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Available for download following successful payment For further information regarding our eBooks please visit our Digital Media Guide - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-11/) - The latest in our Archive series, providing a facsimile of Volume 11 of Precious Seed Magazine for 1960. Although the magazine started in 1945, the year 1960 was still classed as eleven, but the content remained evangelistic, expository, and informative. - [Your Adversary The Devil](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/your-adversary-the-devil/) - The subject of the Devil is a neglected one. Much of professing Christianity have rejected his reality and conservative Christians often neglect detailed study of this character. Sermons on his person and purpose are not abundant, and written materials are either non-existent or non-scriptural. Sadly, Christianity has become ignorant of the devices of one of our great enemies, the Devil. - [The Epistles of John and Jude](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-epistles-of-john-and-jude/) - The latest book from the pen of Norman Mellish. The Epistles of John bring together the theme of love. As John bids his readers to ‘love the brethren’, 3. 14, he demonstrates that love in his dealings with ‘the elect lady and her children’, 2 John 1, and Gaius, 3 John 1. - [Romans](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/romans-2/) - Romans is the Epistle that presents the doctrine of the gospel in all its magnificence – God’s ability to make a guilty sinner righteous. - [Prove It - eBook (EPUB) Version](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/prove-it-ebook-epub-version/) - Digital Copy in Epub Format only. Available for download following successful payment For further information regarding our eBooks please visit our Digital Media Guide - [Revelation](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/revelation/) - The purpose of this commentary is to help the saints understand the mind of God, while increasing our knowledge of coming events. These things are written to draw out our affections to Christ and to glorify the Lord who will soon appear and unite us to Himself for ever. - [Philippians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/philippians-2/) - In recent times Norman Mellish has had a desire to put into writing some of the precious things that the Lord has revealed to him. He feels that the truth of Philippians is sadly neglected in practice as we move one with another, and if any book would be a means of glorifying the Lord we love it is by putting the truth of Philippians into practice. - [God's Programme for the Ages](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/gods-programme-for-the-ages/) - This book focusses on God’s programme for the ages of time. Each of ‘The three sevens’ show that nothing is happening by chance. Man is not on the ascendancy. God is in complete control. The step-by-step developments in the seven feasts of Jehovah in Leviticus chapter 23, the seven mysteries of the kingdom in Mathew chapter 13, and the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 show unequivocally that everything is under a higher hand. - [Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/exodus/) - This book traces the narrative of Exodus, giving numerous practical applications as well as an insight into the types and shadows, none more so than in the chapters dealing with the tabernacle. The mix of faithfulness to the word of God, and application to the needs of the people of God, is coupled with much that seeks to exalt the Saviour. - [Hebrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/hebrews/) - It is anticipated that this book will be available to order in early May. This commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews is the latest book by Norman Mellish. - [Prove It](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/prove-it/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This book is also available as an eBook in epub and mobi (Kindle) formats. - [Acts](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/acts/) - This book was first published in 1975. It was written for those Christians who either knew already, or who desired to know, the implications of the Acts of the Apostles for today. Out of print for some time, Precious Seed Books are please to reissue this edition with the permission of the copyright owners. John Heading was the second editor of the magazine, succeeding J. H. 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Of these, some were very specifically time related in that they focussed on matters pertinent to a former day and, as such, they are no longer relevant to the 21st century. Others may have raised issues that were covered by similar questions sent in several years later. - [Ephesians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ephesians/) - The subject of this lovely letter is the Church which is His body, that is, the Church of which every blood-bought saint is a member. It is the Church dispensational; it began on the day of Pentecost and was formed by the Holy Spirit as believers were linked to a risen Lord who is the head of the Church. - [The New Treasury of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-new-treasury-of-bible-doctrine/) - The Treasury of Bible Doctrine has been in constant demand since it was first published in 1977. In recognition of this continuing need for biblically faithful teaching, the original volume has been fully revised and expanded. - [OT Overview - Volume 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-2/) - The Books covered in this volume are Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. - [OT Overview - Volume 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-3/) - Volume 3 of the popular Old Testament Overview series. - [OT Overview - Volume 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-5/) - The books covered in this volume are: 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 21-36, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Joel, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Colin Lacey provides with an overview of the books that detail the end of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. - [OT Overview - Volume 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-6/) - Whilst, for many Christians, the Old Testament is a ‘clean’ part of their Bible, remaining untouched and unread, the Psalms, and, to a lesser extent, Proverbs, offer an exception to that premise. In these two books particularly, there is seen to be a connection with the day-to-day realities of Christian experience, as well as that which will uplift the soul. - [OT Overview - Volume 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-1/) - In this particular volume, Richard Catchpole provides us with an overview of the books that detail the creation of life, the fall, the reestablishment of man's relationship with God on the basis of sacrifice, the flood, God's call of Abram, the establishment of a nation, the Exodus from Egypt, as well as the life of the patriarchs. - [OT Overview - Volume 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-7/) - [NT Overview - Single Volume](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/nt-overview-single-volume/) - This New Testament Overview first appeared as five separate volumes and is now published complete in one volume. 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This Day by Day provides selected readings to promote a wider reading. - [Day by Day Paradise to the Promised Land](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-paradise-to-the-promised-land/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. No one could read through the New Testament without appreciating how much of it is built upon and develops types and principles that are first revealed in the Old. - [Day by Day Pictures and Parables](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-pictures-and-parables/) - As part of the Day by Day series, this book seeks to encourage the daily reading of scripture, but also to bring out some of the richness of scripture through the daily meditation. - [Day by Day Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-psalms/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This book will help the reader capture some of the beauties contained in the Psalter. It is not a straight-through, systematic reading of the Psalms, but an unfolding of some of the major themes contained therein. - [Day by Day Through the Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-through-the-bible/) - There is no better activity for the Christian than to prayerfully meditate on the Bible, the living word of God. The Gospels demonstrate clearly that the mind of the Lord Jesus was saturated with scripture, and that it was His comfort and encouragement at every stage of His pathway on earth. - [Day by Day Bible Questions](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-bible-questions/) - This volume, like others in the series, encourages the daily reading and meditation upon the scriptures. However, as the title suggests, it focuses on a significant scripture question, that is, a question actually asked in the Bible, providing an exposition with application. - [Day by Day Christ Foreshadowed](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-christ-foreshadowed/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This volume, like others in the series, encourages the daily reading and meditation upon the scriptures. However, its theme is to consider those portions that give us pictures or glimpses of the coming Lord and Saviour – foreshadowings of Christ. - [Day by Day Christ and His Apostles](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-christ-and-his-apostles/) - The Day by Day series seeks to promote daily meditation in the word of God. The original volume Day by Day through the New Testament was published in 1979, and in this fifteenth volume we revisit this most important portion of scripture. - [Day by Day Divine Titles](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-divine-titles/) - The idea for this book came from the ministry of the late Jim Flanigan of Northern Ireland. In the early days of church testimony it was noted, of Peter and John in particular, ‘that they had been with Jesus’, Acts 4. 13. - [Day by Day Living in the Promised Land](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-living-in-the-promised-land/) - These daily meditations cover the historical books of the Old Testament from Joshua to 2 Chronicles. Israel’s occupancy of the Promised Land began well, and had golden days of success during the reigns of David and Solomon, but is largely a tragic account of disobedience to the Lord, their covenant God, - [Day by Day Moments with the Master](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-moments-with-the-master/) - It is good for every Christian to spend moments with the Master, and this addition to our Day by Day series enables all believers to meditate daily upon their Lord and Saviour. Twenty-two different writers, drawn from Canada, Germany, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, - [Day by Day New Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-new-testament/) - When this book was first published in 1979 it was the earnest prayer of the Publishers that God would use it to stir up any who are not enjoying and deriving benefit from the daily habit of reading His word consecutively. - [Day by Day Bible Characters](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-bible-characters/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. The primary intention of this book is that it may be used to encourage the daily reading of scripture – an operation of vital importance to us all. In that daily reading there is available for us ‘the sincere milk of the word’ whereby, as children of God, ‘we may grow’. - [Day by Day Bible Commands](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-bible-commands/) - In the upper room ministry of the Lord Jesus He revealed to His disciples the importance of the commandments that He had given them: ‘He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: - [Day by Day Bible Promises](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/day-by-day-bible-promises/) - It is recorded in the book of Nehemiah that, ‘day by day, from the first day until the last day, he [Ezra] read in the book of the law of God’, Neh. 8. 18. This interest in and study of the word of God was the basis of the people’s gladness, blessing, and revival. - [2 Corinthians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/2-corinthians/) - In writing on this oft neglected book, the author provides us with his customary analysis and exposition of each chapter, and many word studies that will be of profit to the reader. Although this book does not afford the space, there are also lines of truth that will give the student ample scope for meditation. - [Faith Matters 11 (Bundle of 100)](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/faith-matters-11-bundle-of-100/) - This is the latest edition of Faith Matters. Once again, there is a mixture of gospel-orientated articles from different authors over 12 pages and is suitable for evangelistic work. Available in packs of 100. Please note that purchase of this product will entitle customers to purchase Faith Matters 10 at the discounted price of £3.50 (Non-Trade Customers only) while stocks last. A voucher code will be emailed following completion of the sale. - [1 Corinthians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/1-corinthians/) - A further book from the pen of Norman Mellish. 1 Corinthians was written for the purpose of encouraging the Corinthian assembly to move carefully in their service for the Lord, and also for the generations that have followed to know what the Lord desires as we worship and minister to Him. - [The Revelation and Future Events](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-revelation-and-future-events/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This little book includes a series of articles which appeared in Precious Seed touching the seven letters to the churches recorded in the Apocalypse together with a survey of the book of Revelation. - [The Tabernacle and the Offerings](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-tabernacle-and-the-offerings/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This book has been compiled from the oral ministry of Albert Leckie, particularly the Bible Readings he conducted at Trimsaran in Wales. - [The Upper Room Ministry of the Lord Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-upper-room-ministry-of-the-lord-jesus/) - A companion volume to Albert Leckie’s works on Romans, The Tabernacle and the Offerings and 1 John, The Upper Room Ministry of the Lord Jesus covers chapters 13 to 17 of John’s Gospel. - [Truth & Training From Titus](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/truth-training-from-titus/) - The content of this book was previously published as a series of articles in Precious Seed Magazine The purpose of this short book is to outline and present the key truths that are found in the Epistle of Paul to Titus. - [A Word for Everyday](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/a-word-for-everyday/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. By exploring the historical, theological and social context in which a number of selected Bible words are found, the author brings to life the meaning of these words for the ordinary reader, thus providing a useful aid to biblical interpretation - [The Levitical Offerings](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-levitical-offerings/) - This booklet was first published as a series of articles in Precious Seed magazine over the years 1965-66. They are now published in this form that they might stimulate a new generation to study this important area of typical truth. - [The Minor Prophets](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-minor-prophets/) - [Spiritual Renewal](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/spiritual-renewal/) - It is a surprising discovery that Pentecostalism is a plant which can flourish in practically every denomination. Even in the 1950's this would have been deemed absurd. Perhaps no one is as amazed as the old fashioned Pentecostal who was trained to expect opposition from the various branches of Christendom. - [Romans](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/romans/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This book, taken from Bible Readings that Mr Leckie conducted at Trimsaran in Wales, gives us an analysis and exposition of the first eight chapters of this most important book of scripture. - [Studies in First Corinthians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/studies-in-first-corinthians/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This book offers verse-by-verse expository comments on chapters 8 to 15 of what we know as the apostle Paul’s ‘First Epistle to the Corinthians’. - [The First Epistle of John](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-first-epistle-of-john/) - This Epistle was not written to any particular church or to any particular individual. It is an Epistle that is spoken of as being catholic in its character because it is written for the whole family of God. The subject of the Epistle is eternal life and the evidences of it, such as love, obedience, boldness and having no fear. - [The Glory and Power of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-glory-and-power-of-god/) - This book reveals the glory and power of God in creation, the flood, and in earthquakes. The writer examines the days of creation in Genesis chapter 1 from both a Biblical and a scientific perspective, and concludes that the acceptance of literal 24-hour days in the creation account not only harmonizes with the rest of scripture, but also with science. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 1 - Seventieth Anniversary Edition](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-1-seventieth-anniversary-edition/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. This first edition came out in September 1945 shortly after the end of World War II. It resulted from the exercise of a number of brethren in South-West England who were burdened to meet the need among assemblies in the UK for a consistent ministry of the word. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-2/) - Print on Demand title. We do not have this title in stock but it will be printed and dispatched to you within 7-10 working days. Volume 2 of Precious Seed Magazine - 1948-49 - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-3/) - Volume 3 of Precious Seed Magazine - 1949-51 - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-4/) - This book, Volume 4 of the magazine, covers the years 1951-52. In the reports, there is a fascinating record of assembly history in many parts of the country. In the articles there is the same rich mix of material that is expository, informative and devotional. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-5/) - This book, Volume 5 of the magazine, covers the years 1952-53. With expositional material, such as that on the Pastoral Epistles, together with practical and devotional articles, there is the same eclectic mix of papers that will be a blessing to the reader. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-6/) - This book, Volume 6, covers the years 1953-54. It concludes the helpful expositional material on the Pastoral Epistles and commences the series on New Testament Church Principles. There are also matters of historical interest, such as the changes in the committee and the editor’s thoughts on the Harringay Gospel Campaign by Billy Graham. - [Prison Letters](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/prison-letters/) - The two letters to the Colossians and to Philemon were written at the same time, doubtless during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome. What we know as the epistle to the Ephesians was written at the same time also. They form a very important part of the prison epistles. - [Philippians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/philippians/) - In the Introduction to this commentary Keith Keyser remarks, ‘The pages of this comparatively short epistle pulsate with a strange mixture of suffering and joy’. - [OT Overview - Volume 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/ot-overview-volume-4/) - The Books covered in this volume are: 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles chapters 1-20, Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Obadiah, and Nahum. - [In Due Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/in-due-time/) - The Old Testament is full of fascinating, frightening, heroic, heart-rending, amusing, amazing true stories – and none more so than the story of Esther. - [Notes on Galatians and Philippians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/notes-on-galatians-and-philippians/) - William Trew was born in December 1902 in New Stevenston, Scotland. He trusted the Lord Jesus as a young man of 17, was baptized and received into fellowship in the assembly meeting at Shields Road, Motherwell and was commended to the work of the Lord at the early age of 19. - [Galatians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/galatians/) - The book of Galatians was written to ensure that none would look to men, but only to the finished work of the Lord Jesus as their only hope for eternity. - [Colossians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/colossians/) - The book of Colossians is the companion Epistle to the Ephesians and it follows the same truths. The letter was written to strengthen the saints against false teaching and to maintain their testimony for the Lord. - [1 & 2 Thessalonians](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/1-2-thessalonians/) - There are three prime Epistles – Romans, Ephesians, and Thessalonians. All are doctrinal. We have the cross in Romans, the church in Ephesians, and, nally, the coming of the Lord in Thessalonians. - [Who Said There Is No God?](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/who-said-there-is-no-god/) - £2 each or 10 copies for £18.00 In order to meet the challenge of the sceptic, evolutionist or humanist, this 28-page booklet has been written as a useful evangelistic tool. - [The Maxims of James](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-maxims-of-james/) - It is quite apparent that this letter has a very definite bearing upon the Christian life, particularly to those people of the Jewish nation to whom it is written. That James has these believers in mind is clear from the opening verse. - [Jonah and the Whale Story](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/jonah-and-the-whale-story/) - The story of Jonah retold in rhyme by Stuart Scammell and illustrated by Feyi Medland - [Easter Story](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/easter-story/) - The Easter story retold in rhyme by Stuart Scammell and illustrated by Feyi Medland - [Creation Story](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/creation-story/) - The Creation story retold in rhyme by Stuart Scammell and illustrated by Feyi Medland - [The Times of the Gentiles](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-times-of-the-gentiles/) - The main thrust of the book of Daniel is to reveal the end of Gentile rule and this is the purpose of the book as seen in the four prophecies revealed to Daniel himself from chapters 7-12. In these tremendous revelations the Lord is unfolding the rise of the nal world despot who will move in opposition to God, and under Satan will corrupt humanity as he brings men into rebellion against God. - [Children's Books - Bundle](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/childrens-books-bundle/) - Stories from the Bible retold in rhyme by Stuart Scammell and illustrated by Feyi Medland. Bundle pack of three books. Each book can also be purchased individually in the shop. - [The Memories of Peter](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-memories-of-peter/) - As the apostle to the circumcision, Peter had a concern for his brethren. These converts were passing through trials, and, in the First Epistle, he seeks to encourage them. In the second he teaches us the conditions that will emerge in the last days. - [The Gospel of Mark](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-gospel-of-mark/) - Comparing Mark’s records with that of other Gospel writers, and considering those events unique to this Gospel, this book seeks to open up the earthly life and ministry of the Saviour. - [Christmas Story](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/christmas-story/) - The Christmas story retold in rhyme by Stuart Scammell and illustrated by Feyi Medland. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-7/) - Volume 7 brings us to 1955 and 1956 and one of the themes that seems to recur through this volume is that of Pentecostalism and so-called Charismatic gifts. This volume continues the series on New Testament Church Principles by A. G. CLARKE. - [The Message of the Kingdom](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-message-of-the-kingdom/) - The truth of the kingdom is the central theme of the whole Bible. This book is firmly based in a literal interpretation of the text and a firm belief in the dispensational view of scripture, and of prophecy in particular. - [Considering Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/considering-christ/) - In the familiar words from Song of Solomon, the bride answers the question raised by her companions, `What is thy beloved more than another beloved?’ 5. 9. In that answer, she offers a summarized survey of him, from his head down to his feet. - [Future Events](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/future-events/) - This is the fifth book in this series from the ministry of Albert Leckie, following on from Romans 1-8, The Tabernacle and The Offerings, 1 John and The Upper Room Ministry of the Lord Jesus. May the Lord be pleased to use it to the blessing of the Lord’s people, that there might be a deeper understanding of divine purpose and a greater devotion to Him. - [Adam to Moses](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/adam-to-moses/) - The account of this period of Biblical history has been put into rhyme to help us enjoy the narrative. Reading it with your child is a wonderful thing to do and it will be a memory they will never forget. Reading it will teach your child to value God's Word, the Bible, and create a habit, so that they might read it for themselves as they grow older. There is no greater book and no greater message from a great God. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-8/) - The latest volume in our archive series. As well as doctrinal subjects covered and articles on New Testament Church truth, the extensive Reports Section is a fascinating record of gospel activity. As before, there is much that will be of interest and blessing to the reader. - [The Pastoral Epistles](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-pastoral-epistles/) - These Epistles get their name because they are written to individuals rather than to a company of the Lord’s people. In apostolic times, there were those who were given a commission by Paul to be a help to different companies of God’s children and for a particular reason. These Epistles written by Paul to Timothy and Titus were to such. These were men who were called to the ministry by the Spirit of God and moved with Paul in his service for God. They were men Paul could trust and were able to maintain the saints in the pathway of faith. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-9/) - Volume 9 in our reprint of archive material covers parts of 1957 and 1958. - [Joshua to Ruth](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/joshua-to-ruth/) - The stories of Joshua to Ruth -from the Bible have been put into rhyme to help make memories children will never forget. - [Balaam the Son of Beor](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/balaam-the-son-of-beor/) - Balaam has a large place in the scriptures. He is mentioned in eight books and referenced sixty-three times in fifty-nine verses. Whilst his only assignment was to curse God’s people, God was working out all of the apparent disparate circumstances for the implementing of His sovereign purposes. - [Samuel to Solomon](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/samuel-to-solomon/) - The stories from Samuel to Solomon from the Bible have been put into rhyme to help make memories children will never forget. - [Precious Seed Magazine Volume 10](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/precious-seed-magazine-volume-10/) - The latest in our Archive series, providing a facsimile of Volume 10 of Precious Seed Magazine for 1959. The first edition came out in September 1945 shortly after the end of World War II. It resulted from the exercise of a number of brethren in South-West England who were burdened to meet the need among assemblies in the UK for a consistent ministry of the word through a well-balanced and Christ-centred magazine. Its stated purpose was that, on a monthly basis, articles of an evangelistic, expository and informative nature should be freely available to all. - [The Sermon on the Mount](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-sermon-on-the-mount/) - This is the sixth book in the Albert Leckie series. The sermon on the mount is so called because Matthew says of the Lord, ‘he went up into a mountain’, 5. 1. Whilst this may be its geographical setting, its spiritual setting is the kingdom in anticipation. It will, in a very real way, be the heart cry of the faithful, godly Jew during the coming tribulation. - [The Olivet Discourse](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-olivet-discourse/) - Matthew chapters 24 and 25 form one of seven major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel. These include: the moral and ethical principles of the kingdom which are covered in chapters 5 to 7, otherwise known as the sermon on the mount; the parables of the kingdom, in chapter 13; and the prophecies of the kingdom, covered in the Olivet discourse. These three also have particular reference to prophetic matters involving the kingdom. The Olivet discourse itself gives a chronological outline of predicted events in relation to the nation of Israel as the fulfilment of Daniel’s seventieth ‘week’, 9. 27. - [Charting the Scriptures - 1 Kings](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-1-kings/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - 2 Kings](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-2-kings/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-exodus/) - An A3 laminated chart covering the book of Exodus We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - Genesis](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-genesis/) - An A3 laminated chart covering the book of Genesis We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - Leviticus](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-leviticus/) - An A3 laminated chart covering the book of Leviticus We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures – Numbers](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-04-numbers/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures – Deuteronomy](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-05-deuteronomy/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures – Joshua](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-06-joshua/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures – Judges](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-07-judges/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures – Ruth](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-ruth/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - 1 Samuel](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-1-samuel/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [Charting the Scriptures - 2 Samuel](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/charting-the-scriptures-2-samuel/) - We are pleased to make available these popular charts together with the book introduction and analysis that appeared on the reverse when they were first published in Precious Seed magazine. - [The Amazing Journey](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-amazing-journey/) - We are sorry, but this title is no longer available to order in print format. It is available from this website as an E-book in both Epub and Mobi formats. The Amazing Journey is a collection of short stories giving you an idea of what happens in the Bible from the first book (Genesis) to the last book (Revelation). The Bible is an amazing book and The Amazing Journey will help you to get to know it. - [A Word for Everyday - eBook (MOBI - Kindle) Version](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/a-word-for-everyday-ebook-mobi-kindle-version/) - Digital Copy in Mobi (Kindle) Format only. Available for download following successful payment For further information regarding our eBooks please visit our Digital Media Guide - [The First Epistle of John - eBook (MOBI - Kindle) Version](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/the-first-epistle-of-john-ebook-mobi-kindle-version/) - Digital Copy in Mobi (Kindle) Format only. Available for download following successful payment For further information regarding our eBooks please visit our Digital Media Guide - [Faith Matters 10 (Bundle of 100)](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/faith-matters-10-bundle-of-100/) - Faith matters 10 is now available to order. This is the latest issue of the popular evangelistic series. As there is a limited print run we recommend you order soon to avoid disappointment. - [NT Overview - Single Volume - eBook (MOBI - Kindle) Version](https://www.preciousseed.org/product/nt-overview-single-volume-ebook-mobi-kindle-version/) - Digital Copy in Mobi (Kindle) Format only. Available for download following successful payment For further information regarding our eBooks please visit our Digital Media Guide ## Article - [The Impact of Rome – Caesar Augustus and Tiberius Caesar](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-impact-of-rome-caesar-augustus-and-tiberius-caesar/) - Just as the month July was named to honour the first of the Roman Caesars, namely Julius, likewise the succeeding month, August, was chosen to honour his blood nephew and adoptive son, Caesar Augustus. The latter reigned the longest of any of the Caesars in Julius’ lineage, a total of fifty-one years. While he is - [Its Detractors](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/its-detractors/) - Around the cross itself, we have four classes of people: the soldiers; the religious people; the criminals; and the passers-by. These four classes of people each make some derogatory remarks about our Lord. We may take these groups as representative in general. The world is full of religious people who, in their supposed cleverness, reject - [Jehovah Heleyon - The Lord Most High](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-heleyon-the-lord-most-high/) - ‘In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up’, Isa. 6. 1. When we stop and think, the vision that Isaiah saw in the opening of the sixth chapter of his prophecy, is almost beyond human comprehension. Here was One greater and higher than - [The Judgement of God Dramatized](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-judgement-of-god-dramatized/) - Ezekiel is a varied prophecy This book is famous for visions.1However, it would be wrong to characterize Ezekiel as a ‘one trick pony’. Ezekiel contains much more: poetry, parable, allegory, drama, symbols, sign acts, historical narrative, regulations, and apocalyptic revelations. This prophecy is colourful, diverse, and varied.2 In chapters 4 and 5, we encounter an - [The ‘Looks’ of the Lord Jesus - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-looks-of-the-lord-jesus-part-2/) - [All quotations are from the New King James Bible unless otherwise stated] Some received the benefit of His care and thoughtfulness Consider the disciples during the incident at Caesarea Philippi, when Jesus ‘began to teach’ openly1 that He ‘must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, - [A Man of Perception](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-perception/) - Nehemiah 6. 1-16 Jerusalem’s wall was almost complete, ‘there was no breach left therein’, but not yet secure - ‘at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates’, v. 1. The enemies of God’s people knew it, and the chapter details a series of attempts to prevent the work from being - [New Testament - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/new-testament-part-2/) - 1. When teaching in the temple at Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus said to the Jews, ‘Ye are from beneath; I am from above … I am not of this world’, John 8. 23. The prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, Mic. 5. 2. He who is the eternal One came - [‘Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into . . . the Red sea’, Exod. 15. 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pharaohs-chariots-and-his-host-hath-he-cast-into-the-red-sea-exod-15-4/) - ‘Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into . . . the Red sea’, Exod. 15. 4 These words form part of the song of ‘Moses and the children of Israel … [which they sang] unto the Lord’, v. 1. It was a song of victory because it marked the defeat of Pharaoh and - [Question Time - Why Did the Lord Jesus Refer to the Syrophoenician Woman as a ‘Dog’?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-why-did-the-lord-jesus-refer-to-the-syrophoenician-woman-as-a-dog/) - QUESTION Why did the Lord Jesus refer to the Syrophoenician woman as a ‘dog’? ANSWER Someone has wryly remarked, ‘the more I see of people, the more I like my dog’. Although spoken in jest, the words highlight the contrast between the unconditional affection, loyalty and positivity of dogs and the often-disappointing behaviour of people. - [Sealed With, Grieve Not, Quench Not the Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/sealed-with-grieve-not-quench-not-the-holy-spirit/) - In our previous article we saw that the Holy Spirit is not a force but a member of the Godhead. We mentioned some of the names given to the Holy Spirit and considered the promise and the coming of the Holy Spirit. In this study we would like to think of what the scriptures teach - [Synopsis of Each of the Twelve Prophets](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/synopsis-of-each-of-the-twelve-prophets/) - Hosea Hosea was active as a prophet during the mid to late eighth century BC, close to the times of both Isaiah and Micah. His prophecy is essentially directed at the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but he also puts the southern Kingdom of Judah on warning. He is called upon to marry Gomer, a woman - [The Sermon on the Mount](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-sermon-on-the-mount/) - Matthew is the gospel of the sovereign Son. Christ announces, articulates, and anticipates His kingdom. This first mountain scene of Matthew presents the principles of the kingdom, Matt. 5-7. By the seaside, Christ delivers the parables of the kingdom, the kingdom in mystery form, Matt. 13. A further mountain scene provides a preview of the - [Exodus 32 - A Great Sin - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/exodus-32-a-great-sin-part-1/) - Every sin against a holy God is truly a great sin. Simply put, every sin has two basic evils, as Jeremiah states, ‘For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water’, 2. 13. Every sin separates - [Elisha and the Axe Head](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elisha-and-the-axe-head/) - In 2 Kings chapter 6 verses 1 to 23 we notice God’s power manifested in two distinctive scenarios. In the first miracle, verses 1 to 7, Elisha shows that God’s power extends past the extraordinary and the unimaginable, to the mundane and normal, a lost piece of equipment, something that was valuable but normal. In - [Editorial - May 2026](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-may-2026/) - ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people’, Ps. 105. 1 I am no musician. However, I am told that in western music a chord needs at least three notes and, if you will excuse the reference to a homophone, I do know from my Bible - [Christ, Being Raised From the Dead, Dies No More, Rom. 6. 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/christ-being-raised-from-the-dead-dies-no-more-rom-6-9/) - [Quotations taken from the New King James Bible] I was struck, some time ago, by the line of a hymn: ‘the Saviour rose no more to die’.1 That expression, ‘dies no more’, immediately puts the resurrection of our Lord Jesus into an entirely different category to the resurrection of all others who had been raised - [Bethany 2026](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bethany-2026/) - Just over a mile east of Jerusalem is Bethany, on the road to Jericho.1 Today, according to secular sources, the town is ‘locally called in Arabic Al-Eizariya or al-Aizariya … The name al-Eizariya refers to the New Testament figure Lazarus of Bethany’.2 As per its modern name, we would associate Bethany with the Lord’s miracle - [The Assembly – Diversity of Gift but Unity of Operation - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-assembly-diversity-of-gift-but-unity-of-operation-part-2/) - One common problem in church life today involves people trying to read their church traditions back into the Bible (often by picking an isolated proof-text) instead of starting with scripture and following where it leads. So, for example, some Christians read a formal class of priests, processions, liturgies, and sacraments back into the Bible, when - [Dan Crawford (1870-1926)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/dan-crawford-1870-1926/) - ‘Konga Vantu’, the ‘gatherer of the people’ Daniel (Dan) Crawford was born on 7 December 18691 in Gourock, a town on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde, twenty-eight miles west of Glasgow, Scotland. His father, Archibald, was the captain of a schooner based on the River Clyde. Sadly, Archibald Crawford died of tuberculosis - [Words at the Cross - Part 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-8/) - ‘And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost’, Luke 23. 46. The first and the final sayings of Christ on the cross were addressed to His Father and are recorded only by Luke. At the - [Seed Sowers UK and Europe Trust](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/seed-sowers-uk-and-europe-trust/) - John 3. 16 in Every Home ‘The sower soweth the word’, Mark 4. 14 The logo of Seed Sowers is of the sower scattering seed from his bag. In our technological era, marketing is increasingly targeted, but in the Parable of the Sower we see widespread dissemination of seed with little thought for where it - [Question Time - Is Capitalism Biblical](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-is-capitalism-biblical/) - QUESTION Is Capitalism Biblical? ANSWER Capitalism is an economic system in which private individuals or businesses own the means of production and operate for profit. It is characterized by free markets, competition, and limited government intervention. Prices, production, and the distribution of goods are determined by supply and demand, and success is often tied to - [Power: Priests, Pilate and People](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/power-priests-pilate-and-people/) - The death of the Lord on the cross was, among other things, the result of a power struggle. We can see three main players in this power struggle, each with a single purpose: to see the Lord crucified. Perhaps the most prominent people in the struggle for power were the religious leaders of the day - [New Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/new-testament/) - (1) To the Samaritan woman at the well, John 4. 26 The Lord Jesus was travelling from Judea on His way to Galilee. Wearied with His journey He sat resting on the well outside the city of Sychar. At midday, a woman from the city came to draw water. As she approached, she could see - [Naaman – True and False Greatness](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/naaman-true-and-false-greatness/) - As Syria’s commanding general, Naaman seemed to have it all. He was described as ‘great and honourable … in the eyes of his master’, and by his valorous skill led his nation to victory, 2 Kgs. 5. 1.1His greatness was restricted by one expression: ‘but a leper’. This terminal malady was both disfiguring and defiling; - [A Man of Principle](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-principle/) - The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was not without difficulty. Having considered some of the external troubles faced by the people because of their enemies in chapter 4, internal challenges come to light in chapter 5. This is nothing new. After a series of victories, David praised the Lord who ‘had delivered him out of the - [Malachi (2026)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/malachi-2026/) - ‘I have loved you’, Mal.1. 2 When writing to Timothy, the Apostle Paul predicted that in the ‘last days’ men would have ‘a form of godliness’ but deny ‘the power thereof’, 2 Tim. 3. 1, 5. This was the case in the last days of the Old Testament record of Israel’s history. There is much - [The ‘Looks’ of the Lord Jesus - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-looks-of-the-lord-jesus-part-1/) - [All quotations are from the New King James Bible unless otherwise stated] Introduction The Gospels have much to say about the occasions when Jesus saw and looked at people. It was enough for the Lord to see them and their need. This was sufficient in itself to draw out His feelings of compassion and love. - [Jericho](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jericho/) - Today, the modern city of Jericho is located on the West Bank of the Jordan River. It was captured by the British in 1918 towards the end of the First World War and was part of the British-mandated division of Palestine at that time. Upon the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, it - [Jehovah Rohi - The Lord My Shepherd](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-rohi-the-lord-my-shepherd/) - As David sat down to compose the twenty-third Psalm, what was on his mind? Was it memories of cold nights huddled with his flock, cool mornings on the green grass, scorching summer afternoons as he led them looking for water, or encounters with predators seeking a lamb to eat? Whatever shepherding experiences he recalled, as - [Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introduction-feb-2026/) - We must recognize that in dealing with the subject of the Holy Spirit, we do so with reverence, for we are on holy ground. When speaking of any of the Godhead, we cannot refer to any as being inferior or relegate them in our thinking. The first point to make is that the Holy Spirit - [The Glory of God Departs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-glory-of-god-departs/) - Ezekiel is a chronological masterpiece; the twenty-two years of Ezekiel’s prophetic career are recorded in ‘one of the most complete chronological systems in … the Old Testament’.1Fourteen months have elapsed since he first encountered the glory of God. Chapters 8 to 11 constitute the prophet’s second vision, occurring in Ezekiel’s home during a visit from - [Editorial - February 2026](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-february-2026/) - ‘A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year’, Deut. 11. 12. In his farewell address, Moses reminds the new generation - about to pass over the Jordan - that their - [The Deliverer Who Was Delivered](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-deliverer-who-was-delivered/) - [All quotations are taken from the New King James Version] There is a word which has ‘taken off’ in worldwide usage during the last ten years - ‘deliver’. During the 1930s and 1940s, we in America had only two things delivered to us - mail and milk. While I was growing up, my parents’ house - [The Assembly – Diversity of Gift but Unity of Operation - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-assembly-diversity-of-gift-but-unity-of-operation-part-1/) - [All quotations are taken from the New King James Bible] The New Testament pictures the church, not as a monarchy (with one person in charge), nor as a democracy (every sheep with an equal vote), nor as a pyramid-like hierarchy ruled by bishops and archbishops, but instead, as autonomous churches governed by a plurality of - [‘All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea’, Gen. 14. 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/all-these-were-joined-together-in-the-vale-of-siddim-which-is-the-salt-sea-gen-14-3/) - ‘All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea’, Gen. 14. 3 The salt sea, perhaps better known as the Dead Sea, is a landlocked lake between Israel and Jordan, the lowest body of water in the world, lying some 1,300-1,400 feet (400 metres) below sea level. It is - [The Logos School – Cyprus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-logos-school-cyprus/) - By Colin P. Clarke, Chairman of The Logos Trust It would not be incorrect to say that the beginnings of the Logos School began at the Nuremberg Trials in Germany at the end of the Second World War. It was there that Ian Ross, in his military capacity as a captain, required a secretary and - [Zechariah (2025)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/zechariah-2025/) - ‘How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!’ Zech. 9. 17 Zechariah’s ministry is overwhelmingly positive. In a region of our Bible that is unsurprisingly less visited, due to the focus being upon Israel and matters of judgement, this prophecy stands out among the minor prophets ‘as a beacon upon the top - [The Assembly and the Challenges of Cultural Diversity](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-assembly-and-the-challenges-of-cultural-diversity/) - The global movement of people is a complex, emotionally charged, and sometimes tragic issue. Today, it is estimated that there are over 280 million international migrants,1often driven by the pursuit of better economic opportunities or education, or sadly, in some cases, because of conflict, violence, or persecution.2 Many biblical characters were migrants. Some were forcibly - [Words at the Cross - Part 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-7/) - ‘When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost’, John 19. 30. The Bible begins with the account of the finished work of creation. ‘Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them’, Gen. 2. 1. The - [Old Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament/) - When God made the different parts of His creation, He gave them names - day night, heaven, earth, seas, Gen. 1. 5, 8, 10. God also named the rivers that flowed out of Eden, 2. 10-14; and Psalm 147 verse 4 tells us that ‘He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all - [Bethsaida - Light Bringing Responsibility](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bethsaida-light-bringing-responsibility/) - Bethsaida joins Jerusalem and Capernaum among the New Testament’s most prominent cities. Rather than its size or location, it was significant because of the Lord Jesus’ momentous ministry in and around it. At least three of the twelve disciples - Peter, Andrew, and Philip - came from the city, John 1. 44, and it was - [Uganda](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/uganda/) - I have posted Bible teaching videos and audio on various social media platforms for many years. My initial aim was to make Bible teaching available to believers in the UK who may not have come across New Testament church truth as it is taught among believers who gather in the way with which readers of - [The Shunamite, the Son and the Seer](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-shunamite-the-son-and-the-seer/) - These ‘last days’ are characterized by the exchange of truth for lies and corresponding lawlessness, 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2; 2 Tim. 3. 1-9, 13. The Lord Jesus predicted it, saying, ‘Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold’, Matt. 24. - [The Men at the Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-men-at-the-cross/) - The men are not as prominent as the women at the cross. The Lord’s disciples fled when He was arrested, thus fulfilling the prophecy, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad’, Matt. 26. 31; cp. Mark 14. 27. The only disciple we find at the cross is - [A Man of Perseverance](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-perseverance/) - With the work of rebuilding and restoring Jerusalem’s wall underway, the following three chapters deal with problems encountered as the work continued. Chapter 4 addresses external challenges. The united effort to build the wall angered the enemies of God’s people, for it threatened their way of life. ‘When Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, - [Jehovah Tsebahoth - ‘The Lord of Hosts’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-tsebahoth-the-lord-of-hosts/) - ‘O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid’, 1 Sam. 1. 11. That this is the first time this title is uttered by human lips is remarkable. Not by a mighty king leading an army of faithful warriors, but by a desperate, childless woman crying to the Lord - [Lessons in Prayer From Gethsemane](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lessons-in-prayer-from-gethsemane/) - In this article, we briefly consider the time the Lord Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. There, we will see Him under immense pressure and in deep anguish of soul as He anticipates the work of sin-bearing. We will learn His primary purpose was prayer, to lay bare His troubled heart and to affirm - [The Glory of God Depicted](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-glory-of-god-depicted/) - Introduction to the prophecy Ezekiel is possibly the most neglected prophetic book in the canon of scripture.1 Introductory matters to cover are abundant but we will constrain ourselves to those outlined in verses 1 to 4 of chapter 1. The book’s scribe Ezekiel’s name means ‘God strengthens’. While the prophet’s ministry is one long slog - [Editorial - November 2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-november-2025/) - ‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness’, 1 Tim. 3. 16 Verses 14 to 16 of chapter 3 constitute the core, climax, and key to 1 Timothy and explain Paul’s reasons for writing. The focus is godliness. It is more than correct beliefs; it is the outworking of those beliefs in holy living. - [Chairman’s Notes - November 2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/chairmans-notes-november-2025/) - As Elijah and Elisha took their journey from Gilgal to Bethel, and from Bethel to Jericho, and over the Jordan river, it is interesting to note that the whole journey was set against the background that ‘the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven’, 2 Kgs. 2. 1. Exactly when and where that translation would - [‘Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly’, Prov. 17. 12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/let-a-bear-robbed-of-her-whelps-meet-a-man-rather-than-a-fool-in-his-folly-prov-17-12/) - ‘Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet: a man, rather than a fool in his folly’, Prov. 17. 12 The bear is a formidable beast, known for its strength and power. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including berries, plant roots and shoots, small mammals, fish, and carrion. They often - [1 Peter 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-peter-5/) - As I suggested in my previous article, First Peter can be summarized under four general headings: Salvation, Sanctification, Submission, and, Suffering. Chapter 5 falls into the book’s final section under the main heading of suffering. In this chapter Peter is going to remind us: That he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ, v. - [‘Above the Bright Blue Sky’ – Albert Midlane (1825–1909)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/above-the-bright-blue-sky-albert-midlane-1825-1909/) - The name of Albert Midlane may be unfamiliar to readers today, but the chances are many will be familiar with his most famous work, There’s a Friend for little children, a hymn which has been sung in Sunday Schools around the world. Albert Midlane was born in Newport, Isle of Wight, England on 23rd of - [Dalmanutha](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/dalmanutha/) - Exactly where Dalmanutha, or Magdala (Magadan KJV mg.), was located is difficult to determine. Most commentators see them as two closely related places, some placing them on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, others on the south-east of the lake. However, although the geographical and socio-economic data may be of interest, it is - [Elisha and the Vessels of Oil 2 Kings 4. 1–7](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elisha-and-the-vessels-of-oil-2-kings-4-1-7/) - It is remarkable that some of the most instructive stories of the Bible arise from the humblest of households and the most desperate of circumstances. The passage before us is certainly a case in point. The episode is set in the dark days of apostasy in Israel during the reign of King Jehoram. A godly - [Haggai (2025)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/haggai-2025/) - Haggai was the only man in the Bible who bore this name, meaning ‘My feast’. His ministry was to stir up the people of God to complete the work of rebuilding the temple, God’s dwelling place. His is the second shortest book of the Old Testament and the first of the three post-exilic books that - [Angolan Literature Fund: 20 years of service](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/angolan-literature-fund-20-years-of-service/) - The Angolan Literature Fund was set up in 1998 with a clear vision ‘to further the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the people of Angola and such other charitable objectives as the Trustees may from time to time select’. Through the financial support it receives from individuals, assemblies and various trusts, the - [Angolan Literature Fund](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/angolan-literature-fund/) - UK Charity Registration No. 1077591 The Angolan Literature Fund was established in September 1998 with the aim of furthering the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, providing literature for the edifying of believers and making the scriptures available in Angola. Over the years since the Fund has been established it has been able to equip - [Words at the Cross - Part 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-6/) - The fifth saying from the cross is ‘I thirst’. This is the shortest of all of the seven sayings from the cross, and it is recorded only by John, 19. 28. The One who said, ‘I thirst’ He made the waters, Gen. 1. 2 The phrase, ‘the waters’, is referred to eleven times in the - [The Women at the Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-women-at-the-cross/) - At the time of our Lord’s earthly ministry, women in Jewish society were held in low esteem. They were not allowed to be witnesses in courts. They were not allowed to be taught the Torah. They would not figure among the followers of any rabbi; indeed, rabbis would not even speak to women in public. - [What I Am and What I Should Be!](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-i-am-and-what-i-should-be/) - Introduction As believers, have we ever considered not only what our relationship with God is but also what our responsibilities before God are? Have we ever contemplated not only what the purpose and meaning of life is generally, but, more importantly, what is the ultimate plan that God has for me specifically? The purpose of - [Question Time – What Is ‘The Sign of the Prophet Jonas’ . . . Matt. 12. 39, 40?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-what-is-the-sign-of-the-prophet-jonas-matt-12-39-40/) - QUESTION What is ‘the sign of the prophet Jonas’ and was the Lord Jesus ‘three days and three nights in the heart of the earth’, Matt. 12. 39, 40? ANSWER In Matthew chapter 12 verse 38, the scribes and Pharisees cynically demanded yet another sign from the Lord Jesus, as if the extraordinary miracles He - [Psalm 93 – the Lord Reigns](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalm-93-the-lord-reigns/) - For such a short psalm, the ninety-third is tightly packed with truth. We do not know the author, nor the circumstances in which it was written. It is not directly a song of praise, though consideration of its truths will lead us to praise. It is not a psalm of lament, though we will find - [The One Who ‘Came Down’, ‘Laid Down’ and ‘Sat Down’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-one-who-came-down-laid-down-and-sat-down/) - Unless otherwise stated, scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible Many will be familiar with the closing words of the short spiritual song, ‘Lord, I lift Your name on high’: ‘You came from heaven to earth to show the way, From the earth to the cross, my debt to - [A Man of Progress – the Place](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-progress-the-place/) - At this time, Jerusalem was the centre of God’s testimony - He had placed His name there. This was indicated by the Lord in Moses’ day and acknowledged by Solomon when the temple was dedicated.1 Our present dispensation was preceded by the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘the hour cometh, and now is, when the - [Journey of the Ark of the Covenant Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/journey-of-the-ark-of-the-covenant-part-3/) - In 1 Chronicles chapters 13 to 16 there are no less than twenty-nine references to the ark of the covenant. These chapters deal with the important subject of the establishment of the kingdom under the governorship of King David. The message lying on the surface is simple but searching - if the kingdom is to - [Jehovah-Shalom - ‘The Lord Is Peace’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-shalom-the-lord-is-peace/) - This, by any reckoning, is one of the most precious titles of God in scripture. Peace, no less than grace, is a charming sound, and a commodity in desperately scarce supply in our world and, too often, in our lives. Against the background of ‘fighting and fears, within and without’, it is precious indeed to - [The Invincible Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-invincible-christ/) - The invincible1 Christ Herod could not kill Him, Matt. 2 Guided by the star, the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem seeking for the newborn king, and King Herod was troubled. He told the wise men to let him know when they found the child, so that he too could come and worship - [Editorial - August 2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-august-2025/) - ‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves’, Phil. 2. 3. Often the first verses of this chapter are overlooked in a rush to the amazing doctrinal truths found in verses 5 to 11, and yet they are at the root of why - [‘Can . . . the Leopard [Change] His Spots?’ Jer. 13. 23](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/can-the-leopard-change-his-spots-jer-13-23/) - ‘Can . . . the leopard [change] his spots?’ Jer. 13. 23 This is a well-known phrase in English derived from a biblical text. The leopard is one of the species of cat closely related to the lion, tiger, and jaguar. It is a muscular animal, adapted to a variety of habitats, and known as - [But God . . .](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/but-god-2/) - Introduction In the words of talk show host and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, ‘“BUT” is a powerful word. It means forget everything I just said, I’m now going to tell you what I really mean’. Although not always completely accurate, generally speaking, the words which follow ‘but’ are the ones to remember. The word ‘but’ - [Brian Clatworthy (1947-2025)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/brian-clatworthy-1947-2025/) - Brian joined the Precious Seed Trust in July 2009 on the departure of Ken Rudge and three other members who had been part of the work for some time. It was felt that Brian would bring representation from the south-west of England, the area in which Precious Seed had commenced as a work for the - [A Better Hope](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-better-hope/) - The letter to the Hebrews sits central to the New Testament both literally and theologically. It is surrounded on either side by a series of letters named after individuals, those preceding Hebrews being the recipients of the letters and those after Hebrews being the authors of the letters. These personal letters are themselves preceded by - [1 Peter 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-peter-4/) - First Peter can be summarized under four general headings: Salvation, Sanctification, Submission, and Suffering. Chapter 4 falls into the book’s final section under the main heading of suffering. Peter speaks of suffering in each chapter of his letter. He learned the lesson of Luke chapter 17 verse 25 that the Lord Jesus must first ‘suffer - [A Word for Today: Mystery (Gk. Mysterion)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-mystery-gk-mysterion/) - mysia - A province of Asia Minormysterion - A mystery or secret of any kindmyopazo - To be short sighted One of the many fictional genres popular in bookshops today is that entitled ‘Mystery’, which most people associate with detective stories or unexplained occurrences that the writer seeks to unravel by the end of the - [A Man of Progress – the People](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-progress-the-people/) - The work summary follows an anticlockwise journey around Jerusalem’s perimeter, beginning at the north. It reports the activity of individuals and groups with attention drawn to certain features of the city’s walls. Nehemiah was concerned for God’s people, and for the place associated with His name, Neh. 1. 2; here he saw progress. He was - [Words at the Cross - Part 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-5/) - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is to say,‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ Matt. 27. 46. The central saying The first and the last of the sayings of Christ on the cross were addressed to God His Father; the fourth - [The Two Josephs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-two-josephs/) - Introduction There are twelve men named Joseph mentioned in scripture but only two of them were closely associated with the Lord Jesus here on Earth. The first Joseph, the husband of Mary, is recorded at the beginning of the Lord’s earthly life; the second Joseph (of Arimathea) is seen at the end of that life - [‘Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion’, 1 Sam. 17. 34](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/thy-servant-kept-his-fathers-sheep-and-there-came-a-lion-1-sam-17-34/) - ‘Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion’, 1 Sam. 17. 34 Known as ‘the king of beasts’, the lion is a large, powerfully built cat that is second in size only to the tiger. It has no natural predator or enemy, except man, and is one of the best-known wild animals. - [A Study in John 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-study-in-john-14/) - ‘And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son’, John 14. 13. Sometimes we quote this verse without the first word, ‘And’. This small word is quite important in understanding the context of the passage. According to Strong, ‘This word is a primary - [One God and Father of All](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/one-god-and-father-of-all/) - This article continues the occasional series titled ‘Father of’ and the words above are an extract from Ephesians chapter 4 verse 6. Before considering the content of the verse, we shall look at its setting within the overall Epistle, and also within chapter 4. The setting of verse 6 The six chapters of Ephesians can - [Obadiah (2025)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/obadiah-2025/) - This is the shortest of the writings of the Old Testament having only twenty-one verses. It forms part of a group of books in the Old Testament called ‘The Prophets’ and often known as the ‘Minor Prophets’. This expression describes the length of the book, not its rating in God’s eyes or its importance. The - [Lessons From Ephraim: the Man, the Tribe, and the Kingdom](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lessons-from-ephraim-the-man-the-tribe-and-the-kingdom/) - First of all, the man named Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and his Gentile bride Asenath in Egypt after Joseph’s remarkable promotion from his prison years to become the second ruler after Pharaoh in that empire. His name means ‘fruitful’, and his older brother Manasseh’s name means ‘forgetting’. Joseph said after their birth - [Journey of the Ark of the Covenant Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/journey-of-the-ark-of-the-covenant-part-2/) - Having crossed the Jordan, Israel were now faced with another great obstacle barring their entrance into the Promised Land in the form of the city of Jericho. Jordan was a natural barrier, but Jericho was a man-made barrier; it stood in the way of God’s people and their enjoyment of the inheritance. It represents a - [Jehovah-Mekaddishkem - ‘Jehovah That Doth Sanctify You’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-mekaddishkem-jehovah-that-doth-sanctify-you/) - ‘Jehovah that doth sanctify you’1 The ‘Titles of Jehovah’ in this series of articles can be found listed in the introductory notes of The Newberry Bible.2 Some are very familiar to the Bible student, and all serve to shed light on the character of our God and the way in which He reveals Himself in - [Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Elisha and Mesha 2 Kings 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehoram-jehoshaphat-elisha-and-mesha-2-kings-3/) - Frederick Augustus Klein was an Anglican missionary who dedicated his life to reaching Palestinian populations in Nazareth and Jerusalem between 1851 and 1877. As an avid amateur archaeologist, in August 1868 Klein discovered the Moabite Stone, or Mesha Stele, while exploring the ancient ruins of Dhiban in present-day Jordan. This basalt stone, inscribed with 34 - [Initiator and Completer of Needful Tasks in a Timely Manner](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/initiator-and-completer-of-needful-tasks-in-a-timely-manner/) - All quotation are taken from the New King James Bible, unless otherwise stated. The name of March is derived from that of the first month of the earliest Roman calendar, namely ‘Martius’. It, in turn, was named after the Roman god of war, ‘Mars’. He was the supposed ancestor of the Roman people through his - [Henry William Soltau (1805-1875)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/henry-william-soltau-1805-1875/) - The name Henry Soltau is perhaps one which is not particularly familiar to a current generation. However, in his day he was a well-known servant of the Lord. Early life Henry was born in Plymouth on 11th July 1805, the second of six children. Both of his parents were Christians and were members of the - [Gadara](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gadara/) - The first mention we have of a city called Gadara, on the shores of Lake Galilee, is at the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. The Gospel records of the miracle our Lord wrought in delivering the man Legion from his dreadful affliction identify different place names. In Mark it is ‘the country of the - [Faith That Can Be Seen](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/faith-that-can-be-seen/) - Sometimes Hebrews chapter 11, ‘Faith’s Hall of Fame’, is presented apart from the message of the Epistle as a whole. Actually, it plays a vital role in the appeal to the readers to maintain their confidence in Jesus as Messiah and Lord. D. W. GooDinG explains, ‘The great need of the Hebrews to whom the - [Editorial - May 2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-may-2025/) - ‘A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse’, S. of S. 4. 12 Modern activity-oriented Christianity puts great emphasis on ‘doing’. God is interested also in our ‘being’; not simply our function, but what we are and what we may become by His grace. Many of us take pleasure in gardens, and the Song of - [The Cross Divides](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-cross-divides-b/) - Although we know that the manner in which our Lord died was the subject of prophecy, Ps. 22; Isa. 53. 8, it is not until we get to the detailed narratives in the Gospels that we can see further significance in the arrangement of the crucifixion. From Luke chapter 23, we know that Jesus was - [1 Peter 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-peter-3/) - There is no greater way to encourage believers in practical Christian living than the example of the Lord Jesus. This is the technique that Peter adopts in 1 Peter chapter 3. From chapter 2, into chapter 3, whatever circumstances the believers are in, they are exhorted to godly living. This might have led to suffering, - [1 Peter 2: Growth](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-peter-2-growth/) - Growth is a concept that covers many aspects of life. Parents may recall the meticulous measurement and weighing of their newborn baby to monitor growth. Those involved in farming or gardening are interested in the optimum conditions for fruitful growth. The success of our world’s economic and business systems is measured based on growth. 1 - [1 Peter 1: Pilgrims of the Heavenly Way](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-peter-1-pilgrims-of-the-heavenly-way/) - 1 Peter 1: Pilgrims of the Heavenly Way1 The Christian life is a pilgrimage. Our sojourn here is temporary, and we are travelling through this fallen wilderness of a world on our way to a heavenly inheritance. By reminding his readers of the trinitarian source and purpose of their salvation, Peter pastorally lifts their eyes - [Words at the Cross - Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-4/) - The word of compassion for His mother, John 19. 26 The crowd at the cross As the Lord Jesus prayed alone in the garden of Gethsemane, a great multitude would soon arrive to arrest Him; and, thereafter until His death, He would be surrounded by crowds of people. Matthew records that a great multitude came - [‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb’, Isa. 11. 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-wolf-also-shall-dwell-with-the-lamb-isa-11-6/) - ‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb’, Isa. 11. 6 Wolves are the largest and most powerful members of the biological family of animals including dogs, foxes, and coyotes. There are three distinct species of wolves: the grey wolf, the most widespread and varied, with over thirty subspecies; the red wolf; and the Abyssinian - [William Lincoln (1825-1888)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-lincoln-1825-1888/) - ‘I hope you will not talk about William Lincoln, for I am only a saved sinner’.1From such a beginning, perhaps it would be inappropriate to write this article, or one on any other servant of the Lord, but we do so, like others before us, with the desire to encourage all in their obedience and - [Venezuela](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/venezuela/) - Venezuela has been a fruitful field for the gospel. The work of the assemblies began over 100 years ago through much sacrifice. Very faithful and godly men, raised and sent by God from foreign lands, laid a solid foundation and the Lord has given the increase. At present there are 205 assemblies in the country, - [Three Things That Jesus Did](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/three-things-that-jesus-did/) - ‘There are’, of course, as the Apostle John said in the last verse of his Gospel, ‘many other things which Jesus did’ but I want us to focus in this article on just three. I want us to think of the time when the Lord Jesus did: something which others shouldn’t do something which others - [Thoughts on Second Kings Chapter 5 - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/thoughts-on-second-kings-chapter-5-part-2/) - In the previous article we considered the revelation of the little maid for the cleansing of Naaman, her master. Verse 5 of the chapter informs us of the king’s actions for his well-respected soldier/servant. The little maid had not mentioned the king or any price that needed to be paid for Naaman’s cure, but this - [The Prophecy of Habakkuk](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-habakkuk/) - We know very little about the prophet Habakkuk, but he was probably a contemporary of Jeremiah. A prophet’s message is much more important than the man himself. His prophecy predicts an imminent Babylonian invasion, suggesting that he lived in Judah around the end of Josiah’s reign. At the Battle of Carchemish, 605 BC, Egyptian forces - [Recording Time and Days in Scripture](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/recording-time-and-days-in-scripture/) - Introduction As we live our fast-moving, instant communication, 21st-Century lives, I wonder if we have ever stopped and considered how we are affected by the different divisions of time - days, weeks, months, seasons, and years. Why are there twenty-four hours in a day, twelve months in a year, and 365 days in a normal - [Question Time – Why Do Christians Sin and How Can We Overcome Sin?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-why-do-christians-sin-and-how-can-we-overcome-sin/) - QUESTION Why do Christians sin and how can we overcome sin? ANSWER Before I became a Christian, my understanding of right and wrong was shaped by various influences - my upbringing,1 the opinions of my peers, and societal norms absorbed through the media. Morality was fluid and subjective. However, when I became a Christian, a - [Nain](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/nain/) - This village of Nain is located in northern Israel, in the region known as Lower Galilee. It lies fourteen kilometres or eight-and-a-half miles south to south-east of Nazareth. In the context of Luke’s Gospel, it would be 52.5 kilometres or thirty miles from Capernaum and it lay between Mount Tabor in the north and Mount - [Journey of the Ark of the Covenant Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/journey-of-the-ark-of-the-covenant-part-1/) - The ark of the covenant is a most interesting and instructive study in scripture. To fully analyse it we would need to consider it’s: Construction, Exod. 25 Covering (mercy seat), Exod. 25 Contents, Heb. 9 Coverings, Num. 4 Course. It is the last of these subjects that we purpose to consider. We will trace three - [Jehovah-Nissi](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-nissi/) - ‘Then came Amalek’, Exod. 17. 8. The words hardly constitute a fanfare, but they nonetheless mark a crucial development in the history of the nation of Israel and of its wilderness journey. The victory that Israel would win, and Moses commemorate, at Jehovah-nissi was very different from the one that they had experienced on the - [Hermosillo, Mexico](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hermosillo-mexico/) - We appreciate the prayerful interest of the Lord’s people as He faithfully preserves and furthers His work around the world. It was over fifteen years ago that my wife, Stephanie, and I were commended to the grace of God from Canada, and, in response to His call, arrived in the northwest of Mexico, to engage - [Elisha: Elijah’s Mantle 2 Kings 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elisha-elijahs-mantle-2-kings-2/) - It was a time of change in the life of Elisha. He had been called by Elijah and had followed after him. What had happened is that his mentor and friend Elijah had been taken home to heaven. What was he to do? Elijah had served in the northern kingdom with Elisha and scripture records - [Editorial - February 2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-february-2025/) - ‘What doest thou here, Elijah’, 1 Kgs. 19. 9 When God asks a question, often His purpose is to get the individual to think about the answer for themselves. Whilst God knows the answer, He wants us to reflect, perhaps even to do a spiritual ‘stocktake’, assessing what we do for the Lord and why - [The Cross Divides](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-cross-divides/) - Although we know that the manner in which our Lord died was the subject of prophecy, Ps. 22; Isa. 53. 8, it is not until we get to the detailed narratives in the Gospels that we can see further significance in the arrangement of the crucifixion. From Luke chapter 23, we know that Jesus was - [Change in the Midst of Decay](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/change-in-the-midst-of-decay/) - ‘It’s obsolete, mate!’ These are the words I frequently heard working in a shop selling power tools and garden equipment, when the repair technician, usually with a hint of glee, let down a customer hoping for a cheap fix on some broken equipment. What I came to realize was that many products were designed to - [A Man of Preparation – Practically](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-preparation-practically/) - Chapter 2 verses 11 to 20 In this passage, a change of scene is introduced, with Nehemiah’s arrival at the site where the work of rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem was to take place, v. 11. He had been released from his duty as cupbearer to the king and been granted access to - [Words at the Cross - Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-3/) - Second saying from the cross,‘Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise’, Luke 23. 43. It was no accident that the Lord Jesus was crucified between two thieves. The One who at His birth in Bethlehem was surrounded by the beasts of the field was at His death crucified - [A Word for Today: Envy / Jealousy (Hb. Qanna)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-envy-jealousy-hb-qanna/) - Qaneh (cane, reed, stalk)Qanna (envy / jealousy)Qanno (jealous) The Hebrew adjective qanna is derived from the verb qana meaning either to be jealous or zealous. It is used in the Old Testament both positively and negatively. Positively it can refer to being zealous for the benefit of others as in 2 Samuel chapter 21 verse - [William Yapp 1807-1874](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-yapp-1807-1874/) - Although unknown to most believers today, few readers would realize that the Bible that they carry and read is a testimony to the man who is the subject of this short article. As one writer states, ‘Cover extensions have for many years been known as yapp edges, getting their name from the nineteenth-century London Bible - [A Time to Love - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-time-to-love-part-2/) - All quotations are taken from the New King James Bible Hearts before God - a righteous heart/a heart that plans evil Just as our physical health depends on food and drink, so our spiritual well-being is dependent on keeping close to the side of the Lord. As our Good Shepherd, He is able to meet - [Thoughts on Second Kings Chapter 5 - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/thoughts-on-second-kings-chapter-5-part-1/) - The Old Testament gives us four men named Naaman, three of whom we know very little about.1 The Bible presents to us many characters, some of whom we know and delight to meditate on, whilst of others very little is known and some whose identity is unknown. The most well-known is the Naaman of 2 - [Sychar](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/sychar/) - Scripture speaks of a city called Sychar. Although it is mentioned only once, the passage is one of the most important for telling us fundamental truth about our Lord, about our way of evangelism, and about our way of worship. John tells us in chapter 4 of his Gospel that Sychar was not far from - [The Shoulder of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-shoulder-of-god/) - Introduction We are very familiar with the shoulder being used as a figure of speech. I am shouldering the responsibility of this article. However, you may give me the cold shoulder if you do not like what you read - but that will be okay so long as I have broad shoulders! The shoulder is - [The Prophecy of Zephaniah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-zephaniah/) - As I write these notes in November 2023, the world focus is once again, as often before, upon the State of Israel. The response of the Israeli Defence Force to the unprovoked and murderous attack upon the kibbutzim adjacent to the Gaza Strip has alienated the greater part of world opinion against Israel, and strengthened - [‘Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread’, Mark 8. 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/now-the-disciples-had-forgotten-to-take-bread-mark-8-14/) - ‘Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread’, Mark 8. 14 It is of note that the verse that accompanies our cover picture sits in the context of Mark’s account of the feeding of the four thousand. In that narrative of the miracle, and from the meagre provision of seven loaves, we are told that - [Medical Missionary News: Supporting Christian Mission through Healthcare](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/medical-missionary-news-supporting-christian-mission-through-healthcare/) - From the early beginnings of Medical Missionary News, when a group of doctors saw the need for prayer for medical mission across the world, MMN has been seeking to support those involved in making the Lord known through the provision of healthcare, through prayer, and in practical ways. In 1934, a quarterly magazine was released - [A Man of Preparation – Personally](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-preparation-personally/) - The earlier part of this chapter, chapter 2 verses 1 to 10, records Nehemiah’s audience before King Artaxerxes. Taking the opportunity offered by the king’s enquiry, he asked to be released from his duty as cupbearer, and for resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. By verse 8, Nehemiah was able to say that these - [Letter to Philemon - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/letter-to-philemon-part-2/) - The stated aims of the late 18th-century French Revolution were ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’. In order to try and achieve this, 17, 000 men, women, and children died on the guillotine and the country was left with a secular, socialist Republic which imposed its alternative will on the people of France. For the Christian, a personal - [Jehovah Ropheca](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-ropheca/) - The years of wilderness wandering are a tragic period in the history of Israel. The greatest tragedy of those years does not, perhaps, lie in the trail of graves that marked the fulfilment of the divine judgement as the carcasses of the disobedient fell in the wilderness. Sad though that trail of death undoubtedly was, - [The High Priesthood in Hebrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-high-priesthood-in-hebrews/) - Alone among the writers of the New Testament, the title ‘High Priest’ is applied to the Lord Jesus by the writer to the Hebrews. He uses the term eighteen times. On eleven of these occasions, he applies it to Christ. The other seven times relate either to Aaron, Israel’s first high priest, or to his - [Elisha: His Background and His Emergence 2 Kings 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elisha-his-background-and-his-emergence-2-kings-2/) - At the time of the ministry of Elisha, and his predecessor Elijah, Israel had turned from God and was following after Baal. It was through her husband, Ahab, that Jezebel had established the worship of Baal, 1 Kgs. 16. 30-33. Elijah had commenced the work of turning Israel back from Baal to God and the - [Editorial - November 2024](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-november-2024/) - ‘The God of the armies of Israel’, 1 Sam. 17. 45 How do you look at situations? Do you assess things merely from a human perspective, or do you instinctively include God and His claims as part of the picture? Israel had opted for a king who stood head and shoulders above the rest, but - [The Battle for the Mind (3): Be of One Mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-battle-for-the-mind-3-be-of-one-mind/) - ‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind’, Phil. 2. 2. The battle for the mind has to be fought on many fronts. Our first study explored this very personally, by looking at the pressures that many face with fear, anxiety, depression and the - [The Old and the New Covenants](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-old-and-the-new-covenants/) - All quotations are taken from NKJV unless otherwise indicated Hebrews chapters 8 to 10 teach the superiority of the new covenant over the old, but this truth raises some puzzling questions. If Christ ‘offered one sacrifice for sins forever’, Heb. 10. 12, how can there possibly be a return to animal sacrifices in a future - [The Life and Times of Elijah the Prophet Part 1 - Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-life-and-times-of-elijah-the-prophet-part-1-introduction/) - In considering something of the life of Elijah the prophet, it is remarkable how he appeared on the pages of scripture without any preamble or record of his life, and he disappeared from the scriptures equally dramatically. He served the Lord in one of the darkest days of Israel’s history and he did so with - [The First Epistle of Peter - Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-first-epistle-of-peter-introduction/) - First Peter is a circular letter that was sent to a number of local churches scattered throughout Asia Minor. The letter is addressed to the exiles of the dispersion, which is reminiscent of expressions used in the Old Testament of the dispersion of Israel. Moyise states that for its size, 1 Peter is second to - [A Time to Love - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-time-to-love-part-1/) - All quotations are taken from the New King James Bible The pages of scripture reveal God’s affinity for numbers. In fact, He even seems to have His favourites - specific numbers that keep popping up throughout the pages of the Bible. Theologians have long considered these numbers to be representative of broader spiritual implications. For - [Words at the Cross - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross-part-2/) - Each of the seven sayings of the Saviour from the cross reveals a fundamental truth about God. In this article, we shall be thinking of ‘The God of forgiveness’ - ‘Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’, Luke 23. 34. Devotional The enormity of the crime The crucifixion of - [Translated and Succeeded: But God Remains](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/translated-and-succeeded-but-god-remains/) - Many aspects of the service of Elijah are larger than life and his departure from this world is no exception. Once he had asked to die but God disregarded that request and now in 2 Kings chapter 2 takes him to heaven! In a day of idolatry, God ensures that no grave would be left - [‘There was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion’, Judg. 14. 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/there-was-a-swarm-of-bees-and-honey-in-the-carcase-of-the-lion-judg-14-8/) - ‘There was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion’, Judg. 14. 8 It is Judges chapter 14 that introduces us to the enigma that is Samson. He is a man whom the Lord blessed, 13. 24, and whom He moved to deliver Israel from their Philistine oppressors, 13. 1, 25, - [The Servant Amidst Pressure](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-servant-amidst-pressure/) - Undoubtedly in our western world, many people are seeking help with ‘stress’. An alarming number of people are finding the pressures of life unbearable, and concern has been expressed at the volume of medication consumed to relieve the pressures and problems of life. Where does the believer stand in all this? Challenges abound in personal, - [Question Time - Should I be at assembly gatherings?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-should-i-be-at-assembly-gatherings/) - QUESTION Should I be at assembly gatherings? ANSWER ‘Should’ sets a low bar as we begin to address this question. ‘Should’ suggests obligation or duty. It is symptomatic of an underlying lack of motivation to come into the presence of the Lord. As the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus spoke of Himself, ‘To him the - [Poured Out](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/poured-out/) - What was the overwhelming reaction of the United States to the attack by Japanese fighter planes on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 7 December 1941, which took the lives of some 2, 400 United States personnel, and the destruction of its Pacific fleet of naval ships? It could be described as an - [A Man of Prayer](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-prayer/) - Nehemiah’s book is punctuated by prayer. Prioritizing the things of God, it was his recourse in all kinds of situations.1Prayer was a major exercise of Nehemiah for the four months from chapter 1 verse 1, ‘the month Chisleu’, to chapter 2 verse 1, ‘the month Nisan’. He was burdened by the desperate circumstances of the - [Letter to Philemon - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/letter-to-philemon-part-1/) - Christianity is the very antithesis of slavery. In the first century, when this brief letter was written, slavery was endemic throughout the Roman empire. It has been suggested that as many as one third of the population under Rome’s authority were slaves. Their individual experience varied widely. For those with caring and benevolent masters, life - [Jehovah Jireh](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jehovah-jireh/) - Sometime about 2100 BC, a man called Abram, living in Ur of the Chaldees, heard the call of God. The call was clear, uncompromising, and very costly. ‘Get thee’, said God, ‘out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee’, Gen. 12. 1. - [The Father of Spirits](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-father-of-spirits/) - Materialism holds sway in our contemporary world. Most people live as if what is seen and touched is of ultimate value.1 In contrast, the scriptures tell us that reality is composed of both material and spiritual things. Although the divine title ‘the Father of spirits’ only occurs once in the Bible, Heb. 12. 9, the - [Editorial - August 2024](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-august-2024/) - ‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is’, Heb. 10. 25. There are four distinct uses of the word ‘church’ in the New Testament. The word is derived from two words that mean ‘called out’ and it is invariably applied to a company of persons called out. It is never - [Cana of Galilee](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cana-of-galilee/) - Cana is a small town in the north of Israel not far from ‘Nazareth, where he had been brought up’, Luke 4. 16. It is only mentioned in the New Testament in John’s Gospel. While most famous for the turning of water into wine at the wedding in chapter 2, it is also the location - [The Battle for the Mind (2): A Sound Mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-battle-for-the-mind-2-a-sound-mind/) - ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind’, Rom. 12. 2. In our previous study, we recognized the fact that we are engaged in a real battle for the mind. We saw something of the ways in which fear, doubt, and anxiety in the mind of - [The Prophecy of Nahum](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-nahum/) - The prophet Nahum prophesied sometime between the fall of the Egyptian capital city of Thebes, which is dated to 663 BC,1 and the later fall of the city of Nineveh, which is dated to 612 BC. Many Jewish scholars think that Nahum prophesied in the days of King Manasseh, which again would place him in - [Lord’s Work Trust - Striving Together for the Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lords-work-trust-striving-together-for-the-gospel/) - Striving Together for the Gospel From the moment of his conversion, Paul had a deep love for the gospel. He understood that preaching was central in spearheading the work of the gospel. He further appreciated that prayer was crucial in strengthening such a work for God. However, he was also aware that providing for such - [Tall Ships Outreach](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/tall-ships-outreach/) - From 26th-29th July 2023, Shetland hosted the Tall Ships Race, an annual international race of traditionally-rigged sailing vessels.1 The event sees dozens of ships from all around the world race along a route which includes a number of European ports, and in 2023 Lerwick was selected as a host-port. Lerwick has hosted the Tall Ships - [School’s Out!](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/schools-out/) - Practical ideas for running a holiday club ‘Let the children come’, Mat. 19. 14. We are thankful to the Lord for the freedom that we have to reach out to children and young people. There are still many opportunities through Sunday schools, youth clubs, postal Bible schools, camps, schools work or holiday clubs. For many - [Going Up To University](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/going-up-to-university/) - The move from home to university life is one of the biggest and most challenging changes in the life of any young believer or unbeliever. Whilst there are difficulties which face young Christians that others will not be confronted with, there will be help and blessing experienced by the believer through fellowship with God and - [A Word for Today: Righteousness, Justice (Gk. Dikaiosynen)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-righteousness-justice-gk-dikaiosynen/) - dikaios (righteous, correct)dikaiosynen(righteousness, justice)dikaioo (to declare, pronounce righteous) Anyone who seeks to understand the biblical doctrine of righteousness or justification will immediately be challenged by the vast amount of material that is found throughout scripture. Morris notes the limited use of the words ‘propitiation’ and ‘reconciliation’ in the New Testament and states, by way of - [Why Is Gospel Literature Important in a Digital World?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/why-is-gospel-literature-important-in-a-digital-world/) - This is a good question! We live in a world where people access information in many different ways. Despite the rapid rise of communication via digital means, it is surprising that so much of our information is still presented in written and printed form. I may be old-fashioned, but I still enjoy reading a printed - [The Warnings (2)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-warnings-2/) - As was stated in the first article, the writer to the Hebrews weaves various warnings to his readers alongside the important doctrine relating to the person, offices, and work of Christ. Coming to the latter chapters in the Epistle, the writer considers something of the life of the believer in Christ, comparing and contrasting it - [Spiritual Gifts: Helps](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/spiritual-gifts-helps/) - There is no doubt that in the writings of the Apostle Paul there is much teaching to assemblies and believers, not only in the early church, but also for us today on the subject of spiritual gifts. This is covered in: 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 8 to 10 and 28 to 30; Romans chapter - [The Rich Man and Lazarus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-rich-man-and-lazarus/) - God values people. Much of Luke’s material highlights human worth. Luke chapter 14 looks at human value from different angles, including: human indifference to suffering people on the sabbath, vv. 1-6; human ambition and the Master inviting one to greater honour, vv. 7-11; the Lord’s instruction to invite those who cannot repay (He values the - [The Prophecy of Micah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-micah/) - The penman Like some other prophets, very little is known about the background of the prophet Micah. We do know that he came from the Judean town of Moresheth, Mic. 1. 1, and that he was a contemporary of the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah, with whom his ministry overlaps at times. He shares many - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 10: Shepherding](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-10-shepherding/) - The sight of sheep dotted over a rolling green English countryside may evoke a sense of a restful, gentle, and idyllic way of life. However, those responsible for the care of those sheep, even in such apparently ideal conditions, know the hard work and vigilance required for the flock to remain healthy, or even alive. - [Naboth and His Inheritance](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/naboth-and-his-inheritance/) - This is one of many exciting stories in the Bible but sadly it has a tragic outcome. Kings in ancient times were despotic and powerful, and there seemed to be little that the ‘man in the street’ could do to defend his rights or belongings. So, this is a salutary tale where a man stands - [A Man of Priority](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-of-priority/) - Nehemiah is the sixteenth of the seventeen Old Testament history books, one of three that documents events following Israel’s Babylonian exile.1 God had called the nation to be a ‘kingdom of priests’, Exod. 19. 6; His desire was for it to be known that He was their God, and they His people, Lev. 26. 12. - [John the Baptist - Part 4: Doubt and Death](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/john-the-baptist-part-4-doubt-and-death/) - The time has come to reach the end of our journey with the greatest of all the prophets. It has been a privilege to follow John from his mother’s womb and now, sadly, to his decease. As we leave him, I am sure, like me, you look forward to spending eternity with him. What a - [‘It is no place of seed, or … of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink’, Num. 20. 5.](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/it-is-no-place-of-seed-or-of-pomegranates-neither-is-there-any-water-to-drink-num-20-5/) - ‘It is no place of seed, or … of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink’, Num. 20. 