Christadelphians Talk

Thoughts on the readings for April 11th (Numbers 29, 30, Proverbs 21, John 2, 3)

In John 2 we have the first of the 8 signs John records. When Yahweh brought Israel out of Egypt, at the time of the Exodus, their departure was accompanied by miracles, wonders (Hebrew ‘Pala’ – cp the angel Palmoni – the wonderful numberer) and signs. That Hebrew word is the equivalent of the word used for “signs” in the record of John. The first of these signs took place at Cana, in Galilee. Jesus was there, together with his mother and his disciples, most likely those he had called in chapter 1. It was perhaps the wedding of a relative. The sign was turning water into the highest quality wine. The result was verse 11 – his disciples believing in Jesus and the manifestation of his glory. Between verses 13-22 Jesus cleanses the temple for the first time – doing so again at the end of his ministry. He fulfilled the words of Psalm 69 and gave them the sign of his resurrection, which he said would be after 3 days in the grave. There are 8 recorded signs in John’s record and many accounts of Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem. The other gospels omit all these visits. At the end of John 2 we are told Jesus would not commit himself to anyone since he knew what humans are like – Jesus’ understanding was possibly due 3 reasons: 1) what Scripture revealed; 2) Jesus’ own experience; 3) his ability to read people’s minds). Chapter 3 speaks of the first encounter between our Lord and Nicodemus, the holder of the second rank in the Sanhedrin (‘the teacher’). John chapter 3 tells us of Nicodemus’ first visit to Jesus; who in John’s gospel records 3 visits – in ch3; in ch7; and again in ch19. Each is a step in bringing Nicodemus to know the Christ (ch3 the man who came by night; ch7 he who first came by night; and ch19 an open disciple, who brought the spices to prepare Jesus’ body). The talk of chapter 3 centres in the imperative of being born “from above” – firstly by a mind developed by the Word of God 1 Peter 1:22-25 and then by immersion, or burial, in water. The 3rd chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the only man to go to heaven (v13) and salvation comes through belief in a crucified Messiah (v14 cp Numbers 21:4-9). The best known words of the Bible are found in John 3:16 – but read these words aloud and ponder verses 16-21. From verses 22 to the chapter’s end we are told of the incomparable greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on the readings for April 10th (Numbers 28, Proverbs 20, John 1)

Numbers 28 and 29 record the offerings of the LORD. Chapter 28 verses 1-8 speak of the daily offerings. Lambs were offered every morning and every evening accompanied by grain and and drink offerings. These were the continual burnt offerings of the LORD. Israel’s Sovereign smelled a sweet aroma as the smoke from the sacrifice ascended to Him.Verses 9-10 speak of the Sabbath offerings, which were identical to the morning and evening sacrifices and were offered additionally to the continuing burnt offerings of each morning and evening.Verses 11-15 tell of the monthly offerings of the new moon at the start of each month, which commenced with each new moon. These were a multiplication of animal offerings of bulls and lambs; and grain and drink offerings. A goat was offered for a sin offering as well as the burnt offerings. Verses 16-25 describe the Passover offerings. The Passover was called Yahweh’s Passover and celebrated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The offerings were made on the 14th day of the first month and the slain lambs were eaten on the 15th day of that month – Abib.Verses 26-31 outline the offerings for the Feast of Weeks, which was commemorated 7 weeks, ie 50 days after the Passover. This Feast coincided with the giving to Israel of the Ten Commandments. It is called the Feast of Pentecost in the New Testament and spoke of the going forth of the Word of the LORD that was accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every part of the nation’s worship was designed to teach them what was being called for every day in each of their lives in the eyes of their Sovereign.
Proverbs 20 is about wise judgment brought about by heeding the counsel of the Almighty. Verses 1-11 speak of avoiding destructive influences and hearkening to our Sovereign’s enlightened advice. The behaviour of wise people keeps them from strife; not so the fools who create difficulties in their own lives and those lives of everybody who encounters them. These maxims are true for the king and commoner alike. The wise, verse 5, will not be deceived by fool. Controlling our actions by walking with integrity will confer blessings on the families of those who walk uprightly (v7). God weighs in His balance the lives of all who deal justly, or unjustly, with others (v10). The standards of fairness are seen in children who have been trained in the ways of the LORD.Verses 12-23 teach us that He who has made every part of us discerns and weighs our every action. Verse 23 repeats the message of verse 10. And although the examples of these verses differ from those at the start of the chapter the lessons are the same. Don’t try to deceive, because those who cheat destroy themselves and all who they encounter. Verses 24-30 outline how the LORD directs the path of the wise. Yahweh our God discerns our every thought and act (v27). Stedfast faithfulness will preserve the king’s throne (v28). And through discipline wisdom is learnt and lived (v30).
The gospel record of John was most likely the last of the four written. Nor is it a summary of the ministry of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many more references to people discovering that Jesus was the Christ. Its theme is stated in chapter 20:31 “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through his name.” It records 8 signs, which are emphatic proofs of the stated theme. Chapter 1 is deliberately a parallel to Genesis 1. For just as Genesis 1 described the natural creation, which came into being through the Word of God in six days. Two groups of three repeated – LIGHT, WATER, LIFE; days 1-3 are paralleled and duplicated in days 4-6.; so too with the new spiritual creation in Christ. Jesus is declared to have come to his own (by ellipsis- people <the Jews>) and failed to be accepted. This was not the case among believers. What a lofty theme. Jesus was the Word of God in the flesh ie one of us in nature and passions; and yet without sin totally revealing the Father’s character to humanity. Read aloud verses 14-17 – Pause and Ponder. John was the disciple who rested on Jesus’ bosom during the Last Supper and surely he writes with a measure of understanding his comments in chapter 1:18. The record of Jesus’ baptism followed with John the Baptist’s announcement of verse 29 “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” From verses 35-42 we have the earliest call of the first four of Jesus’ disciples (later to become his Apostles) Andrew and John, Peter and James. From verses 43-51 we have the call of Philip and Nathanael. The latter convinced by our Lord’s ability to reveal what Nathanael was thinking that Jesus must be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Twice in the chapter we are told that these men had found the Messiah ie the Christ – first by Andrew (v41) and then Nathanael (v49). But the reality was he had found them and extended to them the authority to become ‘the sons of God’ (verses 12-13).

Thoughts on the readings for April 9th Numbers 27, Proverbs 19, Philippians 3-4

Numbers 27Among the final duties of Moses was dealing with a family anomaly and the appointmentand preparation of Joshua to assume his role. This chapter addresses these two things.V.1-11 – In the orders for the division of the land, just given (Num. 26), no provision hadbeen made for females, in case of failure of male issue. The five daughters of Zelophehad,therefore, considered themselves as destitute, having neither father nor brother, and feelingthemselves entirely overlooked agreed to refer the case to Moses and the rulers, whether itwere not equitable that they should inherit their father’s portion. This led to the enactment ofan additional law to the civil code of Israel, which satisfactorily ascertained and amply secured the right of succession in cases of inheritance. This law, which is as reasonable as it is just, stands thus:1. On the demise of the father, the estate descends to the sons.2. If there be no son, the daughters succeed.3. If there be no daughter, the brothers of the deceased inherit.4. If there be no brethren, or paternal uncles, the estate goes to the grand uncles, orbrothers of his father.5. If there be no grand uncles, then the nearest of kin succeeds to the inheritance.The daughters of Zelophehad appear again in Num. 36:1-12.V.12-23 – Moses was allowed one view of the land promised to Abraham before his death.This raised the issue of who would replace him as leader of the nation. His question isanswered by Yahweh in the appointment of Joshua.Proverbs 19Prov. 19:1 – “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that isperverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Poverty and integrity do not always go hand inhand. In fact, sometimes poverty produces a perversity that blames God for its condition;V.3 – “The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth againstYahweh.” The rich have friends (V.6), but nobody wants to know the poor man (V.4,7),except “the king’s son” – V.17; Ps. 72:12-14.Having begun with “integrity” in V.1, there is an emphasis in this chapter on the scourge offalse witnesses – V.5,9,28. Nothing is more harmful than the peddling of lies and rumors.Philippians 3 Phil. 3:2 – “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision”(katatomē – cutting off; mutilation = circumcision). Paul warns against Judaisers whoworked surreptitiously to undermine his influence. That the term ‘dog’ could be used of themindicates how unruly and vicious their behavior was. The term dog also is used to denote aperson that is shameless, impudent, malignant, snarling, dissatisfied, and contentious, andis evidently so employed here. Paul acknowledges that he had acted like them in the past,but had been rescued from it by Christ’s intervention (V.3-9).His rescue had been a ‘resurrection’ to a new life in Christ (V.10), but one that broughtsufferings and persecution such as he had dealt out to believers. He looked for a better“resurrection” – the word in V.11 is exanastasis – a rising from death (but to be given eternallife), hence, the prefix. Anastasis is about raising the dead to mortal life. Paul knows that histotal commitment to Christ after his conversion in ‘repayment’ for his persecuting past willlead to eternal life (1 Cor. 9:16-18; 15:8-10).V.12-17 – But Paul is careful not to wallow in the past as there was much to do, and therewere many handicaps, not the least of these human nature to which some had capitulated(V.18-19). In a series of engaging sentences well translated by Weymouth, Paul set forthhis goals – V.12-14 – “I do not say that I have already won the race or have alreadyreached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for whichalso Christ has laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not imagine that I have yet laid holdof it. But this one thing I do–forgetting everything which is past and stretchingforward to what lies in front of me, with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on tosecure the prize of God’s heavenward call in Christ Jesus.”
V.20 – “For our conversation (politeuma – citizenship) is in heaven,” hence, followers ofChrist do not participate in politics on earth in any form.V.21 – “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto hisglorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue allthings unto himself.” This is the “prize” of V.14. While there is nothing good in humannature, the KJV translation is deficient. A number of reliable translations have transform“the body of our humiliation.” Human nature routinely humiliates us by disease,regressive malfunction, transgression and an endless bias towards evil, and of course,ultimately death. We seek to receive the now “glorious body” of our Lord from him.

Thoughts on the readings for April 8th (Numbers 26; Proverbs 18; Philippians 1, 2)

Numbers 26 tells of the census that was taken of the new generation – those who were above 20 years of age, when 38 years earlier God had destined their fathers to die in the desert because of their failure to believe God could give them the Land He had promised to Abraham.This generation would be stedfast in the ways of the LORD. It would be that way for at least one and a half generations – see Joshua 24:31. Some of the more numerous tribes declined in number during their wasting away in the wilderness. There is almost a direct relationship between the rebellions started by certain tribes and their significant reduction in population prior to the entry into the Promised Land. These numbers were used together with a distribution by lot to determine the size of the land each tribe would inherit. There was no census for the Levites as Yahweh was their portion. The other salutary lesson from this chapter is the inheritance that would be given to faithful Caleb and Joshua, who wholly followed Yahweh with their heart; at the time that the bull of the nation were consigned to perishing in the wilderness because they yielded to their evil hearts of unbelief; and failed to trust in “the Living God”.
Proverbs 18 is about friendship its benefits and its obligations. Verses 1-8 outlines wise thinking and the words which the wise speak – words which bring blessings to those who heed what was said. By contrast verses 6-7 tell us that a fool’s mouth is an invitation to strife and his words continually bring trouble upon his head. Gossip is the way of the fool and those associated with him will experience total disaster. Verses 9-19 speaks about the need for diligence in order to be successful. These are contrasted with the true protection, which never fails, the name of Yahweh is a fortress (v10). Those who trust in the LORD are imperishable. They are indestructible. The life of the faithful is in the hand of their Maker. They need have no fear of men, because of their reverence for the Almighty – Matthew 10:16-33. Read aloud slowly. Contemplate this message for how you will live your life before your Sovereign and as a witness to your community. The wise men speaks of pride preceding a fall (v12). We are told to listen before speaking (v13). Generosity paves the way for acceptance (v16). Don’t win an argument via persistence – be prepared to agree through a lot, ie it doesn’t matter if you never win. If you simply win through aggression, or because you won’t stop arguing you have lost a friend and a great deal more (v18). Verse 19 tells us that if your insistence creates a rift then it can only be healed via great efforts and immense sufferings. Verses 20-24 tell us, yet once again to be diligent in order to live adequately. What a great lesson verse 21 teaches – your tongue can save another person, or destroy them. A Godly companion in life is an aid and blessing in our walk towards the kingdom of God (v22). Be a close friend rather than a ruinous babbler (v24).
According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provided the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi. Philippians is called Paul’s letter of joy and its theme is, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle described his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city – colony which was heavily Roman in every way. He told them of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all ‘brethren’ were happy – there was a group of false believers (known as Judaisers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that continued living would be for the benefit of the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ’s mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every believer. As God’s Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone; yet he suffered as a servant the death of the cross. Now he is exalted at the Father’s right hand with the name of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45). Believers bare the responsibility of shining as lights among this twisted world. He showed that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrated Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. Their own lives were put behind the course and purpose of the gospel.

Thoughts on the readings for April 7th Numbers 24-25; Proverbs 17; Ephesians 5-6

 Paul tells us we ought to•‘walk in love as Christ also hath loved us’(5:2).This is seen in the way that husbands and wives should love and respect each other; how children and parents ought to treat each other; even how slaves should behave towards their masters and masters to their slaves. When you walk in love you try to treat all these people and all mankind, in a kind and unselfish manner- walking in just the way the Lord Jesus Christ walked, remembering the love of God; forGod commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8Here are some guidelines for our walk.Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit ( goodness and righteousness) (5:9)Redeem the time- don’t waste it (16)Make melody in your heart to the LORD through Psalms and hymns (19)Offer thankful prayer regularly for yourself and God’s people, the saints (5:20 & 6:18)Be strong in the LORD in solid defence of the Scriptures and wear the whole armour of God, (6:14-17) ..Wear Truth as a belt and cover your heart with a breastplate of righteousness. As you walk, preach the Gospel, shield yourself with faith; protect your mind with the helmet of salvation and defend yourself with the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God.And let’s not forget how helpful a positive attitude is in our walk for .Prov 17: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!So Let us not be diverted by the call of the word to sin, as did Israel and thus walked on the path which leads to death but rather travel the way to righteousness. Putting on Christ in baptism to become one of the saints.And making sure that our love for our Saviour, Jesus Christ is not just affection but an undying, practical, thankful agape love.

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.