Closer To Heaven
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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.”
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(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/5-the-nations-part-2-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/
View an in-depth discussion of The Nations: Part 2 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/5-the-nations-part-2-hope-sabbath-school-video-discussion/
by Reinder Bruinsma | 30 April 2025 | After a recent day of preaching and teaching in Stuttgart, Germany, I was graciously presented with a copy of Tomáš Halík’s most recent book, The Afternoon of Christianity: The Courage to Change. Tomáš Halík (b. 1948) is a Czech Roman Catholic priest and theologian who has also […] Source: https://atoday.org/the-afternoon-of-adventism/
Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionGod’s plan moves relentlessly toward its goal. Despite the chaos of human empires and the failures of the church, God continually gathers a faithful people. In this lesson, we see that in the New World God raised up a movement to carry the last warning to humanity. Seventh-day Adventists understand themselves as part of this prophetic commission: to “proclaim again”—to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
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Bible Study
Question 1: What insights do we find in Revelation 10:1–11?
Revelation 10 portrays a mighty angel standing with one foot on the sea and one on the land. This posture symbolizes that God’s message extends over both the old and the new territories—the whole earth. The little scroll that he opens points back to Daniel’s prophecies, especially about the end of earthly kingdoms. The movement that follows is global and urgent. The commission is to prophesy again—now clearly, loudly, and worldwide.
Question 2: Why should the accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies strengthen our trust in God?
The precise sequence of empires that Daniel forecast—from Babylon to the divided kingdoms—demonstrates that God’s Word is utterly reliable. If earlier prophecies were fulfilled in such detail, we can be fully confident that His promise of an ultimate, eternal kingdom will also come true. That assurance gives us stability and hope in a chaotic world.
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Spiritual PrinciplesGod works through history: He guides nations and peoples to fulfill His plan of redemption.
Prophetic fulfillment builds faith: Seeing Scripture come true bolsters our confidence in God’s Word.
“Proclaim again” is for every generation: Each generation must share the gospel with all peoples.
God’s kingdom will replace all earthly realms: We serve not for a temporary triumph but for an eternal crown.
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Practical ApplicationStudy prophecy regularly to grasp God’s overarching plan more fully.
Live as living witnesses: Let your lifestyle, decisions, and words point people to God’s coming kingdom.
Trust the promises: Even when circumstances are bleak, rely on what God has revealed in His Word.
Proclaim boldly: Today more than ever, we must speak of Christ and His return with courage and love.
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ConclusionWe live in a time when ancient prophecies are coming to pass. The “remnant church” is called to be a clear voice for truth. As the world increasingly pursues its own paths, we are commissioned to point people to God’s coming, eternal kingdom. Studying prophecy isn’t mere theory—it’s preparation for eternity.
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Thought of the Day“God’s Word has always been fulfilled. Why should it be different now? The final chapter of history is already written—and it ends in victory.”
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Illustration – “The Little Lighthouse”In 2025, on a storm-tossed stretch of America’s East Coast, stood a small, weather-beaten lighthouse. Scoured by salt and battered by wind, every night it bravely cast its beam across dark, rolling seas.
Ella, a young doctor who grew up there, loved that lighthouse. Her grandfather often told her, “If you ever feel lost, look for the light. It reminds you you’re not alone.”
Over the years, so much changed: new technologies, new wars, new promises of peace that quickly broke. Ella traveled the world, encountering turmoil, a hunger for truth, and despair everywhere. One evening back home, she walked the beach and saw the familiar beam cutting through the darkness. Tears filled her eyes.
“That,” she thought, “is our task as God’s people.” In a world full of darkness and deception, we must keep the light of God’s kingdom shining—clear, unwavering, unbowed by any storm.
Ella resolved to devote her life to that “ministry of light”: bringing hope, guiding people to Christ—the only safe harbor.
For no matter how stormy the sea of nations becomes—God’s light will never go out.
May 1, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Genesis 15 – God’s Covenant with Abram══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Genesis 15 (KJV)After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
7 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.
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IntroductionGenesis 15 is one of the most profound chapters in the Bible. In it, God appears to Abram in a vision, promises him a son, and makes a covenant with him. The core theme is Abram’s faith, which is counted as righteousness—a central verse for the biblical concept of righteousness by faith (cf. Romans 4; Galatians 3).
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Commentary
1. God’s Promise (Verses 1–5)God speaks directly to Abram in a vision.
Though Abram is still childless, God promises him a biological heir.
The starry sky becomes a symbol of his countless future descendants.
2. Abram’s Faith (Verse 6)Key verse: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
This verse forms the basis for the New Testament’s teaching on faith (cf. Romans 4; Galatians 3).
Faith responds to God’s Word, not to what is humanly visible.
3. Covenant Ceremony (Verses 7–11)Abram asks for a sign—God answers with a solemn covenant.
Animals are split—symbolizing an unbreakable contract.
Birds of prey symbolize danger, yet Abram protects the covenant pieces.
4. Prophetic Revelation (Verses 12–16)God prophesies: Abram’s descendants will be strangers and oppressed (fulfilled in Egypt).
Their return is based on God’s timing.
Note God’s patience: “The sin of the Amorites is not yet full.”
5. Covenant and Land Promise (Verses 17–21)A smoking furnace and flaming torch: God alone walks through the pieces—a unilateral covenant.
The land promise stretches from Egypt to the Euphrates—vast and secure.
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SummaryGenesis 15 marks a turning point in Abram’s life.
He trusts in God’s promise despite impossible circumstances.
God responds to this faith by crediting him with righteousness and confirms His promise through covenant.
This chapter affirms: God’s promises are trustworthy—our faith is the proper response.
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Message for Today God sees our uncertainty and speaks comfort: “Do not be afraid!” Faith means trusting in God’s Word, even before it becomes visible. God’s promises are fulfilled—often differently and later, but always surely. Even in moments of darkness (v. 12), God remains faithful. God also invites us into His covenant—a promise He alone keeps.
“Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6
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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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IntroductionChapter 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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SummaryChapter 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/1-05-2025-genesis-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/
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