Sabbath Afternoon - December 23, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Revelation 1:1-7; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 14:6-12; Luke 11:23; 1 Timothy 2:4; Revelation 21:1-4. 

Thought for Meditation:
 However trying their labor, the true workers do not regard it as drudgery. They are ready to spend and to be spent; but it is a cheerful work, done with a glad heart. Joy in God is expressed through Jesus Christ. Their joy is the joy set before Christ--"to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work." John 4:34. They are in co-operation with the Lord of glory. This thought sweetens all toil, it braces the will, it nerves the spirit for whatever may befall. Working with unselfish heart, ennobled by being partakers of Christ's sufferings, sharing His sympathies, and co-operating with Him in His labor, they help to swell the tide of His joy and bring honor and praise to His exalted name.  {COL 402.5}  

This is the spirit of all true service for God. Through a lack of this spirit, many who appear to be first will become last, while those who possess it, though accounted last, will become first.  {COL 403.1}  

Memory Text:

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God . . . ?” (2 Peter 3:11-12). 


This week's SSLesson will explore and describe the final messages which are inscribed in the scripture with proper and careful consideration of those truths which have not been understood or presented to us Seventh-Day Adventists members about the finishing of God's mission to the earth. This includes the great important message of other angels that will open our eyes to God's Judgment specifically the sealing of God's people and the establishment of Christ's Kingdom on earth as it was taught by Christ in the Lord's prayer "Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Mat. 6:9, 10.


Study Outline:

God's Mission for the Last Days 

Sunday - December 24, 2023

Revelation: God's Last-Day Mission - The Message of Revelation

Revelation 1:1-7; 1 Peter 2:9. 


Monday - December 25, 2023

The Three Angel's Messages and Mission - The Message of the Three Angels 

Revelation 12:12; 14:1-20 ; Luke 11:23. 


Tuesday - December 26, 2023

The Final Crisis - The Accepted or Rejected Message

Matthew 28:19-20; Revelation 14:6; 2 Peter 1:12;  1 John 4:8; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; Genesis 12:3; Revelation 13:1-18; 14:12; Romans 1:18-21;  Romans 2:11-16. 


The Culmination of God's Mission

Wednesday - December 27, 2023

The Success in Mission

1 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 30:21; John 10:27; John 16:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11; Hebrews 3:12-13; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 19:8.     


Thursday - December 28, 2023

Mission Completed?

Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 21:22-27; Revelation 22:1-5 


Friday - December 29, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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God's Mission for the Last Days 

Sunday - December 24, 2023

Revelation: God's Last-Day Mission - The Message of Revelation

Revelation 1:1-7; 1 Peter 2:9. 

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1a)


A "Special People", "Men Wondered At", and "Divinely Organized Movement"

Of those who are to "escape" and to be "disclosed to view" in the antitypical Exodus movement, Inspiration joyfully declares:

"...they are men wondered at:...and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. " Zech. 3:8; 12:8. 

Obviously these "men wondered at" (the "escaped" and "disclosed to view" at the eleventh hour) are the "servants" who make up the long-looked-for "Layman's Movement" (Testimonies, Vol. 9, pp. 125, 126). The eleventh hour is, therefore, the time to which the Spirit of Prophecy points when it says:  

"...In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.... God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate.  He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of his Spirit, than by the outward training of scientific institutions.... God will manifest that he is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals." -- Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 80, 82.

Meat In Due Season - 1. The Eleventh-Hour Call (google.com) 

Meat In Due Season - 1.1 The Eleventh-Hour Call (google.com) 


Most Weak, Hesitating in Church will Be as David

The great reason why so few of the world's great men, and those having a college education, are led to obey the commandments of God, is because they have separated education from religion, thinking that each should occupy a field by itself. . . .  {CE 209.3} God will have a people pure and true.  In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel.  The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor....Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file.  They did not keep pace with the light.  Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock.  In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.  They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them.  The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view.  There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal.  They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you.  But, it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed....In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church....Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness....The most weak and hesitating  in the church will be as David--willing to do and dare....Then will the church of Christ appear 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners'....God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate.  He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit, than by the outward training of scientific institutions.  These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications.  God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals." 

