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Exodus – Lesson 2.The Burning Bush | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

July 5, 2025 By admin

Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 2.The Burning Bush
God Encounters – Moses at the Burning Bush

Lesson 2 brings us to a crucial turning point in Moses’ life. In the solitude of the wilderness, he encounters God in an unexpected way – in a burning bush that is not consumed. This holy appearance is more than a miracle: it is the beginning of God’s active intervention to deliver Israel. Moses is called to stand before Pharaoh with divine authority, even though he feels weak and unqualified. But God reveals His name, His nearness, and His plan. The lesson shows us how God calls ordinary people in their weakness – and equips and sends them with His Spirit.

Content:
2.1 The Burning Bush
God Meets Moses: The Burning Bush as a Turning Point of Calling

The burning bush marks a sacred turning point in Moses’ life. After 40 years in the solitude of Midian, he encounters God in a supernatural way – not with power, but in a humble thorn bush that is not consumed. This appearance shows that God works through weakness and simplicity, yet with holy authority. As Moses removes his sandals, his journey from shepherd to Israel’s deliverer begins. God’s self-introduction as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” reminds Moses of the enduring validity of the promises. This scene teaches us: calling takes time – and God often forms His instruments in secret before using them publicly.

2.2 The Angel of the Lord
The Angel of the Lord – Jesus as the Divine Messenger of Deliverance

In the appearance of “the Angel of the Lord,” no one less than Christ Himself is revealed – speaking to Moses from the burning bush. The term “angel” here does not refer to a created being, but to the divine Messenger who is God Himself. This encounter reveals not only God’s presence but also His compassion: He sees His people’s suffering and intervenes personally. Moses is entrusted with an overwhelming task – the deliverance of Israel. His reaction, “Who am I?” shows deep humility and self-doubt, but also reverence for the divine call. God uses precisely such humble hearts because they rely not on themselves but on His power.

2.3 The Name of the Lord
“I Am Who I Am” – God’s Name as a Revelation of His Presence

Moses asks for God’s name because he wants to know who is sending him – and what he should say to the people. God’s answer “I Am Who I Am” reveals more than a name: it shows God’s eternal presence, reliability, and closeness. “Yahweh” not only means that God exists, but that He is personally involved in the lives of His people. This name stands for God’s faithfulness in the covenant and His care for the suffering. It becomes clear to Moses: the God of the patriarchs is still the same – alive and active today. To call upon the name of the Lord means trusting not a distant deity, but a God who lives among His people.

2.4 Four Excuses
Four Excuses – and God’s Patient Calling

Despite God’s direct call, Moses tried to avoid his responsibility with four excuses. He felt unworthy, feared rejection, doubted his impact, and saw himself as a poor speaker. But God did not respond with anger – instead, He gave reassurance, signs, and support, revealing His patience and care. God’s calling is not directed at the most capable, but at those willing to be equipped by Him. Aaron was given as a concrete helper, but the mission remained Moses’. We, too, may bring our weaknesses honestly before God – and experience how He reveals His strength right there.

2.5 The Circumcision
Obedience Under the Covenant – The Serious Lesson of Circumcision

The incident with the neglected circumcision shows how seriously God takes obedience and covenant faithfulness – especially for someone like Moses, called to lead. Although Moses obeyed the divine call, he had neglected a known duty, which made him vulnerable. God could not use him as Israel’s spiritual leader while he was inconsistent himself. Zipporah’s decisive intervention saved Moses’ life, but it also revealed the urgency of not delaying God’s clear commands. This dramatic scene shows: God is merciful, but also holy – and negligence can be dangerous. If we know what is right but hesitate to do it, God lovingly yet firmly calls us to turn and act.

