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Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 5th (2 Kings 10; Ezekiel 1; 2 Corinthians 5, 6, 7) Sep 04, 2025

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2 Kings 10 tells of the fear from the rulers of Ahab's household of retaliation of Jehu upon the eunuchs who brought up Ahab's sons in Jezreel. Jehu tricks the eunuchs to kill Ahab's 70 sons in order to save their own lives. Jehu now conceives a plan to Jehu follows this by telling Jehonadab of his zeal to fulfill the word of Yahweh. Jehu next slays 42 of Ahaziah's relatives, before carrying out his great ruse to eliminate Baal worship in Israel. All of Baal's worshippers who were beguiled into believing that Jehu intends to become the greatest of Baal's worshippers. These deluded worshippers of Baal come into his house and are slaughtered to the very last person by Jehu's appointed executioners. Jehu was promoted by God and promised to have a dynasty of four generations because of the service done that he did for the Almighty. However, Jehu himself did it not out of zeal for God but for himself. Sadly, Jehu perpetuated the calf worship of Jeroboam 1st of Israel - the man who made Israel to sin. Ezekiel is the priest of Yahweh and is introduced to us in chapter 1. His name means 'El establishes'. He was a prophet among the Babylonian exiles in Chebar who had been taken to Babylon approximately BC 606. The prophecy opens with the wonderful vision of the four living creatures, or cherubim, these creatures are symbols of Yahweh's vehicle for accomplishing His purpose. The presentation put before us in chapter 1 is a mathematical impossibility. But this is not so in the divine scheme of things. The theme of the cherubim permeates Scripture from Genesis 3 to the book of Revelation. The eyes of the four-faced living creatures portray Yahweh's Omniscience - symbolised in the eyes within the wheels. 2nd Corinthians 5 outlines the Almighty’s Word, or His campaign for the reconciliation of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection are its foundation and form the logical and heart-binding basis for our attachment to the great salvation of God. We become in Christ part of God’s new creation. The Apostle Paul urges his readers to take up this ministry of reconciliation as Christ's ambassadors. In chapter 6 the great Apostle outlines his faithful commitment to the task of preaching the saving gospel message. Paul also establishes that this work is a call which embraces each believer in becoming a child of our Sovereign king. On our part we must embrace a complete commitment to holiness as God's beloved children. In the seventh chapter Paul entreats the Corinthians to find a place in their hearts for those whose love for them was unquestionable; and to embrace wholeheartedly the great task of receiving back into fellowship the repentant brother who had been disciplined by the ecclesia in the hope of restoring the erring brother to the company of fellow believers - the saints in our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 13-16 speak of Paul's joy at receiving the news from Titus that the ecclesia at Corinth had followed the Apostle's advice and through ecclesial discipline achieved the result that Paul had hoped.

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Daily Readings & Thought for September 3rd. “THAT WAS TO MAKE US RELY … ON GOD” Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

What thought challenging verses we had today as we started reading 2nd Corinthians. Paul writes of his experiences of afflictions and the “comfort” God gives him to cope with them – and yet his comfort is also founded on the comfort believers give to each other. “The father of mercies,” writes Paul, “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God.” [1 v.3,4]

Paul, like Jeremiah, had had frightening experiences – he tells them, “we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely, not on ourselves but on God …” [v.8,9]

What intense faith challenging experiences Paul had! But such experiences are – faith building – as a result of passing through them they lead him to, as with all committed believers, to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience” [Heb.10 v.22]

We note how Paul went on to express his convictions of God’s overriding care, “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” [v.10]

Then Paul makes a point we must take careful note of – “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of the many” [v.11]

And in praying may it be we can, like Paul, do so with “a clear conscience” for in the next verse we read, “For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God …”

And “by the grace of God” may we all learn to rely not on ourselves but on God” As this world falls into ever greater disarray and increasing ungodliness that will become even more essential3

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 4th (2 Kings 9; Lamentations 5; 2 Corinthians 3, 4) Sep 03, 2025

