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Wednesday: Jesus at the Temple

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Daily Lesson for Wednesday 7th of May 2025

There is tension throughout the entire story of salvation. God wishes to restore the communion that we once enjoyed with Him and longs to draw close to us. But bringing sinners into His presence would destroy them. “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,” David writes, “nor shall evil dwell with You” (Psalms 5:4, NKJV). At the same time, David also writes, “But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple” (Psalms 5:7, NKJV).

Read Haggai 2:7-9. As the second temple was being constructed, the prophet Haggai made an astonishing promise: the new temple would be more glorious than the previous one. What was meant by that prophecy?
People at the Foot of the Cross

Image © Deb Minnard at Goodsalt.com

When the first temple was dedicated by Solomon, the Shekinah glory—the presence of God that had accompanied the children of Israel en route to Canaan—filled the temple, and so the priests could not remain to complete their work of ministry (1 Kings 8:10-11). When the second temple was dedicated, the ark of the covenant, representing God’s throne, was missing because some faithful men, upset at the nation’s sins, had hidden it. The literal presence of God did not fill the temple this time. It was heartbreaking. How could Haggai’s promise possibly come true?

It was in the second temple that Jesus, the incarnation of God, appeared in Person, in flesh and blood. God Himself had stepped out from behind the veil to become one of us and to join us in this broken world. Because the Son of God was now the Son of man, we could see His face, hear His voice, and witness, for example, when He touched an unclean leper and made him whole (Matthew 8:3). Instead of bringing us closer in His direction, God brought us closer to Him by moving in _our _direction. He came down, personally, to us. No wonder the Bible said about Jesus: “ ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’ ” (Matthew 1:23, NKJV). Think about what this means: the Creator of the cosmos condescended not only to live among us but to die for us.

The Cross is by far the greatest manifestation of God’s love. What are other ways we can see and experience the reality of God’s love?

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-06-jesus-at-the-temple/

When God Doesn’t Show Up

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When God Doesn't Show Up — Matthew Rajarathinam THANK YOU for your continued financial support of our Media Ministries. Please donate by visiting "https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANB4RC/envelope/start" and select “Media Ministries”. Connect With Us
X: RemnantSDA
Facebook: RemnantSDAchurch.org
Instagram: RemnantSDAchurch Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_oToAIsncw

God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #995

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"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22, NIV). 
Tag someone in need of prayer, and kindly share your prayer requests here:
https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2092fbtel04

Rare Disclaimer from Sabbath School Quarterly Addresses Domestic Violence

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5 May 2025 | Andrews University graduate student Esther Caro pushed for a potentially life-changing disclaimer.  On Sunday’s lesson in the Sabbath School quarterly titled “Images from Marriage” (April 12-18), it ends with,   “Here are three principles for marriage. First, forgive your spouse, however undeserving, just as Christ forgives us, however undeserving. Second, accept your […] Source: https://atoday.org/rare-disclaimer-from-sabbath-school-quarterly-addresses-domestic-violence/

Breaking News From the Philippines

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Dear Friend, I know I usually only send you emails on Fridays, but today’s news was too exciting to hold . . . What happens when former rebels trade rifles for Bibles? When eight countries in the 10/40 Window light up with the Gospel? When students, soldiers, and villagers become digital missionaries, radio broadcasters and church planters? In this jaw-dropping update from the Philippines, you’ll witness how God is using Adventist World Radio across Asia like never before: 35 new internet stations launched, thousands of souls reached, and entire communities transformed—including battlegrounds that are turning into playgrounds. You’ll even learn about a man who once lived in the jungle with a weapon in hand . . . and has now personally led over 600 people to Christ. Watch now and see what your prayers and support are making possible! Your brother in Christ, Duane McKey
President
Adventist World Radio Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8j10wy_iHo

Anche quando ti senti solo… Dio è lì con te #passidisperanza #vitaspirituale #hopemediaitalia

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Il Salmo 139 ci regala una promessa straordinaria: Dio non è mai lontano da noi. La Sua presenza non è una forma di controllo asfissiante, ma una certezza amorevole che ci accompagna ogni giorno. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPBoi9HqR84

Matteo 21:28-31 – Apri la porta del tuo cuore

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“Un uomo aveva due figli. Si avvicinò al primo e gli disse: ‘Figliolo, va' a lavorare nella vigna oggi’. Ed egli rispose: ‘Vado, signore’; ma non vi andò. Il padre si avvicinò al secondo e gli disse la stessa cosa. Egli rispose: ‘Non ne ho voglia’; ma poi, pentitosi, vi andò. Quale dei due fece la volontà del padre?’”. 📖 Matteo 21:28-31
—
💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Bianca Stoian Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xGyP2iT-M8

Comments of the Week April 28-May 5

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Comments of the Week April 28-May 5 “Aunty, you’re stirring up my PTSDA!” –George R Brown on Aunt Sevvy’s Response to biblical evidence for the Sabbath & Sunday Conflict Comments on Aunt Sevvy, Why Is Our Church so Authoritarian?, Daniel 8:14 Is About the Gospel of Grace, The Afternoon of Adventism, and The Lesson of […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-apr28-may5/

AdventInnovate: GAiN GenZ

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GAiN Gen Z is a pilot project under the GAiN program (Global Adventist Internet Network) of the SDA General Conference. It’s goal is to engage and equip young digital creators (Gen Z) who want to do mission through YouTube, social media, podcasts, and cinema. Check out the video below or visit the full YouTube Channel […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventinnovate-gain-genz/

6.05.2025 – Genesis Chapter 20 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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📅 May 6, 2025

📖 DAILY BIBLE READING

✨ Genesis 20 – Abraham’s Encounter with Abimelech: God’s Protection in Human Failure

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📜 Bible Text – Genesis 20 (KJV)

1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister”: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.”
4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, “Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
5 Said he not unto me, ‘She is my sister’? and she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother’: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.”
6 And God said unto him in a dream, “Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.”
…
14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.”
16 And unto Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.”
17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.

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🟦 Introduction

In Genesis 20, Abraham again resorts to fear-driven deception, claiming Sarah as his sister. Yet God intervenes—warning King Abimelech in a dream, vindicating Sarah’s honor, and safeguarding His covenant promises. This chapter reminds us that even our failures cannot thwart God’s protective plan.

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🟨 Commentary

  1. Abraham’s Fear and Compromise (vv. 1–2)
    • Fearing for his life, Abraham repeats his “she is my sister” half-truth (cf. Gen. 12).
    • This expedient shows human weakness under threat.
  2. Divine Intervention through a Dream (vv. 3–7)
    • God appears to the pagan king Abimelech in a midnight vision.
    • He rebukes him for taking another man’s wife, yet acknowledges Abimelech’s innocence: “I withheld thee from sinning against me.”
  3. Abimelech’s Righteous Response (vv. 8–16)
    • At dawn, Abimelech confronts Abraham and demands an explanation.
    • He restores Sarah without reproach, compensates Abraham, and invites him to sojourn anywhere in his land.
  4. Abraham’s Intercession and Restoration (vv. 17–18)
    • Abraham prays for Abimelech’s household; God heals them and opens their wombs.
    • This confirms that God honors intercession and mercy restores blessing.

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🟩 Summary

Though Abraham’s fear leads him to deception, God’s faithful intervention preserves Sarah’s dignity and the integrity of His promise. Abimelech’s integrity stands out under divine correction. Ultimately, Abraham’s prayer brings healing and fruitfulness back to the king’s household.

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🟥 Message for Today

  • God transcends our fears and intervenes to uphold His purposes.
  • Integrity and the fear of God shine even in unbelieving hearts.
  • We, like Abraham, may intercede on behalf of others despite our own shortcomings.
  • God’s grace outpaces our frailties—we can trust Him when fear tempts us to compromise.

~~~~~ 📚 ~~~~~

📆 May 4–10, 2025

📆 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

📖 Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 3

✨ “The Temptation and the Fall”

📖 Read online here

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🟦 Introduction

Following the perfect account of Creation in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 recounts the most tragic turning point in human history: the Fall. Amidst perfection, peace, and communion with God, the first human pair chooses disobedience. This single act unleashes a cascade of consequences—guilt, separation from God, suffering, and death. Yet even here, God’s mercy shines through: He does not abandon humanity but promises redemption.

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🟨 Commentary

  1. Satan’s Purpose and Deception
    • Driven by envy, Satan seeks to lure humanity away from obedience to God.
    • He selects the most beautiful creature—the serpent—as his instrument.
    • Eve departs from Adam and the safety of their fellowship, taking the first step toward temptation.
  2. Attack on God’s Word
    • Satan questions the very words of God: “Did God really say…?”
    • He lies: “You will not surely die”—the first great deception.
    • His aim: sow doubt, distrust, and rebellion against God’s character and commands.
  3. The Fall
    • Eve listens to the serpent, sees the fruit, takes and eats.
    • Adam likewise eats, out of love for Eve—a tragic, deliberate choice.
    • Immediately they feel shame, fear, and guilt—they recognize their nakedness.
  4. Divine Judgment
    • God seeks them: “Where are you?”
    • Adam shifts blame onto Eve—and indirectly onto God.
    • Eve blames the serpent.
    • The consequences: a curse on the serpent, pain for the woman, hardship for the man, and exile from the Tree of Life.
  5. First Promise of the Gospel (v. 15)
    • The Proto-Evangelium: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
    • The first announcement of the Redeemer—victory over Satan is assured.
  6. Mercy Amid Judgment
    • God clothes Adam and Eve in garments of skin.
    • The Garden is barred—not merely as punishment but to prevent eternal life in sin.
    • A hope remains for restoration in the “new Eden” (Revelation 21–22).

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🟩 Summary

The Fall marks the beginning of all human suffering but also the moment when God’s mercy appears. Adam and Eve’s decision to transgress God’s command was no minor slip—it was a fundamental breach of trust and obedience. Yet God speaks not only judgment but also grace, promising a Savior.

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🟥 Application for Today

  • God warns and protects but never forces—true love grants freedom.
  • Sin often begins with small steps: moving away from God, doubting His word, and yielding to curiosity.
  • Despite our failures, God does not give up on us. He still calls, “Where are you?”
  • Jesus is the promised offspring who crushed the serpent’s head. In Him we find hope, restoration, and new life.
  • Our obedience today reflects our love for God—not as a work to earn His favor, but as a response to His grace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/6-05-2025-genesis-chapter-20-believe-his-prophets/

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