LET'S TALK ABOUT IT.
THE NEW JERUSALEM: GOD’S CITY COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN!

The Bible ends with one of the most breathtaking promises ever given to humanity: God will dwell with His people on a restored earth. And at the center of this promise is a magnificent city—the New Jerusalem.

After the thousand years in heaven, Scripture tells us that the Holy City itself will descend from God out of heaven.

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
— Revelation 21:2

This is not a symbol of escape from the earth forever. It is the moment when heaven and earth are united. God brings His city to a renewed world where sin, suffering, and death will never exist again.

Jesus promised His followers that He was preparing a place for them:

“I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there ye may be also.”
— John 14:2–3

The New Jerusalem is that prepared place—a real city built by God Himself.

The greatest beauty of the city is not its gold or jewels.

The greatest promise is God’s presence.

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them… And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
— Revelation 21:3–4

The long story of sin finally ends, and God lives with His people forever.

In that city, there is no need for the sun or moon.

“For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”
— Revelation 21:23

Jesus Himself will be the light of the city.

Flowing from the throne of God is the river of life, and beside it grows the tree of life—the very tree lost in Eden.

“And there shall be no more curse… and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
— Revelation 22:3–5

The story that began in a garden ends with a city filled with life, light, and the presence of God.

The Bible closes with an invitation to every person:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come… And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 22:17

The New Jerusalem is not just a prophecy—it is a promise.

And the question for each of us is simple:

Will we be there when God’s city comes down from heaven?

BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS # 168
Section 15- Admonitions and Warnings.

CHAPTER 168, Backsliding.

1. How does God regard backsliding?

"Thy backslidings shall reprove thee: . . . it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts." Jer. 2:1:9. "If any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb. 10:38.

2. What has ever been the tendency of God's people?

"My people are bent to backsliding from Me." Hosea 11:7.

3. What inevitably leads to departure from God?

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart. of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Heb. 3:12.

NOTE.- Unbelief is "the sin which doth so easily beset us." Heb. 12:1.

4. In what ways did the constant backsliding of the people of Jerusalem manifest itself?

"Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I harkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? everyone turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle." Jer. 8:5,6.

5. To what is backsliding likened?

"Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord." Jer. 3:20.

6. To regain God's favor, what must the backslider do?

"Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed My voice, saith the Lord." Verse 13.

7. On what condition does God promise mercy to sinners?

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.

8. Why must the wicked forsake their thoughts and ways?

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord." Verse 8.

NOTE.- God desires that we shall think His thoughts, which are right thoughts, pure thoughts, everlasting thoughts. He desires also that we shall take on His ways, which are ways of pleasantness, and walk in His paths, which are paths of peace.

9. What is especially necessary to prevent backsliding?

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." Mark 14:38.

10. What are believers exhorted to do?

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Cor. 13:5.

11. If one has God's law in the heart, what will not occur?

"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Ps. 37:31.

12. What is one characteristic of backsliding?

"Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" Mal. 3:7.

13. In response, what neglected ordinance does God cite?

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings." Verse 8.

14. What remedy is indicated?

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Verse 10.

15. Because of Christ's plain teachings, what did some of His disciples do?

"From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him." John 6:66.

16. When the backslider repents, what does God do?

"Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. . . . I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him." Hosea 14:2-4.

17. Will there be special danger of backsliding in the last days?

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt. 24:12.

18. What are some of the evils against which we are specially warned at this time?

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34.

19. In view of the perils surrounding us, what are we told to do?

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Verse 36.

O FOR a closer walk with God!

A calm and heavenly frame,

A light to shine upon the road

That leads me to the Lamb.

WILLIAM COWPER.

I would like to thank God for using the Bible Reading for the Home Circle to bless millions of souls. To the author and original producer, (though in truth and reality it's God's)

DAILY BIBLE LESSON.
AN URGENT WARNING FROM GOD, DESTRUCTION IS COMING TO THE APOSTATE CHURCHES OF THE WORLD.

Please, share this study with your family, friends co-workers, and all who you can, for the expansion of the Kingdom of GOD.

God is giving an urgent message today to the people in the various churches. It is a SALVATIONAL message, and we know this because of what is said in Revelation 18:1-4:

Revelation 18:1-5 ...'And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.'

