Sabbath afternoon Introduction

Are you in great distress of your feeling amidst conflict, contentions and controversy between good and evil? Life - in reality is a battle fought in different levels, whether personal, family, financial, social and spiritual. Everyone are in the world where Satan is taking time to confuse, attack and cause even the very elect to stumble.

Inspiration declares, There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies, and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity.-- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 23. {ChS 189.4}

This week’s SSLesson will look more on the thought that No matter our present situation, whatever trials we are facing; if we dwell upon God: His goodness, love, and sacrifice; we can rejoice in Him and have peace for our weary souls.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: A Vision of the End (Rest in a Glorious Future – Rev. 1:9-19)

Monday: The Countdown (Rest Amid Issues – Matt. 24:4-8, 9-14, 23-31, 37-39)

Tuesday: Marching Orders (Rest in Working for God – Rev. 14:6-12)

Wednesday: Rest in Peace (Rest in Hope – Heb. 11:13-16; John 11:11-14; Dan. 12:2; 1Cor. 11:30; 15:6)

Thursday: Rejoice in the Lord Always (Ultimate Rest – Phil. 4:4-6)

Friday: Further Study

Prayer Thought

To Strain Every Muscle

Man is allotted a part in this great struggle for everlasting life; he must respond to the working of the Holy Spirit. It will require a struggle to break through the powers of darkness, and the Spirit works in him to accomplish this. But man is no passive being, to be saved in indolence. He is called upon to strain every muscle and exercise every faculty in the struggle for immortality; yet it is God that supplies the efficiency. {2MCP 605.2}

No human being can be saved in indolence. The Lord bids us, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (Luke 13:24). "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13, 14).--MS 16, 1896. {2MCP 605.3}

Memory Verse

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him’” (1 Cor. 2:9, NKJV).

Words of Assurance

You have both many things in your natural disposition that should be overcome. You must see these things, and then you will see how you despise them in others, and avoid them yourselves. You may grow up lovely in character, kind, gentle, meek, lowly of heart, or you may grow up peevish, fretful, unkind, self-sufficient, esteeming yourselves above that which you should. Read in the Bible what are the fruits borne by the Christian tree and then read the fruit borne by the evil tree. One is good, the other corrupt. Now I have no time to write further, but I know your defects of character. The Lord I love has shown me, and you, in His Holy Word that you may be His children, but you need His grace daily to overcome your errors of character. {DG 197.2}

All these things I have mentioned, or even one of them, if not overcome, will exclude you from heaven; for nothing can enter there but that which is pure and holy. I want that our labors for you, my children, should not be in vain. I want you to be happy in the beautiful world Jesus has prepared for those who love Him and seek to be like Him in character. {DG 197.3}

God’s prophetic guidance had been bestowed upon us that we may keep in mind the vast spectrum of light where we need to follow and be guided by Him who hath called to this marvelous truth of His Kingdom.

Sunday: A Vision of the End (Rest in a Glorious Future – Rev. 1:9-19)

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place.” (Revelation 1:1)

Restitution of All Things

Glorious to the eyes of heavenly beings was the promise of the future. . . .With this scene the day upon which Jesus rested is forever linked. For “his work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4); and “whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). When there shall be a “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph’s tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as “from one sabbath to another” (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb. {BLJ 162.4}

Eye of Prophecy Looks at the Glorious Future

And why so?—Because by the eye of prophecy he could look forward into the glorious future, and see that son far removed from all temptations, released from the bondage and purified from the corruptions of sin, and after being made sufficiently holy and enlightened, admitted to the assembly of ascended and rejoicing spirits. His only comfort was, that in being removed from the present state of sin and suffering, his beloved son had gone where the loftiest breathings of the Holy Spirit would be shed upon his darkened soul; where his mind would be unfolded to the wisdom of Heaven and the sweet raptures of immortal love, and thus prepared with a sanctified nature to enjoy the rest and society of the heavenly inheritance. {GC88 538.1}

“In these thoughts we would be understood to believe that the salvation of Heaven depends upon nothing which we can do in this life; neither upon a present change of heart, nor upon present belief, or a present profession of religion.” {GC88 538.2}

Consider the following

John was told to write seven letters, one to each church in Asia. The future of the Church was revealed in those messages.

