Closer To Heaven
|
|
|
We’re beginning a new 13-week study on Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy. Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy. It’s the fastest hour of the week!
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/some-principles-of-prophecy-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/
2 April 2025 | You’ve probably heard wonderful testimonies about what happens to volunteers who go on (expensive) short-term mission trips. Have you heard about the other testimonies—not so wonderful? Few want to share those. Returned short-term missionaries happily share the wonderful sense of fulfillment for being the answer to the prayers of those they […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-steve-case-short-term-mission-trips-benefit-or-bane/
Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy
Introduction – When Images Speak Louder Than WordsIn a world full of emojis, logos, and symbolic language, we’re used to interpreting signs. But when it comes to biblical prophecy, we often face the question:
Does God really mean it literally – or is it a picture of something deeper?
Many confuse modern political interpretations with biblical symbols. But God speaks in images that the Bible itself explains. Only those who read God’s language with God’s help will truly understand the message.
Bible Study – Symbols in the Light of ScriptureRead the following verses and note how the Bible explains its own symbols:
Daniel 7:7; 8:3; 7:24 → Horns represent kings or political powers.
Revelation 1:16; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12 → The sword is a symbol of God’s Word.
Revelation 12:1; 21:2; Ephesians 5:31–32; Jeremiah 6:2 → The woman symbolizes the church, God’s people.
Main Point:
The Bible is its own interpreter.
The symbolism of prophecy is not a guessing game – it’s a divine language full of meaning.
Spiritual Principles – Why God Speaks in SymbolsSymbols don’t obscure – they protect and reveal.
God uses symbols not to confuse, but to make truth accessible to the sincere seeker.
The Bible explains itself.
Reading today’s meanings into ancient texts leads to error. Biblical symbolism has biblical roots.
Some truths needed protection.
In New Testament times, naming Rome directly could have been dangerous. That’s why Peter refers to Babylon in 1 Peter 5:13 as a coded name for Rome.
Life Application – Interpreting Prophecy with Care
Don’t ask: What could this symbol mean today?
Ask: Where else in Scripture does it appear?
Read more than just verses – read context.
Meaning is found in the bigger picture.
Avoid speculation.
True understanding grows from humility, not sensationalism.
Trust that you can understand enough.
Even if not every symbol is immediately clear, you can grasp what truly matters.
Conclusion – God Speaks in Images So We Learn to SeeGod doesn’t use riddles to hide truth – He uses symbols to invite us in.
To deeper understanding, to attentive reading, to faith with an open heart.
You don’t need to know everything, but you can trust the One who gives understanding – at the right time.
Thought of the DayBiblical symbols are not hiding places – they are invitations to discover. Not everyone sees them at first glance – but those who seek, will find.
Illustration – The Notebook’s CodesIt was a rainy evening in Zurich. Jonas – this time not the literature professor, but Jonas, 19, a high school student with a love for gaming and history – was sitting with an old notebook from his great-grandfather. Inside: strange symbols, Bible verses, drawings of animals, horns, swords. Like something from a fantasy novel.
His grandfather had been a pastor – one who talked a lot about prophecy. Jonas had never really cared. Until now.
In religion class, they had just read Daniel 7. And the teacher offhandedly mentioned:
“Some say the bear represents Russia.”
Jonas blinked. Russia? In the Old Testament?
He pulled out the notebook. Read Daniel 7. Then Daniel 8.
Then he found a sentence:
“Compare Scripture with Scripture – not with headlines.”
That was it. Not a TikTok theory. Not a news headline faith.
He read Daniel 7:24:
“And the ten horns are ten kings…”
There it was. Clear as day. The Bible spoke for itself.
He turned to Revelation 12.
A woman – clothed with the sun.
Then to Ephesians 5:
“…the woman is a symbol of the church.”
Something in him grew quiet.
Not because he understood everything.
But because he realized:
This wasn’t a puzzle with no picture – it was a picture with depth.
And in that moment, between his gaming world and God’s Word, between symbols and clarity, a new chapter began.
One where Jonas learned:
Some things are hidden – but for those who seek, they will be revealed.
“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
April 3, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING – Revelation Chapter 9
Bible Text (King James Version)1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Explanation & Classification
IntroductionRevelation 9 is a striking and intense chapter—full of imagery of judgment, supernatural plagues, and spiritual darkness. At first glance, it may seem frightening and difficult to understand. Yet as we go deeper, we see that God’s intention is not destruction but repentance.
The trumpets symbolize warnings—God’s call to awaken. In His mercy, God allows the consequences of sin to be revealed so that humanity may turn back to Him and live.
Commentary
Verses 1–12: The Fifth Trumpet – Demonic Locusts
Verses 1–2: A star falls from heaven—symbolic of a being, likely Satan or a fallen angel—who is given access to the bottomless pit. Smoke rises—symbolizing confusion and spiritual darkness.
Verses 3–4: The locusts represent demonic forces. They do not harm nature but torment people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads—God’s people are protected.
Verses 5–6: The locusts are not allowed to kill, only to torment for five months. This shows God’s control and limitation of judgment. The torment is so severe that people desire death—but it escapes them.
