Closer To Heaven
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30 July 2025 | In his recent book, De kerk is Fantastisch, Belgian Roman Catholic theologian Rik Torfs analyzes what he sees as “fantastic” in his church, and what he considers ugly; what he admires and what he abhors. In this class, I will follow his model. My church, too, is also far from perfect. […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-reinder-bruinsma-the-church-is-great-but-far-from-perfect/
30 July 2025 | On July 30, World Trafficking Day, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) stops to honor the victims of human trafficking. Though the exact number is unknown, according to a study done by the International Labor Organization, there are 49.6 million people currently trapped in modern slavery worldwide. Though there are […] Source: https://atoday.org/adra-spreads-awareness-on-world-trafficking-day/
Daily Lesson for Thursday 31st of July 2025
The last Egyptian plague fell on the firstborn. It was a divine judgment on all the gods of Egypt and upon all the families who worshiped these false gods, which were worthless idols that reflected the people’s own passions, desires, and fears.
Image © Educational Concepts Collection at Goodsalt.com
As the earlier plagues had shown, these idols were unable to save the people. Their worthlessness was even more apparent now, during the tenth plague, which brought, by far, the greatest consequences on the Egyptians.
“Throughout the vast realm of Egypt the pride of every household had been laid low. The shrieks and wails of the mourners filled the air. King and courtiers, with blanched faces and trembling limbs, stood aghast at the overmastering horror.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 280.
Pharaoh represented the ultimate power and god of Egypt, and his firstborn son was considered a son of a god. Isis was a goddess protecting children; Heqet was a goddess attending women at childbirth; and Min was a god of reproduction. Besides these, there were several Egyptian gods of fertility. All these gods were powerless in comparison to the living Lord. Moses says: “ ‘Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?’ ” (Exodus 15:11, ESV). Jethro later testified: “ ‘Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly’ ” (Exodus 18:11, NIV).
According to Exodus 1:1-22, the Egyptians had killed newborn sons of Israel on the command of Pharaoh to weaken the Israelites and to subdue and humiliate them. Now God’s punishment strikes the firstborn sons of Egypt. What people sow, they reap.
Our decisions and actual behavior bring consequences. And the painful truth, which we all have experienced, is that we alone don’t suffer from the consequences of our wrong actions. Others, sometimes many others, even innocent others, suffer, as well. Such is the nature of sin.
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In what ways have you suffered from others’ sins? Or, what are ways others have suffered from your sins? What is our only hope? |
(0)Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 5 – Passover. It’s the fastest hour of the week!
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/passover-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/
BLUE RIDGE PINES, NC — Capping off another high-energy Vacation Bible School, Blue Ridge Pines SDA Church broke with tradition by saving its most powerful altar call for parents alone. While children were spirited away for allergy-safe popsicles, the sanctuary was overtaken by a moving instrumental rendition of “All To Jesus I Surrender,” played no […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-vbs-concludes-with-altar-call-for-parents-to-volunteer-next-year/
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