2.6 Summary
God’s Call from the Fire – Calling, Name, and Mission

In Lesson 2, we meet Moses at the burning bush – a sacred moment when God personally calls him. After 40 years in the wilderness, God reveals Himself as the “I Am” – eternal, faithful, and present. He commissions Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, despite Moses’ doubts and excuses. God responds to his objections with patience, power, and promises – and even sends Aaron as help. God’s name “Yahweh” shows that He is a covenant God who acts in love. The lesson reminds us: God calls ordinary people with humble hearts to extraordinary tasks – and equips them fully.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/exodus-lesson-2-the-burning-bush-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Exodus – Lesson 1.Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

June 28, 2025 By admin

Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 1.Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses
From Blessing to Slavery: God at Work in Difficult Times

The first lesson takes us to the beginning of the book of Exodus, where we witness Israel’s transition from a time of great blessing to the harsh reality of oppression. What began with rescue through Joseph ends under a new Pharaoh in fear, suffering, and slavery. Yet even in this dark time, God’s presence remains evident—through courageous individuals like the midwives and His unseen guidance. The birth of Moses marks the beginning of a great plan of deliverance, even though the circumstances appear hopeless. This lesson reminds us that God is still at work, even when we don’t immediately perceive Him. His plan continues—despite the shadow of oppression.

1.1 God’s People in Egypt
From Blessing to Oppression: God’s People Under Foreign Rule

The book of Exodus begins with a reflection on God’s blessing over the descendants of Jacob, who greatly multiplied in Egypt. But this blessing was soon overshadowed by a new political regime—a king who didn’t know Joseph and felt threatened, leading to the oppression of the people. This turn of events reminds us that favorable circumstances are never guaranteed and should not be taken for granted. Despite severe oppression, the people continued to grow—a sign of God’s abiding presence and faithfulness. The story shows that God works even through suffering and fulfills His promises—even amid human injustice. The beginning of Exodus is a testimony that God’s plan is greater than human schemes.

1.2 The Historical Background
God’s Faithfulness in History: From Joseph’s Rise to Israel’s Oppression

Israel’s story in Egypt begins with God’s guidance and Joseph’s remarkable rise, which ultimately saved many lives. But with the change in Egypt’s leadership, the situation turned, and God’s people fell under heavy oppression. Despite changing political circumstances, one thing remained constant: God’s work behind the scenes. He never forgot His people, not even in times of slavery and hardship. The historical developments show that God continues to act even through political and social upheaval. The story reminds us that God’s plan moves forward faithfully—even through human power struggles.

1.3 The Hebrew Midwives
Courage for Truth: Faithful Women Against the King’s Decree

The two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, represent quiet but powerful resistance against injustice. Although they disobeyed the command of the powerful Pharaoh, they acted out of reverence for God and saved many children from death. Their names are remembered to this day, while the Pharaoh’s name is forgotten—a sign of whom God honors. In a time of darkness, they were bearers of light through their determination to do what was right. Their example teaches us that true courage means fearing God more than people. Even simple acts of faith can have lasting consequences—for history and for the kingdom of God.

1.4 Moses Is Born
A Child of Hope: God’s Plan Begins in Secret

The birth of Moses occurred under life-threatening circumstances, yet God’s providence and protection were clearly evident. Not only was Moses saved, but he was also taken in and raised by the household of the enemy—a divine act of irony and grace. His mother was allowed to nurse and influence him, even though he officially belonged to the Egyptian princess. The term tov (“good”) reveals that God had great plans for him—even in seemingly hopeless conditions. Moses is a sign that God prepares a deliverer in the midst of chaos. His story reminds us that God’s plans often begin in secret—but they never fail.

1.5 A Change of Plan
When Plans Fail: God’s Way Often Begins Where Ours Ends

Moses’ killing of the Egyptian suddenly changed the course of his life—from heir to the throne to fugitive. Though his action wasn’t God’s will, the story shows that God can use even our failures to fulfill His greater purpose. In the wilderness of Midian, Moses wasn’t discarded but shaped—far from Egypt’s splendor and closer to God’s presence. The former prince had to learn humility and dependence before becoming an instrument of deliverance. God’s ways are not our ways, yet they are good and purposeful. Romans 8:28 reminds us: Even detours and failures can be part of His greater plan.

