Bible Study Guides

August 23 – 29, 2026

Key Verse

“Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.” Hosea 6:3

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 19–23; The Acts of the Apostles, 47–56

Introduction

“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 506

Sunday

1 THE PROMISE

1.a. What promise did Christ give to the disciples immediately before His ascension? Acts 1:4, 5, 8. Describe their spiritual condition when this promise was fulfilled. Acts 2:1

 

Note: “Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work.” The Acts of the Apostles, 30

“Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: ‘The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.’ Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 20, 21

 

1.b.      Why was a special endowment of the Holy Spirit indispensable in those days? Acts 2:38–40, 43

 

Note: “The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them.” The Acts of the Apostles, 31

“God does not ask us to do in our own strength the work before us. He has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 19

Monday

2 THE “FORMER RAIN”

2.a. How does Scripture describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples? What specific gift is often misunderstood today? Acts 2:1–18

 

Note: “During the dispersion the Jews had been scattered to almost every part of the inhabited world, and in their exile, they had learned to speak various languages. Many of these Jews were on this occasion in Jerusalem, attending the religious festivals then in progress. Every known tongue was represented by those assembled. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was a strong evidence to the world that their commission bore the signet of Heaven. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in their native tongue or in a foreign language.” The Acts of the Apostles, 39, 40

 

2.b.      What resulted from the remarkable manifestation of God’s power under the former rain? Acts 2:41, 46, 47. How can this relate to us?

 

Note: “The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 21

“To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who on the Day of Pentecost heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word.” Ibid., 20

Tuesday

3 THE “LATTER RAIN”

3.a. How is the prophecy of Joel to have a second application in our days? Joel 2:23, 28, 29

 

Note: “As the ‘former rain’ was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the ‘latter rain’ will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. …

“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which the apostle Peter looked forward. …

“Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.” The Great Controversy, 611, 612

 

3.b.      On what condition is the Lord willing to bestow His Spirit upon us in fullness? Zechariah 10:1; Acts 1:14

 

Note: “Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 21

Wednesday

4 A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION

4.a. How did God illustrate the Holy Spirit’s role in the revival of the house of Israel? Ezekiel 37:1–5, 9–12, 21, 22. What application does the parable of Ezekiel 37 have for our days? Hosea 6:1–3; Ezekiel 36:25–28

 

Note: “Not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. But the parable does not leave the dry bones merely knit together into the forms of men; for it is not enough that there is symmetry of limb and feature. The breath of life must vivify the bodies, that they may stand upright, and spring into activity. These bones represent the house of Israel, the church of God, and the hope of the church is the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord must breathe upon the dry bones, that they may live.” Seventh day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1165, 1166

Thursday

5 THE MOVEMENT OF REVELATION

5.a. How will the power of God be manifested through the movement symbolized by the angel of Revelation 18:1—in the final stage of his work—when he shall be giving the last warning of the third angel’s message? Revelation 18:1

 

Note: “The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here brought to view. The Advent movement of 1840–44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in this country, there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be far exceeded by the mighty movement under the loud cry of the third message.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 429

 

5.b.      What constitutes the last warning and how is it to be accomplished? Revelation 18:4

 

Note: “God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins and ‘receive not of her plagues.’ Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: ‘Come out of her, My people.’ These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth.” The Great Controversy, 604

“The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.” Ibid., 612

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the reasons and conditions for the Holy Spirit to be sent in fullness?
2. What is the gift of tongues, and why was it bestowed?
3. How is the latter rain prophesied and described?
4. How does the vision of Ezekiel 37 relate to us?
5. Why is the work of the angel of Revelation 18 so important?

Copyright 1998, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

August 16 – 22, 2026

Key Text

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 199–202; Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 516–520

Introduction

“Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 216

Sunday

1 OUR GREATEST CONCERN

1.a. What should be our greatest concern while the door of probation is still open? Acts 16:30; Matthew 16:26 (compare Revelation 7:13–17).