Is Revelation 18:1-5 a salvational message? Absolutely! And we know this because God is telling His people who are still in Babylon to 'come out of her', otherwise they will partake of her sins and receive of her plagues. Anyone who receives of the 7 last plagues will be lost, because they are poured out after probation has closed and will be received by those who have been deceived by the churches of Babylon, and they will be forever lost!

This is why God is lovingly calling His people to COME OUT of Babylon, so that they can be saved. He does not want them to perish. But if they do not heed His calling and continue to follow their churches, instead of following Christ, then God cannot do any more for them, because He will not force anyone to obey Him, and they will end up perishing with the fallen churches.

WHAT IS THE MESSAGE FROM GOD? "COME OUT." But what is the message from the fallen churches and the world? "COME IN and let us put aside truth, so that we can all unite together." But just look at the following prophecy of what is coming upon the churches soon:

Ezekiel 9:1-7 ...'He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.'

This is a scene that is soon to be fulfilled among the various churches. And we know Ezekiel 9 is pointing to the churches in the end times, because of two major factors. One is that it mentions God's true people who 'sigh and cry for the sins' will be 'marked in their foreheads', pointing to Revelation 14:1-5 which confirms God's end time saints as receiving the 'seal of God', or the 'Father's name in their foreheads.' And two, that the apostle Paul says that we - the church - are now the 'temple of God' (1 Cor.3:16). And the apostle Peter says that 'judgment must begin with the house of God.' (1 Peter 4:17). So for God to say 'begin at My sanctuary' in Ezekiel 9 above, He is clearly saying that the destruction is coming FIRST to the church - the unfaithful churches!

"Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity." (Manuscript Releases, Vol.1, p.260)

The majority of professed Christians in this world are living comfortable, easy lives, thinking they need not do anything for the Lord. They are building a future for this world, rather than a future in heaven. They are storing up treasure on earth, rather than treasure in heaven. And they are unaware of the soon coming judgment, where Jesus will say to them ... "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23). It is only those who are DOING the will of God which will be saved (Matthew 7:21). And it is only those, as Ezekiel 9 confirmed above, who are 'sighing and crying for the abominations' in the churches who will be marked with God's seal, and spared from the coming destruction.

The churches of the world today are nothing like the New Testament church. FLEE! FLEE!

Amos 8:3 ...'And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.'

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

Breaking the Cycle of Resistance to Prosperity

​In today’s first reading (Acts 7:51-8:1), we witness the powerful, final testimony of St. Stephen. He speaks a hard truth to those gathered: "You stiff-necked people... you always oppose the Holy Spirit!" Stephen highlights a tragic cycle—God sends a vision of the "Righteous One," but the people, stuck in their old ways and hardened by tradition, reject the very thing meant to save them.
​When we translate this to our financial lives, how many of us are "stiff-necked" toward new opportunities for prosperity? We pray for financial breakthroughs, yet when the Holy Spirit nudges us toward a new stream of income, a digital shift, or a modern way of building wealth, we "cover our ears" just like the crowd in Jerusalem. We cling to the "way things have always been done," even if those ways leave us in lack.
​The Vision of Open Heavens
​Stephen looked up and saw the heavens opened. In the same way, God is opening the heavens over your finances in 2026. The "bread of life" mentioned in today's Gospel isn't just spiritual; it represents the divine provision that ensures we shall never hunger. But to receive it, we must stop resisting the "Holy Spirit of innovation." The internet is a modern-day wilderness where God is providing "manna"—wealth-building tools that require minimal effort but maximum faith to start.
​Don't be like those who ground their teeth in anger at change. Instead, be like Stephen: have the vision to see where the glory of God (and the flow of resources) is moving. If you are ready to stop resisting and start receiving, the light of financial prosperity is just one message away.
​Step into Your Financial Light Today:
​Text the word App to the WhatsApp number 07058 541377.
​By joining, you will receive:
​Daily Doses of Inspiration: Spiritual and financial wisdom to guide your day.
​Exclusive Access: Free links to legitimate ways to generate income from the internet with minimal work.
​Prosperity Guidance: Tools to help you align your faith with your bank account.
​Check the message section of this post right now to see a live example of how you can start making money online with little effort today! Do not let this word pass you by. Your "open heaven" is here.

Today's Readings are from the Book of Deuteronomy, Chapters 5 and 6, and John 12

Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading)

Deuteronomy 5

The Covenant Reaffirmed and the Standard of Holiness

Deuteronomy 5 brings the people back to the foundation of their covenant with God. Moses restates the Ten Commandments, not as new information, but as a renewed call to obedience for a new generation. This moment reinforces that God’s standards do not change, even as generations do.
Moses reminds them of the day God spoke directly from the mountain, revealing His holiness and authority. The people feared because they recognized the weight of His presence. That moment established a truth that still stands—God is not to be approached casually. He is holy, and His commands reflect His character.

The commandments outline what it looks like to live in right relationship with God and with others. They are not arbitrary rules, but a reflection of God’s design for life. When followed, they lead to order, justice, and blessing. When ignored, they result in disorder and separation.

The chapter also highlights the people’s initial willingness to obey. They responded with a desire to listen and follow, yet history shows that intention alone is not enough. Obedience must be sustained, not just declared.

Theologically, Deuteronomy 5 reveals that God’s covenant is rooted in His holiness and expressed through His commands. His law exposes both His righteousness and humanity’s need for transformation. It shows what is right, but also reveals where we fall short.

This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly fulfills the law. Where humanity fails to uphold God’s standard, Christ meets it completely. He does not abolish the law but fulfills it, making a way for believers to be made righteous through Him.

For believers today, Deuteronomy 5 reminds us that God’s standards still matter. His commands are not outdated—they reflect His unchanging nature. In Christ, we are not only forgiven for where we fall short, but empowered to live in obedience, walking in a way that honors God and reflects His holiness.

Deuteronomy 6

Wholehearted Love and Daily Devotion to God

Deuteronomy 6 moves from the commands themselves to the heart behind them. The central call is clear—to love the Lord fully and completely. This is not partial devotion or occasional obedience, but a life centered entirely on God.

Moses emphasizes that God’s Word is to be internal, not just external. It is to shape thoughts, actions, conversations, and priorities. Faith is not confined to moments of worship—it is woven into everyday life. The home becomes a place of discipleship, where truth is taught consistently and intentionally.

The chapter also warns of a coming danger. When the people enter the land and experience blessing, they may forget the Lord who brought them there. Comfort can lead to complacency if the heart is not anchored in gratitude and remembrance.

Obedience, then, is tied directly to love. This is not about legalism, but relationship. When the heart is aligned with God, obedience follows naturally. Love becomes the motivation for faithfulness.
Theologically, Deuteronomy 6 reveals that true obedience flows from wholehearted love for God. The covenant is not sustained by external effort alone, but by an internal commitment to know and honor Him. God desires not just compliance, but devotion.

This chapter points to Christ, who declares this command as central. He embodies perfect love for the Father and teaches that all of life is to be oriented around that love. Through Him, believers are given new hearts, enabling them to love God in a way that was not possible before.

For believers today, Deuteronomy 6 calls us to examine the depth of our devotion. God is not seeking a place in our lives—He is to be the center of it. His Word should shape our daily rhythms, our homes, and our decisions. In Christ, we are called and equipped to love God fully, living lives that reflect that love in every area.

John 12

The King Revealed and the Hour of Glory

John 12 marks a turning point as the Christ moves toward the fulfillment of the redemptive plan. The chapter opens in Bethany, where Jesus is honored with an act of deep devotion. Mary pours out costly perfume, an expression of worship and surrender that recognizes His worth. While some question the value of such sacrifice, the Christ affirms it, pointing to what is coming. This moment foreshadows His burial and reveals that true devotion to the Son of God is never wasted.

As news spreads that Jesus is present, crowds gather, drawn not only by Him but also by Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. The impact of this miracle continues to grow, leading many to believe. At the same time, opposition intensifies, as the religious leaders recognize that their influence is being challenged. The presence of the Christ forces a response—belief or rejection.

Jesus then enters Jerusalem in what is often called the triumphal entry. The crowds welcome Him as King, celebrating with praise and expectation. Yet their understanding is incomplete. They anticipate a political deliverer, while the Christ comes as a humble King, fulfilling prophecy and moving toward the cross. The Son of God is not establishing an earthly kingdom in that moment, but advancing the eternal redemptive plan.

As the chapter continues, even outsiders begin to seek Him, showing that His mission extends beyond one group. Jesus responds by speaking about His coming hour. He uses the picture of a seed falling into the ground and dying to bring forth life. This points directly to His death, revealing that through sacrifice, greater life will come. The Christ makes it clear that His path is one of surrender, and through it, salvation will be made available.

