The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

Latest Episodes:

Thought for October 23rd. “THEY WILL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED” Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

These words from Zechariah’s prophecy (12 v.10) are quoted in today’s reading in John Ch. 19. John is completing his intimate account of the final hours of Jesus and the dying commission of his Master to him to look after his mother as they stood together near the cross. John was “the disciple who he loved” [v.26]

As to the others “ they all left him and fled” [Mark 14 v.50] apart from Peter – and we know well the tragedy of his ultimate denial. Now note the two Old Testament prophecies that John quotes as having been fulfilled at this time. The first, that “not one of his bones will be broken” is an unexpected application of the Divine command to Moses that they were not to break the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12 v.46, reaffirmed in Numbers 9 v.12). We conclude that this command had this ultimate application in mind – and after the sacrifice of Jesus the Passover feast had fulfilled its purpose.

Now the other prophecy John mentions is just as interesting! “They will look on him whom they have pierced” [Zech.12 v.10] because this verse includes the prediction that their act of looking “on him” occurs when Jesus returns. The complete prophecy is, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn …”

When this occurs, those who caused him to be pierced will need to be there. At the resurrection not all will receive the “spirit of grace” and their “pleas for mercy” will not be heeded for Jesus had warned them in his teaching, “When once the Master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock … you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets. But he will say … Depart from me … there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out” [Luke 13 v.25-28]. Food for much thought. What will be said to me, to you?

I am the Good Shepherd! with Stephen Palmer Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary The speaker reflects on the Gospel of John, emphasizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the importance of compassion and guidance for the lost and broken. # Highlights - 🐑 Jesus is depicted as the Good Shepherd, caring for the lost and broken. - 📖 The Gospel of John highlights the significance of scripture and its connections. - 💔 A critique of the religious leaders who neglected the needs of their flock. - 🔍 The journey of spiritual discovery through questioning and study. - 🌿 References to the significance of the number 38 in biblical context. - ⛓️ The healing of the man born blind illustrates Jesus’ compassion. - 🌊 Emphasis on the need for spiritual nourishment and support within the community. # Key Insights - 🐕 The Good Shepherd symbolizes the nurturing aspect of Jesus, contrasting with neglectful leaders. This reflects a call for leaders to prioritize care over authority. - 📅 The significance of numbers in scripture, like 38, encourages deeper exploration of biblical narratives and their meanings. - ❓ Inquiry and study are vital for understanding scripture, encouraging believers to engage actively with their faith. - 💔 The indictment of religious leaders highlights the dangers of self-serving practices in faith communities, urging a return to genuine care and compassion. - 🌱 Spiritual nourishment is essential, likening the flock's needs to the care Jesus provides, indicating the importance of community support. - 🔄 The connection between Old Testament themes and New Testament fulfillment showcases the continuity of God's message across scripture. - ✝️ Jesus’ actions and teachings challenge believers to embody the values of the Good Shepherd in their own lives, promoting healing and support within their communities.

Thought for October 22nd. “THE EYES OF THE LORD RUN TO AND FRO THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH” Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Hannani the seer spoke the above words to King Asa [2 Chron. 16 v.9] and they summarize a great Truth. They do not mean that the LORD is constantly interfering in the affairs of human beings, but they do mean, as many other passages say ( Job 34 v.21; 1 Peter 3 v.12; Heb. 4 v.13 etc) that the Creator is aware of all that is happening. The Book of Revelation makes it clear that his myriad of angels and Jesus do this.[5 v.6]

Our Lord, supported by the angels knows all that is happening, more than this, the inner motives of those who are serving him. Our reading in Chronicles illustrates this, Asa, although an excellent king in many ways, lost some of his faith and commitment to God in his later years. We read yesterday of his reforms and the successes God blessed him with and how the prophet Azariah told him, “Hear me Asa and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” [15 v.2]

So Asa could not say he had not been warned – and this message is one all of us should remember. This does not mean that everything will always be perfect in the lives of those who commit themselves to serve him. We see in the life of Jesus and later, the disciples, that there were testing times to prove and sp increase their faithfulness.

In today’s reading, the words we quoted at the beginning, occur when God’s prophet comes to rebuke the king after he had “done foolishly” after reigning successfully for 36 years. He had relied on the help of a foreign king instead of God. The prophet Hanani reminds him of the help God had given him in earlier years (v.8). This is a lesson for our older readers – always remember the blessings God gave you in times of trouble when you prayed and trusted in him in some particular situation.

Thought for October 21st. “AS I HAVE LOVED YOU” Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

There are so many points in chapters 15 & 16 of John’s Gospel as we read it this morning that a whole book could be written (and have been written) seeking to fully draw out the lessons Jesus is teaching. One of these is, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” [15 v.12]

Talking about love is common in today’s world; for example, one can sing, and there are a lot of these and similar songs, “I first loved you when …” In contrast the love that the Bible speaks about is the special nature of a relationship that can exist between human beings. Jesus says he has demonstrated that by the love he has shown to his disciples.

So how did he demonstrate this? What did he do? He showed understanding and encouragement when their faith was frail; he washed their feet as an example of humility and of serving one another. At one stage his disciples were excited at the thought of becoming important and asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom …” He called a child and “put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom … “ [Matt. 18 v.1-3]

At the end of today’s reading notice how Jesus responds to their declaration that “we believe that you came from God” by saying, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home … I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [16 v.30-33]

Peace? The nature of “in me you may have peace” is far beyond normal human experience. True love brings peace. Now notice as you read the letters some of the disciples wrote how they use this word. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you” [1 Peter 1 v.2]. Later he writes, “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” [2 v.2,3] Tasted? More food for our thoughts. Reading and meditating on John’s Gospel is a rich source of spiritual nutrients and helps true believers to love each other “as I have loved you.”

Letter to the Ecclesia at Philadelphia: ‘You kept my command’ (Pete Owen) Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: ### Summary The letter to the Ecclesia in Philadelphia emphasizes their faithfulness in keeping God’s word, promising them blessings and an open door to eternal life.

### Highlights

– Philadelphia’s rich history as a gateway city shaped its early Christian community.

– The meaning of “Philadelphia” symbolizes brotherly love, aligning with Christ’s command to love one another.

– The Key of David signifies Christ’s authority over life and death, emphasizing His role as the ultimate steward.

– The Ecclesia’s commendable works include faithfulness and perseverance, despite their small size and resources.

– An open door represents opportunities for spiritual elevation and blessings in the Kingdom.

– Promises of becoming pillars in God’s temple reflect their steadfastness and future glory.

– The letter serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping God’s word at the heart of ecclesial life.

– Historical Context: Understanding Philadelphia’s history of destruction and rebuilding adds depth to their spiritual resilience. This context parallels the trials faced by Christians, showing the importance of remaining steadfast.

– Love and Discipleship: The letter underlines Jesus’ command in John 13 about loving one another, reinforcing that true discipleship is founded on love, a core value for the Ecclesia.

– Authority of Christ: The Key of David symbolizes Christ’s sovereign rule and ability to grant access to life, underscoring His unique role as the source of eternal hope for believers.

– Strength in Weakness: The small size of the Philadelphia Ecclesia highlights that true strength comes from faithfulness to God’s word, not from numbers or resources, encouraging believers in similar situations.

– Open Door to Heaven: The promise of an open door indicates opportunities for spiritual growth and eternal life, inviting the faithful to embrace their calling with hope.

– Eternal Promises: The imagery of becoming pillars in God’s temple signifies stability and honor in the Kingdom, encouraging perseverance amid trials.

– Ultimate Redemption: The letter’s blessings point towards the New Jerusalem, illustrating the hope of eternal life and God’s ultimate plan for His faithful followers.

Key Insights

The Folly of Artificial Intelligence Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

Highlights
– **Understanding AI**: Many people are overwhelmed by AI’s complexity and its influence on daily life.
– **Knowledge Increase**: AI contributes to rapid knowledge growth, resonating with biblical prophecies.
– **Driving Forces**: The pursuit of wealth significantly drives AI development, often overshadowing ethical concerns.
– **Conflict**: AI presents moral and spiritual conflicts for believers, challenging their faith and understanding.
– **Red Lines**: Establishing boundaries is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of AI’s influence on faith and practice.
– **Spiritual Enlightenment**: Reliance on AI may lead to a diminished understanding of scripture and spiritual truths.
– **Judgment Seat**: The folly of AI will be revealed at the Judgment, emphasizing the need for personal spiritual growth and understanding.

