Sermon: Watch, Pray, and Be Ready

Author: Will Helton

Mark 13:33 — “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”

Mark 13:33 is a simple verse, but it carries deep urgency. Jesus speaks with love, but He also speaks with warning. He tells us to take heed, to watch, and to pray, because we do not know the time. We do not know the exact hour of His return. We do not know when certain moments of testing will come. We do not know when life will suddenly change. But because we do not know, we are called to live ready.

So many people live spiritually asleep. They go through the motions of life, busy with worries, distracted by pleasure, weighed down by the world, and slowly their hearts drift from God. But Jesus calls His people to a different life. He calls us to be watchful. To watch means to stay awake in the spirit. It means to keep our hearts sensitive to God. It means to not let sin grow comfortable in us. It means to not become dull to truth, careless in faith, or cold in love.

The image of the watchman on the wall is powerful. In biblical times, a watchman had to stay alert while others slept. He could not afford to be careless. His eyes had to stay fixed on the horizon. His duty was serious because what he saw, and how faithfully he watched, affected everyone behind the walls. In the same way, believers are called to spiritual alertness. We are not meant to live carelessly. We are meant to stand watch over our hearts, our choices, our homes, and our walk with God.

Jesus also said to pray. Watching without prayer can turn into fear, strain, or self-reliance. But watching with prayer keeps us anchored in God. Prayer keeps the soul awake. Prayer keeps the heart soft. Prayer reminds us that readiness is not just about discipline, but about relationship. We stay ready by staying close to the Lord. A praying heart is a listening heart. A praying heart is a guarded heart. A praying heart is a heart that is expecting God.

There is something beautiful about the early morning in the spirit. Before the full light appears, there is a quiet hour where darkness is still present, but dawn is beginning to break. That is often how God works in our lives. We may be in a season where everything is not yet clear, where answers have not fully come, where the road ahead feels uncertain. But even there, Jesus says, watch and pray. Stay faithful in the dim light. Stay on your knees while waiting. Keep trusting when the sky is still dark blue and the sun has not fully risen. God is still moving, and His timing is always perfect.

The disciples on the hillside, the servant at the door, the lone figure praying at dawn—each of these pictures reminds us of the same truth: faithfulness is often quiet. Readiness is often hidden. Spiritual endurance is built in moments nobody else sees. It is built when you pray and no one applauds. It is built when you resist temptation in secret. It is built when you keep trusting God in silence. It is built when you keep your lamp burning in the night.

The faithful servant stands at the doorway with his lamp, ready for his master’s return. He is not panicked. He is not distracted. He is simply ready. That is the posture Jesus wants in us. Not fear, but faithfulness. Not obsession, but obedience. Not anxiety about the future, but steady devotion in the present. Jesus is teaching us that readiness is not about trying to predict the hour. It is about living each day in such a way that if He came today, our hearts would be turned toward Him.

The world tells us to live for the moment. Jesus tells us to live prepared. The world tells us to chase comfort. Jesus tells us to stay awake. The world fills our minds with noise, but prayer teaches us how to hear the voice of God again. We do not know when the Lord will move in power, when He will answer a prayer, when He will open a door, when He will call us home, or when Christ will return. But we do know how we are to live while we wait: alert, prayerful, faithful, and surrendered.

This verse is not meant to make us afraid. It is meant to make us faithful. Jesus is not trying to trouble His people. He is trying to prepare them. He is saying, “Stay close to Me. Keep your eyes open. Keep your heart awake. Keep praying. Do not drift. Do not sleep through holy moments. Do not let the fire go out.”

Today, God is calling us to lift our eyes again. Maybe you have grown tired. Maybe you have become distracted. Maybe your prayer life has grown quiet. Maybe your spiritual watchfulness has faded. But the Lord in His mercy calls you back. He says, watch and pray. Return to the place of dependence. Return to the place of expectation. Return to the place where your heart is listening again.

Blessed is the person who is still watching when others have fallen asleep. Blessed is the servant who still has oil in the lamp. Blessed is the believer who still prays in the night and trusts at dawn. And blessed is the one who lives each day ready, because their hope is not in this world, but in the Lord.