For more studies, please visit this site:


Consider the Following

A message from divinity to humanity:

(1) From God the Father (Rev. 1:4a). The Eternal reveals to us his plan to save us

(2) From God the Holy Spirit (Rev. 1:4b). It gives us power to fulfill the mission

(3) From God the Son (Rev. 1:5). Through his blood he cleanses our sins and makes us kings and priests (Rev. 1:6)

By participating in God's mission, Jesus makes us priests. We have the opportunity to intercede on behalf of others, bringing them the message of salvation (1Pet. 2:9).


Monday - December 25, 2023

The Three Angel's Messages and Mission - The Message of the Three Angels 

Revelation 12:12; 14:1-20 ; Luke 11:23. 

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and He had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people” (Revelation 14:6)

How many angels are there in Revelation 14?

For a deeper understanding of the Three Angels' Message please visit these sites.


Prophecy the Foundation of Our Faith as the Three Angels' Messages Shine Forth

The theme of greatest importance is the third angel's message, embracing the messages of the first and second angels. All should understand the truths contained in these messages and demonstrate them in daily life, for this is essential to salvation. We shall have to study earnestly, prayerfully, in order to understand these grand truths; and our power to learn and comprehend will be taxed to the utmost.--Letter 97, 1902.  {Ev 196.1}  

Ministers should present the sure word of prophecy as the foundation of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation should be carefully studied, and in connection with them the words, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."  {Ev 196.2}  


The GOSPEL of the KINGDOM will be Preached - Mat. 24:14

The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is presented to me again and again as something that is to be brought to the attention of all. We are today living in the time when the predictions of this chapter are fulfilling. Let our ministers and teachers explain these prophecies to those whom they instruct. Let them leave out of their discourses matters of minor consequence, and present the truths that will decide the destiny of souls.--Gospel Workers, p. 148. (1915)  

Time is short. The first, second, and third angel's messages are the messages to be given to the world. We hear not literally the voice of the three angels, but these angels in Revelation represent a people who will be upon the earth and give these messages.  {1888 926.3}  

John saw "Another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the whole earth was lightened with his glory." Revelation 18:1. That work is the voice of the people of God proclaiming a message of warning to the world. Has God, through John, given us light relating to the things which are to transpire in the remnant of time just at the end? Then with pen and voice we are to proclaim that very message to the world, not in a tame, indistinct whisper.  {1888 926.4}  

The Revelator says, "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen" (Revelation 18:1, 2). This is the same message that was given by the second angel--Babylon is fallen, "because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (chap 14:8). What is that wine? Her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the lie Satan first told to Eve in Eden--the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."  {3SM 405.3}  

Meat In Due Season - Another Angel Come Down from Heaven - Rev. 18 (google.com) 


Consider the Following

The last message that must be proclaimed to the world consists of three fundamental points:

(1) Show the gospel of salvation to everyone

(2) Direct the world's attention to the Creator and his Law

(3) Warn of the consequences of rejecting the divine call


Tuesday - December 26, 2023

The Final Crisis - The Accepted or Rejected Message

Matthew 28:19-20; Revelation 14:6; 2 Peter 1:12;  1 John 4:8; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; Genesis 12:3; Revelation 13:1-18; 14:12; Romans 1:18-21;  Romans 2:11-16. 

“Who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)


Satan's Wrath Against the Three Angels' Messages

The third angel is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, symbolizing the work of those who proclaim the first, second, and third angel's messages; all are linked together. The evidences of the abiding, everliving truth of these grand messages that mean so much to us, that have awakened such intense opposition from the religious world, are not extinct. Satan is constantly seeking to cast his hellish shadow about these messages, so that the remnant people of God shall not clearly discern their import--their time and place--but they live, and are to exert their power upon our religious experience while time shall last. . . .  {3SM 405.2}  


The Ten Virgins and the Last Great Crisis

The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history. All claim to be Christians. All have a call, a name, a lamp, and all profess to be doing God's service. All apparently wait for Christ's appearing. But five are unready. Five will be found surprised, dismayed, outside the banquet hall.  {COL 412.2}  

At the final day, many will claim admission to Christ's kingdom, saying, "We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets." "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?" But the answer is, "I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me." Luke 13:26; Matthew 7:22; Luke 13:27. In this life they have not entered into fellowship with Christ; therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers to its joy. "What man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11.  {COL 412.3} 

The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.--9T 11 (1909).  {LDE 11.2}  


Troublous Times Soon to Come 

The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment.--RH Nov. 24, 1904.  

The time of trouble--trouble such as was not since there was a nation [Daniel 12:1]--is right upon us, and we are like the sleeping virgins. We are to awake and ask the Lord Jesus to place underneath us His everlasting arms, and carry us through the time of trial before us.--3MR 305 (1906).   

The world is becoming more and more lawless. Soon great trouble will arise among the nations--trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes.--RH Feb. 11, 1904. 

We are on the very verge of the time of trouble, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us.--9T 43 (1909).

We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another--fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed.--PK 278 (c. 1914).  {LDE 12.1-5}  

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 13. From Dust to Stars (google.com) 


Consider the Following

In offering salvation, God excludes no one. The call is universal. God is love, and that love is offered to all equally (1Jn. 4:8; 2Pet. 3:9).

But just because salvation is offered to everyone does not mean that everyone accepts it.

In the time of the end, there will come a time when everyone will have clearly heard the message and will make a decision about it.

Satan will pressure the world to make laws against freedom of conscience and prevent people from accepting the message. Humanity will be polarized into two groups: those who accept Jesus; and those who reject it.


The Culmination of God's Mission

Wednesday - December 27, 2023

The Success in Mission

1 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 30:21; John 10:27; John 16:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11; Hebrews 3:12-13; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 19:8.     

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6)


Last Day Prophecies Demand Our Attention 

I then saw the third angel [Revelation 14:9-11]. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention."--EW 118 (1854).  {LDE 14.2} 

We shall have to stand before magistrates to answer for our allegiance to the law of God, to make known the reasons of our faith. And the youth should understand these things.  {LDE 14.3}  

They should know the things that will come to pass before the closing up of the world's history. These things concern our eternal welfare, and teachers and students should give more attention to them.--6T 128, 129 (1900).  {LDE 14.4}  

We should study the great waymarks that point out the times in which we are living.--4MR 163 (1895).  {LDE 14.5}  

Those who place themselves under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place.--7T 14 (1902).  {LDE 15.1} 

We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict of the great controversy.--8T 307 (1904). 


Final Visitations of God's Judgments Upon the Earth

Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.  {Mar 168.3}  

Meat In Due Season - The Final Display of God's Power and Glory (google.com) 


Coming Down of Angel Symbolizes the Call to Come Out of Babylon - God's Ordained Movement 

Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy, it is declared, “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” [Revelation 18:5.] She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of his judgments, these faithful ones must be called out, that they “partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.” Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from Heaven, lightening the earth with his glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard, “Come out of her, my people.” These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth.  {GC88 604.1} 


Please read and study Zechariah 6. Visit these links for more information:

Meat In Due Season - 4. The Great Paradox of Ages (google.com) 


Consider the Following

How can we know that we have succeeded in the mission? By the number of interested parties who attended? By the number of Bible studies taught? By the number of baptisms achieved?

Without a doubt, these are indicators of mission success. But not of our success, but of God's success (1Cor. 3:6). Our success: fulfilling our part in the mission.

How can we contribute, then, to the success of the mission?