1.6 Summary
God’s Plan in the Shadow of Oppression

Lesson 1 traces Israel’s journey from a blessed settlement in Egypt to brutal enslavement under a new Pharaoh. Despite harsh oppression, the people continued to grow—a sign of God’s ongoing faithfulness. In the midst of suffering, courageous women like the Hebrew midwives resisted evil and saved lives. The birth of Moses—a “good” child—occurred under threat of death, yet God’s protection and providence were clearly at work. Moses was raised in the house of the enemy but fled to Midian after a fateful mistake, where God continued to prepare him. This lesson shows: Even in darkness and upheaval, God’s plan remains alive—and He prepares deliverers long before we recognize them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/exodus-lesson-1-oppression-the-background-and-the-birth-of-moses-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Allusions, Images, Symbols – Lesson 13.Images of the End | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

June 21, 2025 By admin

Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 13.Images of the End
Prophetic Images – Signposts for the End Times

Lesson 13 takes us on a symbolic journey through biblical stories that are far more than historical records – they carry prophetic meaning for the end times. Characters such as Jonah, Belshazzar, and Cyrus, as well as events like the fall of Babylon, serve as foreshadowings of what is yet to come. In these stories, God reveals not only judgment but also His grace and willingness to save. These images are meant to awaken us, encourage us, and call us to make a decision for Christ. In a world full of spiritual confusion, it is essential to pay attention to God’s Word and interpret the signs of the times correctly. Those who learn from the past are prepared for what lies ahead.

Content:
13.1 The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah – A Reflection of God’s End-Time Messengers

Jonah was a reluctant prophet – and in that, he reflects many Christians today. His story shows how God patiently and purposefully shapes His messengers, even when they hesitate or run away. Jesus Himself referred to Jonah as a sign pointing to His own death and resurrection, giving the gospel its deepest meaning. Especially noteworthy is Jonah’s confession of the Creator God – a theme echoed in the first angel’s message in Revelation. Like Jonah, we are called today to proclaim a message of repentance – often against resistance. Yet God’s mission remains: Call people to turn back, even when it’s uncomfortable.

13.2 A Work of Repentance
Repentance Changes the Outcome – Even in the End Times

Jonah’s message was clear and uncompromising: Nineveh faced judgment. But the people’s response – sincere repentance and turning from evil – completely changed the outcome. This shows that God’s judgment is not arbitrary, but responsive to human decisions. In the end times as well, there will be people who heed God’s call and are spared. However, not all prophecies are conditional – some, like Christ’s return or the plagues, will be fulfilled without exception. The decisions we make today reveal whether we will be ready when the final events unfold.

13.3 Belshazzar’s Feast
Belshazzar – Knowledge Alone Does Not Prevent the Fall if the Heart Remains Proud

Belshazzar’s feast was more than a decadent act – it was a deliberate provocation against the God of heaven. Despite knowing his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar’s story and spiritual transformation, Belshazzar ignored the warnings. His greatest guilt was not ignorance, but willful contempt. He knew better – yet he did not humble himself. In the end times, it will be similar: Many will recognize the truth, but it is the heart that determines whether they turn to God or reject Him. Spiritual insight must be coupled with a humble heart – otherwise, it leads not to salvation, but to judgment.

13.4 The Drying of the Euphrates
When the River Runs Dry – The Fall of Babylon Is Near

The fall of ancient Babylon was both sudden and symbolic: the Euphrates, once a source of security, became a pathway for enemy invasion. Revelation 16 picks up this image prophetically – the “drying up of the Euphrates” signals the fall of end-time Babylon. The parallels are striking: indifference, celebration, and spiritual blindness once led – and will again lead – to sudden judgment. Yet even within these grim scenes shines a promise: “Behold, I come as a thief… Blessed is the one who stays awake.” (Rev. 16:15) Those who remain spiritually alert and clothed in Christ’s righteousness will not be caught off guard. The choice lies with each of us – now.

