Our readings in Acts ch. 13 has many lessons about the actions of God and the reactions of men as the message of Jesus was spread. Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia (southern Turkey) and went into the synagogue and were invited to speak (v.15). Paul started by giving them a history lesson of God’s actions in bringing Israel through the wilderness and establishing them in the promised land, giving them kings, in particular David. Then his message jumps forward to John the Baptist. We must not underestimate the impact and spread of John’s preaching because later, at Ephesus, Paul is to find those who only know John’s baptism (19 v.3) – and Ephesus is a long way from the Jordan!
Paul’s mention of John is a springboard for him to talk about Jesus and his message. He points out that those who lived in Jerusalem “did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day,” and they “fulfilled them by condemning him” [v.27].
Paul knew that the same misunderstanding was going to happen in Antioch as they became jealous of the non-Jews when they accepted the message that “everyone who believes (in Jesus) is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.” [v.38,39]. Then comes the punch line! “Beware therefore, lest what is said in the prophets should come about.” [v.40]
It came about in the punishment that came on Jerusalem! And the same can be said today! Punishment is coming! Paul quoted the words God inspired the prophet Habakkuk to write, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” [v.41, Hab. 1 v.5]
Today we have scoffers who deride the Bible, apparently learned men who scoff at the very thought that there is a God. One day, maybe soon, they will “be astounded and perish.” Then God’s laws will come into action, no longer will the permissive laws of man corrupt mankind. Let us prepare for that time by understanding the utterances of the prophets, including Jesus and Paul – and taking them to heart, and showing that we have done so, by our words and actions.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TJAWGBpah8[/embedyt]
https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/thought-for-may-4th-beware-what-is-said-in-the-prophets-2/?feed_id=36741&_unique_id=645358a52e54e
Thursday, 4 May 2023
Thought for May 4th. "BEWARE … WHAT IS SAID IN THE PROPHETS …”
Our readings in Acts ch. 13 has many lessons about the actions of God and the reactions of men as the message of Jesus was spread. Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia (southern Turkey) and went into the synagogue and were invited to speak (v.15). Paul started by giving them a history lesson of God’s actions in bringing Israel through the wilderness and establishing them in the promised land, giving them kings, in particular David. Then his message jumps forward to John the Baptist. We must not underestimate the impact and spread of John’s preaching because later, at Ephesus, Paul is to find those who only know John’s baptism (19 v.3) – and Ephesus is a long way from the Jordan!
Paul’s mention of John is a springboard for him to talk about Jesus and his message. He points out that those who lived in Jerusalem “did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day,” and they “fulfilled them by condemning him” [v.27].
Paul knew that the same misunderstanding was going to happen in Antioch as they became jealous of the non-Jews when they accepted the message that “everyone who believes (in Jesus) is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.” [v.38,39]. Then comes the punch line! “Beware therefore, lest what is said in the prophets should come about.” [v.40]
It came about in the punishment that came on Jerusalem! And the same can be said today! Punishment is coming! Paul quoted the words God inspired the prophet Habakkuk to write, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” [v.41, Hab. 1 v.5]
Today we have scoffers who deride the Bible, apparently learned men who scoff at the very thought that there is a God. One day, maybe soon, they will “be astounded and perish.” Then God’s laws will come into action, no longer will the permissive laws of man corrupt mankind. Let us prepare for that time by understanding the utterances of the prophets, including Jesus and Paul – and taking them to heart, and showing that we have done so, by our words and actions.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TJAWGBpah8[/embedyt]
https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/thought-for-may-4th-beware-what-is-said-in-the-prophets-2/?feed_id=36741&_unique_id=645358a52e54e
Thought for May 4th. "BEWARE … WHAT IS SAID IN THE PROPHETS …”
Our readings in Acts ch. 13 has many lessons about the actions of God and the reactions of men as the message of Jesus was spread. Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia (southern Turkey) and went into the synagogue and were invited to speak (v.15). Paul started by giving them a history lesson of God’s actions in bringing Israel through the wilderness and establishing them in the promised land, giving them kings, in particular David. Then his message jumps forward to John the Baptist. We must not underestimate the impact and spread of John’s preaching because later, at Ephesus, Paul is to find those who only know John’s baptism (19 v.3) – and Ephesus is a long way from the Jordan!