He then calls those who follow Him to the same pattern of surrender. Christian living is not about preserving one’s life for personal gain, but about yielding it to God’s purpose. The Son of God reveals that true life is found through surrender, not self-preservation.

As Jesus speaks of His coming death, He acknowledges the weight of what lies ahead, yet remains fully committed to the Father’s will. A voice from heaven affirms His mission, reinforcing that everything unfolding is part of God’s plan. The Christ declares that through what is about to happen, judgment will come, and the power of darkness will be confronted. His lifting up will draw people to Himself, pointing clearly to the cross.

Despite these clear revelations, many still struggle to believe. Some are drawn to Him, while others remain hardened. Even among those who believe, fear of man prevents open confession. This reveals the ongoing tension between truth and acceptance, between faith and fear.

The chapter closes with Jesus emphasizing the urgency of responding to the light while it is present. He declares that He has come not to condemn the world, but to save it. Yet rejection of Him carries consequences, as His words themselves will stand as judgment. The Christ makes it clear that He speaks what the Father has given Him, and that His message leads to eternal life.

John 12 presents the Christ as the humble King, the suffering Savior, and the center of the redemptive plan. His path to glory is through sacrifice, and His mission is to draw all people to Himself.

For believers today, this chapter calls us to recognize the true nature of the Christ and respond with wholehearted devotion. Christian living is marked by surrender, worship, and a willingness to follow Him even when the path leads through sacrifice. We are reminded to walk in the light while we have it, to boldly identify with the Son of God, and to trust that His plan—though it may not align with human expectations—is perfect and leads to life.

Zechariah 14:

"1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark*:
7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.
11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.
14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts."

Comparing Scriptures from multiple Bible Versions @highlight
Popular Bible Quotations Day 113 April 23
Fron HNIV Rainbow SB
Isaiah 53:5-6 HB Ancient Eastern Text Lamsa Harper Collins One But he was slain for our sins, he was afflicted for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have stayed; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6 NRSV New Oxford Annotated SB Fully Revised 5th Edition 2018 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6 Israel 365 Second Edition 2021 But he was wounded because of our sins, Crushed because of our iniquities. He bore the chastisement that made us whole, And by his bruises we were healed.
We all went astray like sheep, Each going his own way; And Hashem visited upon him The guilt of all of us."
Isaiah 53:5-6 Jerusalem Reader's Edition Doubleday 1966 Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins, On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed.
We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and Yahweh burdened him with the sins of all of us.
Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV 1 Year Chronological Tyndale 1986 July 20 Bur he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us had turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6 Today's Light CPH Concordia Pub 1999 Week 57 Monday But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6 TLB Special Edition The Book One Year Tyndale 1987 September 27 But he was wounded and bruised for our sins, He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed--and we were healed!
We--every one of us--have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God's paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the quilt and sins of every one of us!
Isaiah 53:5-6 Holman Home 1943 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Comparing Scriptures from Multiple Bible Versions @highlght
Popular Bible Quotations Day 111 April 21
From HNIV Rainbow SB
Isaiah 44:24 ESV Premium Gift Text Edition Crossway 2016 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.
Isaiah 44:24 NGNB Catholic Study Edition TEV "I am the LORD, your savior; I am the one who created you. I am the LORD, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens; when I made the earth, no one helped me.
Restoration of Israel Through Cyrus
Isaiah 44:24 HCSB Apologetics SB 2020 This is what the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb says; I am the LORD, who made everything; who stretched out the heavens by myself; who alone spread out the earth;
Isaiah 44:24 NRSV Catholic Edition Anglicized Harper Collins Catholic 1989 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb; I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by myself spread out the earth;
Jerusalem to be Inhabited
Isaiah 44:24 NIV Ministry Essential Hendrikson 2014 "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb; I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself,
Jerusalem to be Inhabited
Isaiah 44:24 NIV Adventure Zonderkids 2000 "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb; I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
Isaiah 44:24 KJV U.S Veteran Extra Large Print Armed Services Ministry ABS Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

STORACALS OF PROPHECY # 20
Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

Ten Times Wiser.

