Today we read one of the most meaningful chapters in the Bible > Ch. 15 of 1 Corinthians. Many verses “jump out” inviting our meditation. The one we have chosen to really reflect upon is v10.  Paul laments on his unworthiness, but then says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.  On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God.”

We hear the word grace used a lot in Christian circles.  There are popular hymns about “amazing grace” and how the Lord has “saved a wretch like me.”  Careful Bible readers more than anyone else appreciate “the wonder of his grace.”  But we need to thoughtfully reflect on the example of Paul and his utter commitment of service to his Lord to see that “his grace toward me was not in vain.”

No one can earn salvation so that they deserve it!  We must ask ourselves in accepting “his grace” – ‘What kind of motivation is this creating in my heart?  Can it be that for all too many in these “last days” that his grace is taken for granted and it fails to motivate them to live really committed lives, failing to follow the example of Paul?

Let us realize that our commitment is really seen in all the small things we do (or don’t do) every day.  Paul urged his companions in this.  We will soon read in 2 Cor. 8 how he “urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.”   That “act of grace” was in “taking part  in the relief of the saints” who were in “extreme poverty” [v.2,4]   Paul tells the Corinthians,  “… you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also.” [v.6,7]

2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11 verses 1-6; and Malachi 3 verses 10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns verses 18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal, verses 22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom.

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A @Christadelphians Video: ##SummaryThe study focuses on King Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat led by Rabshakeh, delving into his preparations and spiritual leadership during a national crisis. Hezekiah's strategic actions included fortifying Jerusalem and encouraging the people to trust in God, drawing on scriptural references to inspire confidence. Rabshakeh's speeches aimed to undermine this trust through psychological warfare and misinformation, but Hezekiah's steadfast faith ultimately shone through. The narrative highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and the power of silence in times of crisis.Highlights

• 💧 **Hezekiah's Preparations**: Hezekiah fortified Jerusalem by securing water supplies and reorganising the army, showing practical leadership in the face of imminent invasion.
• 📖 **Scriptural Encouragement**: Hezekiah inspired his people by referencing scripture, reminding them of God's past deliverances to bolster their faith against the Assyrian threat.
• 🗣️ **Rabshakeh's Psychological Warfare**: Rabshakeh employed tactics of fear and misinformation, attempting to instil doubt in Hezekiah's leadership and God's power to deliver.
• 🤐 **Power of Silence**: Despite Rabshakeh's aggressive rhetoric, Hezekiah's decision to remain silent in response demonstrated the strength of his leadership and the unity of the people.
• 🙏 **Hezekiah's Humility**: Upon learning of the crisis, Hezekiah humbled himself by donning sackcloth and praying, exemplifying the need for spiritual reflection during overwhelming challenges.

• Hezekiah
• Assyrian Crisis
• Trust in God

Keywords

Today we read 1 Corinthians ch 14 which completes the Apostle’s message about Spirit Gifts.  Paul is earnestly exhorting them to properly use the spirit gifts they were privileged to possess. The first verse stresses, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”   Prophecy does not mean to predict the future but to speak to and on behalf of God; to be God’s representative among men, which may, on occasion include warnings and predictions about the future, it certainly did with Jeremiah.

     Today we read Jeremiah’s Lamentations: they were written after the terrible fall and destruction of Jerusalem. He laments in his first chapter,, “how she (Jerusalem) took no thought of her future, therefore her fall is terrible … O LORD, behold my affliction …”[v.9]  His intimate relationship with God is an example for us.  As with Jeremiah, it will sustain us if we are alive when the “fall” of our world takes place, for it is going to be “terrible.”   It will be essential to have a true relationship with God and his Son for they will deliver all who possess this – as we will read tomorrow in the final 9 verses of ch. 15 in 1 Corinthians.

     Paul challenges the believers in Corinth, “do not be children in your thinking.  Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” [14 v.20] . They are keen to use the “gifts” God’s Spirit created in them, so he tells them, “since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.” [v.12] and, as we saw yesterday, they should “earnestly desire the higher gifts.” [12 v.31]

     In today’s chapter Paul makes it plain that the least of the gifts, “tongues” which are mentioned last, should not be used.  It is unwise to use them in church, “they are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers” [v.22] as on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2 v.5-11).  Paul says, “If therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say you are out of your minds?”[v.23]  But those who prophesy, that is, preach God’s word, as Jeremiah did to those in Jerusalem, and an “outsider enters, he is convicted” (in his thinking) and “the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” [v.24,25]

     Do we have “secrets” in our hearts we wrestle with?   May all our “thinking be(come) mature” so that we fully realize that God and the Saviour are really among us, if we invite them!   Look at 2nd Corinthians, on Wednesday we will read, “God who said, ‘let light shine out of darkness.’ Has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [4 v,6]   May we more fully “let light shine .. in our hearts.””

The story in 2 Kings 6 contains small yet monumental events. The swimming axe head appears so inconsequential and insignificant, causing us to ask verses 'Why is it recorded?'. Because it demonstrates our God's care for the small, as well as the great. Next follows the tale of Elisha's being surrounded and protected by the Almighty's fiery chariots - the new prophet now carried Elijah's mantle, both literally and figuratively. He was now His Sovereign's vehicle. To the prophet's servant he asks the LORD to open the servant's eyes as Elisha says to him verses "they that be with us are more than those who are with them". Elisha teaches Israel's faithless king and the Syrian king of God's invincibility. The prophet demonstrated the mercy of his God. Finally, in Ben-Hadad's siege of Samaria we see the extremities to which the city is brought. Yahweh protects Elisha from the murderous intentions of the wicked king to teach Israel and all of the Almighty's servants to depend on their God. Lamentations 2 tells us of the untold sorrows that come of Jerusalem, the land of Judah and our Sovereign's people. Read the horrific depiction and desolation of the LORD's people. This devastation was brought by a vengeful enemy - Babylon. But of a truth the Babylonians were in fact the agents of punishment from the LORD Himself. The lesson is explained in Romans 11 verses 22-23. It is our choice as to which facet of God we want to face - goodness (mercy); or severity (retribution for our wrongs). Slowly and carefully read these verses aloud and ponder the path that you will choose to walk. In 1 Corinthians 15 the Apostle outlines the incontrovertible proofs of Christ's resurrection before hundreds of eyewitnesses, in many locations and over a prolonged period - 40 days verses Acts 1 verses 1-3. It could not be said that Christ was not resurrected. And thank God for that, since apart from that event our sins could not be forgiven - verses 12-19. Our Lord Jesus Christ Lord rose 3 days after his crucifixion and was the first fruits of the resurrection - his faithful disciples will join him when they are raised at his coming - verses 21-23. The process of perfecting the faithful in Christ's 1,000-year rule is described in verses 24-28. By God sending His Son to the earth to set up the long-promised kingdom. A 1,000 years later will complete this stage of the Almighty's purpose with the earth. That purpose is spoken of in Numbers 14 verses 20-21; Psalm 72 verses 1-20 - read and consider; Habakkuk 2 verses 14, 20; Revelation chapters 20-22. At this time the Lord Jesus Christ will hand over the perfect earth to his Father, who as Supreme Creator will be all and in all. How impossible are trinitarian notions when we are told that our Lord will acknowledge his subservient position to His Father, God. A short discourse follows on the need for each of us sin prone beings to be baptised, that we may be raised to eternal life. A treatise on the differences between our natural bodies and those raised and bestowed upon with the life from heaven comes next. Paul tells of the superiority of Christ over Adam, who in many ways was a parable of the Son of Man - the Christ. What a time that will soon come and how we yearn for it (read of it in Isaiah 25 verses 6-9; and Hosea 13 verses 14, as cited by the Apostle). Finally, read aloud and meditate on verses 57-58.

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A @Christadelphians Video: In this thought-provoking expositional report, we examine the heated debate surrounding Israel’s presence in the Holy Land—is it an occupation or *colonialism*? From a biblical standpoint, the land belongs neither to Israel nor the Palestinians—it is the Lord’s (Deuteronomy 11:12). We trace God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7, 13:15) and analyse the modern political rhetoric that seeks to redefine Israel’s legitimacy. Revealing the shift in language from "occupation" to "settler colonialism," we explore how this narrative aligns with anti-Zionist agendas and historic revisionism. With tensions escalating since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, the world is witnessing a dangerous resurgence of anti-Semitism—propelling us closer to the prophetic showdown over Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:3). 🔔 *Subscribe* for more biblical analysis on world events. **Like, share, and comment**—your engagement helps spread truth! 📖 *Category:* Bible Prophecy, Current Events, Middle East Conflict 📌 *Tags:* Watchman Report, Bible prophecy, Israel Palestine conflict, Zionism, Middle East news, Biblical teaching, End times

We are told in several chapters in Acts, quite apart from the initial outpouring of the Spirit Gifts to the 12 disciples on the day of Pentecost, that the Spirit was given by the laying on of the Apostles hands (see 8 v.17) or the direct action of their unseen Lord (10 v.44) upon new believers

     .Clearly the gifts were a significant factor in the spread of the Gospel message and the functioning of the growing community of believers.  The converts would not have had access to any Bible – apart from believers who had been and maybe still were associated with a synagogue which possessed the scrolls of the ancient writings, but most of these would be of the Mosaic Law which was now superseded; frictions with unconverted Jews would probably hinder or prevent access in most if not all cases.

     Today’s chapters (12 & 13) are the first of 3 chapters in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in which we learn extensive details of the spirit gifts the Lord made available to the first generation or two of believers. Unfortunately, as seems to be always the case with human nature, there was some misuse of the gifts.

     There is a misconception among some that the gift of the Spirit was only the ability to speak in other languages, but today we see how Paul writes, “To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, to another the utterance of knowledge … to another faith … “ [12 v.7-9]  It is the “Spirit” which “apportions to each one individually” [v.11]

     What wonderful experiences – yet, such is human nature, our reading of the 3 chapters shows there were aspects of jealousy between the recipients.  The ideal was that they should harmoniously team together looking to “the head” for Paul had written, “the head of every man is Christ” [11 v.3] – and the result should be a wonderful team spirit.

     At the end of ch. 12 Paul tells them, “God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers  …” &c [v.28]  Then, after telling them to “earnestly desire the higher gifts” (note that ‘tongues’ is listed last) he says, “And I will show you a still more excellent way.”

     His next words are (start of ch. 13) “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong …”  There follows words describing what real “love” is,  for “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends”  whereas the gifts were to “pass away.” [v.7,8]  Let us fully follow the “more excellent way.”

In the first of Corinthians 14 the Apostle Paul urged the pursuit of love, rather than seeking the showy and much abused spiritual gifts. Ordered worship among believers is essential. His conclusion was - let everything be done decently and in order. Having established in chapter 13 that love is the greatest gift of all the Apostle encourages a wholehearted pursuit of love in the beginning of this chapter. Paul continues to compare its benefits to the spirit gifts of the Apostolic age and says that the ability to instruct in the Word of God is far greater than speaking in tongues - Greek 'glossa' which speaks of languages according to Strong's Concordance - not unknown tongues. For instruction in the Word is an exercise of growing in holiness: Hebrews 12 verse 11; Ephesians 4 verses 11-16. In verses 6-12 Paul tells his readers that just as music has chords with a distinct resonance so too must God's Word have a clear and distinctive discernible message. The same is true of the clarion blast of the bugle that calls people to war. Verses 13-19 repeats the message that hearers must understand the prayers that are said. There is no benefit in a prayer of words that lack meaning for the hearers. So the Apostle requests that prayer be for the edifying of the hearers and not simply that the one who prays is ecstatic and feels uplifted. In verses 20-25 Paul cites the prophets to show that the Father says that this is His objective in enlightening men and women. Verses 26-33 give instructions for orderly worship in ecclesial gatherings. He says that when the prophet speaks it is useless unless the interpreter can give understanding to the gathering. He also speaks against competing with one another and that the members must wait until their turn comes rather than rudely interrupting and trying to talk over one another. The time for silence is appropriate and according to our Father's revealed Word. For that matter the Apostle declares that sisters remain silent in formal ecclesial gatherings. This truth is repeated in 1 Timothy 2 verses 11-15. Verses 36-39 tell us that such observance of the divine order is a reflection of spiritual mindedness as opposed to carnal self seeking.

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We have nearly completed the book of Jeremiah.  Today’s 51st chapter of 64 verses is quite remarkable, quite challenging.  It is all about Babylon and God’s judgments on her, that mighty city and the country of the same name. She had destroyed Jerusalem and God’s great Temple and taken all its treasures. She is led by a king who, up to this time, had been all conquering.  The book of Daniel fills out the details – and then her climactic collapse.

Here in Jeremiah we have the Lord’s prophecies of that collapse – and we are told, “Jeremiah wrote in a book all the disaster that should come upon Babylon” [v.60]  Seraiah is commissioned by Jeremiah, “When you come to Babylon , see that you read all these words, and say, ‘O LORD, you have said concerning this place that you will cut it off, so that nothing shall dwell in it, neither man nor beast, and it shall be desolate forever…. Thus shall Babylon sink, to rise no more …” [v.62-64]”

This is still the case today, Saddam Hussein sought to restore some part of Babylon and ‘seat’ himself in it, his effort was a disaster.  However, we recognize in some of the wording of this chapter that the LORD caused Jeremiah to “see” far beyond the time of the Babylon he knew. Some of his words are plainly echo’d in the book of Revelation. Babylon is a Greek word, but in Hebrew it is the word “Babel” – and we know what happened to Babel.

The name Babylon is symbolic in Revelation of the entire anti-God attitude in the world since the time of Jesus.  In these “last days” it also finds expression in the anti-Israel spirit that now so inhabits the world, especially in the Middle East.

      In our chapter, verse 48 is prophetic of a time when “the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, shall sing for joy over Babylon …”  The next verse says, “Babylon must fall for the slain of Israel, just as for Babylon have fallen the slain of all the earth.”

Earlier verses even more clearly have a latter day application, “… this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance … Babylon was a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, making all the earth drunken … therefore the nations went mad.  Sudden Babylon has fallen and been broken … for her judgment has reached up to heaven, and has been lifted up even to the skies.” [v.6-9]

      These words are echo’d and quoted in Rev. 14 v.8; 18 v.3,5-6, 23 etc.  God will surely deal with this latter day Babel; when Babel sinks, may we be so related to things Divine that we do not sink with it.

2 Kings 4 records further miracles in the ongoing ministry of Elisha. The first relates to Elisha's care for a widow woman and her son by the multiplication of the oil into the pots that she had borrowed at the command of the prophet. The oil only ceases once there are no more pots left to fill. This miracle illustrates that God can, and will, use us to our maximum potential as long as we make ourselves available. This miracle is followed by the giving of a son to a rich, but faithful and discerning woman from Shunem. Her son dies and in her distraught state she seeks aid from Yahweh's prophet, who resurrects her son- Elijah's servant Gehazi could not do this. The lesson is that only by the persistent and prayerful patience of His servants will the LORD fulfill His will. The reader should compare this miracle and the occurrences of sevens that are spoken of with the bringing of the rain by Elijah. For both these miracles the main point for us is stated in James 5 verses 13-18. The chapter ends with the miraculous healing of the stew for the sons of the prophets.

The prophecy of Jeremiah concludes in chapter 52 with a record of the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. It tells of the punishment of the wicked and vacillating king Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah's punishment was precisely as the prophet had predicted. The people of Judah were taken to Babylon, where their exile lasted for 70 years; as yet again prophesied by Jeremiah 25 verses 11-12 and chapter 29 verses10-14. Jehoiachin was released from prison and elevated to the king's table until his death.

From 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul shows that the body of believers in Christ is analogous to the human body. In 1 Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul describes how God through His Spirit had distributed gifts and roles within the ecclesia. Just as our bodily members have unique and distinctive functions so too is it within the ecclesia of Christ: compare Romans 12 verses 3-8. It is never a question as to what member is the most important; because the unseen and less showy members are the most vital to the body, ie the heart, the kidneys etc. Just as in Ephesians 4 verses 1-16. Paul demonstrates that, rather than the gift, it is the service - or function which the individual can contribute

to the growth of the body into Christ its head. This chapter is an answer to all would be schismatics - the body of true believers in the one body of Christ. The Apostle finishes the chapter by telling his readers that the better way of service lay in three qualities, which were not the spirit gifts, but attributes available to all believers - FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13 reveals that the infantile aids of the spirit gifts would cease once their objective of establishing a mature community of believers had been completed. This is the basis of his magnificent treatise on love; showing it to be the greatest and only enduring gift. Hope will vanish when it is realised in God's Kingdom. Believing will have been completed in the receiving of immortality. What a wonderful experience awaits us when we will then know God as He now knows us. Only love goes on and never cease. Slowly read the chapter aloud. Ponder, pause and meditate its message for the way believers must live. This chapter in Paul's letter changes the Corinthians narrow self-focus to an elevation of their minds to living the truth as our Lord Jesus Christ our head directed both them and us: Ephesians 4 verses 11-16.

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