Christadelphians Talk

Today we read that oft quoted and beautiful chapter 12 of Romans: it is such a contrast to the disharmony we also read today in 2 Samuel and the frictions between individuals in the final years of David's reign. It demonstrates once again that the New Testament provides guidance for individuals and offers principles to personally live by for all those who decide to walk in the footsteps of Christ.There is no such thing, nor ever has been, as a ‘Christian' nation.  Oh yes, nations have seen themselves as such, but what does God see?  We read today Paul's words, “repay no one evil for evil” [v.17] which is the very opposite to what we have read today in Samuel and, come to think of it, to relationships between most nations throughout history.  The United Nations have attempted the impossible in its 78+ year history.“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be conceited.  Repay no one evil for evil” [v.16,17] As we read such advice there can be a temptation to look at others and think how they fail to do this.  This is unproductive, we must look within our own hearts. Many situations surrounding the life of David illustrate the opposite, but not in David himself.  We must not confuse this with his zeal to serve the Lord.  Those who became enemies of the Lord became David's enemies.  In his relationship with individuals he often displayed mercy and forgiveness.  He appointed Amasa, who had been captain of Absalom's army, as captain of his army, but Amasa came to an unworthy end at the hands of Joab, but we will read soon of Joab's traumatic end. The lesson we perceive as we read the Old Testament is that, as Jesus said, “all who take the sword perish by the sword” [Matt. 26 v.52].  We can trace so many occasions when God sets up evil people to deal with each other.  With those who love the Lord, the opposite occurs.  In Romans we read, “if possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all … never avenge yourselves …” [v.18] 

A @Christadelphians Video: # The Good News #3: At the Lord's Table**[Actual, provable Bible Truth]** The Roman Empire had no word for what believers do at the Lord's Table. Their concept of religion (religio) meant transactional civic duty—"I give so that you may give"—with no room for love or heart transformation. Into this world, the simple bread and wine of Christ's memorial meal arrived as a social earthquake disguised as a supper. This is the good news that changed everything.We explore how the first-century believers turned Roman religion completely inside out. No priest, no altar, no incense—just ordinary people gathering as a royal priesthood. What the Romans dismissed as "depraved superstition" became the most revolutionary force the Empire had ever witnessed.David Fraser reveals the stunning contrast between Rome's empty ritual and the vibrant fellowship of Christ's Table. Where Rome's gods demanded appeasement through exact performance, our God invites us to approach His throne with boldness. Where Roman society stratified by birth and status, the Lord's Table brought slave and master, Jew and Gentile, male and female together as one in Christ.The Table looks back to Christ's sacrifice and forward to the great feast on the mountain when death itself will be swallowed up in victory. Every time we break bread, we're not just remembering—we're proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes. It's an appetizer for the main course that Yahweh Himself will provide.## Chapters00:00 - Introduction: An Ordinary Act in a Roman World01:33 - Understanding Roman "Religio": Civic Duty Without Love05:50 - The Transactional Nature of Roman Worship08:37 - Christianity Labelled "Superstition" by the Empire10:18 - The Roman Altar: A Grim Spectacle of Performance12:02 - The Lord's Table: Turning Religion Inside Out14:22 - Every Believer a Priest in Christ15:32 - Liberation for Slaves and the Lowly16:57 - Fellowship That Shattered Social Barriers18:27 - Paul's Rebuke of the Wealthy Corinthians21:46 - Christ's Calling: A New Family United23:32 - Christianity: Neither Ritual Nor Philosophy, But a Way of Living25:07 - The Early Church's Radical Compassion28:06 - The Upper Room: Christ Kneels to Wash Feet30:20 - The Passover Becomes Christ's Liberation Meal32:10 - Confessing Jesus as Lord in Caesar's World33:42 - A Living Hope for the Future35:21 - The Parousia: Christ's Royal Coming36:29 - A Foretaste of the Feast on the Mountain38:33 - Roman Emptiness vs. Resurrection Hope39:09 - Examining Ourselves Before the Table40:29 - The Return of Religio: A Warning for Today41:57 - Faith Asks: What Has God Done for Me?43:26 - God Feeds Us: The Table Runs Opposite to Rome45:14 - Conclusion: Your God Reigns## Bible Verse Category

A @Christadelphians Video: # The Good News #2 'In the Empire' - YouTube Summary**[Actual, provable Bible Truth]**: The word "gospel" (euangelion) did not enter a vacuum—it was already a political term used throughout the Roman Empire to announce royal births, military victories, and the ascension of new rulers. Caesar Augustus himself was proclaimed as "son of God," "saviour," and "bringer of peace" decades before Christ's birth. This historical reality makes the New Testament's claims about Jesus profoundly counter-cultural and powerfully subversive.Welcome back to our thought-provoking series on The Good News. In this outstanding expositional presentation, Brother David Fraser reveals the astonishing historical context that makes the Gospel message even more wonderful and revealing than we might have imagined.The Roman world was saturated with another "gospel"—the imperial gospel of Caesar Augustus. When Jesus was born, Caesar was already proclaimed as "son of God," "saviour," and "bringer of peace to the world." The very words we associate with Christ were carved in stone for Caesar!This insightful study explores:- How Caesar Augustus manipulated the Roman Republic into an Empire- The use of "euangelion" (good news) for Caesar's achievements- The imperial cult that demanded allegiance to Caesar as Lord- The counterfeit gospel that Christians bravely resisted- How God sovereignly manipulated Rome's decrees to fulfil prophecyThe contrast is truly wonderful: Caesar grasped at greatness through oppression and violence, while Christ emptied Himself through obedience and was exalted by God. One gospel demanded a pinch of incense; the other demands our whole hearts.

Today we read two of the most meaningful chapters in the Bible for those who truly sense they are “called to be saints.”  [Rom. 1 v.7] They are a sequel to yesterday's chapters – Romans 5 & 6 – that challenge believers that they, “having been set free from sin” must now be “slaves to righteousness.” [6 v.18]  The sacrifice of Jesus brought an end to the law of Moses, a law which spelt out all the ways that humans become classified as sinners in God's eyes. In its place we have, says Paul, “received the spirit of adoption, as sons (and daughters) by which we cry, ‘Abba, Father.' [8 v.15] Let us sense as fully as we can that we became the adopted children of God when put on the name of his Son in baptism; let us think positively of the wonder and privilege of this!It was a spirit which transformed the world of the first century – and there was a renewal of this spirit to a considerable degree in the wider world when the Bible was first printed and available for all to read.  Chapters 7 & 8 today go together; we should ignore the chapter break.   It is essential we develop a spiritual mind, in contrast to a fleshly mind – there is nothing in-between.   Paul says, “those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit … the mind of the spirit is life and peace.” [v.5,6]  This “set” of our minds, develops to greater and greater degrees the more we meditatively read God's word and this letter of Paul is an outstanding and inspirational example.  Paul says, “If God be for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? … Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation or distress … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life … nor things to come … nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [v.31,35,37-39]   God will certainly be “for us” – as long as we are for him and show we are trying our best to be “slaves to righteousness.”     When we come to ch, 15,  verse.13 will ‘jump out' at us  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” This is not the power to do miracles, it is having a genuine spiritual mind in contrast to a fleshly mind: absorb the point Paul makes in what we read in v.5  of chapter 8   ‘For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”  And, O,  the wonder then of God being “for us.”

Our chapters in Romans (5 & 6) need to be read and digested slowly – like rich food!  Paul proclaims that believers “having been justified by faith … have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ …  have also obtained access by faith in to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” [Ch.5 v.1,2]       This causes a wonderful peace of mind – the result of our faith in God's word – like those who have lived before, such as Noah who “being warned by God concerning events yet unseen” acted “in reverent fear” [Heb. 11 v.7]   We rejoice because we are convinced that God is “a living God” ready to be involved in our lives so that “we feel sure of better things – things that belong to salvation” [Heb. 6 v.9, note also v,11,12]    Let us “rejoice in hope” sustained by this hope when times are difficult, but usually not as bad as they were at times for Paul.  Note his words, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed” [2 Cor. 4 v.8-9]    There is a graphic account of this in our Jeremiah chapter (20) when “Pashur the priest … who was chief officer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things.  Then Pashur beat Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks …” [v.1-2] Jeremiah then prophesies – “you Pashur and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity … and there you shall die” [v.6]        Then Jeremiah has anxious thoughts, comparable in some ways to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, he writes, “For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.  If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,' there is in my heart a burning fire … I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” [v.8,9]  We pondered v.12, “O LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous. Who sees the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.”       Do we desire to see God's vengeance poured out on today's Godless world?  Well God will decide whether we live to see it or not – or whether there is a brief period of rest until we awake and, through his grace, rejoice to have a part in the endless wonder of his kingdom, the great and wonderful thing is that “we rejoice in hope.”

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Summary/Description****[Actual, provable Bible Truth]**The Good News is not merely a New Testament concept; it is rooted in the very heart of the Old Testament. The undeniable truth is that **God Reigns**. From the dusty roads of Babylon to the mountains of Zion, the prophetic voice of Isaiah declares a message of complete restoration. God hasn't forgotten His people. He is the Creator who forms the earth, yet His greatest work is the creation of a faithful people for His name. In Isaiah 40-66, we uncover the foundational source of the Gospel—the revelation that the God of Israel is the one true Sovereign, and His plan of salvation culminates in the Lord Jesus Christ.**Overview**This thought-provoking and expositional study with Bible student David Fraser takes us on a journey through Isaiah's "Book of Comfort." We explore how God, through His prophet, answered the hopelessness of Israel in captivity. By contrasting the impotent, man-made idols of Babylon with the magnificent power of Yahweh, this talk reveals the stunning truth: God carries us, redeems us, and has a purpose for His creation that extends to the ends of the earth. It is an outstanding, uplifting look at how the "Good News upon the Mountains" finds its ultimate fulfilment in Christ, offering hope to all who feel forgotten.**Chapters**00:00 - Introduction: The Good News and the Rule of God01:30 - Israel in Captivity: The Hopelessness of Babylon03:50 - The Call to Comfort: Isaiah 4006:30 - God Who Makes: The Unique Creator09:20 - God Who Speaks: The Power of His Word12:50 - The Herald of Good Tidings: Isaiah 52:715:00 - The Fulfillment: Jesus in the Synagogue18:00 - The New Creation in Christ21:00 - Conclusion: The Feast of God and the Victory Over Death**Bible Verse Category**

We are now reading of the more serious developments in the life of David: the full extent of the trouble that Nathan the prophet had said would come upon him as a result of his sins of adultery and murder.  His son Absalom has a conspiracy to seize the throne and David flees from Jerusalem saying, “If I find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back … but if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you , behold here I am, let him do what seems good to him.”  [2 Sam. 15 v.25,26]Then “David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went” [v.30]. We note how the Mount of Olives also features in the life of David's ‘greater son,' Jesus, “it was his custom” to go there [Luke 22 v.39].  Jesus ascended to heaven from here and will return there [Acts 1 v.11-12] and cause it to split in two [Zech. 14 v.4] and surely that last event will be a key factor in God's physical judgements on our godless world! The vision in Revelation invites us to read it as a literal event, for together with the reference to “Armageddon” we read, “…there were flashes of lightning , rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.” [16 v.18]The last verse in our chapter in Jeremiah (19) is also relevant to our thoughts, “Thus says in LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, behold, I am bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their neck, refusing to hear my words”   Today, God's word is available to be read in every language, but how many “hear” by properly reading it?  In God's perception of humans today, nearly all are stiff-necked!  Let us make sure we are not. Let us become like Abraham of whom we read today in Romans ch. 4; “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.   That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”  But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also.  It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead, Jesus our Lord.” [v.20-24]  May no distrust, no disbelief make us waver – but instead may we “grow strong in faith” and so “find favour.” 

Today we started reading Paul's letter to the Romans: it is a most meaningful letter for its 16 chapters cover the things that those who desire to truly believe in and follow Christ should understand. Paul is writing to those “called to be saints” [v.7]   Do you feel – in your heart – that this includes you? Paul's aim is that they (and you) “may be encouraged by each other's faith ..” [v.12].  The foundation to this is their (and our) belief in God – and his creative power in bringing all things into being “for”, writes Paul, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness  and unrighteousness of men, who, by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them … his invisible attributes, namely his divine power … have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”[v.18-20].  For at least the last 150 years more and more have been “claiming to be wise” [v.22] in theorising that there is no God and that all that exists sort of, invented itself!  There is nothing really new in this – in Paul's day philosophers had their theories so that they had no sense of responsibility to a Creator – and today many convince themselves –  that there is not, nor ever has been, a Creator. The only ‘responsibility' they have is between themselves – and what a mess they are making of that!The Jewish ‘world' came to an ugly end about 500 years before Christ.  Our chapter today in Jeremiah (18) tells us about the final decadent years of the kings descended from David, God declares to the distressed prophet, “I will show them my back, not my face, in the day of their calamity” [v.17]  Later, the Roman ‘world' came to an ugly end as “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity … they exchanged the truth about God for a lie…” [v.24,25]   In the 2nd chapter Paul tells all who have such an attitude, “you are storing up wrath for yourselves on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgement will be revealed.” [v.5]  The ultimate “day of wrath” appears to be getting very close – let us get closer and closer to God that we may clearly see his “face” when the world faces a terrible “calamity”.   

 Fear seems to be incompatible with joy!  Yet “fear” in the Bible often means a feeling of complete awe, being overwhelmed with feelings of astonishment at some event.  Now, how can you experience this – and have joy at the same time?  The answer is seen when you really put your minds to imagining the situation described in our Matthew reading (Ch. 28) today.  “Toward the dawn … Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (of Jesus)” [v.1]       They (and it seems from the other Gospels that there was at least one other woman) got up in the middle of the night; their object was to embalm the body of their Lord, (Mark 16 v.1) their last opportunity to do so before it began to decompose. They probably did not know that Nicodemus had brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes” [John 19 v.39] when they put the body into the tomb.          They get to the tomb and to their awe an angel is there and says to them, “Do not be afraid for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead … so they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy” [Matt.28 v.5-8]  Can we enter into their feelings at least a little? Jesus met them “and they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him.” [v.9] The risen Lord is now their Lord in an even greater sense.  The women were the first to really believe – they had been among the women watching the crucifixion from a distance [ch. 27 v.55,56], they had been the ones willing to get up in the middle of the night, dress and with flickering burning “torches” wend their way to the garden in which was his tomb (John 19 v.41) and the dawn was just breaking as they arrived.    Our world is in deep spiritual darkness, but the dawn must be near. Are we awake and ready for our time “of fear and great joy”?  The inexpressible drama of the return of our Lord from heaven will totally confound the minds of everyone!  They cannot even begin to comprehend the nature of the experience of the time of trouble about to come.  It will be greater than anything ever seen on earth before!  At that time God's angels gather will his elect! (Matt. 24 v.31)  Dare you not believe?  What agonies of mind will all others experience.  Let us read and meditate on God's word as often as we can  “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [Heb 10 v.25]

[Actual, provable Bible Truth] - We live in an age where the source of wickedness is often attributed to supernatural forces. But what does Scripture actually teach about demons and unclean spirits? In this thought-provoking and insightful exposition, we systematically examine the Bible's testimony on this often-misunderstood subject. Are demons personal spirit beings, or does the language of Scripture point to something else entirely—such as the nature of idolatry, the reality of false doctrines, and the description of severe afflictions? This outstanding presentation cuts through popular tradition to reveal what the Word of God truly says, offering a wonderful and liberating perspective on the power of Christ over every form of human suffering and spiritual deception. Prepare for a revealing study that will challenge your assumptions and deepen your trust in the all-sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Question of Demons01:40 - The Nature of Idolatry and "Demons" in the Old Testament05:54 - The Non-Existence of Pagan Gods09:38 - Demons & Unclean Spirits in the Ministry of Jesus13:58 - Jesus' Silence on How to Avoid Demons16:29 - Why Did Jesus Speak to Demons? Understanding the Language20:50 - The Testimony of the Demons & Demented People24:09 - "Doctrines of Devils" in the New Testament27:50 - The "Spirits" of False Prophets30:17 - Our Spiritual Warfare: Wrestling Against Powers33:29 - Conclusion: The Victory of Faith**Bible Verse Category:**

What is the evidence that leads to belief?  Well it depends what is  the object of belief – the urgency of our minds in searching for evidence to convince us of belief!  For some it is the opposite, the searching for evidence to convince their disbelief: this is seen most clearly today in those who do not want to believe in a Creator. In God's wisdom he has allowed for us to need a degree of faith, the need for us to put together the evidence – and then appreciate how it all dovetails together.  Our meditation on this arose from today's reading of ch. 27 in Matthew and the dreadful account of the unjust trial and crucifixion of Jesus.  They had seen and heard of so much evidence of the remarkable God-given heavenly powers that Jesus could exercise, also, if they had really known the words of the prophets,  they would have realized the clear evidence that Jesus was their expected Messiah.   The climax of the determined scepticism came when “the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself … let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.” [41,42]What does it take for us to believe?  Just as important if not more so, do we possess such a conviction of belief that it makes a profound difference to our way of living?  Our chapter in Jeremiah today (16) provides a very interesting piece of evidence to encourage the faith of Jeremiah.  He is told, “the days are coming, declares the LORD, when it shall no longer be said, ‘As the LORD lives who brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt', but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them, ‘For I will bring them back to their own land …” [v.14,15]   That this refers to more than the return from Babylon 70 years later is made even clearer in v.17-18 “ … afterward I will send for many hunters and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill …”   Then we read a wonderful prayer by Jeremiah in reaction to this vision of the future, ‘O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, for to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: ‘Our fathers have inherited lies,  worthless things …” [v.19]Let us echo Jeremiah's prayer and say, “O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble” … we do believe in your Son O LORD, we wait to see the wonder of your revealing of yourself to Israel, we are increasingly sure the time is near when, as God's words at the end of our chapter state, “… I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the LORD.”  

