Stewarding the Adventist Story: Embracing Our Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the Adventist story, emphasizing our role as stewards of this unique narrative. This story, rooted in Revelation 14:6-12, encompasses the three angels' messages: the investigative judgment, the fall of Babylon, and the warning against the mark of the beast. These messages define our identity and mission as Adventists. We must embrace and share this story with conviction, despite the challenges and criticisms we may face.
The first angel's message highlights the judgment that has already come, urging us to preach the gospel with even greater fervor. This judgment is not the end but a decisive moment that shapes the end. It calls for accountability, reminding us that stewardship always ends with judgment. Our lives and actions are recorded in heaven, and we must live with the awareness that we will be held accountable.
The second angel's message calls us to come out of Babylon, symbolizing the false systems and beliefs that lead people away from God. Despite the spiritual darkness in Babylon, many of God's true followers are still within these systems. Our mission is to call them out, not to judge but to invite them into the light of God's truth.
The third angel's message warns against receiving the mark of the beast, emphasizing the importance of the Sabbath and the mortality of the soul. This message is particularly relevant to Africans, who often struggle with ancestral worship and rituals that hinder their relationship with Christ. We must present Jesus as the ultimate ancestor who fulfills all our spiritual needs.
In conclusion, our Adventist story is a powerful and unique narrative that we must steward with care. We are called to live out this story, share it with others, and remain faithful to the truths it contains. By doing so, we fulfill our role as God's remnant church, preparing the world for His soon return.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace and Share the Adventist Story: As stewards of the Adventist story, we must embrace it with pride and conviction. This story, rooted in the three angels' messages, defines our identity and mission. We are called to share it with the world, despite the challenges and criticisms we may face. Our story is unique and powerful, and it is our responsibility to steward it well.
2. Judgment and Accountability: The first angel's message emphasizes that judgment has already come, urging us to preach the gospel with greater fervor. This judgment is not the end but a decisive moment that shapes the end. It calls for accountability, reminding us that stewardship always ends with judgment. Our lives and actions are recorded in heaven, and we must live with the awareness that we will be held accountable.
3. Call to Come Out of Babylon: The second angel's message calls us to come out of Babylon, symbolizing the false systems and beliefs that lead people away from God. Despite the spiritual darkness in Babylon, many of God's true followers are still within these systems. Our mission is to call them out, not to judge but to invite them into the light of God's truth.
4. The Importance of the Sabbath and Mortality of the Soul: The third angel's message warns against receiving the mark of the beast, emphasizing the importance of the Sabbath and the mortality of the soul. This message is particularly relevant to Africans, who often struggle with ancestral worship and rituals that hinder their relationship with Christ. We must present Jesus as the ultimate ancestor who fulfills all our spiritual needs.
5. Living as Faithful Stewards: Our Adventist story calls us to live as faithful stewards, aware that our actions are recorded in heaven. We must strive to live lives of integrity, accountability, and service. By doing so, we fulfill our role as God's remnant church, preparing the world for His soon return. Our mission is to share this story with others, helping them understand the beauty and logic of our faith.
### YouTube Chapters
- Welcome
- Introduction to the Adventist Story
- The Three Angels' Messages
- The First Angel's Message: Judgment
- Understanding Judgment
- Stewardship and Accountability
- Judgment in Babylon
- The Importance of the Sanctuary Message
- Giving Glory to God
- The Role of Reason and Health
- The Consequences of Intemperance
- Living a Healthy Life
- The Investigative Judgment
- The Books of Record
- The Book of Remembrance
- Overcoming Temptation
- Managing Suffering
- The Book of Sins
- Judgment in Process
- The Importance of Confession
- The Day of Atonement
- The Call to Come Out of Babylon
- The Problem of Over-Spiritualized Cosmology
- The Mark of the Beast
- Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 14:6-12
2. Ecclesiastes 12:14
3. 1 Corinthians 10:31
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three angels' messages mentioned in Revelation 14:6-12? How do they define the Adventist identity and mission? ([03:22])
2. According to Ecclesiastes 12:14, what will God bring into judgment? How does this relate to the first angel's message in Revelation 14? ([06:59])
3. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, what does Paul instruct believers to do in everything they do? How does this relate to giving glory to God as mentioned in the sermon? ([16:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of judgment in Revelation 14:6-12 differ from traditional views of judgment? What implications does this have for how we live our lives? ([06:59])
2. Why is it important for Adventists to call people out of Babylon, and how should this be done without judgment? ([49:29])
3. How does the third angel's message about the Sabbath and the mortality of the soul address specific cultural challenges, particularly in African contexts? ([57:58])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing and sharing the Adventist story with conviction. How can you personally share this story in your community despite potential challenges and criticisms? ([01:18])
