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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 22, Jeremiah 49, 1 Corinthians 8, 9) for Aug. 27th.

We reach the end of 1 Kings today with chapter 22. The record tells us of a respite from war for 3 years. At the end of this time, Jehoshaphat, Ahab's son in law went to see his relative. Jehoshaphat is invited to join Ahab in a campaign against Syria but shows reluctance without the endorsement for the war by a prophet of Yahweh. The false prophets of Ahab promise victory, but Jehoshaphat remains adamant that without God's endorsement he will not proceed. Eventually Micaiah is summoned and sarcastically tells Ahab to go and conquer. The prophet was abused before he outlines the Almighty's attempt to entice and destroy the wicked king. Micaiah is put in tough conditions - being fed on bread and water - until his monarch would return in peace. Micaiah says that this cannot happen as Yahweh's Word cannot be broken. The king of Israel entered the battle in disguise, but was slain by an arrow shot by chance. Ahab having died in battle was carried to Samaria for burial and the dogs licked the blood from the washed chariot, in the very place of Naboth's slaughter, as Elijah had prophesied. Jehoshaphat, whose mother was faithful, walked as Asa his father had. He was a king like David. The record tells of a further error of judgment by Jehoshaphat in the joint venture with Israel's Ahaziah in the constructing of a navy at Ezion-geber. Ahaziah the son of Ahab came to rule over Israel and continued the wicked legacy of his father Ahab. The idolatry and wickedness had begun with Jeroboam: "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jehoshaphat seems to be like those described in 1 Corinthians 3 verses 13-15 ie his works were at times dubious but he may very well be saved.
The 49th chapter of Jeremiah speaks of judgment poured out upon the nations surrounding Israel: Ammon (Moab's half brother); Edom, Syrian Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, and Elam. These nations and their principal cities were to experience the judgments from Yahweh delivered via the Babylonians. Verses 1-6 tell of the devastation of Ammon. Verses 7-22 speak of the total overthrow of Edom, ie Esau - Israel's brother. As we read these verses we should also consider the book of Obadiah and the words of Malachi 1 verses :2-5. Verses 23-27 outline the punishment of Damascus. Verses 28-33 predict the desolation of Hazor and Kedar in terms similar to the judgment of Babylon: compare Isaiah 14. Verses 34-39 speak of the punishment of Elam. Interestingly there are promises of latter day restoration for Ammon and Elam. The two kingdoms which bookend the prophecies of Jeremiah 49. As previously noted these pronouncements had applications for the prophet's time and, again, in the near future when the fortunes of Ammon and Elam will be reversed in the Kingdom of God. 
In the first of Corinthians 8 Paul outlines the problem facing the believers was not knowledge, but rather the insistence of exercising supposed rights. Idols were nothing; and so the eating of meats that had been devoted to an idol was of no consequence. What was of importance was, that, the insistence of some believers that they could go to a venue that promoted immorality. Paul declares that this could be cause for the stumbling of another believer. So for the sake of food, the Apostle explaines: do not destroy the conscience of another - for whom Christ died. Chapter 9 continues the argument that the foregoing of rights was essential if saving others is our objective. Paul's own example illustrates this. He explained in verses 8-14 by using two examples from the Law. This is followed by the Apostle showing that his preaching was from an obligation and was not entirely voluntary. This Paul explains humbles him and eliminates boasting. This section of the book 1 Corinthians concludes with the need for perseverance and discipline to attain the prize of eternal life.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 21, Jeremiah 48, 1 Corinthians 7) for Aug 26th.