Today's readings bring us to that very sad and disturbing account of David's adultery with Bathsheba. He asked who she was and was plainly told “Is this not Bathsheba … the wife of Uriah” [2 Sam.11 v.3]. To try to cover up his adultery he uses his authority to arrange the death of Uriah.  How could David have been so blind to commit such a dreadful sin – two sins really – murder to try to cover up the first.  Let's weigh up the situation.        When someone has total power and is answerable to no other human, then there is always the potential to misuse that power.  The only human being to succeed in overcoming all forms of temptation was Jesus – and his temptations revolved around the misuse of his special powers.  David had achieved in his life everything that was humanly possible, except that God did not permit him to fulfil his dream of building a magnificent temple to his God. It is clear he had a very committed and energetic mind; he set about assembling much of the material that would be needed to build the temple.       Note how there is a strange lull in his activity at the time of his sin.  Today's chapter indicates that when winter is over it is customary for “kings to go out to battle” [v.1], this would be to reassert their control over their dominions, yet this time David decided not to go but “remained in Jerusalem” and “sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel” [v.1].      There is an important lesson for us here; there can never be a time when we can take life ‘easy', can relax when there is work at hand to be done in service to our Lord, that we can take or ‘make' the opportunity to do.  The Lord has given his servants different talents, abilities and opportunities and when we shirk using the one's we have and perhaps sub-consciously feeling, “my Lord delays his coming”, we start to give opportunity for distractions and attractions to lodge in our minds and we start to drift off course.  We have just read in Matthew about the servant who said, “My Master is delayed … and eats and drinks with the drunkards” [Ch. 24 v.48,49], that servant ends up “in that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”[v.51]      Mercifully the Lord “put away” David's sin because he had already proved himself an exceptional servant, he nevertheless suffered the consequences for the rest of his life, his authority was undermined, especially with Joab, and he lost confidence in himself.   The lesson for us is plain, it is never time to ‘take time off' when there is work for the Lord to be done.

Today we read the ‘simple' – yet absolutely challenging parable of Jesus about himself as the bridegroom!  It is particularly challenging because “… at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [Matt. 25 v,6]  The virgins did not know the exact time the groom was coming; certainly not at midnight! “As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.” [v.5]How apt is this parable for today!  We do not know when the cry will be made – we do not have a divine time clock!  This is part of the wisdom of God.  The conclusion of the parable in v.13 is a personal message to each one of us., “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”  This is clearly a message for us today – How long before it is said, in one way or another, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.”The world today is in complete spiritual darkness – there is a ‘chink' of light here and there – but it is spiritual' light which only those who dedicatedly read, think and pray about God's word can know and ‘see' – those who have spiritual sight.A final thought comes from Paul's advice in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians. He told them (and us) to” Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” [13 v.5]  A plural is implied – as there is opportunity we must test each other – that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith – but above all – our own faith – helping each other to “see” – for surely the midnight hour is near. !May David's prayer at the end of his 139th Psalm be ours also. ” Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”  Only then will we be ready for the “midnight … cry.”

Today we have the dramatic chapter 24 in Matthew to read – about the climax Jesus said would come on the Jews and then on the  world because of utter godlessness. Much of what we read has two Time periods, first to the Jewish people because they had not recognised their Messiah – and had killed him – and then on the world as a whole. The message of Christ to the Jews after “being proclaimed … as a testimony to all nations” [v.14] had, as Jesus predicted, become corrupted “for false Christs and false prophets will arise … to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”[v.24]Just as “there will be great tribulation”  – and was – at the end of the Jewish nation, “such as has not been from the beginning of the world … And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved.”  [v. 21, 22] And so it was at the end of the Jewish age with the destruction of the Temple by Rome in AD 70. Back to the words of Jesus, some wonderful words that – at that time  ‘they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory', 'he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds …” [v.30,31] out of “the great tribulation.”These words of Jesus are very familiar to most of us – maybe too familiar!  Is there a possibility our “hearts have grown dull” [ch. 13 v.15] as we read last week?  Surely all the present troubles in the Middle East centred in and around God's regathered people should be making us think – and become as mentally prepared as possible, for, said Jesus, ”concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but the Father only…  For as in those days before the flood  they were eating and drinking, marrying … they were unaware until the flood came … so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” [v.36,37]Our chapter ends with a telling parable about servants not being ready for the return of the Master, but says Jesus, “blessed is the servant whom his Master will find so doing”[v.46] when the angels are sent forth to “gather his elect.”   Are you a servant who has responded to the Master's call?  May you and I be in that situation and be found to be among those who are seen as “faithful and wise.” [v.45]  

Today's reading in 2 Samuel 7 is one that many know well: it is one of the most significant in the Old Testament.  King David has reached the pinnacle of his life, his love for God and his relationship with God has reached its highest point. It suddenly comes into his mind that he should build a Temple for the LORD where he can be permanently worshipped.          The prophet Nathan tells him to go ahead, “do all that is in your heart” [v.3], but “the same night the word of the LORD comes to Nathan” [v.4] and among the many things he is told to tell David is “I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off your enemies from before you.  And will make of you a great name … “ [v.9]      Then there is a remarkable promise, “Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.  When your days are fulfilled … I will raise up your offspring after you … and I will establish his kingdom … and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.” [v.11-13].  There is a short term and a long term, indeed, an everlasting promise in these words from God.  Solomon fulfils the short term promise of a son and he is also the one to build the physical house, the Temple in Jerusalem.         David is overwhelmed by the long term vision that is opened up to his mind. He “went in and sat before the LORD (in the tabernacle) and says, “Who am I , O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD.  You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come … you have brought about this greatness, to make your servant know it.” [v.19,21]        We notice that the first words in the Gospel of Matthew are “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David … “  As with David, God was with the Lord Jesus wherever he went.  Remember his personal prayer, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me …” [John 11 v.41,42] Those who belong to Christ and truly live with that realization have the same blessing, “so that we might live through him.” [1 John 4 v.9]  and he will be with us wherever we go! Would that make us sometimes, maybe often, feel uncomfortable in the things we think? We say? We do? Let's develop a really positive attitude every day. so that we each truly “live through him.” The Greek word translated “through” has no direct English equivalent, but we noticed it occurs in our chapter in Matthew.  It is translated as “sake” – but look at its' context!   “There will be great tribulation … and if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved, But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” [ch. 24 v.21,22]  This means – that through, or because of, there still exists a faithful remnant God will act – and then “as the lightning comes … so will be the coming of the Son of Man,” [v.27]  May we truly “live through him” realizing time of the “great while to come” is almost upon us.

One of the most profound things Jesus said is in today's ch. 22 in Matthew's gospel.  Jesus is first challenged by the Pharisees [v.15] who “plotted how to entangle him in his talk” by asking whether it was “lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.” His response is memorable!  At his request they brought to him a coin and he pointed to the “likeness” of Caesar on it saying “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's”  adding “and to God the things that are God's.  And what are we to render to God – if we believe we belong to him?   If we believe otherwise, this life is all we have – and how short is that likely to become!The answer that Jesus later gave to a lawyer (v.37) sums up what we are to render to God, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”  Do we? We must all answer this question – and surely heartfelt ‘thanksgiving' should be included in our offering.“The same day Sadducees came” with a question  about the outcome of the resurrection, for they did not believe in it.  Moses law says that “If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up children” [v.24] they claim that one childless woman was married in succession of 7 brothers as a result of being widowed.  They ask “In the resurrection therefore … whose wife will she be?” [v.28]Jesus tells them, “… you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.  For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” [v.29,30]  The crowd “are astonished at his teaching” [v.33] and so are we – perhaps astounded is a better word – our minds cannot grasp the kind of life that is to come for the redeemed.  Paul expresses it well for us, in quoting “… no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those that love him.” [1 Cor. 2 v.9]   These words are not a precise quotation, but look and meditate on Isaiah 64 v.4 and Psalm 31 v.9. We ignore the fiction that angels have wings – but we meditate that being made “like angels in heaven” leads, as Paul says, to a life far beyond our imagination. 

**[Actual, provable Bible Truth]**We are Christadelphians, and we believe in letting the Bible interpret itself. In this powerful and thought-provoking presentation, we dismantle the traditional, unbiblical ideas surrounding the devil, Satan, and fallen angels. This is an expositional deep-dive into the problematic passages often misused to support the doctrine of a rebellious angel. We propose an alternative, insightful, and scripturally sound explanation that reveals the true meaning of these symbolic texts. Prepare for a wonderful and revealing journey through Isaiah, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation.###

Matthew in his Gospel is more prolific than the other Gospel writers in quoting the Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.  Today we have in his 21st chapter the account of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (v.4-11). Matthew writes, “this took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying ‘Behold your king is coming to you, mounted on a donkey … and the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!  … Hosanna in the highest!'  And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up …”The prophet whom God caused to predict this was Zechariah (9 v.9) and we are prompted to think of his and those of other prophets who were caused to write of the incredible dramas at the time of his second coming. We also see the remarkable prophecies the disciples were later to make as recorded in the book of Acts (e,g, 3 v.20,21) and in their letters about his second coming; the scene will be truly awesome when true believers will be saying something like “Behold our king is coming in great glory.”  But, just as awesome, overwhelmingly so, will be his great power to bring vengeance on those who deny him, being totally blind to there being a Creator with a plan and purpose for his creation.When we come to Matthew 24 we will see how Jesus himself predicted his return, a time when conditions on earth will be “as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until …  so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” [v.37-39]There is nothing wrong with “eating and drinking” – it is essential – but Jesus is summing up human pleasures in life at that time, their main aim in living, with no thought of God, being the same as in the days of Noah.  Let us make sure we are not “unaware” but are ready to respond when we hear the words, “Behold your king is coming to you …”

A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] Pleased to present in collaboration with the Bible Unlocked team, this thought-provoking presentation from the sixth season of Bible Unlocked Live, A foundational series, “Why You Should Believe the Bible,” revealing how faith is built on a rock-solid foundation of evidence and reason. They hold a webinar each week....Find out more @ https://www.bibleunlocked.com/Why is the tiny nation of Israel perpetually in the global spotlight? In this thought-provoking and revealing presentation, we explore the Bible's answer to this modern-day phenomenon. This outstanding study delves into the origins of Israel with God's covenant with Abraham, and the subsequent warnings given in Deuteronomy that foretold a history of scattering and persecution. We provide an insightful exposition on the prophecy of antisemitism, examining how the rejection of the Messiah led to centuries of suffering, yet how God's purpose with His people remains unbroken. Discover the wonderful hope that is still bound up with the promises to the fathers, and how, through Christ, we can become heirs to that same Abrahamic promise. This is an insightful and encouraging study for anyone seeking to understand Bible prophecy and God's unwavering faithfulness.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Why is Israel Always in the News?01:50 - The Covenant with Abraham: The Foundation04:15 - The Promise of Land and a Great Nation05:30 - What is Antisemitism?06:45 - The Warning of Deuteronomy: Scattering and Persecution08:00 - The Ultimate Act of Disobedience: Rejecting the Messiah09:30 - A History of Fulfilled Prophecy: Persecution Through the Ages10:30 - God's Perspective: Not Pleased, but Not Finished11:30 - Beloved for the Fathers' Sake: The Unbreakable Bond13:15 - The Promise of a New Covenant14:05 - Jerusalem: A Burdensome Stone in Last Days Prophecy16:05 - The Hope of the Gospel is a Jewish Hope17:10 - Q&A: Has God Rejected His People? (Romans 11)20:55 - Q&A: How Can Gentiles Share in the Promise? (Galatians 3)26:00 - Q&A: Is God Pleased with Israel Today?28:30 - Conclusion & Next Week's Topic**Bible Verses Referenced:**

“Every man is stupid and without knowledge” we read today in Jeremiah ch, 10 v.14.  But man thinks he is the master of all kinds of knowledge!   But he is without knowledge of the true God, the Creator, “who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.” [v.12]           With the powerful telescopes, and special satellites and probes into space, scientists have in recent years learnt how much the universe has been immeasurably stretched out!     In awe of the awareness he had gained of God's creative powers – Jeremiah reflects on his own situation and writes, “I know, O LORD,  that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.” [v.23,24]           Surely Jeremiah's attitude and words should also be ours, and should be evident every day in our thoughts and prayers to and through our Saviour, leading us to become increasingly strong in faith to be able to cope with the situation when….!! …   when  the Almighty corrects this world in his anger!           Ponder as to why God told Jeremiah not to pray for the people around him!  We read this yesterday.  Remember!  “As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede  for I will not hear you” [v.16]. God repeats this to Jeremiah, look at ch. 11 v.14   “Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble.”             Is the world going to get into a totally desperate situation? Is it not approaching that now!!  It is sometimes said you will never find an atheist on a life raft.  Will the whole world be in a life raft situation?  Most nations are totally entrenched in their minds that  there is no God so we cannot imagine much prayer will be offered when the world is at its wit's end – it will be a scene of mass panic!!  Will our faith be such that we will rise above this situation?  How often do we quote  Luke 21:26    “ …people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”  It is how we build up our faith now that will ensure we will not be shaken.  In the areas of our weaknesses let us pray, “Correct me O LORD, but in justice: not in your anger”

Our chapter (19) in Matthew contains several sayings of our Master that are most challenging.  There was one that made his disciples “greatly astonished.”   It was the outcome of a conversation that started when “a man came up to him saying, ‘Teacher what good deed must I do to inherit eternal life?” [v.16]  This causes Jesus to say, ‘If you would enter into life, keep the commandments.'  He said to him, ‘Which ones?' and Jesus then lists the principal commandments, “You shall not  “ … murder … commit adultery … shall not steal … bear false witness  … will honour (your parents) … love your neighbour as yourself.” [v.17,19]The man responds, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?  Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [v.20,21]  “The young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”  Jesus tells his disciples how difficult it is ”for rich people to enter the kingdom of God.”  The disciples “were greatly astonished saying, “Who then can be saved?” [v.25]  We ponder our Lord's reply, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  This is because God looks to see the true condition of our hearts: what are our priorities in life, what we have “left” behind so as to “do (work) for my name's sake … and (therefore) will inherit eternal life.”  [v.29]So we must each ask ourselves, what am I doing in the service of Jesus?  Am I just giving him my spare time?  How has being called to his service changed the priorities in my life? How do I use my Holydays?  Only those who have their priorities right “can be saved” – but they will not have ‘earned' salvation; Paul made a vital point in writing to the Corinthians, “we (are) working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” [2 Cor 6 v.1]  Do you fully appreciate his grace?  Are you “working together” with your Saviour?  

Jesus constantly says things to his disciples which challenge their attitudes and expectations – can we learn lessons ourselves from this? In today's 17th chapter of Matthew we see how “they were greatly distressed” [v.23] after “Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.'”   Not long before, as we read yesterday, Jesus had rebuked Peter when Peter had said to him, “This shall never happen to you” [16 V.22]  The message of his impending death was now starting to sink in – their minds are unsuccessful in putting this into focus with his words about the glory that would follow – sitting “on twelve thrones” as we will read in ch. 19 v.28.  We read today of the three that witnessed his transfiguration, they “fell on their faces and were terrified.” [v.6] when they heard the voice of God speaking from a bright cloud saying, “'This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased' [v.5]Such is our human nature, we have great difficulty in coping with events outside the realm of past experience. What if there is a warning of such events? The women who accompanied Jesus were somewhat better in coping with his tragic death than any of the 12 – and they were the first to visit the tomb and accept that he was wondrously raised again and now had an immortal body.Our thoughts now go to what is to confront us in coming years, maybe even in coming months!  Will we be “greatly distressed” when, as we will soon read in ch, 24 v.27,29 “as the lightning from the east so will be the coming of the Son of Man … the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall …”  Some prefer to give a spiritual interpretation to this – but Jesus is literally returning!  Are we confident we will not be like the disciples, but will have a strong and confident faith anticipating the moment “he will send out his angels and they will gather his elect …”? [v.31] – that will be literal.  We talk and study a lot about the glories that follow his return – and the disciples rejoiced in the promise of Jesus about their future, but that did not help them to cope with the tragedy that came first. May our constant prayer be “Lord increase our faith” as the disciples requested of him [Luke 17 v.5] – and deserve  the same commendation Paul gave to the Thessalonians in his 2nd letter to them, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you brothers (& sisters), as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly.”

The word “faces” in God's word is often used as a synonym for ‘minds,'  such as when ”the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face” [Exod.33 v.11] – and we see this today in Jeremiah.  The prophet is bitterly complaining to God about the attitudes of mind he sees all around him.“O LORD, do not your eyes look for truth?”  [5 v.3] But he does not find truth!  God brings trouble on them,  “but they felt no anguish …  they refused to take correction.  They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent.”  Jeremiah thinks there will be a different attitude among the rich, but there is not!  “they are all alike … they have no sense … they do not know the way of the LORD” [v.5,4]How parallel this is with the attitudes of mind that exist today!  The people “'have been utterly treacherous to me', declares the LORD. They have spoken falsely of the LORD and have said, ‘He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us” [v.11,12]  Today, the mature educated people sense the world's future is going to be increasingly difficult, but they in no way sense that there is a Creator who is going to cause this – or make it worse.     Jeremiah is told to “Declare this in the house of Jacob; proclaim it in Judah … Do you not fear me? Declares the LORD … your sins have kept good from you … They know no bounds in deeds of evil; they judge not with justice … Shall I not punish them for these things? … shall I not avenge myself …” [v.20,22.28,29]   And God did avenge himself in the horrible destruction of the Temple and of all Jerusalem.  The chapter ends with a question we should ask ourselves.  After observing “my people love to have it so” the LORD asks the question, “but what will you do when the end comes?”   Do you know what you will do, for our world is so similar in so many ways to Jeremiah's!  God's word alone provides us with the answer – How “hard” is your “face”?  Only our daily reading will enable us to fully absorb that answer – and the more we join together to discuss and more fully understand God's word, the more that answer will become clear to us.

Most people are never conscious of the need for spiritual cleanliness; the Jewish religious leaders had made quite a ritual out of material and physical cleanliness, hands in particularly had to be constantly cleansed.  In today's chapter in Matthew we read a lesson of Jesus about this which should be familiar to us: the kind of defilement we should be really concerned about!Jesus said, “… what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” [15 v.11]  Remember what we read in ch. 12?  “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks … on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word …” [v.34,36]     What is there in “abundance” in your heart?    If we listen, read or watch many of the things that are said today, so that they become part of thinking and attitudes, we start to developed a defiled heart. Life today is such a contrast to our parents experiences 70 years ago!  The concerns then included getting home from school if air raid warnings sounded; having faith in the overseeing hand of God was fully ‘real' to our parents.  A very different diet was available for our hearts in those days. There are countries today where true believers really need to have genuine faith.  God's word tells us that the “peace” we presently experience is going to dramatically change – are our hearts strong and focused so they will be able to cope with the time of world-wide trouble and anxiety which must surely come? Jesus more fully explains his point to his disciples, “ … what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the  heart, and this defiles a person.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts  … sexual immorality …” [v.18,19] and similar things; much of so called ‘entertainment' today has these things in abundance! Jesus also made this intriguing point, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up,” [v.13] Does your thinking and doing show that he has planted you? .  

