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Thought for August 20th. ” … STIRRED UP THE CROWD” Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

As we reflected on our Mark 15 reading we noted how the evil “chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him (Pilate) release for them Barabbas instead” of Jesus (v.11) The role of the “crowd” is often a significant factor in the course of events. We have read earlier in the book of Kings of the harmony and cohesion of the nation during the reigns of David and Solomon when, more than at any other time, the value of God-fearing kings who can exercise total control and whose word is Law, brought stability and peace to the nation.

Our 1 Kings reading (15) describes the chaos of life for 20 years after the death of Solomon until good king Asa came on the throne and reigned for 41 years. The northern kingdom never had a good king. Those in the north who sought to live under a good king moved south at that time. (2 Chron. 15 v,9).

Our Jeremiah chapter (41) describes the total chaos after Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians – the man they left in charge, Gedaliah, is murdered. The experiences feed into Jeremiah’s mind leading him to write his ‘Lamentations’ which we will read in a couple of weeks. His godly mind was overwhelmed by all that happened.

Today we have situations which are the same in many ways; the “crowd” are “stirred up” to influence those in power or seeking power. Many leaders and aspiring leaders try to take advantage of this. An incredible array of means are available for people to urge this or that course of action – compared to when we were young. We are awed by the prospect that someday, maybe soon, that (taking the “heavens” to represent the ruling powers) what we read in Mark 13 will occur; “the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” [v,26,27]

As these events threaten to unfold – what must be the attitude and expectation in the minds of the truly faithful!? God’s kingdom is at the door; a far greater kingdom than that of David and Solomon, it will be world-wide. David’s Psalm for Solomon (72) goes far beyond what happened in his son’s reign to become a prayer and vision of what his greater son will accomplish. In our Mark chapter. Pilate himself called Jesus “the king of the Jews” (v.9), but, Jesus said to him, “ my kingdom is not from this world” [John 18 v.36] God will appoint him, not man, and he will reign with God given power. We must not be “stirred up” by any human means – but through the zeal with which we read God’s word.

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Family Matters 'Gender and Marriage' Aug 19, 2024

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A @Christadelphians Video: Summary The presentation is about gender differences in marriage and how the Bible provides guidance on the topic. The speaker discusses their interest in marriage and relationships, and how they developed a series of talks on the subject. They also talk about their book “For Better or For Worse” and the accompanying workbook. The speaker emphasizes that while there are differences between men and women, most aspects of discipleship are common to both genders. They also address the politicization of gender differences and the importance of understanding biblical perspectives. Highlights The speaker developed a series of talks on relationships due to a lack of biblical content on the subject. Their book “For Better or For Worse” covers various topics related to marriage, including dating, communication, and difficulties. The accompanying workbook was created to provide Christadelphian couples with material for marriage courses. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding both the common aspects of discipleship and the differences between men and women. They discuss the physical and neurological differences between genders and the societal and cultural implications of these differences. Keywords gender differences, marriage, relationships, Bible, book, workbook, discipleship, physical differences, neurological differences, cultural implications Timestamps 00:01 - Introduction to the topic of gender differences in marriage 00:32 - Reading from Ephesians chapter 5 about husbands loving their wives 02:04 - The speaker’s interest in marriage and relationships 03:19 - Developing a series of talks on relationships for teens and wider audience 04:28 - Writing the book "For Better or For Worse" 05:39 - Creating a workbook to accompany the book for marriage courses 07:15 - The format of the book and the workbook 08:23 - Emphasizing the common aspects of discipleship for both genders 10:04 - Acknowledging the differences between men and women 11:10 - Physical and neurological differences between genders 12:19 - Societal and cultural implications of gender differences 14:04 - The Bible’s perspective on gender differences and its relevance throughout the scriptures ****************************************************************************** This video was produced by the ChristadelphianVideo.org project, arranged and supported by Christadelphians worldwide. You can follow us online at.. #1 Our Main site... https://cdvideo.org #2 Our podcast on Podbean... https://cdvideo.org/podcast #3 Our podcast on Apple...https://cdvideo.org/podcast-apple #4 Our podcast on Anchor...https://cdvideo.org/truth-talk #5 Our facebook...https://facebook.com/OpenBibles #6 Our Whats App... http://cdvideo.org/WhatsApp #7 Our Instagram... http://cdvideo.org/Instagram #8 Our X... http://cdvideo.org/X #9 Our YouTube Channel... http://cdvideo.org/youtube #10 Our Audio site Scripturescribe.com... https://cdvideo.org/mp3 #11 linktr.ee/cdvideo #Christadelphianvideo #christadelphianstalk #Christadelphians #bibletruthfeed #openbible #Gospeltruth #gospel #Christadelphian #bibletruthfeed #podcast #Christadelphians #discoverthebible #thebiblechannel