5. Having been delivered from slavery in Egypt via the Red Sea, the children of Israel now arrive in the Desert of Zin. Perhaps better known to us as the Negev, it was a desolate and - [The Eyes of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-eyes-of-god/) - The idea of God ‘seeing’ is the most widely used anthropomorphism in the scriptures. Although the expression ‘the eyes of God’ is not found in the Bible,1 the phrase ‘the eyes of the Lord’, also translated as ‘the sight of the Lord’, occurs over 100 times.2 Many verses also refer to God ‘looking upon’ or - [Editorial - May 2024](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-may-2024/) - ‘Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit’, 1 Cor. 12. 4. ‘Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour’ is an observation attributed to the poet William Cowper. As we consider the amazing diversity of life on earth, how blessed we are to inhabit a world so beautiful, - [Capernaum (2)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/capernaum-2/) - John 6. 15-21 - a storm on the lake As the background to this event, we should notice the omniscience of the Saviour - He ‘perceived that they would come and take him by force’, v. 15. The Lord knows all things! In the words of the wise men from the east, the Lord was - [The Battle for the Mind (1): A Sound Mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-battle-for-the-mind-1-a-sound-mind/) - ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’, 2 Tim. 1. 7 We are all now very familiar with the concept of a pandemic. The effects of 2020 and 2021, in a physical sense, were evident for all to see. However, since - [Words at the Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-at-the-cross/) - Words spoken directly to the Lord Jesus on the cross 1. ‘And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross’, Matt. 27. 39, 40. The first group - [Peacemaker / Reconciler](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/peacemaker-reconciler/) - It was a perfect autumn day weather-wise back in October of 2014 within the Lycus Valley of the former Territory of Phrygia in southwest Turkey. After leaving our tour bus we began climbing a steep hill with no steps. After about fifteen minutes we found ourselves standing on the top of the barren acropolis containing - [The Warnings (1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-warnings-1/) - Alongside the important doctrine of the person, offices, and work of Christ, the writer to the Hebrews weaves various warnings, impressing on his readers the significance of what has been taught. In that approach, there is an immediate and equally valuable lesson for believers today. Doctrine has practical implications! It should impact upon our Christian - [Telephone Ministry](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/telephone-ministry/) - The idea for a telephone ministry was first conceived following the onset of Covid-19 and the national lockdowns which were imposed by government to try to restrict the spread of the virus. The inability to meet in person, coupled with the fact that many did not have access to or know how to use computer - [The Talents (2)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-talents-2/) - In our previous article, we considered the earlier sections of this parable, dealing with responsibility and rebellion. Now, we will consider the events that follow the return of the king. Return and review, vv. 15-26 Despite the citizens’ rejection, the nobleman returns ‘having received the kingdom’. Although we might have expected the punishment of the - [Question Time - What Is the Difference Between Atonement and Propitiation?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-what-is-the-difference-between-atonement-and-propitiation/) - QUESTION What is the difference between atonement and propitiation? ANSWER Atonement and propitiation are related ideas, but with important differences, the most obvious being that they are Old and New Testament concepts, respectively. The Hebrew words kapar or kipur, meaning ‘to cover’, occur over 100 times in the Old Testament, and are mostly translated as - [The Prophecy of Hosea - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-hosea-part-2/) - In chapters 2 and 3, we are mainly concerned with the interaction between God and Israel, mirrored in the relationship between Hosea and his promiscuous wife, Gomer. We feel the frustration of both God and Hosea as they grapple with the infidelity of each of their spouses. The whole of chapter 2 is a delicately - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 9: Ambassador](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-9-ambassador/) - Introduction Some of the metaphors Paul uses occur frequently in his writings, as this series of articles has shown. This one, ‘ambassador’, occurs only twice in the KJV; 2 Cor. 5. 20; Eph. 6. 20. It is an interesting one, however, referring to people, rather than to positions, such as ‘adoption’, or public events as - [Leonard Strong (1797-1874)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/leonard-strong-1797-1874/) - The story of Leonard Strong is remarkable in that whilst working for the Lord in Georgetown, British Guiana, he was breaking bread without any connection with similar meetings convened in Dublin in 1830. For some, the so-called ‘Brethren’ movement began in Dublin, but Strong is a testimony to a movement of the Spirit of God - [John the Baptist - Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/john-the-baptist-part-3/) - We commenced this series of articles by examining some of the unique events that surrounded the birth and early life of John the Baptist. He was described by John, the apostle, as ‘a man sent from God’, John 1. 6. We will now consider the nature of his ministry and message that led to him - [Horn of Plenty and Salvation](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/horn-of-plenty-and-salvation/) - At the end of the year when the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas are celebrated here in the United States, many single folks and families will do as my wife does. She goes to a cabinet, removes, and sets on the dining room table an object that is especially meaningful at this season. The Merriam-Webster - [Why Assemblies of the Saints Do Not Have One Pastor](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/why-assemblies-of-the-saints-do-not-have-one-pastor/) - Martin Luther stated, ‘In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; and what thou readest, thou canst not read too well, and what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; and what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; and what thou teachest, thou canst not too well live’.1 - [Samuel Ridout (1855-1930)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/samuel-ridout-1855-1930/) - Introduction Anyone reading through lists of second-hand Christian books will soon come across the name of the author ‘S(amuel) Ridout’. He and Frederick Grant were, in their day, the leading Bible scholars associated with the Exclusive Brethren in the USA and Canada. They were contemporary with the leading British equivalent brethren, such as J. N. - [The Prophecy of Gog and Magog](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-gog-and-magog/) - Background Ezekiel was a priest and a prophet who lived during one of the darkest times in Israel’s history - the seventy-year captivity in Babylon. While God’s people generally seemed overwhelmed and downcast because of their circumstances, Ezekiel rose above his surroundings and remained resolute in his faith in his God. Could this be a - [The Hind of the Dawn](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-hind-of-the-dawn/) - As the two disciples walked on the road to Emmaus, the Lord Jesus expounded to them ‘in all the scriptures the things concerning himself’, Luke 24. 27. In John chapter 5 verse 39, speaking of all of the Old Testament, He said, ‘they are they which testify of me’. When the Spirit of God illuminates - [‘Give Attendance to Reading’ - How Can We Help a Believer if They Cannot Read?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/give-attendance-to-reading-how-can-we-help-a-believer-if-they-cannot-read/) - As you read this article a profound series of processes are taking place in your eyes and brain. Approximately four times a second your eyes make extremely rapid movements, called saccades, moving your eyes from word to word. In the quarter of a second periods in between, visual information travels from your eyes to your - [Fleeing From Jezebel - 1 Kings 19. 1–18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/fleeing-from-jezebel-1-kings-19-1-18/) - Jezebel’s fury in Jezreel, vv. 1, 2 Ahab hurried back to Jezreel and reported to Jezebel all that Elijah had done that day at Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated and slain. Ahab gave no glory to the Lord, who had answered by fire from heaven, consuming the burnt sacrifice and the wood - [Editorial - February 2024](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-february-2024/) - ‘If any man serve me, let him follow me’, John 12. 26 Let us be clear, our Lord does not need our service. Yet, seeing how great a debt we owe to Him, why would we not want to ‘attend to anything’ that is in His interest? ‘If the Son … shall make you free, - [The Darkest Hour](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-darkest-hour/) - It is said that the darkest hour is the one before dawn, and how welcome is the emerging light of the sun as it begins its journey to the peak of noon on yet another day. Yet the darkest hour often seems so long and forbidding, not just in a physical sense but also in - [Christian Life in the Wilderness - 1 Peter 2. 4-12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/christian-life-in-the-wilderness-1-peter-2-4-12/) - Introduction Peter has drawn many parallels between the strangers and pilgrims of the wilderness generation and the generation of Christian sojourners in the Roman empire. The prospect of inheritance in Canaan typifies an incorruptible inheritance in heaven, 1. 4. The trials of the wilderness prefigure the trial of Christian faith, v. 7. Redemption by the - [Capernaum (1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/capernaum-1/) - Capernaum was a city located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and, as we read in Matthew chapter 4, it was ‘in the borders of Zabulon, and Nephthalim’, v. 13. That is, it was in the area of the land divided between these two tribes in the time of Joshua. We also - [‘And their father Israel said … take of the best fruits in the land … almonds’, Gen. 43. 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/and-their-father-israel-said-take-of-the-best-fruits-in-the-land-almonds-gen-43-11/) - The background of our verse is the famine that afflicted the world of the time - ‘the seven years of dearth’, Gen. 41. 54. Because of the food shortages, ‘all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn’, v. 57. Thus, Jacob said unto his sons, ‘get you down thither, and buy for - [Rachel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/rachel-2023/) - In this series on the brides of scripture we have learned that the first bride, Eve, was linked to a ‘wounded man’, and the second bride, Rebekah, was impressed by a ‘wealthy man’. In Genesis chapter 29, Rachel is the favoured bride sought out by a ‘willing man’, who was not only captivated by her - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 8: Athletics](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-8-athletics/) - By the time Paul was writing in the New Testament, the Olympic games were an established event. Started sometime in the 700s BC, they had become so significant ‘that in late antiquity historians measured time by the interval between them—an Olympiad’.1By the end of the 6th century BC, three other games had attained ‘classical’ status - [A Word for Today: Glory (Hb. Kabod)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-glory-hb-kabod/) - Kabed (Liver) Kabod (Glory) Kabsah (Ewe lamb, lamb) When Eli’s daughter-in-law heard the news that the ark of the covenant had been taken by the Philistines, and both Eli and her husband were dead, 1 Sam. 4. 19, the shock was so great that she went into premature labour and sadly died in childbirth. Before - [The Victory at Mount Carmel - 1 Kings 18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-victory-at-mount-carmel-1-kings-18/) - Obadiah - Governor of Ahab’s house It is remarkable that in the scriptures we often find a faithful witness for God in the most unexpected places. In the household of the wicked king Ahab and his evil queen Jezebel, their chief servant was Obadiah, of whom scripture records, ‘Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly’, 18. - [The Three Disciples](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-three-disciples/) - Peter Peter, writing about thirty years after the event, speaks of what he saw on the ‘holy mount’, 2 Pet. 1. 16-18. Although everything was still vivid in his mind, he never mentions the three tabernacles, nor his fellow disciples, nor himself. There was not even a word about Moses and Elijah, great men revered - [‘They shall make an ark of shittim wood’, Exod. 25. 10.](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/they-shall-make-an-ark-of-shittim-wood-exod-25-10/) - ‘They shall make an ark of shittim wood’, Exod. 25. 10. The title ‘shittim wood’ is also translated and generally understood to be the Acacia. There are several varieties which grow in the Middle East, the Acacia seyal being the most common. They are, however, different to the acacias that we might be familiar with - [The Talents (1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-talents-1/) - The parable of the talents, as recorded in Luke chapter 19 verses 11 to 27, must surely number among the most challenging told by the Lord Jesus. The clear central message of the parable - that we are responsible to Christ for our stewardship of the resources that He has entrusted to us - is - [The Scriptural Route to Evangelistic ‘Success’ -‘I … Have Sent Them Into the World’, John 17. 18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-scriptural-route-to-evangelistic-success-i-have-sent-them-into-the-world-john-17-18/) - There is a most important principle lying on the surface of the high-priestly prayer of the Lord Jesus in John chapter 17. It culminates here in verse 18. The development is as follows.1 His own are seen as being associated with ‘the world’ in four perspectives: ‘out of the world’, v. 6, as to electing - [The Prophecy of Hosea - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophecy-of-hosea-part-1/) - Introduction Hosea prophesied during the reigns of five kings, four of Judah (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah) and one of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Jeroboam II), Hos. 1. 1. He was a prophet of the eighth century BC and was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Micah, and possibly Jonah. The decline of - [Nazareth](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/nazareth/) - Nazareth is now home to more than 60,000 Israeli Arabs, as well as thousands more Jewish residents. It is situated inside a bowl on the top of the ridge of hills or mountains north of the Jezreel Valley. However, in the time of the Lord Jesus, it was a relatively isolated village with a population - [Mark Chapter 16](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/mark-chapter-16/) - Mary Magdalene and the women, vv. 1, 2 The women who came to the tomb were both practical and devotional in their commitment to the Lord Jesus. The repeated witness of scripture to their actions is a sterling testimony to the value and appreciation God has of their actions. We too need to place such - [Lessons for the Believer From Habakkuk](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lessons-for-the-believer-from-habakkuk/) - At the end of the Old Testament, there are twelve books often referred to as the ‘Minor Prophets’. The term ‘minor’ only refers to their length, not to the status of their content. Far from it! The importance of these prophets cannot be overstated. They deal with events of their day and prophetic truth, all - [John the Baptist - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/john-the-baptist-part-2/) - Suggested reading: Luke 1. 39-80 One of the noteworthy features of these remarkable times was the harmony that existed between Zacharias and Elisabeth, who were to become John’s parents. Naturally speaking, many things conspired against any prospect of the long-term survival of their partnership. A key factor that bound them together was their deep longing - [Insects in the Scriptures](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/insects-in-the-scriptures/) - Insects are small creatures with a three-segment, stiff shell instead of bones, six legs, and two or four wings protruding from the middle segment (thorax). The one million species of insects are a large proportion of mobile animals in God’s world. They mostly have a four-stage life cycle (egg, larva, chrysalis (pupa), and adult). The - [Editorial - November 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-november-2023/) - ‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh’, 2 Cor. 10. 3. Living in the world is a constant challenge for the believer. Paul reminds us, however, that we do not conduct our Christian lives by ‘the standards of this world’, 2 Cor. 10. 2 NIV. The Apostle John - [Donald Ross (1823-1903)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/donald-ross-1823-1903/) - Introduction Someone has said that ‘The years that followed the great revival of ‘59 and the [eighteen] sixties were the most fruitful in the annals of Christianity in … [Scotland] … since the Reformation’. During that period, similar revivals were also experienced in Ireland and Wales. These were the years when the subject of our - [The Christology of Hebrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-christology-of-hebrews/) - The term Christology means the doctrine of Christ. The person of Christ and His work are inseparable, for the one imparts value to the other. The Epistle to the Hebrews is particularly rich in this respect; its primary purpose is to insist on the absolute and unrivalled supremacy of Christ our unique Saviour and Lord. - [Chairman’s Notes - November 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/chairmans-notes-november-2023/) - For many of us, the years seem to pass by with increasing rapidity. No sooner had 2020 drawn to its close but we seem to be at the end of 2023. Where has the time gone? However, we are grateful for the end of the pandemic and, for most of us, the return of meetings - [Asenath a Glorious Bride](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/asenath-a-glorious-bride/) - Asenath, the final bride in Genesis, is unique because she was a Gentile taken out of the world of Egypt and presented to her bridegroom, Joseph, in his day of exaltation. The three previous brides, Eve, Rebekah, and Rachel, were linked respectively to a wounded man, a wealthy man, and a willing man, but Asenath - [Application of the Principle to the Woman, 1 Cor. 11. 5, 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/application-of-the-principle-to-the-woman-1-cor-11-5-6/) - Reason number one why women have to be veiled, v. 5 To submit to man’s God-given headship The first reason for women to be covered or veiled in the public gatherings of the Lord’s people is given in the first half of verse 5. In this case the word ‘head’ is used metaphorically again; not - [Friendship](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/friendship/) - IN DEALING with this most important subject, it must be understood that it is written only for those who are ‘Christian’.Let us at the commencement be quite clear from the Word of God as to the meaning and implications of the word ‘Christian’. Two passages are sufficient.1. ‘As many as received him, to them gave - [Question TIme – When Believers Are Persecuted for Their Faith by Unbelievers Should They Complain to the Government?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-when-believers-are-persecuted-for-their-faith-by-unbelievers-should-they-complain-to-the-government/) - QUESTION When believers are persecuted for their faith by unbelievers, should they approach the government to raise their concerns? ANSWER Some of our international readers may have faced many years of persecution for their faith and will be familiar with this question. For believers in the UK, due to the acceleration in acceptance of antibiblical - [Hope by the Roadside](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hope-by-the-roadside/) - The work of ‘Hope by the roadside’ began in May 2016. Our desire was simply to display the word of God to as many precious souls as possible and to provide free Bibles and literature to any who requested them. Romans chapter 10 verse 17 tells us, ‘faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the - [Amos](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/amos-2023/) - Author Amos is named only in the book that bears his name and there is no record of his parentage or family. In chapter 7 verse 14, he tells us he was not a prophet or a prophet’s son but a herdsman or sheep master; this is one who likely drove the flock to market - [The Widow With the Two Mites, Luke 21. 1–4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-widow-with-the-two-mites-luke-21-1-4/) - It is always interesting and instructive when reading the synoptic Gospels to note the details recorded by one or maybe two of the writers but omitted by others. The brief incident which occupies our attention in this article is recorded by Mark and Luke, but not by Matthew. I find this particularly interesting, because it - [The Two Debtors](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-two-debtors/) - In these ‘economic parables’ our Lord Jesus was giving important practical lessons to His hearers, and, of course, to us. The parables were often, as here, based upon different amounts of money and their relative values. For the hearers, the actual money values were familiar and relevant, using the currency of the time. For us, - [Son of the Blessed](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-the-blessed/) - It was still dark, though the promise of dawn was a faint blush in the eastern sky, heralding what would be the most significant day in the history of the universe. It was cold enough to need a fire in the courtyard of the high priest’s house, but the offensive odour of hypocrisy pervaded the - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 7: Sowing and Reaping](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-7-sowing-and-reaping/) - Introduction The idea of sowing and reaping may be unfamiliar to someone living in a non-rural community in the 21st century, but it was a normal part of everyday life in the ancient world. The Apostle Paul would have been very familiar with this as most people in his world grew their own fruit and - [John the Baptist - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/john-the-baptist-part-1/) - Read Luke 1. 1-25; 39-80 ‘What kind of child will this be?’ This question has been posed by many parents/relatives when a newborn child arrives in a family. We are naturally curious to know how the child will develop. Only God knows the answer and He reveals it if it is in His purposes so - [Hebrews – ‘Wrestling with Angels’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hebrews-wrestling-with-angels/) - ‘A more excellent name than angels’ Have you ever considered why the writer to the Hebrews seems to pay little attention to the communication of the prophets, Heb. 1. 1, yet, by contrast, dedicates a considerable amount of space to comparing angels with the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, Heb. 1. 5 - 2. - [Heavenly Conversations – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/heavenly-conversations-part-2/) - [All quotations are taken from the New King James version of the Bible] Just hours away from His arrest, one that led to His atoning death on the cross, Jesus, having spoken in metaphorical terms of His death and its consequences, John 12. 24-26, expresses something of His deep anguish at what lies before Him. - [The Gospel Tent - Opening a Door](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-tent-opening-a-door/) - Australia, like most westernised countries, is quickly turning away from the light of the gospel and opportunities for public witness are less and less available. This was the case in 2016 when we found that Adelaide City Council would not allow the Gospel Tent into any of its parks for the preaching of the gospel. - [Four ‘certain’ named disciples in the Book of the Acts](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/four-certain-named-disciples-in-the-book-of-the-acts/) - We are aware that Doctor Luke wrote the Gospel that bears his name and its sequel the Acts of the Apostles. One word he uses frequently is the word ‘certain’. Including the word certainty, he uses it over 100 times in the two books combined, whilst the remainder of the New Testament has only thirty-five. - [The Foundation Is Headship, 1 Cor. 11. 2–16](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-foundation-is-headship-1-cor-11-2-16/) - Introduction The distinctiveness of the roles and contributions of the male and female in the assembly is being increasingly questioned. The issues arise against the background of the call for ‘gender equality’ and the confusion over ‘gender identity’ in modern society. These matters give increasing significance to the subject of women’s ministry and the need - [Elijah - His Confrontation with Ahab](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elijah-his-confrontation-with-ahab/) - A ready servant, v. 1 Elijah had spent three years quietly in Zarephath. He had seen God’s daily provision in that ‘the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail’, 1 Kgs. 17. 16, and God’s response to his cry in the restoration of the life of the widow’s son, vv. - [Editorial - August 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-august-2023/) - ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee’, Ps. 56. 3. Fear has the capacity to stalk the experience of every human being. It was disobedience to God’s commands that brought fear into the experience of Adam, Gen. 3. 10. It was doubt in relation to God’s promise that caused Sarah to lie - [Bethlehem](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bethlehem/) - Among the many towns and cities of earth, some were blessed by visits from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. James Irwin, an American astronaut, had the amazing opportunity that few humans have had of walking on the moon but, being a believer in the Lord Jesus, he is quoted as saying, ‘God walking on - [The Apostle Paul - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-apostle-paul-part-2/) - Paul the prisoner Three imprisonments of Paul are recorded in the book of Acts: in chapter 16; in chapters 21 and 22; and in chapter 24. Perhaps he never envisaged in his former life that he would be treated in such a way - all for the sake of the gospel and for the sake - [‘And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak’, Judg. 6. 11.](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/and-there-came-an-angel-of-the-lord-and-sat-under-an-oak-judg-6-11/) - ‘And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak’, Judg. 6. 11. Biblical commentators suggest that there is some difficulty in determining the exact meaning of the words translated ‘oak’ in the Old Testament. Sometimes, evidently, the terebinth or elm is intended and, at others, the oak. However, there are a - [Safety in Troubled Times](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/safety-in-troubled-times/) - Psalms 46, 47, and 48 depict the progressively glorious pathway of the Lord Jesus Christ to defend His city and sit on David’s throne. In doing so, they inspire confidence in the incomparable security that God’s people of every dispensation enjoy. Psalm 46 particularly presents the Almighty as our all-powerful defence in the face of - [The Widow of the Parable: Luke 18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-widow-of-the-parable-luke-18/) - The widow that is presented to us in Luke chapter 18 is a determined character and will not be turned from the course of action that she has decided upon. In life we come across characters just like her. We might not share their conviction, but we must admire their determination and tenacity. The Lord - [Uplifter](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/uplifter/) - The greatest promoter of his time was Phineas Taylor Barnum. He lived in America from 1810 to 1891 and was an American showman, businessman, and politician remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes, and founding the Barnum and Bailey Circus (1871-2017) with James Anthony Bailey. He is supposed to have said, ‘I am a showman by profession - [A Word for Today: Confidence, Boldness (Gk. Parresia)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-confidence-boldness-gk-parresia/) - Paropsidos (A side-dish)Parresia (Confidence, boldness, openness, freedom of speech)Eparresiasato (To speak freely or preach boldly) One of the things that is highly prized in a democratic society is freedom of speech and action. In some countries this is enshrined in law, e.g., Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 or the First Amendment to - [Son of the Father](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-the-father/) - Many of us will have experienced a father-son relationship firsthand, either as a son, or as a father, or both. For some, parental relationships may have been dysfunctional or missing altogether and the concept may present a challenge. Rather than the Bible borrowing a human picture to help us understand the profound bond between the - [The Shunamite Woman](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-shunamite-woman/) - Often in scripture we come across a story which bows our heart in worship as to the ways of God. Such a story is the basis of these notes. 2 Kings chapter 4 records three miracles of which the greatest is the middle one regarding this woman. We must not forget the postscript in chapter - [Rebekah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/rebekah/) - I am sure every believer looks forward to the blessed day when they will get their first glimpse of Christ. That is the truth depicted typically in the second of this series on the brides of scripture. Genesis chapter 24 is the first recorded courtship and marriage in the Bible and points typically to the - [The Parable of the Great Supper](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-parable-of-the-great-supper/) - Dining with Christ Luke chapter 14 puts a lot of focus on dining. In the ancient world, sharing a meal was not merely to satisfy one’s appetite; it was a means of engaging with people socially, signifying acceptance and fellowship. In verse 1, Christ enters a leading Pharisee’s home to share a meal, vv. 1, - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 6: In the Marketplace](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-6-in-the-marketplace/) - Like the modern scene, the New Testament world was filled with diverse worldviews. Many religions and philosophies vied for supremacy in public affairs and private devotion. Originally popularized by the American Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, J., the phrase ‘the marketplace of ideas’ frequently appears in discussions of free speech and competing concepts in - [Jonah – May 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jonah-may-2023/) - Few books have attracted the attention of sceptics and rationalists more than this one. The fact that a human could be swallowed by a great fish and survive has been ridiculed as fanciful. However, as Morgan states, ‘Men have been so busy with the tape measure endeavouring to find the dimensions of the fish’s belly - [‘And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons’, 2 Sam. 5. 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/and-hiram-king-of-tyre-sent-messengers-to-david-and-cedar-trees-and-carpenters-and-masons-2-sam-5-11/) - ‘And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons’, 2 Sam. 5. 11 The move of David’s headquarters from Hebron to Jerusalem may have been strategic but there is also the prophetic significance that Zion occupies in relation to the Messiah and His kingdom. As a city, Jerusalem - [Hebrews – Introduction – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hebrews-introduction-part-2/) - The doctrinal argument of Hebrews The writer presents his basic doctrinal argument in the first two chapters of the letter, but at the same time provides us with several themes that will be developed by him later. He starts his letter by reflecting upon how God had previously communicated to His people in various ways - [Heavenly Conversations – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/heavenly-conversations-part-1/) - God is triune; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and all the actions of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are the actions of God. While one person of the Godhead may seem more prominent in any specific action, each of these actions involves the whole Godhead. Within the Godhead there is communication between - [Gospel Billboards](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-billboards/) - The present work of erecting gospel billboards throughout the main city centres and highways of Australia commenced in 1995 under the initiation of our esteemed brother and evangelist, John McDowell. For almost two decades following, our late brother, along with his wife Olive, committed themselves to this effective avenue of presenting gospel verses to the - [Elijah and the Widow of Zerephath](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/elijah-and-the-widow-of-zerephath/) - Read 1 Kings 17. 7-24. Earlier in the chapter, Elijah bursts upon the scene as the attentive and obedient servant of the living God. His ministry takes place amidst rampant idolatry in the northern kingdom of Israel headed up by the weak King Ahab and his wicked consort, Jezebel. A major theme traceable through these - [Editorial - May 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-may-2023/) - ‘As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head’ Obadiah 15b NIV One of the most neglected books in the Old Testament is the prophecy of Obadiah, yet it has much to teach us today about the way in which God acts in the world around - [The Apostle Paul - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-apostle-paul-part-1/) - Perhaps the greatest event in the record of the early church, following that of the day of Pentecost, was the conversion of Saul of Tarsus; one who persecuted the people of ‘this way’ - those who were later called ‘Christians’, Acts 9. 2; 11. 26. He was to become God’s messenger to the Gentiles, 22. - [A Word for Today: Assembly, Church (Gk. Ekklesia)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-earth-gk-ekklesia/) - ekkleio (To shut out)ekklesia (Assembly, congregation, church)ekklino (To turn aside, deviate) The Greek noun ekklesia, used in the New Testament and translated as the words ‘assembly, congregation or church’,1 has been highly influenced by its use in the Septuagint (LXX). As Barr states, ‘It is the special use of ekklesia in the Septuagint that gives - [Solomon’s Temple – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/solomons-temple-part-3/) - THINGS DONE TO THE TEMPLE DURING THEIR REIGNS Judean king Reign (BC) Good Bad David 1062-1023 Once established king in Jerusalem, 1055, 2 Sam. 2. 11; 5. 3-5; 1 Chr. 29. 27, wanted to build temple, 2 Sam. 7. 1, 2, began to prepare, 1 Chr. 22. 5; 29. 2. Solomon 1022-983 Began to build - [A Word for Today: Manna (Hb. Mannah)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-manna-hb-mannah/) - Mana (Deny, keep, withhold)Manah (Portion, part)Manammim (Dainties) The third line of the first verse of William Williams Pantycelyn’s most famous hymn ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ refers to the ‘bread of heaven’, which the hymnist subsequently desires to be fed with ‘now and evermore’. The imagery of the hymn is taken from Israel’s wilderness - [Three Revelations](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/three-revelations/) - Introduction In Matthew chapter 16, the Lord Jesus makes three revelations or announcements to His twelve disciples concerning His person, His imminent sufferings (passion) and something of His coming power and glory. At the beginning of the next chapter, He takes just three of the disciples (Peter, James, and John) up the Mount of Transfiguration - [Balaam – Part 8: Numbers 24. 15-25](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-part-8-numbers-24-15-25/) - Following Balaam’s third attempt to curse the children of Israel, Balak, in his frustration and anger, dismissed him saying, ‘flee thou to thy place’, Num. 24. 11. Although Balak wanted to hear no more, Balaam said, ‘Come, I will admonish thee what this people will do to thy people at the end of days’, v. - [Studies in the Twelve (Minor) Prophets - Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/studies-in-the-twelve-minor-prophets-introduction/) - ‘Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets’, Amos 3. 7.’ A short introduction The Minor Prophets come after the major prophetic books in the Old Testament and are a collection of twelve books. The books are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, - [The Son of Man - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-son-of-man-part-2/) - For the sake of ease, these eighty-four self-references can be clustered into three main groups of texts: Cluster 1 This is concerned with the work and activities of our Lord as the Son of Man on earth. These texts reinforce the idea that our Lord was not only part of the human race, i.e., He - [Son of David](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-david/) - This article briefly surveys scripture’s presentation of Christ as Son of David. This glorious title encompasses both the deity and humanity of our Lord. It denotes His royal character and assured sovereignty over the nations in the purposes of God. Son of David in promise 2 Samuel chapter 7 describes one of King David’s finest - [Question Time – Are Head Coverings for Sisters a Relevant Practice for Today?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-are-head-coverings-for-sisters-a-relevant-practice-for-today/) - QUESTION Are head coverings for sisters a relevant practice for today? ANSWER Head coverings for sisters using a head scarf or hat when a local church meets together, and perhaps on other occasions of spiritual activity, is a practice based on one specific passage in the New Testament, 1 Cor. 11. 1-16. Throughout history, head - [The Day of Atonement](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-day-of-atonement/) - The Hebrew word kaphor, which means a covering, occurs 102 times in the Old Testament. It appears more frequently (sixteen times) in Leviticus chapter 16 than anywhere else. This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, one of the most significant dates in Israel’s calendar. Once a year, on the seventh day of the - [Priests and Levites](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/priests-and-levites/) - It has always been God’s desire to dwell amongst His people, to enjoy their fellowship and to receive their worship. This commenced in Eden and was demonstrated again in the tabernacle and then the temple, before being currently realized in the Church. However, in that desire God outlined every detail about the place where He - [The Tabernacle Court](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-tabernacle-court/) - The tabernacle court, 27. 9-19; 38. 9-20, was a 100 by 50 cubit cordoned off area (about a quarter of the size of a modern football pitch). Both north and south walls had twenty silver-capped pillars, standing upon brazen sockets, with silver hooks and connecting-rods (JND); the western and eastern walls had ten such pillars. - [The Tabernacle](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-tabernacle/) - The tabernacle was built at Mount Sinai, according to a detailed pattern given by commandment to Moses.2 A team of highly skilled and committed craftsmen, led by Bezaleel, completed it in about six months.3 The whole structure was an earthly representation of heavenly realities, Heb. 9. 24, a mobile sanctuary for Jehovah to dwell among - [The Widow of Nain](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-widow-of-nain/) - Only Luke mentions the place known as Nain, located a day’s journey southwest of Capernaum. Nain means beauty. Though insignificant as a relatively small village, it is recorded in scripture for that glorious day when God visited His people there. In seven short verses, Luke 7. 11-17, Luke gives us an orderly account, written with - [The Voice of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-voice-of-god/) - 1. In the darkness There is no better chapter to commence our study on the voice of God than Genesis chapter 1. Nine times in thirty-one verses we read, ‘And God said’. The first spoken words in creation and in inspiration are in verse 3, ‘And God said, Let there be light’. When God spoke, - [The Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18. 9–14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-pharisee-and-the-publican-luke-18-9-14/) - What or whom we trust is a question of immense importance, for the answer to it will determine our current actions and future destiny. In this chapter, Luke brings together teaching and incidents that challenge his reader as to the focus and object of our trust. Faith in God should result in persistence in prayer, - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 5: Warfare and Soldiering](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-5-warfare-and-soldiering/) - Background In New Testament times the Roman Empire held sway, sustained by the ruthless efficiency of its armies. On occasions, Paul the apostle benefited from his Roman citizenship,1 and in the later chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, he enjoyed Roman protection against the hostility of Jewish opponents. It is not surprising, therefore, that - [Paul’s Third Missionary Journey – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauls-third-missionary-journey-part-2/) - Summary In Part 1, we considered Paul’s extended visit to Ephesus, where a remarkable work of God took place, Acts 19. Satanic opposition ensued, culminating in a city-wide uprising with Paul narrowly escaping death. In Part 2, we will consider Paul’s return journey to Jerusalem described in Acts chapter 20 and chapter 21 verses 1 - [Malawi – Reaching the Warm Heart With the Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/malawi-reaching-the-warm-heart-with-the-gospel/) - Introduction It is twenty years since I arrived in Malawi, the beautiful ‘warm heart’ of Central Africa. Although Gail and I were exploring what we believed to be the Lord’s calling, we had no idea how Malawi would totally steal our hearts. We were on a short connecting flight to Blantyre in the south. Peering - [‘Make thee an ark of gopher wood’, Gen. 6. 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/make-thee-an-ark-of-gopher-wood-gen-6-14/) - ‘Make thee an ark of gopher wood’, Gen. 6. 14 The opening verses of Genesis chapter 6 are incredibly sad. After the creation of the world in perfection and beauty, what havoc had been caused by the entrance of sin! The verses record, ‘the wickedness of man was great in the earth’, v. 5, ‘for - [Joel - February 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/joel-february-2023/) - The penman We know very little about the background of the prophet Joel, apart from the fact that his father’s name was Pethuel, Joel 1. 1, and it seems clear from his book that he lived and ministered in Judah and Jerusalem but apart from this brief biography there is nothing else in scripture concerning - [Hebrews – Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hebrews-introduction/) - In this introductory article we consider the historical context of this New Testament letter and its sustained argument. Put in another way, how does God reveal Himself in this letter as it focuses on the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ? Later articles will focus on the various topics identified in this introduction, - [The Godhead As Inviters](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-godhead-as-inviters/) - All quotations are taken from the New King James Version ‘Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’ These and other words by Emma L. Lazarus are engraved on a bronze plaque - [Eve – The First Bride](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/eve-the-first-bride/) - Pictures of the church universally Throughout scripture there are several brides who are typical of the bride of Christ, the church. In this series, as we examine each bride and her character it will impress upon the reader the great weight God places upon the marriage bond and, typically, the gravitas with which He views - [Editorial - February 2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-february-2023/) - ‘That the scripture might be fulfilled’, John 19. 28 As publishers of a Christian magazine that focuses upon the exposition of scripture, this is an important text. Its context is the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, and it prefaces one of the seven sayings of the Saviour from the cross. In the events preceding, as - [Alien](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/alien/) - All quotations are taken from the New King James Version Tragically, the war in Ukraine has, like previous conflicts, created many aliens. As a class of people there is one thing that characterizes them - typically, they are living a life of deprivation and suffering. The Bible has something to say about people in this - [Frederick W. Baedeker 1823-1906](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/frederick-w-baedeker-1823-1906/) - While Russia was still being governed by the elite czars, a choice servant of the Lord of German birth, Dr. F. W. Baedeker, heard God’s call to take the gospel to its largely forgotten millions. He reached many members of the aristocracy in the cities to begin with, and then many thousands of miserable prisoners - [Question Time - Should small assemblies merge if that is geographically possible?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-10/) - QUESTION Should small assemblies merge if that is geographically possible? ANSWER I cannot comment as to whether assemblies ‘should’ merge but that they ‘could’ do so is very evident in many areas. No one wants to be the person to make that final decision, none of us would happily volunteer to turn the key for - [Question Time - Does the New Testament prescribe how we should sit at the Lord’s Supper?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-9a/) - Question Does the New Testament prescribe how we should sit at the Lord’s Supper? Answer Several hymns infer that in meeting to remember the Lord we sit in a circle, or on four sides with the emblems located in the middle. Douglas Russell’s hymn begins, ‘Gathered, Lord, around thy table’; another starts, ‘With Jesus in - [Question Time - Is the way we gather the most important issue in our Christian life?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-8a/) - QUESTION Is the way we gather the most important issue in our Christian life? ANSWER This is not an easy question to answer for it is almost certain that whatever response is given I will be in a ‘no win’ situation. If I answer, ‘Yes’, there will be many who will believe that I have - [Question Time - Is it essential for an overseer to be married?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-7a/) - QUESTION Is it essential for an overseer to be married? ANSWER I assume the questioner is thinking about 1 Timothy chapter 3 verse 2 and Titus chapter 1 verse 6 rather than expressing any personal preference, for these are the only verses in the New Testament that may indicate marriage as a prerequisite to a - [Question Time - What are the fundamental doctrines of Christianity?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-6a/) - QUESTION: What are the fundamental doctrines of Christianity? ANSWER We are living at a time when ‘fundamentalism’ is perceived to be something extreme and to be avoided, but the question above is vital for at least two reasons. First, it gets right to the heart of what makes Christianity distinct from all forms of human - [Question Time – What is meant by the phrase ‘the autonomy of an assembly’?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-what-is-meant-by-the-phrase-the-autonomy-of-an-assembly/) - QUESTION What is meant by the phrase ‘the autonomy of an assembly’? ANSWER I am sure the questioner is well aware that the word ‘autonomy’ does not occur in the scriptures; although that, of itself, does not necessarily mean that the concept is not scriptural. However, in this particular instance what is meant by the - [Question Time - There was a lot of music linked to worship in the Old Testament, is it appropriate for today?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-4a/) - Question There was a lot of music linked to worship in the Old Testament, is it appropriate for today? Answer Generally speaking, up until the middle of the twentieth century many assemblies had no musical instrument at all and, even today, that would be the case in several areas. Even those that did use a - [Question Time - What should we do if someone says they have lost their faith?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-3a/) - QUESTION What should we do if someone says they have lost their faith? ANSWER The first thing we would need to do is establish what the person means by stating that they have ‘lost their faith’. It might indicate that they have lost the assurance of salvation and they now doubt whether they were ever - [Question Time - Should Christians fast?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-2a/) - QUESTION Should Christians fast? ANSWER To begin, it is necessary to define what is meant by ‘fasting’. In its primary usage, fasting refers to the voluntary abstaining from food, but, perhaps in a secondary sense, we can broaden this to include the self-denial of anything we could legitimately have so as to be more devoted - [Question Time - Why have the Jewish people been so hated and persecuted through the centuries, e.g., in the time of Esther, and the Holocaust?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time/) - Question Why have the Jewish people been so hated and persecuted through the centuries, e.g., in the time of Esther, and the Holocaust? Answer God chose a special nation in order that in Abraham’s seed all the families of the earth would be blessed. Notwithstanding their general rejection of Christ, they remain special, for God’s - [Question Time - Would it be in order to have a hymn or reading between breaking bread and drinking the cup?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-5a/) - Question Would it be in order to have a hymn or reading between breaking bread and drinking the cup? Answer Although we are given very clear instructions as to the preparation required by those who participate in the Lord’s Supper, and equally clear guidance as to the purpose of the event, very little detail is - [In the Days of Elijah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/in-the-days-of-elijah/) - Thoughts on some of the ‘remnant companies’ of scripture It would seem that in every time of departure and decline spiritually, God has been pleased to preserve for Himself a faithful ‘remnant’. These represent a minority that are still faithfully devoted to God, His truth, and His promises. The word ‘remnant’ is common in scripture - [The Widow of Sarepta (Zarephath)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-widow-of-sarepta-zarephath/) - Sometimes we isolate ourselves from others. We may have been hurt or let down and hide ourselves away to avoid being hurt again. Some of us are happy to be alone and we are content with our own company. Some of us would much rather be alone. It may be that God has given us - [‘The Way of an Eagle in the Air’, Prov. 30. 19](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-way-of-an-eagle-in-the-air-prov-30-19/) - ‘The Way of an Eagle in the Air’, Prov. 30. 19. Looking up into a clear blue sky it is possible to see the streaks of cloud that are the sign that an aircraft has passed at high altitude. These clouds are called ‘contrails’, which is short for ‘condensation trails’, and they are caused by - [Question Time – What Is the Difference Between the Lord Jesus Acting As Our Intercessor and Advocate?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-what-is-the-difference-between-the-lord-jesus-acting-as-our-intercessor-and-advocate/) - QUESTION What Is the Difference Between the Lord Jesus Acting As Our Intercessor and Advocate? ANSWER As our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus, has, ‘offered one sacrifice for sins for ever’, dealing with sins permanently. With this work completed He is now, ‘sat down on the right hand of God’, Heb. 10. 12. However, - [Quebrada Amarilla, Costa Rica](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/quebrada-amarilla-costa-rica/) - Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America. It is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama. It has a population of about five million. Its primary language is Spanish, but due to the great amount of tourism in the country many regions have a high number of - [The Power of the Word – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-power-of-the-word-part-3/) - in the previous two articles, we pondered first the power of our Lord’s word in creation in the distant past,1 in providence in the present2 and in judgement in the future.3 We then focused on the irresistible power of our Lord’s word during ‘the days of His flesh’. We considered the power of His word - [The Parable of the The Lost Coin – Luke 15](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-parable-of-the-the-lost-coin-luke-15/) - The background to the story Although representing just ten per cent of the total verses, this story is an integral component of Luke chapter 15 and therefore, to understand it correctly, it is necessary to see it within the wider context of the chapter and also its setting within the book. Chapter 15 falls within - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 4: Slavery and Manumission](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-4-slavery-and-manumission/) - Slavery and Manumission1 Even though we have seen public demonstrations against those individuals and institutions that have benefited in the past from the slave trade, slavery remains an ugly feature of most societies in the 21st century.2 The institution of slavery has featured in many civilizations,3 some dating back into antiquity, including the Roman Empire, - [Paul’s Third Missionary Journey – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauls-third-missionary-journey-part-1/) - Overview Paul’s first missionary journey consisted of a loop passing through Cyprus into southern Turkey, a region called Asia in the New Testament, then returning to Antioch in Syria. Paul’s second missionary journey commenced with strengthening the young Christians in Asia that had been saved on his first journey. This was followed by a wider - [The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-meekness-and-gentleness-of-christ/) - The words ‘meekness and gentleness of Christ’ in the first verse of 2 Corinthians chapter 10 ascend from the page as a rich and sweet fragrance to touch the heart of the believer. They cause us to look up by faith with a heart warmed and refreshed by the knowledge that Christ is truly precious. - [Lamentations](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lamentations/) - Introduction The opening words of this book prepare the reader for what is to follow, ‘How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore in the - [The Hand of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-hand-of-god/) - Have you ever considered the varied ways in which we make use of our hands? We use them to feed ourselves, to minister to our needs, but likewise we might employ them to give a comforting touch or steadying hold to others in need. They can carefully handle intricate and delicate items but can equally - [‘The Father, Who Raised Him From the Dead’, Gal. 1. 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-father-who-raised-him-from-the-dead-gal-1-1/) - The whole edifice of Christian truth and doctrine stands or falls on the validity of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is any question or doubt concerning the historical reality of the bodily resurrection of Christ as taught in the scriptures, there is no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, no heaven to - [Eliezer of Damascus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/eliezer-of-damascus/) - There are two men in scripture that we associate with the place called Damascus. One in the New Testament called Ananias, Acts 9. 10-18;1 the other in the Old Testament, ‘Eliezer of Damascus’, Gen. 15. 2. There are some eleven Eliezers mentioned with only one in the New Testament, Luke 3. 29. The popularity of - [Editorial - November 2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-november-2022/) - ‘Now some are puffed up’, 1 Cor. 4. 18 Despite the centuries that have now passed since the KJV translation came into existence, it is interesting that many more modern translations have retained ‘puffed up’ in the text of this verse. It is an excellent description of a problem endemic in the Corinthian church - - [Drive-In Gospel Meetings – Northern Ireland](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/drive-in-gospel-meetings-northern-ireland/) - In 2020, much of the world ‘stood still’ because of a global pandemic! Suddenly all areas of our lives were affected, our work life, our home life, and our assembly life. Due to government restrictions, assemblies had no choice but to shut the doors of their buildings and we were confined to our homes. At - [Chairman’s Notes - November 2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/chairmans-notes-november-2022/) - For many of us, 2022 has been a difficult year. Although the impact of Covid-19 infections has been lessened by the introduction of vaccines, the pandemic continues. Its impact is now being felt through the effects upon the global economy with some people struggling financially because of rising food and fuel prices, a lack of - [A Brief Look Into the Death and Burial of Jesus Christ – Mark 15. 33–47 – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-brief-look-into-the-death-and-burial-of-jesus-christ-mark-15-33-47-part-2/) - The death The Lord Jesus Christ cried with a loud voice and ‘gave up the ghost’, v. 37. The word for giving up the ghost used by Mark and Luke translates as ‘expired / exhaled’, while Matthew uses a word which means ‘released / dismissed’, and in John, ‘surrendered’. This was the moment the sacrifice - [The Grace of Giving](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/10951-2/) - ‘Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also’, 2 Cor. 8. - [Face Covered, but Hopefully Not Hidden](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/face-covered-but-hopefully-not-hidden/) - Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James version of the Bible By far my favourite radio programme was known as the ‘Lone Ranger’. Several episodes were featured every week. The storyline goes that the Lone Ranger (formerly known as John Reid) was a one-time Texas Ranger, the sole survivor of a group of - [‘We Rest on Thee, and in Thy Name We Go’, 2 Chr. 14. 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/we-rest-on-thee-and-in-thy-name-we-go-2-chr-14-11/) - ‘We rest on thee’ are the stirring words of faith uttered by Asa, in the early years of his reign, probably around 900 BC, as he is confronted by an enemy army of huge proportions. They express his positive dependence and reliance on the Lord in a day of great extremity and crisis. Here is - [The Twelve Apostles](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-twelve-apostles/) - Three times in the Gospels and once in the book of the Acts we have a record of the apostles. Much has been considered why these men were selected from a larger number, Luke 6. 13. We must remember, however, that the Lord spent all night in prayer beforehand and, although we are not told - [Some Remarks on Testimony in Quebec](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/some-remarks-on-testimony-in-quebec/) - The deliberately modest title of this short article reflects the writer’s disinclination to make sweeping statements and a conviction that anything he says on its subject will be limited in scope. It will also mean that much of the work in Quebec that is good and worthy of the prayers of the Lord’s people will, - [The Finger of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-finger-of-god/) - ‘For they bind heavy burdens … and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers’, Matt. 23. 4. The Lord Jesus condemned the Pharisees for laying burdens on others that they themselves would not attempt to carry. We still use the expression when someone is unwilling - [Editorial - August 2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-august-2022/) - ‘Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany’, John 12. 1 One of the few places on earth where the Lord was received and where He was honoured was in this little village of Bethany, and there are four specific events associated with this location that we might consider. First, we might recall - [What Is Thy Beloved? – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-is-thy-beloved-part-4/) - His legs ‘His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold’, S. of S. 5. 15. As we have thought about these verses, we have noted the use of fine gold. We saw it with the head. We saw it with the hands and now we see it in the legs. - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 3: Adoption](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-3-adoption/) - Introduction The word adoption only occurs five times in the New Testament and is confined to Paul’s letters.1 There are indications of this doctrine in the Old Testament, e.g., Exod. 4. 22, 23; Hos. 11. 1, hence Paul’s reference in Romans chapter 9 verse 4, but, principally, it is a doctrine established in the New - [The Son of Man - Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-son-of-man-part-1/) - In a powerful discourse recorded for us by the Apostle John, our Lord indicates how, as the Son of man, He would be glorified by the Father through being lifted up upon a cross, John 12. 23-36. This disclosure totally perplexed the crowd around Him who responded by stating that their understanding from the law - [The Power of the Word – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-power-of-the-word-part-2/) - This is the second of three articles which focus on the power of our Lord’s word. In the first article we considered a few instances of the power of His word over: (i) disease; and (ii) distance. We turn now to the power of His word over: iii. Demons This time, I draw your attention - [The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward – Luke 16. 1–18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-parable-of-the-unrighteous-steward-luke-16-1-18/) - The parable of the unrighteous steward is possibly the most puzzling of all the Lord’s parables. The story concerns a steward who wasted his master’s goods. Being called to account, he decided to engage in some creative accountancy. Calling in the debtors, he asked them to amend their bills, so that instead of saying that - [The Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-father-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/) - Some six times in the New Testament, reference is made to ‘the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’.1 In each verse, a two-fold relationship is in view; His ‘God’ and His ‘Father’, and we need to distinguish between them. As ‘the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’, the focus is upon the essential - [Question Time – What Should Our Attitude Be Towards Environmental Issues Such As Climate Change?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-what-should-our-attitude-be-towards-environmental-issues-such-as-climate-change/) - What Should Our Attitude Be Towards Environmental Issues Such As Climate Change? ANSWER To answer this question, let us first consider why this is such an important issue today. In the autumn of 2021, at the opening of the COP26 summit on climate change in Glasgow, Scotland, the well-known physicist and TV presenter Professor Brian - [Paul’s Second Missionary Journey – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauls-second-missionary-journey-part-2/) - Paul departed from Berea at the request of the brethren due to the problems stirred up by the Jews of Thessalonica. Sending some of their own to show the way, they brought him to Athens. Then, Paul sends them back with direction to Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible, Acts 17. - [Jeremiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jeremiah/) - Introduction When Manasseh and his son were on the throne, the southern kingdom of Judah arguably went through its darkest period. They took the nation to appalling depths from which it never really recovered. Nevertheless, in these dark days there were at least two bright spots that lightened the increasing gloom. Firstly, Josiah was born - [Hezekiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hezekiah/) - The man who opened the doors of the House of the Lord In the last two years, the doors of many halls have been closed, and public meetings have stopped. Some have drifted spiritually, and even some spiritual leaders have allowed standards to slip. All of these things were true after the reign of Ahaz - [El Salvador](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/el-salvador/) - In April of 2019, we had a national conference in San Salvador to commemorate fifty years of assembly testimony in El Salvador. El Salvador is the smallest country in continental America, bordering Guatemala and Honduras, with a population just under seven million. We are thankful for what the Lord has done in this small and - [Drive-In Gospel Meetings – In South Wales](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/drive-in-gospel-meetings-in-south-wales/) - Introduction In bringing Covid 19 to the shores of the UK, Amos 3. 6, the Lord has provided many and varied ways for the gospel to go beyond its usual precincts. ‘The word of God is not bound’, 2 Tim. 2. 9, is a text that has had special poignancy for the past year or - [Anna](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/anna/) - The day dawned like any other day for most of Jerusalem’s residents. As the sun rose over the ancient hills of Moab to the east of Jordan, its first rays reflected from the gilded pinnacle of Herod’s temple, still under construction. The early market traders began to set out their stalls, preparations were being made - [A Brief Look Into the Death and Burial of Jesus Christ – Mark 15. 33–47 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-brief-look-into-the-death-and-burial-of-jesus-christ-mark-15-33-47-part-1/) - Introduction If the timeline of human history is imagined as an hourglass, the crucifixion of Christ would be the pinch point, the narrow part in the middle. All human history and biblical prophecy points to the death of Christ on the cross. The dispensation of grace flows and expands outwards from this singular point in - [2 Thessalonians - Chapter 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-thessalonians-chapter-3/) - Introduction We have now come to the last chapter of this second Epistle. In the two previous chapters, Paul has written about the subject of the two comings of our Lord Jesus. He now concentrates their minds and hearts on what they must do while they are waiting. Call to prayer, vv. 1-5 These are - [‘I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top’, Ps. 102. 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/i-watch-and-am-as-a-sparrow-alone-upon-the-house-top-ps-102-7/) - ‘I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top’, Ps. 102. 7. The sparrow is one of our most familiar wild birds, and said to be found on every continent except Antarctica. It is perhaps most noticeable because its life is intertwined with our own, being found around most houses and conspicuous - [God’s Principles of Unity](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gods-principles-of-unity/) - THE tendency of all sects has always been to consolidate themselves on the principle of confederation. Each sect as it extended sought the amalgamation with it of all who adopted the same views or principles. Then arose the necessity for a constitution and rules, and a definite membership. These might be largely, or not at - [The Inspiration of Scripture](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-inspiration-of-scripture-2/) - "Inspiration “ – a fascinating word and so full of meaning! But what does it mean ? Some will say, Shakespeare was “in-spired” to write his plays, Bacon his essays, Tennyson his poetry, Handel his music. Though this is true in part, it is not the kind of inspiration with which we are now concerned, - [Word for Today – Shebuah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/word-for-today-shebuah/) - Shebo (Agate)Shebuah (Oath, curse)Shebuth (Captivity) We usually think today of the word ‘oath’ or ‘vow’ in a number of specific contexts. This could be, positively, the swearing of an oath in a court of law, swearing loyalty to a leader, or commitment to someone through a vow, as in a marriage ceremony, or negatively, when - [Word for Today – Qorban](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/word-for-today-qorban/) - Qirba (Approaching) Qorban (Offering, gift) Qrh (Happening) The Hebrew noun qorban gives prominence in the Old Testament to the word ‘sacrifice’, and the nature of that sacrifice. It occurs some eighty times, and apart from two occurrences in Ezekiel, Ezek. 20. 28; 40. 43, the remainder are confined to the books of Leviticus and Numbers. - [Word for Today – Anastasis](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/word-for-today-anastasis/) - anaspao (to draw up) anastasis (resurrection) anastatoo (to stir up, excite, unsettle) Who would have thought that in a very short space of time, practically the entire world would be in a state of lock-down, simply because of a small, but deadly virus? Life, for most people, has now changed dramatically, and will probably never - [Word for Today - Telos](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/word-for-today-telos/) - teleo (To bring to a close, to finish)telos (End, termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be)telones (A tax-gatherer) We often use the word ‘end’ and its associated words to describe the idea of cessation or termination. Winston Churchill stated, after the allied victory at El Alamein in 1942, that the ‘victory was - [A Word for Today: Step, Walk (Heb. Hálak)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-step-walk-heb-halak/) - In the twenty-first century, private and public transport makes a significant contribution to our modern way of life. It is often therefore difficult for us to appreciate that previous generations had little in the way of such facilities. Unless they were rich, most people walked everywhere, so walking, in effect, characterized an individual’s way of - [A Word for Today: Skandalon](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-skandalon/) - σκανδαλ?ζω, v (to put a snare or stumbling block in the way) σκ?νδαλον, n (stumbling-block/offence) σκ?πτω, v (to dig) Almost everyday throughout the world, newspapers report one scandal or another. In fact, one could justifiably argue that many newspapers only sell because of the extent of the scandals they report. Plus ça change?1 But although - [A Word for Today: Shield, Protection (Heb. Magen)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-shield-protection-heb-magen/) - One of the important features of heraldry is the graphic design of individual or family coats of arms, usually displayed on some form of shield. This decorative imagery goes back to at least medieval times when soldiers were identified in battle by the markings that were painted on their shields. Therefore, the shield became an - [A Word for Today: Reconciliation (Gk. Katallage)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-reconciliation-gk-katallage/) - In Shakespeare’s historical play ‘Richard the Third’, the Duke of Buckingham makes the following comment to the queen, ‘Ay, madam: he (Richard) desires to make atonement between the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers’. Our modern understanding of this would be that the king wanted to resolve the differences between the parties and effect reconciliation. - [A Word for Today: Price of Release, Ransom (Gk. Lutron)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-price-of-release-ransom-gk-lutron/) - In his famous paraphrase of Psalm 103 (‘Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven’), Henry Lyte compresses verses 3 and 4 of the psalm to simply read, ‘ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven’. In doing so, he creates a number of dramatic images, one of which translates for us the idea of being redeemed by the use - [A Word for Today: Play-acting, Pretence, Hypocrisy (Gk. Hypokrisis)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-play-acting-pretence-hypocrisy-gk-hypokrisis/) - Sadly, we live in a world that is characterized by hypocrisy. How often do we hear politicians saying one thing on the hustings, and then completely reverse their policies when in government? Or the financial institutions, who regularly emphasize the importance of corporate governance, yet are later found guilty of some form of commercial malpractice? - [A Word for Today: Missing the mark, Guilt, Sin (Gk. Hamartia)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-missing-the-mark-guilt-sin-gk-hamartia/) - hamartema, n (Sin, evil deed) hamartia, n(A missing the mark, guilt, sin) hamartolos(Devoted to sin, a sinner) Although there are at least nine different words in the Greek New Testament to describe sin in all its various guises, the word that is used most often is the noun hamartia. But why should the Bible refer - [A Word for Today: Melek](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-melek/) - The overwhelming majority of British monarchs have been kings and very few of these have been constitutional monarchs. Most have been able to exercise supreme and absolute authority over their subjects without limitation. And this is how the basic Hebrew word for king or counsellor, melec, which occurs over 2,000 times in the Old Testament, - [A Word for Today: Kinsman Redeemer (Heb. Go’el)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-kinsman-redeemer-heb-goel/) - Such is the complexity of modern family life that most societies today have enacted specific laws that relate to families and domestic relationships. In the recent Queen’s speech, which opened this year’s session of the British Parliament, a tangible commitment was made by the government to introduce a family bill that promised flexibility, and justice - [A Word for Today: Hear, Obedience (Heb. Shema)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-hear-obedience-heb-shema/) - One of the remarkable features of the Bible is the way in which God uses simple words to convey the most profound truth. This point is effectively demonstrated by the single Hebrew word shema’ (English = ‘hear’), which provides us with a central theological text in Deuteronomy chapter 6 verses 4-9. The basic Hebrew words - [A Word for Today: Good (Gk. Kalos)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-good-gk-kalos/) - It is not uncommon today, when someone is asked the question ‘How are you?’ to hear the response ‘Good, thanks’. What, of course, the respondent means is that they are well in terms of their overall health. Surprisingly, however, the English adjective ‘good’ has actually more to do with virtue or moral quality than it - [A Word for Today: Firstfruits (Heb. Bikkûr)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-firstfruits-heb-bikkur/) - Unsurprisingly, with an agrarian economy that formed the major part of Israel’s day to day existence in the Promised Land, the term ‘firstfruits’ was employed by God as a motif to underline the various harvests that belonged to Him. The main Hebrew terms used in the Old Testament for ‘firstfruits’ are re’shit and its synonym - [A Word for Today: Fellowship (Gk. Koinonia)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-fellowship-gk-koinonia/) - One of the things that cricket enthusiasts are always keen to see, especially if they are English(!), is meaningful batting partnerships. This sort of partnership emphasizes the very English concept that a partnership is an arrangement where parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. The Greek word, koinonia, however, is much more multifaceted, - [A Word for Today: Fear (Gk. Phobos)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-fear-gk-phobos/) - phbaytron - Terrorphobos - FearPhoebe - Phoebe The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition 1989) defines the word ‘fear’ as ‘the emotion of pain or uneasiness caused by the sense of impending danger’, and these traits are vividly described by the prophet Habakkuk as he contemplated the impending judgement of God, ‘When I heard, my belly - [A Word for Today: Earth (Heb. Adamah)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-earth-heb-adamah/) - Adam (Man, man of low degree)Adamah (Earth, land, ground)Adamdam (Reddish) We hear a considerable amount today about the environment and the preservation of planet earth. The green agenda has never been stronger and all of us are probably actively recycling waste. The idea of earth management is not something new, however, but was incumbent upon - [A Word for Today: Degree, Step, Stair (Hb. Ma’alah)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-degree-step-stair-hb-maalah/) - Maal - Above, forward, upward Ma’alah - Degree, step, stair Maalal - Endeavour, invention, work The feminine noun ma’alah is regularly translated as ‘degree’ in the Old Testament. It is derived from a Hebrew word meaning ‘to go up’, but it can also be translated as ‘step’ or ‘stair’. Ma’alah appears as early as Genesis - [A Word for Today: Covenant (Gk. Diatheke)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-covenant-gk-diatheke/) - The terms ‘covenant’ or ‘deed of covenant’ are rarely used today in general conversation other than in formal legal contexts. But the practical use of prescribed ‘deeds of covenant’ was quite popular at one time with many parents in the United Kingdom to gain tax relief to help fund their children’s higher education. A far - [A Word for Today: Blood, Bloodshed, Bloodguilt, Murder (Heb. Dam)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-blood-bloodshed-bloodguilt-murder-heb-dam/) - Some of us may have seen the Moody Institute of Science presentation entitled ‘Red River of Blood’, which, although now somewhat dated, never ceases to make one realize just how ‘awesomely and wonderfully’1 we are made as human beings. One interesting statistic in that presentation is that there are more references to blood in the - [A Word for Today – Zoe](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-zoe/) - One of the distinctive features of the Greek New Testament is that words which are used to describe ordinary mundane things are often elevated by the Holy Spirit to express ethical and spiritual truth. The Greek word zoè is one such word. In classical Greek, zoè was used to describe physical life, i.e., with the - [A Word for Today – Yeshu’ah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-yeshuah/) - Yeshimon (desert, wilderness) Yeshu'ah (deliverance, salvation, help) Yesod (foundation) When our Lord met the woman at Jacob’s well and told her that ‘salvation is of [or better rendered “from"] the Jews’, John 4. 22, He was not indicating that all Jews would be saved, but, rather, referring to the part that Israel had played in - [A Word for Today – Torah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-torah/) - Where people have sought to live in harmony with one another, there has always been some basic code of behaviour, whether written or otherwise, that regulated the interaction of individuals within that particular community. Some communities made a firm distinction between law that governed morality, and divine law that covered religious practices, and, even today, - [A Word For Today – Time, Season (Gk. Kairos)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-time-season-gk-kairos/) - Kαιπερ (kaiper) Although Kαιρος (kairos) Time, season Καισαρ (kaisar) Caesar Time plays a very important part in the cycle of human life, and the first question that most of us probably ask in the morning is ‘what is the time’? The rest of the day is similarly punctuated by the same or similar questions, and - [A Word for Today – Shebet](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-shebet/) - Sheber (Corn, victuals) Shebet (Sceptre, rod, staff) Shebi (Captivity, prisoners) The sceptre has been an emblem of those in authority, such as kings, judges and military leaders as well as priests, down through the centuries. Sceptres have varied in size from full length staffs to hand-held batons and have also been identified as the shepherd’s - [A Word for Today – S(h)emesh (Sun)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-shemesh-sun/) - Shakespeare’s tragedy Richard III opens with these famous lines, ‘Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of York’. This forms part of a longer soliloquy, where the Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III), acknowledges that the misfortunes of the House of York are now over, since his brother has - [A Word for Today – Pistis](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-pistis/) - During his imprisonment in Tibet by the Chinese communists, the English missionary Geoffrey Bull was subjected to a continuous period of interrogation aimed at breaking his Christian faith. Just before his release from captivity, he examined himself as to his faith in Christ. This is part of what he later wrote, ‘All the waves and - [A Word for Today – Panim](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-panim/) - Human beings have always been fascinated with faces, simply because the face says a lot about an individual. We can quickly detect a person’s mood from their facial expression. Our appearance can change rapidly and radically, depending upon our circumstances at the time, and the whole of our human personality or presence is reflected in - [A Word for Today – Mashah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-mashah/) - Mashah (Anointing) Most office holders today are usually appointed without a great deal of ceremony. But this was not the case in Old Testament times where those who were appointed as prophets, priests, and kings were subject to what Stephen Renn describes as the ‘theologically significant phenomenon of anointing’.1 This formal anointing ritual involved the - [A Word for Today – Leb, Lebab](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-leb-lebab/) - Ktt (beat fine) Leb, Lebab (Heart) Labba (Flame) Throughout history, the heart has always been regarded as an important part of the human body. According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, the heart was a three-chambered organ that was the centre of vitality in the body, being the seat of intelligence, motion and sensation. Similarly, the - [A Word for Today – Kurios](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-kurios/) - Kyrieyo, e, to be lord or master of Kyrios, e, lord, master kyriotes, lordship, dominion It must appear somewhat ironic to those who do not live in the United Kingdom that the mother of Parliaments has an unelected second chamber. Even more curious perhaps is the fact that this second house consists of Lords Temporal - [A Word for Today – Katharos](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-katharos/) - Personal hygiene is a feature of everyday life that most of us take very much for granted, yet it so often comes to the forefront when some major health scare arises. Even in the very places where personal hygiene should be of the highest standard, we repeatedly find that these are the very breeding grounds - [A Word for Today – Graphe](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-graphe/) - Graptos (Painted/Written) Graphe (Written characters) Grathma (A Letter/Document Record) Many years before the invention of pens and keyboards, writers in antiquity found a variety of ways of communicating with each other through different forms of pictorial and written text. Writing, in fact, goes back some 5,000 years to the ancient Middle East, where individuals sought - [A Word for Today – Grace](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-grace/) - The hymn writer John Newton published his first edition of the Olney Hymns in 1779, which he arranged into three books. He states in the preface that, ‘In the first I have classed those which are formed upon select passages of scripture, and placed them in the order of the books of the Old and - [A Word for Today – Agape](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-agape/) - agapeo (to love, to feel and exhibit esteem) agape (love, brotherly love, affection) agapetos (beloved, esteemed) Perhaps the one major word group in the New Testament whose origin and use is misunderstood by many are the Greek words for love agape (noun) and agapeo (verb). Preachers often assert that agape, in particular, is a unique - [A Word for Today – ‘Or](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-or/) - hay (life, living, alive) ‘Or (Light, bring or give light) baraq (lightning) Light plays an important part in how we perceive the world around us, Ps. 36. 9. In fact, without visible light, there would be no life at all. And our appreciation of the importance of light is often enhanced when we find ourselves - [A Word for Today – ‘Ol (Yoke)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-ol-yoke/) - Oklah (Food, fuel, meat) ‘Ol (Yoke) Olah (Ascent, burnt offering) The use of a yoke or harness in modern-day farming, especially in the West, would be regarded as a somewhat backward step, almost anachronistic, yet even today in many Third World agrarian economies, the use of animals, especially oxen yoked together to pull loads, is - [A Word for Today – ‘Es (Tree, wood)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-es-tree-wood/) - Trees play an essential part in protecting our environment and meeting many of our practical needs. They produce large amounts of oxygen on a daily basis, and constantly absorb harmful carbon dioxides. They help to control pollution, provide a stabilizing influence against soil erosion, as well as playing a major role in water management by - [A Word for Today](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today/) - ?γιασμ?ς (consecration) ?γιος (holy, sacred, dedicated) ?γι?της (holiness) Our understanding of the word ‘holy’ is sometimes coloured by the way in which the word has been used in various Christian traditions down through church history. Yet, often, these traditions have completely failed to grasp the simple meaning of the word as it is used in - [‘His Own Son’ – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-own-son/) - ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?’, Rom. 8. 32. This verse speaks of the Lord Jesus as God’s ‘own Son’ and tells us three things about Him. First, He was ‘spared not. Second, he was - [What About God’s Will for Me? – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-about-gods-will-for-me-part-3/) - In the first article we outlined God’s chosen method for guiding His people today. We saw that this consisted in the application of Christian values and standards to the factors which affect our situation or decision. In the second article we considered five examples from the New Testament which illustrated that this was how the - [James 3. 1-18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/james-3-1-18/) - This chapter divides itself into two sections: The tongue and its fruit, vv. 1-12. The wisdom which is from above in contrast to that which is earthly, vv. 13-18. 1. The Tongue and its Fruit, vv. 1-12 The practical character of this letter is further evidenced by the subject of this chapter. The tongue is - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – September-October 1984](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-september-october-1984/) - “Whereas thou has prayed to me …” Isaiah 37. 21 In this unfinished sentence which is part of a word from Isaiah the prophet to Hezekiah the king, we have the secret of God’s intervention in the circumstances of life. Because of the humility and dependence of the king in the face of the enemy’s - [The Power of the Word – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-power-of-the-word-part-1/) - Introduction We will think briefly about the power of our Lord’s word in the distant past, in the present and in the future. The power of our Lord’s word - past, present and future. i. The power of His word in creation The Apostle John assures us that, ‘All things were made through him, and - [The Foundation of the World (Part 2)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-foundation-of-the-world-part-2/) - In our first article we drew attention to the important distinction between the scriptural expressions, “from the foundation of the world” and “before the foundation of the world”. We discovered that, before there were any created beings, the Father loved the Son, John 17. 24, the Lamb of Calvary was foreknown, 1 Pet. 1. 20, - [The Foundation of the World (Part 1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-foundation-of-the-world-part-1/) - The word translated “foundation” in the expression “the foundation of the world” occurs eleven times in the NT, Apart from Hebrews 11. 11, where it is translated “conception”, it is only used to denote the founding (lit. the casting down) of the world. The ten references to the foundation of the world are divided into - [What Is Thy Beloved? – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-is-thy-beloved-part-3/) - The cheeks Here is one who has a knowledge of the beloved. To know about the cheeks of the individual you need to be close to them. She appreciates the sweetness of the presence of the beloved. When asked, she was able to describe his cheeks in detail. As we think upon Christ, we have - [2 Thessalonians - Chapter 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-thessalonians-chapter-2/) - Introduction In the first chapter Paul has been encouraging the dear believers to look up and look on to that blessed day that is coming, when God will deal with this world in judgement, when our wonderful Saviour is going to be glorified in this scene where He was crucified, and when we too who - [Question Time – Where Will Christians Be During the Millennial Reign of Christ?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-where-will-christians-be-during-the-millennial-reign-of-christ/) - QUESTION Where will Christians be during the millennial reign of Christ? ANSWER The millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ is a specific period that will occur in the near future commencing with the personal return of the Lord Jesus to the earth in a visible and overwhelming display of power and glory. On His - [Nicaragua](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/nicaragua/) - Nicaragua, the land of lakes and volcanoes as well as 6.5 million souls, is the largest country in Central America and the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with a central mountain range that divides the western side with its - [The Decree of Cyrus – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-decree-of-cyrus-part-3/) - In the previous articles we have described the various influences (both human and divine) which led Cyrus to make the decree recorded in Ezra 1 and 6. In this concluding article we will deal briefly with the timing, location, immutability, and importance of the decree. 1. The Timing of the Decree The decree is dated - [Micah: The God of Social Justice](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/micah-the-god-of-social-justice/) - The traumatic descent of Covid-19 presented a crisis beyond what many of us could have imagined. Millions of people around the world lost their lives and countless others suffered untold hardship as they weathered one of history’s bitterest storms. During such dire times, it is often difficult for those who are suffering to find comfort. - [A Man Weeping in Heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-man-weeping-in-heaven/) - In Revelation chapter 1, we find the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos on the Lord’s Day. He is evidently alone, but spiritually he is ‘in the Spirit’. That which concerns the Lord Jesus Christ occupies his mind and heart. He is in the heavenlies when he hears a great voice, v. 10. He - [The Inspiration of Scripture – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-inspiration-of-scripture-part-3/) - How should we treat the scriptures, 2 Tim. 3. 14? The answer is, simply, we should ‘abide’ in them, JND.1 That is, we must live in the atmosphere of God’s word, and let that atmosphere fill our hearts and lives. We should notice how Timothy was taught, and by whom Timothy was taught. How was - [The Father of Mercies – 2 Cor. 1. 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-father-of-mercies-2-cor-1-3/) - ‘The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works’, Ps. 145. 9 God’s mercies, His compassions, extend to the whole of creation. The birds, the animals, the creatures in the sea and to all mankind. God is mindful of their need of sustenance, and He oversees the welfare of - [The Eternal State (Published May 2022)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-eternal-state-published-may-2022/) - Introduction Most fairy tales end with the words ‘and they lived happily ever after’. Many people dream of better days, utopia and conditions that are idyllic. In response to this, the realist says, ‘it will never happen’, the cynic quips, ‘it’s just a pipe dream’ and the idealist reflects, ‘it’s a nice idea but it’s - [Editorial – May 2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-may-2022/) - ‘The cloke … and the books, but especially the parchments’, 2 Tim. 4. 13 Have you ever left or lost something? Sometimes, the item is not that valuable, but there are some things that are undoubtedly worth searching for and retrieving. When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he was probably imprisoned in a - [Psalm 8 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalm-8-published-1984/) - This psalm was born on a clear night. David had gazed up into the darkness, and had seen the moon and the stars shining like jewels. Nighttime brings its own vision. You can see most in the heavens when you can see least on the earth. Divine truth is enjoyed most by those for whom - [The Transcendence of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-transcendence-of-god/) - 1. The Meaning of God’s Transcendence The dictionary definition of ‘transcendent’ is ‘excelling’ or ‘surpassing human experience’, and, as applied to God, ‘existing apart from, not subject to the limitations of, the material universe’. God is transcendent over all His creation, angelic and human, animate and inanimate, because in His very nature He is infinite, - [Numbers: Introduction and Chapters 1-4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introduction-and-chapters-1-4/) - The aim of this present series is not to provide a detailed exposition of this book (for this the reader will need to refer to a more exhaustive commentary) but to indicate from “things … written aforetime” some of the permanent principles in the purpose of God for His people, and their privileges and responsibilities - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – January-February 1984](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-january-february-1984/) - “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely”, Hosea 14. 4. It is quite significant that in several of the reports sent in this time, mention is made of backsliders being restored at gospel meetings. This shows an aspect of God’s dealings with men which is very lovely. It does not suggest a - [The Decree of Cyrus – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-decree-of-cyrus-part-2/) - In the preceding article we saw how that archaeological discoveries have gone a long way to corroborate the versions of Cyrus’ decree recorded in the book of Ezra. We noted in particular that the decree was consistent with Cyrus’ general policy towards exiles within his kingdom. In that sense it had been dictated by political - [A Word for Today: Advocate, Pleader, Intercessor (Gk. Para-kletos)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-advocate-pleader-intercessor-gk-para-kletos/) - One of the enduring features of English common law is that it is based on the adversarial system of justice. This gives rise to the practice of advocacy, where parties are represented by advocates who argue out their client’s respective cases in the presence of an impartial adjudicator. It is in sharp contrast to an - [A Word for Today: Wisdom, Skill, Aptitude (Heb. Hokmah)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-wisdom-skill-aptitude-heb-hokmah/) - The story is told that on one occasion a prayer was delivered in Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral (to Queen Victoria’s amusement) ‘that the Almighty would send down His wisdom on the Queen’s Ministers, who sorely need it!’ All of us, of course, need God’s wisdom, not just ministers of state, but the sentiment of the - [Ephesians – Part 1: Chapter 1 vv 1-14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/ephesians-part-1-chapter-1-vv-1-14/) - The book of Ephesians is the epistle that unfolds the great truth of ‘the mystery’, which, as we shall see, has been hid in God from ages and generations. It was given to the apostle Paul to reveal this truth to the saints, 3. 3-4, and that this mystery unfolds the present unity of all - [Editorial ‘We … sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre … and finding disciples, we tarried there’, Acts 21. 3, 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-we-sailed-into-syria-and-landed-at-tyre-and-finding-disciples-we-tarried-there-acts-21-3-4/) - As we read through the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, it is often perplexing to know why the inspired writer should record in places the minute detail of Paul’s journey. The opening verses of this chapter are an example. As we know that ‘all scripture is given by inspiration of God’, 2 Tim. - [Cover Image](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cover-image-3/) - ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour?’ Matt. 5. 13 One of the strangest sights in the Middle East is the salt lake that is located between Jordan and Israel. This lake was first named the ‘Dead Sea’ by the Romans because the area around it was - [Cover Image](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cover-image-2/) - ‘And came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus’, John 6. 24. The ruined site of the village of Capernaum, modern site name ‘Tell-Hum’, is located close to the River Jordan on the north-west side of the Sea of Galilee. Its Semitic name means ‘village of Nahum’, and many scholars have tried to link the village to - [Characters Around the Crucifixion – Part 4 – Herod who Mocked Him](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/characters-around-the-crucifixion-part-4-herod-who-mocked-him/) - It is important to remember in reading the New Testament that the name ‘Herod’ belonged to several people of the same family, much as there were many kings of England named Edward, or George. The first Herod we encounter in the New Testament was the one who ruled in Judea at the time of the - [Chairman’s Notes](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/chairmans-notes-3/) - As another year draws rapidly to its close, for many 2019 has brought significant change. The political, economic and social landscape of the United Kingdom has altered quite dramatically. With the considerable upheaval and uncertainty that affects some of us, it is good to know that we have an unchanging God, One who could say, - [‘Concerning Things of the Spirit’, 1 Cor. 12-14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/concerning-things-of-the-spirit-1-cor-12-14/) - CHAPTERS 12-14 OF 1 CORINTHIANS continue Paul’s instruction to the believers at Corinth regarding the nature and order of their church meetings ‘when they came together’, 14. 26. Chapter 12 introduces the section with the words, ‘Concerning spiritual gifts’. The Greek word, pneumatikos, here translated ‘spiritual gifts’, also in 14. 1, 12, is in fact - [A Word for Today: Vine, Grapevine (Heb. Gephen)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-vine-grapevine-heb-gephen/) - Viticulture or vine cultivation has been practised for many thousands of years. The Greeks were the leading exponents of this science, and it was extended by them throughout the Mediterranean world where the climatic conditions were found to be particularly conducive to the propagation of vines. Later, the process spread throughout the Roman Empire, so - [A Word for Today – καινός](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-καινός/) - It is not an exaggeration to suggest that human beings have an insatiable appetite for new things. We seem to be obsessed about new products, and people will often queue for hours on end to be the first to acquire a new computer game or a new smartphone. And the craze is not just confined - [A Royal Priesthood](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-royal-priesthood/) - That believers are called upon to function as priests is clearly stated in the New Testament. Peter writes categorically, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood”, 1 Pet. 2. 9, and the song of the redeemed in glory is, “thou … hast redeemed us to God by thy blood … and hast made us - [What About Drinking Alcohol?