 

Note: “Are our people reviewing the past and the present and the future, as it is unfolding before the world? Are they heeding the messages of warning given them? Is it our greatest concern today that our lives shall be refined and purified, and that we shall reflect the similitude of the divine? This must be the experience of all who join that company who are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 56

 

1.b.      What is the secret to gaining spiritual victory? Hebrews 12:2

 

Note: “Many make a serious mistake in their religious life by keeping the attention fixed upon their feelings and thus judging of their advancement or decline. Feelings are not a safe criterion. We are not to look within for evidence of our acceptance with God. We shall find there nothing but that which will discourage us. Our only hope is in ‘looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ There is everything in Him to inspire with hope, with faith, and with courage. He is our righteousness, our consolation and rejoicing.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 199, 200

“We must look to Christ for strength and grace, and we shall gain the victory as surely as Jesus died for us.” The Sanctified Life, 93

Monday

2 THE NEEDED ASSURANCE

2.a. What assurance should we seek every morning? Exodus 33:14, 15

 

Note: “Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be ‘laborers together with God.’ ” The Acts of the Apostles, 56

 

2.b.      How can we obtain this assurance? Luke 18:7, 8. Under what conditions are we in danger of forfeiting God’s presence?

 

Note: “It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not cooperate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.” The Desire of Ages, 324

“It is now that we are to learn [the] lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 203

Tuesday

3 HOW WE ARE ENABLED TO STAND

3.a. What would we see and do without delay if our eyes could be opened? Ephesians 6:12–18. Who only will be able to stand in the last great conflict?

 

Note: “If our eyes could be opened to see the good and evil agencies at work, there would be no trifling, no vanity, no jesting or joking. If all would put on the whole armor of God and fight manfully the battles of the Lord, victories would be gained that would cause the kingdom of darkness to tremble.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 41

“None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.” The Great Controversy, 593, 594

 

3.b.      As we bear the whole armor of God, what position and action will make us victorious in the spiritual battle? James 4:7, 8

 

Note: “The soul that loves God, loves to draw strength from Him by constant communion with Him. When it becomes the habit of the soul to converse with God, the power of the evil one is broken; for Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God.

“ ‘Draw nigh to God.’ What is the result of this? We cannot draw nigh to God and behold His loveliness and compassion without realizing our defects and being filled with a desire to rise higher. ‘And He will draw nigh to you.’ The Lord will draw nigh to him who confesses to his brethren the wrongs he has done them, and then comes to God in humility and contrition.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 937

“The forces of the enemy of all righteousness are strongly entrenched; only by the power of God can the victory be gained. The conflict before us calls for the exercise of a spirit of self-denial, for distrust of self and for dependence on God alone, for the wise use of every opportunity for the saving of souls. The Lord’s blessing will attend His church as they advance unitedly, revealing to a world lying in the darkness of error the beauty of holiness as manifested in a Christlike spirit of self-sacrifice, in an exaltation of the divine rather than the human, and in loving and untiring service for those so much in need of the blessings of the gospel.” Prophets and Kings, 74

Wednesday

4 SALVATION, A JOINT OPERATION

4.a. In cooperation with divine strength, what is absolutely necessary if we would be victors? Philippians 2:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3

 

Note: “No one of us will gain the victory without persevering, untiring effort, proportionate to the value of the object which we seek, even eternal life.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 511

“God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan’s artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part; he must be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that Christ gives him. Man must be a coworker with Christ in the labor of overcoming, and then he will be partaker with Christ of His glory.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 33 [Author’s italics.]

