Closer To Heaven
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Dear Friends, “AToday is in my heart,” writes one of our faithful supporters. “Thank you for Adventist Today—it means so much. It keeps us up to date as to what is really happening in Adventism & the church,” adds another. These words from you, our readers, light our path as we step into spring—a season […] Source: https://atoday.org/heres-why-our-readers-support-at/
“Io digiuno due volte la settimana; pago la decima su tutto quello che possiedo”. 📖 Luca 18:12
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💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Liuanna Serra Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv7r2O44Yjg
Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy
Introduction – Orientation in the Fog of OpinionsThe Bible is a book like no other. Especially in the realm of prophecy, we encounter a wide variety of opinions:
The Antichrist – symbol or real person?
Daniel – for back then or for today?
What is literal, what is symbolic?
This diversity can be confusing – or challenging.
Because God invites us not to give up, but to ask more deeply:
“Let the one who reads understand!” (Matthew 24:15)
Bible Study – The 5 Principles of Prophetic Understanding
1. Attention & Humility in Reading (1.1 Let the one who reads understand!)
Principle: Prophecy requires an open, listening heart.
The Bible is not open to random interpretation – God wants us to listen and understand. It’s not just about intellect, but about our inner attitude. (cf. Revelation 1:3)
2. God Desires to Be Understood (1.2 God Wants to Be Understood)
Principle: God does not speak to confuse, but to reveal.
Even if we don’t understand everything, God gives clarity on what matters most for our salvation. (Isaiah 55:9; 2 Timothy 3:15–17)
3. The Unfolding of Knowledge Over Time (1.3 Daniel: Seal the Words)
Principle: Some prophetic truths were reserved for the time of the end.
Understanding grows – like in the book of Daniel – according to God’s set timing. Knowledge is a gift that grows with spiritual maturity. (cf. Daniel 12:4)
4. The Whole Bible Speaks (1.4 Studying the Word)
Principle: Scripture interprets itself.
Single verses should not be taken out of context. We must compare Scripture with Scripture to see the full picture – especially in prophecy. (Luke 24:27)
5. Symbolic or Literal? (1.5 Figurative or Literal)
Principle: The Bible explains its own symbols.
We must not interpret prophetic images through modern lenses (e.g., bear = Russia), but examine how the symbol is used throughout the Bible.
Spiritual Principles – How God Makes Prophecy AccessibleHumility before truth is more important than pride in knowledge.
The Holy Spirit leads us step by step – in peace, not panic.
True prophecy is centered on Christ – not driven by speculation.
The Bible is a whole – not a random collection of quotes.
Application in Daily Life – Living Prophecy, Not Just Reading ItRead the Bible as a learner, not as a critic.
Don’t just ask, “What do I like?” – but “What is God really saying?”
Trust what is clear – and be patient with what is still hidden.
Part of prophetic understanding is speaking with love, not arrogance.
Prophecy is meant to encourage, not to frighten – Jesus is coming again.
Conclusion – Prophecy Is an Invitation, Not a MazeGod wants to speak – not to overwhelm us, but to give us hope.
Prophecy is not a secret code – it’s a love letter in images.
And all those images lead to one person:
Jesus – the Redeemer, the Judge, the Coming King.
Thought of the DayThe Bible is not a book of darkness – but a lamp on our path. Whoever reads it with an open heart will be guided.
Illustration – The Conversation by the WindowLeipzig. A rainy Thursday.
Lina, 31, sat on the windowsill with a hot cup of tea. Beside her: an open notebook, a well-worn Bible – and a question in her mind:
“Can I even understand prophecy?”
Her colleague Daniel, a quiet guy with a passion for history, leaned in the doorway.
“Daniel again?”
She smiled. “Yes. I read yesterday that Daniel was told to seal up his vision – and that it would be understood at the end.”
Daniel stepped closer. “Do you think we’re living in the end?”
Lina shrugged.
“I just know that things suddenly make sense. Prophecies that once seemed cryptic now point clearly.”
He looked at the Bible. “So what’s the goal of all this prophecy? The end of the world? Fear?”
She turned to Revelation 1:1.
“No. Jesus. It says: ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Everything points to Him.”
Daniel was silent.
“So… it’s not about decoding everything…”
“…but about recognizing Him,” she finished the sentence.
Rain tapped against the window. Silence for a moment.
Then Daniel said softly:
“Maybe I should start reading too. Not TikTok shorts. Just… really read.”
Lina handed him her second Bible.
“Just start. Maybe with Daniel 2. Or Revelation 1.”
He took it.
“I’ll start where you said: with Jesus.”
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” (Revelation 1:1)
DAILY BIBLE READING
April 4, 2025
Daily Chapter: Revelation 10 – King James Version Bible Text: Revelation 10 (King James Version)And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Explanation & Context
IntroductionRevelation 10 stands between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments – it is a symbolic chapter that conveys an important message regarding the prophetic commission of the church in the end times. John sees a mighty angel with an open booklet – a symbol of divine revelation. Yet what he experiences is bittersweet: the message is sweet in the mouth but hard to digest in the heart.
