The Bible Standard - Re-Discover the Truth.

“WOE TO YOU WHO DESIRE …”     Nov. 25

What do you desire?   Many children will be starting to have in mind what they desire as Christmas presents!  As we continue to read the prophet Amos we note how he states, “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD?” [5 v.18]  This verse provides food for much thought.  We desire the Day of the LORD!  Why?  We long for the day when our Saviour comes when he reigns over all the earth and will control the nations as we will read in Micah next week (Ch.4 v.1-3).

What kind of people desire the “day of the Lord” – when they should not?  They were only hearing half the message of the prophets, and turning a ‘deaf ear’ to the parts they did not like, or did not understand.  It is like that today when many churchgoers think God is purely a God of love and only select the Bible verses that appear to tell them that.  A contemporary of Amos was Obadiah whose short message we will read on Friday. He prophesied of the time when  “the day of the LORD is near upon all nations” [1 v.15]   Some people in Israel were looking for that day to come – so that their enemies would be destroyed, blind to the fact that they deserved destruction too!

Only those truly trying to walk righteously in the sight of God should desire the day of the LORD, knowing it will be a time of great distress for the world as a whole.  The day of the Lord that was coming on the northern nation of Israel in those days would particularly affect certain classes of people; note what Amos writes, “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches … who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp … invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils …”  [6 v.4-6]

Those words of Amos are very appropriate for way many live today, they live for the here and now, they find it impossible to believe in any long term future.  Let us make sure we desire the day of the LORD for the right reasons being fully aware of what is to take place on that ultimate day.  ‘Day’ does not mean 24 hours – remember our reading of Joel’s prophecy a few days ago.

Finally, take to heart the words in v.14,15 in today’s chapter, “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you … Hate evil, and love good …”   May that we the way we think, live and desire to see happen - knowing that when our Lord comes, he will welcome such people into his kingdom..

"AND THE JOY OF JERUSALEM WAS HEARD …”  Nov. 24

We are approaching what some call ‘the silly season’!  This time next month the largely foolish frivolity of Christmas will be in full swing!   In contrast our readings today in Nehemiah describes an event of true joy.  All the efforts to make Jerusalem secure and safe to live in had been completed and Nehemiah and Ezra arrange a great celebration in which the Levites take the leading role because, as the priestly tribe, this is their responsibility.

We read on in Nehemiah how he and Ezra “sought the Levites in all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to

celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals, harps and lyres.” [v.27] Nehemiah “appointed two great choirs to give thanks” [v.31] who went in different directions on the walls after which “both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house (Temple) of God” [v.40]  “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced.  And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away,”[v.43]

This was a time of re-establishing the practice of the past “for long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers and thanksgiving to God.” [v.46]  But we look forward, only look back to see how some events foreshadow the time to come, and how wonderful to contemplate the future remembering the words of Jesus in the Temple which he called “My Father’s house” [John 2 v.16] and says, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” [Mark 11 v.17]

Our minds go forward to the visions of the coming kingdom recorded in the book of Revelation when the

redeemed “will be priests of God and of Christ and reign with him for a thousand years” [ch.20 v6] The singing

reflects the joys in the time of Moses. In Revelation we also read,  “And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of

God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true

are your ways, O King of the nations!  Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All

nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." [Rev. 15 v.3,4]

Do you recall yesterday’s closing thought?  Those who “are on the Lord’s side” now – will be there,  Make sure you are on his side.

"THE LORD GOD HAS SPOKEN WHO CAN BUT ..."  Nov. 23

We are reading the prophecy of Amos at the moment.  We realize that the word ‘prophecy’ in many cases does not mean predicting the future, but rather messages from God about his observations and attitude toward the present state of things - with lessons taken from the past.  Amos lived in Israel’s northern kingdom and he brought the inhabitants warnings about their increasing ungodliness, Of course these warnings often included predictions as to how God will act “for the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets” [3 v.7] and the northern kingdom had more and more warnings from the prophets before it was destroyed.

Amos makes some blunt statements about his responsibility before God, “the lion has roared who will not fear?  The Lord GOD has spoken who can but prophesy?” [v.8]  He parallels God speaking with the fear humans felt when a lion roared nearby – for there were no zoos in those days!  But who took notice of messages from God?  Who takes notice today of His word?

Israel was falling into spiritual darkness like the world is today, “’They do not know how to do right’, declares the LORD” [v.10] – our world today is just as bad – and getting worse, especially its failure to do ‘right’ as God sees what is ‘right’!

The most challenging question in today’s chapter is “Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has done it? [v.6]  The disasters the Creator particularly brings are the things he controls and not humans – these are seen in earthquakes, plagues, tsunami’s, droughts, floods, fires and massive storms – today we see these things multiplying!

Of course the secrets God revealed“to his servants the prophets included specific prophecies such as we looked at in Joel’s prophecy yesterday. The most challenging to us are those about the scattering and regathering of God’s nation - Israel – and above all - the return of Jesus Christ at a time of the world’s greatest trouble (Matt, 24 v.21-30) with its epicentre in the Middle East, especially around Jerusalem.

That will be the time when Moses’ question to the people in the wilderness will be repeated, “”Who is on the LORD’s side? Come to me” [Exodus 32 v.26] And those who really know “The Lord God has spoken” will show that they are – will you?

"PERSIST IN THIS”  Nov. 22

Paul’s letters to Timothy are very personal in parts and contain much sound advice, especially for those in a position of responsibility among believers.  True believers always need to look to the future: solving problems effectively is not achieved through emergency stop gap measures; the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) is an example of how things should be done.

God revealed to Paul that “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods …” [1 Tim. Ch. 4 v.1-3]  Timothy had many things to try to correct at Ephesus and also needed to anticipate problems the spirit’s guidance foretold.

Problems like these were evident among believers down through the centuries and some are evident today. The reference to some forbidding marriage brought to mind the unnatural and unscriptural practice of the Catholic Church in requiring its priests to be celibate. It is evident that their alleged first Pope, Peter, was married! (Matt. 8 v.14)   In today’s very ‘open’ world it is increasingly hard to keep anything hidden from public view, and it is now clear what celibacy has led to in some cases. Paul and Barnabas did not marry (1 Cor.9 v.5,6) but this was their personal decision in giving their all in the service of Christ.

Timothy is advised to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” [v.7,8]  This implies that the degree of godliness we attain now will be reflected in responsibilities in the life to come as some of Jesus’ parables indicate (Luke 19 v.17-19). A psalmist wrote, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God …” [84 v.10]

Timothy is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity … devote yourself to the public reading of scripture …” [v.12,13] None would have had their own Bibles so public reading was very important.  Paul emphasizes; “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this …” [v.15,16]

In the “race that is set before us” [Heb.12 v.1] let us “persist in this” – for the race is not over until the finishing line is reached – and how tragic it will be to “have run in vain” [Phil 2 v.16]

"LOVE THAT ISSUES FROM A PURE HEART"  Nov. 21

The word “love” is in common usage these days, but the way it is used and the meaning given to it, is so different to its’ use in the Bible!  Paul has “urged (Timothy) … remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” [1 Tim. 1 v.3].  Paul advises him of the “stewardship from God that is by faith” adding “the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” [v.4,5]

Those 3 phrases are the vital components our lives must possess and use if we really desire to live our lives in the service of our Lord Jesus and the Father with the anticipation of an utterly wondrous future in God’s kingdom..

The ‘oil’ that makes the ‘engine’ of our minds function in the way God approves must operate from a “pure heart” – do we understand what kind of heart this is?  Is this impossible for normal humans? We notice the Greek word here is quite often translated as ‘clean’  Jesus told his disciples, “You are cleanbecause of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.” [John 15 v.3,4]  It is the word of God, rightly and humbly used, which cleanses our hearts to make and keep them pure.

We recall David’s impassioned Psalm after his grievous sins; “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” [51 v.10]  A clean heart is the foundation for  a “good conscience” and a faith that is “sincere”. Paul tells Timothy that some at Ephesus “by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion …” [v.6]

We live in a world of much “vain discussion” which lacks the essential foundation of “love that issues from a pure heart”  One of the subjects some discuss and debate is the role of women and this was a factor at Ephesus.  But notice how Paul advises Timothy to teach them, “Let the women learn quietly and with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” [2 v.11,12] When Paul wrote his Epistle to them he emphasized this point – see Ephesians chap. 5 v.22-24.

Paul hopes to come to Ephesus, but says, “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God …” [3 v.14,15]  All who are part of this church (the assemblies of true believers) will be very conscious of Paul’s words and therefore readily work at developing and maintaining the “love that issues from a pure heart.”

you can watch the video versions of these classes here...

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/prophecy-matters-lets-prepare-2019-south-wales-prophecy-day/

“LET THE WEAK SAY … “  Nov. 20

Today we completed reading the short but intensely challenging prophecy of Joel: it contains predictions which, in part, are very appropriate to the present situation in the Middle East. Today’s chapter (3) starts with, “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations … and I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of my people …” [v.1,2]

What nations will he enter into judgment with? Verse 4 tells us, “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, all the regions of Philistia?” In the days of Joel, they were the enemies of Israel, but this is spoken of the time God restores “the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem” [v.1]. The latter day inhabitants of the Gaza strip which is the heart of where the Philistines dwelt are “men of war (who) draw near” and, says the prophet of them, you will “beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, ‘I am a warrior” [v.9, 10] The weak are talking tough, their spears have become rockets and so see themselves as warriors against God’s regathered people whose fortunes have been restored.

The prophecy is addressed to “all you surrounding nations” [v.11] but then “multitudes” [v.14] get involved and this

verse refers to “a valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near” Is Armageddon meant here? We noted v16, “The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to the people of Israel” [v.16]  A remarkable result of this awesome climax is that “Jerusalem shall be holy and strangers shall never again pass through it” [v.17] – the very last words of the chapter being “… for the LORD dwells in Zion.” – it surely pictures the kingdom of God in action with Jesus as king.

Now the end of chapter 2 told us that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved”, but we need to “know” the LORD, and have a relationship with him in order to call upon him – sadly some will be like the foolish virgins (and half of the waiting virgins were foolish!) whose lamps (of faith) had gone out for lack of oil.

In a real sense our own constant reading, meditation and reflection on God’s word is a major source for oil. May you make sure you are among those “who call on the name of the Lord” like the worthies of old who were commended for NOT being “weak in faith” [Romans 14 v.19] but will among “those whom the LORD calls”.

“THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING BECAUSE …”     Nov. 19

We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” 3 times in Chapter 2 of his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians. He also uses it 11 times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read.  There is not much “truth” spoken today.  No one  admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”?

The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’ !   Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes.  He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to lovethe truth and so be saved” [v.10]  So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which  is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish!

What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result - then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives.

We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next 2 verses tell us “therefore God shall send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” [v.11,12]

Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification.   Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably.  God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we lovethat which is true?  We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way!   Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this - that God is doing the right thing - because the world deserves this!

Verse 13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”.  In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not knowGod and on those who do not obey the gospel …” [1 v.8] But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do! [1 v9-12]  And you?

“THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH” Nov. 18th Some of the verses in the final chapter of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians are really appropriate for conditions we live in today.

The chapters in Nehemiah are also full of lessons, showing his dedicated effort, despite all kinds of distraction and opposition.

He led the people in overcoming these so that the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem were completed in just 52 days (6 v.15).

Although the word "faith" is not used (for it is largely a N.T. word), the dedication and faith of Nehemiah is so unshakable; it can be truly said that he was a man who had "put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation" [1 Thess. 5 v8] as Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians to do. Paul told them, as he tells us, "God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."[v.9,10]

His words are full of practical advice, “Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient ..." [v.13,14] What an increasing challenge it is to find and maintain inner peace - and outward peace - when the world is increasingly without peace!

The world situation is getting steadily worse - and it demands that we note Paul's prophecy that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them ..."[v.2,3] They will only be talking about the urgent need for it – they will not achieve it!

How even more vital it will be for us, when that happens, to have on "the breastplate of faith" living in every situation in ways that show, as Paul puts it, we really "are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness" [v.5] even though the darkness is all around us, trying to suffocate us.

Let us follow the example of Nehemiah, who, in the face of increasing opposition prayed, "... now, O God, strengthen my hands." [6 v.9] Let us say the same because we have put on "the breastplate of faith."

illustrated video version here...

https://bibletruthandprophecy.com/the-challenge-of-renewal-5-videos/

 Having recently finished Romans via the Christadelpihan Bible Reading Planner we are pleased to announce a Brand new 5 part video series covering Romans 12-16. This series deals with Paul’s attitude and love towards his Brothers and Sisters and his encouragement to them all to follow his and Christ’s example- this is not to be missed! a great series worthy of any bible class program.