The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

Latest Episodes:

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 19; Jeremiah 23; Romans 10, 11)August 2nd Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Joab, in chapter 19 of 2nd Samuel, rescued the situation that had developed with David morosely lamenting Absalom's death and his people and warriors slipping silently away. Joab brought order to what could have turned out to be a total disaster. The king understood the need for healing and being seen to be once more in control. Now that Absalom is dead and the rebellion totally overturned David forgives his recent enemies. Mephibosheth is restored to favour, although somewhat dismissively by the king. Barzillai is rewarded for his kindness and loyalty to the king. Because of his aged condition Barzillai's favour was given to his favourite servant Chimham. A full reconciliation is achieved within the nation.

Jeremiah was the prophet in the court of the treacherous and vacillating monarch, Zedekiah - whose name meant "the righteousness of Yah". Note how in verse 4 of Jeremiah 23 the prophet indirectly denounced the king. The same denunciation was made in more scathing words by the prophet Ezekiel, who was beyond the retaliatory reach of Zedekiah in Babylonian exile many hundreds of kilometres away (Ezekiel 21:25-27). From verses 9-22 the lying prophets and their effects on the nation are lamented and denounced. Judah had acted as though her Sovereign was distant and uninterested in what His people were doing. This was the furthest thing from the truth and therefore Yahweh must discipline them.

In the 10th chapter of Romans Paul tells us what faith is and how it originates and affects the children of the Almighty. Sadly natural Israel had failed to understand what God's righteousness was and had sought, impossibly to establish their own based on a meritorious system of law keeping. In verses 5-13 the argument is developed from the time of Moses, and based on the words of Deuteronomy 30 that salvation is beyond human effort, but rather dependent upon God's firstly raising up (or producing a sinless saviour) and consequently, able to resurrect him from the dead. Our part is to accept and believe it. The chapter concludes with the fact that this is incredibly good news for us, who would be totally lost without this. Faith, he concludes is based on hearing the Word of God.

Chapter 11 of Romans is about national Israel, God's Chosen People, and the Gospel. Some points made include the following:- 1) the Lord God of Israel has never abandoned His people; 2) God has always raised up a remnant among them, to be saved by grace; 3) it has always been been Yahweh's purpose to save the faithful from all nations; 4) the inclusion of the Gentiles was intended to provoke natural Jews to return to their roots and the Father's original purpose for them; 5) Israel's restoration represents a national resurrection and is a token of the nearness of Christ's Kingdom which will be presaged by the resurrection of the dead; 6) the Scriptures abundantly attest this including the words of Joel 3 verses 16-17, 7) And this plan was always our Sovereign's purpose and He never changes from His determined will; 8) we must be in awe and marvel at the riches and wisdom of the Almighty. The great Apostle Paul marvels at the wisdom and foresight of the Almighty. Nothing has happened in His plan to save faithful Jews and Gentiles that the Father had not foreseen. We look forward to the day when the Deliverer will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob, and so save Israel, a nation far degraded from its calling as illustrated in the current Jeremiah readings. Read verses 33-36 aloud and praise our Omnipotent Sovereign for His love and merciful kindness.e saved could on one basis alone - by faith in the foundation stone the Father set in Zion (Isaiah 28 verse 16) His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

More here

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

What is the Third heaven? 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 with Roger Lewis Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryThe PRESENTATION explores the concept of the "Third Heaven" as described in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, suggesting it represents the ultimate purpose of God beyond the Millennium and the Kingdom Age. It discusses biblical passages that hint at the nature of the Third Heaven, contrasting it with the Kingdom Age, and emphasises the significance of a future state where death and sin are eliminated, allowing for direct communion with God.# Highlights- 🌌 **Ultimate Purpose of God**: The presentation suggests that God's ultimate purpose transcends the Millennium and the Kingdom Age, culminating in the experience of the Third Heaven. - 📜 **Biblical References**: It cites various Old Testament passages that refer to the idea of eternity, indicating a deeper understanding of the concept of "forever and ever" in Hebrew, distinguishing between two future states.- 🕊️ **The Nature of the Third Heaven**: The Third Heaven is portrayed as a state where there is no death or sin, allowing for an intimate relationship between God and humanity, echoing the original paradise of Eden.- 🔄 **Resurrection and Immortality**: The presentation discusses the resurrection of all mankind, suggesting that ultimately, all will be made alive in Christ, which is a key aspect of the Third Heaven.- ✨ **Divine Communication**: It emphasizes that in the Third Heaven, there will be a profound and direct communication between God and individuals, transcending current human understanding and limitations.- 📖 **Revelation 21**: The presentation interprets Revelation 21 as describing the conditions of the Third Heaven, where there will be no more death and God will dwell directly with His people.# keywords- Third Heaven- Divine Purpose- Eternal Life# Timestamps00:00 - Intro 02:15 - Concept of the ultimate purpose of God 05:30 - Explanation of "forever and ever" in Hebrew 09:45 - The significance of the Kingdom Age as a stepping stone 15:20 - Discussion on the resurrection and immortality 20:00 - The nature of the Third Heaven 25:15 - Direct communication with God in the Third Heaven 30:00 - Analysis of Revelation 21 and its implications 35:45 - Conclusion on the significance of the Third Heaven 40:00 - Final thoughts and closing remarks

Daily Readings & Thought for July 31st “… WHO CAN BE AGAINST US” Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel that everything is against you? We wonder if Paul was ever inclined to feel that way? Remember how he writes of his “countless beatings … many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food …” [2 Cor.11 v.23,27] In view of such experiences, let us take special notice of his testimony that we read today in his letter to the Romans, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him, graciously give us all things? [8 v.31,32]

Humanly speaking many things were “against” Paul, but his mind and heart were absolutely committed to his relationship with Christ: this is evident as he states that Christ “is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, not things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [8 v.34,35,37-39]

How much do our brethren in some countries of the world today need this spirit that Paul writes about! And tomorrow? Let us, with Christ’s help, because we have become fully committed to him, become “ more than conquerors” for “who can be against us?”

The answer is no one can succeed in destroying our faith as long as we really “hear” in our hearts the words of Jesus. , “Hold fast what you have” Jesus told those in Philadelphia, “I know you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name …I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” [Rev. 3 v.8, 10,11] , The hour of trial that came then, as with other ‘hours’ to subsequent generations all foreshadowed an ultimate “hour of trial” of which we read last week in Matthew (ch. 24) Let us “Hold fast” for nothing can succeed “against us” “if God be for us.”

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 18; Jeremiah 22; Romans 9) for Aug 1st Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

HI welcome to Christadelpian video.org

The writer of 2 Samuel 18 records the battle which saw the inglorious end of Absalom, who sat on his Royal donkey, as he led his host to their destruction. David's forces were aided in their victory by nature as the record states: the wood devoured more that day than the sword. Joab, with relish, seized the chance to slay Absalom contrary to his king's specific orders. Joab gloried over David in the cruel way he communicated the crushing of Absalom and his host to David. No doubt this was also an endeavour not only to crush David, but also an attempt to get back at his uncle who had so often thwarted Joab. David was devastated and sat in the gate to publicly lament Absalom's demise. The nation was perplexed as this act seemed to show contempt for those who had just saved their king. Joab's only redeeming act in this record is to remonstrate with David to prevent the disaster from developing,

Jeremiah 22:2-4 commences with conditions which had to be met if the nation was to remain in God's land. Then follow the consequences for failure in verses 5-10. This is followed by warnings against Josiah's sons - verses 11-12 against Jehoahaz, who is also known as Shallum; verses 13-19 against Jehoiakim, who is also known as Eliakim; verses 24-30 against Jehoiachin, who is also known as Jeconiah and also as Coniah. It was Jehoiakim who was directed to the lesson of his father, that to know Yahweh was to act like Yahweh. Jehoiachin was told that his occupation of Judah's throne was dependent on his acting as a Godfearing and just king. Pause and contemplate the personal lessons from verses 15-16 in particular. From verses 17-22 we read of the contrary current culture seen in Jeconiah's life, which mirrored Judah's self centred behaviour, and was denounced by the nation's Sovereign. A particular contempt was to be pronounced against Coniah, an appellation for Jeconiah, whereby our Sovereign detached any connection with that contemptible king by truncating Jeconiah's name by a symbolic gesture in the partial removing of God's name of Yah - Je - a portion of it still remained in the "iah". God's name can never be erased: Isaiah 56:4-5; Acts 8:31-38. Jeconiah was to be removed from the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ by the Almighty.