1 Kings 21 begins with telling us who really ruled Israel. It was Jezebel who made all the important decisions. The record reveals that despite Ahab's wickedness he understood certain aspects of Yahweh's laws. Naboth was one of God's most faithful followers and would not sell his family inheritance to Ahab. The king's response was to act like a petulant child. At this point Jezebel took complete control and conspired to kill Naboth. This being accomplished, she sent her husband to take possession. In the very place where the dogs had licked up Naboth's blood Ahab is confronted by Elijah. The prophet told Ahab that he was capable of better behaviour - he had "sold" his conscience to his evil wife. His doom is announced. Ahab's house would be as Jeroboam's - totally destroyed. Additionally, the dogs would devour Jezebel and lap up her blood in the very place of her destruction of Naboth. How remarkable is our Sovereign that he could pardon Ahab at that time. But this was only because Ahab genuinely repented. The coming pronouncement was delayed for a time. Jeremiah 48 deals with the Almighty's judgment of Moab. Once again, there was an initial fulfilment in the prophet's own time; as well as a latter-day application; in the era soon to come. Verses 1-2 tell of God's judgments on the chief deity and principal cities of Moab. Verses 3-8 speak of the sufferings among all ages of Moab's citizens. The cries of the young are noted as the Babylonian invader shows no pity. People are fleeing from the devastation. Verses 9-11 explain that the LORD has brought Babylon against the wicked and unheeding populace. Verses 12-17 say that the Moab's idols and armies are to be overthrown. Verses 18-20 contain a contemptuous lamentation upon Judah's neighbour - Moab. Verses 21-33 outline the devastation of the principal cities. We are told that they lay waste and joyless. Verses 34-39 continues the lament for Moab. Verses 40-44 tell of Yahweh's determination to judge Moab for itsTop of the Documentwickedness. Verses 45-46 describe the Almighty's hot anger upon Moab. The message concludes in verse 47 God's promise to bring a complete reversal of Moab's fortunes in Messiah's Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul tells of the importance of marrying faithfully in the Lord. One husband and one wife is the Divinely designed arrangement. But marriage may not be for all as the chapter outlines. Verses 6-7 indicate that a single person is better placed to serve God, provided their passions can be contained. Otherwise, marriage would seem essential (v36 reinforces this thought). The next section from Vv12-16 says that the proper upbringing of children is dependent on harmony between husband and wife. It also says that perseverance and faithfulness may convince a spouse to become a believer. From verses 17-24 is advice to provide diligent service in the state in which one has been called - whether single, or married. This is followed by advice for the widows and unmarried. The objective of service in our Lord Jesus Christ is being devoted and undistracted servants - whether single or married. We need to follow scriptural principles for marrying, i.e. only between one man and one woman - not allowing the confusion which is seen in our society today. When death dissolves the marriage then the Bible's counsel is if you seek to remarry this must be only to a believer, verse 39.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 20; Jeremiah 47, 1 Corinthians 6) for Aug 25th

1 Kings 20  describes the ongoing wars between Ahab and Benhadad, the Syrian king. Syria was a powerful realm and under Ahab Israel was a feeble and impoverished country. So Benhadad made excessive demands of tribute from Ahab. When Ahab accedes to these the Syrian monarch increases his demands and Ahab refuses to accept the increasing demands. Benhadad becomes enraged and swears to raze Samaria to the ground by tomorrow. Ahab's response was, "Let not the one who straps his armour on boast. That is reserved for the one who will take his armour off". The LORD sent a prophet to tell Ahab that Yahweh would give Israel the victory over the huge host of the Syrians and their allies. The army of Israel was a mere 232 town officials and 7,000 men. Benhadad had 32 kings with him. So confident was Benhadad that his orders were that the king of Israel and his officials were not to be slain, but taken alive. God sent confusion into the enemy host and in their panic they slew one another as they sought to flee. Ahab was told that next spring, that was the time for making warfare, the Syrians would renew their struggle. The Syrian wise men suggest that the reason for Israel's victory was that Yahweh was a hill god. The next campaign must be fought in the valleys. The prophet said that Yahweh would humble the Syrians and their gods, who were no gods. When the time for battle came Israel's army was like two tiny flocks of sheep; but nonetheless they were protected by the Almighty Shepherd of His people. In contrast the Syrians, who despite their overwhelmingly superior numbers, were nervous because of their last encounter. On the first day of the battle 100,000 of Israel's enemies are killed and the remainder flee only to be overtaken by further calamity in Aphek, where a wall collapsed killing 27,000 more. Benhadad went into hiding in a secret chamber from where he sent skilled emissaries to Ahab, to determine his attitude. Foolishly Ahab accepted the peace terms and treated the Syrian monarch with clemency. The Almighty sent another prophet to Ahab to rebuke his dereliction of the divine determination and this prophet pronounces retribution upon Ahab. 
Jeremiah 47 pronounces divine judgment upon Philistia. The word in Hebrew for'Philistine' means "those who grovel in the dust". It was the origin of the Roman word 'Palestinian' given to Israel's land by the emperor Hadrian in AD 135. The judgment upon the Philistines happened in Jeremiah's lifetime and undoubtedly carries applications for our era.
Among the Corinthians there was a misunderstanding in relation to the responsibility of making judgment on disputes between believers. They were taking their fellow believers before the bench for decisions. So Paul urges them in this 6th chapter to settle the issue among themselves and declares that it is shameful for believers to go to law to settle disputes among themselves. The Apostle says that the time is coming in the kingdom when the worldly authorities would be ruled by the saints. So surely determinations of differences must be decided in the ecclesia. The ancient city of Corinth was renowned for fornication. It was a proverb of the first century AD that visitors would go to the Acrocorinthus to 'Corinthianise', that is to fornicate. The Acro Corinthia, atop of the city's mount, had a temple with many restaurants and 3,000 temple prostitutes. So wrong was this activity that Paul warns believers from going there for a meal if they were going to be distracted by the evil practices which occurred there. And even if they were not personally affected the Apostle says that a believer should not go there in case it should become a cause of stumbling to another. Engaging in a sexual union outside of marriage is defiling for holy believers - they are God's temple: see Hebrews 13:4. And in today's world their are many places and practices that believers must avoid in order to live lives of holiness as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: read aloud slowly Titus 2:11-14 and let us live this way.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 19, Jeremiah 45, 46, 1 Corinthians 4, 5) for Aug 24th.

In the first of Kings 19 we have Elijah, despite the wonderful victory over Baal worship, fleeing for his life from the enraged and vengeful Jezebel. The prophet sought refuge at Sinai, the mount of Yahweh. However, unlike Moses who made intercession for God's people, he went there asking his Sovereign to destroy Israel: see Romans 11 verses 2-5. God through a succession of manifestations of His power humbles Elijah to understand  that his perception of God was entirely mistaken. Our Omnipotent Creator is a Saviour, rather than a destroyer. It is likely that the cave from which Yahweh revealed Himself to the prophet was the very place where our gracious Sovereign revealed His name and character to Moses: read Exodus 33 verses 17-34 and 7 and contemplate the wonder of the Almighty's character. The chapter concludes with Elijah being commissioned by the LORD to appoint 3 men - Hazael as king of Syria; Jehu as king over Israel; and Elisha to replace himself. Elisha's call is recorded in verses 19-21 and that prophet Elisha, having put his hand to the work, never looked back: see Luke 9 verses 61-62. Will we prove ourselves to be disciples who will follow our Lord Jesus Christ whatever the cost. 
Jeremiah 45 explains how God promises Baruch, the faithful scribe, that he would be preserved from the imminent doom. Chapter 46 describes the extensive disaster coming on Egypt, including the disobedient remnants of Judah. The chapter also includes a remarkable promise to the faithful remnant in Egypt who still clung to the Lord God and continued to hope in Him. Pause and read aloud verses 27-28 and ponder the steadfast love of the Almighty. 
The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.
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The Life of Christ #98: The Light of the World | Revealing Bible Study by John Martin

A @Christadelphians Video: **Video Description:** 📖 **Explore Jesus’ profound declaration as "The Light of the World" in this wonderful, verse-by-verse Bible study by John Martin.** Unpack key Scriptures on how Christ dispels darkness and guides believers into truth—perfect for personal reflection or group discussion! 🔔 **Receive notifications** for new Bible teachings by subscribing and clicking the bell icon! 📜 **Bible Verses Covered (with Emojis):** ✨ **John 8:12** – Jesus’ bold proclamation 📖 **Isaiah 9:2** – Prophecy of the coming Light 🕯️ **Matthew 5:14-16** – Believers as light-bearers 🙏 **Psalm 119:105** – God’s Word as a lamp ☀️ **1 John 1:5-7** – Walking in God’s light ⏳ **Detailed Timestamps (68-Minute Breakdown):** 00:00 – Introduction: The significance of Christ as Light 05:18 – Historical & cultural context of John 8 12:45 – Deep dive into **John 8:12** (Jesus’ "I am" statement) 22:30 – Fulfillment of **Isaiah 9:2** in Christ 31:10 – Religious leaders’ rejection of the Light 38:25 – **Matthew 5:14-16**: How believers reflect Christ 47:50 – **Psalm 119:105** – The Word as guidance in darkness 55:40 – **1 John 1:5-7** – Practical steps to walk in light 62:15 – Q&A: Common misconceptions about spiritual light 66:30 – Conclusion: Applying the Light to daily life 📌 **Algorithm-Friendly Tags:** The Life of Christ, Jesus the Light of the World, John Martin Bible teaching, John 8 12 study, Isaiah 9 2 prophecy, Matthew 5 14 16 explained, walking in God’s light, Bible study on light and darkness, Christian discipleship, Gospel of John analysis 🙌 **Share this study** with someone seeking truth! How has Christ’s light transformed your life? Comment below!

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 18, Jeremiah 44, 1 Corinthians 3) for Aug 23rd.

Three and a half years (42 months, 1260 days spoken of frequently in the book of Revelation) of grievous famine had devastated the land of  Israel. This famine had been brought upon the idolatrous nation to punish it and prepare for Elijah's heartfelt call to turn to their God. Elijah returns and announces the contest between Yahweh and Baal. The prophet announces this to faithful Obadiah, who has in the face of great risk to his own life from Jezebel's murderous slaughter, hidden 100 of the LORD's prophets; and fed them from Ahab's own pantry. Elijah seems dismissive of Obadiah, but through him communicates the message to the king. The prophets of Jezebel, who numbered 850 in all, came to Mount Carmel for the contest to see which god would answer by fire. Baal, who was a) the god of harvest; and, b) the god of fire being the sun god; was allowed first opportunity. Given the famine, Baal had already proven himself a failure on the first count. Now, given a parched earth and a burning hot sun, he seemingly had the ideal conditions for the contest. Elijah mocks the frantic frauds. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice, as the sun was declining, he repairs the altar of Yahweh. Next the prophet saturates the slain bull in sea water and calls the people to him. He prays and the Almighty answers by fire. So intense was the fire that it even licked up the water from the trench around the altar. Israel's response was to shout "Yahweh, he is the God" (which was the meaning of the prophet Elijah's name). All of the prophets of Baal were entirely massacred. The prophet earnestly prayed for rain; compare verses 41-44 with James 5verses 17-18. Elijah is then told to run before Ahab's chariot as the king hastened home to his palace. In spirit and power the prophet miraculously ran, as a herald, before the king. 
The prophet in his 44th chapter outlines the people's incapacity to learn the cause of their suffering.  All those of Pathros would perish apart from a small remnant.  The stupid leaders of Judah's remnants declare that  the cause of their calamity came from a failure to persist in their sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven. It was such a degrading and idolatrous behaviour that the Almighty was judging. The prophet tells them that not only would they be destroyed, but Pharaoh Hophra would be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar.
In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle regrets his readers lack of spiritual perception. This lack of spiritual understanding was evident in the Corinthians following of leaders. It was both carnal and infantile. All who God had provided as guides for His ecclesia were engaging in the same task - whether sowing, watering, or harvesting.  They were all FELLOW workers with their Father. They were His farm, His building, as well as His coworkers.  Paul claims to have been a master builder. He has built upon the sole foundation that has been laid - the faithful stone laid in Zion in our Lord Jesus Christ: Isaiah 28 verse 16 read and meditate the message. Each of us is building and care must be taken with what we have chosen to build  - the trial of fire will test with what we have sought to build. It may be that our life's work is disastrous. However our Sovereign knows the intent behind our efforts and will save such as have laboured faithfully, even if the outcomes have not stood the test of time. In God's ecclesia we are either builders, or destroyers. Take great care of our behaviours in the household of God. Of chief importance is that our minds have been devoted to the Almighty, as a temple in which He chooses to dwell. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciateion of God's words, join again tomorrow at  https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 17, Jeremiah 43, 1 Corinthians 1, 2) for Aug 22nd.

1 Kings 17 abruptly introduces us to Elijah the Tishbite, who without fanfare, or family connections, bursts upon the evil Ahab with words of doom. There will be no rain until Elijah declares it. The prophet is sent to Zarapheth, the territory of wicked Jezebel, in Tyre and Zidon. The Bible records that her evils surpassed that of her husband. It is in her territory that Elijah the prophet providentially succours and protects God's faithful prophet. Elijah's failure to find support in Israel is typical of our Lord Jesus Christ - see his comments on this in his hometown of Nazareth: Luke 4 verses 22-26 read and meditate. Elijah is miraculously cared for by ravens - unclean birds - and in a time of famine when the birds could scarcely find food for themselves and their chicks. The ravens gave their food to the prophet. When the brook at Cherith dried up God sent the prophet to a faithful widow, who shows her trust in the God of Israel by obeying the demands of Elijah, by giving the morsels of food that was left (or remained) for herself and her son to Elijah. This was done in faith and without the care of the Almighty she and her son would certainly die. After this the record tells us that our Father's power was evidenced in the raising of the widow's son. 
Jeremiah and the residue of Judah were forcibly taken to Tahpanhes in Egypt, where archeological evidence of this occurrence has been recently recovered. The prophet was instructed to take stones and enact a parable, which demonstrated the coming judgment of Nebuchadnezzar on the people here - when that despot would break the obelisks of Heliopolis and desecrate its temples.
The letters to the Corinthians begin in the same way as every epistle of Paul prior to his first Imprisonment in Rome. Grace ('charis" the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Hebrew welcome). What more could be offered any believer than the grace and peace of the Father? The letters written between the two imprisonments contain the added dimension of 'mercy': something we become more conscious of needing the older we get (the only exception to this pattern is in Paul's personal letter to Philemon). What wonderful words were told to the Corinthian readers, that by the Father's calling they were saints, or sanctified believers, incorporated into the fellowship of God and His Beloved Son. The Apostle informs his readers about the tragedy of forming factions. Christ's ecclesia - his body - cannot be divided into segments which follow human leaders. For that reason, notwithstanding the essential nature of baptism, Paul was thankful to have baptised only a few. The Apostle's prime focus was on forwarding the message of the Gospel. The essence of that message lay in the power of the preaching of Christ's crucifixion. Read aloud and ponder verses 18-31 (the last of those verses cite Jeremiah 9 verses :23-24). The reader will notice how the Apostle develops the theme from Jeremiah and consider the masterful conclusion in verses 30-31. How thankful are we that the Father has called weak and ordinary people such as ourselves to His kingdom and glory. Chapter 2 outlines Paul's determination when he came to Corinth to teach among them nothing except the Christ as the crucified one. This message was unbelievable and inconceivable to Paul's hearers, as his quote from Isaiah 64 verses 4-5 proves. But our Sovereign God has His love and wisdom shared with His children - known partly now with the added promise that the joys and blessings of the kingdom age cannot be understood simply through words which would fail to describe that experience of being the Father's immortalised children. The Apostle Paul highlights the difference between natural and spiritual thinking, showing that the teaching via the spirit of God Is essential for true enlightenment. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/ 

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 16, Jeremiah 42, Mark 16) for Aug 21st

The 16th chapter of 1 Kings starts with a prophecy from the seer, Jehu the son of Hanani, to bring judgment on Baasha as he copied the ways of Jeroboam. We will note that every monarch from the north was evil. The southern kingdom slid ever downward, but there were times of spiritual rebounding due to some of the great reformers. Elah's evil reign of 2 years ended by assassination at the hands of his servant Zimri. That usurpation was terminated after seven days by Omri. A brief civil war followed against Tibni until Omri prevailed. Omri has the horrible distinguishing feature of committing evil greater than any before him. Omri ruled for twelve years- the last six from the capital of Samaria, which he founded. He was followed by Ahab, whose wicked rule of 22 years was characterised by Baal worship; introduced by his  ignominious and ruthless wife, Jezebel. In Ahab's reign there was an attempt to rebuild Jericho in defiance of the divine pronouncement against that city. The result of this rebellion was a double tragedy in the loss of two sons.