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Hi welcome to Christadelphian video.org

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 5th (2 Kings 10; Ezekiel 1; 2 Corinthians 5, 6, 7)

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Daily Readings & Thought for September 2nd. “BEAR THE YOKE IN OUR YOUTH’ Sep 02, 2025

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The Lamentations of Jeremiah is not a book we “enjoy” reading. But do we only read those things that give a positive message and we find encouraging? Actually there are some gems hidden among this prophet’s words of despair and distress. The first 2 chapters are about how God’s anger with Jerusalem finally overflows into action; his mercy toward the people of His Holy City finally comes to an end, his judgments are poured out. Is our world today going to be a parallel to this? His word is available in all languages – yet is largely ignored – or scoffed at?

The emphasis in just about everything the churches say is that we serve a God of love, that this is the total focus of God’s character. There is little or no thought that his anger could be poured out today on an increasingly godless world. But twice it happened to God’s holy city – Jerusalem; they were terrifying times.

In today’s chapter 3, Jeremiah suddenly expresses his own feelings, his own experience of overwhelming personal despair, “though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer” (v.8) That reminds us of the final words of Jesus on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Yet in his Lamentations, as with David’s Psalms, what begins with despairing thoughts, gets replaced by more positive ones. See how Jeremiah lifts his mind to a higher plain, “but this I call to mind and therefore I have hope” (v.21). Then come the words that have been made into a much loved hymn about the mercies of God “they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness” (v.23) Next he writes, The LORD is good to those who wait for him … who seek him” (v.25) Will the Lord have reason to be good to you?

In conclusion, take special note of v. 27 … it is good for us to bear the yoke in our youth! Bearing the yoke? If when we are young our lives are easy, there are no problems, no challenges, nothing to make us anxious; it will be hard to develop a good character; worse still, we will have little inclination toward being yoked to Jesus Christ and to carry his cross (meditate on John 15 v.18-19). It may be the lot of those who are truly yoked to Christ to follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah to some degree.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 2nd (2 Kings 7; Lamentations 3; 1 Corinthians 16) Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 2nd (2 Kings 7; Lamentations 3; 1 Corinthians 16)

2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11 verses 1-6; and Malachi 3 verses 10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns verses 18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal, verses 22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 3rd (2 Kings 8; Lamentations 4; 2 Corinthians 1, 2) Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

The coming of Timothy with the news he carried about the response of the believers at Corinth was a tonic that revived his spirit. Chapter 2 provided further advice for what to do next if the wrongdoer was to be fully recovered. The chapter tells us that in Troas he pondered his blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ. His imagery is drawn from the practices which accompanied the Roman Triumphal procession. The language that he uses to his fellow believers is ironic since their lifestyle spoke of living gloriously whereas the Apostles were treated as though they had been the conquered army many of whom were to be offered to the gods of the victors. Nonetheless in verses Paul says that God has strengthened him that the fragrant message of the gospel might replace the pungent odour of death that would otherwise fill the nostrils of the perishing.

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Daily Readings & Thought for September 1st. “HIS GRACE TOWARD ME WAS NOT IN VAIN” Sep 01, 2025

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Today we read one of the most meaningful chapters in the Bible > Ch. 15 of 1 Corinthians. Many verses “jump out” inviting our meditation. The one we have chosen to really reflect upon is v10. Paul laments on his unworthiness, but then says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God.”

We hear the word grace used a lot in Christian circles. There are popular hymns about “amazing grace” and how the Lord has “saved a wretch like me.” Careful Bible readers more than anyone else appreciate “the wonder of his grace.” But we need to thoughtfully reflect on the example of Paul and his utter commitment of service to his Lord to see that “his grace toward me was not in vain.”

No one can earn salvation so that they deserve it! We must ask ourselves in accepting “his grace” – ‘What kind of motivation is this creating in my heart? Can it be that for all too many in these “last days” that his grace is taken for granted and it fails to motivate them to live really committed lives, failing to follow the example of Paul?

