Jana Wagner – Steps to Life

The Second Angel’s Message

May 4, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

June 21 – 27, 2026

Key Text

“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

Study Help: Early Writings, 237–245; Selected Messages, Book 2, 116–118

Introduction

“The substance of the second angel’s message is again given to the world by that other angel who lightens the earth with his glory.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 116

Sunday

1 THE END IS NEAR

1.a. How will God intervene to stop the progress of wickedness in this world? 2 Peter 3:10; Nahum 1:3–6

Note: “In the bowels of the earth, God has in reserve the weapons that He will use to destroy the sinful race. Since the Flood, God has used, to destroy wicked cities, both the water and the fire that are concealed in the earth. In the final conflagration, God will in His wrath send lightning from heaven that will unite with the fire in the earth. The mountains will burn like a furnace, and pour forth streams of lava.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 946

1.b. What is one of the reasons why God is delaying His intervention? 2 Peter 3:9

Note: “Before the Son of man appears in the clouds of heaven, everything in nature will be convulsed. Lightning from heaven uniting with the fire in the earth, will cause the mountains to burn like a furnace, and pour out their floods of lava over villages and cities. Molten masses of rock, thrown into the water by the upheaval of things hidden in the earth, will cause the water to boil and send forth rocks and earth. There will be mighty earthquakes and great destruction of human life. But as in the days of the great Deluge Noah was preserved in the ark that God had prepared for him, so in these days of destruction and calamity, God will be the refuge of His believing ones.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 946

“God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish; but His forbearance has a limit, and when the boundary is past, there is no second probation. His wrath will go forth and He will destroy without remedy.” Ibid.

Monday

2 A THREEFOLD MESSAGE OF MERCY

2.a. What must be done on earth before the end can come? Matthew 24:14. What is our individual responsibility in this work, and what object should we have in view? Ezekiel 33:7–9, 11, 15; Isaiah 55:6, 7

2.b. What are the last three messages of the everlasting gospel to be given to the world? Revelation 14:6–11. What will follow immediately after these messages have been proclaimed? Revelation 14:14, 15

Note: “The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice, we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been and the things that will be.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 104, 105

Tuesday

3 THE SECOND ANGEL AND HIS MESSAGE

3.a. What message does the second angel proclaim, and when was it first preached? Revelation 14:8. In what sense was spiritual Babylon not yet completely fallen when the message began to sound?

Note: “The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that ‘Babylon is fallen, … because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ She has not yet made all nations do this. The spirit of world conforming and indifference to the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground in churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries of Christendom; and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination.” The Great Controversy, 389 [Author’s italics.]

3.b. When apostasy is present, what historic pattern must be followed? 2 Corinthians 6:17. Accordingly, what happened in the summer of 1844?

Note: “Those who dared not withhold from others the light which God had given them, were shut out of the churches; but Jesus was with them, and they were joyful in the light of His countenance. They were prepared to receive the message of the second angel.” Early Writings, 237

“Thus the believers found themselves in a position of great trial and perplexity. They loved their churches and were loath to separate from them; but as they saw the testimony of God’s word suppressed and their right to investigate the prophecies denied they felt that loyalty to God forbade them to submit. Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God’s word they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, ‘the pillar and ground of the truth.’ Hence, they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew from the churches.” The Great Controversy, 376

Wednesday

4 A REINFORCEMENT COMING IN DUE TIME

4.a. What special call, given in the summer of 1844, added power to the message of the second angel? Matthew 25:6

Note: “This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!’ Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!’

“In every part of the land, light was given upon the second angel’s message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches.” Early Writings, 238

4.b. Why, how, and when must the message of the fall of Babylon be repeated? Revelation 18:1, 2

Note: “I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.’ The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry.” Early Writings, 277

Thursday

5 THE WORK OF GOD ACCOMPLISHED

5.a. What is the final mission of the movement symbolized by this other angel? 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

5.b. What prophecy will then meet its final and complete fulfillment? John 10:16

Note: “The light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” Early Writings, 261

“The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them.” The Great Controversy, 613

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

What is soon to happen on this planet, and why is it delayed?
What are the three angels’ messages, and what is to be accomplished through them?
Explain the progressive nature of the second angel’s message.
Why is the other angel needed?
Describe the work of that other angel of Revelation 18.

Daughters of Babylon

May 4, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

June 14 – 20, 2026

Key Text

“Indeed, everyone who quotes proverbs will use this proverb against you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ ” Ezekiel 16:44

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 282–287; The Great Controversy, 382–387

Introduction

“Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example.” The Great Controversy, 382. [Author’s italics.]

Sunday

1 THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES

1.a. How did the Protestant churches break their marriage vow? Hosea 2:19, 20; Jeremiah 3:14; James 4:4

Note: “In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman—a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.

“In the Bible the sacred and enduring character of the relation that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage. …

“The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and affection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow.” The Great Controversy, 381

1.b. By following the paths of the Jewish and Roman Catholic churches, how did the Protestant churches become part of Babylon? Ezekiel 16:44; Hosea 4:6; Matthew 15:14, last part

Note: “The term ‘Babylon’ is derived from ‘Babel,’ and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion.” The Great Controversy, 381

“It was by departure from the Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that the Jewish church became a harlot; and Rome, corrupting herself in like manner by seeking the support of worldly powers, receives a like condemnation.” Ibid., 382

“Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome’s example of iniquitous connection with ‘the kings of the earth’—the state churches, by their relation to secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term ‘Babylon’—confusion—may be appropriately applied to these bodies, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects, with widely conflicting creeds and theories. Besides a sinful union with the world, the churches that separated from Rome present other of her characteristics.” Ibid., 383

Monday

2 SPURIOUS REVIVALS

2.a. Explain the basic differences between

(a) genuine revivals led by the Holy Spirit: Ezekiel 33:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 7:9-11

(b) modern revivals led by another spirit: Ezekiel 33:31, 32; Matthew 15:8

Note: “Revivals brought deep heart searching and humility. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. …

“But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God’s servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless, the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before.” The Great Controversy, 462, 463

2.b. How can we know that most of the present-day revivals do not come from God? Matthew 7:20–23

Note: “In those churches which he [Satan] 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. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.” The Great Controversy, 464

Tuesday

3 MODERN SPIRITUALISM

3.a. How are many in modern Babylon giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils? 1 Timothy 4:1, 2

Note: “The doctrine of man’s consciousness in death, especially the belief that spirits of the dead return to minister to the living, has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. … While professing to bring the living into communication with the dead, the prince of evil exercises his bewitching influence upon their minds.

