Foreword We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our pasthistory."–Life Sketches, p. 196.Prophecy tells us that "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). In these last days as the Lord’s army spreads the message of Christ our Righteousness to this world of sin, persecution will be revived. As the members of the church unite in closer bonds of sacred love with their Saviour and with each other, the enemies of truth will manifest themselves as they have in ages past. This current lesson quarterly seeks to ensure that we will never forget the terrors that have been committed in the past.It is our desire in this quarterly to study how those who came before us dealt with persecution and reformation. We know that the leopardlike beast has always remained the same. We are not to be deceived by the outward appearance being manifested to deceive the unsuspecting. We must know what it cost the Reformers to bring us the Scriptures in our mother tongues. We must know that they had to pay with their lives–men, women and children–to purchase the freedom which we enjoy. We must ask the Lord to strengthen our faith that we will not do less when called to witness for the truth.Because this is a story that unfolded after the Bible was written, the answers to the questions cannot always be found directly in the Scripture text. In some instances the Scriptures given refer to a parallel or illustrative experience.This series of lessons is based on the book The Great Controversy. We cannot stress enough the importance of studying the truths found in this book. Ellen White explained, "God gave me the light contained in The Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets and this light was needed to arouse the people to prepare for the great day of God, which is just before us. These books contain God’s direct appeal to the people. Thus He is speaking to the people in stirring words, urging them to make ready for His coming. The light God has given in these books should not be concealed."–Colporteur Ministry, p. 129.As the deadly wound is being healed, and the way is being prepared for the final conflict, how do you stand? Will you be as courageous as those who went before you? We pray that these lessons will open our eyes to the great need of reformation in our lives, our families, and our churches.
