Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

Επεισόδια

• Episode 2811 - Lesson 2 - Sunday July 05 - The Gospel of the Cross 05.07.2026 14λ

  The Gospel of the CrossPaul says that the message of the Cross is the power of God to us. It is not surprising that "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" is the center of his preaching (1 Cor. 2:2, NKJV).Read 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. What important point is Paul making here?In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Paul deals with a contrast between human foolishness and divine wisdom. The Cross has the power to display the worst of man and the best of God. This section of 1 Corinthians is introduced by the statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17. Because the Cross of Christ is not supposed to be emptied of its power (1 Cor. 1:17), the message of the Cross must occupy the central place of our preaching (see also 1 Cor. 2:2).Paul says that he was sent not to baptize, but to preach the gospel of the Cross. This statement requires two important observations. First, the Greek verb translated as "to send" is apostellō, which stems from the same root as the word apostle. Thus, Paul's fundamental apostolic task was the proclamation of the gospel. Second, Paul's words about baptism did not mean that baptism was not important, or at least not as important as preaching. He was, instead, rebuking those who made a big deal out of who were the ones doing the baptizing as opposed to the One, Jesus, into whom they have been baptized.By "wisdom of words" (1 Cor. 1:17), Paul is not implying that eloquent speeches are bad in themselves. The point is that human wisdom should not obscure the message of the Cross. This phrase refers to Greco-Roman rhetoric. In Athens, Paul used logic, science, and philosophy, but this resulted in little fruit. So, "he decided to follow another plan of labor in Corinth in his efforts to arrest the attention of the careless and the indifferent. He determined to avoid elaborate arguments and discussions, and 'not to know anything' among the Corinthians 'save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.' "--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 244.In what ways can elaborate discourses obscure the message of the Cross? Why did the proclamation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified produce more fruit in Corinth than logic, science, and philosophy did in Athens? Might there, however, be times that logic, philosophy, and science could be helpful in proclaiming the gospel?
• Episode 2810 - Lesson 2 - Saturday July 4 🎆🇺🇸🎆- The Message of the Cross ✝️ 04.07.2026 10λ

  Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: 1 Cor. 1:17-31, Col. 1:20, 1 Pet. 2:24, Acts 13:16-47, 1 Cor. 2:1-5Memory Text: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV).Cicero, a pagan Roman writer and orator, had told the Roman people to not even think about the cross, so abhorrent was it as a means of death. Although Cicero died about a half century before Jesus was born, his statement illustrates the contempt with which the Romans had held the cross.In contrast, Paul would write: "The message of the cross . . . is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18, NIV). For Paul, the Cross is the instrument of reconciliation between God and man (Eph. 2:16, Col. 1:20), the supreme symbol of Jesus' humility (Phil. 2:8), and the place where our immense debt was paid (Col. 2:14).The Cross is Paul's answer to the problems in Corinth. You don't have to go very far in 1 Corinthians to realize that he is very concerned about one major issue: divisions in the church. Paul is so perplexed that right after the greetings (1 Cor. 1:1-3) and the thanksgiving section (1 Cor. 1:4-9), this is the first topic he addresses (1 Cor. 1:10-17). This week, we will turn to the powerful message of the Cross as the answer to this problem and to other issues in Corinth.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 11.
• Episode 2809 - Lesson 1 - Friday July 03 - Further Thought 03.07.2026 11λ

  Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "Corinth," pp. 243-254, in The Acts of the Apostles."In preaching the gospel in Corinth, the apostle followed a course different from that which had marked his labors at Athens. ... He determined to avoid elaborate arguments and discussions, and 'not to know anything' among the Corinthians 'save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.'"--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 244."Paul had a measure of success," but he "doubted the wisdom of building up a church from the material he found there. He considered Corinth a very questionable field of labor, and determined to leave it. ..."As he was contemplating leaving the city for a more promising field, ... the Lord appeared to him in a vision of the night, and said, 'Be not afraid, but speak, ... for I have much people in this city.' Paul understood this to be a command to remain in Corinth, and a guarantee that the Lord would give increase to the seed sown. ... A large church was enrolled under the banner of Jesus Christ."--Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, pp. 106, 107."It is recorded that Paul labored a year and six months in Corinth. His efforts, however, were not exclusively confined to that city. ... He made Corinth his headquarters. ... Several churches were thus raised up. ... The absence of Paul from the churches of his care was partially supplied by communications weighty and powerful, which were received generally as the word of God. ... These epistles were read in the churches."--Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 109.Discussion Questions:Paul was convinced that he was an apostle of Jesus, and that this calling was from God. Why is it so important to know who we are and what our call is?For a moment, Paul felt like giving up his missionary work in Corinth and leaving the city. What caused him to change his mind? How can this help us when we feel like giving up a missionary project? Might there be, though, a time we should?The church members in Corinth were significantly influenced by the surrounding culture. This is also a stark reality among us today. How can we be in the world (John 17:11, 15) and not be influenced by what "is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life" (1 John 2:16, ESV)? What are other ways that our church is being influenced negatively by the surrounding culture?
• Episode 2808 - Lesson 1 - Thursday July 02 - Paul's Letters to the Corinthians💌 02.07.2026 13λ

