Closer To Heaven
|
|
|
by Jim Burklo | 7 May 2025 | Years ago, I hosted an event at the University of Southern California with Paul Woodruff, a philosopher at the University of Texas, who wrote a book that had a profound influence on me: Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue. He said that reverence doesn’t belong to any particular […] Source: https://atoday.org/reverent-otherdoxy/
7 May 2025 | In 1919 at a Bible Conference in Washington DC a candid discussion took place that raised questions about the prophetic gift of Ellen White—notably the knowledge of many of her contemporaries that she borrowed from other sources. The notes from that conference were typed up and tucked away, not to be […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-donald-mcadams-a-review-of-the-ellen-white-revisionist-history-since-1970/
Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 6 – Understanding Sacrifice. It’s the fastest hour of the week!
Register and info for HTM Spiritual Summit IV here: Hit the Mark Spiritual Summit IV
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/understanding-sacrifice-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/
Daily Lesson for Thursday 8th of May 2025
On a handful of occasions, prophets have been brought close enough to God in vision that they were permitted to see God’s throne. Ezekiel saw it above the firmament (Ezekiel 1:26); Isaiah visited the temple in heaven to see it (Isaiah 6:1); and in one of the most explicit descriptions provided to us, John was escorted there in vision in Revelation 4:1-11 and 5. The Old Testament types in the sanctuary service indicated that there was only one path by which humanity could enter God’s presence: the blood of Christ. (See Leviticus 16:2,14, for example.)
Image © Bible Adventure Collection at Goodsalt.com
In each of these throne room visions, the first thing that happens is that heavenly beings underscore the holiness of God. In Isaiah’s vision, the scene is impressive: the temple is filled with smoke, and the “posts of the door” were shaken as seraphim proclaim the holiness of God. In John’s vision, cherubim make the same announcement, “Holy, holy, holy.” (See Ezekiel 10:14-15 to find the living creatures described as cherubim.) Each prophet was shown a dazzling scene of God’s glory.
Then we are shown the prophet’s reaction to the scene. Isaiah cries out that he is a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5), and John weeps because he is faced with the tragic truth that no one worthy can be found (Revelation 5:4). When we are directly presented with the worthiness of God, we then finally begin to comprehend the human situation: we are utterly unworthy, and we need Christ as our Redeemer.
Satan has hurled many accusations against God, arguing that He is arbitrary, selfish, and severe, but even a brief moment in God’s throne room exposes Satan’s lies. It is in seeing Christ for who He truly is, “ ‘the Lamb who was slain’ ” (Revelation 5:12, NKJV), that enables us to see the Father as He truly is. How comforting to know that by seeing Jesus, we see what the Father is like (John 14:9). And the greatest revelation of what the Father is like is seen in Jesus dying on the cross for us.
The cross, then, should show us two things: first, just how much God loves us that He would sacrifice Himself for us; second, it should show us just how sinful and fallen we are that only through the cross could we be saved.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-06-for-you-created-all-things/
LOMA LINDA, California – Excitement swept through the Loma Linda Adventist community yesterday as word spread of a mysterious “cloud the size of a man’s hand” rising in the east. Local residents grabbed their binoculars, dusted off their hymnals, and texted their small groups: “It’s happening!” However, the anticipation fizzled out faster than a New […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-loma-linda-adventists-greatly-disappointed-cloud-the-size-of-a-hand-just-la-smog/
"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=1aJYPpHm2s8
Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Shawn Boonstra, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson.”
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-understanding-sacrifice-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/
View an in-depth discussion of Understanding Sacrifice in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
Click on the image below to view the video:
With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-understanding-sacrifice-hope-sabbath-school-video-discussion/
“Inoltre, il vino è traditore: l’uomo arrogante non può stare tranquillo, allarga le sue brame come il soggiorno dei morti”. 📖 Abacuc 2:5
—
💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Liuanna Serra Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHZbeRs1sQc
May 7, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Genesis 21 – Isaac’s Birth, the Expulsion of Ishmael, and Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Genesis 21 (KJV)1 And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
24 And Abraham said, I will swear.
25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionChapter 21 marks a turning point in Abraham’s story: after a long wait, Isaac is born and God’s promise is finally fulfilled. Yet with Isaac’s arrival comes tension in the family, as Hagar and Ishmael are sent away—and Abraham again negotiates peace with Abimelech, this time by covenant.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Commentary1. The Birth of Isaac (vv. 1–8)
Fulfillment of the Promise: God acts faithfully “at the set time” (v. 2).
Significance of the Name: “Isaac” means “laughter,” reflecting both Sarah’s joy and God’s miraculous provision.
2. The Expulsion of Ishmael (vv. 9–21)
Threat to the Inheritance: Sarah fears Ishmael’s mockery (v. 9) and urges Abraham to protect Isaac’s line (v. 10).
God’s Compassion for Ishmael: Though He instructs Abraham to obey Sarah, God also promises to make Ishmael a great nation (vv. 12–13).
Mercy in the Wilderness: Hagar’s despair turns to hope when God provides water and reassurance through an angel (vv. 15–19).
3. The Covenant with Abimelech (vv. 22–34)
Recognition of God’s Blessing: Abimelech acknowledges that “God is with thee” (v. 22).
Sealing the Treaty: Abraham and Abimelech exchange gifts and swear an oath over a newly dug well, naming the site Beersheba (“Well of the Oath”) (vv. 27–31).
A Sign of Peace: Abraham plants a grove and calls on “the everlasting God,” symbolizing lasting fellowship (v. 33).
══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryGenesis 21 vividly portrays God’s faithfulness: Isaac’s birth vindicates His promise, while the drama surrounding Ishmael underscores both judgment and mercy. Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech reaffirms his status as a peacemaker in the land.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for TodayPatience in Promise: God’s timing may seem slow, but His purposes never fail.
Trust and Letting Go: True faith sometimes requires releasing what we love, trusting God to care for all involved.
God’s Presence in Desolation: Even in our wilderness moments, He sees, hears, and provides (v. 17).
Peace and Gratitude: A life of faith includes planting seeds of peace and calling on the name of the Lord.
~~~~~
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
══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionFollowing 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.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Commentary══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryThe 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.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Application for TodaySource: https://fulfilleddesire.net/7-05-2025-genesis-chapter-21-believe-his-prophets/
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
