Closer To Heaven
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by Paul Priest | 1 May 2025 | And he said unto me, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14 KJV “You must lay your preconceived…opinions at the door of investigation. If you search the Scriptures to vindicate your own opinions, you will never reach the truth.” […] Source: https://atoday.org/daniel-814-is-about-the-gospel-of-grace/
Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionFrom the very first pages of the Bible to the final prophecy of Revelation, a red thread runs through Scripture: God’s sovereign guidance over human history. In Lesson 5 we’ve seen that empires rise and fall, human schemes collapse—but God’s kingdom endures. Through the symbols of land, sea, and the great prophetic visions from Daniel to Revelation, we learn that we, too, stand in the midst of this divine drama. And God calls His people to remain faithful and unshaken until the end.
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Bible Study Review
5.1 The First Commandment
The story of Eden shows us from the start that obedience to God brings life. Humanity quickly learned that knowledge without God leads to suffering. God’s clear boundaries sprang from love—but like ancient Israel, we too are prone to overstep them.
5.2 Daniel 2
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue—gold, silver, bronze, iron, and then fragile feet of iron and clay—reveals the sequence of earth’s empires. All human kingdoms will shatter, but only God’s kingdom endures forever.
5.3 Daniel 7
Wild beasts emerge from the roaring sea—symbols of the brutal, self-centered nature of worldly powers. Yet even amid chaos, hope abides: the “Son of Man” will come and establish an eternal, righteous kingdom.
5.4 Between Land and Sea
Land represents divine order; sea, human tumult. Revelation shows how “the land” once sheltered the faithful—just as the New World offered refuge to persecuted believers—but no earthly refuge remains forever. Our only security is in God’s unchanging reign.
5.5 Proclaim Again
The call to “prophesy again” is addressed to the remnant church. With a message to “nations, tribes, and languages,” God summons His people to shine His light before history’s final chapter is written. Daniel’s and Revelation’s prophecies are more relevant today than ever.
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Spiritual PrinciplesObedience is the key to true life.
Earthly kingdoms pass away; God’s kingdom remains.
God is sovereign even when history seems chaotic.
Prophetic faithfulness is crucial in the last days.
True security lies in God, not in human institutions.
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Everyday ApplicationStudy God’s Word daily—especially prophecy—to keep your hope alive.
Live as a light-bearer: reflect Jesus’ character, not the methods of this world.
Maintain humility even as the world exalts itself.
Prepare your heart so you remain steadfast when turmoil comes.
Proclaim the gospel with boldness and love.
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ConclusionThe kingdoms of this world are temporary, but God’s kingdom is certain and glorious. The Bible is not merely a collection of ancient stories; it is a living revelation of God’s plan for our time. By grasping the prophetic lessons from Eden, Daniel, and Revelation, we are empowered to live today as witnesses for Jesus.
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Thought of the Day“In a world rocking under the waves of human rebellion, God’s kingdom is our safe harbor. His Word is our fixed star—steady and unshakable.”
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Illustration – “Flames Over the City”(A 21st-century story)
On a rainy night in a forgotten Midwestern town, Caleb Wright sat alone in a crumbling library. Rain leaked through the roof, wind howled through broken windows, and the neon signs of the deserted main street flickered.
Caleb pastored a tiny congregation—barely ten faithful souls. A theology graduate, he struggled for an audience in a world growing ever louder, faster, and more indifferent to God. Yet he sensed something monumental unfolding. The signs of the times he had studied in Daniel and Revelation—instability, disasters, wars, and a frantic call for unity at any cost—were suddenly flashing everywhere.
That evening he opened his worn Bible to Daniel chapter 2. Over and over he read of the statue—gold, silver, bronze, iron—and the stone that shatters it all. “No human kingdom will stand,” he whispered. “Only God’s kingdom.”
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Emily, a young member of his flock, stood soaked and determined.
“Pastor,” she gasped, “they’re coming! New laws—new rules about religion. No small groups. No Bible studies without registration.”
Caleb closed his Bible slowly. It was exactly what Revelation 13 had described: the land-beast—once lamb-like—now speaking like a dragon.
“Then it’s time,” he said calmly, “for us to speak even louder about the coming stone.”
In the weeks that followed, Caleb organized secret meetings in barns, basements, and shuttered schools. They studied the prophecies, they prayed, and they braced their hearts for the storms ahead. And Caleb reminded them again and again, “We belong not to this kingdom. Our King is yet to come.”
A year later, the town looked different. Sirens wailed, checkpoints stood on the main roads. Yet on Sunday evenings candles glowed in windows—secret signals among believers. In a dilapidated church building, Caleb preached from Daniel 7 about the beasts rising from the churning sea, the fall of empires, and the need to stay true to God—no matter the cost.
When the authorities came one night to break up the gathering, members whispered, “This is not the end. This is the beginning.” Their bodies might be bound, but their hearts were free.
Years later, as the world sank deeper into turmoil, people told stories of that tiny church in the little town whose light never went out. They spoke of an old pastor who preached in a leaky sanctuary about an eternal kingdom that would come. Even when walls fell and crowds raged, he never stopped proclaiming the gospel.
They spoke of Caleb Wright—and of countless small flames that never burned out.
May 2, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Genesis 16 – When Human Plans Fail, God’s Grace Speaks══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Genesis 16 (KJV)1 Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.
6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thine hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
7 And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13 And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
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IntroductionGenesis 16 shows how human impatience and self-made solutions often lead to conflict and suffering. Sarai and Abram try to fulfill God’s promise by their own device, which brings tension. Yet in the midst of distress, God meets Hagar with mercy, speaks to her, and gives her a promise.
