Guidelines for living.
August 28th, 2026

Is There Such a Thing as Fate?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Is there such a thing as fate, or is fate simply the catch-all for what you can't explain? The Merriam-Webster New Collegiate Dictionary defines fate as "that which remains destined to happen." Our English word comes from the Latin fatum which means something ordained from the gods. It grew out of a story from Greek mythology which involves three goddesses. The first, Clotho, or the Spinner, was supposed to weave the thread of life while the second, Lachesis, or the Disposer of Lots, determined the length of the thread. It was the third in the trilogy, Atropos, or the Inflexible One, who allegedly cut the thread of life causing fate to strike its terrible blow.

Today it's common for people to blame fate for all kinds of things over which we have no control, whether it is a bolt of lightning or a car accident that you couldn't help. Is there such a thing as fate or chance? If there is a sovereign God who directs in the affairs of mankind, fate isn't a viable option.

The Bible, and in particular the writings of the New Testament, tells us that God intervenes in the affairs of humanity, that all history is moving towards a fixed point of reference when time is absorbed by eternity and life as we know it now will come to an end. But what about our personal affairs? How emphatic, how direct is God's intervention in what happens day-in and day-out?

First, the New Testament says it is not Atropos or fate who cuts the thread of your life. Hebrews 9:27 says, "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment." Paul addressed the issue of fate for God's child when he wrote to the Ephesians saying that God "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will," (Ephesians 1:11). The book of Romans says very clearly there is no fate for the child of God who walks according to his Father's will. Remember those comforting words: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Sounds good, right? But does it really translate when things go bad? Is God likewise responsible for wrong things as well as good? When something happens which doesn't quite fit into the scheme of things as I think it should, I ask three questions:

Question #1: "Is Satan opposing me?" And there are times when clearly he hinders the work of God. Now, if Satan hindered Paul from coming to the Thessalonians when he wanted to do so, why shouldn't he be able to hinder us today?

Question #2: "Has God allowed this difficulty as discipline in my life to bring me back into his will?" Make a note of Proverbs 3 and Hebrews 12, which both tell us it is because God loves us, He disciplines us just as a father does his own children.

Question #3: "Is this simply a combination of circumstances for which there isn't any particular deep spiritual significance - say, a flat tire or an appliance that has worn out?" Naturally, these irritations try us, but I can't really see the intervention of either God or the devil in some things, though God can use everything to shape us and to bring our lives into conformity with His plan.

Friend, how did you answer that question, "Is there such a thing as fate, or luck, or chance?" For God's children, the will of the Father rules all of that out. And that is a fact, because we have a Heavenly Father who guides in the affairs of His children.

Resource Reading: Romans 8:19-39

Bible Verse of the Day.
John 6:29

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

NKJV.

God's Promises
Psalm 23:5

New King James Version

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

The Three Angels Message
THE FIRST ANGEL’S MESSAGE
FEAR GOD AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM

In Revelation 14 we see three angels with a final warning to the world. The first angel shouts to us, “Fear God and give glory to Him….”

Fearing God means to show Him respect. We show respect by showing reverence to His house, our church, the sanctuary. We show respect when we listen to our pastors and participate in our church, carrying an office, doing our part, even if we are simply sweeping the threshold.. We show respect when we defend God’s name, when we show let others know we love God. We show reverence when we obey God’s law, John 14:15.

“For the hour of His judgement is come”….Yes, it is an hour of judgement for God. God’s name and honor are at stake in this final controversy. Will the earth and its inhabitants recognize God as the Lord of this earth? Or will they wander and wonder after the beast? (Who ultimately represents Satan.)

Will the judge of the earth do right? Yes, God wasn’t willing to destroy Sodom if ten righteous people could be found there. As the seven last plagues are poured out, we see God praised for his righteous judgements.

As the plagues show, the earth is under judgement, with the wicked inhabitants unrepentant. As we consider the judgement scene of Daniel 7, we see judgement is rendered in behalf of the saints and they will ultimately regain the lost dominion of the earth. Praise the Lord!

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND " O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO"

Some hymns are written with a pen while others seem to come from a wounded heart.

“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” was written in 1882 by George Matheson, a Scottish minister whose life had taken him through blindness, disappointment and deep personal sorrow. When he wrote those words, he was not writing about suffering from a distance. He knew what it meant to watch life change in ways he never expected.

Matheson was born in Glasgow in 1842. As a young man, his eyesight began to fail, and he eventually became completely blind. Yet he refused to allow blindness to end his purpose. He studied at the University of Glasgow, entered the ministry and became a respected preacher and writer.

His private life also carried a deep wound. Biographical accounts have connected his early heartbreak with the end of an engagement after his eyesight deteriorated. Whatever the precise circumstances, Matheson knew the pain of seeing a future he had hoped for disappear.

