Verses 1-27 of Nehemiah 10 tell the names of those who signed the covenant. Verses 28-39 outline the responsibilities and obligations of the covenant. The first of the obligations was to not marry uncovenanted wives (i.e. those of different beliefs to those taught in His Law by the God of Israel).
Responsibility 2 was to observe the Sabbath by preventing the buying and selling of goods. The third necessity was to pay their tithes and offerings for the house of God. And finally come together for the three principal feasts to rejoice in their God; and with those of like precious faith.
Amos 2 commenced with judgments on Israel's neighbours for their sins and now from verses 6-16 the prophet states the sins for which Israel will be chastised. Firstly, those whose covetousness and callousness knows no limits; secondly, those whose uncontrolled sexual appetites were insatiable; thirdly, their boastfulness - the word Amorite comes from the Hebrew "amor" meaning mouth; fourthly, their corrupting of God's laws i.e. giving the Nazarites wine to drink. And so "as they had sown, so they would reap" and not be able to resist the severe coming judgment.
1 Timothy 4 commences with signposts which mark out the coming departure from true teachings - 1) a belief in evil and deceitful spirits; 2) a celibate clergy forbidden marriage; 3) the refraining from eating certain foods e.g. meat on Fridays and during Lent leading up to Easter - all foods are for our eating as long as we have offered a prayer of thanksgiving before eating. In verses 6-10 we have the third faithful
saying, "bodily exercise is of some value, but godliness (Greek "eusebia" - good, or well worship) is profitable in every way, benefiting present daily life, and offering the hope of eternal life in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ". It is essential that believers be reminded of the necessity to be pure in thought, word and action. Such diligence will save both the teacher and the hearer alike. In chapter 5 we are told the type of respect to be shown to elderly believers. Next follows instructions on the proper treatment of widows. It tells families to show their commitment and care for the widows before requesting aid from the ecclesia. However, widows whose faith and actions stand as a witness to their commitment to Christ Jesus and His Father should be supported in their needs. Older members of the flock of God who have diligently proclaimed the Word of God must be honoured (compare Hebrews 13verses7, 17). Those whose words and actions show a failure to continue in the beliefs and behaviour of the Truth are to be openly rebuked. Be careful in the choice of those commissioned to faithful service. Timothy should drink wine moderately for reasons of health. Sometimes the faithfulness of some believers is evident; and sometimes the wrongdoing of believers is seen. But not always. Beware of hypocrisy, but be assured it will be unmasked in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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The final chapter of Joel’s prophecy always intrigues us. It’s opening verse is plain – “For behold in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem. I will …” The fortunes of God’s nation of Israel have been dramatically restored in the last 100 years. How long, we ask ourselves, before “the LORD roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth quake” [v.16]
Very pertinent questions arise from God’s words in v,12,13, “I will sit to judge the surrounding nations … for their evil is great.” The next verse says, “multitudes” are involved – and yesterday’s chapter indicated a particular “northerner” is involved who is destroyed after “he has done great things.” [2 v.20]
In today’s chapter the question is asked, “What are you to me O Tyre and Sidon?” [3 v,4] Today this is the nation of Lebanon, “the region of Philistia” is also involved, which is now known as ‘the Gaza strip.’ The answer of the question is clear – they are counted as nothing in God’s eyes.
A wider challenge is made; “Proclaim this among the nations: consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up … let the weak say, ‘I am a warrior.’” [v.9,10] All this has happened – is that happening complete? Verse 16 & 17 indicate a final climax when “The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. So you shall know that I am the LORD your God …” The world at that time will know – but those who diligently read God’s word should “know” now!
What a blessing such knowledge will prove to be when the LORD “roars” and the nations are in great alarm. Those who “know” will have a special ‘peace of mind’ – and they should have it now – they need to have it now. Look at the point Paul makes, that we also read today as he completed his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, “Now may the God of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” [v.16] Are you feeling receptive to that peace? You should be.
The personal letter of Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy, is written from Rome during the Apostle Paul's first imprisonment (during his house arrest of two years) between 61-63 AD. The standard greeting of the Greeks "charis" - "grace"; and of the Hebrews, "shalom" - "peace", or "wholeness"; begin the letter.
Verses 3-11 warn against false teachers. The Apostle starts with genealogies because the false teachers were asserting to their hearers the importance which they placed on their own lineage. Law is a necessity for humans are, by weakness and choice, sinners. From verses 12-17 the Apostle Paul states the first of five faithful sayings, written in the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy; and Titus. The first of these sayings is that "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners". Paul acknowledges that he is one of the foremost in this category, because he persecuted believers. In verses 18-20 Timothy is entrusted with the "charge" - Greek "deposit" i.e. solemn responsibility) to oppose false teachers and their teachings. In chapter 2verses1-6 Timothy is told to pray for all people so that believers may be allowed to worship God in peace. Paul states that God is the Father alone. He further adds that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of the Father, whose offering of himself brings believers to God. From verses 8-15 there are explanations about the right way to worship God. These include sincere prayer from dedicated believers; modesty in all aspects of appearance - avoiding drawing attention to oneself in the wearing of jewellery and in the wearing of immodest clothing. The Apostle says that in the meetings of believers that sisters acknowledge their God appointed roles by the wearing of a head covering and by allowing the men to teach. Nonetheless the sisters bearing of children is fulfilling (if by circumstances they are able) a God given role. A sister, Mary, gave birth to our Saviour. In chapter 3verses1 the Apostle gives the second faithful saying, "those aspiring to guiding believers have chosen a noble path". Verses 2-7 speak of the qualifications for an overseer (bishop), or guide of believers. Verses 8-13 outline the requirements for deacons (assistant guides for believers). Verses 14-16 talk about God and contain the great truth of the gospel that Jesus Christ is the pillar and foundation of the temple of faithful believers. Christ has revealed to all believers the character and traits of our Sovereign Father. Pivotal to understanding the gospel is a grasp of the doctrine of God manifestation. God was revealed in Christ who has revealed the character and attributes of his Father. Having done that, the Father then welcomes His Son to join Him in heaven. It seems that the Apostle Paul's thoughts may be based on Daniel 6verses19-26. Read aloud, pause and ponder.
Nehemiah 8 tells us that as Ezra read the Law of Moses from dawn to midday to the people standing and listening attentively for it was God's Word that was being read and explained with diligence. The people's response in verse 8 was a loud and audible, "Amen, Amen". Ezra urges the people, not to weep but, to rejoice in God's Word as they together share His blessings. Then the chapter says that they kept the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) for seven days and then on the 8th day they observe a solemn assembly (Hebrew "holy convocation"). This day is in the Law of Moses only once named - and is known as "Shemini Azaret", or "the day of the righteous" - speaking of eternal life in God's kingdom.
Joel 3 tells of the time that will soon come at the time of the end of the kingdom of men. At this time the Lord Jesus Christ will come and set up the kingdom of God on this earth (Revelation 11verses15-19). The great battle of God Almighty is "Armageddon" in Revelation 16verses14-16, - those verses are taken from what we are told in Joel 3. These events were only possible in recent years, because the start of Joel 3 tells us that Israel must be back in their own land with Jerusalem as their capital city. Armageddon will be a time for God's judgments on the nations for their sinfulness and ungodliness and on those nations who that have wrongfully treated His people - Israel. It will be a time for war - a holy war, in fact. The word translated "prepare" in verse 8 means a jihad, or holy war. Verse 10 speaks of a time when the economies of the world are turned from agriculture to war i.e. precisely what we see now. The time that follows will be of peace in the kingdom of Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ (read Isaiah 2verses1-4; and Micah 4verses1-5). Verse 12 of Joel 3 is where Armageddon is mentioned in the Old Testament. The judgment of the nations is likened to the harvesting of the grain with a scythe (or sickle); it is also compared to the harvesting of the vine and crushing grapes in a winepress.
In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul asks for the believers' prayers that he might be helped to freely teach the gospel without hindrance. From verses 6-15 the Apostle urges the Macedonian faithful to keep working and avoiding idleness. Many had ceased working because they mistakenly thought that the coming of Jesus Christ was so close that they didn't need to work. Idle brothers had to learn to heed the advice contained in this letter. In the last two verses the Apostle Paul asks God to give the believers peace.
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In the sight of God we all have the opportunity to be his children. Paul, in completing his first letter to the Thessalonians makes the point, “you are not in darkness brothers … for you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night …” “ [ch. 5 v.4,5] There is a simple but profound lesson here. It is essential for our spiritual eyes to be wide open (recall Ephesians 1 v.18) – day after day – week after week – month after month – year after year!
Paul presses the point, “We are not of the night, nor of the darkness.” There can be no spiritual night-time for genuine committed believers. He continues, “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night ,,,,, we belong to the day, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” [v.6-8]”
We shudder at Paul’s words in the next verse, “For God has not destined us to wrath but to obtain salvation …” But let us not spend any time thinking of the destiny of those who are not of the day. There is no middle path, only broad and narrow ones! In a way the seemingly never ending turmoil of the nations around Israel at the moment can be seen as a foretaste of the wrath for those who have no knowledge at all of the one true God..
As those who have on – or should have on – “the breastplate of faith” we have a tremendous example to follow as we read more of the dedication of Nehemiah (ch. 5 & 6) as he pushed to one side all those who tried to hinder and stop the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Let us all work at building up the walls of our faith – and create secure “gates” that only allow in that which is good and profitable.
Verses 1-4 of Nehemiah 7 tells us that although the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt the houses had not yet been built. This left the city unprotected. From verses 5-65 the genealogies of the entire 42,360 returned exiles was recorded, with more than half of those verses being about the priests, the Levites and the Nethenim - indicating the importance of these to the newly reconstituted kingdom of Judah. It was essential that the credentials of a priest descended from Aaron be established for correct worship. The remaining verses record the gifts given by the people for worship.
Joel 2 records the progress of the unstoppable Babylonian army. They are described as Yahweh's army, who are to execute his judgements on the "day of Yahweh". From verses 12-17 recorded an impassioned plea to return to their God. They needed to "rend their hearts, and not their clothes" (v13) for their Sovereign's loving kindness, grace and mercy have never left the One who so revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 34verses6-7. So, if their LORD found a repentant people He would bless them. Those blessings are described in verses 18-27. They would see God's people eternally blessed. From verses 28-32 we have outlined for us how Yahweh would bring that blessing through the work of the Holy Spirit outpoured at the times of the Lord Jesus Christ- the Messiah of Israel, who would bring salvation to all - Jews and Gentiles alike on the basis of faith (or belief) starting in Jerusalem (Mount Zion). Compare this chapter to Acts
2verses14-41 and Romans 10verses8-17.
The greetings and salutations commencing 2 Thessalonians are identical to Paul's other letters except for the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus). In chapter 1 verses 3-4 the Apostle thanks God for the Thessalonican brothers and sisters, whose faith was growing and their love increasing. Despite persecution they were steadfast for the gospel. From verses 5-12 Paul urges for that patience to continue for it will receive the promised reward at the second coming, and kingdom, of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our
Lord when he comes with the angels will also avenge his faithful. The persecutors of the believers will then receive what they deserve. Chapter 2 tells that before the Lord will come there will be a huge forsaking of the true belief and a system of deceit, which pretends to be the truth will arise in the earth. The words translated "falling away" and "lawlessness" both in the Greek language have the numerical value of 666 (compare Revelation 13verses16-18). From the other identifying features in this chapter and those within the book of Revelation tells us that this is the Roman Catholic Church with the Pope as its head.
Note that the delusion which allowed this system to develop came about because those who fell away "received not the love of the Truth" (v10). From verses 13-17 the Apostle urges them to stand firm for the faith.
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Nehemiah 5 records the actions of Nehemiah the prophet to remove the suffering of the poor whose lands and vineyards had been mortgaged and their children sold into slavery. Nehemiah holds a great assembly and challenges the rulers to forsake their iniquitous practices. And so, the congregation agrees to restore to their families the sons and daughters who had been enslaved. Also, fields and vineyards are returned to their original owners. Governor Nehemiah received no taxes from the people despite his entitlement to do so. Verses 14-19 outline the Governor's - Nehemiah's - generous provision from his table every day for 12 years out of his own pocket. Nehemiah calls upon God to witness his love and generosity to Yahweh's people. Chapter 6 speaks of the conspiracy against Nehemiah from the enemies surrounding Israel. These foes seek a meeting with the Governor in the open plain where they would attempt to assassinate him. Nehemiah refuses and tells them that he would not stop doing God's work. Four times they try this tactic. Next the adversaries come with an open letter spreading lies about
Nehemiah. This also fails. The enemies claim Nehemiah wants to make himself king. The faithful Governor takes the letter and spreads it out before God and prays for God's help and support. The next tactic of Nehemiah's foes is to threaten assassination. This too fails to intimidate God's faithful servant and the work of building the walls continues. Nehemiah asks God to remember and deal with the enemies. And so, the wall is completed in 52 days, because the hand of the Almighty is with his people. One of the great lessons of these chapters is to remain focused on God's work and the building up of His family and to avoid any distractions that might arise.
The prophet Joel speaks his message just before the four waves of Babylonian invasions on Judah and the deporting to Babylon of exiles from the Land on each of these incursions. The first of these happens under the king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) in 606 BC. The final overthrow of the southern kingdom of Judah; with its capital Jerusalem, was in 587 BC. The invasion is described by the four stages of the locust - each stage more voracious in appetite than the previous stage. Verse 6 tells us that the devastation of God's land is due to one nation - Babylon. Notice the symbols of Israel are portrayed in the vine and the fig tree. These are consumed by Nebuchadnezzar. The virgin of Israel languishes due to her chastisement. Verses 13-20 tell of a call to repentance for the nation of Judah, will feel the wrath of the LORD in "the day of Yahweh" (a theme often repeated in this prophecy).
Our final reading in 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us that the Scriptures provide graphic detail of the times (Greek 'chronos' which God has explicitly revealed through His Scriptures and particularly in His prophetic word) and that He has adjusted i.e. patterned the world's eras around His Son, the Christ (Hebrews 11verses1). Time in this chapter is made up of longer periods called "times" and shorter periods known as "seasons". The shorter seasons characterised by specific signs compel us to believe that our Lord's coming is imminent (Luke 21verses24-36). These signs urge us to watchfulness and to lives that are consistent with us being the children of the DAY. That is the day soon to dawn when the sun of righteousness will arise with healing (Malachi 4verses1). We are exhorted us to lives consistent with the character required of the children of our Father in verses 4-11. The chapter concludes with patterns of behaviour befitting the children of the kingdom (cp 2 Peter 3verses10-18).
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A @Christadelphians Video: Who truly owns the land in the Middle East? As global powers push for a "two-state solution," we turn to the Bible for an outstanding and thought-provoking perspective on this critical issue. This expositional Bible talk provides a revealing look at what scripture says about the land of Israel, Jerusalem, and the divine purpose behind today's headlines. We examine the ancient promises made to Abraham and their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, offering an insightful and inspiring understanding of current events. Discover why the nations are being judged for dividing God's land and the wonderful future that awaits when God's kingdom is established on earth.**Chapters / Timestamps:**00:00 - Introduction: The Middle East in Today's Headlines00:57 - The Historical Two-State Solution: The 1947 UN Partition Plan02:16 - The Prophetic Time Stamp: Joel 3 and the Return from Captivity03:37 - God's Judgment on the Nations: "They Have Divided My Land"04:25 - The Abrahamic Promise: The Land Given to Abraham and His Seed06:02 - The Singular Seed: Galatians 3 Reveals the Promise is to Christ06:56 - Our Inheritance in Christ: The Ultimate Solution for the Land07:28 - Jerusalem: A Burdensome Stone for All Nations (Zechariah 12)08:44 - The One Kingdom Solution: The Kingdom of God (Daniel 2)09:20 - Conclusion: Thy Kingdom Come**Bible Verses Featured in This Presentation:**📖 Joel 3📖 Genesis 12 & 13📖 Galatians 3📖 Zechariah 12📖 Daniel 2Tags: Bible prophecy, Israel, Middle East news, two state solution, Abrahamic covenant, land of Israel, Jesus Christ, God's kingdom, Christadelphian, Bible study, scriptural analysis[We are a Christadelphian team dedicated to providing outstanding, scriptural content to encourage and build up your faith. If you found this presentation insightful, please share it with others.]
Chapter 2 of Nehemiah is about his own return to Jerusalem; it finished with his rebuke to those who opposed the rebuilding of its walls; these were an Ammonite and an Arab (v.19), they did not want the Jews to be able to defend themselves. But the Jews set to work – and it was a most remarkable team effort!
As we read ch. 3 we counted 33 individuals and groups who each did their part in rebuilding parts of the wall, noting the words, “and next to him … and after him.” For example, “Jedaiah … repaired the wall opposite his home” [v.10] then Shallum, “ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters” [v.12] – it was an all-out effort with the women helping too! The gates also had to be repaired and put in place (v.14,15) The priests also were involved (v.22), no one was exempt.
This Is the same in building up the “body of Christ”! Nehemiah inspired in them such a will to work that they completed the work “in fifty two days” [6 v.15] despite the increasing opposition we will read of tomorrow.
Let’s consider the spiritual counterpart to all this, we do not have a human Nehemiah urging us on, instead we have our Lord Jesus. How conscious are we that “he has said ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” [Heb.13 v.5]
In Hebrews ch.12 believers are urged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith …” [v.1,2]
In Eph. 2 v.21,22 we saw that believers are building on the foundation the prophets and Apostles laid – and Jesus is the “cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together …”
Paul told the Corinthians, “Let each one take care how he builds upon it” [1 Cor. 3 v.10] and in I Thessalonians which we started reading today, Paul says, “since we belong to the day” and not the darkness of this world, “therefore encourage one another and build one another up” [5 v.8,11]
Followers of Christ are a team and teamwork is vital! We have no head but Christ (Eph. 4 v.15). Sadly those who have strayed from the way the church was ‘built’ in the first centuries resort to having leaders, teamwork among them is minimal, if it exists at all. So the example of teamwork we are reading in Nehemiah is an example for true believers of all ages
Nehemiah 4 tells of the mockery that comes from the Jews' enemies in an attempt to discourage them from the work of building the wall. Nehemiah makes it a matter of prayer to his God. Likewise, the people of the LORD were not diverted from the work. The enemies next threaten sabotage and open attack upon the rebuilding work. This too fails because of Nehemiah's diligence and the measures he takes for constant surveillance and the protection of the builders. Nehemiah places each family working on the wall directly in front of their home. Each worker works with a weapon in one hand.
