Closer To Heaven
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ELMHURST, IL – Authorities and family members are asking the public to help locate 28-year-old Gabriel De Sagun, who has been missing since the afternoon of July 20, 2026, and has been reported endangered. The Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, in a Facebook post, asked its members and the wider community to pray for his safe […] Source: https://atoday.org/gabriel-de-sagun-remains-missing-as-authorities-appeal-for-publics-help/
The Biblical Person of the Day
Absalom – The Handsome Son with a Rebellious Heart
Profile
Short StoryAbsalom was a son of King David and was regarded as an exceptionally handsome man. He grew up in a royal environment and outwardly possessed many qualities that people admired.
Yet behind his impressive appearance, a story full of pain, revenge, and rebellion began to unfold.
When his sister Tamar suffered a terrible injustice at the hands of Amnon, Absalom remained silent for a long time. Inwardly, however, he carried anger and bitterness.
After some time, he took revenge and had Amnon killed. Absalom then had to flee and lived separated from David for several years.
Later, he was allowed to return to Jerusalem, but his relationship with his father remained damaged. Outwardly, he was once again near the royal household, but inwardly his dissatisfaction continued to grow.
Absalom began to win the hearts of many people in Israel. Eventually, he rose up against his own father and attempted to seize the kingdom for himself.
His life ended tragically during the rebellion against David. His story reveals how dangerous unhealed pain, pride, and the desire for power can become.
The Decisive MomentAbsalom rises up against his father David and turns his inner pain into open rebellion.
7 Remarkable Facts About Absalom
Strengths & Weaknesses
determined
charismatic
courageous
possessed a strong sense of justice concerning Tamar
vengeful
allowed pride and the desire for power to rule his heart
The Mistake That Shaped HimAbsalom allowed pain and anger to turn into revenge, pride, and rebellion.
His story shows that unhealed wounds can destroy a heart when they are not brought before God in time.
Key Verse“So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6)
The Life LessonUnhealed pain can become dangerous when it combines with pride, revenge, and the desire for power.
Application for TodayDo not allow wounds to grow secretly into bitterness. Seek healing before pain begins to control your decisions.
A Question for YouWhere do you need healing today so that pain does not turn into rebellion or bitterness?
ContextAbsalom lived during the reign of King David and is one of the most tragic figures in Israel’s royal household.
ConnectionAbsalom was David’s son, the brother of Tamar and Amnon, and later led a rebellion against his father.
Absalom shows that outward beauty, giftedness, and influence cannot protect the heart when pain and pride remain unhealed.
Until tomorrow, with the next biblical person!
The Life Story The Life Story of Absalom – Beauty, Pain, and Rebellion 
A Prince in David’s HouseholdAbsalom was born in Hebron as a son of King David. He grew up in a royal family that outwardly possessed power and prestige, but inwardly became increasingly marked by tension, guilt, and unresolved conflict.
Absalom was not just any son of David. He was a prince, a man with status, prospects, and considerable public attention.
The Bible describes him as exceptionally handsome. In all Israel, no one was praised for his appearance as much as he was.
Beauty with Inner TurmoilAbsalom’s outward beauty made him stand out, but it revealed nothing about the condition of his heart. Behind his impressive appearance lay a story that grew increasingly dark.
There were deep wounds within David’s household. Guilt was not always dealt with clearly, and some injustices remained without a just response for far too long.
In this atmosphere, hardness and bitterness began to develop in Absalom’s heart.
The Injustice Against TamarA severe turning point came through the injustice committed against his sister Tamar by Amnon. Tamar was deeply wounded and humiliated.
Absalom took her into his home, but at first he did not speak openly with Amnon. Outwardly, he remained silent, but inwardly his anger grew.
This pain was not processed in a healing way. It slowly turned into a plan for revenge.
Revenge Instead of HealingAfter two years, Absalom had Amnon killed. He did not act through a just and lawful process, but took vengeance into his own hands.
This deed arose from genuine pain over Tamar’s suffering, but it did not bring healing. It brought new bloodshed, new guilt, and further separation into David’s family.
Absalom then fled and lived far from Jerusalem for several years.
Return Without ReconciliationLater, Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem. Yet although he was once again physically near the royal household, his relationship with David remained damaged.
True reconciliation never really took place. Closeness without healing became a dangerous condition.
Absalom lived in Jerusalem again, but his heart moved ever farther away from his father.
