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Thought for May 10th. “AS HE REASONED ABOUT …” May 10, 2026

Show notes

What do we/you reason about? This question is prompted by verses in today’s 24th chapter of Acts. The arrest of Paul which had been predicted by the prophets in the early church possessed by the gifts of the Spirit, had now taken place in Jerusalem.

Paul is brought to Caesarea and kept in custody by the Roman Governor Felix who has a Jewish wife and “having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way” [v.22] (‘the way’ being the earliest phrase used to describe followers of Christ), the Governor is not willing to aid Paul’s accusers, instead he arranged for him “to have some liberty” [v.23] and then, when his wife came, “he sent for Paul and heard him speak about the faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgement Felix was alarmed …” [v.24,25]

If someone like Paul was alive today and we heard them reasoning about such things – would they alarm us? Or would we welcome such reasoning? Would we make it part of our reasoning and reason for living? Don’t we make our answer rather obvious by the extent to which we read the Bible – and put what we read into practice.

Thought for May 8th. “SPEAKING TWISTED THINGS” May 08, 2026

Show notes

Today’s readings.. (Deuteronomy 25), (Song of Solomon 5), (Acts 20)

In today’s 20th chapter in Acts we have the account of a long conversation Paul had with “the elders of the church” [v.17] at Ephesus whom he called to see him at the port of Miletus. He told them then “that they would not see his face again’ [V.38].

It was obviously an intense discussion. He tells them, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock … I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert …” [v.27-31]

It is natural for most of us to want to try to avoid all problems, all controversy, to ignore it if we can. But what does that achieve? Does it bring us closer to God and to Christ? We have many lessons on this from Christ himself in the gospels. Of course the circumstances in Ephesus are different, it is an entirely Gentile community – but what is not different is human nature – and the only solution to that is the development of a genuine Christ-like frame of mind. The foundation ingredient to do that, especially for us today, is the meditative reading of God’s word.

Bible reading is the only way to untwist things that have been twisted. With what intensity did Paul seek to do this! We might think he did this by intense study, reasoning and constructive argumentation, and we see some of this in his letter to them – but what does the text in Acts say?

What is the point he makes in reminding them of the spirit of mind he showed when he was among them? “…. Be alert remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day to admonish everyone with tears.” [v.31] A most challenging example to follow. The lesson is clear – academic reasoning is not the major part of dealing with “twisted things”.

Paul left Timothy at Ephesus [1 Tim 1 v.3] and he ends his letter to him by saying, “O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions …” We must do the same

Thought for May 7th. “HOW BEAUTIFUL IS YOUR LOVE” May 07, 2026

Show notes

Once again we have some interesting and, to quite a degree, challenging chapters today. Our Deuteronomy chapter (24) caused us to meditate on the nature of life without banks, or any money as we have it today, so that there is no situation in which it can be borrowed! What will be the nature of any “money” in the kingdom age? Real gold and silver?

The Israelites, as God’s people, were told by Moses in his final message, they are to “purge the evil from your midst” [Deut. 24 v.7] How much purging will be needed in the kingdom when all peoples will be expected to serve the one real God and “out of Zion shall go the law, and …. he shall judge between the nations …” [Isa. 2 v.3,4]?

The Songs of Solomon are usually understood as a spiritual ‘parable’ of the bride of Christ, and Christ says to her, “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you … You have captivated my heart … my bride … how beautiful is your love … my bride!” ” [4 v.7,9,10] With this perspective on the meaning of this ‘parable’ to what extent are we today, “captivating” the heart of our Saviour? How can we live so that we do so?

Our chapters in Acts show how the message of the gospel captivated the hearts of some of the converts so that they were really committed in serving Christ; “a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria … was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. (the Old Testament of course) … being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus …” [18 v.24,25] When he came to Achaia ” he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” [v.27,28]

He was showing, in practice “how beautiful” his “love” was for Christ! “How beautiful is (y)our love?” There are many ways of showing it! Let us try harder to live so that “Christ is formed in you” [Gal. 4 v.19] which was what Paul was agonising in his heart about – concerning the believers in Galatia.

As we live day after day, absorbing the real spirit of God’s word so that “Christ is formed” in you and I, realising more and more fully that we do this by serving one another in the spirit of Christ – as parts of “the body of Christ.” Let us meditate on Paul’s words to the Colossians in ch. 1 v.28,29.

