Christadelphians Talk

Thoughts on the readings for April 6th (Numbers 22, 23, Proverbs 16, Ephesians 3, 4)

In Ephesians 3 the Apostle Paul outlines the ‘mystery’ (the Greek word simply means ‘secret’) that God always intended for the Gentiles to be included in the blessings of the gospel. From verses 14-22 we read of the Apostle’s prayer for the believers’ spiritual strength and growth. Notice that the love of God surpasses understanding and includes four dimensions – length, breadth, depth and height. This indicates that the love of the Father cannot be measured. Chapter 4 contains a plea for unity among the body of believers. In the truth there is a sevenfold unity (verses 4-6). This is essentially because God, our Father is one. Those verses cite several Old Testament Scriptures supporting this purpose – Psalm 68; Deuteronomy 30. The result is that the distribution of gifts is defined by the function they fulfil in promoting and producing a united body. Each believer has been called to a new life described in verses 17-32. Carefully read verses 20-24 which tell us how faithful believers in Christ live by modelling their lives on his. Also contemplate the need to replace old evil habits with positive beneficial behaviours as verses 25-32 teach us. The last three verses say that any failure to act in a way that reveals that we are the children of the Almighty will grieve our loving Heavenly Father. The only way to overcome sin is by “replacement therapy”.
 

The Life Of Christ # 78 The Syro Phoenican woman.( Matt 15:21-28) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ #  78 The Syro Phoenican woman.( Matt 15:21-28)  by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for April 5th (Numbers 20, 21, Proverbs 15, Ephesians 1, 2)

The LORD was waiting for the best time for the preaching of the gospel. Acts 19 records the events at Ephesus. The Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed in that city and it became Paul’s base of operations throughout the then known region of Asia. Chapter 1 contains greetings and the faithful in Ephesus being described as having, in status, been elevated to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. From verses 15-22 the Apostle offers prayer and thanksgiving on the believers behalf. Paul outlines in verses 19-22 the great place Christ occupies to all believers. The Apostle tells the Ephesians that in the Lord Jesus Christ the Almighty’s power was seen in producing a righteous man who could then be raised from the dead. All four Greek words for power are used in those verses. Chapter 2 deals with the enlightenment of believers and their salvation by grace – on the basis of their faith. Believers salvation has nothing to do with their merits. However, a life of gratitude is necessitated from believers. In verses 11-18 Paul outlines the faithful’s changed status from hopeless nobodies to sanctified believers in Christ Jesus. The chapter concludes with the growth of the body of believers into a holy temple. A dwelling place for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Slowly read aloud verses 17-22 and consider the foundation God has given us and that each of us determine to be a part of the LORD’s holy edifice.

Thoughts on the readings for April 3rd (Numbers 17, Proverbs 13, Galatians 3, 4)

Once again in Numbers 17 the LORD demonstrates that He has chosen Aaron to be the divinely appointed High Priest – see Hebrews 5 verses 4-10. The sign of our Sovereign’s choice was the resurrection from the dead. Twelve rods were placed before the presence of God, which the ark of the covenant symbolised. One rod with the name of the prince of each tribe enscribed and Aaron’s name on his dead almond rod. Aaron’s Rod had been used in many of the miracles, wonders and signs that were demonstrated in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. On the next morning 11 of the rods remained unaffected, just the same as when they had been placed; but Aaron’s Rod had come to life and showed all 3 stages of the almonds life cycle – buds, flowers and fruits – all present at the same time. The almond tree is called in the Hebrew language “the awakener” as it is one of the first trees to bloom speaking of impending Spring. It is a symbol of Israel’s national restoration – see Matthew 24 verses 32-35;

Thoughts on the readings for April 2nd (Numbers 16, Proverbs 12, Galatians 1, 2)