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-about-drinking-alcohol/) - As well as being head of the Biology Department of a large comprehensive school in Cardiff, Mr. Brind also acts as Health Education Coordinator for the school. One of the practical issues which face young people is that of drink. “Should a believer in Britain today drink alcohol?” is a very real question which needs - [Saul, King of Israel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/saul-king-of-israel/) - Only three kings ruled over the whole of the twelve tribes of Israel: Saul, David and Solomon. They ruled for a total of 120 years, and then in Rehoboam’s reign the kingdom was divided into two: Israel, the northern (with ten tribes) and Judah, the southern (with two tribes). Saul, the first king, was admirably - [James 1. 13-27](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/james-1-13-27/) - In the first article it was seen how believers are to respond to trials. We shall now proceed to examine the source of evil and the best way to deal with it. For convenience, therefore, we shall analyse the chapter as follows: vv. 1-12 Right reaction to temptation. vv. 13-17 Real root of temptation. vv. - [I Don’t Count](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/i-dont-count/) - The Compxny to which I belong is fxirly lxrge; there xre twenty-six of us letters in xll. Hxving thought xbout it xt length, I hxve come to the conclusion thxt xny contribution which I could mxke to our work is unimportxnt. Xfter xll, there is no job which I cxn do which xnother member cxnnot - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – March-April 1984](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-march-april-1984/) - “They continued stedfastly”, Acts 2. 42. In this report it is good to tell of many campaigns and special gospel efforts throughout the country. This reflects exercise on the part of local churches to reach the people in the area. Yet perhaps even more encouraging, are the number of times that we have been able - [A City](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-city/) - The first city mentioned in the Scriptures was that built by Cain, and named after his son Enoch, Gen. 4. 17. His great, great, great grandson Lamech was a man as undisciplined and violent as Cain himself, and in his godless tradition. In Lamech’s own sons a godless civilisation developed; in Jabal, nomadic pastoral life, - [The Decree of Cyrus – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-decree-of-cyrus-part-1/) - According to the book of Ezra, Cyrus passed a decree in the first year of his reign which authorised the Jews throughout his kingdom to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild God’s temple there. Two versions of the decree are given. The first, Ezra 1. 2-4 (cf. 2 Chron. 36. 22-23), takes the form of - [The Shepherd Psalm: Psalm 23 – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-shepherd-psalm-psalm-23-part-4/) - “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over”, v.5. These words sound like a scene in a banqueting hall, but they are not! The pastoral imagery is not set aside. The shepherd has led his sheep through the Valley of the - [Isaiah 52. 13 to 53. 12 – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/isaiah-52-13-to-53-12-part-4/) - Having considered (i) Messiah’s suffering, Isa. 53. 5-7, and (ii) death, v.8, we now come to look at (iii) Messiah’s burial, v.9. For centuries this verse must have formed something of a holy riddle to its readers—a riddle which has been solved only by its detailed fulfilment in Christ. We observe: Man Proposes. “They made - [Wood, Hay, Stubble – Divine Assessment](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/wood-hay-stubble-divine-assessment/) - It is inevitable that particular scriptures should have different emphases at different times of life and in different circumstances. To the young, facing life with the thrill of Christian service, such passages as Joshua 1. 7, “be thou strong and very courageous”, comes with challenging force, and they are stirred to attempt great things for - [Subjection in 1 Peter 2. 11 to 5. 11 – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/subjection-in-1-peter-2-11-to-5-11-part-2/) - The first feature of fitting behaviour enjoined on the believer is dignified subjection in three spheres of life, (a) civil, (b) social, and (c) domestic, 1 Pet. 2. 13;3. 7. Peter’s exhortations guide attitudes (a) as subjects in human government, (fe) as servants in working relationships, and (c) as spouses at home. In each of - [The Hidden Man of the Heart](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-hidden-man-of-the-heart/) - There is a verse in the Proverbs which reads, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter”, 25. 2. In general, this is a feature of the Old Testament, and though in the New the whole truth is revealed, it requires on - [Golgotha, Matthew 27. 33](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/golgotha-matthew-27-33/) - In our previous studies on “The Sufferings of Christ”, we have contemplated His anticipation in the Garden of Gethsemane of the Cup that He was to drink; we have considered Gabbatha’s judgment hall and its shameful Cruelty, and in this paper we ponder the strange mystery of Golgotha and its Curse. “It pleased the Lord - [Brief Bible Notes](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/brief-bible-notes/) - Seven “togethers” for Christians “gathered together”, Acts 12. 12; “framed together”, Eph. 2. 21; “builded together”, Eph. 2. 22; “joined together”, Eph. 4. 16; “striving together”, Phil. 1. 27; “knit together”, Col. 2. 2; “caught up together”, 1 Thess. 4. 17. Seven References to “precious” Things in 1 and 2 Peter “faith”, 1 Pet. 1. - [The Baptism in the Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-baptism-in-the-spirit/) - I do not know why he chose to confide in me that day, but as we sat together he poured out his story. A sad tale of a life blighted by alcohol and illicit sex. He turned to me. “It’s all right now, though”, he said, “last night I got it all”. “Got what?”, I - [At His Feet (Published 1983)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/at-his-feet-published-1983/) - Chapters 12 and 13 of John’s Gospel contain two remarkable narratives. They describe Mary at Jesus’ feet, 12. 1-9, and Jesus at the disciples’ feet, 13. 1-17. The two passages invite careful comparison. Mary brought ointment to the Saviour’s feet and Jesus brought water to the disciples’ feet. Love for the Lord brought Mary to - [The Shepherd Psalm: Psalm 23 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-shepherd-psalm-psalm-23-part-1/) - With long years of a shepherd’s life behind him, David penned this beautiful Psalm, which has become one of the most beloved in the Psalter. In it, the shepherd-minstrel turns his attention upwards to the heavenly Shepherd, whom he has contemplated while caring for his sheep in the solitude of the hills. An eastern shepherd - [Isaiah 52. 13 to 53. 12 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/isaiah-52-13-to-53-12-part-1/) - Isaiah 52. 13 to 53. 12 comprises the last of Isaiah’s four so-called “Servant Songs”, cf. 42. 1-4; 49. 1-6; 50. 4-9. That Messiah is the subject of the passage can be established in at least two ways. Firstly, the passage provides a description of character and conduct, a depth of suffering, a completeness of - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities – May-June 1983](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-may-june-1983/) - “Herein is love”, 1 John 4. 10. “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world”, 1 John 4. 14. Involvement is a word that springs readily to our minds today, and often rolls easily off our tongues. It is true to say that the greater the understanding of needs and circumstances, - [What Manner of Love](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-manner-of-love/) - The greek word potapos primarily meant “from what country”, but came to mean “of what sort or kind”. It is used in the N.T. in a variety of contexts—of persons, Matt. 8. 27; Luke 7. 39; 2 Pet. 3. 11, and of things, Mark 13. 1; Luke 1. 29. In these verses, there is the - [The Word “Temple”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-word-temple/) - When one Greek word is unnecessarily translated by two or more different English words (such as the pairs “right, just”, “Spirit, Ghost”, “to minister, to serve”), and when two different Greek words are translated by one English word (such as “temple”, “man”, “another”), then clearly the studious reader of the New Testament must be on - [The Teenager Who Said “No”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-teenager-who-said-no/) - As a teenager Daniel was taken captive to Babylon. In very difficult conditions and changing circumstances he remained faithful to God, and became an effective witness for Him in the corrupt court there. His influence began to be felt when he was a teenager and continued throughout his long life. Joseph, Samuel, David, Josiah and - [The Rod and the Branch](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-rod-and-the-branch/) - The first ten verses of Isaiah 11 contain a brief but comprehensive prophecy of the coming into the world of the Messiah and of the kingdom which He will finally estabfish. The passage omits all reference to the rejection, sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, and to the church era. It spans many centuries, - [The Lord’s Programme](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-lords-programme/) - Every teacher must have a programme or syllabus containing those ideas and ideals which he purposes to communicate to his pupils. However elementary or profound the subjects taught, it is essential that the methods, materials and final goals are clearly envisaged from the commencement of his teaching. It must be said at once that the - [The Authority of Elders in the Local Assembly](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-authority-of-elders-in-the-local-assembly/) - Increasingly the authority of elder brethren is being denied, and efforts made to substitute congregational government. The result is confusion and indecision, and the confidence of gifted leaders who might lead the church is undermined. Here is a statement from Scripture of the truth of the matter. Elders are spiritually mature men in an assembly - [Subjection in 1 Peter 2. 11 to 5. 11 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/subjection-in-1-peter-2-11-to-5-11-part-1/) - The outline of the purpose of God in the first part of this Epistle (see Precious Seed, 1972-1973) is intended not only to educate the minds of the people of God, but to guide their steps. What Peter has said is vital to the spiritual perspective and to the stability of his readers in the - [Separation From the World (Abridged – First Published 1948)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/separation-from-the-world-abridged-first-published-1948/) - Abridged reprint from Nov./Dec. 1948 issue by the late Dr. James F. Spink, Collingdale, U.S.A. If Christianity is to make headway, it must be proved to be more than a theory, and we must present to the investigation of the critical mind the reality of Eves transformed by the power of God. More evil is - [He Chose Twelve](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/he-chose-twelve/) - Of the several prayers recorded of the Lord Jesus Christ, a number seem to point us to specific aspects in His fife. At His transfiguration it was as He prayed that the fashion of His countenance was changed; in His high-priestly prayer special features are brought to our attention; and again in the garden His - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities – March-April 1978](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-march-april-1978/) - “I told them of the hand of God which was good upon me”, Neh. 2. 18 R.V. Nehemiah stands out among the men of Scripture as one who had the interests of his God at heart. He could weep bitterly over the disasters of his faithless nation as he saw the walls of the beloved - [Gethsemane, Matthew 26. 36–39](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gethsemane-matthew-26-36-39/) - “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death”, v.38. In recording the Saviour’s words to His three disciples, both Matthew and Mark use the same Greek word of emphatic strength, perilupos (deeply grieved). But Jesus alone knew what would lie in the awful depths of that grief. This would be expressed in the cup that - [Gabbatha, John 19. 13](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gabbatha-john-19-13/) - “Pilate … brought Jesus forth … in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.” Many, on visiting Jerusalem, and observing the remains of the New Testament period unearthed by the archaeologists, have recalled in heart and thought the divine record of all that He endured there, is a never-to-be-forgotten, heart-moving - [Divine Supremacy Maintained](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/divine-supremacy-maintained/) - When we contemplate the will of God, we recognize that it is God’s sovereign right to have His will done universally, on earth as it is in heaven, with subjection to God and His will in local assemblies here below. Satan, the adversary, challenges God’s supremacy. Some angels joined him in his opposition to God, - [Divine Love](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/divine-love/) - The Head of all creation, Who once this earth has trod, Head over every nation, As Man; in essence God. Here, though from men’s sight hidden,His Glory always shone, Light shines in Him, unbidden, The hearts of men has won. Here all earth’s gloom dispelling,The joy of heav’n descends,Riches of love Christ telling, Its wealth - [“Tongues Shall Cease”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/tongues-shall-cease/) - In the previous article, we looked at the nature of the New Testament gift of tongues, coming to the conclusion that in all cases it was a public gift of foreign languages which was bestowed by the Holy Spirit on those who had not previously learned them. In this paper we will seek to answer - [“Tongues of Men and of Angels”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/tongues-of-men-and-of-angels/) - “I became thirsty for a personal infilling. I decided I should no longer be put off by tales of ‘Pentecostal’ excesses. Three months of waiting upon God culminated in my attendance at a conference on ‘The Holy Spirit’. I was led to seek counsel from a godly older brother. This was followed by prayer and - [Premillennial or Amillennial – Does it Matter?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/premillennial-or-amillennial-does-it-matter/) - 1. The Question Explained This question concerns two different kinds of interpretation of the Scriptures which predict the second coming of Christ. ‘Premillennial’ is a theological term which derives from Latin ‘pre’ meaning ‘before’, and ‘mille’ meaning ‘thousand’, and those who hold this interpretation believe that Christ will return before a thousand-year personal rule on - [‘The owl also and the raven shall dwell in it’, Isa. 34. 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-owl-also-and-the-raven-shall-dwell-in-it-isa-34-11/) - ‘The owl also and the raven shall dwell in it’, Isa. 34. 11. In the scriptures, as here, the owl is often associated with ruins and desolation. Indeed, the extent of desolation is portrayed graphically in this verse where Isaiah speaks of ‘the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness’, where the words ‘confusion’ - [Is Scripture Literal?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/is-scripture-literal/) - When considering the correct interpretation of any part of Scripture, it is of great importance to understand whether its true meaning is according to the literal sense of the words used or only according to some kind of non-literal sense of those words. In this connection it is helpful to remember three basic principles. First, - [How I Study My Bible – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-i-study-my-bible-part-2/) - In the previous article we briefly considered the necessary “tools” for Bible study, and commenced to look at a suggested method of study. We finished with comments about the preliminary reading of the book to be studied. As each book is read through, certain things will become clear, often linking back to observations made in - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities – January-February 1983](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-january-february-1983/) - “He shall not fail”, Isa. 42. 4 “He must increase”, John 3. 30. Another year of reports begins. Facing the problems and possibilities of serving the Lord, it is good to commence with certainties. Because work for God is beset with difficulties, we often give way to doubts regarding its relevance and effectiveness. In these - [Paul’s Early Prayers – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauls-early-prayers-part-1/) - The major divisions in the Epistles to the Thessalonians are marked by Paul’s use of two almost identical Greek expressions: “Loipon oun, adelphoi”, 1 Thess. 4. 1, and “To loipon adelphoi”, 2 Thess. 3. 1. In both Epistles the section before the relevant expression is largely taken up with personal references, narrative and explanations, and - [How I Study My Bible – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-i-study-my-bible-part-1/) - In speaking of the study of the Scriptures it should be borne in mind that the following outline of my personal method of Bible study is intended to be descriptive rather than prescriptive. In other words, it should not be taken as a universal guide to the study of the Bible which all young people - [United We Stand – Divided We Fall](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/united-we-stand-divided-we-fall/) - Unity is at the heart of Christianity. In the upper room, just before His suffering, the Lord Jesus laid foundational truths for the church. He taught that love for fellow believers is a proof of discipleship, ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’, John - [Those Who Were a Delight to Paul: Lois and Eunice (Continued)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/those-who-were-a-delight-to-paul-lois-and-eunice-continued/) - Eunice and her mother Lois lived in Lystra in southern Galatia (modern-day Turkey). They were Jewesses, but, by the time we read about them, Eunice had married a Greek and had a grown-up, but uncircumcised, son called Timothy, Acts 16. 1. According to Old Testament teaching, Eunice should not have married a person who had - [Hannah – Faithful Amidst Unfaithfulness](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hannah-faithful-amidst-unfaithfulness/) - Hannah lived in a very difficult time in Israel’s history. The nation had just come through a period when accountability was ridiculed and ‘every man did that which was right in his own eyes’, Judg. 21. 25, and when, through a series of judges, there were attempts to keep the people on a level spiritual - [So, You want to be Contemporary?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/so-you-want-to-be-contemporary/) - EDITOR‘S NOTE: Is all change good? It is hoped that this article will help us to consider what is worldly and therefore inappropriate in the context of the spiritual. Society and culture seem to be in a process of constant change. To be contemporary and in step with the times is almost to be dated, - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – January-February 1980](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-jan-mar1980/) - “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding … your labour is not in vain in the Lord”, 1 Cor. 15. 58. This report looks back to the year that is past; 1979, whether for good or ill, has gone into eternity. Opportunities lost can never be recovered. How many people who hav listened to the Word - [Words of Comfort](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/words-of-comfort/) - How precious are the words of Christ to His disciples in the upper room, and prior to His departure from them, as recorded in John 14. 1-3. What a comfort they have been to many since the day they were spoken by the Lord, and even today. Undoubtedly, the cause of the ‘troubled heart’, was - [Two Feasts](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/two-feasts/) - John chapter 2 describes two feasts, a wedding feast at Cana and a Passover feast at Jerusalem. The first was a local event and the second was a national one. The presence of the Lord Jesus proved crucial at both feasts and made them memorable. At the wedding He intervened quietly and averted a crisis. - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities – August-October, 1993](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-august-october-1993/) - ‘… pray for us, that the WORD of the LORD may have free course and be glorified’, 2 Thess. 3. 1. Many evangelists today, while making use of the many open doors to the gospel that are often there, are conscious of the subtle hindrances that impede its progress. The atmosphere created by comparative religious - [The New World Translation](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-new-world-translation/) - ‘Prove all things’ 1 Thess. 5. 21. The New World Translation of the New Testament was published in 1950 by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of New York. This society is the command centre of the Jehovah’s Witness organization. How can a translation of the scriptures into English be described as false scripture? - [Moses’ Vision of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/moses-vision-of-god/) - In Exodus 34 we have recorded God’s descent in the cloud and His passage before Moses. While we cannot begin to imagine what the vision that passed before Moses’ eyes was like we can meditate upon what was proclaimed as the event took place. vv. 6 and 7, The Revelation of God There is a - [Slaves, Servants or Sons?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/slaves-servants-or-sons/) - In his letter to the Christians at Rome, Paul looks back over the 4000 years of Old Testament times, showing the lost and sinful condition of Gentiles (nations as a whole) and Jews, and traces the steps whereby men, through the grace of God, may be delivered from the bondage of evil and given the - [Gethsemane](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gethsemane/) - After prayer, John 17, and the singing of a hymn, possibly two Hallel Psalms 113 and 114, the Lord and His eleven faithful disciples crossed the brook Cedron, and ascended the mount of Olives to the garden of Gethsemane. What composure, amidst such sorrow! After crossing the Cedron, Jesus mentioned another sorrow that He was - [Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introduction/) - Only once in the Scriptures do we find the English word “passion”, Acts 1. 3. It is the translation of the Greek word pathein, to suffer. There it refers to the consummation of the Lord’s suffering at the end of His earthly sojourn, and especially during the last seven days, what writers today term the - [By Galilee](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/by-galilee/) - ‘Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel’, 1. 14, 15. When Jesus came it was not as John’s rival but in John’s - [The Kingdom Parables – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-kingdom-parables-part-1/) - Matthew 13 is the second of our Lord’s three major discourses in the first Gospel, cf. ch. 5-7; 24-25. It consists mainly of a series of seven parables which relate to the time between His two advents. Except the first, these are said to refer to the kingdom of heaven. They are therefore widely known - [The Kingdom Parables – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-kingdom-parables/) - The remaining five parables in Matthew 13 are concise, but with the first two already looked at they give a comprehensive picture of the age extending from our Lord’s first to His second advent. The parables of the sower and wheat and tares laid a basis for what follows. The seed in the first parable - [The Kingdom Parables – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-kingdom-parables-2/) - The first two parables in Matthew 13 are (in some respects) similar to each other. They both refer to the sowing of seed. They are both interpreted by the Lord, unlike the other parables which follow. Yet in other respects they differ. Failing to understand these distinctions will lead to misinterpretations. In the last article - [The Kingdom Parables – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-kingdom-parables-3/) - Chapter Twelve of Matthew marked the turning point in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. As King He had demonstrated His authority by performing many miracles, vv. 9-22. Instead of acknowledging His glory, the Pharisees attributed His power to Satan, vv. 23-24, cf. 9. 34. The die was now cast. Their antagonism - [Lot — A “Just Man” among Sinners](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lot-a-just-man-among-sinners/) - According to Genesis 11. 31, the relationship between Abraham and Lot was that of uncle and nephew. Lot’s father Haran died before Lot’s grandfather Terah, v. 28, and Lot associated himself with Terah and with Abraham his uncle. The three of them left Ur of the Chaldees, together with Sarai, Abraham’s wife, and their cattle - [‘Judge nothing … until the Lord come’, 1 Cor. 4. 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/judge-nothing-until-the-lord-come-1-cor-4-5/) - The church at Corinth probably caus-ed Paul more anxiety than any other church within his knowledge. In con-trast to “false apostles” who were doing such damage by preaching “another Jesus” and a different gospel, Paul was able to point to his abundant labours for Christ as attesting his true apostleship. In addition to his outward - [The Meat Offering (Published 1980)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-meat-offering-published-1980/) - Leviticus 2. 1-16; 6. 14-18; 7. 9, 10 This offering, which is the most common of all the bloodless offerings mentioned in the Scriptures, is called in Hebrew “Minchah”, meaning “a gift”. The A.V. translates it “Meat Offering”, that is “Food Offering”; while the R.V. gives “Meal Offering”, and the New Translation simply “Oblation”. No - [Some Practical Considerations](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/some-practical-considerations/) - In our previous paper, we considered Ephesians 4. 3-6; we now consider other aspects of our subject. The Name “Christian” The one and only proper name (as distinct from designations such as saint, disciple, believer) which the Holy Spirit has recorded as given to believers on Christ is “Christian”, Acts 11. 26; 26. 28; 1 - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – July-August 1980](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-july-august-1980/) - “That I might by all means save some”, 1 Cor. 9. 22. Each time these reports come in, there is a growing sense of the desperate needs among the people to whom the gospel is preached. Satan’s determination not only to frustrate the effect of the Word as it is given, but also to create - [Lessons from Leviticus – Chapters 18-22](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lessons-from-leviticus-chapters-18-22/) - In this paper we begin the second main section of the book, namely, the Requirements of Fellowship and Mans Acceptance with God in Sanctification, chs. 18-27; review again the full summary given in paper 1. God requires that His people “shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy”, 19. 2. In this - [Before Time Began](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/before-time-began/) - There are two immeasurable dimensions in which we, as human beings, live. They are time and space. While man has in a measure probed space, his efforts to search back into time have not been so successful. He can go so far back into history, but of the early history of the heavens and the - [The Unjust Steward, Luke 16. 1-13](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-unjust-steward-luke-16-1-13/) - In Luke 16. 1-13 we are given details of the Lord’s audience, v. 1a; of His parable of the unjust steward, vv. 1b-8; and of His application of the parable, vv. 9-13. The Lord’s Audience, v. 1 a. The Lord addressed the parable directly to His disciples, although it was heard also by the Pharisees, - [A Church Decides](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-church-decides/) - How should a church come to a decision on a doctrinal matter, a moral question, an organisational query, or even a practical problem? We have not been left without guidance on this. The young church was faced with problems and difficulties, and its decisions have had effects reaching down to our days. Some of those - [Son of… The Son of the Highest](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-the-son-of-the-highest/) - The Bible uses many titles to describe God the Son. In preparation for His incarnation, the angel Gabriel told Mary that the Holy One born to her would be ‘great, and … be called the Son of the Highest’, Luke 1. 32, describing Him with a venerable divine title from Old Testament history. It expresses - [Pauline Metaphors – Part 2: Guarantee](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-2-guarantee/) - Introduction The concept of a guarantee, whether used literally or metaphorically, is not confined to the first-century period of the New Testament, although the Apostle Paul used the concept of a guarantee in his Epistles to the church at Corinth and at Ephesus. Both concepts are found throughout the Old Testament; for example, when the - [Paul’s Second Missionary Journey – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauls-second-missionary-journey-part-1/) - The context of the journey, Acts 15 The council at Jerusalem, vv. 1-35 - essential clarification for the work among the Gentiles. Salvation is through faith alone with no need for circumcision. The care of the believers, v. 36 -Paul and Barnabas desired the growth and well-being of the young believers they had seen saved. - [Isaiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/isaiah/) - The four great prophets, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah and Micah, were active in the last days of the northern kingdom of Israel. At this crucial period, during which the final appeals of the Lord to that nation are heard, the Lord has His men in place, who will speak for Him. It is interesting that at - [Eve](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/eve/) - Late in the twentieth century some very clever and highly qualified scientists proposed a theory, and it was never more than a theory, suggesting that the evolutionary descent on the female side could be traced back a vast number of years to a single individual, whom they entitled mitochondrial-Eve. They could have saved themselves a - [The Opened Fountain](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-opened-fountain/) - ‘A fountain opened for sin and for uncleaness … Wounded in the house of My friends.’, Zech. 13. 1, 6 And I have wounded Thee – oh, wounded Thee! -Wounded the dear, dear Hand that holds me fast!Oh, to recall the word! That cannot be!Oh, to unthink the thought that out of reach hath passed! - [1 Corinthians 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-corinthians-14/) - (Unless otherwise stated, all quotations of Scripture are from the New King James Version) The previous issue of the magazine included the second part of an exposition of 1 Corinthians 14. Footnote 2 to that article read, ‘There have been many attempts to explain the seeming contradiction between Paul’s instructions in 11. 2-16 and in - [The Epistle to the Ephesians](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-epistle-to-the-ephesians/) - This section commences with the words “Wherefore remember”, and at its close are the words “Now therefore ye are no more”, v. 19. The whole paragraph, therefore, has to do with the extraordinary change which has occurred in the ways of God with men, so that the position once occupied by them has been abandoned - [The Name which is above every Name – Phil. 2. 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-name-which-is-above-every-name-phil-2-9/) - The context in which this statement is found indicates that the name before which every knee shall bow in a coming day is the name ‘Jesus’. It is linked with glory and with the day when His mighty triumph shall be declared, and all creation shall acknowledge it. Is this the reason that today that - [The Koran](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-koran/) - ‘Many false prophets shall arise’ Matt. 24. 11. Undoubtedly the Koran is an accurate record of the teaching of Mohammed. Although he did not write it himself, nevertheless Mohammed’s teaching was given in a poetic form, and with the retentive memories of his followers, an accurate record of his teaching would be the result. But - [Philip the Apostle and Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/philip-the-apostle-and-christ/) - Turning on, therefore, to John 12. 20-26, where we next read of Philip, we find that here, having been proved by his Lord, Philip is also The Seeker Taught by Him five days before the Passover and the Lord’s crucifixion. Here Philip is taught the significance of that approaching death and both the cost and - [Fellowship with Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/fellowship-with-christ-3/) - The Need for Fellowship The Gospel of John is made up of two sections. The dividing point comes between chapters 12 and 13. In chapters 1-12 it is Christ and the world. Chapters 13-21 it is Christ and His own. This section includes the account of the Lord’s death and resurrection. The dealings of the - [Are you a Trustee?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/are-you-a-trustee/) - The Task of a Trustee is a very important work, and is supported by a legal document known, for example, as a Trust Deed. The trustees may be responsible for money, for a building such as a Gospel Hall, for carrying out the provisions of a will of a deceased person, or for the work - [Problems, Spiritual and Personal](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/problems-spiritual-and-personal/) - Acts 11. 19; 13. 1-3; 14. 21 - 15. 41 The Church at Antioch had, in the Lord, the ability to withstand all the attacks of the evil one. When, inevitably, problems arose it was able to resolve them in a spiritual way. One such example was the problem that arose about circumcision. Some who - [Salvation](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/salvation/) - 1. Introduction Salvation means both ‘rescue from danger’ and ‘preservation in safety’. This joint meaning, recovery and subsequent safety and protection, is very important in fully grasping the teaching of the Bible on the subject; for instance it justifies our expression ‘once saved; always saved’. We shall see that in the spiritual realm salvation has - [Some Aspects of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/some-aspects-of-the-person-and-work-of-the-holy-spirit/) - The Prayer for the Spirit. ‘I will pray the Father’. John 14. 16 The Promise of the Spirit. ‘He shall give you’. Ditto The Pattern of the Spirit. ‘Another Comforter’ (The same type). Ditto The Presence of the Spirit. ‘That he may abide with you’. Ditto The Permanence of the Spirit. ‘For ever’. Ditto The - [Joseph the Carpenter](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/joseph-the-carpenter/) - It is interesting that in Deuteronomy 33, when Moses is speaking of the blessing of Joseph, he says that he handled ‘the precious things of heaven’. Similarly Jacob, in Genesis 49, in blessing his sons says that Joseph was sorely grieved, shot at and hated. These words are true of the Joseph of the Old - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – January-February 1990](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-january-february-1990/) - Introduction ‘… with God nothing shall be impossible’, Luke 1. 37. At the beginning of the year it is good to give thanks for the past. It is also good to seek inspiration and hope in prayer for the future. The above scripture is perhaps startling in its claim yet it was spoken to encourage - [This Same Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/this-same-jesus/) - We want to look at some verses, that tell us something about our Lord. In each of the verses we get the word same and this word will be our guide in our meditation. We will start with Hebrew 13. 8, ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.’ Here He is - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – November-December 1982](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-november-december-1982/) - “I will give them an heart to know me”, Jer. 24. 7. “Lydia … whose heart the Lord opened”, Acts 16. 14. Two questions could be asked, as we seek to understand the work of God in human lives today. Firstly, “where is the damage of sin most deeply felt?” Then, “where does the work - [A Willing People, 31. 12–18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-willing-people-31-12-18/) - We shall study this passage from the point of view of the truth of obedience. Several times we read, “Ye shall keep the sabbath”, vv. 13, 14, 16. This phrase immediately brings before us the thought of obedience, reminding us that God will have a willing people, a people who are willing to obey His - [The Harvest and Vintage of the World](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-harvest-and-vintage-of-the-world/) - This vile world will be purged and purified before the reign of Christ begins. All that are opposed to God will be rigorously removed. Drastic action, military and judicial, will speedily cleanse a corrupt scene - and when the kingdom age commences not so much as a single rebel will be alive upon the earth. - [A Working People, 31. 1–11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-working-people-31-1-11/) - In this passage, we have some searching and solemn principles that can be readily applied to the local assembly. The local assembly is the most precious thing that God has in any locality, and we do well to take heed as to how we act in relation to it In this portion, the kind of - [What Did Pharaoh Think?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-did-pharaoh-think/) - We represent our God to the world as did Joseph and his father in their times What a solemn task! As the Lord Jesus was in the world, so are we, 1 John 4, 17, He is the standard, the faithful and true witness. Rev, 3. 14. We will consider how Pharaoh was confronted by - [The Twilight Day](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-twilight-day/) - Chapter 14 of the prophecy of Zechariah presents a grim picture of Jerusalem under siege and penetration by the powerful forces of the king of the north and “all nations”. Not many days (it may be) prior to this final siege of Jerusalem, the apostate king of the Jews will have been taken red-handed from - [The Lord’s Profession](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-lords-profession/) - In the history of education, the world has seen many great innovators, brilliant intellectuals, and daring pioneers, but surpassing them all stands the unique Person who exclaimed, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. The Lord’s certificate to teach bore the divine endorsement of - [The Breaking of Bread – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-breaking-of-bread-part-1/) - In the early days of the church in Jerusalem, the new converts must have listened intently to the teaching of the apostles. Their first love for Christ, placed in redeemed hearts by the Holy Spirit, would cause them to forsake their Jewish background, and to desire the new doctrine and practice introduced by the Lord - [Behold a Certain Man Clothed in Linen](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/behold-a-certain-man-clothed-in-linen/) - When the high priest appeared before the people in his garments of glory and beauty, all his clothing was of linen, and consisted of the ephod and girdle (all of which could be seen), the robe of the ephod (very little of which was exposed), and the mitre or turban with the gold plate inscribed - [The Defeat of the Devil](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-defeat-of-the-devil/) - “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness”, Mark 1. 12. This is a remarkable verse. The dove-like Spirit becomes the driving Spirit, brooking no delay. The word “immediately” suggests that time was at a premium. The divine Son of God may not linger at the river. It is remarkable that we are permitted - [Feet Washing](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/feet-washing/) - John chapter 13 commences a new section in this Gospel. So far, the Lord has been confronted by the world - religious, political, and social; now He is with His own. It is fitting that the section commences with cleansing, and we may see how the Lord teaches His lesson from it The cleansing mentioned - [Giving – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/giving-part-1/) - The importance of the subject of giving is emphasized for us by the words which Paul quoted from the Lord Him self. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Acts 20. 35 It is good to receive but it is even better to give There is, of course, a joy in receiving, but - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – July-August 1982](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-july-august-1982/) - “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace”, Rom 10. 15. The words “peaceful settlement”, “reconciliation”, and “peace” have been much in the front of people s minds during these days. Whatever the rights and wrongs of conflict may be. it creates a deep and meaningless tragedy. It shatters, corrupts - [A Worshipping People, Exodus 30. 34-38](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-worshipping-people-exodus-30-34-38/) - We can link this passage with John 4. 23, 24, “true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him”. Incense speaks of worship - worship that is practical, worship that has an effect upon our lives. Occupation with the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - [The Role of Russia](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-role-of-russia/) - We consider now a distinctive military campaign at the end of the age. just prior to, or at the commencement of, the millennial kingdom of the Lord. The destruction of the Western powers had already taken place, and the total defeat, likewise, of the armies of the king of the north (the cruel Assyrian). including - [The Holy Scriptures: Their Inspiration, Writing and Application](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-holy-scriptures-their-inspiration-writing-and-application/) - Both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter wrote divinely inspired second letters when they knew that their stay on this earth was nearing its end: namely, 2 Timothy and 2 Peter. In these Epistles, both wrote warnings against false teaching and apostasy. Not only did both write about the Scriptures a number of times - [Whither Israel?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/whither-israel/) - That Israel as a nation will eventually be restored to her true place or earthly supremacy is positively asserted in the Scriptures. The question “Hath God cast away his people?”, Rom 11. 1, is unequivocably answered in the words “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew”, v. 2. God’s sovereign dealings with - [A Powerful People. 30. 22-33](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-powerful-people-30-22-33/) - In this passage we have firstly the holy compound, vv. 22-25; secondly the anointing of the tabernacle, vv 26-29; thirdly the anointing of the priestly house, v. 30, and finally the warning regarding any counterfeit and the putting of it upon “man’s flesh”, vv. 31-33. We can link this with “by one Spirit are we - [The Church at Antioch – A Church with a Privilege](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-at-antioch-a-church-with-a-privilege/) - The persecution that followed Stephen’s martyrdom began a new stage in the progress of the early Christian Church, leading to the expansion of evangelistic testimony to Asia Minor and Europe. Acts 13 commences the account of missionary activity that demonstrates plainly Scriptural principles and apostolic practice. Antioch was the centre from which the first commended - [Revelation of Divine Purpose in Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/revelation-of-divine-purpose-in-exodus/) - In our last paper we considered the first two sub-sections of The Revelation of Divine Purpose in Exodus (refer to the complete analysis of the book again in the July-August, 1970, issue). We are now to study together the remaining two sub-sections, and in order to follow more easily you should read Exodus 28 to - [Psalm 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalm-8/) - Psalm 8 describes “the world to come”, Heb. 2. 5ff, and the Son of man its divine Ruler. The second Psalm showed us the royalty of God’s Christ and His sovereignty over the nations; this Psalm reveals the humanity of Messiah and His dominion over creation as Son of man. It is a thrilling portrait - [Philadelphia](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/philadelphia/) - To this church the Lord presents Himself as irresistibly Sovereign. He is “true" to all that His name in every aspect implies and he has the royal key of David; He possesses sovereign rights on earth as well as in heaven. He, therefore, can open and none can shut, and vice versa, 3. 7. What - [Moses and Jesus: Hebrews 3. 1-6](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/moses-and-jesus/) - In the above verses we have a striking contrast between the greatest person in the Old Testament: Moses, and the greatest Person in the New Testament. (We are following the Revised Version throughout this article in constantly using the name Jesus rather than the title Christ Jesus.) The reasons for introducing this subject here are - [Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/exodus-2/) - The title “Exodus" means a “way out" or “departure”, and was given because it records the way in which Jehovah brought Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. The theme of the book is redemption; the theme of Genesis is election. The people who are chosen in Genesis are now called, and the main part - [‘Till He Come’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/till-he-come/) - Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us four gracious commands “till he come”. Firstly, the most precious of all is remembrance. Worship is the highest occupation of the soul and the Lord’s supper is for that purpose, that is, to remember Him and to show forth His death “till he come”, 1 Cor. 11. 26. - [The Teachings of Jehovah and the will of God – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-teachings-of-jehovah-and-the-will-of-god-part-1/) - In this paper we are to consider a part of the third and last main division of the book of Exodus. The title proposed for this is THE TEACHINGS OF JEHOVAH AND THE WILL OF GOD, 19. 1 to 40. 38 The particular chapters on which we shall now comment extend from 19 to 27, - [The Church at Jerusalem – A Church Making Progress](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-at-jerusalem-a-church-making-progress/) - A programme is in itself an indication of progress. The writer can recall the general amusement in a company of boys and girls when one of our sons, then seven or eight years of age and self-appointed chairman of the meeting, announced, “The next item in the progress is –!". Like the Lord Jesus in - [The Baptism of the Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-baptism-of-the-holy-spirit/) - Paul, by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Why, - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-81/) - The following reports are meant to stir each reader to prayer and to produce heart searching as to whether we are personally dis-charging our responsibility to those around us in the setting forth of the Word of God. The workers with the S.E. London Mobile Unit spent a week at Hythe in Kent. Of 140 - [Possessing Our Possessions](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/possessing-our-possessions/) - “But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions”, Obad. 17. This statement through the prophet Obadiah presents a glorious truth. For in his book, Obadiah speaks not only of the doom of Edom, Esau’s descendants, but also of the deliverance of Israel. - [Psalm 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalm-2/) - The main theme of this, the first of the Messianic Psalms, is the reproach and reign of God’s King. Out of this theme emerges the divine reproof of man’s violent hostility to the Lord and His Anointed, and the rejoicing of those who submit to, and trust in, the Son. Fulfilled in Jesus Christ David - [Sardis](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/sardis/) - The chief thing that marked this church was a lifeless profession, a denial of what was professed. The church had a name to live, but it was actually dead. Its reputation belied its state. Its character was cold, bleak, dead, mere formal ortho-doxy. Reality can only be produced by the Spirit of God working in - [Suggested Analysis of Genesis](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/suggested-analysis-of-genesis/) - Primeval History, chs. 1-11. From the Creation to the Condemnation, 1. 1 to 3. 24. God’s Will declared, first period, (a) The Creation of the cosmos, 1. 1 to 2. 3. The Creation of the universe, 1. 1, telling us of the Being, the Power, the Sovereignty of God. The Re-creation of the planet, 1. - [“To Him That Is Weary”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/to-him-that-is-weary/) - The suffering through which a believer may be called to pass is often the highest service to which he or she may be called. It is a service which demands total and unquestioning commitment to the mind and purpose of God. It is far easier to be used in the service of God when active; - [A Pure People, 30. 17-21](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-pure-people-30-17-21/) - We can link this passage with 1 Corinthians 3 17, “the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are”. Six points may be made. 1. The Picture: the laver of brass (copper) and the water The laver was made of copper, speaking of the righteousness of God. Inside the tabernacle we have gold presenting - [Armageddon and Aftermath](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/armageddon-and-aftermath/) - Strictly speaking the term “Armageddon” denotes the assembling area of earth’s military confederacies for the final battle in human history prior to the millennium It is a Hebrew word which means “Mountains of Megiddo”, and represents that region in Palestine to the north of Jerusalem where the armies of the nations of the earth will - [A Science Teacher Asks, “Creation or Evolution?” – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-science-teacher-asks-creation-or-evolution-part-2/) - In the previous article I explained that, at University, I was confronted with four major evidences, which, it was claimed, proved evolution. In that article I considered the first, and in some ways, the most important “evidence”, namely, the fossil record. I want now to look briefly at the other three. The second major “evidence” - [A Science Teacher Asks, “Creation or Evolution?” – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-science-teacher-asks-creation-or-evolution-part-1/) - I WAS BROUGHT up in a Christian home, where the Word of God was loved and practised. My father passed on to me his love of nature and it was not surprising, therefore, that biology became my main subject at school. Although I had been converted as a child, it was not until my teens - [Jeremiah - Prophet of Faithfulness and Compassion](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jeremiah-prophet-of-faithfulness-and-compassion/) - All Quotations are taken from the Revised Version Jeremiah, the prophet of Judah, is a character who seems to defy description. He has been called the weeping prophet. He has also been described as the young fanatic from Anathoth. If we put just these two together they indicate a life in which feeling and fire - [How I Was Called to Salvation and Service – Paul Young](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-i-was-called-to-salvation-and-service-paul-young/) - “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck”, Prov. 1. 8, 9. Like Timothy, 2 Tim. 1. 5, I received an invaluable heritage of spiritual truth from my Christian parents. To - [Worship](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/worship-2/) - We may well ask ourselves whether this word has been debased in a sense through other usage, since we speak of “His Worship the Mayor’ or the “Worshipful Company of …”. When we come to consider the high spiritual significance of the word, our thinking turns to honour, adoration, respect, reverence, the giving of glory - [How I was called to Salvation and Service – John Campbell](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-i-was-called-to-salvation-and-service/) - I will be eternally grateful to God for giving me the privilege of having believing parents, parents who sought to honour the Word of God and shield me from many of the temptations of the world. As a teenager I came to a knowledge of salvation in our own home after attending some special Gospel - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities – July-August 1978](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-45/) - "Power belongeth unto God”, Ps. 62.11. To read reports of labours in the gospel is a comparatively easy exercise. The news of things that God is doing can be fascina-ting and also brings out praise to the Lord. Yet which of us really knows the extent of the challenge that is presented to the powers - [The Eventide of Peaceful Repose, Mark 11. 1-11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-eventide-of-peaceful-repose-mark-11-1-11/) - The Lord has come to the commence-ment of the week of His passion, and He commenced that week with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, “the city of the great King”. What a signifi-cant event it was! What great facts revealed in it! Consider that it contained the following: 1. An Indication of Poverty. Here we - [Amos – The Prophet of Righteousness](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/amos-the-prophet-of-righteousness/) - The ministry of Amos, the earliest of the written prophets, is both rugged and direct. He communicates with un-compromising sincerity the burden of his heart concerning the Northern Kingdom of Israel. By occupation he was a herdman from Tekoa, disclaim-ing earnestly any connection with the schools or the families of the prophets, Amos 7. 14. - [A Chosen Prince](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-chosen-prince/) - In God’s purpose, the elect nation of Israel was meant to be a theocracy, that is, a state governed by Him as its sole King, not as a titular Head, but as sovereign Ruler. God’s laws and com-mandments regulated all the nation’s activities. In this respect, Israel was unique among all the nations, in that - [Responsibility in an Assembly – 1 Chronicles 4. 21-23 – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/responsibility-in-an-assembly-1-chronicles-4-21-23/) - Very often, when reading through a list of names or genealogies in the Word of God, we come across a verse or two suggestive of deep spiritual truth. In 1 Chronicles 4, there are perhaps three such passages: Verses 9-10: The prayer of Jabez, a head of a family in the tribe of Judah. This - [The Eventide of Parabolic Intent, Mark 11. 12–26](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-eventide-of-parabolic-intent-mark-11-12-26/) - It is the Monday of the final week of the Lord’s life on earth, and there are two events which occupy Mark’s writing before the Lord retires in the eventide to rest outside the city of Jerusalem. The events are seen to have a parabolic meaning which is interpreted the day following when the Lord - [Hosea – The Prophet of Love](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hosea-the-prophet-of-love/) - All Quotations are taken from the Revised Version Hosea has been called the patriot from Mount Ephraim. The slightest acquaintance with his writing will show the contrast between his prophecy and that of Amos. Yet he was a younger contemporary of the prophet of righteousness. He was also an older contemporary of Isaiah and Micah. - [Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – September-October 1978](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-september-october-1978/) - “My word … shall not return unto me void”, Isa. 55. 11. During the summer months there is much sowing of the good seed of God’s Word. It is His Word and we praise Him for it. All the life-creating possibilities of Deity are contained in it. Through faith its blessing can be realized. A - [The Prophetic Mission](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-prophetic-mission/) - The prophets of Israel were significant figures in the history of the nation. Their voices were heard and their work was done as evidence of their involvement in the nation’s affairs. It has been well said that the history of Israel is the history of prophecy. The line of the prophets begins with Moses. It - [The Eventide of Prospective Deliverance, Mark 4. 35 to 5. 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-eventide-of-prospective-deliverance-mark-4-35-to-5-2/) - The Lord had toiled all day teaching the multitude who had lined the shore while He sat in the boat. It was now sunset and the multitude would be hastening to their homes for rest and shelter. So the Lord bade His disciples cross the lake. Preaching all day in the heat of the sun - [Unity](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/unity-sept-oct-1953/) - We are happy to pass on to our readers one of the papers left by our brother, which so aptly reflects the ministry which made thousands his debtors. Unity in local church life is formed and maintained by the Holy Spirit. Unity is not uniformity. Human regulations may achieve uniformity, but they do not produce - [Letters of Commendation – Follow Up](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/letters-of-commendation-follow-up/) - The letter published in the previous issue appears to have been timely, for the response which it has evoked indicates that the gracious and Scriptural practice of taking a letter of commendation when visiting another assembly, is. being neglected. This seems to be particularly the case in holiday resorts. We feel sure that if believers - [2 Timothy 4. 9-22](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-timothy-4-9-22/) - Chapter 4. 9-18 Introductory Note This passage contains messages about the Apostle’s immediate circumstances. His first alludes to some of those who had been his associates, and then mentions the evil doings of a vigorous opponent. After this he recalls his experiences before the Imperial Tribunal and how the Lord delivered him, closing with the - [Figures of the Assembly – Part 1: Ye Are the Temple of God (1 Cor. 3. 16)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/figures-of-the-assembly-part-1-ye-are-the-temple-of-god-1-cor-3-16/) - This expression was applied to the company of believers at at Corinth, and not to the individual believer. True, a similar expression, “the temple of the Holy Ghost,” is applied to the body of the individual and a powerful plea for personal sanctification is based upon that solemn truth. But the expression we are now - [Letters of Commendation](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/letters-of-commendation-3/) - We have been asked to publish the following letter received from a fairly large assembly In a popular seaside resort. Is their experience common? If so, what Is the best line of action to take? We shall be glad to have the views of other assemblies similarly placed. We, as an assembly at a Holiday - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – July-August 1953](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-july-august-1953/) - BLACKDOWN HILLS, DEVON Six miles east of Cullompton, nestling at the south-westerly end of the Blackdown Hills, is Panchydown Farm. Since 1941, meetings have been held in the farmhouse from Autumn to late Spring. The meetings were originally designed to cater for about 50 young evacuees living in the district so gospel messages were preached, - [Which Church Shall I Join?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/which-church-shall-i-join/) - The writer suggests an excellent way to settle an Important question. Many young Christians are perplexed by the question, “Which church shall I join?” Often the deciding factor is a practical one, but it may be useful to review some of the considerations which might well,influence anyone who believes that sufficient counsel in this matter - [The Counterpart Of The Frankincense Of The Meat-offering, As Seen In Luke’s Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-counterpart-of-the-frankincense-of-the-meat-offering-as-seen-in-lukes-gospel/) - A meditation pregnant with suggestion to the reverent student. There is a presentation of the Person of Christ in the Gospels, which answers to the offerings in the book of Leviticus, the typical teaching of which yields much spiritual food for the sustenance of the Lord’s people. We must not put an absolute interpretation on - [Figures of the Assembly – Part 2: A School](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/figures-of-the-assembly-part-2-a-school/) - We are in danger of falling into a quite unjustifiable complacency with our level of spiritual knowledge and intelligence. It might not be difficult to suggest causes for this unwarrantable frame of mind, but it will be more profitable to turn our attention to what may help to dispel it. A comparison with New Testament - [The Gospel Meeting](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-meeting/) - During a Gospel Campaign the energies of the Christians are focussed upon the blessing of the unconverted. But every gospel meeting should be regarded as a special mission to non-Christians. It is natural to attend the gospel-service from force of habit. It is better to share in the preparatory prayer-meeting. It is better, too, to - [Evidences of the New Birth in 1 John](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/evidences-of-the-new-birth-in-1-john/) - When profession is so easy we welcome a message which will test reality. This “Epistle” is the complement of the “Gospel” by the same writer. The latter was written “that ye (believers) might have life”; the former, “that ye may know that ye have life.” In the Gospel we are taught the way of life - [How It Began – Cockenzie, Port Seton](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-it-began-cockenzie-port-seton/) - We occasionally recount the story of an assembly’s beginnings, because the varied methods of God are always a lesson to faith. Read how seed sown in the Shetlands took root hundreds of miles south on the coast of East Lothian. Standing one beautiful October evening on the Shore Road with a Christian fisherman, the writer - [Concerning Weddings](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/concerning-weddings/) - There are two passages of Scripture that come before our mind in connection with the arrangements at weddings: (1) “Be not conformed to this world,” and (2) “Be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 12. 2; 8. 29). It will be readily conceded by spiritually-minded believers that the world cannot give the cue - [Youth Asks Questions – How Would You Answer?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/youth-asks-questions-how-would-you-answer/) - In a certain English city, sixth-formers from a large number of schools combine to organize Brains Trusts, at which leading citizens are invited to answer a large number of questions. As It is useful to know how the mind of youth is working on ‘religious’ matters we appreciate the opportunity of publishing the questions posed - [Cover Image – ‘The Heron After Her Kind’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-heron-after-her-kind-lev-11-19-deut-14-18/) - ‘The heron after her kind’, Lev. 11. 19; Deut. 14. 18. In the list of birds that were regarded as unclean and therefore not to be consumed by Israelites, it is relatively easy to appreciate why birds of prey should be included. As they feed upon carrion or rotting flesh, their ability to transmit disease - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – March-April 1953](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-mar-apr-1953/) - LONDON We had no space in our last number to refer to a report we received of the Autumn Meeting of the London Village Workers. These workers are drawn from 38 London assemblies, and they are divided into six parties to visit the villages and isolated hamlets and homes. Some of these have to be - [Parenting Adolescents – Boundaries and Caring Support](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/parenting-adolescents-bouderies-and-caring-support/) - Scripture quotations are from the NIV Adolescence is the most chaotic and stressful of all stages of family life. One humorist described it this way, ‘As children grow from 13 to 18, parents age twenty years’. A vast knowledge gap, where teens think they know everything and their parents know nothing, may also - [Change to the Unchanging](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/change-to-the-unchanging/) - LORD, THOU hast set us amid unresting change.Day follows night; season, season; year, year; not one the same, nor yet our part in any: centuries, eras pass, none like the last; nature herself is servant to the aeons; all things evolve and alter:change upon change that no man can stay,but each must share. Such thy - [The Mother of Moses](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-mother-of-moses/) - ‘Take this child away, and nurse it for me’, Exod. 2. 9. All the sons of the Israelites were condemned to die by Pharoah’s order. For three months, Moses’ parents had hidden him. ‘They were not afraid of the king’s commandment’, Heb. 11. 23, for themselves, but now they could no longer keep him safely. - [The Coming of the Son of Man](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-coming-of-the-son-of-man/) - The previous article outlined the background to the coming of the Son of man (‘The Scene’) This third, and concluding, article suggests a possible order of events both for the coming itself (‘The Sequence’) and for the period immediately following (‘The Sequel’). THE SEQUENCE At the human level, the advent of the Lord will be - [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – Day Saints (Mormons)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-mormons/) - The Mormon Church still has strong political influence in the state of Utah in the U.S.A. It owns the second largest financial institution west of the Mississippi, ‘The Beneficial Life Insurance Company’, has enormous land holdings, as well as a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Times. It is very missionary orientated and encourages its - [Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jesus-christ/) - NAMES AND TITLES OF THE SON OF GOD The precious names given to the Lord Jesus in God’s word express His person, purposes, power and pre-eminence. Names are little more than a means of identification in contemporary usage. Not so concerning Him whose name manifests His character. We can say of Him, ‘as his name - [Is There Truth?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/is-there-truth/) - Recently, in discussing a scriptural matter with a younger man, he heatedly stated, ‘You think you are right and others are wrong’. He was correct in believing that I thought I was right on this matter because of what the Bible teaches. But the implication was that truth is relative, a very common assumption in - [Is There Not Something Better?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/is-there-not-something-better/) - Ugly events have stained the pages of world history. Exploding out of wrong attitudes, these misfortunes alter society’s order, and often hinder the development of the individual’s personal life. There are moments of peace and happiness. There are days when we achieve our goals and we seem to advance. Some dreams do come true. However, - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-42/) - EIRE The annual Postal Bible School holiday week, conducted by Noel and Liza McMeekin, and held in Avoca, was attended by one hundred and two of the students, two of whom professed faith in the Lord Jesus. Colin Sheldon is now recommencing teaching the Bible Explorer programme to pupils in some Dublin primary schools. He - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-58/) - As the first year of the third millennium comes to its end, many will reflect on whether their expectations have found fulfilment. At the beginning, everything was centred in the Millennium – the Millennium celebrations, the parties, fireworks, the Dome, even the Millennium Prayer. On the human level it was all ‘fantastic’. Nothing would spoil - [Ecclesiastes – An Overview](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/ecclesiastes-an-overview/) - The Book of Ecclesiastes describes Solomon’s search for the meaning of life, by his own unaided intellect and apart from divine revelation. His conclusion was that life is vanity and as futile as chasing the wind. We know the book was written by Solomon because he was the only son of David who was king - [Brass Tacks](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/brass-tacks/) - Brass Tacks is a faith venture set up in the UK to offer practical and technical help to assist missionaries and others involved in the Lord’s work at home and abroad. Since 1986 our volunteers have completed over 12000 working days on 70 different projects in 21 countries. The projects on which we have worked - [Worship, Then and Now](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/worship-then-and-now/) - David and the other writers of the Psalms were worshippers. They had great thoughts of God. The marvels of His creation swept them away in rapturous song. When they considered His greatness, goodness, and grace, their minds strained to take it all in. They thought of Him as the Upholder and Controller of all things - [What about Letters of Commendation?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-about-letters-of-commendation/) - Question What about Letters of Commendation? Answer This question is linked closely to reception into a local assembly. Clearly, it was the practice of local assemblies from apostolic times to seek commendation of the assemblies from which the believers had come, e.g. the apostle Paul asks the Corinthian believers ‘Do we begin again to commend - [Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon and Abdon](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/tola-jair-ibzan-elon-and-abdon/) - It is not without moment that the Spirit of God separates the light from the darkness in these words, ‘And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola … and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim’, Judg. 10. 1. It was time someone arose to defend God’s people. Israel’s previous judge, Abimelech, son of - [The Occult](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-occult/) - The word ‘occult’ derives from the Latin word for ‘hidden’, ‘secret’ or ‘mysterious’ and concerns the unseen powers and activities of demons who are controlled by their master the devil. In the New Testament there are over eighty references to demons and the Lord Jesus taught very clearly that demons are real and have extensive - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – Nov-Dec 1952](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-november-1952/) - NORTH OF SCOTLAND Our brethren Hill and Martin from Ulster had an encouraging time at Stornoway. Later, at the invitation of a sister in fellowship who lives at Fochabers, they visited that village, where there is no assembly. The place was thoroughly worked with tracts and very good children’s meetings were held. The closing meeting - [Serving Tables](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/serving-tables/) - THE MINISTRY OF THE RETIRED MISSIONARY AID FUND An important and commendable feature of the early church was a social conscience, in particular, with respect to fellow believers in practical need. The daily ministration for widows is an example of this. True, it ran into difficulty but prompt action resulted which put the arrangement on - [Low Waters Gospel Hall, Hamilton, Scotland](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/low-waters-gospel-hall-hamilton-scotland/) - During the summer of 1899, a gospel tent was pitched on the open space at the bottom of Cadzow Rows. The gospel message was earnestly and faithfully preached by an evangelist, Mr. Alex Lamb from Dalmellington, Ayrshire, with the help of a number of believers, who lived in the Cadzow, Low Waters and Eddlewood districts. - [Lord, Teach Us To Pray …](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lord-teach-us-to-pray/) - The importance of prayer in the life of a believer can never be overestimated. Yet this is something with which we all struggle, and we continually find ourselves confessing that our prayer-life is not what it should be either in terms of quantity or quality. Accordingly, the request of the disciples to our Master should - [His Hands Full of Incense](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-hands-full-of-incense/) - Our hands are important parts of our individual personalities. Some people have larger hands than others. If Aaron’s hands were small, whatever he could hold in them would be his sweet incense offering within the vail: so God ordained. This sweet incense was a fragrant perfume upon the burning coals of the censer, made up - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-43/) - EIRE CO. LIMERICK Continue to pray for the work of the evangelistic teams at work in Limerick and Enniscorthy over the summer months. John and Linda Standfield are in the process of enlarging their house to better accommodate the visiting teams of workers as well as to provide office space and a larger meeting room. - [Empty Chairs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/empty-chairs/) - It happens to all preachers at one time or another. It’s bound to happen again, eventually. It’s awkward. It’s a little embarrassing. It can be so discouraging. There’s little we can do to completely avoid it. What is it? It’s that dreaded monster called ‘low turnout’ – when the time to begin your meeting is - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-59/) - '… there are certain men crept in unawares … ungodly men … denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ’, Jude 4. It would seem that the only reason that Jude wrote this short letter, was to share the concern he felt about those who had infiltrated themselves among God’s people. These were - [The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-watchtower-bible-and-tract-society-jehovahs-witnesses/) - This religious organization claimed by the mid-1990s a worldwide membership of 4.9 million active Witnesses in 75,500 congregations in 232 countries (The Watchtower Jan. 1, 1995). The average Jehovah’s Witness spends ten hours each month going from door to door, attends five hours of meetings each week, is instructed to ‘avoid independent thinking’ (The Watchtower, - [The Coming of the Son of Man](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-coming-of-the-son-of-man-2/) - BIBLICAL PROPHECY The subject of our Lord’s second advent occupies very many passages of Scripture. Before embarking on this study, it is important that we understand something of the nature and purpose of biblical prophecy; prophecy, that is, in the sense of foretelling future events. God has revealed coming events for at least three reasons: - [Shamgar](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/shamgar/) - In spite of their flaws, some more obvious than others, the days of the judges (or saviours) of Israel present us with some of the Old Testament’s highest drama. Who of us has not thrilled to the sight of Barak’s ten thousand as they flew headlong down the precipitous flank of Tabor toward the ‘discomfited’ - [Medical Missionary News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/medical-missionary-news/) - ‘We are completely reliant on containers from Medical Missionary News to supply all our needs and this includes food’, so wrote a missionary couple just recently. This is frequently heard from those serving the Lord in Africa. It also places on MMN a tremendous responsibility to regularly supply all these needs, and with this responsibility - [Israel’s Survival – Is There a Future?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/israels-survival-is-there-a-future/) - ISRAEL‘S PRESENT SITUATION Since 1948, when David Ben Gurion declared Israel to be an independent, sovereign state, the nation has gone from strength to strength. One third of all living Jews have settled in Israel and the nation has made amazing advances in commerce, science and medicine, and in military power. This has been achieved - [If A Man Dies, Shall He Live Again?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/if-a-man-dies-shall-he-live-again/) - From ancient sacred literature comes a question that still haunts the human mind, ‘If a man dies, shall he live again?’ A world view today maintains that there is no Creator God, no design to the universe, no life after death, so there is no accountability for what we have done in life. There is - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-44/) - IRELAND CO. CORK The three small assemblies in Co. Cork were greatly encouraged as they held their fifty-fifth Annual Conference for ministry in Bandon Grammar School over the St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend in March. Many of the Lord’s people came from Northern Ireland as well as from mainland Britain. There was hardly enough - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-60/) - ‘Wherefore remember … that at that time ye were without Christ … having no hope, and without God in the world’, Eph. 2 11-12. WITHOUT HOPE – WITHOUT GOD! How often does the full force of these words, spoken of the unregenerate, impress us as they should? Here is a sad picture of hopelessness, sufficient - [Adamsdown Gospel Hall](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/adamsdown-gospel-hall/) - In 1852, Edwin H. Bennett and his wife came to reside in Cardiff. They had a deep desire to commence a meeting on New Testament lines, and they were joined by a Mr. Bright, who shared their desire. In a book published in 1901 entitled The History of Nonconformity it is recorded that ‘a meeting - [‘A Sound of Abundance of Rain’, 1 Kings 18.41](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-sound-of-abundance-of-rain-1-kings-18-41/) - In our service for God we should always have the gathering of the harvest as our aim. It is a strange farmer who sows but does not have a desire to reap. Yet, before the harvest there must of necessity be the rain. Without that, the efforts of the sower will be to no effect. - [Who cares about Shepherds?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/who-cares-about-shepherds/) - Church history is filled with inspiring accounts of great men and women of God. Pioneer missionaries, fearless evangelists, giants of exposition, sacrificing servants, all lift us to a higher plane in spiritual things. We do well to read about these. But in all of these volumes I am not aware of any that tell the - [To Spread the Gospel – the Believer’s Responsibility](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/to-spread-the-gospel-the-believers-responsibility/) - This is an extract from the first issue of Precious Seed, Vol.1 No.1, September 1945 Our little island has, of late, been very much like Palestine was in the early days of Christianity wherein folk of diverse lineage and skin colour have dwelt. At that time there were found people from all branches of the - [The New Age Movement – A Leaderless but Powerful Network](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-new-age-movement-a-leaderless-but-powerful-network/) - It was incredible to read that in the early 1990s a lady gave up her £150 per day job in the City of London, to take up work at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland for £75 per month! Findhorn was the first New Age community in the world, being founded in 1962 and has achieved - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities – Jan-Feb 1953](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-11/) - During recent months we have increased the number of our Correspondents in order to keep in touch with work in the widest possible field. We greatly appreciate their help, for without it we should have few reports to publish. We find, however, that they do not always receive the encouragement which is due to them - [The World Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-world-church/) - With the lamp of prophecy in our hands, this ‘murky’ world is seen to have dark shadows cast by coming events. The last days are to be times of apostasy from the truth of God, and the “itching ears” of the congregations will “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings” (2 Tim. 4. - [2 Timothy 3. 4-13](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-timothy-3-4-13/) - End-of-the-Age Evils (Contd.) Verse 4 traitors, - those who are treacherous in their dealings with others. The reference is not confined to the betrayal of fellow-believers in days of persecution. headstrong, - the word propetes, lit., falling forward, signifies reckless, rash and precipitate. puffed up, - the verb tuphomai properly means to wrap in smoke, - [1953](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1953-2/) - As we enter upon another New Year in this troubled world we cannot but be profoundly thankful that, amid all the shifting sands, the Christian has a solid rock upon which he can rest with confidence. We have seen sufficient of the efforts of would-be prophets not to feel any inclination to imitate them, but - [The Late Mr. W. D. Dunning](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-late-mr-w-d-dunning/) - “The memory of the just is blessed.” Men who have long lived among us, prayed with us in our homes, counselled us in our difficulties, opened the Word of God to us, and preached the gospel in our midst, should be remembered with esteem and affection. Such a man was William David Dunning, who was - [“We”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/we/) - The Lord’s use of the pronoun “I” in the Gospel by John has been the subject of many a profitable study. His use of the plural “We” is also deeply significant and instructive. “We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him” (chap. 14. 23). These words assume the Deity of the Speaker; - [2 Timothy 3. 1-3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-timothy-3-1-3/) - End of the Age Evils The Apostle now passes from evils already existent to those which would characterize the end of this age. The list he now gives would seem to fall within the scope of what is termed Christendom, for the evildoers are described as “holding a form of godliness, but having denied the - [Mr A. J. Townsend’s Home-Call](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/mr-a-j-townsends-home-call/) - The sadden illness and Home-call of our esteemed brother A. J. Townsend of Exeter came as a great shock to us and to his many friends in the West Country. On Monday, September 22nd, he was taken to hospital for an operation which appeared to have been successful, but the Lord called His servant Home - [The Third Epistle of John](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-third-epistle-of-john/) - Pen Portraits - Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius vv. 1-8. Gaius - His Character expounded vv. 9-11. Diotrephes - His Conduct exposed vv. 12-13. Demetrius - His Confidence enjoined Gaius v. 2. Prosperity - physical and spiritual (prospereth=literally “makes good way,” whence link with “walking” in vv. 3 and 4) v. 3. Integrity - “walking in truth” - [Lymmouth Disaster](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lymmouth-disaster/) - The sympathy of friends all over the country has been a tremendous cheer to the believers at Lynmouth. The immediate and generous response to the need enabled them to give substantial and much-appreciated aid in cases of immediate distress, and we believe this will commend the gospel. It is too early to form a reliable - [Joining the “Oversight”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/joining-the-oversight/) - When a man hankers after a position on the oversight of an assembly, and feels aggrieved because he is not invited to it, certain of his friends will sometimes champion his cause with more zeal than discretion, and with a variety of arguments - usually more personal than pertinent. Such an outlook betrays a complete - [Coming Into Fellowship (a Word to Converts)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/coming-into-fellowship-a-word-to-converts/) - Of the many blessings which come to the children of God, one of the most important is association with other believers in the fellowship of a local assembly. People are moved by various considerations in their choice of church fellowship - such as the fact that relatives or friends are there, or that they were, - [“The Church in the Wilderness” (Acts 7. 38)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-in-the-wilderness-acts-7-38/) - An important principle to remember in “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2. 15) is that, in the Old Testament, there is not a single reference to the Church of the New Testament. The Church was still future when referred to by that Church’s Lord in Matt. 16. 18; its genesis coinciding with - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-12/) - We feel it is necessary to make it clear that the men whose reports appear on this page serve the Lord independently of any human control. We are glad to commend their work to the prayerful interest of readers, but we accept no responsibility for them and make no contribution to their financial support. Readers - [The Church of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-of-god-2/) - Introducing a series of studies entitled “The Assembly as Presented in Scripture.” Next month, “The Assembly as the Place of My Throne.” The Holy Scriptures are written, “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor. 2. 13). Therefore it is of vital importance in our reading of - [The Importance of New Testament Church Principles](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-importance-of-new-testament-church-principles-2/) - In the Holy Scriptures God has provided for us “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, R.V.), not once upon a time, as if the provision of the faith was a passing event, leaving something else to be provided later, but “once for all,” indicating its completeness, its finality - [The Believer’s Responsibility in Regard to the Spread of the Gospel. 2 Kings 7. 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-believers-responsibility-in-regard-to-the-spread-of-the-gospel-2-kings-7-9/) - The four leprous men were right. To withhold glad tidings from a starving people would be the extreme of heartlessness. To know there was plenty available for a people who were starving and to say nothing of it would be indescribable callousness. To allow people to die when we know they can live – words - [Heol-y-gors, Swansea](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/heol-y-gors-swansea/) - About thirty years ago Sunday School work and Gospel Meetings were commenced in a cottage at the corner of Percy Street, Swansea. There were not more than about forty houses in the district. The surrounding areas were barren land and considered unsuitable for a housing estate. But God (knowing the future planning of this district, - [The Most High God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-most-high-god/) - Among the many names and titles used to describe God in the Bible is the term ‘the Most High’ God – used some 34 times. It is used first by Melchisedeck and Abraham both of whom refer to God as ‘the most high God (El Elyon), possessor of heaven and earth’, Gen. 14. 18, 19, - [What Does the Bible Tell Us About the Future? – Part 3: The Judgement Seat of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-part-4-i-will-come-again/) - Introduction Whilst all believers should be longing for the coming of the Lord, many of us may not be so enthusiastically waiting for the judgement seat of Christ that immediately follows it. This event is something that all believers will face and the way we live now should be governed by the conscious realization that - [The Slaughter of the Innocents: Matthew Chapter 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-slaughter-of-the-innocents-matthew-chapter-2/) - The events of this chapter are not recorded anywhere else. No other Gospel writer mentions the visit of the magi, the slaughter of the innocents, nor the emergency flight into Egypt. And, to date, no secular document has verified Matthew’s account. But such corroboration is unnecessary. Everything rings true and slots perfectly into the design - [What Does the Bible Tell Us About the Future? – Part 2: ‘I Will Come Again’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-part-2-i-will-come-again/) - Introduction Of the many events that occurred on the night in which our Saviour partook of His final Passover, there were two that occurred within the space of an hour or so. The first was a promise Jesus made to His disciples and the second was a prayer He made to His Father. The promise - [What Does the Bible Tell Us About the Future? – Part 1: the Last Days of the Church on Earth](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-part-1-the-last-days-of-the-church-on-earth/) - A very high percentage of the Bible is about the future. Some people estimate that over a quarter of the Bible deals with future events. Having said that, we need to bear in mind that the truth of the church was hidden in the Old Testament and not revealed until New Testament days. Therefore, we - [Things That Concern Us: Philippians – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/things-that-concern-us-philippians-part-4/) - Your faith, 2. 17 The apostle is here referring to the effective outcome of their salvation, their faith having been worked out in them by giving evidence of it in their lives. Because of this, he would count it a joy to be a sacrifice, as one who is poured out as a drink offering, - [Suffer the Little Children – The Challenges of Parenthood](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/suffer-the-little-children-the-challenges-of-parenthood/) - The responsibility of raising a family for the Lord is, perhaps, one of the most challenging tasks which any believing couple can undertake. It is a task which demands total commitment coupled with prayer, love, devotion, patience, compassion, understanding and wisdom, all day, every day. Some tasks are less straightforward than others and there are - [Question Time – How Can I Believe God Is in Control of My Life When I Am Experiencing Such Pain?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-how-can-i-believe-god-is-in-control-of-my-life-when-i-am-experiencing-such-pain/) - Question How can I believe God is in control of my life when I am experiencing such pain? Answer The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that it is common to the human condition that we go through times in our life when we experience sorrow as well as joy. There is ‘a - [Cover Image – Galilee](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/galilee/) - ‘And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee’, Matt. 21. 11. Galilee forms one of the most northerly parts of the land of Israel, its soil and sea often forming the backdrop of the Lord’s teaching and miracles. Easton states that, ‘It is noteworthy that of his thirty-two beautiful parables, - [Cover Image – Beersheba](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cover-image-august-2021/) - ‘And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord’, Gen. 21. 33. Beersheba is one of the largest cities in Israel outside of the metropolitan areas of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, and is known for the manufacture of chemicals, porcelain, tile products, and textiles. It is described - [Consummate Comforters](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/consummate-comforters/) - On Sunday evening, the 5th of April 2020, Queen Elizabeth II delivered a message of solidarity and hope to the people of the United Kingdom. This was despite the fact that the United Kingdom was struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had contracted the virus. ‘Today we are tackling - [Things That Concern Us – Part 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/things-that-concern-us-part-5/) - Your moderation, 4. 5 The word ‘moderation’ means gentleness, and has been rendered ‘yielded-ness’, or ‘sweet reasonableness’, which is identified as a trait of character.1 This should speak to us. How do we react? Sadly, how often do we allow the ‘flesh’ to come to the fore? There are another two points which challenge all - [Zebedee and His Faithful Wife](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/zebedee-and-his-faithful-wife/) - In the scriptures, the Spirit of God draws our attention to the spiritual value of what might appear, to the human mind, to be purely secondary detail. However, they are the most practical writings given to man, and being so precious, they embrace every aspect of life. Thus, it is profitable to observe the way - [What Is Thy Beloved? – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-is-thy-beloved-part-1/) - This question was asked of the Shulamite regarding her beloved, and she provided the answer. Whilst historically it refers to Solomon and the Shulamite, we want to consider it devotionally as it would speak of Christ and the believer. It was a test for the Shulamite as she was being asked to tell those that - [Solomon’s Temple – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/solomons-temple-continued/) - The temple courts Solomon’s temple and palace were part of a large complex of courtyards and buildings, linked by guarded gates and built upon a foundation of large, carefully hewed stones.1 The other buildings included: ‘the house of the forest of Lebanon’ -which doubled up as an arsenal, Isa. 22. 8, and a storehouse for - [Solomon’s Temple – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/solomons-temple/) - When King David wanted to build a house for God’s name, a permanent resting place for the ark,1 Jehovah revealed to him a full blueprint of the structure of the temple, its surrounding courts and furniture, as well as instructions detailing the courses of the priests, 1 Chr. 28. 11-19. But, because David was a - [Question Time – Should We Look for Signs Today That the Lord Jesus Will Return Soon?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-should-we-look-for-signs-today-that-the-lord-jesus-will-return-soon/) - Question Should we look for signs today that the Lord Jesus will return soon? Answer When it comes to understanding what the future holds, believers are the most informed people on the planet. Both Old and New Testaments teem with detailed information about the future, describing specific events, eras of time, significant individuals, and nations. - [Memories of a Godly Man – The Influence of Mr William Trew](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/memories-of-a-godly-man-the-influence-of-mr-william-trew/) - When I was asked to put pen to paper in a tribute to the life and work of Mr Trew, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his homecall, my first reaction was, surely it cannot be fifty years or more since I sat at the feet of this man of God and learned, - [Editorial - February 2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-february-2022/) - ‘From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures’, 2 Tim. 3. 15. There are many lessons that emanate from the early days of Timothy that should be carefully considered, lessons which those of us who are parents and grandparents do well to note, and to which some of us may feel we may not - [Editorial – November 2021](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-2/) - ‘He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar’, Ps. 99. 7. Paul reminds us that one of the things that should characterize us as Christians is a forbearing or gentle spirit towards everyone. The reason for this is then given, ‘The Lord is at hand’, Phil. 4. 5. If we take this clause with the - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 118](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-118/) - The setting of the Psalm In its position as the last of the ‘Messianic Psalms’, and also the last of the six ‘Hallel Psalms’, Psalms 113 to 118, Psalm 118 demands our particular interest. The Messianic references in the psalm are clear, especially in verses 22 and 26 where the Millennial glory of the Lord - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 89: God’s Faithfulness During Disaster](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-89-gods-faithfulness-during-disaster/) - Sceptics love to impugn the scriptures and attack God’s goodness. The eighteenth-century philosopher, David Hume, asserted that evil’s existence demonstrates that God is either not omnipotent or else He is not good, reasoning that a good and all-powerful Creator would not create such a wicked world. The Bible answers this difficulty in various ways; for - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-8/) - Introduction This brief but magnificent Psalm is a revelation of the majesty of God and, at the same time, a celebration of the unique dignity and responsibilities He conferred on His creature, man. Whilst the fall and man’s disobedience have delayed the full attainment of that purpose, the New Testament points us to a triumphant - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 72](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-72/) - Speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul asserted, ‘He must reign’, 1 Cor. 15. 25. Although denied by a-millennialists, the One whom men rejected and crucified at His first coming is appointed to have a throne and a kingdom in the very scene of His rejection. God has determined it; the scriptures testify - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 69](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-69/) - The Travails of the Trespass Offering Life is filled with multifarious troubles. In His incarnation, our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the tribulations that are endemic to the human condition in a fallen world; He also suffered for righteousness’ sake. These difficulties outfitted this impeccable and victorious One to be a comprehensive Saviour and ‘a merciful - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 68](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-68/) - Overview Psalm 68 contains just part of a verse that enables us to consider it as being Messianic, ‘Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men’, v. 18. This quotation appears in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, although the wording is slightly revised, ‘Wherefore he saith, When - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 45: The Coming King](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-45-the-coming-king/) - Psalm 45 is ‘a song of loves’ celebrating the marriage of a king to a princess. The oldest tradition suggests that the psalmist wrote the song for Solomon and Pharaoh’s daughter and was traditionally sung at the wedding feast, 1 Kgs. 3. 1; 7. 8. Be that as it may, but one greater than Solomon - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 40: Trust Based on Sacrifice](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-40-trust-based-on-sacrifice/) - The Psalms express the human experience in all of its multifaceted heights and depths – some, like the fortieth, even detail certain aspects of the life of God’s ideal man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Like bookends, its opening and closing sections focus on David’s struggles, Ps. 40. 1-5, 11-17. But in between, Messiah Himself steps - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 24](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-24/) - The 24th Psalm can be considered in at least three ways. Historically Viewed thus, it is generally accepted that it can be connected to the joyful occasion when David brought the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Zion, 2 Sam. 6; 1 Chr. 15. Prophetically Some interpret the Psalm in - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 22](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-22/) - The Old Testament is divided by the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke chapter 24 verse 44 into three distinct parts: the law, the psalms, and the prophets. In each of these sections there is an outstanding passage in relation to His death. Leviticus chapter 16 emphasizes the atonement in all its God-satisfying glory. In Psalm - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 2: The Triumph of The King](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalm-2-the-triumph-of-the-king/) - With tremendous realism, the second Psalm depicts the rebellious condition of the present world, demonstrating the obdurate opposition of fallen human beings towards their creator. It also describes God’s ultimate triumph and future glorious reign on earth in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That He will eventually rid the universe of - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 16](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-16/) - ‘The book of Psalms is a limpid lake which reflects every mood of man’s changeful sky. It is a river of consolation which, though swollen with many tears, never fails to gladden the fainting. It is a garden of flowers which never lose their fragrance, though some of the roses have sharp thorns. It is - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 110](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-110/) - There is a difference of opinion as to the definition of a Messianic psalm, but the status of Psalm 110 is undisputed, being quoted and alluded to in the New Testament and full of the person of the Messiah. Many Messianic psalms have an historic reference to the experience of the psalmist who wrote it, - [The Messianic Psalms – Psalm 102: The Messiah, Afflicted Yet Victorious](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-messianic-psalms-psalm-102/) - People sometimes feel overwhelmed by life’s struggles. Amid physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties, they wonder where to turn. The Lord Jesus promised, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’, Matt. 5. 3. Psalm 102 is written from this perspective, for the title declares, ‘A Prayer of the afflicted, when - [‘The White of an Egg’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-white-of-an-egg/) - The white of an egg has lived under the charge of being insipid and without taste; Job had made the discovery, and used it in one of his arguments. “Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?”, he exclaimed, Job 6.6. It is - [Pauline Metaphors - Part 1: Citizenship](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/pauline-metaphors-part-1-citizenship/) - ‘For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven’, Phil. 3. 20; ‘Only let your conversation [walk as citizens] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ’, Phil. 1. 27. Are you a good citizen? In the UK, the National Curriculum states, ‘A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare - [Balaam – Part 6: Numbers 23. 27- 24. 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-23-27-24-9-part-6/) - Balaam’s first two attempts to curse the children of Israel had been totally unsuccessful. Each time the Lord intervened and, instead of a curse, Balaam pronounced a blessing. In the first parable, Balaam described them as being a separated people ‘not … reckoned among the nations’. In the second parable, they are spoken of as - [Balaam – Part 5: Numbers 23. 13-26](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-23-13-26-part-5/) - But still there is more: c. The divine power, v. 22 ‘God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn’. In Numbers chapter 22 verse 5, Balak described them as a people ‘come out from Egypt’; here Balaam says who it was that brought them out, ‘God [Heb. - [Balaam – Part 4: Numbers 23. 13-26](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-23-13-26-part-4/) - Just as Balak was not a man to accept the answer ‘no’ when he first sent messengers to Balaam, neither was he a man to give up at the first disappointment. Balaam’s failure to curse the children of Israel at the first attempt did not deter. We might take a lesson from that for it - [Balaam – Part 3: Numbers 22. 36 to 23.12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-22-36-to-23-12-part-2/) - God has separated them ‘For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations’, 23. 9.1 They were an elect people whom God had separated unto Himself. Though, at the moment, Israel nationally has - [Balaam – Part 2: Numbers 22. 36 to 23.12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-22-36-to-23-12-part-2-2/) - When Balak sent for Balaam to come and curse the children of Israel, God clearly stated, ‘Thou shalt not go with them; thou shall not curse the people: for they are blessed’, Num. 22. 12. Nothing could have been more definite, but Balaam coveted the rewards Balak promised to give him, and so, despite his - [Balaam – Part 1: Numbers 22. 1-38](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-22-1-38-part-1/) - The chapter opens with the children of Israel pitched in the plains of Moab, east of the River Jordan, over against Jericho. The wilderness journey is concluded, the next movement is to cross the Jordan and enter the land of Canaan. It is at this point that we are introduced to Balaam, hired by King - [Balaam - Part 7: Numbers 23. 27 - 24. 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/balaam-numbers-23-27-24-9-continued/) - As we mentioned in the last article, Israel’s influence will yet be worldwide, as a channel of blessing to others, ‘And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his - [The Son of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-the-son-of-god/) - The phrases ‘Son of God’ and ‘sons of God’ occur fifty-nine times in the King James Version of the Bible. Only six references are found in the Old Testament, most of which refer to angels.1 In the New Testament, there are forty-six references to the Lord Jesus as the ‘Son of God’, a claim He - [2 Thessalonians - Chapter 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-thessalonians-chapter-1/) - It appears this second letter of Paul to the Thessalonian church followed soon after his first letter. Some suggest it might have only been a few months later. Although a much shorter letter, it is an indication that things were continuing satisfactorily, with added information as to Christ’s coming in glory and power for their - [Introducing Gospelwales.com](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introducing-gospelwales-com/) - In recent decades there has been a seismic shift in the way people obtain and share information. The home computer and the innovations of the smartphone and tablet have all been integral to this steady but sure revolution. Touchscreen devices have simplified interaction with technology, making it accessible to people of all ages. Commonly, children - [A Word for Today: Coming (Gk. Parousia)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-for-today-coming-gk-parousia/) - The Greek noun parousia, meaning presence or coming, is often misunderstood by Bible students. One of the recognized dangers of studying a word by itself is that it expresses very little in terms of meaning. Words must always therefore be studied in context otherwise they cease to convey the ultimate intention of the writer. So - [Collecting Bible Coins](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/collecting-bible-coins/) - Sometimes Christians feel they would like to have a hobby to enjoy in their spare time. Some pursuits may militate against spiritual things or have the potential to do so, but there are some which complement spiritual interests: here is one such. I returned from a visit to Turkey and Greece following an ‘In the - [The Council at Jerusalem and Its Lessons for Us](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-council-at-jerusalem-and-its-lessons-for-us/) - Being a Christian, and in fellowship with other Christians, will expose us all to difficulties and problems. The Acts of the Apostles is an honest testimony of such problems and difficulties in the early church, and many of those troubles have continued down the centuries to the present. Initially, the early Christians faced problems that - [Introduction to the Messianic Psalms – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introduction-to-the-messianic-psalms-part-1/) - Amongst the various groupings that expositors tend to divide the psalms into according to their literary content and character, the sixteen that are referred to as the ‘Messianic Psalms’ are perhaps amongst the best known, Psalms that anticipated the coming of the Messiah.1 The Messianic Psalms and the Spirit of God As to their human - [Tamar](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-tamar/) - Tamar is not one of the more prominent characters of scripture; she is afforded one chapter in Genesis, a verse in the book of Ruth chapter 4, a reference in 1 Chronicles chapter 2, and a mention in Matthew chapter 1. Her importance, however, is not determined by the amount of space allocated to her - [Rachel](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-rachel/) - ‘May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah’. This blessing, pronounced over Jewish girl seven today, shows us the importance in the Jewish faith of these four women, known in Jewish tradition as the four matriarchs. ‘As matriarchs of the Jewish people, Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah each possess qualities that make them - [Rebecca](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-rebecca/) - The sovereign hand of God can be seen in all our lives and so it is helpful to look at those who have gone before to see how it worked and their response to it, both good and bad. While in one sense the sovereignty of God may not be any more outstanding in the - [Hagar](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-hagar/) - Hagar was a slave. She had no rights. She could not request time off for rest and recuperation. She could not express her opinion. She couldn’t campaign for better working conditions. She did as she was told. Yes, she was a slave to a godly couple, Abraham and Sarah, but she was still just a - [Sarah](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-sarah/) - Sarah – a woman of faith and inner beauty We often find it easy to write off and dismiss the spirituality of others. We focus on failings rather than the strengths. Imagine you had to compile a list of words you thought best described Sarah from reading Genesis. What would you include? Perhaps topping most - [Lot’s Wife](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-lots-wife/) - We do not know her name, her age, her appearance or her family background. All we know is that she passes before us briefly on the page of both Old and New Testaments as a salutary warning, simply known as Lot’s wife. Lot’s wife does not make an Old Testament appearance until Genesis chapter 19 - [Rahab](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/old-testament-women-who-appear-in-the-new-testament-rahab/) - The Bible does not gloss over the faults of those of whom it speaks. Two out of the three times Rahab is mentioned in the New Testament, it is with the addition of ‘harlot’, Heb. 11. 31; Jas. 2. 25. This follows the pattern of the Old Testament, Josh. 2. 1; 6. 17, 25, and - [The Inspiration of Scripture – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-inspiration-of-scripture-3/) - The Apostle Paul told Timothy that, ‘the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables’, 2 Tim. 4. 3, 4 RV. It hardly needs to - [The Inspiration of Scripture – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-inspiration-of-scripture-part-2/) - We now come to the proof of inspiration. In this connection, we should notice that while we value the work of archaeologists, scientists and historians, and have nothing to fear from any of them, our acceptance of the word of God does not rest on external evidence. We believe the Bible because it is the - [Question Time – Is It Acceptable for a Christian To Get a Tattoo?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-is-it-acceptable-for-a-christian-to-get-a-tattoo/) - QUESTION Is it acceptable for a Christian to get a tattoo? Answer An online survey conducted in 2018 estimated that 40% of responders in the UK had received at least one tattoo with similar trends being observed for other western countries around the world.1 Whilst the results of this survey are likely to be an - [What Is Thy Beloved? – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-is-thy-beloved-part-2/) - In our first article we considered something of the general features mentioned by the Shulamite as well as one or two features that were conspicuous. She mentioned her beloved as the standard bearer and from that we turned our hearts and minds to the person of Christ. In this article we will see some more - [The Widow of Serepta](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-widow-of-serepta/) - This notable widow is directly mentioned in two passages in the word of God: 1 Kings chapter 17 verses 8 to 24, part of the record concerning the ministry of the prophet Elijah; and by the Lord Jesus in Luke chapter 4 verses 25 and 26.1 Elijah comes suddenly into the divine narrative. No details - [The Teenage Years and the Challenge of Secondary Education](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-teenage-years-and-the-challenge-of-secondary-education/) - When the eleven-year-old walks through the gates of their secondary school for the very first time, it is the beginning of the first day of a most challenging period in their lives. It is not only challenging for them, but also for their parents. There is a major leap from primary to secondary education as - [The Lord Is on Our Side](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-lord-is-on-our-side/) - Historically, Israel is one of the most persecuted nations. Their continued existence as an identifiable people is testimony to the truth of God’s promises. The psalms of ‘degrees’ or ‘ascents’ contain many encouraging statements regarding His work on behalf of His people. As pilgrims travelled to Jerusalem for the Feasts of the Lord, they would - [The Island of St. Lucia](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-island-of-st-lucia/) - Its position St. Lucia is a small tropical island in the Caribbean Sea located about 400km north of South America. With a very mountainous terrain, the majority of the population of approximately 180,000 live in cities and towns around the coastline. Most are of African and Indian descent along with influence from the French and - [The Great White Throne Judgements Rev. 20. 11-15](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-great-white-throne-judgements-rev-20-11-15/) - Introduction Just before beginning this article, I read about a man who the previous day had been sentenced to thirty years in prison for a particularly heinous crime. Due to his age, the probability is that the man will never be reprieved but will die in prison. His will truly be a life sentence. What - [The Four Beasts of Psalm 22](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-four-beasts-of-psalm-22/) - For some years four impressive life-size, bronze statues/ sculptures stood together in the plaza between the law school and the main library of Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They represented the four horses of Revelation chapter 6 - white, red, black, and pale - each of which symbolizes a different aspect of God’s future - [The Father of Lights](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-father-of-lights/) - ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning’, Jas. 1. 17. On the first day of creation, God said, ‘Let there be light’. These are the first spoken words recorded in our Bible, Gen. 1. 3. - [The Calmness of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-calmness-of-christ/) - Amongst the virtues of the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, little has been spoken or written about His calmness. Sadly, calmness is not a virtue which humanity excels at. In fact, we are so often found living in a turmoil of stress, worry, and many problems. Christ, however, is so very different, whatever the - [Albania](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/albania/) - Albania is a beautiful country, situated in South-eastern Europe bordering Montenegro, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Greece. The population1 within its border is only three million, but in an ethnically rich region known as the Balkans, there are up to six million Albanian-speaking people. Tirana, with a population of more than one million, is the capital - [A Reflection on John Chapter 13 Verses 1 to 17](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-reflection-on-john-chapter-13-verses-1-to-17/) - There is a lovely picture of advocacy in the Upper Room ministry. Indeed, we might have been a little surprised if there wasn’t, bearing in mind that four times over our original word, parakletos, is found in that context. In John chapter 13, our Lord is acutely aware that He is leaving this world. ‘Jesus - [A Christian Worldview](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-christian-worldview/) - A worldview can be defined as ‘a fundamental orientation of the heart concerning what is reality’. Your worldview will determine how you answer the big questions in life. These are questions like the existence of God, the nature of the universe, what happens after death, and the basis for knowledge and ethics. Most readers of - [The Wise Men from the East ‘We are come to worship him’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-wise-men-from-the-east-we-are-come-to-worship-him/) - There is a real danger that we can become so familiar with the various characters surrounding the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ that we fail to be challenged by them any longer. There are few statements that ought to challenge us more, when we meet together in local assembly capacity, than those of the - [The Mystery of the Jewish Nation (Part 1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-mystery-of-the-jewish-nation-part-1/) - This article was written by the former secretary of Precious Seed during periods of increasing weakness before he passed into the presence of the Lord. His fear was that he would not be well enough to complete it, but it was found near his typewriter the day after he was called home. Eds. “For I - [Baptism](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/baptism-3/) - Two Ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s supper, are given to the Church by its Risen Head, the Lord Jesus. Here, we consider the first ordinance, and in order to clarify what the word ordinance means we turn to the Oxford Dictionary, where it is defined as “a religious rite, a decree, an authoritative command”; this - [A Word to Evangelists](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/a-word-to-evangelists/) - Condensed from “Notes by C. H. M.” We trust it may not be deemed out of place if we venture to offer a word of counsel and encouragement to all who have been and are engaged in the blessed work of preaching the gospel of the grace of God. We are, in some measure, aware - [2 Timothy 2. 14-26](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-timothy-2-14-26/) - Faithfulness enjoined in view of (d) False Teachers (verses 14-26) The Apostle now gives directions how to deal with the unprofitable disputes which were common amongst professed teachers in the assembly, and the evil effects of such conditions in leading to false doctrines. The servant of God is enjoined to keep himself free both from - [Kneeling at the Cross? (John 7. 39; Acts 3. 13)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/kneeling-at-the-cross-john-7-39-acts-3-13/) - Whilst we thank God for many spiritual songs, there is no doubt that the phraseology of some popular hymns has often been allowed to colour the presentation of God’s message to men. Gospel preachers would do well to compare their appeals with the method of the apostles. In many hymn-books you will find an excellent - [Hebrews - The Epistle of “Better Things”](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hebrews-the-epistle-of-better-things/) - Those believers for whose benefit these pages are written, will have long since discerned and appreciated the fact that in each of the New Testament Epistles addressed to companies of God’s people, there is a definite theme to which the writer gives special attention, and which provides, for the time, the message of the Holy - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities - September-October, 1952](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-september-october-1952/) - Disaster at Lynmouth Everybody in Great Britain has heard of the amazing catastrophe which overwhelmed the beautiful Devon village of Lynmouth on the night of Friday, August 15th, when phenomenal rain on the heights of Exmoor transformed the East and West Lyn rivers into raging torrents. Houses, crumbling under the battering of huge boulders, were - [Break Up Your Fallow Ground](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/break-up-your-fallow-ground/) - Twice this message was sent to God’s people - first by Jeremiah to the men of Judah, and then again by Hosea to the Northern Kingdom - and the repetition must be designed to impress us with its special importance. In each case the people were in a deplorable condition, the cultivation of the land - [Abba Father](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/abba-father/) - God is infinite in every aspect of His being. He is unfathomable, majestic, and awesome, and can be understood only to a very limited extent by finite human beings. If we are to have any understanding of God, however limited, the revelation of truths concerning Himself must come from God, and He has indeed graciously - [God’s Lamb](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gods-lamb/) - The Bible, rich in metaphorical language, reserves its most vibrant word pictures for the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Living Bread and the Water of Life, the sun of righteousness and the Morning Star. He is the Shepherd of the Flock, the Heavenly Bridegroom, and the Head of the Body, the True Vine and - [The Witness to Men](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-witness-to-men/) - Each assembly is responsible, in a corporate way, for the spread of the Gospel in its area. It is “the pillar and ground of the truth”— the pillar upon which the truth is inscribed and displayed for all to see, 1 Tim. 3. 15. Of primary importance is the Godward exercise of the company in - [Historical Setting and Outline - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/historical-setting-and-outline-part-2/) - Chapters 3-6, Walls Rebuilt This is a stirring tale indeed, and many of the features of the tremendous task undertaken and completed are reflected in assembly life today. As we consider it and our present activity in the Lord’s service, we do well to remind ourselves that the Lord looks for “that which every joint - [His Miracles](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-miracles/) - The words that form the title of this meditation are found only once in the Gospels and that is in John chapter 6 verse 2. Many have tried to calculate how many miracles the Lord performed but what is recorded for us, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, shows that the Lord was indeed - [The Twelve Tribes of Israel – Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-twelve-tribes-of-israel-introduction/) - Reference to the State of Israel, in its history, as “The Twelve Tribes”, Gen. 49. 28, has become common parlance. In point of fact there are thirteen tribes. Eleven of Jacob’s sons headed one family each, while the remaining son, Joseph, became the progenitor of two tribes more through his offspring, Manasseh and Ephraim. As - [The Worship of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-worship-of-god/) - Probably most of us, by experience, find it harder to worship than to work. This may be the root reason why, in some assemblies today, service in the Gospel has somewhat displaced the exercise of worship. We are prune to extremes, and in our individual as well as our corporate lives we tend to polarize - [The Two Draughts of Fishes](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-two-draughts-of-fishes/) - Texts: Luke 5. 4; John 21. 6. These two scenes seem alike, yet the discourse is full of variations. First, a word about the fishermen’s vocation. It is a toilsome one – he must go forth in all weathers, and endure many hazards. The fisherman’s calling must be carried on perseveringly – he must constantly - [Truth for the Times – Introduction](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/truth-for-the-times-introduction/) - We live in days when the contents of the Christian faith are widely questioned, and new and speculative theologies are being propagated. With this a new morality is advocated by men who are undermining the faith, and their teaching leads to a breakdown in proper conduct. The problems and dangers faced in early days are - [The Temple of God (cont), 1 Corinthians 3. 9-17](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-temple-of-god-cont-1-corinthians-3-9-17/) - The Building. Once the foundation has been laid, “let every man take heed how be buildeth thereupon”, says Paul, 1 Cor. 3. 10. Building, like laying a foundation, is a responsible work, involving the right selection and use of materials; this the writer appears to have in mind. When applied to “the temple of God”, - [My Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/my-lord-3/) - Involved in the above expression is a personal appropriation of an essential statement concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever else the Saviour is – He is Lord, Phil. 2. 11; and what He is universallyHeispersonallytothe apostle Paul “Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege – the overwhelming - [Manasseh and Ephraim](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/manasseh-and-ephraim/) - Josephs two sons were born at a significant stage in his career. His marriage to Asenath was one outcome of the deprivation he had suffered; and it is helpful to observe that if he had not left his father he could never have received his Gentile bride. The fruit of this union was Manasseh and - [Historical Setting and Outline](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/historical-setting-and-outline/) - Historical Setting. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are very closely linked. They constitute a historical unit and in the Hebrew Bible were one book – as found in the Septuagint, for example. The Latin Vulgate version of the Bible was the first to divide the book, calling the two parts “The First Book of - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-55/) - Somerset. The assembly which meets in the Gospel Hall, Alcombe, Minehead, celebrated in November fifty years of Gospel witness in the town. Invitations had been distributed locally and to friends who had been associated with the work over the years. The response was most encouraging with about fifty from the immediate neighbourhood, some not having - [Ruth](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/ruth-2/) - Introduction ‘Ruth the Moabitess’, as she is frequently designated in the book that bears her name, is deservedly one of the most celebrated women of the Bible. Through faith, loyalty, and labour, in the providence of God she becomes an ancestor of David the king, and therefore, of Jesus Christ.1 She is one of five - [The Final Judgements](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-final-judgements/) - Introduction For details of the judgement of Israel during the tribulation please refer to Precious Seed, Volume 75 issue 3. In this current article, and the following one in the series ‘What does the Bible tells us about the future?’, two specific judgements will be considered. Taking them in chronological order, they are: 1. The - [Charles Stanley 1821-1890](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/charles-stanley-1821-1890/) - Charles Stanley, known under the initials of ‘C.S.’, was born in Rotherham, England. Little is known of his parents as he was left an orphan at the age of four and was brought up by a grandfather whom he described as ‘a man of the strictest integrity’.1 He began earning his living at the age - [Son of … Mary](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/son-of-mary/) - It has been well said that our Lord Jesus Christ, in His earthly life and ministry, was as much a man as us, but not such a man as us, in every way unique and transcendent. As the natural son of Mary, not Joseph, He was the fulfilment of the Lord God’s promise to Adam - [The Father’s Hand](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-fathers-hand/) - Though God is Spirit, ‘God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth’, John 4. 24, nevertheless, sometimes scripture speaks of Him in human terms to describe some of His actions and ways, so that men can understand. This is known technically as ‘anthropomorphism’ and may be - [Lessons for Today](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lessons-for-today/) - The record of Paul’s first missionary journey is found in Acts chapters 13 and 14. From it may be taken many valuable lessons for missionaries implementing the Lord’s great commission down the centuries of the Christian era until today. We shall consider some of these in this article. The missionaries’ itinerary through Gentile country After - [The Gospel of Mark - Part 16](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-16/) - The daughter of Jairus, 5. 21-24, 35-43 The next major event in this chapter of deliverance is the raising of Jairus’ daughter. The attitude of Jairus, vv. 21-23 We should note the manner in which Jairus approaches the Saviour. He comes: Publicly - ‘much people gathered unto him’, v. 21. The crowd would see and - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark/) - Introduction The Gospel of Mark is designed to portray the Lord Jesus Christ as the perfect Servant of Jehovah. Sidlow Baxter wrote, ‘What Jesus did proves who He was. What He wrought authenticates what He taught. The mighty works verify the startling words’.1 Thus Mark records the actions of the Lord, but omits much of - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-11/) - As we continue our studies in chapter 3 and the Galilean ministry of the Lord, we come to the choosing of the twelve. The servants, vv. 13-19 The Lord chose those that were to be His special companions in His earthly ministry and, ultimately, those who were to be His ambassadors when He ascended back - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 10](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-10/) - Although we have moved into chapter 3 of the Gospel, this chapter continues the theme of the Galilean ministry of the Lord. There is continuing opposition and conflict from the religious authorities of the day and further scenes in areas where the Lord has worked before. He is in the synagogue. He is by the - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-9/) - As we continue in the Galilean ministry of the Lord, we come to: The concern of John’s disciples, vv. 18-22 Within this third section of chapter 2, we see that the meal that Levi had organized was also a point of concern for the disciples of John. Mark’s account does not specify exactly who asked - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-8/) - As we continue in the Galilean ministry of the Lord, we come to: The call of Levi, vv. 13-17 As we shall see from this second section, the Lord calls Levi from the receipt of custom to become one of His disciples. Although none of the Gospel writers record much about this incident, each adds - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-7/) - The theme of the Galilean ministry of the Lord continues into chapter 2 of the Gospel, but, in this chapter, we see the storm clouds of opposition and conflict begin to cross that ministry. It is a sad reflection upon those that opposed the Lord that Luke tells us, in respect to this miracle, that - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-6/) - The man with leprosy, vv. 40-45 As this first chapter draws to its close, it is interesting to look back upon the service of the perfect Servant and to see what He has accomplished. The demoniac in the synagogue, the multitude of diseased and possessed folk, and, here, the leper all come into contact with - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-5/) - The magnitude of need, vv. 29-34 The ceaseless energy of the perfect Servant is seen, for as soon as He has come out of the synagogue the next needy case is brought before Him. The specific need, vv. 29-31 It is Mark that records that the house into which the Saviour entered belonged to Simon - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-4/) - The ministry begins, vv. 14-20 (continued) The call of the ministry, vv. 16-20 It seems clear from Mark’s structure of events that those who accepted the Lord’s preaching were few. Rather than the multitude, there were four disciples who were prepared to leave their nets and follow the Saviour. Their call has a number of - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-3/) - The manifestation of the Son, vv. 9-13 Mark’s account of the baptism of the Lord by John in Jordan is remarkable in its conciseness. It is Mark who tells us that ‘Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee’, v. 9, indicating that this event marked the commencement of the Lord’s public ministry. Mark, with Luke, also - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-2/) - We come now to our study of the book. Chapter 1 We might divide the chapter into seven main sections: The ministry of John Baptist, vv. 1-8; The manifestation of the Son, vv. 9-13; The ministry of the Lord begins, vv. 14-20; The man with the unclean spirit, vv. 21-28; The magnitude of human need, - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-12/) - Continuing our studies into chapter 4, we remain in the Galilean ministry of the Lord. The continuing opposition and conflict from the religious authorities of the day, observed in chapter 3, leads the Lord to alter His method of teaching and to adopt teaching by parable. Such teaching was commenced in chapter 3 verse 23 - [The Precious Seed Web Site](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-precious-seed-web-site/) - The Precious Seed web site was rebuilt and relaunched in July 2005. It has been the desire of the trustees to develop a searchable archive of written ministry based upon the articles that have appeared in the magazine over the years. We are conscious of the wealth of material that has been provided by the - [ABIMELECH the ‘Bramble King’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/abimelech-the-bramble-king/) - There are occasions both in the scriptures and in daily life when we come across an individual who seems to be totally devoid of moral worth; Abimelech was just such a man. It is a moot point whether in fact he should be counted among the Judges of Israel; he certainly took the title of - [The Gospel of Mark – Part 15](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-15/) - Having crossed the storm-tossed lake at the end of the previous chapter, this one records the Lord’s dealings with three individuals – the Gadarene demoniac, the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus’ daughter. In chapter 5, we also have the sixth seaside scene recorded by Mark. We might divide the chapter into three - [An overview of Job](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/an-overview-of-job/) - Introduction The title of the book is taken from the person whose experience it records. That Job was a historical figure is confirmed by later references to him in the scriptures. Ezekiel makes reference to Job alongside Noah and Samuel, the three men being commended for their righteousness, Ezek. 14. 14, 16, 20. In the - [Care is Demonstrated](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/care-is-demonstrated/) - Among the many metaphors that describe the church in the New Testament, the images of the family and the body resonate most personally. The world of unbelief is a cold place and when people are exposed to the family of God’s warm love it is refreshing. Upon believing in Christ as Lord and Saviour, lost - [The Preservation of the Messianic Line – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-preservation-of-the-messianic-line-part-2/) - By might of Israel’s enemies The children of Israel were oppressed by the Egyptians in Egypt for 430 years. When they commenced their journey through the wilderness, they were attacked by the Amalekites. When they crossed the Jordan and entered the land of Canaan, seven nations, each greater and mightier than themselves, awaited them, Deut. - [Inequality in the World](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/inequality-in-the-world/) - The other day I was talking to a man who comes from a different religious background than myself. Though not a Christian, he is a fine man and a real thinker. He asked me some honest questions which had been troubling him. Why is there inequality in the world? Why are some people born in - [From Scripture to Structure](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/from-scripture-to-structure/) - Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from a literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the preacher, then through him to the hearers. An expository message is one that expounds a passage of Scripture, organizes it around a central theme and main points, - [The Second Epistle of John](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-second-epistle-of-john-2/) - THE SECOND EPISTLE OF JOHN Key Words—Love (4 times), Truth (5 times) Address. vv. 1-3. “unto the elect lady and her children.” Private correspondence and personal commendation to a Christian lady—2nd Epistle, to a Christian gentleman—3rd Epistle. (Cp. Paul to Philemon). Atmosphere of Home rather than the Church v. 1 “her children,” v. 4 “thy - [Reports of Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-10/) - LLANFAIRFECHAN David Ward sends us the following report—“By kind invitation, about 30 brethren attended the Home Workers’ Conference at “Plas Menai” from April 18th to 25th. May I on their behalf tender our warmest thanks to the Directors, to A. Hall and his wife, and to their staff. Our every need had been anticipated and - [David’s Mighty Men](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/davids-mighty-men-2/) - 2 Sam. 23 By S. C. Payne, B.A., Felixstowe The Spirit-drawn biographies of the Old Testament have a wonderful power to stir the imagination and move the heart, as we see in them the failures and the achievements of men “of like passions as we are.” In this respect the brief sketches of David’s mighty - [The First Epistle of John](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-first-epistle-of-john/) - PROGRESS IN LIGHT — God is Light, ch. 1. 5 — ch. 2. 29. Displayed (ch. 1. 5 — ch. 2. 11) ch. 1. 4. Fulness of Joy 7. Fellowship of Love 9. Forgiveness of Sins ch. 2. 4, 5. Fidelity in Truth 9-11. Folly of Hate Destroyed (ch. 2. 12—2. 29) 13, 14. By - [Reports of Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-9/) - As summer approaches, many Christians will be preparing for outdoor gospel work and we hope we shall have encouraging reports to publish. Perhaps fruit will be gathered as a result of patient sowing during the winter months. The work of sowing may not be as spectacular as that of reaping, but it is just as - [Divine Qualifications](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/divine-qualifications/) - Various positions in life call for specific qualifications, and a prospective applicant is usually able, and eager, to ascertain what these are, by a careful study of the conditions attaching to the appointment he desires to secure. Is the Lord less particular than a business executive would be? We may safely say emphatically, “No!” On - [How it Began - Aldershot](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/how-it-began-aldershot/) - On June 7th, 1931, fifteen brethren and sisters gathered to ‘remember the Lord’ in a private house in Aldershot. They had been meeting for mid-week Bible study in the house where Mr. and Mrs. G. Hall then lived, but they had to walk several miles to break bread at Tongham. Three months later a room - [2 Timothy 1. 6-18](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/2-timothy-1-6-18/) - Faithfulness enjoined in view of (a) the calling (vv. 6-14) Verse 6. For the which cause — i.e., because of Timothy’s unfeigned faith. I put thee in remembrance — a reminder, not merely in recognition of his faith, but in view of the fact of God’s gift imparted to him. In times of trial and - [The Riches of the Glory of this Mystery](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-riches-of-the-glory-of-this-mystery/) - “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1. 27). In verses 24 to 27 of this first chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians, a special aspect of Paul’s ministry is brought before - [Lockdown Lessons](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/lockdown-lessons/) - During our enforced sabbatical, my wife and I have been taking long walks in beautiful East Sussex. The heaths and woodlands of the Ashdown Forest, the verdant, rolling countryside around Bodiam and Brightling, and the picturesque Seven Sisters have been our companions. They have helped us to be leaner, fitter and thoroughly exhausted! Being mere - [His Head](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-head/) - Many of us may recall from our past that, in many children’s Bible story books, the Lord was depicted as having a halo above His head. In later life we came to appreciate that this was never the case. The Lord was a real man and, as believers, we enjoy the fact of His deity - [Interpersonal responsibilities – ‘mutual deference’ Colossians 3. 18 - 4. 6 - Part 12](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/interpersonal-responsibilities-mutual-deference-colossians-3-18-4-6-part-12/) - The apostle has just shown the need for a responsible, transformed life as a result of having ‘put off the old man’, v. 9, and having ‘put on the new man’, v. 10. Following application to the believer’s life in general, he now turns to its application in particular interpersonal relationships. The section is comprehensive, - [Proverbs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/proverbs/) - Introduction Scholars have debated what mashal, the Hebrew word rendered ‘proverb’ in the Old Testament means. Observation tells us that a proverb is a pithy maxim, often of a metaphorical nature, to express a simile. This understanding would agree with what many believe the word ‘proverb’ literally means, ‘to be like’, thus prompting the reader - [The Gospel of Mark - Part 13](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-13/) - As we continue our studies in chapter 4, these verses provide further teaching by parable – something that was commenced in chapter 3 verse 23. The parables in private,vv. 21-34 Within this third section of the chapter, the Lord moves, in part, from the public arena to the private, teaching those to whom He has - [The Son – His Second Coming - Part 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-son-his-second-coming-part-8/) - The Apostle Paul, when writing in 1 Corinthians chapter 16 verse 22, says, ‘If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha’. This is a word of warning against such that love not the Lord – ‘Anathema’ meaning ‘accursed’ – and he reminds his readers that the Lord is coming - [Things That Concern Us Philippians - Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/things-that-concern-us-philippians-part-2/) - Your furtherance [continuance, advancement, profit], 1. 25 The apostle is expressing a deep, heart-felt desire for the saints at Philippi for their spiritual progress. Thus, his confidence is a conviction deep in his soul, knowing that God is at work amongst his children, 1. 6. There are two aspects to this desire. First, ‘what is - [Ecclesiastes](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/ecclesiastes/) - Introduction The title ‘Ecclesiastes’ is found in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and is derived from the Hebrew word Koheleth, found seven times in Ecclesiastes. Koheleth means ‘caller’ and is translated ‘the preacher’, e.g., 1. 2; 12. 8. In this largely autobiographical poem, the royal preacher, Solomon, shares with us excerpts - [The Fatherhood of God in the Old Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-fatherhood-of-god-in-the-old-testament/) - There are several instances in the Old Testament where God is called the Father of the Jewish nation and to the special representatives of the nation, David and Solomon. The chosen nation owed its origin and continued existence to His miraculous power and special care. As their Father, He loved, pitied, disciplined, rebuked and required - [The Gospel of Mark - Part 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-of-mark-part-14/) - As we draw to the close of chapter 4, these verses are the final section marking the end of the first phase of the Lord’s Galilean ministry. Of this, Hiebert comments, ‘Four separate withdrawals from Galilee by Jesus and His disciples marked … the great Galilean ministry. Prompted by His desire for relief from the - [His Eyes](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-eyes/) - As John comes to the end of his Gospel, he informs us ‘there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written’, 21. 25. We do understand that the Spirit of - [Personal notes and final greetings Colossians 4.7-18 13](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/personal-notes-and-final-greetings-colossians-4-7-18-13/) - Introduction As the apostle brings his Epistle to the Colossians to a close, he wants to mention those who have been his helpers in a variety of ways. Paul valued his friends and companions and seemed always, except in a few cases, to have colleagues with him during his missionary journeys. He was very seldom - [The Siege of Samaria – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-siege-of-samaria-part-1/) - This is part 1 of a two part series. Introduction The period covered in 2 Kings is a period of around 300 years. The first half of the book is largely taken up with the account of Elisha’s ministry, a ministry that lasted for sixty-six years, a ministry made up almost entirely of miracles. The - [The Son – His Rule on Earth](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-son-his-rule-on-earth/) - In the past we have the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of the Son of the living God, Christ Jesus. In the present, we have the intercession of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, as our Great High Priest and helper. In the future, we have the salvation by Christ the Son in His - [His Face](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/his-face/) - Over the years many people have tried to portray features of our Lord Jesus Christ, whether that be in books, films, pictures, or paintings, but we can search in vain in the Gospels for any description of His physical features. In this meditation, I would like to consider the mention of His face to draw - [The Preservation of the Messianic Line – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-preservation-of-the-messianic-line-part-1/) - The first prophecy concerning the Messiah ‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’, Gen. 3. 15. He will be the seed of the woman: He will be born of a virgin.1 He will be - [Song of Solomon](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/song-of-solomon/) - Introduction Originally, this song derived its Hebrew title from verse 1, ‘The song of songs’, but later it became identified with its author, the ‘Song of Solomon’. The repetition of ‘song’ in the first verse indicates that Solomon considered this book his most important literary work. What is the topic of the greatest song that - [Spiritual Warfare](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/spiritual-warfare/) - In 2 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 4, and in Ephesians chapter 6 verse 12, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual warfare which will continue until we meet the Lord in the clouds or in glory. In 1799, Washington wrote, ‘make them believe that offensive operation, often times, is the surest, - [The Epistle to the Colossians – Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-epistle-to-the-colossians-part-4/) - The Majesty of Christ 1. 15-23 Recall that the assembly at Colossae appears to have been subjected to false teaching. It has been appropriately called Judaistic Gnosticism – a mixture of Greek philosophy, 2. 8; Oriental mysticism, 2. 18, 23; and Jewish ritual, 2. 11, 16. It detracted from the person of Christ making Him - [Paul the Priest – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/paul-the-priest-part-1/) - In these few articles we purpose to trace some of the references and allusions to the Old Testament priesthood throughout the writings of the apostle Paul. Under the old economy of law, priesthood was restricted to those who were not only of the tribe of Levi but also of the house of Aaron, Lev. 8. - [Fellowship is Enjoyed](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/fellowship-is-enjoyed/) - There are two topics under consideration in this subject. First, we need to establish who the ‘people’ are. Then, we must seek to understand what is meant by and involved in ‘fellowship’. According to the latest statistics provided by Wikipedia, approximately one third of the world’s population would identify as ‘Christian’. A further 25%, and - [Character Studies in the Book of Proverbs – Part 5: The Proud Man](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/character-studies-in-the-book-of-proverbs-part-5-the-proud-man/) - All sin is abhorrent to the mind of God, and totally foreign to the divine nature. In view of this, it would seem perfectly reasonable to ask why is it that the sin of pride in particular calls forth such censure on a number of occasions in the word of God? For example, in Proverbs - [What does the Bible tell us about the future? The final rebellion – Part 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-the-final-rebellion-part-11/) - What will happen? The prediction of the final tragic rebellion of Satan and mankind against God is recorded in Revelation chapter 20 verses 7 to 10. Immediately after the completion of Christ’s thousand-year reign over the earth, Satan will be released from his confinement in the bottomless pit, and will, at once, come out to - [Jesus the Son of Abraham](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/jesus-the-son-of-abraham/) - The children’s chorus goes, ‘Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham’. And it is true. After all, the first two letters of his name, ‘Ab’, join to provide the first word in Strong’s Hebrew Concordance. It means, ‘father’. Expanding ‘Ab’ into ‘Abram’ also expands the meaning to, ‘exalted father’. When God changed - [Sound Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/sound-doctrine/) - IN OUR TREATMENT of the features of a scriptural church we now come to the question of the maintenance of sound doctrine. Our Responsibility We wish we could take it for granted that Christians generally were awake to their responsibility in this matter. The Church should be the pillar and ground of the truth, 1 - [What does the Bible tell us about the future? – Part 5 – The Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-the-marriage-and-marriage-supper-of-the-lamb-part-5/) - The direct reference to these two subjects comes in the closing book of the Bible and connected with events that are a precursor to the fulfilment of God’s prophetic programme, Rev. 19. 7-9. The bride Commentators are divided regarding the identity of the Lamb’s ‘wife’, is it ‘Israel’ or the ‘Church’ dispensationally? The metaphor of - [The Mystery of the Jewish Nation (Part 2)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-mystery-of-the-jewish-nation-part-2/) - The first part of this article was published in the previous issue, and readers may consult it again so as to appreciate the connection. Eds. Israel’s Blindness is only Partial. In Romans 11.25, the apostle says, “that blindness in part is happened to Israel”. While the great mass of the Jewish nation had come under - [The Gospel Preached by the Lord Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-preached-by-the-lord-jesus-2/) - There are five major discourses of the Lord Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, each concluding with a statement indicating that He had finished what He had been saying and was now moving on to other service. Clearly, these discourses indicate the subject matter of His preaching, which focuses on matters relating to the kingdom of heaven, - [The Gospel Preached by the Lord Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-gospel-preached-by-the-lord-jesus/) - The purpose of His coming What glorious announcements surrounded the coming into the world of the Saviour! To Mary, Gabriel indicated that His name would be called Jesus, Luke 1. 31, meaning Jehovah the Saviour, as did the angel to Joseph, with the added information that ‘he shall save his people from their sins’, Matt. - [The Days when the Judges ruled](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-days-when-the-judges-ruled/) - The design of the book Among the many words of wisdom in the book of Proverbs, there are some which serve both as statements of fact and at the same time provide a word of warning. Chapter 13 verse 15 is one such example, where the wise man reminds us that ‘the way of transgressors - [Handling Success in Babylon](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/handling-success-in-babylon/) - There is something about the word ‘success’ that disturbs Christians. The word does not fit comfortably into our vocabulary. How many sermons have we heard on the subject of humility? How often we have heard Paul’s wise counsel, ‘Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but - [Equipped by God to serve well](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/equipped-by-god-to-serve-well/) - Spiritual gifting is an essential for service All the natural talents in the world are insufficient for the work that God is accomplishing among men and women. Spiritual gifts are required and they, like natural talents, come from God as an expression of His grace. Paul writes, ‘But to each one of us grace was - [The Coming of the Son of Man](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-coming-of-the-son-of-man-3/) - THE TITLE OF HIS COMINGThe title ‘The Son of Man’, when used of and by the Lord Jesus, usually has the article. It is first used in connection with His coming in glory to reign over the earth in Daniel 7. 13, 14, ‘I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son - [The Fellowship of the Church, Matt. 18. 15-35](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-fellowship-of-the-church-matt-18-15-35/) - As already noted, Matthew 18. 17 is the second and last reference to the church in the recorded ministry of the Lord and it is quite evidently comple-mentary in character to the former reference, 16. 18. Here the word ekklesia is used with regard to a local gathering of believers, and instruction is given with - [The Church: its Formation, Fellowship and Features (Part 1)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-church-its-formation-fellowship-and-features-part-1/) - In the consideration of any subject whether it be Biblical or any other, a definition of the terms used is absolutely essential. If the writer fails to make clear what he is writing about it cannot be of any benefit to the reader. This becomes doubly necessary when the terms used denote one thing to - [Features of the Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/features-of-the-church/) - One definition of the word feature given in the dictionary is a salient point, and it gives the word characteristic as a synonym. And this in turn it defines as distinguishing peculiarity, with the words attribute and character as synonyms. So with these definitions in mind let us consider what the Scriptures teach as to - [The Edification of The Body – 1 Cor. 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-edification-of-the-body-1-cor-14/) - THE EDIFICATION OF THE BODY, CH. 14 Just as in chapter 11, carnal irregularities were marring the decent, orderly remembrance of the Lord when the Corinthians gathered as an assembly, so in chapter 14, fleshly precipitation was introducing chaotic conditions into the exercise of the gifts. The early-church prophet, building up the assemblies before the - [The Sealing of the Father](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-sealing-of-the-father/) - There are a few New Testament scriptures which refer to a ‘seal of God’ or to an object or a person sealed by God. Thus, for example, Paul makes mention of the seal of God in the context of foundational truth. He tells Timothy that false doctrines are being propagated and some men are seeking - [Cyrus Ingerson Scofield 1843-1921](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cyrus-ingerson-scofield-1843-1921/) - The name C. I. Scofield will be recognized by many Christians as that of the man who gave us The Scofield Reference Bible. Of American origin, in some ways it is akin to, but quite different from, The Englishman’s Bible which Thomas Newberry had produced several years earlier. Scofield’s is a monumental work with accurate - [The Siege of Samaria – Part 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-siege-of-samaria-part-2/) - The uninhabited camp of the Syrians, vv. 3-16 In the opening verses, the message has been delivered and rejected through unbelief. The scene changes to four leprous men outside the gate. It is interesting to notice that it was to these men that provision was first made. You would have thought that it might have - [Introduction to Paul’s First Missionary Journey](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/introduction-to-pauls-first-missionary-journey/) - The risen Lord’s great commission Soon after the Lord Jesus rose from among the dead, triumphant over all His foes, He told His disciples to go to a mountain in Galilee where He would meet them again. There He came and spoke these words to them, ‘All power [authority] is given unto me in heaven - [Editorial – ‘A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ’, Jas. 1. 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-a-servant-of-god-and-of-the-lord-jesus-christ-jas-1-1/) - ‘A servant of God’ – nothing more, nothing less! How do we see ourselves? James, who is widely recognized to be the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, could have claimed that human link to establish and build his importance; but not so. He seeks no profile other than that of a ‘bondslave’ – one who - [Children’s Pages](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/childrens-pages-2/) - Note, for over four years Messrs. T. J. Lawson and H. E, Pope have together conducted the Section which embraces the pages for boys and girls and for seniors. Last month Mr. Pope left Taunton to take up a teaching appointment at Nuneaton and we quite expect that many boys and girls in the Midlands, - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-36/) - Charles Clarke opposes creationism Charles Clarke (recent Home Secretary) stepped into the controversy over creationism by declaring that he was ‘totally opposed’ to the concept. Mr Clarke, who said that he did not believe in God, insisted that science was the basis for progress and praised Charles Darwin as one of the greatest scientists in - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-35/) - MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON EVANGELIZING MUSLIMS Most of Malaysia’s sixteen states have laws which prohibit the propagation of other religions amongst Muslims. Recently Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has called for the remaining four states which do not have these laws to introduce them. The debate about the supremacy of Islamic - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-34/) - CHRISTIANS CONDEMN UNIVERSITY BAN ON ‘GAY CURE’ ABSTINENCE COURSE Christian leaders have condemned Edinburgh University for banning students belonging to the Christian Union from teaching an abstinence course on campus. The row centres on the decision by university chiefs that literature promoting the six-week course, entitled ‘Pure’, broke equality and diversity rules, following claims that - [‘But there is forgiveness with Thee’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/but-there-is-forgiveness-with-thee/) - Ps. 130. 4. Some people grow through failure; others never recover from it. They speak only of the past because they cannot get beyond it. What’s the answer? See your mistakes as stepping-stones rather than stumbling blocks! ‘How do I do that?’ you ask; by doing the following three things: You must process! You have - [Mal. 4. 6.](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/mal-4-6/) - ‘He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers’ Almost 20 million children in America grow up without a father – seventyfive percent of them in poverty. And it gets worse; these children are five times more likely to commit suicide, ten times more - [Altars In The Life of Abraham](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/altars-in-the-life-of-abraham-2/) - The book of Genesis records that, at different times in his life and in different locations, Abraham used to build altars. There are four different altars in the Scriptures that are attributed to Abraham. Some of these are referred to twice, see Genesis 13. 4 and 22. 9. Doubtless there were other altars built by - [Altars In The Life of Abraham](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/altars-in-the-life-of-abraham/) - We have seen Abraham the altar builder, raising altars to the glory of God and as a testimony of his obedience to Him and of his own stranger-ship in the world. The second altar: The Altar of the Pilgrim Walk This altar is mentioned in Genesis 12. 9, ‘And he removed from there unto a - [The Sweet Fruit of Righteousness](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-sweet-fruit-of-righteousness/) - God has always been looking for the fruit of righteousness in His people. It delighted His heart to see them bring forth such fruit, because it was a reflection of His holy character in them. Likewise, in this day of grace He expects more godliness and Christ-likeness in us, for that is what this fruit - [‘Look at the ant …’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/look-at-the-ant/) - Prov. 6. 6. Too many of us are waiting for someone to come along and tell us what to do next. The story is told of a man who was employed by a Duke and Duchess. One day he was called into speak to his employer. ‘James, how long have you been with us?’ said - [‘Ask…in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/askin-prayer-believe-that-you-have-received-it-and-it-will-be-yours/) - Mark 11. 24 NIV. When severe drought hit a small farming community in the Midwest, a local church called a prayer meeting and everybody showed up. Crisis has a way of getting our attention! As the pastor stood before his packed church he noticed an 11-year-old girl sitting in the front row beaming with excitement. - [The Twelve Tribes of Israel – Benjamin](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-twelve-tribes-of-israel-benjamin/) - We have come to the end of our series on the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Along the way we have seen the hand of a gracious, sovereign God working out His purposes in spite of human failure. It is the same for the last tribe in our consideration, the tribe of Benjamin, named after the - [Answers to Prayers](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/answers-to-prayers/) - "Men ought always to pray”, Luke 18. 1; “Pray without ceasing”, 1 Thess. 5. 17. But we become so easily discouraged if we cannot see answers to our hearts’ entreaties. Then let us see from the Word of God that our prayers can be effective beyond one’s wildest expectations, 3 Eph. 3. 20. In the - [The Parable of the Pounds – Part 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-parable-of-the-pounds1-part-1/) - 1(Unless otherwise stated, all quotations of Scripture are from the New King James Version) INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT The previous two articles focused upon the Parable of the Unjust Steward in Luke chapter 16 verses 1 to 13. There we learned something of our responsibility before God in connection with the money and the possessions with - [Aspects of Calvary – Part 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/aspects-of-calvary-part-3/) - The Cross of Christ in Galatians The subject of the cross of Christ is dealt with largely in the Epistle to the Galatians. Distinction is to be drawn between the term ‘the death of Christ’, which relates to my salvation, and the ‘cross of Christ’, which denotes my condemnation. In other words, His death fits - [Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/psalms/) - Introduction The book of Psalms was Israel’s national hymnbook. The book title is from the Greek word psalmos, which was a poem normally sung with musical accompaniment. The Hebrew psalms, or songs, encouraged scriptural memorization and meditation, and enhanced the Jews’ worship of Jehovah. Psalms that were to be sung by the entire congregation were - [Image Cover – Volume 75 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/image-cover-volume-75-issue-4/) - ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd’, Isa. 40. 11 Isaiah chapter 40 begins a new section of the prophecy of Isaiah. It looks on into the future to see Israel’s return and restoration as the people of God. At the very point of Israel’s greatest calamity, when it appears that it will be - [1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 – Readiness for his coming](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/1-thessalonians-chapter-5-readiness-for-his-coming/) - This chapter clearly follows on from the previous chapter, ‘But of the times and the seasons, brethren’, v. 1. Paul has already been teaching them about the Lord’s coming for His own, what we know as the rapture. Now he is going to speak of what follows that great event. He has already taught them - [‘Hold fast till I Come’, Rev. 2. 25](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/hold-fast-till-i-come-rev-2-25/) - In His letters to the seven churches the Lord commended what met with His approval, where such was found to exist. In some of them there was little to commend, and in one of them nothing at all to the church’s credit with the consequent warning of rejection by the Lord. There were evidently some - [The Epistle to the Colossians](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-epistle-to-the-colossians/) - Paul had never visited Colosse and wanted to tell the believers something of himself and his calling so that they might better understand his motivation. His was a ministry of involvement. He wasn’t just a mouthpiece for God; his whole life was given to his calling. Although he had never seen many of the Colossians - [Our Singing God](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/our-singing-god/) - It is striking that while there are numerous mentions of singing in the Scriptures and nine references to a ‘New Song’; there are only four references to God Himself singing. The context of each occurrence is different and full of instruction for us. The first of these can be called: THE SONG OF DISAPPOINTMENT Isaiah - [Dispensationalism](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/dispensationalism-4/) - Dispensationalism has always had its detractors. There are people who will speak out against dispensationalism, suggest that it is of little importance, or who will claim it is too difficult for the average believer to understand. But dispensationalism has been at the core of responsible Bible interpretation for centuries. Generations of believers have been blessed - [Cover Image](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/cover-image-4/) - ‘The same is Hebron in the land of Canaan’, Gen. 23. 19 The modern city of Hebron sits in the West Bank territories and is divided into two sectors, one controlled by the Palestinian Authority and one by Israel. It is seen as a place of economic significance because of its fruit, pottery, and glassblowing, - [Henry Miles Linton](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/henry-miles-linton/) - We regret the passing of an esteemed brother from the ranks and extend our sympathy at this time to his widow and family. Having put his trust in the Lord for salvation as a child he continued, ‘always abounding in the work of the Lord’, for the rest of his long and influential life. Although - [J. Charleton Steen, 1865-1931](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/j-charleton-steen-1865-1931/) - Although to many the name J. Charleton Steen will be largely unknown, his contribution to the work of the Lord over the latter years of the 19th Century and into the 20th Century was significant. J. Charleton Steen was born in June 1865 and spent the early part of his life in the Scottish town - [W. A. Norris](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/w-a-norris/) - W. A. NORRIS Mr. W. A. Norris, Cardiff, passed to be with Christ on Lord’s Day 25th February, 1968. Saved in tender years, baptized and received into fellowship before he was twelve years old, he was in fellowship with the saints in Adamsdown Assembly for 62 years. Consecrated to Christ, and called into whole-time service - [Mr. William Trew](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/mr-william-trew/) - On Friday, August 6th, 1971, Mr. William Trew of Cardiff passed into the immediate presence of his Lord. He will be greatly missed. The foundation of his life of spiritual usefulness was laid in his middle teens when, having been led to Christ for salvation, he was baptized and joined to the assembly in Shields - [F. Cundick](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/f-cundick/) - Frederick Cundick’s ministry to Assemblies of the Saints spanned a period during which there were many changes among them, yet of him it can be said: He was unaccommodating to innovations which could not be supported by the Word of God. Being satisfied that the old paths were both safe, and sure to reach the - [Harold P. Hobbs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/harold-p-hobbs/) - It is with much regret that the committee have to record the home-call of our brother, Mr Harold P. Hobbs, which took place suddenly on Thursday, February 1st, 1979. Our brother was invited to join the committee in May 1969 and since then he has been one of our most consistent colleagues. He also has - [Henry Craik 1805-1866](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/henry-craik-1805-1866/) - Few, if any, readers of Church history, or secular history in relation to the care of the poor, would be unfamiliar with the name of George Muller of Bristol. What he accomplished on the basis of faith alone was remarkable, and a testimony to the God in whom Muller trusted. Yet, during that period, Muller - [Edward Dennett](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/edward-dennett/) - Not long after the start of the First World War in 1914, the biblical scholar Edward Dennett died after a short illness. He was 83 years of age and had spent a considerable part of his life teaching the word of God. He was born at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight in 1831, and, - [E. W. Rogers](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/e-w-rogers/) - Spoken ministry irretrievably fades unless recorded, but written ministry lives on. This characterizes the exposi-tory teaching of our brother Mr. E. W. Rogers, who at the age of 84 departed to be with the Lord on November 10th, 1977. He was the author of several books and many expository articles. In particular, we have had - [Leonard Cave](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/leonard-cave/) - It is with sorrow that we record the recent homecall of our beloved brother and fellow-worker. Coming on to the Committee of Precious Seed in 1966 he fulfilled the role of Secretary for many years, until declining health necessitated his relinquishing it in 1987. Saved at the age of seventeen he maintained a consistent witness - [William Rhodes Lewis 1877-1964](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-rhodes-lewis-1877-1964/) - As one of the editors wrote of Lewis, ‘His … unfailing grace, his old-world courtesy and his devotion to his work, to his wife and to his Lord would be hard to match anywhere’.1 For a man who was an editor of Echoes of Service for forty-six years, this is a fitting tribute. William Lewis - [John R. Caldwell](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/john-r-caldwell/) - John Caldwell was born in Dublin on the 26th May, 1839. As a child of five years old he came with his parents to reside in Glasgow. His father being a leader in connection with the Independent Church, John was brought up in ‘the nurture and admonition of the Lord’. Being brought up in a - [Robert Eugene Sparks 1844-1918](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/robert-eugene-sparks-1844-1918/) - Of all the notable men involved at the inception of the work that later became known as Echoes of Service, it is likely that the name Robert Eugene Sparks would be largely unknown. Yet his contribution to that work in its formative years was considerable, as was his knowledge of, and interest in, the work - [Arthur Shearman 1923 – 2014](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/arthur-shearman-1923-2014/) - In the home call of Arthur Shearman, the assemblies have lost a ‘brother indeed’. His longstanding commitment to a very broad range of the Lord’s work throughout his life made him a beloved brother and fellow labourer to so many. Arthur was not just a participator but an initiator and encourager of such work, and - [Sir Robert Anderson (1841–1918)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/sir-robert-anderson-1841-1918/) - Christian magazines like this one do not normally contain articles describing the life of a man who was a spymaster, a chief police detective, a knight, and a prolific author on Bible topics, but this really is a suitable description of Robert Anderson, who died 100 years ago, leaving a wonderful inheritance of still-in-print Christian - [Major-General Sir Charles H. Scott, KCB, RA 1848-1919](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/major-general-sir-charles-h-scott-kcb-ra-1848-1919/) - For those living in 21st-century Britain, this article must be read against the background of the nation’s colonial history, particularly its involvement in India. It was to that country that the young Charles Scott was posted in the early days of his military career, but it was, in the grace of God, also the place - [Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819 – 1886)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/joseph-medlicott-scriven-1819-1886/) - One of our best-known and most-sung hymns must be What a friend we have in Jesus, yet its author, Joseph M. Scriven, is not so well known or remembered as many of the other hymn-writers of the nineteenth century. His life-story is interesting, filled with variety and punctuated by great poignancy.1 He was born almost - [William Henry Bennet (1843-1920)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-henry-bennet-1843-1920/) - The life of William Bennet is a good illustration of how God equips a dedicated soul to serve Him in ways that the individual might originally be unaware of. William Bennet eventually became one of the Men of Bath, the third editor of the Echoes of Service missionary magazine, and in doing so became so - [Harry Lacey](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/harry-lacey/) - It is with deep regretthat we have to inform our readers of the Home-call of our brother Harry Lacey, on June 18th, at the age of 48. From his youth he gave himself to the careful study of the Scriptures and was untiring in the service of the Lord. His unusual gift was soon recognised, - [William A. Chilcott](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-a-chilcott/) - The sad news of our brother’s homecall on August 22nd reached us too late for us to give more than the barest details in the September/October issue. His close and valued connection with this Magazine; and his manifold labours in the Gospel brought him into contact with such, a large proportion of our readers that - [Charles Henry Mackintosh](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/charles-henry-mackintosh/) - Charles Henry Mackintosh (better known as ‘CHM’)was born in 1820, at Glenmalure Barracks County Wicklow, Ireland, the son of a captain in a Scots Highland regiment. He was converted at the age of eighteen through reading letters sent to him by a devout Christian lady, and readingJ. N.Darby’s ‘Operations of the Spirit’. In 1838, he - [Henry Alford, biblical scholar and polymath (1810-1871)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/henry-alford-biblical-scholar-and-polymath-1810-1871/) - Henry Alford was born in the city of London on 10 October 1810. Sadly, his mother died giving birth to him, and so he spent much of his formative years living with relations in Somerset. His father, who was an evangelical clergyman, came from a long line of evangelical ministers. At the time of Henry’s - [William Kelly (1821-1906)](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/william-kelly-1821-1906/) - William Kelly, born two hundred years ago this year, has been called ‘the last prominent survivor of the first generation of Brethren (so-called)’,1 and was widely acclaimed as an outstanding biblical scholar. For example, the late Prof. F. F. Bruce wrote, ‘It is this manifest mastery of Greek usage which makes William Kelly’s New Testament - [Editorial – ‘My brethren, these things ought not so to be’, Jas. 3. 10.](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-my-brethren-these-things-ought-not-so-to-be-jas-3-10/) - There is a famous children’s rhyme which suggests that ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me’. The rhyme was intended to be used as a defence mechanism against name-calling and verbal abuse, and specifically to encourage non-retaliation on the part of the victim. However, as we all know, perhaps - [The Third and Fourth Visions](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-third-and-fourth-visions/) - IF THE FIRST AND SECOND VISIONS teach us that God is amongst His people and that He can destroy the enemies of His people, then the third and fourth visions teach us that God can protect His people and that He can cleanse them. 1) GOD CAN PROTECT HIS PEOPLE, chapter 2 The third vision - [The Christian and the World](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-christian-and-the-world-2/) - THIS ARTICLE HAS THE PRACTICAL AIM of giving believers today clear principles to follow in everyday contacts with the world around us. But, first, in order to set our practice upon a sound doctrinal base, we must explain from Scripture the meaning of the two terms used in the title, namely, ‘the Christian’ and ‘the - [Character Studies in the Book of Proverbs – Part 8: Women of Vice, Voice and Virtue](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/character-studies-in-the-book-of-proverbs-part-8-women-of-vice-voice-and-virtue/) - We cannot fail to notice as we read through the Proverbs that the wise man is totally impartial in his dealings with the various characters brought before us. He is forthright, honest, incisive and clear. We never find him sitting on the fence or giving advice in a vague, inconclusive manner. He deals with delicate - [Ayrshire Bible Exhibition](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/ayrshire-bible-exhibition/) - ‘How does God speak to us today?’ This question is asked, often immediately, by all who visit the Exhibition. The express purpose and sole objective of the Exhibition from first to last, is to impress upon all who pass through it, that the Bible is the word of the living God and that He continues - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-48/) - And he said, ‘Lord I believe’. And he worshipped him. John 9. 38. The defence of the man that was born blind takes up most of the narrative of this ninth chapter of John’s gospel. It centres on the challenges to the reality of his miraculous ability to see, as well as the nature of - [Food Safety Legislation And The Local Assembly](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/food-safety-legislation-and-the-local-assembly/) - How many times have we used our Lord’s words ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.’ Matt. 22. 21, to remind us that we have an obligation before God to obey the law of the land in which we live? The intention of this article - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-32/) - Wesley and Alison Downs BEGINNINGS IN WYTHENSHAWE Wythenshawe was a model Manchester overspill council estate that, at one time, was Europe’s largest, until housing associations moved in. The population is 70,574 and it is situated just south of the city of Manchester. Unfortunately the area is no longer the model it was planned to be, - [He Is Not Here](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/he-is-not-here/) - How did the disciples respond to the news that the tomb was empty? The initial reaction of the Lord Jesus’ disciples and friends to His resurrection is somewhat surprising and disappointing. The following incidents are significant. When the ‘young man’ in the open tomb spoke to the three women ‘they went out quickly and fled - [Investing In Our Young People – Young People Are Arrows In Our Hands](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/investing-in-our-young-people-young-people-are-arrows-in-our-hands/) - Disciple-making is the Lord’s design. We will convince no one that we are New Testament assemblies if we are not engaged in this vital work. Why? Because it is the express will of God. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations’, Matt. 28. 19. You say you have no younger believers to - [Rastafarianism](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/rastafarianism/) - HISTORY Its origins can be traced to Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), a Jamaican Black Nationalist who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association during the early 1920’s in the Negro urban ghettos of North America. He inspired the urban poor of Jamaica to seek independence and a better selfimage and is considered a prophet by Rastafarians. Ethiopia, - [Schooled In The Assembly](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/schooled-in-the-assembly/) - Many times young people wonder,‘Where is the best school for me to attend that I may grow and develop my gift as a Christian?’ They may get catalogues from various Bible schools and seminaries and are perplexed as to which school to attend. For some, a year or so at a Bible school may prove - [Shepherds And Shepherding](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/shepherds-and-shepherding-2/) - CHRIST THE EXAMPLE SHEPHERD Before thinking then about how individuals should be exercised about such service, we should first look briefly at the ways in which the scriptures portray the Lord Jesus in this role. He is spoken of as ‘the good shepherd’, John 10. 11-14, ‘the chief shepherd’, 1 Pet. 5. 4, and ‘that - [The Ascension and Glorification of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-ascension-and-glorification-of-the-lord/) - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GLORIFICATION It should not come to us as a surprise that the Old Testament abounds with references to the significance of the Lord’s glorification, much as the New Testament itself does. The truth of His Son’s glory had been on God’s mind before time began. A. The eternal counsels of God planned - [The Ascension and Glorification of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-ascension-and-glorification-of-the-lord-2/) - ‘And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight’, Acts 1. 9. The bodily ascension of our Lord is a truth that the scriptures confirm in many passages and describe in so many ways. The truth of His ascension resulting in - [An Assembly of the Lord’s people will be a people among whom – The Scriptures are Obeyed – Part 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/an-assembly-of-the-lords-people-will-be-a-people-among-whom-the-scriptures-are-obeyed-part-11/) - From the dawn of time, a loving God has only asked one thing of man, His supreme creation, and that one thing is obedience. Not because He desires a servile, craven humanity, languishing under a Nebuchadnezzar-style autocracy, but because He is righteous, pure, and merciful. He alone knows what is best for mankind and desires - [Making the Right Decision](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/making-the-right-decision/) - The importance of making decisions, and the right ones It is very important to make the right decision. Think of the decisions we have made in our lives, good and bad, about a career, employment, marriage, purchasing a house or a car, holiday travel. We all make decisions. Someone unknown wrote, ‘Yes and No are - [Neston Gospel Hall, Wiltshire, England](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/neston-gospel-hall-wiltshire-england/) - Exactly when a local group of Christians started meeting together in Neston, is not known. But what is known is that a certain Mr. John Edridge, the owner of Pockeridge House, held meetings in his drawing room. In 1832 Rev. John A. Methuen, Vicar of Corsham (and undoubtedly related to Lord Methuen’s family of Corsham - [Assembly Testimony in Cuba](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/assembly-testimony-in-cuba/) - By ASHLEY MILNE Surrey, British Columbia, Canada The following is a brief history of the start of the work of the Lord in Cuba together with the current status of the assembly testimony in this country. Last October and November, I once again had the opportunity to visit some of the assemblies in Western Cuba. - [What does the Bible tell us about the future? - Part 9 - Israel – The final days of the tribulation and the two witnesses](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-part-9-israel-the-final-days-of-the-tribulation-and-the-two-witnesses/) - The previous part of this study considered the 144,000. A great wonder appears in heaven and, in Revelation chapter 12 verses 1 and 2, we have a woman in celestial purpose. Another wonder occurs in verses 3 to 6, now she is seen in satanic conflict. We see the 144,000 before the tribulation sealed, in - [South Africa](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/south-africa/) - By RODNEY BROWN Bellville, South Africa Evangelical missionary work in South Africa goes back to 1737 when George Schmidt, a Moravian missionary, came to the country. He settled in a town now known as Genadendal, in the Western Cape. Eventually he had to leave due to opposition when he baptized believers. The problem seemed to - [Aspects of Calvary - Part 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/aspects-of-calvary-part-4/) - The sufferings of Christ in 1 Peter 4 Even a cursory reading of Peter’s first Epistle would leave the reader in no doubt that suffering and persecution are key themes of the letter. Whether that be the sufferings of Christ, or the sufferings of the Christian, the whole Epistle is permeated with the subject, making - [The Twelve Tribes of Israel - Ephraim and Manasseh](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-twelve-tribes-of-israel-ephraim-and-manasseh/) - In the introduction to this series we explained how it was that Ephraim and Manasseh came to feature in the twelve tribes of Israel. Revisiting that introduction at this point is recommended, Precious Seed, Vol. 73 No. 2. Perfect start One imagines that home life for Manasseh and Ephraim was very different to the dysfunctional - [An Assembly of the Lord’s people will be a people among whom – Separation is required - Part 10](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/an-assembly-of-the-lords-people-will-be-a-people-among-whom-separation-is-required-part-10/) - Following the recent Covid-19 pandemic this subject has taken on a different meaning and significance. Whilst the concept is not new, social distancing has entered the vocabulary and consciousness of the population. The need to exercise care to avoid the possibility of contamination has become paramount for individuals and companies of the Lord’s people. The - [The Forgiveness of Sins](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-forgiveness-of-sins/) - References are from the NKJV unless stated On the page of scripture, God has employed many graphic word pictures to convey to His people the complete removal of their sins. Ponder afresh today a few better-known examples.1 God declares that the believer’s sins: (i) Cannot be reached ‘As far as the east is from the - [What is it to love like Jesus loves?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-is-it-to-love-like-jesus-loves/) - This short article is a consideration of some of the features of the love of the Lord Jesus. Truthful love, John 18. 37; 1 Cor. 13. 6 Love without truth is deceitful and hurtful. We might tell a person to ‘have a nice trip’ without revealing the dangerous truth that a bridge is out. This is - [What does the Bible tell us about the future? – Part 4 – Israel – What is the nation’s role in the 1,000-year reign of Christ?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-tell-us-about-the-future-part-4-israel-what-is-the-nations-role-in-the-1000-year-reign-of-christ/) - The Old Testament prophecies are full of references to Israel’s regathering from all parts of the world and to their full restoration to the Lord under the New Covenant. These events will immediately follow their supernatural deliverance from annihilation by the glorious second coming of Christ to the Mount of Olives to rescue them at - [Things That Concern Us Philippians - Part 3 ‘Your fellowship’, ‘your love’ and ‘your prayer’](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/things-that-concern-us-philippians-part-3-your-fellowship-your-love-and-your-prayer/) - Your affairs, v. 27 – concerns In this expression, we find the apostle is taking a keen interest in the saints and their progress in the things of Christ. It is not the idea of being nosy, trying to find out about secrets in their personal affairs, but rather he is concerned about their standing - [Street Preaching](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/street-preaching/) - Street preaching is not an easy task, but it is one that can be clearly seen in the New Testament. No doubt when Paul met people in the ‘market daily’, in Acts chapter 17, he would have preached and certainly, in Acts chapter 8 verse 40, ‘Philip … preached in all the cities’. Quite how they - [Question Time – Should I be concerned about the Judgement Seat of Christ?](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-should-i-be-concerned-about-the-judgement-seat-of-christ/) - Question Should I be concerned about the Judgement Seat of Christ? Answer In considering this question let us first state clearly what we mean by the ‘judgment seat of Christ’. The expression is found twice in the scriptures, Rom. 14. 10; 2 Cor. 5. 10, although other scriptures directly or indirectly allude to this event.1 - [The Ministry for Europe Trust](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/the-ministry-for-europe-trust/) - The work of ‘The Ministry for Europe Trust’ began in 1991 as a result of reports given by Mr. Bill Grunbaum, missionary to Eastern Europe, and Mr. Ronnie Cunningham, missionary to Tanzania, at a missionary conference in the Killeen Gospel Hall, Armagh, Northern Ireland. Brother Thomas Jennings from Castlereagh Gospel Hall, Belfast, was in the - [Never](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/never/) - Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall’, 2 Pet. 1. 10. On three historic occasions in Peter’s life he used the word ‘never’. And on each occasion the Lord had to rebuke him because he had got it wrong. - [And God said, let Us make man](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/and-god-said-let-us-make-man/) - That man is unique and distinct from the animal world around him is clearly evident from the first occurrence of the expression found in Genesis chapter 1 verse 26, ‘And God said, Let us’. We are made privy to the counsels of the Godhead! It is worth noting what scripture does not say. It does - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-19/) - Suicide clinic Dignitas under investigation The controversial suicide clinic Dignitas is under investigation by the Swiss authorities over claims that it provided drugs to a patient to allow him to end his life, despite his distressed mental condition. Swiss laws on assisted suicide state that each patient must be of sound mind and able to - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-19/) - England Northamptonshire In March, the believers in Spencer Bridge Road, Northampton, hosted the Ayrshire Bible Exhibition for the seventh time. The programme of school visits was oversubscribed with twenty-seven schools and about 1250 children attending. Please pray that the gospel presented during the tour will have challenged children, teachers and helpers. The good response from - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-19/) - Question The Breaking of Bread – When and where? Answer Most of us live busy lives and it is good at times to be able to get away and relax. When we are away does it really matter if we ‘remember the Lord’ on our own, or with a group of friends, or should we - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-19/) - "That I may tell of all Thy wondrous works” Ps.26.7. It is a cause for thanksgiving to the Lord, that we have so many sources of information concerning the Work of the Lord. In this the final report of another year, we have some remarkable cases of the way in which the Lord brings people - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-19/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH An outreach in Towcester (Northamptonshire) was well supported by local assemblies. Dozens of unsaved were present to hear Ian Jackson of Eastbourne speak on ‘Can an Intelligent Person still believe in the Existence of God?’. This was a follow-up to a Seed Sowers event in the town last year arranged by - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-19/) - ‘He saved others’, Luke 23. 35. There are many times when we are brought back to a particular text or passage of scripture. It may be that the Spirit of God needs to impress the lessons of that portion of the word of God upon us again. It may be that our appreciation of the - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-18/) - Most under-35s have not heard of the King James Bible More than half of young adults have never heard of the King James Version of the Bible, according to a new survey. The influential translation, which will celebrate its 400th anniversary this year, is believed to be the biggest-selling book ever produced. But a new - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-18/) - England Lincolnshire The small assembly at Bethesda, Kitty Briggs Lane, Grantham, commenced an outreach work through a literature stall in the town centre street market. Although the weather was inclement at the start of the day it brightened up later and provided an excellent opportunity for the believers to speak to people from the town - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-18/) - Question What does the scripture mean, ‘He led captivity captive’? Eph. 4. 8. Who are the captives? Answer The language used in Ephesians chapter 4 was first written concerning Deborah and Barak, who led the foes of Israel into captivity, foes that had previously held Israel captive. ‘Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-18/) - "Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” Rom. 12.11 As we begin another year in reporting the work of the Lord, the above brief, terse exhortation of Paul’s could come as a challenge to all of us. In a Christian paper recently the following appeared; “Exiled Russian evangelist Georgi Vins has warned - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-18/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Bicester Four weeks of tent meetings took place in a park in Bicester from 23rd July until 20th August. Leslie Craig from Northern Ireland conducted children’s meetings in the tent for the first two weeks. Up to fifty children attended most nights. Eugene Higgins from Philadelphia, USA, preached the gospel. He - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-18/) - ‘The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore’, Ezra 2. 64. In reading through such chapters as this it is striking to notice God’s attention to detail. In a company of such magnitude would we be interested in one or two? We would be happy with a round figure approximation - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-17/) - Equality Commission sorry for Christian ‘infection’ jibe The Government’s equality agency has said sorry for a sneering remark that implied Christian moral values are like an ‘infection’ that could harm children. The taxpayer-funded Equality and Human Rights Commission had warned that children could be ‘infected’ by the moral views of Christian foster parents who oppose - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-17/) - Gloucestershire In August, the assembly at Hesters Way, Cheltenham, ran a Holiday Bible Club with Philip Dean leading the team. There was a good response to the many invitations given out. By the end of the week numbers attending doubled. The sisters worked to give a varied programme of tasks in the hour of crafts - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-17/) - Question What does the word ‘apologetics’ mean? Answer Firstly, we need to define the term apologetics. One definition says it is ‘the branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines’. Another definition states that the word apologetics is from the Greek word apologia. The legal term apologetics means - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-17/) - "The goodness of God leadeth… to repentance”. Rom. 2.4. Each report tells encouragingly of God’s gracious dealings with people through the gospel. Some are saved quickly, almost suddenly, the decision of a moment. Others are brought to Christ after long years of struggle in their minds and hearts. For others, there is a coming to - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-17/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Airbourne 2006 – Eastbourne ‘The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad’, Ps. 77. 17. August saw four days outreach at the UK’s largest free air show in Eastbourne. During the four-day event nearly 750,000 people visited the town and for the second - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-17a/) - ‘We … shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air’, 1 Thess. 4. 17 This is the first issue of the magazine for a new year. As the first month of that year may well have passed we might have settled into the pattern of our - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-16/) - Christians take prejudice row to Strazbourg In a significant legal development, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has requested that the British Government state whether they believe that the rights of Christians have been infringed in recent cases where individuals have been penalized for expressing their faith in the workplace. The request has come - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-16/) - England London Jonathan and Joy Black, who have been commended by the Harryville assembly in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to serve the Lord in London, have been involved in gospel meetings in Clifton Hall, South Norwood. Each night there were unsaved in under the sound of the gospel. When visiting this area door-to-door, they spoke with - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-16/) - Question Saved then lost – is it possible? Answer There is a belief floating about that people who have been saved can lose their salvation. Our standard for teaching must always be the word of God. So what do the scriptures say? We must bear in mind the following principles of biblical interpretation: a) scripture - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-16/) - "When thy son asketh thee …. Thou shalt say” Exodus 13.14. The above sentence highlights the importance that was placed by Israel on teaching children the Word of God. The significance of the great events and traditions of the nation were fed to the minds of children from their earliest days. How vital this was - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-16/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH The following report was received from Steve and Judy Buckeridge Bible Distribution Report We have been distributing Bibles now for five years and in that time approximately two thousand Bibles have been sent out, in response to requests received. We are grateful to the Lord to have therefore had the opportunity - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-16/) - ‘God remembered Abraham’, Gen. 19. 29 Abraham had risen early in the morning and taken the journey to the vantage point he had occupied before. From that position he looked out over the plain to behold a scene of devastation. The once thriving cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were gone and ‘the smoke of the - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-15/) - Postal workers refuse to deliver Bible recordings because the CDs are ‘offensive' Postal workers refused to deliver CD’s of Bible readings after deciding they were ‘offensive material’. Several churches had paid for discs with recordings of Mark’s Gospel to be produced to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. They were due to - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-15/) - England Tyne and Wear From Gateshead, brother Jim McMaster writes, ‘As always, the backbone of the work continues to be the outreach to the homeless population of the area, most of whom are suffering deeply from drug and alcohol addiction problems. One of the most encouraging aspects of the last year has been the exercise - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-15/) - Question I don’t know when I was saved – is my profession of salvation genuine? Answer Probably the majority of readers will find it difficult to relate to this question because the moment of their conversion is etched indelibly in their memory. It may seem inconceivable to them that someone can ‘have passed from death - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-15/) - "The Lord working with them”. Mk. 16.20. We are able again to present a full report of varied aspects of the labours of God’s people. Behind the reports there must be many hours of prayer, exercise and expended energy inspired by a desire for the blessing of men. Yet we need to remind ourselves of - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-15/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Spencer Bridge Road Gospel Hall, Northampton The Ayrshire Bible Exhibition returned to Spencer Bridge Road, Northampton, for the fifth time for two weeks in March this year. Assemblies in the area were notified for prayer support and twenty-eight of the thirty-one schools visited regularly by the assembly were invited. The event - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-15/) - ‘To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God’, Eph. 3. 10. We said in our last editorial that ‘it is appropriate that from every assembly there should be a gospel witness’. It is good to know that there is - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-15/) - QUAKE CLAIMS WORSHIPPERS AT PRAYERAt least 17 worshippers died and over 200 were trapped as two churches collapsed in a massive earthquake in Peru in August 2007. Falling masonry in the Senor de Luren church in Ica was said to have killed 17 and injured dozens. In nearby Pisco rescuers were yesterday trying to free - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-14/) - Cameron’s Big Society needs Christian values behind it David Cameron’s “Big Society" dream will fail unless the country rediscovers traditionally Christian values, according to the academic credited with helping develop the concept. Phillip Blond, a think-tank director known as the Prime Minister’s philosopher-king, will say in a speech today that the individualism fostered by the - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-14/) - England Merseyside Titanic Opportunities – the City of Liverpool hosted an event in memory of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic called ‘Sea Odyssey’. This was a major success with thousands of people out and about in the city over one weekend (21-22 April). Local saints arranged to have a special leaflet - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-14/) - Question What should be our attitude towards Jehovah’s Witnesses? Answer In urban sprawl, leafy suburb or rural outback the devotees of the Watchtower organisation will be present – and active. Climate variations, language differences and cultural diversity are no barriers to these zealous propagators of ‘another gospel’. Never less than two, but usually several more, - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-14/) - "Doing the will of God from the heart”. Eph. 6.6. Reading these news items brings us into contact with the outward evidence of the concerns and exercises of many of God’s faithful servants. It is obvious that things do not get easier and the sense of battle with unseen forces is always present. Yet we - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-14/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Dartmoor Christian Camp This camp is run by believers from Whipton Chapel, Exeter, and Belmont Hall, Harrow. They see the summer camp week as an activity that builds on the regular assembly Sunday School and young people’s works. The wish of the believers is to give the children that they are - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-14/) - ‘Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled’, Heb. 12. 15 The writer of Hebrews had deep desires for the believers to whom he wrote. They faced difficulties because of their background. They were Jewish believers but many - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-14/) - CHINA ARRESTS 270 UNDERGROUND PROTESTANT PASTORS Chinese police forces recently arrested 270 Protestant house church pastors in an eastern province, reported a Chinese Christian human rights organisation. The pastors were gathering in the district of Hedeng in Shandong province when about 50 policemen from 12 different towns raided the meeting place, blindfolded and handcuffed attendees - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-13/) - Twitter users invited to help choose the new Archbishop of Canterbury The Church of England is to use the social networking site Twitter to help select the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Spokesman for the Church of England said the invitation would be made through the church press but also through other media including the social - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-13/) - We shall be verily guilty if we shut our eyes to the stubborn and uncomfortable fact that the percentage of real believers in this country is appallingly small. Britain urgently needs to be evangelised and we commend to the prayerful interest of the Lord’s people the labours of the men whose reports will appear on - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-13ab/) - England Nottinghamshire On June 23rd the small assembly at Kirkby-in-Ashfield held their second Evangelism Day assisted by Stephen Baker, (Liverpool). Twenty young people from across the East Midlands gathered with the saints at Kirkby for prayer before going out with the gospel into the streets of the town. The believers were encouraged by favourable weather - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-13/) - Question How can I love some Christians when I don’t even like them? Answer Our question contains two words which, in everyday conversation, are often used interchangeably but actually they are very distinct from each other. Not only are they distinct in meaning but they also derive from two different sources. To like is a - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-13/) - "Knowing the time, that it is now high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Rom. 13. 11. “Toil on and in thy toil rejoice: For toil comes rest, for exile home;Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom’s voice,The midnight cry, “Behold I come!” H. Bona Northern - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-13/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Winshill Gospel Hall, Burton on Trent The believers in the assembly in Winshill had the privilege of hosting the Ayrshire Bible Exhibition during the first few days of November 2007. Doors were opened for them to go into three local junior schools and tell them the wonderful message of the gospel. - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-13/) - ‘Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting’, John 2. 13-14. Although the major supermarkets appear to have a stranglehold on the grocery shopping habits of many, it would seem that there is still a place for the smaller - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-13/) - Thumbs up for permanent Catholic–Muslim forum Pope Benedict XVl has given the green light to establishing a continuing Catholic– Muslim Forum, with its first summit meeting set for November. The pioneer-ing initiative is a response to an open letter from 138 Muslim scholars sent to the Pope and other Christian leaders last year. The invitation - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-12/) - Cameron CANNOT protect Church against gay marriage laws (says his own Justice Minister) UK Prime Minister, David Cameron’s promise to protect churches from gay marriage laws could hit legal hurdles, a Justice Minister admitted yesterday. Crispin Blunt said it would be hard to guarantee that clergy would not face court challenges if they refused to - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-12ab/) - ENGLAND Nottinghamshire The assembly at Kirkby-in-Ashfield held its second Evangelism Day for 2012 on Saturday, 13th October. A number of young people from across the East Midlands gathered for a time of prayer before going out with the gospel. The day started with person-to-person tracting in the town’s precinct. Several hundred tracts were given out - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-12/) - Question In light of the truth of election, is it right to pray for the salvation of a specific individual? Answer Ever since the first century there have been many doctrinal controversies that have divided the people of God, but few have caused more discord than that relating to the subject of election. Therefore, it - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-12/) - "Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Rev. 3.8. In this short message to the Phila-delphian church, we can see two important features of evangelism. There is divine sovreignty, the design to open the ways for the saving purpose of God to move forward. But there is - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-12/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Holiday Bible Club at Manor Road, Guildford In preparation for the Holiday Bible Club the believers in Guildford visited four schools and gave out over one thousand leaflets to advertise the event to children in the area. Thirty children arrived the first day; this number rose to thirty-four by the end - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-12/) - ‘In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried,saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink’, John 7. 37. It is not without significance that the Lord should choose ‘the last day, that great day of the feast’ to make His announcement. This day was the - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-12/) - NO-GO AREA FOR BIRMINGHAM STREET PREACHERS Two evangelical ministers claim police threatened to arrest them for ‘hate crime’ for evangelizing in a predominantly Muslim area of Birmingham. Arthur Cunningham (48) and Joseph Abraham (65) were leafleting in Alum Rock Road and began talking to four Asian youths when they were forced to stop by a - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-11/) - Australia votes against redefining marriage The Parliament of Australia has overwhelmingly rejected attempts to legalize gay marriage in two decisive votes. Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, was personally opposed to redefining marriage, but she allowed her Labor party members to vote according to their conscience. The leader of the Australian Christian Lobby, Jim Wallace, - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-11/) - We give below reports from a few of the many scores of men who labour in the Gospel in these Islands, in fellowship with the Assemblies. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that they have gone forth looking to the Lord alone for guidance. Although we are glad to commend their labours to the prayers - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-11ab/) - England Dorset The believers from Bethany Chapel, Lyme Regis have been encouraged in seeing some confessions of faith from some of the elderly ladies who have been attending the services, and also in discovering some had trusted the Lord many years previously. They have continued their doorstep conversations, and, as a result, a self-confessed backslider - [Question Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/question-time-11/) - Question Can past sins prevent current service for the Lord? Answer Years ago I worked with a colleague who had the annoying habit of not supplying a direct answer to a direct question. Stephen’s responses were invariably prefixed with the phrase ‘it all depends’, a trait that often resulted in the simplest of queries taking - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-110/) - During the past year steps have been taken designed to make this Section of the Magazine more informative, and more representative of the work which is being carried on throughout the British Isles. Quite a number of brethren are assisting in various ways to secure this, without charge to the Magazine Fund, and the Committee - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-11/) - ‘Joy shall be in heaven .. .’, Luke 15. 7. ‘Rejoice because your names are written in heaven’, Luke 10. 20. How much do affairs on earth touch the movements of heaven? Often we can feel that heaven is a long way off – remote to our activities and ways. The coming into the world - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-11/) - I know that it is unusual for me to write an editorial for this section of the magazine but I really feel that I must as there is so much encouraging news around but not all of it is captured in the reports that are sent to me. Regularly, in many assemblies, young people are - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-11/) - ‘When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away’, 1 Pet. 5. 4. ‘It is an indescribable tragedy that Christianity is now under such threat … Of the 196 countries in the world studied from October 2012 until June this year [2014], 81 have religious freedom impaired’.1 - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-11/) - RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS VIEWS ON VALUES Around two in every three adults think religious and spiritual values are important in a child’s development, according to a Children’s Society poll. But in the survey of more than 1,000 people, one in ten said that the values were not important at all. The findings were part of a - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-10/) - 2011 Census Returns Now fewer than six in ten people say they are Christians Proportion of Christians in England and Wales down to 59.3 per cent Quarter of people say they do not follow any religion following the rise of aggressive atheism Number of Muslims up to 2.7 million, 4.8 per cent of the population - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-10/) - On an island in the Solomons, a few native christians were gathered to bid farewell to one of their number who was going to a neighbouring island with the gospel. Borrowing the familiar language of the pearl-diver, the native missionary told his friends that he was going to seek the treasure, but they must remain - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-10ab/) - England Liverpool The gospel radio programme on local university radio is a work which Stephen Baker has embarked on. This is a one-hour programme on Mondays from 19:00. People can access the programme via the Internet at www.radiohope.co.uk (The Living Hope Show), or local people can access the programme via the radio on MW 1350. - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-10a/) - ‘He rejoiced … believing in God with all his house’, Acts 16.34. The conversion of the jailer at Philippi must have been an occasion of great joy for at concerned. Can we imagine the gladness in the hearts of Paul and Silas as they saw their tormentor so radically changed? The man himself, like the - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-109/) - We are glad to take the opportunity, in the first issue of this new volume, to acknowledge our indebtedness to the Area Correspondents and to all others who co-operate in the compilation of the reports which appear in this section. Their task is not easy and their efforts are sometimes fruitless but we receive evidence - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-108/) - A Saviour God, who causes tidings of His mercy to be taken both to the sad and weary and to the scoffer and the scornful: who graciously answers the long-sustained prayers of His people: who cheers His servants with tidings, after many days, of blessing which has attended their labours: who, if allowed, will over-rule - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-107/) - ‘making mention of thee always in my prayers’ It is important that we should always remember that importunate prayer is the basis of all blessing. The assembly at Dunmurry, a new and developing district on the outskirts of Belfast, had a time of blessing when J. Noble and R. Jordan were the preachers. The most - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-106/) - ‘Be Thou exalted, O God’ It was in 1934 that a few believers first met to remember their Lord in a small hired room in Halesowen, Worcestershire. Five years later a hall was erected on the southern edge of the town, very near to green fields. These have now been replaced by fields that are - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-105/) - ‘Serve now the Lord’ ‘How late is it?’ was the title of a series of ministry meetings at Inverkeithingy Fife, taken by G. Anderson, reminding us that the time for laying up treasure in heaven may be very brief. The reports which follow tell of ways in which some of God’s children are seeking to - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-104/) - ‘Where wilt Thou that we go?’ It is important for our spiritual prosperity that we should live in the place where our Lord would have us reside. Having ascertained and obeyed His will as to our residence we should then seek out His purpose in the matter of the exact service He would have us - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-103/) - ‘Look on the fields’ In the early years of this century the Stroud Valley in Gloucestershire was a hive of industry mainly concerned with the manufacture of cloth, and at that time good numbers of believers gathered with assemblies in that area. Indeed some of the older believers can still remember times when queues were - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-102/) - CORRECTION In the May-June issue we referred to a portable hall which had been provided for the use of I. Munro in the North of Scotland. We have to apologise for referring to this hall as ‘well-worn’ when in fact it was entirely new. It is now in store until the autumn when it will - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-101/) - ‘Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord’ The use of tents for the holding of special Gospel efforts continues to prove successful, provided that there is the full support of local believers. The North Staffordshire tent was pitched at Talke Pits for the first part of the summer and was then moved to - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-100/) - “What saith my lord unto his servant?” As we read these reports we would do well to remember the above words. The commencement of yet another year of service brings further opportunities to each one of us, and also brings us nearer the moment when we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-10/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Bethany Chapel, Lyme Regis Last February we reported in this magazine the annual door to door calendar distribution in Lyme Regis. Last December, one door knocked for that purpose was a small residential care home for the elderly. They asked the believers to come back and sing some carols, which they - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-10/) - ‘Some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts’, Luke 21. 5. One stone does not make a building. A pile of stones is not a building. However, once the stones are shaped, and put together in accord with an architect’s plan, a building will begin to emerge. The skill - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-10/) - CREATIONISM BIOLOGIST LOSES JOB A leading biologist who claimed that Creationism should be taught in school science lessons has lost his job at the Royal Society as a result. The Rev. Professor Michael Reiss, who was the national science academy’s director of education, as well as a Church of England minister, suggested last week that - [Wise words from the book of Proverbs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/wise-words-from-the-book-of-proverbs-9/) - Can a man take fire unto his bosom and not be burned?Proverbs 6. 27 Surely no one would be so daft as to pick up a handful of burning coals from the embers of a fire and place them on one’s chest.To do such a thing would be to invite severe burns and possible death. - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-9a/) - Christians mark David Livingstone’s bicentenary Christians have been remembering the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, as 19th March marked 200 years since his birth. A conference was held in Edinburgh to consider Dr. Livingstone’s legacy. He was born in the Scottish town of Blantyre and went to Africa as a medical missionary in 1840. - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-9/) - In our next Number we hope to announce that we have a Correspondent for each area of the British Isles. The brethren who are already helping in this way are busy men, but they gladly devote a considerable amount of time to the work. They tell us, however, that their task would be very much - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-9ab/) - England West Yorkshire The assembly in Hemsworth is able to go into around ten local schools to take the assemblies. Once a year, the assembly takes the Open Air Mission’s Bible exhibition into eight schools reaching around fifteen-hundred children with the gospel, as well as teachers and helpers. Once every three months, on a Saturday - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-9a/) - ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it’, Ps. 127, 1. Much thuught and concern is centred today on the matter of building. We are told that we are experiencing a building ‘boom’ and many questions are asked about the quality of the building. As we seek to serve Ehe - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-99/) - “Stir up the gift of God” These reports are not intended simply to provide interesting reading, but to stimulate prayer and exercise as to our individual responsibility to make known the news of a Saviour. Time quickly passes, for it only seems a little while since we were reporting on the work done last summer. - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-98/) - If we have carefully read the preceding pages the following extracts will come to mind. “There should also be a response to the Lord’s desire that His people should go to others, by being constantly on the look-out for openings to reach, to talk to and to make contacts with those completely outside.” “It is - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-97/) - The reports which follow have been gathered for us by correspondents in different districts. Their task is not an easy one and we would once again express our appreciation of their labours. Especially is this so in respect of J. Donaldson of Hamilton who for some fifteen years has been responsible for the south of - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-96/) - “By all means save some” Walking through a street market in the north of London, jostled by young and old of various nationalities, a passer-by would be attracted by a stall displaying portions of the Word of God, tracts and Gospel books. The smaller items are free and are much in demand, while now and - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-95/) - “The Holy One.” The prophet Isaiah lived during the reigns of four kings, some of whom were bad and some good. Yet his message was unchanging concerning the Holy One of Israel. All needed to realise their unfitness to enter His holy presence, their inability to attain to His holy standards. In the present day - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-94/) - An elderly man, who had been visited by a believer on a number of occasions, recently stated that he was wholly trusting in the Saviour who died for him. He said that the Scriptures were coming to his mind clearly that he had heard preached many years ago by a Mr. Melville, a missionary from - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-93/) - Some years ago five young men were passing the local Gospel Hall one Lord’s Day evening bent on pleasure. An invitation to enter and join in the singing was handed to one of them and he slipped away from his friends and entered the hall. The following week his friends went with him, and within - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-92/) - We would express our thanks to those brethren who collect the reports that appear in this section. At the same time readers are re-minded that the Lord’s servants who are referred to are in no way responsible to the Committee of Precious Seed; also that the inclusion of any particular item is not to be - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-91/) - Middlesex. The believers meeting at Wellington Road, Hounslow, recalled with thanksgiving in October that their Lord had provided for their every need during the century that this assembly has been in existence. It had its roots in pre-1868 cottage meetings held in the home of the postmistress of that day. In 1917 the present site - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-90/) - Northern Ireland. Bangor, a popular seaside resort in Co. Down, has been growing much in recent years and the Ebenezer assembly was concerned about the spiritual needs of the people on one of the new estates. A new hall was erected and it was thought wise to commence the work with a special Gospel effort. - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-9a/) - ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God’, James 4. 7. I was never a very good swimmer. In fact, I would be reluctant to venture outside of the comparative safety of a swimming pool. However, one thing I noticed, as I watched my children grow into strong swimmers, was the difference made by tidal forces. It is - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-9a/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH The very first London Young People’s Day was held on the 4th October. 2008. It was the result of a number of young believers wanting to have a day studying the scriptures and sharing a time of fellowship together. Bermondsey Gospel Hall agreed to host the day, being London’s most central - [Children’s Pages](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/childrens-pages-9/) - ‘THE HAMMER IN HAND’ This was the name of an inn I noticed in Hertfordshire. The sign was an arm with the hand holding a hammer in the act of striking. A hammer speaks of at least two things, breaking and making. In Jeremiah 23 (you might find the verse yourself) the word of God - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-9/) - SOFTWARE FIRM GIVES NEW WINGS TO MAF A specialist mission relief agency, whose planes fly aid, missionaries and development workers to thousands of remote spots around the world, has received a £1 million gift from a software company. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) took delivery of a brand new Kodiak 100 aircraft when Isle of Manbased - [Wise words from the book of Proverbs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/wise-words-from-the-book-of-proverbs-8/) - ‘If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty give him water to drink. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee’, Prov. 25. 21-22. ‘Heaping coals of fire’ upon an opponent’s head has become a proverbial expression in English and - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-8a/) - Church of England gives up fight against gay marriage The Church of England has effectively accepted defeat over gay marriage, signalling that it will no longer fight against a change in the law. In a short statement, the established Church said that the scale of the majorities in both the Commons and Lords made clear - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-8/) - We have often received reports which did not quite relate to gospel work, and as a genwa.1 rule we have not thought it appropriate to publish them. We feel, however, that many of these reports of assembly activities would prove both interesting and helpful to our readers, and we have decided that in future; we - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-8a/) - As we have received reports from many parts of the British Isles, we have tried to picture the harvest field, realising that the activity which has been reported is buta fraction of the whole. Man/ thousands have heard the old, old story of Jesus and His love, and hundreds have responded to its appeal. Responsibility - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-8ab/) - England Devon Clive and Christine Williams from Barnstaple, along with Trevor Howard, took the opportunity to take the gospel to those attending the Barnstaple and Bridgewater Fairs. Whilst Trevor took up position at the approach to the Fair, along with Christine, Clive visited the whole Fair with tracts and calendars for most of the first - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-8a/) - Northern Ireland have a report from Jirn Graham, BelfasT, concerning the wurk in various parts. It is good to be reminded oi gospel posters displayed on fourteen of the city of Belfast buses. These constantly move all over the city. The plan is to continue this work with much prayer that God will bless His - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-89/) - From time to time the Lord takes to be with Himself a believer who has been a regular attender at all the assembly gatherings and has been engaged in the Lord’s work to his or her utmost ability. The passing of such a child of God leaves a gap. We would do well to examine - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-88/) - As this section of the magazine is reached in another issue, may we ask what your reactions have been to the reports in previous issues? As you have read of what other believers are seeking to do to spread the knowledge of the Gospel, have you been stirred up to be exercised yourself about the - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-87/) - We have a God who delights to take up a life that is wholly given over to Him and use it for His glory. Too often we think that an organised effort is needed for the salvation of souls. The revival in Ireland in the middle of the last century had its origin in the - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-86/) - Burdened with the spiritual needs of the large Asian population of die area, the believers gathering at Southall took a stall at the local trades fair. They obtained a supply of records in various oriental languages from Gospel Recordings, which explained portions of Scripture dealing with the Gospel. Believers took it in turns to man - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-85/) - During a tent campaign last summer a young brother brought a bus full of workers from all parts of the factory where he was employed on at least three occasions. Does this challenge us? Another correspondent wrote that it was noticed with joy that the younger believers in his area were showing an increased interest - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-84/) - The summer months are a time of fairs, agricultural shows and the like which appear to be increasing in number. All provide an oppor-tunity for the spread of the knowledge of salvation. Are we taking advantage of these gatherings of large numbers of unsaved folk? During May a team of seven believers from the assembly - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-83/) - Instead of the usual problems arising from a special effort, be-lievers from Bath needed a field, tent and refreshment van in order to witness at the “Blues” Festival at Shepton Mallet in June. A team of workers, willing to show from the Bible and prove from their own experience the relevance of the Gospel in - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-82/) - We would remind readers that the brethren whose names appear in the following reports are in no way responsible to the committee of Precious Seed, neither should it be assumed that the committee is necessarily in agreement with all the methods mentioned. We would also record our thanks to those correspondents by whose labours this - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-80/) - When J. Hadley visited Truro and St. Austell last year for the Ministry of the Word he took up subjects such as The Local Church, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, Government and Elders, Worship and Witness. Time was given at the end for questions in order to clarify or amplify points. This was especially helpful - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-8a/) - HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB AT GUILDFORD REPORT The assembly at Guildford organized a ‘Pyramid Rock’ Holiday Bible Club during the February Half-Term Holiday, for children aged aged from five to eleven years. A core team of four did a marvellous job with the preplanning and organizing of the event and four local schools kindly gave out - [Editorial](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/editorial-8a/) - ‘For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing’, Acts 17. 21. From this verse one might suggest that there are many parallels between First Century Athens and Twenty-first Century Britain. They wanted the latest news. They wanted that - [Children’s Pages](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/childrens-pages-8/) - HIDDEN COMMANDMENTS No. 1. One day Moses, one of the greatest leaders that ever lived, was called to go up into the mountain to speak with God. While he was away from the people they came to his brother Aaron, who was left in charge, saying, “Your brother Moses has left us, we don’t know - [Bits & Bobs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/bits-bobs-8/) - We’ll force gay youth workers on churches, says Government The Government says its new Equality Bill will force churches to accept practising homosexuals or trans-sexuals in youth worker posts and other similar roles. Equalities minister Maria Eagle said religious believers should push ‘gay rights’ in their communities, but in the meantime the state would do - [Wise words from the book of Proverbs](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/wise-words-from-the-book-of-proverbs-7/) - ‘Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth; a stranger and not thine own lips’, Prov. 27. 2. There is surely nothing more insufferable than having to listen to someone who is full of himself.The most unpopular person is not necessarily the one with whom we disagree or have little in common. It - [Views from the News](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/views-from-the-news-7a/) - Head teachers removed in row over ‘creationist’ church Two head teachers who allowed members of a US-based creationist church to help out at a Scottish primary school have been removed from their posts. Officials at South Lanarkshire Council said they wanted to establish why the Church of Christ group, which does not believe in evolution - [Reports of Gospel Work and Other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-7/) - “They declared all things that God had done with them.” Acts 15.4 Because of the Christmas holiday our copy had to be prepared rather earlier than usual and this may account for the fact that we have received less than the normal number of reports. When readers hear of any activity suitable for recording in - [Reports of Gospel Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-of-gospel-work-7a/) - “The assembly Gospel meeting has had its day,” Have you heard this? Do you believe it? Readers of the Reports on these pages will know that it is not true everywhere, but from far too many quarters comes the lament that people cannot be induced to attend. Do we accept this situation as inevitable? Are - [Reports](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/reports-7ab/) - England Surrey The assembly at Guildford were really encouraged during the February half-term school holiday. From the Monday to the Wednesday of the holiday, a Bible Club for primary schoolchildren was arranged. The programme, from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon, was called ‘Space Academy’, and the Bible stories and daily themes were all based on - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-7a/) - ‘How shall they hear without a preacher?’ Rom. 10.14. The above question highlights the necessity of communication in evangelism. People do need to hear, for faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of God. The postal strike has forcibly reminded us all of the problems that arise when the sources of communication arc - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-79/) - Open air meetings are not only profitable for the setting forth of the Gospel but also for making the local company of believers known in the area. The small assembly at Oban, Argyll, was much encouraged by the large number who stood and listened on the esplanade after the normal Gospel meeting. On one occasion - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-78/) - Somerset. Although there are a good number of assemblies in this county there is a large tract between Bridgwater and Minehead where there is little evangelistic witness. During the latter part of last summer D. Willcox took his tent to Blue Anchor in this area. Assisted by friends from Bristol and elsewhere many of the - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-77/) - ALL for the Man of Sorrows, All for the Man of Grief; Say, dost thou shrink from the burden? Wouldst thou request relief? Relief from the cross of Jesus, Who suffered such anguish for you; To be free from reproach for Jesus– My soul, can this thing be true? What, share in His throne and - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-76/) - In 1965 a group of believers from the Hamilton area of Lanarkshire decided to concentrate their attention upon the nearest country town with no assembly witness, which was Peebles. Fortnightly visits were made for house to house visitation. Careful notes were taken of all contacts and these were invited to occasional Gospel rallies in the - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-75/) - Correction. We deeply regret that the report in the previous issue under Birmingham contained a serious error. Through no fault of the correspondent concerned the death of one who had been under the sound of the Gospel was described as suicide when it was actually an accidental death. We are conscious of the grief that - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-74/) - Sussex. About 1903 a Christian lady in Birmingham made a gift of a timber and corrugated iron hut for a mission in Ditchling. Known as the ‘little green hut’, this has been in use ever since for the setting forth of the Gospel. Following the destruction by fire of the Barn Meeting House, Clayton Hill, - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-73/) - The following reports tell of the salvation of souls in various parts of the country. The sowing of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God is still the only method which can result in eternal blessing for the unsaved. Lancashire. The first children’s campaign at Parbold for some years took place in October. S. - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-72/) - With the coming of another summer season with its opportunities for witness in the open-air, we do well to consider what use we plan to make of it in our own locality. Children can be reached who never attend Sunday School; older ones can be reminded visually and audibly of Scriptures they have learnt in - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-71/) - "The seed is the word of God”, Luke 8. n. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which livedi and abideth for ever”, 1 Peter 1. 23. We must always remember that it is only the Word of God that can bring spiritual blessing to a soul, - [Gospel Work and other Assembly Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-assembly-activities-70/) - Open air work still provides one way in which large numbers of folk can be reached with the Gospel. If banners or placards with texts of Scripture are used the passer-by is bound to read them. Why then is so little done in this way nowadays? Those among us from abroad, who will not enter - [Gospel Work and Other Activities](https://www.preciousseed.org/articles/gospel-work-and-other-activities-7a/) - ENGLAND: MIDLANDS AND SOUTH Cheltenham and Gloucester The believers in Cheltenham and Gloucester report that their winter series of Saturday rallies were really encouraging. Excellent ministry was given by all the speakers during the session and the numbers present at the meetings exceeded previous years. The Bible Teaching Conference in October and the Missionary Conference ## Author - [Tim Geske](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/tim-geske/) - [Andy Mullan](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/andy-mullan/) - [Tim Coltman](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/tim-coltman/) - [Graeme Andrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/graeme-andrews/) - [Philip Collier](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/philip-collier/) - [Jeremy Holifield](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/jeremy-holifield/) - [Christo Benite](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/christo-benite/) - [Andrew Ware](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/andrew-ware/) - [Tim Woodford](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/tim-woodford/) - [William Turkington](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/william-turkington/) - [Andrew Dutton](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/andrew-dutton/) - [W. B. Turner](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/w-b-turner/) - [Ernest Abbott](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/ernest-abbott/) - [Leonard Currie](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/leonard-currie/) - [James B. Currie](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/james-b-currie/) - [Nathan Rosie](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/nathan-rosie/) - [Tom Merriman](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/tom-merriman/) - [James Gray](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/james-gray/) - [Mark Sweetnam](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/mark-sweetnam/) - [Mervyn Grist](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/mervyn-grist/) - [Paul Jenkinson](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/paul-jenkinson/) - [Bryan Stewart](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/bryan-stewart/) - [Clive Barber](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/clive-barber/) - [E. Barker](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/e-barker/) - [Stephen Harper](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/stephen-harper/) - [A. J. 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Trotzen](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/james-p-trotzen/) - [William Trott](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/william-trott/) - [Rex Trogdon](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/rex-trogdon/) - [A. E. Trigg](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/a-e-trigg/) - [William Trew](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/william-trew/) - [Ernest H. Trenchard](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/ernest-h-trenchard/) - [Ken Totton](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/ken-totton/) - [V. Topps](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/v-topps/) - [John E. Todd](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/john-e-todd/) - [E Tipson](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/e-tipson/) - [John Tinkler](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/john-tinkler/) - [David Tinkler](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/david-tinkler/) - [H. A. Tickner](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/h-a-tickner/) - [John Thropay](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/john-thropay/) - [Adam Thropay](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/adam-thropay/) - [W Threadgold](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/w-threadgold/) - [R. H. Sykes](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/r-h-sykes/) - [M. A. Sweeney](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/m-a-sweeney/) - [Robert Surgenor](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/robert-surgenor/) - [Harold Summers](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/harold-summers/) - [Alan Summers](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/alan-summers/) - [Sam Thorpe, Jr.](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/sam-thorpe-jr/) - [Derek Thomas](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/derek-thomas/) - [The Bible League](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/the-bible-league/) - [A Testall](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/a-testall/) - [John H. Tennant](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/john-h-tennant/) - [W. E. 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Avery](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/b-e-avery/) - [Autumn Leaf Ltd.](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/autumn-leaf-ltd/) - [Alexander Austen](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/alexander-austen/) - [Eric Arnold](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/eric-arnold/) - [Jim Armstrong](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/jim-armstrong/) - [Stephen Arbuthnot](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/stephen-arbuthnot/) - [A. G. Anstice](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/a-g-anstice/) - [Anonymous](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/anonymous/) - [Edgar Andrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/edgar-andrews/) - [Sir Robert Anderson](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/sir-robert-anderson/) - [James Anderson](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/james-anderson/) - [Randal Amos](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/randal-amos/) - [Jim Allen](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/jim-allen/) - [S Alexander](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/s-alexander/) - [David Ainslie](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/david-ainslie/) - [Ian Affleck](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/ian-affleck/) - [Edwin Adams](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/edwin-adams/) - [Charles Adams](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/charles-adams/) - [Shawn Abigail](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/shawn-abigail/) - [Mike Abendroth](https://www.preciousseed.org/authors/mike-abendroth/) ## Series - [Mountain Scenes of Matthew’s Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/mountain-scenes-of-matthews-gospel/) - [The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/the-person-and-work-of-the-holy-spirit/) - [The ‘I AM’ Statements of Scripture](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/the-i-am-statements-of-scripture/) - [Ezekiel the Seer](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/ezekiel-the-seer/) - [Diversity](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/diversity/) - [Nehemiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/nehemiah/) - [Reflections on the Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/reflections-on-the-cross/) - [The Life and Times of Elisha](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/the-life-and-times-of-elisha/) - [The Father (2024)](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/the-father-2024/) - [The First Epistle of Peter](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/the-first-epistle-of-peter/) - [Titles of Jehovah](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/titles-of-jehovah/) - [Seven Reasons Why Women Should Be Veiled in the Public Gatherings of the Assembly](https://www.preciousseed.org/series/seven-reasons-why-women-should-be-veiled-in-the-public-gatherings-of-the-assembly/) - 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[1984 Volume 35 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1984-volume-35-issue-5/) - [1999 Volume 54 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1999-volume-54-issue-1/) - [1984 Volume 35 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1984-volume-35-issue-4/) - [1984 Volume 35 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1984-volume-35-issue-3/) - [1984 Volume 35 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/10551-2/) - [1984 Volume 35 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1984-volume-35-issue-1/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1983-volume-34-issue-6/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1983-volume-34-issue-5/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1983-volume-34-issue-4/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1983-volume-34-issue-3/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/10468-2/) - [1983 Volume 34 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1983-volume-34-issue-1/) - 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[1953 Volume 5 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1953-volume-5-issue-5/) - [1952 Volume 4 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-4-issue-8/) - [1952 Volume 4 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-4-issue-7/) - [1952 Volume 4 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-4-issue-6/) - [1953 Volume 5 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1953-volume-5-issue-4/) - [1952 Volume 5 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-5-issue-2/) - [1952 Volume 5 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-5-issue-3/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-1/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-6/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-4/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-5/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-3/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-2/) - [1976 Volume 27 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1976-volume-27-issue-1/) - [1952 Volume 5 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1952-volume-5-issue-1/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-6/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-5/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-4/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-3/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-2/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-6/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-5/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-4/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-3/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-2/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-6/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-5/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-4/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-3/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-2/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-6/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-5/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-4/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-3/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-2/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-6/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-5/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-4/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-3/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-2/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-6/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-5/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-4/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-3/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-2/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-6/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-5/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-4/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-3/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-2/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-6/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-5/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-4/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-3/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-2/) - [1960 Volume 11 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1960-volume-11-issue-6/) - [1960 Volume 11 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1960-volume-11-issue-5/) - [1960 Volume 11 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1960-volume-11-issue-4/) - [1960 Volume 11 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1960-volume-11-issue-3/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-6/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-5/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-7/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-6/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-5/) - [1957 Volume 9 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-9-issue-1/) - [1957 Volume 8 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-8-issue-8/) - [1957 Volume 8 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-8-issue-7/) - [1957 Volume 8 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-8-issue-6/) - [1957 Volume 8 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-8-issue-5/) - [1956 Volume 8 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-8-issue-1/) - [1956 Volume 8 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-8-issue-2/) - [1956 Volume 8 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-8-issue-3/) - [1956 Volume 7 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-7-issue-8/) - [1956 Volume 7 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-7-issue-6/) - [1956 Volume 7 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1956-volume-7-issue-7/) - [1955 Volume 7 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-7-issue-4/) - [1955 Volume 7 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-7-issue-5/) - [1955 Volume 7 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-7-issue-3/) - [1955 Volume 7 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-7-issue-2/) - [1955 Volume 7 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-7-issue-1/) - [1955 Volume 6 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1955-volume-6-issue-8/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-7/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-6/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-5/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-4/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-3/) - [1954 Volume 6 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1954-volume-6-issue-2/) - [1951 Volume 4 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-4-issue-2/) - [1951 Volume 4 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-4-issue-1/) - [1951 Volume 3 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-3-issue-8/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-7/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-6/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-5/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-4/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-3/) - [1950 Volume 3 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1950-volume-3-issue-2/) - [1949 Volume 3 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-3-issue-1/) - [1949 Volume 2 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-2-issue-8/) - [1949 Volume 2 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-2-issue-7/) - [1949 Volume 2 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-2-issue-6/) - [1949 Volume 2 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-2-issue-5/) - [1949 Volume 2 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1949-volume-2-issue-4/) - [1948 Volume 1 Issue 16](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-1-issue-16/) - [1948 Volume 1 Issue 15](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-1-issue-15/) - [1948 Volume 1 Issue 14](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-1-issue-14/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 13](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-13/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 12](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-12/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-11/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 10](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-10/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-9/) - [1947 Volume 1 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1947-volume-1-issue-8/) - [2009 Volume 64 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2009-volume-64-issue-2/) - [2009 Volume 64 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2009-volume-64-issue-1/) - [2008 Volume 63 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2008-volume-63-issue-4/) - [2008 Volume 63 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2008-volume-63-issue-3/) - [2008 Volume 63 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2008-volume-63-issue-2/) - [2008 Volume 63 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2008-volume-63-issue-1/) - [2007 Volume 62 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2007-volume-62-issue-4/) - [2007 Volume 62 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2007-volume-62-issue-3/) - [2007 Volume 62 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2007-volume-62-issue-2/) - [2007 Volume 62 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2007-volume-62-issue-1/) - [2006 Volume 61 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2006-volume-61-issue-4/) - [2006 Volume 61 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2006-volume-61-issue-3/) - [2006 Volume 61 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2006-volume-61-issue-2/) - [2006 Volume 61 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2006-volume-61-issue-1/) - [2005 Volume 60 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2005-volume-60-issue-4/) - [2005 Volume 60 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2005-volume-60-issue-3/) - [2005 Volume 60 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2005-volume-60-issue-2/) - [2005 Volume 60 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2005-volume-60-issue-1/) - [2004 Volume 59 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2004-volume-59-issue-4/) - [2004 Volume 59 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2004-volume-59-issue-3/) - [2004 Volume 59 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2004-volume-59-issue-2/) - [2004 Volume 59 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2004-volume-59-issue-1/) - [2003 Volume 58 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2003-volume-58-issue-4/) - [2003 Volume 58 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2003-volume-58-issue-3/) - [2003 Volume 58 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2003-volume-58-issue-2/) - [2003 Volume 58 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2003-volume-58-issue-1/) - [2002 Volume 57 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2002-volume-57-issue-4/) - [2002 Volume 57 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2002-volume-57-issue-3/) - [2002 Volume 57 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2002-volume-57-issue-2/) - [2002 Volume 57 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2002-volume-57-issue-1/) - [2001 Volume 56 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2001-volume-56-issue-4/) - [2001 Volume 56 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2001-volume-56-issue-3/) - [2001 Volume 56 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2001-volume-56-issue-2/) - [2001 Volume 56 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2001-volume-56-issue-1/) - [2000 Volume 55 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2000-volume-55-issue-4/) - [2000 Volume 55 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2000-volume-55-issue-3/) - [2000 Volume 55 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2000-volume-55-issue-2/) - [2000 Volume 55 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/2000-volume-55-issue-1/) - [1999 Volume 54 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1999-volume-54-issue-4/) - [1999 Volume 54 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1999-volume-54-issue-3/) - [1999 Volume 54 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1999-volume-54-issue-2/) - [1998 Volume 53 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1998-volume-53-issue-4/) - [1998 Volume 53 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1998-volume-53-issue-3/) - [1998 Volume 53 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1998-volume-53-issue-2/) - [1998 Volume 53 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1998-volume-53-issue-1/) - [1997 Volume 52 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1997-volume-52-issue-5/) - [1997 Volume 52 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1997-volume-52-issue-4/) - [1997 Volume 52 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1997-volume-52-issue-3/) - [1997 Volume 52 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1997-volume-52-issue-2/) - [1997 Volume 52 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1997-volume-52-issue-1/) - [1996 Volume 51 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1996-volume-51-issue-5/) - [1996 Volume 51 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1996-volume-51-issue-4/) - [1996 Volume 51 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1996-volume-51-issue-3/) - [1996 Volume 51 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1996-volume-51-issue-2/) - [1996 Volume 51 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1996-volume-51-issue-1/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-6/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-5/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-4/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-3/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-2/) - [1995 Volume 50 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1995-volume-50-issue-1/) - [1994 Volume 45 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1994-volume-45-issue-5/) - [1994 Volume 45 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1994-volume-45-issue-4/) - [1994 Volume 45 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1994-volume-45-issue-3/) - [1994 Volume 45 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1994-volume-45-issue-2/) - [1994 Volume 45 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1994-volume-45-issue-1/) - [1993 Volume 44 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1993-volume-44-issue-5/) - [1993 Volume 44 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1993-volume-44-issue-3/) - [1993 Volume 44 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1993-volume-44-issue-2/) - [1993 Volume 44 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1993-volume-44-issue-1/) - [1992 Volume 43 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1992-volume-43-issue-4/) - [1992 Volume 43 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1992-volume-43-issue-3/) - [1992 Volume 43 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1992-volume-43-issue-2/) - [1992 Volume 43 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1992-volume-43-issue-1/) - [1991 Volume 42 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1991-volume-42-issue-3/) - [1991 Volume 42 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1991-volume-42-issue-2/) - [1991 Volume 42 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1991-volume-42-issue-1/) - [1990 Volume 41 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1990-volume-41-issue-5/) - [1990 Volume 41 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1990-volume-41-issue-4/) - [1990 Volume 41 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1990-volume-41-issue-3/) - [1990 Volume 41 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1990-volume-41-issue-2/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-6/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-5/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-4/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-3/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-2/) - [1989 Volume 40 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1989-volume-40-issue-1/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-6/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-5/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-4/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-3/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-2/) - [1988 Volume 39 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1988-volume-39-issue-1/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-6/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-5/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-4/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-3/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-2/) - [1987 Volume 38 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1987-volume-38-issue-1/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-5/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-3/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-6/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-4/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-2/) - [1986 Volume 37 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1986-volume-37-issue-1/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-5/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-6/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-4/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-3/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-2/) - [1985 Volume 36 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1985-volume-36-issue-1/) - [1982 Volume 33 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1982-volume-33-issue-1/) - [1981 Volume 32 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1981-volume-32-issue-6/) - [1981 Volume 32 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1981-volume-32-issue-5/) - [1981 Volume 32 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1981-volume-32-issue-4/) - [1981 Volume 32 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1981-volume-32-issue-3/) - [1981 Volume 32 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1981-volume-32-issue-2/) - [1980 Volume 31 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1980-volume-31-issue-6/) - [1980 Volume 31 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1980-volume-31-issue-5/) - [1980 Volume 31 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1980-volume-31-issue-3/) - [1980 Volume 31 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1980-volume-31-issue-2/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-6/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-5/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-4/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-3/) - [1979 Volume 30 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1979-volume-30-issue-2/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-6/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-5/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-4/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-3/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-2/) - [1977 Volume 28 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1977-volume-28-issue-1/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-6/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-5/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-4/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-3/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-2/) - [1975 Volume 26 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1975-volume-26-issue-1/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-5/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-6/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-4/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-3/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-2/) - [1974 Volume 25 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1974-volume-25-issue-1/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-6/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-5/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-4/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-3/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-2/) - [1973 Volume 24 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1973-volume-24-issue-1/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-5/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-6/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-4/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-3/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-2/) - [1972 Volume 23 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1972-volume-23-issue-1/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-4/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-3/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-5/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-1/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-2/) - [1971 Volume 22 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1971-volume-22-issue-6/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-6/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-5/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-4/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-3/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-2/) - [1970 Volume 21 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1970-volume-21-issue-1/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-6/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-5/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-4/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-3/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-2/) - [1969 Volume 20 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1969-volume-20-issue-1/) - [1968 Volume 19 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1968-volume-19-issue-1/) - [1967 Volume 18 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1967-volume-18-issue-1/) - [1966 Volume 17 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1966-volume-17-issue-1/) - [1965 Volume 16 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1965-volume-16-issue-1/) - [1964 Volume 15 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1964-volume-15-issue-1/) - [1963 Volume 14 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1963-volume-14-issue-1/) - [1962 Volume 13 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1962-volume-13-issue-1/) - [1961 Volume 12 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1961-volume-12-issue-1/) - [1960 Volume 11 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1960-volume-11-issue-1/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-4/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-3/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-2/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-4/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-3/) - [1958 Volume 9 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1958-volume-9-issue-2/) - [1957 Volume 8 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1957-volume-8-issue-4/) - [1951 Volume 4 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-4-issue-5/) - [1951 Volume 4 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-4-issue-4/) - [1951 Volume 4 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1951-volume-4-issue-3/) - [1948 Volume 2 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-2-issue-3/) - [1948 Volume 2 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-2-issue-2/) - [1948 Volume 2 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1948-volume-2-issue-1/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-7/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-6/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-5/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-4/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-3/) - [1946 Volume 1 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1946-volume-1-issue-2/) - [1945 Volume 1 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1945-volume-1-issue-1/) - [1959 Volume 10 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/issues/1959-volume-10-issue-1/) ## Daily Thoughts - [THY WORDS WERE HEARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-words-were-heard/) - As soon as a saint of God utters prayer from a burdened heart, that prayer is heard in heaven. ‘From the first day thy words were heard’, v. 12. A mighty angel was despatched to carry the reply, but for three weeks the powers of hell withstood the heavenly emissary, v. 13. Still, today, there - [O LORD, HEAR; O LORD, FORGIVE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-lord-hear-o-lord-forgive/) - Daniel’s heart-cry and agonized plea was the result of a mind and spirit stirred by the word of God, ‘I Daniel understood by books’, v. 2. Daniel was not only a man of prayer; he was also a man of the Bible. Prayer and the word of God are complementary. Jerusalem had been wasted and - [AS HE DID AFORETIME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-he-did-aforetime/) - Another crisis in Daniel’s life: this time in old age. Neither high rank nor advanced years put the faithful believer beyond the reach of persecution or temptation. But as in youth, so in age - prayer is the secret of his courage and consistency. Here, Daniel prays publicly, kneeling upon his knees three times a - [MERCIES FROM THE GOD OF HEAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/mercies-from-the-god-of-heaven/) - The position of Daniel and his godly companions was grim. They were in the service of an oriental totalitarian monarch whose word and whim meant life or death. Now, the king was angry because his wise men were unable to identify or interpret his troublesome dream! What was the dream that so disturbed this mega-monarch - [I WILL YET FOR THIS BE INQUIRED OF](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-yet-for-this-be-inquired-of/) - The believer in contact with God will always have a long-term vision. Like every Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel was enabled to see beyond immediate judgement to national and spiritual renewal. Even as Israel was undergoing God’s discipline at the hands of the Babylonians, Ezekiel was reassured that a day would come when they would be - [THEN FELL I DOWN UPON MY FACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/then-fell-i-down-upon-my-face/) - While Jeremiah remained in the land of Judah testifying to its imminent overthrow, his fellow prophet Ezekiel had been carried into Babylon at the second invasion of 597 B.C. His message, however, though distant in its delivery was identical in its theology: Jehovah would bring a final devastation upon the city of the Jews. In - [PRAY FOR US](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/pray-for-us/) - Jerusalem fell as Jeremiah had predicted. King Zedekiah was slain, and many Jews led into captivity. A few remained in the land, governed initially by Gedaliah, under Babylonian authority, and then by Johanan. It is hardly surprising that these disheartened people should turn to Jeremiah for counsel. Against all the odds his predictions had come - [CALL UNTO ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/call-unto-me/) - This is not so much an example of prayer as an encouragement to pray. We might have thought it was hardly needed. After all, Jeremiah was ‘yet shut up in the court of the prison’, 33. 1, and it is the experience of all God’s people that suffering stimulates prayer. ‘In my distress I cried - [THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-is-nothing-too-hard-for-thee/) - Sometimes the Lord’s servants have to do contradictory things. For years Jeremiah had been predicting the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem because of its sin, Jer. 1. 13-16. Now, however, the Lord instructed him to make a property investment in the very land that was facing imminent judgement. The date is the tenth year of - [THOU ART MY PRAISE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-my-praise/) - As well as being unpopular, Jeremiah’s message of impending devastation at the hands of the Babylonians seemed, for a time at least, to be unfounded. It is as hard to speak about darkness when all is light as it is to announce safety in the midst of a raging storm. Yet Jeremiah faithfully did the - [O LORD . . . REMEMBER ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-lord-remember-me/) - Jeremiah is not the only man to wish he had never been born, v. 10; 20. 14-18. l Job went through a similar period of depression, Job 3. 1-3, 11, as a consequence of the personal disasters which befell him. But while Job’s misery sprang from external circumstances, Jeremiah’s was tied up with his very - [WE WILL WAIT UPON THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-will-wait-upon-thee/) - During the long forty-one years or so of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, Jerusalem experienced many severe trials. Included among them was a period of drought, which left the wells dry, the fields bare, and the people in desperate need, v. 1-6. The circumstances of Israel’s history were never accidental. As God’s covenant people they held a - [THOU, O LORD, KNOWEST ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-o-lord-knowest-me/) - The apparent prosperity of the wicked has often been a problem for God’s people. Why should the godly suffer wrongfully when the unsaved live at ease? This disturbing inequity plagued the minds of David and Asaph, Pss. 37; 73, and both found the answer in the presence of God. Since the fall of man this - [UNTO THEE HAVE I REVEALED MY CAUSE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/unto-thee-have-i-revealed-my-cause/) - In life, Jeremiah showed characteristics that, at a later stage, were to be manifested in fulness by the Lord Jesus. In a land darkened by departure from God he shone as a bright beacon of truth, attracting hostility from those whose sin he condemned. Righteousness is always resented in this world. Some of his enemies - [O LORD, CORRECT ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-lord-correct-me/) - Prayer, even more than preaching, manifests a man’s deepest convictions. Jeremiah’s fundamental beliefs shine through the words he utters at the close of this chapter of his prophecy. First, he has no illusions about the total inability of man, v. 23. Boast as he will about technological advancement and humanitarian enlightenment, modern man is in - [I WILL NOT HEAR THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-not-hear-thee/) - Prayer may be unanswered because of disobedience, Jas. 4. 3; it may also be forbidden. Jeremiah’s was a painful ministry. Called upon to announce unavoidable judgement on the land and city he loved, he was also expressly denied the spiritual release of prayer on their behalf. The Babylonian captivity was fixed. Our verses teach us - [ARISE AND SAVE US](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/arise-and-save-us/) - The history of the nation of Israel is a powerful testimony to the folly of idolatry. An idol, after all, is something that does not work. As Israel was attracted to the false gods of its neighbours so believers today can be lured into worshipping the current deities of the age: materialism, intellectualism, ecumenism, populism. - [I CANNOT SPEAK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-cannot-speak/) - One of the consistent features of Israel’s history is that, whatever the circumstances, God always has His man. The period from good King Josiah to the puppet sovereign Zedekiah witnessed a slide from outward revival to brazen departure. One man was called to live through this, maintaining an unswerving ministry of correction. But Jeremiah was - [BEFORE THEY CALL, I WILL ANSWER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/before-they-call-i-will-answer/) - In verses 1 to 7 of this chapter the Lord warns of judgement to come upon the apostates of the nation. Sadly, though God had made Himself available to them, there was no response on their part, v. 2. Verses 8 to 16 speak of the different treatments by God of the godly remnant and - [KEEP NOT SILENCE, AND GIVE HIM NO REST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/keep-not-silence-and-give-him-no-rest/) - The Spirit of Christ now speaks through the prophet, vv. 1-5. He cannot hold his peace and his continual intercession is that God will do what He has promised for Israel. In verses 6 to 9 there is a charge to the watchmen of Zion. The chapter ends with a command to clear any obstacles - [NEITHER HIS EAR HEAVY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/neither-his-ear-heavy/) - The nation is in a desperate strait, not because of lack of ability on the part of Jehovah, but because of their own departure. He has already said through the prophet, ‘Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem?’, 50. 2. In verses 1 to 8 the cause of separation between God and - [YET THEY SEEK ME DAILY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/yet-they-seek-me-daily/) - In this passage Jehovah rebukes His people generally for their outward formality but promises blessing for individuals who are faithful to Him. It appears to be the time of captivity in Babylon, for there is no mention of sacrifices. Approach, vv. 1-5. The prophet is requested to cry aloud, with full throat, a message of - [MY HOUSE A HOUSE OF PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-house-a-house-of-prayer/) - Verses 1 to 8 speak of the terms of acceptance of the stranger and the eunuch, whereas verses 9 to 12 speak of the unfaithful leaders of Israel. Verse 1 refers to the physical deliverance of those who live faithful lives, this deliverance being accomplished at the second advent of the Lord Jesus. The conduct - [A PRAYER OF THE PERFECT SERVANT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-prayer-of-the-perfect-servant/) - In verses 1 to 3 it is Jehovah’s indictment. He had never been unfaithful in His covenant relationship with Israel, either in divorcing them because of their unfaithfulness or in selling them to a creditor; on the contrary, their own sin was the reason for their misery. Verses 4 to 9 contain the prayer of - [THE PRAYERFUL ATTITUDE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-prayerful-attitude/) - Chapter 29, verses 1 to 14 is a woe pronounced upon the formalists in Israel. In verses 15 to 24 a further woe is pronounced against those who try to deceive God. The word ‘woe’ reminds us that judgement is God’s strange work, for it is uttered by Him with deep compassion, similar to the - [THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-wilt-keep-him-in-perfect-peace/) - After the second advent of Christ in glory there will be rejoicing in Israel. Their confidence will be in Jehovah who will restore all things according to His righteous values. This song is sung in the land of Judah, v. 1. In chapter 25 Babylon is destroyed, but here the city of Zion is surrounded - [THOU ART MY GOD; I WILL EXALT THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-my-god-i-will-exalt-thee/) - This is a prayer of godly Israelites who have experienced God’s deliverance. The destruction of Babylon is in view in verse 2 with the consequent awe of other nations as they see the power of God in judgement, v. 3. In verses 1 to 5 there is a direct address to Jehovah, whereas in verses - [THOU COMFORTEST ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-comfortest-me/) - ‘In that day’, v. 1, refers to the day of the millennial reign of Christ when Israel will once again be the cockpit of the nations through whom divine government will be administered. This prayer and call to praise will be uttered by those left of the nation, the faithful remnant who survive the Great - [DO WE TRUST HIM ENOUGH?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/do-we-trust-him-enough/) - We all react differently under pressure. Often, in trying in many ways to prevent ourselves going under, we resort to those who dishonour the Lord and fail to recognize His place in the scheme of things. Beware of such a course of action! Pekah, king of Israel, aligns himself with Rezin, king of Syria, and - [A FRESH VISION OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-fresh-vision-of-the-lord/) - Prayerful communion with God brings fresh vision of the Lord. Each vision will give us the aspects of the divine that most fit our circumstance and need. So it is, when Isaiah sees ‘the Lord’, v. 1. The vision conveys certain attributes of God that His servant will need to be in the good of - [ARE WE HIDING?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/are-we-hiding/) - This is a very dramatic opening to the prophecy. God has called in witnesses. The moment He has postponed for centuries, but can delay no longer, has come. The nation must be exposed to the ‘heavens’ and the ‘earth’, that these may testify to His words of condemnation, vv. 1, 2. The details that follow - [CAUTIONARY COMMENTS REGARDING PRAYER IN THE HOUSE OF GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/cautionary-comments-regarding-prayer-in-the-house-of-god/) - In the fulfilment of his duties, the ‘preacher’ (caller of assemblies), 1. 1, requires that we listen attentively to his words and their wisdom. However, it must be understood that he always speaks as a man who is viewing things from ‘under the sun’, v. 9. That is from the viewpoint of a worldly-wise man. - [TO COVER UP OR CONFESS? THAT IS THE QUESTION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/to-cover-up-or-confess-that-is-the-question/) - God would have us to understand more fully just what it is that causes us to prefer a cover-up to a clean-up. There are paths in the verses that we need to be warned about. Beware of leading others down the way we are going in order to ease our own doubts or concerns about - [OBEDIENCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE KEY TO BLESSING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/obedience-has-always-been-the-key-to-blessing/) - The proverbs before us today emphasize the need for behaviour to be directed by well-defined laws that will govern the way we live as individuals and as a society. The writer has in mind the laws made by rulers, and the responses of those that are ruled. It is no vain thing to respond to - [HE HEARETH THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-heareth-the-prayer-of-the-righteous/) - We have another cluster of proverbs here that develops for us the theme of words and ways. There is no getting away from it that these two are firmly linked together and it is a striking thought that even before God would say of His Son, ‘Hear ye him’, He said, ‘in whom I am - [TO PRAY IS TO PLEASE GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/to-pray-is-to-please-god/) - The Book of Proverbs seems to say so many things in a short compass. This is because it’s written in unit proverbs. These are two-line sayings, making distinct and complete sense on their own. However, the proverbs are in clusters which have a common theme. So what is the theme here? Largely, it is to - [TRUST IN THE LORD . . . ACKNOWLEDGE HIM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/trust-in-the-lord-acknowledge-him-2/) - Today we can take the opportunity for the truth of these verses to grasp hold of our lives and begin to make them effective for God. They form the word from a father to his son and were intended to direct him into the very best that life could offer him, vv. 2, 4. Perhaps - [I WILL BLESS THY NAME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-bless-thy-name/) - This psalm fittingly concludes the Psalter. The rest of the psalms are a supplement to the book. It is fitting because its author is David, ‘the sweet psalmist of Israel’, 2 Sam. 23. 1, and because it is a witness in praise. Thus, it represents a fitting consummation to all David’s utterances. Prayer centres on - [WHEN MY SPIRIT WAS OVERWHELMED . . . THEN THOU KNEWEST MY PATH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/when-my-spirit-was-overwhelmed-then-thou-knewest-my-path/) - The preface to this psalm makes us aware that it has our education at heart - maschil is teaching, instruction. It relates to one of David’s cave experiences and reflects his years on the run from Saul. He identifies with those who are called upon to suffer unjustly for faithfulness to the will of God. - [BUT THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/but-there-is-forgiveness-with-thee/) - Another prayer psalm which comes from heart-rending exercise before God. What depths are there now for the psalmist? They are experiences with which we are familiar. There is a sense of overwhelming woe and a fresh realization of impending disaster on account of ‘iniquities’, v. 3. We are dealing with sins. This matter cannot be - [A PRAYER OF THE AFFLICTED WHEN HE IS OVERWHELMED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-prayer-of-the-afflicted-when-he-is-overwhelmed/) - This is a soul-searching psalm. There will be few who can honestly say they have never been in this place. It is the place of affliction. If this has not been so with you then probably you have never had meaningful dealings with God. It is an essential learning ground for all His true sons, - [IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-a-good-thing-to-give-thanks-unto-the-lord/) - Thankfulness is a major key to spiritual well-being. The thankful believer will be a fruitful believer. The psalmist provides us today not only with an exhortation but a reason and a demonstration of how and why we should ‘give thanks’. New Testament teaching is just as demanding in relation to this exercise, Col. 1. 12; - [TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/teach-us-to-number-our-days/) - We only really number the items in our lives that we value the most. Therefore, to count something is to take quality as well as quantity into account. When we have an abundance then we don’t care to know how much of it we have and it can lead to a spirit of carelessness or - [GOOD, GREAT, UNIQUE AND COMPASSIONATE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/good-great-unique-and-compassionate/) - The whole psalm is called a prayer because it is made up entirely of direct petitions, and of arguments intended to enforce them. The petitions are accompanied by reasons why they should be granted. The prayer consists of many quotations from other psalms, in total about twenty, and also thoughts from other books such as - [THE GOLDEN YEARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-golden-years/) - Old age robs us of personal beauty and deprives us of strength for active service, but it does not encroach upon the love and favour of God. This psalm is the utterance of a faith which has proved the goodness of God throughout life; it is the prayer of an old man, v. 9. Evidently, - [MAKE HASTE, O LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/make-haste-o-lord/) - This psalm was written under great pressure. The urgency and earnestness of prayer has become impatient. The petition of haste is repeated three times. There are nine petitions in the psalm’s five verses. There is such urgency that there is only time to cry out. The prophets of Baal cried all day long and received - [THE COURTS OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-courts-of-the-lord/) - This psalm was composed for use at one of the great festivals, the feasts of the Lord, vv. 2, 4; Lev. 23. There are three stanzas, vv. 1-4, 5-8, 9-13. Each presents a different scene: first the courts of the Lord’s house, then the shore of the sea, and finally the cornfields and pasturelands. The - [O GOD, THOU ART MY GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-god-thou-art-my-god/) - The psalmist no longer has access to the sanctuary which he loves, so in the wilderness he feeds upon the remembrance of Him on whom he had gazed, v. 2. Our vision on the mountain should be our comfort in the valley. In days of rapture, we should store up delights for days of depression. - [O THAT THOU WOULDEST REND THE HEAVENS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-that-thou-wouldest-rend-the-heavens/) - In chapter 63 verse 15 the plea is that Jehovah should look down from heaven in compassion, but here the prayer of the remnant is quite different, that is, that the Lord should come down from heaven in judgement. The whole of chapter 64 is taken up with a prayer for God’s intervention on behalf - [LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/look-down-from-heaven/) - The opening verses of Isaiah chapter 63 describe the returning Conqueror who, after carrying out the vengeance of God, will usher in the acceptable year of the Lord, cp. 61. 2. In verses 7 to 14 we hear the voice of the remnant of Israel as they remember past mercies and rejoice in present blessings. - [THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WAYS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-mystery-of-gods-ways/) - Cyrus, an idolatrous Gentile leader who did not know God, vv. 4, 5, is chosen to deliver Israel from the Babylonish yoke. He is promised victory over other nations and a bounty of treasures. This he achieves, and acknowledges that his victories had been gained only through the power of the God of Israel. He - [A PRAYER FOR SALVATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-prayer-for-salvation/) - In verses 1 to 5 the promise to Israel is that the Davidic covenant will be everlastingly established, while in verses 6 to 13 salvation is offered to Israel and her millennial joy is foretold. In verse 1 the thirsty are addressed. They are exhorted to come and partake of the provision of God without - [A PRAYER OF DEEP ANGUISH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-prayer-of-deep-anguish/) - Here is a request from the remnant of Israel, uttered initially when Sennacherib, leader of the Assyrian armies stood outside the walls of Jerusalem, 2 Kgs. 18. Already God has promised retribution on the enemy, who had attacked without provocation and dealt treacherously, v. 1. Hezekiah had promised tribute, but Sennacherib broke the covenant, v. - [VICTORY AFTER DEFEAT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/victory-after-defeat/) - In verses 1 and 2 a crushing defeat is indicated. The background is found in 2 Samuel chapter 8 verses 13 to 18 and 1 Chronicles chapter 19 verses 6 to 9. The words ‘cast off’ indicate at least a severe check, if not a defeat, of David’s main army. David expostulates with God for - [THE GOD WORTHY OF UNSHAKEN TRUST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-god-worthy-of-unshaken-trust/) - This psalm shows the psalmist’s unshaken trust in God in circumstances of difficulty and danger. Its background is found in 1 Samuel chapter 19 verses 8 to 24. The first half of the psalm, vv. 1-9, is a prayer for deliverance from his enemies, and the second half, vv. 10-17, a prayer for their defeat. - [THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-shadow-of-his-wings/) - The background to this psalm is found in 1 Samuel chapters 22 and 24. The cry of the psalmist is the same as in the previous psalm - ‘Be merciful unto me’, v. 1 - but the reason is not the same. There it was a cry born of the oppression of the enemy; here - [I AM AFRAID . . . I WILL TRUST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-afraid-i-will-trust/) - David was in Gath and had feigned himself mad. His faith was not strong enough to keep him from an unworthy disguise, but still faith was there, and this psalm states that, vv. 3, 4, 11. The background to the psalm is found in 1 Samuel chapter 21 verses 10 to 15, the same as - [HELPER AND UPHOLDER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/helper-and-upholder/) - Once again David experienced betrayal, this time by the Ziphites. For the background read 1 Samuel chapter 23 verses 19 to 29. Reference to the background is made in verse 3. The ‘strangers’ were the Ziphites, belonging to the same tribe of Judah as David did. But they had pledged themselves to seize him and - [THE MALICIOUS TONGUE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-malicious-tongue/) - The background to this psalm is found in 1 Samuel chapter 21 verses 1 to 9 and chapter 22 verses 2 to 23. Doeg’s betrayal of Abimelech leads to the slaughter of the priests. The psalm expresses David’s righteous anger at this, and it is also the denunciation of a practised liar. There are contrasts - [THOU ART THE MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-the-man/) - Even in its heroes, the Bible does not cover up nor excuse sins. David was one of its heroes. The background to this psalm is found in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. It was a time of war. David should have been at the front with his army. He fell through a look. He - [THIRSTY? LONGING?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thirsty-longing/) - Evidently the writer was prevented from going up to the sanctuary at Jerusalem at the feast-times and he expresses his grief. He longed to appear before God in the sanctuary. How different to many today who would not take the trouble to cross the road to meet with God’s people. Yet this was something he - [THY WONDERFUL WORKS AND THY THOUGHTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-wonderful-works-and-thy-thoughts/) - This is one of the messianic psalms. Verses 6 to 8 are quoted and expounded in Hebrews chapter 10 verse 5 to 10, showing that the words of David find their complete fulfilment in the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. A suggested outline of the psalm is: - (1) David’s trial and - [HOLD NOT THY PEACE AT MY TEARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hold-not-thy-peace-at-my-tears/) - Psalm 39 continues the theme of the preceding psalm. David has been seriously ill, almost to the point of death. However, he has been spared and the opposition of his enemies has temporarily ceased. He finds it difficult to understand his own suffering when set against the seeming prosperity of the wicked. He is tempted - [HOW EXCELLENT IS THY LOVING KINDNESS, O GOD!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-excellent-is-thy-loving-kindness-o-god/) - This psalm presents two great contrasts. The first picture relates to godlessness, vv. 1, 2, and its awful results, vv. 3, 4. The second presents the glorious attributes of God, vv. 5, 6, and His lovingkindness to man, vv. 7-9. Then David prays for blessing, v. 10, protection, v. 11, and is confident of the - [THIS POOR MAN CRIED, AND THE LORD HEARD HIM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-poor-man-cried-and-the-lord-heard-him/) - Here we have another song of praise, cp. Ps. 33. In the first half of the psalm, David exalts the Lord and invites others to join him in rejoicing in the Lord’s care for those who fear Him. He greatly appreciates the Lord’s concern for him and for many other God-fearing yet troubled saints, vv. - [I ACKNOWLEDGED MY SIN . . . MINE INIQUITY HAVE I NOT HID](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-acknowledged-my-sin-mine-iniquity-have-i-not-hid/) - This penitential psalm is generally thought to have been written by David about a year after his awful sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. He stubbornly refused to acknowledge his sin, until God sent the prophet, Nathan, to accuse and condemn the king, with the promise of forgiveness, cp. Ps. 51. The opening - [I WILL EXTOL THEE, O LORD; FOR THOU HAST LIFTED ME UP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-extol-thee-o-lord-for-thou-hast-lifted-me-up/) - This psalm is a thanksgiving for recovery from a severe illness and a reflection on the lessons which this would teach, cp. Ps. 119. 67. In answer to David’s prayer the Lord preserved his life and he praises Him for this, vv. 1-3. He encourages the godly to join in his thanksgiving, vv. 4, 5, - [KEEP BACK THY SERVANT FROM PRESUMPTUOUS SINS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/keep-back-thy-servant-from-presumptuous-sins/) - This psalm consists of three distinct parts. The first speaks of the revelation of the power and majesty of God in creation - its unceasing and universal testimony to the Creator, vv. 1-6; cp. Rom. 1. 20. The second part speaks of the beauty of the word of the Lord, vv. 7-11. The third section - [SHEW ME THY WAYS, O LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/shew-me-thy-ways-o-lord-teach-me-thy-paths/) - Here we have one of the acrostic psalms based on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a psalm of prayer - beginning, continuing, v. 11, and ending with prayer. Despite troubles and trials, and even his own sin, David is seeking the Lord’s guidance. He requests the Lord to ‘shew [make known] me - [THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW . . . THOU ART WITH ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/through-the-valley-of-the-shadow-thou-art-with-me/) - This wonderful psalm commences with a wonderful conclusion! Instead of moving towards this as a grand finale, David gives his final analysis at the beginning - ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want’. David had well proved this great truth before writing this beautiful psalm. Many see much of David’s life and experience - [I CALLED UPON THE LORD: HE HEARD MY VOICE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-called-upon-the-lord-he-heard-my-voice/) - The inspired title of the psalm explains when David composed this song to the Lord. At last the warrior-king is at peace. His amazing escapes from Saul and many more difficulties are over. He had been saved through every danger and is now the accepted king of a united people, his supremacy acknowledged by the - [HIDE ME UNDER THE SHADOW OF THY WINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hide-me-under-the-shadow-of-thy-wings/) - The psalm presents a situation of difficulty and danger for David. Quite possibly it relates to his outlaw life in the time of Saul. David pleads his just cause and looks to the Lord to save and vindicate him. There are many challenges for us in the psalm, vv. 3-5, but also a beautiful appreciation - [WHAT IS MAN, THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-is-man-that-thou-art-mindful-of-him/) - This is one of the messianic psalms quoted a number of times in the New Testament and always applied to the Lord Jesus. It begins and concludes with a beautiful doxology in the same words. Today’s title commences the section in the psalm which deals with the dominion of man, vv. 4-8. Reflecting upon the - [O LORD MY GOD, IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-lord-my-god-in-thee-do-i-put-my-trust/) - The title of this psalm is ‘Shiggaion [an elegy or an ode of wandering, see Hab. 3. 1] of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite’. The content of the psalm is in keeping with the anguish of the wanderer expressed in the title. Cush is not mentioned - [MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-voice-shalt-thou-hear-in-the-morning/) - Psalm 5 could well be associated with the same period as Psalms 3 and 4. It is a morning prayer uttered by David when he is exposed to danger from implacable and deceitful enemies. The Jewish day had three times reserved for prayer; evening, morning and noonday. The evening and morning prayers coincided with the - [I WILL LAY ME DOWN AND SLEEP: FOR THOU MAKEST ME DWELL IN SAFETY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-lay-me-down-and-sleep-for-thou-makest-me-dwell-in-safety/) - This psalm has similarities with Psalm 3 and may very well be connected with the rebellion under Absalom, as indicated in the title of Psalm 3. Psalm 4 contrasts the outlook of others with the attitude of David. Even in very difficult circumstances, he was rejoicing in the Lord, v. 7. There is much in - [LORD, HOW ARE THEY INCREASED THAT TROUBLE ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-how-are-they-increased-that-trouble-me/) - The divinely-inspired title indicates that this psalm relates to the time when David fled from his son Absalom who was leading a rebellion against him. Psalm 2 speaks of external opposition, whereas Psalm 3 presents internal opposition. It is one of the many psalms where David is in danger and distress. In such depressing circumstances - [MY SERVANT JOB SHALL PRAY FOR YOU](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-servant-job-shall-pray-for-you/) - The final verses of this remarkable book provide a fitting epilogue to all that has gone before, and we find here the happy ending we would hope to reach at the end of any such harrowing account of human suffering. We are told that all that Job had lost initially, in such tragic circumstances, was - [I KNOW THAT THOU CANST DO EVERYTHING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-know-that-thou-canst-do-everything/) - This short section contains the prayer Job made at the end of his dialogue with God. Job had uttered a multitude of words in his exchanges with his equally wordy friends who came to ‘comfort’ and counsel him, 2. 