Embedded Files
Sabbath Afternoon - Aug. 31, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 12:41-44; Mark 13:1-32; Daniel 9:24-27; Daniel 7:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Thought for Meditation:
The condition of the world previous to the first appearing of Christ is a picture of the condition of the world just previous to His second advent. The same iniquity will exist; Satan manifests the same delusive power upon human minds. . . . He is securing his army of human agents to engage in the last conflict against the Prince of life, to overthrow the law of God, which is the foundation of His throne. Satan will work with miraculous presentations to confirm people in the belief that he is what he claims to be—the prince of this world—and that victory is his. He will turn his forces against those who are loyal to God; but though he may cause pain, distress, and human agony, he cannot defile the soul. . . . The people of God in these last days must expect to enter into the thick of the conflict, for the prophetic Word says, “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.”Letter 43, 1895 (Review and Herald, Oct. 29, 1895). {CTr 259.5} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Memory Text:
“ ‘Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven’ ” (Mark 13:26-27).
This week's SS Lesson will trace back what was the event that has significant prophetic truths that will encourage and strengthens one's faith. It includes the future antitypical application of events and significant insights of things that would transpired in the last days.
Study Outline:
The Destruction of the Temple
Sunday - September 1, 2024
A Spark of Hope - Two Little Coins in the Offering
Monday - September 2, 2024
Disaster Preparation - No One Stone on Another
Tuesday - September 3, 2024
The Destroying Hand - The Abomination of Desolation
Mark 13:14-18; Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; 8:13.
The Coming of the Son of Man
Wednesday - September 4, 2024
The Great Tribulation
Mark 13:19-23; Daniel 7:1-28; 8; Daniel 9:1-27; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Revelation 13:1-18
Thursday - September 5, 2024
The Second Coming of Jesus - The Coming of the Son of Man
Mark 13:24-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 1:7; 6:12-17; 14:14-20; 19:11-21).
Friday - September 6, 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
The Destruction of the Temple
Sunday - September 1, 2024
A Spark of Hope - Two Little Coins in the Offering
"But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents” (Mark 12:42)
The Twofold Sign was Misunderstood - The Destruction of the Temple
Jesus had shown them a sign. In flashing light into their hearts, and in doing before them the works which the Messiah was to do, He had given convincing evidence of His character. Now when they asked for a sign, He answered them by a parable, showing that He read their malice, and saw to what lengths it would lead them. "Destroy this temple," He said, "and in three days I will raise it up." {DA 164.2}
In these words His meaning was twofold. He referred not only to the destruction of the Jewish temple and worship, but to His own death,--the destruction of the temple of His body. This the Jews were already plotting. As the priests and rulers returned to the temple, they had proposed to kill Jesus, and thus rid themselves of the troubler. Yet when He set before them their purpose, they did not understand Him. They took His words as applying only to the temple at Jerusalem, and with indignation exclaimed, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days?" Now they felt that Jesus had justified their unbelief, and they were confirmed in their rejection of Him. {DA 164.3} The Desire of Ages, 1898
A Lesson of Purification - The Sinful Human Agent at the Footstool of Mercy
Christ's prediction regarding the destruction of the temple was a lesson on the purification of religion, by making of none effect forms and ceremonies. He announced Himself greater than the temple, and stood forth proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He was the one in whom all the Jewish ceremony and typical service was to find its fulfillment. He stood forth in the place of the temple; all the offices of the church centered in Himself alone. {FE 399.1}
In the past, Christ had been approached through forms and ceremonies, but now He was upon the earth, calling attention directly to Himself, presenting a spiritual priesthood, and placing the sinful human agent at the footstool of mercy. "Ask, and it shall be given you," He promised; "seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." "If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments." "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: . . . and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." "As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." {FE 399.2} Fundamentals of Christian Education, 1929
An Outline of Prominent Events Before the Close of Time
The future was mercifully veiled from the disciples. Had they at that time fully comprehend the two awful facts--the Redeemer's sufferings and death, and the destruction of their city and temple--they would have been overwhelmed with horror. Christ presented before them an outline of the prominent events to take place before the close of time. His words were not then fully understood; but their meaning was to be unfolded as His people should need the instruction therein given. The prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day. {GC 25.3} The Great Controversy, 1911
Consider the Following
— Jesus was watching large and small sums being deposited into the offering
chests when he was impressed by a widow's small offering (Mark 12:41-42).
— Unlike the rich bidders, this widow did not want to be praised. He only wanted to contribute to God's work with the little she had (Mark 12:43-44). She did not care about the corruption prevailing among the priests. Her offering was for God, not for men.
— Jesus was soon going to announce the destruction of the temple because of Israel's corruption and wickedness. But in the midst of the prevailing evil, this widow represented the sincere worshipers who still recognized the sanctity of the Temple as the House where God desired to be worshiped.
Monday - September 2, 2024
Disaster Preparation - No One Stone on Another
“Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13)
Holding Firm Until the End - Weighing the Characters, Actions, and Motives of Men
All who will endure to the end will be saved. All who will hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will have eternal righteousness. But those who depart from the principles which give character to the truth need converting as verily as does the hardened sinner. {11MR 101.3} [Ephesians 2:1-10; 6:10-13, quoted.]
God is represented as weighing the characters, actions, and motives of men. Christ said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again" (John 3:7). He is speaking the same words to those who know not the spirit that moves them to action. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, said, "The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed" (1 Samuel 2:3). David says, "Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity" (Psalm 62:9). Isaiah declares, "Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just" (Isaiah 26:7). And Solomon writes, "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits" (Proverbs 16:2). {11MR 102.1} Manuscript Releases, 1990
Without a Cause - Jesus had Been Hated, and so We will Be
"These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. 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. {2SAT 296.5}
"But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth Me hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause" [John 15:17-25]. {2SAT 296.6}
Jesus says, "They hated Me without a cause." And if we take a straightforward course to lift up Jesus Christ, if we work determinedly that we may bring souls to Him, we shall arouse the hatred of the world, even as did He whom we follow. {2SAT 297.1} Sermon and Talks Volume 2, 1994
Blessed are those who are Hated, Separated and Cast Out for His Name's Sake
Those who have no love for God will not love the children of God. Listen to the words of heavenly instruction: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you." "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven." "But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." In the Gospel of John we again find the words of Christ: "These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. 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." "I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." {2T 491.2} Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, 1868-1871
Consider the Following
— Climbing the Mount of Olives, a disciple drew Jesus' attention to Herod's
magnificent temple (Mark 13:1). His response left everyone stunned (Mark 13:2).
— When asked by the fishermen brothers (Mark 13:3-4), Jesus divided his response into these three phases:
(1) The importance of preaching the gospel and its consequences (v. 5-13)
(2) The signs of the destruction of the temple (v. 14-23)
(3) The signs of the end of the world (v. 24-37)
— In the first phase, Jesus indicated that false Christs would soon arise (and continue to arise) presenting a falsified gospel (Mark 13:5-6). These will generate turbulence, but it is not the end yet (Mark 13:7-8).
— Before the destruction of the Temple, the gospel was preached throughout the known world. And until Jesus comes, we must be prepared to present our faith clearly, regardless of the consequences (Mark 13:9-13; 1Pet. 3:15)
Tuesday - September 3, 2024
The Destroying Hand - The Abomination of Desolation
Mark 13:14-18; Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; 8:13.
“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Mark 13:14)
Signs Spoken for the Last Days - Satan will Deceive and Delude
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." False prophets and false Christs did arise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was spoken also for the last days. This sign is a sign of the second advent. Satanic agencies will be prepared to deceive and to delude. {ST, February 20, 1901 par. 9}
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." In times of trial many will be offended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practise or their income. Many will stumble and fall. They have professed to love the truth; but they will then show that they had no vital union with the True Vine. They will be cut away, as branches that bear no fruit, and will be bound up with unbelievers. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." {ST, February 20, 1901 par. 10}
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand); then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains; let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house; neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes." This warning was given to be heeded forty years after, at the destruction of Jerusalem. The Christians obeyed, and not one of them perished in the destruction of the city. {ST, February 20, 1901 par. 11} The Signs of the Times
Preparation Before the Time of Destruction - The Country Living
The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation [the United States] in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God's planning, but the planning of a power that we should in no wise acknowledge. God's Word is fulfilling; the wicked are binding themselves up in bundles ready to be burned. The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. . . . Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children. . . . Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. {Mar 180.2-5} Maranatha, 1976
Consider the Following
— Jesus linked the destruction of the Temple with the prophecies of Daniel (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The 70-week prophecy presents a “prince” [Rome] who would destroy the city and the temple after the death of the Messiah. This is the “desolator” who filled Jerusalem with “abominations” (Dan. 9:26-27).
— Luke makes it clear that the “abomination of desolation” refers to Jerusalem surrounded by Roman armies (Lk. 21:20). This occurred in 66 AC when Cestius Gallus attempted to take Jerusalem. Their unexpected retreat allowed the Christians to abandon the city and save their lives (Mark 13:15-18).
— A year later, Nero sent Vespasian to quell the rebellion, and he left Titus to
continue the siege, until the total destruction of the city in the year 70.
Note:
We are not to locate ourselves where we will be forced into close relations with those who do not honor God. . . . A crisis is soon to come in regard to the observance of Sunday. . . .
The Sunday party is strengthening itself in its false claims, and this will mean oppression to those who determine to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. . . .
If in the providence of God we can secure places away from the cities, the Lord would have us do this. There are troublous times before us. {Mar 180.6-8}
The Coming of the Son of Man
Wednesday - September 4, 2024
The Great Tribulation
Mark 13:19-23; Daniel 7:1-28; 8; Daniel 9:1-27; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Revelation 13:1-18
“because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again” (Mark 13:19)
Strong in Faith and Courage that Brings Ultimate Success- The Glory in Tribulation
No greater evidence need be asked that a person is at a great distance from Jesus, and living in neglect of secret prayer, neglecting personal piety, than the fact that he thus talks doubts and unbelief because his surroundings are not favorable. Such persons have not the pure, true, undefiled religion of Christ. They have a spurious article, which the refining process will utterly consume as dross. As soon as God proves them, and tests their faith, they waver, they stand feebly, swaying first one way, then the other. They have not the genuine article that Paul possessed, that could glory in tribulation, because “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.” [Romans 5:3-5.] They have a religion of circumstance. If all around them are strong in faith and courage in the ultimate success of the third angel's message, and no special influence is brought to bear against them, they then appear to have some faith. But as soon as adversity seems to come upon the cause, and the work drags heavily, and the help of every one is needed, these poor souls, though they may be professed ministers of the gospel, expect everything to come to naught. These hinder instead of helping. {GW92 115.2} Gospel Worker, 1892
The Great Multitude Shall Stand as Overcomers
He describes the great multitude who shall stand before God as overcomers, and says, "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." The palms signify that they have gained the victory, and the white robes that they have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Thank God that a fountain has been opened to wash our robes of character, and make them as white as snow. And they "cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." {ST, May 2, 1895 par. 6} The Signs of the Times
For further study please visit this site:
Meat In Due Season - 3. The Great Multitude (google.com)
Consider the Following
— After explaining the destruction of the Temple, Jesus begins to talk about what would happen between that event and His Second Coming: a time of extreme tribulation (Mark 13:19).
— This tribulation is against “the elect”, that is, those who remain faithful to Jesus (Mark 13:20). The tribulation period involves the persecution of the faithful people by the religious power that dominated the Middle Ages.
— During that period, many paid with their lives for their desire to read the Bible, and to be loyal to its teachings. Daniel 7:25 and other passages tell us that the persecution would last 1,260 years (between 538 and 1798).
— Before 1798, after the Reformation, persecution subsided in some parts of Europe. Many had to flee their countries to take refuge in Germany or Switzerland, in order to escape persecution.
Thursday - September 5, 2024
The Second Coming of Jesus - The Coming of the Son of Man
Mark 13:24-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 1:7; 6:12-17; 14:14-20; 19:11-21).
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26)
The World will be Warned for Soon Return of Christ
Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14. {AA 111.1} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911
The Trophies to be Presented to the Universe of Heaven
Not all who believed in Jesus were brought to life at that time. It was only a specimen of what would be, that we may know that death and the grave are not to hold the captives, because Christ took them to heaven. And when He comes again with power and great glory, He will open the graves. Again the prison house will be opened, and the dead will come forth to a glorious immortality. {CTr 287.5}
Here are the trophies that Christ took up with Him and presented to the universe of heaven and the worlds that God had created. Any affection that they ever had for Lucifer, who was the covering cherub, is now destroyed. God gave him a chance to work out his character. If He had not done this, there might have been those who felt the accusation he [Lucifer] brought against God, that He didn’t give him a fair chance, was justified. {CTr 287.6} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Christ's Splendor will be admired by All Who Served Him
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. To those who go out to meet the Bridegroom is this message given. Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appearing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him. While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ's followers will rejoice. The patriarch Job, looking down to the time of Christ's second advent, said, "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not a stranger." Job 19:27, margin. To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion and familiar friend. They have lived in close contact, in constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts. {COL 420.3} Christ Object Lesson, 1900
Consider the Following
— As the end of the tribulation approached, the signs announced by Jesus began to be fulfilled (Mark 13:24-25):
(1) Darkening of the sun and the moon (05/19/1780)
(2) Starfall (11/13/1833)
(3) Commotion of the heavens. Future event, also announced in Rev. 6:14
— Afterwards, Jesus will appear in a visible, powerful and glorious way; the dead in Christ will rise again; and the living faithful will be transformed (Mk. 13:26-27; 1Thes. 4:16-17).
— When will this great event happen? Jesus tells us that when we see the signs, we will know that it is coming (Mark 13:28-29).
— In conclusion, Jesus assured that the events concerning the destruction of the Temple would be contemplated by that same generation (Mark 13:30-31).
— But, regarding his Second Coming, he warns us that no one knows the moment. Our part is to watch (Mark 13:32-37).
Friday - September 6, 2024
Insights and Further Study
The last days are upon us, and Satan is working with all his hellish arts to deceive and destroy souls. Reproofs by testimony are met almost universally, by the ones corrected and reproved, with “I believe the testimonies, but I do not understand them.” The Lord has corrected their wrong ways in order to save them from unhappiness, deception, and ruin; but they pass on the same as if light and warnings had never come to them. If they were in harmony with God, they would not be departing from Him. It is because they are so far departed from God that they do not hear His voice as He calls to them, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you,”“and I will heal your backslidings.” {CTr 143.2}
From the Pen of Inspiration
«The exact time of Christ's second coming is not revealed. Jesus said, No man knoweth the day nor the hour. But He also gave signs of His coming, and said, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” Matthew 24:48, 36, 33. […] Since we know not the hour of Christ's coming, we must live soberly and godly in this present world, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” EGW (Reflect Jesus, September 1)
Points to Ponder Upon
How do Mark present the teaching of Jesus regarding His Coming - the future event?
In what way does the Jews were considered unfaithful, even they offer finances to the Temple? {See: Sunday's Lesson}
Did Jesus spend most of His time in describing the fall of Jerusalem? If no, why?
What is an "abomination of desolation"? And in what way it could be related to the last days.?
Is the Tribulation mentioned in Mark 13:19 connected with Dan. 12:1? Please explain!
What's the meaning about the phrases, "this generation" but on the other hand mentions, "that day" or "that hour"? Does it only refer to the ancient Jews?
Based on the statement above, {CTr 143.2}, what message does it brings to our attention?
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