2026.5.3 Exhortation: Memorial - Emblems Deut 20, Ecc 12, Acts 11-12 with Brother Ted Hodge May 06, 2026

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] What is the "certain place" where mercy and truth meet, and righteousness and peace kiss? In this thought-provoking and insightful Memorial exhortation, Bro Ted Hodge takes us on an expositional journey through Scripture to reveal the wonderful intersection of God's divine attributes. From Jacob's vision at Bethel to the seven ecclesias of Revelation, we explore how this special place is not just a location—it's a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth.This outstanding presentation challenges us as individuals and as an ecclesia to examine whether we truly dwell in this place where goodness and severity, love and faithfulness exist in perfect harmony. With practical application for our Memorial meeting and daily walk, Bro Hodge reminds us that we are soldiers of Christ, battling to remain at this place where true righteousness and peace abide. A revealing and uplifting study that will transform how you view the emblems and your spiritual warfare.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: A Place Where Mercy and Truth Meet02:14 - Jacob's Vision at Bethel: The House of God03:27 - The Lord Jesus Christ: The Person Who Is This Place05:35 - The Beauty of Scripture's Couplets06:29 - The Seven Ecclesias: Who Is at This Place?09:17 - As Individuals: Searching the Reins and Hearts10:37 - The Soldier Analogy: Enduring Hardship12:28 - 2 Timothy 2: Passing the Baton15:11 - As an Ecclesia: The House of God16:46 - The Importance of Assembling Together19:25 - Lampstands and Imperfect People21:28 - Practical Application: Balancing Divine Attributes22:52 - The Son of Man: Full of Grace and Truth25:40 - The Emblems: Where We Meet God27:07 - The Mercy Seat: Our Place of Forgiveness28:29 - Partaking in Remembrance29:13 - 1 Corinthians 11:23-30: The Lord's Supper30:49 - Prayer for the Bread33:05 - Prayer for the Cup34:47 - Closing Hymn37:28 - Concluding Prayer and Benediction42:50 - Final Reflection: Come and Listen**Bible Verse Categories:**📖 Psalm 85:10📖 Genesis 28:11-19📖 John 1:51📖 Romans 11:22📖 2 Timothy 2:2-4📖 1 Timothy 3:15📖 Acts 14:22📖 1 Corinthians 11:23-30**Tags:** Christadelphian, Bible Study, Memorial Exhortation, Book of Revelation, Seven Ecclesias, Psalm 85, Genesis 28, Bethel, Mercy and Truth, Righteousness and Peace, Soldier of Christ, Lord's Supper, Breaking of Bread, Spiritual Warfare, Ecclesia, Brotherly Love, Endurance, FaithfulnessWe are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!

Thought for May 6th. “RECEIVED THE WORD WITH ALL EAGERNESS” May 06, 2026

Show notes

How do we “receive” God’s word? It is ‘food’ to nourish and build up our minds. We continue to read about the ‘adventures’ of Paul – the challenges he faced as he went from place to place to spread the true message of salvation – fulfilling the words God said to Ananias in Damascus (Acts 9 v.15) that Paul “is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

There was enthusiasm for his message in some places, but not in others – and it is the same in the world today. Paul’s first approach was to go into the local Jewish synagogue, but he almost always had a better reception among the Gentiles; he usually found some who were looking for real meaning and purpose in their lives – and it has been so ever since. But today – with nearly all surrounded day by day and week by week by the many activities this modern world thrusts before us, few have interest in seeking and getting to know the eternal purpose of existence.

We read today how Paul, when he came to a place called Berea, went into the synagogue, where he found “these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” [ch. 17 v.11]

The Scriptures of course were what we call the Old Testament and we have seen in earlier chapters in Acts passages which first Peter and then Paul quoted to prove that the coming of Jesus and his sacrifice had been revealed by God to the prophets. And today we can, if we are genuinely interested, study and quote them to see how they have foretold today’s events with the return of the Jews to their own land – and the events which will now follow – of which our New Testament also has much to reveal to us. So let us be like the Bereans – so that it can be said of us that we have “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily …” A key question for each of us is, ‘How well-nourished is my mind in eternal matters?

Thought for May 5th. “CLEANSED THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH” May 06, 2026

Show notes

A Genuine faith is an essential and active ingredient in the lives of those who believe in Jesus – it motivates their actions! This is made clear in our chapters in the Acts of the Apostles today. The rapidly developing communities of believers had reached a crisis point when “some believers” in Jerusalem “who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses’.” [ch.15 v.5] These Jewish converts to faith in Christ wanted the Gentile converts to fully follow Jewish ways: because of this “the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.” [v.6] This was held in Jerusalem and there was “much debate.” [v.7] Among the points that Peter made was “God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, havingcleansed their hearts by faith.” [v.8,9] Peter says that what these former Pharisees were advocating would be a “yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [v.10,11] The lesson is – we cannot ‘earn’ salvation through keeping rituals; we are “saved through grace” and it will only be through grace that we will gain a place in God’s kingdom. The essential ingredient for those who believe is to develop cleansed hearts, the outcome of having a genuine faith. At the end of the gathering a letter is composed (v.23) and sent to the Gentile believers. It makes the point that “it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements…” [v.28] The requirement which it is most appropriate for us to carefully note in this 21st Century is to “abstain … from sexual immortality.” [v.29] This will come naturally to those who have “cleansed their hearts by faith.” This was also illustrated for us in some detail in our chapter 22 in Deuteronomy today. (v.13-30) as part of Moses’ earnest exhortation before the Israelites enter the promised land. May our faith become stronger – and our vision clearer – and then -how wonderfully ‘clean’ our hearts will become.

1. Thought for May 4th 'Beware, What is said in the prophets' Acts 13 40 May 06, 2026

Show notes

Our readings in Acts ch. 13 has many lessons about the actions of God and the reactions of men as the message of Jesus was spread. Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia (southern Turkey) and went into the synagogue and were invited to speak (v.15). Paul started by giving them a history lesson of God’s actions in bringing Israel through the wilderness and establishing them in the promised land, giving them kings, in particular David. Then his message jumps forward to John the Baptist. We must not underestimate the impact and spread of John’s preaching because later, at Ephesus, Paul is to find those who only know John’s baptism (19 v.3) – and Ephesus is a long way from the Jordan!

Paul’s mention of John is a springboard for him to talk about Jesus and his message. He points out that those who lived in Jerusalem “did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day,” and they “fulfilled them by condemning him” [v.27].

Paul knew that the same misunderstanding was going to happen in Antioch as they became jealous of the non-Jews when they accepted the message that “everyone who believes (in Jesus) is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.” [v.38,39]. Then comes the punch line! “Beware therefore, lest what is said in the prophets should come about.” [v.40]

It came about in the punishment that came on Jerusalem! And the same can be said today! Punishment is coming! Paul quoted the words God inspired the prophet Habakkuk to write, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” [v.41, Hab. 1 v.5]

Today we have scoffers who deride the Bible, apparently learned men who scoff at the very thought that there is a God. One day, maybe soon, they will “be astounded and perish.” Then God’s laws will come into action, no longer will the permissive laws of man corrupt mankind. Let us prepare for that time by understanding the utterances of the prophets, including Jesus and Paul – and taking them to heart, and showing that we have done so, by our words and actions.

Thought for May 3rd. “Fear God and keep his commandments” May 03, 2026

Show notes

These are the final words in Solomon’s Book of Ecclesiastes. In the verse 12 he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of mankind” At the start of this book we read, these are “the words of the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.”

In today’s final chapter we read, “Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging, many proverbs with great care.” [v.9] We quoted a few days ago v.11 “the words of the wise are like goads, like nails firmly fixed” [v.11] and it reminds us of what Jesus said to Paul on the Damascus road, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” [Acts 26 v.14]

Goads are the nails that are fixed behind horses in harness pulling a carriage, which prick them if they try to disobey the driver. Paul’s conscience was pricking him as he put loving and God fearing men and women in prison and stood approving the stoning of Stephen. Do we let the “words of the wise” that God has caused to be preserved throughout the Bible prick our conscience? We should.

Solomon has a particular message for the young. “Rejoice, O young … let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart … But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement … Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come … “ [Ch.11 v.9; 12 v.1]

He is writing in the despondency of old age, death is at the door, he had found “enjoyment in all his toil” [2 v.24] and now that is all over. But today we can put a fuller meaning on “before the evil days come” for our world is facing evil times and the good times (?) are largely over; “They are afraid= also of what is high, and terrors are in the way” [v.5].

We must take his final words to heart, “Fear God and keep his commandments …

The Christadelphians - #9 How can this be? - Harry Tennant May 02, 2026

Show notes

[Inspiring] In this thought-provoking and outstanding exposition, we continue our journey through the Christadelphian faith with Chapter 9: “How can this be?” Join us as brother Harry Tennant takes us deep into Scripture to answer a profound question – if the original Garden of Eden was blighted by sin, why and how can paradise ever be restored? This insightful and wonderfully revealing presentation moves from Eden’s failure to Gethsemane’s victory, showing that God’s answer to mankind’s plight is found entirely in the sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We explore two great mysteries – our redemption in Christ and the true nature of the Son of God – and discover that what God planned from the beginning (to make man in His image) was fully achieved in His only begotten Son. This is an uplifting, Scripture-centred message that will strengthen your confidence in God’s righteous and merciful purpose to fill the earth with blessing. Whether you are new to Bible study or have long loved its truths, this video offers a rich, expositional walk through key passages that reveal the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

**📖 Chapters**

00:00 – Introduction: The Question of Paradise Restored

01:32 – The Bible’s Complete and Wonderful Answer

02:39 – From Eden’s Sin to Man’s Helplessness

03:10 – Gethsemane: The Crucial Garden Between Two Paradises

04:36 – Christ’s Sinless Victory: “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt”

05:29 – Witnesses to Righteousness: Pilate’s Wife and the Centurion

06:52 – Total Surrender: The Death of the Sinless Son of God

07:36 – Revealing God’s Glory in Human Flesh

09:08 – Christ: The Perfect Image of God Achieved at Last

10:10 – Tempted in All Points, Yet Without Sin

10:47 – Adam’s Failure Versus Christ’s Triumph

11:16 – Two Deep Mysteries: Redemption and the Nature of Christ

12:17 – Conclusion: Living Truth, Not Mere Theology

**📖 Bible Verse References**

📖 Matthew 26:36-42

📖 Romans 3:23

📖 John 8:46

📖 Matthew 27:19

📖 Luke 23:47

📖 Luke 23:46

📖 Exodus 34:6-7

📖 John 1:14

📖 John 14:9

📖 2 Corinthians 4:6

📖 Genesis 1:27

📖 2 Corinthians 4:4

📖 Hebrews 1:2-3

📖 2 Corinthians 5:19

📖 Hebrews 4:15

**Tags**

Christadelphians, Bible study, Harry Tennant, How can this be, paradise restored, sin and salvation, Jesus Christ, Gethsemane, sinless son of God, biblical theology, faith journey, Scripture exposition, God’s glory, redemption, the image of God, book of Genesis, Gospel of John, book of Hebrews

We are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!

Watchman Report:#34 - Ezekiel 37 - The Restoration of Israel Prophecy (Mike Steele) May 02, 2026

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful, join us for this outstanding expositional study of one of the Bible’s most remarkable prophecies. We explore Ezekiel 37 and its breathtakingly accurate foretelling of the modern restoration of Israel. In this wonderful presentation, Brother Mike Steele provides a revealing, step-by-step analysis of how this ancient vision has been meticulously fulfilled in our time, proving God’s sovereign hand in history and signalling the nearness of Christ's return.*Chapters:*00:00 - Introduction00:15 - Exploring Ezekiel 37: The Prophecy of Restoration00:42 - The Historical Context & God's Ultimate Purpose01:57 - The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones03:51 - The Noise Begins: The Zionist Movement (c. 1897)06:32 - The Shaking: World War I & British Control08:04 - Sinews and Flesh Form: The Balfour Declaration (1917) & League of Nations (1922)10:30 - Skin Covers the Flesh: The UN Vote of 194711:38 - The Breath of Life: The Proclamation of the State of Israel (1948)12:47 - An Exceeding Great Army: The Six-Day War (1967) and Beyond14:33 - The Proof: "I have spoken it and performed it"15:53 - The Future King: The Promise of One King Over All19:00 - Conclusion: The Reliability of God's Word*Key Bible Verses Explored:*📖 Numbers 14:21📖 Daniel 2:44📖 Ezekiel 37:1-14📖 Ezekiel 37:21-22We are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!Tags: Bible prophecy, Ezekiel 37, Israel restoration, dry bones prophecy, Christadelphian, Bible study, end times prophecy, Mike Steele, Watchman Report, Biblical perspective, eschatology, scripture exposition, Old Testament prophecy, Zionism, fulfilment of prophecy.

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