When King Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city of Jerusalem, thousands of Jews were taken away captive to Babylon. The king instructed his servant, Ashpenaz, to select gifted young men from among the Jewish captives who would come to the palace for three years to learn the language and wisdom of Babylon so they could serve the king. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah caught the attention of Ashpenaz and were taken to the king's palace. But there was a problem. The menu of rich meat and wine appointed for the young men contained many items forbidden by God's Word. Without wanting to appear ungrateful, Daniel asked if he and his three friends could be given a vegetarian diet to eat and water to drink. At first the king's servant resisted their request. "You can't stay healthy by eating like that!" he exclaimed. "You'd get sick, and then the king would have my head." But Daniel gently persisted, suggesting a trial period of 10 days, after which their visible health could be compared with the young men who ate from the royal cafeteria. This plan was agreed upon, and for 10 days the four young Hebrews drank water and ate a simple vegetarian diet. At the end of the trial period, Daniel and his three friends "appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat." Daniel 1:15. Three years later, these four young men were tested by King Nebuchadnezzar, and it was declared they were 10 times brighter then all the wise men in Babylon. The Bible tells us that Daniel lived to be approximately 100 years old. What helped give Daniel and his friends such profound wisdom, health, and long life?

1. What was the original diet that God designed for humans?

Genesis 1:29. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, ... and every tree, in the which is the _____ of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The word "meat" here simply means "food."

2. After Adam and Eve sinned, what supplemental food did God add to their diet?

Genesis 3:18. Thou shalt eat the ______ of the field.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The original diet for the human race was a vegetarian diet of fruits, grains, and nuts. God added vegetables to Adam and Eve's diet after they sinned and could no longer eat from the tree of life.

3. Is God concerned with our physical health?

Matthew 4:23. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and ______ all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The Bible teaches that our physical health is extremely important to God. Jesus spent as much time healing as He did teaching. There are several Bible principles we can follow to improve our health and lengthen our lives.

4. God promised the children of Israel that if they would serve and obey Him, He would remove all sickness from them. Did He keep His promise?

Psalms 105:37. He brought them forth ... and there was not one ______ person among their tribes.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Just imagine! When God's people came into the promised land, there was not one sick or feeble person in the whole nation.

5. Why is our health so important to God?

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Your body is the ______ of the Holy Ghost. ... Therefore glorify God in your body.

Romans 12:1 Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: God wants our bodies to be His holy dwelling place. Therefore we must choose to make them a wholesome place for His residence.

6. What is a good Bible rule for healthful living?

1 Corinthians 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or _____, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: We should strive to live so that all of our habits--even our eating and drinking--will glorify God.

7. Should Christians use alcoholic beverages?

Proverbs 20:1. Wine is a _______, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages are clearly forbidden by Scripture. The word "wine" in the Bible can mean either fermented or unfermented grape juice. The same is true of the word "cider" today. Proverbs 23:29-32 gives the Bible description of fermented wine, and God says that we should not even look at it! The only wine Christians should use is "new wine," which is unfermented, sweet grape juice.

Isaiah 65:8 New wine is found in the cluster.

8. What will God do to those who defile their bodies?

1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. Ye are the temple of God. ... If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God _______.

Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Any substance or unhealthful practice that damages the body or shortens one's life must be laid aside. Suicide by degrees is still suicide. This, of course, includes harmful drugs (such as tobacco in all of its forms) and the many drinks that contain a popular yet highly detrimental drug called caffeine. God says that He will destroy people who knowingly wreak havoc upon their body temples.

9. What mammals does God permit humans to eat?

Leviticus 11:3. Whatsoever parteth the _____, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: To make things simple for us, God has placed all living creatures into one of two categories: clean and unclean. He permits us to eat those that are clean but has declared the unclean creatures to be unfit for food. All mammals that are clean have two characteristics. They must: (1) have cloven hooves, and (2) chew the cud. For example, a pig has cloven hooves but does not chew its cud, so it is unclean.

10. What types of fish and seafood are clean?

Leviticus 11:9. These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath ______ and scales ... them shall ye eat.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Most fish are clean for food. However, eels, sharks, and catfish are among the exceptions. All creatures in the water that do not have both fins and scales are unclean and should not be eaten. Examples include shellfish, turtles, frogs, shrimp, oysters, etc.

11. Which birds are unclean?

Leviticus 11:15, 16. Every raven after his kind; And the ____, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The list in Leviticus 11 indicates that birds of prey, carrion, and fish eaters are unclean. However, all the foraging birds such as quail, chickens, and turkeys are clean.

12. Are the laws about clean and unclean animals part of Moses' ceremonial law, which ended at the cross?

Genesis 7:1, 2. Come thou and all thy house into the ark. ... Of every ________ beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, ... and of beasts that are not __________ by two.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: No, God's categories of clean and unclean beasts have existed since Creation. Noah was told to take clean beasts into the ark by sevens and unclean by twos. This was long before Moses' law.

13. Does God say that eating unclean food is a serious offense?

Isaiah 66:15, 17. For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury. ... They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves ... eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be __________ together, saith the Lord.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Yes! The Bible is too plain and clear to misunderstand. At His second coming, the Lord will destroy those who know what His Word requires, yet eat swine's flesh (pork) and other unclean foods.

14. What is a good basic health rule for Christians?

1 Corinthians 9:25. Every man that striveth for the mastery is __________ in all things.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Temperance means completely avoiding things that are harmful and using moderation in the things that are good.

15. Are the Bible health principles still practical today?

Leviticus 13:46. All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; ... he shall dwell ______; ...

A. Quarantine procedures control contagious disease (Leviticus 13:46).
B. Human-body waste should be buried (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13).
C. Washing the body and clothing controls germs (Leviticus 17:15, 16).
D. Moral living prevents sexual diseases (Leviticus 18; Proverbs 5:1-12; Colossians 3:5, 6).
E. Animal fat should not be eaten (Leviticus 3:17; 7:22-24).
F. Hatred and bitterness is detrimental to one's health (Leviticus 19:17, 18; Proverbs 15:17; Hebrews 12:14, 15).
G. Overeating is harmful (Proverbs 23:2).
H. Our bodies need proper rest (Psalm 127:2; Mark 6:31).
I. Importance of work (Exodus 20:9, 10; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
J. A positive attitude is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22; 1 Timothy 6:6).
K. Parents' habits affect children (Deuteronomy 12:25; Exodus 20:5).

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The health laws God gave to His people thousands of years ago were scientifically far ahead of their time. Only in recent years have we recognized how truly great are the benefits they offer!

16. Will people in heaven kill and eat animals?

Isaiah 65:25. They shall not hurt nor ______ in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.

Revelation 21:4 There shall be no more death.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: All that Adam and Eve lost when sin entered will be restored in God's new kingdom, including the original vegetarian diet. There will be no slaughtering or devouring of animals in the new earth.

17. How can I make diet and health changes that will please the Lord?

Ezekiel 11:18-20. They shall take away all the detestable things thereof. ... And I will give them one heart, and I will put a ____ spirit within you; ... That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: When we decide to obey God's health laws, He puts a new spirit within us that will give us the power needed to live healthfully (John 1:12).

18. God honored Daniel and his friends for keeping His health laws, which are a very important part of Christian living. Are you willing to follow the health principles in God's Word and to present your body a holy temple where His Spirit may reside?

Answer : ____________________

Supplemental Study

Understanding Peter's Vision
Many have tried to use Peter's vision of the great sheet (Acts 10:9-28) to justify eating unclean animals. They say it proves that Jesus taught His disciples it was acceptable to eat any living creature.

However, each time the sheet came down and Peter was asked to kill and eat the unclean animals, he responded, "Not so, Lord for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." Acts 10:14. Notice that even after three and a half years of listening to Jesus' teaching, Peter had not received the slightest hint or impression that eating unclean food was permissible. It is also interesting to note that in his vision, Peter never took anything to eat from the sheet.

Peter's vision of the sheet was never intended to sanctify the eating of unclean animals. Peter himself explains the meaning of the vision in verse 28: "God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." Again in verse 34, Peter summarized the point of the vision when he said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons."

God's message to Peter had to do with cleansing people, not animals. This vision was given to impress the Jewish disciples that they should not call the Gentiles unclean, and that the gospel was to be freely proclaimed to all peoples of the world.

Does Prayer Purify Food?
The warning in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 against a latter-day apostasy involves a number of heresies - following devils, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from certain foods. Perhaps the greatest misunderstanding has arisen over verse 4, where it is stated that "every creature of God is good." This verse means that every created thing has been made for a purpose. But some suppose it means that every animal is fit to be eaten if it is earnestly prayed over and blessed by the prayer of thanksgiving. This would mean that praying over a buzzard, cockroach, mole, or bat would make it good for food. Such an interpretation would be absurd and dangerous. "Be not deceived God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7.

To prevent us from drawing any wrong conclusions, Paul hastened to add: "For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." Verse 5. So the Word of God must first approve it, and then the prayer of thanksgiving will sanctify it to be eaten.

It is helpful to note that the word "meats" in the original language is not limited to flesh foods. The Greek word "broma" simply means "food." We can know that Paul's discussion does not involve biblically unclean animals, because the meats that some had forbidden were foods "which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." Verse 3.

It is easy to find in the Scriptures a description of the food God created to be received with thanksgiving (Genesis 1:29 3:18 Leviticus 11:1-22). This passage was written to those who "believe and know the truth." God's Word is the truth. Only those who "believe and know" His Word will be led to those things that are "sanctified" and created to "be received with thanksgiving." Those who "sanctify themselves" while continuing to eat unclean meats will be destroyed at Christ's second coming (Isaiah 66:15-17).

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters i

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY APRIL 20TH 2026

TOPIC: REVERSING HOPELESSNESS

MEMORISE:
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. - (Psalm 3:3)

BIBLE READING: JOHN 5:2-9 (KJV)

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

MESSAGE:
In today's Bible reading, a certain man, who had suffered from an infirmity for 38 years, had an encounter with Jesus. From his response to Jesus Christ's question, it was clear that he had lost all hope, but Jesus reversed his hopelessness when He commanded him to take up his bed and walk. In an instant, the 38-year infirmity disappeared, and his hopelessness vanished. I pray for you today that the Almighty God, who can reverse hopeless situations, will visit you today, and you shall receive a miracle, in Jesus' name.

When God wants to turn a fellow whom the world seems to have forsaken into a living testimony, He will arrange a divine encounter for the fellow. He will work it out in such a way that everyone around him or her will know that He is definitely at work.

Several years ago, I was travelling to Ilesha, a town in South-West Nigeria. Along the way, I saw a car that seemed to have broken down. As I approached it, I saw that it had an RCCG sticker on it. On taking a closer look, I saw that the person standing beside the car was a church member whom I knew. I also saw that she was pregnant. I asked her, "What's wrong with your car?" Immediately she saw me, she exclaimed, "Daddy! Is it really you I'm seeing? Oh God!" I asked her again, "Is there a problem with your car?" She replied, "Sir, don't worry about the car. I have a bigger problem." She then went on to tell me that the baby in her womb had not moved for the past six days, and the doctors had told her that they were going to evacuate the baby. After listening to her, I said, "In that case, I decree, baby, come back to life, in Jesus' name." Immediately, the baby started moving again. A few years ago, I visited one of our parishes in Europe, and that same baby whom the doctors wanted to evacuate from the woman's womb was the one playing the drums.

Beloved, I want you to know that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). If you are currently in the midst of a situation that seems hopeless, I want you to put your trust in the One who makes rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). He will bring you out of that hopeless situation and give you victory where defeat seemed certain, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please turn every hopeless situation in my life around for good, in Jesus' name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 6-8

HYMNAL: 21 MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

1 My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

3 His oath, his covenant, his blood,
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found:
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]



PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY, 20TH APRIL, 2026
*REVERSING HOPELESSNESS*
‎
‎✓Father, thank You for turning around my captivity from the path of sin and destruction. Thank You for restoring my soul.
‎
‎✓Father, thank You for being my shield, my glory and the lifter of my head. Thank You because my hope is not lost in Christ Jesus.
‎
‎✓Father, please reverse my hopelessness today with miracles, and let an end come to any infirmity in my life, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please pick me up from any situation that seems I had been forsaken, and turn me into a living testimony, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please arrange a divine encounter for me, that the world will know definitely, that You are the One at work in my life, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please position me in my place of divine appointment, and command the helper of my destiny to locate and release my help to me, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please, while waiting, help me never to lose hope, help me to hold unto my faith so I won't miss my divine appointment, in You , in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, I am not asking for peanuts, because You are Greater than the greatest; please give me great testimonies that will continue to speak even when You have called me home to Yourself, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please visit me today and turn my life around, let it be like a dream that everyone that sees me will see a completely changed person for good, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, I know You are not yet done with me, please let me have a divine encounter with You that will bring me out of hopelessness and give me victory where defeat seemed certain, in Jesus' name
‎
‎✓Father, please turn every hopeless situation in my life around for good, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
‎Continue to use him as a channel for restoring hopelessness, and please grant him several divine encounters that will be evident to the world that You are the One at work in him, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points beyond measure, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Your Personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎✓..In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.