Christadelphians Talk

**[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. 

A @Christadelphians Video: Here is a YouTube Summary and Description crafted from the transcript, using British English spelling and the specified perspectiveIn this thought-provoking and expositional presentation, we delve into a fundamental truth that challenges modern thinking: God's plan for the world is a Kingdom, not a democracy. We explore the vital contrast between the rule of the people and the rule of God, as set forth in Scripture. From the idolatrous courts of Athens to the prophetic visions of Daniel, we uncover why Yahweh has chosen a monarchy with a singular, righteous King at its head.This insightful study is a wonderful reminder that our destiny, if we are faithful, is not to be passive citizens, but active kings and priests in God's coming super kingdom. Join us as we 'prove all things' from the Bible, examining the nature of God's government and our incredible calling to reign with Christ. This is a revealing look at what it truly means to be heirs of the Kingdom.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Our Destiny as Kings01:48 - The Difference: Kingdom vs. Democracy in Athens05:56 - Paul's Preaching in Acts 17: The Unknown God11:37 - God's Chosen Government: A Kingdom with a Man at the Top18:29 - God's Rejection of Democracy as a World Government26:07 - All Nations Will Submit to Yahweh's Form of Government35:25 - The Ultimate Example: Jesus Submits to the Father's Will37:24 - God's Plan for a 'Super Kingdom'42:48 - Conclusion: The Vision for Our Future**Bible Verse Category:**

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Description**In this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** exposition, we continue our journey through the life of Joseph. This fourth instalment – “The Reckoning and the Restoration” – is a **wonderful**, deeply **revealing** look at how God brings a broken family from guilt to grace. We witness the three great movements of Scripture: going *down* into honest confession, the *return* of the old test, and finally being brought *near* in mercy.**Insightful** and **expositional**, this message searches our own hearts on the foundational themes of repentance and forgiveness. Join us as we see Joseph's tears, Judah's transformation, and the beautiful moment when the rejected brother is revealed as the wounded saviour.**Chapters** (full video duration ~46:01)00:00 – Introduction: The Reckoning & Restoration03:10 – Movement 1: Going Down – Fear, Guilt & Conscience14:39 – First Confession: “We Are Very Guilty”18:28 – Joseph Weeps: Love That Survives the Wound24:11 – Movement 2: The Return – The Old Test Returns33:52 – Judah's Transformation: “Let Me Stay Instead”38:28 – Movement 3: Near – Joseph Revealed42:52 – Restoration, Shalom & Family Harmony45:18 – Conclusion: Who Do I Need to Forgive?**Bible Verse Category**

We are excited to bring you this outstanding, thought-provoking and revealing presentation by Brother Jim Cowie: A Troubled Year Already Filled with Signs of the Times. In this insightful and expositional study, we as Christadelphians strive to prove all things from the Scriptures concerning true Bible teaching. Join us as we examine the clear prophecies of Christ's return and how the events of this troubled year and recent decades reveal the wonderful unfolding of God's plan. These signs point to the nearness of the kingdom and will strengthen and inspire your faith as we see prophecy fulfilled before our eyes.

Today's Revelation reading is the only place in the Bible where the word “Armageddon” occurs. Yet the word keeps cropping up in the world, especially in movies for mass mind consumption!              There is a fear among many, that is more than subconscious, that there is a great crisis ahead.  There is continuing chaos in the nations surrounding Israel, and since October 7th in particular there has been great turmoil in the Middle East with the alliances redrawn and the rise of the Abraham accords forging new partnerships. The turmoil in Iran has brought a disastrous situation for its citizens.   There is no regard for human life.  No one sees any long term future for the world! The United Nations is impotent and the United States is no longer willing to try to act as a ‘policemen' in trouble spots.  The European Union is impotent and could soon fall apart financially.      It is  understandable, if you do not believe in the Bible, that you see no future for the world.  Revelation 16 starts by saying there is “a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God'” [v.1]  We see pictured in symbol, the ultimate outpouring of the Creator's anger on those who do not obey him, but the greater number do not even believe he exists.  Some in past centuries have persecuted true believers – and today we read, “for they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink.  It is what they deserve. …They did not repent of their deeds.” [v.6,11]    We read in v. 14 of “demonic spirits” (unreasoning, mad attitudes of mind?) … who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle … at the place that is called in Hebrew, Armageddon” [v.14,16]  This is a place (valley?) spoken of by several Old Testament prophets without using the word Armageddon.  Joel calls it “the valley of decision” [3 v.4]    As the world today becomes more and more God-less we wonder how close we are to the bowls of God's wrath being emptied?  Whether that time is close or not, if we really fear God, let us always be ready.  May it be our wondrous experience to sing “the song of the Lamb” we read in ch. 15 v.3,4, “Great and amazing are your deeds … O king of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?  … All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Our readings today are full of contrasts, but that is the nature of God's word, on the one hand expressing his dismay and resultant anger at the godless behaviour of human beings – but on the other hand giving pictures of coming glory for those whose convictions and resultant behaviour are righteous.Our chapter (14) in Revelation ends with a vision of the wrath of God when “the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God” [v.19] The symbology is clear: today so few know – and show by the way they live – that there is a God – a Creator.Isaiah is caused by the Creator (ch. 52) to first write that “continually all the day my name is despised” [v.5]:  then, in contrast, “my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that is I who speak; here I am” [v.6]  Are we making God aware by our earnest prayers that we “know” his name, that we have heart felt confidence, that is so evident to others that they know something of the “good news” that is in our hearts.The next verse (7) has a wonderful poetic picture, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation …”  The outcome is [v.8] “they see the return of the LORD to Zion.”   At this time “the LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” [v.10] as he brings to an end the terrible time when he executes “the wrath of God.”     The contrast of these events will add to the perception of “how beautiful” is the publishing of salvation and the total awareness it brings to the earth that there is a Creator and “the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God”   “How beautiful” – indeed, utterly wonderful, will it be to experience that time. We make ‘the answer now' as to whether it will be our experience.  

