Tribulation. It’s a strange word. It’s an uncomfortable word. It’s a word that spells trouble—severe affliction, suffering, distress, oppression. It’s not the kind of thing we welcome. It’s the kind of thing we actively avoid. We do everything we possibly can to keep it at arms’ length…
“Companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ” Read More »
Imagine how these letters might have been received and how they were communicated to the brethren and sisters. Why did Jesus only write to the seven ecclesias? Did he plan on others like us reading them? Did John write seven copies of the entire Apocalypse and distribute them around? Or was there on…
Revelation 2 and 3 – The Lord’s Last Message to You Read More »
The following word picture of the Kingdom and our activities with fellow saints was given in the context of references to escalating wars and suffering fulfilling Bible prophecy. This exhortation is given as an assurance for us when we wrestle with fluctuating faith and human weakness. It is a portr…
Our Vision of the Kingdom Read More »
In doing our daily readings, it is often useful to reflect over where we have come over the past days. At the time of preparing this exhortation, the first reading for the day, April 6, was Numbers 22 and 23. Over the prior week, from Numbers 14 to 23, 38 years passed for the children of Israel as t…
Coping with Trial on the Border of the Kingdom Read More »
We commonly refer to Psalm 51 when partaking of the emblems. It highlights the importance of recognizing sin, repentance, and Yahweh’s forgiveness. Psalm 51 records David’s plea for mercy after Nathan the prophet confronted him over his sin with Bathsheba. What we learn from this powerful record…
A Broken and Contrite Heart Read More »
The daily readings for 6 January bring together the beautiful sequence of Psalms 14, 15 and 16. This series of David’s psalms, though each is complete in itself, has an instructive flow of thought. In Psalm 14 we have set before us the inherent evil of all mankind. Psalm 15 answers the inevitable …
Three Psalms of Warning, Vision and Encouragement Read More »
If we were given the task of composing the honour role of the faithful as recorded in Hebrews 11, it is unlikely that we would have included Samson. But there he is in verses 32–34 amongst the illustrious names of David, Samuel and others: “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me t…
Lessons from the Life of Samson Read More »
The seven letters delivered to the seven ecclesias recorded in Revelation 2 and 3 had a message that was deeply challenging and very personal. In these letters people’s lives were scrutinized, their weaknesses exposed and their personal problems identified.
But of all the issues outlined in eac…
“Behold I stand at the door and knock!” Read More »
Paul argues that at the very core of the purpose of God is the concept of election, of God calling out select people to bear His name (Acts 15:14). The purpose of God must needs be selective. If all were called and all were chosen none would seek to give Him glory by manifesting His character, there…
Holding On to Our Calling – Romans 9 Read More »
This exhortation, given by Brother Michael Owen (UK) at the Adelaide Combined Weekend (October 18), was enjoyed by the 1200 brethren and sisters attending. Under the weekend theme of “Learning from the Master – Building Christ-Centred Ecclesias” the exhortation highlighted the significance of …
“This is My Body, Given for You” Read More »
