The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

Latest Episodes:

Thought for February 26th. “A PARTICIPATION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST” Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians we have come to where he refers to the memorial emblems, he stresses that their participation in these should be in a way that illustrates their unity. Paul has made several points very strongly in earlier chapters addressing issues that were seriously undermining their unity in Christ: their lack of harmony worried him very much.

Their coming together to remember that Christ died for them needed to take place in an atmosphere of genuine unity – but it wasn’t. To start with some were influenced by the surrounding spirit of idol-worshipping, but “…. beloved flee from idolatry” [10 v.14] wrote Paul..

He appeals to them, “I speak to sensible people, judge for yourselves what I say.”

[v.5] Do we ourselves make sensible judgements? The situation for us is not completely different. Paul says, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body …” [v.15-7]

The verses which follow indicate some had a problem leaving behind the pagan practices they had previously enjoyed, Paul says to them, “You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” [v.21,22] In ch. 5 he made the point, “Christ is our Passover … let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven … of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” [7,8]

In Ch. 11 we will read that “anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” [v.29] He does not mean – discerning his own body – but the body of Christ and their responsibility to his or her fellow believers. Paul told the Philippians he wanted to “hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit and one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” [1 v.27]

This precious oneness is demonstrated each time we meet for fellowship. There have been the rare occasions when a member of another church has been present who has taken offence at not being offered the emblems! But this is an opportunity to lovingly point out that when the church was first established on the Day of Pentecost, those baptised “devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship and the breaking of bread …” [Acts 2 v.42] What is the Apostles teaching? Do they (do we) properly “discern the Lord’s body” when we participate? If we are of one mind as to that teaching and are baptised – our participation in the body of Christ will a great spiritual joy.. Let us make sure we ourselves are fully devoted to this teaching and the way of life it leads to..

Thoughts on the readings for February 27th (Leviticus 1, 2, Psalm 103, 1 Corinthians 11). Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul proves that our Almighty Sovereign’s purpose is evident in the creative work of His angels and the hierarchy that this established. God is supreme, a theme that will be expanded in chapter 15; under Him is His Divine Son – who stands as the head and archetype of the entire creation. Next, in the creative order comes the man, then the woman. Paul points out that there is a mutually dependent relationship in Christ between husband and wife. However, as an acknowledgment of the creative order in the work of the angels, it’s important for the women to worship acknowledging the principle that women should worship with their heads covered. The Apostle then speaks of practices that were incongruous in the context of the celebration of the Lord’s memorial supper of bread and wine. He urges that self examination is imperative to the receiving of the emblems of our Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. And so the great Apostle declares that before we take the bread we need to scrutinise ourselves. None of us take the emblems with a sense of worthiness – we acknowledge that we are weak, erring and struggling with our mortality and the ravages that sin has brought on our fallen condition and our proneness to sin with which we wrestle on a daily basis. But the important thing is that we continue to strive against sin relentlessly. This we do in remembering our Lord’s offering: Hebrews 12:1-11. Surely those who have given up fighting against sin will be condemned with the world. Brother Thomas exquisitely says of the breaking of the bread on page 296 of Elpis Israel: “for to eat his flesh is to digest, and make a part of our mental selves, the truth concerning the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ.”

Thoughts on the readings for February 26th (Exodus 39, 40, Psalm 102, 1 Corinthians 10) Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

1 Corinthians 10 warns against idolatry. It was the root cause of the infant Jewish nation’s sins as they left Egypt under Moses. Paul explains that their experiences were typical of, and in common with, those of the believers; and hence a clarion warning lest we think we stand; yet fall through pride. Verses 1-5 contain a warning to the Corinthian believers against complacency since the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt were both symbolic of our walk in Christ and in reality very similar to all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says that God’s provision of water is like the spiritual drink of His Word and our sustaining throughout our wanderings in the wilderness of life. Verses 6-13 warn us against idolatry which is called “covetousness” in Colossians 3:5. Trials are certain to come to every disciple. However we need not be discouraged since our Heavenly Father has promised that the trial will not be greater than we can bear. And even if it seems unbearable that He will provide us with a way of escape. For our part we must pray: “Lead us not into temptation, ie trial”. We also need to live our lives faithfully in avoiding temptations which arise due to our foolish decisions and actions. Verses 14-22 give practical advice in avoiding a likely problem from a foolish decision to partake of idol worship – in the belief that idols are non entities: 1 Corinthians 8 the entire chapter. The Apostle explains the dangers of rationalising in that chapter and here in chapter 10. A failure to understand these matters and to behave as God would have His children do is extremely dangerous. Paul says that it is in effect setting ourselves against God. The fellowship we enjoy with the Father and His Son is not to be entangled with the beliefs and practices of those who do not understand the teachings of the Word of God. From verses 23-30 Paul tells us that nothing in the life of the believer when it comes to eating food and drinking wine is forbidden to believers because God owns and has given these blessings to His children. However it is their responsibility to not partake of these to excess. Believers also have a responsibility to respect the conscience of their fellow disciples. The rights of faithful believers should not be exercised if the exercising of those rights would result in a loss of faith for others, and lead them away from the kingdom of God. The final two verses of the chapter tell us that, whatever we do, “Do all to the glory of God”. And since we are commanded to do all to the Father’s glory that glory must be chiefly moral, not just physical. Contemplate carefully the words of Habbakuk 2:14 and compare these words with Jeremiah 22 verse 15-16. A further lesson we need to learn from Paul’s example and emulate is how his life demonstrates that in his life he shows us how he did all to the glory of God.

