Sabbath Afternoon - June 3, 2023

Reading for the Week

Rev. 14:12, Eph. 2:8-10, Matt. 27:45-50, Rev. 13:15-17, Rev. 14:4, Luke 5:18-26. 

Prayer Thought

What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world, are receiving the worldly mold, and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth,--these are receiving the heavenly mold, and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth, and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {CET 191.1}

Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God,--candidates for heaven. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour. {CET 191.2}


Memory Text

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.  (Revelation 7:2, 3). 


This week's SS Lesson will gaze upon the future events that characterize those who stand for the Present Truth which God had sent to prepare them for facing the Mark of the Beast - the implementation of the Sunday Law. This includes international issues that pose great challenges to the believers but are a precursor to their deliverance to those in the world.


Study Outline

The Perseverance of the Saints

Sunday - June 4, 2023

Keeping the Commandments - Steadfast Endurance

Rev. 8:1-4; 14:7-10, 12; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:29; Luke 16:10

Monday - June 5, 2023

Keeping the Faith of/in Jesus - The Cosmic Struggle

Matt. 27:45-50; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 2:4


The Issues the Saints Will Face

Tuesday - June 6, 2023

Not Receiving the Mark - The Ungodly Chain 

Rev. 14:12; 13:14-17; Gen. 4:1-8; John 16:2; Matt. 10:22; 1Pet. 4:12; Gal, 6:7-9

Wednesday - June 7, 2023

Following the Lamb - Those Who Follow the Lamb 

Rev. 13:1, 2, 3; 12:9; 14:4; 20:2; 12:3-5; Matt. 10:22

Thursday - June 8, 2023

Opposing the Blasphemous Power - Jesus: Our Only Mediator 

Rev. 13:4, 5; Luke 5:18-26; John 10:33; 14:9; 1Tim. 2:5 

Friday - June 9, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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The Perseverance of the Saints

Sunday - June 4, 2023

Keeping the Commandments - Steadfast Endurance

Rev. 8:1-4; 14:7-10, 12; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:29; Luke 16:10 

“Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  {Rev. 14:12}


Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: {Deut. 8:11}

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;  {Daniel 9:4}

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.  {1Cor. 7:19}


Carrying Out in Every Act - Keeping the Commandments 

When we obey we shall have happy families. Teach the children the commandments of God forever. This was important in Israel’s time, and it is nonetheless so now. All your profession of keeping the commandments will not give you an entrance to the city. Bind them on your heart and carry them out in every act. . . . {CTr 62.5} 


God’s Outward Seal Signifies Inward Faith 

What is the condition of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus? If in families there are those who are refusing obedience to the Lord in keeping His Sabbath, then the seal cannot be placed upon them. The sealing is a pledge from God of perfect security to His chosen ones. Sealing indicates you are God’s chosen. He has appropriated you to Himself. As the sealed of God we are Christ’s purchased possession, and no one shall pluck us out of His hands.—Manuscript 59, 1895 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, pp. 223-225). {CTr 102.6} 


God's Ministry for His People - Repairing the Breach 

God's memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath, the sign of His work in creating the world, has been displaced by the man of sin. God's people have a special work to do in repairing the breach that has been made in His law; and the nearer we approach the end, the more urgent this work becomes. All who love God will show that they bear His sign by keeping His commandments. They are the restorers of paths to dwell in. . . . Genuine medical missionary work is bound up inseparably with the keeping of God's commandments, of which the Sabbath is especially mentioned, since it is the great memorial of God's creative work. Its observance is bound up with the work of restoring the moral image of God in man. This is the ministry which God's people are to carry forward at this time. This ministry, rightly performed, will bring rich blessings to the church.--Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 265, 266.  {ChS 140.1}  


Consider the Following

Why do the saints need endurance (Revelation 14:12; Mark 13:13)?

Why will we be hated? According to Revelation 14:12, because we obey God’s commandments as written in Exodus 20:2-17.

The beast teaches altered commandments. Worshipping the beast involves following its commandments and accepting Sunday as the day of worship instead of the Sabbath.

We will be persecuted and taken away from society in that time if we keep worshipping God (Revelation 13:15-17). Therefore, endurance is particularly important.


Monday - June 5, 2023

Keeping the Faith of/in Jesus - The Cosmic Struggle

Matt. 27:45-50; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 2:4

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep […] the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)


Keeping With Our Faith in Deportment

Self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, and abstain from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith. Are we of the number who see the folly of worldlings in indulging in extravagance of dress as well as in love of amusements? If so, we should be of that class who shun everything that gives sanction to this spirit which takes possession of the minds and hearts of those who live for this world only, and who have no thought or care for the next.--Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 366. (1875)  {Ev 269.3}  


Our Advocate Made the Comforting Assurance Against Satan

Man cannot meet these charges himself. In his sin-stained garments, confessing his guilt, he stands before God. But Jesus our Advocate presents an effectual plea in behalf of all who by repentance and faith have committed the keeping of their souls to Him. He pleads their cause and vanquishes their accuser by the mighty arguments of Calvary. His perfect obedience to God's law, even unto the death of the cross, has given Him all power in heaven and in earth, and He claims of His Father mercy and reconciliation for guilty man. To the accuser of His people He declares: "'The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.' These are the purchase of My blood, brands plucked from the burning." Those who rely upon Him in faith receive the comforting assurance: "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." {CCh 351.2} 


The More You Ask, the Firmer will be your Spiritual Union

This is the greatest blessing that can be bestowed upon God’s believing children. But many do not have the virtue of a living faith. They think they have faith, but it is only the thought or action of a moment. They do not persevere in knocking at the door and keeping their request before the Lord. It is not a transient thought that is to be given to God. Our prayers are to be fervent and earnest as were the petitions of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more you ask, the firmer will be your spiritual union. You may come into that place where you will have increased blessings because you have increased faith. {CTr 54.3} 


Consider the Following

This Greek expression can be translated both as “faith in Jesus” and “the faith of Jesus.”

Having faith “in” Jesus involves accepting His grace and forgiveness, and being transformed by Him. Keeping the faith “of” Jesus means to live our faith as He did. What was the faith of Jesus?

Jesus kept His focus in His mission during His time on earth (Luke 2:49). He stood firm when facing doubts (Matthew 4:3-4).

He felt abandoned by the Father on the cross, but He kept His faith and gave His life away for us (Matthew 27:46, 50). Now is the time to prepare so we can keep the faith of Jesus and have faith in Him.


The Issues the Saints Will Face

Tuesday - June 6, 2023

Not Receiving the Mark - The Ungodly Chain 

Rev. 14:12; 13:14-17; Gen. 4:1-8; John 16:2; Matt. 10:22; 1Pet. 4:12; Gal, 6:7-9

“They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.” (John 16:2)


Trust No Man - God will Purify His People by the Truth

Multitudes, trusting implicitly to their pastors, refused to listen to the warning; and others, though convinced of the truth, dared not confess it, lest they should be “put out of the synagogue.” The message which God had sent for the testing and purification of the church, revealed all too surely how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ. The ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth.  {GC88 380.1} 


Blinded with Spiritual Pride, Self-Righteousness and Self-Sufficiency

I entreat you, brethren, be not like the Pharisees, who were blinded with spiritual pride, self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency, and who because of this were forsaken of God. For years I have been receiving instructions and warnings that this was the danger to our people. Says the Scripture: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:42, 43).  {1888 166.3}  

But they do not see all things. . . . John saw this multitude. This demon worship was revealed to him, and it seemed as though the whole world was standing on the brink of perdition. But as he looked with intense interest, he beheld a company of God’s commandment-keeping people. They had the sign of the living God upon their foreheads, and he exclaimed, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”Manuscript 122, 1898. {CTr 349.6} 


Consider the Following

(1) The dragon (Satan) gives its power to the beast (Revelation 13:2)

(2) The whole earth worships the dragon thanks to the beast (Revelation 13:4)

(3) A second beast (a false prophet) applies the power of the beast and moves everyone to worship it (Revelation 13:12)

(4) Besides, it makes an image that is also worshipped (Revelation 13:14)

Then everyone believes that they’re worshipping God by worshipping the image, the false prophet, or the beast! However, they’re actually worshipping the source of that power: Satan.

The beast will impose its mark and will force everyone to worship on Sunday. Then, economic measures will be taken, and the death decree will be promulgated eventually (Revelation 13:15-17). God will protect His faithful children.


For more information about chapter 13 of Revelation (Leopard-Like Beast-LLB), please visit the links below:

 

Wednesday - June 7, 2023

Following the Lamb - Those Who Follow the Lamb 

Rev. 13:1, 2, 3; 12:9; 14:4; 20:2; 12:3-5; Matt. 10:22

“[…] These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes […]” (Revelation 14:4)


Thousands Who Have Not Bowed the Knee to Baal

The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. He has His thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with Him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. . . .  {HP 298.2}  


God's People Follow the Lamb Now

The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. He has His thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with Him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. Heavenly angels conduct this search, and spiritual activity is demanded of all who believe present truth, that they may join the angels in their work.  {7BC 978.6}  


Characteristic of God's Followers

Now is the time to look to it that we have on hand an abundant supply of the oil of the grace of Christ. It was the wisdom of the wise virgins in supplying themselves with oil that made the difference between their fate and that of the foolish virgins, who had neglected to keep oil in their vessels with their lamps. In the Scripture, oil is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The wise virgins are those who have faith and love and patience, whose experience day by day is nourished by the Holy Spirit. 