The Hearts of the PeopleOver time, Absalom began to make himself popular with the people. He stood beside the road leading to the city gate, listened to people’s concerns, and acted as though he could provide them with better justice than the king.
Through friendly words, clever self-presentation, and skillful behavior, he won the hearts of many Israelites.
Yet behind this closeness to the people was not genuine humility, but a growing desire for power.
The Rebellion Against DavidEventually, Absalom rose up against his own father. The conflict became public, political, and military.
David was forced to flee Jerusalem, and the kingdom fell into a severe crisis. The pain of one family became a danger to the entire nation.
Absalom’s rebellion showed how destructive a heart can become when it is ruled by bitterness and the desire for power.
A Tragic EndDuring the battle against David’s men, Absalom found himself in a hopeless situation. His hair became caught in the branches of an oak tree, and he was left hanging helplessly.
Joab killed him, even though David had explicitly asked that Absalom be spared.
When David heard the news of his son’s death, he mourned deeply. Even the rebellious son was still his son.
The Enduring Message of His LifeAbsalom shows that beauty, charisma, and influence cannot heal a wounded heart. His story makes it clear that pain, when left unhealed, can turn into revenge and rebellion.
It reminds us that true healing requires more than an outward return. Reconciliation must be sought honestly, deeply, and in time.
Closing ThoughtAbsalom began as an admired prince with great charisma, but his heart became ruled by pain, pride, and revenge.
His path led from wounded love to rebellion and ended in profound tragedy.
His life story shows that a beautiful appearance cannot save a wounded heart—only healing, humility, and reconciliation can prevent pain from becoming destructive.
FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS
Lesson 4: Sin in the Church
4.6 Summary
Holiness, Love, and Responsibility in the Church
1. IntroductionLesson 4 shows that sin in the church must not be ignored or minimized. Paul addresses the Corinthians very seriously because a dangerous gap had developed between their profession of faith and their practical lives. It was especially disturbing that a serious sin was not only tolerated but apparently even justified through a false understanding of tolerance. Paul makes it clear that the church belongs to Christ and is therefore called to holiness. At the same time, the goal of biblical correction is not condemnation, but repentance, healing, and restoration. The church should be a place where truth, grace, and responsibility belong together.
2. The Biblical FoundationPaul writes:
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles.” 1 Corinthians 5:1
Then he reminds the church:
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” 1 Corinthians 5:6
Concerning the believers’ new identity, he says:
“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11
And he summarizes how believers should regard their bodies:
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
These verses show that the church has been cleansed through Christ and should therefore reflect God’s holiness in its practical life.
3. Connection to Our TimeThe church today also faces the challenge of properly combining biblical truth with loving acceptance. Our culture often emphasizes personal freedom, self-determination, and acceptance, even in areas where God’s Word sets clear boundaries. This creates the danger that sin will no longer be called by its name or that spiritual responsibility will be regarded as unloving. On the other hand, the church must never treat fallen people harshly, self-righteously, or hurtfully. Paul presents a balanced path: take sin seriously, but lead the sinner toward repentance and restoration. A church remains healthy when it stays faithful to Christ and meets people with both truth and grace.
4. Central Message of the Lesson
The church protects its identity in Christ when it does not tolerate sin, but lovingly, truthfully, and responsibly leads people toward repentance, sanctification, and restoration.
5. Theological EmphasisThe first theological emphasis of this lesson is the holiness of the church. The church is not merely a religious group, but a community of people who have been redeemed through Christ. Therefore, its life must not contradict its faith.
Paul shows that open and unrepentant sin does not affect only the individual. It influences the entire church. When a church tolerates serious sin, its spiritual thinking begins to change. What God calls sin is gradually normalized or even justified.
For this reason, Paul uses the image of leaven. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. In the same way, tolerated sin can shape an entire community. When the church fails to take a clear spiritual position, it loses its ability to discern.
The second emphasis is biblical correction. Paul calls for clear action toward the person living in sin, but his goal is not destruction. He says that the spirit may be saved. This shows that church discipline is biblical only when it is directed toward repentance and restoration.
The third emphasis is the identity of the church. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they were washed, sanctified, and justified. This new identity should determine their behavior. Christians no longer live according to the standards of their old lives, but from the new reality they have received in Christ.
The fourth emphasis concerns the handling of conflicts. Paul criticizes church members for taking their disputes before secular courts instead of resolving them in the spirit of Christ. The church should be a place where wisdom, reconciliation, and justice become visible.
The fifth emphasis is the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul shows that our bodies are not meaningless. They belong to Christ. Therefore, holiness concerns not only our thoughts and words, but also our bodies, sexuality, and relationships.
The sixth emphasis is Christian freedom. The Corinthians apparently misunderstood freedom as permission to live according to their own desires. Paul corrects this thinking. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to sin, but freedom from the power of sin.
The seventh emphasis concerns marriage and singleness. Both ways of life stand under the lordship of Christ. Marriage is a protected space for faithfulness, love, and sexuality. Singleness is also valuable and can make possible a life of special devotion to God.
The theological core of the entire lesson is this: Christ has not only forgiven us, but has also sanctified us. The gospel transforms our identity, our bodies, our relationships, the way we deal with conflict, and our attitude toward sin. Grace and holiness belong inseparably together.
6. Spiritual ReflectionLesson 4 invites us to examine honestly whether our faith truly shapes our lives. It is possible to confess Christ with our lips while leaving certain areas of life outside His lordship. This very gap between faith and practice was visible in Corinth.
The same danger exists today. We can become accustomed to certain sins because they have become normal in our culture. What is constantly seen, heard, and accepted eventually appears less dangerous. For this reason, we repeatedly need the correction of God’s Word.
Paul does not call the church to self-righteousness, but to holy sorrow. This is important. When sin becomes visible, the first reaction should not be pride, gossip, or condemnation, but grief before God. A spiritual church grieves over what destroys people and dishonors God’s name.
At the same time, this sorrow must not remain passive. Love takes action. When someone lives in open sin, simply remaining silent is not love. Genuine love seeks restoration, even when the path toward it is difficult.
We must always remember that all of us live by grace. No one stands before God because of personal purity or achievement. Anyone who corrects others must also stand beneath the cross. Only then will correction take place with humility and mercy.
Especially in the area of sexuality, this lesson shows how important a clear biblical understanding is. The body does not belong to us alone, but to Christ. Our sexuality is not disconnected from our faith. It is an area in which God can either be honored or dishonored.
The thought that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit gives us both dignity and responsibility. Our body is not cheap, accidental, or meaningless. God’s Spirit dwells within us. Therefore, our lives should be places where God’s presence becomes visible.
This applies equally to married and unmarried people. Married people are called to faithfulness, love, and mutual responsibility. Unmarried people are called to purity, dignity, and devotion to Christ. Both ways of life can honor God.
The church must be a place where these subjects are discussed honestly. Silence does not protect people from temptation. When the church does not provide biblical guidance, the culture takes over that role. Therefore, clear teaching, loving support, and practical help are needed.
The way we handle conflict also belongs to holiness. It is not enough to be biblical in matters of sexuality while acting in a worldly way in disputes, greed, pride, or unforgiveness. Paul mentions different sins together because every part of life should belong to Christ.
This lesson shows us that holiness is neither narrow nor cold. Holiness means belonging to God. It is the expression of a new identity. We live differently not because we want to save ourselves, but because Christ purchased us at a great price.
The good news remains that change is possible. The Corinthians had serious problems, but Paul reminded them that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified. God’s grace can still cleanse people, renew churches, and grant new beginnings today.
Therefore, this lesson does not end in fear, but in hope. God calls His church to truth, but also to healing. He calls us to holiness and gives us the power to live holy lives through the Holy Spirit.
7. Application in Daily LifePractical Steps:
8. Reflection QuestionWhere is Christ calling me or my church to take sin more seriously while also guiding people more lovingly toward restoration?
9. Closing ThoughtLesson 4 reminds us that the church belongs to Christ and is therefore called to holiness. Sin must not be tolerated because of false tolerance, for it harms both the individual and the entire community. Yet biblical correction always pursues the goal of repentance, healing, and restoration. Paul combines clear truth with spiritual responsibility and shows that our bodies, relationships, and church life should honor God. Because we have been washed, sanctified, and justified through Christ, we may also live in new purity. A church that holds grace and holiness together becomes a credible witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 
1. Many believers in Corinth showed a desire for cultural acceptance. Why is this dangerous for Christian identity? How can we avoid making the same mistake?
2. Paul’s rhetorical question, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Cor. 6:19), concludes a series of seven questions in 1 Corinthians 5–6 that are introduced by the phrase “Do you not know?” (1 Cor. 5:6; 6:2–3, 9, 15–16, 19). They all require a strong affirmative answer—in the sense of, “Of course we know.” How do these questions help us understand Paul’s concern for the church? Why should we also address these subjects today?
3. Marriage comes from God (Gen. 1:27–28; 2:18–24) and must be honored (Heb. 13:4). Yet many people today regard it as outdated. How can we show the world that marriage is actually a gift from God, coming directly from the Garden of Eden?
1. Why is the desire for cultural acceptance dangerous?
The desire for cultural acceptance is dangerous because it can cause the church to lose its identity in Christ. When Christians are more concerned with what society accepts than with what God’s Word says, their faith is gradually adapted and weakened. This is exactly what happened in Corinth: the culture shaped the thinking of the church more strongly than the gospel did. We can avoid the same mistake by regularly examining our lives in the light of God’s Word, remaining in prayer, and placing Christ above human approval. The church should love and reach people, but it must not adopt the values of the world.
2. How do the “Do you not know?” questions help us understand Paul’s concern?
The repeated questions, “Do you not know?” show that Paul was deeply concerned because the Corinthians knew the truth but were not living according to it. They already knew that sin influences the church, that they belonged to Christ, and that their bodies were temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the problem was not merely a lack of knowledge, but a lack of application. Paul wanted to awaken them and remind them that their identity in Christ had consequences for their practical lives. We must also address these subjects today because knowledge alone is not enough. Our faith must become visible in the way we deal with sin, conflict, sexuality, the body, and the church.
3. How can we show that marriage is a gift from God?
We show the world the value of marriage not primarily through arguments, but through lived faithfulness, love, and mutual respect. A Christian marriage should demonstrate that God’s order is not restrictive, but protective and full of blessing. When husbands and wives forgive, serve, respect one another, and live together with God, the beauty of marriage becomes visible in practical ways. At the same time, the church should speak positively, clearly, and lovingly about marriage without looking down on people who have had different experiences. Marriage is a gift from Eden because it unites companionship, faithfulness, love, and responsibility. When Christians live out marriage in a healthy and Christ-centered way, it becomes a testimony to God’s good intention.
July 24, 2026
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading: 
Job 28
True Wisdom
The greatest treasure is not gold—but the fear of the Lord
Read online here
IntroductionJob interrupts the previous train of thought and begins an impressive song about wisdom. He describes humanity’s great ingenuity in extracting hidden treasures from the earth. Yet the most important question remains: Where can true wisdom be found? Job chapter 28 leads us to one of the most beautiful answers in the entire book.
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CommentaryAt the beginning, Job describes the mining practices of his time. People dig deep shafts, extract silver, gold, iron, and precious stones from the earth, and enter places that no animal has ever seen. With great skill, they overcome obstacles and uncover hidden treasures.
Yet after this impressive description, Job asks the decisive question: “But where can wisdom be found?” Despite all human ability, wisdom cannot be dug out of the ground, purchased, or manufactured.
Job lists the most precious things of his time: gold, silver, onyx, sapphire, coral, and pearls. None of these treasures can be compared with true wisdom. Its value surpasses every kind of material wealth.
Wisdom remains hidden from humanity. Neither the depths of the earth nor the sea know where it dwells. Even death and the realm of the dead have only heard of it. No human being can discover its path by personal strength alone.
Then Job turns his attention to God. God alone knows the way to wisdom because He is the Creator of the world. He ordered the earth, gave the wind its measure, set boundaries for the waters, and established the laws of nature. His wisdom is revealed throughout the whole creation.
Finally, the chapter reaches its climax: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” True wisdom does not consist primarily in knowledge or intelligence, but in a reverent relationship with God and a life of obedience to His will.
This statement forms a key to the entire book of Job. Not every question about suffering is answered. Yet those who trust God and honor Him possess a wisdom that reaches far beyond human understanding.
Job chapter 28 invites us not to seek the greatest treasure in material things or human knowledge, but in a living relationship with God.
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SummaryJob 28 raises the question of true wisdom. Although human beings possess great abilities and can uncover hidden treasures, the highest wisdom belongs to God alone. True wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord and with a life that turns away from evil.