“He has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness. Many are comforted with the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying the bliss of heaven, and without suspicion of danger, they give ear ‘to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.’ ” The Great Controversy, 551, 552

3.b. What is leading more and more people to fall for Satan’s deceptions? Matthew 24:24–26

Note: “Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.” The Great Controversy, 556

Wednesday

4 THE CULMINATION OF APOSTASY

4.a. Since most of the Protestant churches believe that the dead are in a state of consciousness, what are they ready to accept also? Isaiah 28:15

Note: “As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.” The Great Controversy, 603, 604

4.b. Why will the Protestant churches become completely fallen? 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12. What sin is very offensive to God, especially if tolerated by those who know the present truth? Jeremiah 23:14; Ephesians 5:3

Note: “The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work ‘with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;’ and they that ‘received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,’ will be left to receive ‘strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.” The Great Controversy, 390

“The nominal churches are filled with fornication and adultery, crime and murder, the result of base, lustful passion; but these things are kept covered. Ministers in high places are guilty; yet a cloak of godliness covers their dark deeds, and they pass on from year to year in their course of hypocrisy. The sins of the nominal churches have reached unto heaven, and the honest in heart will be brought to the light and come out of them. …

“They [commandment-keeping Adventists] profess to be standing upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, keeping all of God’s commandments; therefore, if they indulge in sin, if they commit fornication and adultery, their crime is of tenfold greater magnitude than is that of the classes I have named, who do not acknowledge the law of God as binding upon them.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 449, 451

Thursday

5 A VISIBLE, FUNDAMENTAL DISTINCTION

5.a. When the climax of their apostasy is reached, what denunciation will apply to the churches? Revelation 18:2, 5. What warning should all believers heed?

Note: “The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are more guilty before God than were the dwellers in the Vale of Siddim. And still greater sin is theirs who profess to know God and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their character and their daily life.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 165

5.b. Describe the distinction that will exist between the nominal churches and God’s remnant people. Titus 2:12–14; Revelation 14:12. What will then be fully revealed? Malachi 3:18

Note: “It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 287

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

How can any church, regardless of its profession, degenerate into a daughter of Babylon?
What contrast is seen between true and false revivals?
By what means will Satan deceive many in the churches?
Why are believers in the three angels’ messages held more accountable for sinful practices than those in Babylon?
What is soon to become evident, and how does this involve us now?

Wines of Babylon

May 4, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

June 7 – 13, 2026

Key Text

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 290–302; The Great Controversy, 551–562

Introduction

“Those who are guided by the word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 907

Sunday

1 IMPORTANT TRUTHS CAST DOWN

1.a. What must we realize about Christ’s position in the plan of salvation? John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12. How have attempts been made to subvert His authority?

Note: “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.” The Great Controversy, 55

“Still another fabrication was needed to enable Rome to profit by the fears and the vices of her adherents. This was supplied by the doctrine of indulgences. Full remission of sins, past, present, and future, and release from all the pains and penalties incurred, were promised to all who would enlist in the pontiff’s wars to extend his temporal dominion, to punish his enemies, or to exterminate those who dared deny his spiritual supremacy.” Ibid., 59

1.b. In the Lord’s supper, what is represented by the bread and the wine? 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–26. Explain the doctrine of transubstantiation (see dictionary).

Note: “The Scriptural ordinance of the Lord’s Supper had been supplanted by the idolatrous sacrifice of the mass. Papal priests pretended, by their senseless mummery, to convert the simple bread and wine into the actual ‘body and blood of Christ.’—Cardinal Wiseman, The Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist, Proved From Scripture, lecture 8, sec. 3, par. 26. With blasphemous presumption, they openly claimed the power of creating God, the Creator of all things.” The Great Controversy (1911), 59. [Author’s italics.]

Monday

2 PAGAN TEACHINGS ADOPTED

2.a. What does the Bible teach concerning (a) the state of the dead, and (b) the end of the wicked? How were these teachings perverted? (a) Job 14:7–14; Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10. (b) Psalm 37:10, 20, 38; 145:20; Revelation 20:9

Note: “Serious errors were … introduced into the Christian faith. Prominent among these was the belief in man’s natural immortality and his consciousness in death. This doctrine laid the foundation upon which Rome established the invocation of saints and the adoration of the Virgin Mary. From this sprang also the heresy of eternal torment for the finally impenitent, which was early incorporated into the papal faith.

“Then the way was prepared for the introduction of still another invention of paganism, which Rome named purgatory, and employed to terrify the credulous and superstitious multitudes.” The Great Controversy, 58

2.b. According to Scripture, when will the righteous be vested with immortality and taken to heaven? 1 Corinthians 15:50–55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; John 14:1–3. On the other hand, what does popular theology teach?

Note: “According to the popular belief, the redeemed in heaven are acquainted with all that takes place on the earth and especially with the lives of the friends whom they have left behind. But how could it be a source of happiness to the dead to know the troubles of the living, to witness the sins committed by their own loved ones, and to see them enduring all the sorrows, disappointments, and anguish of life? How much of heaven’s bliss would be enjoyed by those who were hovering over their friends on earth?” The Great Controversy, 545

Tuesday

3 BABYLONIAN “WINES” AMONG PROTESTANTS

3.a. How must God’s people act in reference to four heresies which Protestants have inherited from the Catholic Church? Matthew 15:13

Note: “In the professedly Christian world, many turn away from the plain teachings of the Bible and build up a creed from human speculations and pleasing fables, and they point to their tower as a way to climb up to heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 124

“The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the preexistence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day.” Testimonies for Ministers and Gospel Workers, 61

3.b. How did Paul and Peter warn the believers against the danger of accepting false teachings? 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Peter 2:1. What do many Protestant churches teach about the creation of the world, the second coming of Christ, and the millennium?

