Confused about the afterlife? The Bible clears the fog. See what really happens when we die, and why it matters today.

Where do We Go When We Die?

Judgment Day isn’t about fear. It reveals God’s mercy and justice. Here’s how the Bible describes that final moment.

What Will Happen on Judgment Day

What We Believe

[object Object]   Before becoming Seventh-day Adventists , the founders of the denomination were sitting in the pews of other protestant churches in the early-to-mid 1800s. They were farmers, lawyers, teachers…and a handful of Adventism’s prominent early leaders were already involved in pastoral ministry.  The roots of Adventism can be traced back to the Second Great Awakening, which inspired a spirit of revival throughout the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. More people had Bibles in their homes and began to study Scripture themselves rather than leaving that to clergy. Many biblical truths were brought back into light, such as the seventh-day Sabbath and the literal Second Coming of Christ . Tent meetings and Bible studies led people to a deeper understanding of God’s love and His plans for humanity. People began to crave a more authentic Christian walk, beyond the traditions and rituals that had been routine for so long. Several separate groups of these devout Christians were dispersed throughout the northeastern United States. But God brought them together, and what began as the “Advent Movement” is now a worldwide Christian protestant denomination with over 20 million members.  Laying the Groundwork for Adventism: The “Millerites” and the Second Coming In the 1830s, a farmer, military veteran, and devout Baptist named William Miller continued the fervor of the spiritual “awakening” and sought to deepen his Bible study. Especially after returning from war and being frequently reminded of the fragility of life and the mystery of beyond, he focused on studying prophecy in Daniel and Revelation.  He eventually concluded Christ’s Second Coming would be a literal event rather than a figurative or spiritual event, which had been the popular reasoning at the time.  As he continued to study the “2300-day prophecy” in Daniel 8 and 9, he became convinced this predicted exactly when the Second Coming would be. Based on the events described in these passages, he believed the 2300 days began in 457 BC with the call to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and concluded at some point between 1843-1844.  As Daniel 8:14 says, “And he said to me, ‘For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state” (ESV).  Miller believed this to refer to the Second Coming, interpreting the earth to be the sanctuary. He preached fervently about the nearness of this Second Coming, which inspired many to take stock of their lives and focus on Bible study. He gained many followers who took his theories as literal predictions and eventually a date was set: October 22, 1844.  Obviously, however, the literal Second Coming of Christ did not happen by October 22, 1844. Miller’s followers, then called “Millerites,” were devastated. That day became known as “The Great Disappointment.”  Beginnings of the Advent Movement As you can imagine, as soon as the clock ticked past midnight on October 22, people were bewildered, angry, even scared. Many gave up their beliefs, and many went back to the churches they attended before.  Others, however, who had studied the passages Miller emphasized knew this was still an important piece of prophecy. They continued their study, wondering where they might have made a mistake. Especially because the Bible itself says the timing of Christ’s return is not known by anyone except God the Father .  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:31, 32, ESV). ((Also see Matthew 24: 36-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)) Over the next 15 years, many former Millerites continued their studies of prophecy and Christ’s Second Coming to see what more they could learn. They established multiple “Bible conferences,” or formal groups and events focused on studying Scripture, and identified a series of Bible truths that were forgotten or neglected since the days of the early Church. These truths can be summarized as follows: Christ’s second coming is imminent, will be seen by all the world, and it will be literal, not metaphorical. The seventh day, Saturday, is God’s Sabbath. The Fourth Commandment’s instruction to celebrate and keep it remains literal to this day (along with the rest of the Ten Commandments ). God does not eternally torment sinners, but rather the dead “sleep” until the second coming and last judgment. Christ now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary , thereby mediating to us the benefits of His death on the cross, saving us by His righteousness and not our own deeds (see Hebrews 8). In the last days of this earth, Christians will be tempted by apostasy but be called back to divine truth—the “third angel’s message” of Revelation 14—and a relatively small “remnant” of faithful believers will answer this call. This remnant would be marked by a recurrence of the prophetic ministry, and many people will display the prophetic gift and proclaim the good news (see Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17).  Seventh-day Adventist Church Organizes with the Intent to Spread the Gospel It’s important to note that while these biblical concepts were still being studied, those leading this movement were guided by a young woman, Ellen G. White . Her profound insight from God on these rediscovered truths astounded Bible scholars and clergy alike. They were also impressed by her humility and insistence for only God to receive glory.  White was recognized as a modern-day recipient of the spiritual gift of prophecy, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4:10, 11. She played an integral role in keeping things focused on the Bible, always bringing up new ways to apply these new concepts to daily life.  As time progressed and the aforementioned beliefs were outlined, this movement still only consisted of small groups scattered across the northern United States. They all had these beliefs in common but didn’t make a separate name for themselves.  However, since the established denominations did not acknowledge or practice these truths, it became clear that this movement would become something of its own.  Ellen White’s husband, James, also a prominent figure in early Adventism, began referring to these separate-but-united groups as belonging to “the Great Second Advent Movement.” Others used the term “Sabbatarian Adventist.”  Bible study continued on the central topics in this movement, so these groups kept in touch with the progress through James White’s periodical The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, which eventually spurred the denomination’s emphasis on publishing as an effective way to spread the gospel. (This periodical still circulates today, now called The Adventist Review .) Eventually, however, inspired by Christ’s great commission to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19, 20), the Sabbatarian Adventists recognized the need to organize. This would enable them to more effectively share these enlightening biblical truths, showing more people how they can find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus Christ .  The first vital step toward organization involved a gathering of delegates from across the northern United States on October 1, 1860. These delegates, representing their respective groups and areas of influence, agreed upon the name “Seventh-day Adventists.”  A few years later, in May of 1863, another meeting of delegates from even more congregations of Adventists gathered to form what is now called the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists . This newly organized denomination united under the purpose to share how a deeper understanding of Scripture not only prepares us for eternity with Christ, but for living more abundant lives in the here and now.  Global Expansion of Adventism As the Seventh-day Adventist Church continued to spread across the United States, the early church leaders knew this Advent Message of the Three Angels should be shared around the world as well. They would not let themselves become complacent in their “comfort zones,” and they began serious talks about mission work.  James and Ellen White, along with Joseph Bates, an Adventist preacher, urged the development of a plan for missions that included a focus on medical work to help meet the needs of people around the world.  The first Adventist missionary was J.N. Andrews. He was selected to go to England and Switzerland in 1874 to assist Adventist church leaders there. He eventually established the Adventist printing press in Basel, Switzerland. Ellen White also traveled to Switzerland, as well as South Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and Australia. The Advent Message spread rapidly as missionaries worked closely with publishing houses and gathered teams to canvas different areas and distribute literature. Several of these areas began writing to the General Conference to request more missionaries!  By the end of the 1870s, Adventist membership had tripled, passing 16,000 members. By 1901 there were 75,000 members worldwide, and the Church had also established two colleges, a medical school, 12 secondary schools, 27 hospitals, and 13 publishing houses.  Eventually, the Church also organized regional administrative offices, such as divisions, unions, and conferences, to more efficiently oversee various operations in education, publishing, health and mission work. Today the Adventist Church continues to grow globally, maintaining its focus on health and wellness, community development and mission work, publishing, and education. The Church currently operates over 8,000 schools around the world, nearly 200 hospitals, and over 50 publishing houses. According to Pew Research , the Seventh-day Adventist denomination is the most ethnically diverse Christian denomination in the world. With a rich history of dedicated Bible study and a commitment to applying biblical principles to daily life , Adventists remain an active, dedicated global faith community. Together they cling to Jesus as their only hope and eagerly await His Second Coming.  Overview of Significant Milestones in Adventist History Theological Milestones After 1844’s Great Disappointment, soon-to-be Adventists responded by deepening their Bible study and linked the 2,300-day prophecy in Daniel 8 to cleansing of the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, not the earth itself. This led to the formation of the Sanctuary doctrine and the Investigative Judgment (see Hebrews 8).  Following this concept led them to a deeper understanding of the importance of the seventh-day Sabbath . Even beyond Sabbatarian worship in the present day, studying Daniel and Revelation prophecies showed the Sabbath to be significant in earth’s final days, especially in the context of the “Three Angels Messages” (Revelation 14:6-12). The Sabbath is an original commandment to be followed like the other nine, so when the Third Angel proclaims the “patience of the saints” includes keeping the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (NKJV), this includes the original Sabbath day God established for humankind at creation .  These discoveries prompted the early founders’ conviction to preach the gospel around the world, letting people know the significance of these prophecies and what they mean for daily life and spiritual growth . Additionally, the idea of “present truth” significantly influenced how Adventists approached Scripture. The terminology was taken from 2 Peter 1:12: “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth” (NKJV).  The idea of present truth, as explained by James White, is that in any current time, certain duties or priorities will shift from what they have been, and they will continue to progress again as time goes on. The Word of God, then, should be used to “shine brightly where we stand, and not so plainly on the path in the distance.”  This does not mean that the Bible changes or that God changes, but as more is learned or revealed, the beliefs or positions of the church may need to be adapted to accommodate this spiritual growth while still remaining solid on its biblical roots. Present truth protects against the rigidity of doctrine, recognizing there is always more to learn from an infinite, almighty God.  Early Milestones in Ministry and Service Publishing: In 1848, James and Ellen White were convicted to write, print, and distribute a regular magazine to unite Adventists everywhere. This would allow them to share or discuss important points of theology (this magazine was initially called Present Truth , later changed to the Adventist Review & Sabbath Herald , presently called The Adventist Review ) This conviction to utilize the written word led to the operation of Adventist publishing houses around the world, both for informative and evangelistic purposes. Health: The 1860s marked the beginning of the Adventist Church’s expansive health reform efforts and healing ministries. Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan was established in 1866 as the first Adventist-owned and operated medical institution (also known as the Western Health Reform Institute).  In addition to organized healthcare institutions, early Adventist health reform involved early support of the germ theory of disease ((The idea that illnesses and infections are caused by microorganisms, in contrast to the idea that “bad air” or vapor from rotten matter causes disease.)), evidence of the benefits of a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. Education : Adventists believed proper education should include a holistic focus, educating the whole person rather than focusing solely on textbook knowledge. This belief prompted the opening of the first Adventist-sponsored school in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1872. Not long after, Battle Creek College opened in 1874. To provide direction for the future of Adventist education, the General Conference organized their Educational Society that same year. A Few Famous Seventh-day Adventists  Desmond Doss Desmond Doss, the “conscientious objector,” enlisted in the US Army in April 1942 but refused to purposely kill others or carry a weapon into combat because of his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He ended up becoming a combat medic during World War II.  His courage and determination in helping wounded soldiers earned him two Bronze Star Medals. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 soldiers, which earned him the Medal of Honor. He was the only noncombatant to receive this honor.  Doss was wounded three times during the war, and shortly before leaving the Army, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which cost him one lung. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he spent five years undergoing medical treatment for his injuries and illness. The life story of Desmond Doss was so incredible that world-renown writer, producer, and director Mel Gibson created a major motion picture about his life and heroic acts: “Hacksaw Ridge.” This movie brought attention to the Adventist denomination’s official position on conscientious objection.  John Harvey Kellogg John Harvey Kellogg may be a familiar household name because of the breakfast cereals he originally developed in 1896. Kellogg was an inventor, medical doctor, and pioneer in holistic healthcare.  He revolutionized healthcare around the world through his extensive research and promotion of the germ theory of disease, vegetarianism, balanced nutrition, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. His recommendations for complete wellness included regular exercise, fresh air and sunshine, correct posture, sensible clothing, and an intake of eight to ten glasses of water daily.  He became the superintendent of Battle Creek Sanitarium, and under his management it achieved global recognition.  Unfortunately the later years of Kellogg’s story involve his venturing into extremism, both in spirituality and in his business practices, and he was eventually removed from membership of the Adventist Church.  Dr. Ben Carson Dr. Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon famous for his rise from a difficult early life into noteworthy achievement in college and medical school, and eventually becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Carson’s fame mostly began in 1987 after his successful surgical separation of twins conjoined at the head. He enjoyed a long medical career specializing in traumatic brain injuries.  His fame only grew with the publishing of his autobiography and the 2009 TV movie with a similar title, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story . This illustrated the difficult childhood experiences Carson dealt with and the obstacles he overcame. Carson was the featured speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast in 1997 and 2013, and in 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2017 he was sworn in as the 17 th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  Carson often gave glory to God for his successes and he remains a faithful member of the Adventist Church today. Downloaded on July 4, 2019 from http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2019.pdf or years, with the day-for-a-year principle described in places such as Numbers 14: 33, 34 and Ezekiel 4:5, 6 Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 21, 2019 from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/john-harvey-kellogg

Our History

Does Bible prophecy sound confusing or intense? Here are simple biblical principles to help you understand its meaning and purpose and get your study started.

Yes, You Can Understand Bible Prophecy

A Biblical Guide to Understanding Prophets There’s no one-size-fits-all description for what every prophet is like or what they’re called to do. Here’s how God can use ordinary people to do powerful
There’s no one-size-fits-all description for what every prophet is like or what they’re called to do. Here’s how God can use ordinary people to do powerful things, and how to test between true prophets and false prophets. When you hear the word “prophet,” what comes to mind?  Do you think of a person with some kind of mystical powers that allow them to see the future?  Do you think of someone odd, reclusive, or awkward, only able to carry on conversations about whatever prophecy they’re currently proclaiming? Maybe your mind goes straight to the Bible , thinking of high-profile prophets like Daniel, John the Baptist, or Elijah.  The word “prophet” probably isn’t one you use very often in regular conversation, but as you read through the Bible, you’ll come across numerous stories of everyday people—rich and poor, young and old, men and women, charismatic and shy—who were called upon by God to serve as prophets. But what is a prophet, really?  Do they all talk about the future? Do they have to be really good people first? Do they have to be likeable or influential? What’s on the prerequisites list for becoming a prophet? The actual definition for “prophet” is simple, but serving in that role can mean many different things—it’s not all about proclaiming a prophecy or two in front of a group of people. Just as each human being is unique, each prophet is unique. And their God-led influence has accomplished amazing things throughout history.  Definition of a prophet Most dictionaries agree—a prophet is a person who receives a divine message and speaks to other human beings on behalf of a deity.  The Bible’s definition, based on how prophets are described throughout Scripture and what they are tasked to do, isn’t much different than what the dictionaries say. It’s like being God’s spokesperson for a given time and place . “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant’” (Jeremiah 1:9-11, NKJV). However, the word “prophet” does have connotations that can distract from the original meaning. For example, if you look at a thesaurus, “prophet” often gets lumped in with words like “seer,” “astrologer,” “fortune teller,” “soothsayer,” or even “witch!”  But before this starts to sound too eerie, this is where the Bible’s definition strongly disagrees . In fact, several Bible verses describe how things like sorcery or divination are forbidden. God specifically instructs His people to stay away from such practices and the people involved in them (Zechariah 10:2; Isaiah 8:19-20; Acts 8:9-24).  The definition of “prophet” is simple, but the significance is powerful. Being chosen as a prophet is considered an honor, and it demands courage, diligence, and selflessness—not easy things for imperfect humans to consistently maintain. Fortunately, one of the perks for prophets was God was with them every step of the way, so they didn’t have to rely on their own human strength or confidence.  Who were the prophets of the Bible, and what were they like? While all prophets in the Bible communicated God’s words to people, their specific roles varied. God used many different methods of communicating with the prophets, and the types of prophecies they were to share had different purposes, themes, and conditions. Most prophets were sent to inspire action or change It’s easy to think of prophets as individuals propped up on an elevated step, rock, platform, etc., proclaiming a big, grand message to the crowd. Many prophets, however, had an intended audience of ten, three, or even one. It depended on where the motivation and inspiration were needed most. Moses was an early Old Testament prophet and leader called by God to save the entire Israelite nation from slavery in Egypt. To start that process, however, he and his brother, Aaron, had to confront one person, the Pharaoh, to convince him to release the Israelites.  Pharaoh refused, so God used Moses to perform miracles (well, plagues), demonstrating that Pharaoh was up against more than a couple of strong-willed humans. Nope, he was messing with God’s people. Yet it still took many confrontations with Moses, as well as several more plagues, to get Pharaoh to relent (Exodus 7-11).  The prophet Jonah was sent to the city-state of Nineveh to warn them of impending destruction if they continued in their wickedness. Fortunately, the whole city listened, and they repented of their sins.  During the time of King David, God sent the prophet Nathan to him to tell him a parable , effectively convincing King David of his guilt from his recent actions in murder and adultery . The king repented and accepted his consequences (2 Samuel 12).  The prophet Samuel, only a boy at the time, was sent by God to confront the high priest, Eli, about his sons’ sacrilegious actions. Unfortunately, in this case, the recipient of the prophetic message did not follow through on the changes asked of him and his sons. Each of them met untimely deaths (1 Samuel 3, 4).  Even with a divinely inspired call to action, the choice to follow God’s way or their own way still belongs to the human being .  There was no prophet “type.” God used all types of people. Depending on the situations that called for a prophetic voice to cut through the noise, God used different types of people for different amounts of time.  Samuel, mentioned earlier, was used as a prophet throughout his whole life as he served at the temple for his career.  Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah was a priest and ended up being used by God as a prophet for most of his life.  Ezra was an Israelite scribe and teacher sent by God—and King Cyrus of Persia, as predicted by the prophet Jeremiah—to bring Israelites out from Babylon, back to Jerusalem, and teach them more about the Scriptures (Ezra 7-10).  Deborah was a judge over Israel, settling the disputes of the people. After God called her as a prophet, her leadership inspired the military leadership of her general, Barak, who refused to go into battle without her (Judges 4). Before he was a prophet, Moses was a prince of Egypt, then a runaway shepherd, then a slave. Amos and Elisha were farmers (Amos 1:1; 1 Kings 19:15-21).  But the strangest prophet is probably Balaam. He was not an Israelite—in fact, he worked with those who wished Israel harm. Yet he received messages from God and recognized his authority. Though when Balaam started going his own way instead of God’s way, God had to set him back on the right path—by talking through his donkey (Numbers 22).  Some prophets received visions. God often spoke to His prophets directly (“the Word of the Lord came to [prophet]”), but when He had complex concepts to convey, God often gave His prophets visions. One such vision was given to Joseph in a dream. He was shown how his brothers (who were jealous of him and treated him poorly) would one day bow down before him (Genesis 37:5-11). This happened eventually when he became a prominent official in service to the Pharaoh (Genesis 42).  God also used Joseph to interpret the dreams of others, like he used Daniel later on (Daniel 2:22-49). Joseph was imprisoned at the time (Genesis 40), and God have him the interpretation of two fellow prisoners’ dreams. Later on, he was given the interpretation for the Pharaoh’s dream about skinny cows devouring fat cows, which signified times of future surplus and of famine so they could plan ahead (Genesis 41).  Ezekiel was called to be a prophet for a rebellious Israel (Ezekiel 2) and received several elaborate visions about the siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4), as well as how Israel would be judged by God if they didn’t return to His ways.  John the Revelator, as mentioned before, was shown prophetic symbols in vision so the end of the world could be studied and understood.  Some prophets performed miracles Sometimes, to really pack a punch with the message God delivered through His prophets, there were miracles involved. These usually happened with more extreme situations, when it was dangerous for the prophets to proclaim these prophecies. Several well-known miracles were performed by God through Elijah, most notably during the “showdown” between an animal sacrificed to God, and an animal sacrificed to the idol, Baal. To demonstrate God’s power, Elijah called for God to send fire down from heaven, signifying acceptance of the animal sacrifice. That fire ended up burning up the entire altar along with the slaughtered bull (1 Kings 18:16-19). God also had Elijah raise a widow’s son from the dead ! (1 Kings 17:17-24) Elisha, the protégé of the prophet Elijah, also had miracles to note in his prophetic career, from making an axe head float in water (2 Kings 6:1-7) to curing someone of leprosy (2 Kings 5).  Some prophets did prophesy about the future. Even though the foretelling of future events is not even the primary function of a prophet, there’s a reason it’s common for people to think this is the defining characteristic of prophets. Several of the most famous prophets of the Bible revealed important aspects of the future to their intended audiences. Daniel, a Hebrew prophet during the time the entire nation Israel was held captive by Babylon, prophesied directly to several kings of Babylon their reigns were coming to an end (Daniel 2, 5). He proclaimed to everyone in Israel and Babylon that God had very specific plans for Israel—plans that would restore their independence and break them free from oppressive rule. Daniel also was given prophecies that had to do with the distant future of the earth (Daniel 7-12), similar to John of Patmos, often nicknamed “John the Revelator,” who wrote most of the prophetic words in the book of Revelation.  Another John, famous for preparing others for the future, was John the Baptist. He preached in the wilderness to anyone who would come out to listen, sharing the message of hope that the Messiah was coming soon .  Additionally, this predicting prophet was even predicted himself! The prophet Isaiah wrote about “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord,’” referring to John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3).  Are there…bad prophets? So far we’ve talked about prophets in a positive light, but the Bible also tells us to be wary of “false prophets.” “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, ESV). Hold on, though. If a prophet is someone playing the part of God’s mouthpiece, what would a false prophet be?  You can probably deduce that false prophets would be acting against prophets of God, wanting people to believe something opposite or irrelevant to the messages God sends through His prophets.  In one situation, false priests and prophets were evil enough to pronounce a death sentence on the prophet Jeremiah, just because they didn’t like what the prophecy said about their city! They claimed to still be followers of God, but their interests were their own. But not all false prophets are this easy to recognize. False prophets have been used by the Devil to spread lies, mixing truth with error in order to seem more convincing. That is why God provided various “tests” for a prophet.  “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, ESV). “YOU will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:16-17, ESV). To sum it up, here are ways you can test a prophet to see if they are really speaking for God: Their prophecies should honor God, not themselves or any other human being. Prophecies should always be in line with what has already been written as Scripture. Prophecies should never add anything to Scripture, but only refer back to it for the purpose of reminding or expounding upon it. If they do make predictions, they must come to pass as spoken (Jeremiah 28:9; Deuteronomy 18:22). Prophecies often point out the sins of the people and tell them how to change What they prophesy must never contradict that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the earth (1 John 4:1-3). A person’s “fruits” are what they repeatedly do. When working for God, prophets should generally demonstrate a Christ-like character .  Can there still be prophets today? While the idea can feel a little strange, according to the Bible, prophets can still be called by God anywhere and anytime.  “In the last days, God said, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2: 17-18).  A prophet today might “look” different than those you read about in the Bible, since society, communication methods, and other factors will come into play. But remember the simple definition: someone who receives a message from God and tells it to the intended audience.  God is just as active today as He was when the Bible was written, and He still longs to communicate with His children in the most effective way possible. So if you do hear of a modern-day prophet, you will know how to test them based on their message and their habits.  2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Jeremiah 25

There’s no one-size-fits-all description for what every prophet is like or what they’re called to do. Here’s how God can use ordinary people to do powerful

A Biblical Guide to Understanding Prophets

What Does “Babylon” Mean in End-time Prophecy? Does the “Babylon” of end-time prophecy refer to an ancient nation or something else? Learn how the Bible describes this end-time power and what it represents.
Bible prophecy about the End Times ultimately leads up to a central call to action—to worship God (Revelation 14:7) and come out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4-8). So what does it mean to “come out of” Babylon? Since the literal nation of Babylon is long gone, how do we know what Babylon is symbolizing here? When it’s spoken of in the Old Testament, it mostly describes the literal, ancient nation of Babylon. When it’s spoken of in the New Testament, it’s used as a symbol for a system of spiritual confusion that seeks to influence humanity. And this corrupt system will oppose God and His followers in the last days, before the Second Coming of Christ. But what these two descriptions of Babylon have in common is that they both refer to a state of spiritual confusion, and many people of the world are under this influence. So if we want a better idea of what makes up this state of spiritual confusion and how we can “come out of” it, let’s look more closely at:  Let’s start by looking back at the beginning of “Babylon” and its defining characteristics.  What are the origins of “Babylon”? The literal nation of Babylon was one of the most powerful ancient civilizations. It was located in present-day Iraq and was once a part of southern Mesopotamia.  Today, the Babylonian empire is well-remembered by records of its riches and architecture. Its hanging gardens were known as one of the wonders of the ancient world. However, long before this nation existed, the concept of Babylon and some of its defining characteristics are found in the story of the Tower of Babel, after the flood, when the family of Noah spread out to repopulate the earth. Upon exiting the ark, God commanded everyone to scatter and fill the earth, to “ be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 8:17, CSB). But then we read of one group of people who gathered together with the intention to “make a name” for themselves, resisting God’s command to spread out (Genesis 11:1-4). Because they were unified in purpose and language, they could accomplish a significant amount of work (Genesis 11:1-2). So this group of people decided they would build a tall tower “with its top in the sky” (Genesis 11:4, CSB), showing that they were investing in their own power, rather than leaning on God and following His direction. It may also have been an attempt to avoid being washed away in another flood.  If this was the case, the fact that they believed another flood would happen shows that they either forgot or disregarded the promise God made to never again send another flood like that on the earth (Genesis 9:11). Of course, their entire plan ended up backfiring as God scattered them by confusing their languages (Genesis 11:6-9). So at that moment, the city received its name: “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11: 8-9, NKJV). Being scattered stopped the people of Babel from finishing the tower. But this certainly wouldn’t be the last time a group of people would turn against God and try to become great and powerful on their own. Further down the line of ancient civilizations, a nation called Babylon rose to power. Now the interesting thing is that in its own language, Babylon was Bab-ilu , which meant “Gate of God.” There is also the Akkadian babili , meaning “gate to the gods.” The Hebrew word balal , which means “to confuse,” was used as a play on words in Genesis 11:9 to make Babel , referring to when God confused the languages of those rebelling against Him.  Babylon has been described as “confusion” for the way its culture, and those that succeeded it, distorted religious beliefs and practices. This included syncretism, or the mixing of different religious traditions and beliefs. And the influences of these varieties of idol worship and spiritual confusion spread (2 Kings 17:24, 27-39). The Babylonians would go on to profane the holy articles of God’s temple by using them in a feast they used to honor their own gods (Daniel 5:1-4, 22-30). The act of dishonoring God’s temple was the final catalyst in sealing Babylon’s fall to King Cyrus of the Medo-Persian empire (Daniel 5:22-30). In this way, creating spiritual confusion and promoting idolatry— defining characteristics of Babylon—became its own downfall. So the Bible uses Babylon as a symbol for the many forms of spiritual corruption, deception, and chaos that God’s people faced throughout history. The ancient nation provided a historical example of these detrimental key characteristics. In the case of Bible prophecy, Scripture uses Babylon to describe a major power or influence, a corrupt religious system, that will distort God’s truth in the last days. It could take many forms, but the elements that make it “Babylon” will ultimately give it away.  What are the characteristics of Babylon? With the nation of Babylon set up as a primary example, we can observe the characteristics of this nation’s collective behavior to understand what end-time Babylon will be like. First we’ll look at how Babylon blasphemes against God in an effort to cause spiritual confusion. Revelation 17:3 tells us that Babylon sits on a beast “which was full of names of blasphemy” (NKJV). Blasphemy is often called out in the Bible when human beings dare to assume to role or authority of God. Especially when it came to passing judgment, forgiving sins, or altering God’s law (Daniel 7:25; Luke 5:21). In this way, we can see how the Bible describes Babylon’s blasphemous attempts to assume the authority of God in promoting spiritual confusion and denying God’s power. Babylon: Acts in defiance of God’s authority, or claims it has authority equal to God (Genesis 11:4; Daniel 3:1-6, 15; Revelation 13:3-8; 17:3; John 10:33;): Like the builders of the Tower of Babel, end-time Babylon will seek to build a name for itself. It will do this by convincing people to worship the beast and its image instead of God. Acts like it’s possible to escape or side-step consequences for defying God (Genesis 11:4; Daniel 4:26-33; Revelation 18:3, 7; Isaiah 47:10-11): Just as the builders of the tower of Babel believed they could avoid the judgment of God, so will end-time Babylon convince people that God’s laws don’t really apply, so they don’t have to worry about the consequences of living for themselves or following the crowd. Promotes false religion and worship (Daniel 3:8-11, 12, 14; Daniel 7:25, Jeremiah 51:47; Isaiah 46:1-2; Revelation 18:23): Just as the nation of Babylon encouraged the worship of false gods, or to worship their leaders as divine, so will end-time Babylon encourage such devotion. Persecutes God’s people (Revelation 13:17; Revelation 17:6; Revelation 18:24): Just as rulers of ancient Babylon persecuted the captive Jews (Daniel 3:5-16; 6:3-12) end-time Babylon will persecute anyone that doesn’t obey the Antichrist. Overall, these parallels teach us that end-time Babylon will be a power in the last days with the agenda to draw people away from God and His Word, by whatever deceptive or forceful means are necessary. Fortunately, just like ancient Babylon, end-time Babylon won’t last (Jeremiah 25:12; Revelation 14:8; Revelation 18:10,19; Isaiah 13:19).  What is the role of Babylon in end-time prophecy? Since “Babylon” refers to a state of religious confusion, it also fits to describe a power, system, or entity that maintains and promotes this state. Adventist pastor and evangelist Chris Holland, DMin, describes it this way: “Babylon signifies religious confusion that rebels against the very laws of God. While Babylon will take on a much more specific role a later on, it can represent any religious entity, any religious worldview, any religious practice that makes void the law of God, makes void the principle of God’s Word, and is ‘drunk with the wine of false teaching,’ or false doctrine.” And part of the three angel’s message of Revelation 14 explains what will become of Babylon: “And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8, NKJV). But what does that mean exactly? Let’s break it down, since there’s a lot packed into this one verse. In many places in the Bible, the church (community of believers) is represented by the idea of a bride, with Jesus being the groom (Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 9:15; Revelation 19:7-8). The pure woman of Revelation 12 is the true and faithful bride (church) of God, and Babylon is the opposite—an unfaithful partner. A prostitute. And Babylon is said to be, “fallen,” because it will meet its end when Jesus returns . Like ancient Babylon, its persistence in its destructive ways will become its downfall. The “wine” Babylon gives to the nations represents the false teachings of spiritual confusion that corrupt those who consume it. Lastly, “fornication” represents the consistent unfaithfulness of Babylon. Just like unfaithfulness in a marriage harms the relationship, in the same way, Babylon has harmed its relationship with Jesus, even to the point of rejection. Babylon depicted as a prostitute shows up again in Revelation 17, but this time she is depicted as riding a beast. Here we see the same symbols as in Revelation 14. She is said to commit adultery against God and intoxicate the world with the wine of her false teachings. She is even said to fall for her own corrupt ways (Revelation 17:16). The beast carrying her was described with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:3). This is also the description of the beast of Revelation 13:1-8, coming out of the sea, at the time of the healing of its wound. The fact that the woman is riding it suggests a partnership between Babylon and the beast, which represents another branch of the end-time system of power that will oppose God’s church in the last days.  To sum up, Bible prophecy tells us that Babylon: Is unfaithful (Isaiah 47; Revelation 17:5): It has broken away from God’s word and God’s commandments. What might have been a true church of God is now a church that denies His authority, character, and law. Instead, this power prioritizes human tradition and the worship of man-made ideals. Is associated with the beast (Revelation 17): It is said to ride the beast of the Antichrist, demonstrating the way the beast and Babylon are intricately connected, working together to deceive the world. Has material wealth (Revelation 17:4): Ancient Babylon was prosperous and considered a great city before it fell. In the same way, end-time Babylon will be admired for its wealth and prosperity, which it will use to gain followers—especially among the kings of the earth (17:1), or world leaders. Deceives the world (Revelation 17:2): Like the Antichrist, Babylon will work to deceive the whole Earth. It will do this by suppressing the truth of the Scripture and commandments while it supports a counterfeit religious system that promotes enticing but false teachings. Persecutes the saints (Revelation 17:6): Babylon has had a history of persecuting those who follow God and resist the empty temptations of the world. It will only continue to persecute and oppose God’s people as we get closer to the last days. Will present itself as indestructible (Revelation 18:7-8): This power will flaunt its perceived self-sufficiency. Its prosperity and riches will have blinded it to the fact that only the sacrifice of Christ can bring salvation. It downplays the importance of what Jesus Christ did for us and encourages people to earn their own salvation, or even to simply settle for earthly prosperity. When the end-time events of Revelation are upon us, that’s when it will become clear who has truly chosen God’s side and who refuses to let go of the deceptions of Babylon. That’s why it’s so important that we understand what Babylon really is—so we can recognize its influence whenever and wherever it might show up.  Why is Babylon relevant to us today? Even before the exposure and downfall of Babylon in the last days, we have to be aware that this system of spiritual confusion exists here and now, all around us. And it’s “dressed up” to look enticing, pleasing, and prosperous. Its influence can show up anywhere—in anything that Satan can use to lead us to discount or distort the teachings of God’s Word. That means the spirit of Babylon could be anything from a false teaching to a false mindset. So we have to keep an eye out for anything that could cause us to stray from the character of Jesus Christ, who is supposed to be our ultimate example. Revelation 18 again urges us to leave Babylon so we won’t end up in the wake of its ultimate fate: “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” (Revelation 18:4-5, NKJV). It is important that we choose to follow Christ now because the choices we make today will inform the choices we make in the last days. And truthfully, the most important choice we make is the choice we make now because the present moment is the only moment we’re guaranteed to have. This means sincerely acknowledging Jesus through prayer, choosing to uphold the Ten Commandments, being open to His Holy Spirit, and deciding to maintain our faith day by day. This will prepare us to follow Him in the end times. On the flipside, failing to prioritize a relationship with Jesus today trains us to do the same in the future. That’s why the book of Revelation tells us to make a decision now (Revelation 14:7). God doesn’t give us this warning to scare us, but because He doesn’t want us to share in the fall of Babylon. He warns us of what’s coming because He wants to ensure we have every opportunity to choose salvation. It is never His will for us to be lost—that’s why He sent His Son to save us from our sins (John 3:16). God wants us to understand what’s at stake so we can make an informed decision. He wants us to know how to recognize and reject false teachings and teachers. He also wants us to understand what it means to follow Him. We don’t have to be afraid of resisting Babylon. As long as we invite God into our lives, the Holy Spirit will teach us how to surrender to Him and live by faith, claiming the many beautiful promises of God throughout Scripture. He will gives us guidance and discernment so we can avoid Babylon and the fate reserved for it. Instead, we can embrace the future He invites us to—an eternity with Him in a restored, perfect world .  Saggs, W.F., Henry, “Babylon.” Brittanica.com , https://www.britannica.com/place/Babylon-ancient-city-Mesopotamia-Asia . White, Ellen G., Patriarchs and Prophets , p. 119, https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/84.454#467 . “Tower of Babel,” Brittanica , https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tower-of-Babel ; “Babylon,” Britannica , https://www.britannica.com/place/Babylon-ancient-city-Mesopotamia-Asia Andrews Bible Commentary , New Testament, p. 1990; “The Book of Revelation,” Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, 1Q 2019, p. 95

Does the “Babylon” of end-time prophecy refer to an ancient nation or something else? Learn how the Bible describes this end-time power and what it represents.

What Does “Babylon” Mean in End-time Prophecy?

Sabbath: Fortify Your Family Ties Strengthen your family relationships with the beauty of family Sabbath traditions. Create lasting memories and bond with your loved ones.
Did you know that keeping the Sabbath can help make your family stronger? After all, it’s a time set aside by God to enjoy all that He created —from the air we breathe to the people we come in contact with each day. By stepping away from work, school, and all the other obligations and stressors of the week, we can enter into rest and communion with God . This allows us to better connect with those around us as well. Let’s look at exactly how Sabbath can provide the focused, quality time to build up your relationships with those you love.  First, let’s look back at why the Sabbath was created and how it’s perfect for uniting families as they focus on God . WHY WAS THE SABBATH CREATED? The Sabbath was created as a gift on the seventh day of Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). God had our well-being in mind during the first creation week. He knew how much we’d need time set apart to refresh our weary hearts and remember how much He loves us.  He also knew the importance of taking a moment to revel in the goodness of His creation. And in the beautiful relationships that are part of it.  The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which means to stop or pause for the purpose of rest.  At the first shabbat, right after creating the world, God stopped His work and rested on the seventh day, enjoying what He just made, as an example to us. After a long day’s work, we’re worn out. We need physical rest from our labor. The blessing of the Sabbath restores us physically, spiritually, and emotionally: We are able to physically rest on the Sabbath We are able to reconnect with God by reading His word and being in His presence Through these things, we are able to strengthen our family relationships and help fulfill one another’s emotional needs.  So let’s look more closely at exactly how the Sabbath helps us enrich our relationships, especially with our families.  HOW IS THE SABBATH BENEFICIAL TO FAMILIES? True rest is more beneficial than we might realize. Taking time to hit pause allows us time to focus on what is truly important in life.  During the week, we tend to forget to prioritize our relationships as we get caught up in deadlines, work projects, home projects, etc.  The Sabbath helps us realign our priorities.  God knew that prearranged, set-aside time is highly beneficial for keeping relational bonds strong. Relationships need nurture. Or they can wither over time. So it’s no surprise that families who spend more time together are stronger and happier . In fact, time and proximity alone can be enough to spark new friendships. Consistently being in the presence of someone helps us bond in ways we aren’t even aware of, or can’t always put into words.  And each Sabbath, this can happen regularly between us and God, and between us and our loved ones. To help us understand what this looks like, let’s see what we can find in Scripture.  WHAT DID FAMILIES IN THE BIBLE DO TO GROW SPIRITUALLY? It’s God’s design for families to worship and pray together. We see in the book of Deuteronomy that prayer , worship, and knowledge in the Lord were encouraged to be part of an everyday regimen: And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV) For God’s people, faith is a part of their everyday lives. Parents are to teach their children the Scriptures and the commandments of God , including the Sabbath.  Writing to Timothy, Paul says: I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14, 15 (ESV) Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him to be a faithful follower of Christ . What a wonderful legacy to pass down to future generations. We can learn so much from the faithful people in the Bible . We can also use the example of Jesus to learn ways to keep the Sabbath as a family.  In the Bible, Jesus: Rested by communing with God and others (Matthew 27:58-60) Healed the sick (Mark 3:1; John 5:2; John 9; Luke 13) Taught people about the love of God (Matthew 12:19; Mark 1:21; Mark 6:2) Spent quality time with/shared meals with loved ones (Matthew 12; Luke 14:1) We can use these activities as starting points for other ideas. Participating in things that align with Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath can restore our family relationships and bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. IDEAS TO CELEBRATE SABBATH WITH YOUR FAMILY Keeping the Sabbath is really about spending your time focusing on those things in life that really matter. Try planning activities on the Sabbath that can bring you closer to God and your family.  Creating family traditions for the Sabbath can help make the day something to enjoy and look forward to. It can also create stronger bonds between us and God.  Some of these traditions can revolve around: Preparing for the Sabbath Beginning the Sabbath Enjoying Sabbath meals Spending quality time with God, each other, and fellow believers Let’s explore each of these in detail to help us find ways to strengthen our families.  #1 Preparing for the Sabbath Sabbath preparation will help you: Anticipate the Sabbath and feel more rested Bond through working together on shared tasks  First of all, observing the Sabbath is so much easier when you don’t have to worry about things like: What you will all eat If the house is clean If you have the things on hand you’ll need for the weekend Preparing your home for the Sabbath is the first step in making sure you’re able to truly rest. It’s easy to still feel stressed if your environment is still messy or full of half-done projects. Secondly, participating in preparation activities is a great way to spend quality time together. Doing cooperative tasks ensures that everyone plays a part in making Sabbath special.  Here are some ways you can work together to prepare before Sabbath day so that it can be as restful as possible: Cleaning the house Filling the gas tanks in your vehicles Grocery shopping Planning your Sabbath menu Preparing food ahead of time Choosing what you’ll wear to church Shopping for items you need for the weekend Switch things up each week, too, if you feel like that might help. For example, one week, the children of the household can plan the menu and help with grocery shopping, and on another week they can help with preparing the house.  Or, each week your family can decide on a certain part of the house to add some Sabbath decoration to, like Sabbath candles, a framed Bible verse, a special table setting, or a reminder of God’s creation, like a bouquet of wildflowers that you picked together. These are just some examples of how Sabbath preparation can involve all members of the family. When we work together, we nourish our relationships and look forward to the restfulness of the end result: the Sabbath. When it comes to your family, you know each other best. You might come up with all kinds of things you’ll look forward to doing (or not doing!) each week as you prepare for Sabbath.  #2 Beginning the Sabbath Each member can play a part in greeting the Sabbath each Friday evening and making it special. For some ideas on how to do that, a few Jewish traditions for Sabbath observance can give us a fun starting point with a biblical basis.  Since the Sabbath begins at sundown, some people light “Sabbath candles,” and a member of the family chooses a passage to read from the Bible.  You can make this specific to your family by letting each member share their favorite Bible verse or singing a praise song together.  Also, instead of greeting people with a “hello” like every other day of the week, try greeting each other with “Happy Sabbath!”  #3 Enjoying Sabbath Meals One of the best ways to bond with people is over food, right? So it would only make sense to make Sabbath meals a special time to enjoy together. A special meal on Friday night and Saturday afternoon is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy your favorite things while you celebrate the Sabbath . To make it even more special, you can make your own food traditions to become part of your Sabbath celebration. Maybe Friday night you always serve soup with Jewish Challah bread. Or perhaps you make your favorite homemade pizza. Or make fresh lemonade. Of course, you don’t have to have the same kind of food each week for Sabbath. It’s really all about making the day meaningful for your family and spending time together. Match your traditions to what your family enjoys. (But a word of caution: Be careful not to let the traditions become more important than the fellowship—or your health! If, over time, some things become stressful or tiresome to maintain, or if they just lose some of their original excitement, remember that the priority is restful, bonding, God-focused time. No need to put too much pressure on yourself or your family.) #4 SPECIAL SABBATH ACTIVITIES Setting aside special activities to reserve for Sabbath can help you spend time with God, serve others, and spend meaningful time with your family. To start, ask your family what activities they think would be fun to do on Sabbath. (These could possibly become the Sabbath traditions or rituals you grow to enjoy and remember.) Even brainstorming these traditions together can be an activity in and of itself!  For instance: Perhaps your family would like to wake up early on Sabbath morning for breakfast together or for a nature walk. Or, maybe you pre-make a delicious breakfast together the day before, so you can all sleep in! Or maybe you decide to volunteer somewhere together, like a soup kitchen, a nursing home, a children’s home, a community service center, etc. Get creative and work together to plan for making Sabbath special each week. But always remember that Sabbath’s real blessing is about enjoying God’s creation and spending time with those He gave us in our families.  Sabbath does not have to become all about how creative of an activity can you come up with, or how many things you can do that are uniquely for the Sabbath, etc.  This special day is also made to restore our souls. Some weeks, you may not feel like doing anything!  And that might be just what you and your family need. Some Sabbaths can be celebrated by embracing shabbat , by stopping everything else and just relaxing together, enjoying one another’s company, thanking God for this opportunity. 92 SABBATH ACTIVITY IDEAS FAMILIES CAN DO TOGETHER Enjoy Friday night worship with family and friends Ask for prayer requests and pray together Take a hike or spend time in nature Play a Bible Trivia game Visit a neighbor or church member. Study the Bible together Draw or illustrate Bible stories Do crafts to illustrate Bible characters or stories Play musical instruments together Read a Sabbath book out loud Listen to a Sabbath podcast Listen to Your Story Hour stories on CD or online Visit online sites to answer spiritual questions people have Invite a less fortunate family over to visit Learn new praise songs Write a song Use Bible-based conversation starters to connect with one another Draw discussion topics from a hat and talk about them Brings treats to your neighbor and fellowship together Take food to a homeless shelter or volunteer to help Visit a nursing home Invite friends to the park for a campfire and songs Hold a Bible story time in the park Give a Bible study to a new believer Write and share your personal testimony Share Bible tracts with people in town Visit widows or shut-ins who belong to your church Create a Bible scene with felts Play Bible charades Look through old family photo albums Color in a pretty nature-themed coloring book Create “Top Ten” lists: Bible stories, sea animals, pets, etc. Go on a nature scavenger hunt Visit with relatives Go on a walk Dress in costume and do a Bible skit Video chat with friends or family who live far away Write letters to missionaries and pray for them Go camping with your family or church group Put a nature puzzle together Do a topical Bible study Study trees and learn how to identify them Offer to babysit children for a single parent Read the words to a hymn and discuss the meaning Sing songs around the piano Listen to Christian music Have a special Sabbath box of toys and activities for the children Do Bible crossword puzzles Play a Bible board game Pray outside together Read miracle stories Pray for the family you plan to visit next week Quietly watch the sun as it sets on Saturday evening Call someone who wasn’t at church and let them know they were missed Share one thing you love about each other Visit prison inmates or start a prison ministry Visit an orphanage Talk about what heaven might be like together Study the Sabbath school lesson Think of questions you’d like to ask Jesus Take a cd copy of the sermon to someone who missed church Have family worship outside Write a letter to Jesus or color a picture for Jesus Learn a memory verse Invite someone to your home who can’t return the favor Make a gratitude list Pick someone up for church who doesn’t have a ride Take church magazines or literature to a neighbor or friend who would appreciate them Write down your prayer requests and answers to prayers Take your dog for a long walk or to the park Take a meal to a shut-in or a family with a new baby Turn off the lights on Friday night and use candles instead Memorize Scripture songs Visit a national forest Invite someone to attend church with your family Interview the oldest member of your church Make handmade cards to send to someone who is sick Make a shoebox diorama of your favorite Bible story Spread a blanket in the grass and find pictures in the clouds Have an “object lesson:” Each person picks an object and shares a lesson from the Bible using that object Talk about how to honor and respect God’s house Write a parable in your own words Write a letter to a Bible character Discuss the highlights of the pastor’s sermon over supper Take a bike ride together Plan a random act of kindness Find gospel quotes to share on social media Write in a family journal Pick flowers and take them to a friend or neighbor Talk about family values and what they mean to you Write a thank you note to someone who was kind to you this week Attend your local church When you put in effort toward celebrating the Sabbath as a family, you can find yourselves blessed in countless ways. The Bible even tells us that God wants us to find the Sabbath “a delight” (Isaiah 58:13).

Strengthen your family relationships with the beauty of family Sabbath traditions. Create lasting memories and bond with your loved ones.

Sabbath: Fortify Your Family Ties

What Is the Church According to the Bible? The Church isn’t a building, it’s a community of believers living out the mission of Jesus in the world.
When you think of the word “church,” what comes to mind? Is it a building with stained glass windows? Is it people dressed up, congregating to sing hymns?  The Church, as Scripture defines it, has little to do with a building at all. The collective Church refers to the family of believers in Christ. And Seventh-day Adventists consider this belief to be central to their mission in sharing the gospel and being of service to one another. We will look to the Bible to find out more about:  Belief 12: The Church The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:3-7; Matt. 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38-42; 7:38; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9.)  What is the church, as defined by Scripture? The Bible tells us the church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In fact, the word “church” comes from the Greek word ecclesia which means “an assembly of people.”  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20, ESV). Acts 20:28 describes this “church of God” as the people who Jesus “obtained with His own blood” (ESV), meaning those who have accepted that Jesus died for them to save them. God is a relational God, and He knows the benefits a strong faith community can bring to each person. It helps us grow in our faith while we also learn more about working together and appreciating the uniqueness of each person. The Bible also gives the church community of believers guidelines on how they are to relate to and lift one another up.  Those in the Church can support each other by:  Loving one another (1 John 4:11) Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) Encouraging one another (1 Corinthians 14:26) Praying for one another (Galatians 6:2) It’s important to remember that being a part of a community of any kind can be challenging. No one is perfect and imperfect people make mistakes. Misunderstandings and conflicts can lead church members to feel hurt, sad, or misunderstood.  But it’s through the trials of learning to work together that the people of God grow in accordance to His purpose. Through prayer and compassion—and even pain and sorrow—God teaches us how to love each other better.  “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, ESV). God doesn’t just call individuals to work on their own for the kingdom of Heaven . He calls the church community as a whole to work together. Church members can do so much more to spread the gospel when they work together.  Some of the various functions of the church are: Teaching (Colossians 3:16) Hold each other accountable (Galatians 6:1-2) Communion (1 Corinthians 11:26) Prayer and praying for one another (James 5:16) Evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20)  Who is in charge of the church? Is it the pastor? Church leaders? Church members?  These people all play a vital role in the church and the life of the church’s ministry. Their leadership is needed and useful.  But the ultimate authority of the church is Jesus Christ , who is the cornerstone of the church.  “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone” (Acts 4:11, ESV) “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22, ESV). In the New Testament, Jesus established the church. The apostles were given a place of leadership and authority. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11, 12, ESV). Jesus is the foundation of the church. Any church not built on the Lord, and following His Word, is not Christ’s church. Furthermore, any church or building not established by the Lord is built in vain. The people’s labor is for nothing.  “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1, ESV). However, God wants to teach us about loving leadership as well. That’s why He sends the Holy Spirit to us, who gives us spiritual gifts we can use for the building up of His Church.  The early church recognized the need for this leadership among their community to further the gospel commission. Prayerfully, they made the decision to delegate various ministry jobs to members of the church with such gifts (Acts 6:1-6). The early church grew and so did its organization. But the authority of the church and church leaders always remained in Jesus Christ “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27, ESV).  Biblical metaphors for the church The church is the bride of Christ. With Christ represented as the bridegroom (Matthew 9:15, Matthew 25, Mark 2:19, John 3:29), many places in the Bible refer to the Church as His Bride. This represents the ultimate love He has for His church of believers. The joy and commitment of a marriage is the kind of care and dedication Jesus has for all of us.  And just as a bride prepares herself to meet her groom at her wedding, so the Church prepares itself for the Second Coming of Christ .  “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” Revelation 19:7-9, ESV). “For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called” (Isaiah 54:5, ESV). “…Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9, ESV). “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. …” (John 3:29, NKJV). This metaphor is taken a step further in the parable Jesus tells about the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom.  Five of these women were wise, the other five were foolish. The bridegroom was delayed in his arrival, and while the ten virgins waited they became tired and fell asleep.  The wise ones brought extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish ones did not. When the arrival of the bridegroom was announced, they all prepared their lamps, and the foolish ones saw they were out of oil.  Since they weren’t prepared, they had to go back into town to buy oil. While they were doing so, the bridegroom arrived and the wedding began, so the door was shut. When they arrived, they were too late. They didn’t get to go to the wedding because they were not prepared (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable likens the church to the ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom (Jesus). The ones who follow Him, obey His teachings and are actively awaiting His return are the ones He saves. These are the characteristics of His Church, the Bride of Christ.  The church is the body of Christ. The church as a community of believers is described as the body of Christ. This beautiful metaphor illustrates the diversity of Jesus’ worldwide community of followers. It also shows how each member of the church is important.  Each Christian has a role to play in God’s work. Everyone has been given unique talents and special gifts they can use in their own ministry.  If the church is the body of Christ, we see that Jesus is the head and each believer is a different member of the body.  “And he is the head of the body, the church…” (Colossians 1:18, ESV). “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. … Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, NKJV). “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16, ESV).  “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body” (1 Corinthians 12:14, 15, ESV). Just as the body needs each organ to survive, each part of the Body of Christ is essential as well. This is to illustrate that every person, no matter their gifts or talents, is valuable and has a purpose in the Church.  The church is the family of God. The word “family” is defined as a unit of people who, through marriage, birth, or adoption, are bonded together. Traditionally the nuclear family is made up of two parents and one or more children. But family looks different for different people.  In the Bible the church is called the family of God. God is described as our Father. Fellow Christians are described as our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:19, ESV). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, ESV). “And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:49, 50, ESV).  What the Church will be like near the End Times As the world descends into turmoil as things get closer to the Second Coming of Christ, the Church will be God’s faithful people who hold onto His teachings.  Even while the rest of the world distances themselves from God, those in God’s Church remain faithful to Him. They will stand out as holy among the wickedness of the world.  “… It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4, ESV). We are told that Jesus will “present the church to Himself in splendor” (Ephesians 5:27, ESV) when He returns to earth.  Uplifting God’s body of believers The biblical view of the church is a vital doctrine and is very important to Adventists. Jesus Christ is what makes the idea of “the church” work in the first place. Without Jesus as the cornerstone of our church, all our work would be in vain.  When you visit an Adventist church, you are likely to find a group of believers who welcome you with open arms. The goal of every Adventist church is to be a place where believers encourage one another to live each day for Jesus. Each Adventist church is unique in the way they serve their communities and church members. But, you will find some common themes in most Adventist churches:  Praying with one another Studying the Bible together Planning outreach activities Organizing children’s activities Collecting donations for families in need Gathering together for worship and prayer  Jesus is the reason we are a church. He’s why we strive as a denomination to foster a community of believers who love, support, and encourage one another. And all this is to help our friends find freedom, healing and hope in Jesus.

The Church isn’t a building, it’s a community of believers living out the mission of Jesus in the world.

What Is the Church According to the Bible?

The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus changed everything. This is where hope begins and sin ends.
Though humanity is sinful and corrupt (Romans 3:23), God is love (1 John 4:8). In His love for us He devised a plan “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:3-14) to redeem mankind from sin.  This plan involves God’s only Son, Jesus Christ , being born of a virgin, taking on our humanity, and then dying in our place—bearing the eternal consequences of sin so we can be reconciled with God (John 3:16). Through Him humanity can find atonement for our sins , as He was willing to be our substitute, suffering the condemnation that should have been meant for us. While on earth, Jesus also lived a sinless life of love so we could have an example to live by.  His life, death, and resurrection made way for our salvation and shows us what love really looks like. Let’s get a deeper look at:  Belief 9: The Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The bodily resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53; John 3:16; 14:30; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.)  Jesus, the Son of God, is born a human on earth Jesus came to experience life as we do, as 100% human. Out of love for every single one of us, He chose to be stripped of His glory (Philippians 2:6-8), and was given no advantage over us when it came to living a life without sinning (Isaiah 53:2). “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14), but this made Him no less divine. Jesus was still 100% God (John 1:1). This concept, that Jesus is 100% God and 100% human , can be mind boggling. But this was necessary in God’s plan to deliver us from the grip of sin while the “Great Controversy” rages on—meaning both good and evil surround us daily, warring against one another.  So, Jesus, as part of the Godhead , had to live a perfect life. Then His innocent blood could cover our sins and make it possible for us to inherit eternal life. Philippians 2:6-8 says that even though Jesus is God, He took on human nature and came to serve us–to show us God’s love for us and live as our example. He came to minister to people through his perfectly obedient life. He obeyed the Father in every way, even when it led to a humiliating death on a cross. Jesus faced the same struggles we face If Jesus had any advantage through His divinity, His life, death, and resurrection would not have served its purpose! Christ came to prove the love and fairness of God the Father.  His death in our place would mean nothing if He used His divinity to overcome sin. He faced every temptation and hardship known to man (Hebrews 4:15) and relied solely on the Holy Spirit for His strength.— And we have access to this same power (Romans 8:26-27).  Jesus can relate to any of our struggles because of what He went through for our sake. Think about how His life went:  He was born in humble conditions All the way back in the Garden of Eden , right after Adam and Eve’s sin, God gave them the promise of a savior. In spite of the many prophecies foretelling Jesus’ mission to be “The Lamb of God,” most of the world was looking in the wrong direction. They were looking for a powerful king who would free them from the oppression of the Romans.  But Scripture was clear: He was to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6) in the town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). His mother, Mary, gave birth to Him in a stable, and laid Him in a manger (Luke 2:7).  The only welcome he received was from humble shepherds at the prompting of angels (Luke 2:15-20). He did not grow up among privilege From His meager beginnings, He was raised in Nazareth, a town of insignificant if not poor reputation (John 1:46). From what we know in the Bible , Jesus grew up among the poor. He spent time with His mother learning from the scriptures. He worked alongside his father, learning his trade (Mark 6:3).  He spent time growing interpersonal relationships. And we know that He was aware of His mission at an early age (Luke 2:49).  “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). He was homeless and penniless As an adult, Jesus focused on His ministry instead of gaining wealth or setting up a home. He “became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9), with “nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58). He was bullied by religious leaders Jesus was constantly quoting Scripture, preaching love, healing the sick, and encouraging people to repent of their sins and focus on God. Yet, the Pharisees did not like the amount of influence He had.. Their pride and hypocrisy led them to watch Jesus’ every move (Mark 2:16) and try to find ways to incriminate Him (Luke 13:12-16). He was tempted by the devil himself Jesus even dealt with direct temptation from Satan , who tried to get Him to doubt who He was and what He was on earth to accomplish (Matthew 4:1-11).  Christ’s Ministry on Earth When Jesus was around 30 years old, He began His dedicated ministry. With His mission to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), He lived the rest of His life “taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) to everyone. Though disadvantaged in every earthly way, Jesus gave freely. He gave his time. He gave His energy. He gave peace and healing. He gave love.  There are so many examples of Jesus healing the sick. He healed the blind (Matthew 20:30), deaf, mute (Mark 7:31-37), and crippled (Luke 5:17-26). He healed the diseased (Mark 5:25–34) and leperous (Luke 17:11-19).  He also cast out demons (Matthew 8:16) and even raised the dead (Luke 7:11-17).  “The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing” (Matthew 15:30-31). And Jesus traveled, visiting other cities and countries and people groups, “teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matthew 9:35).  Jesus often drew a crowd with His sermons and parables (Matthew 5-7). He spent considerable time sharing good news with the poor (Matthew 11:5), and many others who were considered outcasts. He spent more time with everyday people than with those of high status—many of whom were corrupt and prideful.  But Jesus did confront the misguided religious leadership of His day (Matthew 23; John 8:1-11). All this while training His disciples to carry on His work after His death (Matthew 11:1, 28:16-20). Even while busy with all that, Jesus was intentional about His relationships with His disciples. They spent time getting to know each other while traveling, or in their family homes (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:29).  Jesus took the time to have private conversations with those who needed Him (John 3:1-21). He felt the needs of the people.  He fed the hungry (John 6:1-14). He touched the untouchable (Matthew 8:3).  He ate dinner with the outcasts of society (Luke 15:1).  He welcomed the involvement of children (Matthew 19:14).  Down to every last moment, each part of Jesus’ life and ministry was a demonstration of the Father’s love for us (John 14:9-11). Every move, every word was made to bring us back to His original plan for that relationship.  Christ’s Death The substitutional death of Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice—the most loving, selfless act conceivable toward humanity. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13, ESV). The Israelites made sacrifices at the temple as part of the temple service. It was a foretelling of “the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29; Leviticus 17:11).  But, even His disciples were so focused on their current lives that they still missed the point after Jesus told them plainly (Matthew 16:21-23). His mission was to save the world from sin, not to save the Jews from the Romans. And the time had come for Jesus to fulfill the final parts of His ministry. While celebrating The Passover (Exodus 12) with His disciples, He knew it would be His last supper with them before He was put to death.  He was the sacrificial lamb (Luke 22:15; 1 Corinthians 5:7) that the ceremonial sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed toward. And He knew the religious leaders’ evil plot to have him killed was already in motion (Matthew 26:15, 26:23-25). So at this meal, now called the Lord’s Supper , Jesus tried once more to tell His disciples why He must die.  “This is my body given for you…This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 22:19; Matthew 26:28). Even throughout the rest the story in Matthew 26, Peter and the other disciples still did not understand that Jesus had to pay the price for our sins in order for us, who are sinners, to be a part of God’s family again. Fortunately, Peter understood this significance later when he wrote, “you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).  Christ died a criminal’s death in our place (Philippians 2:8). Crucifixion was the punishment reserved for the worst offenders. And the corrupt religious leaders of the time abused their power to portray Jesus as a criminal.  Jesus was crucified between two thieves (Matthew 27:38). One man recognized who Jesus was and asked for salvation . Based on the story of the thief on the cross, we also know that it is never too late to accept the gift of grace! “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). What makes this truly remarkable is that while we, as sinners, have broken the law , Jesus did not (Isaiah 53:9). Yet He willingly took on our consequences. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13).  Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate expression of God’s love (John 10:30). When Christ died, the veil in the temple separating the Holy from the Most Holy Place was torn (Matthew 27:50-51). The sacrificial system that had pointed to Christ’s death had been fulfilled.  We no longer have a need for a priest, but can approach God directly because of what Jesus did for us (Hebrews 10:16-22). The Holy of Holies is now accessible to all.  Sin had separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2), but He chose us in spite of the cost. He loves us and takes pleasure in us, and it was His will that we be restored into a loving relationship with Him (1 John 4:10).  Christ’s Resurrection We have a God who is not only willing to go to such great lengths to save us, but who is also powerful enough to overcome death. Christ’s story does not end with death, but with resurrection and life! “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22). Our Savior has overcome sin and death . He rose on the third day and instead of creating a big fanfare, He appeared to two women before anyone else (Mark 16:7; John 20:11-18). Mary Magdalene was even considered an outcast by society.  So why would Jesus appear to her first? To answer this question we must consider the parallels between John 20 and Genesis 3. Both stories took place in a garden. Both stories are about women. One was sinless yet was deceived and allowed sin to enter our world. The other was sinful yet sought forgiveness.  Eve was ashamed and tried to hide in the garden from an encounter with God. Mary, when she realized the gardener was Jesus, tried to embrace God in the garden of the tomb. In Genesis 3 the angels were sent to bar access to the Tree of Life. In John 20 angels were sent to announce that Jesus was risen–that He is indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6)! God wants us to know that He has completely overcome Eden’s curse.  “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:12, 18-19).  His resurrection is the triumph over evil and death. Jesus has crushed the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). When He said, “It is finished,” His work of salvation was done (John 19:30).  He took a Sabbath rest in the grave. Then He rose again the next day to triumphantly sit on His throne at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).  “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:55-57). While Satan maliciously called God’s perfect and loving character into question, in His infinite wisdom God allowed sin to play out so that no one would ever doubt His goodness again. Evil at the height of its power met love at the height of His power on the cross, and God won!  Satan had a claim over all of us because we are all sinners, but Jesus broke the bonds of sin and death.  “The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Jesus has overcome sin. He promises that His blood has covered our transgressions (Colossians 1:20). That is why we can look forward to His second coming and judgement day . “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:14-18; See also Revelation 20:6)  Jesus’ perfect life, selfless death, and triumphal resurrection is the Gospel—the good news. His story is one of healing, hope and love; a story we sinners so desperately need. Jesus was sent to this earth to reveal God’s true character. Understanding God’s character is the foundation of having a real relationship with Him. God the Father sent Jesus to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10) because He loves you. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus changed everything. This is where hope begins and sin ends.

The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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