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Summary/Description**We continue our outstanding expositional journey through the life of Joseph, uncovering a deeply thought-provoking truth: delay is not abandonment. When the road keeps going down—from slavery to false accusation to prison—how do we keep trusting God? This revealing study of Genesis 39–41 shows us that waiting is not the same as being forgotten. The dream wasn't dead; it was being held until God's perfect time.We witness Joseph in Potiphar's house, where God's presence is unmistakable, only to enter a sudden silence—the very place where Joseph's faith speaks loudest. The relentless temptation, the false accusation staged with a garment, and the descent into the prison house all lead us to a wonderful truth: the closed door does not mean God is absent. Through Psalm 105, we see the iron entering his soul, refining him like metal in fire. Then, in the darkness, a glorious shadow of Christ appears—the innocent sufferer between two transgressors, the cup and the bread, and the cry “Remember me.” Finally, at the appointed time, the door swings open. Joseph stands before Pharaoh at thirty years old, trusted, tested, and honoured. The garments tell the whole arc: favour, false guilt, humiliation, and glory—pointing unmistakably to the Lord Jesus Christ.This is an insightful, inspiring study for anyone facing a season of silence. Let us learn to be faithful in ordinary days, to flee from temptation without looking back, and to be ready when God opens the door.**Chapters**00:00 – Introduction: When the Road Keeps Going Down 05:15 – The Silence of God: Faith in the Dark 07:04 – Temptation in Potiphar's House: Day by Day 13:41 – The False Accusation: Garment and Lie 16:53 – From Pit to Prison: The House of Confinement 22:23 – The Iron Entering His Soul (Psalm 105) 25:18 – The Prison Preaches Christ: Butler, Baker, Remembrance 28:51 – The Refining Word: Two Years of Silence 32:10 – The Door Opens: Joseph Before Pharaoh 34:00 – The Hand: Trusted, Tested, Honoured 36:53 – The Garments: Favour, Guilt, Humiliation, Glory 38:10 – The Age of Thirty: Prepared in Silence 39:30 – Three Lessons: Faithfulness, Fleeing, Readiness 41:40 – Conclusion: The Key Is in God's Hand**Bible Verse Category**

