Sabbath Afternoon - June 8, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Revelation 14:7; Revelation 14:9; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 13:1-2; Revelation 12:3-5; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 13:11-18. 


Thought for Meditation:
From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator, and though he was cast out of heaven he has continued the same warfare upon the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. He that offends "in one point," manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are on the side of transgression; he becomes "guilty of all." James 2:10. {DD 28.2} Darkness Before Dawn


Memory Text:

“ ‘Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth’ ” (John 17:17). 


This week's SS Lesson will gaze into the future events that had been foretold in the Holy Writ and will trace back the original plan of Satan to distort God's plan. This includes the historical events that had cause the Papacy to be wounded by the preaching of the Pure Gospel of Righteousness by Faith through Martin Luther and the last attempt through the 2Horned Beast of Revelation 13 - the USA.


Study Outline:

The Conflict
Sunday - June 9, 2024

The Worship

Revelation 14:7, 9, 11, 17, 12;  Daniel 7:25.   


Monday - June 10, 2024

The Intolerance - the Coming Crisis 

Revelation 13:1-18; John 16:2; Matthew 10:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12; Revelation 14:12   


The Enemy

Tuesday - June 11, 2024

The Dragon Throne - Identifying the Beast Part 1

Revelation 12:3-5; Matthew 2:16-18; Revelation 13:1-18; John 10:33; Luke 5:21      


Wednesday - June 12, 2024

A Healed Would - Identifying the Beast Part 2

 Revelation 13:5;  Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6;  Revelation 13:10.  


Thursday - June 13, 2024

The Beast from the Earth - Lamb and the Dragon

Revelation 13:11-18;  Revelation 17:15. 


Friday - June 14, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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The Conflict
Sunday - June 9, 2024

The Worship

Revelation 14:7, 9, 11, 17, 12;  Daniel 7:25.   

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11)


Who is the only one able and worthy to open the Book with the Seven Seal?

Meat In Due Season - An Exposition of Biblical-Prophetic Interpretation on Rev. 4-8 (google.com) 


Christ Died for Humanity

There is need of elevating our thoughts to dwell upon the promises of God. There is need of encouraging our faith and hope by exercise. Lay your soul before your heavenly Father in all its weakness and want, and repeat the assurances of his word, and claim their fulfillment, not because you are worthy, but because Christ has died for you. Plead the merits of his blood and take the Lord at his word. We must learn the simple art of perfect trust; and we shall be "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." Let nothing interpose between your soul and Christ. Let no darling sin be cherished. Present to God your whole body, soul, and spirit, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable.  {ST, March 9, 1888 par. 9} The Signs of the Times 


The Ministration of Christ in the Heavenly Sanctuary

Many and earnest were the efforts made to overthrow their faith. None could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in Heaven; and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God's law, and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that revealed the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Men sought to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which he had closed. But “He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth,” had declared, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [Revelation 3:7, 8.] Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place, light was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in Heaven, and the fourth commandment was shown to be included in the law which is there enshrined; what God had established, no man could overthrow.  {GC88 435.1} The Great Controversy, 1888.


Thou art Worthy, O Lord, to Receive Glory and Honor and Power

The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that he is the Creator, and that to him all other beings owe their existence. And wherever, in the Bible, his claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there is cited the evidence of his creative power. “All the gods of the nations are idols; but the Lord made the heavens.” [Psalm 96:5.] “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things.” “Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; . . . I am Jehovah; and there is none else.” [Isaiah 40:25, 26; 45:18.] Says the psalmist, “Know ye that Jehovah, he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.” “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” [Psalm 100:3; 95:6.] And the holy beings who worship God in Heaven state, as the reason why their homage is due to him, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things.” [Revelation 4:11.]  {GC88 436.2} The Great Controversy, 1888


The Creator as the Object of Reverence and Worship

The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and his creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.” It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the fact that he is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man's thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, “him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep his commandments, will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.  {GC88 437.2} The Great Controversy, 1888


Consider the Following

Heavenly beings worship God for his creative power (Rev. 4:11; Job 38:6-7).

For his part, Satan desires to obtain the worship of the world with “beasts” to which he grants power to “create” an image through which he can receive universal worship (Rev. 13:2, 4, 14-15).

It is not surprising that Sabbath is the point of controversy at such times. Those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12) worship Him on the day that commemorates His Creation.

Monday - June 10, 2024

The Intolerance - the Coming Crisis 

Revelation 13:1-18; John 16:2; Matthew 10:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12; Revelation 14:12   

“They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God” (John 16:2).


