Dear youth, we have come to the end of our Great Controversy Bible Study. I hope we have all been blessed by the lessons we have studied.
The last lesson will tackle about how the controversy will have ended.
For this program suggestion, allow members of the congregation to give a quick testimony of what they have learned the past Sabbath afternoons.
Or you could assign topics to youth members, and they can give a testimony about it.
Topics:
Last day events.
Little time of trouble.
Second coming of Christ.
Resurrection of the righteous.
What happens to evil people?
Satan’s fate.
Coming judgment.
Reward of the faithful.
Allot time for each participant to speak. You may also allow other groups to sing a song with the theme in mind.
Let us be thankful that, in love, God has revealed through the Scripture the life-giving knowledge of the Great Controversy. Let us realize that the final battleground of this struggle is my heart and the ultimate issue of the controversy is our allegiance. Let us understand how the controversy began, the principles involved, how long it will continue, and how it will end. Let us be thankful that we are now aware of Satan’s deceptions and better prepared to make the critical decisions that will determine our eternal destiny. Let us be looking forward to the years of eternity that will bring a richer and still more glorious revelation in the knowledge of God and Christ. My sincere prayer is, “Dear Lord, I give my life as a humble offering. Change me by Your grace into Your image. Please give me confidence to share these lifegiving messages with others. Provide me the wisdom and grace to live in obedience to Your holy laws. Give me the strength to remain faithful to this important conviction at any cost. Please come soon Lord Jesus!
I hope you all are having a blessed week. For the 12th lesson out of 13 of our Great Controversy Bible Study Series, we will be studying on the Desolation of Earth.
Introduction:
Such are the judgments that fall upon Babylon in the day of the visitation of God’s wrath. She has filled up the measure of her iniquity; her time has come; she is ripe for destruction. When the voice of God turns the captivity of His people, there is a terrible awakening of those who have lost all in the great conflict of life. While probation continued, they were blinded by Satan’s deceptions, and they justified their course of sin. The rich prided themselves upon their superiority to those who were less favored; but they had obtained their riches by violation of the law of God.
Activity:
According to groups or classes, answer the following questions:
Questions:
Group 1
WHAT MESSAGE OF MERCY IS HEAVEN PROCLAIMING TO THOSE WHO ARE UNKNOWINGLY FOLLOWING THE FALSE DOCTRINES OF BABYLON?
WHAT JUDGMENTS WILL BEFALL BABYLON AND THOSE WHO CLING TO HER TEACHINGS?
WHAT BASIC PRINCIPLE HAVE THOSE WHO PERISH WILLFULLY VIOLATED?
WHAT CHANGE OCCURS IN THE LIFE WHEN THE WICKED TRULY REPENT?
WHAT WONDERFUL PROMISE IS FULFILLED TO THE RIGHTEOUS?
Group 2
WHAT JUDGMENT WILL BE PRONOUNCED UPON THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS WHO HAVE IGNORED TRUTH AND LEAD THEIR FLOCK ASTRAY?
WHAT HAVE THESE UNFAITHFUL LEADERS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE?
HOW WILL THE LOST REACT TOWARDS THOSE WHO HAVE BETRAYED THEM?
AFTER THE CLOSE OF PROBATION, THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN EXTENDS TO INCLUDE WHOM?
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE WICKED AS THEY SEE CHRIST COMING IN THE CLOUDS?
Group 3
WHAT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL CAUSE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED?
WHAT PHYSICAL EFFECT WILL THE LORD’S COMING HAVE UPON THE EARTH?
WHAT IS THE FATE OF SATAN FOLLOWING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST?
WHAT RESTRICTION DOES GOD PLACE UPON SATAN’S ACTIVITIES DURING THE 1,000 YEARS OF HIS BONDAGE?
Group 4
WHAT WILL BE THE ACTIVITY OF THE REDEEMED DURING THE 1,000 YEARS?
WHO WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS JUDGMENT?
WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CLOSE OF THE 1,000 YEAR PERIOD?
Conclusion:
The Scriptures have revealed to us the momentous events that will end this great controversy. We understand that before the close of this conflict, every individual will have made a decision as to where his loyalty will be placed.
We should realize that in his quest for our destruction, Satan will employ every method within his power to deceive us and when these fail, persecution may follow.
Let us be thankful that God in His love and mercy is calling His people out of the false doctrines of Babylon and revealing the truths that will prevent deception. Let us pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error so that we will not be among the deceived.
Let us realize that after all mankind has chosen allegiance, God’s judgements will bring desolation to this earth. So let us decide to remain loyal to Him regardless of the cost and be thankful for His promises for our deliverance.
We are a few more lessons away to the end of our Great Controversy Bible Study Series. I hope that all of you were blessed by these AY program ideas.
Today’s program ideas discusses on the deliverance of God’s people during the coming times of trouble. I hope you find blessing and light upon this lesson.
Introduction
When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.
The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death.
It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen. Saith the Lord; “Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth, to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:29, 30.
With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings, they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.
Activity
Prepare the following materials: Manila paper, marker pens, scotch tapes.
Instruction: Group congregation into different classes. Assign a leader and a secretary.
Allot time for groups to answer the following questions:
Let the group share their answers to the rest of the congregation after the given time. Let them sing a song as a whole group before reporting.
Questions:
Group 1: The faithful on the Day of Deliverance
WHAT WORDS OF JOY WILL SPRING FORTH FROM THE LIPS OF THE FAITHFUL?
WHAT WORDS COME FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD?
WHAT GREAT EVENT WILL THE VOICE OF GOD CAUSE?
WHO WILL WITNESS THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST?
WHAT SONG OF TRIUMPHAL RESPONSE WILL RESOUND FROM THE RIGHTEOUS?
Group 2: The wicked on the Day of Deliverance
WHAT WILL BE THE RESPONSE OF THE WICKED AS THEY REALIZE THEY ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST?
WHAT TRUTH CONCERNING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS WILL STRIKE TERROR IN THE HEARTS OF THE WICKED?
WHAT WILL BE DECLARED IN THE HEAVENS?
WHAT IS THE RESULT OF KNOWING TRUTH AND NOT SHARING THIS KNOWLEDGE WITH THE LOST
WHAT PROPHECY GIVEN BY CHRIST INVOLVING THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS CRUCIFICTION WILL BE FULFILLED?
Group 3: The coming of Christ
WHERE WILL CHRIST BE SEEN AT HIS COMING?
HOW DOES THE PROPHET HABAKKUK DESCRIBE THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST?
HOW DOES THE PROPHET JEREMIAH DESCRIBE THE REACTION OF HUMANITY TO THIS GREAT EVENT?
WHAT CRY WILL FILL THE HEAVENS AS CHRIST CALLS THE RIGHTEOUS DEAD TO LIFE?
Group 4: The change
WHAT CHANGE WILL OCCUR IN THE RIGHTEOUS?
WHERE WILL THE ELECT GO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS CHANGE?
WHAT WILL CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGE BESTOW ON EACH OF HIS REDEEMED?
WHAT JOYOUS INVITATION WILL CHRIST EXTEND TO HIS REDEEMED?
WHAT GROUP WILL BE PRIVILEGED TO SING A UNIQUE SONG OF PRAISE TO THEIR REDEEMER?
Group 4: The redeemed
WHAT DISTINGUISHES THIS GROUP FROM THE MULTITUDE OF THE REDEEMED?
WHAT PRINCIPLE WILL INSPIRE THE REDEEMED TO SHARE THEIR TESTIMONY THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE?
WHAT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE RIGHTEOUS?
HOW DOES THE BIBLE DESCRIBE THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION?
WHAT IS THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE SCIENCE AND SONG OF THE REDEEMED?
Conclusion:
Let us be looking forward to that great day when Christ comes in the clouds of heaven to deliver His people from the wickedness of this earth and the terrible time of trouble that is before us.
Let us look forward with great anticipation to accept Christ’s joyous invitation, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Click on this link to download the Source Material:
How have you been, dear youth. I pray and hope that all of you are well in with the grace of God, still standing true and firm on your faith to God.
As we continue our Great Controversy Bible Study Series, may all of you have been refreshed spiritually and have been reminded of the love of God and the mercy He has shown us.
To continue, we are now at Lesson number 10, the Time of Trouble. We have 3 more lessons to go after this.
AY Program Idea:
Introduction:
When the third angel’s message closes [Revelation 14:9,10], mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received “the latter rain,” “the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,” and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts [Revelation 14:12] have received “the seal of the living God.”
Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, “It is done;” and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: “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.” Revelation 22:11.
Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords [Revelation 17:14].
Activity:
Group congregation into classes. Assign a leader for each group.
Materials: Manila Paper and Markers
Instruction:
Create a timeline of the last day events.
Allow groups to present their output.
Put emphasis on major events.
Events: (in no particular order)
Close of Probation
7 Plagues
First Resurrection
Second Resurrection
Latter Rain
Early Rain
The Millennium
Time of Trouble
The Loud Cry
Jesus Second Coming
Jesus leaving the Sanctuary
Sealing of God’s People
Answer the following questions? Assign different questions to the groups.
WHAT WILL THE WICKED ATTEMPT TO DO, THINKING IT IS A SERVICE FOR GOD?
WHAT TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S PEOPLE WILL KINDLE UNDUE ANGER AND PERSECUTION IN THE HEARTS OF THE WICKED?
WHAT DIVINE AGENCY IS CURRENTLY HOLDING BACK THESE DREADED WINDS OF STRIFE UNTIL THE SEALING OF GOD’S PEOPLE?
WHAT IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE CHRISTIAN’S CHARACTER WILL BE TESTED IN THIS PERILOUS TIME?
WHAT PROMISE HAS GOD GIVEN TO HIS CHILDREN, WHO, THROUGH FAITH, PERSEVERE?
WHAT IS THE LIFELINE OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN, BOTH NOW AND IN THE PERILOUS TIMES TO COME?
WHY CAN WE NOT RELY ON FAMILY, FRIENDS, OR OUR RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO MAINTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFELINE?
WHAT STRATEGIES WILL SATAN AND HIS EVIL AGENTS EMPLOY TO DECEIVE THE MULTITUDES?
WHY WILL THE MAJORITY BE DECEIVED?
WHEN ALL HOPE APPEARS LOST, LIKE JACOB IN HIS TIME OF TROUBLE, WHAT WILL BE THE PLEA OF THE RIGHTEOUS?
Conclusion:
The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble. “Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.
All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5-7.
Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble.
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger— a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time.
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.
Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God.
The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal.
In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job” were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:20.
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come.
But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false Christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures.
HeavenwardYouth 