# Key Insights
– **AI Complexity**: Many struggle with defining AI and understanding its impact, highlighting the need for clear guidance in navigating this technology.
– **Biblical Wisdom vs. Human Knowledge**: AI’s growth aligns with biblical prophecies about knowledge increase, yet it pales in comparison to God’s wisdom, which remains timeless and superior.
– **Ethical Concerns**: The love of money fuels AI advancements, raising ethical questions about its implementation and the motives behind its development.
– **Moral Dilemmas**: AI introduces significant conflicts that challenge the beliefs of Bible students, necessitating a deeper engagement with scripture and faith.
– **Personal Responsibility**: Individuals must set personal boundaries with AI to maintain spiritual integrity and personal connection to God’s word.
– **Reliance on Technology**: Over-dependence on AI tools for Bible study risks diminishing one’s understanding and memorization of scripture, impacting spiritual growth.
– **The Final Judgment**: The reliance on AI may leave individuals unprepared for spiritual accountability, underscoring the importance of active faith and personal righteousness.

Thought for October 20th. “BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU ALSO WILL LIVE” Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

Today’s and tomorrow’s chapters in John’s Gospel are two of the most meaningful in the whole of the Bible. We must not make the mistake, as sadly some do, of plucking a few of the words out of their context. An essential theme in these chapters is to see that Jesus is talking about relationships: firstly, his relationship with his father – and then with those who truly believe, beginning with believing in him, leading to belief and a relationship with the Father. This leads to a relationship with the Spirit which we notice is 3 times called “the Spirit of truth” (Ch.14 v.17; 15 v.26; 16 v.13).

When Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” it is evident that he was not talking of normal human life. His resurrection will reveal that, it will turn their hearts from utter despair to absolute wonderment! We notice the future tense, “you also will live”! In what way? He had already said, in telling them of his own future “in the new world when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Matt 18 v.28]

Can you see the link between this and his promise to them in John 14 v.1-3? Many misunderstand his words, “Let not your hearts be troubled … In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

We are reading in Ezekiel of a wondrous house or temple that will be built. We should remember how earlier in John we read of Jesus condemning the Jews in the temple that then existed, saying “do not make my father’s house a house of trade” [Ch. 2 v.16] Through Ezekiel we have a picture of a far greater house the Father will cause to be erected – and the resurrected disciples will one day occupy rooms in that house as they judge the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus is saying to all who listen to him through reading his word, “Because I live, you also will live” Are we listening?

MILESTONE...ONE YEAR ON since the Oct 7th massacre - Where is Israel now according to Prophecy? with Don Pearce. Oct 19, 2024

Show notes

### Summary

One year after the October 7th massacre, Israel's political and military landscape has shifted, revealing God's hand in fulfilling prophecy.

### Highlights

- 🕊️ **God's Hand at Work**: Over the past year, Israel shows signs of divine intervention in its struggles.

- 🔥 **Division in Israel**: The political divide between left-wing and right-wing ideologies has deepened, impacting national security.

- 📅 **Historical Milestones**: Key events in Jewish history, like the 1947 UN resolution and the 1967 Six-Day War, shape current realities.

- ⚔️ **Military Successes**: Israel has made significant military advancements against Hamas and Hezbollah, changing the balance of power.

- 🌍 **Global Context**: The Vatican's influence and international politics complicate Israel's position, especially regarding its enemies.

- ✝️ **Prophetic Fulfillment**: Scriptures indicate a time of purification for Israel, leading to eventual peace.

- 📖 **Call to Righteousness**: The message emphasizes the need for personal faith and readiness for the coming of the Lord.

### Key Insights

- 🌟 **Divine Direction**: The notion that Israel's recent struggles are part of a larger divine plan underscores the belief in prophetic fulfillment, suggesting that current events are not random but orchestrated by God.

- 💔 **Political Polarization**: The deepening rift between left-wing and right-wing factions in Israel poses a significant threat to national unity and security, highlighting a struggle for identity and purpose.

- 📜 **Historical Context**: Understanding Israel's journey from historical milestones to present challenges is crucial for grasping its current geopolitical strategies and existential threats.

- 🚀 **Military Prowess**: Israel's advancements against adversaries like Hamas and Hezbollah not only enhance its security but also serve as a testament to its military capabilities and strategic planning.

- 🤝 **International Relations**: The Vatican's role and the shifting alliances emphasize the complexities of global politics that influence Israel, reflecting a broader narrative of religious and political tensions.

- 🔄 **Transformation Expectation**: The expectation of Israel's spiritual and national transformation points to a future where faith plays a pivotal role in its identity and governance.

- ⏳ **Personal Readiness**: The urgency for individuals to reflect on their faith and readiness for the anticipated return of the Lord serves as a key takeaway, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance in tumultuous times.

Thought for October 19th. “THE WORD … WILL JUDGE … ON THE LAST DAY” Oct 19, 2024

Show notes

Today’s 12th chapter in John’s gospel is one of the most profound and thought challenging in the whole Bible! The atmosphere within human hearts of the choice between the broad and narrow ways was rarely so evident than in this time before the arrest of Jesus. The Master’s challenging observations jump out at us.

The envy our Lord’s popularity generated was increasing. The raising to life of Lazarus after 4 days in the tomb was significant in causing this. “So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” [v.10,11]

John records the ‘agony’ in the mind of Jesus, and we are to learn that John was “the one whom Jesus loved” [20 v.2, 21 v.7] and he is able to record the words of Jesus, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” [v.27] The humanity of Jesus is most evident here – and the words in Hebrews ‘jump’ into our minds, that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [ 4 v.5]

At this moment after Jesus prays, “Father, glorify your name.” … a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” [v.28]. Yesterday we read how “the glory of God” was seen (v.40) in the raising of Lazarus. This was a foretaste of the raising of Jesus – but many were not to be aware of this, only those who believed in him. Wonderfully, on one occasion “he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time” [1 Cor. 15 v.6] What is the future for those who did not believe in him – despite the evidence! Later in this chapter we read, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken th will judge him on e last day.” [v.48] How close are we now to the last day!? And the written word is available to all, let us make every effort to “receive” them – and daily show in our words and actions that we have done so.

Job: I know that my redeemer liveth #5 'An effectual Fervent Prayer' with Jack Lawson Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The book of Job is a very challenging book providing great insight into the reason why we as mortal sinful people suffer from time to time throughout our lives. Lessons can be learned by each one of us of the righteousness of God and His Almighty power but also of His tender loving care for all creation. We learn that we can always trust in God and so try to become like Job who feared God and shunned evil. Summary Job’s suffering raises profound questions about God’s righteousness and the problem of evil, ultimately leading to understanding and redemption. Highlights Job’s friends failed to provide answers to his suffering. 🤷‍♂️ Elihu suggests suffering can be a means of divine communication. 🔊 God’s response emphasizes His sovereignty and righteousness. 🌌 Job realizes his own limitations and repents. 🙏 Job’s restoration illustrates God’s mercy and justice. 💖 The naming of Job’s daughters reflects innocence and beauty. 👧 Suffering can have a greater purpose in the divine plan. 🌈 Key Insights Job’s friends were unable to justify his suffering, highlighting the limitations of human understanding. Their silence emphasizes a key theme: sometimes, no words can adequately explain pain. 🤔 Elihu introduces the idea that suffering may serve as a form of divine communication, suggesting that God’s voice can be heard even in hardship. This reveals a potential purpose behind suffering. 📣 God’s response to Job showcases His omnipotence and the intricacy of creation, reminding us that His ways and thoughts are beyond human comprehension, reinforcing trust in divine wisdom. 🌠 Job’s repentance signifies a pivotal moment of humility, illustrating the importance of recognizing our own limitations in understanding God’s plans. It invites us to lean on divine grace. 🕊️ The restoration of Job symbolizes hope and divine justice, demonstrating that faithfulness can lead to redemption and restoration, reflecting God’s nature as compassionate and merciful. 🌻 The names of Job’s daughters symbolize the attributes of innocence and beauty, suggesting a deeper understanding of God’s creation and the inherent value of life. 🌸 Ultimately, Job’s story teaches us that suffering can serve a greater purpose, encouraging trust in God’s overarching plan even when we cannot see the reasons behind our trials. 🌅

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Bible Standard – Re-Discover the Truth.

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected