Foreword

The lessons prepared for this quarter (October–December, 2011), The Sanctuary in the Christian Dispensation, are the last in a series of studies on the plan of redemption and the sanctuary.

We have learned about Jesus Christ, the Saviour of His people, from the beginning of the world to the end. We have learned about the typical meaning of the lamb, the sacrifice (the blood), and the sanctuary service. We have also learned that repentant sinners were pardoned in the daily atonement and considered “clean” after their sins were removed from the sanctuary on the day of atonement.

During this quarter we will learn about the antitypical meaning of these symbols. We will learn about Christ, the Lamb of God. We will learn about Christ’s sacrifice and the merits of His blood. And we will learn about Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

Therefore, “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” and “lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Hebrews 3:1; 6:18, 19).

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest [of the heavenly sanctuary] by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, and having a high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Let us also bear in mind, that we have been called to worship God in the heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 11:l) where we are to enter with boldness in virtue of His blood (Hebrews 10:19); yes, we, who have seen by faith the ark of God’s covenant and its contents when the heavenly sanctuary was opened to our understanding (Revelation 11:19) are being measured by the measurement of the sanctuary, the holy Law of God.

We draw the attention of our Sabbath School students around the world to the opening of the heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 11:19) in connection with Daniel 7:9, 10; 8:14; Revelation 14:6, 7; and Acts 3:19, 20.

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

SABBATH, OCTOBER 1, 2011

First Sabbath Offering for a second church in Melbourne, Australia

Christian greetings to all our brothers, sisters and Sabbath School students around the world.

With a population of 3.8 million, Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. It is located in the state of Victoria and nestled on a large natural bay known as Port Phillip, on the southeastern seaboard of this large country. Melbourne is a diverse and multicultural city and melting pot. It is a home to residents from 233 countries that speak over 180 languages and dialects and follow 116 religious faiths.

Melbourne has a moderate oceanic climate and is well known for its changeable weather conditions. The phrase “four seasons in one day” is part of a popular culture and observed by many visitors to this city.

Our little church in this large city was built in the 1970’s and has served the community for nearly 40 years. The Lord has blessed us and the number of believers has greatly increased. Now our church building has become too small to accommodate the growing number of worshippers assembling each Sabbath.

Another beacon of light is necessary in this part of Australia, so it was decided to organize a second church in Melbourne and through this reach a larger area in this growing city. We have an array of trades’ people, including carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, painters, and electricians ready and eager to build a new church for the Lord. And this is where you can help, too.

If you would be living here in our beautiful city, you could lend a helping hand physically. But because you live in far-away countries you can help by sending your First Sabbath Offering to Melbourne, Australia; it would be much appreciated. With this generous offering we will buy timber and bricks, pipes and paint, cement and mortar to build a house where the Lord can dwell and we can worship Him.

We thank you for your great generosity; the Lord will surely richly bless you.

Your brothers and sisters from Melbourne

May these lessons help our people in their preparation for the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!