  Paul's Letters to the Corinthians 💌Read 1 Corinthians 1:11-13; 1 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 7:1; and 1 Corinthians 14:37, 40. Also read 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 11:3, and 2 Corinthians 13:10. How do these passages help us understand why Paul wrote letters to the Corinthians?Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:5-9). The family of Chloe went to him with the report that things were not going too well back in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11). In 1 Corinthians 1-6, Paul addresses the issues brought by Chloe's household. The problems include factionalism, sexual immorality, lawsuits, and prostitution. Paul also received a letter with specific questions (1 Cor. 7:1). His response fills the space from chapter 7 onward. The questions were related to marriage, divorce, celibacy, food sacrificed to idols, conduct in worship, the use of spiritual gifts, and incorrect understanding of the resurrection. The church of Corinth was very problematic and immature. Perhaps your local church has many problems. Yet the church at Corinth was probably worse.Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is very relevant to our time, as well. After all, don't we, to some degree, face some of the same issues in many of our churches today? This letter has much to say to us. It is "one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 301.Paul may have written three or four letters to the Corinthians (compare with 2 Cor. 10:9). He wrote an initial letter before 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 5:9), but it is lost. Before 2 Corinthians, he wrote a letter referred to by scholars as the "severe letter" (2 Cor. 2:3-4, 9; 2 Cor. 7:8), but it is lost, too. Some think that he is referring to 1 Corinthians, or that this letter is partly preserved in 2 Corinthians.From 2 Corinthians, we realize that the members of Corinth were influenced by the surrounding culture. They valued such things as competition, power, and wealth, all things that can challenge our church today, as well. Conversely, Paul sought to create a Christ-focused culture, a way of seeing the world through the lens of the gospel. How crucial that we, too, see our present world through the lens of the gospel as well.Read 2 Corinthians 2:4 again. What does this verse that tell you us about how much Paul cared for these people? How much love is in your heart for others? In contrast, how cold might our hearts be toward others?
• Episode 2807 - Lesson 1 - Wednesday July 01 - "Many in this City" 🏙️ 01.07.2026 10λ

  "Many in This City"🏙️Read Acts 18:4-8. What were the results of Paul's preaching?The work of Paul among the Jews at Corinth was not as fruitful as he wanted it to be. He had to face some hostility and hatred. The Bible says that "they opposed him and blasphemed" (Acts 18:6, NKJV). When the object of the Greek verb blasphēmeō ("to blaspheme") is a human being, it means "to revile" or "to defame." In other words, they intended to stain Paul's reputation and to prevent him from succeeding in his missionary endeavors.Fortunately, the work of Paul in the Corinthian synagogue was not in vain. After all, God was in charge of His mission. He promised, "[My word] shall not return to me empty" (Isa. 55:11, ESV). Some Jews did not expect that Crispus, the synagogue's ruler, and his entire household would accept Jesus as the Messiah and get baptized (Acts 18:8). In addition, "many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized" (Acts 18:8, NKJV), very likely also because of the influence of Crispus.Read Acts 18:9-10. What can we infer about Paul's feelings in the face of his challenges in Corinth? How did God encourage his servant?Right after Paul left the synagogue, he had an experience that brought him encouragement. Christ Himself appeared to him by night in a vision, with words that recall Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you" (NKJV). Indeed, Paul admits he was in Corinth "in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling" (1 Cor. 2:3, NKJV). He had to depart from Berea to Athens because of staunch opposition. He seems to have thought he would have to leave Corinth for the same reason: great opposition. But that would not happen this time. Jesus said to him: " 'I have many people in this city' " (Acts 18:10, NKJV). And Paul was His instrument to take the news of salvation to them.Read Isaiah 41:10. What wonderful promises does God give you are given to us in this verse short passage? What hope do they give you right now in your life? How should they affect your daily life?
• Episode 2807 - Lesson 1 - Tuesday June 30: The City of Corinth🌆 30.06.2026 19λ

  The City of Corinth🌆Read Acts 18:1-3, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, and 1 Corinthians 8:4. What can we infer about Corinth's economy, morality, and religious life?Corinth was an important center of the ancient world, renowned for its prosperous commerce. The city was destroyed by Rome in 146 B.C. and rebuilt by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 44 B.C. It is this Roman Corinth that appears in the New Testament. In the time of Paul, Corinth was one of Athens' rivals and had even surpassed it in various aspects. Corinth had two important harbors that made the exchange of merchandise and the development of its commerce easy.Indeed, Paul chose Corinth because of its importance and advantaged geographic location. "An opportunity was thus presented for the spread of the gospel. Once established at Corinth, it would be readily communicated to all parts of the world."--Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 99.In addition, the flourishing commerce of Corinth would make it easier for Paul to support himself by producing and selling tents while proclaiming the gospel in that city (Acts 18:2-3). Obviously, missionary work in a large and wealthy city is not free of challenges. Corinth was marked by a blatant religious pluralism (1 Cor. 8:5), evident by its numerous shrines built in homage to such deities as Apollo, Athena, and Aphrodite, among others, and even the worship of such Egyptian gods as Serapis and Isis.In addition to this religious confusion, Corinth was also known for its sexual licentiousness. Strabo, a Greek geographer and historian, mentions that there were 1,000 sacred prostitutes devoted to the worship of Aphrodite in her temple at Corinth. Although many scholars view this with suspicion and connect this claim to Athenian propaganda against Corinth, ritual prostitution was common in the ancient world. Sexual immorality was a problem in Corinth, as elsewhere. Idolatry and immorality were part of daily life, and this sad reality explains much of the content of 1 and 2 Corinthians.In his missionary activity in Corinth, Paul faced the challenge of an idolatrous and licentious society. What challenges in today's culture can make it hard to preach the gospel? How can we overcome them? How much difference, if any, is there between Corinth and our cities today?
• Episode 2806 - Lesson 1 - Monday June 29 - From Athens to Corinth 29.06.2026 11λ

  From Athens to CorinthRead Acts 17:16-34. Where was Paul before going to Corinth, and what did he do there?Acts 17:16-34 describes Paul's preaching to the Athenians before his going to Corinth. Apparently, he did not plan to visit Athens at that moment, but went there with the help of some Friends because of the opposition that he faced at Berea (Acts 17:13-15).Those who went with Paul to Athens returned to Berea with a command for Timothy and Silas to join him as soon as possible (Acts 17:15). Acts 17:16-34 is about what Paul does while waiting for them. He speaks about Jesus in the synagogue, the marketplace, and the Areopagus. He really couldn't stop talking about Jesus and took advantage of every opportunity to do it.Read Acts 18:1-11. What does Paul do when he arrives at Corinth and during his whole stay in that city?Paul went to Corinth during his second missionary journey. Luke informs us that Paul stayed there a year and a half.As usual, Paul begins his missionary activity at the synagogue (Acts 18:4-6). Acts 17:1-2 mentions that this was his custom. He followed the "to-the-Jew-first" strategy (Rom. 1:16, Acts 13:46), just as Jesus had commanded His apostles (see Acts 1:8).When finally Silas and Timothy joined him in Corinth, he "was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus" (Acts 18:5, ESV). During his stay in Corinth, he was busy "teaching the word of God" (Acts 18:11, NKJV). It was in this context, too, that he expressed those famous words that he was "determined not to know anything among" the Corinthians "except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2, NKJV).What can we learn from Paul's missionary activity in Athens and Corinth? What makes sharing the gospel so challenging in our cities and communities today? How can we share the gospel with success in these difficult places? What strategies can we learn from Paul's missionary activity about how to best do that? about using every opportunity to preach the gospel? Think about your opportunities for sharing Jesus with others and how to use them.
• Episode 2805 - Lesson 1 - Sunday June 28 - Paul, a God-called Apostle of Jesus 28.06.2026 8λ

  Paul, a God-called Apostle of JesusPaul begins his letter to the Corinthians by identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus, called "through the will of God" (1 Cor. 1:1; compare with 2 Cor. 1:1). His conviction regarding who he is in relation to Jesus is so firm that, with a few exceptions, this is the way he opens all his letters.Read 1 Corinthians 1:1 and Romans 1:1. What two elements of Paul's ministry are emphasized in these passages? (See also Gal. 1:1.)Paul speaks of his calling and apostleship as fulfilling God's will. He is convinced that his calling is not from men, but from God (Gal. 1:1). Like Jeremiah, Paul was called by God from his mother's womb like Jeremiah (Jer. 1:5) as an act of God's grace (Gal. 1:15), and it happened so that He would proclaim the gospel of Christ among the Gentiles.In 1 Corinthians 15:8, Paul includes himself among those to whom Christ appeared after the resurrection 1 Cor. 15:5-7). A few verses later, he implies that his calling to be an apostle resulted from that encounter with Jesus (1 Cor. 15:9-11).The title "apostle of Jesus" encompasses a series of concepts. Primarily, it conveys the idea of one whom Jesus sends. Nevertheless, Paul also uses this phrase to identify himself as a servant of Christ (Rom. 1:1, Titus 1:1, Gal. 1:10), as well as a preacher and a teacher (1 Tim. 2:7, 2 Tim. 1:11). Whether he preaches or teaches, Christ is always in evidence. In short, Paul is an apostle of Jesus.Jesus is not only the center of Paul's apostleship. He is the center of Paul's life. Paul's thoughts and feelings were filled with the presence of Jesus. Evidence of this fact is that he refers to Jesus repeatedly in the opening and the thanksgiving section of 1 Corinthians (nine times in nine verses). Paul loved Jesus so much that he couldn't stop thinking and talking about Him. He wanted to share Jesus with those under his care so that their lives would be Christ-centered, too. While he was called to be an apostle, they were called to be faithful followers of Jesus in whatever capacity to which the Lord called them.Paul was called to be an apostle. What is your calling, and how do you know that it is your calling? If you don't think you have one, why not go right now to God and ask Him to show you the work He chose you to do?
• Episode 2804 - Lesson 1 - Saturday - June 27 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth 27.06.2026 8λ

  Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week’s Study: 1 Cor. 1:1, Gal. 1:1, Acts17:16–34, 1 Cor. 5:9–11, Acts 18:4–10, 2 Cor. 2:4.Memory Text: “One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Donot be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you,and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are manyin this city who are my people’ ” (Acts 18:9, 10, NRSV).The great English missionary William Carey used to say that hecobbled shoes to pay his expenses, but his real business waswinning souls.Likewise, Paul worked as a tentmaker for a living (Acts 18:1–3), buthis real business was, of course, winning people to Christ.This week, we will get a glimpse of Paul’s ministry to the church inthe city of Corinth. The church, as we will see, was full of problems,many that were not unlike what our churches face today, almost twothousand years later. Indeed, anyone who has been in Christianity forany length of time, or who has been involved in church work, could askthe question: Have you ever found a Christian group that doesn’t haveany problems? The answer is, of course, obvious.Paul faces challenges in Corinth but does so with the message ofthe Cross (1 Cor. 2:2). Faithfulness to this message is also the way toface the challenges that we have today. As we will see this week andthroughout this quarter, the message of 1 and 2 Corinthians applies toour lives, as well.* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 4.
• Episode 2803 - 1st and 2nd Corinthians - Introduction - 3rd Quarter 2026 27.06.2026 9λ

  The Essence of Christian Life and Witness - an introduction Writing letters is an age-old activity that has not become obsolete. We’ve merely changed the way that letters are written.Yes, social media superseded paper. However, in their essence,emails and other forms of electronic letters exert basically the same function: theyconnect people by exchanging information, feelings, and thoughts.Why do people write letters? A possible answer is that they have something tosay. So it was with the apostle Paul. Although he had so much to say, he did notalways have the chance to be face-to-face with those whom he wanted to talk.So, he wrote letters instead—such as to the Corinthians, which contain some ofScripture’s most profound truths. Among them are: “I decided to know nothingamong you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2, ESV), and “For youknow the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakehe became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9, ESV).And what about the stunning hymn to love in 1 Corinthians 13?On the other hand, whoever reads Paul’s letters to the Corinthians will inevitably get perplexed, not only because of some substantial problems within thechurch—such as sexual immorality—but also because of the nitpicking that resultsfrom cheap factionalism among the members. If you think your church has challenging issues, get ready to see the avalanche of quarrelings Paul had to deal within Corinth. Perhaps your local church’s problems are not as significant as you imagine! Very likely, you will see that things in Corinth had been much worse.As disturbing as the problems in Corinth had been, the letters to the Corinthianscapture our attention, not because of the problems but because of the remarkableway Paul faces them. By exhorting the church members to evaluate themselves,their behavior, and the surrounding culture in the light of the gospel of JesusChrist, he exalts the message of the Cross. To use thewords of Paul himself elsewhere, any standard lowerthan the gospel message is to be seen as “anathema”(Gal. 1:8, 9, ASV).In Paul’s time, Corinth was famous for its wealthand strong commerce, all thanks to its port, architecture, shipbuilding, and ceramics. The city was animportant financial center. Nevertheless, it was alsoknown for its sexual immorality, religious cacophony, and shrines dedicated to various gods. Indeed,daily life in Corinth was marked by flagrant idolatry. This historical-culturalbackground helps us understand Paul’s main concerns regarding the Christians inthat city and, consequently, his exhortations to them.This quarter, we will survey Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. In these tworemarkable New Testament books, the apostle presents the gospel message as theessence of Christian life and witness, the lens through which everything else isto be judged. No matter the challenges each of us individually or the church ingeneral faces in our journey to heaven—the answer to the most puzzling issuesin our work for Christ is the same as for the Corinthians: “Jesus Christ and Himcrucified” (1 Cor. 2:2, NKJV).Jesus is coming soon. This is a time for more unity in Christ, for an openness tothe Holy Spirit as never before, for diligent use of the spiritual gifts, and for a moreprofound experience with our resurrected Lord. It is time for a genuine Christianministry, engagement in stewardship and mission, spiritual warfare against falseteachings, and growth in grace, love, and fellowship. This is a time to hold fastand be faithful to the message of the Cross, and Paul’s letters to the Corinthiansteach us to do just that.Adenilton Tavares de Aguiar, PhD, is a professor of Biblical interpretationat the Theological Seminary at the Adventist University Center of São Paulo in Brazil.
• Further Study June 23, 2026 - "My First Vision" 26.06.2026 46λ

  Listen to Ellen G. White’s vision of heaven found in Early Writings, pp. 14-20. What is most striking to you in this description?As God has shown me the travels of the Advent [14] people to the Holy City and the rich reward to be given those who wait the return of their Lord from the wedding, it may be my duty to give you a short sketch of what God has revealed to me. The dear saints have many trials to pass through. But our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory—while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. I have tried to bring back a good report and a few grapes from the heavenly Canaan, for which many would stone me, as the congregation bade stone Caleb and Joshua for their report. (Numbers 14:10.) But I declare to you, my brethren and sisters in the Lord, it is a goodly land, and we are well able to go up and possess it.While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little higher." At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage [15] them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, "Alleluia!" Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off the path down into the dark and wicked world below. Soon we [See Appendix.] heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai.The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus' new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another's feet and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet.Continue reading from this link: https://www.ellenwhite.info/books/ellen-g-white-book-early-writings-ew-02.htm
• Episode 2802 - Lesson 13 - Friday June 26 - Further Thought 26.06.2026 9λ

  Further Thought: “If we do not receive the religion of Christ by feeding upon the Word of God, we shall not be entitled to an entrance into the city of God. Having lived on earthly food, having educated our tastes to love worldly things, we would not be fitted for the heavenly courts; we could not appreciate the pure, heavenly current that circulates in heaven. The voices of the angels and the music of their harps would not satisfy us. The science of heaven would be as an enigma to our minds. We need to hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ; we need to be molded and fashioned by the transforming influence of His grace, that we may be fitted for the society of heavenly angels…. “Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving…. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, ‘There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.’ “We want to get in the habit of talking of heaven, beautiful heaven. Talk of that life which will continue as long as God shall live, and then you will forget your little trials and difficulties. Let the mind be attracted to God.”--Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By, p. 363.Discussion Questions:Listen or read Ellen G. White’s vision of heaven found in Early Writings, pp. 14-20. What is most striking to you in this description?What aspect of this quarter’s lessons do you most want to remember in order to keep your relationship with God strong until you see Jesus face-to-face?Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of heaven? Commit to sharing with them as soon as possible. Remember: you can’t share with them a hope that you yourself don’t personally have.Summary: As we keep our eyes on the goal, may we be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6, NKJV). God initiated the relationship He has with you, and He will complete it. May we grow in love and in faith as we wait for that day, while always resting only in the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us by faith.
• Episode 2801 - Lesson 13 - Thursday June 25: "Come!" 25.06.2026 7λ

  “Come!”The invitation is offered to us again, today: “Come.”Read the following passages and notice His invitation for you to come to Him: Matt. 11:28-30, Isa. 55:1-3, John 6:44.The Holy Spirit wants to draw you to Jesus today. Jesus invites you to come to Him, to abide in Him today, and every day, until He comes. When you respond and come to Him, when your heart is soft and your mind surrendered, you will feel peace because you know that, even if you die, He will raise you up, no matter how unworthy you may feel, on the last day of this earth. Jesus said, “Who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37, NKJV).We should sense the urgency to work with the Holy Spirit to call others to come into a saving relationship with Jesus. “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17, NKJV).The invitation is free, offered as a gift of grace. When we accept Him into our life and love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:5), our life here and in the future will be changed forever.Even as Jesus invites us to come to Him, the last words in the Bible promise this: “Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (emphasis added, Rev. 22:20, NKJV).How quickly? From our perspective, as soon as we close our eyes in death, the next thing we know will be the return of Christ. Considering how quickly our lives pass, that’s how quickly Jesus is coming back for us. Perhaps our first thought at the resurrection will be “Wow, Lord, Your coming was soon after all!”Truly, now we see but faintly, as in a mirror. But then we’ll see Him face-to-face. Don’t grow weary in waiting. Keep this desire alive, ever before you, in faith and in trust in the love and goodness of God. Lord Jesus, please come!Pray right now for the faith to endure, for the faith to allow you to surrender wholly and completely to the One who died for you and is coming back quickly for you, too.
• Episode 2800 - Lesson 13 - Wednesday June 24: Follow the Lamb🐑 24.06.2026 8λ

  Follow the Lamb🐑Have you ever been asked what you’re most looking forward to in eternity? If you ask a child, they might say, “Riding a tiger,” “Sliding down a giraffe’s neck,” or “Flying to different planets.” If you were to ask a teenager, they might say, “Not having to do any more schoolwork” or “Exploring heaven with my friends without getting hurt.” And if you were to ask a group of adults, they might say, “Being in a place where there’s no more pain, suffering, or death” or “Being reunited with loved ones.” All of these responses are good and true, and there is so much to look forward to in the new heaven and the new earth. Eternity burns within our hearts, and, intrinsically, we know there must be something more to life than the here and now.What other blessings might we look forward to in eternity? Read Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 7:17, and Revelation 21:4.Surely the greatest blessing of heaven will be to finally see Jesus and to thank Him, in person, for what He has done for us on this fallen earth. We will want to lavish our adoration and worship to Him for saving us, by His own suffering on the cross, from eternal death. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:12, NKJV).John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Two of John’s disciples heard this statement and followed Jesus (John 1:37), and Revelation 14:4 tells us we should do the same. “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Rev. 14:4, NKJV). However, if we want to follow Him in heaven, we must first follow Him here on earth.Jesus, the Lamb, is also our Shepherd, and He guides our paths as no other can. This is so reassuring for us as we struggle through the hard times that we find ourselves in, but Jesus will never stop leading us, even in heaven. Revelation 7:17 says, “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters” (NKJV). As His people, His sheep, we will follow Jesus in heaven, forever wanting to be in His presence. One defining characteristic of God’s people is that “His name shall be on their foreheads” (Rev. 22:4, NKJV). That is, we will be always thinking of Him.Listen to the SDA gospel song “Follow the Lamb” at https://vimeo.com/1067821589 and make the words your personal prayer today.
• Episode 2799 - Tuesday June 23 - The Bride 👰🏻‍♀️ 23.06.2026 14λ

  The Bride👰🏻‍♀️While exiled on the island of Patmos, the disciple John was given a vision of what it will be like when we are reunited with God for eternity.Read Revelation 21:9-11. What analogy was given, and why do you think it was used?The bride is beautiful, and on her wedding day, everyone wants to see her. A wedding day is a turning point of a new life together for the bride and groom, and this will also be true of our relationship with God upon His return.Jesus has been preparing a place for us (John 14:1-3), a beautiful place that is too amazing to describe. In fact, “human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.”--Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 675.Although we cannot really comprehend what the new heaven and new earth will be like, God shows John a vision of this place so that we look forward to the “wedding” that will soon happen. Indeed, we’re invited to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2, NKJV).God is carefully preparing for this event, and He doesn’t want this “wedding” to catch us by surprise (see Matt. 22:1-14, Matt. 25:1-13).The universe is the congregation that will see this event take place, and we are some of the central figures in this story. We will join with the “bride,” this city that Jesus will take us to at His second coming. Interestingly, God’s people (the saints) are also called the bride (see Rev. 19:7, NASB), perhaps because they are in “the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2, NKJV).This beautiful description of the Holy City shows that there is an intimate connection between God’s people and the city, because both are called “the bride.” The Bible reveals a detailed description of “the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, [and] is called ‘the bride, the Lamb’swife.”--Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 426.Read Revelation 21:9-27. Why is this so hard for us now to imagine? How do we even begin to wrap our minds around what is promised to us here?
• Episode 2798 - Lesson 13 - Monday June 22- Finally, Face-to-Face 22.06.2026 11λ

  Finally, Face-to-FaceWe were made to be close to God (Gen. 2:7). Ever since He created humankind, God has given everything to restore our broken relationship with Him (John 3:16). He has placed eternity in our hearts, yet human beings cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end (Eccles. 3:11). We’re part of the great controversy raging around us--even in us--yet, too often we don’t pause long enough to consider the great cost of what has been given in order for us to be restored to the relationship God intends for us to have with Him. Too often, we find ourselves wrapped up in our earthly battles and trials, forgetting that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Phil. 3:20-21, NKJV).As the world plummets closer to the end, we know that a small black cloud will one day appear in the eastern sky. As it comes closer and closer, we’ll see that on that cloud sits “One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle” (Rev. 14:14, NKJV). Jesus will be accompanied by thousands upon thousands of angels (Matt. 25:31), and every eye will see Him (Rev. 1:7). As He descends, we’ll hear His shout, a trumpet call of God, and the tombs of those who fell asleep in Christ will open as they rise first (1 Thess. 4:16). They will know the voice of the One who calls them (John 5:28).What will happen next? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Ultimately, what Paul writes about in Philippians 2:10-11 will echo throughout the universe.What an utterly incredible, magnificent thought! One day we will see Jesus--really, truly see Him. We will hear His voice, and we will confess that He is Lord. The One whom we’ve read about, prayed to, spoken of with others; the One whom our hearts have longed for … we will actually see Him face-to-face. We can be certain and sure of this, for God is faithful, and His promises are true (Rev. 22:6).In that moment, when the trumpets sound and every human eye sees Jesus, we’ll know that it’s been worth the wait. Every persevering prayer, every moment we’ve prioritized time with Him, every time we’ve spoken boldly for Him, every trial--will be culminated in seeing His face (Rev. 22:4).
• Episode 2797 - Lesson 13 - Sunday June 21 - Living Today 21.06.2026 16λ

  Living TodayWhen we look around, we see the world heaving and groaning, and the signs that Jesus told us about are playing out before our eyes. Wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against other nations, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and persecution (Matt. 24:6-11) are happening all around us and seem only to be intensifying as time rolls on. Yes, we live in serious times--times when we need an abiding relationship with God.We are told, “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7, NKJV). If so then, even more so now is the time to fortify and strengthen your personal relationship with God. And regardless of how long time lasts, our individual lives are always short, no matter how long we live. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14, NKJV). We know how true that warning is. You who are reading these words now might not be alive before the day is out. This is part of the sad reality of living in a fallen world. How crucial, then, is it to make sure of our relationship with God and always to live in awareness of our need of Him and His saving grace?Psalm 80 offers a beautiful appeal to God. Read the chapter and, in particular, consider verses 1-3, 14-17, 18, 19, and put the word “me” where it says “us.” Regardless of how different the time, place, and context of this psalm, in what ways can you personally relate to it?We all need revival in our lives. It’s so easy to get complacent or even to be forgetful of what God has done and is doing for you. What faithful believer, even if struggling, could not pray something like this: “Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (Ps. 80:19, NKJV)? When you accept what Jesus has done for you, when you know that your sins have been forgiven and that you are covered by His perfect righteousness, credited to you by faith, you can know that you are saved in Him.How do you understand what it means for God “to shine” His face on you, especially in the context of knowing that His righteousness alone saves you?
• Episode 2796 - Lesson 13 - Saturday - June 20 - Into Eternity 20.06.2026 9λ

  Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week’s Study: Psalm 80, 1 Thess. 4:17, Rev. 21:9-27, Isa. 25:8, Rev. 7:17, Rev. 21:4, John 6:44Memory Text: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2, NKJV).What does the future hold for you? What lies ahead? It might seem daunting, exciting, scary, and wonderful all at once. Know that Jesus is faithful and that His words are true (Rev. 3:14). There will yet be turbulent times ahead (Matt. 24:21-22), but He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). He will do exactly what He says He will do--always has and always will (Heb. 10:23). And “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13, NKJV).Regardless of the number of days left for us on earth, we should fix our eyes on Jesus, looking steadfastly to Him. This is not always easy in a world that clamors for our attention, but may we, like David, say, “My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net” (Ps. 25:15, NKJV).This week, let’s learn about the reward of heaven (Matt. 5:12, Rev. 22:12), what heaven will be like; and ultimately, how incredible it will be to finally be with One who created us, loved us unto death, has redeemed us from our sin, and is coming back soon. We need to just hold on in faith until then.*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 27.
• Episode 2795 - Lesson 12 - Friday June 19 - Further Thought 19.06.2026 16λ

  Further Thought: “Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously.”--Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384. “Those who are most actively employed in doing with interested fidelity their work to win souls to Jesus Christ, are the best developed in spirituality and devotion.”--Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 356. “Strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service.”--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 105. “In order to enter into His joy--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.”--Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 142. “Those who reject the privilege of fellowship with Christ in service, reject the only training that imparts a fitness for participation with Him in His glory.”--Ellen G. White, Education, p. 264.Discussion Questions:Why is love so foundational and essential for any kind of effective witnessing?When have you found this to be true: that soul winning is linked to a personal and vibrant walk with God?Is there a baseline or basic understanding that is needed to share God with others? If so, what might this be?When it comes to giving a Bible study to a nonbeliever, where would you begin? What is your initial focus: proving certain doctrines or inviting someone to know Jesus?Sing or listen to the words from the hymn “Redeemed!” (The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, no. 338) and reflect on the ways you are proclaiming it.Summary: When God’s love and His living, powerful Word fill our daily lives, we will be compelled to love and share Him with those around us. We should be prayerful, thoughtful, and intentional about witnessing, believing that His Word, which goes forth from His mouth, shall not return to Him void, but it shall accomplish what He pleases, and it shall prosper in the things for which He sent it (Isa. 55:11).
• Episode 2794 - Lesson 12 - Thursday June 18 - Bring Them Back 18.06.2026 19λ

  Bring Them BackWe’ve all had weak or wavering moments in our walk with God--the valleys where our heart has been unfaithful or where we’ve merely been lukewarm for too long. What was it that brought you back into an abiding relationship with Him?Zechariah 10 shares some beautiful messages about God bringing His people back to Him. Read this chapter now slowly and take note of the main messages.In a practical sense, knowing how to relate to, and interact with, a loved one who has walked away from a relationship with the Lord can be challenging. You might wonder how things could have been different for a different outcome; you might wonder how to interact with them now that they have a different worldview; and you might feel frustrated and helpless about the poor decisions they may still be making. These thoughts will always impact how you treat your loved one, and it’s therefore so important to live and speak from the overflow of your personal time with your Savior.The testimony of your life, your actions, your words, and your prayers for your spouse or child who has walked away from God can radically change their lives and future. (Read in Luke 22:31-32 and John 21:15-17 how Jesus’ prayers for Peter changed his future.) Surrender any sadness, judgment, or condemnation you might feel toward them, and instead ask God to replace these feelings with love that only He can give. Ask God to cover you with His character so that you can model a loving, unselfish attitude. Remember that “no other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.”--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 470.Through our example of a consistent life that points others to Christ, those who have rejected Christ will see in us something that can come only from God. They will see a peace that passes understanding, love that will never let go, and hope that believes against all odds. God’s love for us and our loved ones never wavers. We can give this love, which we receive every day, to those around us.What does Ephesians 3:17-19 encourage us to do?