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Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 30th (Job 40; Malachi 2; Revelation 19, 20) Dec 29, 2025

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In chapter 40 the Almighty continues His challenge to Job. In verse 1 the LORD accuses Job of being a faultfinder without a cause. From verses 2-5 Job acknowledges his fault and promises that he will listen

in silence. Again, out of the whirlwind His Sovereign says, dress like a man in a contest and answer if you're able. Begin by considering the awesome majesty of the Almighty. God will abase all who are lifted up in pride. From verses 15-24 Job's attention is drawn to the wild river ox - most likely the hippopotamus. The hippo symbolises untameable human pride. Of all our ugly lusts pride is the worst. It creates a mighty chasm between ourselves and our Creator. The hippo has an incredible girth and a great appetite for procreation. He has the tiniest tail, yet waves it as though it's a mighty cedar - in our pride the easiest person to deceive Is ourself. The hippo's hide is legendarily tough - meaning that he is immune to correction. The hippo luxuriates in the filthiest parts of the river. Hippos kill more people in the rivers they inhabit than any other creatures of those habitats.

Malachi 2verses1-9 contain a rebuke to the priests for a failure to fulfil the commission of their Sovereign. The responsibility of priests is to lead the nation in their reverence for Yahweh. The priests were to comprehend God's Word, break it small and dispense it to the people. They were the LORD's "messengers" - but they had failed in their duty. They bore no resemblance to Phinehas, from the tribe of Levi, who demonstrated his loyalty to His Sovereign; even at the great cost of slaying the guilty, even his own relatives. And for that reverence of the Almighty, God made a covenant with Phinehas of an everlasting priesthood - Phinehas will be among the immortal priests in Messiah's kingdom. Contrary to Phinehas' example the priests of the prophet's era were corrupt and partial. From verse 10 to the end of the chapter the prophet tells of one of the great abuses of that epoch - Jews were divorcing their covenant wives to marry younger, attractive Gentile brides - which was forbidden by God (compare Nehemiah 13, which describes the same evils of that era). The prophet, on God's behalf, upbraided them for their failure to uphold their Father's covenant. Verse 11 spells out the problem; in marrying these foreign wives they were in effect joining themselves to the foreign god. So, the person bringing an offering, while committing this evil, was an unacceptable hypocrite. The refused and rejected Jewish wives were imploring Yahweh to put an end to this evil. Examine your attitude towards your wife, says the prophet; and see that your own lustful and covetous motives cause you to be faithful to your marriage covenant which was made with your Sovereign as your witness. In the beginning, Genesis 2, the LORD made man and woman one by His creative act and His accompanying declarationverses read Genesis 2verses20-25. True marriage typifies the union of Christ and his brideverses Ephesians 5verses22-33. The oneness of husband and wife must be in thinking, even more than by just a physical union (which is characteristic of the lower created beings). The Almighty still had uncalled on reserves of power, but He is zealous over the faithfulness of His peopleverses James 4verses4-10. Your actions and callous disregard for your covenant wives and for the law of your God is tiresome to Him, says the prophet.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 29th (Job 39; Malachi 1; Revelation 17, 18) Dec 28, 2025

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In chapter 39 of Job the Almighty continues challenging Job to reply if he has any understanding of the marvels of creation put before him. The first example questions whether Job knows the gestation cycle of the wild goats. Then why is the wild donkey so free and stubborn? Or can you domesticate the wild ox?

Despite its strength the ostrich is completely lacking in understanding for the care of its own. God has created all these animals, that we as humans, may learn care and responsibility. The warhorse shows no fear of the battle; on the contrary, he relishes it. Do you understand the marvels of flight and motherhood among the birds of prey? What incredible eyesight the eagle has. The eagle becomes symbolic of divine wisdom and perception. Despite the ruthlessness of his ways, the eagle is a tender provider for its young (unlike our stupid ostrich).

Thought for December 27th. “STRENGTH THROUGH THE LORD OF HOSTS” Dec 27, 2025

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Nine times we read the phrase “on that day” in just 15 verses in Zechariah 12 through to the first 2 verses of Zechariah 13. We note the prelude to these pronouncements, “Thus declares the LORD who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him” [Zechariah 12:1]. These words fascinate us as a way to announce the character of God, a declaration of his absolute almightiness as the originator of all that exists.

