Seeing the End of God – Part One (Ben David, Mt. Gilead Center, Jan 19 1991)

Flashcards review key themes from the lecture: spiritual darkness, the need to see God’s end, prophetic patience, church maladies, Moses-style intercession, Day of Vengeance, the role of comforters/watchmen, trumpets of warning and assembly, and replacing rank-based systems with God’s authority.

How should believers respond to worldwide darkness and confusion instead of cursing leaders or the darkness itself?

By lighting the candle of Truth—sharing God’s program and understanding for His church.

What key outlook kept the prophets patient through suffering, according to James 5?

They were looking toward “the end of the Lord” (God’s ultimate purpose).

Which Old-Testament figure is cited as proof that God’s end is better than the beginning?

Job—his latter end was more blessed than his beginning (Job 42:12).

Job 42:12 states the LORD blessed Job’s __ more than his beginning.

latter end

What does the quoted psychologist say about emotions and spiritual endurance?

“The emotions are the walls that become our tombstone,” blocking vision of God’s end and leading to weariness.

Ellen White calls the church’s current condition a “deadly .”

spiritual malady

According to 5T 202, why don’t wounded members look to the cross long enough to live?

The world has so many claims upon them that they have no time.

Which verse states that the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers?

2 Corinthians 4:4

What did Bloomfield identify as the church’s greatest weakness?

Its refusal to allow any machinery for self-cleansing (Revival & Reformation).

Why does poor spiritual health make the church a bad advertisement for God?

Because Christ (the product) is perfect, but an unhealthy church misrepresents Him to the world.

Which biblical figure exemplifies a burden for God’s reputation?

Moses

After the golden calf, what did God propose to do with Israel?

Consume them and make a great nation out of Moses instead (Exodus 32:10).

Give three of the six bases for Moses’ successful intercession.

(1) Favor with God, (2) desire for God to turn/repent, (3) appeal to God’s glory, (4) appeal to God’s reputation, (5) appeal to God’s promise, (6) knowledge of God’s heart.

Which three specific appeals did Moses voice in Exodus 32:11-13?

God’s mighty deliverance (glory), concern for Egypt’s reaction (reputation), and the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (promise).

Romans 12:19 links God’s “vengeance” to what related concept?

Vindication—“vengeance” (Fr. venger, Lat. vindicare) is to vindicate God’s character.

According to Luke 21:22 and 1 Peter 4:17, where does the Day of Vengeance begin?

At the house of God—Zion/Laodicea (the church).

In Isaiah 51:19-20 God asks, “By whom shall I comfort thee?” Who are identified as the comforters?

The little company/watchmen—Gilead Davidians who sigh and cry for the church.

What do rapidly swelling church membership figures signal, per 5T 209?

That the time for God’s visitation (judgment) has about come.

What two groups are contrasted in 5T 209-210 regarding the crisis?

A little company standing in the light versus church members following the world.

What instrument in Joel 2:1 warns of approaching danger?

The shofar (ram’s-horn trumpet).

What second instrument in Joel 2:15 calls the Solemn Assembly?

The silver trumpet.

Primary purpose of the Solemn Assembly in Joel 2:15-17?

Intercession—priests and people plead, “Spare Thy people, O LORD,” appealing to God’s glory, reputation, and promise.

Joel 2:18 promises that after such intercession the LORD will be for His land and His people.

jealous; pity (have pity on)

The lecture equates the Assyrian system with a social order based on what?

Rank, wealth, and conventional distinction instead of divine authority.

Whose insult in 1 Samuel 25 illustrates the oppressive rank-based system?

Nabal’s insult to David (“Who is David?”).

According to Proverbs 18:14, what wound is harder to bear than physical injury?

A wounded spirit (emotional insult).

What distinction does the lecture make between rank and authority?

Rank is conventional distinction without divine backing; true authority comes only from God.

Mission of Gilead Davidians regarding church cleansing?

Act as God’s machinery for self-cleansing—lead Revival & Reformation and gather the leaven (144,000).

Zephaniah 3:14-18 says God will gather those who are sorrowful for what event?

The Solemn Assembly.

Ultimate outcome promised in Zephaniah 3:19-20 once the new order is established?

God will undo affliction, gather outcasts, and give His people praise and fame in every land, turning back their captivity before their eyes.

Main lesson drawn from Job’s story for present believers?

God’s end is greater than the beginning; with vision we can endure trials.

What guiding question should believers ask before every decision or word?

“Is this good advertisement for God?”