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Thought for April 19th. “THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN” Apr 19, 2026

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What thought provoking chapters we continue to read in John’s Gospel! What point was Jesus making when he said, “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him (or her); for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world” [12 v.47]

And so it is true that the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus was NOT followed by actions of divine judgment on the people and the nation. It seems remarkable that the time came when “a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” [Acts 6 v.7] – this was some time after the urgent appeal for repentance at and following the day of Pentecost when some 3,000 were baptized.

But note the next words of Jesus in today’s chapter, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” [v.48] A knowledge of God’s word as spoken by his son, inevitably causes a reaction in the minds of those who hear or read it, but for many, at first, it was a negative reaction – and today?

What is it to “receive” the words of Jesus? It is that they become part of you, of your thinking. Jesus expresses displeasure at those who say “Let me first go and …” – he then comments that no-one who “looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” [Luke 9 v.59-61]

Jesus warned his hearers that the time will come when “the master has risen and shut the door … you begin to stand outside … saying, ‘Open to us … we ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets … (but) there will be weeping when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.” [Luke 13 v.25-28] Will others say, ‘but we did sometimes read your word’?

Jesus continues, “people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” Will you be among them? All those who had responded to “the word that I have spoken” – or who read that word and put it “first” in the priorities in their lives, having become conscious that their reaction to that word – in mind and deed – will be the basis of judgment “on the last day” – will surely be among them.

May we all be there! There is a hymn that ends, ‘We make the answer now.’

Thought for April 18th. “THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE” Apr 18, 2026

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Today’s readings.. (Deuteronomy 1), (Proverbs 28), (John 11)

Today’s 11th chapter in John’s Gospel has that wonderful account of the raising of Lazarus. The ministry of Jesus, covering about 3 ½ years, is now approaching its’ climax. The authorities are intensifying their efforts to arrest and kill him and Jesus and his disciples are staying out of Judea.

On getting news about Lazarus’ sickness Jesus waits 2 days longer before saying to the disciples, ““Let us go to Judea again’. The disciples said to him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you and are you going there again?’’” [v.7,8] Jesus makes a strange answer, “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world” [v.9] This world!? This world is in spiritual darkness and the one who walks “in the night” says Jesus, “stumbles because the light is not in him” [v.10] Are you in danger of stumbling? Is the “light” in you? What does Jesus mean? In ch, 12 we will read, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” [v.46] Remember also what we read in ch. 8 v.12

Jesus tells his disciples, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.. But let us go to him” [v.15] We then have the well-known account of the remarkable raising of Lazarus after he had been dead for 4 days; and, as a result, “many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did believed in him.”[v.45] The Pharisees were told of this incredible miracle and the affect it had had; they became even more determined to put him to death – they saw his popularity as a threat that would “take away both our place and our nation.” [v.48]

Now consider, over the last 104 years a modern miracle has occurred, it is 104years since Jerusalem and the land of Israel was delivered from the control of the Turks, the Muslims – and 73 years ago the U.N. voted in favour of at least part of the promised land becoming a Jewish nation, but the U.N. had no powers to enforce their decision: however, against overwhelming odds the Jews triumphed! It was the resurrection miracle of a nation, destroyed 1,951 years preciously, which God’s word had foretold. (Luke 21 v.24 Romans 11 v.25)

This modern resurrection miracle has occurred as prophesied “that you may believe” that is, those who read and really know God’s word. May you be among them? Do you really see “the light of the world” with the eyes of true faith – for as this world plunges into deeper darkness – only those with genuine faith will endure.

Thought for April 17th. “THIS IS AN AMAZING THING” Apr 17, 2026

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Today’s readings.. (Numbers 36), (Proverbs 27), (John 9,10)

Today’s chapters in John’s Gospel very graphically illustrate the impact Jesus was having on the people and the jealousy this caused among their religious leaders. He heals a man who had been born blind, who had never been able to see – utterly remarkable. The religious leaders tell this man to “give glory to God, saying, “we know this man (Jesus) is a sinner” [9 v.24] They cannot deny that an amazing miracle has occurred, but say, “We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”

The healed man answers them, Why this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes” [v.29,30] Their anger boils over against the man as he persists in reasoning with them and telling them, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They end up telling him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?’ And they cast him out.” [v.33,34]

This made us think of the increasing blindness of so many today who keep on saying at every opportunity, indeed making opportunities, to declare there is NO god, there never was a Creator, everything that exists is the result of countless happens of pure chance! “This is an amazing thing” especially that people persist in this way of thinking!

Yet in one way we can understand why this is so – it is because the established church, especially the R.C. church are so hypocritical – in some ways they are parallel to the religious people who surrounded Jesus.

