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Daily Readings & Thought for August 26th. “HAVE YOU FOUND ME, OH MY ENEMY?” Aug 26, 2025

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The above saying was spoken by Israel’s bad king Ahab to Elijah when the prophet challenged him as he took possession of Naboth’s vineyard – after his evil wife Jezebel had organised the death of Naboth. Yet Elijah had only “found” Ahab because God had directed him, he was acting for God.

Let us make sure we are always aware, as Ahab wasn’t, of the all seeing eye of God. We read earlier this month of Jeremiah’s prayer to the LORD, “O great and mighty God … the LORD of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of men rewarding each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his (or her) deeds” [Ch.32 v.18,19].

Ahab was a man of weak character, manipulated by an evil wife; both came to what we would call a ‘sticky end’! Their attitude, especially Jezebel’s, created problems for those who had allowed themselves to be associated with them. “The elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city” [1 Kings 21 v.8] obeyed the wicked Jezebel when she required them to set a trap for Naboth and get “two worthless men” to bring false charges against him leading to his death [v.10].

There is a lesson in this for us – to avoid any situation which has the potential to oblige or force us to do something contrary to our conscience – for it is vital that our conscience is always activated to follow divine principles.

Ahab had a no conscience and it would be tragic if we ever found ourselves descending into developing a character like his. What kind of mentality caused him to say to Elijah, “Have you found me, Oh my enemy?” [v.20]

Listen again to Jeremiah’s words from God. “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth …” [Ch.23 v,23,24] The world around us is more unconscious of this than ever – and, in today’s world, the challenge to our faith is greater than ever – for faith has to show itself by actions.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 22, Jeremiah 49, 1 Corinthians 8, 9) for aug 27th. Aug 26, 2025

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We reach the end of 1 Kings today with chapter 22. The record tells us of a respite from war for 3 years. At the end of this time, Jehoshaphat, Ahab's son in law went to see his relative. Jehoshaphat is invited to join Ahab in a campaign against Syria but shows reluctance without the endorsement for the war by a prophet of Yahweh. The false prophets of Ahab promise victory, but Jehoshaphat remains adamant that without God's endorsement he will not proceed. Eventually Micaiah is summoned and sarcastically tells Ahab to go and conquer. The prophet was abused before he outlines the Almighty's attempt to entice and destroy the wicked king. Micaiah is put in tough conditions - being fed on bread and water - until his monarch would return in peace. Micaiah says that this cannot happen as Yahweh's Word cannot be broken. The king of Israel entered the battle in disguise, but was slain by an arrow shot by chance. Ahab having died in battle was carried to Samaria for burial and the dogs licked the blood from the washed chariot, in the very place of Naboth's slaughter, as Elijah had prophesied. Jehoshaphat, whose mother was faithful, walked as Asa his father had. He was a king like David. The record tells of a further error of judgment by Jehoshaphat in the joint venture with Israel's Ahaziah in the constructing of a navy at Ezion-geber. Ahaziah the son of Ahab came to rule over Israel and continued the wicked legacy of his father Ahab. The idolatry and wickedness had begun with Jeroboam: "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jehoshaphat seems to be like those described in 1 Corinthians 3 verses 13-15 ie his works were at times dubious but he may very well be saved.

The 49th chapter of Jeremiah speaks of judgment poured out upon the nations surrounding Israel: Ammon (Moab's half brother); Edom, Syrian Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, and Elam. These nations and their principal cities were to experience the judgments from Yahweh delivered via the Babylonians. Verses 1-6 tell of the devastation of Ammon. Verses 7-22 speak of the total overthrow of Edom, ie Esau - Israel's brother. As we read these verses we should also consider the book of Obadiah and the words of Malachi 1 verses :2-5. Verses 23-27 outline the punishment of Damascus. Verses 28-33 predict the desolation of Hazor and Kedar in terms similar to the judgment of Babylon: compare Isaiah 14. Verses 34-39 speak of the punishment of Elam. Interestingly there are promises of latter day restoration for Ammon and Elam. The two kingdoms which bookend the prophecies of Jeremiah 49. As previously noted these pronouncements had applications for the prophet's time and, again, in the near future when the fortunes of Ammon and Elam will be reversed in the Kingdom of God.

In the first of Corinthians 8 Paul outlines the problem facing the believers was not knowledge, but rather the insistence of exercising supposed rights. Idols were nothing; and so the eating of meats that had been devoted to an idol was of no consequence. What was of importance was, that, the insistence of some believers that they could go to a venue that promoted immorality. Paul declares that this could be cause for the stumbling of another believer. So for the sake of food, the Apostle explaines: do not destroy the conscience of another - for whom Christ died. Chapter 9 continues the argument that the foregoing of rights was essential if saving others is our objective. Paul's own example illustrates this. He explained in verses 8-14 by using two examples from the Law. This is followed by the Apostle showing that his preaching was from an obligation and was not entirely voluntary. This Paul explains humbles him and eliminates boasting. This section of the book 1 Corinthians concludes with the need for perseverance and discipline to attain the prize of eternal life.

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

Daily Readings & Thought for August 25th. “DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT … ” Aug 25, 2025

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Four times the above phrase is used by Paul in our chapter (6) of 1st Corinthians today. Many believers there were spiritually blind to the follies of the behaviour that they had slipped back into. It happened then, it happens today. It appears to be worse among those who proclaim that once you are saved you are saved for always regardless of the nature of your future sins; that attitude is specifically condemned in Hebrews 10 v.26-31.

Now it is true that God is merciful and forgiving and David is the supreme example of this, but it is folly to think he turns a ‘blind eye’ to sins, he did not with David. How could a righteous God overlook the serious specific moral failures that were happening in Corinth.

We read, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived” [v.9]; yet such is human nature we can indulge in self-deception. Now while we acknowledge the justice of his condemnation of “the sexually immoral … adulterers … (and those) who practice homosexuality” we must not overlook that he also says “.. the thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” [v9-10].

Paul then says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” [v.11].

Sexual misbehaviour is a special target of his concern and he makes the point, “The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” [v.13]. This takes us back to what we read in Chapter 3, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you” [v.16] There is a sense in which we have the Holy Spirit! But that sense is that his Spirit is with us and watches over us.

Returning to Ch. 6, we now note v.15, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then make them members of a prostitute? Never!” In v.18 we read “Flee from sexual immorality” – don’t just avoid it.

Finally, and most significant of all look at the last 2 verses; “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Do you not KNOW? It is not head knowledge is it! It is heart knowledge! Do you possess it?

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 19, Jeremiah 45, 46, 1 Corinthians 4, 5) for Aug 24th. Aug 24, 2025

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The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 20; Jeremiah 47, 1 Corinthians 6) for Aug 25th Aug 24, 2025

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Among the Corinthians there was a misunderstanding in relation to the responsibility of making judgment on disputes between believers. They were taking their fellow believers before the bench for decisions. So Paul urges them in this 6th chapter to settle the issue among themselves and declares that it is shameful for believers to go to law to settle disputes among themselves. The Apostle says that the time is coming in the kingdom when the worldly authorities would be ruled by the saints. So surely determinations of differences must be decided in the ecclesia. The ancient city of Corinth was renowned for fornication. It was a proverb of the first century AD that visitors would go to the Acrocorinthus to 'Corinthianise', that is to fornicate. The Acro Corinthia, atop of the city's mount, had a temple with many restaurants and 3,000 temple prostitutes. So wrong was this activity that Paul warns believers from going there for a meal if they were going to be distracted by the evil practices which occurred there. And even if they were not personally affected the Apostle says that a believer should not go there in case it should become a cause of stumbling to another. Engaging in a sexual union outside of marriage is defiling for holy believers - they are God's temple: see Hebrews 13:4. And in today's world their are many places and practices that believers must avoid in order to live lives of holiness as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: read aloud slowly Titus 2:11-14 and let us live this way.

Christians and Resurrection - What then? Subtitled Aug 23, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: What truly happens after death? This expositional Bible talk, "[Christians and Resurrection - What Next?]," presents a revealing and thought-provoking examination of the Bible's core teaching on the resurrection of the dead. Many common beliefs within Christendom are directly challenged by a careful study of Scripture.Join us for a wonderful journey through both the Old and New Testaments as we uncover what the Bible actually says about the state of the dead, the timing of the judgment, and the magnificent hope of resurrection. We will explore key passages from Daniel, the Gospels, and the letters of Paul to build a clear, biblical understanding. This presentation is a vital resource for any Christian seeking to ground their faith solely on the word of God, separating truth from widespread tradition.**Chapters / Timestamps:**00:00 - Introduction: The Question of What's Next00:20 - The Wonderful Promise of Resurrection01:05 - Old Testament Foundation: Daniel's Prophecy02:28 - The Reliability of Scripture03:24 - The Challenge to Christian Faith04:02 - Dying in Faith Without Receiving the Promise05:16 - Correcting Misunderstandings: Jesus and the Sadducees06:35 - Judgment Follows Resurrection, Not Death07:37 - The Practical Example: Lazarus Raised08:54 - Preaching Resurrection to the World10:10 - Christ: The First Fruits of Immortality11:45 - The Critical Importance of Resurrection for Faith12:39 - The Origin of the "Immortal Soul" Doctrine14:25 - The Death State: Thoughts Perish15:38 - The True Christian Comfort in Grief17:05 - The Important Timing of the Resurrection18:14 - A Charge to Preach the Word19:10 - Conclusion and Call to Action**Bible Verses Referenced:**📖 Daniel 12:2📜 2 Peter 1:20-21✝️ Hebrews 11:13💒 Matthew 22:29-30⚖️ 2 Corinthians 5:10☀️ John 11:43-44🗣️ Acts 17:31-32🕊️ 1 Corinthians 15:20-21⚰️ 1 Corinthians 15:16-18🙏 Psalm 146:3-4💝 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14⏰ 2 Timothy 2:17-18🔥 2 Timothy 4:1-3bible study, resurrection, afterlife, christian doctrine, what happens when you die, state of the dead, bible truth, biblical teaching, gospel hope, jesus christ, immortality, judgment, daniel 12, lazarus, soul sleep, exposing truth, religious tradition

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 19, Jeremiah 45, 46, 1 Corinthians 4, 5) for Aug 24th. Aug 23, 2025

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Daily Readings & Thought for August 22nd. “IT IS NOT A WISDOM OF THIS AGE” Aug 22, 2025

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Today we start reading Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. The believers there had been converted from the foolish philosophies of the Greeks who believed in a spirit after-life; also in many gods of their imagination – of whom they erected idols. We have had a parallel experience in going into Indian temples in recent years..

Paul says, “The Jews demand signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles.” We can understand their reaction to a message built around a man who was crucified! But that was the ‘bare bones’ of the picture!

What a wonderful meaning to life and of hope in the future sprang from the terrible event at Calvary that we have just read in Mark’s Gospel. The next words of Paul are, “but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” [ch.1 v.22-25]

Paul then asks them to “consider your calling, brothers; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” [v.28,29] The scribes and the Pharisees were brought to nothing!

The worldly wise indulge in another kind of boasting today – that, in the ‘wisdom’ they have acquired through present human ‘scientific’ deductions, they have come to the ‘knowledge’ that there is NO God! In contrast, our wisdom is to recognise what turned the thinking in the world of the First Century upside down – as to the meaning of life; “It was not a wisdom of this age” [2 v.6] says Paul, then he stresses that, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might understand the things freely given to us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit… [v.12,13]

And God’s Spirit caused Paul and the other apostles to write things down so that we can feed our minds on this spirit inspired word. Remember how Jesus told his disciples, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” [John 6 v.63] Let us make sure our minds carefully and prayerfully feed on God given food every day.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 18, Jeremiah 44, 1 Corinthians 3) for Aug 23rd. Aug 22, 2025

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Three and a half years (42 months, 1260 days spoken of frequently in the book of Revelation) of grievous famine had devastated the land of Israel. This famine had been brought upon the idolatrous nation to punish it and prepare for Elijah's heartfelt call to turn to their God. Elijah returns and announces the contest between Yahweh and Baal. The prophet announces this to faithful Obadiah, who has in the face of great risk to his own life from Jezebel's murderous slaughter, hidden 100 of the LORD's prophets; and fed them from Ahab's own pantry. Elijah seems dismissive of Obadiah, but through him communicates the message to the king. The prophets of Jezebel, who numbered 850 in all, came to Mount Carmel for the contest to see which god would answer by fire. Baal, who was a) the god of harvest; and, b) the god of fire being the sun god; was allowed first opportunity. Given the famine, Baal had already proven himself a failure on the first count. Now, given a parched earth and a burning hot sun, he seemingly had the ideal conditions for the contest. Elijah mocks the frantic frauds. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice, as the sun was declining, he repairs the altar of Yahweh. Next the prophet saturates the slain bull in sea water and calls the people to him. He prays and the Almighty answers by fire. So intense was the fire that it even licked up the water from the trench around the altar. Israel's response was to shout "Yahweh, he is the God" (which was the meaning of the prophet Elijah's name). All of the prophets of Baal were entirely massacred. The prophet earnestly prayed for rain; compare verses 41-44 with James 5verses 17-18. Elijah is then told to run before Ahab's chariot as the king hastened home to his palace. In spirit and power the prophet miraculously ran, as a herald, before the king.

The prophet in his 44th chapter outlines the people's incapacity to learn the cause of their suffering. All those of Pathros would perish apart from a small remnant. The stupid leaders of Judah's remnants declare that the cause of their calamity came from a failure to persist in their sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven. It was such a degrading and idolatrous behaviour that the Almighty was judging. The prophet tells them that not only would they be destroyed, but Pharaoh Hophra would be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar.

In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle regrets his readers lack of spiritual perception. This lack of spiritual understanding was evident in the Corinthians following of leaders. It was both carnal and infantile. All who God had provided as guides for His ecclesia were engaging in the same task - whether sowing, watering, or harvesting. They were all FELLOW workers with their Father. They were His farm, His building, as well as His coworkers. Paul claims to have been a master builder. He has built upon the sole foundation that has been laid - the faithful stone laid in Zion in our Lord Jesus Christ: Isaiah 28 verse 16 read and meditate the message. Each of us is building and care must be taken with what we have chosen to build - the trial of fire will test with what we have sought to build. It may be that our life's work is disastrous. However our Sovereign knows the intent behind our efforts and will save such as have laboured faithfully, even if the outcomes have not stood the test of time. In God's ecclesia we are either builders, or destroyers. Take great care of our behaviours in the household of God. Of chief importance is that our minds have been devoted to the Almighty, as a temple in which He chooses to dwell.

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

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

Daily Readings & Thought for August 21st. “THEY WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT” Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Today we completed reading the Gospel of Mark. One needs to compare all 4 Gospels to get a full picture of events after Christ rose from the dead. Such was the awesome sight of Christ’s horrible death on the cross, whether seen from nearby or from afar, that his followers could not begin to imagine he could rise from the dead again – as had Lazarus: the one who had the power to raise others was dead himself.

Mary Magdalene, according to Mark, was the first one that Jesus appeared to (ch. 16 v.9) which is parallel with the detailed account in John’s gospel (ch,20 v.11-18) . In Mark we read “she went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” [v.10,11]

The next 2 verses are a summary of what is recorded in Luke 24 v.13-33 of the 2 disciples to whom, an unrecognised Jesus talked on the road to Emmaus – and made their “hearts burn” as he opened to them the meaning of Scripture – obviously prophecies, now fulfilled in recent events – then followed their astonished recognition of him as they “brake bread” – what a shock when they saw his hands!

Mark says, “they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them”. [v.14] Jesus appears and tells them to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel …” [v.15] which is repeated as he is about to ascend to heaven before their astonished gaze. (Acts 1 v.8,9) followed by the challenging words of the angels “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go …”

Looking at Mark again, he stresses the final commission of Jesus’, “”Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel …” [v.15] and the commission to do that is now at last just about completed. But is enough stress being put upon what the Gospel actually is? Paul, in writing to the Galatians expresses his astonishment that already some were “turning to a different gospel” [1 v.7] and makes the point “that God … preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham …” [ch.3 v.8] of the blessing to come on the nations. Christ warned his hearers, “there will be weeping … when you see Abraham … in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves cast out.” [Luke 13 v.28] Let us believe the original gospel.

Returning to Mark – he quotes one of the final points of Jesus that was an essential part of the preaching; “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” [v.16] Everyone must face the question, “Do you believe what Jesus actually taught?’ Sadly, very few are saying ‘Yes’ today.

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