As we read more of the remarkable testimony of Jeremiah we come across some brief glimpses of the ultimate future time of glory. In today's chapter we read, “At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the LORD, and all nations shall gather together to it, to the presence of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart.” [3 v.17]   Those seeking God with a genuine heart were encouraged, indeed, wondrously excited by this prospect, as we are today.           So much of what we read in Jeremiah has parallels with the self-centred attitudes seen today as we live in the final years of human control of this earth.   Jeremiah had begun his life in good circumstances, he was born to be a priest and the word of the LORD first came to him as a very young man in the reign of Judah's last good king, Josiah.We learn in 2 Kings 22, that Josiah initiated the repairing of the Temple (v.5) and it was reported to him by the High Priest that “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” [v.8] and the rest of the chapter and the next describes the dramatic story of the reformation the King then initiated.  In the eighteenth year of his reign a great  “Passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem” [23 v.23]  It was a dramatic early start to the life of Jeremiah, it compares just a little with our own teenage years when we witnessed the dramatic taking of Jerusalem as the nations capital after 1900 years in oblivion.  But how ungodliness has grown in the world since then!.   There are now no humans, those unenlightened by the word of God, who have any confidence that the world has a long term future – and this became Jeremiah's experience too – the nation of Israel had no future .Josiah is killed just 13 years after this Passover; from then on, Jeremiah lives and preaches in many hostile circumstances right through until the destruction of Jerusalem – and afterwards. But first God granted him a brief period of “peace” to gain strength under the reign of a good king.  His book does not appear to have been put together in chronological order, yesterday's and the start of today's chapter almost certainly reflect conditions near the end of his life.   His life and his distress at the godlessness surrounding him has many parallels to today in which, like in Jeremiah's time, people “refuse to be ashamed” [3 v.3].Today, the broad way that leads to destruction has never been more evident, we need real strength of heart and conviction of mind to stay on the narrow path, there are distractions on every side, especially for the young.  Let's look to Jeremiah as our role model to follow, sharing the vision given him of the throne of the Lord being established in Jerusalem and the time when all people will ”no more stubbornly follow  their own evil heart” – but those who are doing that now – they will not be there.  

**[Inspiring]**We are absolutely thrilled to share this outstanding and thought-provoking exposition on one of the most pivotal and revealing subjects in all of Scripture: the true nature of the Devil and Satan. As Christadelphians, we are committed to a careful, verse-by-verse examination of God's Word, and this chapter—Chapter 16 from our series on what we believe and preach—offers a wonderfully insightful look at a topic that is so often misunderstood.This presentation is a wonderful journey through the New Testament, guided by the original Greek and Hebrew, to uncover the real meaning behind the words *diabolos* and *Satan*. We explore the profound and often-overlooked truth that the Old Testament is completely silent on a personal, supernatural devil, and that the emphasis of the New Testament points us to a powerful, revelatory conclusion: the devil is the personification of human sinfulness, the lusts of the flesh, and the corporate wickedness of the world.Join us as we trace this compelling thread through Scripture, from the temptation in the wilderness to the ultimate victory of Christ. We examine how Jesus, by partaking of flesh and blood, destroyed him that had the power of death—that is, the devil—and how His sinless life broke the power of sin and opened the way to salvation. This is a truly inspiring and clarifying study that will strengthen your understanding of the Gospel and the nature of the battle we all face.---###

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Summary/Description**In this thought-provoking and wonderfully expositional study, Bible student Roger Lewis joins us to uncover the remarkable account of Achsah – Caleb's daughter. Why did she ask for a field? And what does her bold faith reveal about our own spiritual journey? Set against the backdrop of Judges chapter 1 – a chapter defined by Israel's failure to drive out the Canaanites – Achsah shines as an outstanding example of wholehearted devotion. Through careful, verse‑by‑verse analysis, we discover how Caleb's test for a suitor, Othniel's victory, and Achsah's determined request for “upper and nether springs” point to profound lessons about our promised inheritance. This is an insightful and revealing study that will challenge and inspire you to seek God's blessings with the same fearless, solution‑focused spirit.**Chapters**00:00 – Introduction & Setting the Context 04:00 – Why Ask Questions? The Heart of Bible Study 06:36 – Judah's Conquest & Caleb's Faithfulness 11:20 – Caleb's Test: Winning Achsah's Hand 15:53 – Othniel: The Worthy Suitor 20:40 – Achsah's Bold Request (Judges 1:14) 25:21 – Lighting Off the Donkey: Achsah's Determination 28:15 – “Give Me a Blessing” – The Parched Land 31:41 – The Upper and Nether Springs: God's Abundant Provision 33:30 – Three Qualities of the Faithful 37:28 – Turning Problems into Opportunities 38:44 – The Inheritance Fulfilled 41:34 – A Beautiful Typology: Caleb (the Father), Othniel (Christ), Achsah (the Bride) 48:31 – Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Achsah**Bible Verse Categories**

Today's 13th chapter of Matthew contains 6 parables of Jesus and at the end of the last one our Lord says, “so it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [v.49,50] The parables are symbolic stories, thus the “fiery furnace” is a symbol of the end of existence for some.   We must face the fact that, in the end, as God sees humans, the highest form of his creation, there are really only two classes of people!   Did you note in yesterday's chapter that Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me.” [v.30]Each of the parables in their own way teach the same lesson – that a choice is put before all men and women and “at the close of the age” there will be a time when God will make a decision about the future of everyone. The best known parable is that of the sower sowing seed and the different types of soil (i.e. hearts) into which it (his message) fell and how that seed grew – or didn't!  Another parable is of the wheat and weeds growing together and no action is made to pull out the weeds until harvest time.  It is becoming more and more evident that God's harvest time is near – although, of course, it comes for everyone when they die!  The harvest time, said Jesus, in explaining the meaning of the parable, is the time when “The son of man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.  He who has ears, let him hear.” [v.41-43]  !In these days we could add to that saying – those who have eyes to read let them read – and having read – may they, as a result, live their lives in ways that will please the sower. Are you hearing what you read?

Today we started reading the words of Jeremiah, who was born as “one of the priests” [v.1]. We are fascinated by the many words from the LORD that he inspired Jeremiah to speak and write.  He was to be the mouthpiece of God to Israel over many years beginning in the reign of good king Josiah, to the disaster of the last king Zedekiah.    “The LORD came to me”  Jeremiah says, telling him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” [v.5]  Jeremiah protests, “Ah Lord GOD!  Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” [v.6]  The LORD tells him not to say this, “… whatever I command you, you shall speak, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you” [v.7,8]“Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth.  And the LORD said to me, ‘Behold I have put my words in your mouth. “ [v.9]  It is clear in the words that follow that his divinely inspired messages have applications in many cases to situations developing in Israel in the prophet's lifetime – and others – to the future of other nations – and also – to events to come in the latter day restoration of Israel, our days; these, as we will see in future chapters, really challenge our thinking.  Jeremiah is a type of Christ from his birth and the later traumas his life went through before and at  the destruction of Jerusalem.  As the inspired mouthpiece of God's word, he is told, “See I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant … I am watching over my word to perform it.” [v.10,12]  As we read God's word let us search to see how  it has been performed – and will yet be completely performed – the climax of its fulfilment will surely be the most dramatic of all. How close are we to that time?  May we ‘hear' the LORD saying to us, as he says to Jeremiah (as the chapter ends) “Be not dismayed … for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.” [v.17,19]

What a thought challenging chapter we have today in Matthew. When Jesus asked, “To what shall I compare this generation?” 11 v.16] we can see in his answer close comparisons to most people living today. Jesus said they were “like children sitting in the market places calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.”There is constant “calling” to one another these days via Facebook, Twitter, etc reporting and commenting on this and that, but so very little, indeed rarely anything of substance. Nearly all dismiss any appreciation of Christmas and Easter! Good Friday is supposed to be a remembrance of the Saviour's death – but do any ‘mourn.'?Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” [Luke 12 v.48] Conversely, to whom little is given, much less is expected so we need to see the point in Jesus' comment in today's chapter in v.23, that “if the mighty works done (by me) had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day. But I tell you it will be more tolerable in the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.”When God's word was first widely preached and again when it was first printed and widely circulated it had such an impact – it created a great reformation in human thinking and belief. So many acted and lived according to their new found beliefs and convictions of heart. Yes, ‘too whom much is given'! Many responded as they should.The climax in today's chapter is in words, which we see as a prayer of Jesus, “I thank you, Father; Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from (those who think they are) the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children … no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden … ” [v.25-27]How many who are “heavy laden” in our world look to Jesus to help them journey through the kind of life that now exists? Jesus knows! What kind of person does Jesus choose “to reveal” the Father to – and make known the real meaning of their life? Is it those who sit “in the market place calling … “? Can they be classified as “little children” whom Jesus seeks to have a relationship with – and who come to fully appreciate the wonder of the Father's ultimate purpose in creation?Let us more clearly hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” [v.29] and the “market place” will have little or no meaning or role in our lives. 