13.5 Cyrus, the Anointed
Cyrus – A Pagan King as a Foreshadowing of the Redeemer

Cyrus was not an Israelite, yet God used him to free His people – a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over history. As the “anointed one” (Isa. 45:1), Cyrus prophetically prefigures Christ, who will also defeat Babylon and ultimately liberate His people. Cyrus’s decree not only initiated the rebuilding of the temple but also helped shape salvation history leading to the birth of Jesus. Like with Cyrus, we see that God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His promises. This strengthens our confidence that the final prophetic scenes will certainly unfold. Cyrus’s story reminds us: God is in control – even when His ways seem hidden.

13.6 Summary
Warning, Grace, and Hope – Lessons from the Past for the End Time

Lesson 13 uses vivid Old Testament imagery to show how seriously God takes His warnings – and how great His grace is. Jonah, Belshazzar, Babylon, and Cyrus symbolically represent spiritual realities of the end times. While God stirred Nineveh to repentance, Belshazzar’s pride led to judgment. The drying up of the Euphrates points prophetically to the fall of modern Babylon, while Cyrus foreshadows Christ as the ultimate liberator. This lesson emphasizes that our decisions today determine on which side we will stand when the final events take place. God’s call to repentance is still open – and His promise of deliverance remains sure.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/allusions-images-symbols-lesson-13-images-of-the-end-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Allusions, Images, Symbols – Lesson 11.Ruth and Esther | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

June 7, 2025 By admin

Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 11. Ruth and Esther
Divine Providence and the Story of Redemption in the Great Controversy

Lesson 11 invites us to discover the deep connections between the accounts of Ruth and Esther and the great spiritual conflict. In both stories, God’s care meets us in the midst of hardship—whether through Boaz’s saving hand or Esther’s courageous intervention at the royal court. At the same time, the claims of Satan and the dark context in which God protects and delivers His people are revealed. The typology of Boaz as a foreshadowing of Christ and the parallels to biblical prophecy point to God’s comprehensive plan to overcome rebellion and suffering. Thus, this lesson encourages us to recognize God’s sovereign guidance in both small and large matters and to fix our hope firmly on His ultimate intervention.

Content:
11.1 Famine in “The House of Bread”
God’s Caring Presence amid Human Need

The account of the famine in Bethlehem vividly shows how the consequences of human rebellion alienate us from God’s original blessing. Although the earth still yields abundance, our greed and selfishness lead to scarcity and suffering. Yet even in this apparent emptiness, God’s unfailing faithfulness is revealed: He remains present and acts in history without violating our free will. Naomi’s and Ruth’s plight reminds us that we share responsibility for our situation, but that does not stop Him from offering rescue and hope. The story encourages us to trust that God will one day finally overcome sin and suffering.

11.2 Ruth and Boaz
The Redeeming Kinsman as a Type of Christ

In the encounter between Ruth and Boaz, God’s provident care is revealed in a unique way. Boaz’s kindness takes on even greater significance when Naomi realizes he is also the kinsman-redeemer who can secure her inheritance. This makes clear that our spiritual poverty need not be the end of the story, for God’s salvation comes through one who fully understands our plight. In Boaz, we see a picture of Christ, who not only acts generously but also unites Himself with our condition. His incarnation and sacrifice show that God takes us as His bride despite our brokenness. This truth invites us to derive our identity not from our own efforts but from His redeeming love.