In Romans 9 Paul explains his frustration at his nation's failure to grasp the glory God was offering his people. The Apostle shows from Scripture that this failure was foretold and follows a persistent pattern of behaviour demonstrated by Israel. Nonetheless the Almighty's sovereign selection would stand upon the principles of the Divine grace and mercy, not because of any effort or merit on the part of any individual within the Chosen People. The Scriptures stand true and the restoration of the former people of God's choosing would be by His actions through which anyone to be saved could on one basis alone - by faith in the foundation stone the Father set in Zion (Isaiah 28 verse 16) His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

More here

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

When will the Thief Come? End Times Analysis - with ken Whitehead Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryDescription: The prophecy of Daniel predicts certain time periods that will be completed before the return of Christ. We are now at a point in history where these prophecies have been completed, and so the return of Christ could happen any day.The PRESENTATION discusses the current geopolitical landscape in relation to biblical prophecies, particularly focusing on the significance of the events of October 7, 2023, as a turning point in the end times. It explores the implications of Daniel's prophecies, the rise of global tensions, and the potential return of Jesus Christ, urging listeners to remain vigilant and prepared for imminent changes.# Highlights- 📅 **Significant Date**: October 7, 2023, is identified as a pivotal moment in world affairs, marking the beginning of the end times according to biblical prophecy. - 🌍 **Geopolitical Changes**: The presentation highlights the shifting global dynamics, particularly the rise of Donald Trump and the potential influence of Russia under Putin, indicating a dramatic change in leadership and international relations.- ⚔️ **Prophetic Fulfilment**: The speaker argues that prophecies from the Book of Daniel are being unsealed, with specific historical events, such as the British liberation of Jerusalem in 1917, marking the beginning of the "time of the end."- 💥 **Conflict and Instability**: The ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for wider conflicts are discussed, emphasising the instability among nations and the birth pains of a tumultuous period leading to the return of Christ.- 🕊️ **Call to Readiness**: The audience is encouraged to remain spiritually prepared for the return of Jesus, likening His coming to a thief in the night, which will catch many unawares.# keywords#EndTimes #Prophecy #Geopolitics # Timestamps00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Overview of 2023 events 03:45 - Significance of October 7, 2023 05:15 - Prophecies of Daniel 08:00 - Historical context of 1917 10:30 - Russia's role in current conflicts 12:45 - Implications of Trump's leadership 15:00 - Ukraine war developments 18:00 - The concept of "King of the North" 20:30 - Introduction of hypersonic missiles 23:00 - Discussion on global reactions to Russia 25:30 - The Dome of the Rock and its significance 28:00 - Future of Middle Eastern relations 30:15 - Final phase of prophecy 32:00 - Importance of spiritual readiness 34:30 - Conclusion and final thoughts

Daily Readings & Thought for July 29th “FULLY CONVINCED THAT GOD WAS ABLE …” Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

The lives of all who commit themselves to serve God travel along their own particular paths. Paul in his letter to the Romans, we read today, reflects on the life of Abraham as “he grew strong in faith” and how he became “fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised.” [Ch. 4 v.20.21]

Abraham’s faith went from strength to strength, he believed from his heart what God said. Paul says, “He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body which was as good as dead (he was now about a hundred years old) or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver … “ [v.19,20]

Now compare David’s situation with Abraham. David was despondent, he had climbed the pinnacles of faith but then his thinking and resultant behaviour had hit a blind spot after his actions with Bathsheba. God’s words bore heavily on his mind, “because you have despised me … I will raise up evil against you out of your own house” [2 Sam. 12 v.10,11] It is clear David experienced deep depression, he ceased to be actively involved in administering justice and Absalom, as we read today in Ch. 15, took advantage of this.

