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Lesson 5.The Nations: Part 2 | 5.2 Daniel 2 | ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS | LIVING FAITH

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📘 Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2

5.2 Daniel 2 – From Gold to Ashes
God’s Kingdom Endures

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🟦 Introduction

Amid wars, revolutions, and technological marvels, the prophecy of Daniel reminds us that every earthly kingdom is fleeting. Daniel 2 gives us a sweeping overview of human history—from golden empires to a fractured world of iron and clay. Despite all human ambition, one truth remains: in the end it will not be a human kingdom that triumphs, but God’s eternal reign.

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📖 Bible Study

📌 Question 1: What key lessons can we draw from Daniel 2:31–35?
The statue of mixed precious metals symbolizes the decline of human rule. Gold gives way to silver, then bronze, iron, and finally a brittle mixture of iron and clay. Human history isn’t a story of moral or spiritual ascent, but of decay. Yet at the critical moment a stone—struck not by human hands—shatters the statue and establishes an everlasting kingdom. This prophecy assures us that despite all human failings, God remains sovereign.

📌 Question 2: How can we draw comfort from Jesus’ warnings?
Jesus never promised an earthly paradise prior to His return. He spoke of wars, earthquakes, and famines—not to discourage us, but to prepare us. Knowing these events fit into a larger divine plan gives us hope: we are not lost in senseless chaos, but led toward redemption.

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✨ Spiritual Principles

  • Human empires pass away, but God’s kingdom endures.

  • True progress is spiritual, not merely technological.

  • God’s prophetic word gives us hope amid crises.

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🧭 Daily Application

  • Do not place your trust in political systems or economic stability—they come and go.

  • Read prophecy not as fearmongering but as an invitation to ready your heart.

  • Learn to recognize the signs of the times without giving way to fear—hope is our anchor.

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✅ Conclusion

Daniel 2 opens our eyes to history’s true trajectory: not toward a human utopia, but toward God’s ultimate victory. The stone that crushes all earthly kingdoms reminds us: the future belongs not to the rulers of this world—but to Christ.

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💬 Thought of the Day

Those who invest in God’s kingdom build on eternal ground. Everything else is dust in the wind.

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✍ Illustration – “The Boy at the Lincoln Memorial”

Location: Washington D.C., USA, 2024

It was a gray afternoon when Elijah, 17, climbed the broad marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Rain dripped from his hoodie. In his pocket was a well-worn Bible—a gift from his grandmother.

His heart felt heavy. Headlines about wars in Europe, famines in Africa, and political unrest in America flooded his phone daily. It seemed as if the world were falling apart.

He stood before the statue of Abraham Lincoln and read the engraved words of the Gettysburg Address:
“… that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom.”

“A new birth…” Elijah whispered.
His gaze lifted to the sky, where dark clouds rumbled.

In that moment he recalled the stone in Daniel 2—the stone “cut out, not by human hands,” that struck the statue and obliterated all those kingdoms. Elijah realized: his hope need not rest on presidents, laws, or global treaties.

His true home was not here.
His kingdom was yet to come.

He grabbed his phone, deleted the news apps—for at least one day—and instead opened his Bible to Daniel 2.

As he descended the steps, his heart felt lighter.
The world would shake, yes. But God’s plan would prevail.

And he, Elijah, wanted to be among those waiting for the stone.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-nations-part-2-5-2-daniel-2-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

28.04.2025 – Genesis Chapter 12 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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📅 April 28, 2025

📖 DAILY BIBLE READING

✨ Genesis 12: Abram’s Calling and First Steps of Faith

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📜 Bible Text – Genesis 12 (KJV)

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.”
2 “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.”
3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, “Unto thy seed will I give this land”: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.
9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, “Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, ‘This is his wife’: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.”

14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.
16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
17 And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.

18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?
19 Why saidst thou, ‘She is my sister’? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.”
20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

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📚 Explanation & Context

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🟦 Introduction

Genesis 12 marks a new chapter in human history: God calls Abram and promises him a great future. Abram’s response—his departure and his faith—shapes the story of God’s people to this day. Yet human weaknesses emerge, teaching us that God remains faithful even when we fail.

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🟨 Commentary

🔹 1. God’s Call and Blessing (vv. 1–3)

  • God summons Abram to leave his country, kin, and father’s house.

  • He promises him descendants, a great name, and blessing for all nations through him.

  • Abram’s obedience becomes the archetype of faith for all believers.

🔹 2. Abram’s Obedience and First Steps of Faith (vv. 4–9)

  • At age 75, Abram sets out without knowing his destination.

  • He reaches Canaan; God reaffirms the land promise.

  • Abram’s first response is worship—he builds altars.

🔹 3. Flight to Egypt and Human Weakness (vv. 10–20)

  • A famine drives Abram to leave Canaan—an act of human precaution.

  • In fear, he passes off his wife Sarai as his sister.

  • God intervenes, protects Sarai, and brings Abram safely back.

  • God’s plan endures despite Abram’s mistakes.

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🟩 Summary

Genesis 12 begins Abram’s faith journey—he later becomes Abraham. He obeys God’s call even into uncertainty. This chapter shows God at work in Abram’s life despite human weakness and fear. God’s promises stand firm because they rest on His character, not on Abram’s perfection.

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🟥 Application for Today

👉 What does Genesis 12 teach us?

  • God’s call often involves stepping into the unknown.

  • Obedience is rewarded by God, even when our path is imperfect.

  • God safeguards His promises and His people, even when they stumble.

  • Trusting in God’s faithfulness is more vital than our own perfection.

📖 “And I will bless thee… and thou shalt be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

✨ Today, God still calls people to follow Him in faith—and through their lives to become blessings to others.

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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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🟦 Introduction

Chapter 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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🟩 Summary

Chapter 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/28-04-2025-genesis-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/

Feeling like a failure?

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Jesus meets us in our weakness. He doesn’t ask us to pretend we’re okay—He invites us to bring our brokenness to Him. That’s grace. That’s hope. That’s Jesus. Save this reel to remember you don’t have to be strong on your own. He is enough. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icfCHyCvav0

Comments of the Week April 21-27

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Comments of the Week April 21-27 “NOOOOOOOO!!! We’re will I get my Big Frank’s and Tender Bits???!!!!!! Ugh.“ –Robert Thomas on Loma Linda Foods Filling for Bankruptcy Comments on Viral Reddit Post, Satire pieces, ATSS, ICE Raids Threatening Andrews University, Loma Linda Foods Declares Bankruptcy, On Pope Francis, and Aunt Sevvy SATIRE: 9 Signs We […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-apr21-27/

SATIRE: New Union Created for Anti-Vaxxers: NAD Announces PureBlood Union Conference

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COLUMBIA, Md. – In a move that has raised eyebrows and lowered vaccination rates, the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists has unveiled the creation of the “PureBlood Union Conference,” a new administrative body dedicated exclusively to members who proudly reject vaccines in favor of “natural immunity and essential oils.” The announcement, made during […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-new-union-created-for-anti-vaxxers-nad-announces-pureblood-union-conference/

Monday: Daniel 2

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Daily Lesson for Monday 28th of April 2025

It was during the Babylonian captivity, through the prophet Daniel, that God presented the most compelling descriptions we have of the relationship between His people and the kingdoms of this world. His people were no longer autonomous; they would now be reaping the consequences of their choices. (And, perhaps, learning from them?)

Read Daniel 2:31-35, which gives a sweeping panoramic view of world history until the end of time. What important truths can we learn from this amazing prophecy?
Chart of Daniel Chapter Two

Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com

At the end of the nineteenth century, many people were exuding a new confidence in human progress. The Paris Exposition (1900), for example, was a remarkable showcase of optimism about the future. Surely, with all of our technological and scientific advances, many of humanity’s worst problems would be at an end! As humanity entered the twentieth century, among many thinkers there was this great optimism that Enlightenment ideals—such as human perfectibility and the power of reason—would usher in a wonderful new era for humanity.

World War I, however, quickly shattered those dreams, and by the end of the twentieth century, we had lost more than 200 million people to warfare. We may have advanced in a technological sense, but certainly not in a moral one. To paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr., we have guided missiles but misguided men. And that’s a very scary combination.

Many students of prophecy have noticed that the metals in Daniel 2:1-49 move from most valuable to least valuable: gold devalues to silver, silver devalues to brass, and brass to iron, until we end up with only iron and clay.

Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and other nineteenth-century thinkers attempted to convince us that humanity is somehow tracking upward—that we are evolving biologically and socially. And though in some ways human existence has improved (at least at a physical level), who actually looks ahead to the future of this world, as it is now ruled and governed, with much optimism about peace, security, and prosperity?

Jesus warned, “ ‘And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places’ ” (Matthew 24:6-7, NKJV). Despite these warnings, how can we draw comfort from knowing that we have been warned beforehand about them?