2. Reflect on the idea that stewardship always ends with judgment. How does this perspective influence your daily actions and decisions? ([09:45])
3. The second angel's message calls us to come out of Babylon. Are there any "Babylonian" influences in your life that you need to leave behind? How can you take steps to do this? ([49:29])
4. The third angel's message highlights the importance of the Sabbath and the mortality of the soul. How can you better observe the Sabbath in a way that honors God and strengthens your faith? ([57:58])
5. The sermon discusses the role of Jesus as the ultimate ancestor who fulfills all our spiritual needs. How can you present this truth to someone who struggles with ancestral worship or similar practices? ([56:08])
6. The sermon calls us to live as faithful stewards, aware that our actions are recorded in heaven. What specific changes can you make in your life to ensure you are living with integrity, accountability, and service? ([59:24])
7. How can you use your talents and resources to further the mission of the Adventist church and prepare the world for Christ's return? ([38:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace and Share the Adventist Story
As stewards of the Adventist story, we must embrace it with pride and conviction. This story, rooted in the three angels' messages, defines our identity and mission. We are called to share it with the world, despite the challenges and criticisms we may face. Our story is unique and powerful, and it is our responsibility to steward it well. The three angels' messages encompass the investigative judgment, the fall of Babylon, and the warning against the mark of the beast. These messages are not just doctrines but a call to action, urging us to live out our faith in a way that impacts the world around us.
The first angel's message highlights the judgment that has already come, urging us to preach the gospel with even greater fervor. This judgment is not the end but a decisive moment that shapes the end. It calls for accountability, reminding us that stewardship always ends with judgment. Our lives and actions are recorded in heaven, and we must live with the awareness that we will be held accountable. The second angel's message calls us to come out of Babylon, symbolizing the false systems and beliefs that lead people away from God. Despite the spiritual darkness in Babylon, many of God's true followers are still within these systems. Our mission is to call them out, not to judge but to invite them into the light of God's truth.
Revelation 14:6-7 (ESV): "Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.'"
Reflection: How can you share the Adventist story with someone in your life this week? What specific aspect of the three angels' messages can you focus on to make it relevant to them?
Day 2: Judgment and Accountability
The first angel's message emphasizes that judgment has already come, urging us to preach the gospel with greater fervor. This judgment is not the end but a decisive moment that shapes the end. It calls for accountability, reminding us that stewardship always ends with judgment. Our lives and actions are recorded in heaven, and we must live with the awareness that we will be held accountable. This awareness should not lead to fear but to a deeper commitment to live in accordance with God's will.
Understanding that our actions are recorded in heaven should inspire us to live lives of integrity and purpose. We are called to be faithful stewards of the time, talents, and resources God has given us. This means making choices that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom and His values. It also means being mindful of how our actions impact others and the world around us. By living with a sense of accountability, we can better fulfill our mission and prepare for the final judgment.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV): "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more accountable? How can you align your daily actions with the awareness that they are recorded in heaven?
Day 3: Call to Come Out of Babylon
The second angel's message calls us to come out of Babylon, symbolizing the false systems and beliefs that lead people away from God. Despite the spiritual darkness in Babylon, many of God's true followers are still within these systems. Our mission is to call them out, not to judge but to invite them into the light of God's truth. Babylon represents confusion and spiritual adultery, leading people away from the true worship of God.
Our task is to lovingly and compassionately reach out to those who are trapped in these false systems. We must present the truth of God's word in a way that is compelling and inviting. This involves understanding the struggles and challenges that people face and offering them the hope and freedom found in Christ. By calling people out of Babylon, we are inviting them into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
Jeremiah 51:6 (ESV): "Flee from the midst of Babylon; let every one save his life! Be not cut off in her punishment, for this is the time of the Lord's vengeance, the repayment he is rendering her."
Reflection: Who in your life is trapped in a "Babylon" of false beliefs or systems? How can you lovingly invite them into the light of God's truth this week?
Day 4: The Importance of the Sabbath and Mortality of the Soul
The third angel's message warns against receiving the mark of the beast, emphasizing the importance of the Sabbath and the mortality of the soul. This message is particularly relevant to Africans, who often struggle with ancestral worship and rituals that hinder their relationship with Christ. We must present Jesus as the ultimate ancestor who fulfills all our spiritual needs. The Sabbath is a sign of our allegiance to God and a reminder of His creative and redemptive power.