Then came June 6, 1882.

It was his sister's wedding day. While his family attended the celebration, Matheson remained alone at the manse in Ingram, Scotland.

It was during that quiet evening that the hymn came to him.

Matheson later said he wrote it in about five minutes and made almost no changes afterwards. From that moment of solitude came words that would eventually comfort millions:

“O Love that wilt not let me go,
I give Thee back the life I owe.”

Those words are striking because Matheson was not asking God to give him a life without suffering. He was surrendering the life he had, with all its unanswered questions.

He had lost his sight, he had known heartbreak and he could not see what the future held.

Yet he could still trust.

The hymn moves gently from surrender to faith:

“O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.”

Matheson did not deny the rain but he acknowledged it. He believed that beyond it was a promise worth holding on to and that is what makes the hymn so deeply moving.

It speaks to anyone who has ever sat alone with a broken heart, watched a cherished dream disappear or wondered how they would find the strength to face another day.

Matheson could not see with his eyes, yet he wrote about a rainbow.

He could not see the morning, yet he believed it was coming and perhaps that is simply the miracle at the heart of this hymn: a man living in darkness gave the world words about hope.

“O Love that wilt not let me go.”

More than 140 years later, those words still carry the same promise.

When life becomes too heavy to understand, when the road ahead is hidden and the heart is tired, there remains a love that does not abandon us.

A love that holds on.

A love that sees us through the rain.

A love that will not let us go.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Stay Faithful - Stay Focused.

God never promised that if you would follow Him, your life will be perfect. He never promised the sun would always shine or that you would never experience pain. The truth is, this journey here on earth is difficult and challenging. There are so many twists and turns to life, and through it all, it is critically important to stay focused on Jesus. The devil would like nothing better than to separate you from the only One who can save you, and he will stop at nothing to get your attention. He loves to plant seeds of doubt - especially when you are going through a crisis and are the most vulnerable. Satan loves to whisper his lies, encouraging you to blame God for your troubles. But Satan is the creator of sin, and he gets all the credit for pain and heartache, not God! Stay focused on your heavenly Father, who loves you more than anyone else ever could! When you are in trouble, call upon Him for help. The Bible says in Psalm 34:17-19, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” You don’t have to be afraid of life’s challenges, heartache, and pain, because you are never alone! Stay faithful. Stay focused on the only one who can save you from all your trials, misery, and suffering - Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. Text: Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 42:16

Ellen G. White
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Job 22:21. – {UL 248.1}
Love for God should lead us to find true enjoyment in learning and doing His will. Thus we become every day better prepared to be overcomers, examples of the power that heavenly grace has to uplift and ennoble human beings. Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, yet He overcame. And today He waits to hear and answer the earnest requests of His children for the grace that will enable them to overcome. – {UL 248.2}
Be polite to those with whom you come in contact; thus you will be polite to God. Praise Him for His goodness; thus you are witnesses for Him, and you are preparing for the society of the angels. You are learning in this world how to conduct yourselves in the family of Christ in heaven. – {UL 248.3}
Lose no time in becoming acquainted with the principles that the children of God must follow. We are here to copy the character of Christ, to become familiar with His gentleness, His lowliness. This will place us where our record will be, “Ye are complete in him.” (Colossians 2:10). By patience, kindness, forbearance, we are to show that we are not of the world, that day by day we are learning the lessons that will fit us to enter the higher school. – {UL 248.4}
When God’s redeemed ones are called to heaven, they will not leave behind the advancement they have made in this life by beholding Christ. They will go on, learning more and still more of God. They will carry their spiritual attainments into the courts above, leaving nothing of heavenly origin in this world. As the books of heaven are opened, each overcomer is assigned his lot and place in heaven, in accordance with the advancement he has made in this life. – {UL 248.5}
The sons and daughters of God are led to persevere in the work of overcoming by the daily realization that they need to be taught by the Holy Spirit the good and righteous way. No sham work enters into their service. Every day they realize that they must hold fast the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. When one deviates from the right way, the Holy Spirit, working on his mind, leads him to confess his error so that others will be warned against the same mistake. No one is to feel that his position is so exalted that he need not acknowledge his faults, lest others place a low estimate upon him.... – {UL 248.6}
Never should a man ... be too proud to make the acknowledgment, “I have erred.” The least he can do, after he has sinned, is to show his sorrow and repentance. Men who do this will be honored by God, even though they make mistakes.—Manuscript 31, August 22, 1903, “Lessons From the Third Chapter of First John.” – {UL 248.7}

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
PHYSICS PROVES A CREATOR: THE TWO LAWS EVOLUTION CANNOT BREAK

From the moment God spoke the universe into existence, creation has followed clear, consistent rules. You do not need a science degree to understand them. In fact, these rules are so simple and universal that a child can grasp them. Scientists call them the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Scripture calls them the fingerprints of order placed into creation by the Lord.

The First Law says energy can be transformed but it cannot appear from nowhere. You cannot pour from an empty cup and the universe cannot magically gain brand new energy. What exists is what was created in the beginning. Nothing in nature creates itself. Nothing summons itself into being. This is exactly what Genesis declares. God alone brought time, matter, and energy into existence. Evolutionists try to smuggle in miracles without a Miracle Worker, but the First Law shuts the door. Nature is not a god. Nature cannot create.

The Second Law says everything is slowly wearing out. Energy spreads out. Order breaks down. Rust forms. Cells age. Stars burn their fuel. Nothing naturally becomes more ordered over long periods. Left alone, things move from structure to chaos, not chaos to structure. You can witness this in your home. You never wake up to a room that cleaned itself. Disorder always increases unless someone with intelligence imposes order. This is not just common sense. It is the foundational law that governs all physical reality.

And here is the unavoidable truth. Evolution demands the opposite of these laws. It requires brand new information to appear out of nothing and it requires disorder to transform itself into higher, more complex order over millions of years. Yet the First Law says you cannot get something from nothing. The Second Law says you cannot get increasing order without an intelligent cause acting on the system. Both laws stand like immovable pillars. Together they declare that creation needed a Creator. This is why the First and Second Laws should have ended evolution the moment they were discovered.

Likely today, you will see what happens whenever these scientific truths trap evolution in a corner. Skeptics run to their favorite objection.. If everything needs a cause, then who created God? They set it up like a trap. But this challenge contradicts the very laws they appeal to. The First Law shows the universe cannot create itself. The Second Law shows the universe is running down, not powering up. Something outside the system had to create the system. Laws do not write themselves. Order does not rise from chaos without an Author.

The Bible answers this question with a clarity that silences the confusion. God is eternal. He has no beginning and no ending. He is outside of time and space because He created time and space. He is the uncaused Cause, the One necessary Being who holds all contingent beings together. Without an eternal Lawgiver, the laws of nature have no source. Without an eternal Creator, the universe has no beginning. Evolutionists mock Scripture while ignoring that the Bible gave this explanation long before modern science ever caught up. It is almost like a wink in the text, a reminder to doubters of why everything works the way it does.

He is the Alpha and the Omega of the universe. The Beginning and the End. The One who formed the laws that reveal His order. The One who speaks and matter obeys. Thermodynamics does not point to chance. It points straight to the eternal Creator who set all things in motion.

Need to know.
WHY DID GOD ALLOW DAVID TO WAIT SO LONG AFTER ANOINTING HIM KING?

David was already chosen.

Samuel had already poured the oil over his head.

God had already declared His purpose.

Yet David didn't immediately sit on the throne.

Instead, he went back to the sheep.

Then came years of running.

Years of hiding in caves.

Years of being hunted by Saul.

Imagine knowing you were anointed for something greater—but seeing absolutely no evidence of it.

*Why would God anoint David and then make him wait?*

Because the throne wasn't the only thing God was preparing.

*God was preparing David for the throne.*

The oil could announce the calling.

But the wilderness would develop the character required to carry it.

David learned courage while facing lions and bears.

He learned dependence on God while hiding in caves.

He learned restraint when he had opportunities to kill Saul but refused to take God's timing into his own hands.

He learned leadership while gathering a group of desperate men around him.

The waiting wasn't wasted.

*It was preparation.*

And perhaps that's what God is doing in your life right now.

You prayed for the opportunity—but you're still waiting.

You prayed for the marriage—but you're still single.

You prayed for the breakthrough—but nothing seems to be changing.

You prayed for the promotion—but someone else got it.

Don't automatically assume the delay means God has rejected you.

Sometimes God gives you the promise before He gives you the position because *the process must prepare you for the promise.*

If David had received the throne immediately, he might never have become the man capable of carrying it.

So don't despise your wilderness.

Don't despise the small beginnings.

Don't despise the hidden season.

The shepherd's field was part of David's preparation.

The cave was part of his preparation.

The waiting was part of his preparation.

*And your waiting season may be preparing you for something you are not yet ready to carry.*

Keep growing.

Keep praying.

Keep serving.

Keep trusting.

The oil may already be on your head.

The throne may simply be waiting for God's appointed time.

*Your delay may not be denial. It may be divine preparation.*

Caption: David was anointed long before he became king. Sometimes God gives you the promise first and uses the waiting season to prepare you for its fulfillment.

Did you know?
ICHABOD — WHEN THE GLORY DEPARTED

“The glory has departed from Israel.” — 1 Samuel 4:22

Ichabod was more than a name. It was a cry of grief.

Israel had gone to battle against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant was carried into the battlefield. But the Ark was never meant to be treated as a lucky charm. Israel had the symbol of God’s presence, but their hearts had wandered from God.

The result was devastating.

The Ark was captured.
Hophni and Phinehas died.
Eli fell and died.
Phinehas’ wife died giving birth.

And with her final breath, she named the child Ichabod, saying:

“The glory has departed from Israel.”

The lesson is sobering: you can have the Ark without honoring the God of the Ark. You can have religious activity without genuine obedience. You can carry sacred things while your heart is far from God.

God’s presence is not something we manipulate or use for our own purposes.

The question is not merely, “Do I have the Ark?”

The deeper question is:

“Does my life honor the God whose presence I seek?”

May we never become so familiar with holy things that we lose reverence for the Holy One.

Lord, let Your presence remain with us. Let Your glory never depart from our lives.

Read 1 Samuel 4:1–22

Let's talk about it.
Exodus 20:7

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Yes, you use his name in vain by claiming to follow God while living in a way that contradicts His character and holiness.

Yes, you are also a liar because it is written: "Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person" (1 John 2:4).

Do yourself a favor: stop causing the blood of others to be on your hands. Either go all in and surrender your life truly to Jesus and repent, or go all in with your sin. Although you'll go to hell, at least you won't be causing others to stumble and go to hell with you by thinking that your version of following Jesus is the way when it's not.

It's better that one sees you for who you are—a lukewarm, so-called believer—than to hear you talk about Jesus and do things appearing to be for Jesus, while deliberately sinning at the same time.

You are deceiving many as though you are a faithful follower, but you are not. Then you mislead them to become lukewarm like yourself and go to hell.

Jesus said it better: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Notice, Jesus said he even wished you would be cold by saying, "I wish you were one or the other," which cold represents being dead in sin, "or hot," which represents living faithfully in righteousness.

Yes, even Jesus gets tired of the foolishness that lukewarm people do, appearing to be for him, wanting to live for him, but also in the world enjoying the flesh at the same time.

You are using his name in vain. You are badly representing him to others, as if he condones sin and worldly living, causing others to stumble and follow your ways straight to hell.

The Advent Truth.
Jesus and the apostles warned us that false teachers don’t normally announce themselves as false teachers. They come from among God’s people, speak religious language, use Scripture, and appear to be Christians.

Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders was chilling:

“For I know this, that after my departing shall GRIEVOUS WOLVES enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also OF YOUR OWN SELVES shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” — Acts 20:29-30

Notice: Paul wasn’t primarily warning them about atheists outside the church.

He warned about wolves INSIDE the flock.

Jesus said the same thing:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” — Matthew 7:15

That’s what makes spiritual deception so dangerous.

The wolf doesn’t show up LOOKING like a wolf.

He wears wool.

He carries a Bible.

He talks about Jesus.

Paul warned that there would come a time when people would “not endure sound doctrine,” but would gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Peter warned that “there shall be false teachers among you” who would secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1).

John said, “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).

And Isaiah gives us the standard:

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” — Isaiah 8:20

The question isn’t:

“Do I like this preacher?”

“Is he popular?”

“Does he mention Jesus?”

“Did his sermon make me feel good?”

The question is:

IS WHAT HE’S TEACHING BIBLICAL?

Don’t outsource your discernment to your favorite preacher.

Open your Bible.

Be a Berean.

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” — Acts 17:11

And yes—test what I teach by the exact same standard.

The sheep who know the Shepherd’s voice won’t easily follow the voice of a wolf.

A Nugget of Truth.
WHY DID GOD SAY, “LET US MAKE MAN” IN GENESIS 1:26?

One of the most mysterious statements in the creation account is found in Genesis 1:26:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

The question is simple but profound:

Who was God talking to when He said, “Let us”?

Many explanations have been given, but we must allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.

1. “LET US” DOES NOT MEAN THERE ARE MANY GODS

The Bible is very clear that there is one God.

Deuteronomy 6:4 declares:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

So Genesis 1:26 cannot be used to teach that there are multiple independent gods.

The phrase “let us” must be understood consistently with the rest of Scripture.

2. CHRISTIANS UNDERSTAND THIS IN LIGHT OF THE TRINITY

The clearest Christian understanding is that Genesis 1:26 gives an early glimpse of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Trinity does not mean three gods. It means one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Notice what happens throughout Scripture:

THE FATHER CREATES:

Genesis 1:1 speaks of God creating the heavens and the earth.

THE SPIRIT IS PRESENT:

Genesis 1:2 says the Spirit of God was moving over the waters.

