Closer To Heaven
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“Love doesn’t die with death. Love is like liquid; when it pours out, it seeps into others’ lives. Love changes form and shape. Love gets into everything. Love wins every single time. Love wins by lasting through death. Love wins by loving more, loving again, loving without fear. ― Kate O’Neill by Jack Hoehn There […] Source: https://atoday.org/deaths-sting/
Lesson 4 – The Nations, Part 1
Introduction – Called to Be a Source of LightGod’s intention for Israel was always to be a light to the nations. That light was never to shine by force or coercion, but through lives marked by justice, mercy, and truth. Today, as believers, we are likewise called to reflect that light in a dark world.
Bible Study – God’s Plan for His People
Question: What do the following verses teach us about the role God intended for His people in the world, and how can we apply these principles today?
a) Numbers 14:17–21
Here God reveals His patience and mercy toward a rebellious people. Despite their unbelief, He intends to display His glory among the nations. This reminds us that our conduct reflects God’s character and has real influence on the world around us.
b) Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; 60:3
In these passages God calls His people to be a light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6 says, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Our calling goes beyond ourselves—we are to bring God’s salvation to all humanity.
c) Revelation 18:1–4
Here God’s summons is clear: “Come out of her, my people.” He calls His people to separate from Babylon—the symbol of spiritual confusion and apostasy—so they will not share in her sins. This underscores our need to bear a clear witness in a compromised world.
Follow-up Question: How can we, as a church not in Babylon, be used by God to call His people still in Babylon out of spiritual confusion?
By living authentic lives of love and holiness that reflect God’s truth. Through sharing the gospel, cultivating genuine community, and modeling Christ-like integrity, we invite others to step out of Babylon’s deception into the freedom of Christ.
Spiritual Principles – Light in the DarknessCalled to Holiness: God calls His people to live sanctified lives, separate from worldly influence.
Missionary Mandate: We are commissioned to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
Example to the World: Our lives should mirror God’s character, drawing others to Him.
Practical Application – Being Bearers of LightIn Personal Life: Strive daily to live and share God’s love and truth in your everyday relationships.
In the Church: Foster a culture of openness, service, and evangelism.
In Society: Advocate for justice, mercy, and truth as a testimony to God’s kingdom.
Conclusion – Our Calling as Light of the WorldGod has appointed His people to be a light in the darkness. That calling is as urgent today as ever. By living in truth and embodying God’s love, we can call others out of Babylon’s confusion and point them to Christ.
Thought of the Day“A small light that shines is better than a great light hidden away.”
Illustration – The Boy with the CandleSarajevo, Spring 2024
The power was out again.
On the top floor of a gray apartment block sat fourteen-year-old Amir at a small wooden table, the glow of a single candle lighting his grandfather’s old Bible—a tattered edition with handwritten notes in the margins and yellowed pages.
Below him the city lay in darkness, with only occasional headlights flickering across building facades. In that darkness, one could almost still smell the war. His mother’s stories of the 1990s haunted him at night.
Amir was not yet a Christian. But since his grandmother died, he’d been drawn to her Bible. She used to say, “I’m only a small mirror—but if I hold myself right, I reflect heaven’s light.” He hadn’t understood then, but now he thought about it often.
He had questions—about God, about meaning, about suffering.
His best friend, Luka, came from a very different background—Orthodox heritage but little practice. Yet it was Luka who had taken him to a small Adventist congregation hidden between an empty kiosk and a barbershop. There Amir felt something real—no show, no violence, just warmth and clarity.
He remembered the preacher saying, “The gospel is no private possession. It’s a torch that must burn—not in cathedrals, but in kitchens. Not on pulpits, but in hearts.”
That night, as wind whistled through the window cracks and Sarajevo lay once more in darkness, Amir felt a resolve growing within him. Not a dramatic conversion, not a vision—just a quiet prayer:
“If You are light, God… then make me a light for Luka, for my mother, for my city.”
The next morning he brought the Bible to school.
When Luka asked, “You’re really reading that for fun?” Amir answered,
“I think it’s more than a book. It’s like a lantern that still shines when the power’s out.”
A few weeks later, they sat together in church—not out of curiosity this time, but because the light had begun to reflect.
“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen over you.” – Isaiah 60:2
DAILY BIBLE READING Genesis Chapter 8 – Hope After the Flood – God’s Faithfulness Renews the Earth
April 24, 2025
Daily Chapter: Genesis 8 Bible Text – Genesis 8 (King James Version)1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged;
2 The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;
3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.
6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.
10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
12 And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.
13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.
15 And God spake unto Noah, saying,
16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.
18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him:
19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.
