Further Study: Norman Gulley's book Christ Is Coming is probably the most complete Adventist book in recent times about last-day events and the second coming of Christ. You may want to scan the book and read a few chapters, in particular the chapter entitled "The Greatest Rescue of All Time" (pp. 538-552). For the classic description of the moment when our hope will be fulfilled, see Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (in particular, pp. 662-678).
Try to commit the following majestic words to memory: "The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love."—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 678.
Discussion Questions:
In class, read your depictions of what you envision eternal life in a new earth will be like. Compare and discuss what was presented. 
How do you respond to those who say that this hope Christians have of another existence causes them not to care deeply enough about the woes of this existence? 
How can you remain hopeful, even when everything seems to go against you? 
How do we experience, here and now, some of the hope that we have in Christ? How should lives differ now because of this hope? What can we do, in a real and visible way, to show others the immediate fruit and benefits of being a follower of the living God? Summary:
| Hope is a vital component of the Christian life. It is firmly based on what Christ accomplished on the cross. The Christian's hope has to do with the here and now, for the kingdom that is to come is, in principle, already present in the believer. Yet, the full realization of the blessed hope is future. We know that the world is still affected by the results of Satan's rebellion, but the outcome is secure: Our Lord reigns, and His eternal kingdom will soon be realized in all its glory. Our hope is to be citizens of that kingdom forever. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Finding The Savior Anna* was a new Adventist Christian when she met Ahmet* while working in Turkey. Since Sabbath was her day off, Ahmet arranged to have Sabbath off so they could spend time together. Although Ahmet was not a Christian, Anna sensed that he was searching for faith. In time the two were married. After their son was born, Anna arranged to take him to Germany for vac-cinations they could not get in Turkey. She was surprised when Ahmet said that he wanted to go with her, for she knew that he did not like Germany. He explained that he wanted to get away from his own family who were urging him to convert her to his family's traditional faith. While in Germany, Ahmet met many Adventists and was impressed with how warm and friendly they were. He saw how different Christians are from other people. His interest in Christianity grew. When the couple returned to Turkey, they joined a small group of believers who worship in a private home. (The Adventist Church in Turkey has fewer than a hundred members, most of whom are not ethnic Turks.) The pastor welcomed Ahmet and asked him to help translate Sabbath School lessons into Turkish. Ahmet agreed. Anna noticed that Ahmet often read her Bible and her religious books when he thought she was not watching. As Ahmet translated the lessons, questions sometimes arose regarding the meaning of a Bible text or how to phrase a question. As Ahmet and Anna talked about such issues, Anna realized that Ahmet was thinking deeply about his relationship with Jesus. One question they discussed was, "What is Jesus to you?" Ahmet thought a moment then answered, "Jesus is my Savior." Anna praised God for this demonstration of faith in her seeking husband. One night Ahmet couldn't sleep, so he went to the living room to read his Bible. That night he decided to be baptized. The next day he called the pastor and said, "If you have nothing better to do today, you will baptize me?" Later that day Anna and Ahmet went to the seashore, where Ahmet sealed his commitment to Christ in baptism. The couple closes their bakery on Sabbaths, which prompts people to ask why. Carefully Anna shares her faith with a prayer that God will open their hearts. They also offer guided tours of biblical sites such as Ephesus. Even the bus drivers notice that Christians are different. They ask questions about what Christians believe, and this opens opportunities to share God's love with His other children. Ahmet and Anna thank God that the world church supports missionaries in Turkey. Our mission offerings provide resources to help lead searching souls to Jesus in this great unreached land.
* Not their real names. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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