11, but such a response to God would have been unthinkable. God who knows the very - [BEHOLD, I AM VILE: WHAT SHALL I ANSWER THEE?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-i-am-vile-what-shall-i-answer-thee/) - After the long and profound discourses of Job and his companions that are recorded earlier in this book, we come to the section where God speaks directly to Job and allows Job to directly respond, 38. 1. Job heard God’s voice coming ‘out of the whirlwind’, and we might reflect on how appropriate this was - [OH THAT MY WORDS WERE NOW WRITTEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/oh-that-my-words-were-now-written/) - Some of Job’s most moving complaints are uttered in this chapter. It forms Job’s reply to the discourse of Bildad, one of three friends who came to ‘comfort’ him in his affliction. It would seem these friends had precious little to offer him by way of ‘comfort’, and that in fact their messages to him - [APPOINT ME A SET TIME AND REMEMBER ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/appoint-me-a-set-time-and-remember-me/) - In the course of his response to Zophar’s discourse, Job asks searching questions as to man’s fate. We must recognize that Job’s questions are prompted by his imperfect knowledge at this stage for, unlike us, he did not have the benefit of the scriptures to enlighten his understanding. So, in verse 10 he asks ‘man - [THOU HAST GRANTED ME LIFE AND FAVOUR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-hast-granted-me-life-and-favour/) - Job gave vent to his feelings of bitterness as he prayed this prayer to God, v. 1. His attitude is one of contention, and he speaks out against the injustice of his afflictions, considering them to have come upon him from the hand of God. Acceptance of circumstances that befall us in life as part - [THOU WILT NOT HOLD ME INNOCENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-wilt-not-hold-me-innocent/) - Job is held up before us as an example of patience (endurance) in the face of extreme adversity, Jas. 5. 11. We might add that his endurance was the more remarkable because of the special circumstances that surrounded his testing, for he had no real inkling as to why he was allowed to suffer so. - [REMEMBER ME, O MY GOD, CONCERNING THIS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/remember-me-o-my-god-concerning-this/) - The reason that the story of Nehemiah is so encouraging for the Christian of today is that it tells of revival among God’s people, and of triumph in the face of adversity. The events described might have occurred a long time ago, but the circumstances are not dissimilar to our circumstances now. So, we can - [AND CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-cried-with-a-loud-voice/) - The massive task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and setting up the gates was now completed. All attempts by opponents to sabotage the project had failed and the sustained, heartfelt prayers of Nehemiah had been wonderfully answered by ‘the God of heaven’ to whom they had been addressed. This wonderful title holds within it suggestions of - [O GOD, STRENGTHEN MY HANDS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-god-strengthen-my-hands/) - Although the task of rebuilding the walls and setting up the gates of Jerusalem was virtually completed, the implacable opposers of the project mounted yet another attempt at subversion. This time, the method used was that of craft and deception - how often have God’s servants fallen prey to such furtive, insidious means whereby that - [THINK UPON ME, MY GOD, FOR GOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/think-upon-me-my-god-for-good/) - Having survived with God’s help the difficulties presented by external adversaries, and taken realistic precautions to safeguard the continuance of the work of re-building Jerusalem’s wall, Nehemiah may well have anticipated some respite and release from stress. However it was not to be granted him, for yet another problem arose, unanticipated, for it came from - [NEVERTHELESS, WE MADE OUR PRAYER UNTO OUR GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/nevertheless-we-made-our-prayer-unto-our-god/) - To cope with the mockery and the derision of others is one thing, but to stand firm in the face of verbal hostility and aggression is another. The Jews’ enemies, realizing that their first initiative had failed to undermine the spirit of the enterprise by causing the workforce to lose heart, now demonstrate their anger - [HEAR, O OUR GOD; FOR WE ARE DESPISED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hear-o-our-god-for-we-are-despised/) - Nehemiah and his small band of followers had run into all sorts of problems as they set about the task of rebuilding the shattered walls of Jerusalem. The physical problems they faced were immense, for Nehemiah’s reconnaissance of the site prior to commencement of repairs had revealed that unprecedented damage had been done by the - [SO I PRAYED TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-i-prayed-to-the-god-of-heaven/) - The manner in which God works out His purposes through men is made evident in this short sequence of events described in today’s reading. In addition, we have here an example of how God responds to prayer coming from men, so that in the midst of a wide-ranging programme dictated by His sovereign will He - [I WEPT MOURNED FASTED PRAYED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-wept-mourned-fasted-prayed/) - Nehemiah tells the story of how a small remnant of Jews, returning from captivity in Babylon, were instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem that had lain in dereliction since the city had been overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar. This they did in the face of tremendous difficulties, and the autobiographical style of writing that is largely - [I FELL ON MY KNEES AND SPREAD OUT MY HANDS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-fell-on-my-knees-and-spread-out-my-hands/) - Things had seemingly gone well so far. The king’s instructions had been delivered to the governors acting for him ‘on this side the river’, and they furthered the people (i.e., those who had returned almost sixty years before) and the house of God, 8. 36. But in truth all was far from well. For the - [SO WE FASTED AND BESOUGHT OUR GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-we-fasted-and-besought-our-god/) - In the course of history kings come and go. Here we read that Cyrus was succeeded by Darius, and he in turn by Artaxerxes. Now it was in the days of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, that Ezra went up from Babylon to Jerusalem by the king’s decree, to appoint magistrates and judges; to teach the - [PRAISING AND GIVING THANKS UNTO THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/praising-and-giving-thanks-unto-the-lord/) - In verse 11 of today’s portion we read, ‘And they sang together by course’, or, as the Revised Version renders it, ‘sang one to another’, which suggests some form of antiphonal singing. We may ask: Who sang in this way? What caused them thus to sing? Why was it so remarkable that mention should be - [WHILST HE WAS YET YOUNG, HE BEGAN TO SEEK AFTER GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/whilst-he-was-yet-young-he-began-to-seek-after-god/) - Josiah inherited the shame of his father and his grandfather, former kings of Judah. They had debased the worship of the Lord and had placed Judah under threat of divine judgement. Amon his father had been assassinated after reigning for only two years, but in that time had demonstrated his waywardness. Add to this the - [IN AFFLICTION HE SOUGHT THE LORD HIS GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/in-affliction-he-sought-the-lord-his-god/) - Manasseh came to the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years. The scriptural record of most aspects of his reign is scathing; ‘he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger’, v. 6, and he ‘made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and - [TO SEEK HIS GOD, HE DID IT WITH ALL HIS HEART](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/to-seek-his-god-he-did-it-with-all-his-heart/) - The scriptures sometimes bring before us examples of a process of review. God has always made rich provision for His people whatever their circumstances. He guides, protects, feeds and encourages them despite their frequent unfaithfulness and disobedience. God’s faithfulness is unfailing, but we need ever to remember that in return He requires His people to - [THE LORD HEARKENED TO HEZEKIAH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-hearkened-to-hezekiah/) - Hezekiah was king of Judah at a significant time in its history. His father Ahaz had been a wicked king and imitated the evils of the kings of Israel. Hezekiah was a good king and, from the commencement of his reign, was aware that to continue in his father’s ways would only result in judgement. - [AS LONG AS HE SOUGHT THE LORD GOD MADE HIM PROSPER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-long-as-he-sought-the-lord-god-made-him-prosper/) - Uzziah’s reign over Judah was a reign of sharp contrasts and strange contradictions. He came to the throne at the age of sixteen and reigned for fifty-two years. The greater part of his reign was remarkable for its achievements. His powerful armies defeated the Philistines and the Arabians and laid waste their cities; he strengthened - [HE FEARED AND SET HIMSELF TO SEEK THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-feared-and-set-himself-to-seek-the-lord/) - Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and succeeded him as king of Judah. He came to the throne at the age of thirty-five years and reigned for twenty-five years. We see in his reign many of the things which characterized his father, 2Chr.17. 4. He strengthened himself against Israel but then made an alliance with - [THEY SOUGHT HIM WITH THEIR WHOLE DESIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-sought-him-with-their-whole-desire/) - The subject before us is that of the peace and rest provided for the people of God, and the conditions under which enjoyment of these blessings is obtained. Asa was a good king and mostly set a good example, but there was indifference on the part of the people. The Lord made this clear through - [WE REST ON THEE, AND IN THY NAME WE GO](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-rest-on-thee-and-in-thy-name-we-go/) - Asa, the third king of Judah, was ten years old when his father Abijah died. During his minority he would have been tutored by the priests, and this had consequences when he came to the throne. During his reign he removed idols and shrines and did not allow family relationships to stand in his way: - [WE THANK THEE AND PRAISE THY GLORIOUS NAME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-thank-thee-and-praise-thy-glorious-name/) - David’s prayer recorded in these verses is an expression of appreciation to the Lord for His kindness towards him, his family and the people of God. Under David’s leadership the kingdom had been extended and a period of peace introduced and sustained. His exercise and desire was to build God a house. This privilege was - [TO STAND EVERY MORNING TO THANK . . . THE LORD . . . LIKEWISE AT EVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/to-stand-every-morning-to-thank-the-lord-likewise-at-even/) - Members of the tribe of Levi were given specific and unique responsibilities relating to the things of God. Their distinctive position grew from their faithfulness to the Lord at the time of apostasy, when the people made and worshipped a golden calf, Exod. 32. 25-29. The general responsibility of the Levites during the wilderness journey - [ALL THE PEOPLE SAID, AMEN, AND PRAISED THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-the-people-said-amen-and-praised-the-lord/) - David’s desire when king was that the ark of the Lord be brought to Jerusalem and set in its place. It had earlier been captured by the Philistines with disastrous results for them, 1 Sam. 5. They transported it by cart and on such a vehicle it finally returned to Beth-shemesh and Israel, 1 Sam. - [FORBID IT ME, THAT I SHOULD DO THIS THING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/forbid-it-me-that-i-should-do-this-thing/) - It was honour indeed to be included amongst the chiefs of king David’s mighty men. Three of his chief men braved the might of the encamped Philistine army and went to him in the cave of Adullam. The Philistine army encampment extended from Adullam to Bethlehem, the town of David’s birth. Remembrance of the days - [THEY CRIED TO GOD IN THE BATTLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-cried-to-god-in-the-battle/) - Attention is now focused upon the family of Reuben. He was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. The scriptures generally present him in a favourable manner, but he was never able to escape the consequences of his sinful association with Bilhah, Gen. 35. 22. He lost his birthright through this and the leading position - [JABEZ CALLED UPON THE GOD OF ISRAEL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/jabez-called-upon-the-god-of-israel/) - The verses we have before us are part of the extensive genealogy which forms the first section of 1 Chronicles. They are remarkable in that they present narrative of considerable detail within the genealogy. The subject of the narrative is Jabez. He was head of a family of Judah associated with Bethlehem, v. 4. His - [HE TURNED HIS FACE TO THE WALL AND PRAYED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-turned-his-face-to-the-wall-and-prayed/) - A prayer such as we look at today could raise many questions. We, of course, wonder whether Hezekiah was right to ask to live when God has said that he would die and not live. No doubt from the king’s point of view this came as a terrible shock and was beyond his understanding. He - [LORD, BOW DOWN . . . AND HEAR: OPEN . . . THINE EYES, AND SEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-bow-down-and-hear-open-thine-eyes-and-see/) - Of all the prayers of the Old Testament, this prayer of Hezekiah is perhaps the most poignant. It is born out of desperation, the cry of one who has no hope but in God Himself. Rabshakeh, the servant of the king of Assyria, had openly challenged Hezekiah’s trust in God. He mocked at his godly - [LORD, I PRAY THEE, OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MIGHT SEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-i-pray-thee-open-his-eyes-that-he-might-see/) - Our thoughts today focus on a very important aspect of prayer. It is that of perspective. We must see and understand the real issues at stake when we engage in prayer. This prayer was for opened eyes. It was a request that the man might see things that were already there. The Syrian army was - [WENT IN . . . SHUT THE DOOR, AND PRAYED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/went-in-shut-the-door-and-prayed/) - In reading this passage today, we recall that Elijah had been faced with the problem of a child that died, and he had been able to bring him back to life. The Shunamite’s son dies, and Elisha is confronted with the sadness. Very little is said between the woman and the prophet. Gehazi enquires at - [NOW, O LORD, TAKE AWAY MY LIFE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/now-o-lord-take-away-my-life/) - The best of men are only men at the best. From the Bible this can be illustrated many times. Here is the hero of Mount Carmel running away from the woman he had defied. On Carmel he stood alone for the God of Israel, and he triumphed. What could have gone wrong to cause such - [LET IT BE KNOWN THIS DAY THAT THOU ART GOD . . . AND I AM THY SERVANT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-it-be-known-this-day-that-thou-art-god-and-i-am-thy-servant/) - The experience of Elijah with the prophets of Baal was a mountain top experience in more than one way. It was critical in his confrontation with the evils of Ahab and Jezebel. He commanded the gathering together of the prophets of Baal and the prophets of the groves on Mount Carmel. He built an altar - [AND THE LORD HEARD THE VOICE OF ELIJAH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-the-lord-heard-the-voice-of-elijah/) - There are many things that we are told about Elijah, but perhaps the outstanding fact among them is that he was a man who prayed. ‘Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed’, Jas. 5. 17. These verses tell us of just one occasion when this happened. Elijah’s trust - [THE MAN OF GOD BESOUGHT THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-man-of-god-besought-the-lord/) - We look today at a prayer that was uttered under very sad and perplexing circumstances. Jeroboam was a wicked king, whose sins were never forgotten. He was the one who caused Israel to sin. The altar erected at Bethel was a disgrace to the kingdom, and a dishonour to God. This unnamed prophet came out - [I HAVE HEARD THY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-heard-thy-prayer-and-supplication/) - We often are heard to say, ‘Our God hears and answers prayer’. This is a comforting thought, and one we, no doubt, have proved true. Sometimes the heavens are as brass, and God seems a long way off. Our study today speaks of God’s willingness to hear the king’s prayer. This prayer, at the dedication - [HAVE THOU RESPECT UNTO THE PRAYER OF THY SERVANT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/have-thou-respect-unto-the-prayer-of-thy-servant/) - Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple is one of the most beautiful recorded for us in scripture. As with his prayer for wisdom, there is an overall atmosphere of humility and submission. He stands before the altar, the place of sacrifice. As we pray today, we remember that our entrance into the presence - [GIVE TO THY SERVANT AN UNDERSTANDING HEART](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/give-to-thy-servant-an-understanding-heart/) - The passage for today is full of beauty. Solomon’s dream brought him into touch with God. ‘Ask what I shall give thee’. The Lord threw open wide His treasures, and put them at the disposal of the young king. What abundance is there! In his inexperience he could have made so many extravagant requests. The - [I HAVE DONE VERY FOOLISHLY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-done-very-foolishly/) - David had sinned again in human weakness. Yet how faithful is the record that scripture gives of human experience so we can identify with the lives recorded and with their God. David suffered from the sin of pride; ‘that I may know the number of the people’, v. 2. Greatness that gloats in its achievements - [THIS SONG IN THE DAY THAT THE LORD DELIVERED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-song-in-the-day-that-the-lord-delivered/) - Prayer and praise go together. They must be inseparable. David had known many troubles in his life. Saul was his bitter enemy as he hounded him from place to place with intent to kill him. The Philistines and other nations had constantly fought against Israel. From his own family he had faced many problems, especially - [AND DAVID ENQUIRED OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-david-enquired-of-the-lord/) - David was perplexed! For three years there had been barrenness in the land. To David there seemed to be no rational explanation. But he knew where to go in his perplexity. ‘David enquired of the Lord’. Why had he waited so long? We would have thought that the Lord would have been his first resource. - [DAVID BESOUGHT THE LORD FOR THE CHILD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/david-besought-the-lord-for-the-child/) - The aspect of prayer we look at today is set against the background of David’s most tragic sin. David’s confession reveals his contrition, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’. Psalm 51 shows his deep sense of shame. The Lord assures him that the child will die. Such was the tragedy of sin in the life - [WHO AM I, O LORD GOD?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-am-i-o-lord-god/) - The background to these words is most interesting. David was resting in his kingship, content that God had given him rest from all surrounding enemies. However, he was disturbed that he dwelt in a cedar house while the ark of the Lord rested in a tent. Nathan told him to do all that was in - [REQUEST FOR BATTLE PLANS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/request-for-battle-plans/) - On many occasions when David asked God specific questions, he got an immediate answer, see 1 Sam. 23. 2; 1 Sam. 30. 8; 2 Sam. 2. 1; 1 Chr. 14. 10; and now 2 Sam. 5. 19. The circumstances this time were as follows. All the tribes of Israel had come together to acknowledge David’s - [PRAYER FOR DIRECTION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/prayer-for-direction/) - David had eventually heard about the tragic death of Saul and his sons. He deeply lamented Saul’s passing and that of Jonathan, 2 Sam. 1. 11-16, but now the question arose as to what he should do next. One possibility was to go straight home to Judah, and claim the crown - but how would - [A DETAILED ANSWER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-detailed-answer/) - Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, had given David the city of Ziklag for the one year and four months that he lived in exile, 1 Sam. 27. 5-7. He and his men were returning there one day after a long journey and found that the Amalekites had invaded the district, burned their city and - [NO ANSWER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-answer/) - Soon after Samuel died, Saul had to face his next predicament - a massive Philistine invasion. He lined his troops against them at Gilboa, but ‘when [he] saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled’, v. 5 (cp. Isaac, Gen. 27. 37). He desperately prayed about the situation, but - [CONTINUED PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/continued-prayer/) - As soon as David heard that the Philistine armies were raiding Keilah, he prayed about it, and the Lord immediately answered him (cp. Saul’s similar, but half-hearted prayer, 1 Sam. 14. 37), telling him that he should go and save the town. Unfortunately, David’s men - who only numbered about 600 at that time - - [QUESTIONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/questions/) - Although Samuel had passed on the Lord’s message that Saul was rejected and that He had already chosen a new king - a neighbour of Saul’s but not a relative - Samuel still mourned for Saul, even though he would never see him alive again, 1 Sam. 15. 35. No doubt his thoughts were akin - [CONTINUED PRAYER OF A GRIEVED HEART](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/continued-prayer-of-a-grieved-heart/) - Samuel was grieved (lit. ‘angry’) with Saul, of whom the Lord had said, ‘he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments’, v. 11. Samuel had passed on the Lord’s message that, because of the Amalekites’ history, Exod. 17. 8, Saul and the Israelites were to ‘go and smite Amalek, and - [UNANSWERED PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/unanswered-prayer/) - Given the right circumstances, the Lord answered the prayers of national leaders who enquired about particular military matters, e.g., Judg. 1. 1; 20. 18, 28; 1 Sam. 30. 8; 2 Sam. 5. 19, 23. However, when the circumstances were wrong, He would not answer, e.g., 1 Sam. 28. 6; Ezek. 20. 3, and this incident - [THE INTERCESSOR’S PROMISE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-intercessors-promise/) - Seeing the miracle of the thunder and rain, the people of Israel realized the power of God and the great danger they were in because of their sin, especially now that they had asked for a king, v. 19. They implored Samuel to intercede because they feared for their lives. ‘Samuel said unto the people, - [THE POWER OF ANSWERED PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-power-of-answered-prayer/) - Having seen Saul formally installed as king, Samuel commanded the people to ‘stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which he did to you and to your fathers’, v. 7. He then reminded them of Israel’s sad spiritual history, starting from Egypt and - [CONCERNED PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/concerned-prayer/) - When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges, but they were unspiritual men who took bribes and perverted the course of justice. This eventually resulted in national dissatisfaction and all the elders of Israel met together and came to Samuel to tell him the truth. This must have upset him, but what grieved him - [INTERCESSOR’S PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/intercessors-prayer/) - When the spiritually weak Israelites went out against the Philistines without the counsel of Samuel, a national disaster threatened. Even taking the ark of the covenant did not help them, because their hearts were far from God, 1 Sam. 4. 1. The ark was captured, the priests killed, and the people left in disarray. Of - [THE FAITHFUL SERVANT’S PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-faithful-servants-prayer/) - The scriptures carefully chart Samuel’s physical and spiritual progress, beginning with his brief home life under the strong influence of a godly mother, to being brought as a young child ‘unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh’, 1. 24. There he was able to ‘minister unto the Lord’, 2. 11, and he ‘grew before - [GLORYING IN GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/glorying-in-god/) - There are in the scriptures a number of songs of thanksgiving to God from women, beginning with Miriam, Exod. 15. 20. Hannah’s is the first extended one from a single source, following that of dual origin from Deborah and Barak, Judg. 5. 1. Elisabeth’s and Mary’s, Luke 1. 42, 46, are two later examples. Hannah - [SUCCESSFUL SECRET SUPPLICATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/successful-secret-supplication/) - For Hannah - her name means grace - it was a day of external anarchy, Judg. 21. 25, and internal anguish, 1 Sam. 1. 10. Her distress was not only that she was childless, but that, as the text says literally, she ‘had no children’, and every Jewish woman longed to have a son. She - [SAMSON’S FINAL PRAYER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/samsons-final-prayer/) - In his life Samson won some great and notable victories over the Philistines, but he was eventually captured and humiliated by his enemies. Delilah had coaxed from him the secret of his great strength, and by cutting his hair had robbed him of his physical might. The Philistines had not only imprisoned him but had, - [THE PROMISED NAZARITE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-promised-nazarite/) - Here we witness God answering prayer and giving the promise of a son to a childless couple from the tribe of Dan. Manoah’s wife had been visited by an angel of the Lord and been told that she would have a son; she had also been given instructions concerning that child. When she informed her - [A VOW UNTO THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-vow-unto-the-lord/) - Jephthah was God’s chosen instrument to deliver Israel from the control which Ammon had exercised over the nation. Previously he had been rejected by Israel because of his mixed parentage, but in their hour of need they turned to him as a man of strength and leadership-capability. In addition, ‘the Spirit of the Lord came - [JEHOVAH-SHALOM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/jehovah-shalom-2/) - Gideon was wonderfully favoured by the Lord, for God, in His grace had met with him and bestowed upon him the promise of victory over the oppressive forces of Midian. Though the immediate circumstances for Israel were difficult and restricted, God gave a glimpse of future freedom and the overthrow of the invasion force. Gideon - [I AM THE LEAST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-least/) - Gideon’s response to the Lord’s call teaches us some important lessons about our relationship with God. First, we notice that he was genuinely respectful. He said, ‘Oh my Lord’. This reveals very clearly that he recognized that he was talking with someone greater than himself and gave him due reverence in the title with which - [THE LORD IS WITH THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-is-with-thee/) - It was once again a desperately unhappy time in Israel’s history, for in response to their wicked idolatry, God allowed the hordes of Midian to conquer the land and have the upper hand over Israel for seven years, v. 1. The Midianites were as ‘grasshoppers for multitude’, v. 5, which is surely a reference to - [THE LORD RAISED UP A DELIVERER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-raised-up-a-deliverer/) - The New Testament reminds us that ‘whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’, Gal. 6. 7. This principle was certainly true for the nation of Israel, for they committed evil against the Lord and paid a heavy price for it. Their evil consisted of forgetting the Lord and serving useless idols. It seems - [DIVINE PROMISE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/divine-promise/) - In many ways death is a great watershed, and this is especially so with the death of a strong and powerful leader. Joshua’s death is more fully recorded in Judges chapter 2 verses 8 and 9, but is mentioned in our reading as a sort of general introduction to the book of Judges. The death - [THE SUN STOOD STILL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-sun-stood-still/) - In response to Joshua’s prayer, the Lord enabled Israel to achieve a spectacular victory. God’s miraculous intervention coupled with the energy of Joshua and his army made the day of victory so memorable that ‘there was no day like that before it or after it’, v. 14. It was cherished in the national memory and - [FAILURE TO PRAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/failure-to-pray/) - Israel’s victories over the cities of Jericho and Ai produced contrasting reactions amongst the remaining inhabitants of the land. Most of the nations hardened in their opposition to the invaders, and became more organized by uniting into a confederacy, vv. 1, 2. However, the four-fold group of Gibeonite cities, v. 17, decided to make terms - [SANCTIFY YOURSELVES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sanctify-yourselves/) - The nation of Israel was now in crisis. The euphoria of victory at Jericho had given way to the despair of defeat at the hands of the tiny community of Ai. Israel’s soldiers had retreated in fearful disarray, and thirty-six had been killed. Israel’s shocked reaction was not due to the size of the defeat - [THE PLACE . . . IS HOLY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-place-is-holy/) - Having crossed the river Jordan, the people of Israel now faced a prolonged war to conquer the Promised Land. This meant that enormous responsibilities fell upon the shoulders of Joshua, their God-ordained leader. No doubt these lay heavily upon him as he scouted about in the region of the city of Jericho, and plotted Israel’s - [BE THOU AN HELP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-thou-an-help/) - The last words of Moses are words of blessing for the people in covenant relation with Jehovah. They trace out divine counsel and the abundant goodness of God. Recounting the movements of Jehovah, Moses reflects upon His judicial manifestations at Sinai and Paran. The Safety of the Saints. Moses reveals the heart of God toward - [ASCRIBE GREATNESS TO GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ascribe-greatness-to-god/) - Moses summoned heaven and earth to hearken to this magnificent song. He is going to publish abroad the great name of Jehovah, in view of which, there is a call to, ‘ascribe greatness unto our God’. The Name of God. Jehovah’s name stands forever. There is no power of earth or hell that can countervail - [BLESS THY PEOPLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/bless-thy-people/) - To have the blessing of God was the overwhelming desire of the people of Israel. Yet the people freely acknowledged, ‘A Syrian ready to perish’ was their father. God found them toiling in the brick-kilns of Egypt, beneath the cruel lash of Pharaoh’s taskmasters. We Cried unto The Lord. Their cry of helplessness went up - [I PRAYED FOR AARON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-prayed-for-aaron/) - Moses had been on the mount forty days and forty nights receiving from Jehovah the tablets of the covenant. Down in the valley the people, under the charge of Aaron and Hur, lost sight of one who had gone up on high. They gave themselves over to idolatry and made a golden calf and worshipped - [WE CALL UPON HIM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-call-upon-him/) - The nearness of God was a distinct privilege of Israel. They were His people, and He was their God. As a result, they could in everything call upon Him. If that was true for Israel, how much more so for God’s people today! In everything we too can call upon Him. God’s Nearness. The emphasis - [LET ME GO OVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-me-go-over/) - Moses wants to see the good land beyond Jordan. His great longing is to plant his feet upon the proper inheritance of Israel. He urges the Lord to let him go over, but God can not grant him his request. Not believing God’s clear instructions he had spoken unadvisedly with his lips at the waters - [SET A MAN OVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/set-a-man-over/) - Moses had failed to sanctify God before the eyes of the children of Israel. The result was he, with Aaron, forfeited the privilege of entering Canaan with his people. Instructed by God, he ascended the mountain of Abarim that formed a tableland, to a point called Mount Nebo that he might have a sight of - [BROUGHT THEIR CAUSE BEFORE THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/brought-their-cause-before-the-lord/) - Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, of the families of Manasseh, had five daughters but no sons. Since the father died without leaving a male heir, the family name would normally cease to exist because there was no inheritance of land. The daughters of Zelophehad came to Moses. They requested an inheritance of land in the - [AND MOSES PRAYED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-moses-prayed/) - Sin and death. Murmuring and discouragement; those adverse elements, were in evidence. The children of Israel had left Mount Hor and were intending to compass the land of Edom. They had no bread or water and they loathed the manna. In their foolhardiness they spoke against God and against Moses. For their sin judgement fell, - [RESPECT NOT THOU THEIR OFFERING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/respect-not-thou-their-offering/) - The most critical event in Israel’s wilderness years was the rebellion of Korah and his company against Moses and Aaron. Korah, three Reubenites and two hundred and fifty nobles stirred up sedition and challenged God’s leaders in their divinely appointed positions. The challenge was really against God. Moses made this very clear when he said, - [ACCORDING TO THY MERCY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/according-to-thy-mercy/) - Jehovah’s answer to the prayer of Moses did not refer to the first of Moses’ appeals. The concerns Moses had, that if Jehovah carried out His promise to destroy the people will in some way damage His reputation in the eyes of the heathen,did not concern God. The Lord will never sacrifice His righteousness and - [LET THE POWER OF MY LORD BE GREAT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-the-power-of-my-lord-be-great/) - Under the strain of his distress over the people’s sinful ways, Moses implored God not to let the heathen have excuse for denying his great omnipotent power. The Sin of Rejection. Israel looked on their situation in the wilderness as hopeless. The people thought the sword will devour them, their wives, and their little ones. - [O GOD, I BESEECH THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-god-i-beseech-thee/) - Temptation to sin is no respecter of persons, and now it struck at Aaron and Miriam. In this instance it was envy. Moses was the supreme leader, called by God to this high responsibility. Miriam, sister to Moses, was a prophetess. Aaron, Moses’ brother, as High Priest, was the spiritual head of the people. Miriam’s - [I AM NOT ABLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-not-able/) - Whatever hardships had arisen in the encampment of Israel, Moses does not identify them. Irritations experienced by Israel in the wilderness resulted in murmuring. The people of Israel murmured in their unbelief and ingratitude. How soon in the life of a believer do such sins arise! The Murmuring of the People. The sin of unbelief - [ISRAEL DIVIDED & SEEKING RECONCILIATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/israel-divided/) - A longer reading today. As 2026 is not a leap year we have included the reading for the 29th February in this reading so that the reader is not left hanging! This was one of the saddest incidents in the history of Israel. There was warfare between the tribes as Benjamin faced the judgemental wrath - [WE HAVE SINNED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-have-sinned-2/) - The Ammonites had invaded the land of Israel by attacking across the Jordan into the tribal areas of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. The whole of Israel was affected and felt the disruption of invasion. The nation’s response was to cry out to the Lord in confession, and two sins were mentioned. First, they had forsaken - [ABRAHAM AT GERAR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/abraham-at-gerar/) - If we fail to learn from our mistakes, we will almost certainly repeat them! Abraham is a case in point, and events at Gerar prove that like Elijah, he was ‘a man subject to like passions as we are’, Jas. 5. 17. This wasn’t the first time that Abraham described Sarah as his sister (see - [MOSES PRAYED . . . THE FIRE WAS QUENCHED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/moses-prayed-the-fire-was-quenched/) - As the people moved on, however, all was not well. They complained. The basis of their complaint comes out later in the chapter. They were missing the good things of Egypt and had become disenchanted with the trials of the journey. The Promised Land seemed as far off as it had ever been. The Lord - [RISE UP, LORD . . . RETURN, O LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rise-up-lord-return-o-lord/) - The time had now come to move on. There was now to be, at last, a forward movement of the people of God. As they moved off, the pillar of cloud was upon them - an evident token of God’s presence with them. When the ark set forward, Moses prayed, ‘Rise up, Lord, and let - [STAND STILL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/stand-still/) - Moses had come down from the mountain armed with the law of God for the guidance of His people. It was evident that he was God’s man as his face still shone from being in the intimate presence of God. There is in Moses’ words a remembrance of the instructions for keeping the Passover, and - [THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-skin-of-his-face-shone/) - Moses was with the Lord in the mountain for forty days and forty nights. The number ‘forty’ in scripture is very significant, and of its eight main occurrences, this is the second. It usually indicates trial, or probation, or renewed rule. During these forty days Moses ate nothing, neither did he drink, which is quite - [I PRAY THEE, GO AMONG US](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-pray-thee-go-among-us/) - Arrangements are made by God for the replacement of the broken tables of the law. Moses is instructed to hew out two tables of stone and to carry them up the mountain where, says God, ‘I will write the words’. Interestingly, later, God tells Moses, ‘Write thou these words’, v. 27, thus picturing how the - [I BESEECH THEE, SHEW ME THY GLORY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-beseech-thee-shew-me-thy-glory/) - In communion with God in prayer Moses had been assured of God’s continuing presence and of the rest which that brings. The steps ahead will still be unclear but with his hand in God’s all will be well. Emboldened by this promise, and enjoying this closeness to God, ‘thou hast found grace in my sight, - [I PRAY THEE . . . SHEW ME NOW THY WAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-pray-thee-shew-me-now-thy-way/) - In the early verses of this chapter, it is clear that the people were showing an inclination to repent of the evil they had done. They did not put on their ornaments - a recognized outward sign of inward sorrow. In view of this God responds in a gracious way and sets about rebuilding the - [AND MOSES . . . SAID . . . IF THOU WILT FORGIVE THEIR SIN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-moses-said-if-thou-wilt-forgive-their-sin/) - In the general rebellion against God in the making of the golden calf the sons of Levi had no part. To them now falls the execution of discipline as Moses sends them out to slay the people. A total of 3, 000 are slain - a tragedy, yet a demonstration of the mercy of God - [AND MOSES . . . SAID . . . LORD . . . REMEMBER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-moses-said-lord-remember/) - Moses had gone up into the mount to commune with God. He was rather longer than expected and the people feared he may have died. Consequently, they persuaded Aaron to authorize the collection of gold in order to build an object to worship - a golden calf. Once the gold was melted down and the - [ANY WIDOW, OR FATHERLESS CHILD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/any-widow-or-fatherless-child/) - At this point in the book of Exodus, God is laying down regulations for the guidance of His people to govern their behaviour in the wilderness. The first regulations are to do with altars, and directions are given for worship and modesty to go hand in hand. These are followed with regulations concerning slaves, quarrels, - [MOSES CRIED . . . THE LORD SHOWED HIM A TREE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/moses-cried-the-lord-showed-him-a-tree/) - Following their miraculous escape through the Red Sea from the hands of the pursuing Egyptians, the Israelites journeyed into the wilderness for three days. They found no water so they kept going till they came to Marah, so called because of the bitter taste the minerals gave to its water. After such an escape this - [THEY WERE SORE AFRAID AND CRIED UNTO THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-were-sore-afraid-and-cried-unto-the-lord/) - There must have been tremendous excitement among the people. They had given the Egyptians the slip and at last were well on their way out of Egypt. They were leaving behind the pressures and constraints of slavery while the freedom and opportunities of the Promised Land beckoned. Keen to obey the Lord and His servant - [AND MOSES . . . SPREAD ABROAD HIS HANDS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-moses-spread-abroad-his-hands/) - Many plagues had tormented the Egyptians as Pharoah constantly refused to bend to the will of God - flies, frogs, the river turned to blood. Next God told Moses to stretch his rod toward heaven and He would send thunder, hail, and fire to smite all who did not fear the Lord. This was a - [LORD . . . WHY IS IT THAT THOU HAST SENT ME?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-why-is-it-that-thou-hast-sent-me/) - The first request to Pharoah to let the people go to worship is rebuffed angrily. The king accuses the people of being idle - in his view they should be too busy to worship, which of course today is still a ploy of Satan. Pharoah devises a plan to make the people work harder. He - [SEND BY THE HAND OF HIM WHOM THOU WILT SEND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/send-by-the-hand-of-him-whom-thou-wilt-send/) - Moses has second thoughts! He is anxious that the people might simply not believe him. Will oral testimony alone be enough to convince the sceptics? In great mercy God understands His reluctant servant’s plight and arms him with three convincing signs. First, his rod turns into a serpent. Second, his hand becomes leprous. Third, water - [BEHOLD . . . WHAT SHALL I SAY?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-what-shall-i-say/) - Moses had decided that that he would indeed go to deliver the people of God out of bondage in Egypt. Having made the decision, he soon found, however, that there were still many concerns. Some of the people may not want to be delivered while others would question his authority and qualifications. Moses well understood - [WHO AM I THAT I SHOULD GO?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-am-i-that-i-should-go/) - When God called Moses ‘out of the midst of the bush’, he replied, ‘Here am I’, v. 4. With these simple words, Moses responded to God’s call. Centuries later, Isaiah ‘heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’, and replied, ‘Here am I; send me’, Isa. - [THEIR CRY CAME UP UNTO GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/their-cry-came-up-unto-god/) - The children of Israel settled down well in Egypt, Exod. 1. 7. But Egypt was not Canaan, and God never intended His people to remain there. When the time came for them to return to the land of divine promise, God took steps to ensure that His people had no wish to remain in the - [MADE STRONG](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/made-strong/) - ‘The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob’. If all we knew about Joseph was contained in the dying words of Jacob, we would conclude that - [THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-was-with-joseph/) - The brightest and best steel comes through the hottest furnace. The early life of Joseph was certainly spent in the furnace of affliction, and it was just when circumstances seemed to improve that he found himself under still greater pressure. Promotion and prosperity in Potiphar’s house exposed him to sore temptation when ‘his master’s wife - [I AM NOT WORTHY . . . DELIVER ME I PRAY THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-not-worthy-deliver-me-i-pray-thee/) - Genesis chapter 32 describes a momentous day in the life of Jacob. After leaving Laban in the morning, 31. 55, he was met by angels, 32. 2. During the day, he learnt that another ‘host’ was coming to meet him, v. 6, but his encounter with angels did little to reassure him that ‘the angel - [ISAAC INTREATED THE LORD FOR HIS WIFE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/isaac-intreated-the-lord-for-his-wife/) - We can have every confidence in the promises of God. After all, if a promise is only as good as the person who makes it, it follows that the promises of God must be thoroughly reliable. The Apostle Paul refers to the ‘hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world - [SEND ME GOOD SPEED THIS DAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/send-me-good-speed-this-day/) - Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, was an honoured member of the household. He is called Abraham’s ‘eldest servant’, and ‘ruled over all that he had’, v. 2. At one time, it seemed that he would inherit his master’s estate, but God had other plans. We do not know if Eliezer ever seriously expected to succeed his master, - [HERE I AM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/here-i-am/) - Genesis 22 proves that Abraham was ‘a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work’, 2 Tim. 2. 21. When God spoke to him, he was ready to hear, and ready to act. ‘And it came to pass after these things that God did tempt Abraham, and - [CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/call-upon-the-name-of-the-lord/) - At the very beginning men prayed, calling on the name of the Lord, and others followed in their steps. Abraham ‘called upon the name of the Lord’ after building the altar between Bethel and Hai, Gen. 12. 8. He did so again in the same place after his return from Egypt, and yet again at - [Surely I come quickly](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/surely-i-come-quickly/) - The epilogue to Revelation, and to scripture as a whole, is a thrilling, thrice-repeated, and urgent message from the risen Lord Jesus to all believers in local churches. He is coming back to take us home to be with Himself very quickly, as He promised His own disciples and the church at Thessalonica, John 14. - [WILT THOU ALSO DESTROY THE RIGHTEOUS?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/wilt-thou-also-destroy-the-righteous/) - We could describe the story of Abraham and Lot, his nephew, as an exercise in brotherly relations. In Genesis chapter 13 verse 8, Abraham deferred to his brother. In Genesis chapter 14 verse 4, Abraham delivered his brother. In Genesis chapter 18 verses 23 to 33, Abraham interceded for his brother. Genesis chapter 18 helps - [O THAT ISHMAEL MIGHT LIVE BEFORE THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-that-ishmael-might-live-before-thee/) - The psalmist tells us that ‘as for God, his way is perfect’, Ps. 18. 30, but we cannot always see the perfection of His plan for our lives. Sometimes we have to exclaim, ‘Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour’, Isa. 45. 15, and this only serves to - [GOD SHALL HEAR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-shall-hear/) - Hagar would never forget the kindness and mercy of God. She was told to call her son Ishmael, ‘because the Lord hath heard thy affliction’, v. 11. His name means ‘God shall hear’. So often in our own experience, the mention of a name, or a place, or a date, reminds us of God’s help - [THE PRAYER OF A DEJECTED MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-prayer-of-a-dejected-man/) - We are all people of fluctuating moods, and it is helpful to remember that great men and women of God in the Bible were cast in exactly the same mould. Even Abraham, that man of outstanding faith, was not exempt. After his refusal of any reward from the king of Sodom, ‘the word of the - [TWO ALTARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/two-altars/) - In all, Abraham built four altars, and the first two are in Genesis chapter 12 verses 7and 8. Abraham built altars, Isaac dug wells, and Jacob erected pillars. We should do all three. Men and women of faith, Heb. 11. 9, must worship like Abraham, find refreshment like Isaac, and salute the faithfulness of God - [No night there](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-night-there/) - A holy angel now gives John a breathtaking view from a great, high mountain of the eternal city, New Jerusalem, described as the bride, the Lamb’s wife, for which all the patriarchs looked in faith, Heb. 11. 8-16. It is free from all sin and darkness, not lit by any created lights, but radiant with - [Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-the-tabernacle-of-god-is-with-men/) - Here we move from the sad end of the present creation into eternity and the glories of the new creation. The final rebellion of mankind after the millennial kingdom of Christ, with its Edenic conditions and universal knowledge of the Lord, will prove that unregenerate men are incurably sinful. They will always be deceived by - [King of kings, and Lord of lords](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/king-of-kings-and-lord-of-lords/) - The events predicted in today’s reading cover one thousand years. John’s repeated phrase, ‘And I saw’, carries us forward in time throughout it. A literal understanding of this passage, which accepts it at face value, allowing for some figurative description, is the one most consistent with simple faith. Non-literal views of it are fatally flawed. - [Praise our God, all ye his servants](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/praise-our-god-all-ye-his-servants/) - These final verses of the parenthesis record events in heaven at the end of the tribulation. John hears many people there rejoicing, first, over the just judgement of the false bride, Babylon, then over the marriage of Christ, the Lamb, to His true bride, the church. They sing a fourfold ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ to God for - [Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/babylon-the-great-is-fallen-is-fallen/) - The repetition of ‘is fallen’ in verse 2, and the phrase ‘after these things’ concerning ‘Mystery Babylon’ of chapter 17, indicate that the fall of commercial and political Babylon predicted here will occur later in the tribulation than that of religious Babylon, which will perish at its mid-point at the Beast’s hands. Chapter 16 verse - [Mystery, Babylon the great](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/mystery-babylon-the-great/) - The final parenthesis concerns Babylon the great, man and Satan’s city, contrasting with God’s city, Jerusalem. It is spoken of in two ways. In chapter 17 it is a prostitute in a wilderness, contrasting with the true bride of Christ, the church. In chapter 18 it is a commercial and political centre. The prostitute is - [Go your ways, and pour out the vials](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/go-your-ways-and-pour-out-the-vials/) - The seven vial (bowl) judgements predicted here are the consummation of God’s wrath inflicted on unrepentant mankind. Like the trumpet judgements, they are divided into four which affect the earth, sea, rivers, and sun, followed by three different ones, but end with a third great earthquake. God is a God of order, even in judgement. - [Seven last plagues](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/seven-last-plagues/) - Chapter 15 resumes the chronological sequence of the book with John’s vision of the tense interlude in heaven’s inner temple sanctuary before God pours out His vial, or bowl, judgements in chapter 16. These seven last plagues, administered by seven angels, are God’s direct punishment of unrepentant sinners, and bring the great tribulation to a - [They that keep the commandments of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-that-keep-the-commandments-of-god/) - John now sees seven visions of events during the great tribulation, cameos of salvation and judgement designed to encourage believers to trust and obey God in days of persecution and martyrdom. They predict a final victorious outcome to our conflict with evil. All Christ’s followers will be vindicated, but all Satan’s followers will be judged - [The patience and the faith of the saints](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-patience-and-the-faith-of-the-saints/) - Chapter 13 reveals to us the trinity of evil persons who will persecute true believers during the second half of the tribulation. Verses 1-10 concern a first beast, an evil man who behaves like a wild animal. John sees him arising from the sea of nations with seven heads and ten crowned horns bearing blasphemous - [A great wonder in heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-great-wonder-in-heaven/) - Chapters 12 to 14 form a third parenthesis describing people who will be prominent during the tribulation. Chapter 12 introduces us to two great wonders, or significant people, and to Christ as the Man-child destined to rule the world. The first sign, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and - [My two witnesses](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-two-witnesses/) - Verses 1 to 13 complete the second parenthesis; then the sequence of judgements continues with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which is the third woe. First, the mighty angel of chapter 10 gave John a measuring reed to lay claim to the inner sanctuary of the temple, which will be rebuilt in Jerusalem before - [A little book open](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-little-book-open/) - Chapter 10 to chapter 11 verse 13 forms a second parenthesis in the sequence of judgements. Chapter 10 concerns God’s purpose in creation. John sees ‘another (Greek allos) mighty angel’, similar to the holy angels in the previous chapters, coming down from heaven with a little scroll open in his hand. Although he is probably - [The bottomless pit](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-bottomless-pit/) - The fifth and sixth trumpet judgements, described here in vivid symbolical language, will probably occur after the mid-point of the tribulation, when Satan is cast down from heaven and confined to the earth, Rev. 12. 7-9. Then his malevolent wrath against mankind will become fully apparent. But God will overrule his wrath to punish all - [Seven trumpets](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/seven-trumpets/) - The chronological sequence of the tribulation judgements is now resumed. But, first, there is an ominous silence in heaven for half an hour, the time usually spent in silent worship in the Jewish temple during the burning of the incense. The incense here is handled by an angel with a golden censer at the golden - [An hundred and forty and four thousand](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-hundred-and-forty-and-four-thousand/) - This chapter is a parenthesis in the overall chronological sequence of the book revealing more about those who are saved during the tribulation. They comprise two distinct groups. Firstly, in verses 1-8, John sees 144,000 Israelites, 12,000 from each tribe, sealed for their protection from persecution and God’s judgements by an angel. According to Matthew - [The great day of his wrath is come](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-great-day-of-his-wrath-is-come/) - Judgement is God’s ‘strange work’, Isa. 28. 21. He really delights to bless His creatures, but, because He is holy, He must judge impenitent sinners who reject His longsuffering grace in the gospel. Therefore, in this chapter John sees Christ reclaiming the earth for God by opening the seven seals of the scroll containing its - [A throne was set in heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-throne-was-set-in-heaven/) - Invited by a voice from inside the door that had been opened, John found before him a throne. The voice he had heard was authoritative like the trumpet call that delivered orders during military manoeuvres. Facing him now was the throne from which those orders would have emanated. This is the eternal throne, occupied by - [He that hath an ear, let him hear](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-that-hath-an-ear-let-him-hear/) - When Moses appealed to his nation, he cried, ‘Hear, O Israel’, Deut. 5. 1; 6. 3, 4; 9. 1; 20. 3. The nation as a whole was to mark the importance attached to his words, and to respond accordingly. When the Lord Jesus spoke, He often appealed to individuals, saying, ‘He that hath ears to - [Revelation 2. 18 - 3. 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/revelation-2-18-3-6/) - In His letter to Thyatira, the Lord Jesus addresses the whole assembly, vv. 18-23; then ‘the rest’, those who abstained from sins the wicked Jezebel encouraged, vv. 24, 25; and finally, the overcomer, vv. 26-28. Clearly, the numbers in each category being addressed would be reducing each time. The Lord’s desire was that all would - [These things saith he](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/these-things-saith-he/) - How remarkable that One before whose feet John fell as dead, should choose to speak to a church that had known better days, 1. 17; 2. 5! This One has rights over those He holds responsible - the seven stars, 1. 20; 2. 1. He also moves among the seven lampstands - the seven churches - [Alpha and Omega](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/alpha-and-omega/) - Four times in Revelation, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet provide the title ‘Alpha and Omega’, vv. 8, 11; 21. 6; 22. 13. In each case, the title is used of the Speaker about Himself. In each case, the Speaker uses a parallel expression to reinforce the meaning, ‘the beginning and the - [Certain men crept in unawares](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/certain-men-crept-in-unawares/) - Although his is among the briefest letters in the New Testament, Jude is the only writer to mention Michael as the archangel and Korah. But he is not alone in denouncing ‘libertines and apostates’, as their ‘lasciviousness and denying’ our only Master and Lord Jesus Christ proved conclusively they were, vv. 4, 16, 18. Peter, - [Follow not that which is evil](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/follow-not-that-which-is-evil/) - John’s exhortation to follow good and not evil is echoed in both Testaments. Among his fellow apostles, both Peter and Paul commend the same path, cp. 1 Thess. 5. 15; 1 Tim. 5. 10; 1 Pet. 3. 13. These experienced men knew that, from the Garden of Eden onwards, the choice between good and evil - [Walking in truth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walking-in-truth/) - 2 John and 3 John are the shortest letters in New Testament; but they are more than brief letters. They are admired as beautiful examples of the letter form used in the Graeco-Roman world. This one is also an outstanding example of how an older male Christian would write to a middle-aged, probably a widowed - [Know that ye have eternal life](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/know-that-ye-have-eternal-life/) - Sometimes, when health breaks down, or when serious family problems or unemployment overtakes us, doubts begin to arise in the mind. Under the Spirit’s guidance John has written that our faith should not be shaken, that we might know that we have eternal life, v. 13. He wrote his Gospel that we might ‘believe . - [If God so loved us, we ought also to love](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-god-so-loved-us-we-ought-also-to-love/) - Not until he had spoken of the Father’s love, does John use the word ‘beloved’, 3. 1, but thereafter he addresses Christians as ‘beloved’ eight times (ten times in the RV), in his three brief epistles three times in this chapter, vv. 1, 7,11. Therefore, before John was to write this Epistle, he had been - [Now are we the sons of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/now-are-we-the-sons-of-god/) - Three times in this chapter, John refers to ‘the children of God’ (KJV reads, ‘sons of God’) in a way that would be unrecognizable to Old Testament prophets. They would have been able to recall, ‘Ye are the children of the Lord your God’, Deut. 14. 1, but were more comfortable being called the children - [Even now there are many antichrists](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/even-now-there-are-many-antichrists/) - John outlived the other apostles. Even before his homecall, he was aware of features he recognized as those that will mark the period just prior to the Lord’s return to rapture His own to glory. He writes about virulent opposition to Christ, even to denying the very fundamentals of Christianity: that He is the Christ - [These things write I . . . that ye sin not](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/these-things-write-i-that-ye-sin-not/) - Every family has its characteristics, so too does the family of God. Those born into it have the same Father, vv. 1, 13, 15, 16; they don’t habitually sin, v. 1; they love their brothers and sisters, v. 9; their sins have been forgiven, v. 12, and in the family they grow and mature, vv. - [Walk in the light, as he is in the light](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walk-in-the-light-as-he-is-in-the-light/) - Without needing to introduce himself, John announces his message that God is light, v. 5. Like the other apostles, John was well known among Christians. He was also singularly qualified to deliver this message, firstly because the apostles had heard and seen, and engaged mind and heart in contemplating the Eternal One who had come - [The day of the Lord will come](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-day-of-the-lord-will-come/) - The cry of the scoffers continues to be heard in this present day of God’s grace, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation’, v. 4. Such men and women are motivated by their own lusts, v. 3, - [Cursed children](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/cursed-children/) - ‘Cursed children’, v. 14,cp. John8. 44- what a contrast these people are to those who ‘have obtained . . . precious faith’, and have received ‘exceeding great and precious promises’, 2 Pet. 1. 1, 4! Let us thank God today that we, through grace, are among the latter. Although we might prefer a more positive - [Have these things always in remembrance](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/have-these-things-always-in-remembrance/) - The prospect of his fast-approaching death by crucifixion could have made Peter inward looking, but it had the opposite effect. It spurred him on to be diligent in meeting his responsibilities towards his fellow believers, v. 12; therefore, he took up his pen to bring to their remembrance truth that they already knew, vv. 12, - [Be clothed with humility](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-clothed-with-humility/) - Humility is the inward feeling of lowliness. It has been described as, ‘the inner grace that once you know you have it, you have lost it’. ‘Be clothed’, v. 5, is a reference to the apron that was tied around a person’s outer garments as they worked. Our service for the Lord ought always to - [The end of all things is at hand](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-end-of-all-things-is-at-hand/) - The emphasis on suffering throughout this letter reminds us that even though we are a people linked with eternity, we are also creatures of time. However, the prospect of our eternal blessings ought to have an impact upon our lives now. Today’s meditation challenges us as to our attitude towards time. ‘The rest of his - [If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-ye-suffer-for-righteousness-sake/) - Suffering for righteousness’ sake is an integral part of the Christian pathway. It is amazing therefore that we also read the following phrases in this context: ‘inherit a blessing’, v. 9; ‘love life, and see good days’, v. 10; ‘do good . . . seek peace’, v. 11; ‘happy are ye . . . be - [Christ . . . suffered . . . leaving us an example](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/christ-suffered-leaving-us-an-example/) - It is only as we respond to the call to be holy that we will view our relationship to the world in the right way. We will see ourselves as ‘strangers and pilgrims’, 2. 11, i. e., those who are travelling home to heaven. As such, our lives ought to be distinctive; therefore, we must - [As he . . . is holy,so be ye holy](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-he-is-holyso-be-ye-holy/) - Today we are challenged to live holy (set apart) lives. God is holy, therefore He calls us to be holy, 1. 15, 16. We will never be as holy as He is; nevertheless, we are called upon progressively to become holy in all areas of our lives. Peter reveals the mind we must cultivate in - [The trial of your faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-trial-of-your-faith/) - At first reading, the term ‘strangers scattered’, v. 1, might give the impression that those to whom Peter wrote were insignificant, isolated and vulnerable. However, nothing could have been farther from the truth; indeed, they were the most secure people in the Roman Empire. They had a hope, v. 3, a faith,v. 7, and a - [Be patient therefore, brethren](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-patient-therefore-brethren/) - How easily do you lose patience with people and circumstances? James’ readers could easily have done so as they faced immense pressure from their unscrupulous employers. These rich men held back their rightful wages, v. 4, and also took advantage of the fact that they did not resist them, v. 6. James made it clear - [God resisteth the proud](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-resisteth-the-proud/) - Solomon reminds us that one of the things the Lord hates is ‘a proud look’, Prov. 6. 17. Indeed, He resists (sets Himself in battle array against) the proud, Jas. 4. 6. Pride therefore puts us into a position of open warfare with Him. Pride can manifest itself in a variety of ways in our - [How great a matter a little fire kindleth!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-great-a-matter-a-little-fire-kindleth/) - Yesterday’s meditation focused upon the importance of works as an evidence of our faith. However, today we are reminded that it does matter what we say. The tongue, although a little member of our body, is powerful. It is like a spark that can set a great forest on fire, v. 5. It is so - [Faith, if it hath not works, is dead](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/faith-if-it-hath-not-works-is-dead/) - Today’s reading challenges us as to the reality of our faith. Is it a faith that saves or is it a dead faith? True, it is faith alone that saves, Eph. 2. 8, but our faith must be more than mere profession. Indeed, it is possible for us to believe great truths, e. g., ‘there - [Be ye doers of the word](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-ye-doers-of-the-word/) - What part does God’s word play in our hearts and lives? James reminds us that it was the divine means used in our salvation. The Father loves to give us good and perfect gifts, v. 17, and one of these is new life: ‘of his own will begat he us with the word of truth’, - [Be not forgetful](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-not-forgetful/) - Among the final exhortations come those to remember, vv. 3, 7, and not to forget, vv. 2, 16.‘Let brotherly love continue’, he writes. Note the emphasis on continuance. Brotherly love will not thrive on neglect. Two ways follow in which such love may be shown: by hospitality, v. 2; and by sympathy, v. 3. Don’t - [Looking unto Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/looking-unto-jesus/) - ROTHERHAM translates ‘Looking away unto’, v. 2 EBR. Away from what? A great cloud of witnesses found in chapter 11. They exemplified faith in certain facets, but the call now is to look off to the Author and Finisher of faith. In what way were they witnesses that surround us? Are they watching our race? - [Of whom the world was not worthy](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/of-whom-the-world-was-not-worthy/) - Today’s title expresses the divine estimate. The world treated them as unworthy to live in it. Actually the world was not worthy of them, though it treated them as worthless. All they had in it was the bare hillside, the desert, or a den, a cave. What are the characteristics of this world? It is - [Without faith it is impossible to please him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/without-faith-it-is-impossible-to-please-him/) - As faith is necessary to please God, we are told its characteristics. Faith covers two areas: things hoped for, and things unseen. It is equally sure of the fulfilment of the one, and of the present reality of the other. Faith is the confidence of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It - [A new and living way](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-new-and-living-way/) - Privileges and responsibilities are before us, vv. 19-25: privileges indicated by the participle ‘having’, and responsibilities by the phrase ‘let us’. The first privilege is ‘having boldness to enter’, v. 19 NKJV. Boldness, because God has said ‘their sins and iniquities will I remember no more’, v. 17, and because the way is open. We - [A body hast thou prepared me](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-body-hast-thou-prepared-me/) - Having stated the finality of the sacrifice of Christ the writer reverts to the ineffectiveness of the Levitical sacrifices. Their ceaseless repetition indicated their inability to save. The offerers still were loaded with the burden of guilt and had no direct access to God’s presence. So the sacrifices continued. What they did do was create - [So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-christ-was-once-offered-to-bear-the-sins-of-many/) - In this section some words occur more than once: ‘once’, vv. 26, 27, 28; ‘often’, vv. 25, 26; and ‘appear’, vv. 24, 26, 28. The last represents three different words in the Greek which mean: to present, v. 24; to manifest, v. 26; to be seen, v. 28. As prophet Christ was manifested, as priest - [By his own blood he entered in once](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/by-his-own-blood-he-entered-in-once/) - Service and sanctuary are the first themes we meet in this chapter. For the latter we are given a description of the tabernacle, vv. 1-5, and for the first we have a description of the service of high priest and priests, vv. 6-8. The sanctuary is ‘of this world’, v. 1 RV in contrast with - [The mediator of a better covenant](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-mediator-of-a-better-covenant/) - Not only here does the writer refer to the terms of the new covenant, vv. 8-12, quoting from Jeremiah chapter 31 verses 31 to 34, but he does so later, Heb. 10. 16, 17. In this chapter the new covenant is to be made with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, - [An unchangeable priesthood](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-unchangeable-priesthood/) - The writer uses what the Genesis record, 14. 17-20, says and does not say of Melchizedek to demonstrate the superiority of his priesthood to that of Aaron. What is not said of him is anything about his birth or death, or his parentage. Birth and parentage were important in Israel, in particular in regard to - [Ye have need that one teach you again](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-have-need-that-one-teach-you-again/) - Having introduced the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ, the writer wonders whether they were able to understand such teaching. They were ‘dull of hearing’, 5. 11, that is, slow to understand. ‘Dull ears cannot receive deep truths’, John 16. 12 Believer’s Bible Commentary. They were not always like that. They had reached a point and stopped - [A great high priest](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-great-high-priest/) - We now return to the subject we left at chapter 2 verse 17, the high priesthood of Christ. The sheer greatness, the absolute deity, of the Lord Jesus is stressed. He is not indebted to man for the honours which are His. He is great in His own right, in His own essential Being. He - [A rest to the people of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-rest-to-the-people-of-god/) - We have a promise of rest. The rest which dominates this section is God’s rest, 3. 18; 4. 1-5, 10. We are told that God rested on the seventh day of creation. That rest was not made necessary by fatigue, and we are told by the Lord Jesus, ‘My Father worketh hitherto, and I work’, - [A son over his own house](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-son-over-his-own-house/) - The Hebrews have been shown that the Lord Jesus is greater than angels, and that He became man. Is He greater than the greatest of men? To Israel, its greatest leader was Moses. Proudly, their leaders had said, ‘We are Moses’ disciples’, John 9. 28. Was Jesus ‘counted worthy of more glory than Moses’? First - [Made like unto his brethren](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/made-like-unto-his-brethren/) - That the Son of God became man is stressed in this chapter. We are told that He‘was made a little lower than the angels’, v. 9. Chapter 1 has been emphasizing His superiority to angels. Here the name Jesus fixes our attention upon the Lord’s humanity. The human nature which Christ assumed, He still retains. - [So much better than the angels](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-much-better-than-the-angels/) - ‘Better’ is a characteristic word of this Epistle. It occurs thirteen times and has the idea of superiority in dignity and worth. The old dispensation, the law, was given by the mediation of angels. If Christ is greater than angels, then His dispensation of the new covenant has to be higher than that of the - [I beseech thee for my son Onesimus](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-beseech-thee-for-my-son-onesimus/) - Philemon and his family were wealthy, well known, and greatly loved by the apostles and saints. A church met in his home, and he was occupied in the work of the Lord as well as running his own household business. It is thought that Apphia was his wife and Archippus his son. He refreshed the - [Be careful to maintain good works](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-careful-to-maintain-good-works/) - In the previous chapter wrong doctrine was denounced, and now sound doctrine and its effects are described. The things that adorn sound doctrine include the behaviour and manner of life of its adherents. This affects all in the congregation including aged and young men, aged and young women, and servants. A recurring theme is sobriety, - [Set in order the things that are wanting](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/set-in-order-the-things-that-are-wanting/) - The apostle Paul looked on Titus, like Timothy, as his son in the faith. He may have led him to the Lord and he certainly was instrumental in Titus’ growth and development as a Christian, evangelist, and teacher. Here, Titus is in Crete having been left there by Paul to set in order things that - [I am now ready to be offered](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-now-ready-to-be-offered/) - This is the last chapter of Paul’s last Epistle and records his last words to Timothy, and to us. Issues Paul felt were important for Timothy are that he should: preach the word; watch in all things; endure afflictions; do the work of an evangelist; make full proof of his ministry. Certainly, these were things - [Perilous times shall come](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/perilous-times-shall-come/) - Timothy is warned of a great departure in ‘the last days’ and, while doubtless he saw many portents of this evil, surely the worst is yet to come; we should be on our guard. Verses 2 to 7 speak of the character and wickedness of these men as they are compared to the infamous Jannes - [A good soldier of Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-good-soldier-of-jesus-christ/) - In this chapter Paul is writing to encourage Timothy in his very difficult ministry in Ephesus. He will need to cultivate many spiritual qualities and be strong, yet at the same time gentle and patient. Leaders of God’s people have many demands upon them and leading the flock is not at all an easy undertaking. - [Godliness with contentment is great gain](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/godliness-with-contentment-is-great-gain/) - Our chapter today demonstrates again the variety of circumstances of the believers in Ephesus as it opens with instructions to slaves and closes with admonitions to the rich. This is a suitable backdrop for the statement that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’, and this is true whether in poverty or plenty. The apostle Paul - [Observe these things without . . . partiality](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/observe-these-things-without-partiality/) - Partiality was the first problem that the apostles had to face in the church in Jerusalem, shortly after Pentecost, Acts 6. And here Paul reminds Timothy that partiality, or even the appearance of it, can be damaging to an individual or an assembly. It has the idea of not being favourably inclined towards one rather - [Put the brethren in remembrance of these things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/put-the-brethren-in-remembrance-of-these-things/) - This chapter commences with a warning against apostasy, declaring prophetically that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith. These are not the apostates but those who seduced them with doctrines of devils, and consistently spoke lies in hypocrisy. Having consciences seared with a hot iron they emphatically declared ‘bad’ what God had - [A good work](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-good-work/) - Some are ambitious to hold position in the assembly and such a desire is often to be commended, as here. However, it is made clear that if one anticipates that being an elder is just the holding of an office then he needs to understand that there is much more to it than that. It - [I will therefore that men pray](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-therefore-that-men-pray/) - Just as an individual convert, like Saul of Tarsus, feels a compelling desire to pray, so an assembly should feel a strong urge to engage together in prayer. Indeed, this should be the priority - it should be ‘first of all’. Different kinds of public prayers are suggested such as supplication (regarding assembly needs), prayers - [My own son in the faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-own-son-in-the-faith/) - Paul immediately introduces himself, the writer, and Timothy, the recipient, of this compelling letter. He declares his apostleship in the strongest possible terms; he is commanded by both God and Christ; he is, according to A. T. ROBERTSON, ‘an apostle under orders’. Then he decribes Timothy in most affectionate terms as ‘my own son in - [Brethren, pray for us](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/brethren-pray-for-us/) - Paul’s main burden in this closing section of this Epistle is to encourage his spiritual children to live lives which display practical Christianity. It will not be as simple to achieve this as it might appear, for there are factors which could hinder them from responding as well as they might. Leading the forces arrayed - [Let no man deceive you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-no-man-deceive-you/) - The Thessalonians had been troubled by rumours. Some of these were claimed to have come from Paul or by direct revelation from God. Rumour had it that violent opposition was an indication that the day of the Lord had begun. This rumour would indicate that the severe judgements preceding the setting up of the earthly - [He shall come to be glorified in his saints](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-shall-come-to-be-glorified-in-his-saints/) - In this Second Epistle to Thessalonica Paul writes in a way that suggests that the social setting around the assembly was even more hostile than previously. He wisely begins by acknowledging how he appreciates their faithfulness. He even tells other Christians how well the Thessalonians cope with persecution. This leads on to his message for - [Comfort . . . and edify one another](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/comfort-and-edify-one-another/) - Today’s reading depicts society in terms of contrasts: there are people who belong to the darkness and those who belong to the light. The Christian moves in a world where there is much said and written about peace, awards are given to ‘peace-makers’, talks are arranged to set up ‘peace initiatives’; but society as a - [The word of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-word-of-the-lord/) - The first twelve verses reinforce aspects of truth already known by the Thessalonians: ‘Ye know what commandments we gave you’, v. 2. The principles of love as being generous, not covetous, underlie the teaching of verses 3 to 9, applying the teaching in the context of sexual morality. Specifically, Paul spells out the need for - [Good tidings of your faith and charity](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/good-tidings-of-your-faith-and-charity/) - The two themes, love and faith, together form the framework of this chapter. If we take them in that order it helps us to understand why Paul expresses his thoughts as he does. Firstly, how striking his writing is about the impact of his separation from this, his dearly loved assembly - he ‘could bear - [We were gentle among you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-were-gentle-among-you/) - Those who responded to Paul’s gospel preaching in Thessalonica were, humanly speaking, placing themselves in the position of sheep facing slaughter. The successful preacher needed to be a man with a fearless shepherd’s heart. He must be realistic, not starry-eyed, and he must think first of their needs, not his own. Their memories of those - [The Lion of the tribe of Judah](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lion-of-the-tribe-of-judah-2/) - Some thirty times in Revelation, the exclamatory word translated as ‘behold’ or ‘lo’ is used to underscore matters that should be of intense interest to the reader. The two occurrences in this chapter both relate to Christ, ‘Behold, the Lion . . . lo . . . a Lamb’, vv. 5, 6. No matters of - [See that ye refuse not him that speaketh](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/see-that-ye-refuse-not-him-that-speaketh-2/) - This exhortation comes at the end of a passage which one might call ‘The Tale of Two Mountains’. One is Mt. Sinai, which represents the law, and the passage looks back to its being given, Exod. 19. 16ff. There are seven things said of it. It was a mount that was death to touch, Heb. - [Our gospel came not . . . in word only](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/our-gospel-came-not-in-word-only/) - The narrative in Acts 17 makes it clear that the gospel came to Thessalonica in an atmosphere of stormy contention. This was going to mark the ongoing experience of the new converts. Their steadfastness under persecution showed the genuineness of a work of God in their lives, and the power of the Holy Spirit. But - [Walk in wisdom toward them . . . without](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walk-in-wisdom-toward-them-without/) - What sort of impression do our values and behaviour make on people whom Paul describes as being ‘without’, v. 5? In other words, what do unsaved people around us think of how we treat each other, and them? The practical implications of the end of chapter 3 of this Epistle are extended in today’s reading. - [Ye have put off the old man with his deeds](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-have-put-off-the-old-man-with-his-deeds/) - Today’s reading falls neatly into three sections: putting off what belongs to pre-conversion days, putting on what belongs to our new life, and learning the supreme value of submission in the Christian life and its relationships. The presence of the characteristic Pauline use of ‘therefore’ focuses our thoughts on the implications of the foregoing doctrines - [Let no man therefore judge you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-no-man-therefore-judge-you/) - Since Christ Jesus is your Lord, says Paul, you need not be subject to ritual and mere human traditions. Christ is your Redeemer and your hope. He, our victorious Saviour, is exalted to the right hand of God, supreme over all angelic beings. We need not seek to gain favour with any spiritual forces, good - [Christ in you, the hope of glory](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory/) - The Saviour’s unique glory, invested with the ‘fulness’, 1. 19, as the Reconciler of all things to God, is the basis of our blessing. Our past, as enemies of God, has been removed from God’s reckoning by the work of Christ ‘in the body of his flesh’, v. 22. We note again how Paul rejects - [The image of the invisible God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-image-of-the-invisible-god/) - Paul recalls how the Colossian Christians had been saved when they responded to the gospel. They had received the grace of God, as Epaphras reported, and had entered into the enjoyment of salvation. Paul prays that they may develop in their experience of God, in practical holiness and the knowledge of God’s will. He reminds - [The God of peace shall be with you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-god-of-peace-shall-be-with-you/) - In this chapter the apostle appeals in turn to two hard-working sisters, Euodias and Syntyche, to ‘be of the same mind in the Lord’. His appeal is prefaced by words of great tenderness and affection, and is bracketed by the words ‘in the Lord’. As we each submit to the lordship of Christ differences can - [That I may know him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/that-i-may-know-him/) - This chapter, rich in athletic metaphors, presents Christ as Paul’s pursuit and goal. Accordingly, we are exhorted to ‘rejoice in the Lord’, a healthy discipline for the believer. There are those whom Paul warns about who could thwart progress in the Christian race, vv. 2, 3. In the first instance there are Judaizers, legalists who - [It is God which worketh in you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-god-which-worketh-in-you/) - If in chapter 1 we have ‘Christ the passion of a devoted life’, in chapter 2, we have ‘Christ the pattern of a selfless life’, W. TREW. The Lord Jesus is in fact the first of four such examples, the others being Paul himself, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. But first, Paul appeals to the believers to - [I have you in my heart](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-you-in-my-heart/) - Today’s reading focuses first of all on the affairs of the Philippians, and then those of Paul. A unique bond exists between the soul-winner and his converts. As Paul writes to his beloved Philippians his heart is overflowing with thanksgiving vv. 3-11. He gives praise for their fellowship in the furtherance of the gospel, vv. - [Put on the whole armour of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/put-on-the-whole-armour-of-god/) - Finally, the apostle issues a call to warfare. Just as Canaan was robustly defended by heathen armies and walled cities, there are hordes of wicked spirits intent on denying saints the enjoyment of their inheritance in the heavenlies. All Christians are inevitably involved in spiritual conflict. The key imperative is to ‘stand’, vv. 11, 13, - [Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/christ-also-loved-the-church-and-gave-himself-for-it/) - If the former section had to do with counsel to believers in general, the apostle now focuses on the Christian household and specific relationships within it. Today, Satan is relentlessly attacking the family and seeking to undermine scripture’s teaching associated with it. On the positive side, it is instructive to observe how the matchless love - [Walk as children of light](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walk-as-children-of-light/) - Today’s passage continues the focus on the conduct of the believer: walk in love . . . as children of light . . . circumspectly, vv. 2, 8, 15. We follow the example of the Lord, who gave Himself for us, and, by implication, there will be fragrance from lives where there was formerly a - [Be renewed in the spirit of your mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-renewed-in-the-spirit-of-your-mind/) - This portion continues Paul’s directions for the walk (practical conduct) of the believer. It is well for every Christian to recognize plainly that there are past pursuits, behaviours, and associations which no longer have any place in the holy life of a member of the body of Christ. Firstly, they are not to behave as - [Walk worthy](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walk-worthy/) - Chapter 4 begins the second part of the Epistle. The sublime truths of chapters 1 to 3 place weighty practical and ethical obligations on the church’s members. What would constitute a worthy response in view of such a heavenly calling? Significantly, Paul calls for humility, meekness, and longsuffering - qualities despised rather than admired in - [The manifold wisdom of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-manifold-wisdom-of-god/) - In this chapter, Paul resumes his prayer for the saints. He digresses to unfold ‘the mystery of Christ’, vv. 2-7, and his faithful stewardship of it, vv. 8-13. The prayer, vv. 14-19, in view of the sheer magnificence of the truths expressed, fittingly concludes with a doxology. Paul indicates that the ‘mystery of Christ’ has - [He is our peace, who hath made both one](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-is-our-peace-who-hath-made-both-one/) - Israel in the Old Testament was ordered by God to be a people separated from the moral and spiritual pollutions of the heathen world. He hedged them about, and many of the precepts of the law (e. g., food laws) were designed to make social intercourse with Gentiles difficult. The ‘middle wall of partition’, 2. - [Accepted in the beloved](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/accepted-in-the-beloved/) - In these opening verses each Person of the Trinity coordinates in love to secure the blessing of the believer. In language vibrant with adoration, Paul writes of the sovereign will of the Father, the redemptive work of the Son, and the confirmatory witness of the Holy Spirit. Verses 3 to 14 form a single sentence, - [Do good unto all men](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/do-good-unto-all-men/) - This chapter spells out what life in the Spirit actually means. Galatians, above almost every other book in the Bible, has strongly stressed that salvation does not issue from good works. As Paul ends, he emphasizes equally strongly that salvation manifests itself in good works. Free from the law’s bondage, we are nonetheless called to - [Be led of the Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-led-of-the-spirit/) - Christians are called to liberty. We must firmly stand in our God-given freedom, purchased for us by the Lord Jesus the great Emancipator, resisting all attempts to bring us under legalistic bondage. However, it is a common misconception that liberty equals licence. Actually, they stand in contrast. Liberty is not giving free rein to our - [Two sons](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/two-sons/) - The passage starts with Paul expressing the deepest possible pastoral concern for the Galatians, his little children in Christ. God had used him to lead them to faith. Now he tells them that he is enduring the spiritual equivalent of childbirth once again. This time it was to see them brought to Christ-likeness, real spiritual - [No more a servant, but a son](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-more-a-servant-but-a-son/) - Paul continues to contrast the era of the law and the age of the gospel. Remember that the false teachers were seeking to put the Galatian Christians back under law. He uses the illustration of an heir to an estate. Until he reaches his majority, he is little different from a slave. A steward looks - [All one in Christ Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-one-in-christ-jesus/) - The argument of this passage is complex and challenging. Firstly, Paul shows that the law of Moses cannot set aside God’s covenant with Abraham, fulfilled in the gospel. The law was given 430 years after the final confirmation of the Abrahamic covenant. In everyday life, when a will has come into effect it cannot be - [The just shall live by faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-just-shall-live-by-faith/) - There are two opposing approaches to securing God’s favour: believing and doing. The false teachers presented the way of works. Paul demonstrates that it is the way of faith which alone can bring us into God’s blessing. He shows this, firstly, from the experience of the Galatians. Paul challenges them with a series of rhetorical - [Justified by the faith of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/justified-by-the-faith-of-christ/) - In our chapter Paul uses a phrase twice, in verse 5 and again in verse 14, which is the keynote of the whole letter. The phrase ‘the truth of the gospel’ embodies the message of Galatians. That is what Galatians is all about. The key element in ‘the truth of the gospel’ is that salvation - [Another gospel: which is not another](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/another-gospel-which-is-not-another/) - Paul confronts the issues raised by the false teaching head-on at the start of his letter. His apostleship was a divine appointment. Its source was in the risen Lord Jesus and God the Father. They had bestowed it on him directly. No human agent had been involved, neither Ananias nor any of the Twelve. On - [We do all things . . . for your edifying](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-do-all-things-for-your-edifying/) - As he concludes, Paul turns to a planned visit to Corinth. He stresses that he had no intention of changing his stance on finance. He would continue to waive his right to support from the Corinthians. Paul did not want their money. He desired their personal affection and their devotion to Christ. He was willing - [A thorn in the flesh](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-thorn-in-the-flesh/) - Forced by his opponents’ attack on his apostleship to continue to use their tactics of boasting, Paul moves on to his experiences of visions and revelations of the Lord. Specifically, he narrates the most wonderful of those divine disclosures. He does so with reticence. He describes himself as ‘a man in Christ’ rather than making - [I speak as concerning reproach](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-speak-as-concerning-reproach/) - Paul writes highly ironically in this passage. He feels that he has to defend the authenticity of his apostleship against an attack from Jewish teachers who had arrived in Corinth. They made tremendous claims, asserting that they were ‘super-apostles’, v. 5 ESV. Actually, they were false apostles, human emissaries of Satan masquerading as apostles of - [We will not boast of things without our measure](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-will-not-boast-of-things-without-our-measure/) - Our chapter begins with Paul appealing to the Corinthians by the example of the meek and gentle character of Christ to respect his personal integrity and apostolic authority. Some of them were insinuating that he was totally inconsistent. He was craven when present and courageous when absent. Paul asserts that he would indeed act with - [God loveth a cheerful giver](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-loveth-a-cheerful-giver/) - Paul continues to exhort the Corinthians to contribute to the relief fund for Jerusalem. He reminds them of their readiness to commit themselves to involvement. He had boasted to the Macedonians about Corinth’s plan to play its part. That boasting had stirred them to contribute as lavishly as they did. Now the time had come - [If there be first a willing mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-there-be-first-a-willing-mind/) - The theme of chapters 8 and 9 is Paul’s encouragement of the Corinthians to participate fully in the collection being raised among the Gentile churches for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. This was a project very dear to Paul’s heart. It was a practical display of the truth of the one body, Jew and Gentile - [I rejoice . . . that ye sorrowed to repentance](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-rejoice-that-ye-sorrowed-to-repentance/) - Our passage begins with Paul underlining his affection for his spiritual children. Just as his heart was open to them, he desired that they would open their hearts to him. He then appeals to them to avoid close associations with unsaved people. They must not take on an unequal yoke. The picture is one of - [Ambassadors for Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ambassadors-for-christ/) - Ambassadors represent something larger than themselves - something that demands the subjection of personal interests to the greater task of advancing their government’s interests. Diplomats must remember that they are the face of their homeland and stand for their nation’s interests. Their treatment by the host country is also a good indicator of the reception - [Earthen vessels](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/earthen-vessels/) - The world thrives on brash, assertive personalities who take what they want. Captains of finance and business are popularly dubbed ‘masters of the universe’, and athletes are praised in proportion to their muscular self-aggrandizing displays of power and physical grace. Fictional heroes in novels and films are almost always those who refuse to suffer abuse, - [Able ministers of the new testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/able-ministers-of-the-new-testament/) - Important tasks are normally entrusted to trustworthy and capable individuals who faithfully discharge their service. In setting forth the nature of his ministry as a servant of the new covenant, Paul confessed that his sufficiency was divine in origin, 3. 5, and therefore did not emanate from within himself. His ability was dependent on the - [Confirm your love toward him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/confirm-your-love-toward-him/) - Due to the inconsistent actions of human beings, local church discipline is sometimes fraught with difficulties. At times, believers are too lax and tolerate grievous sin that demands serious action, as in the case of the immorality dealt with in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. On other occasions, they react harshly and do not carry out - [The God of all comfort](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-god-of-all-comfort/) - Because of sin and its effects, the world is a dangerous place. There are innumerable trials and sorrowful situations that plague mankind. Christians are not exempt from the ordinary problems of life in a fallen world. What is more, they face other struggles that their unbelieving counterparts do not share. For instance, the unregenerate do - [Let all your things be done with charity](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-all-your-things-be-done-with-charity/) - Some people suppose that Paul was melancholy, austere, and uncaring - a stoic despot who chauvinistically imposed his personality on the early Christian church with unrelenting egotism. This could not be further from the truth. His Epistles exude a warm, genuine love towards saints in multiple and different situations. After all, the Holy Spirit used - [This mortal must put on immortality](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-mortal-must-put-on-immortality/) - Decay and death are ubiquitous realities in this fallen world. Hospitals are not in danger of becoming obsolete anytime soon, nor are funeral homes facing an uncertain future. Humanly speaking, the future of this planet - and of mankind itself - looks extremely bleak. The frequently used term ‘mortal’ comes from the Latin word for - [But now is Christ risen from the dead](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/but-now-is-christ-risen-from-the-dead/) - The nineteenth-century Christian theologian and apologist JAMES ORR wrote that ‘the resurrection of Jesus stands fast as a fact, unaffected by the boastful waves of scepticism that ceaselessly through the ages beat themselves against it; retains its significance as a cornerstone in the edifice of human redemption, and holds within it the vastest hope for - [Be not children in understanding](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-not-children-in-understanding/) - Christians are sometimes stereotyped as anti-intellectual. Sadly, this accusation fits some untaught believers. Nevertheless, the Lord expects the saints to love the Lord with their minds, Mark 12. 