Those who are willing to read God’s word for themselves – and to keep reading so that they get its full flavour and meaning – are conscious of the amazing message that unfolds and that becomes clearer the more they read. But sadly, as we read in John’s next chapter there are others that hinder the message – Jesus says, “He who is a hired hand, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.” [v.12] Sadly this happened!

But scattered sheep can listen and, even today, hear “the good shepherd” through reading the words which he inspired his followers to remember and write down (see ch. 14 v.25-27) so that true sheep, even in the 21st Century, can “hear” his voice by reading his words and those of his disciples and other of God’s prophets. If they feed on them every day they find the only true pasture in the wilderness of this world – and will come into the promised land.

Thought for April 16th. “THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE” Apr 16, 2026

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Today’s readings.. (Numbers 35), (Proverbs 26), (John 8)

What did Jesus mean, “The Truth will set you free?” Free from what? The 8th chapter of John today contains aspects of the teachings of Jesus that we have to think around and put into context to get the correct meaning.

The critics of Jesus were usually those whose thought processes were mechanical. Concerning the woman caught in adultery, They thought they had him cornered, if he said the Mosaic law should be observed and she should be stoned they would probably have done so, or got others to, and then blamed Jesus before the Roman authorities because the Jews had no right to put anyone to death – that is why they brought Jesus before Pilate.. See John 18 v.31.

If Jesus has said something different, they would have denounced him before the people for not upholding the law! His reaction confounded them – and after he said “Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” [v.7] they slunk away from Jesus, no one was without sin among them.

Only Jesus was without sin – and he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? She said, ‘No one Lord’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’” [v.10,11] Notice how she addresses Jesus as “Lord”! She saw him as far more than a “teacher” which is how the Jews addressed him.

Jesus speaks to all who come to him – in the same words as he spoke to the woman – whatever our failures have been, and the closer we come to “the light of the world” the more we are aware of those failures – but we also learn the truth of his words, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” [v.12] and all the “darkness” in our character will be obliterated, indeed Christ will then be “formed in you.” [Gal. 4 v.19]

Jesus went on to tell them, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” [v.31,32[ The key action on our part is to “abide” in the word of Jesus. John uses the Gk word for ‘abide’ more than 40 times in his gospel and the translators render it variously as ‘continue’, ‘dwell’ ‘remaining’ etc. Are you abiding in his word? Is the word ‘abiding’ in you? If the answer is ‘Yes’ – you have been set free!

Jesus made the point, “ … I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” – it has become part of their character. But “if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” [v.36] He told the religious leaders, “…you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.” [v.37] May it have found a place in us – in you – or will soon do so. Remember Jesus said, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God.” [v.47] – and as we read – we “hear.”

Why you should read the Bible #12 Is the Bible Reliable? Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Pleased to present in collaboration with the Bible Unlocked team, this thought-provoking presentation from the sixth season of Bible Unlocked Live, A foundational series, “Why You Should Believe the Bible,” revealing how faith is built on a rock-solid foundation of evidence and reason. They hold a webinar each week....Find out more @ https://www.bibleunlocked.com/Inspiring. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful exploration into the historical reliability of the Bible. In this expositional presentation, we delve into the remarkable story of how the Bible has withstood intense scrutiny across centuries. We examine the journey of renowned archaeologist Sir William Ramsay, who set out to disprove the New Testament's historical claims, only to have his own assumptions completely overturned by the evidence. Discover the compelling archaeological and historical findings, including the Amarna letters, that affirm the outstanding accuracy of both Old and New Testament records. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your confidence in Scripture as a divinely inspired and trustworthy foundation for faith.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Bible's Unparalleled Scrutiny02:39 - William Ramsay: A Skeptic's Education03:56 - The Claims of Scripture vs. Higher Criticism06:25 - Ramsay's Investigation: Testing the Book of Acts08:18 - Unexpected Discoveries: Political, Geographical & Cultural Accuracy10:10 - A Remarkable Conclusion: The Historian's Reversal13:12 - Expanding the Evidence: The Old Testament & The Amarna Letters16:38 - Faithful Questioning: How to Handle Skepticism20:00 - Personal Application: What Do We Do With This Message?21:45 - Conclusion & Preview of Next Week**Bible Verse Category:**📖 Luke 1:1-4📖 Acts 17:6📖 Acts 16:12📖 Acts 17:11📖 1 John 4:1**Tags:**Bible reliability, historical accuracy of the Bible, William Ramsay archaeology, is the Bible true, evidence for the Bible, Bible unlocked, biblical archaeology, Amarna letters, Book of Acts history, Luke as a historian, Bible faith, defending the faith, Scripture inspiration, Christadelphian Bible study, Christian apologeticsWe 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 April 14th. “THEN YOU SHALL DRIVE OUT … “ Apr 14, 2026

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Today’s readings.. (Numbers 33), (Proverbs 24), (John 6)

The book of Numbers now tells us of Moses giving his final instructions to the people – as the LORD directed him. The people had completed their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, all the unfaithful had died and now their children under the leadership of faithful Joshua together with Caleb and the faithful Levites would cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. It occurs to us that there is a parallel in this to what is to soon occur when Christ establishes his world-wide kingdom.