THE SON IS INVOLVED IN CREATION:

John 1:1–3 teaches that the Word was with God and that all things were made through Him.

Colossians 1:16 likewise connects creation with Christ.

Therefore, when God says, “Let us make man,” Christians see a beautiful harmony with the later revelation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

3. BUT THERE IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT POSSIBILITY

Some interpreters understand “let us” as God speaking in the presence of His heavenly court, angelic beings.

There are other passages where God is pictured among heavenly beings, such as Job 1:6 and 1 Kings 22:19–22.

However, there is an important distinction:

God did not say, “Let us create God.”

He alone is the Creator.

And Genesis 1:27 immediately changes the wording:

“So God created man in his own image.”

Notice it carefully:

“Let us make man”

then

“God created man.”

The Bible does not say that angels created humanity.

4. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IS NOT “ US " IT IS “OUR IMAGE”

Genesis 1:26 says:

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

Then verse 27 says humanity was created in God’s image.

This means human beings possess a unique dignity and calling within creation.

Being made in God’s image does not mean humans physically look like God.

Rather, humanity was created to reflect God in a unique way through qualities such as moral responsibility, relational capacity, rational thought, stewardship, and the ability to represent God’s rule on earth.

5. GENESIS WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THE FULL REVELATION OF THE TRINITY

This is extremely important.

Genesis does not give us a complete theological explanation of the Trinity.

The fuller revelation comes progressively through Scripture.

In the New Testament, we see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together in passages such as Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.

So Genesis 1:26 can be understood as consistent with the Trinity, but we should not pretend that Genesis alone gives the entire doctrine.

THE DEEPER MESSAGE

The mystery of Genesis 1:26 ultimately points us toward something greater:

Humanity was not an accident.

God intentionally created mankind.

You were created with purpose.

You were created to bear God’s image.

And that means human life has value that cannot be measured merely by wealth, status, appearance, education, or social position.

The same God who said,

“Let us make man,”

is the God who created humanity with dignity, responsibility, and purpose.

TEACHING SUMMARY

Genesis 1:26 is not evidence of many gods.

The phrase “Let us make man” has been understood by Christians primarily as fitting the revelation of the Trinity, while some interpreters also see the possibility of God addressing His heavenly court.

But Genesis 1:27 makes the central truth unmistakable:

God alone is the Creator, and humanity was created in God’s image.

The great mystery is not merely:

“Who was God talking to?”

The greater revelation is:

“Why did the eternal God choose to create human beings in His image?”

Because humanity was created to know God, reflect His character, exercise responsible dominion over creation, and live in relationship with Him.

Daily Bible Lesson .
WHY DOES REVELATION POINT TO ROME AS BABYLON—AND WHAT DEADLY “WINE” IS INTOXICATING THE WORLD?

“Babylon… made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” — Revelation 14:8

John saw something terrifying:

A WOMAN WITH A GOLDEN CUP.
KINGS UNITED WITH HER.
NATIONS DRINKING.
A WORLD INTOXICATED.

Revelation 17:1–6

This is not merely about ancient Rome.

It is about WORSHIP. AUTHORITY. DECEPTION. CONSCIENCE.

And ultimately—

CHRIST OR HUMAN AUTHORITY: WHO WILL RULE THE HEART?

Before pointing at Babylon, therefore, ask:

IS ANYTHING IN HER CUP ALREADY IN MINE?
---

① THE WOMAN—RELIGION THAT BECAME UNFAITHFUL TO CHRIST

A pure woman symbolizes God's faithful people.

“I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.” — Jeremiah 6:2

But Revelation 17 shows a harlot.

Why?

Because she still appears religious—

yet has become unfaithful to her rightful Husband.

“MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT.” — Revelation 17:5

Babylon is therefore not merely irreligion.

It is something more deceptive:

RELIGION WITHOUT FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST AND HIS WORD.

The greatest danger may not be rejecting the Bible—

but using the Bible while placing another authority above it.
---

② WHY ROME?—FOLLOW THE PROPHETIC MARKERS

Revelation does not ask us to guess.

The woman sits upon seven mountains. — Revelation 17:9

She is connected with the city that “reigneth over the kings of the earth.” — Revelation 17:18

In John's day, that ruling city was Rome.

Daniel had already foretold a power arising from the Roman world that would:

SPEAK GREAT WORDS.
PERSECUTE THE SAINTS.
THINK TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAW.

Daniel 7:23–25

Revelation 13 continues the same prophetic pattern.

This is why historic Protestant interpreters identified papal Rome as a central fulfillment of these prophecies.

But notice carefully:

PROPHECY IDENTIFIES A SYSTEM—NOT EVERY PERSON WITHIN IT.