So let us be people who watch. Let us be people who pray. Let us be people who do not merely speak of faith, but live in readiness. Let our hearts stay turned toward heaven. Let our lives reflect holy expectation. And let us trust that whether in the dark of night or the breaking of dawn, God is faithful, present, and worthy of our constant devotion.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word that calls us to watch and pray. Thank You for loving us enough to warn us, prepare us, and draw us closer to You. Forgive us for the times we have become spiritually sleepy, distracted, careless, or cold in heart. Forgive us for letting the concerns of life take our eyes off of You.

Lord, awaken us again. Stir our hearts to seek You more deeply. Teach us to live with spiritual alertness and holy expectation. Help us to watch over our hearts, our thoughts, our choices, and our walk with You. Keep us from drifting. Keep us from becoming dull to Your voice. Let Your Spirit make us sensitive, faithful, and ready.

Father, teach us to pray with sincerity and persistence. In the quiet places, in the late-night hours, in the early morning light, draw us near to You. Let prayer become our strength, our peace, and our lifeline. When we feel weary, strengthen us. When we feel uncertain, steady us. When we feel surrounded by darkness, remind us that Your light is already breaking through.

Make us like the faithful watchman, alert and reverent. Make us like the praying disciple, enduring and sincere. Make us like the servant at the door, obedient and ready. Make us like the lone figure on the hill, trusting Your timing even before the full dawn appears.

Lord Jesus, keep our lamps burning. Keep our hearts ready. Let us live each day in faith, love, purity, and obedience. And whether You move suddenly, answer unexpectedly, or return at an hour we do not know, may You find us watching, praying, and faithful.

We trust You, Lord. We wait for You. We belong to You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE FIRST 15.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20 reveals amazing insight into the relationship God desires with us, his crown of creation. In it Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Do you know that God wants to be friends with you? Just as a friend would ask you out to a meal, God longs to spend time with you. Every day God is knocking on the door of your heart. If you are willing to open your heart to him and listen, you can spend time with God in ways more boundless and satisfying than you could with any other friend.

Where in your life do you need God’s friendship today? John 15:15 says, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” The story of the gospel is God losing relationship with the crown of his creation, you and me, and through the death of Jesus gaining restored relationship with us. He has been working tirelessly from the very first sin just to be able to call you and me friends again. What you desire from friends around you is completely available to you in God and to even greater depths!

If you need a friend to talk to, God is standing at the door of your heart asking to come in and listen—“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” If you need advice, the Holy Spirit who authored Scripture is waiting to reveal to you the wisdom of God—“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). If you need to laugh, God longs to bring you unfathomable joy—“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Psalm 126:1-3).

You have a best friend in God. He is not distant. What was true for the psalmist in Psalm 73:23-26 is true for us, “I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Spend time in God’s presence today. Listen to him knocking on the door of your heart and invite him to come in and meet with you. Let his friendship heal the broken places of your heart that need his love. He offers himself freely to you today. He’s gone to unimaginable lengths to be able to simply spend time with you. Lay the table of your heart bare before him, and let his smile restore to you the joy of your salvation.

1. Spend some time meditating on God’s desire for friendship with you.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

2. Open your heart to God and receive his presence. Receive the peace and joy that comes from being in the presence of your heavenly Father.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

3. Spend time simply enjoying your friendship with God. Talk to him about anything you desire. Receive his joy over you.

“…I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26

Friendships aren’t built in a day, but over lifetimes. You have all of eternity to spend getting to know God. After spending consistent time with him, he truly will become your best friend. He will be the person you run to when you have a problem. He will be the source of your joy, peace, and life. Every day, you have the choice to do life with God or on your own. And you have an enemy working to lead you to choose the latter. The more consistently you spend time with God, the easier that decision will become. Once you know the goodness and reality of God there is no going back. Enjoy God today. Walk in the abundant life of restored relationship with him. Answer his call whenever he knocks on the door of your heart. There is no better way you could choose to spend your days and no better friend than God.

Extended Reading: John 15

A NUGGET OF TRUTH.
IS SATAN IN CHARGE OF HELL?

“2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Have you heard people say there’s a keeper that torment those who are dead and put them in the hell fire? This agenda is pushed by Hollywood. Their movies depict these scenes, a underworld where people are burning and being tortured. It is also portrayed that when a person dies and was a sinner, the devil and his angels throw him into the burning flames. These are even a few description of the distorted view and misconceptions propagated by the Jesuits and Hollywood. Are these true? Is hell controlled by Satan? Is Satan subjected to hell or in charge?

