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Thought for September 8th. “TO KEEP ME FROM BEING TOO ELATED” Sep 08, 2024

Show notes

We made reference yesterday to those who “measure themselves” against each other – and how this is seen in attitudes in such as politicians. We now read in Corinthians of Paul’s comments of the things he could boast about – if he wanted to. The final chapters illustrate that boastful attitudes were still a problem at Corinth, they also illustrate that Paul had come to realize he should be thankful, that “a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated” [v.7]; it reminds us of how Jesus was “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted” (tested – Matt. 4 v.1)

We cannot be sure what this “thorn” was, some disability; many think it could have been poor eyesight. Turn on 2 or 3 pages and look at the last chapter of Galatians, Paul writes “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand” [v.11] which indicates difficulty in writing which was most likely caused by poor eyesight.

This handicap, whatever it was, stopped him from being too elated and so he says, “for the sake of Christ then I am content with weaknesses …” But why is it called “a messenger of Satan”? It is a figure of speech to describe adversity. Satan is a Hebrew word, and several times in the Old Testament it is translated as “adversary” and a particular person is named. Adversity brings out the best in genuine disciples!

In completing this letter he expresses the fear that when he comes “I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality and sensuality that they have practiced” [12 v.21] There is the blunt request (13 v.5) “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves that Jesus Christ is IN you” (13 v.9). Let us test ourselves.

The atmosphere at Corinth seems to have been very much like that in Australia today, for all of us are struggling to maintain our faith today in our increasingly Godless environments. We need God’s word IN our thoughts every day as a defence against the fleshly attitudes all around us. Paul says, don’t you realize ”Christ is IN you” Those who are baptised must realize this – every day. We prove that Christ is in us by becoming more and more like our Lord and Master in the way we think and act and most particularly in our prayer life. Paul concludes by writing, “Finally brothers (& sisters), rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace” [v.11] Let us also do that, there is no room in our lives to be elated..

Thought for September 7th. “THEY MEASURE THEMSELVES BY ONE ANOTHER” Sep 07, 2024

Show notes

It is human nature to constantly draw comparisons between “us” and “them.” This is particularly evident in the “game” of politics. Paul, as he starts to draw his 2nd letter to the Corinthians to a conclusion, expresses concern about certain influences upon them which were not spiritually healthy. He writes, “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have power to destroy strongholds” [10 v.4]

The weapons Paul is interested in, because they are vital as affecting our ‘eternity’, are not physical weapons; they are those which destroy the “strongholds” of wrong thinking. Paul next states, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. …” [v.5] It is the words of Christ and the words his apostles were inspired to say and write which “destroy arguments” founded on human reasoning, which are even more dangerous when they are expressed as a “lofty opinion” seeming to be an extension of God’s revealed word. Paul writes of “our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up …” [v.8], but he is concerned about “those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another they are without understanding.” [v.12] Real understanding and genuine faith will only increase when it is built up on a true “knowledge of God”[v.5] as found in his revealed word.

Paul says, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough” [11 v.3,4].

It is those who “measure themselves by one another” instead of the word of God that distort the nature and message of Jesus Christ. The end result, as history shows, has been to portray Jesus as equal to God himself and to create a “different gospel” rather that the gospel that was first preached to Abraham (Galatians 3 v.7-9). May we, through our constant reading and reflection on the words of Scripture learn to fully measure ourselves, our beliefs and hopes, by the actual words that God has inspired and that have been preserved to our day.

Thought for September 6th. “IMPUDENT AND STUBBORN” Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

Yesterday we started reading the book of Ezekiel. He is a priest (1 v.3) and is with those taken into captivity and placed by the Babylonians “by the Chebar canal” [v,3]. Jerusalem and the Temple have not yet been destroyed, indeed we calculate from the dates given, that its’ destruction is still about 18 years in the future. Those in captivity with Ezekiel are setting their hopes on being able to return to their homeland.

Ezekiel’ s initial commission after seeing the Divine visions recorded in ch. 1 is, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.” [2 v.3-5]

It is evident that these captives had no sense of being in awe of the LORD. God’s message through Ezekiel is the very opposite of what, from a human point of view, is a good message – and the Bible’s message for the world today – as to its’ immediate future – is the very opposite of a good message. It seems fitting to describe the vast majority today as being “ignorant and stupid” or as ‘The Message’ Bible puts it, “hardened in their sin” – but we have a responsibility to give a message so that “they will know” what God’s word plainly predicts.

Then the LORD addresses Ezekiel personally, “Be not afraid of their words, be not dismayed … for they are rebellious … but you … Be not rebellious …. open your mouth …” [v.6,8] and he is given a scroll “… and there were on it …“words of lamentation and mourning and woe.” [v.10] The burden of Ezekiel’s message, in the first half of his book is very similar to that of Jeremiah, both were giving God’s message at the same time, but in different locations.

We must be the very opposite of being rebellious. May it be true of us as was now happening in Corinth; Paul is rejoicing at their renewed spirit. We read today his joy for “… you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness …” [2 Cor. 8 v.7] The believers there were showing their great love for their Lord and for Paul by the ready financial support for those in trouble. It was not a matter of tithing as some practice today – without any Scriptural warrant, for tithing was practised only under the law of Moses; but the believers, writes Paul, “…gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints” [v.3,4] May we be so motivated to give from what we are blessed to possess – and that includes our time – in serving the Lord.

Thought for September 5th. “BRINGING HOLINESS TO COMPLETION …” Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Today we read 3 short but remarkable chapters in 2nd Corinthians. Paul has learnt through the coming of Titus the blessing that spiritual life and attitudes are improving in Corinth. He writes, “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he has comforted you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoice still more. For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it … I rejoice … because you were grieved into repenting.” [7 v.6-8]

The path to true joy is sometimes difficult, but that is a fact of life that sadly some do not want to learn, but it is the experience in greater or lesser degree of every believer who sets out to walk in the footsteps of Christ. It is said that we learn from our mistakes – but that is only true when we see clearly where we have strayed from the narrow way. Sometimes God brings about drastic correction as we read today in 2 Kings 10 where Jehu, on becoming king completed the destruction of all of Ahab’s large offspring and all those who worshipped Baal – but even this failed to bring the kingdom of Israel to serve God correctly. Cutting out what is bad is only the halfway stage. Repentance is a tragedy when it does not lead to a new start.

Note the words at the start of 2 Cor. 7 – “since we have these promises…”. What promises? We must grasp the overwhelming extent of these promises spelt out in the last 3 verses of Ch. 6; “…we are the temple of the living God, as God has said. ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them … then I will welcome you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” [v.16-18]. These verses are quoted from Leviticus 26 v.12 and Isaiah 52 v.11 – and demonstrate that all 66 books of the Bible are one unit.

Immediately after these verses comes the statement, “Since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” [7 v.1] What a totally wonderful perception – leading to that challenge to ”bring holiness to completion.” Let us live in awe of what God must be and realise the truth of 5 v.17 that “if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation.”

The completion of that “new creation” is our lifetimes’ work; may we all realize this and complete the race, for we are all in the race of life. Let us never see that ‘work’ as beyond us. Paul knew God “is able to do far more abundantly more than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [3 v.20]

Prophetic Detail in the Promises to Abraham - Geoff Cave (Season 1 - Episode 1) Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

The purpose of this article is to look at some

of the details in the promises to Abraham

and see how they have been and will be

fulfilled. Abraham was promised his descendants

would be as numerous as the dust of the earth, as

the sand on the sea shore, and as the stars of

heaven. These statements are not just saying the

same thing three times using different language,

but each of these statements is an important

element of the divine purpose with Abraham and

his seed. Using other parts of Scripture to

interpret the symbols it is possible to gain a better

understanding of what was revealed to the

patriarch.

Read more here...

https://christadelphianvideo.org/document/compare-expound-march-2023/

Keeping your Garments in a Shameless World #2 'The Woman is the Glory of the Man' Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: As far as God is concerned, clothing was designed to represent humility and separation. We find that the Bible starts with nakedness and ends with appropriate clothing. God's view of modesty expected in a worshipper, as outlined in the Bible, is explored. Consideration is given to the roles of men and women as symbolising Christ and his Bride."Highlights🕊️ Modesty Matters: The theme focuses on modesty in a shameless world, especially for women.📖 Biblical Basis: Draws from 1 Corinthians 11, discussing the cultural context of head coverings.Key Insights💡 Cultural Context: Understanding the societal norms of first-century Rome helps clarify Paul’s teachings on modesty and head coverings. This cultural backdrop reveals the significance of a woman’s attire in denoting marital status and propriety.🏆 Glory in Behavior: A woman’s conduct can either uplift or shame her husband, emphasizing the importance of behavior in marriage. The idea is that a virtuous woman enhances her husband’s honor and status within the community.💔 Immodesty and Exploitation: The modern media often glorifies immodesty, leading to the objectification of women. This parallel to ancient practices points to a troubling trend that devalues women in society.🤝 Mutual Responsibility: Both men and women hold responsibility for modesty and character, reflecting the principle that behavior should align with Christian values. This mutual respect strengthens relationships and community.🌹 Inner Qualities Over Appearance: Emphasizing that true beauty is found in good deeds and character, not in outward adornment, encourages a focus on spiritual growth rather than physical appearance.🔄 Timeless Principles: The teachings of Paul regarding modesty remain relevant today, encouraging Christians to reflect on how their actions and attire align with their faith and values.🌍 Global Perspective: The discussion of modesty varies across cultures, illustrating the need for discernment and guidance in understanding what constitutes modest dress in different contexts.

Keeping your Garments in a Shameless World #1 'God Doesn't Care What I Wear?' Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: This two-part presentation was prompted by comments made on line by female Christian writers on the subject of nudity and dress codes. The comments were discovered by the presenter during research on the subject of modesty. In the opinion of these writers ‘there is no dress code’ in the Bible. Furthermore, given that God at creation pronounced Adam and Eve ‘very good’ in their naked state, then the concern for their nakedness and fig leaf invention and the subsequent skin covering provided by God was only to appease their shame. The writer’s conclusion being that God was fine with them staying as they were. In fairness the author discussing nudity, was not suggesting that women should go about naked but simply that public nudity was not at a fundamental level a problem with God. The purpose of our presentations is to explore the Bible position on dress code, and nudity in session one, under the title “God Doesn’t Care What I Wear”, and the second session the more nuanced subject of Modesty, under the heading of “The Woman is the Glory of the Man”. Description: As far as God is concerned, clothing was designed to represent humility and separation. We find that the Bible starts with nakedness and ends with appropriate clothing. God's view of modesty expected in a worshipper, as outlined in the Bible, is explored. Consideration is given to the roles of men and women as symbolising Christ and his Bride."### Highlights- 👗 God cares about what we wear, contrary to popular beliefs.- 👫 Modern dating culture often overlooks the value of sexual purity.- 📖 Biblical references highlight the significance of modesty.- 🌍 Society normalizes shamelessness, affecting moral conduct.- 👖 Adam and Eve's fig leaves were deemed inadequate by God.- ✝️ The New Testament raises the standards for spiritual attire.- 🎓 Clothing reflects our values and relationship with God.### Key Insights- 📜 The Bible presents a consistent view on modesty, emphasizing that clothing should reflect our faith and values. This principle is woven throughout scripture. - 💔 The modern dating scene often dismisses traditional views on relationships and morality, leading to a culture of shamelessness that conflicts with biblical teachings.- 🧥 God's expectations of attire are evident in both the Old and New Testaments, showing a continuous call for modesty and respect in how we present ourselves.- 🕊️ The call for humility and mutual respect in relationships transcends mere outward appearance, emphasizing the need for inner spiritual adornment.- 🔍 The act of dressing and preparing for God's presence is symbolic of our spiritual readiness and respect for His holiness.- ✨ The connection between clothing and identity is significant, suggesting that our attire communicates our values and beliefs to the world.- 📅 The evolution of dress codes from the Old Testament to the New Testament highlights a shift from physical to spiritual attire, urging believers to embody Christ-like qualities.

Upholding the Truth # 6 'The Captain of My People' Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah’s faith and challenges are paralleled with the Philippian jailer’s experiences, emphasizing the importance of trust in God amid trials. Highlights 🙏 Hezekiah’s faith saved Jerusalem from Assyria. 📜 Babylon’s influence warns against religious complacency. 💔 Personal battles, like Hezekiah’s leprosy, are crucial. 👑 Hezekiah, the “captain of my people,” shows leadership in faith. ✝️ Jesus, the ultimate captain, guides us through trials. 💖 Mutual support strengthens ecclesial bonds. 🏰 Salvation lies within the walls of faith and community. Key Insights 🔑 Faith Over Fear: Hezekiah’s trust in God during crises highlights that faith can overcome worldly threats and personal struggles. This teaches us to lean on divine strength in tough times. ⚖️ Beware of Babylon: The narrative warns against allowing worldly influences into spiritual communities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining ecclesial purity. 🧠 Inner Battles Matter: Hezekiah’s physical ailments symbolize the internal struggles with sin, reminding us that personal battles must be fought with faith and perseverance. 🌟 Leadership in Faith: As the “captain,” Hezekiah demonstrates how true leaders inspire and protect their communities through faith, setting a model for ecclesial leadership. 💔 Shared Suffering: Like Hezekiah, we learn that shared struggles within the community can foster deeper connections and resilience, reinforcing the importance of supporting one another. 🌈 Hope in Trials: The story emphasizes that trials are not without purpose; they refine character and strengthen faith, preparing us for future challenges. 🏰 Community as Refuge: The walls of Jerusalem symbolize safety and salvation, urging us to remain within our spiritual communities for support and growth.

Upholding the Truth #5 Sent to Reproach the Living God Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah, facing the Assyrian threat, inspires courage in his people by reminding them of God’s power, emphasizing faith over fear. Highlights 🛡️ Hezekiah rallies his people to be strong and courageous against the Assyrians. 📖 He draws on scripture to comfort the fearful, showing the power of faith. 💪 “With us is Yahweh” emphasizes reliance on God over human strength. 🎶 The people find peace in Hezekiah’s encouraging words. ⚔️ The Assyrian army is defeated miraculously, demonstrating God’s protection. 🌄 Isaiah’s prophecies point to future deliverance for Jerusalem. 🎉 The song of victory is celebrated, illustrating the joy of faithfulness. Key Insights 📜 Scriptural Foundation: Hezekiah’s reliance on scripture during crisis illustrates the importance of grounding ourselves in God’s word during challenges. By recalling God’s promises, we find strength and guidance. 🤝 Leadership in Crisis: A true leader, like Hezekiah, prioritizes the well-being of their people, even in personal distress. His actions reflect selflessness and commitment to his nation. 🌊 Divine Protection: The miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army showcases God’s power, reinforcing the belief that divine intervention surpasses human capabilities in times of trouble. 🎵 The Power of Praise: Singing praises in difficult times serves as a profound act of faith. It unites the community and shifts focus from fear to trust in God’s deliverance. 🕊️ Peace Through Trust: “Thou will keep him in perfect peace” emphasizes that true peace comes from unwavering trust in God, reminding us to focus our minds on Him amid chaos. 🔍 Discernment Against Falsehood: The RAB Shaker’s manipulative words highlight the need for discernment against misleading messages. Recognizing truth from deception is crucial in faith. 🌍 End Times Connection: The parallels drawn between Hezekiah’s time and future events show the continuity of God’s plan for His people, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith as they await ultimate redemption.

Upholding the Truth #4 'Why Should the King of Assyria Come and Find Much Water' Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah’s early reign was marked by significant reforms and leadership, focusing on restoring worship in Jerusalem amidst the threat of Assyria. Highlights 🏛️ Hezekiah began temple restoration on his first day as king. 🎉 The Passover was celebrated in the second month, showcasing unity and devotion. 🙌 Hezekiah appointed the priests and Levites to ensure proper worship. 💰 The people generously brought offerings for the temple work. 🔨 Hezekiah’s leadership was a model of faith amidst adversity. ⚔️ The threat from Assyria loomed as Hezekiah sought God’s guidance. 🌊 Hezekiah managed Jerusalem’s water supply during the siege preparation. Key Insights 📖 Restoration of Worship: Hezekiah prioritized temple restoration, emphasizing the importance of worship in maintaining faith and community identity. This action set a spiritual revival in motion. 🤝 Community Generosity: The people’s willingness to contribute abundantly reflects the collective responsibility for spiritual health, highlighting the role of community in ecclesiastical life. 🛡️ Leadership Amidst Crisis: Hezekiah exemplified decisive leadership during crises, urging trust in God rather than reliance on human alliances, which serves as a timeless lesson in faith and governance. 💧 Strategic Resource Management: Hezekiah’s foresight in securing water sources during sieges underscores the critical nature of preparation and resource management in times of conflict. 📜 Lessons from History: The parallel between Hezekiah’s actions and the early Christian church serves as a reminder of the continuity of faith and leadership principles throughout biblical history. ✉️ Covenant with God vs. Man: The rulers’ inclination to seek alliances with Egypt, instead of relying on God, illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual reliance. 🌌 Divine Providence: Hezekiah’s successful initiatives, despite external threats, showcase how divine support can empower those who earnestly seek to do God’s will, reinforcing the belief in providential guidance.

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