For God Himself says:

“Come out of her, MY PEOPLE.” — Revelation 18:4

CHRIST HAS PEOPLE EVEN WHERE ERROR EXISTS.
---

③ HER FORNICATION—WHEN THE BRIDE REACHES FOR CAESAR

Why does God call it fornication?

Because the church belongs to one Husband.

“I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:2

Yet Babylon joins herself to:

“The kings of the earth.” — Revelation 17:2

Here lies the prophetic tragedy:

THE BRIDE REACHES FOR CAESAR WHEN SHE SHOULD CLING TO CHRIST.

Religion seeks government power to accomplish what Christ entrusted to truth and the Holy Spirit.

Ellen White warns that when churches seek civil power to enforce religious observances, the principles of the prophetic image to the beast are reproduced. — The Great Controversy, p. 445

Jesus declared:

“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36

CHRIST WINS CONSCIENCES.
BABYLON SEEKS TO CONTROL THEM.
---

④ THE WINE—ERROR THAT MAKES CROOKED THINGS LOOK STRAIGHT

Why wine?

Because intoxication does something frightening:

IT DISTORTS PERCEPTION.

A drunken man can feel perfectly confident—

while walking crooked.

So can a religious person.

“A golden cup in her hand full of abominations.” — Revelation 17:4

Ellen White identifies this intoxicating cup with the false doctrines Babylon has received and communicated to the world. — The Great Controversy, p. 388

Here is the warning:

THE CUP IS GOLDEN—BUT GOLD DOES NOT PURIFY WHAT IS INSIDE.

Falsehood rarely conquers by announcing:

“I am false.”

It comes dressed as—

TRADITION.
AUTHORITY.
ANTIQUITY.
POPULARITY.
RELIGION.

Therefore:

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

NEVER CONFUSE AN ANCIENT BELIEF WITH AN INSPIRED BELIEF.
---

⑤ FIRST INTOXICATION—TRADITION ABOVE “IT IS WRITTEN”

Jesus exposed this danger directly:

“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition.” — Mark 7:13

That is Babylon's operating principle:

MAN'S WORD WHERE GOD'S WORD SHOULD RULE.

Jesus defeated Satan three times with:

“IT IS WRITTEN.” — Matthew 4:4,7,10

That must become our foundation too.

Not—

“My church teaches it.”

“My family always believed it.”

“Millions cannot be wrong.”

But:

“WHAT IS WRITTEN?”

“To the law and to the testimony.” — Isaiah 8:20

FAITH DOES NOT ASK TRADITION FOR PERMISSION TO OBEY GOD.
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⑥ THE OLD WINE—“YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE”

The first doctrinal contradiction in Scripture came from the serpent.

God said:

“Thou shalt surely die.” — Genesis 2:17

Satan answered:

“Ye shall not surely die.” — Genesis 3:4

Scripture still declares:

“The dead know not any thing.” — Ecclesiastes 9:5

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” — Ezekiel 18:4

Why does this matter in the last days?

Because Revelation predicts supernatural deception.

“Spirits of devils, working miracles.” — Revelation 16:14

If Satan can impersonate the dead—

a false doctrine about death can become a doorway for a false supernatural experience.

THE SERPENT'S FIRST LIE MAY HELP PREPARE THE WORLD FOR HIS FINAL DECEPTION.

Our safety?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart.” — Psalm 119:11
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⑦ THE GREAT QUESTION—WHO HAS AUTHORITY TO DEFINE WORSHIP?

God sanctified the seventh day.

Genesis 2:2–3

God wrote:

“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10

Jesus declared:

“The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” — Mark 2:28

Revelation's final crisis is unmistakably about worship.

“Worship Him that made heaven, and earth.” — Revelation 14:7

versus:

“If any man worship the beast and his image…” — Revelation 14:9

Then Heaven points to the faithful:

“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12

So the deepest Sabbath question is not merely:

WHICH DAY?

It is:

WHO IS LORD?

If Jesus is Lord—

His Word outranks every human tradition.
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⑧ THE MOST DANGEROUS WINE—ANYTHING THAT OBSCURES CHRIST

At Babylon's deepest level, the issue is not merely a collection of incorrect doctrines.

It is another authority standing where Christ belongs.

Scripture declares:

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

“Neither is there salvation in any other.” — Acts 4:12

No human priesthood can replace His mediation.

No human merit can supplement His sacrifice.

No human authority can outrank His Word.

CHRIST IS ENOUGH.

CHRIST OUR SACRIFICE.
CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST.
CHRIST OUR MEDIATOR.
CHRIST OUR SAVIOR.

“We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” — Hebrews 4:14

THE MORE CLEARLY CHRIST IS SEEN, THE LESS ROOM REMAINS FOR COUNTERFEITS.

