God has raised up a last-day people to stand on the shoulders of the great Reformers of the past with the Bible as their only creed, Christ alone as their only source of salvation, the Holy Spirit as their only source of strength, and the return of our Lord as the consummation of all their hopes. Truths long obscured by the darkness of error and tradition, including the true Bible Sabbath, will be proclaimed to the world just before the return of our Lord.

The three angels’ messages gave birth to this last-day movement to complete the Reformation and to participate with Christ in finishing His work on earth.

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The great prophecies of the Bible’s last book reveal a divine movement of destiny arising out of disappointment to proclaim God’s final message to the world. Revelation chapter 14 describes a worldwide church spanning the globe with the good news of the eternal gospel.

The three angels of Revelation chapter 14 are joined by a fourth angel in Revelation chapter 18. This angel gives power to the proclamation of the three angels so that the “earth [is] lightened with [God’s] glory” (Revelation 18:1). Chapter 18 focuses on the major events leading up to the climax of human history and the final, ultimate triumph of the gospel.

Read Revelation 18:1. What three things does John tell us about this angel? (See also Habakkuk 2:14.)

The angel who comes down from the glorious presence of God in the throne room of the sanctuary was commissioned to proclaim God’s last message of mercy and to warn the inhabitants of the earth of what is coming upon planet Earth.

The text says that the angel comes with “great authority” (Revelation 18:1, NKJV). The New Testament Greek word for “authority” is exousia. Jesus uses this word in the Gospel of Matthew in harmony with the sending out of His disciples. In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gives His disciples “authority” (NIV) over the principalities and powers of evil. He sends them out with the divine power to be victorious in the battle between good and evil. In Matthew 28:18-19, He once again sends them out, but this time with “all authority” in heaven and on earth to go and “make disciples of all the nations” (NKJV).

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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Read John 8:32, John 7:17, and John 17:17. What promises does Jesus give regarding knowing truth, and where is it found?

God’s final appeal to His people is to flee the errors of Babylon and walk in the light of eternal truth found in His Word. The key to everything is the Bible. As long as people stick to the Bible and follow what it teaches, they will not be deceived in the final crisis, particularly regarding the Sabbath.

The message of the second angel appeals to us to accept truth rather than error, Scripture rather than tradition, and the teachings of God’s Word rather than the errors of false doctrine.

image © Linda Lovett from GoodSalt.com

The third angel’s message, which follows the first two angels, presents a warning against the mark of the beast. Throughout the prophecies of the Bible, a beast represents a political or religious power. The sea beast of Revelation 13:1-18 and chapter 14 arises out of Rome as a worldwide system of worship. Eventually this Roman power extends its influence over the whole world and will lead out in a movement to unite church and state. The goal will be to achieve world unity at a time of economic upheaval, natural catastrophes, social turmoil, international political crisis, and global conflict.

And, the United States will eventually take the lead in this global confederation. “Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 588.

These messages conclude with an urgent appeal for Christ’s faithful followers to keep the commandments of God through the living faith of Jesus dwelling in their hearts (Revelation 14:12).

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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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 note 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.

Sabbath afternoon’s introduction to the weeks’ study has our title singing 
Hymn 341 – To God Be The Glory. We are then reminded, 
Don’t Forget The Sabbath – Hymn 388 which is 
The Holy Sabbath Day of Rest – Hymn 381 because  
We Love Thy Sabbath, Lord – Hymn 390.

Instruction is given on Sunday 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 because 
We Know Not The Hour – Hymn 604. On reviewing Daniel 2, we learn 
If You But Trust in God To Guide You – Hymn 510 then we will 
Only Trust Him – Hymn 379.

“Knowing Truth” will only come from The Bible: 
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272. We see “urgent appeal for Christ’s faithful followers to keep the commandments of God” concluding Monday’s study time:  
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 so that we can then say 
My Faith Has Found A Resting Place – Hymn 523.

 The people during the reformation stated many times 
God Is My Strong Salvation – Hymn 339 and 
For Your Holy Book We Thank You – Hymn 277. Now, in this time of earth’s history, as always 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378 and 
Ye Servants Of God (your Master proclaim) –
Hymn 256 to hasten our Lord’s return to take us Home to Heaven.

 On Wednesday we see the word “glory” many times as we do when singing 
To God Be The Glory – Hymn 341.

 Once again we view 
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272, as the Word of God – Thursday. Here we learn 
Worthy, Worthy Is The Lamb – Hymn 246.

Friday culminates in the review of the week with 
Ye Servants Of God – Hymn 256 to “hasten from place to place” as we all 
Stand Like the Brave – Hymn 610, and 
Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus – Hymn 618 because we are 
Standing On The Promises – Hymn 518.

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.”

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Key Thought: God has raised up the SDA church to preach the three angel’s messages to the world. Thus we need to be converted and transformed by the everlasting gospel.
June 24, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:1-6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does Paul tell us about the last days of human history?
3. Personal Application: How can we know if we are, indeed, sleeping, and if we are, what would it take to wake us up? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What world events do you see happening right now that could lead to final events?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Revelation 18:1-4.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What three things does John tell us about this angel?
3. Personal Application: How do the issues in the last days come down to authority? Whose authority do we follow today: God’s, the beast’s powers, our own, or someone else’s? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why would God warn people about church systems being full of demons and unclean and hateful birds? And why would He say He has people in those systems? Why does He call them out instead of trying to reform the systems?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Revelation 4:11, 5:12, 19:1, 21:26.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What words are associated with the glory of God that fills the earth?
3. Personal Application: How did God reveal His glory to Moses? What is God’s glory? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do you respond to people that criticize you for talking about the beasts and Babylon and the warnings that are talked about in Revelation? Should we keep quiet lest we offend someone or seem to be causing division in Christianity? I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or cause them to get angry.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 5:6-8, Revelation 17:7, Revelation 14:1.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is the meaning of the symbolism of the Lamb, and why does it appear so many times in Revelation?
3. Personal Application: Why is keeping the slain Lamb at the center of our message crucial in leading others to Him, but also for our own spiritual life? 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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Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. What admonition does the apostle Paul give us regarding the last days of human history?

The apostle Paul urged the believers at Thessaloniki to “watch” and “be sober” in the context of the second coming of Christ. And if Paul would say that to believers then, what would he say to us today?

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He also declared that they were “children of the light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5, NIV) and that they were not in “darkness so that this day” [the return of Christ] (1 Thessalonians 5:4, NIV) should overtake them “as a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4, NKJV). Jesus used the expression to “watch” in connection with earnest, heartfelt prayer (Matthew 24:42, Matthew 26:40-41). To watch is to be spiritually alert. To be sober minded is to be serious about the times that we are living in and focused on the things that really matter.

Ellen G. White adds: “We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.” — Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 28.

And while it might be a surprise to the world, it should not be a surprise for us. Though we don’t know when it will happen, we can see enough to know that it is coming, and that now, today, is the day to be ready.

Review Daniel 2:1-49, and note the sequence of kingdoms that came and went, exactly as predicted. What should this teach us about how we can trust that what God says will indeed happen?

Christ has given us these last-day messages so that, knowing what is coming, we can prepare for it. The prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, combined with the modern gift of prophecy, give us divine insight into what is coming upon this world. The prophetic Word of God outlines salvation history in advance, and Daniel 2:1-49 provides powerful, rational evidence that we can trust God.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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