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Yesterday we started reading the intriguing prophecy of Ezekiel.  He is in Babylon with those taken captive there before Jerusalem fell, along with King Jehoiachin. This is recorded in 2 Kings 24 v.12-15.  It is in “the fifth year of the exile” [Ezek 1 v.2,3] that “the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel … and the hand of the LORD was upon him there.”  It maybe he was sent by the LORD to join the exiles. There are many varied prophecies and visions that the LORD reveals to him climaxing with a vision in his final 9 chapters of a wondrous temple that will come into being in the ultimate future of the world. In today’s chapter he is told to preach to the exiles, and their attitude to his message have a number of comparisons with attitudes today.  He is told, “I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels who have rebelled against me.”[v.3]  He is told, “The descendants also are impudent and stubborn … And whether they hear or refuse to hear … they will know that a prophet has been among them … Be not afraid of them … nor be dismayed at their looks …” [[v.4-6]

We see a real comparison with the situation and attitudes today when there is an inclination to give up on efforts to witness about the word of God.   But the final “ingathering” (see Matt. 22 v.9,10) must be completed and “the labourers are few” [Matt 9 v.27].   The vast majority we preach to  “refuse to hear” – but we recall the parable of Jesus about the final ingathering before his return when the “master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people …. “ [Luke 14 v.23] and these words, we feel, have an application to us today.  Let us renew our efforts in the area in which we live.

So let us take the lesson of the LORD’s instructions to Ezekiel to heart in whatever situation we are in and make known God’s word in these last days so that “whether they hear or refuse to hear” – we can really feel we are carrying out our responsibility before God.  This is an essential part of our “sowing” – noting the point Paul makes in today’s 9th chapter of 2nd Corinthians.  “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” [v.6] so, while Paul is not applying this primarily to preaching, let us take (and create) opportunities to sow the word of God in the ears of the those with whom we have contact so that “they will know that a prophet has been among them” and we show we are heeding Paul’s words to “abound in every good work”[v.8]

[Actual, provable Bible Truth]

We delve into a truly thought-provoking question that lies at the very heart of the Gospel: "Why should I not be baptised?" This presentation is an outstanding expositional journey through the Scriptures, revealing the divine thread of a coming Kingdom and a King who will reign in righteousness. We explore the profound promises made to Abraham and David, and see how they find their ultimate fulfilment in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not merely history; it is the insightful blueprint of God's purpose with the earth.

The narrative takes us from the prophetic blessings upon Judah, through the unwavering covenants, to the spectacular vision of Daniel. We witness the kingdoms of men, represented by the great metallic image, and the wonderful stone—cut out without hands—that will smash the old world order and establish a Kingdom that will never be destroyed. This stone is Christ, the King to whom all authority belongs. The exposition of Daniel's interpretation is simply outstanding, revealing the certain sequence of history and the glorious climax awaiting us.

The presentation culminates in a powerful, scripture-filled anthem for the coming age. We witness the King on His throne in Zion, bringing peace, justice, and the knowledge of God to all nations. This is the hope that sustained the faithful for millennia and it is the reality we are called to embrace. This video is more than a study; it is a revealing call to understand our place in God's grand design and to respond to the King who is coming.

**Chapters:**

00:00 - Introduction: The Question of the King

01:22 - The Promise to Judah: He Whose Right It Is

03:19 - The Covenant with Abraham: The Promised Seed

04:15 - The Royal Promise to David: An Everlasting Throne

06:31 - The Hope in Babylon & Daniel's Vision

08:45 - Daniel Interprets the King's Dream

11:08 - The Kingdoms of Men Revealed

13:08 - The Stone: Christ the King

16:05 - A Symphony of Scripture: The Kingdom Established

24:12 - Conclusion: The Call to Action

**Bible Verse Category:**

📖 Genesis 49:10

📖 Genesis 22:17-18

📖 2 Samuel 7:12

📖 1 Chronicles 17:14

📖 Ezekiel 21:27

📖 Daniel 2:44

📖 Matthew 21:42

📖 Acts 3:21

📖 2 Samuel 23:3-5

📖 Psalm 89:26-27

📖 Psalm 72

📖 Isaiah 9:6-7

📖 Isaiah 24:23

📖 Isaiah 2:3-4

📖 Jeremiah 3:17

📖 Jeremiah 23:5-6

📖 Zechariah 14:9

📖 Luke 1:32-33

📖 Matthew 16:27

📖 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

📖 Revelation 5:9-10

📖 Revelation 20:6

📖 Revelation 11:15-18

**Tags:**

Christadelphians, Bible Truth, Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, Prophecy, Daniel, Baptism, Biblical Exposition, End Times, Second Coming, Gospel, Bible Study, Faith, Hope, Salvation, Israel, King David, Abrahamic Covenant, Stone Kingdom

We are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!