Let us realize that our commitment is really seen in all the small things we do (or don’t do) every day. Paul urged his companions in this. We will soon read in 2 Cor. 8 how he “urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.” That “act of grace” was in “taking part in the relief of the saints” who were in “extreme poverty” [v.2,4] Paul tells the Corinthians, “… you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also.” [v.6,7]

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 2nd (2 Kings 7; Lamentations 3; 1 Corinthians 16) Sep 01, 2025

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Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at

https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

The Crisis of Hezekiah #1 'The Challenge of the Sackcloth' with Roger Lewis Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: ##SummaryThe study focuses on King Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat led by Rabshakeh, delving into his preparations and spiritual leadership during a national crisis. Hezekiah's strategic actions included fortifying Jerusalem and encouraging the people to trust in God, drawing on scriptural references to inspire confidence. Rabshakeh's speeches aimed to undermine this trust through psychological warfare and misinformation, but Hezekiah's steadfast faith ultimately shone through. The narrative highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and the power of silence in times of crisis.Highlights

💧 **Hezekiah's Preparations**: Hezekiah fortified Jerusalem by securing water supplies and reorganising the army, showing practical leadership in the face of imminent invasion.
📖 **Scriptural Encouragement**: Hezekiah inspired his people by referencing scripture, reminding them of God's past deliverances to bolster their faith against the Assyrian threat.
🗣️ **Rabshakeh's Psychological Warfare**: Rabshakeh employed tactics of fear and misinformation, attempting to instil doubt in Hezekiah's leadership and God's power to deliver.
🤐 **Power of Silence**: Despite Rabshakeh's aggressive rhetoric, Hezekiah's decision to remain silent in response demonstrated the strength of his leadership and the unity of the people.
🙏 **Hezekiah's Humility**: Upon learning of the crisis, Hezekiah humbled himself by donning sackcloth and praying, exemplifying the need for spiritual reflection during overwhelming challenges.

Hezekiah
Assyrian Crisis
Trust in God

Keywords

Daily Readings & Thought for August 31st. “IN YOUR THINKING BE MATURE” Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

Today we read 1 Corinthians ch 14 which completes the Apostle’s message about Spirit Gifts. Paul is earnestly exhorting them to properly use the spirit gifts they were privileged to possess. The first verse stresses, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Prophecy does not mean to predict the future but to speak to and on behalf of God; to be God’s representative among men, which may, on occasion include warnings and predictions about the future, it certainly did with Jeremiah.

Today we read Jeremiah’s Lamentations: they were written after the terrible fall and destruction of Jerusalem. He laments in his first chapter,, “how she (Jerusalem) took no thought of her future, therefore her fall is terrible … O LORD, behold my affliction …”[v.9] His intimate relationship with God is an example for us. As with Jeremiah, it will sustain us if we are alive when the “fall” of our world takes place, for it is going to be “terrible.” It will be essential to have a true relationship with God and his Son for they will deliver all who possess this – as we will read tomorrow in the final 9 verses of ch. 15 in 1 Corinthians.

Paul challenges the believers in Corinth, “do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” [14 v.20] . They are keen to use the “gifts” God’s Spirit created in them, so he tells them, “since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.” [v.12] and, as we saw yesterday, they should “earnestly desire the higher gifts.” [12 v.31]

In today’s chapter Paul makes it plain that the least of the gifts, “tongues” which are mentioned last, should not be used. It is unwise to use them in church, “they are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers” [v.22] as on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2 v.5-11). Paul says, “If therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say you are out of your minds?”[v.23] But those who prophesy, that is, preach God’s word, as Jeremiah did to those in Jerusalem, and an “outsider enters, he is convicted” (in his thinking) and “the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” [v.24,25]

Do we have “secrets” in our hearts we wrestle with? May all our “thinking be(come) mature” so that we fully realize that God and the Saviour are really among us, if we invite them! Look at 2nd Corinthians, on Wednesday we will read, “God who said, ‘let light shine out of darkness.’ Has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [4 v,6] May we more fully “let light shine .. in our hearts.””

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