The Bible Is the only armor against all the devil’s falsehoods and all the Hollywood movies portraying burning hell and the devil being its keeper are all lies. It is doctrine of devils. These are all from the father of lies. He(Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

The truth: Satan is a creature and he’s under the power of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, God Almighty. No one is in charge of hell as portrayed by Hollywood and popular belief. The devil himself is subjected to the lake of fire and he’s not the keeper. The lake of fire is purposely meant for the devil and his angels and not for humans but because of disobedience many shall go down with him(Matthew 25:41). And it’s his earnest effort to send many humans into the lake of fire together with him so he has perverted God’s word and all who are not firmly anchored in God’s truth will be blown away by the devil’s deceptions.

The Bible clearly shows that God will destroy Sin(Nahum 1:9). Satan is the root of sin and sinners are the branches(Malachi 4:1). There’s no burning hell now. It is when Satan and sinners surround the Holy City, New Jerusalem to invade it, That God will rain fire and brimstone to destroy them all(all will burn and turn into ashes). Satan and sinners will be destroyed and sin will never rise up again(Nahum 1:9). Don’t be deceived that Satan is the keeper of hell. He’s rather a subject of the lake of fire that’ll come. Revelation 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth’s surface seems one molten mass—a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men—“the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.” Isaiah 34:8. DD 59.3

The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They “shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1.Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished “according to their deeds.” The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan the root, his followers the branches.The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah. DD 59.4

Creation Delivered from Sin

Satan’s work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God’s creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. “The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing.” Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. “The voice of a great multitude,” “as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,” is heard, saying: “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6. DD 60.1

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. DD 60.2

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. DD 60.3 (DD: Dark Before Dawn)

MORNING AND EVENING.
Charles H. Spurgeon

Morning.

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered."
Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of his own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through suffering"--it is, that he can have complete sympathy with us. "He is not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and he suffers in me now; he sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in his steps. Find a sweet support in his sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an honourable thing--to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does he honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."

Evening.

"I called him, but he gave me no answer."
Song of Solomon 5:6

Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when he hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants' voices to echo in their ears as from a brazen sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained immovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, "Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through." Thus have true saints continued long in patient waiting without reply, not because their prayers were not vehement, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased him who is a Sovereign, and who gives according to his own pleasure. If it pleases him to bid our patience exercise itself, shall he not do as he wills with his own! Beggars must not be choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must be careful not to take delays in prayer for denials: God's long-dated bills will be punctually honoured; we must not suffer Satan to shake our confidence in the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers--they are not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King's archives. This is a registry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is recorded. Tried believer, thy Lord hath a tear-bottle in which the costly drops of sacred grief are put away, and a book in which thy holy groanings are numbered. By and by, thy suit shall prevail. Canst thou not be content to wait a little? Will not thy Lord's time be better than thy time? By and by he will comfortably appear, to thy soul's joy, and make thee put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put on the scarlet and fine linen of full fruition.

MORNING AND EVENING.
Charles H. Spurgeon

Morning.

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered."
Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of his own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through suffering"--it is, that he can have complete sympathy with us. "He is not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and he suffers in me now; he sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in his steps. Find a sweet support in his sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an honourable thing--to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does he honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."

Evening.

"I called him, but he gave me no answer."
Song of Solomon 5:6

Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when he hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants' voices to echo in their ears as from a brazen sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained immovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, "Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through." Thus have true saints continued long in patient waiting without reply, not because their prayers were not vehement, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased him who is a Sovereign, and who gives according to his own pleasure. If it pleases him to bid our patience exercise itself, shall he not do as he wills with his own! Beggars must not be choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must be careful not to take delays in prayer for denials: God's long-dated bills will be punctually honoured; we must not suffer Satan to shake our confidence in the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers--they are not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King's archives. This is a registry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is recorded. Tried believer, thy Lord hath a tear-bottle in which the costly drops of sacred grief are put away, and a book in which thy holy groanings are numbered. By and by, thy suit shall prevail. Canst thou not be content to wait a little? Will not thy Lord's time be better than thy time? By and by he will comfortably appear, to thy soul's joy, and make thee put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put on the scarlet and fine linen of full fruition.