Note: “The sophistry in regard to the world’s being created in an indefinite period of time is one of Satan’s falsehoods. God speaks to the human family in language they can comprehend. He does not leave the matter so indefinite that human beings can handle it according to their theories. When the Lord declares that He made the world in six days and rested on seventh day, He means the day of twenty-four hours, which He has marked off by the rising and setting of the sun.” Testimonies for Ministers and Gospel Workers, 135, 136

“The teaching so widely echoed from popular pulpits, that the second advent of Christ is His coming to each individual at death, is a device to divert the minds of men from His personal coming in the clouds of heaven.” The Great Controversy, 525

“Prominent among these false doctrines is that of the temporal millennium—a thousand years of spiritual peace and prosperity, in which the world is to be converted, before the coming of Christ. This siren song has lulled thousands of souls to sleep over the abyss of eternal ruin.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 235

Wednesday

4 MODERN HERESIES

4.a. Prove from the Bible that salvation is conditional. Matthew 7:21; Revelation 3:5; 22:14. Why is Universalism (the teaching that all people will finally be saved) so erroneous and dangerous to the soul?

Note: “A large class to whom the doctrine of eternal torment is revolting are driven to the opposite error. They see that the Scriptures represent God as a being of love and compassion, and they cannot believe that He will consign His creatures to the fires of an eternally burning hell. But holding that the soul is naturally immortal, they see no alternative but to conclude that all mankind will finally be saved.” The Great Controversy, 537

4.b. How does the Bible conflict with the doctrine of “faith, and faith only?” James 1:22–25; 2:14–17

Note: “The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? …

“The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.” The Great Controversy, 472

Thursday

5 OTHER DANGEROUS HERESIES

5.a. How can we prove that those who teach “once saved, always saved,” are in conflict with the Bible? Ezekiel 18:23–26; Matthew 24:13. Give at least two examples to this effect. 1 Kings 13:26; 2 Peter 2:15–20

Note: “There is no such thing in the word of God as unconditional election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter of Second Peter the subject is made plain and distinct.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1114

5.b. Another dangerous philosophy is the modern idea that man is self-sufficient and that he need only develop his innate powers. What does the Bible say on this? Jeremiah 13:23; John 15:5; Colossians 2:8. What is our only safety? Isaiah 8:20; Luke 11:28

Note: “If Satan can so befog and deceive the human mind as to lead mortals to think that there is an inherent power in themselves to accomplish great and good works, they cease to rely upon God to do for them that which they think there is power in themselves to do. They acknowledge not a superior power. They give not God the glory which He claims, and which is due to His great and excellent Majesty. Satan’s object is thus accomplished, and he exults that fallen men presumptuously exalt themselves as he exalted himself in heaven and was thrust out. He knows that if man exalts himself, his ruin is just as certain as was his own.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 294

“It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.” The Great Controversy, 598

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

How has Romanism sought to subvert Christ and His teachings?
Which scriptural texts clarify the actual state of the dead?
Name some popular errors which the Protestant world has imbibed.
How does the Bible teach that salvation is conditional?
Why is it essential to realize our frailty and need of God’s Word?

The Mystery of Iniquity

May 4, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

The Second Angel’s Message

May 31 – June 6, 2026

Key Text

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 264–268; The Great Controversy, 49–60

Introduction

“The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great apostasy which would result in the establishment of the papal power.” The Great Controversy, 49

Sunday

1 THE GREAT APOSTASY

1.a. What event, foretold by the apostle Paul, began to creep into the church in her early days? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7. What was the unavoidable consequence?

Note: “Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, ‘the mystery of iniquity’ carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions.” The Great Controversy, 49

“After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God.” Ibid., 45

1.b. What allegation did Satan make about himself to Christ? Luke 4:5, 6. What system has he used to confirm this claim? Revelation 13:1–7

Note: “This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of ‘the man of sin’ foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan’s power—a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will.” The Great Controversy, 50

Monday

2 THE SUPREMACY OF ROME

2.a. What is the meaning of the woman of Revelation 17 sitting upon many waters? Revelation 17:1, 6, 15

Note: “In the sixth century, the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had given to the beast ‘his power, and his seat, and great authority.’ Revelation 13:2. And now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5–7. (See Appendix.) Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman’s ax.” The Great Controversy, 54

2.b. As predicted by Paul, how was the doctrine of papal supremacy established in the Roman Catholic Church? 2 Thessalonians 2:4

Note: “It is one of the leading doctrines of Romanism that the pope is the visible head of the universal church of Christ, invested with supreme authority over bishops and pastors in all parts of the world. More than this, the pope has been given the very titles of Deity. He has been styled ‘Lord God the Pope,’ and has been declared infallible. He demands the homage of all men.” The Great Controversy, 50

Tuesday

3 GOD’S LAW UNDER ATTACK

3.a. How did the Roman Catholic Church tamper with the holy law of God? Daniel 7:25

Note: “Satan, working through unconsecrated leaders of the church, tampered with the fourth commandment also, and essayed to set aside the ancient Sabbath, the day which God had blessed and sanctified (Genesis 2:2, 3), and in its stead to exalt the festival observed by the heathen as ‘the venerable day of the sun.’ This change was not at first attempted openly. In the first centuries the true Sabbath had been kept by all Christians. They were jealous for the honor of God, and, believing that His law is immutable, they zealously guarded the sacredness of its precepts. But with great subtlety Satan worked through his agents to bring about his object.” The Great Controversy, 52

3.b. What fundamental truth concerning the law of God has been overlooked even by the Protestant world? Isaiah 42:21; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 5:17–19. How have the Protestant churches been involved in the great apostasy concerning God’s law?

Note: “Protestants now urge that the resurrection of Christ on Sunday made it the Christian Sabbath. But Scripture evidence is lacking. No such honor was given to the day by Christ or His apostles. The observance of Sunday as a Christian institution had its origin in that “mystery of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, R.V.) which, even in Paul’s day, had begun its work. Where and when did the Lord adopt this child of the papacy? What valid reason can be given for a change which the Scriptures do not sanction?” The Great Controversy, 54

Wednesday

4 THE WORLD UNDER A CURSE

4.a. Why is most of even the so-called Christian world under a curse? Isaiah 24:5, 6

Note: “In seeking to cast contempt upon the divine statutes, Satan has perverted the doctrines of the Bible, and errors have thus become incorporated into the faith of thousands who profess to believe the Scriptures. The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition.” The Great Controversy, 582

“No error accepted by the Christian world strikes more boldly against the authority of Heaven, none is more directly opposed to the dictates of reason, none is more pernicious in its results, than the modern doctrine, so rapidly gaining ground, that God’s law is no longer binding upon men. Every nation has its laws, which command respect and obedience; no government could exist without them; and can it be conceived that the Creator of the heavens and the earth has no law to govern the beings He has made? Suppose that prominent ministers were publicly to teach that the statutes which govern their land and protect the rights of its citizens were not obligatory—that they restricted the liberties of the people, and therefore ought not to be obeyed; how long would such men be tolerated in the pulpit? But is it a graver offense to disregard the laws of states and nations than to trample upon those divine precepts which are the foundation of all government?” Ibid., 584

4.b. What is the main cause of the wickedness existing in the world? Psalms 11:3; 119:53; Romans 2:23

Note: “Already the doctrine that men are released from obedience to God’s requirements has weakened the force of moral obligation and opened the floodgates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and corruption are sweeping in upon us like an overwhelming tide. In the family, Satan is at work. His banner waves, even in professedly Christian households. There is envy, evil surmising, hypocrisy, estrangement, emulation, strife, betrayal of sacred trusts, indulgence of lust. The whole system of religious principles and doctrines, which should form the foundation and framework of social life, seems to be a tottering mass, ready to fall to ruin.” The Great Controversy, 585

Thursday

5 THE FINAL CONFLICT

5.a. What episode in the history of Israel, in the days of king Ahab, is to be repeated in our days? 1 Kings 18:17, 18

Note: “In the closing work of God in the earth, the standard of His law will be again exalted. False religion may prevail, iniquity may abound, the love of many may wax cold, the cross of Calvary may be lost sight of, and darkness, like the pall of death, may spread over the world; the whole force of the popular current may be turned against the truth; plot after plot may be formed to overthrow the people of God; but in the hour of greatest peril the God of Elijah will raise up human instrumentalities to bear a message that will not be silenced. In the populous cities of the land, and in the places where men have gone to the greatest lengths in speaking against the Most High, the voice of stern rebuke will be heard. Boldly will men of God’s appointment denounce the union of the church with the world. Earnestly will they call upon men and women to turn from the observance of a man-made institution to the observance of the true Sabbath.” Prophets and Kings, 186, 187

5.b. What consequences will the last conflict between Christ and Satan bring upon the people of God? Revelation 12:17

Note: “Under the rule of Rome, those who suffered death for their fidelity to the gospel were denounced as evildoers; they were declared to be in league with Satan; and every possible means was employed to cover them with reproach, to cause them to appear in the eyes of the people and even to themselves as the vilest of criminals. So, it will be now. While Satan seeks to destroy those who honor God’s law, he will cause them to be accused as lawbreakers, as men who are dishonoring God and bringing judgments upon the world.” The Great Controversy, 591

“Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected.” Ibid., 592

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

Describe the peril which the apostle Paul foresaw in the church.
Where does the Bible prophetically refer to the papal church?
What scriptural texts emphasize the perpetuity of God’s law?
Name one major cause of the moral breakdown in society today.
Though persecution looms ahead, what task should encourage us?

Recipe – Carob Date Turtles

May 4, 2026 by Lynette Golia

Medjool Dates

Whether you’re a health-conscious natural food lover or someone simply looking to replace refined sugar with a whole-food alternative, Medjool dates are about to become your new favorite superfruit. These dates aren’t just a sweet treat—they’re a functional food packed with health benefits.

Medjool dates are a premium variety of date known for their large size, deep color, soft chewy texture, luscious caramel-like flavor, and nutritional richness. Unlike other dates, such as Deglet Noor, Medjool dates are often referred to as “fresh” dates because they are often hand-harvested and sold without drying. This gives them a moist texture and a more intense sweetness.

Beyond their taste, Medjool dates are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals such as B6, magnesium and potassium. When it comes to Medjools, potassium is a star. A single serving of Medjool dates contains up to 20 percent of daily potassium needs, more than several bananas. Potassium helps balance fluids, support heart health, and maintain healthy muscles. This makes Medjool dates an excellent source of natural electrolytes.

Medjool dates are sticky and thus work as a secret ingredient in many baked goods like cookies, and cakes, or made into energy balls, blended into smoothies, paired with nuts, or chopped into fruit salads. Whether eaten on their own or used as a creative twist in a favorite recipe, dates offer endless possibilities for delicious and nutritious meals.

Source: ayoubs.ca/blogs/news/medjool-dates? (Cayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts)

Recipe – Carob Date Turtles

Ingredients

1 cup soft, pitted Medjool dates, well packed

2 Tbs. creamy almond butter

4 Tbs. maple syrup, or sweetener of choice

3/4 tsp. vanilla flavoring

Pinch of sea salt

1 cup roasted pecans, chopped

1½ cups carob chips or chopped carob bars

Sprinkle of flaky or coarse salt

Process

Roast pecans at 300° F for about 10 minutes, turning half way through. Set aside. Scoop the dates into a food processor, adding almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla flavoring, and salt. Pulse until smooth and sticky, about 5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. Scrape mixture into a bowl. Add pecans and mix. On a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, scoop out mixture with a spoon or cookie scoop making approximately 22 turtles, flattening into a turtle shape. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. In a double boiler on low heat, melt carob chips until smooth, stirring constantly. Dip each turtle in the melted carob and place back on the cookie sheet. Sprinkle lightly with flaky or coarse salt. Allow to harden.

The Gift of Dreams and Visions

May 4, 2026 by John J. Grosboll

The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is clear that in the last days, God would give the gift of prophecy to His people.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17

God’s people will have the testimony of Jesus Christ. That testimony is the spirit of prophecy.

“Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10, last part

There are two significant questions that everyone must ask themselves: is there a God in heaven? And if so, is the Bible, all 66 books and no more, His book?

Adventists believe that this last-day gift of prophecy was manifested in the life and work of Ellen G. White. In fact, if Mrs. White is not a prophet, then the Seventh-day Adventist church is a fraud. It would be hypocritical for a person or denomination to claim to be Seventh-day Adventist, but not believe that she is God’s last-day prophet.

Ellen G. White is the Elijah prophet to the second advent movement. Before Jesus appeared the first time, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias (Luke 1) and predicted that even though he and his wife were advanced in age, they were going to have a son. Zacharias had wanted a son for many years and had asked the Lord for a son. But while it appears that his prayer was being answered, he could not believe that he nor his wife could be parents. As a consequence of his unbelief, he was struck dumb and remained unable to speak until their child was born.

The child was named John, and Zacharias was once again able to speak and praise God. However, Gabriel told him this son would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and turn many to the Lord, and prepare the way for the coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:6). John the Baptist’s mission was to be the Elijah prophet who would prepare the way for the first coming of Christ.

Likewise, God sent an Elijah prophet, Mrs. White, to the second advent movement. Her mission was to prepare a people for the second coming of Christ. If you are not fully ready for the second coming of Christ right now, you need the help of the Elijah prophet to make you ready.

The Gift of Prophecy in the Remnant Church

In review, let’s look briefly at a few of the prominent Bible tests of a true prophet.

A true prophet will always speak in harmony with the law of God (Isaiah 8:20).
The work of a true prophet will bring forth good fruit (Matthew 7:16).
The work of a true prophet will glorify Christ (John 16:14).
A true prophet will have visions and dreams (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
A true prophet will bear testimony that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:1–3).
A true prophet will make predictions that come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22).

Dreams and Visions

“If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will speak to him in a vision and in a dream.” Numbers 12:6

When a prophet has a vision, he or she may not breathe for the duration. They may lose all of their own strength, but are strengthened by something outside themselves. We see in Daniel 10 that Daniel experienced these very things. And we see that Mrs. White experienced them, too. When this happened, James White would give people an opportunity to examine her in many different ways. A mirror placed under her nose gathered no moisture on its surface and a lighted candle held close to her nose and mouth did not flicker.

We know that the average person is able to hold their breath from 30-90 seconds without training or preparation. Individuals with larger lungs and those with specific training can hold their breath up to two minutes and possibly three. Beyond that, the brain begins to die from lack of oxygen.

(Sources: fitness-n-health.com/how-long-can-a-trained-person-hold-their-breath-underwater; themaplesrehab.com/how-much-time-should-a-healthy-lung-hold-air)

Tested repeatedly, Mrs. White had visions during which she did not breathe for extended periods of time. During one such vision in the spring of 1858, she did not breathe for two hours. After the vision, she would be totally weak, and often could not read or see for several hours.

In March, 1858, on a Sunday afternoon, James and Ellen White were attending a funeral in a public schoolhouse. Brother White was asked to speak to the mourners, and when he had done so, he sat down. Ellen felt the urge of the Holy Spirit to tell the people about the coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the Christian’s hope, about a place and time when there would be no more goodbyes, no more funerals. She stood up to speak, and it was then that she was carried away in vision (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 162, 163), and shown the theme of the great controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels—the continuous warfare waging for 6,000 years.

“As I was led to speak upon the coming of Christ and the resurrection and the cheering hope of the Christian, my soul triumphed in God. I drank in rich draughts of salvation. Heaven, sweet heaven, was the magnet to draw my soul upward, and I was wrapt in a vision of God’s glory. Many important things were there revealed to me for the church.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, 265, 266

The God of heaven knows everything and at the same time that He is governing everything in our world as well as the entire universe, He notices the minutest details in the lives of humanity. These things He showed Mrs. White.

For Those Who are Alone

After this vision, Mrs. White had some interesting things to say to those who stood alone on the truth of God in their family.

“I saw that some would have to walk the straight path alone. Their companions and children will not walk the self-denying pathway with them.

“Patience and forbearance should ever characterize the lives of those lone pilgrims following the example of their blessed Master. They will have many trials to endure, but they have a hope that makes the soul strong. … Those who possess a hope like this should never indulge a harsh, unkind spirit. This will only injure their own souls, and drive their friends farther from the truth. Treat them tenderly. Give them no occasion to reproach the cause of Christ; but never yield the truth to please anyone. Be decided, be fixed, be established, be not of a doubtful mind.” Ibid., 266

“If your companions and children will not come, if you cannot win them to yield to the claims of truth, make their lives here as pleasant as possible; for all they will ever enjoy will be this poor world. But let not your duty to them interfere with your duty to God.

“Pursue a straightforward course. Let nothing they may do or say provoke an angry word from you.

You have a hope that will yield you consolation amid the disappointments and trials of life. Your companions and children who will not be induced to tread the narrow, cross-bearing pathway with you, have not this divine consolation. They should have your pity, for this world is all the heaven they will have.” Ibid., 266, 267

If you do not accept Jesus as your Saviour and choose to follow and obey Him, this world is all you will know; its possessions all you will ever have.

There is nothing in this world that should mean more to us than Jesus Christ and our soon-to-be heavenly home. Even the good things in this life—home, family, work, church—the devil can use them all to separate us from our Redeemer and Friend, if we are unwilling to sacrifice everything for Him. For 6,000 years, the devil has worked to strengthen within us the selfishness and self-seeking that is our inherited nature. Our natural desire for the things of this world must be overcome until the only desire in our hearts is to be with the Father and the Son in heaven and the earth made new for eternity. We cannot have both the world and heaven. Sin and purity cannot dwell together. If we choose this world, God will let us have it, and one day soon, our eyes will close in death with no second chance for heaven. The wrath of God belongs to the man or woman who does not have Jesus in his or her life.

“Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17

Mrs. White was also shown in this vision that “all who profess the present truth would be tested and tried. Their love for Jesus’ coming will be proved, and manifested to others, whether it be genuine. All, I saw, would not stand the test. Some love this world so much that it swallows up their love for the truth. As their treasures here increase, their interest in the heavenly treasure decreases.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, 267

The Main Purpose of the Vision

For the three months following the vision, Mrs. White wrote it out. It can be found in the last 200 pages of the book Early Writings, and also in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1. She begins with a description of Lucifer before he fell. She records what happened in heaven, his feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction, his baleful work of sowing discord among his fellow angels until war broke out in heaven and he and those who sympathized with him were cast out of the heavenly realms.

She saw Creation, the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, the serpent and the tree, the Fall, and the opening of God’s great plan to restore mankind and how it was carried down through successive ages in the plan of salvation.

She was shown the principal events that occurred in Old Testament times, the first advent of Christ, and His temptations in the wilderness. His crucifixion, resurrection, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early believers and the great apostasy that would happen in the Christian church, and the Reformation were all opened before her.

She was carried forward to our time, the end times, and she saw the judgment, the close of probation, the time of trouble, the second coming of Christ, the millennium, the ultimate destruction of the wicked, and the eternal home of the faithful. She saw it all from beginning to end. Then God told her to write it out, but that the devil would bring great suffering upon her as she did.

“… I was shown that I must write it out. That I should have to contend with the powers of darkness, for Satan would make strong efforts to hinder me, but angels of God would not leave me in the conflict, that in God must I put my trust.” Ibid., 270

Throughout her life, Mrs. White was in constant warfare against spiritual wickedness.

“On the arrival of the train at Jackson, we went to Brother Palmer’s house. We had been in the house but a short time, when, as I was conversing with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a while I was insensible; but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. I tried to use my left arm and limb, but they were perfectly useless. For a short time, I did not expect to live. It was the third shock I had received of paralysis, and although within fifty miles of home, I did not expect to see my children again. I called to mind the triumphant season I had enjoyed at Lovett’s Grove, and thought it was my last testimony, and felt reconciled to die.” Ibid., 271

A Clarifying Vision

Three months later in a vision given to her in Battle Creek, it was opened to her what was really behind the distressing experience suffered in the Palmer home.

“I was taken off in vision. In that vision I was shown that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan designed to take my life to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue, to raise me above the effects of Satan’s attack. I saw, among other things, that I should be blest with better health than before the attack at Jackson.” Ibid., 272

“For several weeks I could not feel the pressure of the hand, nor the coldest water poured upon my head. In rising to walk, I often staggered, and sometimes fell to the floor. In this condition, I commenced to write The Great Controversy. I could write at first but one page a day, then rest three; but as I progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my mind, and before I closed that work, the effect of the shock had entirely left me.” Ibid.

Why did the devil want to destroy Mrs. White? She had been shown the devil’s plans in the great controversy, his goal to destroy every man, woman, and child in this world. And she was going to write it all down and publish it in a book so that God’s people could be ready when they were faced with his temptations and attacks.

An Effective Offense

Throughout history, Satan has used, with great success, a myriad of ways against mankind, but he particularly uses two of his most effective ways to trip man up.

The first, and this one was especially effective against the Jews, is to persuade people to reject Jesus’ divinity and to refuse Him as the Son of God. That is fatal.

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life.” 1 John 5:12. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

If Satan can successfully persuade a man to reject Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God and not to accept Him as the sovereign Ruler of his life and his Saviour from sin, then that man is lost.

Satan’s second successful method is to convince mankind that God cannot be both merciful and just.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” Psalm 89:14

“My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:172

The law of God is righteous. Therefore, the foundation of His throne is His law—righteousness and justice. His law is a written expression of His character. Asking God to change His law, is the same as asking Him to change His character. Think about that. The creature (the created), is telling and expecting the Creator to change not only His law, but Himself.

Before Christ was crucified, the devil’s principal way to cause men to be lost was to reject Jesus and His authority as the Son of God. After His crucifixion, the devil made another false claim. The death of Christ now grants mercy and mercy has abolished justice. In essence, the devil is saying that mercy abolishes God’s law. Billions of people have lost their souls already over this lie.

Because Jesus died on the cross, God can now justly forgive your sins, but that forgiveness does not come with permission to continue in sin. In fact, when we learn to understand and appreciate the cost for our sins to be forgiven, we will never want to sin again. W. D. Frazee expressed it best when he said, “Suppose the next time before you choose to sin an angel stepped up to you and said, ‘Okay, you can do that, but first take this hammer and nail and drive the nail into Jesus Christ.’ Would you say in your heart, ‘But I really want to do this thing. I’ll only use this hammer and nail just this time?’ How could you? And yet, spiritually, that is exactly what we do. Every sin indulged crucifies Christ anew. People say, ‘I would never do that,’ but they do. It was our sins that killed Christ.”

There are millions of Christians all over the world who claim to follow Jesus. They claim Him as their Lord and Saviour, they believe they are saved, but they will be deliberately disobeying God’s law and are lost as a consequence, unless they change. Jesus identified these people in Matthew 7:21–23.

The Great Controversy

The subject of the great controversy between Christ and Satan is the destruction of mankind or his salvation. The devil is determined to destroy us and God is equally determined to save us.

Sister White related a portion of her views concerning the fall of Satan, the plan of salvation, and the great controversy. This description abounded in startling facts and vivid descriptions. And when the course of the narration brought us to the days of the first advent, the humiliation, the suffering, and finally the crucifixion of the Saviour, especially then did not only the silent tear but even the audible sobs of many in the congregation announce their hearts were touched by the sufferings of the Son of God for rebellious man.

“When we view the great controversy as now going forward—its field the world, its subject man—we see not how anyone can long hesitate upon which side to enroll himself.” 1BIO, The Early Years (1827-1862), 373. The great controversy is being fought over YOU. Are you going to live or are you going to die?

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’

“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.

“Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’

“And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’

“So, they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

“Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command [be obedient to the law], then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.

“ ‘ “Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you. For they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.

“ ‘ “For behold, the stone that I have laid before Joshua: upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,” says the Lord of hosts, “And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” ’ ” Zechariah 3:1–9

The devil says to the Lord, Look at this miserable creature. He breaks your law every day. He lives contrary to Your guidance. He hurts You every day. You cannot give him eternal life. Is that what the devil says to the Lord about you? And isn’t he right? Aren’t we just like a child who sits in the mud and then after he’s all cleaned up and has on new, clean clothes, he goes out and sits in the mud again?

Thieves will remain thieves and liars will always be liars. Once we steal, it’s easy to steal again. One lie told, and it becomes easier to lie than to tell the truth. That’s how sin works. One sin makes it easier to sin again until we no longer know how or are able to stop; at least not by ourselves.

Most of this world is headed pell-mell, fast as can be, with lightning speed toward everlasting destruction and the devil is more than happy to help as many as possible to reach that destination. And, sadly, Revelation tells us that he will be mostly successful.

However, the devil is afraid, friend. He tried to kill Mrs. White so that her vision about the great controversy would not be published. He tries to keep the Bible away from as many as possible or just identifies it as a good book with a few good things in it because he knows that when you read, it will change you.

But, the Lord wants to save you and He is willing and able to pluck you from the fire. Life is serious, death even more so. And there are only two choices: salvation and eternal life or damnation and eternal death. No in-between, no do over, no second chance, no just an itsy, bitsy bit of sin. You will either be saved wearing Jesus’ robe of righteousness having been cleansed fully and completely from sin, or you will eternally die still wearing your own tattered and filthy rags of sin, like the child sitting in the mud.

I Will Die with You

Friend, we must understand that we have an enemy who is determined to destroy us. We might think we know who he is and we can’t be fooled by him. That’s likely why he’s so very successful. Think about this for a moment. Peter loved Jesus. He followed Him throughout Galilee and Jerusalem. He intended to follow Him all the way to glory. Do you imagine yourself to be stronger than a man who walked and talked with Jesus, who could reach out and touch Him?

And when Jesus told him that he would deny Him, I can just imagine Peter literally sputtering and spitting and feeling offended. We know he was because of what he said to Jesus.

“Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble. … Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny you.” Matthew 26:33, 35

Peter meant every word, but all it took was a young servant girl to point her finger at him and say, “You are a follower of this Man!” And each time he denied knowing Christ, the denial was worse and easier to say than the one before.

“Peter flew into a rage. The disciples of Jesus were noted for the purity of their language, and in order fully to deceive his questioners, and justify his assumed character, Peter now denied his Master with cursing and swearing. Again, the cock crew. Peter heard it then, and he remembered the words of Jesus, ‘Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.’ Mark 14:30

“While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter’s eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.” The Desire of Ages, 712, 713

Over confidence in himself led Peter to do the unthinkable. Jesus wanted him to see who he truly was and to distrust himself and daily strengthen his faith in the Son of God.

“Peter had just declared that he knew not Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately He had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.” Ibid., 713

End of the Controversy

Mrs. White’s vision documents and describes what the children of God will enjoy for eternity. At the end of time, the only people who will escape the machinations of the devil are those who will say, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Jesus says, “Follow Me.” The first requirement is to deny self, deny our carnal nature, and then He asks that we take up our cross daily and follow. He also says, “If anyone follows Me, he will be where I am.” Do you want to be where Jesus is; in a land of peace and joy, no death, sickness, partings, separation, determination, no more trouble? The devil and his own, sin—root and branch—are gone never to harass or rise again.

We have a personal devil who wants to destroy us. If you decide to serve self, the devil is satisfied, and he might leave you alone letting you enjoy a good life in this world. You might even have a very fulfilling life in this world, but that is all you will have.

But we have a personal Saviour who is more powerful, willing, and able to save us. Heaven is a place of bliss. If you want to go there, you must learn the lesson of self-denial and taking up the cross to follow Jesus.

Pastor John J. Grosboll is the Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be reached by email at historic@stepstolife.org or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Glutamate – Craving a Potato Chip?

May 4, 2026 by Esteban Salazar

Have you ever wondered why you can’t eat just one potato chip? Or why Asian food, canned soups, packaged cookies, trail mix, and flavored popcorn taste so good?

In the late 1800s, as the early steps for the first industrial revolution were taking place, the quest for new inventions was slowly gaining influence and surely changing world. Many of these new inventions were also reaching kitchen tables.

In the search for flavor enhancers, glutamate was discovered. In 1908, Kikunae Ikeda, a Japanese chemist, was able to extract glutamate from seaweed. The most common form of this additive is monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG. This discovery became a major homerun for the fast food industry.

As delicious as foods with this ingredient added can be, people in the early 20th century were unaware of just how harmful it is to our health and how it would turn into a leading cause of disease.

Since those early years, glutamate has become part of the basic structure of processed foods. No wonder, in spite of the many decades of warnings, trying to quit eating these foods is such a difficult task.

Today, we find glutamate in corn and potato chips, canned beans, tomato sauces, meat products, frozen meals, infant formulas, and other processed foods. It is even used in cosmetics and vaccines.

However, we must understand that glutamate, in and of itself, isn’t something bad. It’s when we have too much of it that we encounter a problem.

Glutamate is a nonessential amino acid. In nutrition, “nonessential” means it isn’t necessary to obtain it from outside sources because your own body has the capability to build this protein through a built-in biochemistry process.

Among the different purposes of glutamate in the body, the Cleveland Clinic stated:

“Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter released by nerve cells in your brain.”

In other words, in the nervous system electric impulses that carry information for an unnumbered amount of actions in the body run from one neuron to another and neurotransmitters play a massive role in blocking electric impulses or allowing them to proceed. Glutamate is on the “to go” side.

“It plays a major role in learning and memory. For your brain to function properly, glutamate needs to be present in the right concentration in the right places at the right time. Too much glutamate is associated with such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease,” the Cleveland Clinic noted.

Glutamate also aids in other bodily functions. At the intestinal level, once located in the epithelial cells, with the presence of other proteins, glutamate helps produce other amino and nucleic acids, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Glutamate is also used to spark up the energy used by our cells, known as adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.

A large population of glutamate receptors resides in many organs of the body including the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. When excessive amounts of glutamate molecules migrate out of the intestines and flow into the blood stream, they scatter into the organs and a trigger is forcefully turned on and off, launching a metabolic roller coaster effect in the system.

In 2010, a brain study was conducted that revealed that the toxicity of MSG, when supplied directly into the bloodstream of newborn mice, immediately enters the brain and induces seizures, creating life-threatening episodes.

In 2021, another study was performed by Frontiers in Neuroscience. This study stated detailed information about the ability of MSG and other forms of artificial glutamate to cause certain proteins to aggregate. It also found that Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s (ALS), and Huntington’s diseases are all associated with an overabundance of protein aggregation which induced neuron death in specific brain regions.

The best recommendation to prevent an overabundance of glutamate and MSG from poisoning the body would be to avoid eating processed foods and even dining out regularly in restaurants that have high probabilities of using those ingredients. Instead, focus on the eight laws of health and following a diet based on wholesome grains, cereals, organic fruits, and vegetables. For an exquisite food taste, remember that the natural flavor enhancers God has provided are herbs, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

You might have to invest some time and energy in homemade preparations, but this diet was given by God Himself to maintain the body He created in healthy and good working order.

Source: Monosodium Glutamate Clinical Report

A Wasp Mantidfly

May 4, 2026 by Lynn Miers

What is it?

Is it a wasp? A mantis? A fly? No, it is a wasp mantidfly, an insect belonging to the Mantispidae family with mantis-like forelegs and a wasp-like body and coloration. It uses this physical mimicry to confuse predators while it hunts for its own prey.

This insect has a slender body with yellow and brown striping, a constricted waist like a wasp, and is just under an inch in length. It has a triangular head, large eyes, and raptor-like forelegs giving it the look of an amalgamation of a wasp and praying mantis. It flies on wings that are dark on the leading edges much like a paper wasp. It defends itself by spreading its wings and, like a paper wasp, it pumps its abdomen in a stinging motion. This type of mimicry is called Batesian mimicry. However, it has no stinger or venom apparatus and is therefore harmless to humans.

They can be found in North, Central, and South America. One particular species, the Climaciella brunnea is found widely across North America. They live along the edges of wooded areas, in gardens and open fields, and anywhere spiders commonly dwell, and emerge during late spring.

The mantidfly is a predator, feeding on smaller insects, including its brother or cousin (other mantidflies). Like the mantis it resembles, it is a sit-and-wait predator. Resting on flowers and shrubbery, it waits until an unsuspecting lunch passes by. It strikes with lightning speed and with its mantis-like forelegs captures and holds its meal while eating. It typically eats mosquitoes, bees, small flies, and other soft-bodied insects. It also eats nectar and tree sap.

The mantidfly has a few natural predators. For instance, birds, lizards, spider webs and large predatory wasps. Man, who seems to be a natural predator to every living thing, often kills the mantidfly by mistake, thinking it is a wasp. Environmental dangers such as the destruction of habitat and pesticides affect the mantidfly population.

The mantidfly has an important job in the insect world: population control, especially spiders. The female will lay hundreds of individual eggs on short silky stalks on the underside of leaves. Once a larva hatches, it waits until it is able to attach onto a passing female spider subsisting on its blood until the spider lays its egg sac. As it lays its egg, the mantidfly larva crawls into the egg sac and consumes the spider eggs as they are laid. The larva then remains in the egg sac until it reaches the pupal stage of its life. It spins a cocoon-like casing, and there undergoes a complete metamorphosis.

In addition to population control, the mantidfly is also a casual pollinator when its eats nectar.

The typical lifespan of the mantidfly is pretty short, from a few weeks to a few months depending on the environmental conditions.

What an amazing creation!

Sources: entomoly.umn.ed/wasp-mantidfly; waspworld.com/mantidfly-wasp

Did You Know?

Despite its appearance, the wasp mantidfly is neither wasp nor mantis. Rather, it belongs to the same family as lacewings and owlflies.

Because it looks so much like a paper wasp, it is often found flying among true paper wasps using its disguise for protection.

The mantidfly family contains species that also mimic ants and beetles.

What is the Color of Compassion?

May 4, 2026 by Judy Rebarchek

When I was a child, we would sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

“Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

God’s love is color blind. Paul makes all of this very plain.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

“The Lord Jesus … loves you. If you doubt His love, look to Calvary. The light reflected from the cross shows you the magnitude of that love which no tongue can tell. …

“See Him, by the eye of faith, bending over you in love. … He wants you to live in His presence; to have eternal life and a crown of glory.” Sons and Daughters of God, 340

“Jesus loves … His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better.” The Desire of Ages, 483

“Jesus loves us. … [H]ow full and how broad is the mercy and love that He waits to bestow upon all who will walk in obedience and humility before Him.” Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, Vol. 1, 87

This is the only criterion by which we are judged. Color, race, religion, nationality, age—none of these matter in our salvation. We must be like Christ. If any color were to represent compassion, it would be red. Red, the color of Jesus’ blood shed to save us.

“God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.” Romans 5:8, 9

“Through the grace of Christ, we may be strengthened and matured, so that though now imperfect we may become complete in Him. We have mortgaged ourselves to Satan, but Christ came to ransom and redeem us. We cannot purchase anything from God. It is only by grace, the free gift of God in Christ, that we are saved.” Our Father Cares, 121

Before you speak, THINK

T = is it true?

H = is it helpful?

I = is it inspiring?

N = is it necessary?

K = is it kind?

Story – Mother’s Hands

May 4, 2026 by Lynette Golia

A young mother laid her baby girl to sleep in her cradle. I’ll just go to the neighbor’s for a minute to visit, she thought to herself. I haven’t had time to talk to her for such a long time. But while she and the neighbor were chatting, the city fire alarm sent a chill through them both.

“Don’t worry,” said the neighbor. “Most likely it’s only a grass fire. There are lots of them at this time of year. I’m sure the fire isn’t anywhere near here.”

“But listen,” said the mother. “I think I hear the fire engine coming this way. Look! People are running down the street, running toward my house!”

Without another word she dashed into the street and ran with the gathering crowd. Then she saw it. Her own house was on fire! Smoke and flames were already pouring through the roof.

“My baby!” she cried frantically. “My baby!”

The crowd was thick around the house, but she pushed and shoved until she reached the door. A fireman stopped her and said, “You can’t go in there! You will be burned!”

But the mother cried, “Let me go! Let me go!” as she broke free and dashed into the flaming house.

She knew just where to go. Running through the smoke and flames, she seized her precious baby, then turned to make her way out. But by now the smoke made it very hard to see and breathe. Nearly overcome, she swayed and fell, and would not have made it out of the house safely if a fireman had not picked her up and carried her out.

What a cheer went up as they appeared! Baby Marjorie was not hurt at all! But the poor mother’s hands were badly burned. Kind friends took care of the baby while the ambulance took her to the hospital. The doctors did their best, but her hands were terribly scared.

Years later, when Marjorie had grown, she suddenly noticed something she had not noticed before. Her mother’s hands were so disfigured! “Why are your hands so ugly?” she asked her mother when they were alone.

Tears filled her mother’s eyes as she remembered how frightened she was the day the house burned with Marjorie asleep and unaware of the danger.

“Have I said something wrong?” Marjorie asked when she saw the tears.

“No, my dear,” replied her mother. “But there’s a story I need to tell you.”

Then she told Marjorie the story of the fire. She told how the people tried to hold her back, how the fireman tried to stop her, how she battled the flames to rescue her, how she fell, and how they were rescued. Then she held out her scared hands for Marjorie to see.

“They are ugly, in a way, aren’t they,” Mother said softly. “For me, the only thing that mattered was to save your life.”

Now it was Marjorie’s turn to shed a few tears. “Oh, Mother,” she cried, “You must love me so much! These are the most beautiful hands in all the world!”

Do you know there are hands that were hurt for you? The hands of Jesus.

Soldiers drove great nails through His hands and hung Him on a cross to die so you could go to heaven. Even when He comes again, the marks made by those nails will still be there. If you ask Him, He will show them to you. When you see them, you will know for sure how much Jesus loves you!