Thought for February 25th. “IF ANYONE LOVES GOD, HE IS KNOWN BY GOD” Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Love is, above all, an active quality; genuine love causes us to do things: it motivates our heart. Now, the things love causes us to do are not things we do out of a sense of obligation, there should not be occasions when we say, “I suppose I had better do …” especially when it comes to serving the Lord.

Our meditations followed these lines as we read the start of 1 Corinthians Ch. 8. Verse 3 tells us, “But if anyone loves God , he (or she) is known by God.” When God, who sees all things through his spirit (Psalm 139 v.1-6) knows that our professions of love for him come right from our hearts – we are “known by God.” But this is more than a one sided sense of knowing, to truly know God results in a two-way relationship, David’s Psalms show this, we read this morning, “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his” [100 v.3]

We read a few days ago in Exodus, “Moses said to the LORD … you have said, ‘I know you by name … therefore if I have found favour in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you …” [Ch.33 v.12,13]

Knowing God comes through knowing his ways; leading to the realization that we are “working together with him” [2 Cor. 6 v.1]. One of the wonders of this, Paul told the Corinthians, is to realize that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1 Cor. 10 v.13]

Many believers in Corinth experienced temptations to continue to enjoy the fleshly advantages of attending idol temples and feasting there on the food that had been offered to the idols. The idol worshippers saw this food as special because it had been blessed by Temple priests: we have seen this happening in Indian temples.

It is not difficult to see the modern equivalents, especially in prosperous countries in the things that the masses idolize. In Corinth athletic sports were idolized, it is no different today – people call them ‘Stars’ – reflect on how much idolizing happens! .

Finally we noted Paul’s point – “Every athlete exercises self control … they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” [1 Cor. 9 v.25] He tells believers, “So run that you may obtain it … I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

[v.24,27]

Disqualified! How can we safeguard against that? Does not the ‘oil’ which ‘lubricates’ all our understanding and ways of thinking result in success in our efforts to “run” effectively? This is the reality of our love for God: supported by our reading of God’s word: these provide the awareness that we are “known” by God. Loving God creates our inner strength. How “real” is your love?

Thoughts on the readings for February 25th (Exodus 38; Psalms 100, 101; 1 Corinthians 8, 9) Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Exodus 38 describes the making of the two items of bronze furniture for the Tabernacle’s courtyard. It also tells of the making of the courtyard – its linen curtains, which separated the tent from the rest of Israel. The massive bronze laver (or basin) and the bronze altar of offerings were made by Bezaleel. That man also constructed the metallic fixtures for the linen curtains. The separating curtains (or screens) were made by Aholiab. The descriptions of the basin and bronze altar were given. The chapter finished by telling the weights of the metals and the contributions of the congregation.cont reading https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-25th-exodus-38-psalms-100-101-1-corinthians-8-9/

Thought for February 24th. “TO SECURE YOUR UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO THE LORD” Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Today’s chapter in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gives his views about specific situations occurring there. However, it contains principles which apply to believers of all ages. He is responding to “matters about which you wrote” [1 Cor.7 v.1] and his words are like hearing one side of a conversation. Corinth was a very immoral city and its idolatry and fleshly living created many problems and has many parallels with today. The believers had been actively part of all this until they committed themselves to follow the way of Christ.

They are commended to be faithful in their marriages, to avoid divorce and to be content with their situation in life, even if they were still slaves. (v.20,21) “I want you to be free from anxieties,” he writes, “to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”

[v.35].

Maintaining marriage relationships are most important says Paul, he makes the point, “because of temptations to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband … do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self control” [v.2,5]

This reference to a Satan is to human tempters, just as, at one stage, Peter was a Satan to Jesus, as we read earlier this month in Mark 8 v.33. At that stage Peter’s attitude was all wrong, similarly, many of the converts in Corinth would have contact with individuals whose values were all wrong and could prompt ungodly thoughts in them. So it is with us today – indeed – more and more. We have to say, at least in thought, “Get behind me Satan.”

