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Thought for June 15th. “HE DID NOT KNOW THE LORD HAD LEFT HIM” Jun 15, 2024

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The list in Hebrews of those who are named as examples of faith has some surprising inclusions and Samson is one of them. None of those in the list lived ‘perfect’ or blameless lives, but all had times in which they displayed great faith in God. We have just read the accounts of Samson’s remarkable strength because his hair had never been cut. When Delilah finally succeeded in getting him to tell her the source of his strength she shaved off all his hair and then awoke him and said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the LORD had left him. And the Philistines seized him …” [Judges 16 v.20,21]

The LORD was the real source of his strength – and at his death he killed a great number of Philistines who had “praised their god. For they said, ‘our god has given our enemy into our hand’” [v.24]. We read that “Samson called to the LORD and said, O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once” [v.28] and the Philistine house to their God, built around two main pillars, collapsed as Samson was given the strength by the LORD to push them apart, “so the dead that he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.” [v.30]

Now in the chapter we read yesterday there is a significant verse. When his father objected to him seeking a wife from among the Philistines and Samson insisted and “said to his father, Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes” [14 v.3], the next verse is very significant, “His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.”

This illustrates that God, who sees all and knows all; in giving us a free will, often weaves the weaknesses of our human nature into the way he achieves his divine purpose – especially among his people. Paul was aware of this, he wrote, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8 v.28] It is according to the Divine purpose that “things work together” – God frequently making use of human “weakness” to weave together his plans and bring them to pass. The more we read the Bible the more we will see examples of this.

Developing a Biblical Worldview - 5 Studies Jun 14, 2024

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Description: As disciples, it is critical to develop a Biblical worldview, which alters our view from fleshly reasoning to spiritual. It is a course which moves us to assess all situations through the eye of the spirit, which arouses opposition in ourselves and often those around us. God revealed his view of the Earth through the Creation, and in his hands, justice, peace and love were in perfect harmony, ultimately manifested in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Thought for June 14th. “IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THEM … “ Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

We read the first 2 chapters of Peter’s second epistle today and he, like Paul in his 2nd letter to Timothy, is nearing the end of his mortal life. Peter is greatly concerned that all too many who had accepted Jesus as their Saviour were losing their commitment and turning back to fleshly ways of thinking and living.

There is no half way position, either we are for Christ or we are not: either we are among the sheep or among the goats. Peter writes, “for if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back …” [Ch. 2 v.20,21]

Peter describes the way of life in the world around him – and it is so similar to today! “They have eyes full of adultery … they have hearts trained in greed … they promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption.” [v.14,19] Beware of human promises especially if they are made by apparently godly people – telling you that you do not have to worry about whether you sin or not anymore because whatever you do, the blood of Christ means you are always automatically forgiven.

Peter says that just as in Old Testament times there were “false prophets … also … there will be false teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive heresies … and many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed … they will exploit you with false words.” [v.1-3] Reading the Bible regularly will enable us to identify “false words.”

Finally, looking back at his 1st chapter we noted how believers should, because of the ungodliness all around them, “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness … for if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful …” [v5-6, 8]. Let us all live with the aim of bearing fruit – that will be ripe when Jesus returns.

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Thought for June 13th. “WHICH IN GOD’S SIGHT IS VERY PRECIOUS” Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

What is “very precious” in “God’s sight”? The 3rd chapter of Peter’s First Epistle includes a message addressed specifically to wives. He writes, “… wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives – when they see your respectful and pure conduct” [v.1,2]

Believing wives have a vital role in living for God and for Christ – and while the husband has an even more important role in the sight of God, wives have a responsibility to influence husbands who are failing to “obey the word” to influence them by their “respectful and pure conduct.”

There is a human saying that contains a lot of truth – that ‘nobody ever wins an argument’ – this is because each is intent on putting their own point of view – not in listening to the other. “Respectful and pure conduct” has great power when done with a heartfelt consciousness of God.

Peter warns wives against external adornments, instead “let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” [v.4] The phrase “in God’s sight” reminds us that God, through his spirit, sees far more than the “outward adorning” and men need to realise this just as much as women.

We live in a world, especially the western world, in which nearly everything is now done for outward show: the houses that are built – both inside and out, the clothes people wear, and most appliances for sale,

all have a heavy emphasis on “outward adorning.” On the other hand, we must beware of any inclination to go to the other extreme. If we try to make a point by doing that we will fail, humility is not “outward adorning” either.

In his 5th chapter Peter mentions another type of humility. We read, “clothe yourselves, all of you with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” [v.5-7] We recall what we read 4 days ago in James, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [4 v.6]

Let us list the things which “in God’s sight” are “very precious” and make sure all, both men and women, have that inward adorning, becoming ever more conscious that God can see absolutely everything.

Thought for June 12th. “LONG FOR THE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK” Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Peter’s letters contain so much that is appropriate to life today and the circumstances that challenge those struggling to believe and develop their faith in God. This is equally true of those who have spent a lifetime as believers but now struggle in a world that has become almost totally godless. The world distracts us from taking “the pure spiritual milk” – and many are experiencing a spiritual famine. God’s words through Amos are so true of today, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I will send a famine … not a famine of bread, nor thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.’ ” [8 v.11] Now think about what Peter wrote, “as newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that you may grow up to salvation.” [1 Peter 2 v.2]

Most people today have no time for Christianity, or in a God of any kind. Who can blame them for not believing in Christianity if they are to judge it by what they see of most churches today – it is a poor shadow and distortion of the message Peter and other Apostles took into the world with such energy and commitment so that the gospel became known throughout the Roman Empire: indeed Roman historians were writing about AD110-120 to testify how Nero put hundreds of Christians to death in Rome – and that was in AD64 – just 34 years (or thereabouts) after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to heaven. How the message must have spread!

Peter quotes what we read a few days ago in Isaiah which says true believers must “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’ ” [v.5,6 – see Isaiah 28 v.16]

Peter, like Isaiah, is building up a mental picture of a spiritual house with Jesus being the cornerstone of the building, from whom all the measurements are taken. He makes the point, “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” [v.3] What is spiritual tasting like?

So many “taste” the things that appeal to them, what humanly appeals and they enjoy! But those fed on “pure spiritual milk” know differently! They “come to him (Jesus), a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God, chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” [v.4,5] The pure words of Scripture, carefully read, compared, fitted together and understood, provide “the pure spiritual milk.” It is the nutrient that leads to real growth “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light … now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” [v.9,10] Let us associate with those who take “spiritual milk” every day and make sure we are part of God’s “spiritual house.”

Thought for June 11th. “PREPARING YOUR MINDS FOR ACTION” Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

What are you going to do today? Some people act and speak on the spur of the moment – and when they do they sometimes regret it afterwards. We began reading the first letter of Peter today and it occurred to us that Peter’s comment to his readers about “preparing your minds for action” may reflect on his own impulsiveness in his earlier years as illustrated in the gospel narratives.

He is writing to those who had never seen or heard Jesus but who had come to believe in him and his message. He tells them they “are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [Ch.1 v.5-7]

How genuine is our faith in Jesus Christ? If God, in his overview of our lives sees a need to test it, we may have experienced, or may yet experience, a time of testing: this is not to weaken our faith, but to strengthen it. Nearly all of us are surrounded by self-centred people who are concentrating on their own interests, on things that are for their own advantage. As a result they frequently, especially in the spirit of life today, end up making a mess of their lives. Consider today’s reading in Judges ch 9 when, after the 40 years when Gideon was judge after he destroyed the images of Baal and defeated the Midianites, the people turned back to their own fleshly pursuits and false gods – and tragedy followed.

Peter notes how the prophets learned “they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you.” [v.12] – in the same way believers must be conscious of the need to serve others in at least some of their actions. We must be involved in this. But in some countries it is difficult and challenging to do this! This leads Peter to make the point in the next verses, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”

“Holy” means to be ‘set apart’ from the world. Some parts of the world create their own type of ‘Holy Men’ in strange ways, but for us we must, as we read last week, “strive … for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” [Heb. 12 v.14] So what are you preparing your minds to do today? Also tomorrow?

Daily Readings & Thought for June 10th. “BE PATIENT, ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS” Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Our chapter (34) in Isaiah today clearly has some application to our days. This is further illustrated by the way it flows into the next chapter which is so evidently a picture of life in God’s Kingdom: this chapter is often quoted and some of its verses form part of our hymns about the kingdom. The vision presented in today’s chapter has, of course, its roots in a situation in the prophet’s own time, but God causes the prophet to extend his vision much further.

Look how today’s chapter starts, “give attention O peoples! Let the earth hear … for the LORD is enraged against all the nations and furious against all their hosts; he has devoted them to destruction … “ [v.1,2] followed by the words “all the host of heaven shall rot away and the skies roll up like a scroll.” These words are seen as symbolic of the leaders, those in power in the nations, the ones the people look up to! This is even clearer in the next verse where we read, “my sword has drunk its fill in the heavens…” God’s sword!

Verse 8 puts the focus on Zion, God’s holy mountain. “For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.” But why the reference in the next verse to Edom? Back in Genesis 36 v.1 we learn that Esau (the brother of Jacob) starts to be referred to as Edom. There is a parallel here to Jacob being renamed Israel. One of Esau’s wives was the daughter of Ishmael (v.3). Esau had 12 sons as did Jacob and the detailed list of his descendants (v.9-43) shows they spread as far as the Euphrates (v.37)

This led us to ponder on the implication that at the time of the “recompense for the cause of Zion” there is a parallel event when “streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch” [Isa. 34 v.9] – and that Edom is a particular object of God’s vengeance?

The chapter ends with God exhorting all those who are seeking him in this time of great trouble, “Seek and read from the book of the LORD … his Spirit has gathered them … from generation to generation they shall dwell in it. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom … with joy and singing … The glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God … be strong and fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance … then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped …”

You will see we have quoted as far as v.5 of Ch.35 which illustrates the sequel from where we began to read at the start of Ch. 34. Our reading in James 5 v.1-3 has parallel thoughts, it is about the “the miseries that are coming upon you … in the last days” and offers the powerful exhortation, “be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” [v.8] As the world moves closer to chaos how essential it is that we establish our hearts.

Daily Readings & Thought for June 9th. “BE OUR ARM EVERY MORNING” Jun 09, 2024

Show notes

Our Bible readings today provoked a great multitude of thoughts. Isaiah 33 is quite a mixture and may be better if it had been broken up into 2 or 3 short chapters. Verse 2 is a delightful ‘prayer’ we can start the day with, “O LORD, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in time of trouble.” There is a hymn which we sing that we have no other arm to lean upon – and our daily reading and meditation on God’s word should cause us to appreciate the unlimited strength of that arm.

How much did people need ‘the arm of the LORD’ in the troublous times of Isaiah when “the envoys of peace weep bitterly” [v.7]. How much is that also the case today! Maybe not in weeping, but at least in frustration. Isaiah observes that “trembling has seized the godless” [v.14] which is happening in some places today – but it takes our thoughts to the plight of the godless Israelites that we read in Judges. Many of these were worshipping God’s of human imagination, especially Baal and “made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds” [6 v.2] and Gideon “was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” [v.11]

Back in Isaiah we are uplifted by the positive vision of v.5 & 6, “The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.”

When good kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah came to the throne, or good judges controlled Israel, there were times of “stability” but Isaiah is seeing beyond this to a time when “He (and she) who walks and speaks uprightly … and shuts his eyes from looking at evil … will see no more the insolent people … your eyes will see Jerusalem, an untroubled habitation, in immovable tent … there the LORD in majesty will be for us … the people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity.” [v.15, 19-21,24]

They will experience “a harvest of righteousness” which has been “sown in peace by those who make peace” during their lives – as we read in James 3 v14. And how do we sow in peace now? James tells us, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits … “ [v.17] Let us “sow” – and in due time we will “reap”

The Signs of the Time 2024: Israel, Ukraine, Anti-Semitism, Woke Culture and more! Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

Summary

This presentation provides an overview of the significant events and trends observed in the world, particularly in relation to Russia, Israel, and the rise of anti-Semitism, from a biblical perspective. It explores the connections between current events and biblical prophecies, highlighting the importance of understanding the signs of the times and being prepared for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The presentation discusses the weaponisation of Russia’s European history narrative, with the potential for Russia to assert its influence over Europe and the implications for the fulfilment of biblical prophecies. The presentation examines the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the surprising support from Arab nations towards Israel, suggesting a potential shift in the regional dynamics and the fulfilment of Ezekiel 30.

The presentation delves into the rise of anti-Semitism, particularly the connection between the spirit of humanism from the French Revolution and the demonisation of the Jewish people, highlighting the need for believers to be vigilant and not conform to the spirit of the age. The presentation concludes with a message of hope, drawing on the biblical metaphor of the sunrise to encourage believers to discern the signs of the times and be prepared for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Highlights

Behold i Come - Blessed are they that watch - 5 Studies (Stephen Hornhardt) Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

SWANWICK BIBLE SCHOOL 2024

Exhortation: Let us be Glad and Rejoice and Give Honor to him.

#1 “And I will give power unto my two witnesses” #2 “And they stood upon their feet” #3 “Go your ways and pour out the Vials of the Wrath of God” #4 “A Way Prepared” #5 “The Lamb shall overcome them”

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