The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

WHAT DO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS REALLY MEAN TO ME?  March 15

"Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like" [Luke 6:47] There follows the story of a man carefully building a house and digging deep and finding a rock on which to base foundations. So when all was complete "a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it because it had been well built" [Luke 6:48]

Now this parable begins with Jesus saying, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, lord and not do the things that I tell you?" [Luke 6:46]. We all need to ask ourselves – what do the teachings of Jesus really mean to me? Do I live in a way that shows I believe in them?

We are being buffeted by the storms of Godless human behaviour as never before, it is becoming a tsunami of Godlessness. But look at the difference between the natural and the spiritual.

We are frightened by violent weather. But when it comes to a flood of immoral behaviour, many seem to welcome it, and, maybe more deadly still, many enjoy indulging in splashing in the shallows, ignoring the awesome flood of God's judgments that is promised.

Ancient Israel fooled themselves thinking; well God is in our midst, we go to the Temple to worship, "we lean on the Lord" - but the prophet Micah said to them, you "detest justice and make crooked all that is straight" [Micah 5:9] yet you then "lean on the LORD and say, 'is not the LORD in the midst of us ? No disaster shall come upon us.' Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; and Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins …" [Micah 5:11,12]

The spiritual failure in which they fooled themselves that the Lord was with them led to the realisation, too late, that their personal spiritual house was not built upon a spiritual rock. History is set to repeat itself – the same call goes out now as is it did then! Note the message God sent through the prophet Zephaniah.

"Seek the LORD all you humble of the land who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the anger of the LORD." [Zephaniah 2:3]

“BUT AT YOUR WORD I WILL …”      Mar 14

Who told Jesus to “Depart from me!” after he had witnessed a remarkable miracle?  It was Peter! He had said, although he was sceptical, he would do what Jesus had suggested!

Now in our reading in Luke Ch. 5 today we see how Jesus used Peter’s boat as a preaching platform and “when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” [Luke 5 v.4]

Now Peter earned his living by fishing, he really knew when and where the fish were most likely to be found. He answers, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” [v.5].   He “knew” there were no fish around so with what frame of mind would he then add, “But at your word, I will let down the nets.”

The nets become so full of fish that they are breaking and they need the help of others from another boat!  The fish “filled both boats so that they began to sink” [v.7] Peter is overwhelmed, he gasps out, “Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord” [v.8] Because of his intimate knowledge of fishing this miracle shocks him far more than the healing of his mother-in-law’s fever and other sick people we read of yesterday.

Peter realises Jesus has the power to do anything! This causes him to be overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness. Do we ever get confronted by our own sense of unworthiness?  What about our feelings when the miracle of the return of Jesus starts to unfold before our eyes? Carefully meditate on the emotion you will feel then!.

Do we really believe Jesus is with believers in spirit here and now?  The disciple John wrote, in his old age, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God abides in him, and he in God…. God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment. ” [1 John 4 v.15-17]  Surely all who believe the spirit of Christ is all around them and have responded to his call “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me” [John 7 v.37] – and “thirst” to read God’s word everyday will have confidence when it is evident Jesus is returning.

As we will be away from Melbourne, you will (“Lord willing”) receive our Bible Thoughts via Kay McGrath for the next 5 days

"I WAS SENT FOR THIS PURPOSE"  Mar 13

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” [1 Tim 1 v.15] That salvation was only possible through his sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice that brought an end to all the sacrifices of animals and the use of their blood on the altar that we have been reading about in Leviticus.

But that was not the only reason Jesus came into the world! The point is very clearly made in today’s chapter in Luke (11). As Jesus moved around Israel many were attracted by his healings. “…all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on them …and healed them … The people … would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them. ‘I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” [v.40,42,43] But were they listening to “the good news”? The people of Capernaum, in particular, who had been “exalted to heaven” [Luke 10 v.15] by their witnessing of heavenly deeds and hearing his message, were rejected for their failure to change their lives and really follow him.

After Jesus rose from the dead he showed he was alive “by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” {Acts 1 v.3] The Apostles continued his message; note how the very last verse in Acts tells us that Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness …”

This message was an integral part of the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” [Matt. 5 v.5] The way the meek, i.e., the gentle minded, will inherit the earth is for Jesus to return and establish his kingdom on the earth.

Those who decide to follow Jesus must have this purpose also – sharing his message of hope for our ever more troubled world. Let us not be attracted and distracted by the essentially purpose-less pursuits of the world around us but show by what we say and do that we are following in his footsteps.

Bro Harry Tennant

Sacrifice is necessary following sin; sacrifice entails the shedding of blood. The death of Jesus was a sacrifice that does not need to be repeated; it took away the need for animal sacrifices and will take away our sins if we do what he asks of us.

“I REJOICE AT YOUR WORD”   Mar 12

Today we completed reading the 176 verses of Psalm 119.  What impressed us was how often the Psalmist stresses the value of knowing God’s word.   There is no point in reading God’s word if what we read has no effect on us.  We read today, “The unfolding of your word gives light; it imparts understanding …”[v.130] and leads to the plea for God’s help to “keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” [v.133]

Those with a firm relationship and reliance on God then feel great dismay at the attitudes they see around them; the Psalmist becomes very emotional about this, “My eyes shed streams of tears , because people do not keep your law … my zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words.” [v.136,139]

There have been many times in history – and again today in countries like Pakistan - where “foes” arise to make life difficult for those who follow Christ. The Psalmist says, “I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts … your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” [v.141,144]

He sees more than the continuation of the struggles of this mortal life, he looks forward to the time when he may live eternally – and because of this he declares, “The sum of your word is truth …my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil … great peace have they who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.  I hope for your salvation, O LORD …” [v. 160-166]  May God’s salvation be our hope and peace of mind, so that our ‘steps’ in this life are sure and firm.

In Luke’s gospel today we read of John Baptists’ message “to the crowds that came out to be baptized … ‘Bear fruits in keep with repentance’” [3 v.7,8] he told them.  God’s call to people has not changed, but the foundation attitude of those who respond to the call is that they say to God, “I rejoice at your word.”

At Schools all over the world, children are taught, as fact, that the dinosaurs existed millions of years ago, yet there is overwhelming evidence to show that they were, in fact, contemporary with modern man, supporting the Bible view that life was only brought about on this planet around 6000 years ago. Matt Jamieson, Christadelphian, Author, public speaker, and supporter of a Biblical creation, has a deep passion for this subject and in these three addresses puts forth compelling evidence showing that the Dinosaurs were, in fact, contemporary with man and were walking this earth as little as 4000 years ago. Also a must-see video series for all. Great for youth gatherings, CYC's etc

Study 1: 'What came out of hell creek?

Study 2 'Pharoah's court and the creatures of Job'

Study 3 - 'Historical Archeological evidence!

 Watch the videos here.....

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsmUZDApxHVHSOtpfBcEw7_TC-xBBQSfj

The intensity of spiritual thought to be found in Psalm 119 invites our deepest reflection and meditation. The Psalmist is contemplating how the reality of his relationship with God penetrated all spheres of his life.  As we read this Psalm it impels us to treasure God’s word as the springboard of all our really worthwhile meditation.  “How sweet are your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” [v.103,104]

How much does our meditation lead us to hate every false way?   The philosophy of today is not to “hate”  anything, everything is to be tolerated. The uninspired human heart stumbles along in its blindness.

Can we say with the Psalmist, “Oh how love I thy law!  It is my meditation all the day … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” [v.97.99]   He tells God, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” therefore “I hate the double minded, but I love your law.” [v.111,113]  What a human inclination it is these days to be double-minded, our politicians are good at that, but they are only reflecting the attitudes of the many, but the Psalmist, who – let us not forget – is addressing God, says, “All the wicked of the earth you (will) discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.  My flesh trembles for fear (awe) of you …” [v.119, 120] and asks, “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love.” [v.124]

Do we ask that? Our readings in Luke’s Gospel details one person who was particularly aware of that – and overwhelmed by that!  We read yesterday of Mary saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices…”  Today we read the testimony of the shepherds who came to see the babe lying in a manger and told Mary of their experience and what they had heard.  And Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” [2 v.19].  When Mary and Joseph bring the babe to Jerusalem, Simeon a “righteous and devout man …. Blessed them and said to Mary…. Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed … so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” [v.25,34,35]

Thoughts revealed?  Well, just look at the reactions of those jealous of Jesus!  Look at the heart searchings of those who started to follow him and then left (John 6 v.60, 66) Yes, God can read all thoughts, he can see how well we are responding to the teaching of Jesus and whether we are meditating like the Psalmist!  Or are we meditating at all?  It takes someone like David to meditate all the day?

But God knows what is happening in our hearts. Your heart?

Description:  The growing dominance of Russia is seen in her interest in countries to the south and her assuming the control of Crimea to ensure access to the sea. Historians identify the ancient names listed in Ezekiel of 38. Russia has developed military interests with Syria and Iran. Prophecy is clear that Russia will invade the restored Israel. WW3 will be underway

 Watch the video version here... https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-bible-explains-the-growing-threat-of-russia/

“SO KEEP MY CHARGE NEVER TO … “  Mar 10

Leviticus does not make pleasant reading, but there are many things in the Bible which make us feel uncomfortable – for our own good.  We could not fail to notice, in reading chapter 18, the parallel with much human behaviour these days.   The LORD tells Moses about his abhorrence of many of the ways of life in Egypt – and in leaving Egypt, God expected his people to leave that way of life behind.  The chapter ends with the words, “So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never make yourselves unclean by them.  I am the LORD your God.”

What were these abominable customs?   One was, “You shall not lie (have sex) with a male as with a woman.” [v.22]  There is also a long list of sexual relationships which are wrong.  God says, “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan to which I am bringing you …. For by all these, the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean” [v.3,24]

Our world today has become more than ever unclean in the sight of God – will he one day do to our world as he did to the nations in the days of Moses?  There are indications in Scripture that he will, but let us concentrate on ourselves – and the demands that we stay “clean”.

This is the spiritual hygiene which we saw emphasized yesterday as we started reading Psalm 119.  We read more of this today and we see that the Psalmist was conscious his ways needed some cleansing for he writes, “When I think of my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hastenand do not delay to keep your commandments.  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law …. I am a companion of all those who fear you …” [c.59-62] Notice that last sentence!  Instead of being a companion to those who have no thought for God, he seeks the companionship of those who do.   The Psalmist also recognises that troubles can be a blessing in disguise when he sees they caused him to rely on God.  He says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn your statutes” [v.71] and “in faithfulness you have afflicted me” [v.75].

Food for our own careful thought at all times, but especially when our lives encounter difficulties and we seem unable to cope with them and we pray, “Let your steadfast love comfort me …. Let your mercy come to me that I may live; for your law is my delight … I will meditate on your precepts.”” [v.76-78]

“MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY”