Deuteronomy 18 tells us about three aspects of worship. The first of these is in verses 1-8 and describes the LORD's provision for the priests and Levites. Verses 9-12 speak of abominable worship and its prohibition. Verses 13-20 describe the raising up of a prophet like Moses. Returning to the first part of the chapter. Since the priests and Levites received no inheritance of land Yahweh looked after their families by providing means of them partaking of certain sacrifices and offerings, and the tithes of the first fruits that were brought every third year. Verses 9-12 focuses on the exclusion of false worship. In particular this section speaks of the removal of false prophets from the land. This serves as a contrast to Moses, who was to that point in history the LORD's greatest prophet; and an even greater gap between the dreamers and the greatest of the prophets - our Lord Jesus Christ. Turning to the end of the chapter Moses reveals the manner of the prophet who would be like himself. The revelation from God through this prophet would be by the LORD God of Israel putting words directly into Jesus' mouth - see Isaiah 50:4-5. That wonderful prophet would speak authoritatively and directly in person to his audience - Matthew 5:20-22 etc. The nation of Israel would be held accountable for rejecting the words of the Son of God - Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Acts 3:22-26.
Ecclesiastes 10-11 continue with the theme that life must be lived by applying wisdom to everything we do. Verse 1 of chapter 10 describes how foolish acts destroy our reputation. Verses 2-4 speak of the need to remain calm even in the face of danger - don't be a hothead stay cool. Verses 5-11 tell us of adverse outcomes when we act recklessly. Verses 12-16 speaks of folly reigning where it ought not and the disastrous results that this causes. The chapter concludes in
verses 17-20 by extolling the benefits brought by wise restraint. The last verse counsels us to be disciplined in what we say. Do not be a gossip.
The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css="" css_animation="none"]A @Christadelphians Video:
Description: Modern archaeology guided by the detailed descriptions of historical events in the book of Genesis, demonstrates that Sodom and Gomorrah were literal cities destroyed by a cataclysm. Contrary to traditional belief, they were located at the northern end of the Dead Sea. The separate Genesis accounts of the battle of the kings and the destruction of Sodom are consistent with the existence today of “slime pits” and excavated ruins showing evidence of destruction by extreme heat, probably caused by a meteor airburst rather than volcanic activity.
Was Sodom and Gomorrah a real event or just a myth? In this eye-opening Bible talk, we explore the **archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and biblical truth** behind one of the most infamous stories in Genesis. Discover whether science supports the Bible’s account—and what it means for us today!
📖 **Bible Verses Discussed (with Emojis!)** ✨
- **Genesis 18:20-21** ⚖️ – God’s judgment on Sodom
- **Genesis 19:24-25** 🔥 – Fire and brimstone destruction
- **Ezekiel 16:49-50** 💔 – The sins of Sodom explained
- **Luke 17:28-30** ⏳ – Jesus references Sodom’s fate
- **2 Peter 2:6-8** ⚠️ – Sodom as a warning for the wicked
⏳ **Video Timestamps (Chapters)** ⏳
00:00 - **Introduction** – The mystery of Sodom & Gomorrah
03:45 - **Biblical Account** – What Genesis *really* says
09:12 - **Archaeological Evidence** – Shocking discoveries
15:30 - **Historical Records** – Ancient writers confirm the event?
21:45 - **Scientific Analysis** – Could fire & brimstone happen naturally?
27:10 - **Moral Lessons** – Why this story matters today
32:50 - **Conclusion** – Fact or fiction? Final thoughts
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Deuteronomy 17 deals with a number of important matters. Verses 1-7 speak of the way to deal with the brother, or sister, that would seek to entice the inhabitants of a village into false worship. The promoter of false worship was to be stoned to death by the entire community whom they had attempted to tempt to cause forsake their God. Verses 8-13 speak of the judgments that were determined by the priests and judges. Those judges were chosen because of their integrity and faithfulness to the LORD. They were the representatives of their Sovereign - the Almighty king of Israel. As His representatives their word was binding. The disobedient person was to be punished. The whole nation was to walk in faithfulness to the rules of their God. Verses 14-20 spoke of the time when Yahweh had given His people the Promised Land and when they would choose a king in accordance with the LORD's purpose. These verses describe instructions for the king. Verses 16-17 tells the king that he was not to multiply wives, horses or riches. Each of these could be a hinderance to the king's faithful worship. Each of these things could prove to be a distraction from the king's need to guide Israel in true worship. King Solomon is a prime example of how these things diverted him from his responsibilities to himself and to his nation. Verses 18-20 next instruct the king in what he must do. The monarch was to copy out the Law written by his own hand - in order to impress upon his mind the great lessons and ways of his Sovereign - most likely this was the book of Deuteronomy. The king was to keep that book close to him and read from it every day of his life. This would, as verse 20 informs us, keep him humble and qualify him to lead Yahweh's people in acceptable worship of their God.
Ecclesiastes 9 is one of those powerful chapters that leave us in no doubt as to the state of the dead - they sleep in total unconsciousness. Verses 1-6 speak of the universal evil that is death. It doesn't matter how you have lived your life death is certain and for most of the human race it is irreversible. A certain madness is the sum total of the life of most people as verse 3 tells us. The words of verse 4 are an echo of the thoughts which conclude chapter 3. Verses 5-6 describe the death state as being an unconscious state - no thinking, nor feelings - just a condition of turning into the dust from which we were first made (Genesis 2:7; 3:17-19). Solomon states his conclusion to this sorry saga - enjoy your mortal existence that your God has given to you. Verse 10 counsels diligence in life so that you may leave a legacy. Verses 11-16 tells us that wisdom is superior to folly. Koheleth provides two examples of how human prowess cannot thwart death. And so the wise man concludes in verses 17-18 to live life in a Godly and responsible way. He is building towards his finally summary of his learnings in
chapter 12:13-14. Read this aloud and meditate their significance for the life that you will choose.
Acts 8 records that Saul accepted responsibility for Stephen's stoning and sets out on a course of destruction like an enraged bull. The objects of his persecution are the faithful believers in Christ. However, the greater the persecution, the faster the gospel spreads. Philip preaches Christ in Samaria and his testimony is supported by miracles. The city of Samaria had been bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer. However Simon recognises the difference between his tricks and the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. The record tells us that baptism only took place for believing adult subjects. Verse 12 provides us with a definition of the gospel - "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ". Although Philip could perform miracles he could not bestow the gifts - that only occurred through the laying on of the Apostles' hands. Simon seeks to buy the gifts from Peter and John and is grievously condemned for attempting this. Philip is next told to join the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority under Candace their Queen. This eunuch was a proselyte and was reading Isaiah 53. The eunuch tells Philip that he fails to understand what the prophet spoke of. Philip commences with that chapter and explains Christ to the eunuch. No doubt Philip's preaching included the blessings from God on the eunuchs who choose the ways of God (Isaiah 56). Philip and the eunuch come to sufficient water for immersion. Philip explains to the eunuch that providing he has a wholehearted belief in Christ he may be baptised. Note how the record says that they both went down into the water and came up out of it together. The eunuch continues on his way rejoicing; but Philip is immediately snatched away to Azotus some 40 kilometres distant - the Lord having further work for Philip to do there.
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here...
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**Video Description:**
📖 **Discover the Timeless Hope of God’s Kingdom!** In this powerful 19th-century Bible talk, Robert Roberts presents *"The Final Consolation"*—a profound vision of the coming Kingdom of God. Explore biblical prophecy, divine promises, and the ultimate hope for humanity in this inspiring message.
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📌 **Video Timestamps:**
00:00 - Introduction: The Hope of the Kingdom
05:12 - The Promise of Restoration in Scripture
12:35 - The Role of Christ in God’s Plan
18:50 - The Resurrection & Judgment
25:40 - The Peaceful Reign of Christ on Earth
32:15 - How to Be Part of God’s Kingdom
40:00 - Conclusion: Living in Hope
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6endqntIOjg[/embedyt]
📜 **Bible Verses Discussed (with Emojis!)**
✨ **Daniel 2:44** – God’s Kingdom will crush earthly empires
🕊️ **Isaiah 11:6-9** – The peace of Christ’s reign
⚡ **Acts 17:31** – The coming judgment
🌍 **Revelation 21:4** – No more pain in God’s Kingdom
🙏 **Matthew 6:10** – “Your Kingdom come”
👑 **Psalm 72:8** – Christ’s universal rule
💬 **Join the Discussion!** What excites you most about God’s Kingdom? Comment below!
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