A @Christadelphians Video: **Description:**In this thought-provoking and wonderfully expositional study, we continue our journey through Genesis 37, tracing one of Scripture's darkest descents—and its most revealing hope. The coat of many colours moves from Joseph's shoulders to Jacob's hands, torn and bloodied. Between the coat and the blood lies a pit without water, a price paid in silver, and a silent figure who prefigures the suffering of our Lord.This insightful presentation uncovers how the beloved son, sent by his father to seek his brethren's peace, finds hatred, conspiracy, and rejection. Yet God is not absent in the darkness. What looks like Joseph's ruin becomes the beginning of salvation, and the pit becomes the road to Egypt—and to the throne.Join us as we explore the stunning typology of Joseph as a shadow of Christ, the hidden hand of God at Dothan, and the three urgent lessons that rise from the pit for every believer today. Outstanding and revealing—this is Genesis as you've never seen it.**Chapters:**00:00 – Introduction: The Coat Leaves, the Pit Awaits 01:23 – The Father Sends His Beloved Son (Genesis 37:13-14) 04:35 – Shechem: Promise, Shame, and Joseph's Future Portion 07:57 – Wandering in the Field: The Mysterious Stranger 10:45 – “What Seekest Thou?” – The Heart of Joseph's Mission 12:36 – Dothan: Two Wells, Invisible Armies, and God's Presence 15:44 – Conspiracy: “Behold, the Dreamer Cometh” 18:58 – The Master of Dreams vs The Master of Arrows 20:46 – The Pit: Murder Without a Blade 23:50 – Stripped and Cast Down: A Picture of Calvary 27:44 – They Sat Down to Eat Bread: The Cruelty of Sin 29:53 – Judah's Bargain: Silver for a Soul 32:39 – The Price: 20 Pieces of Silver 33:34 – Joseph as a Type of Christ: Echoes of Calvary 35:36 – The Deception: Goat's Blood and the Torn Coat 39:57 – Jacob's Grief: Refusing Empty Comfort 41:34 – Three Lessons from the Pit for Today 43:35 – Conclusion: Trusting God When the Way Is Hidden **Bible Verse Category:**

We wrestle over understanding some of the symbolic language in the book of Revelation – but then come to clear and dramatic statements of the divine intentions for the future.  Ch. 11 which we read today is a particularly outstanding example; the vision of 24 elders “who fell on their faces and worshipping God saying, ‘We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.  The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” [v.16-18]  Note how the “small” are mentioned first. Let us “give thanks” that the all seeing all knowing Creator of all things is exercising the ultimate control and destiny of all things.   However, he allows human beings  to exercise their freewill – foreseeing what that will lead to – both short and long term – before it is time – his time – to exercise his “great power.” In our Isaiah reading chapter (50) there are appropriate personal words of encouragement to put alongside this vision in Revelation.  “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.  Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught” [v.4]  Let us awaken each morning with words (resulting in our subsequent thoughts) from the word of God.Finally, v.10 has a question for us; “Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant?  (Ch. 52 v.13-14 makes it clear “my servant” is Jesus)  Back to v.10, “Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”  Our world is full of darkness, so we absolutely must do this.  

A @Christadelphians Video: In this outstanding and thought-provoking opening study, we explore Genesis 37 and uncover the wonderful truth beneath Joseph's famous coat. While his brothers saw favour and his father saw promise, God was quietly forming something far deeper—a calling that no human hand could strip away.This insightful, expositional presentation traces Joseph's journey from shepherd boy to the separated one—a living pattern of the Lord Jesus Christ. We examine the stark contrast between earthly power in Edom and God's hidden work in a 17-year-old, the meaning behind the coat (ketonet), the prophetic dreams, and the envy that poisoned a family. What makes this truly revealing is how Joseph's life teaches us that the visible coat can be torn, but the divine calling beneath it remains secure in God's hands.Join us as we ask: What is God forming in *you* beneath the coat?**Chapters:**00:00 – Introduction: The Coat That Could Be Taken 01:04 – Edom's Kings vs. God's Hidden Work 03:28 – What God Forms Beneath the Coat 04:40 – Joseph's Name: “Yahweh Shall Add” 06:26 – Joseph the Shepherd: Learning to Care 08:16 – The Evil Report: Faithfulness, Not Gossip 10:30 – Jacob's Love: Favouritism or Prophetic Sight? 12:36 – The Birthright Passes to Joseph 14:35 – The Coat (Ketonet): Priestly & Royal Garment 16:54 – Hatred, Envy & The Poisoned House 20:27 – “More” – The Language of Envy 22:17 – Joseph's Dreams: Linked to Bethel 25:50 – Sheaves Bowing: Preservation, Not Ambition 28:25 – The Brothers Sound Like Esau 32:22 – The Second Dream: Sun, Moon & Stars 34:35 – Jacob Observed, The Brothers Hated 36:31 – Three Lessons from Beneath the Coat 43:00 – When the Coat Is Taken, Will You Still Trust? 44:09 – Conclusion**Bible Verse Category:**

A @Christadelphians Video: Join **we, the Christadelphians**, for this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** Bible exposition with Sam Tomkins as we continue our series on *Peter after the Resurrection*. In part four, ‘Healing and Hope in Sharon', we witness God's **wonderful** preparation of Peter for a watershed moment—the opening of the gospel to the Gentiles.This **revealing** study traces Peter's journey through Lydda and Joppa, where two miraculous healings (Aeneas and Tabitha) become powerful pictures of the spiritual condition of the nations—lame and dead, yet raised to walk before God. With **insightful** connections to Cornelius in Caesarea, we see how God spare no effort to transform Peter's heart, moving him from ritual separation to embracing the very people he once avoided.You'll be captivated by the **expositional** depth as we uncover Old Testament echoes—Psalm 41, Exodus 30, Leviticus 20—and the stunning symbolism of Joppa as the place where Gentile raw material was brought for the temple. This is a **wonderful** reminder that our Heavenly Father works patiently behind the scenes in our lives too, preparing us for His purposes.Whether you're a long-standing believer or new to Scripture, this video will inspire and strengthen your faith. Don't miss the climactic moment when Peter declares, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”##

Our readings today are particularly interesting.  Our first reading, 1 Samuel 1, sees the birth of Samuel. We have read of the ups and downs of the era of the Judges – but now come to Samuel as the final all wise Judge, a type of Christ, that God works through to lay the foundation for the era of the Kings beginning with Saul and David.Isaiah's prophecies are bringing us toward the end of the era of the Kings, the LORD is frustrated with the attitudes of his people – as he must be with the ‘christian' world today.  Today's chapter (48) starts, “Hear this, O house of Jacob who are called by the name of Israel … who swear by the name of the LORD … but not in truth and right”.  God tells the prophet of “things I declared of old … then suddenly I did them and they came to pass” [v.3]We think of the initial promises to Abraham, the deliverance from Egypt, the initial fulfilment of the promises to David – we will read in 1 Samuel in coming weeks; but this week in Isaiah we will read the detailed prophecies God gave him about the Messiah.   Although the Jewish scribes must have known these, they had ‘tunnel vision' as to what they expected the Messiah to do, the message of the explicit prophecy in ch. 53 was ‘lost' because of the pre-conceived notions in their minds. Is there a lesson in this for us? Have we pre-conceived notions? Our readings in Revelation complete the dramas in today's chapters.  While often  in symbolic language, they frequently included phrases, even sentences from Isaiah and other prophets, compare for example, today's ch 6 v.15,16 with Isaiah 2 v 10,19, of events when “the great day of their wrath has come.”Revelation is not all symbolic language, especially of how the time of God's wrath is followed by a “new song”. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created …. You ransomed people for Godfrom every tribe and language and people and nation” [4 v11; 5 v.9]  What a wonderful vision.   But first it is vital we acknowledge that our world today is in near total spiritual darkness – “then suddenly” God will act.  The increasing turmoil in all the nations surrounding God's ‘Holy Land' is ominous!  The last verse of our Revelation reading asks us a question “who can stand?” in “the great day of their wrath”? Are you effectively building up your faith – so you can? Read and reflect on God's word every day.

Our first reading is the heart stirring account of young Samuel in the Temple/tabernacle at Shiloh and the LORD calling him, “Samuel, Samuel” – and the message he received about the failure of Eli to discipline his sons.  The ungodliness of their behaviour in appearing to serve the LORD makes sad reading – but it has had its parallels in every generation – especially today. In contrast, the vision Isaiah records is fascinating, “Thus says the LORD, the redeemer of Israel …. In a time of favour I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you … to establish the land”  [49 v.7,8] We recall what we read 2 days ago, “I am God … declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done … I will accomplish all my purpose” [46 v.9,10].  The Jews over the centuries have often felt abandoned, but how significant are v. 13-15 in today's chapter!   “… the LORD … will have compassion on his afflicted … But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.'  Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion … Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”As we reflect on the events of the last 70 – 80 years – we see how remarkable are v. 23, 25 ”… those who wait for me shall not be put to shame … for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.”  We have seen this happen, the nations surrounding the new born nation of Israel contended with her in vain, the “time of favour” had begun.Our chapters in Revelation are awesome in many ways, especially in the angels of God being “told … to harm …only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads,” [9 v.4] What does the “seal” symbolise?  Ownership!  John, in his gospel, recorded Jesus as saying, “Do not labour for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life … on him (or her) God the Father has set his seal.” [6 v.27]May we all increasingly live with minds saturated with godly thoughts – and then resultant actions – that show we are committed to God and His Son – and will therefore experience the wonder of the ultimate “time of favour.”

A @Christadelphians Video: ## YouTube Video DescriptionJoin **we, the Christadelphians**, for this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** Bible exposition with Sam Tomkins as we continue our series on *Peter after the Resurrection*. In part four, ‘Healing and Hope in Sharon', we witness God's **wonderful** preparation of Peter for a watershed moment—the opening of the gospel to the Gentiles.This **revealing** study traces Peter's journey through Lydda and Joppa, where two miraculous healings (Aeneas and Tabitha) become powerful pictures of the spiritual condition of the nations—lame and dead, yet raised to walk before God. With **insightful** connections to Cornelius in Caesarea, we see how God spare no effort to transform Peter's heart, moving him from ritual separation to embracing the very people he once avoided.You'll be captivated by the **expositional** depth as we uncover Old Testament echoes—Psalm 41, Exodus 30, Leviticus 20—and the stunning symbolism of Joppa as the place where Gentile raw material was brought for the temple. This is a **wonderful** reminder that our Heavenly Father works patiently behind the scenes in our lives too, preparing us for His purposes.Whether you're a long-standing believer or new to Scripture, this video will inspire and strengthen your faith. Don't miss the climactic moment when Peter declares, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”##

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Video Description**Join us, a Christadelphian team, for this outstanding and thought-provoking expositional study: *The Apostle Peter, After the Resurrection #3 – ‘Standing Firm: Hypocrisy Within, Persecution Without'*. This insightful video reveals how Peter and the early ecclesia navigated the terrifying reality of external persecution alongside the even more dangerous threat of internal hypocrisy. We witness the unstoppable power of God's Word – it cannot be silenced by prisons, councils, or deceit. This is a wonderful, inspiring call to examine our own hearts and stand firm, no matter the cost.**Chapters:**00:00 – Introduction: Peter's Post-Resurrection Question02:00 – The Unstoppable Word: Persecution Cannot Silence Truth04:30 – Hypocrisy From Within: The Danger of a False Name08:00 – Ananias and Sapphira: Love Turned to Greed14:30 – Laying Down Life: Peter's Journey From Denial to Devotion19:00 – Hypocrisy as a System: Devouring the Sheep23:00 – The Shadow of Peter: Healing, Refuge, and the Great Rock28:00 – Angelic Intervention: Prison Doors Opened32:00 – Standing Before the Council: “We Ought to Obey God”38:00 – Rejoicing to Suffer: Fighting Against God?42:00 – Conclusion: Standing Firm – From Without and Within**Bible Verse Categories:**

The messages that were sent to the 7 different communities of believers detailed in Ch. 2 & 3 of Revelation are remarkable.  We conclude that these are representative of the various types of communities of believers that have existed ever since that era.   One particular message caught our attention today, the words that were written to Sardis (Ch.3 v.1).  You “have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” – what a message!   But, the message also includes, “you still have a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments (of righteousness), and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.” [v.5].  Of such, Jesus says, “I will confess his name before my father” [v.5].   What will Jesus “confess”?  What is a “name”?  We recall the promise God made to King David, “I will make for you a great name, like the names of the great ones of the earth” [2Sam.7 v.9].  This is “name” in the sense of reputation or fame, as many modern versions translate it.   Quite a number of Scriptures tell us how God made a name for himself, we will soon read an example of this in Isaiah – Ch. 63 v12,14.In the light of these examples we conclude that when Jesus says of those few in Sardis that he will “confess” their “name before my father” – he means he will confess the reputation that such have made for themselves.  We meditate and imagine it will be names or reputations such as “patient endurance” [Rev. 2 v.2] “not grown weary” [v.3] “hold fast” [v.25] and many other particular qualities of a Christ-like character. Such, says Jesus, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God” [3 v.12,21] adding, “… and I will write on him the name of my God … and my own new name…. I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.” May we all, in true humility, so live that we make a worthy reputation for ourselves in the sight of our Saviour that he will  lovingly confess before his Father when he returns to this earth.  At that time with what overwhelming emotion will we join in the proclamation we read of this morning, “'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'”  [Ch.4 v.8]

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Video Description**Join **We**, the Christadelphians, for this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** second instalment in our series on the apostle Peter after the Resurrection. In this **insightful**, **expositional** study, Sam Tomkins unpacks the powerful fusion of signs, wonders, and fierce opposition that defined Peter's early ministry in Acts. From the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate to Peter's bold stand before the very Sanhedrin who condemned his Lord, this **revealing** journey shows how the risen Christ worked through His apostles to proclaim salvation. **Wonderfully**, we see Peter transformed—no longer wavering, but unashamedly declaring that only the name of Jesus can make us whole. Discover how the first miracle of both Peter and Paul echoes the same truth: we are all spiritually lame from birth, yet raised by the power of the resurrection. This is a **wonderful** reminder that when the world threatens to silence us, the true ecclesia prays not for safety, but for boldness to keep speaking.**