David was overwhelmed by events, his faith had lost its focus, but, in his inner being he knew all was in the hands of God and he clung to that conviction. We read today how he flees from Jerusalem, saying, “If I find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back.” [v.25].

It is a contrast in some ways to Abraham who grew stronger in his advancing years. Jeremiah’s challenges are different again. Today we read how he is told by God, “Behold I am bringing such disaster on this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.” [Ch. 19 v.3]

In this 21st Century we have more in common with Jeremiah than with Abraham and David. Jeremiah was to be in the midst of the disaster, brought by God because of the people’s total ungodliness – and he survived it. .

In coming days we will read how God reveals warnings to Jeremiah about “the latter days.”.(Ch.23 v.20; 30 v.24). If we really meditate on these warnings they will cause us to think of the greater challenges our own journey in faith is going to face as our world is overwhelmed by God’s judgements – these challenges may be quite near so let us become “fully convinced that God (is) able to do what he promised” and make sure ‘we are on the Lord’s side.’

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 16; Jeremiah 20 and Romans 5, 6) for july 30th Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Romans 5 enumerates the blessings of justification by faith and the process in life through which we go to bring us to a state of being at peace with God. Carefully read verses 1-5 to better understand what the Almighty does to develop character in His children. The Apostle points out that the saving initiative comes from, and also commences with, our Father. Slowly read aloud verses 6-11 and marvel at the loving kindness of our Sovereign. Paul next elaborates the problem produced by our Adamic heritage - not our fault, but our misfortune - and contrasts this with the boundless blessings and benefits for those who transferred their allegiances to our Lord Jesus Christ, the one man by whom many have been made righteous.

Romans chapter 6 outlines the process by which we identify with the salvation wrought in Jesus. Baptism (burial in water) joins us symbolically to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. We no longer remain the servants of sin, but rather became slaves of God, serving righteousness. In verses 12-22 the Apostle speaks of our transferring of our allegiance from king sin, who we have tirelessly slaved for until we joined Christ through belief and baptism, to God and His Son the Christ in whom we have been liberated from past slavery. We now are in a position to receive the gracious gift of God, rather than rightfully being rewarded by our deserts. Meditate on the meaning of verse 23 - we earn death, but God graciously gives eternal life.

Daily Readings & Thought for July 28th “THE POWER OF GOD’ Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Paul in writing to the Romans speaks about “the power of God”. What does he mean? He is not referring to physical power such as will be shown at the time Jesus returns when the greatest earthquake ever (Rev. 16 v.18) and other terrible events will occur.

In today’s reading in Romans, Paul writes of the gospel saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes “ [1 v.16].

Paul’s point is that the Gospel makes sense, compared to the nonsense surrounding the many gods (of human imagination) the Romans, and all except the Jews, believed in.

Today, we can say it makes sense – compared to the nonsense that so many teach about evolution which more and more willingly accept as true. They think that everything that exists, sort of created itself, and there is no need for a creator God. Much of this attitude seems to be motivated by a desire to be free of the restrictions God’s laws impose on their lives.

A particular example of this is evident at the moment. In Ch. 1 v.26,27 Paul particularly singles out acts of homosexuality – writing “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity to the dishonouring of their bodies … “ The fact that more and more Governments are legalizing same-sex “marriages” would horrify those living a generation or two ago! But most of all – what must God think!? What action will he take?

But we need to also realise that to believe a gospel about believer’s having a future life in heaven is also nonsense and, as a falsehood, has no power at all. It is only the gospel God revealed to men through his son that has “power”- because it is truth.

It is based on historical fact, because the events of the First Century and what followed,make sense the more we think about what is written. The conviction of many people became so strong it had the power to turn the beliefs of the pagan Roman world upside down in the 2nd & 3rd Centuries – but sadly, then the Gospel became corrupted and expressed in Man-made creeds. .

We must let this gospel become a power in our lives – if we are to really live a life worth living with the wonderful prospect of eternity. We must not let ourselves be influenced by those who scoff at “the power of God.”

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 15; Jeremiah 19 and Romans 3, 4) for July 29th. Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Romans 3 turns attention to the Jewish people who were agreeing with every word Paul had uttered of the depravity among the Gentiles. They, too, were without excuse as they had the Word of God in their midst and yet were just as corrupt. From verses 9-20 Paul advances seven Scriptures supporting this. Then from verses 21-31 he proves that there is only one righteousness, and that on the basis of belief. What is required is a submission to the only way of declaring us to be right with God. This includes a confession that human beings are rightly related to death as we are incurably sinful. Additionally we confess that our Potentate only is righteous and, that He strengthened His Son to accomplish what was humanly impossible. On the basis of the acceptance of these truths and our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in whom they have been outworked forgiveness of sins is provided.

Chapter 4 illustrates that through the lives of David and Abraham there is absolutely nothing we can do to be saved by works ie our own merits. God's condition for forgiveness involves our acceptance of this truth and confession of our failures if we are to receive the blessings of forgiveness and become the inheritors of the promised Kingdom that will be, as verse 13 indicated, international. What is recorded was not for the sakes of those in the recorded Scriptures, but indeed for our sakes.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 14; Jeremiah 18 and Romans 1, 2) for July 28th Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

In the book of Romans we have one of the three most masterful treatments as to how God saves: often called either "the atonement"; or "reconciling" (the others being Galatians and Hebrews). This book says it tells us about Jesus the Christ who was declared to be the Son of God by the power of his resurrection: Romans 1 verse 4. Note the frequent use of "Christ" in the first eight verses. One of the great themes of the book are 'the obedience of faith', ie that obedience will be the fruit that springs from a vibrant faith - verse 5. This idea is reiterated at the end of the book: chapter 16:25-27. The first chapter introduces us to "the gospel of God" ie the joyful message that it is the desire of the Almighty Creator to help us through our belief, or faith, to become His children and the inheritors of the Kingdom. Paul's thesis is explained in verses 16-17 - namely that the gospel is God's power to save all who believe; since the OT declared in Habakkuk 2 verse ;4, "the just shall live by faith". Romans 1 verses 18-32 speak of God's wrath on unrighteousness, particularly in this chapter in the Gentile world. And this theme is developed further in chapter two where Paul shows that the Gentile world is both guilty and without any excuse. Romans 1 verses 18-25 reveal that our Omnipotent Creator has provided indisputable evidence of His power. So that wilfully ignorant sinners stand condemned by their reprobate behaviour. By failing to accept the evidence that the Almighty puts before the world of His creative power and Godhead they are self condemned and have degenerated just as their concept of their own origins is also corrupt. Professing themselves to be wise showed that they were, in fact, fools. We find that base beliefs lead to base behaviours. The Apostle Paul speaks of the abominable ways that have been declared acceptable to contemporary society. If God says a thing is wrong it remains wrong regardless of what the majority of society may believe. Consider the catalogue of evil behaviours follow from an acceptance of a corrupting lifestyle. In Romans 2 verses 1-5 Paul tells us that those who fail to stand, whether Jew or Gentile, for their Sovereign's truth are without excuse. The Apostle says that these individuals are building up a store of wrath in the day of judgment. Verses 6-11 explain that since God is just so will His judgment be. Either we by our beliefs and way of life are seeking immortality ie eternal life; or we are going to receive retribution and rejection. In chapter three the Apostle will turn his attention to the Jews who are gloating over Paul's attack on the Gentiles. But before he does that he will condemn Jewish hypocrisy and declare that Jews who boast in the Law are condemned by their Law because of their actions which are contrary to the spirit of the Law. And even some of the Gentiles who know not God's Law are better in their behaviour than those who claim to be the children of God.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Bible Standard – Re-Discover the Truth.

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected