The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

Latest Episodes:

Daily Readings & Thought for April 12th. “EXECUTE THE LORD’S VENGEANCE” Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

Today’s chapter in Numbers (31) tells us about the death of Balaam and of those who accepted his counsel that the only way to combat the Israelites – was not by force – but by seducing them into immorality. They took his advice and put it into practice and it had worked! But now God acted!

Our chapter starts, “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Avenge the people of Israel….” Leading Moses to say, ‘Arm men from among you for war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD’s vengeance” [v.1-3] The result is the kings of Midian are slain “and they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword”

We then read that it was “on Balaam’s advice” [v.16] that the Midianites had sent in women that “caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD … and so the plague came among the congregation …” So Balaam is killed and all those immoral leaders as Moses acted to “execute the Lord’s vengeance.”

This “vengeance” is seen many times in the Old Testament both against Israel’s enemies and against Israel itself when they themselves lapsed into immorality. The same applies to spiritual Israel. that is, those who claim to follow Christ but whose way of life brings dishonour to Christ’s name, just as unfaithfulness by natural Israel brought dishonour to the LORD’s name.

How easy it seems to be for both Jews and Christians to deceive themselves into thinking God will not deal with them when they slip into immoral ways of living. Balaam of all people, who had had such contact with God, as we read in chapters 22 to 24 should have had a fear of God! But ‘No’!

Sadly the history of Christianity shows too many examples of similar failures. Look back at some blunt words of Paul we read last week in Galatians! “Do not be deceived God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” [6 v7-9]

Balaam sowed the seeds of his own destruction although he had had so much contact with the true God. A lesson to us – what are we sowing? What will we reap?

Thoughts on the readings for April 13th (Numbers 32, Proverbs 23, John 5) Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

John 5 records the third sign in the healing of the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda (meaning “the house of mercy”). It would seem that the Jews had a superstition about this place – just as surrounds the mythology of the waters of Lourdes. Some translations add, ‘it was said that an angel ..’. The man was about 38 years old and a symbol of Israel, who for 38 years were powerless and perishing in wilderness. The miracle occurs on the Sabbath day and so once again the Jews seek to persecute our Lord. In verses 19-47 Jesus witnesses to his sonship, his authority and truthfulness. There was no equality between our Lord and his Father – Jesus’ authority was derived from his Father. Our Lord Jesus had no power independently of his Father. And without the Father he could do nothing. But the authority of the Word spoken by Jesus extended to the raising of the dead. Those who were morally dead listened to Jesus and consequently enlightened and enlivened. This means that having now ‘heard’ the voice of the Son of God; they would be brought to life as they will be called forth to resurrection at the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with Jesus outlining the witnesses that incontrovertibly proved he was from God.

Daily Readings & Thought for April 11th. “UNLESS ONE IS BORN AGAIN” Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Nicodemus was “the teacher in Israel.” What an impact Jesus was now having among the people! Obviously Nicodemus was so affected that he felt compelled to come to talk with Jesus, but he comes by night! He declares, “no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” [John 3 v.3]. A fascinating conversation follows. John is to mention him twice again, first when he is questioning the Pharisees about Jesus (7 v.50) and then, remarkably, when he associates with Joseph of Arimathea, in binding the body of Jesus and placing it in the tomb. [19 v.39]

God’s inspired word intrigues us so many times, the more we read the more we want to read and pull together as much as we can the “hidden” stories; there are always fresh insights to be gained.

Jesus challenges Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “See” can be understood in the present tense – a person’s eyes are opened when they are “born again.” When is this rebirth? “How can a man be born when he is old?” asks Nicodemus.

It is a challenge to understand what Jesus means, when he answers, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he (or she) cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.””[3 v.5,6]

One is born of water by baptism and both John the Baptist and Jesus’ disciples are now baptising many (4 v.1,2) But baptism is of no value unless there is also a rebirth of the person’s spirit, a new way of thinking and outlook on life “Baptism,” Peter was to later write “is an appeal to God for a good conscience “ (1 Peter 3 v.21)

So we understand that baptism in water is of no value on its own. But, says Jesus, this rebirth of the spirit is like the wind, it is only seen by the affect it has on a person’s life. The wind cannot be seen, only its affects can be seen. The last verse in John 3 tells us, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” – that is – their names are “in the book of life” Yet those who falter after their spiritual rebirth are in danger of having their names blotted out of the book of life. (Rev. 3 v.5) Judas Iscariot is the glaring example.

Returning to John 3 we note that Jesus says that “being born again” creates for us a relationship with “the light of the world” and “whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his (her) deeds have been carried out in God.” [v.21] Let us all make sure that is true of us.

Thoughts on the readings for April 12th (Numbers 31, Proverbs 22, John 4) Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

John 4 deals with the incident between Jesus and the woman of Samaria in which he offers her “living water”. There follows a discussion between Jesus and the woman about the site of acceptable worship – Jerusalem, or Gerazim. Jesus firstly tells her that salvation is from the Jews. Acceptance of God is dependent on two factors sincerity and truth – these have always been the focus at Shechem (Joshua 14 verses 14-15; Judges 9 verses 14-15). The woman accepts Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and she then has an incredible impact on helping the Samaritans to receive Jesus also. Philip would about 7 years later reap the gathering harvest now being down. That harvest is spoken about in Acts 8. From verse 46 to the end of John chapter 4 our Lord Jesus heals the son of an official from Capernaum – this being the second of the signs recorded by John and resuting in the official and that Nobleman – thought by some to be Herod’s keeper of the larder Chuza – and his entire household becoming believers in our Lord.

Daily Readings & Thought for April 10th. “COME AND SEE” Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Today we started reading the Gospel of John and saw how Jesus called his first followers. It is evident Jesus made an immediate impact on those who met up with him starting from when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. John’s Gospel, the last one to be written, in several parts fills in the gaps left by the first 3 Gospels. Of course some parts overlap; taken together they provide us with a multi-dimensional picture of the life on earth of the Son of God. As the personality of Jesus opens out to us, we see the impact he made on individuals and we see why even those sent to arrest him said, in excuse of their failure, “No one ever spoke like this man.” [7 v.46]
When John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God” [1 v.36] it caused at least two to follow Jesus. Seeing them follow Jesus perceived their character, but he also knew his Father was at work in causing this. At the climax of his ministry he would say in prayer, “I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them is lost except the son of destruction” [17 v.12] Judas failed to “see” who Jesus really was.
In today’s chapter we read how Philip told his friend Nathaniel, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also in the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth …” [v.45] So they knew their Bible! Nathaniel questions, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see’”
We cannot go and see Jesus physically (not yet!) but we can ‘Come’ to God’s word and after careful examination ‘See’ what it really means, comparing scripture with scripture: only God’s word gives us the real reason for being alive – and, wonderfully, gives us a real hope for the future.
An interesting example of what God’s word “inspires” us to do is in today’s chapter in the book of Numbers. We are not living under Moses’ law with all its system of offerings, but we can take the lesson that “day by day … you shall offer in the morning and … you shall offer at twilight …” [28 v.3,4]
Today, God fearing people should, says Paul in the letter to the Hebrews, “Through (Christ) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” [13 v.15] Do your lips bear such fruit? Have you “come” to “see” what “the Lamb of God” means in your life? Do you offer praise as a result? The older we get the more fully we should be able to “see” this.