Today some criticise Paul, suggesting he is against marriage, even a woman hater! This is most unfair; he writes, “I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind, one of another … it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.” [v.7,9] There were problems because some who had accepted Christ were married to unbelieving partners. The believer should not seek a divorce. The believer should seek to influence the unbeliever to accept Christ, “but if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so.” [v.15] writes Paul.

Paul sensed that Corinth was facing an imminent crisis, just as we sense that this world is heading downhill with increasing rapidity – for that reason there are many points in this chapter which have special relevance to today and the need for us all “to secure” our “undivided devotion to the Lord.”

All About Armageddon #1 'His Return' with Dan Jolly Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: What will our Lord’s return be like? How will it happen? What will Christ do when he gets here? What is due to happen next in Bible prophecy? This series of studies will paint a clear vision of all the prophecy puzzle pieces that make up the glorious future that lies directly ahead! SummaryThe PRESENTATION delves into the prophetic vision of Christ's return, exploring the transformative impact it will have on the world, particularly in the first 50 years following His arrival. It emphasises the importance of maintaining a hopeful vision for the future amid contemporary struggles, highlighting scriptural references that illustrate the urgency of being prepared for His unexpected return.Highlights

🌍 **Transformative Future**: The next 50 years after Christ's return will be the most significant and turbulent period in history, fundamentally altering the world as we know it.
📖 **Scriptural Foundation**: The presentation draws heavily on scripture, underscoring that the themes of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God are central to the Gospel and prevalent throughout the Bible.
⏳ **Urgency of Watchfulness**: Emphasising the need for vigilance, the speaker warns that many may be caught unprepared for Christ’s return, which will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night.
⚖️ **Judgment Process**: The process of judgment serves to refine believers, ensuring they are prepared for their eternal life, reinforcing the idea that God is for us and desires our growth.
🌟 **Resurrection Imagery**: Beautiful imagery is used to describe the resurrection, portraying it as a moment of radiant transformation and hope for the dead in Christ, who will rise to eternal life.
🏔️ **Ezekiel's Vision**: The presentation references Ezekiel’s vision of the future Temple, indicating a timeline of 50 years from Christ’s return to the opening of God’s Temple, with significant events occurring during this period.

keyword#Armageddon #Prophecy #Hope

Thoughts on the readings for February 24th (Exodus 37, Psalms 96, 97, 98, 99, 1 Corinthians 7) Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

How remarkable is our Lord. In the 7th chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul told of the importance of marriage in faithful service. One husband and one wife is the Divinely designed arrangement. But marriage is not for all as the chapter outlines. Verses 6-7 indicated that a single person is better placed to serve God, provided their passion can be contained, otherwise marriage would seem essential ( verse 36 reinforces this thought). The next section from Verses 12-16 says that the proper upbringing of children is dependent on harmony between a husband and a wife. This chapter also says that perseverance and faithfulness may convince a spouse to become a believer. From verses 17-24 advice is provided that we must give diligent service in the calling in which we have been called; whether single, or married. This is followed by advice for the widows and unmarried. The objective of being devoted and undistracted servants. Should this not be maintained, then marry – but only to a believer.cont reading... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-24th-exodus-37-psalms-96-97-98-99-1-corinthians-7/

Thought for February 23rd. “WHEN THE CARES OF MY HEART ARE MANY …” Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

What a personally stirring Psalm we have today in No. 94. The name of the Psalmist is not given but it “feels” very much like one of David’s. “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

[v.18,19]

One of our greatest consolations come when we read God’s word every day and share our thoughts and fellowship with others who do the same. The next verse asks an interesting question, “Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute?” The answer is plain in the verses which follow – but today, not only injustice, but ungodly living is framed and allowed and put into the statute book of many nations – many of whom used to be relatively godly.

In our chapter today in 1 Corinthians, Paul bluntly tells the believers there, “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” [6 v.9,10]

Paul later states, “the body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” [v.13-15]

Now there is an even greater factor to put this alongside that last statement! Paul asks, “… do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own …” [v.19]

Once again the broad and narrow paths are spelt out for us – and what they mean in practice. But meditate on the ways in which we are not our own, it also means, we suggest, we are not alone, “for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’” [Acts 17 v.28] which is what Paul told the Athenians of the God that was unknown to them..

We come back to the last 2 verses of our Psalm and it’s powerful concluding declaration, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out.”

Do you have cares in your heart? What has become – or is becoming – your stronghold?

What is the Third heaven? 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (with Roger Lewis) Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

The 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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Bible Standard – Re-Discover the Truth.

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected