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Thought for December 6th. “SO WE CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY ….” Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

How many can speak with confidence these days? Certainly the Politicians can’t! Although they often try to sound that way. We read the last chapter of Hebrews today and Paul is emphasising to them the need to be positive in their attitude to the spiritual aspects of life. His first 4 words are, “Let brotherly love continue” That surely includes sisterly love too! It means love in a practical sense, not just words. John wrote, “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth,” [1 Jn 3 v.18] There is a saying, ‘actions speak louder than words.’

Paul then says, “Remember those who are in prison, as those who are in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (of Christ) [v.3] As this world falls apart and becomes more dysfunctional these words will have more frequent application. Just a week ago, robbers with guns broke into a home where brethren hold their meetings and some lived and, as well as stealing money and valuables, sprayed bullets around injuring a father and 3 sons, one seriously. Other members rallied around to help, giving their blood for transfusions.

This happened in Pakistan, but the potential for similar incidents to happen in more and more countries is increasing with financial woes spreading and some countries (eg Spain) having half their young people unemployed. Now let’s look at v.5 & 6. “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ ” Where did he say this? Those words are from the prophet Haggai, giving a message to those living in difficult circumstances; we will read his message in a couple of weeks. Those who only read the New Testament are missing much powerful encouragement from their God.

Today’s chapter in Micah is a good example; it starts, “It shall come to pass in the latter days … nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” [4 v.1,5] This is a description of God’s kingdom when it is fully functioning, those alive then will say, “Come let us go up to the mountain of the LORD … that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths” [v.2]

Let us live today – and every day – so that we can, by faith, confidently say – we will be there.

The Holy Spirit – How is It Active Today with dan schipper Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Have you ever wondered what the Holy Spirit is and whether it is relevant? God sits at the centre of this exploration - follow along to find out how He has used His spirit in the past, the scope of the Holy Spirit, and how God’s power is active today. # Summary The presentation discusses the nature of the Holy Spirit as the power of God and how it remains active today. It begins by defining God as an eternal, transcendent being, whose power is beyond human comprehension. The speaker explores the term "Spirit" in both biblical and broader contexts, highlighting its various meanings. The presentation also delves into how God's Spirit has historically been bestowed upon angels, Jesus Christ, and the writers of the Bible, enabling them to perform miracles and convey divine messages. Finally, it concludes by explaining that while miraculous powers are not present today, God's Spirit is still active in guiding believers and influencing world affairs.

Satan...'Your' adversary. with Joe Mullen Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: “Satan” is a Bible word which is commonly much misunderstood. Here, the use of this Hebrew word in both Old and New Testaments is briefly examined to show that it always denotes an enemy, opponent or adversary but in many different contexts. The Bible does not support its use as the name of a personal diabolical spirit being.

How Does Christ's Blood cleanse us from Sin? with Tim Young Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

# Summary

The PRESENTATION explores the profound theological question of how Christ's blood cleanses humanity from sin, drawing from biblical texts, particularly the Book of Revelation and the Old Testament. It highlights the symbolic significance of blood in scripture, illustrating that it represents life and the means of atonement. The speaker underscores that true cleansing comes not from physical blood but from the spiritual implications of Christ's sacrifice and the necessity of faith and confession in receiving forgiveness.

# Highlights

- ✝️ **The Vision of Redemption**: In Revelation 7, John sees a multitude from all nations clothed in white robes, symbolising the redeemed who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, indicating a spiritual cleansing rather than a literal one.

- 📜 **Blood as Life**: The presentation emphasises that blood in scripture represents life itself. The shedding of blood signifies the giving of life, which is central to the concept of atonement and forgiveness in biblical teachings.

- 🐑 **Old Testament Sacrifices**: The speaker discusses how animal sacrifices under the Law of Moses served as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, illustrating that while these sacrifices could cleanse outwardly, they could not purify the conscience.

- 🔄 **Faith and Confession**: The cleansing from sin is linked to faith in Christ's blood and the act of confessing one's sins. This process restores the relationship with God and brings true forgiveness.

- 💧 **Baptism and Remembrance**: The presentation concludes that baptism associates believers with Christ's sacrifice, and partaking in the communion meal serves as a continual reminder of His blood shed for the remission of sins, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and humanity.

# Keywords

- Atonement

- Redemption

- Faith

Thought for December 5th. “….THAT WE MAY SHARE HIS HOLINESS” by David Caudrey Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

Hebrews ch, 12 provides a sequel to the challenging 11th chapter on faith which provoked our thoughts yesterday. It starts, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance ….” The cloud of witnesses are those who were named as men and women of faith in chapter 11. None were perfect, but they grew in faith, they “were made strong out of weakness” [11 v.34]. As well as seeing their example, our ability to endure is made stronger by “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him endured …” [12v.2] The Gk word for “looking” is a special word, the NEB for e.g. renders it as “our eyes fixed on”. This attitude of mind is further emphasized in the next verse, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Paul, assuming he is the author of Hebrews, then writes of the essential value of discipline and quotes Proverbs 3 v.11,12 in v.5 & 6, “ … do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord discipline the one he loves …” and then makes this inspiring point in v.10, “but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” Then he adds, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Think of Job: we are reading at the moment his words of distress and also his frustration with those who are classified as ‘friends’ – but as we complete this book this month we will marvel at its climax! Job achieves a wonderful insight in ‘knowing’ the Almighty as well as final and wonderful personal benefits.

Our Hebrews chapter draws to a close with a quotation we will soon read from the prophet Haggai. “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” [v.26] So many scriptures indicate that a mighty earthquake is part of God’s final judgments. Consider Isaiah 29 v.6-8 and Zech. 14 v.4-9 while in Rev. 16 v.17-19 it is the sequel to Armageddon.

Extreme earthquakes have often included volcanic eruptions, so that the atmosphere is seriously affected. Some prefer to think it is only the political heavens that are shaken and destroyed. That maybe so, but we doubt it. Our Hebrews chapter ends, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” With an attitude of “reverence and awe” toward God we can have confidence and faith “that we may share his holiness.”

What must I do to be saved? with Pete Owen Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

# Summary

The PRESENTATION by Pete Owen discusses the biblical requirements for salvation, focusing on the necessity of belief and baptism as outlined in the Gospel of Mark. It emphasizes that baptism is not a mere sprinkling of water on infants, but a conscious act requiring cognitive ability to believe, typically associated with individuals of a certain age. Owen explains the significance of the gospel message, which calls for repentance and a commitment to change one's life. He illustrates the process of baptism through scriptural examples, stressing its connection to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and its role in symbolically washing away sins. The presentation concludes with a call to embrace the gospel for salvation, regardless of one's background.

# Highlights

- 🌍 **Go into all the world**: Jesus commands his disciples to preach the gospel to everyone, highlighting the universal nature of the message.

- 💧 **Belief and Baptism**: Salvation requires both belief in the gospel and baptism, which must be performed by someone capable of understanding and committing to this act.

- 📖 **Understanding the Gospel**: The gospel calls for repentance and a change in direction, emphasizing that one cannot remain as they are but must actively seek transformation.

- 👶 **Infants and Baptism**: The presentation argues against infant baptism, asserting that cognitive ability to believe is essential for baptism to be valid.

- 🏊 **Symbolism of Baptism**: Baptism is depicted as a symbolic act of being buried with Christ, representing the washing away of sins and a commitment to a new life.

- 🔄 **Repentance and Change**: Emphasizes the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and turn towards a life aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

- 🌐 **Inclusivity of the Message**: The gospel is for everyone, irrespective of nationality or social status, reinforcing the idea of unity in Christ.

# keyword

#Salvation #Baptism #GospelMessage

The Trinity Explained in 7 minutes. Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Superstition on this subject dictates that Christ pre-existed before his birth, the Bible, however, informs us quite concisely of his lineage, as a promised son prophesied of throughout the old testament. This false doctrine is strongly linked to that of the trinity, despite numerous verses opposing this view, for example, the fact that Jesus constantly prayed to his father eg. Matt. 26:39 this confusing belief is still strongly held. Many verses that are used to back up this false belief go contrary to nature itself, and often use verses taken out of context, Wrested Scriptures is again in invaluable resource to look at specific verses, especially worth a read as believers in the existence of Christ will quote verses in a way that you may not have considered if you have not been exposed to this way of thinking, often quite contrary to what the text actually says. # Summary The presentation discusses the concept of the Trinity, highlighting the early church’s struggle to reconcile the monotheistic view of God in the Old Testament with the more complex portrayal of God in the New Testament, particularly in relation to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It explains that the Trinity is often described as a mystery or paradox, with various analogies attempting to clarify the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, these analogies often fall short and can lead to misunderstandings. The speaker argues for a different approach to understanding God, emphasising the importance of the original Hebrew and Aramaic terms for God, which can provide clarity on the distinctions between different references to God in biblical texts.

Thought for December 3rd. “YOU HAVE NEED OF ENDURANCE …” Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Is there anyone who thinks they do not need anything? With Christmas in 3 weeks’ time, the younger one’s especially are thinking of the things they need and that it would be good to receive!

Our readings today in Hebrews say, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” [10 v.36] Are you enduring?

We live in a world, at least in this country that is very impatient. It is said, this is the ‘NOW’ generation. Until recently it was easy (and still is to some extent) to get what you want ‘NOW’ – and pay later. The folly of living beyond ones’ income is becoming more evident. Some countries, especially in Europe are learning this and are having to endure the pain of austerity.

But the Letter to Hebrews is about something entirely different. Paul tells them, “do not throw away your confidence which has great reward” [v.35]. We throw or give away the things we do not need!

But confidence!? What do you and I have confidence in? Do we have confidence in God’s knowledge and oversight in all that happens as a result of the “freewill” he allows? What confidence do we have in what will happen in the future! God has oversight of that and can intervene as he chooses, as our readings frequently reveal – often we puzzle to know more exactly what they are alluding to – Zechariah 12 v.1-3 being an example in the light of Middle East events now – and in recent years.

We saw lessons illustrating his oversight in individual lives in our readings in Job and Jonah; both men had, at least temporarily, lost sight of the will of God working out a pathway in their lives. Are we any better? But if we really commit ourselves to be children of God and more and more live for him in faith – then we will sense more clearly His purpose in the things he allows (or causes) to happen in our own lives and in the world.

Take special notice of how our Hebrews chapter (10) ends, “my righteous one shall (aim to) live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him (or her). But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [v.38-39]. Wise men have written about “the power of positive thinking” but Hebrews reminds us of the words of Jesus himself, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Matt. 24 v.14] Let us try harder to see the “need of endurance” and put what we see into practice.

Thought for December 4th. “THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED …” Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

God ashamed!! What is this verse saying? What is it about? Today’s reading in Hebrews is that well known chapter 11 on FAITH. We should all be familiar with the words, that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” [v.1] What are the things we are convinced about – things that give reality to our future expectations – going far beyond the things we hope to achieve in this life?

Verse 6 is often quoted as a powerful personal challenge to us, “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” It is sad that so few have a real genuine conviction that there is a God – and more than that – that we can and must have a personal relationship with him, leading to a totally meaningful prayer life.

What a contrast with most of the Jews in the days of the prophets; they only had a relationship with him as part of a chosen nation and not in a personal sense; nevertheless they were proud of being “children of Abraham.” (John 8 v.33) and this satisfied them. Is not this similar to ‘christians’ for whom membership of a church creates a sense of ‘relationship? Yet, as individuals, they and ourselves are without excuse if that is all our relationship consists of!

The Psalms of David are outstanding, if we will meditatively read them and see the reality of a personal relationship with God that can be developed – and when developed to the full, how wonderful it is, as David reveals in so many Psalms.

Verses 13 to 16 in today’s chapter cause us deep meditation. In the midst of naming significant men and women and the particular acts of faith in their lives, we read, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised …” Abraham is the greatest example of this. Such men and women of genuine faith “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Such people found it impossible to fit in with ‘ordinary’ humans although they might attempt to, as Jacob did at times. Verse 16 makes the point “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” And that city is the new Jerusalem! (see Rev. 3 v.12 – the heavenly city to be established on earth)

Because of this, those with real faith desire something infinitely better than what this world offers – a world which is ‘empty’ of any vision of the future so that the people in it just live for the present.

But those with real faith, live so as to develop a real relationship with their Creator and the Saviour he provided and as a result “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Make sure you develop that faith.

What Everyone gets WRONG about Taking God's Name in Vain. with Sam Robinson Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

This PRESENTATION explores the deeper meaning of the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain," highlighting that it goes beyond simply avoiding the casual use of God's name. It discusses the significance of God's personal name, Yahweh, and how it reflects His character and purpose. The presentation emphasises the importance of living in accordance with God's principles and fulfilling the commitment made upon taking on His name, especially through baptism.

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