Closer To Heaven
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By Matthew J. Korpman | 24 July 2024 | When Denis Fortin of Andrews University wrote the encyclopedia entry on Ellen White’s use of the Apocrypha in 2013, he noted what was the central issue involved in the discussion: “whether she considered the Apocrypha to be inspired Scripture.” He notes that “eight references to the […] Source: https://atoday.org/is-the-apocrypha-inspired-an-enlightening-letter-from-ellen-whites-son/
Daily Lesson for Thursday 25th of July 2024
Read Mark 4:26-29. What is the primary focus of this parable?
Most of the Gospel of Mark has parallels in either Matthew or Luke or both. But that is not the case with this parable. It is unique to Mark. The focus of this brief parable is the growing process. Jesus indicates that this is how the kingdom of God works. Humans have a part to play, but the real growth is the work of God. It is not an endless process. The story comes to an abrupt end with the maturation of the grain. Just so, the return of Christ a second time will suddenly bring an end to our world’s history.
Read Mark 4:30-32. What is the important stress of the parable of the mustard seed?
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
This parable stresses how something very tiny grows into something remarkably large. Mustard seeds measure typically one to two millimeters in diameter (.039 to .079 inches). The plant described here is probably the black mustard (Brassica nigra), which has tiny seeds (more than 700 seeds in one gram). While not the smallest seeds in the world, they are quite small, especially in comparison to the plant they produce, which can grow as large as three meters (ten feet) tall. Jesus notes that birds even nest in the branches of the mustard plant. This last reference is an allusion to Psalms 104:12, with an allusion to Daniel 4:10-12, as well. Psalms 104:1-35 speaks of God’s power in creating the world, and Daniel 4:1-37 represents Nebuchadnezzar as a great tree under which all the world finds shade and food.
The point Jesus makes is that the kingdom of God, which began very small, will become large and impressive. People in Jesus’ day may have looked down on the dusty itinerant preacher from Galilee with His band of disciples, but time has shown that His kingdom of grace continues to expand throughout the world.
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“ ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’ ” (Matthew 24:14, NKJV). Consider what the “church” was like when Jesus made that prediction. Why is this such a remarkable and faith-affirming prediction? |
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24c-04-parables-of-growing-seed/
Meet Ivy, a woman who carried a void in her heart from her parents' divorce at an early age. She sought healing in romantic relationships, but they would always end in failure. Ivy, the type to conceal her feelings, kept her pain hidden until her sister suggested she spend a week devoting herself to Bible study and prayer. During this time, she realized that she had been avoiding God, the only one who could make her whole again. She returned to church, determined to serve God. When the pastor invited people to join AWR in preaching in the Philippines, she saw it as a divine sign and signed up immediately
#BroadcastToBaptism #Japan #Philippines #Faith #CellPhoneEvangelism #awr #adventistworldradio About our channel
We are Adventist World Radio, dedicated to sending the gospel to every corner of the world, even in the most remote and inaccessible locations. Through radio broadcasts, Cell Phone Evangelism, Godpods, and Digital Evangelism on various social media platforms, we're striving to reach millions across the world in their native languages. Since we started broadcasting back in 1975, we've seen and heard some truly inspirational stories of people who've experienced life-changing encounters with God. Regardless of their beliefs or professions, we have seen God reach a pagan chieftain, a witch, a professional assassin, and even rebels. Witness God’s work at AWR, from broadcast to baptism. #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfUQ4LnIn4A
18 July 2024 | Adventist Today spoke to Dr. Wendy Jackson, one of the few female pastors allowed to baptize new converts at the mass baptisms that occurred during the PNG4Christ campaign. She speaks of her role teaching and preaching during the event, and of her hope to inspire other women in ministry. Hello, Dr. […] Source: https://atoday.org/feature-in-conversation-with-dr-wendy-jackson-breaking-barriers-as-a-female-pastor-at-png4christ/
Meet Emma, an ordinary woman who is neither a preacher nor a public speaker. The idea of preaching was completely out of her comfort zone. One day, there was a call for volunteers to preach in Mindoro, Philippines. Initially, Emma was excited about the opportunity, but her heart sank as doubts filled her mind. She believed that only pastors and elders were capable of preaching, but after much prayer, the Holy Spirit moved her. She walked up to the pastor and expressed her desire to preach. In preparation, she prayed every day for divine assistance. As Emma was praying, the Holy Spirit was also working on others' hearts
#BroadcastToBaptism #Japan #Philippines #Faith #CellPhoneEvangelism #awr #adventistworldradio About our channel
We are Adventist World Radio, dedicated to sending the gospel to every corner of the world, even in the most remote and inaccessible locations. Through radio broadcasts, Cell Phone Evangelism, Godpods, and Digital Evangelism on various social media platforms, we're striving to reach millions across the world in their native languages. Since we started broadcasting back in 1975, we've seen and heard some truly inspirational stories of people who've experienced life-changing encounters with God. Regardless of their beliefs or professions, we have seen God reach a pagan chieftain, a witch, a professional assassin, and even rebels. Witness God’s work at AWR, from broadcast to baptism. #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ew0lFMu_Qs
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]