(1) Being pure and loyal to Jesus (2Cor. 11:2)

(2) Following the orders given to us by the Holy Spirit (Isa. 30:21)

(3) Telling others about Jesus (Mt. 28:19-20)

(4) Always being truthful (Rev. 14:5)

(5) Avoiding falling into doubt or disbelief (Heb . 3:12)

(6) Encouraging one another (Heb . 3:13)

(7) Acting with humility (Phil . 2:3)

(8) Recognizing our imperfection (1Jn. 1:8-9)


Thursday - December 28, 2023

Mission Completed?

Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 21:22-27; Revelation 22:1-5 

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13)


Future Revelation of God's Glory and Power

The existing confusion of conflicting creeds and sects is fitly represented by the term “Babylon,” which prophecy applies to the world-loving churches of the last days. Many seek to make a heaven for themselves by obtaining riches and power. They “speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily,” trampling upon human rights and disregarding divine authority. The proud may be for a time in great power, and may see success in all that they undertake, but in the end they will find only disappointment and wretchedness. {CTr 70.5} 

The time of God’s investigation is at hand. The Most High will come down to see that which rebel humans have builded. His sovereign power will be revealed; the works of human pride will be laid low. . . . “The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 123, 124. {CTr 70.6} 


The Kingdom of God Restored Over All the Earth Before Jesus Comes

The Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. Zechariah 14:9.  {Mar 372.1} 

The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God's original purpose in its creation is accomplished. "The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever" (Daniel 7:18).  {Mar 372.2}  

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). "In that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one." "And the Lord shall be king over all the earth" (Zechariah 14:9). . . . "All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever" (Psalm 111:7, 8). The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout a sinless universe.  {Mar 372.3} 

Through Christ's redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the God of love. Satan's charges are refuted, and his character unveiled. Rebellion can never again arise. Sin can never again enter the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy. By love's self-sacrifice, the inhabitants of earth and heaven are bound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union. . . .  {Mar 372.4}  

Please visit the following sites for deeper understanding of His Everlasting Kingdom established on earth.


Consider the Following

The mission will have been completed at last, with a land full of people of all ethnicities and cultures eager to worship God. People full of love and happiness (Rev. 21: 4-5).

But, wait... Has God's mission really been over, that mission in which God sought to dwell eternally in happy harmony with us?

All of us who have made the decision to love God and accept his sacrifice will be part of the divine mission throughout eternity, learning more about God's love every day.


Friday - December 29, 2023

Insights and Further Study

The hour of Christ's glorification had come. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, and the inquiry of the Greeks showed Him that the sacrifice He was about to make would bring many sons and daughters to God. He knew that the Greeks would soon see Him in a position they did not then dream of. They would see Him placed beside Barabbas, a robber and murderer, who would be chosen for release before the Son of God. They would hear the people, inspired by the priests and rulers, making their choice. And to the question, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" the answer would be given, "Let Him be crucified." Matthew 27:22. By making this propitiation for the sins of men, Christ knew that His kingdom would be perfected, and would extend throughout the world. He would work as the Restorer, and His Spirit would prevail. For a moment He looked into futurity, and heard the voices proclaiming in all parts of the earth, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. In these strangers He saw the pledge of a great harvest, when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile should be broken down, and all nations, tongues, and peoples should hear the message of salvation. The anticipation of this, the consummation of His hopes, is expressed in the words, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." But the way in which this glorification must take place was never absent from Christ's mind. The gathering in of the Gentiles was to follow His approaching death. Only by His death could the world be saved. Like a grain of wheat, the Son of man must be cast into the ground and die, and be buried out of sight; but He was to live again.  {DA 622.2}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The influence of the gospel is to unite in one great brotherhood. We have only one Model that we are to imitate in character building, and then we all shall have Christ's mold; we shall be in perfect harmony; nationalities will blend in Jesus Christ, having the same mind, and the same judgment, speaking the same things, and with one mouth glorifying God” EGW (Our High Calling, June 14)