The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

Thought for the day for 30th March

A small group of young Christadelphian brothers have taken the time to produce this valuable resource for the brotherhood and beyond, they are using the Bible reading planner developed by Brother Robert Roberts called The Bible Companion. The Bible Companion (or Bible Reading Planner) is a guide developed by the Christadelphians to aid reading the Bible. It was first produced by Robert Roberts when he was just 14 years of age, in about 1853, and revised by him over a number of years into its current format. Most Christadelphians use this plan each day and it was designed to help you read the old testament once and the new testament twice each year. These readings which we feature are recorded using the KJV or the NKJV of the Bible and we hope will be helpful to those who may struggle with time or who have poor eyesight.

A small group of young Christadelphian brothers have taken the time to produce this valuable resource for the brotherhood and beyond, they are using the Bible reading planner developed by Brother Robert Roberts called The Bible Companion. The Bible Companion (or Bible Reading Planner) is a guide developed by the Christadelphians to aid reading the Bible. It was first produced by Robert Roberts when he was just 14 years of age, in about 1853, and revised by him over a number of years into its current format. Most Christadelphians use this plan each day and it was designed to help you read the old testament once and the new testament twice each year. These readings which we feature are recorded using the KJV or the NKJV of the Bible and we hope will be helpful to those who may struggle with time or who have poor eyesight.

"YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE  Mar 31

Today we read of Jesus on the Cross. “The chief priests and the rulers and the people” [Luke 23 v.13] opposed Pilate’s decision to release him so he gave in and “delivered Jesus over to their will.”   He is crucified between two criminals and one of these derides him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us,” but the other rebukes him and says, “we are receiving the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong” [v.39,41] Then he makes a request to Jesus which, together with Jesus’ answer, is widely misunderstood.

He says, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. And Jesus says to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.’ “[v.42,43]  We have quoted exactly as in the Bible (ESV) with one little exception, we have put the comma afterthe word ‘today’ instead of before it. The original Greek has no punctuation so translators use their own judgement as to how to punctuate the text when rendering it in English – or any other language - and nearly all of them get it wrong in this verse.

The question the criminal asked indicates he knew the teachings of Jesus but had turned to bad ways: maybe he learnt the prayer Jesus taught, ”Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth …” [Matt.6 v.10].The word ‘paradise’ means a garden, a park – the Garden of Eden was a paradise.   The whole world will become the Garden of Eden when Jesus sets up God’s kingdom’.  Jesus promised, “to the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” [Rev. 2 v,7].

It is obvious that Jesus is not referring to heaven when he made this promise. After he came out of the tomb he said to Mary Magdalene, “I have not yet ascended to the Father” [John 20 v.17].  The criminal re-established his relationship with Jesus because of his faith – and for that reason he received this promise of a place in the paradise of God’s kingdom.  He had remarkable faith in the future that awaited Jesus when the disciples had lost theirs!

A closing thought is to note the mistake some make in saying that since this repentant criminal was not baptised – baptism is not essential.  They forget that baptism is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus as Paul makes plain in Romans 6 v. 3-8.  Baptism became essential after the resurrection of Jesus. Those who only knew the baptism of John had to be rebaptised (see Acts 19 v.3-5) The whole world is to become a paradise!  What wonders await all who will be with Jesus then! Will you be with him in paradise?.

The content for this video were copied from the Suburban Christadelphian Young People (SYP Adelaide). The original content for this video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/user/SYPAdelaide – SYP Adelaide exists the inspire young people to the Kingdom of God and for more details about the group please visit: http://sypadelaide.com. Please note the views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of SYP Adelaide.

Bro Ron Cowie leads us in this fascinating and wonderful subjet....

Every Monday Paul Cresswell will read a new episode from his beautiful new book - a Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. With his marvellous English voice, Paul makes this audiobook such easy listening and so thoroughly engaging - you will be anxiously waiting for the next episode ... Every Monday! A must-listen for every true believer as Paul takes us through the exciting early days of the growth of the Truth, from its beginnings in Jerusalem, unto the uttermost parts of the world.

a bible talks looking at the bible evidence for the coming Kingdom of God on Earth

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/learn/

"ALL WHO HATE ME LOVE DEATH"  Mar 30

What a challenging statement that is, “all who hate me love death”! It is the final statement in Proverbs ch. 8, a chapter which begins with the question, ”Does not wisdom call?”.  Call? – this is a Hebrew word that occurs 16 times in Proverbs, for example, 1 v.24 :”I have called and you refused to listen.”

In today’s chapter, it is followed by the parallel question, “Does not understanding raise her voice?”   How many fail to understand, especially today; even try to understand the reason for life, what it is all about!

This remarkable chapter personifies “wisdom” as a person who is totally wise in the way they live their lives.  “My mouth will utter truth” says wisdom, “wickedness is an abomination to my lips.  All the words of my mouth are righteous, there is nothing crooked or twisted in them.” [v.7,8]

Wisdom has a sister called ”Prudence” - a word which the dictionary defines as the quality of being foreseeing and discreet – and so in v.12 we read, I wisdom dwell with prudence and I find knowledge and discretion”  as a result.

The next verses say, “The fear (awe) of the LORD is hatred of evil.  Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.  By me kings reign and rulers decree what is just”  Is there a ruler who can be described in this way now?  Even Solomon in his old age faltered.

In the New Testament James states that, in contrast to human wisdom, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” [3 v.17]   .  Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom and one day soon he will return from his Father’s side to reign with true wisdom and those who have loved wisdom will rejoice and receive “fruit” because of their love.

The final quotation we will select is “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold … granting an inheritance to those who love me … [v.19,21] And what an inheritance!   In contrast – remember how the chapter ends, “all those who hate me love death”  Of course they do not “love” death” but because they turn their back on wise thinking and doing – in God’s eyes they “love death.”  There is no ‘in between’ position in life, it is either the broad way or the narrow way!  How increasingly uncomfortable it must be to try to ‘walk’ having a foot on each path!  Too late – it is realised it is impossible!  God is calling – are you really listening?