In Galatians we have one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written- perhaps as early as AD42 depending upon the theory which adopted. The book must have been written after the Jerusalem’ Conference, which was about the date mentioned previously. Galatians is the second of three treatises on the Atonement ie how sinners can be made right with God – the others being Romans and Hebrews. All three books are based on Habakkuk 2:4, “The just shall live by faith”. The emphasis in Romans is the JUST…; in Galatians it is … LIVE by faith; and in Hebrews.. live by FAITH. The problem of Judaism is addressed in this book. The Judaisers, Paul’s constant foes, taught salvation was by works of the Law, and not by faith. They preached that Christ and belief in him were insufficient to save – that the keeping of the Law was also necessary in order to be saved. In Galatians 1 Paul establishes his credentials and says how he was called to the gospel. Paul also indicates that a curse would rest on anyone preaching a variant of the only true gospel. The Apostle explains that the gospel message was given him in Arabia by direct revelation ie personally taught it by Jesus Christ – none of the other Apostles were in any way connected with his instruction. Chapter 2 teaches us of the firm stance that Paul took on not circumcising Titus. The chapter also spoke of Peter’s equivocation and hypocrisy, when confronted by false brethren called Judaisers. Read verses 15-21 aloud. Pause and ponder. Let each of us determine to live our life in Christ Jesus as the great Apostle did.

Thoughts on the readings for April 1st (Numbers 15, Proverbs 11, Luke 24)

Verses 1-12 of Luke 24 describe events associated with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time of his raising would have been 6pm Saturday evening, which by Jewish way of reckoning time began the first day of the week. The women, of whom there may have been around six in number, find the stone; which had been sealing the tomb, rolled back. Two men, who stood by (undoubtedly angels), tell them not to seek the living Lord among the dead. But, that Jesus’ disciples are to meet him in Galilee as he had told them before his death. Several of the women ran to tell the news to the Apostles, who found the women’s report incredulous. Peter together with John (see John chapter 20) come and verify the women’s message. That same day two of our Lord’s disciples are journeying to Emmaus and are joined by Jesus. The record tells us that their capacity to recognise the Lord was restrained. The two express their great disappointment in the events that had taken place recently. Jesus takes the initiative and explains from Moses, the Psalms and the prophets the entire picture of Messiah, who had to suffer before being glorified. As the group of three approach a village Jesus indicates that he wishes to travel further, but the other two constrain him to stay with them. Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread. The two disciples hastily return to Jerusalem with great excitement. On finding the Apostles assembled together those two hear of Jesus’ appearance to Simon Peter and add their own witnessing. The Lord appears to the group assembled and shows them the wounds in his hands and side – some translations say “back”. Further Jesus eats some food to show that he was not an apparition. Then the chapter says the Lord gives his Apostles the great commission to take the Gospel into all the world. Luke’s final account is that Christ is praying he ascends from the Mount of Olives into heaven (compare Acts 1 verses 6-11).

Thoughts on the readings for March 31st (Numbers 14, Proverbs 10,Luke 23)

Luke chapter 23 commences with Jesus before the Roman Governor Pilate, who wants nothing to do with the trumped up charges levelled against our Lord. Pilate pronounces Jesus innocent and hearing he was from Galilee felt he could evade any responsibility by sending him to Herod. Herod had been curious about Jesus for some time. Upon questioning him, without an answer from Jesus, Pilate reverts to allowing his soldiers to mock and brutalise our Lord. Having found no fault in our Lord Jesus, Herod returns him to Pilate – a partial reconciliation occurs between the two potentates. Pilate once again declares Jesus innocent, but allows him to be brutally scourged (scourging was sometimes called the intermediate death – and many a man died under the barbaric scourge). Even this failed to evoke any pity. For the third time Jesus was pronounced innocent. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to bay for Jesus blood. and badgered Pilate into a decision that he did not want to make. Our Lord was delivered to be crucified and Barbaras was released. Jesus was so weak that the Romans pressed Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. This man and his two sons became disciples. The women on the road to Calvary wept as they beheld our Lord, but Jesus told them to weep not for him, but for the miseries that would fall on them. Jesus was crucified between two thieves, who could have been Barabbas’ followers. The place of his crucifixion was that of a skull; again in all probability that of Goliath’s skull. The soldiers gambled for his clothes, as had been prophesied. Jesus, himself implored his Father to forgive them as they knew not what they were doing. One of the two thieves crucified with our Lord railed upon Jesus The other thief turned in repentance to Jesus and asked for Jesus to remember him when Jesus would come in his kingdom. Very likely the second thief understood the Gospel of the Kingdom. He was given the assurance of a place in that Kingdom. Jesus’ words were that the thief would be with the Lord in that day. Neither were in paradise that day for Jesus spent the next three days in the tomb. Our Lord suffered the taunting of sinners, by masterfully controlling himself and as such our Lord was the Victor. Jesus died calmly at about 3pm and seeing that demeanour a hardened centurion exclaimed that surely this man was the Son of God. For six hours the Almighty veiled the scene with darkness, as a sign of His indignation at their doings. When Jesus died there was a great earthquake and the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom – showing God’s displeasure. The law was now finished and Christ had opened of a new and living way. Two counsellors – Joseph and Nicodemas – from the Sanhedrin secured the body of Jesus from Pilate and took it to Joseph’s unused garden tomb. The women, who followed our Lord and had just witnessed his crucifixion, now followed Joseph and Nicodemas to see where Jesus’ body was laid and where they would later need to come with the spices they would purchase for his burial. The women then rested on the Sabbath day.

Thoughts on the readings for March 30th (Numbers 12, 13, Proverbs 8, 9, Luke 22)

Proverbs chapters 8 and 9 complete the first section of the book. Chapter 8 presents Wisdom’s appeal. Chapter 9 tells of two feasts to which the young man is invited. He must choose between Wisdom’s feast and Folly’s feast. Both Wisdom and Folly are personified as women making their respective appeals. Chapter 8:1-3 outlines Wisdom’s call. The call is open and fulsome – to all from every place. Verses 4-11 tell of Wisdom’s audience and explain why she should be trusted. There is no downside in trusting her. All the blessings and benefits shout out that she must be chosen; it is in our interest to choose her. Verses 12-22 describe Wisdom’s House, what she does and the rewards she gives. Those who respond to Wisdom’s call will understand the ways of the LORD and will choose to walk in those paths. Without wisdom kings and rulers are doomed to failure. David had so instilled these values into Solomon’s mind that when asked by God what Solomon would choose – he chose wisdom. Verses 22-31 are to be understood in two ways. Firstly that Yahweh’s wisdom characterised His Creation in the beginning. And, secondly it is a personification of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing in creation was made without our Lord God focusing on creation’s relationship to Jesus. Jesus is the centre and object of the entire Creation. Both the letters of Colossians and Hebrews emphasise that.Chapter 9 of Proverbs in verses 1-18 describe the rival feasts. Verses 1-6 tell of Wisdom’s feast. Wisdom’s table is prepared and she speaks of those to whom her appeal is directed. Verses 7-12 calls for an open mind to receive Wisdom’s words and the benefits that will flow from a mind open to truth and wisdom. Verses 13-18 by contrast tell of the feast of Folly and of the disastrous consequences to those foolish enough to choose foolishness. It is a matter of life and death for the choice you make. Compare the appeal of Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 – slowly read aloud and ponder the path you will wisely choose.

The Life Of Christ # 77 God's principles and the traditions of men (Mark 7:1-7) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ #  77 God's principles and the traditions of men (Mark 7:1-7)  by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for March 29th (Numbers 11, Proverbs 7, Luke 21)

Luke 21 is the record of the Olivet prophecy given after 6pm on Abib 12th from the mount east of Jerusalem. The significance of the prophecy deals with events that would occur within forty years of its delivery; as well as matters relating to our days (end times) when the Kingdom of God will be once more set up on earth. The chapter began with a declaration of the widow who gave God all. Jesus foretells of the destruction of the magnificent temple, whose building had begun with Herod the Great; and to that point in time had still not been finished. When the temple was destroyed it would be totally overturned leaving not one stone on another – except for the older foundations which acted as a retaining wall for Herod to build on. Jesus says that there would be wars and rumours of wars but the disciples must wait until the end time of the Lord’s prophecy. Persecution would be the disciples’ lot, but they would be aided in their testimony before the authorities. Families would be divided over their support for Christ’s teaching. Despite Jerusalem being surrounded by armies at AD70 there would be five opportunities for the disciples to flee to safety – the first of these was at the defeat of the Roman Tribune Cestius Gallus in AD66 (the others are mentioned in Robert Roberts book ‘The Ways of Providence’). There would be the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, which spoke of the fall of the city to the Roman Emperor Titus. In regards to the final outcome of the prophecy, which relates to the time when the Kingdom of God will be set up on earth; we have the parable of the fig tree (national Israel’s symbol), whose statehood began in 1948 and many of us have seen the fig tree blossom and flourish with the reoccupation of Jerusalem, Israel’s eternal and undivided capital, in 1967. Be ready our Lord’s return and his kingdom is indeed near.