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Barnabas: Son of Comfort #4 'Barnabas also was carried away' Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryThe discussion revolves around the journey of Barnabas and Paul, focusing on John Mark's departure, the Jerusalem conference, and the importance of unity despite disagreements.# Highlights- 📖 Barnabas's role is crucial in supporting John Mark despite his earlier mistakes. - 🌍 The first missionary journey highlights the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles.- ⚖️ The Jerusalem conference addressed the debate over Gentile circumcision and law adherence.- 🤝 Barnabas and Paul’s disagreement emphasizes the complexity of relationships in ministry.- 📚 The importance of recording both successes and failures in scripture for learning purposes.- 🕊️ Unity among brethren is essential for spiritual growth and collective efforts.- ✝️ God's grace allows for forgiveness and reconciliation within the community.# Key Insights- 🧭 **Mistakes Are Part of Growth**: John Mark’s earlier withdrawal illustrates that mistakes can lead to growth and eventual reconciliation in ministry. His journey reflects the learning curve faced by many. - 🗣️ **Truth Over Family Loyalty**: Barnabas’s choice to stand by Paul over John Mark shows that upholding truth is more important than family ties when it comes to spiritual matters.- 🌱 **The Necessity of Forgiveness**: The narrative emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and second chances, as seen in Barnabas's willingness to mentor John Mark again.- 🛡️ **Unity in Diversity**: The Jerusalem conference underlines the necessity of unity among believers, even amidst differing opinions and practices regarding the law.- 📖 **Learning from Scripture**: The recording of both triumphs and failures in scripture serves as a vital teaching tool for future generations, showing that faith is a journey.- 🚦 **Standing for Truth**: Paul's confrontation with Peter showcases the importance of addressing issues directly for the sake of communal integrity and truth.- 🔗 **Reconciliation in Relationships**: The eventual reconciliation between Paul and Barnabas highlights that ministry relationships can endure challenges, and differences can be resolved for the greater good.

Thought for February 10th. “GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU, THAT …” Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Almost 2 months elapsed after the people of Israel escaped from Egypt and now “they came into the wilderness of Sinai” [Exod.19 v.2] and encamped “before the mountain” [v.2] – not any mountain! Most dramatic events followed! We should take special notice of what Moses is told by the LORD to tell the people.
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples … you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” [v.4-6] Note that powerful little word IF.
The reaction of the people was very good – to begin with. We read “All the people answered together and said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do.’” [v.8] The mountain before them is the holy mountain, the presence of the Lord is there. “There were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast so that all the people in the camp trembled” [v.16] The mountain “was wrapped in smoke because the LORD descended on it in fire” [v.18]
What an utterly awesome experience! “The people were afraid and trembled … Moses said … do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear (awe) of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” [20 v.20]
Today we cannot come to the mountain of God, but we can come to His word and meditate upon the many wonders it reveals and the intimacy of its personal message, as in the Psalms.. But we have to do some searching, like those who search for gold. The discovery of that “gold” is seen in the affect the reading of God’s word starts to have so that human sinful attitudes will attract us less and less. This was the effect that the close encounter with God should have had on the Israelites, to forget Egypt, but the affect soon faded with most of them.
The ultimate destiny of the people was to become a “kingdom of priests” to the rest of the world, with the Levites the initial role models. As we read on we will see the wide ranging duties of a priest. This could surprise us, for their role included being administrators, doctors, policemen and the like. The final book of the Bible reveals that true followers of Jesus, the ones that God accepts, will one day become a Kingdom of Priests? The book of Revelation starts by telling believers that Christ has “made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father…” [1 v.6]. With that prospect let us make sure we sense God’s testing in our lives – and prepare for a final testing as this world is awed by events such as it has never experienced before – may our faith endure to the end.(see Matt 10 v.22) .

Thoughts on the readings for February 10th (Exodus 19, 20, Psalm 73, Mark 6) Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Exodus 19 tells us that it was on the third new moon of the year that the Israelites arrived at Sinai, to worship God as Moses had been told in Exodus 3. Calculations reveal that the 10 commandments were given 50 days after the Passover (hence the New Testament name for the Feast for this occasion, Pentecost). In verses 4-6 Yahweh reminds Israel of His might exercised on their behalf and His care for His people. He was like a mother eagle: Deuteronomy 32 verses 5-13. Israel were called to holiness; to be a kingdom of priests to bring the nations to the God of Israel. The same is true for believers now (1 Peter 2verses 5-6).
Verses 7-15 tell us that the waiting Israelites must reverently prepare for the coming awesome occasion when God would deliver the ten commanding words to His people. They were terrified by the prospect. But were even more disturbed by the events of that day. The writer to the Hebrews described these events in chapter 12 verses 18-21, but we also find by contrast the wonderful situation for faithful believers in Christ Jesus (Verses 22-28). The drama of the day when the Law was first given is captured by the build up reconstructed in verses 16-24. So terror struck were the people that they pleaded for Moses to speak with God in order that they die not.
Chapter 20 enumerated the Ten Commandments. They started with those which outlined their responsibilities to God and concluded with those duties to their fellow human beings (Matthew 22 verses 34-40). The first is our priority – God must be first in our lives (Interestingly the 10th teaches us the same lesson – “You shall not covet”. Anything which takes our love away from God; anything which reduces our service to Him is an idol Colossians 3:1-5, emphasis on verses 5; Luke 12 verses13-21;
and 1 John 5 verses 19-21. Interestingly the second commandment in verse 4 of Exodus 20 is “You shall not make graven images” is omitted in the Catholic Bible, which breaks the tenth commandment into two in that version. This is unsurprising as nearly all Catholic Churches are filled with icons and images which they worship. The fourth commandment’s principles have been important from the beginning of creation; but, also interestingly enough, is the only commandment to not be reiterated in the New Testament. The fifth commandment also is unique in that it is the only command with a blessing that accompanies its observance – “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long on the earth”: Ephesians 6verses 1-4. Paul tells us that God places great importance on this command, and therefore we ought to take great care to carry it out. Commandments 6-10 appear to be negative don’t do this, don’t do that. But consider the import of what they taught to the spiritually minded – Romans 12 verses12-21;
James 2:8-13. So, although the Law of Moses given to the Israelites at Sinai is not binding on believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the principles of the Ten Commandments are enduring and teach us how we should live in this present evil world; as we await the coming of our King. For those commandments were written by “the finger of God”: Exodus 31 verse18. Verses 22 to the end of Exodus 20 describe the construction of, and worship at, altars. They were to be made from whole stones shaped by God without human embellishments – speaking of Christ,our altar: Hebrews 13 verses10-16. No flesh was to be exposed by any worshipper, telling us of the devotion and reverence needed when drawing near to our God.

Barnabas: Son of Comfort #2 'With purpose of heart cleave to the Lord' Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryBarnabas exemplifies self-sacrifice and advocacy in the early Ecclesia, supporting Saul of Tarsus and uniting Jews and Gentiles in faith.# Highlights- 💰 Barnabas, a wealthy man, gave up his possessions to follow Jesus. - 🛡️ He became an advocate for Saul of Tarsus, helping him gain acceptance among the disciples. - 🤝 Barnabas promoted unity in the Ecclesia, bridging cultural divides. - 📖 He encouraged believers to cleave to the Lord with purpose in their hearts. - 🌾 During a famine, he helped organize relief for the persecuted Saints in Jerusalem. - 🌱 His efforts led to a significant increase in new believers in Antioch. - 🌟 Barnabas’s legacy highlights the importance of kindness and support in faith communities. # Key Insights- 💡 **Self-Sacrifice**: Barnabas's willingness to sell his land demonstrates the core Christian value of putting faith above material wealth, inspiring others to follow Christ wholeheartedly. - 🤔 **Advocacy**: By supporting Saul, Barnabas showed the power of belief in redemption, emphasizing that everyone deserves a second chance. - 🌍 **Cultural Unity**: His efforts in Antioch remind us that faith can unite diverse groups, fostering understanding and cooperation among believers. - ❤️ **Purposeful Commitment**: Encouraging believers to cleave to the Lord reflects the importance of dedication and intentionality in one's spiritual journey. - 🥖 **Compassion in Action**: Barnabas’s role in providing for those in need during famine illustrates the calling to serve and uplift others in difficult times. - 📈 **Growth through Support**: His partnership with Saul led to a thriving Ecclesia in Antioch, showcasing the impact of collaborative ministry. - 🎉 **Legacy of Kindness**: Barnabas exemplified Christ-like kindness, teaching us the importance of empathy and support within our faith communities.

Barnabas: Son Of Comfort #1 'With God All Things Are Possible' Graeme Shugg Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryBarnabas, the "Son of Comfort," exemplified discipleship through selflessness and encouragement, mirroring the spirit of unity in the early Ecclesia.# Highlights- 🌟 Barnabas was a loyal disciple and ambassador for Jesus Christ.- 🤝 His spirit of unity fostered a caring Ecclesia where all shared equally.- 💰 He sold his land to support the community, setting an example of generosity.- 📖 Acts 4 introduces him as a Levite, highlighting his role in spiritual leadership.- 🔄 Barnabas's life reflects the transformative power of faith and service.- 🙌 He encouraged others, embodying the principle that with God, all things are possible.- ❤️ His legacy challenges us to care for one another selflessly.# Key Insights- 🌱 **Spirit of Generosity**: Barnabas's willingness to sell his land for the community reflects the biblical principle of selflessness and support for others. This act illustrates love in action, encouraging a culture of giving. - 💬 **Role of Encouragement**: As a "Son of Comfort," Barnabas exemplified the vital role of encouragement in the Ecclesia, promoting unity and strength among believers through his actions and support.- 📜 **Foundation of Faith**: Barnabas's journey from wealth to service illustrates the transformative power of faith, showing how true discipleship requires sacrifice and commitment to God’s will.- 🌍 **Unity in Diversity**: The early Ecclesia, as described in Acts, showcased a radical unity where social status was irrelevant, emphasizing that faith can break down barriers and foster community.- 🤔 **Lessons from History**: Barnabas’s background as a Levite provides context for his leadership and dedication to spiritual education, revealing the importance of heritage in shaping one’s faith journey.- 🔄 **Impact of Transformation**: Barnabas’s life serves as a reminder that personal transformation through Christ can lead to profound impacts on others, encouraging them toward faith and service.- 💖 **Call to Action**: The challenge posed by Barnabas's example urges modern believers to actively engage in loving and supporting their community, reinforcing the essence of Christian fellowship.

Psalms of Resurrection - 'Introduction to series' with Stephen Palmer Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: # SummaryA discussion on the challenges of attending Bible school, the strength found in Psalms, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.# Highlights- 📖 Importance of gathering around scriptures for strength.- 💔 Acknowledgment of life's difficulties and personal burdens.- ✝️ Jesus' endurance and strength through trials highlighted in Hebrews.- 🎶 Psalms provide insight into Jesus' agony and resurrection.- 📜 Controversial view that Psalms were written for Jesus, not just David.- 🔍 Exploration of resurrection themes in selected Psalms.- 🌟 The promise of God's deliverance and victory for believers.# Key Insights- 💬 **Community Support:** Gathering together fosters strength in faith and helps support those who couldn't attend. This highlights the importance of community in overcoming life's challenges.- 😟 **Life's Burdens:** Acknowledging that many face uncertainties and heartaches emphasizes the need for spiritual solace and guidance found in scripture.- 🌈 **Focus on Jesus:** Hebrews 12:2 reminds believers to look to Jesus as the source of faith and perseverance, providing comfort in difficult times.- 📖 **Psalms as Revelation:** Viewing Psalms as divine messages for Jesus encourages deeper contemplation of their significance beyond historical context.- 🔄 **Resurrection Themes:** The exploration of resurrection in Psalms suggests a continuous thread of hope and victory that transcends suffering.- 🎤 **God's Response:** Psalms reflect God's attentiveness to the afflicted, reinforcing the belief that He hears and responds to prayers.- 🌍 **Future Promise:** The call to rejoice in God's deliverance points to the hope of eternal life and connection with God in the age to come.

