Revelation chapter 14 contains the key texts in regard to the Lord’s last-day message to His people and to the world. Central to it all is the return of Jesus, the fulfillment of His promise that “you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven“ (Mark 14:62, NKJV).

Read Revelation 14:14. What title is used to describe Jesus as He returns to earth? Why do you think John uses this title for Jesus?

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Jesus used the term “Son of Man” to refer to Himself 82 times in the Gospels. It was one of His favorite titles. He used it as an expression of endearment to identify with us. He is a Savior who understands us, has experienced our temptations, and has passed through our trials. He is the “Son of Man” who is returning to take us home. The Jesus who comes for us is the same Jesus who lived among us. He is qualified to redeem us because He became One of us, and yet, as one of us, He met the full fury of Satan’s temptations and, yes, was victorious.

What do we learn from the following Bible verses in Matthew about Jesus, the Son of Man?

Matthew 16:27

Matthew 24:27, 

Matthew 24:30

Matthew 25:31-32

Notice some elements in these passages: (1) Jesus, the Son of Man, is coming in glory with His angels. (2) He will divide the sheep from the goats (basically a judgment). (3) The destiny of the nations and all humanity will be decided for eternity.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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And he [Elijah] said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”…… Yet I [God] have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:14,18 NKJV

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Yes, Elijah was living during a time of severe apostasy from truth, but he was not the only one left who was true to God. Elijah thought he had to run from Israel because of the apostasy, while God assured him He had 7,000 faithful people who had not run away from Israel.

For several years now, I have heard people in the church complain that they are the only ones still preaching the three angels’ message, while on the other hand, I have heard many preachers preaching the three angels’ message. There are also many authors in the church still writing about our special message. As with Elijah, it is tempting, while many are apostatizing from the truth, to think we are the only faithful ones left. However, just as John predicted in Revelation 14:6-12, the three angels’ message is being proclaimed to every creature on earth. God does have a people who are faithful to Him and keep His commandments.  So, why are so many tempted to think they are the only true worshipers left? Why do some preachers and teachers even suggest they are the last ones still teaching this special truth? 

1. Like Elijah, they may be very discouraged by the apostasy, and feeling isolated, but they need to be encouraged as Elijah was, that God still has thousands in the church, who remain faithful and are not running away.

2. Or they could be on an ego trip and wanting to put themselves in an elite group or class of the “remnant of the remnant,” thus elevating themselves above everyone else. Years ago, I was at a men’s ministry retreat where the speaker kept reiterating, over several discourses, how men everywhere were falling into sin and immorality, and in each illustration he was the only man in the story doing the right thing. After several of his presentations, a group of us men were on a walk, when it started being discussed that this speaker was presenting himself as “the last good man left on earth.” None of us were buying it, and sadly, a couple of years later, this man was caught having an affair. He was clearly not the last good man left!

3. Satan will create conflicts, trying to work things to where God’s faithful people will have personality issues with each other, and isolate from each other. Is it possible Elijah was aware of the other 7,000, but just did not get along with them? Nothing in Scripture indicates that this was or was not the case. It is something for us to consider in our own personal cases, when we feel isolated for the sake of truth.

Remember, it was Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-14 who wanted to isolate himself into a class all his own. It is God who tells us there are 7,000 more for every one of us who thinks he is alone. It is God who told John the Revelator,  in Revelation 7, that there is a faithful multitude which cannot even be numbered .

During times of widespread apostasy, Satan wants to discourage God’s people by making them feel alone, or send them on an ego trip by making them feel they are in a special class by themselves. Yes, in the last days, we are facing widespread apostasy, but let’s not neutralize the power of the everlasting gospel given by the first angel, by trying to make it look like we are the last ones preaching truth, and are in a special class all by ourselves. During apostasy, we need unity more than ever. Let’s not put ourselves in a special class above the 7,000 faithful who do not run away from the church. Let’s not isolate ourselves from the multitude of faithful who are way beyond number. Let’s all keep faithfully and humbly preaching Bible Truth, and pray for and encourage God’s faithful people in our church and around the world.

Amen!(2)

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“Three Cosmic Messages” encourages us to 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 as we near the end of this old world’s history to witness the Second Coming of our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful hymn to give courage, dear people, and is our theme for this quarter.

 We will be noting at times throughout the quarter that 
‘Tis Almost Time For The Lord To Come – Hymn 212 and we should be proclaiming the message that
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213.

 For this week’s study, Matthew 24:14 says 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378 with Revelation 14:14-20 telling us 
Let Every Lamp Be Burning Bright – Hymn 595 and 
Hymn 211 – Lo! He Comes.

Sunday asks the question if we are for or against Jesus. May we all choose to be faithful: 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 and then 
Tell It To Every Kindred and Nation – Hymn 202.

It won’t be long and “The Son of Man Returns” so 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 (Monday).

 Hymn 416 – The Judgment Has Set is our reminder for Tuesday.

I cannot wait to see “The Victor’s Crown” of our Lord Jesus:  
Hymn 199 – The Head That Once Was Crowned and 
Hymn 223 – Crown Him With Many Crowns.

In today’s world we see that 
Far And Near The Fields Are Teeming – Hymn 358 as is stated in Thursday’s study time.

 “God call us now….to surrender our lives to Him”, says Friday’s finale: 
Hymn 309 – I Surrender All.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

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.”

Amen!(1)

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Key Thought: The three angels’ messages are Jesus’ final message of mercy, a call to trust Jesus’ righteousness to justify, sanctify, and glorify us.
April 8, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What is the cloud of white, the Son of man, the golden crown, and the sharp sickle represent?
   (Note: Psalm 104:3, Psalm 68:17, 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 14:15-18.)
3. Personal Application: What event follows the three angel’s messages given by the remnant people of God? What does this tell you about the time and urgency of the message? Share your thoughts..
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I thought Jesus comes secretly to snatch up His people. This looks like there is a slaughter when Jesus comes. What is this all about?” How would you respond to your relative?
   (Note: See 2 Peter 3:10-12, Jeremiah 4:23-28, Jeremiah 25:31-33.)

2. Have a volunteer read Daniel 7:9-14, Acts 1:9.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does it mean that the ancient of days did sit?
3. Personal Application: What does in mean that the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days? Share your thoughts
   (Note: Verse 10 states the Judgment was set. Jesus identifies Himself with humanity to plead their cases as our attorney or advocate with the Father.)
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What do we know about judgment? I thought judgment was only for the non-Christians or the lost. Doesn’t the Bible say that Christians don’t face judgment?” How would you respond to your friend?
   (Note: See 2 Corinthians 5:10, Eccl. 12:13,14, Hebrews 9:27, I Peter 4:17)

3. Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:15, Mark 4:26-29.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is the harvest? Who is involved in the harvest? When is the harvest?
3. Personal Application: How can we be ready every day for the second coming? What is the connection between justification and sanctification? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Why does the “reaping” or the harvest seem to intermingle with the destruction of the wicked illustrated by rivers of blood? Did Jesus ever say anything or did the Bible say anything about the lost being destroyed at the second coming?” How would you respond to your relative?
   (Note: Matthew 13:29,30,38-40; Isaiah 66:15-17)

4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:17-20.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is the winepress of the wrath of God?
   (Note: See Revelation 16:1)
3. Personal Application: Why is it important to discern between good and evil? How do we get this spiritual discernment? 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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