Understanding the mortality of the soul helps us to focus on the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. It also frees us from the fear of death and the bondage of ancestral worship. By keeping the Sabbath and understanding the truth about the soul, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the fullness of His blessings. This message calls us to a higher standard of worship and living, aligning our lives with God's will and purpose.
Ezekiel 20:12 (ESV): "Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them."
Reflection: How can you honor the Sabbath more fully in your life? What steps can you take to align your beliefs about the soul with the truth of God's word?
Day 5: Living as Faithful Stewards
Our Adventist story calls us to live as faithful stewards, aware that our actions are recorded in heaven. We must strive to live lives of integrity, accountability, and service. By doing so, we fulfill our role as God's remnant church, preparing the world for His soon return. Our mission is to share this story with others, helping them understand the beauty and logic of our faith. Living as faithful stewards means being intentional about how we use our time, talents, and resources for God's glory.
It also means being proactive in our spiritual growth and development. We must seek to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. By living as faithful stewards, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and help others prepare for Christ's return. This involves being a light in our communities and demonstrating the love and grace of God in all that we do.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a more faithful steward of the gifts and resources God has given you? How can you use them to serve others and advance God's kingdom this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our story is our story. It is the story we need to tell to the world. Now, I believe other churches may have their own stories to tell. I'm not here to judge what they should do. But this movement, I'm part of, I got blessings and privilege. I have the privilege, has a story to tell, and I endeavor, Pastor Blossom and our pastors that are here, to do the best I can to know how to tell that story." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Judgment is a blessing, beloved. If there's no judgment, then there's no point in living the life that God wants us to live because that life will never be evaluated. Why do you expect me to do something and not check if I've done it? What's the point? What's the point of giving me requirements and not evaluate whether I've fulfilled the requirements or not? So judgment is a logical conclusion of a life of responsibility." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The coming of Christ must be very attractive because it comes to right the wrong. It comes to reveal. It comes to bring people to court. So these people there in Babylon were under hypnotic spell and there they were drinking, drinking, but that was not an excuse. And God says, One of the interesting thing he says, this is what you did. And that's a serious indictment, beloved. You knew. You have no what? We have no excuse." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know the devil does everything to protect his health because he wants to live long to make sure that he harasses you. And I want to live long to make sure I stand in the gap and preach and help as many as possible to be saved. So health becomes important. I know we have preached health until the very health has become unhealthy. We need to save health from ourselves." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, beloved, what's preventing most of our Africans from seeing the love of Jesus is this whole belief in ancestors. And let's be honest, beloved, let's be honest, and I can say a lot of good things about our African religion. But right now, one of the things that is holding us back from appreciating the beauty of Jesus Christ, it is because we have an ancestor that stands between us and Jesus Christ. That answer that makes Jesus Christ ancestry ancestral function, his priesthood, null and void." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason you keep going to school is because, you know, in October, I'm going to write an exam. Judgment is a blessing, beloved. If there's no judgment, then there's no point in living the life that God wants us to live because that life will never be evaluated. Why do you expect me to do something and not check if I've done it? What's the point? What's the point of giving me requirements and not evaluate whether I've fulfilled the requirements or not? So judgment is a logical conclusion of a life of responsibility." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith. If you understand what happens in heaven during investigative judgment, that is the foundation of your faith. And how many of us understand what is happening in the most holy place? When was the last time in your church you had a judgment? When was the last time you had a series on the sanctuary? Studying the investigative judgment. I mean, theologians are struggling with this." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every act of sacrifice, talk to stewards here, every suffering and sorrow, endured for Christ's sake, is chronicled, is recorded. When you go through suffering, God records that. You see, what he actually records, is how you manage that suffering. Sometimes we can't manage suffering. You suffer and kill everyone because of your suffering. Manage your suffering. As a steward, you are responsible for how you react and respond to suffering. Manage." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The records of their good deeds will be raised from the book of remembrance. Why do you want to remember records of wicked people, criminals? As your name lives, so follows your record of remembrance. Actually Ezekiel says that, when the righteous person sins, all the good things he did will never be remembered. Gone. You are forgotten forever. You don't even know you existed. Gone. All your going to church, all your tithing, offering, trying to bribe God, you wicked. All those things gone with you." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So you sit there and say, hello, in God's church. And he says, this is my church. It's not yours because I don't even know you might be on your way out. That's it, beloved. This is God's church. And people who come in here are not coming to our church, to God's church. Our responsibility is to make noise, is to shout, is to, in a loud voice, call God's people. People, they will hear his voice because they are his sheep and will be part of his fold." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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