TRUMP IS BACK! Let's get the Bibles out! A videocast Discussion by Bible Students John and Paul Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: "From the Bible Magazine Archives".Title: TRUMP IS BACK! Let's get the Bibles out! A videocast Discussion by Bible Students John and PaulDescription: Join us in this exciting episode of The Bible Magazine Videocast as we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to office with Bible students John and Paul. Recorded just weeks after Trump's inauguration, this discussion explores the political earthquake his policies are causing, especially in relation to Israel and Middle Eastern affairs. We discuss how these events might be interpreted through the lens of scripture, considering the possibility of Trump's actions heralding significant biblical prophecies. From the peace plan for Gaza to the potential annexation of parts of the West Bank, we unpack the surprising turns and how they align with biblical predictions.

Thought for February 8th. “WHO THEN IS THIS?” Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

We all have probably had the experience of suddenly seeing another side of friend’s character that we did not know existed. We then wonder who they really are! Hopefully these are good things we see, but sadly, that is not always the case.
Now consider the experience of the disciples of Jesus, our heading is the question they asked themselves at a time when they had been “filled with great fear” and as a result had said, “Who then is this, that even wind and see obey him?” [Mark 4 v.41] We have already read in Mark of Jesus doing many marvellous healings; a paralysed man, a leper, a man with a withered hand, &c, so that “his fame spread everywhere” [1 v.28]: yet when he stills the storm and “the wind ceased and there was a great calm” [4 v.39] they then asked each other “Who then is this?”
Most of them were fishermen and this miracle occurred in an environment with which they were very familiar. Surely they had learnt when there was a risk of violent weather and would not venture out in their boats. Matthew, Mark and Luke all record this dramatic event, it was etched in their memory. It is described as “a great windstorm” and the “waves were breaking into the boat.” As Jesus dramatically stills the storm, he asks, “Have you still no faith?” [v.40] Compare this with what we read today in Exodus 16, there is a challenging parallel! The nation of Israel had witnessed miracles, the plagues, walking through the sea on dry land and the destruction of the Egyptians armies at the hands of their all-powerful God – the one whose name/reputation was being established by these events. As they “grumbled against Moses” because of the lack of food [v.2] Moses could have said, “Have you still no faith?”
We have commented several times that in this 21st Century we are travelled through a sinful Godless wilderness. Storms of God’s judgements are starting to break out on this world; they are going to get worse. We all need to get to more fully know our Lord and Master and an even fuller prayer life, couple with our daily reading of God’s word – leading to such a measure of faith that makes us certain Jesus is in control whatever may come on this earth and into our lives. Meditate on James 1 v.5-8

Thoughts on the readings for February 9th (Exodus 17, 18, Psalm 72, Mark 5) Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

Exodus 17 tells us how Israel’s God provided water in the desert from the rock, when His people were extremely thirsty. And as the people had shown they always grumbled against the LORD, verse 3. This was typical of God’s provision, for us in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (see
1 Corinthians 10 verses 1-6). Moses struck the rock, representing Israel’s crucifying our Lord Jesus; out of whose side flowed water (John 19 verses 34-35,
1 John 3 verses 6-8; note that the three that bare witness are the Spirit, the water and the blood – verse 7 in the AV is a faulty insertion by a Jesuit monk (in the Middle Ages). The finding of water immediately brought Israel into war with the Amalekites, who were killing the stragglers of Israel
(Deuteronomy 25 verses 17-19 contrast with the attitude of the Israelites who had triumphantly departed Egypt in Psalm 105 verse 37. Their spirit failed with time and they failed to put their trust in the Living God (see Hebrews 3). Amalek came and fought with Israel and were defeated – not by might, nor by power, but by Yahweh’s Spirit being exercised energetically on the behalf of His people in response to Moses’ prayer. Note when Moses’ hands dropped Amalek prevailed; but when they were extended upwards invoking the LORD’s help for His people, Israel prevailed
(see Hebrews 12 verses 12-14). He was supported in prayer by two men – Aaron the high priest; and Hur, (meaning “white” speaking of those who gain the victory through Christ) the prince of the tribe of Judah. So collectively these three men spoke of prophet, priest and king. Moses, Aaron and Hur agonised in prayer in order to aid Yahweh’s warriors, led by Yahoshua (meaning “Yah’s salvation). Israel’s weapons were not carnal, but mighty to God (2 Corinthians 10 verses 3-6). This battle was against sin; and secondly symbolised Armageddon, when Gog (the chief of Russia) and its clans invade Israel in the near future). Consider Moses’ prophecy about this in Numbers 24 verse 19. This is the reason that in verse 16 of the 17th chapter of Exodus God declared perpetual warfare on Amalek. And as emblem of His declared will a banner, or ensign was set up – verses 14 and 15 and a book written, and its words rehearsed in Joshua’s ears – compare Isaiah’s 4th chapter as speaking of the end of the process of destroying Amalek.
Chapter 18 of Exodus explains the wise advice given to Moses by his father in law, Jethro. Jethro had taken custody of his daughter Zipporah and his two grandchildren from Moses, apparently when Moses had confronted Pharaoh in Egypt. Moses showed great respect for his father in law, who met him to return Moses’ family back to him. Jethro was delighted by the report of Yahweh’s wonders, which had been seen in Egypt. And Jethro, who appeared to have some familiarity with the Lord GOD of Israel, now acknowledged Yahweh’s supremacy. The following day Jethro observed the great effort Moses exerted in judging the people. Jethro told Moses such efforts were not sustainable. He needed support in the work from honest, trustworthy men who hated bribery and covetousness. A hierarchy of help was established; leaving Moses as judge only in the most difficult cases. It also enabled Moses to prioritise his work as the mediator between God and His people. After this Jethro returned to his home in Midian.

cont ...https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-9th-exodus-17-18-psalm-72-mark-5/

Thoughts on the readings for February 6th (Exodus 13, 14, Psalm 68, Mark 2) Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Exodus 13 tells of the instructions for the 7 day long Feast of Unleavened Bread; which was incorporated with the Passover, when Israel entered the Promised Land (see Joshua 5 verses 1-12). Note how this Feast, together with the Passover and circumcision, were together emblematic of God’s covenant with His people Israel. The Feast told of the need to remove leaven from the lives of the faithful. Leaven is a permeating and corrupting substance – under the law it stands in opposition to salt; which was required in every sacrifice (leaven was excluded) And when we keep the memorial feast, of Christ our Passover, the leaven of malice and wickedness must be excluded (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). In its origins it promised faithful observance would bring the worshippers to the Land Promised. Verses 11-13 tell of the process of redemption through the offering of a lamb – signifying our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1 verse 29). The redemption of a donkey talks of our Lord finally bringing God’s Chosen People – Israel – into the Covenant. And the next verses tell of the deliverance Yahweh has just given His people. And that is why we redeem our sons. Verses 17-22 tell how God led His people through the wilderness – an overshadowing protective cloud by day and a blazing fiery light by night. cont reading...

https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-6th-exodus-13-14-psalm-68-mark-2/

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