1.There is a difference between giving to the work of the Lord and giving sacrificially. What is the difference and why is it important?

The difference between “giving to the work of the Lord” and “giving sacrificially” lies in the depth and quality of the giving, particularly in terms of intention and the extent of personal sacrifice.

1. Giving to the Work of the Lord: This generally refers to providing financial or other material support for religious purposes or church activities. It can be done regularly, generously, and with a good heart, but it does not necessarily involve a deep personal sacrifice. The giving may come from an abundance and not necessarily entail significant personal denial.

2. Sacrificial Giving: This goes far beyond ordinary giving. Sacrificial giving means giving in a way that involves real personal cost or difficulty. It often involves giving up something essential, whether it be time, money, or other resources. This kind of giving reflects a deeper dedication and a more intense faith, as one is willing to sacrifice personal needs and desires for the greater good or for faith.

Why is the difference important?

The difference is important because sacrificial giving expresses a deeper level of faith and devotion to God and His work. It shows a willingness to go beyond the norm and to place the well-being of the community or the cause of faith above personal needs. In many religious teachings, sacrificial commitment is viewed as a virtue that reflects a higher level of spiritual maturity and trust in God. It is an act of faith that not only shapes one’s character but also supports the work of the Lord in a special way, as it comes from the heart and is associated with a significant measure of selflessness.

2.Why has God not prevented the persecution of His people through the centuries and in the present world? How does the concept of the Great Controversy help us understand the existence of persecution?

The question of why God has not prevented the persecution of His people throughout history and today is profound and complex, touching on themes of theodicy, free will, and the great cosmic conflict between good and evil.

1. Free Will and the Presence of Evil:

God has given humans free will, meaning the ability to make their own choices. This includes the possibility of opposing God and His principles. Persecution often results from individuals who turn against God and persecute those who remain faithful. In a world where evil is in conflict with good, persecution and suffering are part of the reality that arises from the freedom God has granted humanity.

2. The Great Controversy as a Framework:

The concept of the “Great Controversy” (or “Great Conflict”) helps to understand the existence of persecution by framing world history as part of a cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan, between good and evil. In this view, Earth is the battlefield where this conflict unfolds. Persecution is a manifestation of this struggle, with Satan attempting to oppress and destroy God’s people, while God, in His wisdom and power, uses these trials to strengthen the faith and loyalty of His followers.

3. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose:

Although God allows persecution, He is in control of the overall situation. The Bible provides many examples where persecution ultimately results in blessings for God’s people, whether through strengthening faith, spreading the gospel, or revealing God’s power and grace. The suffering and persecution endured by His people are not meaningless; they fit into God’s larger plan for redemption and purification.

4. Testimony and Strength of Faith:

Persecution can also serve to test and strengthen the faith of individuals and communities. Those who suffer persecution often provide a powerful testimony of their faith, which inspires and encourages others. The steadfastness of the persecuted demonstrates the strength of faith and can lead others to turn to God.

5. Hope for the Future Kingdom:

The concept of the Great Controversy reminds us that this world is not the final destination and that the suffering and persecution of this time are temporary. There is hope for a future kingdom of God where justice, peace, and love will prevail. This hope can help believers endure persecution, knowing that God will ultimately achieve victory.

In summary, the Great Controversy provides a perspective where persecution is not meaningless but is part of a larger plan where good ultimately triumphs. The existence of persecution and suffering calls believers to stand firm in faith, to hold onto the hope of God’s ultimate victory, and to serve as a living testimony to their faith.

3.What signs of Christ’s return stand out to you in the world today?

The question of signs of Christ’s return is one that is intensely discussed in many Christian traditions. There are several biblical prophecies that believers interpret as indicators of the imminent return of Christ. Here are some signs that are particularly highlighted in today’s world:

1. Increase in Natural Disasters:

The Bible mentions “earthquakes, famines, and plagues” as signs of the last days (Matthew 24:7). Today, there are reports of an increase in and intensification of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and wildfires. Many believers see these events as confirmation of biblical predictions.

2. Moral and Social Decay:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the last days as being marked by increasing wickedness, selfishness, materialism, and disdain for the sacred. Many people see today’s society as reflecting a decline in moral values, rising violence, corruption, and the growth of unbelief and godlessness as fulfillment of this prophecy.

3. Persecution of Believers:

Jesus predicted that His followers would face persecution in the last days (Matthew 24:9-10). In many parts of the world today, Christians experience discrimination, persecution, and even martyrdom because of their faith. This ongoing persecution is often seen as a sign of Christ’s imminent return.

4. Globalization and Technological Advances:

The Bible speaks of the possibility of the gospel being preached to the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). Today’s globalization and advancements in communication technology enable the gospel to be spread faster and further than ever before. Many view these developments as fulfillment of this sign.

5. Global Unrest and Wars:

Jesus also warned of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6) as signs of the end. Ongoing conflicts, terrorism, political instability, and the threat of weapons of mass destruction in today’s world could be seen as fulfillment of these prophecies.

6. Israel and the Middle East:

The role of Israel in biblical prophecy is a central sign for many believers. The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are often viewed as fulfillment of biblical prophecies that herald the return of Christ.

7. Increase in False Prophets and Heresies:

Matthew 24:24 warns of false prophets and false Christs who will deceive many in the last days. Today, there are numerous religious movements, cults, and teachings that deviate from traditional Christian doctrine and create confusion. This is often interpreted as fulfillment of this sign.

8. Spread of the Gospel:

Another significant sign is the global proclamation of the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Thanks to modern technology and mission efforts, the gospel now reaches nearly every corner of the earth. Many see this worldwide dissemination as a key sign of Christ’s impending return.

These signs are interpreted by many believers as indications that Christ’s return may be near. However, it is important to emphasize that Jesus Himself said that “no one knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36). Christians are therefore called to be watchful and prepared without becoming overly fixated on speculation.

4.Reflect on the state of the dead and the idea that the dead sleep until Christ returns. People close their eyes in death, and what is the next thing they know? How does this understanding help us grasp that for each individual, the return of Christ is always very near?

The concept that the dead sleep until Christ returns offers a profound perspective on death and Christ’s return. When a person dies, they close their eyes in death and are not aware of the passage of time. For them, there is no sense of days, years, or centuries passing between their death and Christ’s return. The next thing they experience is awakening at Christ’s return.

This idea helps us understand that for each person individually, the return of Christ is always very near. Regardless of how much time objectively elapses, the deceased experience the moment of Christ’s return as the next event following their death. For them, it seems as if Christ’s return follows directly after their death, as they do not perceive the period of sleep in the grave.

This perspective emphasizes that Christ’s return is personally very near for every individual, as death and the subsequent awakening in resurrection are essentially connected. This can provide comfort and underscore the urgency of living a life of faith and anticipation for Christ’s return.

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