Christadelphians Talk

Paul's letter to the Romans contains some of the most meaningful and thought provoking words in Scripture. It is extremely challenging to read it and embrace all its' points in our minds.  Maybe, more than any other book in the Bible, this book calls for our diligent and meditative study.  But this is the challenge of the whole Bible, it is not at all like a school text book that you go through in a year's study and then leave on the shelf for occasional reference.  God's word is designed by him for our lifelong reading and reflection. Paul had been brought up under the Law of Moses with all its rules and regulations.  He had been zealous for the Law, but, as a result of his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he had, with God's help through the Spirit, applied his mind to the new reality of eternal things – especially – to a personal relationship to his Saviour.The Law of Moses was a Law for Israel as a nation. This Law had been superseded by a situation in which each individual needed to develop a personal relationship with their Saviour the Lord Jesus and with his Father – and through him – is now ‘Our Father.'   Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing …” [8 v.18,19]  This sense of eagerness is felt by all those who see the emptiness in so much of what people enjoy today:  But it is all “creation” that waits for the removal of the curse imposed in Eden.  We learn in Genesis how God said to Adam “cursed is the ground because of you” [Gen. 3 v.17]  Paul goes on to say we “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons (& daughters), the redemption of our bodies” [v.23]   How true is the word eagerly – especially as we grow older and our minds and bodies feel the effects.   Those who find this life satisfying and enjoyable will not genuinely “wait eagerly” for that which is going to replace it. But for many in the world this life offers little that is enjoyable – so they are often in a far more spiritually acceptable frame of mind before God. Finally, let us all read carefully and prayerfully the last 8 verses (31-39) of Romans ch 8.

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeply revealing, join us as we explore one of the Bible's most outstanding and wonderfully precise prophecies: the downfall of the great merchant city of Tyre. In this insightful presentation, we delve into the rich expositional details of Ezekiel's prophecy, tracing its remarkable fulfilment across centuries. Witness how scripture's accuracy triumphs over criticism, revealing a God who declares the end from the beginning.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Precision of Bible Prophecy00:14 - The Case of Tyre: A Challenge to Critics?01:07 - Consulting Christadelphian Scholarship: The Testimony Archive03:07 - Tyre's Ancient Power & Influence06:25 - Examining the Critic's Claim: Was Ezekiel Wrong?07:23 - Ezekiel 26: A Detailed Prophecy of Destruction11:45 - Reading Carefully: "Many Nations" and the Wave Prophecy14:27 - Nebuchadnezzar's Partial Fulfilment16:54 - Alexander the Great: The Next "Wave" of Fulfilment24:36 - Scraping the Dust: An Amazing Fulfilment in Detail30:15 - Where Was "Old Tyre"? Archaeological and Historical Evidence37:34 - The Site Today: A Refuge for Nets and Birds42:50 - Ezekiel 27: Tyre, the Ship of State48:35 - Ezekiel 28: The Diabolical Prince of Tyre51:33 - The Prince's Blasphemous Claim: "I am a god"55:32 - The Pattern for Apostasy: From Tyre to the Man of Sin1:02:10 - Revelation 18: Tyre and Babylon United in Symbolism1:04:51 - Conclusion: The Supreme Accuracy of God's Word**Bible Verse Category:**

Yesterday we started reading Paul's letter to the Romans.  It contains so much that is relevant to life today.  Paul writes of how humans, “claiming to be wise, they became fools” [Ch.1 v.22]    He says, “what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them” [v.19]   He says, “his invisible attributes …. have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” [v.20]   In other words, although God himself cannot be seen by human eyes, the evidence of his existence should be plain to humans because of all the remarkable things which he has created.   Paul continues, “they became futile in their thinking and their foolish heart was darkened.” [v.21]   The foolishness of those days, which still continues among some nations, is to believe God is represented in animals, such as Elephants, and to worship them.But today, throughout what we call the Western world, so many who are “claiming to be wise” – believe there is no God of any kind, that everything that exists in some unknowable way – created itself!  This was possible, they strangely reason, if we allow enough millions and billions of years, through an endless series of “accidents.”  Yet the more humans discover the wonders of the world in which they live, the more incredible they finds it to be, all the wonders of DNA being one of the recent examples.  As a result, the more foolish their words in “claiming to be wise” appear to be!  Marvellous designs – but no designer!! The tragedy is that, having convinced themselves there is no God, the words of Paul which follow are even more true today than ever before.  He wrote “and since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice … haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless … “ [v.28-31]  There is much more in this chapter including a condemnation of homosexuality; as things that humans do when they have no knowledge or belief in the one and only God.  It is becoming clearer that there is no middle road, we either believe or we do not – and if we believe, we must not be half hearted about it.When the Kingdom is established, may our king say to us as Pharaoh said to Joseph, “there is none so discerning and wise as you are.” [Gen. 41 v.39]  But for the present we must heed Paul's warning in Romans, “Never be wise in your own sight.” [12 v.16]

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring and thought-provoking, this outstanding expositional presentation explores the remarkable prophecy that Jerusalem would be 'trodden down of the Gentiles' and then raised from obscurity to become the centre of the world's attention. We trace this wonderful Biblical theme from its foretelling by Christ, through the city's long desolation, to its stunning modern-day resurgence—a powerful testament to the accuracy of God's Word.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Babylon, Tyre & Spiritual Concepts00:57 - Archaeology & Evidence: Challenging the Skeptics04:13 - Jerusalem's Foretold Destruction & Treading Down09:52 - The Prophecy Fulfilled: Jerusalem Plowed as a Field16:35 - Centuries of Obscurity: A Desolate Backwater21:47 - The Modern Turning Point: Jerusalem Reclaimed30:32 - Zechariah's Prophecy: A Burdensome Stone & a Fountain Cleansed43:27 - The Burdensome Stone Today: Centre of World Conflict56:45 - The Nations Gather: Prophecy Unfolding Before Our Eyes1:04:57 - Internal Divisions & The Future of Judah1:08:52 - Conclusion: The Creator's Purpose & Our Hope**Key Bible Verses:**

A @Christadelphians Video: **[Inspiring]**Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful expositional journey as we explore the compelling historical and archaeological evidence for the accuracy of Bible prophecy. In this outstanding presentation, we delve into the remarkable case of ancient Babylon, revealing how its prophesied downfall stands as a powerful witness to the reliability of Scripture.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Foundation of Our Belief05:27 - The Heart of Belief: Faith Beyond Fact10:38 - Babylon's Origin: The Tower of Babel and Human Ambition17:02 - Modern Parallels: The New Towers of Babel20:37 - Prophecy Under Scrutiny: Isaiah's Forecast of Babylon's Fall28:41 - The Prophetic Method: A Gradual Demise Like Crumbling Waves33:08 - Nebuchadnezzar's Pride: Archaeology Confirms the Biblical Account41:56 - Belshazzar's Feast: History Validates the Biblical Narrative48:50 - Cyrus the Great: The Prophesied Conqueror52:22 - The Unfolding Judgment: The Waves of History Over Babylon56:15 - Conclusion: A City Sunk Without a Trace**Bible Verse Category:**

A @Christadelphians Video:Why did Jesus have to die? In this thought-provoking Bible talk, we explore this foundational question. Many find the concept of the crucifixion disturbing or difficult to understand. We provide an insightful and expositional look into the Scriptures to reveal why Jesus' death was not a tragic failure, but a necessary and wonderful act of God's wisdom and power.Join us as we examine God's ultimate plan for the earth, the universal problem of sin, and how the death of Jesus provides the path to forgiveness and a new way of life. This outstanding presentation moves beyond common misconceptions to reveal the true, inspiring significance of the cross.*Chapters / Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction: The Necessity of the Cross02:59 - God's Ultimate Plan for the Earth04:45 - The Universal Problem of Sin06:08 - God's Three Options for Dealing with Sin07:45 - The True Significance of Jesus' Death09:08 - Three Reasons Why Jesus Had to Die11:38 - Q&A: Why the Cross Specifically?14:11 - Q&A: The Curse of the Law15:44 - Q&A: Why Was a Sacrifice Necessary?17:34 - Q&A: The Personal Benefit & Baptism19:49 - Conclusion and Call to Action*Bible Verses Featured in This Presentation:*

How challenging for us is the ungodliness that surrounds us. It has some degree of attraction for us in our fleshly weaknesses.  Our Psalm 49 today begins, “Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together!”    How few can “hear” God's message to them today!Verse 5 jumps out at us and challenges us to remember and keep repeating what we read here! “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when … iniquity … surrounds me …”  We are surrounded by iniquity more than ever. Such are the ways of life that almost no one has any thought of their being an all-seeing God who has his eyes onthe earth and the people he created.The next verse asks about “those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?” What is described as their future? The Psalmist is inspired to write “no man can … give to God the price of his life … that he should live on forever …” [v.7,8]In v,12 we pick up a heart-challenging declaration, “Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.”  But this is a description of a certain path – called elsewhere as the wide way!  Earlier this month we read the words of Jesus that “the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” [Matt. 7 v.13]However – back in Psalm 49 the Psalmist declares (and invites his readers to sing)“God will ransom my soul from the power of the grave for he will receive me.”[v.15]  All who have this hope in their hearts, those who are true committed believers in God and his word should ask themselves, as we read (and quoted) in v. 5, “Why should I fear in times of trouble?” We should recall what we read yesterday at the start of Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way ….”

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and expositional, join us for an insightful exhortation and memorial service focusing on the powerful types of Christ in Scripture. Brother James McCann leads us on a revealing journey through the life of Joseph, demonstrating how the Old Testament paints an eloquent picture of the sufferings and subsequent glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This outstanding study challenges us to see these patterns not merely as historical information, but as tools for our own spiritual transformation.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Types of Christ in Scripture01:50 - Joseph: A Suffering Servant and Saviour03:51 - Stephen's Exposition: Learning from Old Testament Types05:50 - “But God Was With Him”: The Divine Thread in Joseph's Life08:47 - Joseph's Dreams: The Prophetic Word Revealed14:25 - From Prison to Palace: The Doubling of Dreams18:56 - The Gospel in the Dreams: Suffering and Glory23:15 - The Sheaves and the Stars: Individual and Kingdom Salvation28:55 - The Butler and Baker: Symbols of Bread and Wine31:45 - Pharaoh's Dreams: The Gospel to the World36:32 - Joseph's Exaltation: A Type of Christ's Glory41:01 - Conclusion and Memorial: Transformation Through the Word**Bible Verse Category:**

Just as parts of the Psalms, such as  22 v.1 and 16 v,10,11 foreshadowed events and sayings in the mortal life of our Lord, so Psalms 46 and 47 we read today can be seen as portraying the awesome events at and after the time of his second coming.   The overview of those events which these Psalms provide, show how vital it will be for us to possess and “to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end … imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” [Heb.6 v.11,12]        The opening of Psalm 46 should be memorized and become part of our daily thoughts; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way … though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble …” [v.1-3] “The nations rage, the kingdoms totter …” [v.6]  But in the midst of this awesome upheaval , “… the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High (is seen) … God will help her when morning dawns.” [v.4,5]      Until that dawning, the darkness of human depravity and folly will dominate life on earth.  But with the dawning to a new day which the return of Christ will bring will come a sober reflection on God's judgments:  “Come behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth, He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth …” [v.8,9]  How wonderful!  How awesome!   But as it becomes more and more evident that God's judgments are starting today how vital it will be that “God is our refuge and strength”  and for us to “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations …” [v.10]     At that time, may we, by God's grace, be part of the action described in Psalm 47 “ Clap your hands, all peoples!  Shout to God with loud songs of joy!  For the LORD, the Most High is to be feared, a great king over the earth.  He subdued peoples under us, and nations …” [v.1-3]   If God is truly our refuge now – then, by his grace, that will be our experience.    

A @Christadelphians Video: * Are the geopolitical shifts we see today part of a larger, divine plan? In this thought-provoking presentation, we examine the ancient prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and 39, uncovering their startling relevance to the modern world stage. We explore Russia's current role and its potential evolution into a prophesied coalition, the specific conditions for a future invasion of a secure Israel, and what this all means for our lives today. This expositional study offers a scriptural framework for understanding the unfolding world order and provides outstanding insight for every Bible student.*Chapters:*00:00 - Introduction01:22 - Chapter 1: The Lone Bear and the Coming Confederation04:06 - Chapter 2: The Invasion of a Secure Israel07:04 - Chapter 3: Our Role in the Shadow of Prophecy09:44 - Conclusion*Bible Verses Featured:*

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Video Summary / Description**Is faith in the Bible truly blind? In this thought-provoking first session of our new series, we tackle a foundational question: How can we believe in the miracles recorded in Scripture? We explore the common challenge of "blind faith" and present an outstanding case for a belief that is grounded in evidence.Join us for an insightful discussion that moves beyond the "God of the gaps" accusation. We examine the powerful example of Abraham's faith, which was not blind but built on a history of God's proven promises. This presentation also introduces the compelling evidence of Bible prophecy, using the modern nation of Israel as a remarkable witness to the Bible's divine authority.Discover why the Bible's consistent message and profound understanding of human nature make it a unique and trustworthy guide. This is an inspiring start to a 20-week series designed to strengthen your confidence in God's Word.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction00:48 - Addressing the "Blind Faith" Challenge01:25 - Abraham: An Example of Evidence-Based Faith03:16 - Is Using the Bible Circular Reasoning?03:52 - Testing the Bible's Reliability with Prophecy04:44 - Audience Q&A: Confidence in the Bible05:48 - The Purpose of Miracles in the Bible08:18 - Beyond Miracles: The Power of God's Message11:44 - Conclusion and Series Preview**Bible Verses Featured:**

After reading Psalm 45 we meditated on what makes a person handsome. As the Psalm proceeds it becomes evident that several verses are prophetical of our Lord.  Verses 6 & 7 are quoted in Hebrews 1 v.8,9.  In the Psalm they read, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever: the sceptre of your kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.  Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions” This puts the relationship between the Almighty and his Son in its true perspective. But are verses 2 & 3 also prophetical of Jesus?  “You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh O mighty one, in your splendour and majesty.”This is in contrast to Isaiah 53 which is so evidently prophetical of the Lord, that “he has no form or majesty that we should look to him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” [v.2] The solution to this contrast is two-fold, the words that follow in the Psalm, “you are the most handsome” are – “grace is poured upon your lips therefore God has …” This reminds us of Peter's words, “let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” [1 Pet. 3 v.4]  God will reward this kind of beauty.We read yesterday how – because “Joseph was handsome in form and appearance” [Gen 39 v.6] it proved to be to his disadvantage – but today we saw a contrast when “they quickly brought him out of the pit.” [41 v14] and when he had shaved and had new clothes he was brought before Pharaoh.Exalted to a position of honour before Pharaoh, did not these developments foreshadow in type, first the humiliation and then the exaltation of Christ. They also foreshadow the experience of true believers who, especially in certain parts of the world, struggle with opposition against the true way of life in Christ. This opposition is spreading as, even in this country, the Government is more inclined to pass permissive laws and seek to punish those who ignore them and even speak against them. Paul's words to the Romans should be engraved on our minds: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable …”  [12 v.2]  Our daily reading of God's word enables us to properly perform the “testing” and become “handsome” in mind and be ready for the time when our Lord will “gird (his) sword”..

Today we have 3 parables in our chapter (25) in Matthew which all convey fundamentally the same lesson. The fact that there are three shows how extremely important the message is. Those who read the Bible regularly will know them well; we must beware of knowing them too well, lest the message loses its power to stir our conscience.The first one is of the 10 virgins; half are called “wise.”  What made them “wise” as they waited in the darkness for the cry, “Here is the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him.”  The wise had brought a reserve of oil for their lamps.  What does the oil represent?  Our conclusion is – it represents “faith”, how terrible to run short of or completely out of faith when the midnight cry is heard.  Faith cannot be second-hand, it cannot be replenished in a moment. The second parable is about talents the Master gives to his servants to use while he is away.  They represent, we suggest, the abilities and opportunities to represent the Master in his absence.  The final parable is of sheep and goats and of “his glorious throne” when the Master returns. Then, and only then, will it be made plain for all to see which are sheep and which are goats – in the Middle East they look very similar. The goats will be blind to their failings, “Lord” they will say “when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” [v.44] And he will say, “Truly … as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”[v.45]     Put as simply as possible – this is telling us – we are either Christ-centred – or self-centred. We must ask ourselves – am I labouring effectively in his vineyard – or not.  It seems to many of our age group (as grandparents) that the Lord is delaying his coming – but the reason is that the final ingathering is not yet quite complete (see Luke 14 v.22-23 “still there is room. And the Master said, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges … that my house may be filled”) So let Christ's challenging words at the end of his parable about the virgins ‘illuminate' our minds “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” This request is more important than ever – for the storm clouds illuminating human helplessness are greater than ever – and the wise virgins need to be together whenever they can.  But what are they to “watch” for?  We will read tomorrow of Jesus in the garden with his disciples and his request, “…watch with me … Watch and pray …the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.”” [ch.26 v.40,41]  Meditate on the kind of watching Jesus was referring to. 

A @Christadelphians Video: **[OVER 18 MILLION PLAYS SO FAR!]**In this thought-provoking presentation from the sixth season of Bible Unlocked Live, we tackle one of the most significant obstacles to faith: the reality of miracles. Can we believe in a God who intervenes in His creation? Join us for an insightful exploration that contrasts the philosophy of naturalism with the outstanding power of God. We delve into a personal journey from seeking natural explanations for everything to embracing the wonderful truth that for God, nothing is impossible. This session lays a foundational stone for our series, "Why You Should Believe the Bible," revealing how faith is built on a rock-solid foundation of evidence and reason.**CHAPTERS:**00:00 - Introduction to Bible Unlocked Live Season 600:29 - The Essential Goal of This Season01:25 - The Life-Changing Hope of the Bible02:55 - Addressing Doubts and Building Confidence04:15 - The Big Question: Did Miracles Really Happen?05:05 - A Personal Story: A Scientific Upbringing06:34 - The Challenge of Joshua's Long Day07:40 - The Foundational Miracle: The Resurrection08:19 - Defining Miracles and the Philosophy of Naturalism09:53 - The Apple Analogy: Understanding Divine Intervention11:17 - The Limits of Scientific Naturalism12:20 - Bertrand Russell and the Irony of Scientism13:20 - The Righteous Approach: Admitting What We Cannot Comprehend14:51 - The Big Bang and the Limits of Science15:47 - The Bible as a Lamp to Our Path16:47 - Conclusion and Series Invitation**BIBLE VERSES EXPLORED:**

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply revealing, join us for this wonderful expositional preview of the Rugby Prophecy Day 2026. We explore the outstanding prophetic themes centred on the restoration of Israel and the glorious hope of the coming kingdom of God. This insightful discussion with the event's speakers provides a powerful look at the vital scriptures shaping our understanding of the latter days.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Prophetic Legacy of King David01:22 - Brother John Owen: Elijah's Work in Regathering Scattered Israel04:48 - Class 3 Synopsis: Prophecy and the Gaza Strip06:37 - Conclusion and Call to Share**Bible Verse Category:**

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and revealing, join us as we explore the incredible legacy of William Tyndale and the birth of the English Bible 500 years ago. This insightful expositional presentation delves into how one man's courageous work changed history, challenged powerful religious institutions and made God's Word accessible to all. We uncover Tyndale's revolutionary—and often overlooked—beliefs, comparing them with scripture to reveal the outstanding and wonderful power of the ancient gospel.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: A Legacy of Courage20:48 - Challenging Religious Authority21:13 - The Seeds of Reformation & The Christadelphian Community21:38 - Tyndale's Unusual Beliefs22:36 - Our Responsibility to Search the Scriptures23:06 - What William Tyndale Believed23:45 - Translation Choices: Undermining Church Institution25:50 - A Summary of Tyndale's Groundbreaking Beliefs26:44 - An Open Challenge to Mainstream Christianity27:11 - Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture28:24 - The Biblical Truth About Hell and the Resurrection33:22 - The Apostolic Comfort: Christ's Return and the Resurrection36:53 - The Deeper Influence: The English Bible and Zionism38:34 - Tyndale's Final Witness and Unwavering Courage40:03 - Conclusion: What Will We Do With This Gift?**Bible Verse Category:**