In the 42nd chapter of Jeremiah we are told that the prophet would pray for them not to experience the dire retribution of Nebuchadnezzar and warning them not to go into Egypt. However, the rebel captains ignored the warning, and took Jeremiah and the nation's remnants as hostages to Egypt. There they were to experience the perils of the sword and famine. 
In the record of Mark 16 we are told that the three women were at the tomb for the start of the first day of the week (Sunday). But in Jewish reckoning this commenced at 6pm on the Saturday evening. An amazing sight confronted them - a young man, clearly an angel, sitting on the massive stone that had been rolled from the sepulchre's entrance. They were told by the angel that the Lord they sought had risen, and would meet with them in Galilee. How significant was that Jesus first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, whom he had healed of severe mental illness. It was as if "where sin had abounded grace did super-abound": Romans 5 verse 20. She typified the bride of Christ. Then followed an appearance to two others on the way to Emmaus as Luke 24 described. The chapter concludes with the great commission to take the Gospel to all the world. Jesus said the message would be supported by accompanying signs. This was applicable to the Apostolic Age. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 15; Jeremiah 41, Mark 15) for Aug 20th

Abijam the son of Rehoboam reigned in Judah from the 18th year of the northern kingdom's king, Jeroboam. It was an undistinguished rule, which lasted but 3 years; and continued his father's folly. He was followed by Asa, the first of Judah's reformers, in a monarchy of 41 years. Like Judah's better kings, he is said to "have walked in the ways of David his (spiritual) father". He starts with a purge of the idols of his mother. Meanwhile Jeroboam had died in the north and was succeeded by Baasha, who had been fortifying his kingdom. By hiring the Syrians Asa took the initiative and became a great builder of fortresses himself. Asa dies and is succeeded by Jehoshaphat, his son.  The northern kingdom was reigned over for two and a bit years by the do-nothing Nadab, who was himself killed in battle during Asa's rule. Nadab having been assassinated by Baasha and his offspring eradicated in fulfilment of the prophesy of Ahijah, who told of the extinguishing of Jeroboam's dynasty. Baasha's reign was characterised by evil. The phrase: "walked in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the man who made Israel to sin" is used for every monarch of the northern kingdom of Israel. So profound was the impact of that man. What a devastating legacy! 
In Jeremiah 41 we read of the treacherous murder of Gedaliah the Governor by Ishmael. The Governor had been warned of the impending treachery of Ishmael, but had failed to believe the warning and to act on it. The remnant rebel captains failed to capture Ishmael and fearing certain Babylonian retaliation they fled to Egypt taking the remnants of Judah with them, continuing and increasing thereby, their sin against God. Because this was in blatant disobedience to the command of God, its failure was assured. 
Mark 15 records Jesus' trial before Pilate and includes events up to and including our Lord's crucifixion and burial. The account is indeed brief when compared with the other gospel records. From the other gospel accounts we learn that there were 6 sham trials in all - three before Jewish authorities and three before the Gentiles. Mark 14 recorded one of the Jewish trials and chapter 15 one of the Gentile trials - before Pilate. Pilate was amazed by our Master's calm resignation to these events. Pilate tried to have Jesus acquitted by allowing his soldiers to brutally mistreat our Lord, in the mistaken hope that the Jewish leaders would show some pity.  Our Lord was so weakened that on his way to Calvary it was necessary to press Simon of Cyrene to bare Jesus' stake - Greek "stauros". Simon and his two sons later became disciples, taking up their metaphorical stakes as Jesus commands of all his disciples. While on the stake our captain was mocked and taunted, but triumphing over those weaknesses and tauntings of Christ's enemies in himself: see Colossians 2 verses 11-15 read aloud slowly and meditate on the meaning. Jesus expired on the tree at the 9th hour ie 3pm precisely. This was at the time the Passover lambs were slain. A hardened Roman centurion on witnessing Jesus' behaviour exclaimed that certainly this man was the Son of God. In fulfilment of Isaiah 53 our Lord was buried in the tomb of a rich man, who had become his disciple, Joseph of Arimathea. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciateion of God's words, join again tomorrow at  https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 14; Jeremiah 40, Mark 14) for Aug 19th.

1 Kings 14 verses 1-3 tell of Jeroboam's son Abijam becoming desperately sick. Jeroboam sends his wife with gifts to enquire of Ahijah the prophet whether the child would live. Verses 4-11 tell of Yahweh telling the blind prophet of Jeroboam's wife's coming and of her pretending to be another person. The prophet is told to tell her of the LORD's actions in bringing Jeroboam to the throne. The message spoke of Jeroboam's great sin in taking the ten tribes away from their God. As a result of this judgment was to brought to Jeroboam's household by cutting off every male. Verses 12-16 speak of the Almighty's mercy in allowing the child to die. Verses 17-18 describe the death of the child and the nation's mourning for him. Verses 19-20 tell of Jeroboam's death after an evil reign of 22 years and Jeroboam's son Nadab's appointment to the throne of Israel. Verses 21-24 describe the perversions that  Rehoboam brought to the southern kingdom of Judah. Verses 25-28 outline how Judah was invaded by Shishak king of Egypt as God's retribution to Judah. Rehoboam stripped the Temple of gold and paid a heavy tribute for Shishak to leave them alone. Verses 29-31 describe the continuing wars between Jeroboam and Rehoboam all their lives. Rehoboam died and was succeeded by his son Abijam.
Jeremiah 40 verses :1-6 speaks of the prophet being given by Gedaliah, the Governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, the option of remaining in the land. Gedaliah says that the judgment that had been brought upon guilty Judah was just because the people had disobeyed the commands of God. The consequence of God's universal principle that we reap what we sow were shown to be unavoidable. Jeremiah chose to stay in Mizpah rather than journey to Babylon. Verses 7-12 tell of Gedaliah's instructions to the poor of the land who had been left to look after the land to live in peace and comply with Babylon's rule. Verses 13-16 say that the captains of the remnants of the forces which had rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar spake roughly with the Governor about their concerns. Gedaliah tells them that a rebel named Ishmael was not to be killed as those captains had failed to understand Ishmael. However chapter 41 tells us that Ishmael had deceived Gedaliah for the next chapter will describe Ishmael's murdering of Gedaliah.
In the record of Mark 14 and 15, we have, what's believed to be, Peter's accounting of the most horrific few days of his life.  The 14th chapter commenced 2 days before the Lord's crucifixion with his anointing in the home of Simon the leper, believed by some to be the father of the family, Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Judas and would be the home of Martha's deceased husband. It was this incident which incited Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Our Lord praises Mary's extravagant act of love and understanding. She alone among all of our Lord Jesus Christ's disciples understood that Christ would die during the Passover. Jesus sent Peter and John, to prepare the Lord's supper. All had been secretly prearranged to prevent any interruptions to his Passover. He needed every last moment to prepare his Apostles for his decease. These Apostles had to learn to live faithfully without our Lord's presence. During the memorial feast our Lord prophesied details of Peter's betrayal, much to Peter's bold protestation to the contrary. The supper having ended the Lord and now eleven of his chosen disciples went to Gethsemane where our Master's greatest trial occurs. In Gethsemane he begged his Father to find another way than the stake, where he would be shamefully exposed to men but each time Jesus was told there could be no alternative. Finally our Lord's resolve strengthened through angelic support and his intense struggle to subject his own will to that of the Father the Son of God was perfected through his sufferings: Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. Slowly read aloud those verses from Hebrews and meditate the intensity of his struggle and the greatness of the Son of God in submitting to his Father's will. Christ was strengthened by an angel to aid him in submitting humbly to death. Judas arrives with a band of heavily armed thugs from the temple. A young man, quite likely Mark himself, escapes them after having tried to warn Jesus. Verses 53-65 tell of Jesus before the Council and the accusation of blasphemy levelled at him (surely this had been Judas' doing) and the Master's rebuttal from Daniel 7 verses 13-14.  The chapter finishes with Peter's threefold denial of his Lord. Peter was in great bitterness for denying Jesus. His repentance contrasts with Judas' remorse without any repentance. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/