Closer To Heaven
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24 April 2025 | A Reddit post under the heading “Am I Overreacting?: Church member is harassing me,” describes a threatening conversation with an Adventist church board member after a couple explains why they had left the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Wednesday (April 23) post has received 27,000 reactions and 5600 comments. The post begins, […] Source: https://atoday.org/reddit-post-about-adventist-church-board-harassment-of-ex-members-gets-27000-reactions/
Lesson 4 – The Nations, Part 1
Introduction – Between Kingdoms and Divine CallingSince the days after Eden, people have sought structure, security, and significance—often in human kingdoms, political systems, and self-made paths. Yet again and again God calls out a people—not to be superior, but to become a living testimony of His truth and love. This lesson has taken us from Nimrod to the Three Angels’ Messages—and poses the question: What is our calling today?
Bible Study – A Journey Through the Nations’ StoryNimrod and Nineveh – The Origin of Rebellion
Genesis 10:1–12 describes Nimrod as “a mighty hunter before the LORD”—not a compliment, but a sign of defiance. He founded cities like Babel and Nineveh, metropolises of pride and human power. The Bible warns: any attempt to reclaim Eden by human means ends in spiritual alienation. Nimrod’s story is the archetype of building a kingdom without God—and failing.
Abraham’s Calling – A Call to Separation
Genesis 12:1–9 shows a man who hears God’s voice—and leaves everything behind. Abraham is summoned out of Ur because God needed a fresh start. Israel was to be different: a nation without a human king, yet with a divine mandate. Deuteronomy 4:5–9 reveals that through obedience Israel was meant to shine as a light to the nations—not by isolation, but by godly influence.
Getting What It Wanted – The Bitter Fruit of False Desires
1 Samuel 8:4–18 recounts Israel’s demand for a human king “like all the other nations.” God granted their wish but warned of the cost: abuse of power, injustice, and spiritual decline—and tragically, that is exactly what followed.
The Rulers of the Gentiles – When the Church Embraced the State
Matthew 20:25–28 presents Jesus’ antidote to power-hunger: the greatest must become a servant. Yet as Israel once did, so the church later did under Constantine—seeking political approval, it began to wield power and lost its true character. This serves as a caution: we must not repeat the same error.
A Light to the Gentiles – The Call of the Last Generation
Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Revelation 18:1–4 reveal God’s longing for a people who bring light—not to judge, but to save. Revelation 18’s summons, “Come out of her, my people,” is not to shame but to free. We are called to live in such a way that others hear: “Come out!”
Spiritual PrinciplesRebellion often begins quietly—with pride, self-will, and self-reliance.
God always calls out—to holiness, to mission, to witness.
The greatest danger is not an external enemy but compromising with the world’s system.
God’s light is never elitist—it is intended for all nations.
Daily ApplicationRead God’s Word not just to “know more,” but to “live differently.”
Continually measure your thinking against Scripture—especially when cultural norms seem acceptable.
Ask yourself: Where have I chosen human security over divine leading?
Be a light—not through loudness, but through faithfulness, gentleness, and love.
ConclusionGod has never stopped calling a people. From Abraham to the end-time church, He invites us not to conform to human order, but to His truth. Israel’s history is more than a warning—it’s a mirror. Yet amid all failure there is hope: if God showed patience with Israel, He will have patience with us—and use us when we yield to Him.
Thought of the Day“God’s light is never meant to be hidden—but to shine through our lives.”
Illustration – “The Other Light”Munich, a November evening.
The subway car was packed. Amid raincoats, laptop bags, and tired faces sat Elias, 19, a first-year theology student. He’d just finished Bible study on Nimrod, Abraham, and Israel’s downfall—stories that felt ancient and distant. But tonight was different.
An elderly woman across from him stared blankly into space. Her coat was thin; her hands trembled. Elias hesitated, then asked, “Are you okay?” She looked up, surprised. “Not really. No one ever asks.”
That simple question opened a window. She spoke of her loneliness, her lost faith, and a life that had once been bright but now felt empty. Elias said little—just that he believed in a God who always calls, even when His people don’t listen.
When she got off, she said, “You’re different. Thank you. Maybe… I’ll pray tonight.”
Alone again, Elias thought of Revelation 18: “Come out of Babylon, My people.”
He realized: the call doesn’t start with a sermon. It starts with a question. With listening. With love.
