THE PRESENT TRUTH FOR TODAY, BEFORE THE RETURN OF CHRIST.
Please, share this lesson with your family, friends co-worker and all who you can, for the expansion of the Kingdom of GOD.

In 2 Peter 1:12, the apostle speaks of “present truth.” What does he mean?

The special emphasis of Noah’s “present truth” was a coming flood

Answer: Present truth is an aspect of the everlasting gospel that has particular urgency for a certain time. Examples are:

A. Noah’s message of the Flood (Genesis 6 and 7; 2 Peter 2:5). Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He taught God’s love as he warned of a coming flood that would destroy the world. The Flood message was “present truth” for that time. Its urgent cry was “get into the boat.” And it was so important that it would have been irresponsible not to preach it."

B. Jonah’s message to Nineveh (Jonah 3:4) Jonah’s “present truth” was that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days. Jonah also uplifted the Savior, and the city repented. To omit the 40-day warning would have been unfaithful. It was present truth. It fitted that time in a special way.

C. John the Baptist’s message (Matthew 3:1–3; Luke 1:17). John’s “present truth” was that Jesus, the Messiah, was about to appear. His work was to present the gospel and prepare people for Jesus’ first coming. To have omitted that first coming element of the gospel for his day would have been unthinkable."

D. The three angels’ messages (Revelation 14:6–14). God’s “present truth” for today is contained in the three angels’ messages. Of course, salvation through Jesus Christ alone is central to these messages. However, the “present truth” of the three angels also has been given to prepare people for Jesus’ second coming and to open their eyes to Satan’s highly convincing deceptions. Unless people understand these messages, Satan could capture and destroy them. Jesus knew we needed these three special messages, so in lovingkindness He has given them. They must not be omitted.

* Who does the Bible say will come to give a “present truth” message before the great day of the Lord?

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5).

Answer: Elijah the prophet. There is something significant about Elijah and his message, as we shall see in the next few questions.

* What did Elijah do that caused the Lord to focus on him? Note: Please read 1 Kings 18:17–40."

Answer: Elijah urged the people to make up their minds about whom they would serve (verse 21). The nation was almost wholly idolatrous. Most had forsaken the true God and His commandments. There was one prophet of God, Elijah, and 450 heathen prophets of Baal (verse 22). Elijah suggested that both he and the idolaters build altars and place wood and a bull on them. He then suggested they ask the true God to reveal Himself by setting fire to His altar. The heathen god did not answer, but the true God of Elijah sent fire from heaven and burned up Elijah’s sacrifice.

The Message Demanded a Decision -Elijah’s message came at a time of deep spiritual crisis and national apostasy. It came with such power from heaven that it stopped “business as usual” and drew national attention. Elijah then insisted that people decide whom they would serve, God or Baal. Deeply moved and fully convinced, the people chose God (verse 39)."

John the Baptist presented the “Elijah” message of his day. Those who preach Revelation 14:6–14 have the Elijah message for today.

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.