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Summary/Description**In this **thought-provoking** and **insightful** Bible study, Brother Roger Lewis delivers an **outstanding**, **expositional** look at one of Scripture's most **wonderful** and **revealing** characters – Bartimaeus. Why is he the only healed person named in the Gospels? What does his name really mean? And how does his story unlock a powerful truth about Jew and Gentile together in God's plan?Join us as we explore the harmonisation of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the significance of “Son of David”, the crowd's rebuke, and the beautiful Old Testament background in Isaiah 35. This is far more than a miracle – it's a picture of spiritual blindness, the call of Christ, and what it means to follow Jesus “in the way”.**Chapters** (based on the full transcript)00:00 – Introduction: The Puzzle of the Gospels01:58 – Two Meetings with Jesus (Entering & Leaving Jericho)04:15 – Bartimaeus Cries Out: ‘Son of David'07:04 – Overcoming the Crowd's Rebuke08:39 – Jesus Calls: Casting Away the Garment11:37 – ‘Lord, That I May Receive My Sight'14:00 – Healed and Following ‘In the Way'17:53 – Isaiah 35: The Way of Holiness Fulfilled22:20 – Why Was Bartimaeus Named? ‘Son of the Unclean'28:42 – Conclusion: The Moment We Receive Our Sight (to 31:30)**Bible Verses**

 Today and tomorrow we read the final 2 chapters of Isaiah.  God expresses through the prophet his lament for those who turn away from him, those who “insulted me” – to whom he says, “do not come near me, for I am too holy for you” [65 v.5,7]      In contrast, his genuine servants “shall sing for gladness of heart” and “his servants he will call by another name so that he who blesses himself by the God of truth … because the former troubles are forgotten … for behold I create new heavens and a new earth” [v.14-17].          This will be “for my people who have sought me” [v.10].   The key question the LORD asks us all is  – do you seek God – do you see him as the God of truth?  Isaiah of course is writing for his people, the Jews, but these words also apply to everyone – for when Jesus came and died his sacrifice was for people of all nations. His final words to his disciples at the end of Matthew's gospel are, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them … teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.”                                                    Let's take into our minds more of what God said through Isaiah, it is a wonderful heart stirring vision of life in the future when “the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever …” [v.17,18]  Nature itself will be changed, “The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox … they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says the LORD” [v.25,26].            And in Chapter 66 more words jump out at us! “… this is the one to whom I will look : he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” [v.2]  That reminds us of how Jesus started his ‘Sermon on the mount' – “Blessed are the poor (lowly) in spirit (attitude of mind)”           Ask yourself,  Do I qualify to be among those to whom God “will look”?  Do my attitudes, my aims in life qualify me for the wonder God has ordained for the future?  Whether we will be part of this wondrous time we are reading about depends on the “spirit,” the attitude of mind that is genuinely developing within us, as true servants. Let's finish by quoting v.14 of this final chapter, “You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice … the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants …”   May we be among those who “see” and “rejoice” 

A @Christadelphians Video: In this **thought-provoking** and **revealing** Bible study, **Christadelphian** brother Roger Lewis presents an **outstanding** exposition of Simon of Cyrene – the man compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. This **wonderful** and **insightful** character study traces Simon's journey from a reluctant Passover pilgrim to a transformed prophet in the early ecclesia. We discover how one dramatic encounter with the suffering Saviour turned Simon's life completely around, and how his family's footsteps spread the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Prepare to be inspired to take up your own cross and follow Him.**Chapters** 00:00 – Introduction: Inspiring Characters of Scripture 02:35 – Matthew & Luke: Simon Compelled to Bear Christ's Cross 08:07 – Who Was Simon of Cyrene? A Devout Jew from Africa 12:34 – Walking Behind Jesus: Hearing the Saviour's Words 15:15 – Mark's Revealing Detail: Father of Alexander and Rufus 18:46 – From Compelled Service to Commissioned Preacher in Antioch 25:04 – Paul's Warm Tribute to Rufus and His Mother 28:37 – Remarkable Archaeological Confirmation: The Tomb of Simon & Alexander 35:50 – The Heart of the Lesson: Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me 43:12 – Conclusion: A Call to Shoulder Our Cross Today (ends 44:44)**Bible Verse Category**

“Faith” is a key word in the New Testament, it does not occur in the Old Testament, although some modern versions seek to use it a little – but not really in the N.T. sense.   Matthews' gospel has the most reports of the miracles of Jesus; but the religious leaders tried to discount them alleging he was using some kind of magic.  In today's chapter (9) they allege, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” [v.34]The most challenging to them of all his miracles was when he raised someone who had died.  Verse 18 tells us that “a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, my daughter has just died, but such was his conviction of the powers of Jesus that he said, “but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.”  When Jesus comes to the house he sees “flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he says, ‘Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” [v.24]  They laughed at this!But the death of believers is in many places described as a sleep, remember what Paul wrote, “For since that we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” [1 Thess. 4 v.14]  This is a wondrous lesson – those who die have fallen asleep – they move into God's time, and have no awareness of passing time at all!On his way to the rulers' house Jesus heals a woman “suffering from a discharge of blood”- he does this because of her approach, saying, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well” [v.22] “Blind men” follow him seeking a healing, they are asked, “Do you believe I am able to do this?”  They say, “Yes, Lord” he heals them. “saying, ‘According to your faith, be it done to you.” [v.29). By far the greatest miracle of all will be when Jesus comes again bringing to life “those who have fallen asleep.”  Do you have faith that this will happen?  Yes!  What is the quality of your faith, my faith?  How much is it reflected in the way you live your life?  Faith must be an active ingredient in every aspect of our lives, it will be “according to your faith” that the Lord will act – and we will be part of the glory that God has in store for this earth and; says the prophet, “you meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways” We read this today in Isaiah 64 v.5 and commented on it yesterday.  Joy and faith go together – do you experience that?

A @Christadelphians Video:In this thought-provoking and insightful exposition, **Roger Lewis** delivers an outstanding Bible study on one of Scripture's most moving yet often overlooked figures – Rizpah. We (Christadelphians) are taken on a revealing journey through 2 Samuel 21 to uncover **why Rizpah kept her lonely vigil** for six long months. This is a wonderful exploration of covenant faithfulness, national atonement, and the shadow of Christ's sacrifice on every page of the Old Testament. Prepare to be inspired by her extraordinary devotion and the deeper spiritual principles at work.**Chapters**00:00 – Introduction: The Famine in David's Days03:34 – David Inquires of Yahweh: The Cause Revealed05:18 – The Gibeonite Covenant (Joshua 9)08:05 – Atonement Without Compensation (Numbers 35)11:40 – Seven Descendants of Saul Delivered14:54 – David's Integrity: Sparing Mephibosheth18:29 – The Selection of the Seven Men24:35 – Rizpha's Arrival: Sackcloth on the Rock27:50 – A Six-Month Vigil Through Harvest to Rain32:39 – Why Did She Stay? Beyond Motherly Grief35:55 – David's Final Act: Honouring the Bones38:52 – After That, God Was Entreated for the Land40:30 – The Deeper Layer: Typology of Christ's Sacrifice46:16 – Rizpah as a Faithful Witness, Mary of Nazareth48:34 – A Lesson for Us: Seeing Beyond Our Sorrow50:40 – Concluding Hymn and Reflection**Bible Verse Category**

We are reading in Samuel of David's great successes. 2 Sam 8 v.13 tells us “David made a name for himself”  – that is, developed a reputation, and our chapters now tell us of Saul's jealousy over this and his efforts to kill him despite the intercessions of his son Jonathan.  Our chapter in Isaiah (63) has the prophet stating, “I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted to us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, ‘surely they are my people …” [v.7,8].But this compassion and love was not appreciated, in later generations “they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy…” [v.10]  However, then we read that the LORD, “ remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people.  Where he brought them up out of the sea … to make for himself an everlasting name… So you led your people to make your yourself a glorious name”  [v.11,12,14]  It was a great reputation for Moses, and a glorious name for the LORD.  However, Isaiah ends the chapter on a sad note, “We have become like those over whom you have never ruled ….”  But ignore the chapter break, ch. 64 starts with an impassioned prayer that we could utter today, “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down … to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! [v.1,2]  And then v.4,5 “… no ear has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.  You meet him who joyfully works righteousness”  Are we waiting for him?  Do we really believe with all our heart in his “glorious name” and “joyfully” live righteously as we wait for him to act?   Finally turn the page to v.2 of ch. 66, “ … this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” May we all live more and more so that he will “look” upon us – having fully in mind the words of Jesus, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” [John 16 v.22]

Today we completed reading the 3 chapters in Matthew (5,6 & 7) which comprise what we call ‘The Sermon on the Mount.'  Today's chapter is full of challenging precepts as to the way we should live our lives.  Verses 1 to 5 are a warning about being hypocritical; how readily we human beings can see the faults in others and yet be blind to greater faults in ourselves.Verse 6 has caused much discussion, how do we apply it?  Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”  We notice that Jesus did not attempt to teach the religious leaders; instead he called them hypocrites, see ch. 15 v.7 and 16 v.3, and this we can accept as an indication of the kind of people he meant.There are several other examples of their attacks on him, and for those whose aim is to faithfully follow in their Master's footsteps (see Peter's words in 1 Pet. 2 v,21-25) there will be some, similar experiences.  We note that in ch. 10, where the 12 are named (v.2-4) that one of the things he says to them is, “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” (v,25)These, with many other examples, illustrate the challenges those who genuinely follow Jesus and practice his precepts face as they walk the “narrow path”.  Verses 13 & 14 of today's chapter sum it up, “Enter by the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”But it must be said, for most of the last generation or two, at least in the ‘western' world, the path has not seemed so narrow and challenging.  This is because our society has become so tolerant of nearly every style of living, so broadminded and permissive.  But, this atmosphere is so spiritually poisonous that those who are treading the narrow way must be more on their guard than ever!Finally, note v.21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom … but the one who does the will of my Father … on that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy (preach) in your name … I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'  They left the narrow way to create their own, maybe thinking it was better!  The true path is less and less evident in the increasing darkness of this world – an essential reason for reading God's words ever more diligently. 