This chapter is especially significant for the Advent message – many interpreters view the experience with the booklet as a prophecy regarding the great disappointment of 1844 and the commission for a renewed proclamation of the gospel.
Commentary
Verses 1–3: The Mighty Angel with the Booklet
The angel comes down from heaven, clothed with a cloud (the presence of God), a rainbow on his head (the covenant), a face like the sun (the glory of Christ), and feet like pillars of fire (judgment and purity).
The open booklet in his hand likely represents the book of Daniel, which had previously been “sealed” (cf. Daniel 12:4).
His stance – one foot on the sea and one on the earth – indicates that the message is of universal relevance.
His voice is like that of a lion – powerful and royal.
The seven thunders speak, but their message is to remain sealed (a divine mystery not to be revealed).
Verses 5–7: The Angel’s Oath
The angel swears by the eternal Creator: “There shall be no more delay” – likely referring to the time prophecies now being fulfilled.
With the sounding of the seventh angel’s trumpet, “the mystery of God will be completed” – the story of redemption reaches its climax (cf. Romans 16:25–26).
Verses 8–10: The Experience with the Booklet
John receives the command: “Take the booklet – and eat it!”
This symbolic act represents the internalization and subsequent proclamation of the prophetic message.
Sweet in the mouth = joy over the truth.
Bitter in the stomach = disappointment, suffering due to misunderstanding or rejection.
These verses clearly reflect the experience of the Advent movement around 1844.
Verse 11: The Renewed Commission to Prophesy
After the bitter experience, a new command is given: “You must prophesy again…”
The message is to be proclaimed to all peoples, languages, and kings – a worldwide missionary commission.
SummaryRevelation 10 is a prophetic chapter that symbolically presents the church’s commission in the last days:
A mighty angel brings a heavenly message of universal relevance.
The “booklet” symbolizes the unveiling of prophecy (e.g., from Daniel) and serves as spiritual nourishment.
The experience is bittersweet – representing both the joy of truth and the pain of disappointment and opposition.
Following this experience, a clear command is given for global proclamation.
Message for Us Today God’s Word is sweet – yet sometimes hard to bear. It challenges us, corrects us, and calls us to repentance.
We have a worldwide message! Just as John was commissioned, so are we called to proclaim the gospel “again.”
Disappointments are part of the faith journey. They often signal the beginning of clarity and deeper trust.
God needs bold proclaimers. People who “eat the booklet” – who receive, experience, and then share God’s Word.
“You must prophesy again…” – this command is as relevant today as ever!
Let God’s Word fill you, and be a bearer of light for others.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White – Steps to Christ
Read online here Explanation & Classification IntroductionPrayer is more than a religious obligation or a cry for help in difficult times – it is the living connection between the human soul and the heart of God.
Chapter 11 of Steps to Christ shows us that prayer is not only possible, but a divine privilege – a channel of grace and communion with a loving, listening Father.
And yet – this gift is often neglected, to the great loss of our spiritual life.
Commentary Paragraphs 1–4: The Necessity of Prayer
God speaks to us through nature, Scripture, providence, and His Spirit.
But without our response in prayer, the relationship remains incomplete.
Prayer is more than words – it is opening our heart to God and drawing near to Him.
Paragraphs 5–6: Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Jesus – though divine and without sin – felt the need for prayer.
He sought solitude, carried our burdens, and became our intercessor.
If the Son of God prayed, how much more do we need to pray!
Paragraphs 7–10: God’s Willingness to Hear
God longs to bless us – and yet we pray so little!
The angels can hardly understand this – for they know the joy of constant communion.
Without prayer, we disconnect from heaven and stand defenseless against temptation.
Paragraphs 11–18: Conditions for Answered Prayer
Prayer must be sincere – coming from a heart that longs for God.
Repentance, confession, and forgiveness toward others are essential.
Faith is key – even when we see no immediate answer.
God hears – and answers at the right time, according to our real needs.
Paragraphs 19–25: The Power of Personal and Constant Prayer
Private prayer – in stillness and solitude – has great value.
But prayer can also be a continual connection, a life lived with God.
Biblical examples like Enoch and Nehemiah show us: true prayer is a lifestyle.
Paragraphs 26–30: The Danger of Neglected Prayer
Neglecting prayer leads to spiritual weakness and distance from God.
True devotion includes prayer, fellowship, and service.
Those who isolate themselves or pray without action lose the joy and power of prayer.
Paragraphs 31–End: The Joy of Prayer and Praise
Thanksgiving and praise should be central to our prayer life.
God wants our worship to be joyful, trusting, and full of love – not fear.
Praise opens our hearts to God’s presence and prepares us to receive more blessings.
SummaryPrayer is a sacred gift of grace, through which we live in communion with God.
It is the “key in the hand of faith” that opens heaven’s treasure house.
Prayer is indispensable to the spiritual life – but its power depends on conditions: humility, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Christ gave us the perfect example – and invites us to find strength, peace, and nearness to God through prayer.
Message for Us TodayIn a world of noise, stress, and distraction – prayer remains our direct line to heaven.
“Ask, and it shall be given you…” (Matthew 7:7)
God waits for us – not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Prayer does not change God – it changes us:
Our trust deepens, our thoughts become clear, and our hearts are opened to His Spirit.
What does this mean for you today?
Take time for silent, personal prayer – not out of duty, but for peace and strength.
Stay connected with God throughout the day – in thought, in whisper, in silence.
Trust His answers – even when they come differently than expected.
Forgive others – we cannot ask for grace while holding onto bitterness.
Praise God! Gratitude transforms the heart and prepares us for more blessings.
Prayer is not just speaking with God – it is living with God.
Let us live in the light of this grace-filled gift.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/4-04-2025-revelation-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/
Join G. Alexander Bryant, Kyoshin Ahn, Judy Glass, as they lead the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America in a season of prayer for the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for the Pentecost 2025 Proclamation Initiative. Here testimonies and stories of God's grace. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRew4KOyvO0
3 April 2025 | Not long ago someone told me that shortly after she had become a Seventh-day Adventist, she decided to start using her maiden name again rather than the name of her husband. She had learned about the investigative judgment and was told that everything we do is meticulously recorded in God’s books. […] Source: https://atoday.org/grace-vs-works-a-plea-against-keeping-them-in-balance/
3 April 2025 | Australia “The North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Health department promoted its first FoodSAVE Facilitator Training at Gosford Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 16, equipping local Health Ministry leaders to help communities make nutritious food choices on a budget.” Read the full article here. Loma Linda Amy Young, chief of forensic […] Source: https://atoday.org/news-from-australia-loma-linda-malaysia-and-the-north-american-division/
par Linda McCabe | 3 avril 2025 | Il était une fois une église. (Je ne donnerai ni le nom ni le lieu, mais l’histoire est vraie. En fait, elle ressemble suffisamment à beaucoup d’autres histoires à travers le pays pour que vous ayez peu de chance de l’identifier.) Un jour, entre quarante et cinquante […] Source: https://atoday.org/lettre-aux-comites-deglise-de-par-le-monde-existe-t-il-une-meilleure-facon-detre-une-eglise/
Inside Story for Friday 4th of April 2025
By Laurie Denski-Snyman
Tim was a new missionary, and he was scared. He was selling Christian books on a predominantly non-Christian island in Southeast Asia, and he didn’t want any trouble.
As he made his way down a street, Tim prayed and nervously stepped into the store of a seamstress. Ahead of him, he saw four people waiting in line. The minutes seemed to drag by.
The wait was taking longer than Tim had expected. He was tempted to leave, but something stopped him. He noticed that the seamstress kept glancing over in his direction with an odd expression on her face. From time to time, she even moved over to one side of the counter, close to the wall, so she could peer around the other customers and get a better look at his face.
Finally, the last customer left the store, and it was Tim’s turn in line. But before he could say a word, the seamstress pointed to the books sticking out of his bag.
“I want that book!” she exclaimed. “I want that book, and I want that book!”
“What?” Tim said. “How do you even know that I have books for sale?”
“I had a dream,” the seamstress said. “In the dream, I saw a young man who looked just like you. He had books with him that I needed to read, and one of those books was called The Great Controversy. So, I knew that you were going to come. I knew that I had to purchase The Great Controversy. Do you have that book?”
Tim’s fears about having trouble as a missionary instantly disappeared. He grew excited about selling books. He realized the truth of Deuteronomy 31:8, which says, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (NKJV). He knew that God was going ahead of him, paving the way for him to share the good news about Jesus and His soon coming.
Pray for Tim and other missionaries seeking to reach unreached people groups in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, where this story took place. Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter that will help spread the gospel in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
This Inside Story illustrates the following objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “I Will Go” strategic plan: Mission Objective No. 1, “To revive the concept of worldwide mission and sacrifice for mission as a way of life involving not only pastors but every church member, young and old, in the joy of witnessing for Christ and making disciples,” and Mission Objective No. 2, “To strengthen and diversify Adventist outreach in large cities, across the 10/40 Window, among unreached and under-reached people groups, and to non-Christian religions.” For more information, go to the website: IWillGo.org.
(2)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-01-inside-story-i-want-that-book/
Daily Lesson for Friday 4th of April 2025
Read Ellen G. White, “An American Reformer,” Pages 319–324, in The Great Controversy.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Ministers and people declared that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation were incomprehensible mysteries. But Christ directed His disciples to the words of the prophet Daniel concerning events to take place in their time, and said: ‘Whoso readeth, let him understand.’ Matthew 24:15. And the assertion that the Revelation is a mystery, not to be understood, is contradicted by the very title of the book: ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass. . . . Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.’ Revelation 1:1-3. . . .
“In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare men teach that the Revelation is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world’s history.
“To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, Pages 341, 342.
Discussion Questions
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(1)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-01-further-thought-some-principles-of-prophecy/
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