 

4.b.      How does the apostle Paul describe his efforts in the interest of his own salvation? 1 Corinthians 9:25–27; 15:31, last part; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8

 

Note: “Paul attained to the full moral stature of a man in Christ Jesus. By what a process was his soul developed! His life was a continual scene of hardship, conflict, and toil.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 903

Thursday

5 VICTORY WITHIN OUR REACH

5.a. How does the apostle summarize the essentials of a victorious Christian life? Colossians 1:23, 27; Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:11–14. Why must we examine ourselves daily? 2 Corinthians 13:5

 

Note: “Who is it that is ruling the world today, and who is it that have chosen to stand under the banner of the prince of darkness? Why, it is nearly the whole world at large. All the world that have not accepted Jesus Christ have chosen for their leader the prince of darkness; and just as soon as they stand under his banner, they have connection with evil angels. Either the evil angels or the angels of God are controlling the minds of men. Our minds are given to the control of God, or to the control of the powers of darkness; and it will be well for us to inquire where we are standing today—whether under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, or under the black banner of the powers of darkness.

“We must make every preparation in our power in order to resist the enemy of souls. Every provision has been made; everything in God’s plan has been arranged so that man should not be left to his own impulses, to his own finite powers, to carry on the warfare against the powers of darkness in his own finite strength; because he would certainly fail if he were thus left to himself.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1120

 

5.b.      What work is to be done by the Holy Spirit, through us, in behalf of the world? John 16:8

 

Note: “The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to exalt the Lord alone, and guided the pens of the sacred historians, that the record of the words and works of Christ might be given to the world. Today this Spirit is constantly at work, seeking to draw the attention of men to the great sacrifice made upon the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the convicted soul the promises of the Scriptures.” Gospel Workers, 286

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is our greatest need today and how can it be fulfilled?
2. Why is an active prayer life essential?
3. How are we to draw nigh unto God—and what will be the results?
4. What should we learn from the daily life of the apostle Paul?
5. How only can the world be warned today?

Copyright 1998, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

August 9 – 15, 2026

Key Text

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 471–478; Selected Messages, Book 2, 56–60

Introduction

“Delusions and deceptions will come in among us, and will multiply as we near the end.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 952

Sunday

1 BEWARE!

1.a. Why must we examine the spirit of professed religious teachers rather than blindly accept or reject evidences? 1 John 4:1; Acts 7:51

 

Note: “In these days of peril we are not to accept everything that men bring to us as truth. As professed teachers from God come to us declaring that they have a message from God, it is proper to inquire carefully, How do we know that this is truth? Jesus has told us that ‘false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many.’ But we need not be deceived; for the word of God gives us a test whereby we may know what is truth. The prophet says, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ ” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 951

 

1.b.      What danger has always surrounded the people of God? Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21; 2 Peter 2:1

 

Note: “Christ foretold that the going forth of deceivers would be accompanied with more danger to His disciples than would persecution. … The effort of seducers has been to undermine confidence in the truth of God and to make it impossible to distinguish truth from error. Wonderfully pleasing, fanciful, scientific problems are introduced and urged upon the attention of the unwary; and unless believers are on their guard, the enemy, disguised as an angel of light, will lead them into false paths.” Evangelism, 359

Monday

2 MIRACULOUS HEALING

2.a. Through what means will Satan deceive many souls who have no background in the truth? 2 Kings 1:2; Acts 8:9–11

 

Note: “The apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have power to heal. They attribute this power to electricity, magnetism, the so-called ‘sympathetic remedies,’ or to latent forces within the mind of man. And there are not a few, even in this Christian age, who go to these healers, instead of trusting in the power of the living God and the skill of well qualified physicians. The mother, watching by the sickbed of her child, exclaims, ‘I can do no more. Is there no physician who has power to restore my child?’ She is told of the wonderful cures performed by some clairvoyant or magnetic healer, and she trusts her dear one to his charge, placing it as verily in the hand of Satan as if he were standing by her side. In many instances the future life of the child is controlled by a satanic power which it seems impossible to break.” Prophets and Kings, 211

 

2.b. What danger lies before those who are not anchored in Christ? 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. What standard of righteousness is ignored by false prophets? Romans 8:4, 7

 

Note: “Many make great pretensions to holiness, and boast of the wonders they perform in healing the sick, when they do not regard this great standard of righteousness. But through whose power are these cures wrought? Are the eyes of either party opened to their transgressions of the law? and do they take their stand as humble, obedient children, ready to obey all of God’s requirements?” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1099

Tuesday

3 DISCERNING BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG

3.a. Before the Holy Spirit is poured out in fullness, how will Satan try to counterfeit the work of God? Matthew 7:22

 

Note: “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit.” The Great Controversy, 464

 

3.b.      What discernment do we need when faced by the confusion introduced by the enemy of souls? Hebrews 5:14. How does this relate to our health message and medical missionary work?

 

Note: “The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in this way, for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God’s servants today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.

“For this reason, the Lord has marked out a way in which His people are to carry forward a work of physical healing, combined with the teaching of the word. Sanitariums are to be established, and with these institutions are to be connected workers who will carry forward genuine medical missionary work. Thus, a guarding influence is thrown around those who come to the sanitariums for treatment.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 54

Wednesday

4 “BY THEIR FRUITS”

4.a. Why will God’s remnant people not be deceived by modern revivals and spurious miracles? 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 1:17, 18

 

Note: “In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God’s word, it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed.” The Great Controversy, 464

 

4.b.      While we should avoid a judgmental spirit (Matthew 7:1, 2), what enables us to face Satan’s subtleties? Matthew 24:4; 1 John 2:3–5

 

Note: “In these days of delusion, everyone who is established in the truth will have to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Every variety of error will be brought out in the mysterious working of Satan, which would, if it were possible, deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth. There will be human wisdom to meet—the wisdom of learned men, who, as were the Pharisees, are teachers of the law of God, but do not obey the law themselves. There will be human ignorance and folly to meet in disconnected theories arrayed in new and fantastic dress—theories that it will be all the more difficult to meet because there is no reason in them.

“There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead away from the original faith. The Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them: ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ (Isaiah 8:20) If they belittle the law of God, if they pay no heed to His will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers. They are controlled by impulse and impressions, which they believe to be from the Holy Spirit, and consider more reliable than the Inspired Word. They claim that every thought and feeling is an impression of the Spirit; and when they are reasoned with out of the Scriptures, they declare that they have something more reliable. But while they think that they are led by the Spirit of God, they are in reality following an imagination wrought upon by Satan.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 98, 99

Thursday

5 THE GREATEST COUNTERFEIT

5.a. What will be the climax in Satan’s deceptions? Matthew 24:23

 

Note: “The conflict is not yet ended; and as we draw near the close of time, the battle waxes more intense. As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world that has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings. He will exercise his power, and work upon the human imagination.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1105, 1106

 

5.b.      In the final crisis, on what basis must we test every miracle, every claim, and every doctrine?
James 1:22–25; Isaiah 8:20

 

Note: “At every revival of God’s work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.” The Great Controversy, 593

Friday

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. Why are we called to be on guard in these last days?
2. Explain the dangers of spiritistic and “New Age” health practitioners.
3. Describe the strategy which the enemy of souls is soon to unleash.
4. How can we discern between the miracles of God and those of Satan?
5. What is our only safeguard against Satan’s greatest delusion?

Copyright 1998, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

August 2 – 8, 2026

Key Text

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.” Revelation 13:11

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 440–450; Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 975–977

Introduction

“Prophecy represents Protestantism as having lamblike horns, but speaking like a dragon. Already we are beginning to hear the voice of the dragon.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 975

Sunday

1 A NEW POWER

1.a. Besides the power represented by the first beast of Revelation 13, what other power did John see on the stage of history? Revelation 13:11, first part

 

Note: “But the beast with lamblike horns was seen ‘coming up out of the earth.’ Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World—that turbulent sea of ‘peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.’ Revelation 17:15. It must be sought in the Western Continent.

“What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America.” The Great Controversy, 440

 

1.b. What did the prophet record as the first notable feature of that second beast? Revelation 13:11, middle part

 

Note: “The lamblike horns indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the character of the United States when presented to the prophet as ‘coming up’ in 1798. Among the Christian exiles who first fled to America and sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. Their views found place in the Declaration of Independence, which sets forth the great truth that ‘all men are created equal’ and endowed with the inalienable right to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ And the Constitution guarantees to the people the right of self-government, providing that representatives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws. Freedom of religious faith was also granted, every man being permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity.” The Great Controversy, 441

Monday

2 A SHOCKING CHARACTERISTIC

2.a. Since the second beast had shown lamblike innocence, what surprised John the Revelator? Revelation 13:11, last part

 

Note: “The lamblike horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contradiction between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The ‘speaking’ of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. By such action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy.” The Great Controversy, 442

 

2.b.      In what sense will the second beast imitate the first beast? Revelation 13:1, first part

 

Note: “The prediction that it will speak ‘as a dragon’ and exercise ‘all the power of the first beast’ plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopardlike beast.” The Great Controversy, 442

Tuesday

3 AN “IMAGE” OF ROME

3.a. What will the United States of America do to enforce homage to Rome? Revelation 13:12, last part

 

Note: “The statement that the beast with two horns ‘causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast’ indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.” The Great Controversy, 442

 

3.b.      How will America not only imitate Rome but induce other nations to do the same? Describe the meaning of “making an image to the beast.” Revelation 13:14, last part

 

Note: “As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her example.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 18

“The ‘image to the beast’ represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas.”

“When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.” The Great Controversy, 445

Wednesday

4 THE MARK OF THE BEAST

4.a. Largely with the support of Protestant America, in what area will the encroachment of Rome upon human conscience become prominent? Revelation 13:16

 

Note: “After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image the prophecy declares: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ Since those who keep God’s commandments are thus placed in contrast with those that worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keeping of God’s law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast.” The Great Controversy, 445, 446

“When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshipping the beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome—‘the mark of the beast.’ And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive ‘the mark of the beast.’ ” Ibid., 449

 

4.b.      What will be imposed on those who refuse to accept the mark of the beast? Revelation 13:17

 

Note: “In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell.” The Desire of Ages, 121, 122

“The Lord has clearly defined the road to the city of God; but the great apostate has changed the signpost, setting up a false one—a spurious sabbath. He says: ‘I will work at cross-purposes with God. I will empower my delegate, the man of sin, to take down God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. … Human laws shall be made so stringent that men and women will not dare to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. For fear of wanting food and clothing, they will join with the world in transgressing God’s law.’ ” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1171, 1172

Thursday

5 THE DEATH DECREE

5.a. In what way will Protestant America (the second beast) also imitate the most cruel aspects of the character of papal Rome (the first beast)? Revelation 13:15

 

Note: “Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that ‘all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond’ (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator’s rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts.” The Great Controversy, 604

 

5.b.      What advice should we take to heart in view of the time of trouble just before us? 1 Peter 3:14–17

 

Note: “What course shall the advocates of truth pursue? They have the unchangeable, eternal word of God, and they should reveal the fact that they have the truth as it is in Jesus. Their words must not be rugged and sharp. In their presentation of truth, they must manifest the love and meekness and gentleness of Christ. Let the truth do the cutting; the word of God is as a sharp, two-edged sword, and will cut its way to the heart. Those who know that they have the truth should not, by the use of harsh and severe expressions, give Satan one chance to misinterpret their spirit.” Evangelism, 236

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What does the second beast represent, and how do we know this?
2. By what means does this lamblike beast adopt dragon-like traits?
3. How does the second beast begin to relate to the first beast?
4. What is the mark of the beast and why, ultimately, is it imposed?
5. In light of the approaching crisis, what should we bear in mind?

Copyright 1998, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Third Angel’s Message

July 26 – August 1, 2026

Key Text

“And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great … he cast down the truth to the ground. He did all this and prospered.” Daniel 8:9, 12

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 434–439; Selected Messages, Book 2, 367–375

Introduction

“Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history.” The Great Controversy, 565

Sunday

1 SYMBOLS USED FOR KINGDOMS

1.a. What symbols are used in the Bible to represent earthly powers? Give examples. Daniel 7:3, 17, 23

 

Note: “To Daniel was given a vision of fierce beasts, representing the powers of the earth.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1171

“The Holy Spirit represents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 77

 

1.b.      What symbols represent the Roman Empire in its divided state? Daniel 7:7; Revelation 12:3

 

Note: “The dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he it was that moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the chief agent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people during the first centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire, in which paganism was the prevailing religion. Thus, while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.” The Great Controversy, 438

Monday

2 PAPAL ROME

2.a. What symbols stand for papal Rome? Daniel 7:8, 24; Revelation 13:1, 2

 

Note: “In [Revelation] chapter 13 (verses 1–10) is described another beast, ‘like unto a leopard,’ to which the dragon gave ‘his power, and his seat, and great authority.’ This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. Of the leopardlike beast it is declared: ‘There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. … And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.” The Great Controversy, 439

 

2.b.      What was the predicted duration of the supremacy of papal Rome as a persecuting power? Daniel 7:25, last part; Revelation 13:5, 7

 

Note: “ ‘Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.’ And, says the prophet, ‘I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.’ And again: ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.’ The forty and two months are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time,’ three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7—the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy, AD 538, and terminated in 1798.” The Great Controversy, 439

Tuesday

3 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

3.a. In what sense is Rome accused of uttering “great words”? Daniel 7:25, first part; Revelation 13:5, first part; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 7

 

Note: “The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus, the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring, and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity.” The Great Controversy, 55

 

3.b. According to prophecy, what would Rome do with the law of God and with the truth in general? Daniel 7:25, middle part; 8:12

 

Note: “The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. The second commandment, forbidding image worship, has been dropped from the law, and the fourth commandment has been so changed as to authorize the observance of the first instead of the seventh day as the Sabbath. But papists urge, as a reason for omitting the second commandment, that it is unnecessary, being included in the first, and that they are giving the law exactly as God designed it to be understood. This cannot be the change foretold by the prophet. An intentional, deliberate change is presented: ‘He shall think to change the times and the law.’ The change in the fourth commandment exactly fulfills the prophecy. For this the only authority claimed is that of the church. Here the papal power openly sets itself above God.” The Great Controversy, 446 [Author’s emphasis.]

Wednesday

4 THE DEADLY WOUND IS HEALED

4.a. What is meant by the wounding of the head of the symbolic beast? Revelation 13:3, first part

 

Note: “At that time [1798], the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.’ ” The Great Controversy, 439

 

4.b.      What is meant by the healing of the wound? Revelation 13:3, middle part. How should this affect us personally?

Note: “The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world. In this time of peril, we can stand only as we have the truth and the power of God. Men can know the truth only by being themselves partakers of the divine nature. We have need now for more than human wisdom in reading and searching the Scriptures; and if we come to God’s Word with humble hearts, He will raise up a standard for us against the lawless element.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 367, 368

Thursday

5 THE BASIC AIM OF THE VATICAN

5.a. As the political influence of the papacy is steadily increasing, what position will Rome reach before the whole world? Revelation 13:3, last part, 8

 

Note: “The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. ‘I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.’ Verse 3). The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, ‘his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.’ Paul states plainly that the ‘man of sin’ will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: ‘All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.’ Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. …

“Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her.” The Great Controversy, 579, 580

 

5.b.      Under what other symbol is the growing power of the Roman Catholic Church also represented? Revelation 17:1, 15, 9, 18

 

Note: “Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to reestablish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.

“God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.” The Great Controversy, 581

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What role did pagan Rome have in prophecy and history?
2. What do prophecy and history teach us about papal Rome?
3. Why is it necessary to point out warnings about the papal power?
4. What evidence do we have of the “healing” of the “deadly wound”?
5. How is the Protestant world now cooperating with Rome’s agenda?

Copyright 1998, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.