11.3 Boaz as Redeemer
The True Heir: Christ’s Victory over Satan’s Claim

The account of Boaz’s intervention at the city gate demonstrates that love and justice go hand in hand: Boaz is prepared to stand for Ruth and secure her claim. Yet a “closer kinsman” symbolizes Satan’s claim on humanity, asserted through guilt and sin. Just as Boaz bypasses the nearer relative to redeem Ruth, so Christ overcomes Satan’s claim on us by His vicarious sacrifice. The sandal exchange at the gate underscores that ownership and legal right are only truly transferred through payment of the price—Christ’s blood. This image invites us to place our trust not in our own works but in the only One worthy to redeem us.

11.4 Haman and Satan
The Power-Hungry One and His Eternal Adversary

Haman embodies Satan’s pride and obsession with power by elevating himself above all other princes and demanding their homage. Like Lucifer, he rejects any subordination to God’s sovereignty and directs his wrath at those who remain faithful. The parallel in Revelation shows that Satan’s strategy is the same from then until the end: he offers wealth and security but demands total devotion. Yet the faithful—whether in Esther’s story or in John’s vision—resist his demands and thereby affirm God’s ultimate rule. Their steadfastness demonstrates that true loyalty springs not from coerced worship but from unshakable trust in the Redeemer. Finally, this narrative teaches us that those who hold fast in the little things will be victorious in the ultimate test.

11.5 For Such a Time as This
Hope for the Final Act in the Great Controversy

Studying prophecy must not lead us into fear and despair but should keep before us the red thread of divine promise until the end. Though severe trials lie ahead, the story of Esther and the vision in Revelation 12 remind us that God never abandons His bride. Just as Esther was chosen “for such a time as this” to rescue her people, so we are not without divine assistance in the end times. The King Himself advocates for us, and the promise of deliverance is as certain as the announcement of tribulation. Those who read prophecy through to its liberating conclusion maintain their trust in God’s final victory. Therefore, it is worthwhile to keep the big picture in view so that hope is not lost in the details.

11.6 Summary
God’s Saving Hand in the Great Controversy

The stories of Ruth and Esther show how God’s love and care remain effective even in times of need and oppression. In Ruth, God’s promise is revealed through Boaz, the redeemer who rescues the childless family and thus points to Christ as the true Redeemer. The parallels to Satan’s claim—seen in Job’s trial, the dispute over Moses, and the temptation of Christ—make clear that the enemy seeks a “closer kinsman” to claim us. In Esther, we see how God protects His people through seemingly coincidental turns of events and courageous intermediaries. Both narratives encourage us to trust in God’s sovereign salvation in both small and great matters. They invite us to embrace the biblical story of redemption in all its scope, both as a challenge and a comfort until the very end.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/allusions-images-symbols-lesson-11-ruth-and-esther-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

Allusions, Images, Symbols – Lesson 10.Upon Whom the Ends Have Come | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

May 31, 2025 By admin

Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 10.Upon Whom the Ends Have Come
Ready for the Final Hour – God Judges and Saves

Lesson 10 takes us on a journey through central end-time scenarios of the Bible, beginning with the wrath of the Lamb and ending with the pre-advent judgment. We meet Noah, who built unwaveringly on God’s word, and Abraham, who deepened the understanding of divine justice in conversation with God. The tragic examples of Sodom and Gomorrah warn us of the consequences of unrepented sin, while Daniel 7 reveals the final divine judgment under the Son of Man, Jesus. Throughout these accounts runs the golden thread of God’s sovereignty, grace, and transparency in the plan of salvation. This lesson encourages us to remain watchful, examine our hearts, and tirelessly proclaim the gospel until the final hour.

Content:
10.1 The Wrath of the Lamb
When the Lamb is Angry – The Final Hour of Grace

In Revelation 6:12–17, we see heaven and earth trembling, and humanity frightened before the wrath of the Lamb—even though they know His story. Interestingly, the lost do not complain about a lack of information, but about their hopeless condition: they acknowledge the judgment, yet don’t know how to escape. Their cry, “Who can stand?” reveals that knowledge alone does not save, but obedience and faith. Noah’s time already shows in Matthew 24:36–44 that warnings and commandments do not prevent many from being caught unprepared. The increasing attitude of mockery (2 Peter 3:3–4) stretches the apparent delay—until the hour of decision strikes each individual. This awareness should prompt us to remain alert and continue proclaiming the gospel until “the day” truly comes.

