It is human nature to constantly draw comparisons between “us” and “them.”  This is particularly evident in the “game” of politics.  Paul, as he starts to draw his 2nd letter to the Corinthians to a conclusion, expresses concern about certain influences upon them which were not spiritually healthy. He writes, “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have power to destroy strongholds” [10 v.4] The weapons Paul is interested in, because they are vital as affecting our ‘eternity’,  are not physical weapons; they are those which destroy the “strongholds” of wrong thinking. Paul next states, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. …” [v.5] It is the words of Christ and the words his apostles were inspired to say and write which “destroy arguments” founded on human reasoning, which are even more dangerous when they are expressed as a “lofty opinion” seeming to be an extension of God’s revealed word. Paul writes of “our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up …” [v.8], but he is concerned about  “those who are commending themselves.  But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another they are without understanding.” [v.12]  Real understanding and genuine faith will only increase when it is built up on a true “knowledge of God”[v.5] as found in his revealed word.  Paul says, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough” [11 v.3,4]. It is those who “measure themselves by one another” instead of the word of God that distort the nature and message of Jesus Christ.  The end result, as history shows, has been to portray Jesus as equal to God himself and to create a “different gospel” rather that the gospel that was first preached to Abraham (Galatians 3 v.7-9).  May we, through our constant reading and reflection on the words of Scripture learn to fully measure ourselves, our beliefs and hopes, by the actual words that God has inspired and that have been preserved to our day.

Yesterday we started reading the book of Ezekiel.  He is a priest (1 v.3) and is with those taken into captivity and placed by the Babylonians “by the Chebar canal” [v,3].  Jerusalem and the Temple have not yet been destroyed, indeed we calculate from the dates given, that its’ destruction is still about 18 years in the future.  Those in captivity with Ezekiel are setting their hopes on being able to return to their homeland.  Ezekiel’ s initial commission after seeing the Divine visions recorded in ch. 1 is, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me.  They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.” [2 v.3-5] It is evident that these captives had no sense of being in awe of the LORD. God’s message through Ezekiel is the very opposite of what, from a human point of view, is a good message – and the Bible’s message for the world today – as to its’ immediate future – is the very opposite of a  good message.  It seems fitting to describe the vast majority today as being “ignorant and stupid” or as ‘The Message’ Bible puts it, “hardened in their sin” – but we have a responsibility to give a message so that “they will know” what God’s word plainly predicts. Then the LORD addresses Ezekiel personally, “Be not afraid of their words, be not dismayed … for they are rebellious … but you … Be not rebellious …. open your mouth …” [v.6,8] and he is given a scroll “… and there were on it …“words of lamentation and mourning and woe.” [v.10]  The burden of Ezekiel’s message, in the first half of his book is very similar to that of Jeremiah, both were giving God’s message at the same time, but in different locations. We must be the very opposite of being rebellious.  May it be true of us as was now happening in Corinth; Paul is rejoicing at their renewed spirit. We read today his joy for  “… you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness …” [2 Cor. 8 v.7]  The believers there were showing their great love for their Lord and for Paul by the ready financial support for those in trouble.  It was not a matter of tithing as some practice today – without any Scriptural warrant, for tithing was practised only under the law of Moses; but the believers, writes Paul, “…gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints” [v.3,4]  May we be so motivated to give from what we are blessed to possess – and that includes our time – in serving the Lord.

Today we read 3 short but remarkable chapters in 2nd Corinthians. Paul has learnt through the coming of Titus the blessing that spiritual life and attitudes are improving in Corinth. He writes, “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he has comforted you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoice still more.  For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it … I rejoice … because you were grieved into repenting.” [7 v.6-8] The path to true joy is sometimes difficult, but that is a fact of life that sadly some do not want to learn, but it is the experience in greater or lesser degree of every believer who sets out to walk in the footsteps of Christ.  It is said that we learn from our mistakes – but that is only true when we see clearly where we have strayed from the narrow way.   Sometimes God brings about drastic correction as we read today in 2 Kings 10 where Jehu, on becoming king completed the destruction of all of Ahab’s large offspring and all those who worshipped Baal – but even this failed to bring the kingdom of Israel to serve God correctly. Cutting out what is bad is only the halfway stage. Repentance is a tragedy when it does not lead to a new start. Note the words at the start of 2 Cor. 7 – “since we have these promises…”.  What promises? We must grasp the overwhelming extent of these promises spelt out in the last 3 verses of Ch. 6; “…we are the temple of the living God, as God has said. ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them … then I will welcome you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” [v.16-18].  These verses are quoted from Leviticus 26 v.12 and Isaiah 52 v.11 – and demonstrate that all 66 books of the Bible are one unit.  Immediately after these verses comes the statement, “Since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” [7 v.1]  What a totally wonderful perception – leading to that challenge to ”bring holiness to completion.”   Let us live in awe of what God must be and realise the truth of 5 v.17 that “if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation.”      The completion of that “new creation” is our lifetimes’ work; may we all realize this and complete the race, for we are all in the race of life.  Let us never see that ‘work’ as beyond us.  Paul knew God “is able to do far more abundantly more than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [3 v.20]

The purpose of this article is to look at some of the details in the promises to Abraham and see how they have been and will be fulfilled. Abraham was promised his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth, as the sand on the sea shore, and as the stars of heaven. These statements are not just saying the same thing three times using different language, but each of these statements is an important element of the divine purpose with Abraham and his seed. Using other parts of Scripture to interpret the symbols it is possible to gain a better understanding of what was revealed to the patriarch. Read more here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/document/compare-expound-march-2023/

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: As far as God is concerned, clothing was designed to represent humility and separation. We find that the Bible starts with nakedness and ends with appropriate clothing. God's view of modesty expected in a worshipper, as outlined in the Bible, is explored. Consideration is given to the roles of men and women as symbolising Christ and his Bride."Highlights🕊️ Modesty Matters: The theme focuses on modesty in a shameless world, especially for women.📖 Biblical Basis: Draws from 1 Corinthians 11, discussing the cultural context of head coverings.Key Insights💡 Cultural Context: Understanding the societal norms of first-century Rome helps clarify Paul’s teachings on modesty and head coverings. This cultural backdrop reveals the significance of a woman’s attire in denoting marital status and propriety.🏆 Glory in Behavior: A woman’s conduct can either uplift or shame her husband, emphasizing the importance of behavior in marriage. The idea is that a virtuous woman enhances her husband’s honor and status within the community.💔 Immodesty and Exploitation: The modern media often glorifies immodesty, leading to the objectification of women. This parallel to ancient practices points to a troubling trend that devalues women in society.🤝 Mutual Responsibility: Both men and women hold responsibility for modesty and character, reflecting the principle that behavior should align with Christian values. This mutual respect strengthens relationships and community.🌹 Inner Qualities Over Appearance: Emphasizing that true beauty is found in good deeds and character, not in outward adornment, encourages a focus on spiritual growth rather than physical appearance.🔄 Timeless Principles: The teachings of Paul regarding modesty remain relevant today, encouraging Christians to reflect on how their actions and attire align with their faith and values.🌍 Global Perspective: The discussion of modesty varies across cultures, illustrating the need for discernment and guidance in understanding what constitutes modest dress in different contexts.

A @Christadelphians Video: This two-part presentation was prompted by comments made on line by female Christian writers on the subject of nudity and dress codes. The comments were discovered by the presenter during research on the subject of modesty. In the opinion of these writers ‘there is no dress code’ in the Bible. Furthermore, given that God at creation pronounced Adam and Eve ‘very good’ in their naked state, then the concern for their nakedness and fig leaf invention and the subsequent skin covering provided by God was only to appease their shame. The writer’s conclusion being that God was fine with them staying as they were. In fairness the author discussing nudity, was not suggesting that women should go about naked but simply that public nudity was not at a fundamental level a problem with God. The purpose of our presentations is to explore the Bible position on dress code, and nudity in session one, under the title “God Doesn’t Care What I Wear”, and the second session the more nuanced subject of Modesty, under the heading of “The Woman is the Glory of the Man”. Description: As far as God is concerned, clothing was designed to represent humility and separation. We find that the Bible starts with nakedness and ends with appropriate clothing. God's view of modesty expected in a worshipper, as outlined in the Bible, is explored. Consideration is given to the roles of men and women as symbolising Christ and his Bride."### Highlights- 👗 God cares about what we wear, contrary to popular beliefs.- 👫 Modern dating culture often overlooks the value of sexual purity.- 📖 Biblical references highlight the significance of modesty.- 🌍 Society normalizes shamelessness, affecting moral conduct.- 👖 Adam and Eve's fig leaves were deemed inadequate by God.- ✝️ The New Testament raises the standards for spiritual attire.- 🎓 Clothing reflects our values and relationship with God.### Key Insights- 📜 The Bible presents a consistent view on modesty, emphasizing that clothing should reflect our faith and values. This principle is woven throughout scripture. - 💔 The modern dating scene often dismisses traditional views on relationships and morality, leading to a culture of shamelessness that conflicts with biblical teachings.- 🧥 God's expectations of attire are evident in both the Old and New Testaments, showing a continuous call for modesty and respect in how we present ourselves.- 🕊️ The call for humility and mutual respect in relationships transcends mere outward appearance, emphasizing the need for inner spiritual adornment.- 🔍 The act of dressing and preparing for God's presence is symbolic of our spiritual readiness and respect for His holiness.- ✨ The connection between clothing and identity is significant, suggesting that our attire communicates our values and beliefs to the world.- 📅 The evolution of dress codes from the Old Testament to the New Testament highlights a shift from physical to spiritual attire, urging believers to embody Christ-like qualities.

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah’s faith and challenges are paralleled with the Philippian jailer’s experiences, emphasizing the importance of trust in God amid trials. Highlights 🙏 Hezekiah’s faith saved Jerusalem from Assyria. 📜 Babylon’s influence warns against religious complacency. 💔 Personal battles, like Hezekiah’s leprosy, are crucial. 👑 Hezekiah, the “captain of my people,” shows leadership in faith. ✝️ Jesus, the ultimate captain, guides us through trials. 💖 Mutual support strengthens ecclesial bonds. 🏰 Salvation lies within the walls of faith and community. Key Insights 🔑 Faith Over Fear: Hezekiah’s trust in God during crises highlights that faith can overcome worldly threats and personal struggles. This teaches us to lean on divine strength in tough times. ⚖️ Beware of Babylon: The narrative warns against allowing worldly influences into spiritual communities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining ecclesial purity. 🧠 Inner Battles Matter: Hezekiah’s physical ailments symbolize the internal struggles with sin, reminding us that personal battles must be fought with faith and perseverance. 🌟 Leadership in Faith: As the “captain,” Hezekiah demonstrates how true leaders inspire and protect their communities through faith, setting a model for ecclesial leadership. 💔 Shared Suffering: Like Hezekiah, we learn that shared struggles within the community can foster deeper connections and resilience, reinforcing the importance of supporting one another. 🌈 Hope in Trials: The story emphasizes that trials are not without purpose; they refine character and strengthen faith, preparing us for future challenges. 🏰 Community as Refuge: The walls of Jerusalem symbolize safety and salvation, urging us to remain within our spiritual communities for support and growth.

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah, facing the Assyrian threat, inspires courage in his people by reminding them of God’s power, emphasizing faith over fear. Highlights 🛡️ Hezekiah rallies his people to be strong and courageous against the Assyrians. 📖 He draws on scripture to comfort the fearful, showing the power of faith. 💪 “With us is Yahweh” emphasizes reliance on God over human strength. 🎶 The people find peace in Hezekiah’s encouraging words. ⚔️ The Assyrian army is defeated miraculously, demonstrating God’s protection. 🌄 Isaiah’s prophecies point to future deliverance for Jerusalem. 🎉 The song of victory is celebrated, illustrating the joy of faithfulness. Key Insights 📜 Scriptural Foundation: Hezekiah’s reliance on scripture during crisis illustrates the importance of grounding ourselves in God’s word during challenges. By recalling God’s promises, we find strength and guidance. 🤝 Leadership in Crisis: A true leader, like Hezekiah, prioritizes the well-being of their people, even in personal distress. His actions reflect selflessness and commitment to his nation. 🌊 Divine Protection: The miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army showcases God’s power, reinforcing the belief that divine intervention surpasses human capabilities in times of trouble. 🎵 The Power of Praise: Singing praises in difficult times serves as a profound act of faith. It unites the community and shifts focus from fear to trust in God’s deliverance. 🕊️ Peace Through Trust: “Thou will keep him in perfect peace” emphasizes that true peace comes from unwavering trust in God, reminding us to focus our minds on Him amid chaos. 🔍 Discernment Against Falsehood: The RAB Shaker’s manipulative words highlight the need for discernment against misleading messages. Recognizing truth from deception is crucial in faith. 🌍 End Times Connection: The parallels drawn between Hezekiah’s time and future events show the continuity of God’s plan for His people, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith as they await ultimate redemption.

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah’s early reign was marked by significant reforms and leadership, focusing on restoring worship in Jerusalem amidst the threat of Assyria. Highlights 🏛️ Hezekiah began temple restoration on his first day as king. 🎉 The Passover was celebrated in the second month, showcasing unity and devotion. 🙌 Hezekiah appointed the priests and Levites to ensure proper worship. 💰 The people generously brought offerings for the temple work. 🔨 Hezekiah’s leadership was a model of faith amidst adversity. ⚔️ The threat from Assyria loomed as Hezekiah sought God’s guidance. 🌊 Hezekiah managed Jerusalem’s water supply during the siege preparation. Key Insights 📖 Restoration of Worship: Hezekiah prioritized temple restoration, emphasizing the importance of worship in maintaining faith and community identity. This action set a spiritual revival in motion. 🤝 Community Generosity: The people’s willingness to contribute abundantly reflects the collective responsibility for spiritual health, highlighting the role of community in ecclesiastical life. 🛡️ Leadership Amidst Crisis: Hezekiah exemplified decisive leadership during crises, urging trust in God rather than reliance on human alliances, which serves as a timeless lesson in faith and governance. 💧 Strategic Resource Management: Hezekiah’s foresight in securing water sources during sieges underscores the critical nature of preparation and resource management in times of conflict. 📜 Lessons from History: The parallel between Hezekiah’s actions and the early Christian church serves as a reminder of the continuity of faith and leadership principles throughout biblical history. ✉️ Covenant with God vs. Man: The rulers’ inclination to seek alliances with Egypt, instead of relying on God, illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual reliance. 🌌 Divine Providence: Hezekiah’s successful initiatives, despite external threats, showcase how divine support can empower those who earnestly seek to do God’s will, reinforcing the belief in providential guidance.

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah’s reforms in Judah emphasize returning to faith, the importance of unity, and the call for repentance among Israel’s tribes. Highlights 📖 Hezekiah gathers leaders for spiritual reform and sacrifices in the temple. 🎶 Levites are appointed to lead worship with musical instruments, restoring traditional practices. ✉️ Letters are sent to Israel and Judah inviting them to return to Yahweh and keep the Passover. 💡 The number seven symbolizes completeness, representing the remaining tribes. 🙏 Repentance and humility are essential for healing and forgiveness from God. 🚶‍♂️ The faithful journey to Jerusalem despite challenges, showing dedication to worship. 🌟 The message of light amidst darkness reflects hope and divine intervention. Key Insights 📜 Return to Basics: Hezekiah emphasizes a return to scriptural foundations and rituals, reinforcing the importance of tradition in worship. This highlights the need for communities to reconnect with their roots for spiritual renewal. 🙌 Role of Leadership: Hezekiah’s leadership is crucial in mobilizing the people for collective worship and repentance, demonstrating the importance of strong, faith-driven leaders in guiding communities towards righteousness. ✉️ Outreach to the Lost: The letters signify God’s desire for all people to return to Him, emphasizing that outreach to the lost is vital for spiritual restoration and unity among believers. ⚖️ Repentance and Healing: The process of humbling oneself, seeking God, and receiving forgiveness underscores the transformative power of repentance in healing personal and communal relationships with God. 🚶‍♀️ Faithful Journey: The journey to Jerusalem symbolizes perseverance in faith despite adversity, highlighting that true commitment involves overcoming obstacles to worship and serve God. 🌌 Light in Darkness: The idea that those who walk in darkness see a great light signifies hope and divine guidance, emphasizing that spiritual illumination is available to all who seek it. 🔄 Patterns of Restoration: The sequence of Hezekiah’s reforms mirrors future patterns of restoration, reinforcing that God’s plans involve both immediate action for His people and long-term strategies for spiritual revival.

A @Christadelphians Video: Summary: Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, reformed Judah by restoring true worship, emphasizing reliance on God, and cleansing the temple, contrasting his father’s failures. Highlights 📖 Hezekiah’s reign began after Ahaz, focusing on reforming worship. 🔑 Hezekiah opened the doors of the temple, restoring true worship. ✝️ His mother, Abby, played a crucial role in his faith development. 🔥 Hezekiah is symbolized as the “fiery flying serpent,” indicating his strength. 🌍 He united the tribes of Israel and Judah, emphasizing unity. 🔄 He emphasized the need for spiritual cleansing and sanctification. 💪 Trust in God was central to Hezekiah’s leadership and reforms. Key Insights 📚 Importance of Scripture: Hezekiah’s reforms were rooted in returning to the Word of God, highlighting the need for scriptural authority in our lives. 👩‍👦 Role of Mothers: Hezekiah’s mother, Abby, influenced his faith, showcasing the profound impact of parental guidance in spiritual upbringing. ⚔️ Contrast with Ahaz: Unlike his father Ahaz, who turned away from God, Hezekiah exemplified faithfulness, leading to national revival. 🔥 Symbolism of the Serpent: The “fiery flying serpent” represents Hezekiah’s divine strength and transformative leadership against oppression. 🕊️ Unity of the Tribes: Hezekiah aimed to unite Israel and Judah, demonstrating the need for collective worship and community in faith. ✨ Spiritual Cleansing: The cleansing of the temple symbolizes the necessity of inner purity and the removal of sin to foster a genuine relationship with God. 🙏 Trust and Reliance on God: Hezekiah’s unwavering trust in God’s guidance was crucial for his success, serving as a model for believers today.

A @Christadelphians Video: from The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Christadelphian Bible school Summary Ahaz, the wicked king of Judah, led the nation into darkness by shutting the doors of the temple and following the sinful practices of Israel, ultimately neglecting true worship. Highlights 📖 Ahaz began his reign at age 20, ruling for 16 years without following Yahweh. 🔥 He engaged in terrible practices, including child sacrifice and idol worship. 🚪 Ahaz shut the doors of the House of the Lord, symbolizing spiritual decline. 📉 His decisions resulted in chaos, including the capture of 200,000 people by Israel. 💰 He sought help from Assyria, abandoning reliance on God. ⚖️ Refused a sign from God, demonstrating his lack of faith. 🏛️ He changed the temple’s altar to mimic pagan practices, disregarding God’s pattern. Key Insights ⚔️ Leadership Matters: Ahaz’s failure as a leader caused spiritual decline in Judah, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership for community well-being. 🔄 Influence of Surroundings: Ahaz’s choice to emulate the wicked kings of Israel led to moral decay, showing how environments can profoundly influence decisions. 🚫 Resistance to God’s Guidance: Ahaz rejected God’s offer for a sign, highlighting the danger of ignoring divine assistance and wisdom in challenging times. ✋ The Cost of Apostasy: His actions led to suffering for the people, illustrating the broader consequences of abandoning one’s faith and values. 🕌 Importance of Worship: The transition of temple practices demonstrates the need for maintaining true worship according to God’s standards, not worldly influences. 📉 Vision and Direction: Proverbs 29:18 reinforces that without vision, people perish; Ahaz’s lack of vision led to chaos in Judah. 🔍 Awareness of Sin: Ahaz’s choices remind us of the importance of recognizing and resisting the allure of sin in our lives and communities. https://youtu.be/gDLW1ZuH17g

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: King Manasseh was a king who set about hating God and trying to fight against Him and His prophecies. He brought great evil and idolatry into the nation of Judah. Despite this, God still worked with him. He caused the Assyrians to take Manasseh captive to the city of Babylon. While Manasseh was in prison, he prayed to God, God heard him, and was released and restored to his throne on Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Despite all his wickedness, God had forgiven Manasseh. The great lesson is: Don’t underestimate God’s mercy. Summary Manasseh's journey illustrates profound repentance, leading to transformative actions that change his future and reflect God's mercy. Manasseh’s story reflects broader themes of redemption by illustrating that no one is beyond God’s grace. His dramatic transformation from a rebellious king to a repentant leader emphasizes that genuine repentance can lead to restoration and a renewed relationship with God. This narrative highlights the idea that individuals can change and that their past failures do not define their future. Highlights - 🙏 Repentance: Manasseh seeks God's favor in distress. - 🔄 Change the Future: Manasseh decides to alter his future after realizing God's truth. - 🏰 Rebuilding: He reconstructs the city walls and fortifies Judah. - 🚫 Removing Idols: Manasseh eliminates foreign gods from the temple. - 🕊️ Restoring Worship: He reinstates proper worship practices for Yahweh. - 📜 Historical Patterns: His actions mirror the reforms of earlier righteous kings. - 🌍 Divine Orchestration: God's plan spans nations and generations for redemption. Key Insights - 🔍 Contrasting Responses: Unlike his grandfather Ahaz, who sought worldly help, Manasseh turns to God in distress, highlighting the importance of spiritual reliance. - ⏳ God’s Timing: Manasseh’s return to Jerusalem symbolizes God’s mercy and restoration, showing that true repentance leads to new beginnings. - 🏗️ Legacy of Change: Manasseh's reforms are modeled after righteous kings, emphasizing how past examples of faith can guide present actions. - 🌊 Patterns of Redemption: The parallels between Manasseh, Daniel, and first-century Israel depict a divine narrative of redemption through humility and repentance. - 🔗 Interconnected Histories: Manasseh's story reflects broader themes of national and personal repentance, pointing to a collective human experience of falling and rising through God’s grace. - 📖 Scripture’s Perspective: Chronicles frames Manasseh’s story in a redemptive light, contrasting with Kings, emphasizing how God rewrites history for those who repent. - 🤝 Individual Application: Each person is called to reflect on their life and make choices that honor God, contributing to a collective change in the future.

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: King Manasseh was a king who set about hating God and trying to fight against Him and His prophecies. He brought great evil and idolatry into the nation of Judah. Despite this, God still worked with him. He caused the Assyrians to take Manasseh captive to the city of Babylon. While Manasseh was in prison, he prayed to God, God heard him, and was released and restored to his throne on Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Despite all his wickedness, God had forgiven Manasseh. The great lesson is: Don’t underestimate God’s mercy. Highlights - 🙏 Embrace humility as we recognize our need for the Lord Jesus. - 📖 Manasseh's destructive reign reflects the nation's spiritual decline. - 🔍 Chronicles emphasizes Manasseh's repentance, unlike Kings. - 🤔 Questions arise about the differing focuses of Kings and Chronicles. - 🌿 Manasseh's humbling experience in bramble bushes symbolizes his need for God. - 🍞 The bread and wine remind us of our dependence on Jesus. - 🎉 We celebrate God's victory through Jesus, acknowledging our limitations. Key Insights - 💡 Humility is essential in knowing God; we can't achieve spiritual growth on our own. - 📜 The parallel between Manasseh and Israel highlights the collective consequences of sin. - ❓ The distinctions between Kings and Chronicles invite deeper reflection on God's mercy. - 🌱 Manasseh's repentance demonstrates the transformative power of recognizing one's failures. - 🔗 The significance of the Last Supper illustrates our shared need for redemption. - ✨ God’s consistent victory in history reassures us of His unwavering presence and support. - 🎊 The weekly remembrance of Jesus through communion fosters humility and gratitude.

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: King Manasseh was a king who set about hating God and trying to fight against Him and His prophecies. He brought great evil and idolatry into the nation of Judah. Despite this, God still worked with him. He caused the Assyrians to take Manasseh captive to the city of Babylon. While Manasseh was in prison, he prayed to God, God heard him, and was released and restored to his throne on Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Despite all his wickedness, God had forgiven Manasseh. The great lesson is: Don’t underestimate God’s mercy. Summary null Highlights - God's mercy is often misunderstood, leading to destructive actions. 🙏 - A methodology for interpreting the Bible involves facts, principles, and personal application. 📖 - Manasseh's relationship with God deteriorated due to a lack of trust. ❌ - The differing accounts in Kings and Chronicles highlight different aspects of Manasseh's story. 📜 - God's response is flexible, based on how we present ourselves to Him. 🌊 - Prophecies serve as warnings and opportunities for repentance. ⚡ - God's ultimate desire is for us to know Him and trust His mercy. ❤️ Key Insights - God's mercy is vast yet often not recognized, leading individuals to stray from Him. This highlights the necessity of understanding His character. 🌈 - A structured approach to scripture helps in discerning timeless principles applicable to personal life, fostering deeper spiritual growth. 🔍 - Trust is foundational in our relationship with God; without it, we risk losing connection and direction in our lives. 🗺️ - The contrast between Kings and Chronicles emphasizes the importance of repentance and the hope of restoration, showcasing God’s grace. ⏳ - Our actions influence God’s responses, reminding us that we have agency in our spiritual walk and relationship with Him. ⚖️ - Prophecies are not mere predictions but invitations to align with God’s will, emphasizing His desire for repentance and change. 🔔 - Ultimately, knowing God leads to a transformative trust that shapes our lives and actions, reinforcing the call to seek Him. 🌟

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: King Manasseh was a king who set about hating God and trying to fight against Him and His prophecies. He brought great evil and idolatry into the nation of Judah. Despite this, God still worked with him. He caused the Assyrians to take Manasseh captive to the city of Babylon. While Manasseh was in prison, he prayed to God, God heard him, and was released and restored to his throne on Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Despite all his wickedness, God had forgiven Manasseh. The great lesson is: Don’t underestimate God’s mercy. # Summary Manasseh fought against God's prophecy and misunderstood His nature, leading to his own downfall and the fulfillment of prophecy. ### Highlights - ⚔️ Manasseh's opposition to prophecy shows his defiance against God's will. - 📜 He was knowledgeable of scripture yet chose to act against it intentionally. - 💔 Misunderstanding God's mercy led to Manasseh's hatred of Him. - 🏛️ God's name was placed in Jerusalem, emphasizing His chosen presence. - 👂 The 'tingling ears' warning signifies the severe consequences of Manasseh's actions. - 🎉 God's laws intend to promote joy, which Manasseh overlooked. - 🔄 The cycle of prophecy and fulfillment illustrates the dangers of fighting against God. ### Key Insights - ⚖️ **Misunderstanding Mercy**: Manasseh's failure to grasp God's mercy resulted in his rebellion and ultimate downfall, highlighting the importance of understanding divine kindness. - 📖 **Scriptural Knowledge vs. Application**: Knowing scripture is vital, but applying it correctly is crucial. Manasseh's knowledge led him to act contrary to God's laws, showcasing the importance of aligning actions with understanding. - 🔍 **God's Desire for Joy**: The laws given by God are not merely rules but pathways to joy and fulfillment, which Manasseh missed, indicating a deeper understanding of God's intentions is needed. - 🏛️ **God's Presence**: The significance of God's name in Jerusalem emphasizes the importance of worshiping Him as He intended, reinforcing that true worship aligns with His nature. - 📜 **Self-Fulfilling Prophecy**: Fighting against God's prophecy led to its fulfillment, serving as a warning that resisting divine plans can have dire consequences. - 🎉 **Rejoicing in Law**: The emphasis on rejoicing in God's laws highlights that obedience should stem from joy, a concept Manasseh failed to appreciate. - 🔄 **Cycle of Judgment**: The connection between Manasseh, Eli, and the consequences of their actions underscores the seriousness of leadership and the impact of one's choices on a community.

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: King Manasseh was a king who set about hating God and trying to fight against Him and His prophecies. He brought great evil and idolatry into the nation of Judah. Despite this, God still worked with him. He caused the Assyrians to take Manasseh captive to the city of Babylon. While Manasseh was in prison, he prayed to God, God heard him, and was released and restored to his throne on Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Despite all his wickedness, God had forgiven Manasseh. The great lesson is: Don’t underestimate God’s mercy. Highlights - 📖 Exploring the differences between Kings and Chronicles' accounts of King Manasseh. - 🙏 Core message: Don't underestimate God's mercy. - 🤔 Key question: Why was Manasseh so evil despite his father Hezekiah's righteousness? - 🏛️ Manasseh's reign marked by extreme idolatry and the destruction of worship practices. - 🔄 Connection between Manasseh and Ahab emphasizes the severity of his sins. - 🔮 Prophecy's role in shaping Manasseh's actions and understanding of God. - ✨ Manasseh's story serves as a reminder of God's abundant mercy and potential for redemption. Key Insights - 📜 The contrast in accounts between Kings and Chronicles highlights the complexity of biblical narratives, inviting deeper exploration. - ⚖️ Understanding Manasseh's upbringing under Hezekiah reveals the influence of parental actions and choices on future generations. - 🎭 Manasseh’s rejection of Yahweh worship in favor of idolatry signifies a profound shift in Judah's spiritual landscape, illustrating the dangers of turning away from God. - 🗡️ The comparison to Ahab underscores the gravity of Manasseh's evil, as both kings sought to eradicate true worship from their respective kingdoms. - 🌌 Manasseh’s struggle against prophecies reveals a misconception of God’s nature, reflecting a common human tendency to resist divine will. - ⏳ The narrative shows how repentance and understanding of mercy could have led to a different outcome for Manasseh, emphasizing hope and redemption. - 🔑 Ultimately, the message of God’s mercy serves as a powerful reminder for all believers that no one is beyond God’s reach for forgiveness and restoration.

What is true? We live in a world abundant with half-truths and misleading information; those in authority are expert at ‘bending’ the truth.  What of the truth about God?  We suspect that underlying all the ‘denial’ by academics, &c, people still have in their hearts an underlying concept of God. Is not this concept ‘fed’ when they hear sung such things as Handel’s Messiah and watched the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen with its references to God; it was also,‘fed’ to some degree when the Monarch was laid to rest and then the subsequent Coronation of Kind Charles.  Our thoughts on this were triggered today by reading 2 Kings ch. 9.  It was an evil time with the godless sons of Jezebel reigning on the thrones of both Judah and Israel.  The first verse tells us that “Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets … take this flask of oil … go to Ramoth-gilead … look there for Jehu.” [v.1,2]  We learn in v. 5 that he is a commander in the army.  This son of the prophets is told to “lead him to an inner chamber.  Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say , ‘Thus says the LORD  … I anoint you king over Israel.’  Then open the door and flee ..” [v.3] This task is carried out and “when Jehu came out (of the chamber) to the servants of his master, they said to him, ‘Is all well?  Why did this mad fellow come to you?’  And he said to them. ‘You know the fellow and his talk.’  And they said, ‘That is not true: tell us now.” [v.11,12]  So despite calling Elisha’s messenger a “mad fellow” they did not really mean it. When Jehu admits he has been anointed king “they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, Jehu is king.” [v.13]. Jehu then carries out God’s will in destroying both the bad kings, the sons of Jezebel – and then Jezebel herself.   He gets King Joram’s body thrown “on the “plot of ground” that had been Naboth’s “in accordance with the word of the LORD” [v.26] which he remembers the prophet uttering.  So despite the spiritual darkness then – and now – many in our world will call God’s word’s to mind as the drama of God’s actions start to happen.  We read in 2 Corinthians today, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ …” [4 v.4]  “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness, has shone into our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God …” [v.6] Is that light shining in your heart?  Do you say to the “darkness” – “That is not true!”  Are you trying to spread the light?

Often as parents and grandparents we shield our worries from our children who can sense the attitudes of older people and acute anxieties ‘transmit’ into their minds so that they need the reassurance of faithful parents.  When such is absent, they are perplexed. In this ungodly 21st Century genuine reassurance that comes from real faith will become more and more necessary both for ourselves, and for us to set an example and to try to reassure children and any whose faith is faltering.  Such reassurance must be seen to have a sound foundation. There is no doubt that beginning with the Covid era over the last couple of years the anxiety level of adults and children have risen, and now with growing violence seen on our streets coupled with a world at war in various places the need to shield our children as much as possible is paramount. Now our reading today in 2 Corinthians ch.1 & 2 illustrates how Paul puts into a positive light the great affliction he and others had recently experienced.   He looked at such afflictions from God’s perspective.  He writes: “For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers of the affliction we experienced in Asia.  For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.  Indeed we felt that we had received the sentence of death.  But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God“ [1 v.8,9]. Paul in Romans 10:17 “faith comes for hearing and hearing through the word of Christ”.  Faith is not a ‘static’ frame of mind, it must either grow or fade away.  The ‘mind’ that possesses faith is a mind that needs to be exercised, like we exercise our muscles. The time is surely going to come, and maybe quite soon, when, if we have not learnt to rely on God, the ‘oil’ in our lamps of faith will be found lacking. Finally, note another point Paul makes, he asks the question, “Do I make my plans according to the flesh?” [v.17]  This question makes us think of today’s political dramas and never ending conflict of opinions. Paul sees human planning as being “ready to say, ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’ ” at the same time? (1 v.17-19)  Only those who know the true gospel, and practice genuine reliance on God, know how to think and plan positively for the future, especially their eternal future.  Paul concludes by stating [v.24], “we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.”  May that also be true of us.

Such are the means of modern communication rarely a day goes past without us hearing some news of events that are causing anxiety – even distress – among believers in some part of the world.  We reflected on this as we continued reading Jeremiah’s brief book of Lamentations.   It was obviously written after the tragedy of Jerusalem’s fall and the destruction of the Temple.  But today’s chapter 3 – is most remarkable!  It contains some great lessons for us – lessons of the perceptions that can come into our minds from God if we truly seek him as Jeremiah did.  First, he says, God “has enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation” [v.5] Maybe we can use that word ‘envelope’ in a modern sense and say, can we put this bitterness into an envelope and put it out with the rubbish or into the fire!  But how? Jeremiah also says, “my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is.” [v.17] But then, wonderfully, from v.21, his mind climbs out of his depression – and what a wonderful example this is for all who, at some stage in their lives, feel overwhelmed by events.  He writes, “But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” [v.25,26] If you are a young person, note v.27, “It is good for a man (or woman) that they bear the yoke in their youth.”  A yoke? That is, be in harness in the service of the Lord and learn that God watches over their lives and knows and can and will direct the path of those who truly seek him. David says in Psalm 142, “When my spirit faints within me, you know my way.”  [v.3] Finally, although there are other verses in this remarkable chapter we would have liked to quote, note v.40,41.  “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God …”  May we follow Jeremiah’s example, for few have experienced traumas like he did.  But, after being totally “bereft of peace” he still knew that “the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases.”