20 And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Explanation & Context
IntroductionAfter judgment comes hope. Genesis chapter 8 marks the turning point in the flood narrative: God’s judgment recedes – and His grace begins to shine. This chapter represents the shift from chaos to order, from wrath to promise, from darkness to new life.
God does not forget His creation – He “remembers” Noah, who remained in the ark for over a year in trust and obedience. Chapter 8 is a picture of new beginnings, divine faithfulness, and a human response in faith.
Commentary
1. God Remembers Noah (vv. 1–5)The Hebrew word “remember” (זָכַר – zakar) implies not just recall, but active intervention.
The waters recede – symbolizing that God’s wrath does not last forever.
The ark comes to rest – like a ship of faith landing on the rock of promise.
2. Signs of Hope (vv. 6–12)Noah waits patiently and tests the environment using birds.
The dove with the olive branch becomes a symbol of peace – later also representing the Holy Spirit.
Noah acts only when he hears from God – a model of faithful patience.
3. A New Beginning (vv. 13–19)God speaks again to Noah – calling him to step out into a renewed world.
Life returns to earth – blessed again with fruitfulness and multiplication.
This is a fresh start full of hope, but also responsibility.
4. Noah’s Offering and God’s Promise (vv. 20–22)Noah’s first action: building an altar – expressing gratitude and worship.
God accepts the offering and makes a new covenantal promise: never again will He destroy all life.
The cycles of life – sowing and reaping, seasons and time – are now guaranteed by God’s providence.
SummaryGenesis 8 is a story of grace after judgment:
God does not forget His children in times of trouble.
The earth is cleansed, creating space for new life.
Noah responds with obedience and worship; God responds with a promise of consistency and care.
Message for Us Today
What can we learn from Genesis 8?
God remembers you, even if you feel like you’re floating in uncertainty.
Wait for God’s word before taking steps – like Noah, who lived by faith, not by sight.
When God opens a new path, give thanks first, as Noah did with his altar.
God’s promise still stands: He sustains the rhythms of life.
The end of a crisis is often the beginning of a blessed journey – God brings new life out of chaos.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Why was Sin Permitted? Read online here IntroductionThe question, “Why was Sin Permitted?” touches the core of the Great Controversy between good and evil. In chapter 1 of Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen White explores the origins of this cosmic conflict.
She shows that the origin of sin is not found in God, but in the misuse of free will by a created being – Lucifer, once the highest of angels. Though creation was perfect, God granted every being freedom of choice, for true love cannot be forced.
Commentary 1. God’s Nature: Love as the Foundation of the Universe“God is love” (1 John 4:16) – the core of His law and government.
His rule is based on freedom, justice, and grace.
All intelligent beings were joyful in obedience as long as love reigned.
2. Lucifer’s Fall: Abuse of FreedomLucifer, the “Morning Star,” was full of glory and wisdom.
Pride and self-exaltation led to rebellion.
He desired equality with Christ and sought worship due only to God.
3. The Beginning of RebellionLucifer disguised his intentions and sowed seeds of doubt.
He questioned God’s law and authority under the guise of “freedom.”
Many angels were confused; some deceived, others remained loyal.
4. God’s Patience and WarningGod offered Lucifer mercy and a way back.
But Lucifer refused to confess his wrong and grew hardened.
He even claimed it was too late for forgiveness – another lie.
5. God’s Wisdom in Allowing SinGod did not destroy Satan instantly.
He allowed sin to develop, so all beings could see its consequences.
Only then could God’s law be fully justified and rebellion prevented forever.
SummaryThis chapter teaches:
God created perfect beings with free will.
Sin began with Lucifer, who exalted himself.
God’s law is an expression of His love – not arbitrary.
Sin was permitted to reveal its true nature.
The Great Controversy affects all creation – not just humanity.
Message for Us Today
Today we are also caught in the midst of the Great Controversy.
Pride, rebellion, and self-justification are still Satan’s tools.
What does this mean for you?
Trust God’s character, even when you don’t understand everything.
Choose obedience from love, not compulsion. God’s patience with Lucifer shows His mercy to you, too.
Be watchful – Satan still uses half-truths and pride to deceive.
Turn to God while the door of grace is still open.
“Justice and judgment are the foundation of His throne; mercy and truth go before His face.” (Psalm 89:14)
The origin of sin doesn’t show God’s weakness – it reveals His infinite wisdom, patience, and love.
That same love calls you today – to be part of His Kingdom, freely and fully.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/24-04-2025-genesis-chapter-8-believe-his-prophets/
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Esther played the long game—led by prayer, fasting, and bold courage. Haman schemed with pride, power, and manipulation. One trusted God.
The other trusted his ego.
Only one survived. ✨ Are you being led by God… or by your ego? Save this video as a reminder to trust His timing, not your own. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHvLdmSaXa8
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