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⑨ WHY DO KINGS DRINK?—BECAUSE ERROR EVENTUALLY WANTS POWER

Babylon's wine does not remain inside a church.

Revelation shows a terrifying progression:

ERROR BECOMES ALLIANCE.
ALLIANCE BECOMES LEGISLATION.
LEGISLATION BECOMES PRESSURE.
PRESSURE BECOMES COERCED WORSHIP.

“No man might buy or sell…” — Revelation 13:17

Finally:

“Cause that as many as would not worship… should be killed.” — Revelation 13:15

But Jesus never forced a conscience.

He said:

“If any man will come after Me…” — Matthew 16:24

And:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” — Revelation 3:20

Notice the difference:

**JESUS KNOCKS.

BABYLON COMPELS.**

TRUTH NEEDS NO SWORD TO MAKE IT TRUE.

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⑩ WHY DOES THE WORLD BECOME DRUNK?—SINCERITY CAN EXIST WITHOUT TRUTH

Here is what makes deception terrifying:

A deceived person usually does not know he is deceived.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12

Sincerity matters.

But sincerity cannot transform error into truth.

So the Bereans did something every last-day Christian must learn:

“They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” — Acts 17:11

They did not ask:

“WHO SAID IT?”

They asked:

“IS IT WRITTEN?”

THE SAFEST CHRISTIAN IS NOT THE ONE WHO NEVER QUESTIONS HIS TRADITION—BUT THE ONE WHO LETS SCRIPTURE QUESTION EVERYTHING.
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⑪ NOW TURN THE PROPHECY AROUND—IS BABYLON IN ME?

We can correctly identify prophetic Babylon—

and still possess Babylon's spirit.

That should make us tremble.

DO I LOVE TRUTH WHEN IT CORRECTS ME?

DO I OBEY WHEN OBEDIENCE COSTS ME?

DO I DEFEND SCRIPTURE—or merely my interpretation?

DO I WANT CHRIST TO RULE—or simply to confirm what I already believe?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” — Psalm 139:23

Prophecy was never given merely to expose somebody else's apostasy.

IT WAS GIVEN TO PREPARE MY CHARACTER FOR CHRIST'S COMING.

Knowing Babylon cannot save me.

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee… and Jesus Christ.” — John 17:3
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⑫ THE ANTIDOTE TO BABYLON'S WINE—THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL

This may be the most beautiful truth in the whole prophecy.

Before Heaven cries:

“BABYLON IS FALLEN!” — Revelation 14:8

Heaven first proclaims:

“THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL.” — Revelation 14:6

That order is deliberate.

Before God exposes the counterfeit—

HE REVEALS CHRIST.

Before He calls people out—

HE GIVES THEM SOMEONE TO COME TO.

Babylon offers intoxicating wine.

Jesus cries:

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” — John 7:37

Babylon elevates human authority.

Jesus says:

“Thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

Babylon reaches for earthly power.

Jesus conquers through Calvary:

“I… will draw all men unto Me.” — John 12:32

THE FINAL MESSAGE IS NOT BABYLON-CENTERED.

IT IS LAMB-CENTERED.

The purpose of exposing Babylon is not merely to make people leave error—

BUT TO BRING THEM TO JESUS.

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⑬ “COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”—THE VOICE BEHIND THE WARNING IS LOVE

Perhaps the tenderest words in the prophecy are:

“Come out of her, MY PEOPLE.” — Revelation 18:4

MY PEOPLE.

Not:

“My enemies.”

Not:

“People beyond salvation.”

MY PEOPLE.

God has sincere people inside systems containing error.

Therefore true present truth produces tears—not hatred.

We do not attack Catholics.

We do not despise Protestants.

We do not exalt ourselves.

WE EXPOSE ERROR—
LOVE PEOPLE—
OPEN SCRIPTURE—
AND LIFT UP CHRIST.

“The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 826
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WHEN JESUS SHOWS YOU TRUTH THAT CROSSES YOUR TRADITION, YOUR COMFORT, YOUR REPUTATION, OR YOUR CHERISHED OPINION—WILL YOU FOLLOW THE LAMB?

That is present truth brought home to the heart.

DON'T MERELY IDENTIFY THE GOLDEN CUP.

REFUSE THE WINE.
OPEN THE WORD.
FOLLOW THE LAMB.
DRINK DEEPLY FROM CHRIST.

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” — John 4:14

28 Beleifs # 28
THE NEW EARTH

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen.

My Daily Witness.
Jesus loves you so much that HE died for you, and Rose from the dead for you, and now desperately longs to have a personal relationship with you, will you accept Him into your heart and life today, as your Savior, and King? Repent of sin in your life, and live for HIM, and let Him live through you.