Paul’s mention of John is a springboard for him to talk about Jesus and his message. He points out that those who lived in Jerusalem “did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day,” and they “fulfilled them by condemning him” [v.27].
Paul knew that the same misunderstanding was going to happen in Antioch as they became jealous of the non-Jews when they accepted the message that “everyone who believes (in Jesus) is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.” [v.38,39]. Then comes the punch line! “Beware therefore, lest what is said in the prophets should come about.” [v.40]
It came about in the punishment that came on Jerusalem! And the same can be said today! Punishment is coming! Paul quoted the words God inspired the prophet Habakkuk to write, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” [v.41, Hab. 1 v.5]
Today we have scoffers who deride the Bible, apparently learned men who scoff at the very thought that there is a God. One day, maybe soon, they will “be astounded and perish.” Then God’s laws will come into action, no longer will the permissive laws of man corrupt mankind. Let us prepare for that time by understanding the utterances of the prophets, including Jesus and Paul – and taking them to heart, and showing that we have done so, by our words and actions.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TJAWGBpah8[/embedyt]
https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/thought-for-may-4th-beware-what-is-said-in-the-prophets-3/?feed_id=37063&_unique_id=645358402a33e
Wednesday, 3 May 2023
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far Above Rubies.
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Proverbs 31:10-31 King James Version10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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France pushes for strategic autonomy from the United States.
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France pushes for strategic autonomy from the United States.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO33d4c0l_4[/embedyt]
Ezekiel 38 describes a changing of the guard in the hegemony over Europe from the USA into Russia's Court. France's Macron has advocated moving away from US hegemony financially, militarily and industrially. The EU's president agrees, and nations such as German, Turkey and Hungary are singing out of the same hymn book.
Emanuel Macron, President of France and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission visit China. Photographer: Dati Bendo 6 April 2023
Frances president Macron visited China from April 5-7 along with EU president Ursula von de Leyen. On the trip out, two French journalists interviewed Macron on Frances version of Air Force One. The interview proved to be quite revealing about Frances foreign policy. Macron spoke about his policy of Europe’s “strategic autonomy” from the USA. He specifically identified Europe’s involvement in the escalating China-Taiwan situation. He compared it to Ukraine: “Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it,” He cautioned Europe in following America’s lead on Taiwan: “The paradox would be that, overcome with panic, we believe we are just America’s followers. The question Europeans need to answer … is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the U.S. agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” POLITICO reported:
Emanuel Macron in China, April, 2023.
Europe agrees to push away from the USA
EU President Charles Michel expressing that quite a few European leaders
Moving toward the picture painted by the Bible.
Western Europe’s tenancy under the hegemony of the United States has always been a time-limited affair. The bible clearly paints the picture of an alliance (forced or otherwise), between Russia, France, Germany and other European Nations. Ezekiel 38 clearly states:
“Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.” (Ezekiel 38:5–7)
Gomer and his bands is a direct reference to the nomadic tribes who migrated across Europe from Asia minor. The table of nation sin Genesis 10 indicates as much:
“The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.” (Genesis 10:2–5)
Japheth was the son of Noah, and as the families of the earth were divided, after the tower of Babel incident in Genesis 11, they migrated across Europe. One of Gomer’s sons “Ashkenaz” name was used for Black Sea, which was called the Sea of Ashkanaz. As his tribes migrated across Europe, the name became synonymous with Europe itself. European Jews were called Ashkenazi Jews. Genesis tells us that these nations settled in the Island of the Gentiles.
Edward Wells relates,
“Colonies, which coming from the nation of Gomer, in process of time spread themselves further and further, and settled themselves in several parts of Europe… This colony… spreading themselves till by new colonies further westward, came along the Danube, and settled themselves in the country, which from them has been called Germany… Out of Germany the descendants of Gomer spread themselves into Gaul or France…”
Some modern revisionist historians reject the ancient historians and reverse the migrations, claiming the Gomerites (or Gallic peoples) migrating from the west coast of Europe to Asian Minor and settling in Galatia, but this violates the Genesis record and can be dismissed.