They Shall Put You Out of the Church, Endure Trials for the Sake of Truth

The word of God declares that the followers of Christ will be called upon to endure trials for the sake of truth. Says Paul, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution; for "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." Said our Lord, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." With what zeal will the workers of iniquity pursue their Satanic purpose! They will put light for darkness, and darkness for light, until they will sincerely believe they are servants of God, and doing him service by persecuting his children. It has been so in the conflicts of the past; and in the closing work of God the same spirit will be manifested. Says the prophet, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Jesus was treated as the worst of malefactors, and the servant is not greater than his Lord. Said the Saviour, "These things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them."  {RH, May 8, 1888 par. 6}  The Review and Herald


Whosoever Killeth you will Think that they doeth God Service

The experience of those who are loyal to God will be in accordance with Christ's words: "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." {RH, November 7, 1899 par. 22} The Review and Herald


The Leopard-Like Beast of Revelation 13 

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 held by the ancient Roman empire. Of the leopardlike 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.  {GC 439.1} The Great Controversy, 1911


For more information, please visit the link below.

Meat In Due Season - 15. The Leopard Like Beast (google.com) 


Sunday-Law Enforcement Precedes the Close of Probation 

The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes, for it is to be the great test [SEE THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER, WHERE THE GREAT TEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD IS SHOWN TO BE SUNDAY-LAW ENFORCEMENT.] for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided.--2SM 81 (1890).  {LDE 227.3} 

What is the "image to the beast"? and how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of the beast. [THE TWO-HORNED BEAST OF REVELATION 13:11-17 MAKES AN IMAGE TO THE BEAST PORTRAYED IN REVELATION 13:1-10.] Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed, we must study the characteristics of the beast itself--the papacy.  {LDE 228.1} 

When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state, and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of "heresy." In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends. . . .  {LDE 228.2}  

The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas.--GC 443, 445 (1911).  {LDE 228.3} Last Day Events, 1992


For additional please visit the site below.

 Meat In Due Season - 16. The Two-horned Beast (2HB) (google.com) 


Consider the Following

Our struggle is not physical, but spiritual (Eph. 6:12). We do not use physical weapons, but spiritual ones (2Co. 10: 3-5). However, the enemy does not hesitate to use physical weapons against us.

Not in vain is there a “woe” for the faithful, due to Satan's fierce attack against the faithful church (Rev. 12:12). For him, any weapon is valid.

1) He tempts us through our inclinations (James 1:14)

2) He convinces us with subtleties (2Co. 4:3-4)

3) Use close people (Mt. 10:34-36)

4) He strikes and threatens (Acts 5:40)

5) Use extreme violence (John 16:2)

This is how he has acted in history, and this is how his last attack will be: deceptions and subtleties (Rev. 13:13-14); imposition of economic sanctions (Rev. 13:16-17); decree of death for those who do not worship him (Rev. 13:15).

The Enemy

Tuesday - June 11, 2024

The Dragon Throne - Identifying the Beast Part 1

Revelation 12:3-5; Matthew 2:16-18; Revelation 13:1-18; John 10:33; Luke 5:21      

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.  (Rev. 13:2)


The Beast with Lamb-Like Horns Spake as a Dragon

But the beast with lamb-like horns “spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed, . . saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” [Revelation 13:11-14.]  {GC88 441.2} 

The lamb-like horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contradiction between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The “speaking” of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. By such action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy. The prediction that it will speak “as a dragon,” and exercise “all the power of the first beast,” plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopard-like beast. And the statement that the beast with two horns “causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast,” indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.  {GC88 442.1} 

Such action would be directly contrary to the principles of this government, to the genius of its free institutions, to the direct and solemn avowals of the Declaration of Independence, and to the Constitution. The founders of the nation wisely sought to guard against the employment of secular power on the part of the church, with its inevitable result—intolerance and persecution. The Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” and that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office of public trust under the United States.” Only in flagrant violation of these safeguards to the nation's liberty, can any religious observance be enforced by civil authority. But the inconsistency of such action is no greater than is represented in the symbol. It is the beast with lamb-like horns—in profession pure, gentle, and harmless— that speaks as a dragon.  {GC88 442.2} 

“Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” Here is clearly presented a form of government in which the legislative power rests with the people; a most striking evidence that the United States is the nation denoted in the prophecy.  {GC88 443.1} The Great Controversy, 1888


The Two Horns Like a Lamb, Give Life to the Image of the Beast

In Revelation 13 this subject is plainly presented: "I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." Then the miracle-working power is revealed: "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."  {Mar 164.3}  Maranatha, 1976


Consider the Following

The dragon is identified as Satan (Rev. 12:9), while the beast, through which he exercises his power, is identified with the 4th beast of Daniel 7.

Revelation 13 is an expanded explanation of chapter 12. It begins after the attempt to kill Jesus, and his subsequent ascension (Rev. 12:3-5). The first verses expand on the attack on the church during the 1,260 years, while the rest focus on the events that occur after the dragon's wrath (Rev. 12:17).

Little by little, the see of Rome was left in the hands of the church, which acquired the political power that allowed it to become the blasphemous power that persecuted the faithful church (Rev. 13:4-8).