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Message for Us TodayOur age values knowledge, technology, and education. All of these are valuable. Yet the most important wisdom is formed where a person approaches God with reverence and allows His Word to provide guidance. Those who fear the Lord possess a treasure that no crisis and no loss can take away.
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Thought for ReflectionWhat do I pursue with greater eagerness—success, knowledge, and possessions, or the wisdom that God gives to those who seek Him with all their heart?
The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End
July 24 – Courage for the Truth: Standing Faithfully in Confusing TimesMonthly Theme: The Three Angels’ Messages – The Final Message of Grace
Theme for 2026: “Soon the King Will Come – Hope Beyond the End”
Key Bible Verse for the Day“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
Devotional for the DayThe three angels’ messages call God’s people not only to know the truth, but also to stand courageously for it. In a time of spiritual confusion, it is not enough to be inwardly convinced while our outward lives communicate something different. Truth needs people who love it, live it, and bear witness to it—not with harshness, but with courage, humility, and love.
Courage for the truth does not mean being loud, proud, or argumentative. Biblical courage is different. It grows out of closeness to Christ. It remains calm when others mock. It remains kind when opposition comes. It remains steadfast when pressure increases. It does not seek conflict, but neither does it avoid the truth of God.
The final message of grace is proclaimed in a world that often treats truth as relative. Many no longer ask, “What does God say?” but rather, “What feels right? What is accepted? What fits the times?” Yet God’s Word remains. It does not change with the moods of humanity. It is light, even when many prefer darkness. It is truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable.
Those who take the three angels’ messages seriously will repeatedly face decisions. Should I remain silent when God’s truth is distorted? Should I conform in order to avoid opposition? Should I avoid clarity so that life remains easier? Or do I trust God enough to remain faithful?
Courage for the truth does not come from human strength. It comes from the Holy Spirit. God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment. This is important: power without love can become harsh. Love without power can remain silent when words are needed. Sound judgment protects us from acting unwisely or hurtfully. God’s Spirit unites all three: courage, love, and wisdom.
Truth Needs a Courageous HeartGod’s truth has never been welcomed by everyone. Even Jesus was misunderstood, rejected, and opposed, although He was full of love. Those who follow Him should not expect faithfulness always to be comfortable. Yet Christ does not call us to fear people, but to trust Him.
Ellen G. White wrote:
“God calls for men and women who are as true to principle as the needle to the pole.”
(Education, p. 57)
Such courage is not proud. It is founded upon God’s Word. Those who know that God’s truth brings life will learn not to hide it, but to confess it in love.
Clarity Without HarshnessCourage for the truth does not mean hurting people. Truth should not be thrown like a stone, but should shine like a light. Those who know Christ will not use truth to place themselves above others, but to invite people to God.
Ellen G. White wrote:
“Truth is to be spoken in love, so that Christ, and not self, may be revealed.”
(Evangelism, p. 143)
This is especially important in relation to the three angels’ messages. They contain solemn warnings, yet they remain the final message of grace. Therefore, they need messengers who not only speak correctly, but also reveal the spirit of Jesus.
Steadfast Through God’s SpiritRemaining steadfast in confusing times is not merely a work of human willpower. We need the Holy Spirit. He gives clarity when many voices speak at once. He gives courage when fear of people arises. He gives love when we are tempted to become harsh. He gives wisdom when we must decide when to speak and how to speak.
Perhaps God is not asking us today to take a great public stand, but to remain faithful in a small situation. Perhaps it is an honest word. Perhaps it is a clear confession of faith. Perhaps it is the decision not to participate when truth is being distorted. Perhaps it is the courage to live differently while remaining kind.
The three angels’ messages need people who fear Christ more than they fear others, who love God’s Word more than comfort, and who value truth more than recognition. Such people do not become strong through harshness, but through the presence of Jesus. The coming King makes His people courageous, clear, and loving.
PrayerDear Father in heaven,
give me courage for the truth.
Protect me from the fear of people, conformity, and spiritual complacency.
But also help me not to share Your truth harshly or proudly, but in the spirit of Christ.
Fill me with power, love, and sound judgment through Your Holy Spirit.
Let my life clearly point to You and prepare me to meet the coming King faithfully.
Amen.
Thought for the DayCourage for the truth means faithfully confessing God’s Word while preserving the spirit of Christ.
Personal Application
Closing Verse“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
— Acts 4:20
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