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CommentaryHuman Impatience and Self-Help (vv. 1–4)
Sarai, childless, urges Abram to conceive by Hagar.
Their attempt to “help” God’s plan reveals lack of trust.
Hagar’s pregnancy brings pride and conflict.
Consequences of Human Initiative (vv. 5–6)
Sarai complains of Hagar’s contempt.
Abram leaves Hagar to Sarai’s harsh treatment.
Hagar flees to the wilderness—an image of human failure.
God’s Encounter with the Despised (vv. 7–12)
The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar by a spring.
God calls her by name and speaks to her—an act of dignity.
He commands her to return but promises great offspring.
Ishmael is named: “God hears.”
Hagar’s Recognition of God (vv. 13–14)
Hagar exclaims, “You are the God who sees me.”
A personal revelation: God sees the outcast.
The Birth of Ishmael (vv. 15–16)
Hagar returns and bears Abram a son, Ishmael.
Abram acknowledges him.
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SummaryGenesis 16 reveals that human detours cannot thwart God’s promises, though they cause pain. Yet God’s grace prevails: Hagar, a lowly servant, becomes the bearer of a special promise. God sees, hears, and acts where human efforts falter.
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Message for TodayGod’s plans unfold not by our haste or scheming, but by trust.
He sees the suffering and the outcast.
Even in your wilderness moments, God meets you with comfort and hope.
Ishmael reminds us: God hears. Hagar teaches: God sees.
Trust that God watches over your journey—even in the desert.
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April 27 – May 3, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2 The Creation Read online here
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IntroductionChapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.
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Commentary
1. The Beauty of the Created World
The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.
Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.
2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation
Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.
There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.
Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.
3. The Institution of Marriage
Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.
Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.
4. The Garden of Eden
Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.
At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
5. The Institution of the Sabbath
After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.
The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.
This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.
6. Humanity as a Moral Being
God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.
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SummaryChapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.
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Application for Today
What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?
Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.
Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.
Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.
Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/2-05-2025-genesis-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/
par Colette Carr | 1 mai 2025 Je suis certaine que vous connaissez ce sentiment lorsqu’en lisant quelque chose, vous vous rendez compte qu’ils expriment clairement ce que vous pensiez depuis quelque temps. C’est enthousiasmant et valorisant. C’est ce qui m’est arrivé lorsque j’ai découvert la métaphore de l’œuf cosmique, telle qu’elle est décrite par […] Source: https://atoday.org/les-lecons-de-loeuf-cosmique-de-richard-rohr/
Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 5 – The Nations: Part 2. It’s the fastest hour of the week!
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(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/the-nations-part-2-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/
1 May 2025 | News from Brazil On April 26, the Barreiros Seventh-day Adventist Church initiative in São José, Santa Catarina, organized by regional Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM), hosted an inclusive worship service for people who are blind, deaf, autistic, or physically disabled. Read the full story here. News from Cuba Boyeros Seventh-day Adventist Church […] Source: https://atoday.org/news-from-brazil-cuba-romania-and-north-american-division/
Inside Story for Friday 2nd of May 2025
By Andrew McChesney
When she was 12, Diana began drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and listening to hard rock music. Amid the partying, her thoughts turned to God.
God hadn’t been much of a part of Diana’s early childhood. Her father spent a lot of time overseas as a sailor in the Navy, and the family, like many military families, moved every two or three years. A few times, her mother took her and her sisters to church on Sundays when they were very young and lived in Florida.
Image © Pacific Press
Diana had the chance to attend Vacation Bible School, at the age of 10, while living in Norfolk, Virginia. A bus came around her neighborhood from the Baptist church and picked her and her older sister up. She memorized John 3:16 and the books of the Bible. She learned about missionaries and respecting the unchangeable Word of God. She chose to be baptized. The church gave her a spiritual foundation. Outside of church was a different story. Diana was being molested, and the trauma would impact her for years.
Then the family moved again when she was 12, this time to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many of the neighborhood children used alcohol and drugs, and Diana joined them.
At 14, Diana moved with her family to Monte Vista, Colorado. While smoking marijuana with her new friends, she sometimes spoke about God. When she was 16, many of her friends were required to take religious classes. Wanting a deeper relationship with her friends, Diana attended the classes with them. During one class, the priest declared that the authority of their church was above the authority of the Word of God because the church had changed God’s day of worship from the biblical seventh day, Saturday, to the first day, Sunday.
Diana was shocked and concerned. She remembered learning that God’s Word could not be changed. She wondered, “Why do people worship on the first day when the Bible clearly says to worship on the seventh day?” Diana decided to finish the religious classes but not to attend the church. She kept on drinking, using drugs, and listening to hard rock music. Over time, they became her identity, her life, her religion.
This mission story offers an inside look at how God miraculously worked in the life of Diana Fish, development director of the US-based Holbrook Seventh-day Adventist Indian School, which received the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering in 2021. Thank you for supporting the spread of the gospel with this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on June 28. Read more about Diana next week.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-05-inside-story-part-1-a-girls-religion/
Daily Lesson for Friday 2nd of May 2025
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“ ‘I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.’ Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.
“One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His glory: ‘He had bright beams coming out of His side: and there was the hiding of His power.’ Habakkuk 3:4, margin. That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God—there is the Saviour’s glory, there ‘the hiding of His power.’ ‘Mighty to save,’ through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute justice upon them that despised God’s mercy. And the tokens of His humiliation are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 674.
Discussion Questions
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(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-05-further-thought-the-nations-part-2/
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