We cannot be ready to meet the Lord by waking up at the last minute, when the cry is heard, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," gathering up our lamps, from which the oil has burned away, and thinking then to have them replenished. Our only hope is daily to love God, to love the truth, not for the sake of its clear arguments, but for truth's sake alone. We must bring the truth into our hearts and minds, and every day be living, shining lights, learning daily more and more of Jesus. Our conversation must be in heaven, from whence we look for our Lord Jesus Christ. We should talk much of his coming; then we shall be constantly receiving the grace which cometh from above, from the Source of all spiritual power.  {ST, August 6, 1894 par. 6}  

For deeper and much comprehensive studies please follow the links below:


Consider the Following

Those who will remain faithful during the final conflict “follow the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4).

However, “all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8) follow the beast. Who or what is that beast?

Satan used the Roman Empire to persecute Jesus (Revelation 12:3-4). Then, “gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority” (Revelation 13:2). The throne of this beast is located in Rome (Revelation 17:9), and it has used its authority to persecute the faithful people of God for a long time (Revelation 13:7).

There will be no neutral zone in the final conflict. We will follow either the Lamb or the beast



Thursday - June 8, 2023

Opposing the Blasphemous Power - Jesus: Our Only Mediator 

Rev. 13:4, 5; Luke 5:18-26; John 10:33; 14:9; 1Tim. 2:5 

“And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies […]” (Revelation 13:5)

 

The Leopard-Like Beast (LLB) - A Composite Beast -The Present World

 In chapter 13 [VERSES 1-10.] is described another beast, “like unto a leopard,” to which the dragon gave “his power, and his seat, and great authority.” This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once possessed by the ancient Roman Empire. Of the leopard-like beast it is declared: “There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. . . . And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.  {GC88 439.1} 


The Two-Horned Beast (2HB) - A New World - USA

 But the beast with lamb-like horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied, and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World,—that turbulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” It must be sought in the Western Continent.  {GC88 440.1} 

What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America. Again and again the thought, almost the exact words, of the sacred writer have been unconsciously employed by the orator and the historian in describing the rise and growth of this nation. The beast was seen “coming up out of the earth;” and, according to the translators, the word here rendered “coming up” literally signifies to “grow or spring up as a plant.” And, as we have seen, the nation must arise in territory previously unoccupied. A prominent writer, describing the rise of the United States, speaks of “the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy,” and says, “Like a silent seed we grew into empire.” [TOWNSEND, IN “THE NEW WORLD COMPARED WITH THE OLD,” P. 462.] A European journal in 1850 spoke of the United States as a wonderful empire, which was “emerging,” and “amid the silence of the earth daily adding to its power and pride.” [THE DUBLIN NATION.] Edward Everett, in an oration on the Pilgrim founders of this nation, said: “Did they look for a retired spot, inoffensive from its obscurity, safe in its remoteness from the haunts of despots, where the little church of Leyden might enjoy freedom of conscience? Behold the mighty regions over which, in peaceful conquest, . . . they have borne the banners of the cross.”  {GC88 440.2} 


Consider the Following

Jesus was accused of two types of blasphemy: (1) Forgiving sins (Luke 5:21), and (2) making Himself God (John 10:33).

Jesus was not blaspheming, because He was God. However, anyone who claims to do both things without actually being God is blasphemous.

The Roman Church teaches that priests can forgive sins. Besides, they teach that their most important leader takes God’s place on Earth.

This blasphemous power will force everyone to worship them. God doesn’t request a forced worship but a sincere one.


Friday - June 9, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

The decree is to go forth that all who will not receive the mark of the beast shall neither buy nor sell and, finally, that they shall be put to death. But the saints of God do not receive this mark. The prophet of Patmos beheld those who had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. . . . {CTr 366.5} 

Paul writes to the Romans, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” But there is a point beyond which it is impossible to maintain union and harmony without the sacrifice of principle. Separation then becomes an absolute duty. The laws of nations should be respected when they do not conflict with the laws of God. But when there is collision between them, every true disciple of Christ will say, as did the apostle Peter when commanded to speak no more in the name of Jesus, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”Manuscript 51, 1899 (see also Signs of the Times, Nov. 8, 1899). {CTr 366.6} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“There are two great principles, one of loyalty, the other of disloyalty. We all need greater Christian courage, that we may uplift the standard on which is inscribed the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.... The line of demarcation between the obedient and the disobedient must be plain and distinct. We must have a firm determination to do the Lord's will at all times and in all places.” E. G. W. (My life today, March 10)

Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.  {DA 506.2}  


https://3angelscry.org/pdf-the-seal-of-god-and-the-mark-of-the-beast-part-1/

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SSL-Q2-11-The-Seal-of-God-and-Mark-of-the-Beast-Part-1-June-3-9 edited.pdf