For God so loved the world, that HE gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

After accepting Jesus as your Savior, show your love for HIM by keeping His Commandments.

"If you love me keep my commandments". John 14:15.

ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, REPENT OF SIN IN YOUR LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, INCLUDING THE 4TH COMMANDMENT (THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH).

FOR JESUS CHRIST IS SOON RETURNING, AND HIS REWARD IS WITH HIM, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO EVERLASTING DEATH!!!!!
Revelation 12:14
Revelation 22:12
Daniel 12:2

Daily Devotional
A father to the poor.

I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. Job 29:16

This was an evidence that Job had righteousness that was after Christ’s order. Through Jesus men may possess a spirit of tender pity toward the needy and distressed.... He descended to the lowest humiliation and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, that He might exalt us to be joint heirs with Himself. The whole world was in need of that which Christ alone could give them. He did not withdraw Himself from those who called upon Him for help. He did not do as many now do, say, “I wish they would not trouble me with their affairs. I want to hoard up my means, to invest it in houses and lands.” Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, turned from the splendor of His heavenly home, and in the gracious purpose of His heart He demonstrated the character of God to men throughout the world.

Take away poverty, and we should have no way of understanding the mercy and love of God, no way of knowing the compassionate and sympathetic heavenly Father.

First meet the temporal necessities of the needy and relieve their physical wants and sufferings, and you will then find an open avenue to the heart, where you may plant the good seeds of virtue and religion.

Never does the gospel put on an aspect of greater loveliness than when it is brought to the most needy and destitute regions.... Truth from the Word of God enters the hovel of the peasant and lights up the rude cottages of the poor.... Rays from the Sun of Righteousness bring gladness to the sick and suffering. Angels of God are there.... Those who have been loathed and abandoned are raised through faith and pardon to the dignity of sons and daughters of God.

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Christianity is the solace of the poor. [245]

August 28th, 2026
Read; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Paul tells believers to encourage and build one another up, and he also recognizes the grace already at work among them. Christian growth requires both truth and faithful practice. What we know from God's Word should shape how we speak, serve, endure, and love. Sometimes the most strengthening words are not demands for something new, but a sincere recognition of steadfast obedience. Let us notice God's work in one another and offer encouragement that helps our brothers and sisters continue in faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the grace You pour into Your children, enabling us to serve You. Help us to see Your work in our brothers and sisters, that we may comfort and encourage them as Your Word commands. Grant us wisdom to speak words that build up and strengthen their faith, recognizing Your steadfast presence in their lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Conflict and Courage.
Daniel 1:1-15
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. Daniel 1:17.
Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they were. The time came when they must act for themselves—when their future depended upon their own course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood.44Messages to Young People, 243.

What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose.45Education, 57.

Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more favored of fortune than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt; yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported to the most magnificent of cities, to the court of its greatest monarch, and were singled out to be trained for the king's special service. Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court.... The direction that their food should be supplied from the royal table was an expression both of the king's favor and of his solicitude for their welfare. But a portion having been offered to idols, the food from the king's table was consecrated to idolatry; and in partaking of the king's bounty these youth would be regarded as uniting in his homage to false gods.46Ibid., 54, 55.

The history of Daniel and his youthful companions has been recorded on the pages of the inspired word for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding ages. Through the record of their fidelity to the principles of temperance, God is speaking today to young men and young women, bidding them gather up the precious rays of light He has given on the subject of Christian temperance, and place themselves in right relation to the laws of health.47Messages to Young People, 243.

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals

How did the Israelites know how to behave before the Ten Commandments were given?

August 28th, 2026

God’s law is eternal. Since sin is the transgression of the law and sin existed before Sinai, then there must have been a law before the time of Moses. In Genesis, you can actually find some of the commandments spoken about before Sinai. For example, see Genesis 35:1–4 for a reference to the first commandment. In addition, it was transmitted orally from person to person.

However, by the time of Moses, after the people had been in slavery under Egypt, and thereby under the influence of a pagan religion, their memory had been corrupted and diluted. That’s why Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, so his people would not be confused. Of course, God ultimately wrote the Ten Commandments so there would never have to be any guessing about what’s right and wrong.

To show this point: Long before Moses wrote the Ten Commandments onto scrolls, God said to Cain, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door” (Genesis 4:7). The Bible also records, “Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (Genesis 26:5). Joseph also knew it was a sin to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife. He said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). He evidently knew adultery was a sin before the Ten Commandments were written. It had been passed on to him, so he knew God’s law.

Originally, God’s law went from Adam orally, straight out of the garden of Eden, to become part of the oral tradition. Moreover, Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, so they knew their Father’s character, which is revealed in the Ten Commandments. They passed this knowledge to their offspring, but because of man’s failing memory, they eventually had to write it down.