For further study please visit the links below:

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 13: The Woman and the Dragon (google.com)

Meat In Due Season - 15. The Leopard Like Beast (google.com)

Meat In Due Season - 16. The Two-horned Beast (2HB) (google.com) 

Wednesday - June 12, 2024

A Healed Wound - Identifying the Beast Part 2

 Revelation 13:5;  Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6;  Revelation 13:10.  

“He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:10)


The Infliction of the Deadly Wound - the Downfall of the Papacy in 1798

And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." Verse 3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, "his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." Paul states plainly that the "man of sin" will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: "All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life." Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. {DD 27.1}  Darkness Before Dawn, 1997


Here is the Patience of the Saints

A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinctive people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed it was not the best policy in securing success to our institutions. This distinctive banner is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. In describing the remnant people of God, John says, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12). This is the law and the gospel. The world and the churches are uniting in harmony in transgressing the law of God, in tearing away God's memorial, and in exalting a sabbath that bears the signature of the man of sin. But the Sabbath of the Lord thy God is to be a sign to show the difference between the obedient and the disobedient. I saw some reaching out their hands to remove the banner, and to obscure its significance. . . .  {2SM 385.2}  Selected Messages Book 2, 1958


Consider the Following

― After centuries of using its power to “lead into captivity” and “kill with the sword” (Rev. 13:10), the Roman Church itself was led into captivity and suffered a “deadly wound” (Rev. 13:3).

― Although the Pope maintained ownership of the Papal States until 1870, he finally lost all of his territory when the Kingdom of Italy was created.

― In 1929, Vatican City was recognized as an independent state. The wound was beginning to heal. And what is going to happen from now on?

― As the final events unfold, a world leader will be sought to propose solutions to the global crisis. Among the package of solutions offered by the Papacy will be included Sunday rest as a strong point for the union of families, peoples and nations.

Lamb and Dragon

Thursday - June 13, 2024

The Beast from the Earth - Lamb and the Dragon

Revelation 13:11-18;  Revelation 17:15. 

“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11)

 

Make War with the Lamb of God

John in the Revelation writes of the unity of those living on the earth to make void the law of God. "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:13, 14). "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet" (chap. 16:13).  {3SM 423.3}  

All who will exalt and worship the idol Sabbath, a day that God has not blessed, help the devil and his angels with all the power of their God-given ability, which they have perverted to a wrong use. Inspired by another spirit, which blinds their discernment, they cannot see that the exaltation of Sunday is entirely the institution of the Catholic Church. . . .  {3SM 423.4}  Selected Messages Book 3, 1980


Like a Lamb of God but Imbued with the SPirit of the Dragon

"He had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." Though professing to be followers of the Lamb of God, men become imbued with the spirit of the dragon. They profess to be meek and humble but they speak and legislate with the spirit of Satan, showing by their actions that they are the opposite of what they profess to be. This lamb-like power unites with the dragon in making war upon those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. And Satan unites with Protestants and papists, acting in consort with them as the god of this world, dictating to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and governed and controlled as he pleases.  {14MR 162.1}  Manuscript Releases, volume 14


Consider the Following

― The first beast arose from the corruption of the Church that Jesus had established. When she received the wound, Satan looked for a “false prophet” to take her place and help her heal (Rev. 13:11; 16:13). Again, he found his ally from a nation that had emerged based on the pure principles of Christianity: North America.

― He began by imitating Jesus (the Lamb). It is a republican nation (without kings, without crowns), and based on the separation of two powers (horns): the civil and the religious.

― As the first world power, it has already begun to speak like a dragon. Soon he will begin to generate laws on religious matters that, supporting the Papacy, will create an “image of the beast” (Rev. 13:12-14).



Friday - June 14, 2024

Insights and Further Study

I saw all that "would not receive the mark of the Beast, and of his Image, in their foreheads or in their hands," could not buy or sell. [Revelation 13:15-17.] I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast was made up; [Revelation 13:18.] and that it was the Beast that changed the Sabbath, and the Image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope's, and not God's Sabbath. And all we were required to do, was to give up God's Sabbath, and keep the Pope's, and then we should have the mark of the Beast, and of his image.  {WLF 19.1} A Word to the Little Flock, 1847


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The image to this beast represents another religious organization having similar powers. The image is made by a lamblike beast. This lamblike beast is a symbol of the United States, which looks peaceful and gentle. The churches of the United States will unite on common interests of faith. Then these churches that have united will influence the government to enforce religious laws and support church organizations. When this happens, Protestant America will have formed an image of the papacy. Then the true church will be persecuted the same as God's people in the past." EGW (History of Redemption, Srme 1.116g)


Questions to Ponder



https://online.fliphtml5.com/nhmzi/blal/

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q2-l11-the-impending-conflict/