Hosea 14 tells of a plea to Israel to return to Yahweh. The nation needs to consider why they had been smitten and to find suitable words to request God's healing and forgiveness. Then the Almighty's anger will be turned away. In poetic language the prophet describes how blessings will return to Israel. In forsaking idolatry and learning the just and upright ways of Yahweh the faithful will thrive and experience the bountiful blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ's coming kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 3verses1-5 Paul tells us of the sufferings that the Apostle experienced in Athens. Next Paul informs his readers of the great encouragement and comfort that Timothy brings him; and it is the news of the Thessalonians' magnificent response to the gospel. Note how the chapter finishes - read aloud verses 12-13 and pause, and ponder. Chapter 4 speaks of how pleased God and Paul are with the way that the believers are living their lives as a witness to their faith and to their trust in God and His Son. The love the Macedonian believers show to each other is evidence that they have learned what God's Word teaches. They needed to keep working until the Lord Jesus' return. These believers did, however, have a wrong view about the order of events after the Lord's return. The living believers will have no time advantage over those faithful who had fallen asleep in Christ i.e. died. Verses 13-18 describe what happens at Christ's return to the earth. Jesus will come with angels and the trumpet of God (1 Corinthians 15verses52-53). Those believers who are alive when he comes will be caught up together with those believers who have been raised from the dead, into a great cloud of witnesses (see Hebrews 12verses1- 2). These believers will be caught into the air i.e. aerial, in the sense that, together with their Lord Jesus Christ, they will be the rulers (or those elevated to be in authority) over the people of the earth - i.e. the subjects of that coming kingdom. What a comfort to those who are now suffering persecution.
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Today we started to read the book of Nehemiah who was in exile in Susa, the capital of the empire of the Medes and Persians. He is obviously a very special personality for he had become cupbearer to King Artaxerxes – a very responsible and trusted position to ensure the king was not poisoned.
Nehemiah records that “… my brothers came … from Judah. And I asked them … concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, ‘The remnant there in the province that survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed …” [Ch. 1 v.2,3] The Temple had been rebuilt, as we have just read in Ezra, but nothing else.
In reacting to this news, “I sat down and mourned and wept for days …” [v.4]. He is then “praying before the God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.” [v.4,5] We prove we mean what we say, especially in loving God, by what we then do.
The climax of his prayer is in v.11, “O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayers of your servants who delight to fear your name.” Do we “delight” in fearing God? By “name,” we primarily mean – his ‘reputation’ toward those who love and therefore serve him truly. We need to get our minds around this.
Chapter 2 tells us that “in the month of Nisan” (4 months later) in serving the king as his cupbearer, but having continuing great sadness about the plight of Jerusalem that “the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.’ I was then very much afraid” [v.2]
What should we do when we are “very much afraid”? If we are truly godly, as Nehemiah was, we should instantly pray. Nehemiah tells the king the cause of his sadness, saying, “Why should not my face be sad when the city, the place of my father’s graves, lies in ruins …” [v.3]
“Then the king said to me, ‘what are you requesting?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven …” [v.4] What instant and urgent prayer was involved here! Imagine it! Nehemiah then asks, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favour in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my father’s graves that I may rebuild it” [v.5] The request is granted – because he responded in a godly way although in great fear –– there arose a challenging and wondrous opportunity. The account that unfolds in this book from hereon is an inspiration to all who are fully committed to serve God at every opportunity. Do you have that sense of commitment?
How much will such be needed as life in this world becomes ever more uncertain – so let us all set our minds on developing that commitment more and more – and the foundation for this is to ‘feed’ on God’s word every day.
Nehemiah 3 tells the readers of Judah's consecrating of the gates and the rebuilding of the wall. It contains lists of who built, and why they built. All classes from professional craftsmen (goldsmiths) to common labourers worked - including the high priest Eliashib and his 5 daughters. Sadly, it also listed some, such as the nobles of the Tekoites, who to their shame failed to become involved in the building of the wall.
Hosea 13 tells of the LORD's relentless watching over Israel (v7) "like a leopard by the way". Their idolatry would be visited with chastisement, as of a devouring lion. The king they sought in their beginnings - Saul was given by God in His anger and taken away in His wrath. The same remained true for every king from Israel (the northern kingdom). However, the loving kindness of Yahweh is stated in verse 14, which is cited with regards to the blessings of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15verses54-55. But for the time being their discipline remained a necessity.
Paul's first visit to the Thessalonians (in Macedonia) was perhaps around 51 AD. The letter commenced with "grace" (Greek ‘charis' - love) and "peace" (Hebrew ‘shalom' - wholeness, or peace), which come from God, our Father. As a group of Christian believers, the Macedonians were severely persecuted, like their fellow Jewish believers in Judea - many of them being put to death for their beliefs. The Thessalonians were, however, extremely generous in financially contributing to Paul's preaching - especially the Philippians. The central message of both letters is the second coming of Jesus Christ to set up the kingdom of God on earth. Every chapter of both letters refers to this - some chapters containing several references (in the Bible we find over 500 references to the second coming of Jesus Christ). Their
love and labours for the Truth were exemplary to all believers. Note verse 9 refers to their belief in "the Living God" and cites not only the verse in Jeremiah 10verses10, but the whole context of Jeremiah 10 was relevant to the situation of the Thessalonian believers. Chapter 2 speaks of the love of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Titus among them. Interestingly the name Titus means "nurse", or "rearer". Paul worked to support his companions' needs and for the preaching of the gospel. The Apostle commends the believers for their patience in suffering persecution. Finally, he expresses a desire to see them again and says that in the day of Christ's coming their acceptance of the gospel would be his victor's crown (Greek 'stephanos').