Then John was shown the final events that would lead to a glorious future: eternal rest on a New Earth with God (Revelation 22:1-5).

We can rest today because we believe that God knows the future, controls our history, and is preparing a future of eternal peace and prosperity.

Monday: The Countdown (Rest Amid Issues – Matt. 24:4-8, 9-14, 23-31, 37-39)

“All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:8)

In Sunday’s lesson we talk about the beautiful and wonderful end which is glorious promises of the future. While amidst the trials, temptations, issues – challenges God’s people to rely on Him who is able to qualify His very elect from the chosen. The Golden privilege to be among His sealed people – the 144,000.

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1. The Core of God’s Kingdom – Dan. 2:35, 44-45; Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-4; Rev. 7:1-4

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/2-the-144000

2. The Great Image will be Destroyed by the Mighty Stone Kingdom of Christ.

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/5-mighty-stone-and-the-great-image-of-daniel-2

3. The end of sorrows will be realized in Christ’s Kingdom – the Kingdom of Glory where His people will be gathered from all nations. Isa. 66:19-20; Mat. 24:14.

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/6-the-establishment-of-the-kingdom-of-glory

It is true that in the time of the end, when God's work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God's church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church. {AA 54.2}

Questions to Ponder

Let’s consider some questions here:

1. Looking at the present condition, how does this vision of glorious end comfort you?

2. Have you felt secure and safe amidst this pandemic situation? If not, then what’s the essence of God’s gift of faith does?

3. Paul wrote, that Christ will present to Himself a glorious church, when will it be realized, on earth before He comes or the New earth?

But unless the members of God's church today have a living connection with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace in times of special need. {AA 55.2}

4. How can we attain that glorious future if we haven’t experience it before He comes in the cloud of heaven?

5. Will it be possible to attain perfection of character in this life?

Inspirations says, “The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness. {AA 482.2}

Willing to Be Made Willing

God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are "willing to be made willing," the Saviour will accomplish this for us, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5. {AA 482.3}

Perfection of Character is Attainable in this Life

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God's assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory.” {AA 531.2}

The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help. {AA 532.1}

Consider the following

In Matthew 24, Jesus introduced an outline of the events that would take place before His Second Coming. It’s a realistic scenario full of issues and troubles that leads to a magnificent ending.

On one hand, the world is shaken by several disasters. On the other hand, those who remain faithful to God are scorned and persecuted by those who don’t love Him (Matthew 24:9; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Jesus wants us to trustingly rest in His love, even if the world around us collapses.

He will certainly come back for us. His coming will be unexpected and real (Matthew 24:27, 30-31, 36-39). We should rest in his promise and persevere until the end (Matthew. 24:13).

Tuesday: Marching Orders (Rest in Working for God – Rev. 14:6-12)

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7)

The Three Angels Messages

The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been located by the Word of Inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to be removed. No human authority has any more right to change the location of these messages than to substitute the New Testament for the Old. The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols. The New Testament is the substance. One is as essential as the other. The Old Testament presents lessons from the lips of Christ, and these lessons have not lost their force in any particular. {CTr 338.2}

In the first angel’s message people are called upon to worship God, our Creator, who made the world and all things that are therein. . . . The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” Manuscript 32, 1896 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, pp. 6, 7). {CTr 338.6}

God’s People will Proclaim the Message of Judgment

Beams of light from Jesus, like rays from the sun, were imparted to them. An angel bade me look carefully, and I saw an angel watching over every one of those who had a ray of light, while evil angels surrounded those who were in darkness. I heard the voice of an angel cry, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." {EW 240.1}

The special blessing of the Lord, both in the conversion of sinners and the revival of spiritual life among Christians, . . . testified that the message was of Heaven. {FLB 283.5}

With clearness the believers . . . gave the reasons why they expected their Lord in 1844. Their opposers could bring no arguments against the powerful reasons offered. {FLB 283.6}

The announcement, "The hour of his judgment is come," points to the closing work of Christ's ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour's intercession shall cease, and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. {FLB 283.7}

