The first morning worship of the 2025 General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri was led by John Bradshaw, director and speaker of It Is Written, a Seventh-day Adventist media ministry operating under the North American Division (NAD). 

Bradshaw opened by highlighting the logo of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which features a cross and an open Bible with a flame emerging from its pages. He spoke on the intentional choice of using a flame as a representative of the Holy Spirit in the logo. 

“Our message is so vital, vibrant, and alive that we would best depict it with flames,” Bradshaw said. “This message is going to set the world ablaze.” 

Entitled “The Book,” his devotional aimed to remind delegates and attendees that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is rooted in the doctrines of the Bible. Referencing biblical prophecies found in the books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation, Bradshaw urged delegates to recognize the central role of the Bible in the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Offering a brief glimpse into the church’s history, Bradshaw highlighted William Miller, founder of the Millerite movement, which accelerated the study that led to the understanding of Jesus Christ entering the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary.

“Let us not go soft on the fundamental beliefs,” Bradshaw said. “Hold them tight, because Satan wants you to surrender.” 

His devotional wrapped up with a strong reminder to delegates, attendees, and remote viewers. 

“It is our privilege to let people hear the message of the open Bible set on fire by the Holy Spirit,” Bradshaw said. 

Morning devotionals at GC Session begin each day at 7:30 a.m. Central time inside the arena and conclude with a 25-minute prayer session for delegates.

Today’s prayer session was led by Ramon Canals, GC ministerial association secretary, and his wife, GC Aurora Canals, associate ministerial secretary.

Bradshaw will continue to lead morning devotionals during this year’s session. 

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