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In Colossians 3 verses 1-4 tell us that since we have through the act of baptism been raised in him to a new life our thoughts and actions should be in harmony with this. And so, from verses 5-9 all those past behaviours are to find no place among believers. Our new self is being renewed every day through our growth in understanding what it means to be "in Christ". From verses 12-17 the focus of the believer's mind and actions is to centre on living with (and as) Christ. From verses 18 to the chapter's end, he addresses the different groups within Christian households and advises on proper behaviour. Chapter 4 continues with instructions for masters and servants - such an important topic as five sixths of the Roman world were slaves. Verses 2-4 is a request to those at Colossae to pray for Paul's preaching.
Verse 5 tells that their speech and behaviour must be sincere at all times - "seasoned with salt". Verses 7-17 conclude with final greetings. Verse 18 tells us that the letter was written by Paul in his own handwriting.
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Today we began reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians. It is a passionate letter full of his love for them. We sense that the results of genuine love is a greatly heightened concern for the spiritual well-being of the objects of that love. This concern is reflected in Paul’s prayers; “we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.”
Epaphras has brought news of their progress (v.7), “and so, from the day we heard it,” writes Paul, “we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” [v.8-10]
What a stirring message! What a challenging message! What if Paul were alive today and wrote to you/us like that? How wonderful to be “fully pleasing” to the Lord! He is not writing this way from past experience of them, it seems he is yet to visit them; Paul did not establish this ecclesia.
The challenge of a message of this nature is even greater today because of the increasing darkness of the world in which we live. Now note how Paul then makes an even more challenging point, “He (God) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” [v.13] The kingdom exists now – in our hearts.. True faith results in a clear sense of the reality of our spiritual perceptions!
Paul reminds them that they “once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, (but) he (Christ) has now reconciled (you) in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him …” [v.22] Then Paul uses that significant 2 letter word ‘if’ – don’t let us glide over it! “IF indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the gospel …” [v.23]
May it be true of all of us that “we have not ceased to pray for” others and ourselves “asking that we may be filled with these things to such an extent that the appealing distractions of our godless world find no lodgement at all in our minds.
In Ezra 10 we read of the renewal of the covenant and a commitment to be faithful to the marriage covenant that Yahweh had made with Israel. The chapter speaks of Ezra and the exiles' acceptance of the
covenant's solemnity was demonstrated by their declaring that they would only marry wives within the covenant bonds. After three days all the people assemble before the house of God trembling because of the solemnity of the occasion and the heavy rain. The rain meant that they needed delegated officials to stand for them in these matters. The assembly together with Ezra discussing this matter and determining to do what God had commanded. The Senior officials of the assembly are guilty of marrying out of the truth and they are named in the balance of the chapter. Those officials are required to put away their foreign wives in order to preserve the integrity of Israel's covenant with their God and maintain the truth faithfully.
Hosea 11 tells of God's covenant love for His son Israel. Yahweh calls His son "out of Egypt", as the book of Exodus attests and at that time Yahweh gives to them His covenant name as evidence of His purpose with His people. Matthew 2verses15 cites Hosea 11verses1 and applies it to the Son of God - the Lord Jesus
Christ. The verses in chapter 11 which follow speak of the nation's resistance to their Father. As a Father the Almighty took Israel by the hand and trained them to walk in His covenant way. Despite their perverse heart in wanting to go back to Egypt Yahweh would not give up on them (verses 8-9); but in the time of their chastisement they would eventually again seek Him.
Colossians 2 together with Romans 6 provides the most complete description of what baptism is and what it achieves. Verses 1-5 tell us that in Christ we find a complete embodiment of the wisdom of God in a single individual. So we, the body of believers need to model and pattern ourselves on the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 9-10 tell us that all can know about the Almighty is to be found in Christ. Verses 11-15 describe what baptism is - it is like circumcision in that it tells us that "in the flesh" - that is within our nature (dwells nothing innately good). There is nothing in human nature that can do anything good for God. And so human nature is rightly related to death. In dying Christ destroyed a body identical to ours - in that every sin which has been done could have been done in Jesus' body. The Jews and Romans were driven by the lusts of their natures to try to destroy our Lord Jesus Christ. But by not yielding to the passions which controlled his enemies our Lord victoriously triumphed in his sinless death. That death on the stake was a demonstration of the truth that human nature is rightfully related to death. Only when the lifeless body of our Lord hung on the stake was sin conquered in him and in his resurrection the process of salvation completed for him - and by establishing a basis for our forgiveness and thereby the way for our salvation. Therefore, in crucifixion Jesus destroyed sin (called in Hebrews 2 "the devil"). So, from verses 16-21 Paul tells the Colossians to focus on the pivotal and central teachings of the truth, and not to be distracted by side issues.