Gomer and all his bands refer to the Western European theatre dominated by Germany and France. These nations are to comprise some of the “many people with thee”, therefore, a shift in hegemony has to take place that moves France and Germany away from the US and the UK into Russia’s domain.
Moving Away from US Currency
One of the suggestions Macron made was “Europe should reduce its dependence on the extraterritoriality of the U.S. dollar.” This was why the European Union created its own currency in the first place: to reduce America’s influence. Both China and Russia have been moving away from US Currency Reserves. Macron’s statement is in keeping with their policy.
The Russian Finance Ministry reported that its foreign reserves surged over $600 billion. This comes after nearly 60% of their $643 US reserves were frozen following the Russian Invasion. The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) within the IMF, foreign currency, and gold holdings make up Russia's foreign exchange reserves.
According to the Indian Times,
“Several countries including China, Russia, India, and Brazil are increasingly trading oil and energy in local currencies, ditching the dollar. If key countries like Saudi Arabia join, the collapse of the petrodollar first, and subsequently the dollar cannot be completely ruled out.”
The financial world is in a constant state of turmoil. OPEC+ group including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait have announced they are cutting their outputs again, and this is sending oil prices soaring.
According to a Moscow times headline, “Russian Oil Exports Hit Near 3-Year High in March Despite Revenue Drop.” The article stated:
The IEA said total oil shipments from Russia had risen by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 8.1 million bpd last month….
China and India have largely replaced Western markets in purchasing Russian oil. With the rise in prices, this will help Russia fund its war with Ukraine.
Changing of the Guard
NATO in its current form must dissolve. The US must lose its hegemony over the European arena for the Biblical description to hold sway. It is Russia who is to “be a guard unto them” – and not the USA. This might well be the reason for China’s rise, and its adversarial role with the USA. It might be to drive a wedge between the US and Europe – as Europe doesn’t want to be pulled into a conflict that is more about the US world dominancy than anything else.
As Russia moves closer to victory in Ukraine, France and Germany are looking to distance themselves from the USA.
Macron has been leading the charge. Remember back to the interview he held in 2019 with the Economist when he described NATO as experiencing “Brain Death”? Hel also insisted on offering Putin “security guarantees” after the invasion of Ukraine, wanting to placate the Russian Bear.
Macron wants Europe to turn their back on US hegemony
Thought for May 3rd. “Fear God and keep his commandments"
These are the final words in Solomon’s Book of Ecclesiastes. In the verse 12 he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of mankind” At the start of this book we read, these are “the words of the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.”
In today’s final chapter we read, “Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging, many proverbs with great care.” [v.9] We quoted a few days ago v.11 “the words of the wise are like goads, like nails firmly fixed” [v.11] and it reminds us of what Jesus said to Paul on the Damascus road, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” [Acts 26 v.14]
Goads are the nails that are fixed behind horses in harness pulling a carriage, which prick them if they try to disobey the driver. Paul’s conscience was pricking him as he put loving and God fearing men and women in prison and stood approving the stoning of Stephen. Do we let the “words of the wise” that God has caused to be preserved throughout the Bible prick our conscience? We should.
Solomon has a particular message for the young. “Rejoice, O young … let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart … But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement … Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come … “ [Ch.11 v.9; 12 v.1]
He is writing in the despondency of old age, death is at the door, he had found “enjoyment in all his toil” [2 v.24] and now that is all over. But today we can put a fuller meaning on “before the evil days come” for our world is facing evil times and the good times (?) are largely over; “They are afraid= also of what is high, and terrors are in the way” [v.5].
- We must take his final words to heart, “Fear God and keep his commandments …
for God will bring every deed into judgment … whether good or evil.” May our deeds be good. May we have a true relationship with God eacjh day – a relationship that grows the more we read his word.ä
Does It Matter What We Believe in 2023?
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