Following Christ is a journey –  what a wonderful journey it should be!  In today’s 3 chapters in 2nd Corinthians we see how Paul opens out more and more to them the wonder and challenges of this journey.  We are reminded of Solomon’s ‘vision’ that “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until …” [Prov. 4 v.18]!   Yes, until the “full day” comes, when faith is turned to sight.   Is the path you are treading, shining brighter and brighter?  Are you “bringing holiness to completion”?

The increasing spiritual darkness around us – should make the brightness of our path more evident! But sadly, ‘official’ Christianity is showing ever more clearly that God “has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn …”  [John 12 v.40]. The ‘evidence’ was there for them to ‘see’ in the days of Jesus but their minds refused to accept what their eyes saw!  They were unable to “turn.” And today!  The contrast between “light” and “darkness” has grown really great; those in darkness have convinced themselves there never was a Creator.

We are challenged to clearly understand what Paul means!  He says, “while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened – not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” [5 v.4]  The more we are “further clothed” in our minds, the pathway before us will become increasingly clear and  bright.    “We are always of good courage”, says Paul, “and we would rather be away from the body and present with the Lord” [v.8]  Those who believe their “soul” is immortal usually misunderstand Paul’s meaning.  Mortality will be “swallowed up” when Christ returns as Paul explained in detail in 1 Cor. Ch. 15 also when he stated his expectation of what is “laid up for me” in 2 Tim 4 v.7,8.  

We will be physically “at home with the Lord” when he returns.  Paul challenges them (and us) to be more and more spiritually “at home” with him now so that when we “appear before the judgement seat of Christ (when) … each one … receive(s) what is due for what he has done in the body …” [v.10]    This means what he has done in “the body” of Christ – as Paul made clear in Ephesians 1 v.22,23.

Chapter 6 in today’s readings ends by making the Corinthians aware of God’s promises of the life to come in his kingdom as recorded in the Old Testament (he quotes from Lev. 26 v.12 and Isaiah 52 v.11).   Ch. 7 starts, “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement … bringing holiness to completion in the fear (awe) of God”.  He tells them to “widen your hearts” [6 v.13]  How “wide” is your heart?. Our readings are the essential ‘food’ for our hearts; God’s scriptures are a foundation ingredient if our hearts are to really become wide and so see “the path” really clearly so that we anticipate the “full day” with the greatest eagerness.     

This statement by Paul in today’s readings [2 Cor. 4 v.16] really sums up what we aim to achieve by reading portions of God’s word every day.  Of course this depends on the spirit with which we read.  Many face the challenge each day of finding adequate time to read; and then have little or no time for meditation on what they have read. But it is important to make an effort to do this for it multiplies in our minds the effectiveness of our reading.

      In this ever more godless world many have times of difficulty and frustration to face and overcome. Note what Paul says next; “for this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” [v.17].  Nearly all have some positive things in their daily experiences and if we highlight these in our minds they are invaluable in preventing worldly concerns from dominating our thoughts.  It is God’s word that helps most of all – but that depends how we read it, how receptive our minds are – what we look for!  We try to demonstrate this in the daily thoughts we circulate.

      We all experience things which tend to frustrate us, but Paul says, “we do not lose heart” [v.16]  and, as we see his list of afflictions, ours are nothing in almost every case!   The reason why Paul did not lose heart  was because he did not look on “the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” [v.18]   Let’s try harder to follow his way of thinking.

      We have climbed a few mountains in our younger days and, for much of the time we climbed surrounded by clouds, but then, suddenly there is a break in the clouds and we realise both how much we have climbed, but greater still, we marvel at the vista of the distant scene that suddenly unfolds.  Is not progress in the believer’s life like this?