It is the first “on that day” that has captivated the attention of believers throughout our lifetime. “On that day” we read, “I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.” [Zechariah 12:3] Jerusalem has been the centre of attention in the Middle East, attracting more and more the attention of the whole world since Israel became a nation again in 1948 after being “dead” since AD 70.

The USA has tried hard to “lift” the stone to solve the problem: it seems to have only made matters worse. The influences of Iran has grown greater and with the forming of the Abraham accords which has seen some Arab countries having peaceful relationship with Israel, it now seems clear that the day, maybe soon, is drawing closer.

The next “on that day” is when God “will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness” [Zechariah 12:4] Today men have invented a great variety of “vehicles” to replace the horse. They get around at great speed. What is this madness? We suggest it means totally irrational behaviour in a situation which gets totally out of control.

Now notice the declaration in the next verse.

“The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts their God.” We are strongly inclined to believe this happens because God has poured out on “Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him they have pierced, they shall mourn …” [Zechariah 12:10]

This portrays the wonder of the return of Christ, the Jews recognise their Messiah at last; but Zechariah 13:8,9 appears to indicate they first experience a traumatic time when God will “refine them”. There is an incredible turn around of events “the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives” [Zechariah 14:4] from where Jesus ascended [Acts 1:9-12] But also “on that day there shall be a fountain opened for … the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” [Zechariah 13:1] The most momentous climax possible

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 28th (Job 38; Zechariah 13, 14; Revelation 15, 16) Dec 27, 2025

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Yahweh puts before Job in chapter 38, several of His mighty creative acts and dares the patriarch to explain how his Sovereign performed these marvels. Tell me about the foundations of the earth, if you can. Modern science has some ideas related to our earth's core; however, some hypotheses still surround certain aspects of this. Job is told that the creative work was the task of the angels - the sons of God. What about assigning the sea its boundaries? Or can you explain the delicate balance of the clouds and the water cycle? What do you make of the abundant riches of the oceans? Can you explain the relationship between light and darkness? Do you, Job, understand the treasures of the snow? There are no two snowflakes which are identical - yet every one of them is a perfect prismatic hexagon. The elements, says the Almighty, are My armoury prepared for the day of battle. What about the rain and dew, and My care for all creatures great and small - can you comprehend? Don't you understand that water is a unique liquid whose density decreases when frozen? By this means I preserve the life of fish and other creatures living in frigid climates. Do you understand the circuits of the constellations of Pleiades (the seven sisters), or Orion (heaven's giant)? What about Ursa Major (the giant bear - perhaps the first inference in the Bible of Russia)? The list of nature's inexplicable marvels goes on. The wisdom is evident. And with the psalmist (and no doubt also the dazed and amazed Job) we declare, "In wisdom (God) You made them all".