We read 3 fascinating chapters this morning!   First was the account of David's faith “in the living God” as he went forth against Goliath – he had no confidence in human armour and we should have no confidence in human reasoning.  Then in Matthew's gospel we read the continuation of the  sermon on the mount and the many vital principles we need to live by today; “do not be anxious” about having the food, drink and clothing you need.  There is a difference between what human beings ‘want' and what they ‘need'.  We need what is essential – “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” [6 v.31/32] “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” [v.33]  When will they be added?  Consider the wonder of what we learn in our other reading!Our Isaiah chapter (61) starts with the verses Jesus read in the Synagogue (Luke 4 v.18/19), “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour” – but then he stopped!  He then told his audience, “Today is this scripture fulfilled …” – challenging them to recognise his ministry – who he really was!What he did not read – was the next statement, “and the day of the Lord's vengeance”  But wonderfully, after the time of the Lord's vengeance (which came first to the Jews, and is now imminent for the Gentiles – all other nations) will come blessings beyond our ability to visualize; they are for those who have truly followed the Lord after accepting in true faith from their hearts the “good news” (gospel) and followed the way of life he proclaimed. These “shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations and … shall have everlasting joy.” [v.6,7]  Let us be ready to endure “the day of vengeance”; accepting Jesus' point which we will see when we come to Matt 10 v.22 “the one who endures to the end will be saved.”.  

A @Christadelphians Video:What a thought-provoking and revealing journey this is! In this outstanding expositional study, we (your Christadelphian brothers and sisters) delve into the life of Obed Edom—a often-overlooked character whose story holds wonderful encouragement for every believer. Was he a Levite? Or a Gentile Philistine? The answer changes everything.Brother Roger Lewis masterfully unpacks 1 Chronicles 13, tracing the ark's journey from disaster at Uzzah's breach to divine blessing in Obed Edom's house. We explore how his attitude of reverence, not mere ceremony, drew Yahweh's favour. Most insightful of all, we see how this Gentile “Gittite” became a trusted porter before the ark—and how his family grew to supply 62 of the 93 temple gatekeepers! This isn't just history; it's a powerful prophecy of Gentiles being grafted into Israel's hope (Amos 9, Acts 15). Prepare to be inspired to make your own home a sanctuary for God's presence.**Chapters:**00:00 – Introduction & Purpose of the Series 00:55 – The Stark Contrast: Uzzah's Breach vs. Obed Edom's Blessing 02:01 – Was Obed Edom a Levite? Examining the Evidence 03:27 – “Gittite” – Uncovering the Philistine Origin (Joshua 13, 2 Samuel) 08:07 – Obed Edom: A Philistine Proselyte and David's Friend 12:48 – Why Was He Blessed? His Attitude of Reverence, Not Ritual 14:32 – The Blessing Defined: Psalm 128 & a Household Multiplied 18:45 – Obed Edom as a Porter Marching Behind the Ark (1 Chronicles 15) 25:10 – Two Tabernacles: Gibeon (Old Covenant) vs. Zion (New Covenant) 26:30 – Thirty Years Later: 62 Descendants Serving as Porters (1 Chronicles 26) 31:10 – Revelation in Amos 9: The Tabernacle of David & the Remnant of Edom 35:25 – Acts 15: James Quotes Amos to Include Gentile Believers 39:54 – Personal Application: Making Our Homes a Little Sanctuary 44:53 – Conclusion & Call to Action **

Today we read what is generally referred to as ‘The Sermon on the Mount'  in Matthew ch. 5.  Years ago we saw a film depicting this – and it was quite wrong – for it showed Jesus giving the message to a vast crowd of people.  The end of ch. 4 describes “great crowds” that “followed him” but, then we read, “seeing the crowds he went up on the mountain , and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them …”  This teaching begins, “Blessed are the poor (lowly, humble) in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” The very opposite to the spirit of mind nearly all the Pharisees and lawyers showed; Jesus is going to have many verbal clashes with them in the next 3 or so years.  He speaks of “the kingdom of heaven” not the kingdom in heaven.   We wait for a heavenly kingdom to come on earth – to replace all earthly minded rulers, none of whom really believe in the true God.  The very last question his disciples asked him was “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel” [Acts 1 v.6] causing him to tell them that his message had to be taken “to the end of the earth” first, and it was not for them (or us) to know the time of his return. Today the Bible is reaching all the remotest nations.“Blessed are the meek (gentle-minded) for they shall inherit the earth” [v.5] not heaven. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” [v.6] This world needs more than ever for God's kingdom to be established, there is a great hunger and thirst for all fleshly things today.  Jesus told his disciples, “You are the light of the world” [v.14] and so they became and the light spread out and pagans became believers and Christ's message was adopted as the official religion of the Roman Empire.  Sadly, in the process, it became increasingly corrupted, just like the Jewish teachers had corrupted the message God gave through Moses and the prophets.   At the end of one of his parables, that of the persistent widow, Jesus asked the question, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth” [Luke 18 v.8]  He does not give the answer – that is left for us to answer – what is your answer? 

King Saul was highly successful in destroying the Amalekites, but we note what Samuel said to him (1 Sam 15 v.1-3) before he did this!  After giving him the reasons why the Amalekites should be destroyed, Samuel tells him, “Now go and strike Amalek, and devote to destruction all that they have.  Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.”    In v.7 to 9 we read “And Saul defeated Amalek … and devoted to destruction all the people … But Saul and the people spared … the best of the sheep and oxen … and all that was good …. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.”    What a valuable lesson there is in the LORD's reaction to Saul's selective obedience to his commands.  Samuel is sent to express God's anger at his failure to obey him properly, he tells Saul, “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD?  Why did you pounce on the spoil  and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” [v.19]  Saul claims in reply, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD” [v.20], but he only did so partly.  His claim is that the animals were saved to offer as sacrifices – and of course, as a result, Saul and the people enjoyed much feasting! The phrase “the voice of the LORD” should cause us to meditate – they did not hear his actual voice – and neither do we!  We have his word – that is “the voice of the LORD” for us.Then Samuel makes a very vital point, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” [v.22]  What a clear and vital lesson this is for us – it dovetails in with Isaiah's message at the start of today's ch. 59.  “Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save … but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”     If there were prophets like Samuel and Isaiah around today what kind of message would they give?  Let us not pick and choose only the parts of God's word we like – to believe and obey – let us live so that we can in truth say in our prayers – and on THAT day, “I have obeyed…”

Today we began reading the New Testament from Matthew's gospel. It is understood it was written primarily for the Jews as it quotes the O.T. prophecies quite a lot; one or two are prophecies that we would not have readily identified as prophecies fulfilled in the life of Jesus, this is a lesson for us in trying to correctly identify prophecies about events that relate to the time Jesus returns  – to know beforehand all that is to actually happen.God created a situation in which the birth of his Son, the Messiah they were expecting, was obscured from the self-centred religious leaders.  One of the main reasons they gave for rejecting Jesus was to say, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from Bethlehem …” [John 7 v.41,42]Matthew ch. 2 ends by telling us that his parents, when they returned from Egypt “went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'”   What prophets said this?  We need to put the Scriptures together to get the full picture of the forebears of Mary and Joseph and the significant characters among their forbears.  We are about to read in 2 Samuel how David was born in Bethlehem.    Joseph, a carpenter, evidently lived and worked there for about 2 years before they fled, at the command of the Lord to Egypt.  The  wise men, we are not told how many, found the one born to be “king of the kings” in “the house” (2v.11) in Bethlehem.  They then went and lived in Egypt until after the death of Herod (v.20) and then came to Nazareth again to re-establish life there (Luke 2 v.39). No doubt Joseph took his tools with him to support them with carpentry work in their stays in Bethlehem and Egypt.  Jesus would have lived in Nazareth for something like 25 years before he astonished the nation when he began his ministry.  The record of “the first of his signs” [John 2 v.11] at Cana shows that his mother had some degree of  awareness of his powers. Truly, as a hymn says, ‘God works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform' – but those who read God's word diligently can unravel many of those mysteries: the major mystery challenging us now – is the full nature of the events that are to occur at the return of Christ.  We believe they will only fall fully into place in our understanding  as they start to happen.  Let us diligently read and then think deeply – and watch.   

Welcome to this thought-provoking and insightful episode of The Watchman Report. In this outstanding presentation, we delve into one of the most remarkable and revealing prophecies in the Bible: the modern return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. How did God orchestrate events across centuries to bring His people back to their ancient homeland? Join us as we explore the wonderful and precise fulfilment of Scripture, proving once again that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.We examine the dual prophecy from Jeremiah 16, where God declares He would send for "fishers" and "hunters" to bring Israel back from the nations. We see the fisherman at work in the Zionist movement, from Theodor Herzl to Chaim Weizmann, and the pivotal, history-changing conversation that led to the Balfour Declaration. We also consider the sobering reality of the hunters—the horrific persecution that ultimately drove a stateless people back to their prophetic destiny. This is a powerful exposition of how God's purpose is the mould into which all history is poured.

A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] Pleased to present in collaboration with the Bible Unlocked team, this thought-provoking presentation from the sixth season of Bible Unlocked Live, A foundational series, “Why You Should Believe the Bible,” revealing how faith is built on a rock-solid foundation of evidence and reason. They hold a webinar each week....Find out more @ https://www.bibleunlocked.com/Should science stop us from trusting the Bible? In this thought-provoking and insightful presentation, we explore one of the most common questions of our age: has modern science truly ruled out the possibility of God? Join us as we revisit this compelling topic and discover how recent discoveries in physics, astronomy, and biology are revealing a universe of staggering complexity and precision. From the fine-tuning of physical constants to the mind-boggling information storage of DNA, we see that far from silencing the declaration of the heavens, science is amplifying it. This is an outstanding and revealing discussion that shows how the complexity we observe points towards intentional design, encouraging us to look at the world around us with fresh eyes and consider the purpose behind it all.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Has Science Ruled Out God?01:00 - The Cultural Shift: From Design to "God is Dead"02:55 - The Beginning: Hubble, Expansion, and a Cause04:15 - A Scientist's View: Aligning with Genesis05:20 - The Complexity of the Cell: From Simple Blob to Advanced City06:40 - "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made": David's Ancient Insight07:50 - The Principle of Design: From Smartphones to the Universe09:10 - The Fine-Tuning of the Universe: Gravity and the Constants11:30 - Physicists Acknowledge Design: "Just Right for Life"12:40 - The Bible's Answer: Created with Purpose13:30 - Two Choices: Design or Accident?14:40 - Digging Deeper: The Wonders of DNA Storage18:30 - Why Do People Miss the Evidence? A Discussion from Romans22:00 - Conclusion: Finding the "Why" in ScriptureBible Verses:

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: There have been archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem which correlate to what the Bible said would happen, showing that these things actually did happen, so we can have faith that the prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled will be in due course.**Thought-provoking, insightful and wonderfully expositional** – join us as Bible student Luke Moss reveals how the very stones of Jerusalem cry out with evidence of God's unfolding plan. From the burnt house of ancient Judah to the arrowheads of Nebuchadnezzar's army, archaeology confirms Scripture with breathtaking precision.In this **outstanding** presentation, we witness layer after layer of destruction and preservation – all pointing to the trustworthiness of God's Word. Whether it's Hezekiah's Broad Wall, the Temple Mount Sifting Project, or the Pool of Siloam Pilgrims Road, every discovery is **revealing** the truth: Jerusalem's story is still being written, and the greatest discoveries are yet to come.**Let the stones speak to your faith today.**###

A @Christadelphians Video: In this **thought-provoking** and **insightful** exposition, we delve into Paul's urgent charge to Timothy from 1 Timothy 6. What does it mean to “keep the commandment without spot” until Christ's appearing? This **outstanding** and **revealing** study challenges us to flee worldly distractions and passionately pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Join us as we uncover the **wonderful** secret of godliness – Christ himself – and discover how his faithful confession before Pilate and God's power to raise the dead become our guarantee of hope. A truly **inspiring** message for every believer seeking to run the race with purpose.**Chapters** 00:00 – Introduction: Refocusing Through the Memorial Meeting 01:50 – The Charge to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:13-14) 03:15 – Why Was This Epistle Written? Behaviour in God's House 06:46 – What Is the Charge? Flee These Things, Follow After… 09:40 – Fleeing Materialism, Pride, and Strife 14:45 – Following After Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness 18:07 – Hungering for Righteousness (Matthew 5:6) 20:05 – The Secret of Godliness: Christ Manifest in Flesh (1 Timothy 3:16) 23:42 – Fighting the Good Fight, Laying Hold on Eternal Life 28:06 – The Witness of God and Christ Before Pilate 31:18 – Breaking Bread in Light of the Charge 33:00 – Conclusion: Keeping That Which Is Committed to Our Trust**Bible Verses**

# The Christadelphians: #15 'A World of Evil' - Harry Tennant## Video DescriptionIn this thought-provoking and deeply insightful exposition, we continue our journey through the foundational teachings of Scripture, tackling one of the most challenging questions facing humanity: **Why does evil exist?**This outstanding presentation from Brother Harry Tennant offers a thorough, Scripture-based examination of suffering, disease, and disaster that has perplexed thinkers throughout the ages. We explore how the Bible reveals God's sovereign control over all things—both good and evil—and provides wonderful comfort for those who trust in His wisdom.Through careful, expositional analysis of key passages, we discover:- The two classes of evil that afflict mankind- Whether God is truly in control of natural disasters- The profound lessons from the book of Job- How disease and suffering fit within God's purposes- The relationship between human freedom and the existence of evil- God's ultimate promise to remove all suffering foreverThis is a revealing study that strengthens faith and provides genuine hope in a world filled with uncertainty. Join us as we prove all things by the Word of God and find comfort in His eternal purposes.---## Chapters00:00 - Introduction: The Problem of Evil00:44 - Two Classes of Evil: Natural and Man-Made02:39 - Superstition and False Explanations03:48 - Is God in Control of Evil?05:06 - Natural Disasters and Divine Sovereignty10:01 - The Book of Job: Suffering and Wisdom14:20 - Disease, Sin, and Divine Judgment16:56 - Christ's Power Over Disease and Elements19:17 - Consequences of Sin and Human Freedom21:39 - Man's Freedom of Choice and Its Consequences24:56 - Understanding Disease and Suffering28:32 - God's Grace and Mercy in Suffering30:23 - The Purpose of Trials in Character Development32:02 - The Final Victory: No More Suffering---## Bible Verses Referenced

Our chapter 57 in Isaiah commences with the above words – but then adds, “and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away … “  But then comes a very meaningful statement – which may well become really meaningful for us  in the years ahead, it may even be in the months ahead, “for the righteous man (& woman) is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness”   Coming to v. 15, more words jump out to our minds, “… thus says the One who is high and lifted up. Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” In contrast, the chapter ends, “But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.  ‘There is no peace,' says my God, ‘for the wicked.”  It is “my God”, our God who counts us, as righteous in his eyes.  As we become more and more aware of the true picture of our present existence – and conscious of the increasing traumas in many parts of the world (and threatening or including ours) how wonderful it will be to be “taken away” – in whatever way God chooses, from the calamity that is starting to surround us.  If it should be that “the righteous man perishes” – it is God who “lays it to heart”, such move into God's time – which is instantaneous, there is no awareness of passing time at all. Today's 21st chapter of Revelation has a wondrous description of the ultimate time to come – when “the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”   Let us, from now on, live with this divinely given vision flooding ever more readily into our hearts every day.   

There can be no half measures in serving the LORD, either we are fully committed  – or not – there is the narrow way – or the broad way. Our first reading today describes the success of King Saul when he began his reign, he did serve the LORD – he began well, encouraged and guided by Samuel. We have no Samuel to guide us, but we have God's word – all of it. Samuel exhorts the people and Saul, “Serve the LORD with all your heart…. do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit … Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you …. Fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart.” [1 Sam 12 v.20,21,23,24] All around us people occupy their minds with ‘empty things.'  We are going to read in coming days , the failure of Saul to follow the LORD with all his heart – a lesson for us.  Next – what a wonderful vision Isaiah records for us, it is somewhat parallel to Samuel's. He tells God's people not to “labour for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me …” [55 v.2]  We can read – diligently – what God has caused to be written and preserved – “Seek the LORD while he may be found” [v.6] is an even more urgent call to us today.  “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and … water the earth, making it bring forth… so shall my word be that goes from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty , but it shall accomplish that which I purpose … for you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace” [v.10-12]Chapter 20 in Revelation spells out that wondrous time to come, a time when those who are not ‘marked' by the “beast” of humanity with fleshly attitudes and ambitions, but have served  “the LORD with all their heart “ – not being distracted and turning “aside after fleshly things” – they will have experienced wonder far beyond our comprehension when they came “to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” [20 v.4]   Parts of the final chapters of Revelation look back over time – from the perspective of timelessness – what a perception of “heart” will then be achieved – may we develop clearness of vision and a dedicated sense of commitment with all our heart so that, by the grace of God, we will be there.   

Joseph and his Brethren #5 The Face and the Future

Every time we read Revelation, especially chapters 16 to 20,  a multitude of thoughts threaten to overwhelm us.  We focus our attention most of all on the ‘picture' they give of the climax of human history at the return of Christ: this is totally dramatic and sudden.  We perceive that this is the latter day counterpart to ancient Babylon – and we recall the head of gold of Nebuchadnezzar's image and the dramatic end of his Empire.  We are also mindful of the fact that ‘Babylon' is the way the Greeks translate the Hebrew word ‘Babel' into their language causing us to think of what God did to Babel generations after the flood to demonstrate to ungodly men that he is in control in the earth. Therefore Revelation is giving us a picture in symbolic language, of the final “hour” of human kingdoms. We read, “Alas! Alas! … you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” [18 v.10]  The spiritual element in Babylon today is “clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet” [18 v.16]; these are the dominant colours in Papal garments – but “in a single hour she has been laid waste.  Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints … for God has given judgement for you against her”  [18 v.19,20]A puzzling factor is the great wealth of this latter day Babylon that Revelation highlights. Can we see significance in the fact that the European Common Market was established by the ‘Treaty of Rome' in 1957 and the countries that belong (and it seems significant that the U.K. did not sign), and that just about all of them are Roman Catholic.  The major reason for their unity is financial and for 50 years the E.U. has been very prosperous. But now the scene has changed and could become a disaster, so note the words, “for in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste” [18 v.17]Our Lord made a simple statement, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.” [Matt. 6 v.24]  What is it to “serve money”?  Money, and the things it can buy, dominate the thinking of just about every one! We see this all around us; it must not dominate our thinking.. Let us heed the voice which says, “Praise God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great … Let us rejoice … and give him glory”  [19 v.5].  True believers are “his bride (who has) made herself ready” – make sure you are among them.