        Now Jeremiah is an exception to the general experience of “light affliction” and as we completed reading his Lamentations today we noted his lament; “we get our bread at the peril of our lives …the joy of our hearts has ceased” [5 v.9,15] and we think this could be happening at times to some of our brethren in Iran and in one or two parts of Africa and maybe, even amongst those in Sri Lanka whom the Govt there is trying to force to return to their homeland. For all these, Paul’s words are really full of meaning and it is vital and they know it is vital that their “inner nature is being renewed day by day.” They may sometimes feel somewhat as Paul felt,  “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair … struck down, but not destroyed” [4 v.8,9] Let us include them in our prayers – sensing how it helps in the renewal of our own inner nature, remembering what we read in ch. 1, v.11. 

We started reading 2nd Corinthians today: the opening chapter needs to be read slowly, carefully, as Paul makes so many points.  He shows the inter-reaction of events and the great value of prayers in all the difficulties they and he are experiencing.  “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s suffering, so, through Christ, we share abundantly in comfort too.” [1 v.5]  It is, writes Paul “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction … [v.3,4] This is a comfort we have a responsibility to pass on to others.

Let us meditate and reflect on the inter-reaction of events we have personally experienced.  The more we have been active in the service of Christ, the more clearly we will perceive this.  In Paul, the Corinthians saw the most outstanding example of service.  “The afflictions we experienced,” writes Paul, was such that “we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” [v.8] But Paul then came to realize, “that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God ….” [v.9]

“On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again” [v.10]  Then Paul makes an appeal that we should specially take notice of.   He tells the Corinthians, “You also must help us by prayer so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us by the prayers of many.” [v.11]

Many are aware today through the almost instant communication the internet provides of the desperate situations some Iranian believers have experienced.  There are also Pakistani believers who are experiencing persecution, and a few truth seekers who have felt it wise to return to Afghanistan.  Let us help them by prayer.

Also, may we, as Paul writes in his 2nd chapter, spread “the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved …” [v.14,15]  The world is ‘smelling’ ever more evil, as the darkness becomes ever darker, but then the light should be even more evident!

It is a tragedy, as we will read tomorrow in ch. 4, that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel …” [v.4]  But, what a wondrous blessing we have that “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.” [v.6]  That ‘light’ shone physically as creation began countless aeons ago, but the wondrous fact for us is, as we will read in ch. 5, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” [v.17]   May all those who are part of that “new creation” help one another by prayer.

Possibly the most heart moving chapter for us in Scripture is today’s 15th chapter in 1st Corinthians – of course, that depends on how ‘alive’ our heart is!  Paul writes on the absolute certainty that the resurrection of Christ really happened.  It is the foundation of “the gospel in which you stand and by which you are being saved.”]v.1,2]  He reminds these former idol-worshippers that “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins … that he was raised the third day …” [v.3,4]   

This gave real meaning to their lives, as it does to ours. We can say that if we have real conviction of this event, that conviction becomes the ‘engine’ of the ‘thought processes’ that transform the way we see the meaning of life.  How well that ‘engine’ is functioning is evidenced by the priorities we have in daily and weekly life. 

The people of Corinth had formerly been idol worshippers, they had believed they had a ‘soul’ that was immortal that it was a blessing when it escaped from their body at death to then lead some sort of immortal existence!   There are still some relatively primitive people today who believe this, but far more significant at the moment is the Islamic conviction, from the Qur’an, that the souls of martyrs go directly to paradise – a conviction that is surely a significant factor in the minds of those who commit the atrocities we are witnessing in the world at the moment.

Paul goes on to list those who were witnesses that Christ rose from the dead; on one occasion “he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive” [v.6].  We reflect the thinking of the Roman Centurions –  their thinking was effectively challenged through their contact with Jesus, at least some were convinced of his divine powers, see Matt 8 v.5-13; Luke 3 v.3-6. A Centurion and others with him saw “what took place (at the crucifixion) and they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” [Matt 27 v.54]

Then of course Acts 10 has the account of the conversion of the Roman Centurion Cornelius – and many with him.  Surely the impact of these experiences was the reason why there were so many followers of Christ in Rome in A.D. 63 whom the emperor Nero sought to put to death, according to Roman historians, e.g. Tacitus, circa AD 110.  They saw the events of Calvary as “of first importance” – it transformed their thinking, as it did all those who had witnessed him alive after his resurrection – creating the conviction of their own hope of resurrection!  

Those alive at his return, and surely that includes some (many?) alive today who truly believe these things are “of first importance” and are baptised, they, says Paul, “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet … and put on immortality.” [v.51,53] All with this conviction of belief and expectation, will, as Paul expresses it at the end of this chapter, “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord …”  

We now come to a special part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, these are chapters 12 to 14, and the first two are for today and they start, “Now concerning spiritual gifts ….” And Paul seeks to put their understanding of these gifts into a godly perspective.  Paul first makes the point, “When you were pagans you were led astray…” [v.2] At that time they had experienced all kinds of trances and ecstasy, as can still be observed among some primitive peoples today, being seen as ‘gifts’ from their imagined gods. 

Paul tells them that, as members of Christ, “there are varieties of gifts … and there are varieties of service, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone” [v.4-6].  These are to be used “for the common good”.   [v.7] – not in competition.  These gentiles in Corinth had no Bible to read, and so “through the Spirit … one is given … the utterance of wisdom … another the utterance of knowledge …”  The gift of tongues is mentioned last – and Paul counsels them to “earnestly desire the higher gifts” [v.31] adding, “and I will show you a still more excellent way.” 

This brings us to the marvellous exposition he gives on the value of love.  In ch. 13.  One can “have all faith … but have not love” then, says Paul, “I am nothing” [v.2,1] 

 In ch. 12 Paul had made the point, which we might fail to stress, “”Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  Collectively, together we make up “the body of Christ.”  For, says Paul, “the body does not consist of one member but of many.” [v.14] 

Believers must team together as parts of Christ’s body of believers, using the individual abilities they have been given for the common good – above all, to display and practise the collective character of Christ.  In that way, our children who have not yet accepted Christ will be influenced – and of course, unbelievers – if they are seekers, will be attracted.  Head knowledge is essential, but is only half of “the body” – our hearts are the other half!   A body is “dead” if it has no heart:  Head and heart team together to produce faith    

The end of ch. 13 sums it all up, “So now faith, hope and love abide … but the greatest of these is love.”  To finish, let us meditate on that verse: in the kingdom age, hope will be fulfilled and turn into sight, so faith will not be needed.  The one thing that will “abide” is “love.”  That will be the all-embracing spirit of mind in that wondrous time, how vital we develop it now if we aim, by His grace, to be there.    

A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] In this thought-provoking and outstanding exposition, we delve into one of the most revealing themes of Scripture – the identity of God’s promised King and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom on earth. From the ancient prophecies given to Judah and David, to Nebuchadnezzar’s magnificent dream and the powerful symbolism of the stone cut without hands, this presentation weaves together the golden thread of Biblical promise. It is a wonderful, insightful journey that uncovers how the coming King – Jesus Christ – will reign from Jerusalem, bring peace to the nations, and fulfil the covenant made to Abraham. Whether you are new to these truths or have long cherished them, this video will strengthen your faith and inspire a deeper commitment to the hope of the Gospel.We invite you to watch, reflect, and share in the joy of God’s unfolding purpose.**📖 Bible Verses Referenced** - 📖 Genesis 49:10 - 📖 Genesis 22:17-18 - 📖 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - 📖 2 Samuel 7:12 - 📖 Ezekiel 21:27 - 📖 Daniel 2:44, 2:31, 8:20-21 - 📖 Psalm 118:22-23 - 📖 Acts 3:21 - 📖 2 Samuel 23:3-5 - 📖 Psalm 89:26-27 - 📖 Psalm 72 - 📖 Isaiah 9:6-7, 24:23, 2:3-4 - 📖 Jeremiah 3:17, 23:5-6 - 📖 Zechariah 14:9 - 📖 Luke 1:32-33 - 📖 Matthew 16:27, 25:31, 21:42 - 📖 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - 📖 Revelation 5:9-10, 20:6, 11:15-18 **Chapters** 00:00 – Introduction: The Failure of Human Kingdoms 01:25 – The Promise to Judah (Genesis 49:10) 03:19 – Abraham’s Seed and the Coming King 03:41 – God’s Covenant with David (1 Chronicles 17) 05:27 – The Essential Elements of the Royal Promises 06:31 – Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar’s Impossible Dream 09:21 – The Vision of the Great Statue 10:45 – Interpretation: Four World Empires Revealed 13:08 – The Stone Cut Without Hands – Christ the King 16:30 – A Scriptural Tapestry: Christ’s Eternal Reign 24:12 – Conclusion: The Certainty of God’s Kingdom on Earth 35:16 – Closing Reflection and Call to Action **Tags** Christadelphians, Bible study, Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ King, Bible prophecy, book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, stone cut without hands, Davidic covenant, repentance and conversion, biblical exposition, end times, God’s promises, Abrahamic covenant, Jerusalem throne, second coming, inspirational Bible teachingWe are a Christadelphian team, Brothers and sisters of Christ, and we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today!

Paul continues to identify the many things the believers in Corinth were failing to do properly. Human nature has always been inclined toward competition, the initial competition as to which of them would be the greatest among the disciples is an example of this [Luke 22 v.24], but after the resurrection this never happened, Peter could write of himself as simply being a  “fellow elder” [1 Peter 5 v.1]

Paul spells out the order of responsibility very plainly in v.3 of today’s chapter (1 Cor.11). “I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”  Then Paul writes of outward appearances that symbolise this order of responsibility, “… a wife … let her cover her head” but “a man ought not to cover his head” [v.6,7]   This is “when you come together” [v.18] to worship, but we must note v. 11 as this spells out another vital principle, “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman.”   

Life in the Lord demands teamwork – “working together” [2 Cor. 6 v.1, see also Eph. 4 v.16] “for the glory of God” [Rom. 15 v.7] as the disciples had learnt to do.  Yet human nature keeps failing, sadly it seems inevitable, it certainly was in Corinth at that time – and we ponder the point Paul makes in v.19, “… there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognised.”   

The sequel that eventually arises from this is spelt out by John in his 1st letter, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us”. 

Paul spells out the well-known description of how the Lord’s last supper should be kept – this is followed by a warning against doing so “in an unworthy manner” [v.27]. Those who do so will “be condemned along with the world” [v.32] and the climax of that condemnation is getting very close as we recognise how our world has become a latter-day Babylon, so let us try ever harder, as Paul expresses it in his first verse to “be imitators of me (Paul) as I am of Christ.” 

Today’s readings convey a wide mixture of information and resultant thoughts. God removes Elijah, and Elisha takes up his role, his authority being confirmed by several miracles.  Although Elijah is taken “up into heaven” – it is obviously not into heaven itself!  It is not clear where he is taken – but a letter is later received from him – see 2 Chron. 21 v.12. Paul tells the Corinthians about the things that “were written down for our instruction” [1 Cor 10 v.11] and those concerned about Paul’s warnings would eagerly seek such writings, they would not be easily available as they are today.

In Jeremiah we read a lot about Babylon’s destiny, her doom!  Almost all the people are now in captivity in parts of Babylon, Daniel and Ezekiel are there, it is the power that dominated the ‘Middle East’ of that era.  But God’s message through Jeremiah is, “The word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon … declare among the nations … Babylon is taken …” [50 v.1,2]

We know that the Babylon of those days dramatically ceased, we will read of that in Daniel, but it is obvious Jeremiah is granted a vision far beyond that era, “… in that time, declares the LORD, the people of Israel and the people of Judah shall come together, weeping as they come, and they shall seek the LORD their God.  They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, saying, ‘Come, let us join ourselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant …” [v.5,6]   

After the death of Solomon the nation split in two.  When their Messiah came they did not recognise him, they had not carefully read the message of the prophets, especially Isaiah. Jeremiah is now told of a future time, “In those days and at that time, declares the LORD … I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant.” [v.20] As a result of this pardoning they “come together, weeping as they come … to seek the LORD their God.”

We watch to see this happen – surely it is parallel with the incredible dramas to happen at the return of Christ, their true Messiah.  The chapter ends with a statement that finds clear parallels in the book of Revelation, at “the capture of Babylon the earth shall tremble, and her cry shall be heard among the nations.” 

 In Rev. 18 v.9, 19 we read, “Alas! Alas!  … you mighty city, Babylon!  For in a single hour your judgement has come … she has been laid waste”. Babylon in Hebrew is actually the word ‘babel’ – and in Genesis we are briefly told of the dramatic end of that city after the earths’ cleansing in the time of Noah. Our world was initially cleansed by the message of Christ, this was renewed to some extent when God’s word was freely available in all languages – but now we face the time when “the earth shall tremble.”  Will you tremble? Only those who are really on ‘the Lord’s side’ will not, for the angels will gather them.