Remnant of Israel – the Escaped – Study Isa. 66:15-19, 20

"In that day" "the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, . . . shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth." Isaiah 10:20. From "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" there will be some who will gladly respond to the message, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." They will turn from every idol that binds them to earth, and will "worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." They will free themselves from every entanglement and will stand before the world as monuments of God's mercy. Obedient to the divine requirements, they will be recognized by angels and by men as those that have kept "the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:6, 7, 12. {PK 299.3}

Please visit the following site for further study:

1. The First Angel’s Message – Rev. 14:6-7

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/first-angels-message-rev-146-7

2. The Second Angel’s Message – Rev. 14:8

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/second-angels-message-rev-148

3. The Third Angel’s Message – Rev. 14:9-10

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/third-angels-message-rev-149-10

4. The Mighty Angel that will come down and give force and power to the 3^rd Angels Messages – Rev. 18

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/another-angel-come-down-from-heaven-rev-18

Consider the following

Resting in Christ is not an idle wait. We’ve been called to proclaim the gospel to the world, to announce the judgement, and to encourage everyone to worship the Creator.

We can find rest in God as we work faithfully for Him. On the contrary, those who work for the enemy “have no rest day or night.” (Revelation 14:11)

Last of all the redeemed, the brave Elijah, with a glorious white mantle from his shoulders to his feet: A type and leader of the most wonderful company, though small in number. Being a special company, with a special experience a royal priesthood, the 144,000, in pure white, and a glorious mantle from their shoulders to their feet, with stars in their crowns. Rev. 14:5, "And in their mouth was found no guile: For they are without fault before the throne of God." {SR1: 50.5}

We can rejoice that there is never a situation we face in which Christ does not provide immediate help for us today, hope for tomorrow, and the promise of ultimate rest in Christ for all eternity.

Last of all the redeemed, the brave Elijah, with a glorious white mantle from his shoulders to his feet: A type and leader of the most wonderful company, though small in number. Being a special company, with a special experience a royal priesthood, the 144,000, in pure white, and a glorious mantle from their shoulders to their feet, with stars in their crowns. Rev. 14:5, "And in their mouth was found no guile: For they are without fault before the throne of God." {SR1: 50.5}

Wednesday: Rest in Peace (Rest in Hope – Heb. 11:13-16; John 11:11-14; Dan. 12:2; 1Cor. 11:30; 15:6)

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

The Special Resurrection for Those Who have Died Under the 3^rd Angels’ Message

Graves are opened, and "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth" "awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." [Daniel 12:2.] All who have died in faith under the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept his law. "They also which pierced Him," those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of his truth and his people, are raised to behold him in his glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. {4SP 454.1}

Special Resurrection of Daniel 12–Rested with Hope of Eternal Life

One may here suppose that the risen and the living make the number, but we do not believe the Spirit of Prophecy would call both companies (the living and the resurrected) living saints. The 144,000 are living saints; the others, resurrected Sabbath keepers. To make it positive, another reference is given, found in Great Controversy, page 637: "Great hailstones, every one 'about the weight of a talent,' are doing their work of destruction. The proudest cities of the earth are laid low....Graves are opened, and "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth...awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law." This makes it positive that the resurrected Sabbath keepers come forth in the special resurrection of Daniel 12. This is the time when the great hailstones are doing their destructive work (7th plague). "And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air;...And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." Rev. 16:17, 21. The resurrected Sabbath keepers did not live during the time of the plagues, for they were resurrected at the time of the seventh plague, so that they hear the announcement of the day and the hour of Jesus' coming. {SR1: 23.1}

Mixed Resurrection

If Moses represents the general resurrection, who, then, would represent the mixed, or special resurrection of Dan. 12:2? We have the one of Matt. 27:52, 53. "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." The saints who had part in this resurrection were gathered from all ages. Some who, perhaps, had lived at the very time Christ was preaching, and were acquainted with Him and His work, were witnesses to His resurrection. Read Early Writings, page 184; Desire of Ages, page 786. {SR1: 47.3}

There is still another reason why Matt. 27:52, is a type of this mixed resurrection. Those who were resurrected with Christ witnessed of the deity of Christ to the very ones who crucified Him. Speaking of this mixed resurrection, Daniel says: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Then there will be some righteous included who lived and witnessed the crucifixion; also those who crucified Him, and pierced Him, for, (Rev. 1:7) "Behold, He cometh with clouds: And every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him." Therefore, the resurrection which witnessed of the power of God to these murderers of His Son, typified the just who are raised in the mixed (special) resurrection. {SR1: 48.1}

Consider the following

What happens to those who “fall asleep” [i.e. they are dead]? Are they already enjoying the final rest God has promised?

The Bible presents death as sleep (John 11:11-14; Daniel 12:2; 1 Corinthians 11:30; 15:6).

Undoubtedly, death is kind of a rest. However, it’s not the everlasting rest (Psalm 6:5; 115:17; 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10; Isaiah 38:18).

The believers who fell asleep are now resting in the hope that one day they will be awaken by their Lord.

Thursday: Rejoice in the Lord Always (Ultimate Rest – Phil. 4:4-6)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Rejoicing in the privileges Given by the Lord

Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer. As they give to the Lord they have the assurance that their treasure is going before them to the heavenly courts. Would men make their property secure? Let them place it in the hands that bear the marks of the crucifixion. Would they enjoy their substance? Let them use it to bless the needy and suffering. Would they increase their possessions? Let them heed the divine injunction, "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Proverbs 3:9, 10. Let them seek to retain their possessions for selfish purposes, and it will be to their eternal loss. But let their treasure be given to God, and from that moment it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His immutability. {AA 344.3}

A Voice of Gladness Amidst Trying Moments

When in the most discouraging circumstances, which would have had a depressing influence upon half-way Christians, he is firm of heart, full of courage and hope and cheer. . . . The same hope and cheerfulness is seen when he is upon the deck of the ship, the tempest beating about him, the ship going to pieces. He gives orders to the commander of the ship and preserves the lives of all on board. Although a prisoner, he is really the master of the ship, the freest and happiest man on board. . . . {CC 352.3}

Overcomers: The 144,000 Living Saints

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Revelation 14:14-17. {EW 31.2}

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews 4:9. {EW 31.3}

And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2. {EW 31.4}

And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads. Revelation 14:1. {EW 31.5}

For a detailed study on this subject please copy paste to the browser and click the link below.

1. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/2-the-144000

2. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/3-the-great-multitude

Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory.

{Mar 241.8}

Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.

{Mar 241.9}

Consider the following

Imagine you begin a trip to a new place you’ve never visited before. You have no route instructions, physical map, GPS, or smartphone. Would that be a relaxing trip? Or would you feel restless until you reach your destination?

Fortunately, God has given us a simple map and accurate instructions so we can reach the destination Hi has prepared: ultimate rest with Him for all eternity.

No matter our present situation, no matter what trials we are facing, if we dwell on God, on His goodness, His love, and on His sacrifice on the cross for us, we can rejoice in Him and have peace for our weary souls.

Friday: Meditation

Only a little While Now

It will only be a little while before Jesus will come to save His children and to give them the finishing touch of immortality. "This corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality."

1. The graves will be opened, and the dead will come forth victorious, crying, "O death, where is thy sting?

2. O grave, where is thy victory?" Our loved ones who sleep in Jesus will come forth clothed with immortality.

{CS 350.1}

And as the redeemed shall ascend to heaven, the gates of the city of God will swing back, and those who have kept the truth will enter in. A voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, will be heard saying, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Then the righteous will receive their reward. Their lives will run parallel with the life of Jehovah. They will cast their crowns at the Redeemer's feet, touch the golden harps, and fill all heaven with rich music.--Signs, April 15, 1889. {CS 350.2}

From the above statements, let’s examine ourselves.

Questions to Ponder

1. In what power can we have an immortal body?

2. How can we clearly manifest faith amidst disease, pandemic and death?

3. Can we still stand even we are discouraged, frustrated and disintegrated?

4. How can you positively live a victorious life which demonstrate the perfection of character before He comes in the clouds of heaven?

5. What’s so special with the Kingdom establish in connection with God’s restoration of all things – Eden to Eden? (Dan. 2:44-45, 35)?

6. In what way where God’s people be able to live glorious and blameless?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory. He will come to honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain. When we look upon our dead, we may think of the morning when the trump of God shall sound […] A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. A little longer, and He will present us “faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 1:24.”

E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 69, p. 632)

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