One light for the nations. One heart that hears.
“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth… but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen over you.” (Isaiah 60:2)
DAILY BIBLE READING Genesis Chapter 9 – Laws for a New World. Covenant and Rainbow. Noah’s Curse and Blessing Over His Children.
April 25, 2025
Daily Chapter: Genesis 9 Bible Text – Genesis 9 (King James Version)1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.
6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
8 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
11 And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.
26 And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
28 And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years.
29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.
Explanation & Context
IntroductionGenesis chapter 9 shows the reshaping of the world after the flood. God gives new laws for life, establishes His first great covenant with humanity, and sets the rainbow as its sign. The chapter ends with a family situation that brings both blessing and curse upon Noah’s descendants.
Commentary
1. New Rules for Life (Verses 1–7)
God blesses Noah and commands him to multiply.
Human dominion over animals is established.
Eating meat is permitted, but blood must not be consumed—showing respect for life.
Life is sacred: taking life brings accountability (v. 6).
2. God’s Covenant with Noah and All Creatures (Verses 8–17)
A universal covenant that includes humans and animals.
Sign of the covenant: the rainbow—symbol of hope, faithfulness, and peace.
God promises never again to destroy all life by flood.
3. Noah’s Drunkenness and the Blessing/Curse (Verses 18–29)
Noah becomes a farmer and plants a vineyard.
A moral misstep: drunkenness and exposure.
Ham mocks, while Shem and Japheth show respect.
Prophetic words follow: curse upon Canaan, blessing upon Shem and Japheth.
SummaryGenesis 9 reveals God’s patience, holiness, and covenantal faithfulness.
He gives new life structures after the flood.
The covenant with the rainbow still stands today.
How we respond to sin and respect life shapes God’s people.
Message for Today
God does not forget His covenant. When we see the rainbow, we remember: God’s faithfulness is firm. Life is sacred – every human is made in God’s image. Dignity and protection apply to every life. Honor starts at home: respect for parents, modesty, and discretion are marks of true greatness. God works through imperfect people. He writes His story with us—even when we fail.
“I have set my bow in the clouds … and it shall be for a sign of the covenant.” (Genesis 9:13)
The rainbow is God’s sign of hope, patience, and renewal. Still today.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Why was Sin Permitted? Read online here IntroductionThe question, “Why was Sin Permitted?” touches the core of the Great Controversy between good and evil. In chapter 1 of Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen White explores the origins of this cosmic conflict.
She shows that the origin of sin is not found in God, but in the misuse of free will by a created being – Lucifer, once the highest of angels. Though creation was perfect, God granted every being freedom of choice, for true love cannot be forced.
Commentary 1. God’s Nature: Love as the Foundation of the Universe“God is love” (1 John 4:16) – the core of His law and government.
His rule is based on freedom, justice, and grace.
All intelligent beings were joyful in obedience as long as love reigned.
2. Lucifer’s Fall: Abuse of FreedomLucifer, the “Morning Star,” was full of glory and wisdom.
Pride and self-exaltation led to rebellion.
He desired equality with Christ and sought worship due only to God.
3. The Beginning of RebellionLucifer disguised his intentions and sowed seeds of doubt.
He questioned God’s law and authority under the guise of “freedom.”
Many angels were confused; some deceived, others remained loyal.
4. God’s Patience and WarningGod offered Lucifer mercy and a way back.
But Lucifer refused to confess his wrong and grew hardened.
He even claimed it was too late for forgiveness – another lie.
5. God’s Wisdom in Allowing SinGod did not destroy Satan instantly.
He allowed sin to develop, so all beings could see its consequences.
Only then could God’s law be fully justified and rebellion prevented forever.
SummaryThis chapter teaches:
God created perfect beings with free will.
Sin began with Lucifer, who exalted himself.
God’s law is an expression of His love – not arbitrary.
Sin was permitted to reveal its true nature.
The Great Controversy affects all creation – not just humanity.
Message for Us Today
Today we are also caught in the midst of the Great Controversy.
Pride, rebellion, and self-justification are still Satan’s tools.
What does this mean for you?
Trust God’s character, even when you don’t understand everything.
Choose obedience from love, not compulsion. God’s patience with Lucifer shows His mercy to you, too.
Be watchful – Satan still uses half-truths and pride to deceive.
Turn to God while the door of grace is still open.
“Justice and judgment are the foundation of His throne; mercy and truth go before His face.” (Psalm 89:14)
The origin of sin doesn’t show God’s weakness – it reveals His infinite wisdom, patience, and love.
That same love calls you today – to be part of His Kingdom, freely and fully.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-04-2025-genesis-chapter-9-believe-his-prophets/
24 April 2025 | News from Loma Linda The 40th annual Children’s Day, hosted by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Child Life Department and presented by Farmer Boys, will occur on Wednesday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s event will feature a teddy bear clinic, a petting zoo, finger casting demos, […] Source: https://atoday.org/news-from-loma-linda-paraguay-germany-and-la-sierra/
Don’t rush what God is preparing just because the world wants everything fast. He works in seasons, not shortcuts. You might be in a time of planting, not harvest—but deep roots take time. Trust His timing; what He’s preparing for you is worth the wait. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFUOURNZdDw
Dr. Darlene Blaney, a PhD in nutrition, lays out some simple guidelines to help us understand and achieve the simplicity of God’s ultimate diet plan. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDgF0LbyzM4
par Loren Seibold | 24 avril 2025 | En tant que chrétien élevé dans une tradition religieuse où le pape, dans l’histoire de mon église, semblait souvent aussi central que Jésus, il me semble nécessaire de réagir à l’annonce du décès du pape François. Mon éducation adventiste m’a appris que le pape François était forcément, […] Source: https://atoday.org/a-propos-du-pape-francois/
Inside Story for Friday 25th of April 2025
By Andrew McChesney
When Sunita got married, her new family assumed that she would automatically become a Seventh-day Adventist. In her Asian culture, the wife does whatever the husband says, so her husband, Manoj, and his parents thought that she would adopt his faith as a matter of course. But Sunita didn’t.
When her in-laws saw that she still worshiped images of stone and wood, they tried their best to tell her about Jesus. The extended family lived in the same house, and the in-laws invited her to family worship. But she wasn’t interested. No one forced her to come, and she avoided the gatherings.
A year and a half passed, and Sunita and Manoj moved from their small town to a big city. Now Manoj tried to turn his wife away from her worship practices.
“We as a family don’t believe in image worship,” he said. “It’s not right. We should not do it.”
But Sunita didn’t know any other way of life, and Manoj didn’t try to force her to stop. As time passed, Sunita gave birth to two sons. Then she fell seriously ill.
“Let’s go to the Adventist church,” Manoj said. “You’ve tried so many pills and other things, but nothing helps. Let’s go just once.”
Sunita didn’t see any way out. She had no hope, so she agreed to go. It was her first time entering an Adventist church—or any church.
Sunita felt very good inside the building. Even though the service was in English and she understood little, she felt the warmth of church members as they welcomed her. The next week, Sunita returned and asked the pastor to add her name to a list of prayer requests made during the divine worship service. After the prayer, Sunita began to feel better. Her health slowly improved, and eventually she made a full recovery.
Sunita regularly attended church for the next four years. When an assistant pastor who spoke her language joined the church, she took Bible studies and was baptized. From that moment, she began to pray, “Let me serve You.”
A few years passed, and Sunita was invited to plant churches as a Global Mission pioneer. She happily agreed. Today, she leads a church plant in an impoverished district of her city. She started the church by praying with people. As her prayers were answered, other people heard by word of mouth and came to her to ask for prayers. Fifteen people have been baptized.
“I never thought that I would come out of my faith and get to know the true God,” Sunita said before taking Adventist Mission on a Sabbath visit to her church plant. “It was His will to bring me out, and He’s using me for His glory.”
Thank you for your prayers for Global Mission pioneers who, like Sunita, face huge challenges planting churches among unreached people groups around the world. Learn more about Global Mission pioneers on the Adventist Mission website: bit.ly/GMPioneers.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-04-inside-story-unlikely-church-planter/
Daily Lesson for Friday 25th of April 2025
“Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, ‘the mystery of iniquity’ carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Almost imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and his apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church. Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, Pages 49, 50.
In line with the question at the end of Wednesday’s study, are we not all in danger, especially the longer we are here, of setting “aside the humble simplicity of Christ and his apostles” for the pomp, power, accolades, and temptations of the world? If we think we’re not, we are fooling ourselves.
Discussion Questions
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(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-04-further-thought-the-nations-part-1/
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