Think about this. The LORD tells Moses as they are “by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, ‘Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you pass over the Jordan … then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places.” [Ch. 33 v.50-52]

Similarly, when God sends Jesus back to this earth it will be a time of “punishing the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity” [Isaiah 13 v.11], but it will also surely be a time of removing all the things that people “worship” today – the things which are a modern equivalent of what the Canaanites had built and worshipped!

Some of the things that will no longer exist are obvious; the Casino’s and gaming houses for example. If TV, DVDs and the like are to continue to be available, there will be a huge purging of the things in them that pander to fleshly thinking and doing..

Jesus said, “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin” [Matt. 13 v.41]. When the people of Israel entered the promised land initially they were full of zeal and destroyed cities like Jericho, but they failed to complete the work and so the warning of Moses we read today came true. That which they “let remain, shall be as barbs and thorns in your side and they shall trouble you” [v.55].

It is obvious, with Christ in control as the King of the world, this will not happen in his kingdom. We need to make sure we develop a mindset now that will welcome and fully appreciate a cleansed earth. Pollution will be removed from the physical earth and also the things that pollute human minds. Concerning the future Jerusalem God told Jeremiah, “I will bring to it health and healing … this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth” [Ch.33 v.6,9] How wonderful to be there! Don’t you think so?

So many versions of the Bible. Why? #3B 'The Bias of Belief' Part 2 With Jason Hensley Apr 14, 2026

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A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] We continue our thought-provoking series on Bible translations with an outstanding and wonderfully insightful exposition. In this session, we tackle the delicate subject of translator bias—not as a conspiracy, but as a reality that requires careful, gracious handling. We explore Granville Sharp’s famous Greek rule, revealing how what sometimes looks like doctrinal insertion is often simply more accurate grammar. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in discernment and trust in the integrity of Scripture.**Chapters** 00:00 – Introduction: Picking up the discussion on bias 00:30 – The reality of translator bias vs. textual accuracy 01:39 – Are translators trying to deceive? A call for fairness 02:52 – Why bias appears: grammar, not always an agenda 03:54 – The danger of accusing bias without knowing the languages 04:32 – Granville Sharp’s rule: what it is and why it matters 06:16 – Breaking down the rule: “kai,” nouns, and the Greek article 08:17 – Matthew 12:22: How translation choices clarify meaning 10:33 – New King James vs. King James: applying the rule 11:38 – 2 Corinthians 1:3: “God and Father” as one person 12:57 – Titus 2:13 & 2 Peter 1:1: Jesus called “God” 14:34 – Why this shouldn’t unsettle us (God manifestation explained) 17:26 – Conclusion: The solution—read multiple translations**Bible Verse Category** 📖 Matthew 12:22 📖 2 Corinthians 1:3 📖 Titus 2:13 📖 2 Peter 1:1Tags: Bible translation, translator bias, Granville Sharp, Koine Greek, New Testament Greek, Bible study, textual criticism, Christadelphian, scripture study, Bible accuracy, New King James Version, King James VersionWe 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:#32 Jerusalem...Center of the world by Merv Islip Apr 13, 2026

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A @Christadelphians Video: *[Inspiring]*In this timely **Watchman Report**, we sound the alarm on the city destined to shape humanity's future: **Jerusalem**. While it stands as the world's most contested city today, Scripture reveals its outstanding and wonderful destiny as the future capital of the globe. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful exposition on why Jerusalem is, and will be, the undeniable center of world government under the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.*Chapters:*00:00 - Introduction: Jerusalem, The Contested City00:51 - A Turbulent History: From David to Today02:21 - The Stunning Biblical Promise: Jerusalem as God’s Throne03:05 - The King & The Kingdom: Jesus Christ Enthroned in Jerusalem03:44 - The Mountain of the Lord’s House: Isaiah’s Prophetic Vision04:43 - Global Transformation: Education, Disarmament, and Peace05:56 - Universal Submission: The Nations Coming to Jerusalem06:24 - A City Made Holy: No Strangers Allowed07:18 - The Glorious Restoration: Jerusalem Rebuilt in Joy*Key Bible Verses Explored:*📖 Jeremiah 3:17📖 Luke 1:32-33📖 Isaiah 2:1-4📖 Zechariah 14:16📖 Joel 3:17📖 Isaiah 24:23📖 Isaiah 52:1📖 Jeremiah 30:18📖 Isaiah 65:18Tags: Watchman Report, Jerusalem prophecy, center of the world, Bible prophecy, Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ returns, Zion, Isaiah prophecy, Middle East news, biblical perspective, end times, Christadelphian Bible study, God's throne, world government, future of Jerusalem.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!

The Christadelphians: #7 'Who will be King?' by Harry Tennant Apr 13, 2026

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A @Christadelphians Video: A @Christadelphians Video: This Audio Book by Harry Tennant (read by Paul Cresswell) invites us to pursue a path through the Word of God whilst examining the faith of a Christadelphian.It deals freely and in detail with the things which Christadelphians believe and do, and what their organisation and way of life are like.The community has borne the name Christadelphian since the latter half of the 19th century. The name is intended to cover three words: 'Brethren in Christ'. Christadelphians are to be found in countries all over the world. They are bound together by a common faith in the gospel preached by Jesus Christ and his apostles in the first century.It was this faith and its appeal to men and women from all walks of life which brought the community into existence.This series will clearly show how the Christadelphian faith rests squarely and solely on the Bible as the Word of God.And the true Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God - Romans 10:17.**[Revealing] Discover the foundational beliefs of the Christadelphians in this outstanding and insightful Bible talk by Harry Tennant. Based on his thought-provoking book, this expositional presentation provides a clear, Scripture-based guide to what Christadelphians believe and preach. Explore the coherent Biblical hope centered on God's purpose from creation to the coming Kingdom. A wonderful resource for sincere seekers of truth.**Inspiring and thought-provoking, join us for this insightful expositional study with Harry Tennant as we explore one of the Bible's most outstanding prophetic threads: the promise of a coming King. This wonderful presentation reveals how God's ancient promises to Abraham, Judah, and David converge to point to a single, divine solution to human failure. We trace this revealing theme through the prophecy of Daniel and to its ultimate fulfillment, answering the critical question: Who has the right to reign?**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Question of Kingship00:49 - The Prophetic Promise to Judah03:19 - God’s Covenant with King David05:43 - The Elements of the Promised King06:43 - Daniel and the Dream of World Empires11:08 - The Stone that Destroys Kingdoms13:45 - Jesus Christ: The Rejected Cornerstone16:08 - The Restoration of All Things19:58 - Visions of the Coming Kingdom24:55 - Conclusion: The King and His Kingdom**Key Bible Verses:**📖 Genesis 49:10📖 Genesis 22:17-18📖 2 Samuel 7:12-16📖 1 Chronicles 17:11-14📖 Ezekiel 21:27📖 Daniel 2:44📖 Psalm 118:22-23📖 Isaiah 9:6-7📖 Jeremiah 23:5-6📖 Luke 1:32-33📖 Matthew 25:31📖 Revelation 11:15-18📖 Revelation 20:6Christadelphians, Bible study, Biblical prophecy, Kingdom of God, Harry Tennant, Jesus Christ the King, Second Coming, Davidic covenant, Daniel prophecy, Gospel hope, End times, Biblical exposition, Scripture, Bible teaching, Eschatology, Bible truth.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

Thought for April 13th. “HIS WORD ABIDING ….” Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 32), (Proverbs 23), (John 5)

Today’s 5th chapter of John includes the words of Jesus to the religious leaders who were jealous of his popularity: these men were not of the same calibre as Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. Jesus tells them, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life” [v.39] Their motive in searching God’s word was self-centred, they would gain prestige in the eyes of others – and – they took it for granted – prestige in the eyes of God. In contrast Jesus said, “I do not receive glory from people” [v.41] He then said, “I know that you do not have the love of God within you.” They had too much self-love! We need to meditate carefully on Jesus’ words – what is it to love God – as distinct from knowing he exists and reading about him in his word?

Love arises from a relationship; Jesus asks them, “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” [v.44] Glory? Another word would be praise – patting one another on the back over achievements – this is constantly happening in sports. But God does not pat us on the back! Some words Paul addressed to the Romans have application, “ … a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man, but from God.” [2 v.29]

The jealous Jewish leaders condemned Jesus for healing on the Sabbath and “even calling God his own Father.” [v.18] Jesus had said, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing” [v.19] He tells them, “His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you.” [v.38]

God’s word has to come ‘alive’ in the minds of those who read it. The result will be an overwhelming sense of humility – greatly beyond human comprehension. It includes an awed contemplation from the depth of our hearts – what the Creator of all things must be like

When his word really abides in a human heart it lays the foundation for a true and wonderful relationship with God. The end result is an even more awesome contemplation – for the Master said, initially to his disciples, – “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” But totally committed disciples know what to ask for! Contemplate what Jesus asked for! When we come to ch. 17 v.20 we will read, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word …” And the result of that belief? Read what Jesus goes on to say.

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