Thought for August 19th. “…. UNBEARABLE NEWS FOR YOU” Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

Have you heard of the prophet Ahijah? He plays a small but significant role during the reign of Solomon and also later. First, God sends him to Jeroboam, during Solomon’s reign, to tell him (1 Kings 11 v.29-39) that he would become king over most of Israel after Solomon’s death. God’s message to Jeroboam, via Ahijah was, “if you will listen to all I command you … I will be with you and will build you a sure house” [v.38]

Ahijah’s words came true and this should have influenced Jeroboam when he became king of the breakaway northern tribes of Israel after Solomon’s death. But he used human wisdom to try to ensure the people remained loyal to him. He feared that if they went up to the temple in Jerusalem to worship their loyalty to him would be undermined – to prevent this he set up two places of worship in the northern kingdom, where he made golden calves and said these were the gods that had brought them out of Egypt long ago. He also appointed priests who were not Levites to administer the sacrifices. Worse still he even offered sacrifices himself on the feast days (12 v.33)

We read yesterday (13 v.1) that “a man of God” came to prophecy against Jeroboam’s altar and said what was to happen here in the future (v.30. Now Jeroboam’s son and heir fell sick and he knew it was no good going to any of his priests or local prophets so, we read today, he sent his wife, disguised, to see the prophet Ahijah.

The LORD told Ahijah she was coming and as she came in he cried out, “I am charged with unbearable news for you” [14 v.6]. The first part of the news was condemnation on Jeroboam and his descendants because of his failure to serve God in the right way: the second, that the child would die as she got home.

Surely we can see a parallel in these events with today. The present generation has become totally unfaithful to the word of God. Five hundred years ago, when the Bible was first printed and available to the great majority to read, it transformed the way many people thought and caused a reformation. If God sent a prophet today his message would be something like, “I am charged with unbearable news” for the whole earth. This makes us think about the kind of message we should give – especially our personal message to neighbours and workmates – maybe something like – this world is doomed – there is only one way to live and have an expectation of a future. By the will of God, there will be one here and one there that will not scoff – and “the seed” will take root.

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Thought for August 17th. “JEREMIAH SANK IN THE MUD” Aug 17, 2024

Show notes

Jeremiah’s tests of faith now reached new heights, but God had prepared him for this – just as he did with Abraham, for we recall his increasing tests of faith. The king’s officials had pressured the king, they said to him, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city.” [38 v.4] And the king said, “Behold he is in your hands, for the king can do nothing against you.” [v.5] Sounds rather similar to the power of the people today, Govts do what the masses want.

“So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern … letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.” [v.6] Help came from an unexpected quarter and undoubtedly it was the LORD’S doing. The Almighty had indicated to Jeremiah that he would be preserved when he caused him to buy the “field that is at Anathoth” [32 v.7] so he knew there was a future for him. At that time Jeremiah prayed, “O great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of men, rewarding each according to his ways …” [v.18,19]

The unexpected source of help for Jeremiah, was an Ethiopian! Ebed-melech by name, he “said to the king, these men have done evil in all they did to Jeremiah …” [38 v.8] and as a result he “took …old rags and worn out clothes which he let down to the cistern by ropes” [v.11] and with the help of 3 others Ebed-melech pulled him out, possibly at some personal risk. The chapter ends by telling us ‘Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was taken.” These events compare with the parable we read today in Mark 12 about the tenants in the vineyard and how they mistreated the owner’s servants. For example, “they struck one on the head …some they beat and some they killed” [v.4,5]. We wonder if some remembered the life of Jeremiah as Jesus told this Parable. So “what will the owner of the vineyard do?” [v.9] We know the answers! After that he “will give the vineyard to others.” [v.9] May we be among the others; let us daily seek his “counsel” and appreciate his grace and blessings.