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Ezra 9 tells of the problems of those who had married nonbelievers. Verse 4 tells that the rulers and officials had been at the forefront of those who had disobeyed God's command about this. The reader should look at Malachi 2verses10-16 and Nehemiah 13verses23-27 to understand Yahweh's views on this subject; and why His prophets were so strong in denouncing this practice. From verse 10-15 Ezra seeks God's forgiveness of His people for their wrongful ways in marrying out of the Truth and counsels all of God's people to forsake that dangerous and evil course.
Hosea 10 tells of a vine that produced no fruit for God. How often do the prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ take up this theme cp Isaiah 5 and consider the number of references in the last week of our Lord to the barrenness of the fruitless, but showy fig tree. Also see John 15 where our Lord comments on himself being the vine. Without fruit a vine is useless - its wood is poor fuel; its wood cannot be used to make anything. We are useless unless we are producing the fruit of the spirit for God in our lives (see Galatians 5verses22-25; and Ephesians 5verses8-16). But for Israel when the LORD looked at their actions, instead of fruit, He saw poisonous weeds. Instead of sincere worship of Yahweh He saw the idolatrous calf worship. Bethel (meaning "the house of God") becomes Bethaven ("the house of vanity" - or "nothingness"). The result of this would be the delivering up to captivity of Israel to nations who were themselves ruled by idolatry. Israel's sinfulness was evident from earliest times, even when the Tabernacle was at Gibeah. The Lord God would again bring them under the yoke, when they will finally learn righteousness and will open their hearts to God as the poetic symbol of breaking open the fallow ground of their hearts suggests. By doing this God would be able to rain blessings on them. But the coming judgment would be a necessary part of helping Israel to learn this.
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 pre-eminence 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 (i.e. each of us) the hope of glory".
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A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The mountains of Israel or the West Bank as commonly known, could become a pretext for the invasion of Russia or the Gog. The Palestinians strongly support Russia. The Palestinian President may have laid the groundwork for the Russian or Gogian invasion into Israel.This thought-provoking and insightful Watchman Report examines one of the most critical locations in Bible prophecy: the Mountains of Israel. Join Merv Islip for an expositional study of Ezekiel 38 and 39, where this phrase is central to the prophecy of a latter-day invasion. This presentation explores the biblical, historical, and modern geopolitical significance of these highlands, which today are known as the West Bank. Discover the outstanding scriptural evidence for who truly owns this contested land and how current events are setting the stage for prophetic fulfilment.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction00:27 - The Prophetic Focus: Ezekiel 38 & 3901:45 - The Biblical Heartland: Cities of Central Israel02:17 - The Phrase "Mountains of Israel" in Scripture03:03 - Spiritual Significance of the Mountains03:35 - Defining the Territory: Joshua 1105:09 - Modern Context: The West Bank05:53 - The Future Kingdom: Ezekiel 3706:23 - Historical Israeli Settlement Policy08:12 - A Second Geographical Marker: "Midst of the Land"09:55 - Shifting Attitudes and Annexation Calls11:03 - A Pretext for Invasion: Prophetic Scenarios13:01 - Conclusion**Bible Verses Featured:**📖 **Prophecy:** Ezekiel 38:8, 38:21, 39:2, 39:4, 39:17, 37:22-24🗺️ **Promise & Land:** Genesis 12:6-7, 13:14-18, Deuteronomy 11:10-11⚔️ **Conquest & History:** Joshua 11:16-17, 11:21, Judges 9:37**Tags:**Watchman Report, Merv Islip, Mountains of Israel, Bible Prophecy, Ezekiel 38, Ezekiel 39, West Bank, Israel, Palestine, Gog and Magog, End Times, Biblical Exposition, Zionism, Geopolitics, Middle East, Latter Day Prophecy************This video was produced by the ChristadelphianVideo.org project, arranged and supported by Christadelphians worldwide.** ChristadelphianVideo.org **Main site: https://cdvideo.org/** Podcasts: Podcast on Podbean...https://cdvideo.org/podbean Podcast on Apple........https://cdvideo.org/podcast-applePodcast on Spotify......https://cdvideo.org/spotify** Social Media:Facebook/openbibles Whats App... https://cdvideo.org/WhatsApp Free group...Shared links and comments on the daily reading, ( also links to advance viewing on many videos before public release)Instagram... https://cdvideo.org/InstagramX... https://cdvideo.org/xYouTube Channel... https://cdvideo.org/@christadelphians** Other resources:Audio site Scripturescribe.com... https://cdvideo.org/mp3https://cdvideo.org/rfs (Bible study classes held over zoom on Saturaday nights GMT)https://cdvideo.org/www (A hour hour presentation about ChristadelphianVideo.org)https://cdvideo.org/exhorts (Over 1000 video exhortations many including the emblems (Full service))https://cdvideo.org/hymns (Most popular hymns from the green Hymn book with music and words ( on screen))https://cdvideo.org/readings (Full year of daily readings by young Brothers (Recorded during lockdown))https://cdvideo.org/compare-expound (A free quarterly digital magazine published for the discerning and inquiring mind.) https://cdvideo.org/wss (What saith Scripture resource center, verse trails, videos, on 1st principle subjects.) Where possible, each section includes our suggested video presentations as well as articles and links on the various topics.https://youtube.com/@Christadelphians?sub_confirmation=1linktr.ee/cdvideo A page with all our links.** Watch / read / Listen to other thoughts for the day on our site here https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/#Christadelphianvideo #thebiblechannel #christadelphianstalk #Christadelphians #bible #openbible #Gospeltruth #gospel #Christadelphian #truth #podcast #discoverthebible #cdvideo
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 1verses8 with the need for the gospel to be taken "to the uttermost parts of the earth" and concluded with that task being completedverses see Jesus great commission to the Apostles in Mark 16verses15-16. And also, after Paul's miraculous preservation after having been bitten by a venomous viper recorded in Acts 28verses3verses5 compare with Mark 16verses17-18. 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 bookverses "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."
