2023 Q2-L13 - Ablaze With God's Glory (June 17-23)

Sabbath Afternoon - June 17, 2023

Reading for the Week

1 Thess. 5:1-6; John 8:32; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 4:11; Exod. 33:18, 19; Rev. 5:6, 12; Rev. 13:8. 

Prayer Thought

We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer, and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. . . . Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of glory rolls into the heart, and indeed we sup with Jesus and He with us. We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. With strong confidence, we can call God our Father. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. His Spirit makes us like Jesus Christ in temper, and disposition, and we represent Christ to others. When Christ is abiding in the soul the fact cannot be hid; for He is like a well of water springing up into everlasting life. We can but represent the likeness of Christ in our character, and our words, our deportment, produces in others a deep, abiding, increasing love for Jesus, and we make manifest . . . that we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. {OFC 36.9} 


Memory Text

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  {Rev. 18:1}


This week's SS Lesson will trace back God's purpose in raising up a prophetic church - the Seventh Day Adventist Church, What it's role in regards to the "everlasting gospel"? How they will be transformed into a glorious church, a triumphant church - mentioned in Rev. 18:1 This will include the indispensable truth and power that enables one to be God's servant in these last days. 


Study Outline

Preparation for the Final Crisis
Sunday - June 18, 2023

How to Prepare for the Final Crisis? - Being Alert!

1Thess. 5:4, 5; Matt. 24:42; 26:40, 41; Dan. 2.

Monday - June 19, 2023

How to Know the Truth - Knowing the Truth

John 8:32; 7:17; 17:17; Rev. 14:12

Tuesday - June 20, 2023

How God Raises the True Reformation? - Receiving Power

Rev. 18:1; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 10:1; 28:18, 19

Who will be Victorious?

Wednesday - June 21, 2023

How God's Glory Fills the Earth - The Glory of God

Rev. 4:7, 11; 5:12; 18:1; 19:1; Exo. 33:18, 19

Thursday - June 22, 2023

The Bleeding Lamb of God 

Rev. 1:3; 5:6, 8, 12, 7:17; 12:3, 4, 7; 13:8; 14:1, 6; 15:3; 17:3; 19:7; 21:22, 23; 22:1, 2


Friday - June 23, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Preparation for the Final Crisis
Sunday - June 18, 2023

How to Prepare for the Final Crisis? - Being Alert!

1Thess. 5:4, 5; Matt. 24:42; 26:40, 41; Dan. 2.

“Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober." {1Thess. 5:6}


Be Alert to Satan's Perversion of Scripture and Testimonies Ps. 37:39, 40

All should become familiar with God’s Word, because Satan perverts and misquotes Scripture, and people follow his example by presenting part of God’s Word to those whom they wish to lead in false paths, withholding the part that would spoil their plans.—Manuscript 153, 1899. {CTr 200.6} 


Be Alert in Season or Out of Season

The minister must be instant in season and out of season, ready to seize and improve every opportunity to further the work of God. To be "instant in season" is to be alert to the privileges of the house and hour of worship, and to the times when men are conversing on topics of religion. And to be instant "out of season" is to be ready, when at the fireside, in the field, by the wayside, in the market, to turn the minds of men, in a suitable manner, to the great themes of the Bible, with tender, fervent spirit urging upon them the claims of God. Many, many such opportunities are allowed to slip by unimproved, because men are persuaded that it is out of season. But who knows what might be the effect of a wise appeal to the conscience?-- Gospel Workers, pp. 186-187. (1915)  {Ev 430.6}  


Be Alert, Be Vigilant, and Watching Diligently

Many today are asleep, as were the disciples. They are not watching and praying lest they enter into temptation.  {AG 332.2}  

Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your track. Be vigilant, watching diligently lest some carefully concealed and masterly snare shall take you unawares. Let the careless and indifferent beware lest the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief in the night. . . .  {AG 332.3}  


Consider the Following

Paul shared important information regarding the final crisis (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6):

(1) We know enough about dates and events (v. 1)

(2) The crisis will come unexpectedly (v. 2-3)

(3) We will not be surprised because we are “children of light” (v. 4-5)

(4) We should be alert (v. 6)

How can we be alert? As Jesus said, we can only be alert if we’re prepared through prayer (Matthew 26:40-41).


Monday - June 19, 2023

How to Know the Truth - Knowing the Truth

John 8:32; 7:17; 17:17; Rev. 14:12

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)


The Desire to Know the Truth

The Spirit of God had wrought with and through Paul in his labors for his countrymen. Sufficient evidence had been presented to convince all who honestly desired to know the truth. But many permitted themselves to be controlled by prejudice and unbelief, and refused to yield to the most conclusive evidence. Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated from them and gathered the disciples into a distinct body, continuing his public instructions in the school of Tyrannus, a teacher of some note.  {AA 285.3}  


Search to Know the Meaning of the Truth 

Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the Revelation, that it is useless for them to search this book in an effort to know the meaning of the truth it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John will give to the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who "hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein."  {AA 584.2}  


We are God's Laborers to Preach to those who don't Know the Truth

The evangelization of the world is the work that God has given to those who go forth in His name. They are to be colaborers with Christ, revealing to those ready to perish His tender, pitying love. God calls for thousands to work for Him, not by preaching to those who know the truth, going over and over the same ground, but by warning those who have never heard the last message of mercy. Work with a heart filled with an earnest longing for souls. Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives an opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.  {CME 7.2}  


Consider the Following

Satan introduced many lies as the base of the Catholic and Orthodox doctrine even before the Roman Empire fell. The Reformation put the focus back in the Bible, but some of those lies were left untouched. In the 19th Century, spiritualism came into play.

Protestantism will eventually join Catholicism and Spiritualism to gain everyone’s favor (Revelation 16:13-14). A union based on common lies.

The only way to expose Satan’s lies is to embrace the truth. We must study the Bible to understand the One who is the Truth and learn how to obey Him (John 14:6; 17:17).

We must educate, educate, educate, pleasantly and intelligently. We must preach the truth, pray the truth, and live the truth, bringing it, with its gracious, health-giving influences within the reach of those who know it not. As the sick are brought into touch with the Life-giver, their faculties of mind and body will be renewed. But in order for this to be, they must practice self-denial and be temperate in all things. Thus only can they be saved from physical and spiritual death and restored to health.--Medical Ministry, p. 262.  {CME 30.3}  


Tuesday - June 20, 2023

How God Raises the True Reformation? - Receiving Power

Rev. 18:1; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 10:1; 28:18, 19

““After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority […]” (Revelation 18:1)


The Power of the Seed: Germinating Principle

The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. {CSA 19.9} 


Soul Cleansing Through His Power and Instruction 

True reformation begins with soul cleansing. Our work for the fallen will achieve real success only as the grace of Christ reshapes the character and the soul is brought into living connection with God.  {MH 180.1}  

Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to God's law, and in this He set an example for every human being. The life that He lived in this world we are to live through His power and under His instruction.  {MH 180.2}  


We are Transformed By God's Grace - Our Entire Dependence to Him

By beholding Christ we become changed. If the mind dwells upon temporal things constantly, these things become all-absorbing, affecting the character, so that God's glory is lost sight of and forgotten. The opportunities that are within reach for them to become conversant with heavenly things, are overlooked. Spiritual life dies. . . .  {SD 105.4}  

Make God your entire dependence. When you do otherwise, then it is time for a halt to be called. Stop right where you are, and change the order of things. . . . In sincerity, in soul-hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord's hands soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit . . . then you will see heavenly things clearly.  {SD 105.5}  

For more studies, please visit the links below:


Consider the Following

We will be prepared to preach the final message thanks to prayer and Bible study. But that’s not enough. We need the power that comes from heaven (Revelation 18:1).

Jesus used the Greek word “exousia” to describe to the power that His disciples and the other 70 would receive to preach the gospel (Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:19).

The Holy Spirit gives this power.

The people who will preach the last message have the following characteristics:

(1) They are united in Christ through prayer

(2) The Bible is their only creed

(3) The Holy Spirit is their only source of strength

Influence of Cross on Soul Winning

The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing their minds, and concentrating their thoughts. . . . The workers will send forth to the world beams of light, as living agencies to enlighten the earth.-- Mount of Blessing, p. 70. (1896)  {Ev 483.5}  


Who will be Victorious?

Wednesday - June 21, 2023

How God's Glory Fills the Earth - The Glory of God

Rev. 4:7, 11; 5:12; 18:1; 19:1; Exo. 33:18, 19

““[…] and the earth was illuminated with his glory.” (Revelation 18:1)


Continuity in Shining the Light Receives the Spirit's Power

The Spirit of the Almighty is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence become witnesses for God and His truth. In many places consecrated men and women may be seen communicating to others the light that has made plain to them the way of salvation through Christ. And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit's power. Thus the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God.  {AA 53.2}  


The Earth's Harvest: The First Fruit (from the Church) and the Second Fruit (from the World-Babylon)

But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest "in the time of the latter rain." In response, "the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain." "He will cause to come down . . . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain," Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23.  {AA 55.1}  

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}  


For a deeper consideration of the subject, you may visit the following links:


Consider the Following

The angels [messengers] in Revelation have a symbolic meaning:

(1) They represent God’s people in Revelation 14:6-11

(2) They represent Jesus in Revelation 10:1

(3) They represent the Holy Spirit in Revelation 18:1

Only God can illuminate the earth with His glory (Numbers 14:21; Psalm 72:19; Ezekiel 43:2).

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God showed Him His character (Ex. 33:18-19). The glory of God is His character.

Satan called God’s character into question. However, Jesus showed the whole universe His true character on the cross: God is love (John 3:16).


Thursday - June 22, 2023

The Bleeding Lamb of God 

Rev. 1:3; 5:6, 8, 12, 7:17; 12:3, 4, 7; 13:8; 14:1, 6; 15:3; 17:3; 19:7; 21:22, 23; 22:1, 2

““Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)


King of Glory is the Lamb of God

We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In the Bible are revealed visions of the future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these are dear to His church. By faith we may stand on the threshold of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life co-operate with Christ, regarding it as an honor to suffer for His sake. As the words are spoken, "Come, ye blessed of My Father," they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. . . . Honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." Matthew 25:34; Revelation 5:12, 13.  {AA 601.3}  

During the Investigative Judgment - the Bleeding Lamb is our Mediator - pleading to the Father in our behalf - please visit the link provided for your benefit. Meat In Due Season - An Exposition of Biblical-Prophetic Interpretation on Rev. 4-8 (google.com) 

Before the Father [Christ] pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing—“the counsel of peace”for the fallen human race. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth, for Christ is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. . . . Oh, the mystery of redemption! The love of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can know the depths of that love that “passeth knowledge”? . . . {CTr 30.4} 


The Lion of Judah is the Lamb that Saves the World

The Saviour was presented to John under the symbols of the “Lion of the tribe of Juda,” and “a Lamb as it had been slain.” Here the whole work of redemption was expressed. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. As the Lion of Judah, Christ will defend His chosen ones and bring them off victorious, because they accepted Him as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Christ the slain Lamb—who was despised, rejected, the victim of Satan’s wrath, of human abuse and cruelty—how tender was His sympathy with His people who were in the world! And according to the infinite depths of His humiliation and sacrifice as the Lamb of God will be His power in glory as the Lion of Judah, for the deliverance of His people. {CTr 315.2}


The Scope of His Sacrifice: From the Fall to the Last Days

The observance of the Passover possessed a mournful interest to the Son of God. He saw in the slain lamb a symbol of his own death. The people who celebrated this ordinance were instructed to associate the slaying of the lamb with the future death of the Son of God. The blood, marking the door-posts of their houses, was the symbol of the blood of Christ which was to be efficacious for the believing sinner, in cleansing him from sin, and sheltering him from the wrath of God which was to come upon the impenitent and unbelieving world, as the wrath of God fell upon the Egyptians. But none could be benefited by this special provision made by God for the salvation of man unless they should perform the work the Lord left them to do. They had a part to act themselves, and by their acts to manifest their faith in the provision made for their salvation.  {2SP 36.1}  


For a more comprehensive understanding of the Sanctuary Doctrine of our Church, please visit the links:


Consider the Following

The main message of the three angels, Revelation, and the whole Bible is Jesus Christ crucified (Revelation 5:12).

No one will be convinced thanks to our purity, our obedience, or how well we know the truth. Victory will be obtained only if Jesus is the center of our message. This is the only way people will be saved from the enemy’s lies in the final crisis.

Only Jesus must be exalted and presented to the world. He is the core of the message of the three angels.


Friday - June 23, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

We have taught, we have expected, that an angel is to come down from heaven, that the earth will be lightened with his glory. Then we shall behold an ingathering of souls similar to that witnessed on the day of Pentecost. This mighty angel comes bearing no soft, smooth message, but words that are calculated to stir the hearts of men and women to their very depths. . . . Are we, indeed, as human agencies to cooperate with the divine instrumentalities in sounding the message of this mighty angel who is to lighten the earth with His glory? {CTr 306.2} 

Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners" (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.  {PK 725.1}  

The darkest hour of the church's struggle with the powers of evil is that which immediately precedes the day of her final deliverance. But none who trust in God need fear; for "when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall," God will be to His church "a refuge from the storm." Isaiah 25:4.  {PK 725.2}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“There is to be, at this period, a series of events which will reveal that God is Master of the situation. The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. As a people, we must prepare the way of the Lord, under the overruling guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is to be given in its purity […] The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward the work will advance, until the whole earth shall have been warned. And then shall the end come.”

E. G. W. (Maranatha, July 29)


https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q2-l13-ablaze-with-gods-glory/

SSL-Q2-L13-Ablaze-With-Gods-Glory-June-17-23 (fliphtml5.com) 


SSL-Q2-L13-Ablaze-With-Gods-Glory-June-17-23.pdf