Closer To Heaven
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16 February 2026 | Dear Aunt Sevvy: We Adventists talk about biblical portents in the heavens—falling stars, earthquakes, and a red moon—that happened in the 18th and 19th centuries as fulfillments of Matthew 24. That’s a long time ago. Does it make any sense to say that these were the signs of Jesus’ imminent return? […] Source: https://atoday.org/the-signs-in-the-sun-moon-and-stars-happened-a-long-time-ago-aunty-why-do-we-say-they-were-signs-of-jesus-soon-return/
Jorge reached for his cellphone and quickly sent a simple text—one message that opened the opportunity to know the truth through Bible study. Interested in joining Bible studies, too? Type “BIBLE STUDIES” in the comments. You can also visit https://globalbibleschool.org. To watch Jorge’s entire story, click here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=I6kZIKwuIMg #AWR360 #AdventistWorldRadio #Shorts Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mO_O4oAevKU
Comments of the Week Feb 9-15 “Polish is the language we will all be speaking in heaven. Better start learning it now.” –Aldona Jones on English Is Over: The Global Church Is Moving On Comments on Sometimes, There Are No Good Answers; Hello. My Name is Javier. And I Am a Pharisee In Recovery; The […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-feb9-15/
Daily Lesson for Monday 16th of February 2026
In the New Testament, the terms “firstborn” and “first begotten” almost always refer to Jesus (see Luke 2:7, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 1:5), including both occurrences in Colossians. But even when it refers to others, it does not necessarily mean the one born chronologically first. The biblical concept of the “firstborn” emphasizes the special relationship a son bears to his father, regardless of birth order. Also, there are instances of younger sons being more prominent: Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, to name a few.
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
David, though the youngest of eight sons, is anointed king (1 Samuel 16:10-13), and through the psalmist God said, “I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (Psalms 89:27, NKJV). He also tells Moses, “Israel is my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22, ESV). In this sense, then, the term connotes first in terms of preeminence.
Clearly, Paul does not mean to suggest that Jesus was the first being created. In fact, he categorically excludes that possibility. Twice, in two different ways, he says Jesus created all things. They were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). In both cases, Jesus is indicated as the personal agent through whom God carried out the process of Creation (see also Ephesians 3:9, John 1:1-3, Revelation 4:11).
Paul’s statement is as comprehensive as possible. All means all—spatially (heaven and earth), ontologically (visible and invisible), and functionally (thrones, dominions, principalities, powers). The latter terms normally refer to angelic beings (see Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 6:12). As if to make sure he cannot be misunderstood, Paul also indicates that Jesus existed “before all things” (Colossians 1:17). The Greek expression can mean precedence in rank as well as in time, but in every other instance in Paul’s writings, it refers to time (see, for example, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Galatians 1:17, Ephesians 1:4).
Another reason Paul gives for Jesus’ preeminence is that “all things are held together in him” (Colossians 1:17, NET). The Greek word (synistēmi) literally means “bring together” or “unite.” Jesus is the unifying factor of the universe, not only because of His role as Creator but also because He is the Redeemer.
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God, the Creator, died for us. What could our works add to that? Why is the idea that our works could add to what Christ has done already for us blasphemous? |
El pastor Dan Wilson, de la iglesia Grand Prairie en Alberta, Canada, informó en Facebook que el club de Conquistadores Grand Prairie se vio involucrado en un accidente mortal. «El conductor del autobús intentó cambiar de carril cerca de la salida de DeBolt y perdió el control debido al hielo. El autobús volcó dos veces […] Source: https://atoday.org/accidente-de-conquistadores-deja-victimas-mortales/
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