Verses 7–10: The description is terrifying—lion’s teeth, human faces, scorpion tails. These symbols reveal the deceptive, cruel, and destructive nature of these forces.
Verse 11: Their king is the angel of the bottomless pit—Abaddon/Apollyon, meaning “Destroyer.” This confirms that the source of suffering is not God but evil itself.
Verse 12: One woe is past—two more are yet to come.
Verses 13–21: The Sixth Trumpet – Horsemen of Judgment
Verses 13–15: Four angels bound at the Euphrates—symbolically marking the boundary between Israel and enemy nations—are released. They are prepared for a specific time, showing God’s sovereignty over events.
Verses 16–17: A massive army brings death through fire, smoke, and brimstone—representing a devastating spiritual and physical conflict.
Verses 18–19: A third of mankind is killed. The horses have power in their mouths and tails—suggesting the deadly combination of deception (words) and violence (action).
Verses 20–21: The most tragic part—those who survive still do not repent. Despite everything, they cling to idolatry, immorality, violence, and occult practices.
SummaryGod warns through judgments—because of His grace.
Humanity is confronted with the consequences of evil.
God’s people are protected—by His seal.
But many persist in rebellion.
Message for Us TodayThis chapter speaks powerfully into our times. Even today, we see spiritual confusion, moral decay, and growing coldness in society. What was once described in symbols we now witness in cultural, social, and spiritual crisis.
The key question is not how “scary” this vision is—but: Am I ready? Do I bear the seal of God?
God is calling us to repentance—today.
Not through fear, but through truth.
Not by force, but by invitation.
Not someday—but now.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White – Steps to Christ
Read online here Explanation & Classification IntroductionPrayer is more than a religious obligation or a cry for help in difficult times – it is the living connection between the human soul and the heart of God.
Chapter 11 of Steps to Christ shows us that prayer is not only possible, but a divine privilege – a channel of grace and communion with a loving, listening Father.
And yet – this gift is often neglected, to the great loss of our spiritual life.
Commentary Paragraphs 1–4: The Necessity of Prayer
God speaks to us through nature, Scripture, providence, and His Spirit.
But without our response in prayer, the relationship remains incomplete.
Prayer is more than words – it is opening our heart to God and drawing near to Him.
Paragraphs 5–6: Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Jesus – though divine and without sin – felt the need for prayer.
He sought solitude, carried our burdens, and became our intercessor.
If the Son of God prayed, how much more do we need to pray!
Paragraphs 7–10: God’s Willingness to Hear
God longs to bless us – and yet we pray so little!
The angels can hardly understand this – for they know the joy of constant communion.
Without prayer, we disconnect from heaven and stand defenseless against temptation.
Paragraphs 11–18: Conditions for Answered Prayer
Prayer must be sincere – coming from a heart that longs for God.
Repentance, confession, and forgiveness toward others are essential.
Faith is key – even when we see no immediate answer.
God hears – and answers at the right time, according to our real needs.
Paragraphs 19–25: The Power of Personal and Constant Prayer
Private prayer – in stillness and solitude – has great value.
But prayer can also be a continual connection, a life lived with God.
Biblical examples like Enoch and Nehemiah show us: true prayer is a lifestyle.
Paragraphs 26–30: The Danger of Neglected Prayer
Neglecting prayer leads to spiritual weakness and distance from God.
True devotion includes prayer, fellowship, and service.
Those who isolate themselves or pray without action lose the joy and power of prayer.
Paragraphs 31–End: The Joy of Prayer and Praise
Thanksgiving and praise should be central to our prayer life.
God wants our worship to be joyful, trusting, and full of love – not fear.
Praise opens our hearts to God’s presence and prepares us to receive more blessings.
SummaryPrayer is a sacred gift of grace, through which we live in communion with God.
It is the “key in the hand of faith” that opens heaven’s treasure house.
Prayer is indispensable to the spiritual life – but its power depends on conditions: humility, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Christ gave us the perfect example – and invites us to find strength, peace, and nearness to God through prayer.
Message for Us TodayIn a world of noise, stress, and distraction – prayer remains our direct line to heaven.
“Ask, and it shall be given you…” (Matthew 7:7)
God waits for us – not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Prayer does not change God – it changes us:
Our trust deepens, our thoughts become clear, and our hearts are opened to His Spirit.
What does this mean for you today?
Take time for silent, personal prayer – not out of duty, but for peace and strength.
Stay connected with God throughout the day – in thought, in whisper, in silence.
Trust His answers – even when they come differently than expected.
Forgive others – we cannot ask for grace while holding onto bitterness.
Praise God! Gratitude transforms the heart and prepares us for more blessings.
Prayer is not just speaking with God – it is living with God.
Let us live in the light of this grace-filled gift.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/3-04-2025-revelation-chapter-9-believe-his-prophets/
2 April 2025 | Monte Sahlin, educator, pastor, researcher, sociologist, writer, and church administrator, died this afternoon, 2 April, at a hospice in Dayton, Ohio. He was 76 years old. Monte C. Sahlin was born into the fourth generation of a dedicated Seventh-day Adventist family. Originally from Saint Joseph, Missouri, he moved to Southern California […] Source: https://atoday.org/monte-sahlin-scholar-pastor-administrator-sociologist-dies/
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]
