Surveys reveal a deep lack of trust in institutions and governments. Millions wonder, “Where is there someone who is morally fit to lead the world?” Revelation’s prophecies identify the beast power as the one who, under the auspices of a religious/political union, will be the power believed to fill this role.

Read Revelation 17:12-14. How does John describe these final scenes of earth’s history? What powerful contrast is seen here?

There are three significant points John makes in this passage. First, the political powers have “one mind” and “give their power and authority” to the beast. Second, this conglomerate of error makes war against Jesus the Lamb. Third, in earth’s last war, Christ and His followers are triumphant. The beast does not win; Jesus does.

Image © Providence Collection at Goodsalt.com

Have you ever wondered what strategy the devil might use to unite the nations? History often repeats itself. We discover valuable lessons from the collapse of the Roman Empire. When the Germanic invasions from the north threatened Western Europe, the Roman Emperor Constantine turned to religion. The authority of the church, combined with the power of the state, became the very instrument Constantine needed. The continual strengthening of the sanctity of Sunday in the fourth century was a calculated political and religious move to unite the empire at a time of crisis. Constantine wanted his empire united, and the Roman Church wanted it “converted.” The renowned historian Arthur Weigall states it clearly: “The church made a sacred day of Sunday … largely because it was the weekly festival of the sun; for it was a definite Christian policy to take over the pagan festivals endeared to the people by tradition and give them Christian significance.” — The Paganism in Our Christianity (New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1928), p. 145.

At a time of great crisis, when all the world is scared, hurting, and fearful, people will be desperate for someone to bring some stability and protection. This is how tyranny has arisen in the past, and there’s no reason to think that it could not happen again. According to prophecy, something will bring about these final events.

Though it’s hard to know how all this could unfold, the world has already seen how great changes can come, and very quickly, too. Though we don’t know details about what is coming, we need to be ready for whatever does come.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/tuesday-satans-final-strategy/

“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.

 “God will have a people who will not capitulate,” says Sabbath afternoon’s study, therefore I know perfectly that I am
A Child of the King – Hymn 468.

“The apostle Paul warns the Christian community of a ‘falling away’ but I say 
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 which gives me Wonderful Words of Life – Hymn 296. With that preparation being done, it is with great joy that I know that 
Christ Is Coming – Hymn and 
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213 (Monday).

With Jesus winning the battle (Tuesday), with great adulation we all will be able to 
Crown Him With Many Crowns – Hymn 223.

Weary souls will be out 
Long Upon The Mountains – Hymn 447 keeping the ten commandments (verse 2), and we are all advised to 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 (Wednesday).

I wish to BE one of those who will “stand firm in their convictions to follow Him” (Thursday): 
How Firm A Foundation – Hymn 509. Further on this day, we learn “He invites us to let Him shape our minds by His Holy Spirit so that we cannot be moved from the anchor of our faith in the Word of God”: 
Hymn 534 – Will Your Anchor Hold? so that we may 
Stand Like The Brave – Hymn 610. We are to encourage each other: 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602.

The final thought on Friday states “Creator and Redeemer, the only one worthy of worship”: 
Hymn 6 – O Worship The Lord and 
Hymn 83 O Worship The King.

 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!(0)

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/12-the-seal-of-god-and-mark-of-the-beast-pt-2-singing-with-inspiration/