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

April 27, 2025 By admin

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

April 27, 2025 By admin

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