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Thoughts on the readings for May 14th (Deuteronomy 31, Isaiah 3, 4, Colossians 1) May 14, 2025

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Paul sent the letter to the Colossians in about 62 AD. He never personally visited the region where there were two groups of believers – one in Colossae and the other in Laodicea. The one letter was read by both at this time and about 34 years time when another letter was sent in 96 AD by the Lord Jesus Christ. The area was exceptionally fertile and lay in a very rich valley. The epistle commenced with the greeting “Grace (‘charis’ the Greek greeting) and peace (‘shalom’ the Jewish greeting) coming to the believers from God our Father. This is followed by thanksgiving and prayer for their faithfulness in the gospel; as reported to the Apostle from Epaphras. The believers were increasing in knowledge and love. But the greatest of all thanks was to be expressed to God, our Father, who had “qualified us to share the inheritance of the saints in light … and has transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son” (verses 12-13 ESV). Then from verses 14-23 Paul tells us of the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father. Our Lord Jesus is the beginning (Gk ‘archegos’) and head of God’s new creation and is the firstborn (Jesus firstborn by birth, death and resurrection) of that creation; the firstborn from the dead to be raised to eternal life. Verses 24-29 tell of Paul’s suffering for all Gentile believers, that he might share and participate in the sufferings of Christ (as part of his body, which we,the ecclesia are). In verse 27 we have the key verse and theme of the book, “Christ in you (ie each of us) the hope of glory”.

James: Faith in action # 4 'How faith Purifies the Character and Gives confidence in God' with Kier Risley May 13, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The wisdom from above is pure. It is the word of God which abides forever and God, through His word, will mould and develop His character in those who seek Him.# SummaryThe presentation on the Book of James focuses on how faith purifies character and instils confidence in God. It highlights key themes from each chapter, such as the importance of faith under trial, the impact of good works, the discipline of the tongue, and the necessity of humility and patience. The speaker emphasises the practical wisdom found in James, urging listeners to embody God's character and extend mercy and kindness to others, while also reminding them of the power of prayer and the significance of helping those who stray from the truth.# Highlights- 📖 **Faith Under Trial**: James 1:12 highlights that those who endure temptation are blessed, reinforcing the idea that trials strengthen faith.- ✋ **Faith in Action**: James 2:18 states that faith is demonstrated through works, emphasising the necessity of living out one's beliefs.- 🗣️ **Discipline of the Tongue**: James 3 discusses the importance of controlling one's speech, urging believers to speak with wisdom and kindness.- 🕊️ **Purification of Character**: James 4:7 encourages submission to God, which leads to humility and a purified heart, essential for spiritual growth.- 🙏 **Confidence in Prayer**: James 5:16 asserts that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, highlighting the importance of prayer in the believer's life.- 🌱 **Sowing Seeds of Peace**: The speaker stresses the responsibility of believers to share the gospel and promote peace among their brethren.- ⏳ **Patience and Endurance**: The presentation calls for patience in waiting for the Lord's return, reminding listeners of the importance of endurance in faith.- 🤝 **Empathy and Support**: James 5 encourages believers to pray for one another and support those who are suffering, emphasising community and compassion.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 13th. “PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM” May 13, 2025

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We complete reading ACTS today: the last 2 verses show us us that Paul was in Rome for “two whole years … and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Notice the emphasis on Paul proclaiming God’s Kingdom – it is sad that as the generations passed that the message preached became totally corrupted to one of human imagination, that of an immortal soul existence in heaven.

However our reading in Isaiah has wonderful details about God’s Kingdom that “shall come to pass in the latter days … and all the nations shall flow to it … and say: Come let us go up … to the house (temple) of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths for out of Zion shall go the law and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem … he shall judge between nations … nation shall not lift up sword (weapons) against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” [2 v.2-4]. The kingdom Paul was proclaiming was that revealed in Isaiah and other prophets as well as by Jesus Christ.

But Isaiah has another vision of our days: three times in the last 11 verses of this chapter we encounter the phrase, “in that day”! His vision describes a time when the kingdoms of men come to an end and “the lofty pride of man shall be humbled” [v.11]. It is a message against “every high tower” [v.15] and never have buildings been built higher than today. Later Isaiah sees in vision “the day of the great slaughter when the towers fall … the LORD comes from afar, burning with anger … to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction” [30 v.25,27,28] This compares with words in today’s chapter, “the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day … when he rises to terrify the earth” [v.17,19].

Those who do not know God’s word will indeed be terrified. But those who know God’s word, although their faith will be tested as “man is humbled and each one is brought low” [v.9] – they will then rejoice in the total wonder of those days. Will you be there? You make the answer now!

📽️ Blessed are the Peacemakers – How to Bring True Peace in a Divided World | Exhortation. May 13, 2025

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In a world full of conflict, Jesus’ words **“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)** are more relevant than ever. But what does it *truly* mean to be a peacemaker? This Bible talk dives deep into God’s wisdom on reconciliation, forgiveness, and how we can bring His peace into our relationships, communities, and even our own hearts. 🔔 **Subscribe & hit the notification bell** to grow in faith and wisdom! **📖 Key Bible Verses Covered:** ✝️ **Matthew 5:9** – The call to peacemaking 🕊️ **Romans 12:18** – Living at peace with everyone ❤️ **Colossians 3:13** – Forgiveness as the foundation of peace ⚔️ **James 4:1-3** – The root of conflicts 🙏 **Philippians 4:6-7** – God’s peace guarding your heart **⏱️ Timestamps (Watch the Full Talk!)** 00:00 – **Introduction: Why Peacemakers Are Needed Today** 05:22 – **What Jesus Really Meant by “Peacemakers”** 12:45 – **The Difference Between Peacekeeping & Peacemaking** 18:30 – **How to Resolve Conflict God’s Way** 25:10 – **Forgiveness: The Key to Lasting Peace** 32:05 – **Finding Inner Peace in a Chaotic World** 40:00 – **Conclusion: Your Mission as a Peacemaker** **💬 Join the Conversation!** What’s the hardest part of being a peacemaker for you? Let us know in the comments! 👍 **Like** if this message spoke to you! 🔗 **Share** with someone who needs God’s peace today! **🏷️ Tags:** Bible study, Christian teaching, Jesus sermon, peacemaking, Matthew 5 9, how to resolve conflict, Christian living, Bible verses on peace, spiritual growth, God's wisdom

James: Faith in action # 3 'How faith can discipline the tongue' with Kier Risley May 12, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The wisdom from above is pure. It is the word of God which abides forever and God, through His word, will mould and develop His character in those who seek Him.# SummaryIn this PRESENTATION, James explores the concept of how faith can discipline our speech, focusing on the tongue's power to influence our lives and interactions. It highlights the importance of being mindful of our words, as they reflect our inner thoughts and can lead to positive or negative outcomes. Through biblical examples, the speaker illustrates the necessity of cultivating wisdom, purity, and mercy to produce good fruit in our lives and communities.# Highlights- 🗣️ **The Tongue's Influence**: The tongue is a powerful tool that can steer our lives, akin to a horse's bit or a ship's rudder. It can lead to destruction if not controlled, emphasizing the need for discipline in our speech.- 📖 **Biblical Wisdom**: James advises that we should be "swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath," encouraging us to reflect on our words and their impact on others.- 🌱 **Good Fruits from Wisdom**: True wisdom is described as pure, peaceable, and full of mercy, which leads to the production of good fruits in our lives. This spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.- 🤝 **Peacemaking**: Being a peacemaker involves mending divisions and fostering harmony within our communities. The act of planting seeds of peace is essential for cultivating righteousness.- 🌳 **The Harvest of Righteousness**: The presentation concludes by affirming that the fruits of righteousness will yield peace and hope, encouraging us to live with integrity and love towards one another.

Thoughts on the readings for May 13th (Deuteronomy 30, Isaiah 2, Acts 28) May 12, 2025

Show notes

Acts 28 tells of the entire company of the ship arriving safely on Malta at a place today known as St Paul’s Bay. Here the ship’s company will remain over winter until Paul journeys to Rome. The night of their arrival is cold and wet. A fire is kindled to dry them and to provide warmth. As Paul assists with the gathering of wood for the fire a venomous viper comes out from the fire and sinks its fangs into Paul’s hand. The superstitious locals think Paul must have been a murderer who having escaped the vengeance of the sea is now being punished by God. Paul shakes the snake into the fire. The locals watch Paul waiting for him to convulse, swell up and die an agonising death – none of these things happen. So they change their minds into thinking that he must be a god. Paul now is lodged for three days with the chief man of the island named Publius. Publius’ father is sick with dysentery; but is miraculously healed by the Apostle. After leaving Malta three months later Paul takes a ship to the mainland where the journey to Rome continues. Along the journey Paul is given the privileges not normally given to a prisoner. The Apostle stops and meets several groups of believers on his journey to Rome. In Rome he calls together the local Jewish leaders and explains why he is in Rome. These Jewish leaders had received no information from any other Jews concerning Paul. After discussing his case it is thought that he might be set at liberty. The Apostle says that he was left with no alternative than to put his case before Caesar when the Judean Jews objected to his being released. The Roman Jews reveal that they have heard that the Christian sect is everywhere spoken against. A large gathering of Jews comes to Paul’s place of residence at an appointed time. The aged Apostle tells them from morning to evening the message of the prophets. Paul concludes his address with the words of Isaiah 6 in chapter 6 which prophesied Jewish opposition to the Gospel message. The great Apostle claims that the Gentiles will favourably respond to the teaching of Christ. The book of Acts commenced in chapter 1:8 with the need for the gospel to be taken “to the uttermost parts of the earth” and concluded with that task being completed: see Jesus great commission to the Apostles in Mark 16:15-16. And also after Paul’s miraculous preservation after having been bitten by a venomous viper recorded in Acts 28 verses3:5 compare with Mark 16:17-18. Two years expire and as no case is brought against Paul he is released to continue his preaching. All of these things occur before the fire in Rome and the intense persecution which came upon believers by the Emperor Nero from that time onwards. The 31st verses of Acts 28 is an epitome of the entire book: “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

Thoughts on the readings for May 12th (Deuteronomy 29, Isaiah 1, Acts 27) May 12, 2025

Show notes

Deuteronomy 29 tells of the LORD’s renewal of His covenant in Moab with His people Israel. Verse 1 informs us that the words of this covenant are in addition to the covenant made in Mount Horeb, ie Mount Sinai. From verses 2-9 Moses is summoning all the people to stand before him at the edge of the Promised Land to hear some final words to strengthen and encourage Israel before their entry into the land. The nation is reminded of their Sovereign’s blessings throughout the last 40 years. Notice in verses 4 they were told of hearing ears, this in contrast to what the nation later became – those whose ears were closed to the gospel message brought by the Messiah. Israel had been saved from powerful foes. In verses 10-15 Moses implores Israel to hearken to the words of the Almighty. The covenant that the LORD their God was making with them that day was of great import and had to be faithfully observed in order to continue to inherit the land promised to their fathers. Verses 16-28 they are warned of dangers which could overtake them and they might forsake the Living God. We notice that verse 18 speaks of a root of bitterness springing up suddenly and preventing the nation from receiving what their God had graciously prepared for them. The writer to the Hebrews comments on this in chapter 12 verses 12-16. The nation is warned that idolatry remains an ever present danger for them. Failure to keep the ways of their Almighty Creator will bring swift and decisive judgment. The chapter concludes in verse 29 with a reminder of the great blessings of God in revealing to His people the things hidden from those who fail to understand the truths of our Omnipotent God.

James: Faith in action #2 'How faith governs our actions towards others' with Kier Risley May 11, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The wisdom from above is pure. It is the word of God which abides forever and God, through His word, will mould and develop His character in those who seek Him.# SummaryThe PRESENTATION focuses on the theme of "Faith in Action," exploring how faith influences our actions towards others. It highlights the importance of being doers of the word rather than mere hearers, emphasising that genuine faith manifests through actions, particularly in serving others and demonstrating love. The speaker draws on examples from the Bible, such as Abraham and Rahab, to illustrate that both faith and works are essential in the believer's life. The presentation concludes with a call to embody pure religion by caring for the needy and maintaining a life that reflects Christ's love.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 11th. “THIS HAS NOT BEEN DONE IN A CORNER” May 11, 2025

Show notes

Things done in a corner are concealed from general knowledge. It seems evident that Luke, the writer of the book of ACTS was with Paul on some of his travels. Ch. 27 v.1 shows he was with him as he travelled after his appeal to Caesar (v.1,3,4 &c “we” experienced this and that). The defense of Paul before King Agrippa and the Roman Governor is given in such detail it is evident it is a personal report. Festus, the Roman Governor struggles to comprehend what Paul is saying, he desires to write a report to Caesar detailing the nature of the accusations against him.

Paul declares, “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” [26 v.22,23] Festus is confused saying, “Paul, you are out of your mind.” Paul responds, “I am not out of my mind … I am speaking true and rational words … for this has not been done in a corner” {v.24-26]

The events of nearly 2,000 years ago are powerfully evidenced by history – not just the Bible text – but in Roman history. Alongside this we can put our reading today in Deuteronomy 28. Moses sets out the blessings the nation will have if they truly serve God when they enter the promised land. The first generation did so – as the book of Joshua we are about read shows.!

But the latter part of our chapter details the curses that would come upon them for turning their back on God – ending with an awesome description which had its ultimate fulfilment in the Holocaust 70 years ago. “The Lord will give you there a trembling heart and failing eyes and a languishing soul. Your life will hang in doubt before you. Night and day you shall be in dread …” [v.66,67] Some try to deny the Holocaust but “this has not been done in a corner”

What position do we take? There is no neutral position! Jesus said, “whoever denies me before me, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” [Matt. 10 v.33]

Thoughts on the readings for May 12th (Deuteronomy 29, Isaiah 1, Acts 27) May 11, 2025

Show notes

Acts 27 tells of Paul’s journey to Rome for his case to be heard by the Emperor Nero. The ship sets sail in fine weather with only Luke accompanying the Apostle Paul on his voyage. The ship soon finds sailing difficult because of the opposing winds. When the ship reaches Crete it has now become too dangerous for sailing; and Paul advises that they should stay in Crete until the winter passes. But, the owner of the ship was determined to reach Rome as quickly as possible to receive his profit. The Roman Centurion decides to accept the ship owners’ position and to continue on their journey. The ship is now beset with a hurricane-like wind called Euroclydon. The crew takes many measures to try to save the ship and its precious cargo. Nothing works and their lives are entirely at the mercy of this horrible storm. All on board the ship become depressed and for fourteen days eat nothing. Then Paul, after receiving a vision from an angel of God, takes control and encourages everyone. The Apostle gives thanks to God and they all eat. After that the ship is lightened by throwing overboard the wheat from the hold. There are 276 people on the ship. Some of the sailors pretend to let down anchors under the ship, but their intentions are to flee in the life boats. Paul says to the Roman Centurion (Julius) that unless the sailors stay on the ship all lives are in danger. Julius stops the sailors from escaping. When daylight comes the crew run the ship into a creek which sees the rough sea smash the ship to pieces. All escape safely to shore – some swimming and others being carried by the current on planks of wood from the broken ship. Acts 27:31 makes the nice point that unless we abide or remain in the Christ ship we cannot be saved: compare John 15 our fruitfulness and salvation is dependent on us abiding in the Vine of God – His precious Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

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