The Time Has Come

June 17, 2024 Study Guides

Sermon Study Guide

“The Time Has Come: Living in the End Times with Courage and Faith”

Main Passage: Daniel 2; Revelation 13; Matthew 24

How to Use This Study Guide

This guide is designed to help you engage deeply with the message of “The Time Has Come,” whether you are studying on your own, leading a small group, participating in a Sabbath School class, or conducting family worship. Each session provides focused Scripture passages, teaching points drawn from the sermon, discussion questions to encourage reflection and dialogue, and practical application steps to live out the truths presented.

Icons to guide your study:

📖 Scripture Focus: Key Bible verses for each session to ground your study in God’s Word.
💭 Teaching Points: Important lessons and insights from the sermon, explained with biblical and historical context.
❓ Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions to encourage personal and group discussion.
✍️ Personal Application: Practical steps you can take to apply the truths of the sermon in your daily life.

Session 1: The Rise and Fall of Empires (Daniel 2; Revelation 13)

Opening Scripture:

“You, O king, saw a statue. The head of the statue was made of fine gold… After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours… And in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:31-44)

💭 Teaching Summary:

The sermon begins with a sweeping overview of human history through the lens of empire rise and fall, closely linked to the prophetic vision in Daniel 2. From the Neo-Assyrian Empire to the British and American empires, history shows a pattern of roughly ten generations of dominance before decline. This cycle repeats regardless of technological advances or military power, demonstrating a divine timeline that governs earthly kingdoms.
The early phase of an empire is characterized by boldness and daring initiative as small or insignificant nations erupt onto the world stage, overthrowing decaying powers. These empires expand rapidly through military conquest, often motivated by courage and reckless bravery, as seen in Alexander the Great’s Greek Empire or the Muslim Arab expansion after Muhammad.
Following conquest, empires enter an age of commerce, prosperity, and affluence. Trade flourishes, wealth accumulates, and society enjoys luxury and cultural achievements. However, this stage also brings complacency, as public duty and honor decline, replaced by greed and personal gain. The British Empire’s wide-reaching global influence and Paris’s broad boulevards illustrate this period.
The intellectual age follows, where universities and scholarship flourish, but often amid increasing social polarization and political debate. The Greek philosophical legacy that still influences our thinking today was born in this era, but it also signals coming decline as practical service wanes.
Finally, empires enter a stage of decline marked by internal division, moral decay, defensiveness, and pessimism. Immigrants become majorities in cities, political polarization deepens, and welfare states emerge to control populations. The decline is spiritual and moral as well as political, exemplified by the fall of Rome and the Arab Empire, and seen today in Western nations.

❓ Discussion Questions:

What patterns do you see in the rise and fall of empires throughout history?
How do the ages of conquest, commerce, affluence, intellect, and decline relate to spiritual conditions?
Why do you think empires inevitably fall despite their power and wealth?
How does understanding this cycle help us view our own time and nation?

✍️ Personal Application:

Reflect on the current stage of the nation or community where you live. What signs of decline or renewal do you see?
Pray for wisdom to live faithfully regardless of societal conditions, trusting God’s eternal kingdom.
Commit to being a positive influence in your sphere, focusing on service, integrity, and godly character.

Session 2: The American Empire in Prophetic Perspective (Daniel 11:40; Revelation 13)

Opening Scripture:

“At the time of the end the king of the South will attack him, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet… And the beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.” (Daniel 11:40; Revelation 13:5)

💭 Teaching Summary:

The sermon traces America’s historical phases from pioneer settlement through conquest, commerce, affluence, and into the present age of intellect and decline. The nation’s foundation on Protestant and republican principles is contrasted with a prophetic forecast of spiritual and political apostasy, where liberty will be replaced by authoritarianism.
We are living in a time when freedom of conscience and religious liberty are under assault. Political correctness and critical theories threaten to silence Christian witness, and laws increasingly criminalize speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The rise of a “deep state” and globalist agendas will challenge believers to stand firm.
The speaker highlights how the Bible’s warning in Revelation 13 about a beastly power enforcing false worship and persecuting the saints aligns with current trends toward totalitarianism. The American empire’s role in this end-time scenario includes economic control via digital currencies and health mandates that restrict freedoms.
Despite these troubling signs, Adventists have hope because we understand the end of the story. Jesus Christ will return to establish a kingdom of justice, peace, and eternal life. This hope gives believers strength to endure the trials ahead without fear.
The message calls believers to prepare spiritually and practically for the coming crisis by living in right relationship with God, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power, and remaining unashamed witnesses of truth.

❓ Discussion Questions:

How does the historical progression of America’s empire fit with biblical prophecy?
What are some current challenges to religious liberty and freedom of conscience?
How can Christians prepare spiritually for the end-time trials described in Revelation 13?
What does it mean to live as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom while passing through a declining earthly empire?

✍️ Personal Application:

Evaluate your own spiritual preparedness for times of trial and persecution; seek the Holy Spirit’s power to stand firm.
Consider practical steps to reduce dependence on systems that may compromise your faith or conscience.
Engage in prayer and Bible study regularly to deepen your understanding of end-time prophecy and God’s promises.

Session 3: The Time of the End and Its Challenges (Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 24)

Opening Scripture:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then… But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:13)

💭 Teaching Summary:

The sermon identifies our present age as the “time of the end,” a period marked by intensifying spiritual conflict, social division, and moral decay. This prophetic era began in 1798 with the end of papal supremacy but continues today with growing crises and global upheaval.
Social polarization, moral confusion, and despair characterize this time. The philosophy of despair—rooted in existentialism and postmodernism—permeates society, leading many to seek meaning through identity politics, sexual revolution, or materialism. This spiritual emptiness fuels rebellion against God’s laws and values.
The infrastructure for end-time prophetic events—such as global economic control, health mandates, and surveillance—is already being established, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Revelation 13’s warnings.
Believers are called to shine as lights in this dark time, demonstrating God’s character through love, truth, and courage. Our witness has cosmic significance, rejoicing in heaven and enraging Satan’s forces.
Preparation involves repentance, renewed commitment to God’s Word, and a willingness to stand firm despite opposition. The time has come to live faithfully and minister sacrificially as we await Jesus’ soon return.

❓ Discussion Questions:

What are some signs of the “time of the end” that you recognize in our world today?
How does the philosophy of despair influence societal behaviors and attitudes?
In what ways can Christians be a light amid growing darkness and confusion?
What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind for the challenges of the last days?

✍️ Personal Application:

Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer to maintain spiritual strength and clarity.
Seek to live out the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, gentleness—in your relationships and community.
Engage in gospel ministry locally and globally, using your talents and resources to share the last message of mercy.

Session 4: Standing Faithfully in a Time of Decline (Jeremiah 1:5; Revelation 18)

Opening Scripture:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

💭 Teaching Summary:

God has a divine purpose for each believer born in this time of crisis. Like Jeremiah, we are “handcrafted” and appointed for this unique moment in history to be faithful witnesses amid spiritual and societal decay.
Empires in decline often lash out to preserve their power, but God’s people are called to stand unashamedly for truth, even under persecution. The message of Revelation 18 reminds us that faithful witness will provoke opposition but ultimately leads to the triumph of God’s kingdom.
Historical examples of faithful witnesses—Amos, Augustine, Patrick, John Wesley, Alexander Solzhenitsyn—show that God raises up leaders in times of moral collapse who call people back to covenant faithfulness and revival.
The sermon challenges believers to reject the “meaningless, God-rejecting froth” of popular culture and to recalibrate their consciences with Scripture. We must be as true and consistent in our faith as a needle points unfailingly to the pole.
Serving God in this time requires courage, love, and sacrificial commitment. Our witness has eternal significance, and though the road may be difficult, God’s faithfulness sustains us as we await the return of Jesus.

❓ Discussion Questions:

How do you see God’s purpose in your life during this challenging era?
What attitudes and behaviors must we reject to stand faithfully for Christ?
Who are some role models of faithful witness in times of decline, and what can we learn from them?
How can your daily life reflect the steadfastness of a needle to the pole?

✍️ Personal Application:

Pray for God’s anointing and power to be faithful in your witness.
Identify and surrender any “gods” or distractions that hinder your obedience to God.
Look for opportunities to serve in ministry, using your gifts to advance God’s kingdom.

Session 5: Living with Hope and Purpose in the Time of the End (Revelation 21:4; Romans 1:16)

Opening Scripture:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Revelation 21:4; Romans 1:16)

💭 Teaching Summary:

The sermon concludes with an encouragement to embrace hope as we live in the “time of the end.” Although times are difficult and persecution will increase, believers have the assurance of Jesus’ return and the establishment of a perfect kingdom where suffering ends.
Knowing the end of the story gives strength to endure present trials. The promise that we will worship God with the saints on the sea of glass and that every tribe and nation will be represented assures us that our faithful witness has eternal fruit.
We are not merely born in or into this time but born for this time. God has chosen and prepared us to be His witnesses. Our lives, ministries, and sacrifices have cosmic significance and contribute to the final harvest of souls.
The call is to choose courage over fear, faith over doubt, and boldness over timidity. Trusting God, we step through doors of service even when logic or circumstances do not make sense, knowing He will lead and bless.
The closing prayer invites God’s Spirit to empower us with love, joy, peace, and other fruits, to sustain us through persecution, and to enable us to stand faithful until Jesus returns.

❓ Discussion Questions:

How does the hope of Jesus’ return affect your perspective on current challenges?
What does it mean to you that you were “born for this time”?
How can you cultivate courage, faith, and boldness in your daily walk?
In what ways can you actively participate in the final harvest of souls?

✍️ Personal Application:

Ask God daily for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in your life.
Seek out ministry opportunities where you can share the gospel boldly and lovingly.
Encourage fellow believers to stand firm and remain hopeful through trials.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this time, the time of the end, into which You have graciously placed us. We recognize that You have known and prepared each of us for this moment in history. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to stand firm in truth, shining as lights in a dark world. Help us to live with courage, faith, and boldness, loving and serving others with the gifts You have given us. May we hold fast to the hope of Jesus’ soon return and bring glory to Your name through our lives. Protect us in times of trial, provide us with wisdom, and fill us with peace. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.