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-05-daniel-2/

God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #986

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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 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4769477732859904 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsnSTIq1ubc

Giovanni 14:27 – Apri la porta del tuo cuore

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“Io vi lascio pace; vi do la mia pace. Io non vi do come il mondo dà. Il vostro cuore non sia turbato e non si sgomenti”. 📖 Giovanni 14:27
—
💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Bianca Stoian Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uY0Wi7CYwk

What is Faith?

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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.

It is not essential to the exercise of faith that the feelings should be wrought up to a high pitch of excitement; neither is it necessary, in order to gain the hearing of the Lord, that our petitions should be noisy, or attended with physical exercise.

It is true that Satan frequently creates in the heart of the suppliant such a conflict with doubt and temptation that strong cries and tears are involuntarily forced from him; and it is also true that the penitent’s sense of guilt is sometimes so great that a repentance commensurate with his sin causes him to experience an agony that finds vent in cries and groans, which the compassionate Saviour hears with pity. But Jesus does not fail to answer the silent prayer of faith. He who simply takes God at His word, and reaches out to connect himself with the Saviour, will receive His blessing in return.100The Signs of the Times, May 31, 1877 (The Spirit of Prophecy 2:321, 322).

Faith is not feeling…. True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.

Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequences of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.101Gospel Workers, 260.

To abide in faith is to put aside feeling and selfish desires, to walk humbly with the Lord, to appropriate His promises, and apply them to all occasions, believing that God will work out His own plans and purposes in your heart and life.102Fundamentals of Christian Education, 341, 342.
The Faith I Live By p. 122
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Charlie who recently broke his hip. Pray also for Susan who is needing surgery for a paraoesophageal hernia. Rose
—-My late son’s mother in law has a nephew named David who is 17. He had a mishap on a trampoline and injured his C-6 vertebrae (neck). He came through over 12 hours of surgery okay. He is said to be in good spirits, but still serious condition. He has some feeling in his upper body, but so far none in his lower body. Doctors think he may never walk again. Please keep him and family in prayers. Aleta
—-Sarah got an accident through sleep walking , she walked straight to the road in a sleep and the car hit her. After a week of her getting an accident through, her husband introduced another wife claiming he can’t wait for this one to heal in order to make love thus abandoning her. One Adventist lady tries to take food to her sometimes and puts a stone and two sticks to hold the bones. She needs prayer and God’s help. John
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Dear Friends,

When I was a teenager, I lived about a mile or two from the library. I had a book that was due that day, that I had not quite finished reading. I decided that if I read the book as I walked, I would have it done by the time I got there. It took a few blocks before I could walk in a fairly straight line without watching where I was going.

Soon I became so absorbed in those last few chapters, that I was lost to my surroundings. Suddenly, I heard the squeal of brakes. Startled, I looked up from the book I was reading. Within a foot of me was a big, black car. The driver inside looked scared at first then angry. All I could say was “I’m sorry.” Closing my book, I continued walking. I would wait until I got to the library to finish it.

So, it is in our day-to-day lives. Life is a mad rush to acquire the latest gadgets to make our life happier, but those things leave us empty. We can even get so occupied with the mundane duties of life, that time passes quickly and old age is upon us. We look back and wonder where the time has gone. Truly life is as James tells us. “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14 It seems like only yesterday that we were young and full of hopes and dreams for the future. How we wish we had at the beginning asked ourselves the question, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

May we heed the advice of Isaiah, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa 55:6, 7

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/what-is-faith-2.html

5: The Nations: Part 2 — Singing with Inspiration

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To learn of the Allusions, Images and Symbols in Bible Prophecy, we are really in great need of saying to God
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 so we are able to learn with His abundant help. This will be our theme for this, the second quarter of Bible Study, 2025.

As we have already looked at just a few verses from Revelation, it is now time to start delving into the book of Daniel, with a start on chapters 2 and 7, this week. Here we are able to look back at our pre-1985 SDA Hymnal and sing the old 
Number 497 – Dare To Be A Daniel. With this one in mind we can still include one from last week in our current SDA Hymnal, 
Once To Every Man And Nation – Hymn 606.

Daniel chapter 7 encourages us to 
Hail Him, The King Of Glory – Hymn 202, particularly in verse 2. From here, we are then able to go forward and have a solid foundation, so let us 
Build On The Rock – Hymn 531.

Just as “the remnant church was born in the New World (USA)”, as the Bible said would happen, we can once again say
For Your Holy Book We Thank You – Hymn 277.

Ellen G White’s statement on Friday ends so beautifully, reminding us to sing
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633.

 Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/5-the-nations-part-2-singing-with-inspiration/

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