30, and to become practised in using their grey matter for the advancement of His church. Spiritual cogitation that leads to an understanding of how to properly - [Charity never faileth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/charity-never-faileth/) - Modern people use the word ‘love’ so flippantly. Today it frequently denotes a temporary preference, a passing emotional feeling, or worst of all, lust, euphemistically described by another name. The Bible tells of a real love which transcends meagre human notions that are rooted in irrational subjectivism. Biblical love is sacrificial, and spends itself for - [The body is one, and hath many members](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-body-is-one-and-hath-many-members/) - Modern leaders spend large amounts of time and money trying to bring divergent people together. Racism, tribalism, unbridled nationalism, and class distinction all divide man from his fellow man. Education is touted as the answer, until it is discovered that the educated are still deeply prejudiced, and even embittered, against individuals from outside their preferred - [Keep the ordinances](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/keep-the-ordinances/) - The word ‘ordinances’ is often rendered ‘traditions’ in the Bible. The Lord Jesus used the term to rebuke the self-righteous Pharisees for their elevation of human opinions to the same level as scripture, Matt. 15. 3, 6. It signifies something handed down or delivered to someone else. Its cognate verb is used of the people - [Give none offence](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/give-none-offence/) - Much like the contemporary scene, the ancient world was a pluralistic society; multitudes of belief systems coexisted throughout the Roman empire. Spiritual issues pervaded the culture to the extent that it influenced everyday life in numerous ways. In the face of this rampant idolatry Paul told the Corinthian believers to ‘flee’ it, 1 Cor. 10. - [These things were our examples](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/these-things-were-our-examples/) - The Old Testament events of which Paul writes are meant to convey truth by example to the Corinthian church, as well as to all believers everywhere from the first century to the present day, 1 Cor. 1. 2. Of course, examples may be good or bad. The same word is used to describe the outstanding - [They which minister about holy things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-which-minister-about-holy-things/) - Paul’s activities were strictly governed by divine principles. His God-ordained apostleship was no mere occupation, because his service entailed ‘holy things’, v. 13. Although he was not motivated by money, the scriptures clearly gave precedence for servants like him to receive financial support from other believers, ‘But I have used none of these things’, says - [Things offered unto idols](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/things-offered-unto-idols/) - We might summarize the teaching of this chapter as: liberty exercised with responsibility. In considering things offered unto idols, Paul is dealing with a matter that was of little interest to some believers and yet of profound importance to others. The concern of the apostle was that the liberty of one group should not become - [As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-lord-hath-called-every-one-so-let-him-walk/) - One of the most complex matters in any spiritual life is that of relationships. First century Corinth had many parallels with practices in our own society and Paul knew it was important to address the issue. What blessing could be brought to Christian marriage through a careful consideration of this chapter! In the previous chapter - [Such were some of you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/such-were-some-of-you/) - The theme of this chapter is in contrast to chapter 5. In a company that seemed so complacent about moral issues of such gravity, they were prepared to go to law over matters of relative triviality. What a challenge! How important to put things into the right perspective! Paul seeks to teach these believers something - [Ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-are-puffed-up-and-have-not-rather-mourned/) - What a sad chapter this is! The sin that was present in the church at Corinth was catastrophic. Not only to the corruption of the fellowship internally but also to the testimony externally, as it was an issue ‘not so much as named among the Gentiles’, v. 1. What is so remarkable is the complacency - [Stewards of the mysteries of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/stewards-of-the-mysteries-of-god/) - The main subject of this chapter is that described by the title of our meditation - stewardship. Using himself and Apollos as the basis of his teaching the apostle covers some of the characteristics of the faithful steward. In a general sense a steward was one to whom household affairs were entrusted. In spiritual terms - [Let every man take heed how he buildeth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-every-man-take-heed-how-he-buildeth/) - Against the background of the closing verses of our previous meditation, it is sad to read of the carnality of these Christians. But what is carnality? It is evident in dwarfism, v. 1. There was no growth at Corinth. They had not progressed. They were still babes. There is evidence of deadness, v. 2. These - [The wisdom of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-wisdom-of-god/) - If the close of chapter 1 deals with the message of the gospel, in the opening of chapter 2 Paul looks at his own preaching when in Corinth. It is very personal: four times he mentions ‘I’ and twice ‘my’, in the first four verses. He wishes to emphasize that his preaching of the gospel - [Ye come behind in no gift](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-come-behind-in-no-gift/) - In Paul’s introduction to this Epistle, covering the first three verses, he stresses his apostolic authority and its application. His calling as an apostle was a realization of the will of God and the Corinthian believers were evidence of that work of God. This is the basis of this letter. At the outset Paul emphasizes - [The churches of Christ salute you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-churches-of-christ-salute-you/) - This chapter is one of salutations, as the apostle recounts fellow believers who had an interest in the assembly at Rome. Some of the long list would have been well known for their work of the Lord. They demonstrated: (1) Commitment. It is obvious from what is said that Phoebe, Priscilla, and Aquila were particularly - [The minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-minister-of-jesus-christ-to-the-gentiles/) - We move now to the closing remarks of the book. Here, Paul commends the believers for: their goodness, in manifesting the fruits of the Spirit, their knowledge of spiritual truth, and their use of that spiritual truth in admonishing one another. Paul employs one aspect of admonition - ‘as putting you in mind’, v. 15. - [Follow after the things which make for peace](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/follow-after-the-things-which-make-for-peace/) - In our reading today Paul concentrates on what should be the aim of our service. We should ‘earnestly and eagerly seek after peace’, 14. 19 K. WUEST. These peace seekers will be: characterized by a desire and effort to build up the saints, vv. 19, 20, and willing to sacrifice personal liberty to protect a - [Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-art-thou-that-judgest-another-mans-servant/) - Our reading today focuses upon the theme of relationships between fellow believers. The prevailing thought is the Lordship of Christ, which is mentioned implicitly, vv. 4 and 7, and explicitly, vv. 6, 8, 9. Paul clearly shows that there are brethren who have certain scruples that those of greater understanding and Christian experience have discarded. - [The powers that be are ordained of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-powers-that-be-are-ordained-of-god/) - In this chapter Paul asks every believer to consider his responsibility to the structures within society rather than, as in chapter 12, to individuals within that society. The Principle stated, vv. 1, 2: subjection. Rome was given its power in the will of God, for only God can establish or overthrow kingdoms. Therefore, the believer - [Your reasonable service](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/your-reasonable-service/) - This chapter commences the section of the book that is intensely practical. It takes the truth taught in chapters 1 to 8 as the basis for a life of sacrifice and devotion. One of its keywords is service, vv. 1, 7 (ministry), and verse 11. It is important to see chapter 12 against the background - [The wisdom and knowledge of God!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-wisdom-and-knowledge-of-god/) - It is worth examining these verses for what they tell us of God. We are told of the goodness of God, v. 22, seen in the blessings enjoyed by the believer. Verse 22 also tells us of the severity of God: He is unbending and will not compromise His principles; unbelief will be judged wherever - [Hath God cast away his people? God forbid](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hath-god-cast-away-his-people-god-forbid/) - This chapter concludes the section that has considered the setting aside of Israel. In it Paul seeks to show that there is a remnant, a spiritual Israel, and that they will be restored through the grace of God. In the simplest response to the question that forms the title to this meditation, Paul points to - [A zeal of God, but not according to knowledge](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-zeal-of-god-but-not-according-to-knowledge/) - Turning from the nation of Israel in the past, and their having been favoured as a matter of divine sovereignty, the apostle now thinks of that nation in the present in connection with the subject of divine righteousness. As Paul writes he is mindful that though Israel had a zeal for God it was ‘not - [My kinsmen according to the flesh](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-kinsmen-according-to-the-flesh/) - Chapter 9 begins a new section of the epistle. The apostle now deals with questions arising with regard to the status of the nation of Israel, and God’s dealings with that nation as a result of the gospel offer being made to Gentiles as well as Jews. Will God renege on His gifts and calling - [If God be for us, who can be against us?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-god-be-for-us-who-can-be-against-us/) - The reference in verse 17 to being ‘glorified together’ and in verse 18 to ‘the glory which shall be revealed in us’ leads the apostle to think of that which lies ahead. The gospel brings us from guilt, by grace, to glory. Creation itself will share in the glorious future. At present it groans and - [Free from the law of sin and death](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/free-from-the-law-of-sin-and-death/) - The effect of Adam’s one offence, Rom. 5. 19, was that all in his race were threatened with eternal condemnation. But in Christ Jesus that threat is gloriously lifted in its entirety, and for ever. The person who is in Christ, who characteristically lives his life after the Spirit, has by the law of the - [O wretched man that I am!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/o-wretched-man-that-i-am/) - A lot of confusion has surrounded the proper understanding of this chapter, and it has to be said that it is not the easiest. A couple of basic things might help us. Firstly, we should distinguish it from Galatians chapter 5. There the conflict is in the believer and is between the Spirit and the - [Servants of righteousness](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/servants-of-righteousness/) - In answer to the question raised in verse 1, ‘Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?’, the apostle brought before us the fact that we have actually been delivered from sin by our identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. Here, in verse 15, another question is raised, but in answering it - [Newness of life](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/newness-of-life/) - The apostle now anticipates that some objectors to what he has just taught will suggest that because grace super-abounds where sin abounds recipients of that grace might well continue in sin, for to do so would magnify grace. Such things are still suggested by many who insist that salvation is by works, and not by - [Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/where-sin-abounded-grace-did-much-more-abound/) - The first verse of our passage marks a turning point in this first section of Romans. Up to this point there has been an emphasis on guilt because of sins, and of God’s answer founded upon the blood of Christ. The emphasis from now until the end of chapter 8 is more on what we - [Justified by faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/justified-by-faith/) - The narrative of Abraham’s faith and the fact that it was imputed unto him for righteousness was written so that we might have the same kind of faith as he did, and similarly know what it is to be reckoned righteous. As Abraham believed the God of resurrection, so do those who believe ‘on him - [Faith is counted for righteousness](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/faith-is-counted-for-righteousness/) - In chapters 1 to 3 it has been established that man stands in need of righteousness and that he cannot provide it for himself. The glory of the gospel is seen in that God has provided that which man needs and has done so freely. In the first chapter we learn that a righteousness from - [There is none that doeth good, no, not one](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-is-none-that-doeth-good-no-not-one/) - God’s verdict on mankind is written in stark terms. Both Jew and Gentile are proved to be ‘all under sin’, v. 9, and the whole world has ‘become guilty before God’, v. 19. There is ‘none righteous’, ‘none that understandeth’, ‘none that seeketh after God’, ‘none that doeth good’. Indeed, their throat, their tongues, their - [Thou art inexcusable, O man](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-inexcusable-o-man/) - The next witness to man’s inexcusable guilt before God is conscience. There were those who did not have the law of God as the nation of Israel had it, ‘written with the finger of God’ on tables of stone, Exod. 31. 18. Nevertheless, they had shown ‘the work of the law written in their hearts’, - [God gave them up](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-gave-them-up/) - From this point until chapter 3 verse 19 the apostle brings forward three main witnesses ‘that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God’. He looks back to world history before Calvary and sees that man’s need of a righteousness from God is demonstrated by the fact that man - [The gospel of God . . . concerning his Son](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-gospel-of-god-concerning-his-son/) - At the beginning of the first chapter of Romans and at the end of the last chapter reference is made to the fact that the gospel is made known to all nations for ‘the obedience of faith’. These two references stand, as it were, as two great columns on which the whole tapestry of the - [So we went toward Rome](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-we-went-toward-rome/) - Not long after they arrive on shore there is a further attack of the enemy: a viper comes out of the heat of the fire and strikes Paul on the hand. Over these past few chapters we have seen so many attacks on Paul’s life, as the enemy would seek to thwart God’s purpose. It - [They escaped all safe to land](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-escaped-all-safe-to-land/) - Faith trusts despite the storm. The fourteenth night had come and still there was no prospect of salvation. Yet, whilst it is clear that the others on board did not have the confidence that Paul had he continued to rest upon the promise of God. We notice the cowardly actions of the shipmen who sought - [There shall be no loss of any man’s life](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-shall-be-no-loss-of-any-mans-life/) - When the time came for Paul to be sent to Italy, Luke went with him - note the ‘we’ in verse 1. It is not certain how many of his companions went with him, although Aristarchus is mentioned by name, v. 2. This must have been of great comfort to Paul as he took his - [This thing was not done in a corner](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-thing-was-not-done-in-a-corner/) - Paul goes into more detail here regarding his previous manner of life than anywhere else, leaving his hearers in no doubt as to the dramatic nature of the transformation that took place. We see the grace of God in all its glory as it is extended to a man who was so diametrically opposed to - [Thou art permitted to speak for thyself](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-permitted-to-speak-for-thyself/) - What a scene is depicted for us at the beginning of our passage! Agrippa and his sister, Bernice, arrive with great ceremony and the great and the good of Caesarea are all gathered together. Festus explains his predicament to them: Paul has appealed to Caesar and yet there are no legitimate crimes that can be - [I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-stand-at-caesars-judgment-seat/) - Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus, an altogether different character. Whereas Felix had been susceptible to bribes and flattery, Festus appears to have been confident in his authority and concerned with doing things properly. Thus, he does not accede to their request to bring Paul up to Jerusalem but exercises that authority in making the Jews - [When I have a convenient season](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/when-i-have-a-convenient-season/) - Over the next three chapters Paul has the opportunity to bring the gospel to three high-profile individuals: Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. Each of them represents a different but equally tragic response to the gospel message. None of them, as far as we know, made the vital decision to bow to the Lordship of Christ. - [Nothing laid to his charge worthy of death](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/nothing-laid-to-his-charge-worthy-of-death/) - Hard on the heels of the Lord’s promise to Paul comes another attempt on his life. We are reminded that the enemy is constantly active in trying to thwart the purposes of God. In this instance he has more than forty willing accomplices. Like Paul in unconverted days, they are fanatical in their opposition to - [The Lord stood by him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-stood-by-him/) - The Jews’ response is to hear him up to this point but no further. In Luke chapter 4 it was the Lord’s reference to God’s gracious dealings with Gentiles that provoked the people to try to cast Him over the brow of the hill. So, too, here it is the divine commission to the Gentiles - [Thou shalt be his witness unto all men](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-shalt-be-his-witness-unto-all-men/) - So, Paul starts his defence before the people. How does he do it?Does he justify himself? Does he protest his innocence? Does he harangue them for making unfounded accusations? No! He tells his testimony. It must have been an amazing event to witness. Luke records that there was a ‘great silence’, 21. 40, and then - [Bound with two chains](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/bound-with-two-chains/) - It must have been wonderful to hear Paul’s detailed account of his missionary journeys, of which we only have a small part recorded for us. It is no wonder that those who heard it ‘glorified the Lord’, v. 20. Notice what Paul declares: it is ‘what things God had wrought’, v. 19 - Paul ascribes - [I am ready not to be bound only](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-ready-not-to-be-bound-only/) - The journey continues in this section, taking Paul and those with him from Miletus to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Tyre, they ‘found’, or better, ‘sought out and found’ the believers. This was not a chance encounter but a deliberate seeking out. Surely this is what we should do if we travel anywhere. As a - [All the counsel of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-the-counsel-of-god/) - This section gives a number of insights: firstly, into the experience of the apostle Paul; secondly, into the role and function of elders in an assembly. Note regarding elders that: (1) there is a plurality of them and that they are a distinct and recognized group within the assembly, v. 17; (2) they are to - [The disciples came together to break bread](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-disciples-came-together-to-break-bread/) - Much is passed over in the first three verses of this chapter. However, once again we see Paul engaged in a ministry of ‘much exhortation’, v. 2, and facing renewed opposition from the Jews, v. 3. The dangers and trials of this particular stage of his journeys are passed over. Having sent on ahead certain - [Great is Diana of the Ephesians](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-is-diana-of-the-ephesians/) - Once again in this passage we see that where the word of God grows mightily, v. 20, the enemy is also active. Here the opposition is not primarily religious nor theological, but financial. The phrases ‘no small gain’, v. 24, and ‘wealth’, v. 25, show how much was at stake for Demetrius and his colleagues. - [All they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-they-which-dwelt-in-asia-heard-the-word-of-the-lord/) - The case of Apollos and the ‘certain disciples’ in Ephesus brings before us believers who were acting in accordance with the light that they had received, but whose appreciation of divine truth was defective. It may be asked how they had missed Christ? How had Apollos come under the influence of John’s preaching, yet had - [I have much people in this city](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-much-people-in-this-city/) - Corinth was a distinguished place for it was the principal city in Achaia with a large population. It was located on a major trade route and hosted the Isthmian Games. The city was also divided religiously, for within its boundary there was a Jewish synagogue and several heathen temples. As might be expected from a - [His spirit was stirred in him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-spirit-was-stirred-in-him/) - Whilst waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him at Athens, Paul did not spend his time admiring the grandeur of the heathen temples. Instead, he saw the spiritual blindness that engulfed the city and ‘his spirit was stirred in him’, v. 16. Athens was the cultural centre of the world; its citizens spent their - [They received the word with all readiness of mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-received-the-word-with-all-readiness-of-mind/) - A study of Paul’s missionary journeys will show that he was not haphazard in his evangelistic work, but he operated very strategically. On leaving Philippi the apostle, together with Silas, continued his journey westward passing through a couple of cities en route to Thessalonica. His aim was to reach this thriving metropolis, located on a - [Sirs, what must I do to be saved?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sirs-what-must-i-do-to-be-saved/) - Immediately prior to His ascension the Lord Jesus gave His disciples a commission in which He stipulated that the gospel was to be preached everywhere, ‘Go into all the world’, and to everyone, ‘to every creature’, Mark 16. 15 NKJV. No one and nowhere was to be exempt; racial and social barriers were to be - [So were the churches established](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/so-were-the-churches-established/) - Although the issues are very different, it is sad to observe that chapter 15 ends on a similar note to where it began, for it closes with division. Who would have imagined that two brethren who had preached and taught together, and who had laboured and suffered together for many years would fall out to - [No greater burden than these necessary things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-greater-burden-than-these-necessary-things/) - Whilst the conference in Jerusalem was confined to the apostles and elders, they did not communicate their decision back to Antioch until they had discussed it with the whole church. This is an important point and one that should be followed in all assemblies. There will be occasions when elders will be privy to information - [No small dissension](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-small-dissension/) - The most pernicious form of wrong doctrine is that which has a semblance of truth about it; teaching which appears to be based on the word of God but is really a misappropriation of the scriptures. This doctrinal corruption is even more plausible if the teachers come from somewhere generally accepted as being important or - [The work which they fulfilled](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-work-which-they-fulfilled/) - The events recorded in this chapter bring to a conclusion Paul’s first missionary journey. In respect of distance covered and the time taken this was the shortest of his three missions, but valuable lessons can be learned from the example of the man who said on one occasion, ‘Be ye followers of me’, 1 Cor. - [Lo, we turn to the Gentiles](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lo-we-turn-to-the-gentiles/) - Having set out from Antioch, Paul and Barnabas arrive at a town of identical name located in modern-day Turkey. Antioch in Pisidia was a Roman colony containing a synagogue for the Jewish inhabitants who had been brought there by the Romans. It also boasted a temple dedicated to Augustus and this became the focal point - [Sent forth by the Holy Ghost](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sent-forth-by-the-holy-ghost/) - Right at the start of this book, Luke presents to us the divine plan for the propagation of the gospel. Just as He was about to leave this world and return to heaven the Lord said to the disciples, ‘You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be - [It is his angel](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-his-angel/) - The opening words of the chapter place this remarkable incident in the life of Peter within a particular time setting. In order to appreciate that setting we need to review what has happened in the previous chapter. The first Gentile has been converted, the message of Christ has radiated out from Jerusalem, and a spiritually - [Called Christians first in Antioch](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/called-christians-first-in-antioch/) - Satan’s objective in persecuting the church in Jerusalem was to eradicate Christianity at its outset, and one of his principal agents was Saul of Tarsus. It was Saul who stood and watched as the stones battered Stephen’s body to death. It was the same young man who ‘made havoc of the church, entering every house, - [The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-holy-ghost-fell-on-them-as-on-us/) - The eleventh chapter of Acts is a pivotal point in Luke’s narrative of the early days of Christianity because it introduces a sea change of emphasis. Up to this point the primary location has been Jerusalem and the principal character has been Peter. From now on, the geographical focus broadens out to encompass many areas - [Thy prayer is heard](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-prayer-is-heard/) - We noted in yesterday’s meditation that God was preparing Peter for the event to be considered in today’s reading. What he failed to grasp at the time of his trance in the house of Simon the tanner a couple of days earlier was going to become very apparent to him, as events unfolded in the - [Then had the churches rest](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/then-had-the-churches-rest/) - The dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus not only affected him personally but also it had an immediate impact on the circumstances of God’s people over a wide geographical area. The once ‘exceedingly mad’ persecutor, who compelled many of the saints to blaspheme, now shunned his former companions and sought to join himself to the - [Brother Saul](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/brother-saul/) - These words from Ananias must have been reassuring to Saul who needed to be affirmed in his new found faith, v. 17. This infuriated zealot who had been breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord had been instantaneously translated into the kingdom of light, Col. 1. 13, and that in dramatic - [Go unto Gaza, which is desert](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/go-unto-gaza-which-is-desert/) - The widespread persecution at the hand of Saul seemed to be devastating to the infant church. Believers were imprisoned as the level of persecution was intensified. The vicious fury gave furtherance to the gospel as its seed was sown farther afield: the disciples went everywhere preaching the word. The church’s trial of faith which occurred - [A young man . . . whose name was Saul](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-young-man-whose-name-was-saul/) - Stephen’s sermon achieved its desired effect upon his hearers - conviction from God’s word. He had reminded them that, as Israel’s past fathers were self-willed and stiff-necked, so they were, 7. 51. It would be up to them whether they would repent and believe, or resist and turn from the offer of life and peace. - [Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/men-brethren-and-fathers-hearken/) - Stephen’s prompt response must have surely caught the attention of the high priest who had asked the question, ‘Are these things so?’ v. 1. The false witnesses who were suborned to bring a false report against Stephen charged him with speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God, and against the holy place and the law, - [Men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/men-of-honest-report-full-of-the-holy-ghost/) - What a standard for all of God’s people - honesty, and filled with the Spirit. These traits are indicative of those ‘who have renounced the hidden things of shame’, 2 Cor. 4. 2 NKJV,and who ‘provide things honest in the sight of all men’, Rom. 12. 17. It is worthy of the One who said, - [Ye heave filled Jerusalem with your doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-heave-filled-jerusalem-with-your-doctrine/) - Despite the intimidation received by the authorities, the apostles continued their steadfast testimony regarding the things which they had both seen and heard, 4. 20. Often, the greater the persecution, the greater the power as we are cast upon the Lord. The boldness they had prayed for, v. 29, was indeed granted, bringing about a - [Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-hast-not-lied-unto-men-but-unto-god/) - This portion shows how the early church was characterized by rapid growth, corporate unity, and loving concern for one another. The efforts of the Jews to quash this new movement which boldly claimed that its leader, Jesus of Nazareth, had risen from the dead, were thwarted. They met an impasse as the disciples were emboldened - [They had been with Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-had-been-with-jesus/) - Proof of the power of Peter and John’s ministry for the Lord was irrefutable. Before the liberal but highly influential Sanhedrin stood a man who had been lame. His jubilant and emotional outburst had been seen by everyone. After all, he had been released from his personal prison of forty years through their words, and - [Walking, and leaping, and praising God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walking-and-leaping-and-praising-god/) - In this episode in the ministry of the apostles, it has been pointed out that the lame man in this chapter, after asking for alms, got legs instead. Indeed, he did! He was surprised by joy and his spiritual enlightenment and the abounding joy serve as a prototype of every conversion to Christ. It reminds - [Men and brethren, what shall we do?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/men-and-brethren-what-shall-we-do/) - Today’s question is typical of those who have been cut to the heart through Spirit-empowered, convicting ministry. Peter, the same man who wavered before a young maid outside Pilate’s judgement hall is seen here truly living up to his name. He is inflamed with power from on high, the power the Lord promised once the - [By the right hand of God exalted](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/by-the-right-hand-of-god-exalted/) - Peter’s sermon bore abundant testimony to the accuracy of the prophetic scriptures. In it he cites the prophet Joel and King David; the former originated during the period of the divided kingdom, the latter, when the kingdom was united. One dealt with the restoration by the Spirit poured out upon all flesh, the other the - [Ye shall be witnesses unto me](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-shall-be-witnesses-unto-me/) - The Lord’s words to His disciples came on the heels of their question, ‘Lord wilt thou restore again at this time the kingdom to Israel?’ v. 6. They understood that literal promises had been made to Abraham and to David through the Old Testament prophets who spoke of the future restoration and glory of God’s - [Lord, thou knowest all things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-thou-knowest-all-things/) - This response by Peter to the Lord’s thrice-repeated question, ‘Lovest thou me?’ reflected a reluctance in this once-confident and outspoken leader of the apostles. Unlike previously, he was now hesitant to enthusiastically declare his undying devotion, in the light of his recent failures. His perfunctory response seemed to dutifully acknowledge the implications of the question. - [Woman, why weepest thou?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/woman-why-weepest-thou/) - This question asked twice of Mary, vv. 13, 15, underscored the great load of sorrow and grief that weighed upon this devoted but forlorn follower of the Lord. Sadly, she had come to the tomb to acknowledge the events that had occurred three days earlier. But to her surprise, when she arrived she found the - [He bearing his cross went forth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-bearing-his-cross-went-forth/) - Recorded here is the fulfilment of the task for which our Lord was sent - to do His Father’s will and to finish His work, John 4. 34. It is ironic that the perfect Man went forth bearing His cross to take away our sin! But by doing so, He was responding to the voice - [Behold the man!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-the-man/) - Due to Roman law at the time, the Jewish leaders did not have jurisdiction to put anyone to death. Later, that right would be given back to them, Acts 7. 57-60, but for now they would have to bring the matter before Pilate, the Roman governor. We can see the wisdom of God behind the - [Over the brook Cedron](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/over-the-brook-cedron/) - The Brook Cedron had been the place of many memorable events. In particular it was where King David was betrayed, 2 Sam. 15. 23, when he was forced out of the city by his son Absalom. Now another King was about to cross that same brook, and He too would be betrayed and thrust out - [That they all may be one](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/that-they-all-may-be-one/) - This chapter has often been referred to as the High Priestly prayer of the Lord Jesus. His time of teaching was finished. He had been speaking to His disciples about the Father; now He turns and speaks to the Father about His disciples. The chapter can be divided into three: His prayer for Himself, vv. - [Your sorrow shall be turned into joy](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/your-sorrow-shall-be-turned-into-joy/) - This chapter marks the end of Christ’s teaching to the Eleven. How then would He conclude His teachings and what final lessons would He impress upon them? The first lesson in this section, vv. 12-15, is a further elaboration on the future work of the Holy Spirit once the Lord had ascended back to heaven. - [I have chosen you out of the world](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-chosen-you-out-of-the-world/) - In the preceding sections the Lord Jesus has been telling His disciples about the provisions that would be made for their preservation and growth in His absence. At first sight, it appears that success is almost guaranteed. The great problem, of course, as the Lord Jesus goes on to explain in these verses, is the - [Fruit . . . more fruit . . . much fruit](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/fruit-more-fruit-much-fruit/) - God’s master plan for witness in this world did not end at the return of His Son to heaven! In fact, His going away would actually enhance this worldwide witness. Instead of being constrained to one geographical area, the Lord could now direct His servants to reach every part of the globe. The key to - [Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/stir-up-the-gift-of-god-which-is-in-thee-2/) - This Epistle, written from prison in Rome, is thought to be the last by the apostle Paul. The recipient is his dearly beloved son Timothy. In this opening chapter Paul is writing out of a keenly felt sense of loss: loss of his freedom which, for a little while, had been so sweet; loss of - [Look not every man on his own things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/look-not-every-man-on-his-own-things/) - We live in a selfish age. The ‘me first’ culture dominates the godless world around us. Yet this letter shows that authentic Christian living both (1) has Christ as its centre and passion, and (2) places the needs of others ahead of our own, 2. 3. Thus, Paul’s concern for the spiritual welfare of the - [By grace are ye saved through faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/by-grace-are-ye-saved-through-faith/) - ‘For this cause’, v. 15 RV, i. e., in view of the mighty truths already unfolded, Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and illumination for his readers. His prayer is marked by thanksgiving, intercession, and reverence, recognizing their faith, love, and progress. It is full of the majesty, glory, and power of God exercised for the - [I will not leave you comfortless](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-not-leave-you-comfortless/) - As the disciples listened to the Lord’s promise of His going to prepare a place for them in the Father’s house and then His returning for them at His coming, they must have wondered how they would survive in the intervening period without Him. For three-and-a-half years the Lord had provided for them, taught them, - [Rise, Peter; kill, and eat](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rise-peter-kill-and-eat-2/) - The prospect of Gentiles being blessed by God was a fact with which Peter, and all the apostles, would have been very familiar for reference is made to it throughout the Old Testament. Even at the time Jehovah promised to make of Abram a great nation He said, ‘I will bless those who bless you, - [If I go . . . I will come again](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-i-go-i-will-come-again/) - If the ultimate goal in the ministry of the Lord Jesus was to bring these men to the Father, then humanly speaking His tactics seemed destined to fail. Most political leaders usually gain loyalty from their subjects by flexing their military muscles and perpetuating a sense of fear amongst the people. The Lord Jesus’ tactics - [I have given you an example](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-given-you-an-example/) - Before the Lord Jesus began His final teachings to His disciples He left them an example that they would never forget. On the surface it was an act of lowliness and humility that would remind them of the One who came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give His life a - [Yet they believed not on him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/yet-they-believed-not-on-him/) - This chapter marks the culmination of the first half of John’s Gospel. So far John has been selecting material to demonstrate the veracity of the claims of Christ as the Son of God. Whether it was His words, His works, the Father’s witness, or the witness of those that met Him, they all attested to - [Sir, we would see Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sir-we-would-see-jesus/) - In this section, John is interested in showing us the nature of true and false devotion to the Lord Jesus, and what it really means to serve and follow Him. The most obvious contrast stands between Mary and Judas. From the outside it might have appeared that both were followers of the Lord Jesus, but - [He that was dead came forth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-that-was-dead-came-forth/) - The restoration of Lazarus to life sent shock waves through the many inhabitants of Judea. Here was a miracle that undoubtedly proved the Messianic claims of the Lord Jesus. It would bolster the faith of His disciples in the face of His imminent death, and at the same time send such fear into the hearts - [Our friend Lazarus sleepeth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/our-friend-lazarus-sleepeth/) - So often when trials and tragedy come our way we are inclined to wonder why. We cannot understand why the Lord seems to delay in coming to our need, and what the purpose of the suffering is. In the raising of Lazarus John gives us a vivid answer to these perplexing questions. Due to the - [My sheep hear my voice](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-sheep-hear-my-voice/) - In chapter 9, one of the key characteristics of believers is that they can see, and in particular they can see who the Lord Jesus is. In this section we will find that true believers can also hear,and as a result they follow Him. These two spiritual faculties are key components of eternal life which - [Lord, I believe](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-i-believe/) - No doubt we have all at some time told an unbeliever that in order to be saved they must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. But what specifically does someone have to believe in order to be saved? Throughout this chapter the key point of controversy surrounds the identity of the Lord Jesus. It is - [How were thine eyes opened?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-were-thine-eyes-opened/) - In this Gospel John aims to give his readers credible evidence to the claim that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and to invite them to believe in Him. Evidence is drawn from three different sources: the miracles He did, the words He spoke, and the testimony of witnesses who knew Him. He has - [I proceeded forth and came from God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-proceeded-forth-and-came-from-god/) - It cannot be denied that the Lord Jesus made the most astounding claims. In this section of John’s Gospel it all comes to a grand climax when the incensed Jewish crowd pick up stones to stone Him, v. 59. What caused their anger? Just consider some of the clear self-disclosures Christ made in the face - [Neither do I condemn thee](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/neither-do-i-condemn-thee/) - The primary thrust of the first coming of the Lord Jesus to this earth was to provide undeserved blessing for men. That is why He went about doing good, healing, and proclaiming pardon for sinners, for ‘God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might - [There was a division among the people](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-was-a-division-among-the-people/) - The Lord Jesus divided and continues to divide people by His words. In this section He uttered two cryptic predictions which found their historical fulfilment in the Acts, demonstrating that He was everything He claimed to be. Firstly, He announced His ascension, ‘I go unto him that sent me’, v. 33. The One who had - [His hour was not yet come](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-hour-was-not-yet-come/) - Today’s passage is framed by time: ‘my time is not yet come’, v. 6, and ‘his hour was not yet come’, v. 30. In a Gospel packed with evidences (supernatural knowledge, sign miracles, fulfilment of scripture), His unfailing movement according to an eternal divine timetable is yet another testimony to the deity of Christ. Of - [I am that bread of life](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-that-bread-of-life/) - One of the great lessons of John is that the Lord Jesus is not only the divine provider of blessing but is Himself the very provision man needs. He is the Giver and the Gift, both God’s final Messenger and God’s final Message. In the discourse that followed the miracle of the multiplied bread and - [I came down from heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-came-down-from-heaven/) - In the expectation of further material benefits a miracle-hungry multitude pursued the Lord Jesus to the other side of Galilee. There the Lord exposed their carnal motivation, ‘Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled’, v. 26. His comment makes the paradoxical point - [He himself knew what he would do](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-himself-knew-what-he-would-do/) - The miracle of the loaves and fishes, the only one recorded in all four Gospels, marks a turning point in John’s narrative, as a simple comparison between verses 2 and 66 demonstrates. From now onwards public opposition to the Saviour’s ministry would increase. This specific sign identified the Lord Jesus as Israel’s Messiah, the promised - [The Father himself . . . hath borne witness](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-father-himself-hath-borne-witness/) - The Lord Jesus here made the most astonishing claims. Prefacing His words with a solemn, ‘Verily, verily’, v. 19, He asserted first of all that unity of action characterized Father and Son. That is to say, everything the Father does the Son does. ‘Though Man, He was so wholly and perfectly and altogether in the - [Thou art made whole: sin no more](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-made-whole-sin-no-more/) - The miracle at the Pool of Bethesda is a memorable illustration of man’s problem and God’s provision. The problem is graphically spelled out in that ‘great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered’, v. 3. Here were people marked by the absence of all that makes for real and healthy life. They were without - [Go thy way; thy son liveth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/go-thy-way-thy-son-liveth/) - This stunning second sign miracle testifies to the Lord’s sovereign ability to cure without attendance, without examination, without medicine, and without convalescence. Equally importantly, it records the growth of faith in a man who encountered the Saviour. John’s is particularly the Gospel of personal interviews and conversations, with the Lord Jesus ministering to the needs - [Come, see a man](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/come-see-a-man/) - But of course the Lord Jesus was so much more than ‘a man’. The Samaritan woman received a personal lesson in Christology and witness so that, having come into the blessing of knowing the Lord Jesus, she might tell others, v. 29. What did she learn about Him? His sovereignty was demonstrated in His choice - [He must increase, but I must decrease](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-must-increase-but-i-must-decrease/) - The overlapping ministry of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ meant that there was a brief period in Israel’s history when both were baptizing simultaneously. Not surprisingly, some of John’s disciples, concerned for the declining popularity of their master, raised the matter. John thus faced a serious test, vv. 22-26. Would he be - [How can a man be born when he is old?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-can-a-man-be-born-when-he-is-old/) - Israel’s great Bible expositor was stumped! He just could not make sense of what this new ‘teacher come from God’, v. 2, was saying about the entrance requirements for the coming kingdom. Of course Nicodemus knew all about the great kingdom promised Israel under the terms of the Davidic covenant, 2 Sam. 7. 12-16, and - [This beginning of miracles](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-beginning-of-miracles/) - The Saviour’s first recorded sign miracle is memorable for several reasons. For a start, it was low key. It had none of the razzmatazz of the arena; the Son of God did not hire a stadium for a healing campaign or blitz the area with glossy self-promoting posters. Indeed, the setting was the insignificant and - [Rabbi, ( . . . Master), where dwellest thou?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rabbi-master-where-dwellest-thou/) - John records the events of four consecutive days to help us grasp the supremacy of Christ. On Day One, vv. 19-28, John the Baptist faced challenges as to his own person and ministry. His progressively crisper negatives indicate that he had no wish to speak about himself at all. Rather, his desire was to exalt - [The Word was made flesh](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-word-was-made-flesh/) - John’s Gospel begins with neither salvation nor prophetic fulfilment but with the Word in all His divine excellence. About this grand Person John teaches seven great lessons. Firstly, His eternal reality: ‘In the beginning was the Word’, v. 1. He was always ‘from everlasting’, Mic. 5. 2, ‘before the world was’, John 17. 5, 24. - [Then opened he their understanding](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/then-opened-he-their-understanding/) - In this wonderful passage three things are opened: ‘he opened . . . the scriptures’, v. 32, ‘their eyes were opened’, v. 31, and ‘then opened he their understanding’, v. 45. These openings prefigure the ministry of the resurrected Christ through the Holy Spirit. Luke begins and ends his Gospel with a journey from Jerusalem. - [The good shepherd](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/good-shepherd/) - In the Old Testament, God through the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel announced severe judgements on the Jewish leaders, whom He accused of being false shepherds. They had misled the people of God and caused them to worship idols. But amidst those dark days He gave them the promise of the coming of a faithful Shepherd - [Ask, and it shall be given you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ask-and-it-shall-be-given-you-2/) - Showing hospitality was such a key part of society in the time of our Lord that His illustration about travellers arriving after midnight would have been most familiar to His hearers. People often travelled at night, in the cool of the darkness. Regardless of what time they arrived, there was a huge onus on the - [A sepulchre . . . wherein never man before was laid](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-sepulchre-wherein-never-man-before-was-laid/) - The focus now shifts from the cross to the sepulchre. Both are essential for our salvation, Rom. 4. 25, and Paul emphasizes the fact ‘that he was buried’, 1 Cor. 15. 4. The burial of Christ underlines the reality of His death, and is the platform for His glorious resurrection. Luke earlier emphasized the virgin - [Father, forgive them](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/father-forgive-them/) - Luke records the first and last of the sayings of the Lord from the cross. Both are prayers addressed to the Father, vv. 34, 46. Verse 34 commences with the poignant word, ‘then’. It was at the very moment when man’s cruelty reached its zenith - the moment of crucifixion - that the Lord breathed - [I find no fault in this man](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-find-no-fault-in-this-man/) - While emphasizing the true manhood of the Lord Jesus,Luke in his Gospel is at pains to assure us that the Lord’s humanity is holy humanity. In this passage he calls three witnesses to testify to the faultless Man. Each witness has his own reason for testifying, and this is the subject of our meditation today. - [Not my will, but thine, be done](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/not-my-will-but-thine-be-done/) - We cannot read these words without reflecting on the deliberate self-will of the first man in another garden. When our blessed Lord breathed ‘not my will’, v. 42, we understand of course that His will was not opposed to the Father’s. Rather His prayer reveals to us His holy dread at the thought of what - [Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-the-hand-of-him-that-betrayeth-me/) - In revealing the treachery of Judas the Lord speaks of his hand, v. 21; elsewhere He speaks of his heel, John 13. 18. The hand reminds us of his treacherous deeds; the heel of his total disdain for the Saviour. The actions of Judas give rise to three contrasts. Firstly, his planning and preparation contrast - [These be the days of vengeance](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/these-be-the-days-of-vengeance/) - Often, our ideas of vengeance include elements of vindictiveness or spite. Nothing could be further from the truth when we consider divine vengeance. According to VINE’s Dictionary of New Testament Words, the word ‘vengeance’ means ‘that which proceeds out of justice’. It denotes measured judgement flowing from impartial justice. It must have astonished the disciples - [Why tempt ye me?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/why-tempt-ye-me/) - Today’s reading focuses on the futile attempts of scribe and Sadducee to trip up the Lord Jesus in His teaching. The scribes brought a seemingly unanswerable political question; should they give tribute to Caesar? To answer ‘Yes’ would alienate the masses who hated paying tribute; to answer ‘No’ would expose the Lord to the charge - [By what authority doest thou these things?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/by-what-authority-doest-thou-these-things/) - In questioning the Lord’s authority, the chief priests and scribes were not genuinely seeking instruction; rather they attempted to undermine the Lord’s teaching, Luke 19. 47. In response the Lord questions them about the ministry of His forerunner, John, and tells a parable to illustrate His own authority and the consequences of rejecting Him. The - [The Lord hath need of him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-hath-need-of-him/) - The entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on an unbroken colt was an accurate fulfilment of a prophecy, Zech. 9. 9, and a dramatic foreshadowing of a future reality. The procession began, significantly, at the Mount of Olives. From this spot the Lord will one day enter Jerusalem as the King, Zech. 14. 4, and - [Occupy till I come](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/occupy-till-i-come/) - This is a tale of two cities: Jericho - the city of the curse, v. 1, and Jerusalem - the city of the King, v. 11. The people expected the Lord to head to Jerusalem and immediately set up His kingdom, and this is the key to the parable which forms the main part of - [What shall I do to inherit eternal life?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-shall-i-do-to-inherit-eternal-life/) - The Lord’s treatment of individuals in this passage stood convention on its head. He completely overturned the prejudices and ideas of the time and society in which He lived. Firstly, children were received by the Lord, vv. 15-17. His disciples rebuked those who brought the children; they thought children were not important enough to secure - [As it was . . . so shall it be](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-it-was-so-shall-it-be/) - The Lord addresses the Pharisees, vv. 20, 21, and the disciples, vv. 22-37, on the subject of the coming kingdom of God. In response to the Pharisees’ demands concerning timing, the Lord directs them to the kingdom’s present moral dimension. They were interested in the externalities of the kingdom. The Lord reminds them that the - [Increase our faith](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/increase-our-faith/) - The disciples were often rebuked for having ‘little faith’. In today’s reading the lack is acutely felt by the disciples themselves. What aroused this desire for greater spiritual power and capacity? The Lord had raised the subject of causing offence, vv. 1, 2, and dispensing forgiveness, vv. 3, 4. Possibly no other subject has caused - [How much owest thou?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-much-owest-thou/) - This chapter begins with a parable and ends with an anecdote - both of which concern ‘a certain rich man’. The parable of the unjust steward, vv. 1-8, is followed by application, vv. 9-13. The condemnation of the covetous Pharisees, vv. 14-18, is followed by illustration, vv. 19-31. We must not think that the Lord - [When he was yet a great way off](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/when-he-was-yet-a-great-way-off/) - It is remarkable that the parable of the two sons, which initially was told in response to the Pharisees’ self-righteous attitude against our Lord, judging Him for being so approachable to the unworthy, has become known as ‘the Parable of the Prodigal Son’, rather than ‘the Parable of the Petulant Son’. The parable is, of - [This man receiveth sinners](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-man-receiveth-sinners/) - Our Lord was unlike any other ‘Rabbi’ of his day. His knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures was different from theirs, even at the age of twelve when He astounded men with His understanding. ‘How is it that this man has learning, never having studied [at one of our schools]?’ they queried. His authority was unlike - [Come; for all things are now ready](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/come-for-all-things-are-now-ready/) - Although Matthew records for us a parable about a wedding supper, Matt. 22. 1-14, Luke gives us a similar parable, told on a separate occasion, highlighting the feebleness of some people’s excuses. One is hardly likely to buy a piece of ground one has not seen, to buy ploughing oxen without first having proved them, - [Are there few that be saved?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/are-there-few-that-be-saved/) - Would the whole nation of Israel be saved, as the Rabbi’s taught? Or would there be few, as it would seem Jesus of Nazareth taught? The question comes to Him and is answered in His usual way. To paraphrase His reply somewhat, ‘It does not matter whether there be few or many that will be - [Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-these-three-years-i-come-seeking-fruit/) - Great care has been taken by the owner of the vineyard to plant a fig tree that would bear fruit; not only has he planted it in a vineyard, a place where there is likely to be fertile soil and much care, but also he causes it to be tended by a gardener and he - [I am come to send fire on the earth](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-come-to-send-fire-on-the-earth/) - There has been much debate about the nature of the fire to which our Lord here alludes. Is it the fire of the judgement of God that will eventually fall on sinners in the end times? He has hardly already kindled that! Is it the fire of persecution that had already begun and will find - [Fear not, little flock](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/fear-not-little-flock/) - Having addressed the crowds in general with His parable of the rich fool, our Lord now turns his attention to His beloved disciples, giving them an indication of the care their Father would show them. They were not to spend time and effort on the things of this life - food, clothing, wealth - as - [Thou fool, this night thy soul](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-fool-this-night-thy-soul/) - It may seem a little strange that a successful businessman, a diligent farmer, one who embodies all the characteristics the Bible commends, such as hard work, thrift, and patience, should be called a fool. The whole tenor of scripture is that men and women ought to work hard, to please God in everything and to - [Woe unto you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/woe-unto-you-2/) - Despite the occasional hospitality shown to the Lord by individual Pharisees, and that not always from the best of motives, our Lord faced determined and harsh opposition from the body of Pharisees as a whole. They resented His popularity with the common people, His ease and authority in teaching, and His refusal to give them - [Who is my neighbour?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-is-my-neighbour/) - Luke now presents a series of parables and incidents in the life of our Lord which none of the other Gospel writers mention. One much-loved parable is this one - about the Good Samaritan. Our Lord faces, yet again, a hostile, or at any rate a leading, question; one which was designed to put Him - [Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rejoice-because-your-names-are-written-in-heaven/) - Our Lord has already sent out the twelve disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. They were sent to Jewish villages and towns. Now he sends out Seventy others, but this time they are sent out to the villages and towns that may very well have had many Gentiles resident. The message, - [He stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-stedfastly-set-his-face-to-go-to-jerusalem/) - The high point of our Lord’s self-revelation has been reached on the top of the mount where He was transfigured before them, and the three disciples caught a startling glimpse of the intrinsic glory that was His but had been veiled from human view. A week earlier Peter had declared their belief in His deity, - [The Son of man must suffer many things](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-son-of-man-must-suffer-many-things/) - In the Gospel of Luke there has been a gradual growth up to this point in the self-revelation of our Lord as the Messiah of God. Now He is going to add another part to His self-revelation, a part astoundingly unexpected; the Son of man is to suffer. But firstly, He draws out of the - [He sent them to preach . . . and to heal](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-sent-them-to-preach-and-to-heal/) - Until now, our Lord has been the One who has taught and healed. Mark tells us He had chosen twelve ‘that they should be with him and that he might send them forth’, Mark 3. 14. Now our Lord makes a significant change by sending out His representatives - here those twelve disciples - to - [Who touched me?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-touched-me/) - In a series of four great miracles, starting with the stilling of the storm, the Spirit of God brings to our attention the Great Physician on the road, and in each vignette we see the compassion of our Lord. In the midst of a howling tempest, with winds and waves crashing over the side of - [The commandments of men](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-commandments-of-men/) - The last book of the Bible has a warning for those who would add to the book or subtract from it, Rev. 22. 18, 19. Mankind has always had the inclination to tinker with divine instructions, right from the day when Eve misquoted God’s original command, Gen. 3. 3. This was never more apparent than - [They did all eat, and were filled](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-did-all-eat-and-were-filled/) - The feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle that is recorded by all four evangelists so it must have great significance. Elisha used twenty loaves to feed a hundred men and that was regarded as miraculous, 2 Kgs. 4. 42-44; how much more the satisfying of such a massive crowd! It is another evidence - [He marvelled because of their unbelief](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-marvelled-because-of-their-unbelief/) - Nazareth was ‘his own country’ just as Capernaum became ‘his own city’, Matt. 9. 1. In incarnation the omnipresent Son of God became linked with specific geographical locations. The people of Nazareth could not fathom that one of their own could possibly be the Messiah even although ‘wisdom’ and ‘works’ were noted, Mark 6. 2, - [Have faith in God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/have-faith-in-god-2/) - Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem suitably climaxed His earthly ministry, which largely consisted of preaching, ‘the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel’, Mark 1. 15. By riding a colt into Jerusalem the Lord Jesus declared Himself to be Israel’s Messiah and invited national recognition. The practical and verbal adulation - [Legion](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/legion/) - Today we ponder two dramatic miracles: the Lord Jesus calming the storm on the lake, and casting out the demons from Legion. In both, He overcomes ferocious forces: physical powers in the first, and spiritual powers in the second. In the first incident, people are rescued from drowning in the lake, v. 23; in the - [Preaching and showing the glad tidings](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/preaching-and-showing-the-glad-tidings/) - Luke begins this section with the news that the Lord was travelling extensively, ‘preaching and shewing the glad tidings’, v. 1. But what about the response to His words? The three paragraphs of today’s reading each give teaching from Him about those who ‘hear’ His words. The first paragraph contains the well-known Parable of the - [Who is this that forgiveth sins also?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/who-is-this-that-forgiveth-sins-also/) - Yesterday’s passage described those who heard the Lord’s words and believed, v. 29. In today’s, the focus is on those who rejected Him,v. 30. We can note some of their characteristics. We observe a refusal of God’s call in whatever form it came, vv. 31-35. John’s message of judgement ought to have produced sorrow because - [God hath visited his people](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-hath-visited-his-people/) - The statement made in verse 16, ‘God hath visited his people’, is certainly borne out by the events in today’s passage. In the healing of the centurion’s servant, vv. 1-10, we see how the Lord can heal a diseased man, without even having to be in the same place. Then He proceeds to raise a - [Love ye your enemies, and do good](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/love-ye-your-enemies-and-do-good/) - In this message, the Lord Jesus shows how different from the standards of the world are the attitudes and actions of those who would seek to follow Him. In verses 20 to 26, we see the blessedness of a godly life. Four times those associated with Him are called ‘blessed’, vv. 20-23, in contrast to - [He chose twelve, whom also he named apostles](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-chose-twelve-whom-also-he-named-apostles/) - In this chapter, Luke focuses on the relationship between the Lord and ‘his disciples’, who are mentioned four times, vv. 1, 13, 17, 20. Today and tomorrow, we will consider: His response to the criticism of the disciples, vv. 1-11; His calling of the disciples, vv. 12-16; Him in the company of the disciples, vv. - [Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/why-do-ye-eat-and-drink-with-publicans-and-sinners/) - In today’s reading, Luke brings before us the difference between what the Lord Jesus came to do, and what the empty religion of the scribes and Pharisees stood for, vv. 21, 30. Firstly, it is seen in His power, vv. 17-26, in the healing of the paralysed man. The religious leaders are indignant that a - [They forsook all, and followed him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-forsook-all-and-followed-him/) - In today’s section, we have two miracles of the Lord, both introduced with the words ‘and it came to pass’, vv. 1, 12. The first is a nature miracle, the second, a healing miracle. Twice we read of people coming to hear Him; this is what led to the first miracle, v. 1, and it - [No prophet is accepted in his own country](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-prophet-is-accepted-in-his-own-country/) - The details of this section are sandwiched between two statements regarding the Lord teaching and preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, vv. 15, 44. Within that general framework, Luke mentions four specific places to which He went. We will consider the differing responses to His presence in each place. Firstly, v. 16, ‘he came to - [Forty days tempted of the devil](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/forty-days-tempted-of-the-devil/) - The Lord’s temptations follow directly from His baptism, 3. 21, 22. He is ‘full of’ the same Holy Spirit who descended upon Him, v. 1. On the other side, doubtless the devil observed the Father’s acknowledgement of Him as His ‘beloved Son’, and was eager to counter with ‘If thou be the Son of God - [The word of God came unto John](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-word-of-god-came-unto-john/) - The Lord is about to step out from obscurity into public service. His fitness for this great work is indicated for us in three ways. Firstly, in the description of His forerunner, vv. 1-20. John the Baptist was a great man. Names are given: the emperor, the governor, the tetrarchs, and the high priests, but - [Mine eyes have seen thy salvation](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/mine-eyes-have-seen-thy-salvation/) - We can compare the two main incidents in today’s passage. In both, Joseph and Mary go up to Jerusalem with Jesus, vv. 22, 42, in order to carry out rituals commanded in the Old Testament, vv. 23, 42. In both cases, the action is in the temple, vv. 27, 46, and the Lord Jesus is - [She brought forth her firstborn son](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/she-brought-forth-her-firstborn-son/) - What a momentous event is recorded in these verses for our consideration today! Mary’s ‘firstborn son’, is also ‘Jesus’, the ‘Saviour, which is Christ the Lord’. Yet He comes in humility, ‘wrapped . . . in swaddling clothes’, and there is an early hint of the rejection that will characterize His life, ‘There was no - [His name is John](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-name-is-john/) - In the first part of today’s reading, the main issue is the matter of what the new-born son of Elisabeth would be called. The community, the mother, and the father all have an input, and we can learn a lesson from each. The general opinion of the relatives and neighbours is that he should be - [Behold the handmaid of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-the-handmaid-of-the-lord/) - As in yesterday’s passage, a godly person receives a visit from Gabriel to be told of the birth of a son. There it was an old long-married man; here it is a young betrothed woman - not of the priestly family, but of the kingly family; not in the august temple in Jerusalem, but in - [I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-gabriel-that-stand-in-the-presence-of-god/) - What an honour was bestowed upon Zacharias! To have the angel who stands in the very presence of God Himself in heaven, v. 19 standing before him here on earth, v. 11 bringing a message of blessing from God to him. What were the characteristics of this man who received such a distinguished visitor? Zacharias - [He is risen; he is not here](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-is-risen-he-is-not-here/) - The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is fundamental to Christianity, for ‘if Christ be not raised, [our] faith is vain; [we] are yet in [our] sins . . . But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept’, 1 Cor. 15. 17, 20. For three days His - [Truly this man was the Son of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/truly-this-man-was-the-son-of-god/) - The centurion had participated in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. He had seen first-hand Christ’s faultless demeanour, ‘Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not’, 1 Pet. 2. 23. The centurion had felt the three hours of darkness during which the Saviour was hid from human eye, and - [Art thou the King of the Jews?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/art-thou-the-king-of-the-jews/) - Four times over in this section the Lord Jesus is called the ‘King of the Jews’. As David’s descendent, He was ‘born King of the Jews’, rightful heir to Israel’s throne, Matt. 1. 1; 2. 2. The angel Gabriel had promised Mary before she conceived that the son whom she would bear would be great - [I know not this man of whom ye speak](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-know-not-this-man-of-whom-ye-speak/) - Peter denied the Lord Jesus in ‘the palace of the high priest’, v. 54. Several factors contributed to his denial. He was physically and emotionally exhausted. The fatigue felt by the disciples was seen in Gethsemane when they repeatedly fell asleep. Peter had also been overly confident in his devotion to the Lord, vehemently declaring, - [My soul is exceeding sorrowful](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-soul-is-exceeding-sorrowful/) - Gethsemane means ‘place of olive presses’. Here, as Calvary loomed, the Lord Jesus felt extreme pressure, His soul being ‘exceeding sorrowful unto death’, v. 34. This pressure was so intense that ‘there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as - [She hath done what she could](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/she-hath-done-what-she-could/) - True worship is costly. Mary demonstrated this when she came ‘having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head’, v. 3. She had kept this expensive ointment especially for the Lord, not even using it to anoint the body of her own brother - [Tell us, when shall these things be?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/tell-us-when-shall-these-things-be/) - After the disciples had pointed out the magnificent temple structure, Christ predicted its total destruction, vv. 1, 2. The disciples asked, ‘When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?’ Matt. 24. 3. They referred to His ‘coming in the clouds with great - [The common people heard him gladly](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-common-people-heard-him-gladly/) - The Lord’s enemies had come out in full force, attempting to ensnare Him. However, every fresh effort they made to discredit the omniscient Christ served only to highlight His infinite wisdom more clearly. The Sadducees, who denied resurrection, v. 18, based their question on the levirate marriage, which required a man to marry a widowed - [This is the heir; come, let us kill him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-is-the-heir-come-let-us-kill-him/) - Having repelled the religious leaders’ challenge to His authority, vv. 27-33, Christ exposed their malevolent intent through the vineyard parable. In Isaiah’s song ‘the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel’, Isa. 5. 7; in the Gospel parable the vineyard symbolizes the kingdom of God as entrusted to Israel, Mark 12. - [Behold, we go up to Jerusalem](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-we-go-up-to-jerusalem/) - As the Lord Jesus approached Jerusalem His disciples sensed looming catastrophe, for ‘they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid’, v. 32. He answered their concerns with another prediction of His passion, vv. 32-34. He foretold Judas’ betrayal, the sentence of the Sanhedrin, and His deliverance unto Gentiles who would mock, scourge, and - [He taught them again](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-taught-them-again/) - While Christ taught the multitudes, the Pharisees asked their question, vv. 1, 2. It held great danger because of where it was asked: in ‘the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan (Peraea)’, v. 1. This region was under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, who had recently divorced his own wife to marry - [Have peace one with another](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/have-peace-one-with-another/) - The Saviour now sought privacy to instruct the disciples about His coming suffering, vv. 30, 31. This teaching was so important that He exhorted them, ‘Let these sayings sink down into your ears’, Luke 9. 44. And yet the disciples were saddened and ‘understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him’, Mark 9. - [He was transfigured before them](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-was-transfigured-before-them/) - Christ told His disciples ‘that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power’, v. 1. Within one week ‘he was transfigured before them’, v. 2. ‘His clothes became radiant (like ‘a gleam from polished surfaces’, M. R. VINCENT), - [Whom do men say that I am?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/whom-do-men-say-that-i-am/) - Christ’s power to heal blindness proved that He was Israel’s Messiah. Isaiah predicted that when the glory of the Lord would appear on earth ‘then the eyes of the blind shall be opened’, Isa. 35. 5. When the faith of John the Baptist wavered and he sent two of his disciples to ask the Lord, - [Be not afraid, only believe](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-not-afraid-only-believe/) - The three miracles in Mark chapter 5 involve a man, a woman, and a child. The Lord Jesus meets the need, irrespective of age or gender. He is omnipotent, and shows His power over demons, disease, and death. Each case was beyond human help; the man was untameable, the woman had exhausted her capital and - [Clothed, and in his right mind](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/clothed-and-in-his-right-mind/) - The Lord Jesus had instigated the voyage to ‘the other side’, Mark 4. 35, and yet the whole venture bristled with difficulties. There was the storm, and then there was a satanic assault; ultimately He was expelled from the district, v. 17. The lesson is that to move at His bidding does not guarantee an - [Without a parable spake he not unto them](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/without-a-parable-spake-he-not-unto-them/) - Having spoken about the responsibility to sow, the Lord now teaches that disciples ought to disseminate received truth. There is only one suitable place for a lamp and that is on a lampstand! Do nothing to obscure the truth that has been committed to you. Listen to God, v. 23. Communicate what you hear, and - [Behold, there went out a sower to sow](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-there-went-out-a-sower-to-sow/) - In an earlier study, it was stated that Mark’s Gospel focuses on activity rather than on sermons, but chapter 4 does contain some of the Lord’s teaching. In particular, the early verses highlight the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, with an explanation to the disciples. Sometimes we are given the impression that the - [How can Satan cast out Satan?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-can-satan-cast-out-satan/) - Today’s reading contains various groups of people: disciples, vv. 13-19, ‘the multitude’, v. 20, ‘friends’, v. 21, ‘scribes’, vv. 22-30, and ‘his brethren and his mother’, vv. 31-35. From His many disciples, twelve were chosen to ‘be with him’. He appreciated human society, but for them, being with Him was a necessary prerequisite for effective - [The Pharisees . . . took counsel . . . against him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-pharisees-took-counsel-against-him/) - Opposition to the Lord Jesus was hardening, and the disciples plucking and eating the corn on the Sabbath day was a further cause for criticism, v. 23. The Shepherd once more defended His sheep. This time, He appealed to the occasion when a hungry David ate shewbread, a precedent that demonstrates that humanitarian considerations take - [I came not to call the righteous](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-came-not-to-call-the-righteous/) - Once more a visit to His adopted hometown created a stir, vv. 1-2, and the Lord took opportunity to ‘[preach] the word unto them’. Amidst amazing stories of healing power, Mark gives these constant reminders of the main focus of His ministry: to preach the word of God. It should still be at the heart - [He healed many](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-healed-many/) - Scripture speaks of ‘the days of his flesh’, Heb. 5. 7, and Mark details one of those days, a busy Sabbath day. Firstly, there was preaching in the synagogue; even the untutored Galileans distinguished between His authoritative message and the lifeless lectures of the scribes. Authority was the keynote that day, for even the demons - [Thou art my beloved Son](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-my-beloved-son/) - Without noting the genealogy or birth of the Servant, Mark launches into details of His activity. He records preparatory events including the ministry of John the Baptist, His baptism, and the temptation in the wilderness. Interestingly, the supremacy of the Servant is stressed at the outset. He is the Son of God, v. 1. He - [All power is given unto me](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-power-is-given-unto-me/) - The Saviour had already risen, early, on the first day of the week, when the angel came, rolled back the stone and sat on it! Just one angel in Matthew’s Gospel; only one from those legions who stand in the presence of God, yet his coming caused an earthquake and rendered the guards unconscious; we - [The veil of the temple was rent in twain](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-veil-of-the-temple-was-rent-in-twain/) - Three men died that day at Golgotha. For one man with shattered legs and tortured frame, death was a welcome release as his soul entered the promised Paradise. For his erstwhile companion in crime, though death ended the agonies of crucifixion, it also secured against him the door of hope as he entered the darkness - [A place called Golgotha](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-place-called-golgotha/) - Under Roman law, the scourging of a man condemned to death was not considered necessary. There was, however, a law which took precedence over the legislation of Caesar. Some 700 years before, the Spirit of God, through Isaiah the prophet, had decreed that such brutality and the shameful treatment endured in the soldier’s common hall, - [Barabbas](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/barabbas/) - In Psalm 1 we are introduced to a man who is both blessed and righteous. In contrast to this man there are those whose activities are marked out as ungodly. Our reading today adequately illustrates this difference as the Lord Jesus stands in silent dignity while unrighteous men plot and scheme against Him. As the - [Tell us whether thou be the Christ the Son of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/tell-us-whether-thou-be-the-christ-the-son-of-god/) - It had been a long sleepless night for the Saviour. He had fulfilled his desire to keep the Passover with His disciples, and we know that night had fallen when Judas left the upper room. In the darkness of Gethsemane the Lord had gazed into the cup that He must drink and, though the night - [My time is at hand](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-time-is-at-hand/) - Our reading today is one of dark conspiracies alleviated by bright shafts of light as the storm clouds gather around the Saviour. It begins with fear of an uproar and ends with the singing of a hymn. We read of Mary’s worship of her Lord expressed in the pouring out of that which was ‘very - [Before him shall be gathered all nations](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/before-him-shall-be-gathered-all-nations/) - Before Matthew concludes his record of the great prophetic discourse given by the Lord Jesus, he reminds us that His sovereignty is not restricted to the nation of Israel. On a number of occasions in his Gospel, Matthew recalls that Gentiles acknowledged the authority of the Lord Jesus. In chapter 2, the wise men came - [Watch therefore](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/watch-therefore/) - The word ‘then’ which opens this chapter links the teaching in the following verses to the events outlined by the Lord in chapter 24. Many a gospel message has been preached from the parable of the ten virgins, and doubtless it has led souls to salvation. However, whereas the principles found in portions of scripture - [Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/heaven-and-earth-shall-pass-away-but-my-words-shall-not-pass-away/) - Continuing His discourse from the Mount of Olives, the Lord Jesus described the immediate events surrounding His return to earth. It will be swift, eye-catching, and accompanied by disruption in the stellar heavens; angels will summon the elect of Israel with ‘a great sound of a trumpet’. A parenthesis follows in the Lord’s teaching before - [What shall be the sign of thy coming?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-shall-be-the-sign-of-thy-coming/) - As the Lord Jesus left the temple for the final time, the disciples sought to draw His attention to the beauty and magnificence of the building which had been constructed over the past forty-six years under the jurisdiction of the Herods. The disciples’ interest provided opportunity for the Lord to reveal one of the most - [Woe unto you!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/woe-unto-you/) - The verses before us today are a catalogue of woes! Eight times the Lord pronounced woe upon the scribes and Pharisees, the blind guides of the nation. But before He denounced them for specific hypocrisies, He reminded both them and His audience of the solemn responsibilities these scribes and Pharisees had placed themselves under by - [What think ye of Christ?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-think-ye-of-christ/) - Pressure was mounting. Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and scribes all pressed upon the Saviour seeking occasion against Him. Yet, as each attempt to trap Him failed, men were left marvelling, astonished, and ultimately silenced! The first attack was political. The question seemed innocuous, but in truth it was barbed and baited. It was really a matter - [Hear another parable](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hear-another-parable/) - The two parables in the reading today underline the inevitable sentence passed upon the nation in view of persistent refusals to accept their Messiah. The illustration of the householder and the vineyard draws substantially on chapter 5 of Isaiah’s prophecy. There the nation is seen as a choice vine, nurtured, protected, and given every opportunity - [Hosanna to the Son of David](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hosanna-to-the-son-of-david/) - The journey to Jerusalem was almost completed. It was from the top of the transfiguration mount that the Lord turned His steps toward Jerusalem for the final time. With the assurance of heaven’s interest in His decease clearly impressed on His heart, the Saviour set His face toward the city that He knew would reject - [The Son of man came . . . to give his life](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-son-of-man-came-to-give-his-life/) - It is against the background of the disciples’ vying for position and power in the kingdom that the Lord makes the statement, ‘The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many’, v. 28. He had not come into the world to seek - [A penny a day](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-penny-a-day/) - In this section we find a parable where a householder went out early in the morning and hired labourers to work in his vineyard. At the eleventh hour he went out again to the market place, and hired others who were still unemployed. At the end of the day, he gave one penny to those - [Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/is-it-lawful-for-a-man-to-put-away-his-wife/) - This chapter deals with matters concerning the sanctity of marriage, and the protection of children who result from that union. We are living in days when marriage is taken lightly by so many in the world, to the extent that more and more are ignoring the necessity for it, and choosing to cohabit, thus leaving - [How oft shall my brother sin . . . I forgive?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-oft-shall-my-brother-sin-i-forgive/) - The passage under consideration has to do with the matter of problems between brethren, and how to remedy them. In the first section, vv. 15-17, we learn how to proceed when offence is given by one brother to another, and three steps are described. Firstly, an attempt should be made by the two parties involved - [Jesus called a little child unto him](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/jesus-called-a-little-child-unto-him/) - One of the constant preoccupations of the Lord’s disciples was ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ 18. 1. The mother of James and John approached the Lord on one occasion and requested, ‘Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, - [Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/beware-of-the-leaven-of-the-pharisees/) - In this passage, the Lord continued to demonstrate by His mighty works that He was indeed the long-promised Messiah, and that He had come from God. He performed miracles of healing across a wide spectrum of acute medical problems. He also fed the four thousand using the meagre resources available, and the surplus was greater - [Blind leaders of the blind](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/blind-leaders-of-the-blind/) - In this passage, the Lord finds Himself being criticized by the scribes and Pharisees, because His disciples were eating bread without first washing their hands. This had not to do with personal hygiene, but the man-made traditions of the Pharisees demanded a ceremonial washing before one ate. The Lord rebuked them, showing that whilst they - [Lord, save me](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-save-me/) - In this incident the disciples, acting in obedience to the Lord’s command, launched out into the sea, whilst He retired to the mountain to pray. Soon, the disciples encountered a great storm and found themselves in dire straits. Strangely, it was only when the disciples had reached the limits of their endurance that the Lord - [Give me here John Baptist’s head](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/give-me-here-john-baptists-head/) - This narrative describes a horrendous act of spiteful vengeance perpetrated by Herodias, King Herod’s wife. Herodias had been the wife of Herod’s brother Philip, and Herod had taken her for himself. John, in his fearless forthright way, condemned Herod for doing so. Herod, under pressure from Herodias, had him arrested, intending to execute him, but - [The kingdom of heaven is like unto . . .](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-like-unto/) - Of the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13, the first four are spoken by the seaside, but the last three are spoken privately to the disciples, in the house. The first four relate to exclusively to the kingdom, but the last three anticipate the church which would come into being after the Lord had ascended, - [Secret from the foundation of the world](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/secret-from-the-foundation-of-the-world/) - Matthew chapter 13 verse 35 reads, ‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world’, cp. Ps. 78. 2. The Old Testament prophets foretold a literal kingdom - the millennial reign of Christ - but they did not anticipate developments leading to - [He spake many things . . . in parables](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-spake-many-things-in-parables/) - Matthew chapter 13 marks a significant watershed in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. We see Him leave the house, v. 1, and go to the seaside, v. 2. This was a highly symbolic move, and foreshadowed the time, when shortly afterwards, the unique privileges of the house of Israel would be set aside, and - [Could ye not watch with me one hour?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/could-ye-not-watch-with-me-one-hour/) - It is John who recalls with inspired guidance, clarity, and detail the words spoken by the Lord Jesus as the little group made their way from the upper room to the slopes of Olivet. Matthew passes over those precious truths, though spoken in his hearing. His mind is focussed, as so often in his Gospel, - [He hath done all things well; Bread](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-hath-done-all-things-well-bread/) - Readers who are unfamiliar with the geographical locations in the verses have little concept of the distances that the Lord Jesus travelled to alleviate human need. It involved many, many miles on foot to travel from Galilee to the Tyre region, and then away over to Decapolis. He ‘went about’, said Peter, Acts 10. 38, - [Is not this the son of David?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/is-not-this-the-son-of-david/) - Matthew introduces his Gospel with the words, ‘The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham’, Matt. 1. 1. The Lord Jesus was the Messiah anticipated by prophets of old, who foretold the things that He would do to demonstrate His credentials as Son of David, with right - [Lord even of the sabbath day](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lord-even-of-the-sabbath-day/) - In this meditation, we find the Pharisees in conflict with the Lord regarding what was permissible on the sabbath day. Under the Law, the sabbath was prescribed to be a day of rest in which no work could be done. The Pharisees had taken this commandment and had added their own traditions, and in doing - [Art thou he that should come?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/art-thou-he-that-should-come/) - The chapter before us introduces us to an unexpected development in the life of John the Baptist. John had been the forerunner of the Lord Jesus - ‘that Elias, which was for to come’, v. 14. The same had introduced the Lord Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the - [He that loseth his life for my sake](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-that-loseth-his-life-for-my-sake/) - The Lord never sought to hide from His disciples the demands that would be made upon all who resolved to follow Him in a world where He has been rejected. Such must expect to be exposed to verbal abuse and false accusations, and potentially even martyrdom, vv. 25, 28. Open confession of Christ might lead - [The kingdom of heaven is at hand](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-at-hand/) - At the conclusion of chapter 9 the Lord said, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few’, exhorting the disciples to pray to ‘the Lord of the harvest’ to ‘send forth labourers into his harvest’. Thus it is our responsibility to pray; His prerogative, to send. As we come into chapter 10, as - [Healing every sickness and every disease](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/healing-every-sickness-and-every-disease/) - Commenting on the ministry of the Lord Jesus as recorded in the latter part of this chapter J. C. RYLE wrote, ‘He was an eyewitness of all the ills that flesh is heir to; He saw ailments of every kind, sort, and description; He was brought into contact with every form of bodily suffering. None - [Thy sins be forgiven thee](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-sins-be-forgiven-thee/) - For the first time in the New Testament the Lord Jesus is directly confessed to be the Son of God and that from a most unexpected source. In chapter 4 the language of the tempter was, ‘If thou be the Son of God’; now in chapter 8 two demon possessed men address him as ‘Jesus, - [What manner of man is this!](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-manner-of-man-is-this/) - Matthew chapter 5 began with the Lord going up into the mountain; chapter 8 begins with His descent from the mountain. In between those two points, in the Sermon on the Mount, the King has revealed the principles by which He will govern. In chapters 8 and 9 the focus now is not upon His - [Ye shall know them by their fruits](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-shall-know-them-by-their-fruits/) - It has ever been the object of Satan to imitate what is of God, and the New Testament gives many warnings of the coming of those who are false: false prophets, false Christs, false apostles, false brethren, and false teachers, Matt. 24. 24; 2 Cor. 11. 13, 26; 2 Pet. 2. 1. To these we - [Ask, and it shall be given you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ask-and-it-shall-be-given-you/) - The first six verses of this chapter centre around two exhortations: the first, ‘judge not’; the second, ‘give not’. The first concerns the treatment of brethren, a warning against applying to our brother a standard we have failed to apply to ourselves, something that is so easy to do, 1 Sam. 12. 1-12. The second - [When thou prayest](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/when-thou-prayest/) - While the Lord’s teaching in these verses covers the three themes of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting there is one lesson common to each: namely that our life is to be lived as unto God and not as unto men. Yet how easy it is to be more concerned with how we appear unto men rather - [I say unto you](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-say-unto-you/) - At the end of chapter 7 Matthew writes of the Lord, ‘The people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes’. In today’s passage six times the Lord says, ‘But I say unto you’, the Lord drawing a sharp contrast between what had formerly been - [Rejoice . . . great is your reward in heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rejoice-great-is-your-reward-in-heaven/) - This is the beginning of the Lord’s first teaching discourse in this Gospel, and one in which the King sets forth the principles of His kingdom. The nine beatitudes begin with poverty and end with persecution, and can be viewed as following a logical sequence in spiritual experience. The lowliness of spirit, with which they - [It is written . . . It is written . . . It is written](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-written-it-is-written-it-is-written/) - Both the Lord and the devil, in drawing attention to the scriptures said, ‘It is written’, but while the evil one misquoted and distorted the written word, the Lord Jesus bound Himself to it. In his quotation from Psalm 91 the devil omitted the words ‘in all thy ways’, the promise of the psalm being - [Seek ye first the kingdom of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/seek-ye-first-the-kingdom-of-god-2/) - While the first part of this chapter focused attention upon the practices of the disciple, almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, the remaining verses consider what the priorities in the life of the disciple should be: to lay up treasure in heaven, and to seek first the kingdom of God. ‘Treasures in heaven’ are contrasted with ‘treasures - [Prepare ye the way of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/prepare-ye-the-way-of-the-lord-2/) - In chapter 1 Matthew demonstrated that the genealogy of Jesus Christ could be traced back to Abraham and David. In chapter 2 the circumstances of His birth fulfilled prophetic announcements, see vv. 5, 15, 17, 23. Now in chapter 3 Matthew shows He had the prescribed forerunner. The man. ‘In those days’, when Jesus was - [Wise men from the east](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/wise-men-from-the-east/) - Only Matthew records the visit of these wise men from the east. The word for ‘wise men’, Gk. magos, is of Persian origin, indicating that these men were Gentiles, and the fact they were given an audience with Herod suggests they were men of high standing and wealth. Although the record of scripture is brief - [The book of the generation of Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-book-of-the-generation-of-jesus-christ/) - The books. At the beginning of the Old Testament reference is made to ‘the book of the generations of Adam’, the first man, the head of the original creation, Gen. 5. 1. As the New Testament opens we have ‘the book of the generation of Jesus Christ’, the last Adam, the Head of the new - [THE WATER OF LIFE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-water-of-life/) - In these last verses of the Bible, the Holy Spirit and the bride speak to the Lord Jesus and say, ‘Come’. The Spirit indwells the bride and anticipates the bright and morning star no less than she does. He has been identified with her in all her pathway here. In all the pilgrim journey He - [THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-bright-and-morning-star/) - Twice in this passage, our Saviour says, ‘Behold, I come quickly’, vv. 7, 12. Again, at the end of the chapter, He says, ‘Surely, I come quickly’, v. 20. In verse 7, a blessing is attached for those who keep the sayings of the prophecy of the book and, in verse 12, an assurance is - [A RIVER OF WATER … CLEAR AS CRYSTAL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-river-of-water-clear-as-crystal/) - It has often been pointed out that there is a remarkable corre­spondence between the first and last books of the Bible. In this we should not be surprised. God’s first thought was that a man crowned ‘with glory and honour’, Ps. 8. 