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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 17, Jeremiah 43, 1 Corinthians 1, 2) for Aug 22nd. Aug 21, 2025

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The letters to the Corinthians begin in the same way as every epistle of Paul prior to his first Imprisonment in Rome. Grace ('charis" the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Hebrew welcome). What more could be offered any believer than the grace and peace of the Father? The letters written between the two imprisonments contain the added dimension of 'mercy': something we become more conscious of needing the older we get (the only exception to this pattern is in Paul's personal letter to Philemon). What wonderful words were told to the Corinthian readers, that by the Father's calling they were saints, or sanctified believers, incorporated into the fellowship of God and His Beloved Son. The Apostle informs his readers about the tragedy of forming factions. Christ's ecclesia - his body - cannot be divided into segments which follow human leaders. For that reason, notwithstanding the essential nature of baptism, Paul was thankful to have baptised only a few. The Apostle's prime focus was on forwarding the message of the Gospel. The essence of that message lay in the power of the preaching of Christ's crucifixion. Read aloud and ponder verses 18-31 (the last of those verses cite Jeremiah 9 verses :23-24). The reader will notice how the Apostle develops the theme from Jeremiah and consider the masterful conclusion in verses 30-31. How thankful are we that the Father has called weak and ordinary people such as ourselves to His kingdom and glory. Chapter 2 outlines Paul's determination when he came to Corinth to teach among them nothing except the Christ as the crucified one. This message was unbelievable and inconceivable to Paul's hearers, as his quote from Isaiah 64 verses 4-5 proves. But our Sovereign God has His love and wisdom shared with His children - known partly now with the added promise that the joys and blessings of the kingdom age cannot be understood simply through words which would fail to describe that experience of being the Father's immortalised children. The Apostle Paul highlights the difference between natural and spiritual thinking, showing that the teaching via the spirit of God Is essential for true enlightenment.

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Daily Readings & Thought for August 20th. “IT WAS OUT OF ENVY” Aug 20, 2025

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One of the outstanding characteristics of human nature is the capacity to be jealous, to envy others; many advertising tactics exploit this. The gospels repeatedly show us that those in positions of authority were envious of the great popularity Jesus enjoyed. Our ‘democratic’ societies have elections every few years and we witness the clash of ego’s between those seeking the prestige of being in government.

As we read Mark 15 we see that it was easy for Pilate to “perceive that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered (Jesus) up.”[v.10] But Pilate was also a man of the world, so “wishing to satisfy the crowds … having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified” [v.15] We need to put the 4 Gospels together to get a full picture of the process; they all illustrate the envious mood of the advocates raising their voices against Jesus..

Human elections these days are full of efforts to satisfy the majority, but they never remain satisfied for long. With what cynicism did those who had been envious of Christ call out and “mocked him” on the cross, “saying, ‘He saved others, he cannot save himself. Let Christ the king of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” [v.31,32]

How shocked they would have been if that had happened! How shocked the world will be when Christ does come down – from heaven. Remember what we read yesterday in ch. 14; he told the High Priest, “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” [v.62]

All envy will vanish at that time – to be replaced by utter awe for “the powers in the heavens will be shaken” [13 v.25] and “he will send out the angels to gather his elect” [v.27] – all those whose character has been the very opposite of envy! Paul perfectly describes the character of the elect, “Love is patient and kind: love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant … rejoices with the truth … Love never ends.” [1 Cor. 13 v.4-8] It will never end in God’s kingdom, but we must practice it now in getting rid of all tendency to envy.

Watchman Report: #9 "Peace and Safety Cry" - Prelude to Armageddon? (10.43min) Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: 📖 **A Revealing Exposition on Biblical Prophecy & Current Events** In this thought-provoking **Watchman Report**, we examine the geopolitical shifts in the Middle East—Israel’s military dominance, the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah, and Saudi Arabia’s distancing from Iran-backed groups—and how these developments align with the **"peace and safety" prophecy** in **1 Thessalonians 5:3**. Could these events signal the **prelude to Armageddon**? This report provides a **detailed analysis** of Scripture and current affairs, urging believers to remain **watchful** as the world moves toward the prophesied **Day of the Lord**. 🔔 **Subscribe** for more insightful reports on Bible prophecy and global events! 📜 **Free Bible Resources Below** – Discover God’s promises for a future of **true, lasting peace**. **Tags:** Watchman Report, Bible prophecy, Middle East, Israel, peace and safety, 1 Thessalonians 5, end times, Armageddon, Christ's return, geopolitical analysis ### **Video Chapters (Timestamps)** 00:00 - Introduction: Israel’s Geopolitical Rise** 02:19 - Israel’s Military Success Against Hamas & Hezbollah** 04:15 - Diplomatic Shifts: Saudi Arabia & Abraham Accords** 06:33 - Why This Matters for Bible Believers** 08:50 - 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – The "Peace and Safety" Prophecy** 11:42 - Signs of the Times: Wars, Moral Decline & Deception** 14:20 - A Call to Watchfulness & Faithfulness** 16:45 - Conclusion: Preparing for Christ’s Return** ### **📖 Bible Verses Referenced (Categories)** 🔹 **Prophecy & End Times** - **1 Thessalonians 5:3** (*False peace before destruction*) - **Matthew 24:42** (*Call to watchfulness*) - **2 Timothy 3:1-5** (*Perilous last days*) 🔹 **Christ’s Return & Kingdom** - **Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21** (*Signs before Christ’s return*) - **Matthew 16** (*Prophecy of Christ’s coming*) 🔹 **Moral & Spiritual Decline** - **2 Timothy 3:1-5** (*Characteristics of the last days*) 🔹 **Divine Judgment & Hope** - **1 Thessalonians 5:3** (*Sudden destruction after false peace*) **📢 Stay Vigilant – The Day of the Lord Approaches!** **Like, Share & Subscribe** for more **Watchman Reports** on Bible prophecy unfolding today. #WatchmanReport #BibleProphecy #EndTimes #PeaceAndSafety #ChristReturn #MiddleEastProphecy

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 16, Jeremiah 42, Mark 16) for Aug 21st Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

The 16th chapter of 1 Kings starts with a prophecy from the seer, Jehu the son of Hanani, to bring judgment on Baasha as he copied the ways of Jeroboam. We will note that every monarch from the north was evil. The southern kingdom slid ever downward, but there were times of spiritual rebounding due to some of the great reformers. Elah's evil reign of 2 years ended by assassination at the hands of his servant Zimri. That usurpation was terminated after seven days by Omri. A brief civil war followed against Tibni until Omri prevailed. Omri has the horrible distinguishing feature of committing evil greater than any before him. Omri ruled for twelve years- the last six from the capital of Samaria, which he founded. He was followed by Ahab, whose wicked rule of 22 years was characterised by Baal worship; introduced by his ignominious and ruthless wife, Jezebel. In Ahab's reign there was an attempt to rebuild Jericho in defiance of the divine pronouncement against that city. The result of this rebellion was a double tragedy in the loss of two sons.

In the 42nd chapter of Jeremiah we are told that the prophet would pray for them not to experience the dire retribution of Nebuchadnezzar and warning them not to go into Egypt. However, the rebel captains ignored the warning, and took Jeremiah and the nation's remnants as hostages to Egypt. There they were to experience the perils of the sword and famine.

In the record of Mark 16 we are told that the three women were at the tomb for the start of the first day of the week (Sunday). But in Jewish reckoning this commenced at 6pm on the Saturday evening. An amazing sight confronted them - a young man, clearly an angel, sitting on the massive stone that had been rolled from the sepulchre's entrance. They were told by the angel that the Lord they sought had risen, and would meet with them in Galilee. How significant was that Jesus first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, whom he had healed of severe mental illness. It was as if "where sin had abounded grace did super-abound": Romans 5 verse 20. She typified the bride of Christ. Then followed an appearance to two others on the way to Emmaus as Luke 24 described. The chapter concludes with the great commission to take the Gospel to all the world. Jesus said the message would be supported by accompanying signs. This was applicable to the Apostolic Age.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 15; Jeremiah 41, Mark 15) for Aug 20th Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Mark 15 records Jesus' trial before Pilate and includes events up to and including our Lord's crucifixion and burial. The account is indeed brief when compared with the other gospel records. From the other gospel accounts we learn that there were 6 sham trials in all - three before Jewish authorities and three before the Gentiles. Mark 14 recorded one of the Jewish trials and chapter 15 one of the Gentile trials - before Pilate. Pilate was amazed by our Master's calm resignation to these events. Pilate tried to have Jesus acquitted by allowing his soldiers to brutally mistreat our Lord, in the mistaken hope that the Jewish leaders would show some pity. Our Lord was so weakened that on his way to Calvary it was necessary to press Simon of Cyrene to bare Jesus' stake - Greek "stauros". Simon and his two sons later became disciples, taking up their metaphorical stakes as Jesus commands of all his disciples. While on the stake our captain was mocked and taunted, but triumphing over those weaknesses and tauntings of Christ's enemies in himself: see Colossians 2 verses 11-15 read aloud slowly and meditate on the meaning. Jesus expired on the tree at the 9th hour ie 3pm precisely. This was at the time the Passover lambs were slain. A hardened Roman centurion on witnessing Jesus' behaviour exclaimed that certainly this man was the Son of God. In fulfilment of Isaiah 53 our Lord was buried in the tomb of a rich man, who had become his disciple, Joseph of Arimathea.

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

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 14; Jeremiah 40, Mark 14) for Aug 19th. Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In the record of Mark 14 and 15, we have, what's believed to be, Peter's accounting of the most horrific few days of his life. The 14th chapter commenced 2 days before the Lord's crucifixion with his anointing in the home of Simon the leper, believed by some to be the father of the family, Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Judas and would be the home of Martha's deceased husband. It was this incident which incited Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Our Lord praises Mary's extravagant act of love and understanding. She alone among all of our Lord Jesus Christ's disciples understood that Christ would die during the Passover. Jesus sent Peter and John, to prepare the Lord's supper. All had been secretly prearranged to prevent any interruptions to his Passover. He needed every last moment to prepare his Apostles for his decease. These Apostles had to learn to live faithfully without our Lord's presence. During the memorial feast our Lord prophesied details of Peter's betrayal, much to Peter's bold protestation to the contrary. The supper having ended the Lord and now eleven of his chosen disciples went to Gethsemane where our Master's greatest trial occurs. In Gethsemane he begged his Father to find another way than the stake, where he would be shamefully exposed to men but each time Jesus was told there could be no alternative. Finally our Lord's resolve strengthened through angelic support and his intense struggle to subject his own will to that of the Father the Son of God was perfected through his sufferings: Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. Slowly read aloud those verses from Hebrews and meditate the intensity of his struggle and the greatness of the Son of God in submitting to his Father's will. Christ was strengthened by an angel to aid him in submitting humbly to death. Judas arrives with a band of heavily armed thugs from the temple. A young man, quite likely Mark himself, escapes them after having tried to warn Jesus. Verses 53-65 tell of Jesus before the Council and the accusation of blasphemy levelled at him (surely this had been Judas' doing) and the Master's rebuttal from Daniel 7 verses 13-14. The chapter finishes with Peter's threefold denial of his Lord. Peter was in great bitterness for denying Jesus. His repentance contrasts with Judas' remorse without any repentance.

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Watchman Report:#8 Why is the UK Government focusing on Islamaphobia and not all Faiths?(15min) Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: For a more in-depth analysis, check out this link...https://youtu.be/UZQGiCBV-AE**[The Watchman Report 'Extra' | Why is the UK Government Focusing on Islamophobia and Not All Faiths?]** In this thought-provoking spotlight, we examine the UK Government’s selective focus on Islamophobia while seemingly neglecting protections for other faiths. What does Scripture reveal about justice, discrimination, and the role of governing authorities? Join us for an expositional discussion on biblical principles, religious freedom, and the prophetic implications of today’s policies. 🔔 **Subscribe** for more revealing biblical analysis and timely teachings. 📖 **Bible Verses Cited**: Psalm 94:16, Proverbs 21:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1-7 📌 **Tags**: The Watchman Report, UK Government, Islamophobia, Religious Freedom, Bible Prophecy, Christian Persecution, Faith and Politics, Biblical Truth ### **Video Chapters / Timestamps** 00:00 - Introduction: The UK Government’s Focus on Islamophobia 03:45 - Biblical Perspective on Justice and Discrimination 07:12 - The Role of Governing Authorities (Romans 13) 10:36 - Historical Context of Religious Bias in Policy 13:50 - Prophetic Implications for the Church 15:40 - Conclusion & Call to Prayer ### **📖 Bible Verses Category Listing** ✝️ **Justice & Discernment**: Psalm 94:16 👑 **God’s Sovereignty Over Leaders**: Proverbs 21:1 🙏 **Praying for Authorities**: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ⚖️ **Submission to Government**: Romans 13:1-7

Daily Readings & Thought for August 17th. “…. AND TREATED HIM SHAMEFULLY” Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

As we read Jesus’ parable about the tenants in the vineyard today (Mark 17 v.1-9) and the treatment they meted out to any servants that came to them on behalf of the owner seeking his share of the fruit, our thoughts went quite naturally to what we had just read in Jeremiah who brought from God messages that did not please the leading men of his day. All the counsellors of the king saw his words as undermining them, they did not accept his version as to the attitude of God towards them despite the fact that his warnings had so far proved true.

They “treated him shamefully” putting him in the waterless cistern so that he sank in the mud at the bottom. (ch. 38 v.4-6). It is significant that it is a Gentile, an Ethiopian, that alerts the King to his plight and rescues him (v.7-13); this is parallel to some of the experiences of the apostle Paul..

Returning to the parable of Jesus we can see its application not only to how the tenants killed Jesus the son of the owner, but to the treatment through the centuries of those who are faithful to the truths God has left on record in the scriptures. How many cling to their own distorted philosophies and, as Paul complained, “exchanged the truth about God for a lie” [Rom. 1 v.25]

Our chapter today tells us how Jesus tackled the Sadducees over this. They deny there is to be a resurrection. Jesus rebukes them saying you “are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” [v.24] He says that those “who rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” [v.25] How vital that we “know … the Scriptures.”

On another occasion Jesus said “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out” [Luke 13 v.28] That it is a literal kingdom on earth is made plain in the next verse, “and people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.”

Together with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be such as Jeremiah and, most likely, “the scribe” who “answered wisely” – as we read in today’s chapter – so that Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” [v.34] We must each ask ourselves, ‘How far am I from the Kingdom of God?’

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 13; Jeremiah 39, Mark 13) for Aug 18th. Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

In chapter 13 of 1 Kings we read of two prophets and Yahweh's denouncement of Jeroboam's altar and himself. God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to prophesy what Josiah would do some 350 years later. As king Jeroboam stretched forth his hand to order the arrest of the dissident prophet he was struck with leprosy. Jeroboam had to plead for healing, which he was granted. The Judean prophet had been commanded by God to return immediately after the denunciation of Jeroboam and the prophecy that men's bones would be burnt on the altar by a man named Josiah. But the old prophet was beguiled into accepting hospitality from another unnamed prophet. While at the meal table the latter prophet told of the doom awaiting the Judean prophet. When the Judean prophet was returning to his home town he was met by a lion which slew him. The lion stood by his carcass. The Judean prophet's ass was not harmed by the lion. The ass remarkably did not flee but also stayed near the body of the slain prophet. The old prophet from Israel heard of these incredible signs and went and took the body of the Judean prophet and buried him in his sepulchre. The lying prophet from Israel commanded his sons that upon his death he should be buried in the same location as the Judean prophet. Although the punishment for the lying prophet seems severe Yahweh cannot tolerate falsity, especially when the impostors claim to be speaking the LORD's word. Deuteronomy is full of God's opposition to these liars as also we have seen in our readings in Jeremiah.

What a wonderful record is contained in the 39th chapter of Jeremiah. It delivers the final judgment on the wicked Zedekiah - the day had come when iniquity had an end. That end came in the overturning of the kingdom of Judah. We are told that Jeremiah was saved by Royal command from Nebuchadnezzar. We note that Rabmag was present when Jerusalem fell. Rabmag was a title meaning "the chief of the Magi" and belonged to Daniel himself. Likewise Ebed-melech was delivered due to his trust in God Almighty, and his kindness to Jeremiah. As God had promised Ebed-Melech through Jeremiah the prophet. No doubt Daniel ensured that both Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech were rescued.

Our 13th chapter in Mark tells us of the Olivet prophecy. Jesus, in response to his disciples pointing out to him the magnificence of the temple precinct, tells them all stones of that Temple will be overturned. Peter, James, John and Andrew ask him three questions in verse 4; which he answered in the subsequent verses to 27. Verses 5-13 answer the first question and the concluding statement was relevant to that generation, and for all time - the one who endures to the end will be saved. The 14th to the 23rd verses link the prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 to our Lord's message. They have special reference to the Roman desolation of Jerusalem that would be fulfilled in the overturning of Zion by the emperors Vespasian and his son Titus in AD 70. The following 4 verses relate to the interval from then until Israel's regathering and national identity in 1948. This is outlined in the parable of the fig tree from Vv28 to 31. An exhortation to watchfulness is from verses 32-37. These final verses should be slowly read aloud by each of us as we meditate the message for the need for each of us to ready ourselves for our Lord Jesus Christ's coming.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 12; Jeremiah 38, Mark 12) for Aug 17th. Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

After all the wonders for most of Solomon’s reign, all the benefits and blessings he had inherited from his father David, Solomon’s greatness – we would say – humanly speaking – went to his head. We read today “when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart … “ [1 Kings 11 v.4]

A significant factor in this was that he married many foreign wives who worshipped idols. We are told “the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD” [v.9] His foreign wives had influenced him in his worship, so “the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite.”[v.14] There were others, “God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezin, the son of Eliada” [v.23] Our English translations disguise the fact that the word ‘adversary’ in Hebrew is ‘Satan.’

The fundamental meaning of ‘satan’ is someone who opposes you. The first occasions the word is used in Scripture is in Numbers 22 v.22 and 32 to describe how the angel God sent to encounter the false prophet Balaam, who had some knowledge of the LORD, that this angel was an “adversary” to him – sent by God “to oppose” him.

We read earlier this week how Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” [Mark 8 v.33] Later, some Jewish synagogues were becoming so opposed to the growing Christian communities that they are described as “a synagogue of Satan” [Rev.2 v.9]

Are there any satans in your life? If so, can it be that you are being tested as Jesus was by Peter? Or “the synagogue of Satan” that tested believers in Smyrna. They were told, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer: behold the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested … you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life … The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” when Jesus comes [v.10,11] Let us conquer any adversaries or adversities. How wonderful the promise, “The one who conquers … I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” [Rev 3 v.5]

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