Coping with overwhelm in everyday life! Dec 26, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Every person on earth struggles with "overwhelm" whether it is their home life, work, friends or family. Biblical figures such as David, Asaph and even Christ faced difficult situations. We learn what they did to manage, and we are given some helpful advice and tips specific to our internet age.Inspiring! In this thought-provoking presentation, we explore the timeless, biblical response to feeling overwhelmed. Drawing on outstanding examples from Scripture and insightful teaching from Jesus himself, we discover a revealing path from anxiety to peace. This expositional talk provides both profound spiritual comfort and wonderful practical tools to anchor your soul in any storm.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Overwhelmed Israelites04:02 - Overwhelm: A Modern Reality05:00 - The Word "Overwhelm" in Scripture07:30 - The Experiences of David and Asaf08:31 - The Hebrew Meaning of Overwhelm10:03 - A "Bible Box" of Overwhelmed Figures11:37 - The Unchanging Key: God12:14 - Christ's Example with Temptation13:19 - Christ's Example in Gethsemane14:48 - The Two Keys: Scripture & Prayer15:06 - Jesus' Teaching in Matthew 618:10 - A Treasury of Helpful Bible Verses 📖22:27 - Our Future Hope24:00 - Practical Tips for Today28:18 - Summary of Needful Actions29:42 - The World's Hope vs. God's Hope30:36 - Conclusion & Invitation**Bible Verses Referenced:** 📖 2 Timothy 3:16, 📖 Job 6:27, 📖 Psalm 55, 📖 Psalm 61, 📖 Psalm 77, 📖 Psalm 78, 📖 Psalm 124, 📖 Psalm 142, 📖 Psalm 143, 📖 James 1, 📖 Matthew 4, 📖 Matthew 26, 📖 Matthew 6:25-34, 📖 Proverbs 3:5-6, 📖 Proverbs 12:25, 📖 Proverbs 16:3, 📖 Proverbs 17:22, 📖 Proverbs 4:25-27, 📖 Isaiah 26:3, 📖 Matthew 11:28-30, 📖 Isaiah 43:2, 📖 Romans 8:28, 📖 James 1:2-4, 📖 2 Corinthians 4:17, 📖 Romans 8:35-39, 📖 Psalm 102, 📖 Hebrews 6:19**Tags:** overwhelm, biblical perspective, coping with stress, Christian faith, Bible study, spiritual peace, anxiety relief, hope in God, Christadelphian, scripture, prayer, faith journey, mental strength, trusting God, kingdom of God.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

God was not born in Bethlehem! Dec 26, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful Watchman Report special as we explore a powerful biblical truth: God was not born in Bethlehem. In this wonderful, expositional study, we examine the profound distinction between God the Father and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Through outstanding scriptural analysis, we reveal the true, inspiring meaning behind the Nativity, the title “Emmanuel,” and the magnificent purpose of Christ’s birth. This is a revealing and faith-strengthening journey back to the Bible’s own testimony.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Questioning the Christmas Narrative01:10 - The Eternal Nature of God: Everlasting to Everlasting02:02 - The Angelic Announcement: The Son of the Highest03:42 - The Divine Decree: Why Bethlehem?05:28 - Fulfilling Prophecy: The Ruler from Bethlehem 📖07:07 - Evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls08:05 - The Witness of the Shepherds: A Savior is Born 📖09:04 - The Sign of Emmanuel: God With Us 📖10:31 - The Father’s Pleasure: A Sinless Son 📖11:24 - The Fullness of Time: Redemption’s Plan 📖12:23 - Conclusion: The Son Born to be King**Key Bible Verses:** 📖 Psalm 90:2 | 📖 Luke 1:30-35 | 📖 Luke 2:11 | 📖 Micah 5:2 | 📖 Isaiah 7:14 | 📖 2 Peter 1:17 | 📖 Galatians 4:4**Tags:**Christadelphian, Bible study, Christmas special, Biblical truth, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Bethlehem, Nativity, Bible prophecy, Emmanuel, Watchman Report, Scripture analysis, Christian doctrine, God the Father, Biblical teaching, Faith foundationWe 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:#22 'Proof you can trust the bible' (12.15 min) Dec 26, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Description: The Bible claims to be the Inspired Word of God, but how can we be certain that it is, and that we can have confidence in it, and trust it? God has left many prophecies in His word, showing what would happen many years before it came to pass. These prophecies, which continue to be fulfilled today are one of the proofs that we can trust the Bible. The study of Archaeology and Prophecy supports claims to the accuracy of the Bible. One example is when God showed Moses the burning Bush. This predicted the indestructibility of the nation of Israel. This is 100% proof of the accuracy of the Bible. Is the Bible truly the Word of God? In this thought-provoking and insightful Watchman Report, Mike Steele presents outstanding evidence that builds confidence in the Bible's reliability. This expositional talk explores the compelling proofs—from archaeological discoveries that confirm ancient people and places to scientific statements written millennia ahead of their time. Join us for a fascinating journey that strengthens faith and provides solid ground for trusting Scripture completely.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: Can We Trust the Bible?01:22 - Archaeological Evidence: The Jezebel Seal02:55 - Scientific Foreknowledge: The Earth's Roundness04:07 - Prophetic Fulfillment: The Book of Job**Category & Bible Verses:**📜 Historical Accounts | 🔍 Scientific Insight | 🔮 Prophecy📖 1 Kings (Jezebel) | 📖 Job 26:10 | 📖 Isaiah 40:22Tags: Watchman Report, Mike Steele, Trust the Bible, Bible Proof, Bible Evidence, Biblical Archaeology, Bible Prophecy, Bible Study, Christian Apologetics, Is the Bible True, Word of God

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 27th (Job 37; Zechariah 12; Revelation 14) Dec 26, 2025

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Elihu concludes his speech in Job 37 by proclaiming the majesty of the Almighty. The final speeches of the book are delivered by our Sovereign God. And so, in a sense, Elihu is God's forerunner just as John the Baptist was of our Lord Jesus Christ as Malachi 3 prophesied he would so do. In the final chapter Job is asked by the Almighty to make intercession in prayer for his 3 friends. As no such intercession is requested for Elihu it is reasonable to conclude that Yahweh had accepted what Elihu had said. Like with Moses and Elijah at Mount Sinai, so did the LORD precede His speech with an awesome display of His might - on this occasion "out of the whirlwind'. The whirlwind is a symbol of warfare in the Bible - indicating there is a divine warfare in the book of Job - between the Almighty against sin and self- righteousness. Elihu outlined the majestic power revealed in the thunder (spoken of in the Psalms as, "the voice of Yahweh") and in the lightning and the interplay between these two momentous forces. Verse 6 says that the snow falls at the Almighty's command. Mankind and all creatures are cowed by His awesome power. And what God does is according to His will and He does it purposefully. How can you even understand such power, let alone think you can challenge the LORD? Humble yourself and learn from Him. Show reverential fear and cease from your conceit. The same words must be acknowledged by us and responded to by the way in which we live.

Thought for December 25th. “THE TIME … FOR REWARDING YOUR SERVANTS” Dec 25, 2025

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The Book of Revelation provides us with a wondrous vision today. There are loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” [Ch.11 v.15]. Then the elders fall on their faces and worship saying, “We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came and the time for the dead to be judged and for rewarding your servants the prophets and saints. And those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth” [v.17/18]

What a day of incredible thanksgiving this will be. We should see the present human celebrations surrounding the Christmas period for all its emptiness. What are people giving thanks for today? It is the passing ‘pleasure’ of the moment! The children enjoy themselves and we recall Paul’s observation “When I was a child … I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I gave up childish ways.” [1 Cor. 13 v.11].

Paul also said, “remember … Jesus how he himself said, ’It is more blessed to give than to receive’” [Acts 20 v.35] – we must teach our children this principle. Do any of the children in the world (or their parents) learn anything real about Jesus? It seems impossible to think so, but God knows. Wherever opportunity offers we should “speak a word in season” to help them to do so.

It is interesting that only twice in the Bible is there any mention of celebrating birthdays – and both were those of bad men! [Genesis 40 v.20 – Pharaoh] and [Matthew 12 v.6 – Herod, when John the Baptist lost his head].

The heaven inspired celebration to come will be wondrous, but until that time true believers celebrate not the birthday of Jesus, but his sacrifice and death in the way he appointed [Luke 22 v.15-20], believing in a wondrous climax to that celebration in the kingdom.

This wondrous event, called “the marriage supper of the Lamb” is also mentioned in Revelation [19 v.6-9] “Blessed are those who are invited” to that celebration which is far beyond us to imagine! Do you believe you are worthy of receiving an invitation? No? It will be only by his grace! But who is worthy? It is interesting that the Gk word for ‘worthy’ is one of the words which occur seven times in the book – but only its first occurrence (ch, 3 v.4) is one that indicates saints that are worthy of receiving a blessing before God; the last (ch. 16 v.6) is about those unworthy. Once again, the broad and narrow ways – make sure you on the “rewarding” pathway of the “worthy” in 2021

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 26th (Job 35, 36; Zechariah 11; Revelation 12, 13) Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character.

Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".

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