misuse of free will by a created being.
  1. The Beginning of the Cosmic Conflict in Heaven
Revelation 12:7–9 describes how Lucifer’s rebellion escalated into open conflict: “And war broke out in heaven.” Lucifer, who became Satan, led other angels into rebellion. Heaven, a place of perfect harmony, was disrupted by pride and distrust. But Satan was defeated and cast to the Earth—where the conflict continued as he tempted Adam and Eve.
Why did God allow this?
God could have immediately destroyed Lucifer, but that would have raised questions about His justice and love. Instead, He allowed the conflict to unfold to show the universe the consequences of rebellion—and the superiority of His love.
  1. Connection to Our Lives Today
This heavenly conflict is not distant—it reflects in our daily lives:
  • Pride and Selfishness: Like Lucifer, we can be tempted to exalt ourselves above others or even above God.
  • Trusting God’s Guidance: Satan’s lies sow doubt about God’s love. We must ask: Do I trust God’s ways even when I don’t fully understand them?
  • Participating in the Spiritual Battle: We are in the midst of this conflict. Our decisions reveal whose side we are on.
  1. Hope Amid the Conflict
Despite the alarming origin of evil, the Bible offers hope:
  • God’s Love Remains Constant: Despite rebellion and sin, God has provided a plan of salvation (Genesis 3:15).
  • Victory is Certain: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection dealt the decisive blow against Satan.
  • We Are Not Alone: God strengthens us in the battle. His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit help us remain steadfast.
Final Thought:
The origin of evil began in heaven through pride and rebellion. God’s response is love, patience, and redemption. In our lives, the question arises: Whom do we trust—ourselves, Satan’s lies, or God’s truth? Let us remain on God’s side, for His victory is sure, and His love carries us through every battle.
Read Isaiah 14:12–15. What additional insight does this passage provide about the origin of the great conflict?
Isaiah 14:12–15 highlights the heart issue behind the great conflict: pride and self-exaltation. Lucifer, once a glorious being, sought not just admiration but God’s throne. His fall began not with an act but with an internal decision to elevate himself above God. This passage underscores that the great conflict is not merely external but a battle for the heart—between humility and pride. Satan’s slander against God mirrors a temptation we also face: Will we give God the glory or exalt ourselves? The text calls us to humility and warns of pride’s destructive consequences.
How should we understand that Lucifer, who fell, was originally “perfect … from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15)? How could a perfect being fall if being “perfect” did not include true moral freedom?
Lucifer’s original perfection (Ezekiel 28:15) shows that God created him flawless, with a pure character, wisdom, and beauty. This perfection, however, included the ability to choose freely. True love and obedience exist only when there is freedom to choose otherwise. Perfection here does not mean an inability to sin but the moral maturity and freedom to choose to love God. Lucifer’s fall resulted from his misuse of free will—not from a fault in God’s creation. Pride and self-exaltation led him to rebel against divine order. Without free choice, Lucifer would have been a programmed servant without a genuine relationship with God. But God desires voluntary love and worship, not forced loyalty. Lucifer’s fall is a tragic reminder that even perfect beings can err when they turn away from God and focus on themselves.
Final Thought:
Perfection includes free will—and this enables genuine love. Yet, that same freedom carries the risk of choosing against God. Lucifer’s fall urges us to use our freedom responsibly and remain humble in our relationship with God.
The fall of Lucifer and the origin of the heavenly conflict are not just historical or theological events—they directly impact our daily lives and faith. Here’s how:
  1. Pride vs. Humility – A Daily Challenge:
    • In daily life: We’re tempted to elevate ourselves, seek recognition, or always be right.
    • In faith: God calls us to humility. Jesus taught: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 14:11).
  2. Free Will – Our Choices Matter:
    • In daily life: Every day, we face decisions: honesty vs. deceit, love vs. indifference, forgiveness vs. bitterness.
    • In faith: God desires our willing love. Choosing to trust Him strengthens our relationship with Him.
  3. The Spiritual Battle is Real:
    • In daily life: Temptations and challenges are not random—they are part of a spiritual conflict.
    • In faith: God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship are our weapons. We are never alone—Jesus fights for us.
  4. Trust Instead of Distrust in God:
    • In daily life: In crises or confusing times, doubt arises. But God promises: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
    • In faith: Trusting God brings peace even when circumstances are challenging.
  5. Hope Amid the Conflict:
    • In daily life: Even when we fail, God’s forgiveness is available.
    • In faith: Christ’s victory ensures that evil does not have the final word. We can live boldly and with hope.
Final Thought:
The cosmic conflict began with pride and rebellion, but God’s response is love and redemption. Daily, we face the same choice Lucifer did: Will we trust God or our pride? Faith reveals itself in small daily decisions. Standing on God’s side brings hope, peace, and a victory already won.
👉 Reflection for Today: Where am I challenged to remain humble and trust God more?

Trust in God’s love, even in the struggle—His victory is certain, and His grace sustains you.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-cosmic-conflict-9-3-the-origin-of-the-controversy-in-heaven-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

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