Sermon Outline: "The Stages of the Sunday Law"

Text: Revelation 13; Daniel 11:40-45; GC 608, 635
Speaker: Pastor Giancarlo de Miranda
 

I. Introduction: The Coming Crisis

A. Context of Revelation 13

• The "beast" (papacy) and "second beast" (USA) unite (Rev. 13:12).

• Key Prophecy: The U.S. will enforce global Sunday worship (Rev. 13:15-17).

B. Purpose of Tonight’s Study

• Understand the progressive stages of Sunday legislation.

• Prepare spiritually for persecution without fear (Matt. 10:28).

II. The Four Stages of the Sunday Law

Stage 1: Refraining from Sunday Work

• Description: Initial laws discourage labor on Sunday.

• Adventist Response:

  • Avoid unnecessary offense (Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 232).

  • Use Sunday for missionary work (open-air meetings, writing, visitation).

• Key Quote:

  "Sunday can be used for carrying forward work that accomplishes much for the Lord." —Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 233.

Stage 2: Social Pressure & Fines

• Description:

  • Public shaming, job loss, fines for Sabbath keepers.

  • Families divide (GC 608).

• Biblical Parallel: Daniel’s friends pressured to compromise (Dan. 3).

• Adventist Response:

  • Stand firm; prioritize conscience over convenience.

Stage 3: Imprisonment & Exile

• Description:

  • Laws escalate; Sabbath keepers jailed or banished (GC 608).

• Modern Parallel: Persecution of Christians in restrictive nations.

• Promise:

  "The Lord will interpose for His people in their extremity." —GC 635.

Stage 4: Death Decree (Post-Probation)

• Description:

  • Global mandate to kill dissenters (Rev. 13:15; GC 635).

  • Timing: After probation closes (Rev. 22:11).

• Hope:

  • God’s people sealed (Rev. 7:1-3) and divinely protected.

III. Consequences of the Sunday Law

1. The Loud Cry (Rev. 18:1-4)

   • The message swells as prophecy fulfills.

2. Apostasy Among Believers

   • Many compromise (GC 608); some betray former brethren.

3. Martyrdom & Victory

   • Faithful die as witnesses (Rev. 20:4), but Christ delivers His remnant.

IV. Practical Preparation

1. Deepen Your Walk with Christ

   • Daily prayer/study (Dan. 6:10).

2. Strengthen Community

   • Support fellow believers (Heb. 10:25).

3. Engage in Mission Now

   • Use opportunities to share truth (Matt. 24:14).

Closing Appeal:

"The time to prepare is now. Let your faith be rooted in Christ, not fear."

Prayer Focus:

• Courage for the persecuted (e.g., Jodi, Larry).

• Success for upcoming prophecy seminar.

• Comfort for Susan (loss of pet).

Hymn: "We Have This Hope"

Benediction:

"May we live as faithful pilgrims, ready to meet our Lord."

Key Quotes:

• "The Sunday law will reveal who serves God and who serves man."

• "Persecution tests the genuineness of faith." —1 Peter 1:7.