Closer To Heaven
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James White helped build the Seventh-day Adventist Church from a scattered, post-Millerite remnant into an actual movement with institutions, structure, and mission. Adventists believe God was guiding the whole process — but the humans He worked through were, at times, a lot. And James White may have been the most “a lot” of them all. […] Source: https://atoday.org/james-could-be-a-jerk-adventisms-brilliant-exhausting-indispensable-pioneer/
Daily Lesson for Sunday 1st of February 2026
Paul begins on a very positive note and almost sounds as though he is wrapping up his letter. But he’s not done. He returns to one of the main themes of this epistle: rejoicing in the Lord. And he will give a number of reasons for that here. Most important, we are to have confidence in Christ, not in ourselves: “We . . . rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). Who among us has, in one way or another, learned the hard way about not putting confidence in the flesh?
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The strong warning “Beware” (three times) is not found anywhere else in Scripture. Apparently, the Philippians knew very well what threat Paul was referencing. Rather than three separate problems, the warning appears to refer to a group of false teachers described in three different ways.
Wicked or irreligious people in Israel were sometimes referred to as “dogs” (Philippians 3:2; compare Psalms 22:16; Isaiah 56:10; Matthew 7:6; 2 Peter 2:21-22). False teachers could also aptly be described as “evil workers.” Referring to them as “the mutilation” (Philippians 3:2, NKJV) or “those who mutilate the flesh” (ESV) shows that, as in Galatia and other locales, they were seeking to impose circumcision on Gentile believers, contrary to the ruling of the Apostolic Council (see Acts 15:1-41).
Interestingly, it seems that one solution to spiritual challenges, including the spread of false teachings, is to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1; compare Philippians 4:4).
Anything we rejoice about brings us joy (as in English, the two Greek words for these ideas are related). God wants us to be joyful, and His Word is a kind of instruction manual for true happiness and lasting joy. These include receiving God’s mercy (Psalms 31:7); placing our trust in Him (Psalms 5:11); receiving the blessings of salvation (Psalms 9:14); adopting God’s law as our way of life (Psalms 119:14), including the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14); believing His Word (Psalms 119:162); and raising godly children (Proverbs 23:24-25).
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Life can be very difficult for us all, no matter how well things might be going at the moment. But even if they are not going well now, what things can you and should you rejoice about? What is stopping you from doing it? |
by Thomas J. Schitteck Recently, Adventist Today editor Loren Seibold wrote an editorial where he explained that Adventists are members of a local congregation, not the denomination. That’s a good thing to know, because it means that no one from a higher authority outside of your own congregation can exclude you. Let me add something […] Source: https://atoday.org/editorial-the-joy-of-the-worldwide-adventist-family/
Bible verse of the day: Psalm 9:10 – "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting! This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
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Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and love—one prayer at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a prayer. 🔔 Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pastor Alfred Kwasi Asiem The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
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Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh Day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiylE7G29e0
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