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and insightful, join us for the first part in our exploration of the monumental 500-year story of the English Bible. This revealing expositional journey uncovers the courageous sacrifices and outstanding scholarship that brought God's Word into the hands of ordinary people. We reflect on how this history shapes our personal responsibility to read, understand and value the Scriptures today.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Consequential Book01:19 - Why This History Matters for Us03:37 - The Biblical Ethos: Read for Yourself04:52 - Sources and Commemoration05:20 - The Central Figure: William Tyndale05:39 - Historical Backdrop: The Roman Empire and Jerome's Vulgate06:44 - The Fall of Constantinople and the Flood of Scholarship10:00 - Erasmus and the Greek New Testament12:10 - The Translation Timeline: Wycliffe to Tyndale13:14 - William Tyndale: Early Life and Education14:40 - The ‘Call' at Little Sodbury16:19 - Flight and Translation Work in Europe16:51 - The First Printed Translation and the Cologne Fragment17:36 - Success: The 1526 New Testament18:22 - Tyndale's Later Work, Betrayal and Martyrdom19:53 - Legacy: The King James Version and Beyond20:47 - Conclusion and Reflection**Bible Verse Category:**

Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeply insightful, join us for a powerful expositional journey through Scripture, centred on the profound themes of healing, resurrection and faithful remembrance. This wonderful presentation explores the prophetic call in Hosea, revealing its powerful connection to the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and its vital meaning for us today.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction & Opening Greeting00:45 - Context: The Prophecy of Hosea03:30 - How God Speaks: Prophets, Visions & Similitudes08:20 - The Exhortation: "Come, Let Us Return to the LORD"12:45 - The Failure to Seek True Healing17:20 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice: The Heart God Desires22:30 - The Promise of Revival & Resurrection on the Third Day28:15 - The Certainty of God's Promise & the Sun of Righteousness33:00 - Application: Seeking Christ in All Scripture34:00 - Introduction to the Memorial Emblems38:20 - Prayers & Reflections at the Table of the Lord45:25 - Closing Hymn & Final Blessing**

The world today puts a great lot of effort and money into marketing goods and services.  The internet, radio, TV, newspapers magazines and sign boards are full of promotions of one kind of thing or another.  A fundamental aim of the majority of this promotion is to make us envious of what other people have or experience – the aim is to make us want it ourselves!  Now David's Psalm (No. 37) today is very special, it is full of spiritual advice to those who aim to live in a godly way in contrast to the attitudes in our world of 2021.  David says, “I have been young and now I am old” [v.25] so these are words of reflection at the latter end of his life. He starts by saying [v.1] “be not envious of wrongdoers” because they, like the grass, have no future.  In another Psalm we read, “I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” [73 v.3] So David had to learn the right attitudes in his life's experiences, like we do.       But it is not just a matter of avoiding doing wrong, or not being envious of the successful: note what David also says in today's Psalm, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way” [v.7]  It is a real challenge to “be still” in the sense that is meant here  – in a world that is so active in experiencing and doing everything possible – it is a hyperactive society today. How much are you being swept along by it? !  Is it affecting you sub-consciously?The awareness the Lord gives David, leads him to see a time when “the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” [v.11]  Our Lord Jesus repeats this and applies it to inheriting the entire earth! [Matt. 5 v.5]  We need this awareness, if we are to effectively counteract temptations to take part in as much of this world's spirit of living  – without actually engaging in wrongdoing.  David says, “the Lord laughs (mocks) at the wicked for he sees that his day is coming” [v.13].  Now note v.30 & 31, “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.”  An essential foundation for that kind of thinking and living is achieved today by those who regularly read the word of God, and really think about what they read: May that include all who are reading this.

We read today of the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem and the adulation that the ordinary people gave him, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [Matt. 21 v.9] “The whole city was stirred up …” [v.10] We pondered the comparison of this with his return to earth. What is, we wondered, the answer to the question Jesus posed at the end of another parable, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” [Luke 18 v.8]The focus of our thinking, after reading today's chapter, was in understanding the attitude of mind he will be looking to see.  From v.33-45 we read his parable of the tenants in the vineyard – the lesson he was teaching is clear.The Jewish nation up to that time had had the responsibility of looking after God's vineyard – but they had failed their responsibilities.  After listening to this parable “they perceived he was speaking about them” [v.45] and so, in their generation the parable of their failure as tenants of God's vineyard was fulfilled – “He will put those wretches to a miserable death” [v41], Forty years later Jerusalem, its Temple and the nation were no more.But Jesus added: “and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits …”  And so, after Jesus left the earth his disciples set about fulfilling this, their role – and in their generation succeeded, greatly helped when Christ called Paul to be an apostle.  But most in the generations that followed fell into the same trap of ‘self-importance' as the Priests had done. However, history shows there was renewed zeal and Christ-mindedness among those striving to be worthy “tenants” when God's word was printed for all to read .But nowadays?  Are today's tenants in God's vineyard any better than those against whom Jesus told this parable? The kingdom is only for those “people producing its fruits” [v.43] the rest “will be broken to pieces” [v.44] when he comes!  It will be too late then to realise they have not kept “the narrow way.”   We prove we are on the right path, serving the LORD in his vineyard when we produce the right kind of fruit and profess the same message of hope Jesus taught – also show we have taken his character into our hearts and made it ours. Read James 3 v.12-18. 

Why did people follow Jesus? We know his disciples did, because he called them to do so, but others?  We had an example in today's chapter 20 in Matthew, “there were two blind men sitting by the roadside” [v.30] who cried out when they were told Jesus was passing by, “Lord, have mercy on us, ‘Son of David'”  To call him ‘Son of David' meant they acknowledged him as the Messiah.“Jesus called them and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?'  With what sense of potential wonder would they have replied, “Let our eyes be opened.”[v.33]  Jesus reacted – “in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight.”  And what did they do then?  They “followed him” [v.34]  This was in contrast to others; nine of the 10 lepers he healed did not even return to express their gratitude! (Luke 17 v.15-18) and when the people came to see the madman who Jesus healed “clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid … and they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.” [Mark 5 v.15,16]  The loss of the pigs dominated their thinking. What dominates our thinking?Our world is full of spiritually blind people and others with the leprosy of sinful godless ways; just a few are like the Ephesians, who, Paul said, have had “the eyes of your hearts enlightened that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance” [1 v.18]  But few have such “eyes” – Peter's experience was just like our world; in his last letter he wrote of those who “have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin.  They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed” [2 Pet. 2 v.14]Two days ago in Matt. 19 we read the answer of Jesus to the “man who came up to him, saying ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”  [v.17]  But it is not achieved by a ‘one off' good deed is it!  This man was wealthy, and he needed to get rid of that in which he trusted, so Jesus told him, “… go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” [21]That was not the answer he was looking for “he went away sorrowful”.  What answer are we looking for?  Hopefully we have found that answer and are among those who “followed him” making our lives count in some meaningful ways, according to our abilities, in the way we follow him.    A last thought – returning to our quote from Peter – we noted his words, “whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” [v.19]  Let us be enslaved to Christ, it is not possible to be only half committed. (Note the verses which follow in Peter)

Thoughts on the readings for January 18th (Genesis 31, Psalm 35, Matthew 20).In Genesis 31 Jacob feels the antagonism towards him from Laban's sons. So he determines to return home. Jacob plans to do so secretly so that he might protect his family from Laban's hostility. Jacob tells his wives that their father is a dishonest man, who has shown no love for his family. He is, says Jacob, a materialistic covetous selfish man. Without God's providence, Jacob claims, our situation would be hopeless. However the God of Bethel has been faithful to His promise made to Jacob. So let us return to the Land of our LORD. Rachel decided to steal her father's idols, which were likely ancient title deeds. Laban gathered his forces and pursued Jacob. Seven days are spent in hot pursuit of his family. The Almighty warns Laban to take care in his dealings with his son-in-law. Upon overtaking Jacob's troop Laban speaks roughly to his son-in-law; but recounts the angelic warning and says he'll respect this. He expresses anger at the theft of his household gods. Jacob says if you find anyone in possession of these they will be put to death. Rachel uses a ruse of claiming to have menstrual problems and is not able to get to her feet, from off the camel's saddle. The gods were hidden beneath Rachel among the stuff that the camel was carrying. Laban's unsuccessful search was followed by a truce between Jacob and Laban. But not before Jacob vents his disappointment with everything that Laban had done in his harsh dealings with his son-in-law. We note Jacob's reluctance to use the same covenantal terms that Laban had invoked. It is a promise to not go past the altar of witness to harm one another. The term Mizpah,used by Jacob, means“the watchtower” and is of great significance throughout the Bible.Psalm 35 is penned by David to extol the greatness of his Sovereign. Yahweh was his defence and his salvation. The Psalmist was confident that his foes would be put to flight, like the chaff before the wind. They hated David without a cause and had laid a net to ensnare his feet. His enemies would be ensnared in their own net. The Almighty had risen in defence of the poor and needy. David was constantly subjected to their malicious gossip. David, in verse 17, invoked the LORD's loving kindness as his protection. He praises his Helper in verse 18. In verses 19-21 David outlined the evil, deceitful and corrupt behaviour of his enemies. Yahweh had seen it and would repay the evil and vindicate the Psalmist. The LORD's righteousness cannot allow this wrong to persist. When God arose in judgment the upright rise up and respond with praise. The Psalm was written by David in praise of the Almighty and to promote the same approach to worship among all those of devout heart. This Psalm reminds us that God will intervene on behalf of His children because He says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”.Matthew's 20th chapter starts with the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, naturally representing Israel- Isaiah 5; Psalm 80:8-19. The parable is memorable because of its failure to represent sound financial practice. This device deliberately tells us that access to the kingdom is on the basis of grace and not merit. The underlying principle of the parable is that God does not reward us because of the works we have done. We are saved by the mercy and grace of the Almighty. His grace – ie His unmerited favour – is given to those who trust that He will give what He has promised, even if, “We haven't done a full day's work”. Then follows in verses 17-19 Jesus telling the Apostles for a third time of his approaching and imminent demise. Then Salome, the mother of James and John (two of the three foremost Apostles), seeks for them the greatest positions of honour in Messiah's kingdom. All the lessons on humility leading to this point seem to have been forgotten. The section concludes with the healing of two blind men, who became followers of the Master.

The last 2 verses of today's chapter (19) in Matthew can be puzzling if we do not realize the chapter break is wrongly placed and the context includes the next chapter.    The end of chapter 19 records Jesus as saying, “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” The lesson Jesus is teaching becomes clear in his next words at the start of ch. 20. “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master … who went out early … to hire labourers for his vineyard … for a denarius a day”   There follows the details of going out again at “the third hour … the sixth hour … the ninth hour … the eleventh hour.” In the evening payment is made “beginning at the first” [v.4] and they all receive the same payment (v.10) regardless of how long they have worked.  Those who had “borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat” [v.12] complain.  Verses 15 & 16 put the matter into focus from the divine point of view, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?  Or do you begrudge my generosity?  So the last will be first, and the first last.” The disciples are going to labour in the “scorching heat” of the day, this is a lesson for them. But beware of looking at the situation from the opposite perspective!  Could we be tempted to think to ourselves, ‘As long as we get to the service on most Sundays, that is all I really have to do'?   Look back at the first passage quoted above, Jesus says, “everyone who has left … for my name's sake will receive …”  It evidently means, everyone who has given first consideration to me and the needs of my vineyard as they live their lives – and done things, according to their ability and opportunity (and this includes making opportunities) “will receive….” Let's put this alongside another saying of Jesus in Luke ch. 12.   First note v. 37 “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes”  and then “everyone to whom much was given, of him (or her) much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” [v.48]  Much food for thought for us today – how much has been given to me – to you?.

Certain things are necessary in our lives such as clothing to wear and food to eat. Note how Paul made the point to  Timothy “if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” and “there is great gain in godliness with contentment” [1 Tim. 6 v.6,8] What hinders our contentment?Now in today's 18th chapter of Matthew Jesus told his disciples, “Woe to the world for temptations to sin.  For it is necessary that temptations come …” [v.7]  Why is it necessary?  Wouldn't it be better if believers lived protected lives without anything tempting us?   No, it wouldn't! When we make things we test them to make sure they are strong enough to be used for the purpose for which we made them.  It maybe that some part will break off!  If that makes it useless, then we throw it away.  But often, even with a part broken off there is still a good use for it – and that is the point behind Jesus' parable that “if your hand or your foot causes you to sin , cut it off and throw it away.  It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.” [v.8] We may have a special aptitude or talent, but if it has no spiritual value – but rather, the opposite, then we should push it out of our lives. Let us use make full use of the talents and opportunities we have – and not fret about others, and our failures, and be in danger of being useless to God.. Once again our Psalms reading (33) is valuable – v.10 refers to our time and is very applicable, “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.” And so efforts to achieve peace between nations and peoples are getting nowhere – as are efforts to take action to stop or at least minimize global warming.  God is not only ignored – most push out of their minds any thought as to his existence. Does that influence you?  Note the great truth of v.12  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”   The words of Jesus we read and thought about illustrate the elements of behaviour that really count – “but it is necessary” that chosen vessels are tested as to their worthiness.  Are you passing the test?  May we all be among those whom he chooses – may we help each other to pass the test.

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and insightful, join us as we examine one of the most pivotal events in Christian history. This outstanding expositional presentation by John Thorpe analyses the Council of Nicaea, separating widespread myths from historical reality. We trace the profound philosophical shifts that began steering the early church away from its apostolic foundations.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: A Council That Changed Christianity00:45 - The Five Common Myths About Nicaea02:52 - Historical Backdrop: From Apostles to Greek Philosophy05:09 - The Logos Theory and Early Philosophical Influences06:50 - Tertullian, Sabellius and Origen: Forging New Doctrines09:01 - The Great Debate: Alexander vs. Arius11:19 - Constantine's Intervention and the Council's Calling13:07 - The Creed of Nicaea: Analysing the Text and Anathemas16:23 - The Aftermath: Athanasius and Continuing Conflict21:08 - 350 Years of Dispute: The Long Path to the Trinity27:02 - Debunking the Myths: The Verdict on Nicaea30:12 - Conclusion: The Real Legacy of the Council**Bible Verse Category:**

Psalm 32 today is an intimate exchange of words between David and God; it is one of the most personal of all the Psalms – just 11 verses, but so powerful!  The first 7 are by David and the remainder; God's response. How meaningful! Remember Paul's comment on God's words, , “They were written down for our instruction, on who the end of the ages has come,” [1 Cor. 10 v.11]  We are surely living in the final end of the ages”!The first verse declares, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”  David recognises that “the LORD counts no iniquity”, (in the one) in whose spirit is no deceit.” [v.2] His next words are, “For when I kept silent … day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up …” [v.3,4] The world is full of deceit and efforts to avoid any penalty for wrong-doing; does this influence us?  Any sense of “guilt” is pushed out of sight, out of mind.  But it is David who sets us the example, he says to God, “I acknowledged my sin to you… you forgave … my sin … you preserve me from trouble… you surround me with shouts of deliverance”[v. 5,7]Then comes God's answer, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding … or it will not stay near you.” [v.8,9] The Bible, so wonderfully preserved and so readily available to us provides us with Divine instruction, we have only ourselves to blame if we are “without understanding”.  May we all fully sense that  “steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD” and so “Be glad … rejoice … and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! [v.10,11]    It is only when we keep “silent” that our hearts fail in uprightness.

Genesis 27 is a pivotal chapter, which explains much about the 4 principal characters of this record – Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau. All of them show defects when compared against the divine standard. Isaac knew his Sovereign's revealed will that Jacob would be the blessed, and that the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob); yet he tried to subvert this in seeking to bless Esau. Rebekah did not wait for the Almighty to fulfill His promise; but she believed her intervention and deception would be needed for this to happen. Jacob was prepared to deceive his father (Isaac) at the urging of his mother (Rebekah) rather than to trust in his God to outwork the bestowing of the blessing. Esau was a profane and godless man, who cared about none but himself; and he sought only material prosperity. Isaac's sight had gone and he believed that he was nearing death. So Isaac told Esau to catch and prepare venison for him to eat before dying; and, that he might bestow on Esau the Abrahamic blessing. On overhearing this Rebekah immediately calls Jacob to fetch goats that she might cook them with spices so as to taste like savoury venison. Jacob is scared that their planned deception might fail, since Jacob's skin is smooth and Esau's is rough and hairy. Rebekah says Jacob is to dress in Esau's clothes so as to smell like his brother. And she will sow the goat skins to Jacob's arms in order to deceive Isaac. Isaac's sight being gone, Rebekah and Jacob must betray his sense of taste, smell and touch. After hearing Jacob Isaac was suspicious, nevertheless his other senses told him that it was Esau standing before him. Isaac gave the blessing in verses 27 to 29. Read these verses aloud and contemplate their meaning. Isaac had disobeyed Yahweh's determinations. Esau now appeared with his prey prepared for eating. Upon realising what had happened Isaac trembled – the Hebrew says, “he trembled with the trembling of God” – as well he should, having sought to impose his will above the LORD's; Isaac now in humility of mind submitted himself before the Almighty. Esau with intense pleas and tears sought unsuccessfully to reverse Isaac's mind (Hebrews 12 verses 15 to 17). Isaac now stood immovable having understood the Almighty cannot be resisted. The apparent blessing Esau received was in no way a blessing (verses 39 and 40). The Hebrew words in verse 29 translated, “the fatness of the earth”, actually mean “away from the fatness of the earth” – Esau thereafter dwelt in the barren wilderness of Seir, at Petra. And as verse 30 told he lived by his sword and was the sworn enemy to Jacob his brother; and the nations that descended from the twins perpetrated the animosity until Edom (Esau) ceased to exist as a nation in 70 AD when Rome sacked Jerusalem. Rebekah overhead Esau's threat to murder Jacob and planned his escape to Haran. In verse 46 Rebekah used Esau's profane marriages to Canaanitish wives as a reason for Isaac to order that Jacob be sent to Haran to find a faithful, covenanted wife from among Abraham's relatives.

In ancient times a rock symbolized something secure and God was the ultimate rock!  David wrote in the Psalms, as we read 2 days ago, “To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me” [Psalm 28 v.1]  He also pleads with God, “when my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” [Psalm 61 v.2]   In today's reading in Matthew, Jesus seems to call Peter a “rock” [16 v.18], but read the context carefully; among the people there is increasing speculation as to who Jesus is – and he asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am? [v.15]  Peter declared, ‘You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God.” [v16]   This declaration is the “rock”! The possession of true insight and real faith. It is “on this ‘rock” says Jesus, “that I will build my church and the gates of hell (hades, i.e. the grave) will not prevail against it” [v.18] It is true faith that makes death but a sleep with a wonderful waking – as David believed – see Psalm 17 v.15.  We recall it was Jesus who added the name ‘Peter' to Simon (Luke 6 v.14) when he called him to be a disciple. The name Peter means a rock – petros.  Yet human rocks have to prove themselves; Jesus was, and still is, looking for such rocks; those who have the true insight of faith – on which “I will build my church” [v.18]As the early chapters of the book of Acts reveal Peter became the rock around which the first community of believers in Jerusalem was built.  But before then he failed disastrously!  The next verses tell us that “from that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem … and be killed.”Peter reacted in an astonishing way; he “began to rebuke him, saying ‘Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you.'” [v.22]  Jesus responded by saying “to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan!  You are a hindrance to me … you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” [v.23] The “set” of our minds is vital!  If they are wrong we end up being opposed to God and to Jesus. At the end of his life the set of Solomon's mind became wrong and God raised up “adversaries” to him and this word in the Hebrew is the word ‘satanas' as in 2 Kings 11 v.14,23,25, which names the ‘Satans' that opposed Solomon.   Those who develop a true faith become, in Christ's eyes, a ‘rock' on which, even today, he can build.  Let us make sure the ‘set' of our minds is on godly ways with a readiness to become a ‘rock' with a true faith in his service – and never a satan..

In Genesis 24 an old and faithful Abraham sends his faithful steward Eliezer to Haran in search of a lifelong covenant wife for his son, Isaac. Eliezer is bound by a covenant Abraham makes with him to diligently fulfill the obligation of finding a true believer, who will be a help meet for Isaac on the journey to God's kingdom. So Eliezer left Abraham accompanied by a large retinue of servants and many camels; and vast wealthy gifts. Upon arrival in Haran Eliezer makes his responsibilities a matter of prayer and asks of the Almighty a very specific sign. No sooner had he finished his prayer than Rebekah arrives and says the very words of his prayer. Eliezer is amazed at the power of his God and bows his head in reverence. The 10 camels are watered by Rebekah – an immense task – and the company taken to Laban's house; where Laban notices the wealthy jewels given to Rebekah by Eliezer. Laban's words, “Come in thou blessed of Yahweh”, indicates both some knowledge of God, and the familiar use of the LORD's divine name of Yahweh, the use of which goes back to the beginning of Creation (Genesis 4 verses 1, 25 and 26). Rebekah had reported the circumstances of meeting Eliezer prior to Laban's remarks. From verses 31and 49 Eliezer tells Laban of the mission he has undertaken and its importance. Note it is not just another task Eliezer was given, but the entrusted responsibility of securing a bride who will ensure the faithful continuance of maintaining the truth promised to Abraham and his seed. In verse 51 Laban asserts his agreement with Rebekah going to the household of Abraham. Once again Eliezer responds to his Sovereign reverently. Many valuable gifts were given to Laban, by way of a bride price. After all of this has happened Rebekah's thoughts are requested. She assented and is sent away the next day with her family's blessing. Isaac went out in the evening to pray (“meditate” verse 63); and after her enquiry as to the man meeting the homecoming troop, Rebekah shows Isaac respect and is taken into Isaac's tent as his God chosen bride. And Isaac loved Rebekah dearly.

The world today is very conscious of cleanliness.  When you go to the Doctors, he or she will thoroughly wash their hands before they examine you, but they only learnt to do this 150 years ago.  They also learnt this was the reason why some of those they operated on had died.   The value of the cleanliness laws in the commands God gave to Moses was then acknowledged. These laws stressed the great importance of washing the body and clothes especially when exposed to anything unclean, see for e.g. Lev. 14 v.8,9; 15 v.13 etc.Today soaps and other cleansing agents are strongly marketed: this is good, except for the fancy high priced varieties produced, we suspect, with a profit motive. Jewish Priests in the days of Jesus had turned cleanliness into a ritual that made them feel more righteous (see Luke 11 v.37-41). And they criticised Jesus for letting his disciples eat with unwashed hands (Mark 7 v.2-5)In our reading of Matthew 15 today Jesus calls them hypocrites and said, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” [Matthew 15 v.7-9].   He then called people to him and said, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth”[v.11] His disciples query him as to what he means by this; he tells them, “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.  These are what defile a person” [v.18-20]The thought comes first, then the deed follows.  Our world is full of this kind of defilement. Before every wrong doing comes wrong thinking.  TV, DVD's and many magazines feed human minds, defiling them, making them inclined to think and imagine fleshly godless actions.  More people, especially the young, are turning thoughts into actions emulating what they feed their minds on – the extreme examples are the senseless shooting rampages.  Sources of defilement are everywhere today making it more essential than ever to feed our minds with the word of God every day – and it must be a balanced meal, not just reading the bits we like and which may not challenge our consciences.  Jesus condemns those whose distorted application of the divine revelation “have made void the word of God.” [Matt. 15 v.6].   Let us be fully awake to what can defile us and read God's word with a sincere heart.. 

Psalm 26 tells us David's love for his God. The Psalmist delights in every opportunity to extol the virtues of his Sovereign. David also tells of his detesting of the ways of the wicked. Psalm 27 speaks of the LORD being the light (revealer of what is right and honourable) and salvation (the process of saving and bringing to His kingdom of the faithful believers). The writer tells of the Almighty's capacity to defend the upright. He speaks of his Creator's pull on the writer's heart to seek fellowship with his God. And the Psalm concludes with a love and loyalty to his God which exceeds that of any human bond. David encourages himself in the assurance that his God will not see him abandoned into the hand of his foes. Wait he says on Yahweh; you will never be disappointed by taking this course. Psalm 28 says that "Yahweh is the strength and shield" of the psalmist. The thoughts are similar to God's consoling promise to Abraham at the start of Genesis 15. The confidence of knowing God is always with, and surrounding His children with His all-powerful arms. Yahweh will repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their works (Romans 2verses5-11). The response that such understanding generates in God's people is outlined in verses 6-9. Slowly read aloud; and pause and ponder.In chapter 14 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non-believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response responds by seeking solitude to reflect. This is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and he compassionately responds to their need of a shepherd to teach them. He feeds 5,000 of them and heals many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. He sent the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. When the storm arose, he came to them walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. He was rescued by his Master. Finally, upon reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Genesis chapter 20 tells us that Abraham again made the same error in failing to trust God; whilst sojourning among the Philistines. Abraham is chastened by the Almighty and severely rebuked by Abimelech, the Philistine king; who in this incident showed greater integrity than did Abraham. Similarly to the Egyptian episode Abraham leaves the Philistine territory enriched and with much substance and a treaty between himself and the Philistines. Genesis 21 begins with a reminder that Isaac, meaning “laughter”, was the Promised seed whose birth would bring great joy – as the type of the “seed of the woman”, the Son of miraculous birth, the Son of God(Luke 1:68-80; 2:10-14). Yahweh has fulfilled His promised Word to Abraham and Sarah. And so as a token of the covenant between the Lord GOD and His people Isaac was circumcised at 8 days old. At the time of Isaac's weaning – possibly as old as 7 years of age – Abraham made a great feast for his son, Isaac. Ishmael mocked Isaac and most likely made derogatory comments about Isaac's supposed father (Abimelech king of the Philistines; cp the accusations made against our Lord and the ignominy the Lord's foes said of his begettal; John 8:33-42). This time the bondwoman and Ishmael were finally banished. Ishmael was a wild and uncontrollable man. Abraham started digging wells, which led to conflict with the Philistines – water being so vital a resource. Eventually Abraham made a covenant of peace with the Philistines. Note the prominence of the number seven; 7 being the number of the covenant.

What makes you rejoice?  The last 2 weeks have seen a lot of “rejoicing” – especially among children, but David in a Psalm we read today alerted us to the nature of a far better kind of rejoicing – one that is “sweeter also than honey” – and “even much fine gold” – and we know how much value is put on gold these days!We read of this in Psalm 19 v.10, but from verse.7 we read “The Law of the LORD is perfect reviving the soul”  Do you need reviving?  Not physically, no, it means, mentally.     Then we read, “the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” and we thought of those disciples Jesus called to follow him who were simple fishermen (Matt. 4 v.18-22) – becoming “wise” to the ways of God as a result – and then committing their lives to a far greater cause, though the world might still see them as fishermen.  The same happens today! Verse 8 – “the precepts of the LORD are right rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”   We sometimes speak of ‘heart and mind' –  are they different?  Yes, they are.  David invites the LORD to “try me; test my heart and mind” [Psa. 26 v.2]  The way our mind works shows whether our heart has been enlightened to embrace the real meaning of life that the testimony of the LORD (the Bible) makes known to us – only then is there true and lasting “rejoicing (of) the heart” .  Verse 9 “the fear (awe) of the LORD is clean (cleansing?) enduring for ever” – not just for 2021 – or even just for January!   Verse 11 tells us that “Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Those who take notice of the warnings in God's word of the coming judgements of God “in the last days” will still have “rejoicing” in their hearts when the rest of the world is experiencing increasing fear.  Let us memorise the last verse of this Psalm of David.  “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”  May we join David in saying that.

A @Christadelphians Video: When the two angels came to Sodom about sunset they were met by Lot, who sat in the gate – a position of authority in ancient towns. The angels once more seemed to be ordinary men and told Lot of their intention to sleep in the street. He begged them to reconsider, rather than be subjected to the vile practices of the Sodomites. With great difficulty he persuaded them to accept his hospitality. No sooner had this happened than all the men of city – everyone of them a sodomite – encompassed Lot's house demanding the two men be brought out to be abused. Lot ironically offers them his two unmarried daughters instead. They were enraged at this calculated rebuke and said that they would vent their anger on Lot. The 19th chapter of Genesis tells us that the angels used their powers to smite the men of Sodom with dazzlings, so that in their confusion they became weary in trying to find the door. The angels then urged Lot to hastily gather his family and escape the impending doom. Lot was mocked by his Sons-in-law who couldn't accept the message that the cities of the plain would be destroyed by the Almighty because of their immorality. Lot was eventually taken away with his two unmarried daughters and his wife; and they were commanded to not look back. Lot's wife's heart remained in Sodom and she was encrusted in salt. Let us heed our Lord's warning to not be caught in the affairs of this world when Jesus returns to judge it (Luke 17:26-33; slowly read aloud. Pause and ponder). Lot was graciously allowed to escape to the tiny town of Zoar.The immense and overwhelming disaster produced fear in Lot and his daughters, who further withdrew to a cave in the mountains. Lot's daughters made him drunk and committed incest with him in the mistaken belief that every man of that region had been destroyed. But God had remembered Abraham and delivered Lot as this chapter tells us in verses 27-29 (see 2 Peter 2:6-10; where Peter tells us the wicked are reserved for judgment and the godly are preserved for salvation). Psalm 22 is one the greatest psalms of David from the entire 150 in the book. It is a Messianic Psalm, which focuses on the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. It also gives us glimpses into our Lord's thoughts and how he was able to use prayer to resolve incredible trials and testing of his mind at this time of immense physical trial and enormous mental pressure. The words of this Psalm may have been uttered in their entirety whilst our Lord hung upon the stake (cross = Greek stauros; a stake, or a pole; called in Peter “the tree”). The opening words “My God, my God why have you forsaken me” are found in the gospel records of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Some suggest that Jesus said this in Aramaic leading to the confusion among some of those around the stake to believe Jesus was calling for help from Elijah. Others have suggested that the word used in Psalm 22 for “forsaken” means to be trapped in a thicket, such as the ram was in Genesis 22.

Matthew's gospel records how Jesus started training his disciples for their work when he would no longer be with them. Today's ch. 10 starts, “And he called to him his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every disease and every affliction.”    What are “unclean spirits”?  The parable in Ch. 12 v.43-45 illustrates that it means an unclean mind – and that there is no value in clearing out from the brain ‘unclean' ways of thinking and then putting nothing positive in their place. Ways of thinking show themselves in resultant actions; aimless ways of thinking and doing lead to no future in this life, and, most particularly, in the future life Jesus offers; spiritual thinking are an essential part of the ‘spirit' of our minds.Jesus gives his 12 disciples a foretaste of the powers of healing they will have when he is no longer with them: they are told to go “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick … “ [v.6-8]  He says, “if anyone will not receive you and listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house … “[v.14]  adding, “it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah” than for that town. [v.15]This is because the people of that town had witnessed divine power as well as hearing the divine message.  God's principle, as Jesus explained, is that “everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required”  [Luke 12 v.48] This is why, as we will read tomorrow (11 v.23), Capernaum which had witnessed so many of his miracles, would have no future.  On the other hand, Sodom, where Lot went to live, and it seems witness, the destruction of which we will soon read in Genesis 19, was a city which Abraham initially thought could have “fifty righteous” [18 v.24] – Jesus said the “day of judgment” will be “more bearable” for them.   What about, for us?Today, with such an abundance of evidence of the intricate marvels of creation – but a widespread determined attitude to say that everything in some way, sort of created itself, what must God's attitude be/? There is no doubt as to God's attitude! We quoted it 2 days ago from the Psalms, but it bears quoting again.  “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds …” (Psa, 14]Finally, in our chapter in Matthew, we see how Jesus bluntly states the two options; there is no middle way!  “everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before by Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” [v.32]  Food for really serious thought.

Psalm 19 is a magnificent example of Hebrew poetry; which speaks of the wonders of the Almighty's creative hand evident in the stars; and our sun in particular. Hayden's Creation Hymn draws thoughts from this Psalm - "the unwearied sun from day-to-day doth His Creator's power display ...". Surely when we gaze upon the night sky, as Abram was asked to do in Genesis 15, we are caused to wonder at the awesome power on display (Genesis 1 says he just scattered the stars from His hand). On day 4 the sun was appointed to rule the day - emblematic of the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4; Matthew 13verses43).Verse 3 tells us that the universal message is that there must be an Omnipotent Creator (Romans 1verses20); and they = Sun, moon and star - symbolically proclaim the gospel message (Romans10verses18). In the Psalm David says that the sun is like a strong man running a race; it is also like a bridegroom - the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3). The Psalm finishes by exhorting the reader to contemplate the sweetness and preciousness of God's Word; and its saving power.Psalm 20 continues the theme of trusting in Yahweh's saving strength. This might is in no horse; no battle weapon; no man. But it has been consistently and dependably exercised by God in the cause of delivering the faithful.

When Abraham was 99 years old an angel representing the Almighty visited Abram and Sarai and gave the covenant of circumcision and told them that their names were to be changed. Abram's name was changed to Abraham, and Sarai's to Sarah. Abram meant "lofty father" and Abraham was "father of a multitude" - emblematic of the promise of Genesis 12verses3; i.e. of all nations in the world. The divine name of Yahweh is 4 letters in the Hebrew YHWH (called the Tetragrammaton). So, both Abraham and Sarah become "heirs together in the grace of life" (1 Peter 2verses7); by the addition of the 5th letter in the Hebrew alphabet, signifying "grace". It was when human worth and generative capability was repudiated that God could now work through Abraham and Sarah to produce the "promised seed”, the heir of the promises.The chapter concludes with the circumcision of Abraham and every male in his household. Abraham was, as we said, 99 and Ishmael 13 (the age at which Islamic boys are circumcised). Chapter 18 says Abraham and Sarah were visited by 3 men, who are in fact angels - unbeknown to Abraham and Sarah (prompting Paul's comments in Hebrews 13verses2). Eastern hospitality was shown and the angels prophesy Isaac's birth which means "laughter". He was so named because Sarah initially refused belief; but, later in faith tells us that she conceived when she believed - Hebrews 11verses11. After this Abraham walked with the angels towards the place of impending judgment - Sodom. They tell Abraham of their intentions, because of Abraham's faithfulness - slowly read aloud the words of verses 17-19; and pause and ponder. How wonderful that the LORD so knows each of us. But has he foreseen diligence and faithfulness in our dealings with our families? Abraham enters into negotiations with the name bearing angel to spare Sodom, where his nephew Lot and his family lived. Abraham finally stopped pleading for the city to be spared should there be 10 righteous people in the city. He must have been confident of this given the vast numbers of Lot's "ecclesia" in Genesis 13.

In Chapter 11 of Genesis we read, “now the whole earth had one language and the same words” [v.1] and they said “let us build ourselves a city and a tower … lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” [v.3,4]The Creators' reaction to this is recorded as being, “Behold the people are one people, and they have all one language and this is only the beginning of what they will do.  And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” [v.6]So the LORD confused the languages so that they could not understand one another. As a result they scatter “over the face of all the earth” [v.9] It is interesting that the Hebrew word for confused sounds like Babel (ESV footnote) and the Greek word for Babel is Babylon!Now, as we have seen in Revelation, Babylon is the key word used to symbolise an evil power.   It is also interesting to note that the Name of God is apparently very similar in many languages, implying a common origin for this fundamental word.We note that God said, having a common language would be ‘only the beginning of what they will do.'  Now, in this 21st Century, the world is extensively overcoming the language barrier..  The Internet provides automated translations, also education is world-wide and more and more in every country can read and understand basic English: when I was in Russia all the young people at the Bible School appeared to be able to do so.Another challenging thought; just before the flood, “the wickedness of man was great … every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” [6 v.5].  How comparable is this with the situation today!  We should therefore anticipate eventual action by God again – as Bible readers know, the teaching of Jesus and his followers include such predictions.They built a ridiculously high tower in Dubai that is 860 metres tall – a modern tower of Babel.  A comment has been  made that it is built near a fault line!  Such locations are more prone to earthquakes.  Note the prophecy in Isaiah 2 v.15 that “every high tower shall fall” at the time of God's judgements? And how many high buildings are there now in the world?  Most are claimed to be built so as to withstand earthquakes!  Reflect on what you read in Isaiah 29 v.5-7 and Revelation 16 v.18 and similar passages..Our Psalm reading today states,, “The fool says in his heart. ‘There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds … The LORD looks down from heaven … to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” [14 v.1,2]  We pray that includes us and that all who read these words seek after God – and find him.

When Abram left Haran, it was with a multitude of people and many goods. These had increased greatly during his sojourn in Egypt. The same things were true for his nephew, Lot, and contributed to the problem told us in the end of chapter 13. Nonetheless Abram had learnt a great lesson in trust; and as an acknowledgment of that we are told in verse 4, "he made an altar and called on the name of Yahweh" (a name with which the faithful were familiar - see Genesis 4verses25-26). The location of this altar was between Bethel (the house of God) and Ai (ruin). His choices would determine whether his life would be ruined, or whether he would dwell with God - this is likewise true for each one of us. The troublesome Canaanites and Perizzites then dominated the land. The multitude of cattle made finding pasture difficult and the large number of people meant arguments were very common. A dispute caused Abram to suggest that they go their separate ways. Abram graciously allowed Lot the choice; and Lot chose the choicest pastures. Lot's choice was influenced by "the lust of his eyes". Abram was contented with trusting in the LORD to provide. The record uses the same words from God to Abram as is used of Lot's viewpoint. What God promised Abram was real estate - the earth (Romans 4verses13) - not a reward in heaven. Jesus taught the same in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven" Matthew 6verses10. And as proof of what God had promised Abram; Abram was asked to walk on what he was to receive (see also Genesis 15verses18-21). Genesis 14 is an account of Abraham's rescue of his nephew Lot, who was takencaptive when a northern confederacy headed by Chedorlaomer - whose name signifies "a bundle of sheaves" - (the famous historical Hammurabi). The account is a literal event, but also symbolic of the nearing conflict of Armageddon, WW 3. Abram was "in fellowship " - confederate with two Amorites. The victor, Abram was offered rich rewards, which he spurned. The chapter's close sees the King-Priest of Jerusalem Melchizedek offering fellowship through bread and wine with God Almighty (see Hebrews chapters 5, 6 and 7; where the extended parable about the Lord Jesus Christ is explained).In Psalm 17 David seeks vindication from his Omnipotent Creator in whom David has sought and found protection in distress and constant care. David calls on Yahweh to rise and judge his enemies. But the greatest message from the Psalm is found in David's heartfelt hope, "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Thy likeness" ESV. The resurrection will bring the realisation of this hope (Philippians 3verses20-21; Colossians 3verses1-5.1 John 3verses1- 3).

In Genesis 11 we are told, that as humans again multiplied on the face of the earth, they conceived a united plan of open rebellion against their Creator. They sought to build a tower, or Ziggurat, whose height would prevent the human race from being overwhelmed by a flood from God. The plan was stopped by creating confusion through the creation of new languages. This created suspicion and people scattering from the place of rebellion. From verses 10-26 is the record, or genealogy, of Shem's descendants till Terah, the father of Abram (whose name was changed in chapter 15 to Abraham). Verses 27-32 tells us the genealogical details surrounding Terah and Abram. It would appear that in the initial call of Abram to leave Ur of the Chaldeas the initiative was left with the patriarchal family head - Terah - to initially lead the family towards the Promised Land. Chapter 12 tells us, "Now the LORD had said ...". Later information tells us that at this time Abram was about 70 when called to forsake wealth, luxury and social prestige in Ur for an undefined Land (later we find it to be Israel - see Paul's comments in Hebrews 11verses8-9). Again, the Hebrew words for verse 1 are "Go for yourself". Both, Abram's father Terah, and his uncle Nahor, appear to want to settle in Haran - and to not continue their journey to the Land of the Promise. The words of the first 3 verses are a sevenfold promise that from Abram would descend the great nation of Israel. The personal element was to make the name of "Abraham" great in the earth. There was an international promise in verse 3 that blessings would come to all nations through "Abraham's" descendant - the LordJesus Christ (see what that meant in Romans 4verses13). At the age of 75 Abram left Haran without Terah, or his brother Haran. In verse 7 we see that the land of Canaan (Israel) was first promised to Christ (Abram's descendant) before it was promised to Abraham himself. There were great dangers in the Canaanite land. Famine forced Abram and his large group to seek sustenance in Egypt. Here Abram showed a lack of trust in God and told lies about his beautiful wife Sarah, believing that would save his life. God did deliver Abram despite this failure; and taught him that the Almighty can be depended on regardless of theseemingly immense difficulties.

Again, David's Psalms command our attention. All of Psalm 9 is a marvelous overview of God's plan and purpose with human beings and the earth. At times God transports David's thoughts into the future when he, and those God counts as righteous, will say to their Creator, “You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins … the very memory of them has perished.” [v.5,6]On the other side of the picture, in contrast to this vision of annihilation, the next verses say, “But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, he judges the earth with righteousness …” [v.7,8] A marvelous summary of how the kingdom of God will function.Our Genesis reading tells us of Noah and his family in the ark and then stepping out onto a cleansed earth, all the godless having been destroyed. God promises Noah that he will never “again strike down every living creature” despite “man's heart being evil from his youth.” [8 v.21] Not many generations pass before men build the tower of Babel and as a result God “confused the languages of all the earth” and caused men to spread out “over the face of all the earth” [11 v.6-9]So the renewal of belief and faith with Noah and his family did not last. Abraham's father and brother “served other Gods.” [Josh 24 v.2] We can see some comparison between Noah and his sons and the huge spiritual renewal that followed the widespread translation and printing of the Bible 300 to 400 years ago. But that renewal has now faded away and how few have the understanding and faith of Abraham to whom the Gospel was first preached (see.Gal. 3 v8). The blessings to come on the nations through this gospel are David's vision in this ninth Psalm.How marvelous is v.10, “And those who know your name put their trust in you. For you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you” But “the nations have sunk into the pit that they made, in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.” [v.15] To “know” is more than to just understanding, it is to have a relationship – read Psalm 95 v.1-7 – John 17 v.3Let us seek the Lord. Those who know God, who truly believe, will make the final 2 verses of this Psalm their prayer. “Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!”Later in Matthew we will read the words of Jesus, “whoever humbles himself will be exalted” [23 v.12] God will humble those who do not humble themselves. Let us not be caught up in the spirit around us, that is that human beings believe they are gaining all the answers to life and its meaning and that there is no need to seek God, or even believe he exists. Let us ponder Psalm 14 and reflect upon it

In Genesis 9 we read of the LORD's command for this new creation, who had been preserved in the ark with Noah the 8th person (emblematic of Jesus whose name equals 888 in the Greek - compare 1Peter 3verses20-22); "to replenish (or fill) the earth" with this new creation. The fear and dominion of mankind over the lower creatures would be evident. There was a prohibition of eating food with the blood still in it - as the blood was representing life, which belonged to God. There was also a law reinforcing the penalty due to a murderer. Once more the Almighty covenants that He will never again destroy the earth by a flood. The surety of His promise being seen in the rainbow. The offspring from Noah's 3 sons - Shem, Ham and Japheth - peopled the newly refreshed earth. Unfortunately, Noah became drunk, and it seems was sodomised by his son Ham. Noah pronounced a curse on Ham and spoke of a blessing that would come through his son Shem. Jesus Christ came from the Jewish race -Romans 3verses1-2; 9verses3-5. Shem became the ancestral head of the Semitic and Asiatic people; Ham the progenitor of the African people; and Japheth the forbear of the European race. In Genesis 10 we are told of the 70 nations that came from Noah's 3 sons - Shem, Ham and Japheth - see Moses' comment in Deuteronomy 32verses8. There we are told that the number of nations was determined by the Almighty by the number of Israel's (Jacob's) children, who into Egypt (Genesis 46verses8, 27; see also the Apostle Paul's comments to the Athenians in Acts 17verses26).Psalm 11 tells of Yahweh being in His holy temple and mankind must understand this gives Him the authority to judge the wicked. Habakkuk gives us the take home message which we must ponder - 2verses14, 20.In Psalm 12 the psalmist muses, 'Why have the humble vanished and suffered oppression. Surely, the Omnipotent Creator cannot tolerate evil. Surely, He must act for the downtrodden against their oppressors. He gives the assurance that He will rise against them in His faithfulness. In the 13th Psalm the writer personal asks, 'How long will it be till the LORD intervenes in support of the writer. The writer declares that failure on the part of his Sovereign to act is a cause for the wicked to boast and vaunt themselves in the world. We see it constantly, but we can be assured that at the appropriate time judgment will be poured out upon the evil - Acts 17verses30-31.The judgment mentioned in Matthew 7 refers to critical fault finding in others and not the need to show discernment, which is essential for us to exercise, when we judge righteous judgment as we are commanded to do. The askers will receive; the seekers will find; and to the knockers doors will be opened. Our Lord highlights the golden rule - do to others what you would wish them to do for you.Striving to please God must characterise the disciple's life. The witness of those professing discipleship will be evidenced in their fruit; without which our Lord Jesus Christ and His Father will fail to recognisetheir children. Only doers of the Word and not simply forgetful hearers are grounded and established as faith upon the Rock.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

In Matthew 6 Jesus warns against 3 forms of showy piety prevalent amongst the Pharisees of his dayverses conspicuous giving of alms (charity, prayers designed to impress others rather than heartfelt requests to the Father and attention-seeking fasting. Our Lord tells us that the focus of worship must be internal i.e. our relationship with our Father and should ignore anything external that would impress an audience. The chapter points out that charitable deeds must have their focus on the receiver and not the giver - and the reward being future not present. The same attitude must characterise our prayers. Jesus then provides a model prayer in which the honour and reverence for God must be foremost. When His Kingdom is sought and when His will shall be done. Next in the prayer follows petition for needs (not wants), forgiveness(measured by our capacity to forgive) and deliverance. Advice on fasting, the objective of the treasure we seek, freedom from all anxiety as God knows us loves us and will provide all that we need to bring us into His Kingdom. One day at a time our Father has given us- we leave the worry for tomorrow to Him.

Today's 4th chapter of Matthew contains the account of Jesus being tempted after being “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness” (ch. 4 v.1) This opening verse arrests the attention of diligent readers. It seems astonishing that God's Spirit brought about Christ's temptations.Jesus, now that “the Spirit of God” had come “to rest on him” [3 v.16] is first tempted to use that power to create “bread” [v.3] as there is no food in the wilderness to which the Spirit has led him, and 40 days had elapsed. He showed his power to create food later when he fed the 5,000; to feed himself would have been easy.The primary lesson that jumps into our thinking as we read the 3 different types of temptation is how Jesus quotes (in each case, in rejecting temptation) words which God caused Moses to write and which we find in his book called Deuteronomy. The temptations each have a sense of unreality about them, there is for example, no “very high mountain” from which a tempter could have “showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” [v.8]They are examples of the 3 basic types of temptation which we read of a couple of weeks ago in 1 John 3 v.16 “For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world.”How did Matthew in writing his gospel get the information about Christ's temptations? Jesus has not yet started to call any disciples to him; not until Ch. 9 v.9 is their reference to Matthew being called. As we think on this we realize the disciples could only have known about his temptations through Jesus telling them! And how did Jesus teach? Much of the time he taught by parables – and these were often not of literal events.So we conclude Jesus told of his temptations in the form of a parable, the primary aim being to show he too suffered temptation (see Heb, 4 v.15) and, even more, how temptations are overcome – that is the power of the narrative we read today. His mind was full of what God had caused to be written for human instruction.We especially noted his quotation to “the tempter” from Deut. 8 v.3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”And that is the fundamental way in which we push fleshly temptations to one side. Is that not a primary reason why we read portions of God's word every day? How much of God's word comes to the surface in our thinking – when the need arises? It should do!

In Genesis 5 we have another of the seven genealogies in the book of Genesis. Sometimes we rush through genealogies, or even avoid reading them believing them to be unimportant. But there isinformation in these chapters that is designed to teach the diligent seeker. Usher used Biblical genealogies to determine that the creative days of chapter 1 occurred about 4,004 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Apart from noticing the length of the lives of those who were born before the flood, we find the phrase - "and he died" occurs again, and again. This reinforces the sentence of chapter 2verses17, "you shall surely die". The Hebrew phrase actually means, in dying you will die, i.e. the process of corruption will bring you to the inevitable end in your death. The chapter therefore powerfully teaches, "as in Adam all die" (1 Corinthians 15verses22). But the same verse in Corinthians teaches, "even so in Christ shall all be made alive". There is in Genesis 5 one man for whom the words, "and he died" are not written - that is Enoch, whose days of "walking with God" (said twice) resulted in his being taken from the scene of death (cp Hebrews 11verses5). Amos 3verses3 says, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed? “This means that God and Enoch walked together as one; as did Jesus and His Father (Genesis 22verses8). Jude tells us that Enoch was the seventh from Adam, and therefore, as the man of covenant, typical of the Lord Jesus Christ. The probable death Enoch escaped, by God taking him away to another location, was the intended murder of Enoch at the hands of Lamech. The chapter also tells of the man, who lived longer than any other -Methuselah (969 years); whose name contains a prophecy. His name means, "when he dies it shall be seen". In the year he died the flood came upon the earth, 1,656 years from the creation. Another significant name from Genesis 5 is Noah, whose name means "rest". The turmoil and trouble preceding the flood produced some rest in Noah's walking with God for the Almighty's mind, which had been disquieted by the evils described at the start of Genesis 6. The human imagination was continually fixed on evil. But Noah was a just i.e. upright and righteous man. Noah's life was not without sin; but his intent was on pleasing his Sovereign, by the way he walked. The story of Noah covers 4 chapters in Genesis (6- 9); and a time span of greater than 120 years. God's promise in verse 3 was to bring his judgments on the earth in 120 years' time. Noah, himself, was at this time 480 years old and without children. 2 Peter 2 tells us that God was forbearing with bringing calamity to the wicked, as His intention is to save, rather than destroy. Hebrews 11verses7 says that Noah acted in faith in order to save the family that at that time he didn't have. Sons were born to Noah after his 500th year. The remainder of chapter 6 gives details of the building of this mighty vessel, whose size compared significantly with ocean liners of the twentieth century. It was made of durable gopher wood; and waterproofed with bitumen (pitch). The Hebrew word for pitch means "to cover", or "to atone for". It was a literal saving of those within; and a parable of the salvation in God's provided ark (the Lord Jesus Christ). Peter explains the parable in 1 Peter 3verses18-22. Baptism is anordinance of the Almighty to which those believing the LORD's word submit in order to be saved(see Acts 4verses12). In this way our sins are atoned for; they are covered; and they are washed away (Acts 22verses16).

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeply relevant, join us as we analyse the remarkable events of 2025 through the lens of Bible prophecy. In this insightful exposition, we explore the significant geopolitical shifts, rising global tensions and specific developments surrounding Israel that powerfully align with the scriptural signs foretold to precede the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We examine how current alliances and conflicts provide a compelling backdrop for the prophetic narrative, offering a sober yet wonderful reminder that we live in the latter days. This outstanding presentation is a call to vigilance, hope and faith.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Reflecting on the World Stage00:34 - The 'Trump Effect' and a Changing World Order02:42 - The Scriptural Lens: Ezekiel's Prophecy of a Northern Alliance04:44 - The Restoration of Israel: A Foundational Sign06:51 - Identifying the Powers: Gog, Magog and Contemporary Nations09:47 - Current Alliances: Iran, Russia and the Horn of Africa12:53 - Strategic Targets: Ukraine, Grain and the Path to Turkey15:06 - Rising Tensions: The Looming Shadow of War in Europe18:51 - Treaty Developments: The Strengthening Northern Confederacy20:56 - Rising Antisemitism and Global Pressure on Israel26:54 - The Central Issue: Building on the Mountains of Israel32:38 - The Time of Jacob's Trouble and the Withdrawal of Support36:24 - Our Response: Lifting Up Our Heads in Hope and Readiness39:47 - Conclusion: Your Redemption Draws Nigh**Bible Verse Category:**

Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeply insightful, join us for this wonderful expositional presentation by Brother Steve Ridgway. He delves into the powerful biblical theme of Jesus Christ as the appointed Judge at his return. This outstanding talk reveals the righteousness, authority, and purpose of the coming judgement, offering vital and encouraging lessons for our faith today.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Return of Christ as King and Judge01:29 - Part 1: The Appointed Day of Judgement02:07 - Part 2: The Authority of the Righteous Judge07:01 - Part 3: What Will Christ Judge?14:12 - Part 4: How This Truth Should Affect Our Lives22:47 - Conclusion: Living in Readiness for the Judge's Return**Key Bible Verses Explored:**

In Genesis 3 we have the record of how sin first entered the world through the yielding to temptation by the first created humans - Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul says also, that at this time death also first came to the Adamic creation as a result of sin - Romans 5verses12. Adam and Eve after their creation - Adam from the dust (Genesis 2verses7), and Eve from Adam's side during a God-induced sleep (2verses20-25) - the man unable to find a suitable partner from the lesser creation; and feeling first, lonely; then joyous with a compatible companion. Chapter 3 commences with an introduction to the snake, who at that era had great powers of observation; limited reasoning capacity; and the ability to talk. The snake suggested that Adam and Eve were being deceived and held back by the Elohim (God). And so, after seeing the fruit of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" was attractive (pleasant to the eyes); it was good, and an excellent quality (good for food); and its clinching appeal - "a tree to be desired to make one wise" (the pride of life. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Adam and Eve grasped for equality with God - which thing our Lord Jesus Christ never did when tempted. The Apostle John tells us in his first letter chapter 2verses15-17 that all temptation and sin fall in one or more of these categories. Having sinned they were expelled from the garden; James tells us in chapter 1 the process of sin within every human mind -verses 13-15. Having disobeyed God, He the Almighty must in justice enforce the law He had given. Adam and Eve now had the sentence of death activated within them - this is called "mortality". What was possible before transgressing was now "a law within them" (Romans 7verses21-25) - i.e. now an inevitability. The human race now found that from this point forward all descendants from the first human parents found that sin cannot be overcome in their lives every time that each of us is subjected to temptation -Romans 6 tells us that they were bond slaves to sin. It required God to produce a Saviour, His Son, who although bearing the bias to sin within himself; this being the entail of the effects of Adam and Eve's first sin, would himself be sinless - though Jesus was of our identical nature (Hebrews 2verses12-18.

Welcome to the start of a new year. When the Jewish people celebrate the Passover they say, "Next year in Jerusalem". May this year see the Messiah's second coming. The Old Testament is approximately twice the length of the New Testament; and, for that reason two portions of Scripture are taken from it daily. The plan we follow with the Bible readings comments is designed to complete the reading of the Old Testament once, and the New Testament twice, in the course of 12 months. We begin at the beginning, which is the meaning of "Genesis". It is not a scientific account of our origins - though it is 100% scientifically accurate as it is an infallible and inspired record from our Omnipotent Creator. At times some people are confused as to whether the Genesis account is literal - i.e. real - or a parable.Unquestionably the answer is it is both. Although it is not written to be a scientific textbook; it is 100% accurate scientifically and describes events that did happen. It tells us why we are here; and that God put us on earth for a purpose - "to fill the earth with His glory" (Numbers 14verses21; cp Genesis 1verses26). Genesis 1 describes 6 days of evening/morning duration. The Hebrew day begins at sundown and ends 24 hours later. Days 1-3 show a pattern - light; water; life - a pattern repeated in days 4-6. Chapter 2 tells us that God rested from His creative work on day 7 - the Sabbath. And in the Hebrew text for days 1-6 this pattern is followed - "there was a day, one ... two...right through to six". Genesis 1verses26 tells us that the Almighty's purpose was to fill the earth with people in whom the divine likeness - or character - would be seen cp also Psalm 8verses1-9. The Sabbath is the first day to have a name, which is emblematic of the Sabbath rest of the kingdom age (Hebrews 4verses8-11). Chapter 2 focuses more on the formation of Eve from Adam's side as the first marriage, which typifies Christ and his bride (the ecclesia - Ephesians 5verses22-33). Additional useful information is that the word translated as "creature" AV is consistently the Hebrew word 'nephesh' elsewhere translated throughout the Old Testament as "soul". Once the divine spirit in the form of breath is found within any creature it becomes nephesh chaim, or breath of life, which the LORD Good breathed into Adam in chapter 2verses7. Adam was a whole being and although like his animal counterparts of the dust he was brought to life directly by the Almighty breathing the spirit - or life-giving breath into him. This indicates the LORD God's intention to have a close relationship with His human creatures.

If the example of pride presented in the hippopotamus repulsed us, far worse is Leviathan in chapter 41. He is the Nile crocodile, and is described as, "king over all the children of pride". Our Sovereign challenges Jobverses Try to subject and bring the crocodile under control. You can't do it with force; nor can you try to do it with persuasive words. Can you turn him into a servant, or make him an object of entertainment? In struggling with a crocodile, you will find that you have an impossible task on your hands. His hide and armour exceed that of the hippo. When he rages he is fierce beyondimagination. He scoffs all attempts to subdue him. Metal weapons, arrows and sling stones are futile against him. There is not his like upon earth. And it is with "him" that we must struggle on a daily basis. And without resisting him, i.e. our own human pride we cannot allow God's Word to humble us; in order that we may be able to draw near to our Creator King. In verses 1-6 of chapter 42 Job confesses his weakness and seeks for forgiveness. In verse 2 Job acknowledges, finally, the LORD's power and right to do with us as He wishes. The suffering servant's understanding of the Almighty has gone from a theoretical and untried faith to a faith that now entirety trusts his Maker, himself having been purged by his trials. Job had been proud of his relationship with the Almighty and yet he failed to understand God's right to test and prove him. Job had previously challenged God but now recognises his shortcomings. At last Job now has understanding of the infinite and uncreated power of the universe. In abject humility Job bows in reverence before his Sovereign. Verses 7-9 tell of Yahweh's rebuke of Job's 3 friends. The absence of Elihu from this group tells us that God is not displeased with him. The friends are told to offer sacrifices and seek for Job's intercession. Verses 10-17 explain that once Job had prayed for his friends God restored Job's losses twofold - except for his family; the presumption being that his lost family will be restored to Job in the Kingdom Age. Read aloud and slowly James 5verses11. Pause and ponder the principal lesson learned.

@Christadelphians Video: Description: The 12 foundations of the city walls are made of 12 stones that reflect pure light. All light we see is reflected, but isotropic materials don't affect polarised light, whereas anisotropic materials do. All the stones mentioned in Revelation 21 for the foundations are anisotropic which means when pure polarised light shines through them they are colourful. God looks on the heart with pure light, so the glory of God is reflected in us as living stones as the foundation to build the saints who are the temple of the living God.# SummaryThe video explores the significance of the 12 specific jewels chosen by God for the foundations of the city walls in Revelation 21, emphasizing their unique properties and spiritual symbolism.# Highlights-