THE ADVENT TRUTH.
The Bible does not present itself as one authority among many.
It presents itself as the final authority.

Scripture claims to be God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), sufficient to make the believer “complete” (v.17), and the measuring rod by which every teaching, experience, and spiritual claim must be tested. Jesus Himself appealed to Scripture with the words, “It is written”—not tradition, not feeling, not majority opinion.

The Bereans were called noble because they tested even apostolic preaching by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Isaiah declared, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The Bible leaves no room for a competing authority.

What’s often misunderstood is that Ellen G. White did not weaken this principle—she reinforced it.

She consistently taught that the Bible alone is the rule of faith and practice. She explicitly rejected the idea that her writings should replace Scripture or be used as a shortcut around Bible study. Instead, she pointed people back to the Word as the standard of character, doctrine, and experience.

Her role was not to add truth, but to call attention to neglected truth already found in Scripture—much like Nathan, Elijah, or John the Baptist. She warned that any experience, vision, or spiritual impression that contradicts the Bible is not from God, no matter how convincing it feels.

That’s why this quote matters.

It doesn’t elevate a human voice—it elevates God’s voice.
It doesn’t ask for blind acceptance—it demands testing.
And it places Scripture where it belongs: above tradition, above emotion, above leaders, above us.

If your faith can’t survive being tested by the Bible, then the problem isn’t the Bible.

THE ADVENT TRUTH.
The Bible does not present itself as one authority among many.
It presents itself as the final authority.

Scripture claims to be God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), sufficient to make the believer “complete” (v.17), and the measuring rod by which every teaching, experience, and spiritual claim must be tested. Jesus Himself appealed to Scripture with the words, “It is written”—not tradition, not feeling, not majority opinion.

The Bereans were called noble because they tested even apostolic preaching by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Isaiah declared, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The Bible leaves no room for a competing authority.

What’s often misunderstood is that Ellen G. White did not weaken this principle—she reinforced it.

She consistently taught that the Bible alone is the rule of faith and practice. She explicitly rejected the idea that her writings should replace Scripture or be used as a shortcut around Bible study. Instead, she pointed people back to the Word as the standard of character, doctrine, and experience.

Her role was not to add truth, but to call attention to neglected truth already found in Scripture—much like Nathan, Elijah, or John the Baptist. She warned that any experience, vision, or spiritual impression that contradicts the Bible is not from God, no matter how convincing it feels.

That’s why this quote matters.

It doesn’t elevate a human voice—it elevates God’s voice.
It doesn’t ask for blind acceptance—it demands testing.
And it places Scripture where it belongs: above tradition, above emotion, above leaders, above us.

If your faith can’t survive being tested by the Bible, then the problem isn’t the Bible.

STORACALS OF PROPHECY.
Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

A Tale of Two Women.

A hush fell over the royal judgment hall, and all eyes were fixed on King Solomon. His servants wondered how the young monarch would resolve this perplexing case. Two single mothers were sharing a room, and each gave birth to a baby boy at about the same time. During the night, one of the mothers had accidentally turned over and smothered her son. When she awoke early and saw her child was cold and still, the distraught woman took her roommate's sleeping baby to herself and laid her dead baby in its place. Later the other mother awoke, saw the dead baby, and began to wail with grief. But after examining the infant, she quickly realized that it was not her child. Across the room, she could see her roommate tightly clutching her baby. Now both women stood before the king, tugging for possession of the living infant. "This child is mine!" one shouted. "No, the dead baby was yours!" the other countered. How would the king determine which was the true mother? Solomon interrupted their debate and told a guard to take a sword and divide the living infant in two. At first the soldier thought the king was jesting, but Solomon began to glare at the guard's hesitation. Slowly he drew his sharp, gleaming sword and made his way toward the woman holding the baby. Suddenly the true mother threw herself at the king's feet and pleaded,?"Let her have the child, but please do not slay it!" But the other woman said, "Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it." Now Solomon knew without a doubt who was the true mother. In prophecy, a woman is a symbol of a church (Jeremiah 6:2). With so many churches in the last days, how can we distinguish the true, last-day church that has the living Son from the counterfeits? Like Solomon, we must use the sword of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12)!