Thought for August 15th. “WHAT THEREFORE GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER” Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

A feature of our godless world is the minimising of the value of marriage. How few exchange vows that their union is taking place in the sight of God! Those who still do so must be fully conscious of the all-seeing, all-hearing and all-knowing presence of God; read Psalm 139.

After Jesus said that in marriage a man must “hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh,” Jesus added, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” [Mark 10 v.8,9] His disciples were provoked to “ ask him again about this matter. And he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another; she commits adultery.” [v.10-12].

Adultery is an obsolete word today – as is the word ‘sin’ – we live in a world in which nearly everyone does what is right in his (or her) own eyes. Of course, we all do that – but what influences our eyes and heart in making decisions? Does God’s word have real influence on us? Remember Solomon’s proverb, “Every way of man (or woman) is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart” [21 v.2] The more we fill our minds with God’s word, the more conscious we are of what is lacking in our hearts – and try to change it.

The situation was desperate in Israel in the days of the prophet Joel. Note the text in Ch. 2 v.12,13. “ ‘Yet even now’, declares the LORD … rend your hearts and not your garments’ Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love …”

Jesus was conscious of the children and it is they who also suffer in broken marriages – they will be the ‘next generation’ – and what is the next generation presently showing itself to be like!

Our chapter next tells us “they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” [v.13,14] Think about the ingredients of a real marriage where both are convinced that God has brought them together; this means that both fully accept what Jesus says – that to “receive the kingdom” one must be child-like before God (v.15). Are you making progress in receiving the kingdom?

Thought for August 14th. “THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND” Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Jesus said many things his disciples did not at first understand, it was only the events that followed that led to their understanding – and they are explained to them. This is part of the challenge in reading the Bible – our continuous reading should encourage us to read and search further and increase our understanding. By comparing Scriptures our minds open up to their fuller meaning. But our motives in this must spring from a contrite heart, we should never ‘boast’ about our understanding to others. If Scripture was all clearly understood on our first reading we would probably not feel so inclined to read it;, as it is, it is wonderful ‘food’ for thought every day.

Our chapter in Mark (9) starts with Jesus saying, “Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” What does he mean? The meaning is revealed 6 days later when Jesus takes 3 of them “up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them.” [v.2] He is the king, and a foretaste of his kingly glory is experienced.

Not only that – but “there appeared to them Moses and Elijah and they were talking with Jesus ….(the disciples) were terrified.” [v.4,6] So they saw a “vision” (Matt. 17 v.9) of future glory – and this would also have strengthened our Lord for the ordeal that lay ahead. We must not think of our Lord as some kind of ‘superman’. Heb. 5 v.7-9 tells us how “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears …”

As they come down from the mountain Jesus tells them “to tell no-one what they had seen, until the son of man had risen from the dead.” [v.9]. They did not know “what this rising from the dead might mean” [v.10] He later said, “after three days he will rise.’ But they did not understand …” [v.32]. It is all very well to be wise after the event, but put yourself into the disciples shoes! Would we have been any better? We live at the climax of the ages, certain coming events are clearly stated, but how exactly they are going to unfold we cannot know – and if we think that we do, we are unwise.

The chapter ends with Jesus using symbolic language as to why some will not be in the kingdom. He says “for everyone will be salted with fire.” [v.49] Purified? The disciples are told, “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” [v.50] On another occasion Jesus told the disciples, “You are the salt of the earth” [Matt. 5 v.13] A true relationship with God brings peace, but so few seem to have such a relationship today? The “salt of the earth” is now so diluted! Christ’s original message now has so little effect; the scene of faithlessness adds to our feeling that Christ is at the door, read Matt 25 v. 6-10.

Thought for August 13th. YOU ONLY, KNOW THE HEARTS OF ALL” Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

The magnificent temple Solomon built was opened and dedicated. Consider the words Solomon used in addressing God! “Whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind), that they may fear you all the days that they live …”[1 Kings 8 v.38-40] Does God “know” your heart? He must, he can give your life real meaning!

How can God “know the hearts of all”? Is this an exaggeration? During my lifetime clever human beings have discovered more of the ‘magic’ of making use of the ‘waves’ in the air that were discovered in the 19th Century: they can now transmit words and pictures around the world in an instant, the portraying of the Olympic Games is the latest example of this. The scientists of those earlier days were convinced there was a Great Creator. The scientist Faraday reasoned that God could not have created air and space with nothing in it! He, with other scientists of that age, experimented and discovered radio waves of varying frequencies.

Stop and think of the ‘power’ you tap into when you pick up a mobile phone and ring any one of countless millions of people in any country in the world within a minute or two – isn’t it telling you something? Isn’t it telling you to think carefully about what the Creator can do? Yes, he can “know” the hearts of all human beings!

We live in an age of wonders, but these should and must lead to us to wonder at – and be in awe of – the Creator. as to what we human beings, that God has created, can do – so should we not be ready to think of how God wants to be involved in our thinking and doing? Remember Paul’s words to the idol worshipping people of Athens. He told them about the One true God, saying, “In Him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17 v.28] Think what those words mean!

Paul told them, “that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him … he is actually not far from each one of us.” [v.27] David starts his 139th Psalm with this remarkable observation! “O LORD, you have searched me and known me … you discern my thoughts from afar.” Awesome! We ignore God at our peril. Sadly nearly everyone does – make sure you are not among them.

Thought for August 12th. “IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP” Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

How do we worship? What is worship? Unless we have a heartfelt awe of God there will be fundamental flaws in our worship. Our first aim must be to make sure we are approaching God and His Son in the way he desires. Our second aim should be to try to guide others to worship God in the way and spirit he is looking for – as the scriptures indicate in many places.

Our thoughts on this were prompted by our reading today in Mark ch. 7. Jesus, is dismayed at the type of worship he saw and bluntly states that what was happening was ”in vain.” How tragic that any worship is in vain. One cannot totally blame the atheist and agnostic for turning their back on Christianity.

The major reason why we read the Bible every day is to get a right understanding of what God and his Son Jesus, require of us: we learn how they should be served and worshipped – it must be in a spirit of true humility.

In today’s chapter Jesus calls the Pharisees and Scribes “hypocrites”[v.6], that is, people who put on a false front. He quotes Isaiah to them, saying he prophesied about them, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, in vain do they worship me; teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.”[v.7]

How much worship today is pleasing to God? Only God knows, but the above quotation shows there are two aspects we must get right. Our attitude of heart, for worship is not just a ritual, it must genuinely reflect the desires we feel in our heart, desires which spring from our awe of God and our own sense of unworthiness. We cannot “earn” salvation by anything we do. Secondly that the things we believe and teach are true to God’s word.

Words we read a week ago in the last chapter of Romans spring to mind, “watch for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites …” [v.17,18] How human appetites have been poorly fed over the Centuries!! Let us make sure our appetite is fed every day by the word of God, for his word will develop in us, if we are reading it in the right spirit, a true humility – and our worship will not be in vain..

Why are we still here? A Consideration of the Times and Seasons (J Cowie) Aug 11, 2024

Show notes

# Summary

This presentation explores the significance of the times and seasons, particularly in relation to the return of Christ and the establishment of God's Kingdom. It delves into various biblical prophecies, including the 70 weeks prophecy, the Jubilee periods, and the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, to provide insights into the current state of affairs and the imminent events that are to come.

### Highlights

🕰️ The 70 weeks prophecy and its secondary application to Christ's second advent, as suggested by Sir Isaac Newton and others.

🗓️ The identification of the 17th and 16th Jubilee years, and the possibility of the 70th Jubilee beginning in 2024, based on recent research.

⏳ The 50-year Jubilee period from the resurrection of the dead to the full establishment of the Kingdom, including the 40-year period of judgments from Armageddon.

🔍 The interpretation of the 1290 and 1335 days in Daniel 12, and the potential significance of the year 2023/2024.

💥 The predicted destruction of the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire by the year 2060, based on the analysis of Sir Isaac Newton and the biblical principles of "a time, times, and a dividing of time."

🌍 The current state of the world, with global crises, economic turmoil, and the rise of humanism, as signs of the imminent return of Christ.

# Keywords

- Biblical prophecy

- End times

- Jubilee periods

- Holy Roman Empire

- Papacy

#Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the presentation and the focus on Daniel 12:4

01:35 - Explanation of the meaning of "run to and fro" and "knowledge shall be increased" in Daniel 12:4

03:38 - Discussion of the "times and seasons" mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4

06:30 - Explanation of the Greek words "times" and "seasons" and their significance

08:40 - Importance of understanding the times and seasons, as exemplified by figures like Simeon and Anna

10:40 - Consideration of the 70 weeks prophecy and its secondary application to Christ's second advent

13:30 - Presentation of recent research on the identification of the 17th and 16th Jubilee years

17:00 - Explanation of the 50-year Jubilee period from the resurrection of the dead to the full establishment of the Kingdom

20:00 - Discussion of the 40-year period of judgments from Armageddon

22:30 - Exploration of the 1290 and 1335 days in Daniel 12 and their potential significance

27:00 - Explanation of the predicted destruction of the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire by 2060, based on Sir Isaac Newton's analysis

34:00 - Examination of the current state of the world and its relation to the imminent return of Christ

41:00 - Emphasis on the need for patience and endurance in the face of the coming events

44:00 - Concluding remarks on the urgency of the times and the importance of being prepared for Christ's return.

Who will be Saved? Aug 11, 2024

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary This presentation discusses the concept of God's sovereignty in choosing who will be saved, as explored through various biblical passages. The presenter emphasizes that it is not our own efforts or merits that determine salvation, but rather God's divine election and calling. ### Highlights 🔑 The presenter highlights that it is not about our own efforts or our family, but rather God's choice and invitation to be part of His family. 📖 The presentation explores various biblical passages, such as Luke 10, John 6, Acts 2 and 16, and Ephesians 1, which emphasize that it is God who opens our hearts and reveals the truth to us, not our own understanding. 🙏 The presenter encourages the audience to pray for their children and loved ones, recognizing that it is ultimately God's decision to call them, and to have patience and trust in His timing and purpose. 💔 The presentation acknowledges the pain and guilt that some may feel when their children or loved ones do not choose to follow the truth, and emphasizes that it is not a reflection on their parenting, but rather God's sovereign choice. 🕰️ The presentation suggests that God may call people at different times in their lives, like the prodigal son, and that we should keep the door open and continue to pray for them. # Keywords - Sovereignty of God - Predestination - Salvation #Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the concept of God's sovereignty in choosing who will be saved 02:25 - Exploration of biblical passages on God's calling and election 07:15 - Encouragement to pray for children and loved ones, recognizing God's sovereignty 10:45 - Addressing the pain and guilt felt by parents when their children do not follow the truth 13:30 - Emphasis on God's timing and patience in calling people to Him 15:15 - Conclusion: Keeping the door open and continuing to pray for those not yet called. ****************************************************************************** This video was produced by the ChristadelphianVideo.org project, arranged and supported by Christadelphians worldwide. You can follow us online at.. #1 Our Main site... https://cdvideo.org #2 Our podcast on Podbean... https://cdvideo.org/podcast #3 Our podcast on Apple...https://cdvideo.org/podcast-apple #4 Our podcast on Anchor...https://cdvideo.org/truth-talk #5 Our facebook...https://facebook.com/OpenBibles #6 Our Whats App... http://cdvideo.org/WhatsApp #7 Our Instagram... http://cdvideo.org/Instagram #8 Our X... http://cdvideo.org/X #9 Our YouTube Channel... http://cdvideo.org/youtube #10 Our Audio site Scripturescribe.com... https://cdvideo.org/mp3 #11 linktr.ee/cdvideo #Christadelphianvideo #christadelphianstalk #Christadelphians #bibletruthfeed #openbible #Gospeltruth #gospel #Christadelphian #bibletruthfeed #podcast #Christadelphians #discoverthebible #thebiblechannel

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