Our Lord Shall Come
Our Lord Shall Come
1942 Quater 1
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INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL
"As God bath prospered him"
MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)
5.00 2.00 1.00 ' .50 .30 .25
"God loveth a cheerful giver"
RECORD
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This Individual Sabbath School Offering Goal chart
will appear in each Quarterly. Systematic giving week by
week is becoming more and more a practice, and this
chart is inserted by request. Many Sabbath school mem-
bers are giving a dollar or more each week, and this goal
chart will enable them to keep an accurate record of their
covenant with God.
"God has devised a plan by which all may give as He
has prospered them, and which will make giving a habit
without waiting for special calls. Those who can do this,
but will not because of their selfishness, are robbing their
Creator, who has bestowed upon them means to invest in
His cause to advance its interests."—Testimonies, vol. 3,
p. 411.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 187, January, 1942. 20 cents a year. Published in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of.S. D. A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, California, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. Copyright, 1992, by Pacific Press Publishing Association [2] Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly OUR LORD SHALL COME
Lesson 1, for January 3, 1942
God's Plan for Man's Salvation MEMORY VERSE: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Gen. 3:15. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," pages 9-18.
Man's Fall From Perfection 1. What was man's condition when created? Gen. 1:27, 31. 2. What was his spiritual condition or character? Ecci. 7:29, first part. NoTE.—"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is 'the express image' of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God, and in perfect obedience to His will."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 45.
3. With what did God entrust man? Gen. 1:28; 2:8, 9, 15, 16.
4. What only was withheld from man? Verse 17.
5. When temptation came, how did Adam and Eve react? Gen. 3:1-6.
The Aftermath of Transgression
6. What details are given regarding the first temptation and the fall of man? Gen. 3:7, 8.
NOTE.—God communed with Adam in his sinless state face to face. When Adam yielded to the temptation placed before him by his companion, he at first felt the thrill of the new experience, but all too soon for the comfort of his soul he came to realize the necessity of meeting his Creator. Both he and Eve saw "that they were naked." No longer did the garment of God's glory clothe them. They sought material with which to cover themselves, and found it hastily in the leaves of the fig tree. It was then they heard "the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden," and they "hid themselves." No mere fig leaves could cover the confusion of their souls. How bitterly now they contemplated the choice they had made I
7. In what way did God call them to account? Gen. 3:9-13.
8. What curse was pronounced upon the serpent for its part in man's fall? Verse 14.
NOTE.—"Since it had been employed as Satan's medium, the serpent was to
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share the visitation of divine judgment. From the most beautiful and admired of the creatures of the field, it was to become the most groveling and detested of them all, feared and hated by both man and beast.”—Patriarchs and Proph- ets, page 58. 9. In what words did God foretell the future lot of the disobedient? Verses 16-19. 10. How did God provide for man’s clothing? Verse 21. NOTE.—It is not strange that God made for Adam and Eve coats of skins. Sin brought death not only to Adam, but to those creatures over whom they had been given dominion. Facing the sentence, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (margin, “dying thou shalt die”), the skins that they wore were to them a constant reminder that they must suffer death as did the animals whose skins they wore ; a constant reminder also that to redeem them One must come from heaven to be bruised of Satan, to die that they might live. (See Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63-70.) 11. What provision was made that sin should not be perpetuated for- ever? Verses 22-24. 12. What is the result of sin? Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22. Hope for the Transgressors 13. What ray of hope was given Adam and Eve? Gen. 3:15. No’rE.—”As the guilty pair listened to these words, they were inspired with hope; for in the prophecy concerning the breaking of Satan’s power they dis- cerned a promise of deliverance from the ruin wrought through trangression. Though they must suffer from the power of their adversary because they had fallen under his seductive influence and had chosen to disobey the plain com- mand of Jehovah, yet they need not yield to utter despair. The Son of God was offering to atone with His own lifeblood for their transgression. To them was to be granted a period of probation, during which, through faith in the power of Christ to save, they might become once more the children of God.”— Prophets and Kings, pages 681, 682. 14. Through whom is freedom from the curse of sin provided? Matt. 1:21. 15. What is the relation of man’s will, or power of choice, to his eternal destiny? Deut. 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Rev. 22:17. 16. How is the truth taught that Christ alone can save the sinner? Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6. NoTE.—”Nothing but the righteousness of Christ can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. There are many who have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not received them, because they have cherished the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy of them. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. We must not think that our own merits will save us; Christ is our only hope of salvation. ‘For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ “—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 431. 17. If we fully accept Christ as our Saviour, how complete will be the cleansing? 1 John 1:7-9. [4] Lesson 2, for January 10, 1942 Promises of the Coming One MEMORY VERSE: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Gal. 3:16. STUDY HELP: “The Return of Jesus,” C. B. Haynes, pages 19-24. The Promised Seed 1. In what words was the promised Saviour first announced? Gen. 3:15. NOTE.—”To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentence pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.’ This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 65, 66. 2. To whom was this same promise later definitely renewed? Gen. 17:4-8; 22:18. NOTE.—”This same covenant was renewed to Abraham in the promise, `In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.’ “—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 370. 3. Who is the seed here referred to? Gal. 3:16. NOTE.—”This promise pointed to Christ. So Abraham understood it, and he trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It was this faith that was accounted unto him for righteousness.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 370. Other Names and Appellations
- Through Moses, what promise of leadership was given to Israel? Deut. 18 : 15 ; Acts 3:22-24.
- How is the Leader of Israel spoken of in Exodus 23:20?
- What term is used concerning Him in the New Testament? 1 Cor. 10:4. 7. How does the psalmist speak of the Coming One? Ps. 2:6, 7. NoTE.—The psalmist speaks very directly in this passage concerning the establishment of the king upon Zion, the holy hill. That the reference is to Christ, the promised seed, is evident from verse 7, in the words, “Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” John speaks of Christ as God’s “only-begotten Son” who was sent into the world “that we might live through Him.” Isaiah’s Vivid Picture
- With what questions does Isaiah introduce his prophecy of the Saviour’s life and death? Isa. 53:1.
- How does he describe His physical appearance? Verse 2.
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What was to be man’s attitude toward Him? With what results? Verse 3. [51 11. What was He to bear for us? Why was this necessary? Verses 4-6. NoTE.—”As a member of the human family He [Christ] was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up. His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 483, 484. 12. How are His trial and condemnation described? Verses 7, 8. NoTE.—Of the Saviour it is written that “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” In The Desire of Ages, page 706, we are told that He “held His peace” in the face of false accusers. But when the high priest adjured Him by the living God, He replied, “Thou hast said.” “To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. There was a time to be silent, and a time to speak. He had not spoken until directly questioned. He knew that to answer now would make His death certain. But the appeal was made by the highest acknowledged authority of the nation, and in the name of the Most High. Christ would not fail to show proper respect for the law. More than this, His own relation to the Father was called in question. He must plainly declare His character and mission. Jesus had said to His dis- ciples, ‘Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.’ Now by His own example He re- peated the lesson.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 706, 707. 13. With whom was He to make His grave? Verse 9. 14. What was to be the reward of all His suffering and sacrifice? Verses 10-12. NorE.—”The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His charac- ter on the whole world. It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is complete, and ‘He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.’ All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but ‘a seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.’ “—The Desire of Ages, pages 827, 828.
Lesson 3, for January 17, 1942 Prophecies of the Messiah MEMORY VERSE: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 236-239, 745-749; "Prophets and Kings," pages 269-275. • His Birth Foretold - What sign of the birth of Christ was given by Isaiah? Isa. 7:14. (Fulfillment: Matt. 1:22, 23.) [6 7 2. In what place was the Saviour to be born? Micah 5:2. (Fulfillment: Matt. 2:1.)
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In what prophetic words did Balaam describe Him? Num. 24:17. (Application: Matt. 2:2.) NOTE.—”He [Moses] was permitted to look down the stream of time, and behold the first advent of our Saviour. He saw Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem. He heard the voices of the angelic host break forth in the glad song of praise to God and peace on earth. He beheld in the heavens the star guiding the wise men of the East to Jesus, and a great light flooded his mind as he re- called those prophetic words, ‘There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.’“—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 475. 4. ‘What language of Jeremiah’s is used to describe the effort to destroy the infant Jesus? Jer. 31:15. (Fulfillment: Matt. 2:16-18.) Preparation for His Public Ministry 5. Where is John’s preparatory ministry foretold? Isa. 40:3. (Ful- fillment: John 1:19-23.) 6. ‘What characteristics of Christ’s ministry are given by Isaiah? Isa. 61:1-3. (Fulfillment: Luke 4:16-21.) NOTE.—”Jesus stood before the people as, a living expositor of the prophe- cies concerning Himself. Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of the Messiah as a reliever of the oppressed, a liberator of captives, a healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to the world the light of truth. His impressive manner and the wonderful import of His words thrilled the hearers with a power they had never felt before. The tide of divine in- fluence broke every barrier down; like Moses, they beheld the Invisible. As their hearts were moved upon by the Holy Spirit, they responded with fervent amens, and praises to the Lord.”—The Desire of Ages, page 237. 7. How was Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem foretold? Zech. 9:9. (Fulfillment: Luke 19:28-40.)
Predictions Concerning His Trial and Death 8. How was Christ's silence during His trial foretold? Isa. 53:7. (Ful- fillment: Matt. 27:13, 14.) 9. In what words does the psalmist foretell the parting of Christ's garments? Ps. 22:18. (Fulfillment: Matt. 27:35.) 10. What prophecy foretold His experience on the cross? Ps. 69:21. (Fulfillment: Matt. 27:34.) NOTE.—"In the sufferings of Christ upon the cross, prophecy was fulfilled. Centuries before the crucifixion, the Saviour had foretold the treatment He was to receive. He said, 'Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me; they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones; they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.' The prophecy concerning His garments was carried out without counsel or interference from the friends or the enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was given. Christ heard the men's contention as they parted the 7garments among them. His tunic was woven throughout without seam, and they said, let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.’ “In another prophecy the Saviour declared, ‘Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.’ To those who suf- fered death by the cross, it was permitted to give a stupefying potion, to deaden the sense of pain. This was offered to Jesus; but when He had tasted it, He refused it. He would receive nothing that could becloud His mind. His faith must keep fast hold upon God. This was His only strength. To becloud His senses would give Satan an advantage.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 745, 746. 11. What details of the burial of Christ were foretold? Isa. 53:9. (Ful- fillment: Matt. 27:38, 57-60.) 12. Of what was the experience of Jonah made a sign? Matt. 12:39,
- (See Jonah 1:17.)
NOTE.-“ ‘He [Jesus] sighed deeply in His spirit, and saith, Why doth this
generation seek after a sign?”There shall no sign be given unto it, but the
sign of the prophet Jonas.’ As Jonah was three days and three nights in the
belly of the whale, Christ was to be the same time ‘in the heart of the earth.’
And as the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so Christ’s preach-
ing was a sign to His generation.;’—The Desire of Ages, page 406.
“Christ, during His earthly ministry, referred to the good wrought by the
preaching of Jonah in Nineveh, and compared the inhabitants of that heathen
center with the professed people of God in His day. ‘The men of Nineveh,’ He
declared, ‘shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it:
because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than
Jonas is here.’ Into the busy world, filled with the din of commerce and the
altercation of trade, where men were trying to get all they could for self,
Christ had come; and above the confusion, His voice, like the trump of God,
was heard: ‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’
“As the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so Christ’s preach-
ing was a sign to His generation. But what a contrast in the reception of the
word! Yet in the face of indifference and scorn, the Saviour labored on and
on, until He had accomplished His mission.”—Prophets and Kings, pages
273, 274.
- How does the psalmist speak of Christ’s triumph over death? Ps. 16:10. (Application: Acts 2:24-27.)
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THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 28, 1942
South American Division
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Lesson 4, for January 24, 1942
Is Not This He? Israel's Reactions to Christ's First Appearing MEMORY VERSE: "She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." John 11:27. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 43-49, 59-67, 719-722.
At the Time of His Birth
1. To whom, and how, was the birth of Christ first announced? Luke 2:8-12. NOTE.—"In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked to- gether of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to David's throne. 'And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them • and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.'
"At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel ! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. 'This shall be a sign unto you,' he says; 'ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'
"The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 47.
2. How did the angelic host welcome Christ's appearing? Verses 10, 13, 14.
3. What two aged saints awaited His advent? Luke 2:25-38.
4. Who are recorded as waiting with eager longing for the appearance of the Messiah? Matt. 2:1, 2, 10.
5. What was the attitude of Herod the king and of the priests when approached by the wise men? Matt. 2:3-9.
NoTE.—"The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant con- cerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels' visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice. They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah. `Where is He that is born King of the Jews?' they said; 'for we have seen His.star in the East, and are come to worship Him.'
"Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim
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to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen. It could,not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shep- herds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 62, 63.
- Owing to Herod’s plot to slay Him, what were Christ’s parents warned to do? How did Herod still seek to carry out his plan? Matt. 2:11-18. During His Childhood 7. While visiting Jerusalem with His parents, with whom was Jesus brought into contact? With what results? Luke 2:46, 47. 8. How did the parents of Jesus relate themselves to statements re- garding His mission? Verses 48-51, 19. No’rE.—”The life of Christ was marked with respect and love for His mother. Mary believed in her heart that the holy child born of her was the long-promised Messiah, yet she dared not express her faith. Throughout His life on earth she was a partaker in His sufferings. She witnessed with sorrow the trials brought upon Him in His childhood and youth. By her vindication of what she knew to be right in His conduct, she herself was brought into try- ing positions. She looked upon the associations of the home, and the mother’s tender watchcare over her children, as of vital importance in the formation of character. . . . “At times she wavered between Jesus and His brothers, who did not be- lieve that He was the Sent of God; but evidence was abundant that His was a divine character. She saw Him sacrificing Himself for the good of others. His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 90, 91. 9. How was Jesus regarded in His home city of Nazareth? John 1:9-11; Matt. 13:53-58. NOTE.—”The people of Nazareth did not believe on Him. For this reason, Jesus did not visit Nazareth on His way to Cana. The Saviour declared to His disciples that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Men estimate char- acter by that which they themselves are capable of appreciating. The narrow and wordly-minded judged of Christ by His humble birth, His lowly garb, and daily toil. They could not appreciate the purity of that spirit upon which was no stain of sin.”—The Desire of Ages, page 196. •”The leaders of the people were offended, ‘and they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He saith, I came down from heaven?’ They tried to arouse prejudice by referring scornfully to the lowly origin of Jesus. They contemptuously alluded to His life as a Galilean laborer, and to His family as being poor and lowly. The claims of this uneducated carpenter, they said, were unworthy of their atten- tion. And on account of His mysterious birth they insinuated that He was of doubtful parentage, thus representing the human circumstances of His birth as a blot upon His history.”—The Desire of Ages, page 387. 10 In the Years of His Earthly Ministry
- How did Jesus Himself speak of His rejection by the Jewish leaders? Matt. 21:42-46. (See also John 8:22-24, 40-45.)
- How did the Pharisees attribute His power to cast out devils? Matt. 9:34.
- To what length did they go in opposition to Him? Mark 14:1; Matt. 12:14-21.
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How did they seek to charge Him with blasphemy? Luke 5:18-21. 14. Give some instances of faith in and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. John 9:36-38; 11:27; 17:12; Acts 1:15. NorE.—Those whose hearts were open to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose preconceived opinions did not stand between them and belief in the mission and ministry of Jesus, not only accepted Him as the Messiah, but held firmly to that belief in His divine mission. In the scriptures referred to, mention is made of the blind man who was healed, of Martha’s confident faith, of all but Judas among His disciples who continued with Him, and of the hundred and twenty who waited in the upper room for the outpouring of the Spirit. Undoubtedly there were many others whose lives had been uplifted by His ministry of love who, with these, rested their hope in Jesus as the promised Messiah. Such were ready for the wider ministry of the apos- tles after His resurrection and ascension, and were among those who, baptized by the Holy Spirit, entered the ranks of the early church as believers. In His Death and Resurrection 15. Who accompanied Christ into the Garden of Gethsemane? Matt. 26 : 36-46. 16. At His trial, what was the attitude of one of His foremost disci- ples? Verses 57, 58, 69-75. 17. How far did another go in betrayal of Him? Verses 47-55. NOTE.—”Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor’s purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed, went forth to the betrayer’s work.”—The Desire of Ages, page 720. 18. By what indignities were His last hours among the Jewish people marred? Matt. 26:67, 68; 27:26-31, 39-44. NorE.—The Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, betrayed, forsaken of His own, in His hour of trial and suffering, stood condemned unjustly by the councils of a nation professedly children of the Most High. In those moments of soul- suffering, He was spit upon by the rough guardians of the law, unrebuked by the highest ecclesiastical authorities of the nation. They smote Him in the face, calling for Him, the majesty of heaven, to tell who had smitten Him. Later in Pilate’s judgment hall, these false leaders of a people whom they had led into rejection of the Messiah, cried, “His blood be on us, and on our chil- dren.” Released by Pilate to be crucified, He was stripped and robed in a 11 scarlet robe, crowned with thorns and with a reed for a scepter, again treated with cruel indignities by the rough Roman soldiery. Crucified, hanging be- tween two thieves, His garments parted among those who had nailed Him to the cross, the very men who should have welcomed Him as their Lord and Saviour, descended to the lowest depths of depravity, and railed at Him say- ing, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Yet some loved Him both in life and in death. These were the leaven which would some day leaven the whole lump ; from their faith and lives of sacrifice have been built the true Israel of whom Christ is both king and Saviour.
Lesson 5, for January 31, 1942 "My Lord and My God" Recognition of Christ's Mission by His Disciples MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John 20:29. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 426-431, 807, 808; "Christ's Ob- ject Lessons," pages 152-156 (new ed., pages 155-157). The Call to Service 1. Give the circumstances of Christ's call to His first disciples. Matt. 4:18-22. NorE.—When Jesus called the apostles into His service, they answered without question. Leaving all, they followed Him. But their minds were to a large extent filled with the traditions of their fathers, their ideals pat- terned after the teachings of the leaders of Israel, who later refused to accept Christ as the Messiah, and rejected and slew Him. Yet day by day under His patient ministry and His teaching the spiritual vision of the disciples be- came clearer. Three and a half years under His guidance made new men of • them—men of faith, of zeal, of unselfishness. However, not till after His death and resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost were their lives so fully transformed that they were always willing to follow the Spirit's guidance. 2. When first sent out in service, what instruction was given the apos- tles? Matt. 10:1-15. 3. What evidences have we that they did not always comprehend His messages or His mission? Matt. 16:6-12, 21-23. 4. How was the lack of faith on the part of the disciples once demon- strated? Matt. 17:14-21. NOTE.—"The nine disciples were yet pondering upon the bitter• fact of their own failure; and when Jesus was once more-alone with them, they ques- tioned, 'Why could not we cast him out?' Jesus answered them, 'Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mus- tard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind 12goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.’ Their unbelief, that shut them out from deeper sympathy with Christ, and the carelessness with which they re- garded the sacred work committed to them, had caused their failure in the conflict with the powers of darkness.”—The Desire ‘of Ages, page 430. In Search of Preferment 5. What request came to Jesus in behalf of two of His disciples? How did He reply? What principle of His kingdom did He set forth? Matt. 20:20-28. NOTE.—”Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify.”—The Desire of Ages, page 548. 6. How did the Lord express the purpose of His own life? Mark 10:45. 7. To impress His disciples with their great need in preparation for service, what example of this principle did He set them? John 13:1-17. NOTE.—”Among His disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer. He shared their poverty, He •practiced self-denial on their account, He went before them to smooth the more difficult places, and soon He would consummate His work on earth by laying down His life. The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church which is His body. The plan and ground of salvation is love. In the king- dom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given, and act as shepherds of His flock.”—The Desire of Ages, page 550. Tried and Found Wanting 8. After his betrayal of the Master, how did Peter manifest his deep remorse? Luke 22:61, 62. 9. What did most of the disciples do on the night of Christ’s betrayal? Mark 14:50. NOTE.—”The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humilia- tion to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, ‘they all for- sook Him, and fled.’ But Christ had foretold this desertion. ‘Behold,’ He had said, ‘the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone ; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.’ “—The Desire of Ages, page 697. The disciple of today is prone to condemn the early disciples for their desertion of the Master in His hour of agony. It would be well for us rather to watch and pray lest we, too, enter into temptation, and in the hour of trial flee
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
MARCH 28, 1942, SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION
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from apparent or real danger. The words of the poet give every Christian food for serious thought: “With frightened lips, I shall not ever say, ‘I know Him not,’ for none will ever question me. I shall not need to speak a word today To publish to the world my loyalty. And yet a hundred times there comes a voice, ‘Know you this man,—the Master?’ and behold, A hundred times I make the fateful choice Today, as the apostle once of old. And every unkind word or straying thought, Every deed of hatred or disdain, Says plainly to the world, ‘I know Him not.’ And then the cock crows—bitter morn of pain. And would indeed today that they might be— The times I have denied Him—only three.”
• The Needed Preparation for Service
10. What experience did the Saviour intimate Peter needed that he might strengthen his brethren? Luke 22:31, 32.
11. What testing questions did the Saviour subsequently put to Peter? John 21:15-19. NOTE.—"A work broader and more delicate than had heretofore been his was appointed him. Christ bade him feed the sheep and the lambs. In thus committing to his stewardship the souls for whom the Saviour had laid down His own life, Christ gave to Peter the strongest proof of confidence in his restoration. The once restless, boastful, self-confident disciple had become subdued and contrite. Henceforth he followed his Lord in self-denial and self- sacrifice. He was a partaker of Christ's sufferings; and when Christ shall sit upon the throne of His glory, Peter will be a partaker in His glory."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 154. 12. How did Christ remind Peter that his own personal relationship to God should have first consideration? Verses 20-22.
Believing Unto Salvation 13. What self-confident attitude had Peter taken before his conversion? John 13:37. 14. Tested in his later experience, how did he stand? Acts 4:20; 5:29.
15. What attribute of character was urged by John, and exemplified in his later life? 1 John A: 7.
NOTE.—"John did rot naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience revealed. By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and re- sentful under injury. He and his brother were called 'sons of thunder.' Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. But beneath all this the divine Teacher discerned the ardent, sin- cere, loving heart. Jesus rebuked his self-seeking, disappointed his ambitions, tested his faith. But He revealed to him that for which his soul longed,—the
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beauty of holiness, the transforming power of love.”—The Acts of the Apos- tles, page 540. 16. In what striking words did doubting Thomas acknowledge his recognition of Christ? John 20:24, 25, 28. Nora.—”Turning to Thomas He said, ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing.’ These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week. They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus• crying, ‘My Lord and my God!’ “Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief: `Thomas, because thou bait seen Me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ The faith of Thomas would have been more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to believe upon the testi- mony of his brethren. Should the world now follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation; for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.”—The Desire of Ages, page 807.