Ezra 7 tells of the personal qualities of Ezra the priest - verse 6 skilled in the Law of Moses that Yahweh had given Israel; verses 9-10 Ezra had set his heart to study God's Law and therefore the good hand of God was upon him (what a lesson to us); and Ezra graciously thanked the Almighty for His loving kindness ('chesed') shown to His people Israel (verse 27). The chapter tells of king Darius' generosity and material support for the work of building the temple; and the king's command to the Governors on the east of Jordan to materially support the project. King Darius warns of the serious consequences which would come to any who would not support the building.
Hosea 8 tells that because Israel had failed to obey God's laws they would experience great punishment - "they had sown the wind, they would reap the whirlwind" - the teaching of the Bible is that whatever we do produces consequences and that we are responsible for our actions (read aloud Galatians 6verses7-10 pause and ponder). The idolatry of Israel would incur God's judging them by using another idolatrous nation. Rather than turning to God for help Israel hires foreign armies. This causes them greater problems. For the kingdom of Israel in the north the time of destruction was upon them.
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 lifeboats. 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 27verses31 makes the nice point that unless we abide or remain in the Christ ship we cannot be savedverses 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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Ezra 5 tells of the work of building the house of God recommencing with the prophets of Yahweh - Haggai and Zechariah - supporting and encouraging the work. Still the attempts to frustrate the building came from Tatnai, the Governor on the other side of the river (the Jordan). The faithful Jews continued building while Tatnai's letter was sent to Darius (the Persian king). The Jews faithfully answered as to why their realm had been overturned and to their obedience to the God of heaven and the decree that came from king Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The Jews suggested that search be made in the Chronicles of the kings of Persia to prove their claim. Chapter 6 tells us that the search was made in the
house of the scrolls in Ecbatana proving the accuracy of the Jews' claim. A letter came from king Darius asking Tatnai and his people to materially support the building of the temple. Verses 15-18 report the completion and dedication of the house of God. From verses 19-22 we read of the great joy as the new kingdom of Judah kept the Passover. Let us be daily builders of God's House and let those labours bring joy to our hearts.
Chapter 7 of Hosea contains some very graphic Hebrew poetry. From the rulers of the nation to the common people they were so intent on sexual depravity that they are described by the figure of a baker with an overheated oven. They had no shame for what they were doing. Another of the figures sees them as a dove that cannot make up her mind on whom to dote - Egypt, or Assyria. God wanted it otherwise and even when judgment was brought on them they didn't repent. A soft and penitent heart is always to be found among the LORD's children.
In Acts 25 we are told that, when Festus was determined to send Paul to Jerusalem, the Apostle had no alternative but to make his appeal to Caesar. After a short period of time Festus conducted another hearing of Paul's matters. Festus once again sought the favour of the Jews and at this time Paul announced that he would exercise his right as a Roman Citizen to be judged by Caesar. Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice were visiting Caesarea and at this time Festus requested they hear Paul's case for Festus was struggling with the wording of the charge against Paul. Festus explained to Agrippa that to him there was no capital crime, but simply matters concerning Jewish law. With great pomp and ceremony Agrippa, Bernice and all the other dignitaries entered the judgment hall. Festus was seeking Agrippa's opinion on the nature of the charge to appear on the letter to be sent to Caesar. Chapter 26 records Paul's defence and appeal to Agrippa to embrace the Christian cause. Paul tells his audience of his fervour for the Jewish way and his concerted opposition to Christianity. But when he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus everything changed. He told the audience of his great commission and then knowing king Agrippa to be a man who read the prophets he appealed to the king to adopt the Christian belief. Festus, being embarrassed by the situation, attempted to finish the hearing immediately by declaring Paul to be mad due to his great learning. Paul was not to be silenced so quickly and continued to ask Agrippa whether he believed the prophets. He stated plainly I know you believe them king Agrippa. At this point king Agrippa and all the dignitaries rose and left with the king stating Paul's innocence. Let us remember that we are bondslaves to our Lord Jesus Christ and as his prisoners let our testimony burn before all to whom we witness.
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