1. How does Revelation picture God's true church?

Revelation 12:1, 2, 5. A _______ clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. ... And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: In Bible prophecy, God's church is symbolized by a pure woman (Jeremiah 6:2). In Revelation 12, this woman is clothed with the sun, moon, and stars--the natural light of God's creation. Jesus told the church, "Ye are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14. The sun represents the light of Jesus (Psalms 84:11; Malachi 4:2). The moon under her feet represents the types and shadows of the Old Testament sacrificial system. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, so the sacrificial system was helpful because it reflected the light of the Messiah to come (Colossians 2:16, 17; Hebrews 10:1). The 12 stars above her head symbolize the leadership of the

church--12 tribes in the Old Testament and 12 apostles in the New Testament. The one who is to rule all nations with a rod of iron is Jesus (Psalms 2:7-9; Revelation 19:13-16).

2. Who is the "great red dragon," and what does he try to do?

Revelation 12:9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and _______.

Revelation 12:4 The dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The dragon is Satan, who at the time of Jesus' birth was working through the pagan Roman Empire. Satan influenced Herod, a ruler under Rome, to try to murder baby Jesus by killing all the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

3. What happens after Satan fails to destroy Jesus?

Revelation 12:5. And her child was caught __ unto God, and to his throne.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended up to heaven and to God's throne (Acts 1:9-11), where He was beyond the reach of Satan.

4. After Jesus was caught up to heaven, what did Satan do to the church?

Revelation 12:13. When the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he ________ the woman which brought forth the man child.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: When Satan could no longer vent his hatred on Jesus, he decided to hurt Jesus by turning his fury against the church.

5. Where did the woman go during this terrifying period of persecution? How long did it last?

Revelation 12:6. And the woman fled into the _________, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The woman (God's church) fled into the wilderness (the remote places of earth) to hide from her enemies. It is a well-known historical fact that during the Dark Ages, God's people fled to the caves and solitary places of earth, including the shores of America, to seek religious freedom and protection from papal persecution. The 1,260 days (also described in the Bible as 42 months or as three and a half years) refers to the terrible 1,260-year period of persecution during which millions died for their faith. During this time period, God's church was alive but was not identifiable as an official, visible organization. (See the supplement entitled "Years of Persecution.")

6. What are two other identifying marks of God's true church?

Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the ____________ of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: God's remnant church, into which He is calling all His people, will keep God's Ten Commandments (including the Sabbath). It will also have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit, or gift, of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). God calls His end-time church "the remnant," because it is identical in doctrine and characteristics to the apostolic church. A "remnant" is the last remaining portion of a bolt of cloth. It is exactly like the first piece from the same bolt.

7. How did Jesus say that we demonstrate our love for Him?

John 14:15. If ye love me, _____ my commandments.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we __________ his commandments.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: In our opening story, Solomon was able to identify the true mother by her genuine display of love. In the same way, God's true church will be recognized by its sacrificial love and its willingness to obey His commandments.

8. What three angelic messages will God's end-time church be preaching?

Revelation 14:7. Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his ___________ is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Revelation 14:9, 10 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: These three angelic statements represent the three urgent messages that God's church will preach before Jesus returns.

9. To whom will God's church preach these messages?

Revelation 14:6. Having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to _____ nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: God's end-time church will preach this great three-point message to every nation on earth.

10. What specifications has God given in His Word to help us positively identify His end-time church?

Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the ______ of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1. It will appear and do its visible work after it emerges from the wilderness in 1798 (Revelation 12:6, 13-17).

2. It will teach the same truths the apostles taught, and all of its teachings will agree with the Bible (Revelation 12:17).

3. It will keep the Ten Commandments, including the Bible Sabbath (Revelation 12:17).

4. It will have the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 12:17; 19:10).

5. It will proclaim God's three end-time messages with a loud voice (Revelation 14:6-14).

6. It will be a worldwide movement (Revelation 14:6).

7. It will teach the everlasting gospel, which is salvation through Jesus Christ alone (Revelation 14:6).

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Many lovely Christians are members of churches that do not meet the above seven specifications. However, no such church can be God's remnant into which He is calling all His sincere children, because His end-time church must meet all seven specifications.

11. Jesus gives you these seven prophetic identification points and then says, "Go and find My church." What does He promise regarding your search?

Luke 11:9. Seek, and ye shall ______.

Answer : ____________________

12. How many church organizations in the world will fit these seven points?

Ephesians 4:5. One Lord, one _____, one baptism.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Only one church in the entire world fits all of these specifications--the Seventh-day Adventist church, which is bringing you these seminar messages. It is right now preaching the great three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12 all over the world. Millions are responding.

13. Many denominations call themselves Christian. Does that make them God's true church?

Isaiah 4:1. And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own _______ and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Bread is a symbol of the Word of God (John 6:35, 51, 52, 63), and apparel is a symbol of righteousness (Revelation 19:8). The seven women in this prophecy have their own bread (concept of truth) and want to keep their own clothing (righteousness). They do not want the spotless robes of Christ's righteousness. All they want is to take the name of Jesus, probably because the Bible says, "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

14. Once a person discovers God's true end-time church, is it necessary to become a member?

Acts 2:47. And the Lord _____ to the church daily such as should be saved.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Yes, membership in God's end-time church is imperative. Notice how clearly God answers this question about membership:

--We are all called into one body (Colossians 3:15).

--That body is the church (Colossians 1:18).

--We enter that body by baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13).

It is just as imperative to enter God's church today as it was to enter the ark in Noah's day. The Lord says, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Genesis 7:1.

15. How many ways of escape were there in Noah's day?

Hebrews 11:7. By faith Noah ... prepared an ___ to the saving of his house.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Jesus says that the time just before His second coming will be like Noah's day (Luke 17:26). There will be only one way of escape, just as there was only one ark in Noah's day.

16. Since there are many faithful Christians in other churches and since God has only one true remnant, what will happen to these sincere Christians?

John 10:16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall _____ my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Revelation 18:2, 4 Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. ... come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Jesus will call all of His faithful, honest followers to come out of Babylon. They will hear His voice, respond, and enter His one true, end-time church.

17. Jesus is calling you today to enter the safety of His great end-time church. You are very precious to Him. Will you respond now to His call?

Answer : ____________________

Supplemental Study

Years of Persecution
The 1,260 years of tribulation is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, because historically it was the worst ever to face God's people (Matthew 24:21). It is referred to as 1,260 days, 42 months, and three and one-half times, or years (Revelation 12:6, 14 13:5 Daniel 7:25). Using the Jewish calendar, which had 360 days in a year, all three add up to the same amount of time - 1,260 years. One prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6 Numbers 14:34).

History clearly shows that the papacy was the power which persecuted for 1,260 years. The period began in A.D. 538, when papal power became supreme in Christendom according to the decree of Roman Emperor Justinian. In it, he acknowledged the bishop of Rome as the head of all churches. This letter became a part of Justinian's Code, the fundamental law of the empire. The period ended in 1798 when Napoleon's general, Alexander Berthier, took the pope captive. At least 50 million Christians died for their faith during this period of persecution.

Three Crucial Points
Three facts of utmost importance to God's people are established in Revelation 12:10-12. These facts are:

1. Jesus defeated Satan, the accuser of the brethren, at the cross.

2. All of us can overcome him through the blood of Jesus and by sharing our testimonies.

3. The devil is infuriated because he knows that his time is short. We cannot expect him to behave like a gentleman. He is our bitterest enemy.

The message is that Jesus, who has defeated Satan, offers His matchless power to us as a free gift. With Jesus' power in our lives, we cannot fail. Satan's fury need not affect us. He is a defeated foe. He was defeated in the war in heaven and cast out. He was defeated by Jesus at the cross and lost his dominion. He will be defeated legally in his case in the judgment, and he will again be defeated when he attacks God's holy city. Finally, he will suffer the defeat of being blotted from the face of the earth in the lake of fire. And, most wonderful of all, Jesus promises that he will be defeated in his bitter fight to destroy you and me. What a tremendous message of hope from Jesus!

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

DAY 107 of 365 Reasons in 365 Days Why You Should Try JESUS

Because He Removes Guilt and Condemnation

Verse: “There is therefore now no condemnation…” — Romans 8:1

Quote: “Jesus silences the voice of guilt permanently.”

Prayer: O Lord Deliver me from all condemnation in Jesus name, Amen. #friends #everyone #highlight #love #virals #jesus #everyonefollowers #everyonehighlights #everyonehighlightsfollowers #everyoneactive