Thoughts on the readings for April 11th (Numbers 29, 30, Proverbs 21, John 2, 3) Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In John 2 we have the first of the 8 signs John records. When Yahweh brought Israel out of Egypt, at the time of the Exodus, their departure was accompanied by miracles, wonders (Hebrew ‘Pala’ – cp the angel Palmoni – the wonderful numberer) and signs. That Hebrew word is the equivalent of the word used for “signs” in the record of John. The first of these signs took place at Cana, in Galilee. Jesus was there, together with his mother and his disciples, most likely those he had called in chapter 1. It was perhaps the wedding of a relative. The sign was turning water into the highest quality wine. The result was verse 11 – his disciples believing in Jesus and the manifestation of his glory. Between verses 13-22 Jesus cleanses the temple for the first time – doing so again at the end of his ministry. He fulfilled the words of Psalm 69 and gave them the sign of his resurrection, which he said would be after 3 days in the grave. There are 8 recorded signs in John’s record and many accounts of Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem. The other gospels omit all these visits. At the end of John 2 we are told Jesus would not commit himself to anyone since he knew what humans are like – Jesus’ understanding was possibly due 3 reasons: 1) what Scripture revealed; 2) Jesus’ own experience; 3) his ability to read people’s minds). Chapter 3 speaks of the first encounter between our Lord and Nicodemus, the holder of the second rank in the Sanhedrin (‘the teacher’). John chapter 3 tells us of Nicodemus’ first visit to Jesus; who in John’s gospel records 3 visits – in ch3; in ch7; and again in ch19. Each is a step in bringing Nicodemus to know the Christ (ch3 the man who came by night; ch7 he who first came by night; and ch19 an open disciple, who brought the spices to prepare Jesus’ body). The talk of chapter 3 centres in the imperative of being born “from above” – firstly by a mind developed by the Word of God 1 Peter 1:22-25 and then by immersion, or burial, in water. The 3rd chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the only man to go to heaven (v13) and salvation comes through belief in a crucified Messiah (v14 cp Numbers 21:4-9). The best known words of the Bible are found in John 3:16 – but read these words aloud and ponder verses 16-21. From verses 22 to the chapter’s end we are told of the incomparable greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on the readings for April 10th (Numbers 28, Proverbs 20, John 1) Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

The gospel record of John was most likely the last of the four written. Nor is it a summary of the ministry of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many more references to people discovering that Jesus was the Christ. Its theme is stated in chapter 20:31 “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through his name.” It records 8 signs, which are emphatic proofs of the stated theme. Chapter 1 is deliberately a parallel to Genesis 1. For just as Genesis 1 described the natural creation, which came into being through the Word of God in six days. Two groups of three repeated – LIGHT, WATER, LIFE; days 1-3 are paralleled and duplicated in days 4-6.; so too with the new spiritual creation in Christ. Jesus is declared to have come to his own (by ellipsis- people <the Jews>) and failed to be accepted. This was not the case among believers. What a lofty theme. Jesus was the Word of God in the flesh ie one of us in nature and passions; and yet without sin totally revealing the Father’s character to humanity. Read aloud verses 14-17 – Pause and Ponder. John was the disciple who rested on Jesus’ bosom during the Last Supper and surely he writes with a measure of understanding his comments in chapter 1:18. The record of Jesus’ baptism followed with John the Baptist’s announcement of verse 29 “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” From verses 35-42 we have the earliest call of the first four of Jesus’ disciples (later to become his Apostles) Andrew and John, Peter and James. From verses 43-51 we have the call of Philip and Nathanael. The latter convinced by our Lord’s ability to reveal what Nathanael was thinking that Jesus must be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Twice in the chapter we are told that these men had found the Messiah ie the Christ – first by Andrew (v41) and then Nathanael (v49). But the reality was he had found them and extended to them the authority to become ‘the sons of God’ (verses 12-13).

Thoughts on the readings for April 9th Numbers 27, Proverbs 19, Philippians 3-4 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Numbers 27
Among the final duties of Moses was dealing with a family anomaly and the appointment
and preparation of Joshua to assume his role. This chapter addresses these two things.
V.1-11 – In the orders for the division of the land, just given (Num. 26), no provision had
been made for females, in case of failure of male issue. The five daughters of Zelophehad,
therefore, considered themselves as destitute, having neither father nor brother, and feeling
themselves entirely overlooked agreed to refer the case to Moses and the rulers, whether it
were not equitable that they should inherit their father’s portion. This led to the enactment of
an additional law to the civil code of Israel, which satisfactorily ascertained and amply secured the right of succession in cases of inheritance. This law, which is as reasonable as it is just, stands thus:
1. On the demise of the father, the estate descends to the sons.
2. If there be no son, the daughters succeed.
3. If there be no daughter, the brothers of the deceased inherit.
4. If there be no brethren, or paternal uncles, the estate goes to the grand uncles, or
brothers of his father.
5. If there be no grand uncles, then the nearest of kin succeeds to the inheritance.
The daughters of Zelophehad appear again in Num. 36:1-12.
V.12-23 – Moses was allowed one view of the land promised to Abraham before his death.
This raised the issue of who would replace him as leader of the nation. His question is
answered by Yahweh in the appointment of Joshua.

Thoughts on the readings for April 8th (Numbers 26; Proverbs 18; Philippians 1, 2) Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Proverbs 18 is about friendship its benefits and its obligations. Verses 1-8 outlines wise thinking and the words which the wise speak – words which bring blessings to those who heed what was said. By contrast verses 6-7 tell us that a fool’s mouth is an invitation to strife and his words continually bring trouble upon his head. Gossip is the way of the fool and those associated with him will experience total disaster. Verses 9-19 speaks about the need for diligence in order to be successful. These are contrasted with the true protection, which never fails, the name of Yahweh is a fortress (v10). Those who trust in the LORD are imperishable. They are indestructible. The life of the faithful is in the hand of their Maker. They need have no fear of men, because of their reverence for the Almighty – Matthew 10:16-33. Read aloud slowly. Contemplate this message for how you will live your life before your Sovereign and as a witness to your community. The wise men speaks of pride preceding a fall (v12). We are told to listen before speaking (v13). Generosity paves the way for acceptance (v16). Don’t win an argument via persistence – be prepared to agree through a lot, ie it doesn’t matter if you never win. If you simply win through aggression, or because you won’t stop arguing you have lost a friend and a great deal more (v18). Verse 19 tells us that if your insistence creates a rift then it can only be healed via great efforts and immense sufferings. Verses 20-24 tell us, yet once again to be diligent in order to live adequately. What a great lesson verse 21 teaches – your tongue can save another person, or destroy them. A Godly companion in life is an aid and blessing in our walk towards the kingdom of God (v22). Be a close friend rather than a ruinous babbler (v24).

According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provided the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi. Philippians is called Paul’s letter of joy and its theme is, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle described his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city – colony which was heavily Roman in every way. He told them of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all ‘brethren’ were happy – there was a group of false believers (known as Judaisers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that continued living would be for the benefit of the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ’s mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every believer. As God’s Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone; yet he suffered as a servant the death of the cross. Now he is exalted at the Father’s right hand with the name of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45). Believers bare the responsibility of shining as lights among this twisted world. He showed that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrated Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. Their own lives were put behind the course and purpose of the gospel.

Thoughts on the readings for April 7th Numbers 24-25; Proverbs 17; Ephesians 5-6 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Paul tells us we ought to
•‘walk in love as Christ also hath loved us’(5:2).
This is seen in the way that husbands and wives should love and respect each other; how children and parents ought to treat each other; even how slaves should behave towards their masters and masters to their slaves. When you walk in love you try to treat all these people and all mankind, in a kind and unselfish manner- walking in just the way the Lord Jesus Christ walked, remembering the love of God; for
God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Here are some guidelines for our walk.
Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit ( goodness and righteousness) (5:9)
Redeem the time- don’t waste it (16)
Make melody in your heart to the LORD through Psalms and hymns (19)
Offer thankful prayer regularly for yourself and God’s people, the saints (5:20 & 6:18)
Be strong in the LORD in solid defence of the Scriptures and wear the whole armour of God, (6:14-17) ..
Wear Truth as a belt and cover your heart with a breastplate of righteousness. As you walk, preach the Gospel, shield yourself with faith; protect your mind with the helmet of salvation and defend yourself with the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God.
And let’s not forget how helpful a positive attitude is in our walk for .
Prov 17: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!
So Let us not be diverted by the call of the word to sin, as did Israel and thus walked on the path which leads to death but rather travel the way to righteousness. Putting on Christ in baptism to become one of the saints.And making sure that our love for our Saviour, Jesus Christ is not just affection but an undying, practical, thankful agape love.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Bible Standard – Re-Discover the Truth.

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected