QUESTIONS?  Have you ever stopped and wondered how we got here? Then one question leads to another, who made the planet? Who made the universe? What if you were never born? What if there was no earth? The answers to these questions and many more are found in the Book.

In this series, in the context of the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14, which make up the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are the present truth for our time, we look at the significance of creation and the importance of worshipping the creator.

You can find our previous videos at SabbathSchoolDaily.com. And the study guide for these lessons at Sabbath.School or ssnet.org.

Seeking God’s Presence

God Most High, we look to you, the creator of heaven and earth. Help us appreciate your creation and find pleasure in worshiping you.  In Jesus’ Name Amen

It is so easy for us to take things for granted and expect that they are a given, especially those things we have always known or always had. This is often the case with little children. They take their parents for granted simply because, in their eyes, their parents have always been. This can be true for us; we can take for granted that the sun, the sky, the stars, the moon, and even the ground we walk on will always be there. Because He has always been, could we be taking God for granted?

For instance, we ask. Does God really exist, and does he deserve our worship? And, yes, one question leads to another. Who made this earth? What if we did not exist? What if the Earth, the stars, and the planets did not exist?

Scientists think that the universe has not always been. They propose that our existence is based on mathematical contingencies; it is thus a miracle that we are here at all. Then there is the age-old question: Why is there something rather than nothing?

Have you ever wondered why the universe exists? It’s amazing how everything in it, like the stars and planets, is so vast and astonishing. But why is it all here? What would happen if it wasn’t here?

Even though some people may say the universe came from nothing or from some mathematical equation, in truth, our universe exists because of God. He created it and everything in it. Therefore, He deserves our worship.

As a matter of fact, the book of Revelation is all about worship. For instance, Revelation 4:11 says:

“ ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created’ ” (Revelation 4:11, NKJV).

Revelation reveals that God is the one who created us. He has always been with us, and He is the one who is with us even in the middle of hard times. 

Though we may face difficulties, trials, and hardships, he never leaves us. He is worthy of our worship. See why he deserves our worship as you continue watching this video, Day 2: A Companion in Tribulation.

We find in Acts 1:9 that after his death and resurrection, Jesus went to heaven.

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

Then later, He came back to Earth to visit John.

John was the last of Jesus’ Twelve Followers who was still alive. John lived on the Island of Patmos. John had been exiled to Patmos Island. This island was where Roman leaders sent criminals. The Roman king Domitian sent John to the island because John continued to preach about Jesus.

John’s banishment to Patmos Island lets us know that even in doing what God wants us to do, in this world of sin, we are not exempt from disappointments, hardships, and trials.

This is the point the following scriptures make:

Revelation 1:9

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:9)

Matthew 13:21

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. (Matthew 13:21)

Acts 14:22

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Hence, we see that choosing to follow Jesus in this life does not secure us from life trials and difficulties.

John was separated from the support of his family, friends, and even his Christian community. But he was not left all alone in his suffering. The work God had appointed him to do was not over.

God sent an angelic Visitor from heaven of dazzling brightness to visit John on that lonely island. He brought John a message directly from the throne of God in heaven. This angelic being, with such dazzling brightness, delivered a message from Jesus to John.

This message was not only for John, but it was also a message of hope for believers in John’s day and for all believers to the end times. It is a message for every generation. This message is the book of Revelation.

What is the purpose of the Book of Revelations? It is designed to help us get ready for Jesus’ second coming. It is also a message of warning designed to encourage us as we prepare to meet the tests and troubles we will face as we move toward the final days or even any trials we may be currently facing.

It is said that today if you visit Patmos Island, you can go to the cave where many people believe Jesus met John. At the entrance to the cave, A Bible verse is written on a sign that summarizes the entire book of Revelation. The verse says: “ ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water ”

The central theme in the book of Revelation is worship. God created us and put within us the desire to worship. He wants us to worship Him. Every one of us, whether are willing to admit it or not, worship someone or something. Who do you worship?

When we worship God, we discover life’s true purpose; we discover the true meaning of life.  When we worship God, we will have something worth dying for. More than that, we also will have a reason for living. And when times get hard, our worship of God will give us a reason to endure tribulation. Worshipping God helps us understand better what Paul meant when he said in Acts 14:22, “ ‘We must through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God’ ” (Acts 14:22, NKJV).

Similarly, Peter warns us in I Peter 4:12-15 not to be surprised when we face hard trials.

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. (I Peter 4:12-15)

Therefore, we can expect to suffer even for our faith.

When we look at things from this perspective, it all makes sense, but there are many who have accepted the idea of evolution. Evolution, however, is overruled when we look at the first Book of the Bible, Genesis. How does the Book of Genesis answer our question of how we got here? Find out on Day 3: Worship the Creator

Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church

 7902 Wheatly Street

Houston, TX 77088

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