10.2 Noah’s Evangelism
Steadfast in the Call to Salvation

Noah’s century-long building of the ark shows us that obedience precedes understanding: he acted on God’s word, even when no visible results were seen. Many still dismiss the flood as a myth today, even though it is clearly attested in Scripture and tradition. Just as in Noah’s time, the moral atmosphere was filled with lawlessness and rejection of divine guidance (Genesis 6:1–8). This teaches us that our proclamation of the “Three Angels’ Messages” must not depend on numerical success but on faithful witness. Jesus Himself reminds us in John 4:37 that sowing and reaping have their seasons—we sow, even if we do not yet see the growth. Thus, we remain in service, knowing that God will complete His “work of grace” when the time is fulfilled.

10.3 The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
When the Fire of Judgment Falls – Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah shows how deep wickedness and spiritual adultery can bring an entire people to ruin (Ezekiel 16:46–50). Peter and Jude directly connect this Old Testament judgment with the end times to warn us that we too will be judged by fire if we persist in sin (2 Peter 2:4–11; Jude 5–8). Shockingly, Israel in its spiritual arrogance acted worse than those cities—a sharp image of how complacency blinds us (Ezekiel 16:47). Paul adds that the worst transgressions arise precisely when we consider ourselves morally superior (Romans 1:18–32). Like David, who only recognized his own guilt through Nathan’s parable, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah calls us to honestly examine our own hearts before judging others. In this way, God’s Word protects us from self-deception and leads us to repentance.

10.4 The Judge of All the Earth
The Righteous Judge Grants Insight Before the Final Judgment

In Genesis 18:17–32, God reveals Himself as the one who discloses His judicial process and grants Abraham’s intercession before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. This conversation reveals His nature: He judges with justice, not arbitrarily, and listens to the pleas of the righteous. By inviting Abraham to explore the threshold of righteousness—“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”—God shows His willingness to be examined by His creation. The same openness is reflected in the millennium (Revelation 20), when the heavenly books are reviewed. It becomes clear: God’s character combines perfect holiness with patient transparency, even in the face of final judgment.

10.5 The Pre-Advent Judgment
Before the Throne of the Son of Man – God’s Redemptive Judgment

In Daniel 7:9–10,13–14,22,26–27, we witness the pre-advent judgment, where “the Son of Man,” Jesus, comes before the throne and proclaims that justice is given to the saints of the Most High. The main focus of this heavenly court is not revenge but the final affirmation and vindication of those who are in covenant with Christ. The books are opened so that both angels and humans may review the entire plan of redemption. In the end, the verdict declares that the eternal kingdom belongs to the Son and His saints—evidence that God’s grace and justice are united in Him. Therefore, our only hope in this judgment is not our own merit but the perfect righteousness of the One who atoned for us.

10.6 Summary
When the Final Hour Strikes – Insights for the End Times

Lesson 10 takes us through key accounts—from the warnings of the Lamb’s judgment to Noah’s patient preaching and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—to reveal God’s character as both righteous Judge and merciful Redeemer. We see how God’s wrath and mercy go hand in hand: He warns His people, tests their willingness to repent, and grants deep insight into His decision-making. The image of the pre-advent judgment in Daniel 7 presents Jesus as the substitute advocate and judge, whose perfect righteousness saves His people. Each biblical story reminds us that information alone is not enough—we must allow our hearts to be transformed. Thus, Lesson 10 reminds us that the gospel must be proclaimed until the very end, and our only security when the final hour comes lies in the grace of Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/allusions-images-symbols-lesson-10-upon-whom-the-ends-have-come-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/