Lesson 6, for February 7, 1942
"I Will Come Again"
MEMORY VERSE: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3.
STUDY HELP: "The Coming King," J. E. White, pages 68-78.
His Promised Return 1. After telling His disciples that He was about to leave them, what comforting promise did Christ make? John 14:1-3.
2. With what glory will He appear? Luke 9:26.
3. What will be the attitude of the world in general toward His appear- ing? 2 Peter 3:3, 4. NorE.—"We are near the close of time. . . . The retributive judgments of God are already in the land. The Lord has given us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from His word, yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. 'While they shall cry, Peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape' . . . "In infinite mercy, a last warning message has been sent to the world, announcing that Christ is at the door, and calling attention to God's broken law. But as the antediluvians rejected with scorn the warning of Noah, so will the pleasure lovers of today reject the message of God's faithful servants. The world pursues its unvarying round, absorbed as ever in its business and
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its pleasures, while the wrath of God is about to be visited on the transgres- sors of His law.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 99, 100. 4. Of whom will the Saviour be ashamed at His coming? Mark 8:38. Timely Warnings 5. Against what are Christ’s followers warned when His appearing is near? Luke 21:34-36. 6. What attempts to counterfeit His coming may be expected? Matt. 24 : 23-26. NOTE.—”The teaching so widely echoed from popular pulpits, that the second advent of Christ is His coming to each individual at death, is a device to divert the minds of men from His personal coming in the clouds of heaven. For years Satan has thus been saying, ‘Behold, He is in the secret chambers;’ and many souls have been lost by accepting this deception.”—The Great Controversy, page 525. 7. What illustration is used to show that the coming of Christ is not to be secret or obscure? Matt. 24:27; compare Rev. 1:7.
The Object of His Appearing
8. What will the Saviour do for every man at His coming? Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12.
NorE.—Those who have chosen to serve the Master, and to be true to God's commandments will in that hour be caught up to meet their Lord, ever to dwell with Him through the eternal years. 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. It is an hour of death for the living wicked, an hour of triumphant victory for the right- eous. To every man rewards are given according as his life has been in the sight of a just God.
9. In that day what part will be assigned to the angels? Matt. 24:31.
10. What definite division will be made between the righteous and the ungodly? Matt. 25:31, 32.
11. How does the Saviour in this parable distinguish these two classes? Verses 34-45.
NoTE.—"The same voice that with patient, loving entreaty invites the sinner to come to Him and find pardon and peace, will in the judgment bid the rejecters of His mercy, 'Depart from Me, ye cursed.' In all the Bible, God is represented not only as a tender father, but as a righteous judge. Though He delights in showing mercy, and 'forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,' yet He 'will by no means clear the guilty.'"—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 469.
12. How did Christ joyfully anticipate association with His disciples in His kingdom? Luke 22:18. NorE.—"Soon we heard His lovely voice again, saying, 'Come, My people, you have come out of great tribulation, and done My will; suffered for Me; come in to supper, for I will gird Myself, and serve you.' We shouted, 'Alle- luia! glory I' and entered into the city. And I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many
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other kinds of fruit. I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, ‘Not now. Those who eat of the fruit of this land, go back to earth no more. But in a little while, if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and drink of the water of the fountain.’ “—Early Writings, pages 19, 20. 13. To what glorious occasion do the children of God look forward when partaking of the communion? 1 Cor. 11:26; Rev. 19:9. NOTE.—”The communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how ‘He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord’s return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, ‘As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.’ “—The Desire of Ages, page 659.
Lesson 7, for February 14, 1942 Old Testament Prophecies of Christ's Second
Appearing MEMORY VERSE: "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. 2:3.
STUDY HELP: "The Return of Jesus," C. B. Haynes, pages 83-91.
In the Patriarchal Days
1. By whom and in what words was uttered the earliest recorded proph- ecy of Christ's second coming in judgment? Jude 14, 15.
NOTE.—"Malachi also foretells His [Christ's] second advent, His coming for the execution of the judgment. . . . Jude refers to the same scene when he says, 'Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints.'"—The Great Controversy, pages 425, 426.
2. While seeking to curse Israel, regarding what feature of Christ's mission did Balaam prophesy? Num. 24:17-19. (See Rev. 1:7.)
3. Unto whom did Jacob say the gathering of the people would be? Gen. 49:10.
4. What assurance concerning his Redeemer did Job express? Job 19:23-27.
5. To what time did he look forward for his resurrection? Job 14:13-15.
NoTE.—Job speaks of his resting in the grave till he should be called. He is assured that when that hour comes he will respond. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16 we are told, "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." How closely this parallels Job's words, "Thou shalt call, and
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I will answer Thee.” In his heart was the blesied hope, and by faith he saw the coming of his Redeemer. In the Days of the Kings 6. In what burning words does the psalmist describe the coming of the Lord? Ps. 50:3-5. NOTE.—}low beautifully and how majestically does the Hebrew poet here portray the second coming of Christ at the end of the world. Of that solemn and awesome hour the revelator speaks in chapter 6, verses 12-17, describing the signs that precede His appearing, and then the scene itself, in these memo- rable words; “the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” In that terrible hour the kings, the great men, the rich and mighty men, bondmen, freemen, all who have flouted the grace of God, and have failed to prepare for Christ’s coming in power and glory, will say to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Small wonder that the psalmist, looking down the corridor of the ages in vision exclaims, “A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him.” It will be a day of fear and dread to the ungodly—a time of trial and retribution. But the righteous will be hid in the day of God’s anger. 7. How does the prophet Isaiah speak of the second gathering of Israel? Isa. 11:11, 12. 8. With what joyful words of welcome are the righteous to greet their returning Lord? Isa. 25:9. 9. How is the salvation of the righteous at Christ’s coming described? Isa. 62:10-12. 10. In what prophecy does Daniel foretell the setting up of Christ’s kingdom? Dan. 2:44, 45. NoTE.—”His is not a kingdom built with human hands. It comes not by human legislation. Like the stone cut out ‘without hands,’ the kingdom of God will be set up by no human agencies or powers. Christ will appear the second time, and the history of earthly empire will end with the destruction of sin. “This is next in the order of events. ‘The dream is certain, and the inter- pretation thereof sure.’ Happy the one who knows this coming King now as his Saviour from sin, the ‘Friend of sinners,’ who died in our stead, that we might have part in the everlasting kingdom soon to come.”—W. A. Spicer, Beacon Lights of Prophecy, page 51. 11. What does the prophet say precedes the deliverance of God’s people? Dan. 12:1. 12. During the days of trouble on earth, what important work is going on in the heavenly sanctuary? Mal. 3:1-3. NorE.—The Adventist believers who were looking for Christ to come at the end of the twenty-three hundred days, on October 22, 1844, were bitterly disappointed. In commenting on the light that explained this disappointment, Mrs. E. G. White has written: L 18 ] “Christ had come, not to the earth, as they expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven. He is represented by the prophet Daniel as coming at this time to the Ancient of Days: ‘I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came’—not to the earth, but—`to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.’ Daniel 7:13. “This coming is foretold also by the prophet Malachi: ‘The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the cove- nant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.’ Mal. 3:1. The coming of the Lord to His temple was sudden, unexpected, to His people. They were not looking for Him there. They expected Him to come to earth.”—The Great Controversy, page 424. Then began the work of investigative judgment, which continues until the close of probation. During this time Christ sits “as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
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With what solemn words does the prophet Zephaniah call for preparation against the day of the Lord’s anger? Zeph. 2:1-3.
Lesson 8, for February 21, 1942
New Testament Prophecies of Christ’s Second Appearing MEMORY VERSE: “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28. STUDY HELP: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 25-34.
"This Same Jesus"
1. What was the message of the angels at the time of the ascension of Jesus? Acts 1:10, 11.
NOTE.—"The promise of Christ's second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselv
es to His service. The same voice that had said to them, To, I am with you alway, even unto the end,' would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 33.
2. How did Peter express the same truth in one of his early appeals to the Jews? Acts 3:20.
Paul's Recorded Predictions 3. What details of Christ's coming are rehearsed by Paul? 2 Thess. 1:6-10.
4. According to the teaching of Paul, at what time are the dead to arise? 1 Cor. 15:23, 52.
5. What standard of character should be the goal of those who are looking for Christ's coming? 1 Thess. 3 : 13.
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6. What two groups of the righteous does the apostle state will meet
the Lord at His coming? 1 Thess. 4:14-17.
7. How does Paul indicate that much time would elapse between his
day and the Master’s return? 2 Thess. 2:1-8.
Nora.—”The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the coming
of Christ in his day. ‘That day shall not come,’ he says, ‘except there come a
falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.’ Not till after the great
apostasy, and the long period of the reign of the ‘man of sin,’ can we look for
the advent of our Lord. The ‘man of sin,’ which is also styld the ‘mystery of
iniquity,’ the ‘son of perdition,’ and that wicked,' represents the papacy, which,
as foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This
period ended in 1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before that
time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian dispensation
down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time that the message of Christ's
second coming is to be proclaimed."—The Great Controversy, page 356.
8. In Paul's final charge to Timothy, what two events are linked with
the second coming of Christ? 2 Tim. 4:1, 8.
NOTE.—The apostle links in these scriptures the punishment of the wicked
at Christ's appearing and kingdom, and the reward of "all them also that love
His appearing." The manifestation of that love is thus expressed in The Desire
of Ages, page 549: "The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on
earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love,—love
that vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil,’—love that moves the disciple, as it moved
our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the
saving of humanity.”
9. How does Paul speak of the.Master’s return? Titus 2:13.
10. What contrast does he draw between the first and second comings of
Christ? Heb. 9:28.
NorE.—Christ came to earth to offer Himself a sacrifice for the sins of the
world. Through His death redemption from sin was made available for every
man. Just as surely as His work was done in its fullness at His first appearing,
so will He appear the second time to bring salvation to His people. “Christ,
at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, ‘without sin unto salvation,’
to bless His waiting people with eternal life.”—The Great Controversy, page
485.
The Witness of Other Apostles
11. What counsel does James give to the church in the time of Christ’s
second appearing? James 5:7, 8.
12. What was the firm basis for the preaching of Christ’s return?
2 Peter 1:16-18.
NOTE.—Peter here refers to what he, James, and John had witnessed on
the mount of transfiguration. Moses “represented those who shall come forth
from the grave at the resurrection of the just. Elijah, who had been trans-
lated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living
upon the earth at Christ’s second coming, and who will be ‘changed, in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.’ . . . Jesus was
clothed with the light of heaven, as He will appear when He shall come the
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second time without sin unto salvation.’ . . . Upon the mount the future
kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,—Christ the King, Moses
a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones.”—
The Desire of Ages, pages 421, 422.
13. What will be the character of God’s children at Christ’s appearing?
1 John 3:2.
NOTE.—True Christians become followers of the Christ, “sons of God.”
The rebirth, the transformation of character, makes them children of the
Most High. What we shall be when we meet our Saviour face to face at His
coming does not appear, is not grasped by our finite understanding. Now
we see and understand as “through a glass, darkly,” but when we see Him
face to face, “we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” What the
fullness of that revelation, of that transformation, will be is not revealed, but
we know “we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”
The corruptible will be raised incorruptible, the mortal will put on im-
mortality, death will be swallowed up in victory. We shall all be made alive
in Christ. (See 1 Cor. 15:51-56.) Glorious transformation! Blessed hope!
Who would not exchange this world for the certainty of seeing “Him as
He is”?
14. In the last chapter of the book of Revelation, what promise of the
Saviour is repeated, and what response made? Rev. 22:12, 20.
NOTE.—
“‘I quickly come,’ 0 promise blest.
Soon I shall see Him face to face.
Left far behind, this world of sin—
I’ll find with Him in heaven a place.
I know not how He will transform
Or change like His this mortal form—
I only know His work will be •
‘Complete,—my life to His conform.
For this I wait in earnest hope,
And faithful work each passing day.
The tasks complete,—my Lord I’ll see,—
And with Him live eternally.”
Lesson 9, for February 28, 1942
The Time of Christ's Second Coming
MEMORY VERSE: "Likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." Matt. 24:33.
STUDY HELP: "Earth's Last Hour," C. B. Haynes, pages 23-30.
The Day and the Hour Unknown
1. Who alone knows the hour of Christ's return? Matt. 24:36.
NOTE.—"The definite time of our Lord's coming is declared to be beyond the ken of mortals. Even the angels who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, know not the day nor the hour. 'But of that day and hour know-
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eth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.’ Because’the
times repeatedly set have passed, the world is in a more decided state of un-
belief than before in regard to the near advent of Christ. They look upon the
failures of the time setters with disgust; and because men have been so de-
ceived, they turn from the truth substantiated by the word of God, that the end
of all things is at hand.”—Testintonies, vol. 4, page 307.
2. Lacking this knowledge, what are all Christ’s followers urged to do?
Verse 42.
Nors.—”Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are com-
manded to watch. ‘Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh
shall find watching.’ Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in
idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to make men fear the
Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the
great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the
Lord, are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watch-
ing they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the
door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in work-
ing for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give
to the Lord’s household ‘their portion of meat in due season.’ They are declar-
ing the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and
Moses, each declared the truth for his time. so will Christ’s servants now give
the special warning for their generation.”—The Desire of Ages, page 634.
3. What pitfalls confront the people of God in the time of His appear-
ing? Luke 21:34-36.
NOTE.—”There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity.
It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is
our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made
ready for those who obey His commandments.
“The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near. To us the
warning is given, ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that
day come upon you unawares.’ Beware lest it find you unready.”—Christ’s
Object Lessons, page 319.
Knowledge Regarding Times and Seasons
4. What definite knowledge does the church have of Christ’s second
appearing? 1 Thess. 5:1-5.
5. How is the church encouraged when tempted to doubt the promise
of Christ’s coming? Heb. 10:35-37.
NOTE.—”He who died for the sins of the world, is opening wide the gates of
paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle will have been fought, the
victory won. Soon we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are
centered. And in His presence the trials and sufferings of this life will seem as
nothingness. The former things ‘shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.’
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of
reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of
God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall
come will come, and will not tarry' Israel shall be saved . . . with an ever-
lasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.’
Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide
[ 22 1
“This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11.
[23]
you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city into the
great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed.”
—Prophets and Kings, page 732.
6. What preparation will be made by the church that is looking for the
coming of the Lord? 1 John 3:2, 3. •
7. How graphically does Peter describe the physical phenomena asso-
ciated with the day of the Lord? How may His coming be hastened? 2
Peter 3:10-12.
NorE.—”Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of
Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly re-
produced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.
“It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Were all who profess His name bearing
fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed
of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ
would come to gather the precious grain.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 69.
Signs to Indicate the Time of His Appearing 8. What will many be saying in the time of the end? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
9. Among the nations of earth, what conditions will prevail? Joel 3:9, 10; Matt. 24:6, 7; Rev. 11:18.
NoTE.—"Civilization does not lead men to Christ. The world has not ac- cepted, and never will accept, Christ. The world cannot, therefore, stop war. Wars grow out of human nature. Christ alone can change human nature. Men will not come to Him for that change. So long as the race endures, there- fore, war cannot be stopped—except by the destruction of the race that rejects Christ.
"War began almost as soon as sin began. From the beginning of the race until now, war has existed and increased. Nothing that civilization, education, or philanthropy has done, has been able to check it or stop it. And nothing that man can devise or invent will stop it. The human race is doomed to destroy it- self. It is feeding on its own flesh. Christ is its only hope, and it will not have Christ. . . .
"With the analogies of the past before us, and with the plain, clear teachings of the word of God revealed to us, and with the warnings of the divine prophe- cies unfolding to our understanding, we look for another war, a war as much greater than the one called the World War as that was greater than all that preceded it. [Some think it has already come, 1941.] It will be greater and more destructive because, as predicted by ex-Secretary of War Baker, in a speech in Boston, `Scientists will invent for another war weapons of destruction beyond the comprehension of those who fought in the recent world conflict.' " —The Return of Jesus, pages 175, 176.
10. What signs in heaven and earth give evidence of the nearness of His return? Luke 21:25, 26; Matt. 24:29-31. 11. What conflict between rich and poor will precede His appearing? James 5:1-8. 12. In the social life of the nations and of the church, what conditions will prevail? 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
24
NOTE.—The perilous times that face the church of Christ in these last days are primarily due to spiritual declension within the church. Persecution from without but drives the church nearer to its Redeemer. But when self-love, love of the world, and love of pleasure invade the hearts of the children of God, there is real danger to the church. The form of godliness is of no avail to hold the hearts of men to the righteousness of obedience. The denial of the power of godliness by unconsecrated formalities leads to the rejection by God, and even- tually by His true church, of the one so controlled. He says, “from such turn away.” It would be well for every loyal Christian to study his life, lest, in these days of peril, his daily contacts lead him unawares into the pitfalls set by the enemy of souls. “The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord there will exist a state of religious declension similar to that in the first centuries…. Satan will work ‘with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.’ And all that ‘received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,’ will be left to accept ‘strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.’ When this state of ungodliness shall be reached, the same results will follow as in the first centuries.”—The Great Controversy, page 444.
- How does the progress of God’s last message become a sign of the Saviour’s coming? Matt. 24:14.
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When God’s children see all these things begin to come to pass, what should they know and do? Matt. 24:32-35; Luke 21:28.
Lesson 10, for March 7, 1942 The Remnant Church MEMORY VERSE: "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." Rev. 12:17. STUDY HELP: "Prophets and Kings," pages 505, 506. Who Are the Remnant Church? 1. How does Jeremiah describe God's response to His children who turn to Him in repentance? Jer. 29:11-14. 2. From where did the apostle James say God would take out a people? Acts 15:14. • 3. How does Isaiah speak of God's purpose for this same people? Isa. 11:11. NOTE.—After quoting verses 10-12, the writer of Prophets and Kings, page 376, says that "'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is per- fect toward Him.' Among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, He sees men and women who are praying for light and knowledge. Their souls are unsatisfied: long have they fed on ashes. The enemy of all righteousness has turned them aside, and they grope as blind men. But they are honest in heart, and desire to learn a better way. Although in the depths of heathenism, with no knowledge 1 261of the written law of God nor of His Son Jesus, they have revealed in manifold ways the working of a divine power on mind and character.” 4. Speaking of God’s closing work for lost mankind, what promise is made? Rom. 9:27, 28; 11:11, 12. (See also Isa. 10:22.) The Work of the Remnant 5. As we near the close of time, what may we expect concerning Satanic activities? Rev. 12:12, last part. 6. How are the remnant designated? What is said regarding Satan’s opposition to them? Verse 17. 7. What message will God’s people, the remnant, bear to the world? Rev. 14:6-11. 8. How may we know that the remnant of chapter twelve and the bearers of the last threefold message are the same people? Rev. 12:17; 14:12. NOTE.—In both instances the people mentioned are keepers of God’s com- mandments. They are a remnant, the last part of God’s church on earth, and they live just before the coming of Christ (Rev. 14:12-14). The two scrip- tures evidently refer to the same people, the remnant, the church existing at Christ’s coming, a church of loyal, faithful observers of God’s law, looking for the coming of the Saviour in the clouds of heaven. 9. In what words had Christ Himself foretold the work of the remnant church? Matt. 24:14. NOTE.—Christ foretold the giving of the gospel in earth’s closing days as a preparation for His second coming. Of the meaning of our Lord’s words, we read: “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 abil- ity. 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.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 111. 10. Who is with the remnant as they go forth to give the message to the world? Matt. 28:18-20; Isa. 43:4-7, 10-12. The Remnant on Mount Zion 11. In what glowing words does the revelator describe the gathering of the saved about God’s throne? Rev. 7:9, 14, 15. • 12. What song of triumph will they sing in that day? Rev. 15:2-4. NorE.—”We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In the Bible are revealed visions of 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.’ [26 ] “There the redeemed greet those who led them to the Saviour, and all unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant con- queror.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 601, 602.
Lesson 11, for March 14, 1942 The Gathering of the Remnant MEMORY VERSE: "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judg- ment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law." Isa. 42:4. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 818-828. God's Plan for Gathering His People 1. Through whom does the apostle say God will proclaim the gospel? Rom. 10 : 13-15. 2. To whom has the commission to preach God's message been given? Matt. 28:18-20. NoTE.—The commission to His disciples to give the gospel to all the world, to teach all nations, included every member of the church of God. It applied then, it applies equally today. "Heavenly angels have long been waiting for human agents—the members of the church—to co-operate with them in the great work to be done. They are waiting for you. So vast is the field, so com- prehensive the design, that every sanctified heart will be pressed into service as an instrument of divine power."—Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 46, 47. In the final ingathering of the remnant from all lands, every individual and all the resources of those who join the remnant will be employed for the quick finishing of the work. 3. What will be the nature of the task committed to Christ's disciples? Matt. 10:16-20. NOTE.—"What course shall the advocates of truth pursue? They have the unchangeable, eternal word of God, and they should reveal the fact that they have the truth as it is in Jesus. Their words must not be rugged or sharp. In their presentation of truth they must manifest the love and meekness and gen- tleness of Christ. Let the truth do the cutting; the word of God is as a sharp, two-edged sword, and will cut its way to the heart. Those who know that they have the truth should not, by the use of harsh and severe expressions, give Satan one chance to misinterpret their spirit."—Gospel Workers, page 324. When the servants of the Lord Jesus go forth as sheep among Wolves, the character displayed by them in all their contacts and all their dealings with opposition, misrepresentation, and persecution, will be the Master's. We are His witnesses, called to display to a lost world the spirit He manifested when He lived and served and died among and for lost men. The World's Great Need 4. How did the Saviour state the need of the world in His day? Matt. 9 : 36-38. [ 2715. For what purpose had He come into the world? John 4:34.
- In the hour of the world’s great spiritual darkness, to what are Christ’s disciples called? Isa. 60:1-5. 7. Where are the sheep of God’s pasture said to be scattered? Ezek. 34:6. 8. What personal interest does the Lord say He has in them? Verses 11-13. 9. What does He promise to do for His lost sheep? Who are they? Verses 14-16, 31. NoTE.—Ezekiel was given a vision of the gathering of the lost sheep of the house of Israel, the scattered children of the house of God. The shepherds to whom had been committed the task of caring for the flock had proved recreant to the task. God promises that He will seek out His sheep, gather them from every country in which they have been scattered in the dark days of the reign of sin, bring them again to their own land, and feed them in good pasture. While condemning the indifference and selfishness of those who profess to be shep- herds of the flock of God, He does not leave His sheep to suffer, but promises to lead them to the Promised Land. How closely this parable prophecy paral- lels the other promises of the ingathering of the Israel of God as listed in this lesson in preparation for their entrance into the kingdom of peace, the realm of the Father of love ! Completion of the Task Assured 10. ‘What prophecy expresses God’s determination to see the task ac- complished? Isa. 42:4. NorE.—The Saviour came into the world to bring “forth judgment unto truth.” The work which He began when plans were laid in the councils of heaven for man’s salvation, He continued by coming to the earth to die, to shed His precious blood in man’s behalf. When He returned to His Father at His ascension, the work in behalf of mankind was continued. Through the ministry of His Holy Spirit, of His word, and of heavenly angels, as well as through human instrumentalities, He will continue that work of bringing “forth judgment to the Gentiles,” till “He have set judgment in the earth;” and even the most distant “isles shall wait for His law.” When that task is completed, then He will come, and perform the final act of the original plan— the gathering of the elect into His kingdom. 11. In His great intercessory prayer, how does Christ express His desire toward His followers? John 17:21-24. NOTE.—”Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, ‘It is finished,’ He addressed the Father. The com- pact had been fully carried out. Now He declares, Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, 0 My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.’ “—The Desire of Ages, page 834. 12. What power is assured for the finishing of the work? Acts 1 : 8. NOTE.—”The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts, or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He [ 28 ] knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment ; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 31. The Perfect Character of the Chosen Ones
- What is said of the character of the remnant, those who look for Christ’s appearing? Zeph. 3:13.
-
How are the same people described by the revelator? Rev. 14:1-5. 15. How does Paul describe the purified church? Eph. 5:27. NOTE.—The remnant church will be a church cleansed from the defilement of sin. The weaknesses that once defiled their lives will have been taken from them, and the power of Christ will have taken its place. Earnest, loyal, faith- ful, loving the Lord Jesus with all their hearts, they will seek by the submission of their lives to Him, to be like Him. His remnant church will be presdnted to Him without “spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,” “holy and without blem- ish.” Yet this is not the result of their strivings, but of the submission of their wills to His will. It comes from His cleansing blood. Its power is the result of His indwelling Spirit. 16. When at last they stand redeemed, with what will they be clothed? Rev. 19:8. NOTE.—”It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Say- iour.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 310.
Lesson 12, for March 21, 1942 Conflict Before Deliverance MEMORY VERSE: "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." Isa. 26:20. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 39; "Patriarchs and Proph- ets," pages 195-203. Tribulation and Trial 1. What will befall the world before the hour of the deliverance of God's people? Dan. 12:1. 2. What further statement identifies this time of trouble with the end of the world? Verse 2. NOTE.—"Graves are opened, and 'many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and ever- lasting contempt.' All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with 129 1those who have kept His law. ‘They also which pierced Him,’ those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.”—The Great Controversy, page 637. 3. In writing to Timothy, what does Paul say will be the experience of the godly? 2 Tim. 3:12. 4. In the hour of conflict, what counsel is given God’s children? Isa. 26:20, 21. NoTE.—”Men who claim to be Christians may now defraud and oppress the poor; they may rob the widow and the fatherless; they may indulge their satanic hatred because they cannot control the consciences of God’s people; but for all this God will bring them into judgment. They ‘shall have judgment without mercy’ that have ‘showed no mercy.’ Not long hence they will stand before the Judge of all the earth, to render an account for the pain they have caused to the bodies and souls of His heritage. They may now indulge in false accusations, they may deride those whom God has appointed to do His work, they may consign His believing ones to prison, to the chain gang, to banish- ment, to death ; but for every pang of anguish, every tear shed, they must an- swer. God will reward them double for their sins.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 178, 179. 5. What does Jeremiah call this period of conflict as it affects God’s chosen ones? Jer. 30 : 7. NOTE.—”Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliver- ance from the hand of Esau, represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble.” “As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord per- mits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to God.”—The Great Con- troversy, pages 616, 618, 619. Read the• entire chapter for study helps for the full experience of God’s people in this hour of final conflict. The Lot of the Righteous 6. In the days of papal Rome, what was the lot of the saints? Rev. 13:7. NoTE.—”Now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman’s ax. Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: ‘Ye shall be be- trayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake.’ Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity.”—The Great Controversy, pages 54, 55. 30 7. When the image to the beast shall come to full power, what similar experience will be the portion of the remnant? Rev. 13:15-17. Nom—Although an apostate power will in the final conflict persecute the members of God’s remnant church, we are assured that “Even now they [God’s chosen ones] are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people ; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause ‘all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,’ to receive, un- der penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, ‘blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,’ will ‘shine as lights in the world.’ The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.”—Prophets and Kings, page 189. 8. In the type city of Babylon, what will be revealed? Rev. 18:24. NOTE.—”The state of corruption and apostasy that in the last days would exist in the religious world, was presented to the prophet John, in the vision of Babylon, ‘that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.’ Be- fore its destruction the call is to be given from heaven, ‘Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ “—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 167. 9. What definite promise is made to the righteous concerning this time of peril? Isa. 33:14-16.
- What outstanding character will the saints then display? Rev. 13:10, last part; 14:12.
-
Through what does the multitude of the redeemed come? Rev. 7:14. God’s People Delivered 12. Who are the only ones who will be delivered at the end of the time of trouble? Dan. 12:1, last part. NorE.—”When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Jesus leaves His position as man’s intercessor before God, the solemn an- nouncement is made, `He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliver- ance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them.” “Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. ‘Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.’ “—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 201, 203. 13. What is said of those who will forever dwell with Christ? Rev. 17:14, last part. -+ 4— The Sabbath school offers you now a foretaste of Isaiah 66:23. [ 31 1 Lesson 13, for March 28, 1942
At Home With Our Saviour MEMORY VERSE: "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24. STUDY HELP: "The Great Controversy," chapters 40, 42. The Time of Deliverance 1. With what event is the deliverance of God's people connected? 1 Thess. 4:15-17. NOTE.—The deliverance of God's people is directly connected with the second coming of Christ. The righteous, those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life as victorious over sin, will in that day be "caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air." The scriptures link closely together the days of final conflict, and the coming of the Lord to deliver His people forever from the power of the enemy,—the -coming of Christ and the redemption of His people following immediately the culmination of the time of conflict. 2. What change will be wrought in God's children at that time? 1 Cor. 15:51-55. 3. What is Christ's reason for the redemption of His brethren? John 17:24. 4. With whom will the saints dwell after their deliverance? Rev. 21:3; 7:15. One Thousand Years in Heaven 5. Where will the saints go at Christ's coming? 1 Thess. 4:17; Rev. 19:1. 6. What city will be the center for the inhabitants of the heavenly land? How is it described? Rev. 21:9-21. 7. Who are the temple and light of the New Jerusalem? Rev. 21:22, 23; Isa. 60:19, 20; Rev. 22 : 3-5. NOTE.—"In the city of God 'there shall be no night.' None will need or de- sire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning, and shall ever be far from its close. 'And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.' The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the holy city with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of per- petual day."—The Great Controversy, page 676. 8. How are the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem described? Rev. 21:24-27. 9. 'What river flows through it? Rev. 22:1, 2. The City Descends to Earth -
With the end of the millennium, where does the New Jerusalem de- scend? Rev. 21:1-5; Zech. 14:4, 5. NOTE.—”Christ descends upon the Mount of Olives, whence, after His resurrection, He ascended, and where angels repeated the promise of His re- [ 321 turn. Says the prophet: ‘The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with Thee.’ And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof, . and there shall be a very great valley.’ And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.’ As the New Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes down out of heaven, it rests upon the place purified and made ready to receive it, and Christ, with His people and the angels, enters the holy city.”—The Great Controversy, pages 662, 663. 11. Who will be raised at this time? What will they do? Rev. 20:5-9. NOTE.—What constitutes loosing Satan? The resurrection of the wicked constitutes the loosing of Satan. He is again free to deceive and to lead his forces against the Holy City before which they will eventually be annihilated. “Here [on earth] is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand years. Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds, to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he is bound: There are none remaining, upon whom he can exercise his power. He is wholly cut off from the work of deception and ruin which for so many cen- turies has been his sole delight.” “At the close of the thousand years the second resurrection will take place. Then the wicked will be raised from the dead, and appear before God for the execution of ‘the judgment written.’ Thus the revelator, after describing the resurrection of the righteous, says, ‘The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.’ And Isaiah declares, concerning the wicked,
They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.' "—The Great Controversy, pages 659, 661. 12. What will then be the fate of these forces of evil? Rev. 20 : 10-15. 13. How does Isaiah, the gospel prophet, describe the new earth state? Isa. 65:17-25; 35 :1-8. 14. What human miseries will no longer exist? Rev. 7:16, 17; 21:4, 8, 27; 22:15. NOTE.—"Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. 'There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, . .. for the former things are passed away.'The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shalt be forgiven their iniquity.’ “—The Great Controversy, page 676. 15. For how long does God promise to continue this blessed state of the redeemed? Isa. 66:22, 23. NOTE.—The scripture here reveals that God’s people, as also the new earth and the new heavens, purified, sinless, perfect, shall remain forever with no more sorrow, suffering, or death. “And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowl- edge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption, and the amazing achieve- ments in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.”—The Great Controversy, page 678. [811 Co Co It.. I-J“And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.” Rev. 21:2. “Our Lord’s Return” I WILL come again.” These words of Jesus to His dis- ciples have been the Christian’s hope down through the ages. They have echoed and re-echoed in every generation. Today the hope grows stronger with many. Others begin to doubt. In this 128-page book Elder Carlyle B. Haynes brings to you Biblical proof to quicken your faith in the Master’s promise. Do you want again to assure yourself of Christ’s soon com- ing? Would you like to review the scriptural evidences? You will appreciate Elder Haynes as your teacher if you have a copy of
“OUR LORD’S RETURN” It’s easy to get it. Just order one or more from your church missionary sec- retary. Here are the prices, postpaid: Single copy $ .25 10 copies . . 1.33 20 copies 2.60 50 copies 6.48 Add sales tax where required.
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SPECIAL HELPS For Teachers and Officers “So You’re the Secretary of the Sabbath School” For beginning the new year of service aright, every Sabbath school secretary should have the volume, “So You’re the Sec- retary.” It tells you how to do your work, and then shows you, in more than twenty-eight examples, how to write reports and make them interesting and instructive. Price, $1 in cloth.
Missions Promotion: “The Sabbath School and Missions Responsibility” Material for use in the Sabbath school week by week is avail- able in this little 64-page volume, filled with facts about the mission divisions of the world and the work of the message in them. Every superintendent and division leader should study it and use it. Price, 25 cents.
“Bible Stories for the Cradle Roll” Leaders and teachers in the cradle roll should have and use these intensely interesting stories adapted to the needs of the tiny tots. Available in the clothbound form for the full year, at $1.25. The lessons for 1942 are from Volume 5 of the series, covering the latter part of the book of Acts in the first two quarters, and topical studies in the last two.
Any of the foregoing volumes may be ordered through
YOUR BOOK AND BIBLE 1-1.0USE 36 1 &alai-4 Sawa/ LESSONS for Second Quarter, 1942
The Sabbath school lessons for the
second quarter will be on the sub-
ject of "Our Spiritual Relationships,"
and will deal with the Christian in
his relation to the heavenly Father,
and to His church on earth. They
are one of the most interesting, prac- tical studies in recent years, and every Sabbath school pupil in the senior and youth's divisions should study them prayerfully, carefully, and exhaustively. The following study helps are called for, and the assigned chapters in them should be given careful reading. These helps are: "Steps to Christ," any edition; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," the current edition (referred to by pages); "The Acts of the Apostles;" "The Ministry of Healing," "The Desire of Ages," "Educa- tion," and Testimonies for the Church," volumes 5 and 6. Many of these books are in the homes of our people. If you do not have them, get in touch with your Book and Bible House, and order in time for the second quarter's study, that is, before the end of March.
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A SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON HELP UNSURPASSED
“The Comm of the Ages Series’
E ERY one of these volumes will be found especially helpful in studying the Sabbath school lessons this quarter. “Our Lord Shall Come” is the theme for these lessons. Lesson after lesson refers to helpful statements found in these priceless volumes. PatriarChs and Prophets begins the Bible story—with creation. Hundreds of spiritual lessons are drawn for the Christian of today from the mistakes and shortcomings of ancient Israel. 790 pages. Prophets and Kings carries on the story of God’s dealings with man during the life span of Elijah, Isaiah, Nehemiah, to the time of the Messiah. 794 pages. The Desire of Ages follows with that wonderful and inspiring story of the Saviour’s life from birth to Calvary. 864 pages. The Acts of the Apostles is an unexcelled “record of God’s wit- nesses subsequent to the life of our Lord.” Deep spiritual lessons are drawn from the lives of Paul and other apostles. 630 pages. The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan closes the series, introducing the rise and growth of Protestantism, and the advent movement. Then come chapters telling of the closing scenes of earth’s history, the end of sin, and the second coming of Jesus. 718 pages. Cloth Limp Vol. 1. Patriarchs and Prophets . . . . $2.25 $3.25 Vol. 2. Prophets and Kings 225 3.25 Vol. 3. Desire of Ages, The 2 25 3.25 Vol. 4. Acts of the Apostles, The . . . 2.25 3.25 Vol. 5. Great Controversy, The . . . . 2.25 3.25 Complete set, five volumes . . $11.25 $16.25 Discount given on full sets. Order from your BOOB AND BIBLE HOUSE
f 38. ]
Ten. Rea4ort4 tern naiitt Stuck OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
There can be no greater agency for the cultivation of the
daily Bible study habit than the daily study of the Sabbath
school lesson, because-
- “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.
- The miracle of the manna each of the six working days indicated the daily need for the “bread of life.”
- Spiritual life can be nourished only by spiritual food, and neglect of the Bible brings spiritual weakness.
- The future experiences of the people of God will require a living faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17.
- The psalmist declared that the engrafted word is essential to salvation. Ps. 119:11.
- Christ conquered Satan through the use of memorized Scripture. How else can I meet him? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
- Daily study of the Bible is more important than daily food for our phys- ical needs. Job 23:12 ; John 6:63.
- We must study if we are to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh . . . a reason of the hope that is in” us. 1 Peter 3:15.
- It will make me a growing Christian and an increasingly helpful Sabbath school member.
- “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.”—The Great Controversy, pages 593, 594.
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LIMA,
THIRTEENTH
SABBATH
5P0111.0 111•11000
OFFERING
March 28, 1942
g SOUT 14 THE vast, fruitful, needy
AMERICAN fields of the South Ameri-
I. DIVISION can Division areto be helped
"MAL1,1°
by the Thirteenth Sabbath
x'PPM
Offering "overflow” raised
1,1.1.
111l
by the Sabbath schools
throughout the world on
Sabbath, March 28. Acre, that primitive western part of Brazil, is to be opened by locating a worker in that vast section. For years we have operated a hospital at Juliaca, in the Lake Titicaca region of Peru. This "overflow" will pro- vide a greatly needed nurses' home. In the extreme southern tip of the continent is Tierra del Fuego; Chubut is the headquarters of the Ma- gellan Mission. This overflow will provide a chapel for the company of believers and a mission home for the worker's family in that cold, damp climate. Our believers in South America heartily unite with us in every call to sacrifice. Let us give liberally to their field! The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering "overflow" to South America the second quarter of 1940 was $9,122.81. This was devoted to various medical missionary enterprises, one of which was a new boat for the Lower Amazon Mission. South America appeals for a generous offering the last Sabbath of this quarter. Will you not do your best to further the gospel message by helping to meet their needs?
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