10: God’s Everlasting Gospel – Discussion Starters
1. Just a few. How does it make you feel when you think about being one of a few who will be lifted from this dark world to one reflecting in every possible way the glory and majesty of the true God? Makes me want to go! To go now! But what can possibly be successful about worshiping the beast? How can we escape the perils of the very last days? What is the glorious picture of these days? Are you sure?
2. The three angels’ messages. These three angels don’t speak softly. Even with the huge distances in time and space, their voices are strong enough for all to hear clearly. Is that right? How do they proclaim their message to the world? What is their message? True or False: We will see this message delivered from clouds and other manifestations of power. What do Seventh-day Adventists believe is their role in sharing the news of the everlasting gospel? Are they succeeding in this work?
3. The first angel’s message. Why does God call out from the shouting along the highway with the cry of the first angel, for His people to be afraid of Him? He doesn’t? Then what does He want from His people? How is God’s special message to His end-time people related to a final judgment statement?
4. Babylon’s wine. “The smoke of their torment.” Why is there smoke? What is burning? What is it that marks immorality rendering the people of God worthy of the final journey to heaven? Do you ever wonder why God doesn’t keep the wicked burning forever so that the rest of us can see the horrible results of a sinful life? Oh, you say. That won’t be necessary. Why not? Is it the wrath of God unfurled? Or something else that keeps us solid for God through eternity?
5. The third angel’s message. Finally…it seems that we’re about to enter those “pearly gates” we’ve looked forward to for years. But first, the third message–what do the angels have to tell us now? There is a reward. There is a penalty. Do the wicked burn in perdition forever? How can God destroy sin forever if it never goes out? Can you make a case that even this final death of the wicked in an act of graciousness to sinners bent on sin and destruction?
(7)
I just want to thank the effort and dedication to give us these materials and suggestions for the development of the lesson in the church, as well as for personal use. Many blessings and may the Lord continue to direct them.