5, should have dominion over the earth, in union with his wife. Our - [A JASPER STONE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-jasper-stone-clear-as-crystal/) - From the beginning of chapter 20 to chapter 21 verse 8there is outlined the chronology of the period from the beginning of the millennium to the bringing in of the eternal state, which the apostle Peter describes as ‘the day of God’, 2 Pet. 3. 12. There will then be a new heaven and a - [AS A BRIDE ADORNED FOR HER HUSBAND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-bride-adorned-for-her-husband/) - This is a beautiful picture and is not without some significance. We read in chapter 19that the marriage of the Lamb had come and that his wife had made herself ready, but now, at least one thousand years later, she is as a bride adorned for her husband. It might be thought that it would - [THE LAKE OF FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lake-of-fire/) - The lake of fire is in contrast to the sea of glass, Rev. 4. 6; 15. 2. It is a place of unimaginable torment. In chapter 19, the beast and the false prophet were cast into it alive as our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth as the warrior King, subduing all His foes. The - [NATIONS … AS THE SAND OF THE SEA](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/nations-as-the-sand-of-the-sea/) - ‘Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end’, Isa. 9. 7. The millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ will be the greatest time in the history of the world. It is called: ‘the regeneration’, Matt. 19. 28; ‘the world to come’, Heb. 2. 9; ‘the times of refreshing’, Acts - [FINE LINEN, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SAINTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/fine-linen-the-righteousness-of-the-saints/) - In earlier times, it was often the case that a woman would make her own wedding dress. She would wear that which her own hands had wrought and, accordingly, she would have made her­self ready. So it is with Christ’s wife. It has been said that we shall wear up there what we weave down - [AS THE VOICE OF MIGHTY THUNDERINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-voice-of-mighty-thunderings/) - Heaven is ablaze with joy. The marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife has made herself ready. The marriage is set against the background of the certain judgement of the whore, with all her corrupting influences, and the avenging of the blood of His saints. The number of saints slaughtered by the whore - [THE GREAT WHORE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-great-whore/) - A whore is a deep ditch’, Prov. 23. 27, and nowhere is this truth better illustrated than in this chapter. She can be seen in her true character when she is contrasted to the bride, the Lamb’s wife, who is seen to all eternity ‘pre­pared as a bride for her husband’, Rev. 21. 2, ‘a - [I COME AS A THIEF](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-come-as-a-thief/) - The times of which we have read today are truly momentous. Three things are happening. Firstly, the armies of men are involved in campaigns which will result in them coming together in conflict with each other. Secondly, evil spirits who work miracles will go forth unto the kings of the earth to gather them together - [Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-art-the-christ-the-son-of-the-living-god/) - Matthew chapter 16 marks another significant watershed in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. Up until this time, He has been presented as ‘Son of David,’ with a demonstrated right to the throne, but from this point on, He is presented as ‘son of Abraham’, Matt. 1. 1. We read, ‘From that time - [AS THE BLOOD OF A DEAD MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-blood-of-a-dead-man/) - This chapter describes the third of the three series of seven judgements in Revelation. The seven seal judgements, 6. 1-17; 8. 1, are connected to the throne. The seven trumpet judge­ments, 8. 7 to 9. 21; 11. 15-19, are connected to the altar. The seven vial, or bowl, judgements, 16. 1-21, are connected to the - [HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-spake-as-a-dragon/) - This is the third member of a triumvirate of evil in this chapter, a Satanic answer to the blessed, holy Trinity. The two wild beasts are empowered by the devil and, while earthly domin­ion plays an important part in their aims and ambitions, it is in the realm of the religious and the ‘spiritual’ that - [THE BEAST AS A LEOPARD … BEAR … LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-beast-as-a-leopard-bear-lion/) - The prophetic scriptures speak of four great, Gentile, world empires. Both Daniel chapter 2 and Daniel chapter 7 indicate to us that during the period of the ‘times of the Gentiles’, Luke 21. 24, rule in Jerusalem will successively be in the hands of the Babylonians, the Medes and Persians, the Grecians and the Romans. - [WATER AS A FLOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/water-as-a-flood/) - Both this chapter and the next take us to the mid-point of the seventieth of Daniel’s seventy weeks, cf. Dan. 9. 24-27. It is a tumultuous time in this the last period of God’s dealings with Israel and the world before He brings in everlasting righteous­ness in the manifested kingdom of our Lord Jesus. Then - [AS THE SMOKE OF A GREAT FURNACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-smoke-of-a-great-furnace/) - God has consistently shown Himself to be the seeking Saviour God ever since the fall of man and his resulting alienation and condemnation. Never for a moment can we imagine the immense sense of grief in the heart of God that the release of these trumpet judgements will have as they impact with their devastating - [A GREAT STAR … BURNING AS IT WERE A LAMP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-great-star-burning-as-it-were-a-lamp/) - As the trumpets are blown, the first four judgements that emerge to afflict men are all linked with the collapse of the systems of law and the authorities that impose them. These are all ‘cast down’, or ‘fall’, and so we understand that these controls of social order, we would call them ‘political systems’, that - [THE STARS OF HEAVEN FELL … AS A FIG TREE CASTETH HER UNTIMELY FIGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-stars-of-heaven-fell-as-a-fig-tree-casteth-her-untimely-figs/) - Once we come to the loosing of the seals we enter a series of divine judgements that will follow the rapture of the church. The telling phrase is found, ‘For the great day of His wrath is come; who shall be able to stand?’ v. 17. This is earth’s darkest hour and nothing can equate - [A LAMB AS IT HAD BEEN SLAIN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-lamb-as-it-had-been-slain/) - The record moves forward as John becomes aware that the occu­pant of the throne has in His extended hand a scroll, written but sealed up. These are the title deeds of the earth and they await an acceptable claimant to take them and to unloose the seals, bringing in the consummation of all things. Adam - [A SEA OF GLASS LIKE UNTO CRYSTAL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-sea-of-glass-like-unto-crystal/) - In this sea we are being presented with approach to and accept­ability before God. The phrase, ‘before the throne’, brings that into focus. It sets out the basis upon which we can draw near and stand before God Himself. This sea, which is before the throne and upon which we must come to approach God, - [LIKE A JASPER AND A SARDINE STONE … LIKE UNTO AN EMERALD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-a-jasper-and-a-sardine-stone-like-unto-an-emerald/) - The word ‘like’ encourages us to think that the original really has no earthly equal, neither seen nor experienced, but here is some­thing that will give the idea of what it looked like! ‘Like’ is never the complete record or representation and, with God’s throne, nothing can ever compare with the real thing. God is - [BEHOLD I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-i-stand-at-the-door-and-knock/) - Materialism and self-sufficiency had shut the heart of this assembly to Christ. He is no longer the attraction to them He once was but He is now replaced as their centre of focus. Ignored, the Lord goes to the outside place as no longer at the hub of their affairs. Be alarmed that self-sufficiency in - [I COUNSEL THEE TO BUY OF ME GOLD, TRIED IN THE FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-counsel-thee-to-buy-of-me-gold-tried-in-the-fire/) - The unpalatable state of ‘neither hot nor cold’, found in this assembly by the Lord, was most repugnant to Him. To be tepid was a condition of indifference to the things of God and of Christ Himself. It could neither be condoned nor continued. Some­thing needed to be done, otherwise swift judgement in the removal - [HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-shall-rule-them-with-a-rod-of-iron/) - We now turn to the encouragement offered to the overcomer in the assembly at Thyatira. In this assembly there was a for­midable mix of spiritual tyranny. It was exercised through Jezebel-like methods designed to mislead, cajole and suppress believers, forcing them to deny the truth. Added to this were all the attractiveness and subtleties of - [THE TREE OF LIFE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-tree-of-life/) - The encouragement offered to the overcomers at the conclu­sion of each letter is required to offset the trials to which the particular assembly was being subjected. Thus, here, the anticipation of partaking ‘of the tree of life’ is set out in comparison to that being inferred as the best by the false teachers among them, - [I… WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-will-remove-thy-candlestick-out-of-his-place/) - The word ‘candlestick’ is better rendered using our word ‘lampstand’, thus depicting a light produced and sustained by a supply of oil. The symbol becomes more significant when this is understood, since the leading thought is that it can be ‘removed out of his place’. We must ask ourselves as to what this really means? - [HIS COUNTENANCE WAS AS THE SUN SHINETH IN HIS STRENGTH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-countenance-was-as-the-sun-shineth-in-his-strength/) - John now records for us the overall aspect of His face. The Lord’s face, well recognized by His own when He was here, is now the face that shines with unnatural brightness! John in his letter to Gaius says, ‘I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: but I trust I shall shortly - [HIS VOICE AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-voice-as-the-sound-of-many-waters/) - John commences his gospel with the words, ‘In the beginning was the Word’ and introduces us to the One who reveals God to men. He is the Word; words are the resulting sounds using the powers of the voice. Here is a unique voice - ‘his voice’. John knew this voice, as on so many - [FEET LIKE UNTO FINE BRASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/feet-like-unto-fine-brass/) - Today, we come to the Lord’s feet. It is a good place to be, for here we can be both learners and worshippers. When He was here in the world, His feet were ‘straight’ feet, ‘pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold’, S. of S. 5. 15. Listen again to the ever obedient - [HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-eyes-were-as-a-flame-of-fire/) - It is often a person’s eyes that are their most attractive or notice­able feature. The eyes can speak without the voice, express emotion without a touch, convict or assure without demonstra­tion. They are a wonderful feature of the face. John’s attention was held by the eyes of this exalted One. If any one of His - [HAIRS … LIKE WOOL … AS WHITE AS SNOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hairs-like-wool-as-white-as-snow/) - From the Lord’s clothing, John’s eyes turn to focus upon His head. We rarely use much else to recognize individuals other than their face or head, sometimes their voice or a characteris­tic action but ultimately it is their facial features that confirm who it is. John would have easily recognized the Lord of course and - [VOICE AS OF A TRUMPET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/voice-as-of-a-trumpet/) - As the aged apostle John, imprisoned on the isle of Patmos, mused in spirit on things concerning the blessed Man he had last seen some fifty years before, he suddenly heard that well- remembered voice again. It was behind him, a great voice as clear and compelling as the sound of a trumpet. John recounts - [THE GARMENT SPOTTED BY THE FLESH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-garment-spotted-by-the-flesh/) - As Jude brings his short epistle to a close, he gives sound advice as to how believers may protect themselves from the false doc­trine of the apostates he has so vividly condemned. The four activities that will preserve the Christian are building, praying, keeping and expecting. No believer should be so complacent as to think - [THIS IS THE VICTORY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-is-the-victory/) - One of the best-known brand names in the sports world is Nike, and if older readers do not recognize the name, the younger ones certainly will! The name is actually a Greek word, pro­nounced ‘nee-kay’, and used only once in the Bible. That occurrence is in verse 4 of our reading today and is translated - [AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-thief-in-the-night/) - The period of time in which we are living is described by Paul as ‘man’s day’, 1 Cor. 4. 3 JND. The word hemera, translated ‘judg­ment’ in the King James Version, is used some 390 times in the New Testament and is nearly always translated ‘day’ or ‘daily’. Man’s day will soon come to an - [ONE DAY… AS A THOUSAND YEARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/one-day-as-a-thousand-years/) - It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for us to comprehend the timelessness of eternity. The features of time are interwoven with our lives to such an extent that, even as we try to grapple with the concept of eternity, we find ourselves using such terms as ‘eternity past’. In one breath we conjoin the - [A ROARING LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-roaring-lion/) - For the suffering believers to whom Peter was writing, the imag­ery of the devil being like a roaring lion was very apt. Many of them were enduring severe trials at the hands of the Romans, whose emperor, Nero, was one of the cruellest tyrants ever known in a godless world. The historian Suetonius records that - [A LIKE FIGURE … BAPTISM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-like-figure-baptism/) - Something of the enormity of what believers’ baptism signifies is captured in this passage. Baptism, says Peter, is a figure, an illus­tration, of how we were saved. Baptism in water is not the means of our salvation, it is a picture of how that salvation was effected. The picture of baptism is like another picture, - [LIVING STONES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/living-stones/) - In likening believers to living stones, Peter doubtless had in mind something of the grandeur of the temple built by Solomon, accounts of which formed a large part of Jewish oral history. The skill of the craftsmen who raised that house for God was amaz­ing, and it is recorded, And the house, when it was - [ALL FLESH IS AS GRASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-flesh-is-as-grass/) - Another contrast is presented to us in this passage. Peter has already set the preciousness of gold over against the precious­ness of faith, and now he contrasts the impermanence and frailty of flesh with the immoveable endurance of the word of God. Our verses today are in the context of a divine command to the - [AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-of-a-lamb-without-blemish/) - The first time we read of an unblemished lamb in scripture is in connection with the Passover in Exodus 12. Perhaps the Israelite, who obeyed the divine command to take a lamb without blem­ish, thought only of the fact that God required him to offer the best of the flock. In that thinking, he would - [MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN OF GOLD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/much-more-precious-than-of-gold/) - Faith is both compared and contrasted with gold in this passage that examines the reason for suffering in the life of a believer. If Peter was correct in speaking of a wonderful inheritance in glory that is being kept for the believer, 1 Pet. 1. 4, and if he was sincere in assuring the saints - [THE HUSBANDMAN WAITETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-husbandman-waiteth/) - As James continues his rebuke of rich believers, who in the pursuit of ever greater riches were leaving God out of their reckoning, he addresses all rich men, saved or not. It is as though, by pointing out the wickedness of being greedy and self-centred, he might shame his brethren into more Christ-like behaviour. Some - [WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? IT IS EVEN A VAPOUR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-is-your-life-it-is-even-a-vapour/) - Although the picture of life as a puff of steam is one so simple to visualize and understand, it is one that we so often fail to recog­nize as applicable to ourselves. Usually these verses are read by the gospel preacher who appeals to the lost not to live as though God and death do - [THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-tongue-is-a-fire-a-world-of-iniquity/) - The unknown author of Psalm 120 cried, ‘Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue’, Ps. 120. 2. He, like millions more of God’s people through the ages, felt so wounded by the deep injustice of false accusation and unkind words. Spurgeon once wryly observed, ‘a lie can go around - [HIS NATURAL FACE IN A GLASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-natural-face-in-a-glass/) - In speaking of the scriptures as a mirror, James gives the third picture of the word of God in the section that begins with verse 17. From that verse to the end of the chapter, he is speaking about the vital relationship between the believer and his Bible. The three pictures can be alliterated in - [THE RICH … AS THE FLOWER OF THE GRASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-rich-as-the-flower-of-the-grass/) - In Israel the fierce summer sun causes the grass to die very quickly and so it is with the rich man and his possessions. As the flower of grass he may be brought low and pass away. But the exhortation here is that he should rejoice even in these circumstances. This will mean that riches - [GO… THEREFORE UNTO HIM WITHOUT THE CAMP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/go-therefore-unto-him-without-the-camp/) - The writer now sums up his epistle to the Hebrews by address­ing some who may have been in danger of turning back, having not yet come to true faith in Christ. He reminds them that the remains of the sin offerings of the Old Testament were burnt without the camp and that this was a - [FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/for-our-god-is-a-consuming-fire/) - The epistle to the Hebrews has several warnings to those who had come to the very threshold of faith and yet, having heard the gospel, were in danger of turning back from the revelation they had received, cf. 2. 3; 6. 6; 10. 29. The writer exhorts them now, ‘Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which - [LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-us-run-with-patience-the-race/) - Here, the believer is seen as running a race in an arena, with the onlookers being the Old Testament saints mentioned in chapter 11. They had now finished their course and had witnessed to the fact that it was worthwhile giving up present material comfort for future spiritual benefit. These witnesses are seen as a - [A CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-city-which-hath-foundations/) - Here is the city which is different from all the cities of man’s civi­lization. The latter are often characterized by man’s pollution and sinful excess, but to the man of faith there is only one city worthy of attention; a city built by God on everlasting founda­tions which will never be shaken. The cities of - [THE FORERUNNER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-forerunner/) - The Lord Jesus has entered heaven as our forerunner. In the Old Testament, the high priest entered the sanctuary for the people, but he could never be called a forerunner because the people in general that he represented would never be allowed access into the sanctuary. In contrast, in this day of grace, the Lord - [AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL … WITHIN THE VEIL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-anchor-of-the-soul-within-the-veil/) - In this last section of Hebrews chapter 6, the subject is the secu­rity of the believer. The believer’s soul is pictured as a ship tossed on the sea of this world, but it is safely and securely anchored in Christ, the One who is within the veil of heaven. This anchor grips the eternal Rock - [THAT WHICH BEARETH THORNS AND BRIERS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/that-which-beareth-thorns-and-briers/) - It is important in the book of Hebrews to understand who it is that is being addressed or written about. For instance, in chapter 5 verse 11 to chapter 6 verse 3, the writer addresses some of the believers as ‘you’ or ‘ye’; they were carnal believers, where there was some evidence of divine life - [MILK… STRONG MEAT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/milk-strong-meat/) - In these verses the writer to the Hebrews rebukes the lack of spiritual progress that characterizes some of his readers. He says, by way of introduction to this section, that he has many things to say and hard to be spoken or difficult to explain, because they were spiritually hard of hearing, v. 11. This - [THE WORD… SHARPER THAN ANY… SWORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-word-sharper-than-any-sword/) - The context of verse 11 is an appeal to all to work hard to enter fully into God’s ultimate rest in Christ. There were those in the Old Testament economy who never entered the promised land because they did not trust in God’s way of deliverance. To enter into that rest God has left us - [HIS HOUSE … HIS OWN HOUSE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-house-his-own-house/) - In verse 5, the figure of a house is used to describe not just the tabernacle but the whole house of Israel. In verse 3, the Lord Jesus is ‘counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house’. This must be true, as - [WHOM I HAVE BEGOTTEN IN MY BONDS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/whom-i-have-begotten-in-my-bonds/) - The letter of Paul to Philemon is one of the most personal in the Bible. From the opening salutation, it is clear that there was a very close bond of fellowship between Philemon and Paul. Paul expresses this as he addresses Philemon as ‘beloved’, as a fellow labourer, v. 1, one who had worked alongside - [AS THE STEWARD OF GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-steward-of-god/) - A steward was usually appointed to be responsible for the affairs of a family business, and to make provision for it, cf. Luke 16. 1-8. In order to perform the duties of this office, he should be one against whom no accusation could be made. ‘Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be - [A GREAT HOUSE, VESSELS OF GOLD, SILVER AND WOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-great-house-vessels-of-gold-silver-and-wood/) - The apostle uses the illustration of a large house. This could be any large house, perhaps in Ephesus in the day when Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy and which contained vessels of gold and silver as well as wood and earth. The purpose of this illustration is to focus attention on ves­sels unto honour. - [THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-foundation-of-god-standeth-sure/) - The context of our reading today is one of error being taught; in this particular case, that the resurrection had already taken place. This false teaching had undermined the faith of some and so Paul seeks to strengthen and renew by going back to the foun­dations laid down by the Lord. Notice that false teaching, - [THEIR WORD WILL EAT AS DOTH A CANKER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/their-word-will-eat-as-doth-a-canker/) - Verses 16 to 18 are all linked and are a contrast to what is detailed in the preceding verse. In verse 15, Paul wants Timothy to do two things. He wants him to ‘walk the walk’ - ‘study to shew thyself approved unto God’. He also wants him to ‘talk the talk’ - ‘rightly dividing - [A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-workman-that-needeth-not-to-be-ashamed/) - To understand this statement we need to link it with the exhorta­tion that precedes it - ‘study to show thyself approved unto God’. Taken together, these statements bring before us the posi­tive and negative aspects of the same point, the one being the consequence of the other. If Timothy studied to show himself approved unto - [THE HUSBANDMAN THAT LABOURETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-husbandman-that-laboureth/) - This meditation concludes the trilogy of metaphors that occur in 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 3-6. We have already thought about soldiers and their loyalty and athletes and their confor­mity. Today, we shall think about a husbandman and his ‘energy’. We have already moved from the battlefield to the sports field and now we are - [IF A MAN ALSO STRIVE FOR MASTERIES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-a-man-also-strive-for-masteries/) - Our reading continues the theme we started yesterday but with a change in the metaphor, for now the servant of the Lord is viewed as an athlete, not a soldier. No longer are we on the battlefield fighting, but on the sports field competing. As a sol­dier, the emphasis is on the servant’s loyalty. As - [AS A GOOD SOLDIER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-good-soldier/) - The reading today presents to us the servant of God as a soldier who has been selected for active service. This soldier is not on leave, nor is he rehearsing on the parade ground, but is engaged in conflict on the battlefield. Under these conditions he must be prepared to endure hardship and be undistracted - [THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-church-of-the-living-god-the-pillar-and-ground-of-the-truth/) - The scriptures indicate that privileges and responsibilities go together and today’s reading endorses that principle. Every biblically based community of Christians has the inestimable privilege of being ‘church of the living God’. However, their conse­quent responsibility is to be the ‘pillar and ground of the truth’. Timothy was based at Ephesus when Paul wrote to - [THERE IS … ONE MEDIATOR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-is-one-mediator/) - Although we cannot be specific about the timing, it was approxi­mately 2200 years before Christ that a beleaguered and suffering Job articulated the following complaint, ‘Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both’, Job 9. 33. A daysman was an arbitrator - one who was able to judge - [SOME HAVING PUT AWAY CONCERNING FAITH HAVE MADE SHIPWRECK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/some-having-put-away-concerning-faith-have-made-shipwreck/) - Earlier in the chapter, verses 3, 4, Paul reminds Timothy of an instruction he had given him. That instruction involved dealing with false teachers, v. 3, and those that would have heard them, v. 4. In the following verse, the apostle sets out the objective of the task given to Timothy. It was that love - [THE DAY OF THE LORD SO COMETH AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-day-of-the-lord-so-cometh-as-a-thief-in-the-night/) - The ‘day of the Lord’ is not a literal day of twenty-four hours but covers a period of time that begins after the rapture of the church and continues through the tribulation and the millennial king­dom, eventually giving way to the ‘day of God’, 2 Pet. 3. 10, 12. Although we cannot specify its precise - [AS A NURSE CHERISHETH HER CHILDREN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-nurse-cherisheth-her-children/) - The record of Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica and his prema­ture exit from the city is detailed in Acts chapter 17 verses 1-10. There, we learn that three classes of people responded to the gospel message. There was a great multitude of devout Greeks, some Jews and, of the chief women, not a few. This disparate - [PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS … PUT ON THE NEW MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/put-off-the-old-man-with-his-deeds-put-on-the-new-man/) - As far as God was concerned, three things happened the very instant we were saved. In all probability, we didn’t appreciate what occurred at the time, only learning about them subse­quently. For the sake of understanding, we shall refer to these three events in sequence but they all transpired simultaneously. Firstly, there was a death - [BLOTTING OUT THE HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES THAT WAS AGAINST US](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/blotting-out-the-handwriting-of-ordinances-that-was-against-us/) - From verses 8 to 19, Paul issues three warnings. In verse 8, he writes, ‘Beware lest any man spoil you’. In verse 16, he states, ‘Let no man therefore judge you’. In verse 18, he warns, ‘Let no man beguile you’. The apostle issues these warnings because he realizes that his readers were in danger - [AS A SON WITH THE FATHER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-son-with-the-father/) - In verse 4 of this chapter Paul makes an exhortation, ‘Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others’. Later in the chapter, he presents three men who exemplified that exhortation. In verses 16-18, we have Paul’s own example, and in verses 19-24, Timothy’s selflessness is highlighted. - [AMBASSADOR IN BONDS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ambassador-in-bonds/) - In yesterday’s meditation we looked at the various items of armour which will equip the believer for the spiritual battle. Today, the focus shifts from the armour to the soldiers doing the fighting and the request of the apostle is that prayer is made on their behalf. In verse 18 the request is general, ‘for - [FEET SHOD … THE GOSPEL OF PEACE … THE SHIELD OF FAITH … THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED … THE HELMET OF SALVATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/feet-shod-the-gospel-of-peace-the-shield-of-faith-the-fiery-darts-of-the-wicked-the-helmet-of-salvation/) - The epistle to the Ephesians makes several references to ‘heav­enly places’ or ‘high places’. The book opens by telling us that our blessings are there, 1. 3, and closes by telling us that our bat­tle is there, 6. 12. It is from that aerial realm our arch enemy orchestrates his malevolent attacks against us and, - [LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH … THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/loins-girt-about-with-truth-the-breastplate-of-righteousness/) - We are at war! The verses which comprise our reading today remind us forcibly of the adversary and his strategy. This is not a minor skirmish or haphazard campaign. There is a carefully devised strategy. Here it is called ‘the wiles of the devil’. All his cunning, wisdom, and experience are invested in this battle. - [THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-washing-of-water-by-the-word/) - ‘Having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word’ ESV, perhaps conveys the thought more accurately. At conver­sion, the word of God effected purification. Individually, we were cleansed from our sins as the word of God revealed the suf­ficiency of the work of Christ to our souls. But Christ is not content with - [THE HUSBAND … THE HEAD OF THE WIFE … CHRIST … THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-husband-the-head-of-the-wife-christ-the-head-of-the-church/) - Headship can take one of two forms: it can be administrative or organic. In the marital relationship, it is obviously adminis­trative. When it relates to Christ and His church, it is both organic, He is the source of life, and administrative, He sup­plies and controls. In the marital relationship, of which Christ and the church - [THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-fruit-of-the-spirit/) - The use of the imagery of fruit implies many things. First of all, it means life. Growth is almost synonymous with life. This means that every believer will display the fruit of the Spirit in some measure. Each, however, should long to produce a full harvest for the heart of God. Fruit also conveys the - [MOUNT SINAI… JERUSALEM …THE MOTHER OF US ALL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/mount-sinai-jerusalem-the-mother-of-us-all/) - The legalists had arrived and spread their insidious and diabolic doctrine throughout Galatia. Christ plus Moses! Christ plus the law! Christ plus ritual! With paternal yearnings and pastoral wisdom, Paul addressed the doctrinal error with uncompromis­ing language and with unimpeachable scriptural logic. He has argued from the history of faith as a principle of bless­ing, - [I TRAVAIL IN BIRTH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-travail-in-birth/) - Paul’s love for the saints in Galatia cannot be questioned. This accounts for the fervour and passion with which he refuted the teaching of those bringing ‘another gospel’ to them. It was not his reputation or honour, but the name of the Lord Jesus which so motivated him. His great goal was to see Christ - [WEAK AND BEGGARLY ELEMENTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/weak-and-beggarly-elements/) - Slaves or sons? Bondage or blessing? Infants or heirs? The verses are replete with stark contrasts. Paul had little sympathy with those who sought to mingle law with grace, to add Mosaic requirements to redemptive glory. To highlight the vast differ­ence between what was once the portion of a devout Jew under the law, and - [JAMES … PETER … JOHN … PILLARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/james-peter-john-pillars/) - The context in which the events of this portion occurred was the meeting of Acts 15. Judaizers, who insisted on circumcision for salvation, had precipitated a crisis, the gravity of which Paul and others realized. In wisdom, and guided by the Lord, they went to the source of the problem in Jerusalem. As Paul described - [SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/satan-himself-is-transformed-into-an-angel-of-light/) - The dark ages were marked by men who sought to practice the art of alchemy: turning straw and other worthless material into gold. But Satan has accomplished something far better. He, the embodiment of darkness, has transformed himself into an angel or messenger of light. Paul doubtless had the motif of the Garden of Eden - [AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-chaste-virgin-to-christ/) - Three truths are self-evident as we consider our reading for today. Paul’s longing for the assembly at Corinth is genuine and sincere. His great desire was to be able to present the assembly at Corinth in its pristine purity of affection to Christ. To preserve hearts undivided and true, single-eyed like the dove, and stead­fast - [WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-have-this-treasure-in-earthen-vessels/) - Truth, v. 2, the gospel of the glory of Christ, v. 4, preaching Christ Jesus as Lord, v. 5, the knowledge of the glory of God, v. 6, and treasure, v. 7. What expressions to describe the gospel! What a privilege to be the vessels to convey this to our generation! The gospel is the - [THE SAME VAIL UNTAKEN AWAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-same-vail-untaken-away/) - The contrast which forms the background for our reading is between the glory linked with the ministration or giving of the law, and the glory linked with the new covenant, vv. 7-11. The giving of the law is linked with glory, but that glory pales before the glory of the grace of God. Paul contrasts - [DECLARED TO BE EPISTLES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/declared-to-be-epistles/) - The unthinkable was happening. Men were suggesting to the assembly at Corinth that Paul did not have the credentials of an apostle. They had come with letters of commendation! Where was Paul’s? With humility and great reluctance, Paul reminds the saints that they were his letter of commendation. He had come to pagan Corinth and - [IF THE TRUMPET GIVE AN UNCERTAIN SOUND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/if-the-trumpet-give-an-uncertain-sound/) - Trumpets sounding in the assembly? Battles to be fought outside the door (hopefully not inside)? The imagery is eloquent and is taken directly from Numbers chapter 10 where the two silver trumpets were to sound over Israel’s worship, to prepare for warfare, and to guide them in their walk. Paul likens the blowing of a - [FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/for-now-we-see-through-a-glass-darkly/) - Verses 9-12 contain three clear contrasts: infancy and adulthood, darkly or obscurely, face to face, and in part and fully. Each is punctuated by either the words or implication of ‘now’ and ‘then’. What is this mirror through which we see obscurely? When was the ‘now’ and when will the ‘then’ be? Paul was writing - [ALL THE MEMBERS OF THAT ONE BODY, BEING MANY, ARE ONE BODY: SO ALSO IS CHRIST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-the-members-of-that-one-body-being-many-are-one-body-so-also-is-christ/) - In His wisdom, the Spirit of God chose beautiful imagery when He used the metaphor of a body for the church. None could so communicate its truth as the one chosen. It conveys completeness. While a body can grow, it is a com­plete body from the moment of its birth. In like manner, the church, - [THIS IS MY BODY… THIS CUP IS … MY BLOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-is-my-body-this-cup-is-my-blood/) - In the verses we consider today we have set before us ‘the break­ing of bread’ or the Lord’s Supper. The Lord is prominent in this section and His Name occurs seven times. The object of the meeting is to show the Lord’s death and to remember Him. In the participation of this act the saints - [EVERY MAN THAT STRIVETH FOR THE MASTERY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/every-man-that-striveth-for-the-mastery/) - There are three pictures in these verses for us to consider: the runner, v. 24; the wrestler, v. 25; and the castaway, v. 27. The mes­sage to the Corinthian believers is that they are in a race and they must behave as winners. This is not a race to heaven but an illus­tration of the - [LIBERTY… A STUMBLINGBLOCK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/liberty-a-stumblingblock/) - The Lord Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’, John 14. 6. When we come to know Him we come to know the truth and the truth sets us free from bondage; we enter into Christian liberty; we are free to choose. Essentially, of course, we want to choose to do - [YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/your-body-is-the-temple-of-the-holy-ghost/) - When a person is converted we usually say that his soul has been saved. But at the same time a number of other things happen as well. We know, from verse 20 in this chapter, that the spirit and body of the believer become God’s possession by right of redemption. A tremendous price has been - [UNLEAVENED BREAD OF SINCERITY AND TRUTH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/unleavened-bread-of-sincerity-and-truth/) - The assembly at Corinth was the sanctuary of God, 3. 16, and, as such, must reflect His holiness. A sexual sin of the worst kind had happened there; it was known about in the assembly and well beyond but no action had been taken against the brother involved. Instead, it seemed that the assembly members - [THE OFFSCOURING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-offscouring/) - The people of Corinth were proud of their city and of them­selves as individuals and this attitude seemed to infect the character of the believers as well. Clearly, they thought more highly of themselves than they ought to have thought! This resulted in their being ‘puffed up for one against another’, v. 6. Additionally, they - [GOD’S BUILDING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/gods-building/) - The apostle Paul was undoubtedly a skilled master builder. It was the grace of God that had so equipped him and his spiritual skill set included an unmatched ability to present Christ in the gospel message and to teach Jesus as Lord. He had vast expe­rience of ‘all the churches’ and so was practical as - [GOD’S HUSBANDRY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/gods-husbandry/) - Now we come to the second picture in this chapter. It is that of a field in which work is taking place. In order for the field to become productive it must be planted and watered. If it is not planted then any watering will be in vain. Similarly, if the field is planted but - [I HAVE FED YOU WITH MILK, AND NOT WITH MEAT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-fed-you-with-milk-and-not-with-meat/) - In the assembly at Corinth there were many problems and the cause of them was a low spiritual condition. Prior to conversion they had been ‘natural’ men. At conversion they had received the Holy Spirit and became ‘spiritual’ men; a point from which they should have progressed. However, it seems that many of them did - [THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-shalt-heap-coals-of-fire-on-his-head/) - Romans chapter 12 starts the third section of this epistle and, together with the chapters that follow, is intensely practical. It deals with issues of the believer’s responsibility both towards the church and the state. These verses for today’s reading con­tain advice regarding our attitude to mankind generally and especially to those who treat us, - [A WILD OLIVE TREE, WERT GRAFFED IN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-wild-olive-tree-wert-graffed-in/) - Is there a future for Israel? There most certainly is, and Paul explains that at some length in Romans chapter 11. However, the history so far has not been good, at least not for them, but, as a result of their disobedience and by the grace of God, salvation has been offered to the Gentiles. - [WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/with-the-heart-man-believeth/) - This section of Paul’s argument concerning the efficacy of faith as against works starts at chapter 9 and verse 30 with the ques­tion, ‘What shall we say then?’ He points out that while Jews who followed after the law of righteousness had not attained, yet Gentiles who did not follow the law had attained to - [VESSELS OF MERCY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/vessels-of-mercy/) - In Romans chapters 9 and 10 we have two great truths which in the mind of God lie comfortably together yet in the minds of men are incapable of reconciliation, namely, divine election and human freewill. Chapter 9 details the former without apology while chapter 10, equally strongly, sets out the latter. Both are divine - [BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/buried-with-him-by-baptism/) - A message I heard as a boy nearly sixty years ago at the Belfast Easter Conference was on Romans chapter 6 and the headings were; ‘know ye, v. 3; reckon ye, v. 11; yield ye, v. 13’. These three phrases are the secret to enjoying and living this chapter. It is a chapter of sin, - [THE FLOCK… OVERSEERS … WOLVES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-flock-overseers-wolves/) - In this chapter we have one of the most moving messages ever preached. Paul has sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus and, arriving at Miletus, they are delighted to see him and to speak with him. Paul believes this to be his last opportunity to share with them his vision of the - [AS IT HAD BEEN A GREAT SHEET … LET DOWN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-it-had-been-a-great-sheet-let-down/) - The timing of this story is rather fascinating. The dispensation of the law had been set aside. The new dispensation of grace has been inaugurated and sealed by the arrival of the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven. The preaching of the gospel, which started at Jerusalem, had reached out to Judea and Samaria and - [IT IS HARD … TO KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-hard-to-kick-against-the-pricks/) - Pricks or goads were implements used to guide ploughing oxen. A goad consisted of a slender eight foot long pole brought to a sharp point at one end. Though its main use was, and still is, for agricultural purposes, it was also used on one occasion as a formidable weapon of war, Judg. 3. 31; - [HEAVEN MY THRONE, EARTH MY FOOTSTOOL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/heaven-my-throne-earth-my-footstool/) - ‘Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable’, Ps. 145. 3. Indeed, how great is our God? No human mind can conceive of His greatness, neither can human tongue describe it. Is there a place in the entire universe that could contain Him? ‘Behold, heaven and the heaven of - [THIS IS THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-is-the-stone-which-was-set-at-nought/) - The term ‘stone’ is often used in the scriptures to refer to the Person and work of Messiah. It indicates His strength, reliability and stability. First mentioned in Genesis chapter 49 verse 24, the stone is described as the Shepherd of Israel, an unmistakable ref­erence to the One who shall feed His flock like a - [CLOVEN TONGUES LIKE AS OF FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/cloven-tongues-like-as-of-fire/) - The feast of Pentecost was celebrated in Old Testament times on the fiftieth day after the feast of Firstfruits. In this instance, it was the fiftieth day after the Lord’s resurrection. The Saviour, before He ascended into heaven, had commanded His disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for ‘the promise of the - [THE BRANCH … CAST FORTH AS A BRANCH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-branch-cast-forth-as-a-branch/) - In yesterday’s meditation we saw how our Lord is the true vine, who brings joy to the heart of the Father through reproducing Himself in His people, the branches that bear fruit. The only part of the physical vine that is of use is the fruit. Its foliage, flowers and wood are of no commercial - [I AM THE TRUE VINE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-true-vine/) - In Old Testament times the house of Israel was the vineyard of the Lord, Isa. 5. 7. Transplanted from Egypt, Ps. 80. 8, 9, and nourished in the land of promise. They were blessed by the Lord with every blessing of field, barn and orchard. They were fur­ther supported by the word of the Lord, - [I AM THE WAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-way/) - It was the night in which our Lord was betrayed. He was alone with His own in the upper room; His imminent departure to the Father has been intimated and soon will be clearly announced. In response to a question by Thomas about the way He was going, the Saviour replied, ‘I am the way, - [I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-good-shepherd/) - Unlike the unfaithful shepherds of Israel in the past who fed themselves and did not feed the flocks, and whom the Lord denounced, Ezek. 34. 2; Jer. 23. 1-4, we have here speaking to us ‘the good shepherd’. Not only was it said of Him, ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd’, Isa. 40. - [I AM THE DOOR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-door/) - In the previous chapter, we saw the Lord giving sight to a beggar who was born blind. The spiritually blind leaders promptly cast out the poor man on account of his testimony of Christ. The Lord here continued addressing those leaders regarding His immi­nent calling of His own sheep, like that beggar, out of the - [I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-light-of-the-world/) - This great ‘I am’ was pronounced by the Lord in the courts of the temple. That the entire world lies in moral and spiritual darkness is obvious from His statement. It is the darkness of sin, ignorance of God and unbelief in Him that is meant here. He has come as a light into the - [RIVERS OF LIVING WATER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rivers-of-living-water/) - It was the feast of tabernacles, a feast of rejoicing, to which all classes of the people of Israel were called, Deut. 16. 13-15. To all the ceremonies of the feast as instituted by the Lord in the days of Moses, the Jews added a ceremonial drawing of water from the pool of Siloam, pouring - [I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-the-bread-of-life/) - On the previous day, the Lord had fed the multitude with a few loaves and fishes. Because of that miracle, carnally minded and earth-bound men sought to have Him for the source of their bodily needs; ‘Lord, evermore give us this bread’, v. 34, was their plea. His admonishing them not to labour for the - [AS A SNARE SHALL IT COME ON ALL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-snare-shall-it-come-on-all/) - The Lord Jesus has just finished talking to the disciples about what was to befall their city, which indeed took place at the hands of the Romans less than forty years later, vv. 20-24. He then goes on to tell them of His second coming, at the end of the great tribulation, ‘in a cloud - [A NOBLEMAN WENT INTO A FAR COUNTRY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-nobleman-went-into-a-far-country/) - This parable was spoken by our Lord in Jericho. It seems to have been told to dispel the wrong notion that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately. This may have been a thought in the minds of His disciples since He was near to Jerusalem, His capital city, where they hoped He - [AS A LITTLE CHILD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-little-child/) - See here the magnetism and attractiveness of the Saviour! Huge crowds of ordinary folk were frequently attracted to follow the Lord Jesus. Why was this? Because they knew that He loved them. We often read that the Saviour was ‘moved with compassion’, when He saw the crowds. Sometimes, the crowds irritated the disciples and they - [TWO MEN WENT UP INTO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/two-men-went-up-into-the-temple-to-pray/) - The Lord Jesus turned again to the Pharisees, described as being self-righteous, trusting in themselves and despising everyone else. This was another parable about prayer. In the previous one He showed the character of the God to whom our prayers are directed. Now, He teaches concerning the character of those who pray. In the first, - [THERE WAS IN A CITY A JUDGE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-was-in-a-city-a-judge/) - The Lord now tells a parable about prayer, teaching His disciples ‘that men ought always to pray, and not to faint’. Consider the truth of the parable. It is a parable of contrasts: the contrast between prayer and fainting; the contrast between a sinful judge and a holy God, and the contrast between persis­tently pleading - [AS THE LIGHTNING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-lightning/) - Today’s passage shows the Lord Jesus teaching that there are two aspects to the kingdom of God. The Pharisees are challenging Him again, demanding to know when this ‘kingdom of God’ that He spoke of would come. He answered that it had not come with outward show. They could not see it and say, ‘Here - [WHICH OF YOU, HAVING A SERVANT?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/which-of-you-having-a-servant/) - The Saviour continues to teach His disciples. He has spoken of sons, stewards and now servants. Sons remind us of relation­ship, stewards of responsibility, and now the servant speaks of duty. The servant here is not someone hired for wages but a bondman, a slave, who is the property of his master having no rights - [FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/faith-as-a-grain-of-mustard-seed/) - The Lord Jesus is again addressing His disciples about the important issues in life. Why did they feel it necessary to say, ‘Lord, Increase our faith’. The Lord, as always, was shedding heavenly light on earthly problems. He taught that it is impossible to go through life with­out being, ‘offended’, or stumbled by someone. The - [THERE WAS A CERTAIN RICH MAN, WHICH HAD A STEWARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/there-was-a-certain-rich-man-which-had-a-steward/) - Having spoken of a prodigal son wasting his father’s money, the Saviour now describes a prodigal steward wasting his master’s goods. Turning to His disciples, He instructs them regarding the use of money. This parable can be easily misunderstood. The Lord does not commend the steward for misappropriating his lord’s funds, but shows his skill - [WHAT WOMAN HAVING TEN PIECES OF SILVER?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-woman-having-ten-pieces-of-silver/) - Luke chapter 15 is one parable told in three parts. Today’s read­ing is the second of those three parts. The theme throughout the parable is the same: God’s love for that which is lost, the lengths to which He will go in order to recover that which is lost, and the great rejoicing in the - [WHICH OF YOU, INTENDING TO BUILD A TOWER … WHAT KING, GOING TO MAKE WAR?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/which-of-you-intending-to-build-a-tower-what-king-going-to-make-war/) - The object of the ministry of the Lord Jesus was not to become popular with the huge crowds that followed Him. He was look­ing for true disciples. And so He lays down conditions for discipleship. Three times He says that unless a follower meets certain conditions, he ‘cannot be my disciple’. In verse 26, He - [WHEN THOU ART BIDDEN OF ANY MAN TO A WEDDING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/when-thou-art-bidden-of-any-man-to-a-wedding/) - Jesus, the carpenter of despised Nazareth, in the house of one of the most important Jewish leaders! How did this come about? Recently, they had warned Him to leave Herod’s hostile terri­tory for the apparent safety of Jerusalem. Now, one of their leaders invites Him to a meal in his house. All the time they - [AS A HEN DOTH GATHER HER BROOD UNDER HER WINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-hen-doth-gather-her-brood-under-her-wings/) - Who would have thought of depicting the Saviour as a hen? But look again. In our passage we see two creatures; a fox and a hen! Pictures of two people, Herod and the Lord Jesus Christ. What a contrast! A fox is a predator, intent on wanton destruction. A hen is a protector, caring for - [STRIVE TO ENTER IN AT THE STRAIT GATE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/strive-to-enter-in-at-the-strait-gate/) - ‘Lord, are there few that be saved?’ The question came from one in the crowd as the Saviour journeyed towards Jerusalem with Calvary in mind. The Lord Jesus was often asked questions which could have opened up lengthy debate, but He always went straight to the real issue and challenged His hearers as to their - [A CERTAIN MAN HAD A FIG TREE PLANTED IN HIS VINEYARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-man-had-a-fig-tree-planted-in-his-vineyard/) - Our parable gives a clear picture of the nation of Israel, the vine­yard of Isaiah chapter 5, with the fig tree, the remnant of Judah, occupying the land and receiving the careful attention of its Owner, as He sent to them His beloved Son. But this parable must be seen in the context of the - [THE WISE STEWARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-wise-steward/) - The principles. In today’s parable we see the Lord continuing with the theme of servants and masters. What is He teaching us? Firstly, that servants are given responsibility by their master which they are expected to fulfil in his absence. Secondly, that at some point the master will return unexpectedly, review his ser­vants’ faithfulness and - [MEN THAT WAIT FOR THEIR LORD, WHEN HE WILL RETURN FROM THE WEDDING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/men-that-wait-for-their-lord-when-he-will-return-from-the-wedding/) - In using the word ‘rather’ the Lord was commanding His follow­ers to adopt a counter-culture to that which was, and remains, characteristic of the world. The things that pre-occupied people in our Lord’s day are detailed in the verses immediately preced­ing today’s portion: the pampering of the body, fashion, food, industry, prosperity. These matters are - [THE GROUND OF A CERTAIN RICH MAN BROUGHT FORTH PLENTIFULLY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-ground-of-a-certain-rich-man-brought-forth-plentifully/) - There is hardly a more appropriate message for today’s material­istic world than ‘a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth’. It has pertinence for saint and sinner alike. Covetousness is treated in the Bible as a most reprehensible sin. The Spirit of God goes so far as to tell us - [WHICH OF YOU SHALL HAVE A FRIEND, AND SHALL GO UNTO HIM AT MIDNIGHT?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/which-of-you-shall-have-a-friend-and-shall-go-unto-him-at-midnight/) - In response to the disciples’ request, ‘Teach us to pray’, the Lord encourages them to do so by giving to them the expectation of being answered. In the parable, the retired friend is to be viewed as the antitype of our ‘heavenly Father’. The central character in the story was a man who was blessed - [A CERTAIN SAMARITAN, AS HE JOURNEYED, CAME WHERE HE WAS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-samaritan-as-he-journeyed-came-where-he-was/) - This parable is perhaps the most widely known of all those told by the Lord. The ‘good Samaritan’ retains a place in our society in the guise of those who do charitable deeds. The archetype of this noble man was the Saviour Himself, who was referred to as ‘a Samaritan’ by the Jews, when attempting - [A CERTAIN CREDITOR WHO HAD TWO DEBTORS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-creditor-who-had-two-debtors/) - We have here a principle established by the Lord that is the mea­sure of intelligent spirituality: low thoughts of oneself and lofty thoughts of our Saviour. It would appear that the purpose of the Lord’s invitation to Simon’s house was to provide answers to questions the host still had about Him, v. 39. This reluctance - [THE HOUSEHOLDER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-householder/) - Today’s parable concludes Mark’s record of the Olivet discourse. Once again the Lord portrays Himself as an absent householder who commits the responsibility of His affairs to His servants. In a previous study, we considered the service of those who are appointed rulers ‘over his household’. Here, as in the parable of the talents, Matt. - [SEED GROWING SECRETLY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/seed-growing-secretly/) - This parable is a delightful precis of the mysterious process of germination. It is a fitting analogy for the imperceptible and inevitable development of the kingdom of God. The seed, as the Lord said in another place, ‘is the word of God’, Luke 8. 11. It is that which has potential for life in and - [AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-shepherd-divideth-his-sheep-from-the-goats/) - This parable describes the event that has been repeatedly alluded to in our series of meditations; the identifying of those among ‘all nations’ who will be blessed and those who will be punished. This will take place when our Lord returns to the earth and sits ‘upon the throne of his glory’. Here are the - [A MAN TRAVELLING INTO A FAR COUNTRY… UNTO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-man-travelling-into-a-far-country-unto-one-he-gave-five-talents/) - In understanding this parable we do well to consider ‘the end from the beginning’, Isa. 46. 10. The concluding judgement scene determines the interpretation. This cannot represent the Judgement Seat of Christ as no one will be expelled from there ‘into outer darkness’. Neither can it be the Judgement of the Great White Throne as - [TEN VIRGINS … TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ten-virgins-to-meet-the-bridegroom/) - As the Lord did in a previous meditation, so too here He uses the circumstances of a marriage to make a point. The bride once again goes unmentioned and neither is the bridegroom the main player in the parable. The focus is placed upon the attendees as it was in the parable of the marriage - [A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-faithful-and-wise-servant/) - Though today’s portion is not applicable to us in its contextual interpretation, there are, nevertheless, lessons to be learned in matters of privilege and responsibility as the Lord’s servants. These are pertinent to us despite the fact that we serve in a dif­ferent dispensation to the setting of these verses. The scene is once again - [THE GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE … THE THIEF](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-goodman-of-the-house-the-thief/) - The Lord once again employs a teaching method, as He did in yesterday’s study, which uses an illustration in a way that differs from how He more commonly uses it elsewhere. In the previous portion, we saw the fig tree as representing the signs of His com­ing, not as it is predominantly used, as a - [THE FIG TREE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-fig-tree/) - There is great reassurance for the nation of Israel in the words ‘after the tribulation’. There is greater comfort for us in the church that are said to be ‘delivered … (away) from the wrath to come’, 1 Thess. 1. 10. However desperate the nation becomes during the time of Jacob’s trouble, they will be - [YE ARE LIKE UNTO WHITED SEPULCHRES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/ye-are-like-unto-whited-sepulchres/) - Today’s reading is a calculated critique by the Lord of the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. With methodical care, he exposes their audacious deception and exploitation of those who could not recognize their double standards. The particular sin associated with the metaphor we are con­sidering here is that of conveying an appearance that is - [A MAN WHICH HAD NOT A WEDDING GARMENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-man-which-had-not-a-wedding-garment/) - It is significant that before the celebrations commenced, for it is inconceivable that they could commence without the host being present, there is an ejection of those who are not suit­ably attired. As indicated in yesterday’s study, this exclusion will take place prior to the establishment of the Lord’s earthly kingdom. The company gathered by - [A MARRIAGE FOR HIS SON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-marriage-for-his-son/) - It is a tremendous privilege to be invited to a wedding celebra­tion. It is an immeasurably greater blessing to be a participant in the marriage! This truth helps us interpret today’s parable. In this parable we have the Lord portraying three distinct offers made by His Father. Those summoned initially had been invited previously. When - [A CERTAIN HOUSEHOLDER, WHICH PLANTED A VINEYARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-householder-which-planted-a-vineyard/) - This parable is perhaps the most remarkable of all spoken by our Lord. Just four days before Golgotha, He faces His foes and poi­gnantly traces His Father’s dealings with them. Then, He depicts, in dark strokes, the heinous crime which they were plot­ting and would perpetrate against Himself, the Father’s Son and heir. In the - [A CERTAIN MAN HAD TWO SONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-man-had-two-sons/) - Now, our Lord tells two parables which are linked. The first con­cerns the ministry of John the Baptist and its results, and the second, His own ministry and its results, vv. 33-44. The chief priests and elders, self-appointed defenders of spiritual orthodoxy, accosted Christ as He taught in the temple. Was His authority earthly or - [AN HOUSEHOLDER … LABOURERS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-householder-labourers/) - All three parables of service and reward, the ‘pence’, ‘pounds’, Luke 19, and ‘talents’, Matt. 25, were spoken at different places, to different persons, and for different purposes. The ‘pence’ was spoken east of Jordan to the disciples as Christ commenced His last journey to Jerusalem, about eight days before Calvary. He was responding to - [IT IS EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-easier-for-a-camel-to-go-through-the-eye-of-a-needle/) - This parable was spoken by our Lord to His disciples following the departure of the rich young ruler who was not prepared to surrender his riches to follow Christ. Here was an exceptionally successful and charming young man. He possessed both wealth and power, Luke 18. 18. He was not only religious, but earnest - - [A CERTAIN KING … TEN THOUSAND TALENTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-certain-king-ten-thousand-talents/) - This parable was spoken in response to Peter’s query as to how many times he should forgive a brother who sinned against him. The Lord had just outlined the steps which a wronged party should take to be reconciled with a brother who had trespassed against him. Peter obviously felt that there should be a - [AN HUNDRED SHEEP, AND ONE OF THEM BE GONE ASTRAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-hundred-sheep-and-one-of-them-be-gone-astray/) - Matthew’s gospel portrays Christ as the great Shepherd-King. His primary mission was to find and feed the lost sheep of Israel, 2. 6 RV; 10. 6. Israel rejected its Shepherd, so He turns to the Gen­tiles, 15. 24, 28. The good Shepherd was smitten in death, but the great Shepherd, now risen, leads His flock, - [HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN, AND HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AS THE LIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-face-did-shine-as-the-sun-and-his-raiment-was-white-as-the-light/) - The late hour and strenuous climb had taken its toll. Three weary fishermen lay asleep on the slopes, Luke 9. 32. But high in the cool, rarefied air, the indefatigable and intrepid Christ, Mediator of the new covenant, holds vigil and keeps tryst with Moses and Elijah - His fellow mountaineers of the old order. - [EVERY PLANT, WHICH MY HEAVENLY FATHER HATH NOT PLANTED, SHALL BE ROOTED UP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/every-plant-which-my-heavenly-father-hath-not-planted-shall-be-rooted-up/) - The first twenty verses of Matthew chapter 15 sum up the great controversy of the New Testament - between the law and the gospel. Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees had travelled sixty miles north to Galilee to oppose Christ. They accused His disciples of eating with unwashed hands, v. 2. Their dogma prescribed ritual washings, not - [LIKE UNTO A NET … CAST INTO THE SEA](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-unto-a-net-cast-into-the-sea/) - This, the last of the seven parables of ‘the kingdom of the heav­ens’, stands alone. The first two ‘sowing’ parables represent the commencement and course of the kingdom. The ‘mustard seed’ and the ‘leaven’ picture Christendom’s progressive outward growth, yet inward corruption. The hidden ‘treasure’ is Israel, and the ‘pearl of great price’, developing unseen - [A MERCHANTMAN… ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-merchantman-one-pearl-of-great-price/) - Just as Israel is God’s treasure, so the church, the bride of Christ, is the ‘one pearl of great price’, lit. ‘one very precious pearl’. The merchantman, the Lord Jesus, came seeking it and, when He had found it, went and sold all that He had to acquire it. The church of God is Christ’s - [TREASURE HID IN A FIELD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/treasure-hid-in-a-field/) - The fifth and sixth parables of ‘the kingdom of the heavens’ are a pair. They tell of the immense price paid by the king to purchase, not the kingdom itself, but those valuables in it which He prizes most highly. In this parable, the ‘treasure’ probably represents Israel. Jehovah referred to obedient Israel as ‘a - [LEAVEN WHICH A WOMAN TOOK AND HID](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/leaven-which-a-woman-took-and-hid/) - This fourth parable of ‘the kingdom of the heavens’, see also Luke 13. 21, is linked with the previous parable of the mustard seed. It predicts the kingdom’s thorough corruption, and corre­sponds in time to the dark middle ages, represented by the fourth church of Revelation, Thyatira, Rev. 2. 18-29. Then Romanism and popery dominated, - [A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-grain-of-mustard-seed/) - The first two parables of ‘the kingdom of the heavens’ picture its commencement and course, using figures of sowing and reap­ing. The third and fourth are likewise linked, and depict its development and corruption. The third parable portrays princi­pally the Pergamos era of church history, Rev. 3. 12. In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries, - [HIS ENEMY CAME AND SOWED TARES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-enemy-came-and-sowed-tares/) - The first parable of the ‘kingdom of the heavens’ portrays the inauguration of the kingdom. The Lord Jesus, in ‘the days of his flesh’, went forth, sowing the gospel seed throughout all Galilee. However, this second parable spans the whole of this age, dur­ing which Christ reigns from above. The ‘good seed’ are now the - [A SOWER WENT FORTH TO SOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-sower-went-forth-to-sow/) - This chapter contains seven parables of the ‘kingdom of the heavens’ lit. They chronicle this present age during which earth’s rightful but absent King reigns from above, and wages war with the devil for terrestrial sovereignty. The use of parables marks a switch in Christ’s teaching style. It was provoked by the antagonism of Israel’s - [THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT … I WILL RETURN INTO MY HOUSE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-unclean-spirit-i-will-return-into-my-house/) - The stubborn unbelief of the Jewish leaders had been manifest. They had been guilty of hypocrisy, and blasphemy. They had been described as a ‘generation of vipers’, and ‘evil’, v. 34. Now, as if to justify their intransigence, they ask for a sign, some action that would prove to them the claims of the Lord - [A STRONG MAN’S HOUSE … THE STRONG MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-strong-mans-house-the-strong-man/) - This is a turning point in the gospel. Up to this point the Lord had spoken to the people openly. As chapter 13 of the gospel opens, the Lord ‘spake many things unto them in parables’, 13. 3. This metaphor is the Lord’s answer to the thoughts of the Pharisees when confronted with the healing - [CHILDREN SITTING IN THE MARKETS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/children-sitting-in-the-markets/) - As we commented in yesterday’s reading, we are prone to be creatures of extremes, swinging from one extreme to another. The picture of today’s passage has a similar message. It would appear that the Lord had observed the children playing in the streets. Their games could be either joyful or sad. If joyful, then the - [A PIECE OF NEW CLOTH … NEW WINE IN OLD BOTTLES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-piece-of-new-cloth-new-wine-in-old-bottles/) - The illustrations used by the Lord in these verses are contrasts between old and new. There is the old garment and the new piece of cloth used to repair a tear. Then, there is the old wine skins used to store new wine. Both are used to indicate that the old traditions and practices of - [HOUSE ON A ROCK… HOUSE ON THE SAND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/house-on-a-rock-house-on-the-sand/) - Most of us have never undertaken to build our own house. We have relied upon others to construct the property and we have depended upon government regulations and builders’ guaran­tees to protect us from any difficulties that may arise. However, those of us who live in areas prone to coal mining subsidence will have proved - [A TRUMPET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-trumpet/) - The verses that form our reading for today clearly establish that giving to the poor is the right thing to do. Having a concern for the needy is a demonstration of the compassion that the Lord Himself displayed. How sad when, ‘Our sinful nature is so sub­tle that it can defile even a good thing - [THE SALT OF THE EARTH … YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, A CITY THAT IS SET ON A HILL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-salt-of-the-earth-ye-are-the-light-of-the-world-a-city-that-is-set-on-a-hill/) - In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord is setting out the princi­ples of His kingdom as the politician lays out his ideas in a manifesto. What makes the difference in the words of the Lord is the focus upon the change wrought in people to bring the princi­ples of the kingdom to life. In - [MAKE UP MY JEWELS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/make-up-my-jewels/) - In yesterday’s reading we looked at gold and silver. Today, the figure is that of jewels. Whilst we can distinguish between each, all convey the thought of value, preciousness, signifi­cance. For this reason, the marginal rendering is ‘special treasure’. What a picture this conveys of the importance that God places upon His people! This band - [AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-refiner-and-purifier-of-silver/) - Few, if any of us, would have practical experience of the process of which the writer speaks here. We may be able to purchase the product but we know little of what is involved in its preparation - the different measures of purity only become apparent when we are presented with the cost of each. - [AS THE FLOCK OF HIS PEOPLE … AS THE STONES OF A CROWN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-flock-of-his-people-as-the-stones-of-a-crown/) - The primary application of the verses before us today relates to Israel’s opposition to the Greek power under its ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes, and further detail of this is unfolded in Daniel’s vision in chapter 8 of his prophecy. The partial fulfilment of this account of victory was seen in the Maccabean revolt in the sec­ond - [AS A SIGNET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-signet/) - The prophecy of Haggai is a remarkable book. The time span of the prophet’s work is from the first day of the sixth month, 1. 1, through to ‘the four and twentieth day of the ninth month’, 2. 10. In that relatively short period, Haggai delivered five messages from the Lord. Our passage today is - [WALK LIKE BLIND MEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/walk-like-blind-men/) - What is the picture that the prophet is trying to convey here? There are those with limited or no sight who proceed on their way without a problem, but here the verses suggest alarm and distress. Like the blind in unfamiliar territory, unsure of what direction to take in their pursuit of safety, the people - [AS A WHIRLWIND TO SCATTER ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-whirlwind-to-scatter-me/) - I wonder whether you have ever felt as Habakkuk did when he penned the first words of his prophecy: ‘O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!’ 1. 2. How puzzling and, at times, dis­tressing the silence of heaven - [AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-waters-cover-the-sea/) - This chapter of Habakkuk is composed of five ‘woes’ which are given to the prophet to speak. They are the divine sen­tence upon the Chaldean aggressor indicating the fate that awaits him. The reason for the judgement that will be visited upon this nation is given at the end of the first and fourth ‘woes’: - [AS A GAZINGSTOCK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-gazingstock/) - As we read through this chapter of judgement we are bound to recoil at the ferocity and carnage it details. We read of sword and spear, v. 3. The outcome is ‘a multitude of slain, and a great num­ber of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses’, v. 3. The nation of Assyria - [AGREE WITH THINE ADVERSARY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/agree-with-thine-adversary-2/) - Every Jew would know the commandments. Not only were they taught them but their whole religious life revolved around them. However, what the Lord would teach went beyond the external. The sixth commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’, v. 21, was not just to stop people from murdering one another. God wanted them to refrain from - [CAST ALL THEIR SINS INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/cast-all-their-sins-into-the-depths-of-the-sea/) - Micah’s brief prophecy is a wonderful tribute to the longsuffering of God. The chosen people were nurtured, cared for, shepherded and protected, yet they consistently rebelled, refused to obey and sought to establish their own way of life, apart from God. Time and again they were taught that sin brings sorrow and suffering and time - [AS A BRIER … A THORN HEDGE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-brier-a-thorn-hedge/) - Having considered the purposes of God for the nation of Israel and observed with prophetic vision their future glory, the prophet again turns his attention to the needs of the pres­ent. In chapters 6 and 7 he appeals to the people in view of their low spiritual condition. As suggested on a previous occa­sion, the - [AS A DEW FROM THE LORD, AS THE SHOWERS UPON THE GRASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-dew-from-the-lord-as-the-showers-upon-the-grass/) - From the desolation of Jerusalem at the end of chapter 3, we turn with a sense of relief to the later chapters of Micah’s prophecy. The opening of chapter 4 provides a complete contrast as our thoughts are directed by the prophet to ‘the last days’. In the previous verses, Micah foresaw Jerusalem left barren - [ZION … BE PLOWED AS A FIELD … BECOME HEAPS … AS THE HIGH PLACES OF THE FOREST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/zion-be-plowed-as-a-field-become-heaps-as-the-high-places-of-the-forest/) - At the same time as Isaiah the son of Amoz was proclaiming his message in the courts of kings, Micah the Morasthite was mak­ing known the mind of God to the common people and their rulers. In the opening chapters, his cry is, ‘Hear, all ye people’, as he sets out the Lord’s case against - [I WENT DOWN … THE EARTH WITH HER BARS WAS ABOUT ME FOR EVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-went-down-the-earth-with-her-bars-was-about-me-for-ever/) - Perhaps no book in scripture has attracted the attention of scep­tics more than the little book of Jonah. On a natural level, and without the faith which assures the believer of its truth, the brief narrative appears no more than a fable, or at best an allegory to convey some moral teaching. However, there is - [LET JUDGEMENT RUN DOWN AS WATERS, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A MIGHTY STREAM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/let-judgement-run-down-as-waters-and-righteousness-as-a-mighty-stream/) - It is important to remember that on every occasion when God moves in judgement, it has its source in the intrinsic righteous­ness of His own character. Since God is essentially holy, and ‘every transgression and disobedience’ must inevitably ‘receive a just recompense of reward’, Heb. 2. 2, we are not surprised to hear the impassioned - [AS A FIREBRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE BURNING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-firebrand-plucked-out-of-the-burning/) - It is difficult to read the prophecy of Amos without feeling the weight of his message. The nation appeared to be enjoying a time of peace and prosperity, but the rulers and the more afflu­ent in society were behaving in a shameful way towards the disadvantaged. Amos challenged those ‘which oppress the poor, which crush - [AS A CART IS PRESSED THAT IS FULL OF SHEAVES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-cart-is-pressed-that-is-full-of-sheaves/) - Jeroboam II sat upon the throne of Israel. The longest reigning monarch of the northern kingdom, one of the dynasty promised to Jehu, his reign brought security and material prosperity to the nation. Yet the contemporary prophets, Hosea and Amos, exposed the moral laxity into which the people had descended. Amos, the farmworker from Tekoa, - [LIKE THE NOISE OF CHARIOTS … THE NOISE OF A FLAME OF FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-the-noise-of-chariots-the-noise-of-a-flame-of-fire/) - Joel’s graphic description of the locust swarm continues in these verses as, having recorded what he has seen, he now makes known what he hears. The sound as of many chariot wheels echoing from the mountain tops and, in their wake, the crackle of fire on stubble as the invading army left nothing but scorched - [AS THE APPEARANCE OF HORSES; AND AS HORSEMEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-appearance-of-horses-and-as-horsemen/) - A swarm of locusts had devastated the land. Such events were not uncommon in Middle Eastern countries, but nothing com­parable to this vast and destructive force was recalled in living memory, Joel 1. 2. Nothing escaped their voracious appetite as wave after irresistible wave of living creatures swept across the country, v. 4. Vineyards, fig - [THEY SHALL REVIVE AS THE CORN, AND GROW AS THE VINE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/they-shall-revive-as-the-corn-and-grow-as-the-vine/) - The verses before us today at the close of Hosea’s prophecy are full of delightful horticultural imagery, describing the future blessings which belong to the redeemed, restored and regathered nation of Israel. The persistent sin, for which both Israel and Judah were taken into captivity, was that of idolatry. In chapter 4, the Lord says - [AS A BIRD OUT OF EGYPT, AND AS A DOVE OUT OF THE LAND OF ASSYRIA](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-bird-out-of-egypt-and-as-a-dove-out-of-the-land-of-assyria/) - The bitter experience of Hosea in his marriage relationship pro­vides a graphic illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness to a God who loved them and who desired only the best for them. Hosea, having taken Gomer to be his wife in accordance with divine instruction, then suffered the anguish of her adultery. Yet, still his love reached - [AS A VESSEL WHEREIN IS NO PLEASURE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-vessel-wherein-is-no-pleasure/) - The idea of a vessel is used a number of times by way of illustra­tion in both Old and New Testaments. It suggests something of practical use, which has the potential to be of value and of ser­vice to its owner. In Hosea chapter 8 the vessel is Israel, who, because of their persistent sins - [THEIR HEART LIKE AN OVEN … IT BURNETH AS A FLAMING FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/their-heart-like-an-oven-it-burneth-as-a-flaming-fire/) - The verses before us today are full of striking imagery as the Lord reveals His awareness of the nation’s sin. Three times He compares their behaviour to an oven, vv. 4, 6, 7. Then, in view of their constant dalliance with idolatrous neighbours, He likens them to ‘a cake not turned’, v. 8, and to - [YOUR GOODNESS IS AS A MORNING CLOUD, AND AS THE EARLY DEW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/your-goodness-is-as-a-morning-cloud-and-as-the-early-dew/) - The book of Hosea is taken up with a heart-rending plea from a covenant-keeping God to His chosen, though often wayward, people. The prophet, both by his own experience and in the mes­sage he brought, appealed to the conscience of the nation. The burden of Hosea’s message was directed primarily to the north­ern kingdom and - [AS A MOTH, AND … AS ROTTENNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-moth-and-as-rottenness/) - Hosea’s ministry was primarily directed to the northern king­dom of Israel, to which he often refers as ‘Ephraim’, the most powerful and eminent of the tribes. But, not infrequently, as here, his message reaches out also to the southern kingdom of Judah. In verses 10 and 11, Hosea pointed to the underlying sins of both - [SLIDETH BACK AS A BACKSLIDING HEIFER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/slideth-back-as-a-backsliding-heifer/) - The words translated ‘sliding back’ and ‘backsliding’ in verse 16 speak properly of stubbornness and rebellion. Indeed, Hosea himself uses the root word later to describe the leaders in Israel who ‘revolt’ against God and His word, 9. 15. The opening expres­sion of verse 16 is therefore more accurately rendered, ‘Israel is stubborn (rebellious), like - [AN ADULTERESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/an-adulteress/) - Behind Hosea’s ministry lay the tragedy of a broken home and a shattered relationship. At the outset, the prophet had been com­manded by the Lord, ‘Go, take unto thee a wife’, 1. 2; now he is commanded, ‘Go yet, love a woman’. When, in obedience to the first command, Hosea had married ‘Gomer the daughter - [AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT… AS THE STARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-brightness-of-the-firmament-as-the-stars/) - The opening phrase of verse 1, ‘And at that time’, makes it clear that the period covered by the first three verses follows on directly after the events described in the closing section of chap­ter 11. Those events themselves are spoken of as covering ‘the time of the end’, Dan. 11. 40. The resurrection of - [LIKE BERYL … AS LIGHTNING … LAMPS OF FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-beryl-as-lightning-lamps-of-fire/) - The identity of the ‘certain man’ of verse 5 is not given. On the one hand, this may have been a manifestation of God; in effect, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, it may have been the appearance of an angel. If the ‘man’ who later spoke to Daniel in - [FOUR GREAT BEASTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/four-great-beasts/) - Daniel’s vision of the ‘four great beasts’ seems to run parallel to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the ‘great image’ in chapter 2. In all likelihood both the four portions of the image and the four beasts represent the same great world empires: the Babylonian; the Medo-Persian; the Grecian; and the Roman. As might be expected, Nebuchadnezzar - [THE VALLEY WHICH WAS FULL OF BONES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-valley-which-was-full-of-bones/) - Following Ezekiel’s hearing that Jerusalem had finally fallen, Ezek. 33. 21, the whole tone of his ministry changed. Previously he had denounced the people for their sin and apostasy, foretell­ing gloom and doom for the nation. Now, in chapters 34 to 37, his messages announce hope and revival. Chapter 37 divides into two equal sections. - [AS THE SEA CAUSETH HIS WAVES TO COME UP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-sea-causeth-his-waves-to-come-up/) - Chapters 25 to 28 of Ezekiel consist of six prophecies directed against the gentile nations around Israel. The messages against Ammon, Moab, Edom, the Philistines and Sidon are compara­tively short. But that against Tyre spans almost three chapters, Ezek. 26. 1 to 28. 19. In part this reflects the fact that, at the time, Tyre - [THE BOILING POT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-boiling-pot/) - In chapter 11 the ungodly men of Judah had maintained that, just as a cauldron protected the choice pieces of meat inside from the fierceness of the fire below, so the fortified city of Jerusalem would shelter them from the might of the Babylonian army. But, in response, God had declared that the city would - [LION’S WHELPS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/lions-whelps/) - Ezekiel chapter 19 takes the form of a ‘lamentation’ over the demise of the royal house of Israel, vv. 1, 14. Following the tragic death of godly Josiah at Megiddo, there were only four kings of Judah. These were Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah respectively. It is said of all four that they ‘did evil - [GREAT EAGLES AND THE SPREADING VINE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-eagles-and-the-spreading-vine/) - Ezekiel’s ‘riddle’ and ‘parable’ occupies the first half of the chapter, with its interpretation filling the latter half. The first ‘great eagle’ of the parable represents ‘the king of Babylon’, Nebuchadnezzar; its long wings, ‘pinions’, indicating the vast extent of his dominions. The cedar of Lebanon stands for the house of David. The crest of - [THE VINE TREE AMONG THE TREES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-vine-tree-among-the-trees/) - The people of Israel are often pictured in scripture as either a vine or a vineyard. The nation had been chosen that they might bear fruit for God and be a source of blessing to the world. In the words of Isaiah, ‘He (the Lord) looked that it should bring forth grapes’, Isa. 5. 2, - [A LITTLE SANCTUARY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-little-sanctuary/) - Physically, Ezekiel was located among the exiles in Babylon. But he was transported by the Spirit to the gate of the temple in Jeru­salem. There the leaders of the people comforted themselves with the belief that their city was impregnable. ‘This city is the caldron, and we be the flesh’, they said. As they saw - [APPEARANCE OF THE BOW… IN THE DAY OF RAIN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/appearance-of-the-bow-in-the-day-of-rain/) - At the first, God had made man in His image and after His ‘like­ness’, Gen. 1. 26. But, in fascinating reversal, Ezekiel sees the transcendent Lord Himself in ‘the likeness as the appearance of a man’. Yet, if the description of the One on the throne reminds us of Genesis chapter 1, ‘the appearance of - [THE LIKENESS OF FOUR LIVING CREATURES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-likeness-of-four-living-creatures/) - That the ‘four living creatures’ were cherubim is made clear in chapter 10 verses 1, 20 and 22. It seems that one of the main roles of the cherubim is to guard the means of approach to God, whether by way of the mercyseat, the tabernacle or the temple. Clearly, there were none better fitted - [AS A MARK FOR THE ARROW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-mark-for-the-arrow/) - Jeremiah is speaking out of the deepest distress. His sorrow is not only personal. He laments as the representative of God’s people in their sufferings. The prophet was experiencing all that they were experiencing in the calamity of the siege and fall of Jerusalem. ‘Their sorrow was his’, Kaiser. He had spoken for God to - [SHE IS BECOME LIKE A WIDOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/she-is-become-like-a-widow/) - The judgement which Jeremiah had predicted had come to pass. Jerusalem had fallen to the Babylonians. Her citizens had suf­fered mass deportation. In Lamentations, the prophet grieves before the Lord as he considers the desolation of Zion. This neglected book teaches us how to cope with personal suffering. In our text, Jerusalem is personified as - [THE BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-branch-of-righteousness/) - Our text is a glorious prophecy of Messiah. Jeremiah has already pointed to the Branch whom God will cause to spring up for David, Jer. 23. 5, 6. Now he repeats the prediction of the coming righteous Branch of David’s line. This prophecy rests on God’s covenant with David, ordered in all things and sure, - [IS NOT MY WORD LIKE A FIRE AND A HAMMER?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/is-not-my-word-like-a-fire-and-a-hammer/) - Jeremiah faced resolute opposition. While he denounced sin and predicted judgement, other prophets promised peace and prosperity. His message was a wake-up call. Theirs lulled the people into slumber. Faithfulness demanded confronta­tion. Spiritual error abounds today. Christ’s servants must resist it with the living word of God. Jeremiah’s opponents were false prophets. They were leading - [THE PARTRIDGE BROODS BUT DOES NOT HATCH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-partridge-broods-but-does-not-hatch/) - One of the Bible’s basic teachings is ‘the innate depravity of the human heart’, Streane. It is here declared in the clearest terms. This unpalatable doctrine explains much of our behaviour. The heart in scripture is ‘the total inner being’, Feinberg. Sin radically affects thought, emotion and desire. This is the universal condi­tion of men - [MY WORDS FIRE, THIS PEOPLE WOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-words-fire-this-people-wood/) - Our passage begins with God announcing judgement against His treacherous people. Yet He would temper that judgement with mercy. It would not be complete destruction. The people’s reaction should still shock us. Confidently, they boasted that God would never intervene to bring calamity. Their thinking excluded the very possibility of God either being interested enough - [AS A WIFE TREACHEROUSLY DEPARTETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-wife-treacherously-departeth/) - This whole chapter has been well described as ‘an appeal to the heart’, A. Stewart. Equally, it is an appeal from the heart of the Lord Himself. God earnestly pleads with His people to return from their backsliding, vv. 12, 14, 22. Israel had been faith­less and disloyal. They had turned from their God to - [BROKEN CISTERNS THAT CAN HOLD NO WATER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/broken-cisterns-that-can-hold-no-water/) - God lays charges against Judah. They had abandoned Him to follow idols. He uses a strong metaphor to show how irratio­nal their behaviour had been. What a poor exchange they had made! The Lord describes Himself as the fountain of living water, the source of pure refreshment. The picture is of water drawn from flowing - [AS FILTHY RAGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-filthy-rags/) - This passage is an earnest prayer by the believing remnant of Israel that God would manifest His glorious presence on earth. They plead that He will miraculously display His almighty power so that the nations will tremble before Him. They ask the God of the Exodus to perform His mighty acts again. Reflecting on the - [BEAUTY FOR ASHES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/beauty-for-ashes/) - Here God’s anointed Servant declares His mission. The Lord Jesus explicitly applies these glorious words to Himself, Luke 4. 17-22. Carrying out this programme completely involves both of His advents. Those who mourn are the people blessed by Messiah. They mourn primarily over personal sinfulness. Do we? Like Isaiah, they see themselves as totally lost - [PEACE AS A RIVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/peace-as-a-river/) - The whole chapter is a sustained appeal by the Lord for His people to hear His word, vv. 1, 12, 14, 16, yet not only to hear it but to heed it. We must give the closest attention to God’s voice in scripture and render ready obedience. In the New Testament, James appeals to us - [I HAVE BLOTTED OUT THY TRANSGRESSIONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-have-blotted-out-thy-transgressions/) - Isaiah is the evangelical prophet. He delights to preach the gos­pel of God’s grace. In our passage, he proclaims God’s free forgiveness to the returning exiles of Judah. He calls heaven and earth to rejoice at the miracle of their deliverance from Babylon and restoration to Jerusalem. Decades before he came to power, a heathen - [THE DROP OF A BUCKET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-drop-of-a-bucket/) - The grandeur of God is the theme of this mighty chapter. God has no rival. His majesty is incomparable. The universe is His handiwork. He measured out the seas and the skies. Yet no detail, not even the dust of the earth, escapes His notice. He weighed the mighty mountain ranges. He needed no help - [REMOVED AS A SHEPHERD’S TENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/removed-as-a-shepherds-tent/) - Hezekiah had stared over the very brink of death. The Lord gra­ciously delivered him and promised him another fifteen years of life. God blended together medicine and miracle to restore the king of Judah. A poultice of crushed figs drew the poison of the boil. A supernatural sign confirmed that God’s hand was at work - [ROLLED TOGETHER AS A SCROLL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/rolled-together-as-a-scroll/) - The idea of future judgement is foreign to the world-view of our contemporaries. They have accepted Satan’s lie that every­thing will continue as it has from the beginning, 2 Pet. 3. 4. Such thinking can even subtly affect us as Christians. Today’s passage emphasizes the unpalatable reality that God will inter­vene in our world as - [A BEACON AND AN ENSIGN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-beacon-and-an-ensign/) - This is a prediction of devastation for Judah and Jerusalem. The people would be decimated by their enemies. They would be left utterly desolate under the judgement of God. Forsaken and for­lorn, they are pictured as ‘a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill’ ESV. These are not natural - [IS IT NOT YET A LITTLE WHILE … THE FRUITFUL FIELD SHALL BE ESTEEMED AS A FOREST?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/is-it-not-yet-a-little-while-the-fruitful-field-shall-be-esteemed-as-a-forest/) - Having charged the people that they had turned things upside down, that they had perverted things, Jehovah now warns them that He too is about to turn things around. This would be, perhaps, in a way which they did not anticipate. In His sovereign ways the uncultivated forest land of Leba­non would become a fruitful - [LIKE AS A WOMAN WITH CHILD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-as-a-woman-with-child/) - The figure of a woman in the pangs of childbearing, crying out in pain, is often used in scripture to depict the sorrows of the nation of Israel. Examples of this may be found in Psalm 48 verse 6, Jeremiah chapter 6 verse 24, Jeremiah chapter 13 verse 21, and indeed in other places almost - [A REFUGE FROM THE STORM, A SHADOW FROM THE HEAT, WHEN THE BLAST OF THE TERRIBLE ONES IS AS A STORM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-refuge-from-the-storm-a-shadow-from-the-heat-when-the-blast-of-the-terrible-ones-is-as-a-storm/) - By the prophets and psalmists Jehovah has often been likened to a refuge, a shadow, a covert from the storm. In that other well-known and much loved verse, Isaiah writes, A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, - [AS A NAIL IN A SURE PLACE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-nail-in-a-sure-place/) - This passage follows upon the removal from office of the unfaithful Shebna and the investiture of Eliakim in his place. Eliakim is called ‘My servant’ and as such is a foreshadowing of Christ. Jehovah calls him for a place and position of glory in the royal household and so much will hang upon him. Hence, - [IN THAT DAY THERE SHALL BE A ROOT OF JESSE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/in-that-day-there-shall-be-a-root-of-jesse/) - It is interesting that even Jewish writers, with no knowledge of Jesus as Lord, are compelled to concede that the prophet is here speaking of Messiah. Some of these writers refer to ‘the ideal ruler’ but fail to see the fulfilment of this in the Lord Jesus. And yet, how exactly do these verses refer - [A VINEYARD … THE CHOICEST VINE … GRAPES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-vineyard-the-choicest-vine-grapes/) - A Jewish commentator aptly sums up the parable of the vine­yard, writing, ‘By means of its imagery the prophet subtly and effectively brings home to the people God’s mercy and kindness towards them, which they repaid by ingratitude and disobedi­ence. Dire retribution is threatened’, Dr Slotki. The vineyard is Israel, and how kind and attentive - [THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/though-your-sins-be-as-scarlet-they-shall-be-as-white-as-snow/) - For generations, faithful and zealous evangelists have revelled in this verse for the love that forgives and pardons is the same in every age. How well has the prophecy of Isaiah been called ‘the Gospel according to Isaiah’. In His loving kindness Jehovah calls His erring people to come and reason. They have already been - [THE DAUGHTER OF ZION IS LEFT AS A COTTAGE IN A VINEYARD, AS A LODGE IN A GARDEN OF CUCUMBERS, AS A BESIEGED CITY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-daughter-of-zion-is-left-as-a-cottage-in-a-vineyard-as-a-lodge-in-a-garden-of-cucumbers-as-a-besieged-city/) - There can be little doubt that the phrase ‘daughter of Zion’ refers to Jerusalem, as most commentators agree. The three pic­tures or metaphors which follow have a common, sad and solemn message. They depict the desolation, the loneliness, the abandonment of the once fair city, and this because of the rebel­lion, the corruption, and the - [AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, AS A SEAL UPON THINE ARM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-seal-upon-thine-heart-as-a-seal-upon-thine-arm/) - The bride is here speaking to her Beloved and as she leans on His arm and rests her head on His breast she appeals to Him, ‘Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm’. The word ‘seal’ occurs fourteen times in the Old Testament and nine of these are - [THY TEETH ARE AS A FLOCK OF SHEEP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-teeth-are-as-a-flock-of-sheep/) - It must be continually emphasised that the language of this lit­tle Song is the language of the Oriental. How strange these present words would seem to Western ears. Teeth like a flock of sheep? But the shepherd of the East would perceive at once just what was being intended and the verses which follow help - [HIS CHEEKS ARE AS A BED OF SPICES, AS SWEET FLOWERS: HIS LIPS LIKE LILIES, DROPPING SWEET SMELLING MYRRH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-cheeks-are-as-a-bed-of-spices-as-sweet-flowers-his-lips-like-lilies-dropping-sweet-smelling-myrrh/) - The spouse continues her praise of her Beloved, still employing the rich symbolism of the Orient. She likens his cheeks to a bed of spices, raised banks of the sweetest herbs, towers of perfume. To appreciate the fragrance of His cheeks it seems evident that He must be very close to her, and she to - [HIS LOCKS ARE BUSHY, AND BLACK AS A RAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/his-locks-are-bushy-and-black-as-a-raven/) - In this delightful section, perhaps the best known portion of the Song, the spouse is extolling the many and varied beauties of her Beloved. What an opportunity was that presented to her when the daughters of Jerusalem asked her, ‘What is thy Beloved more than another beloved?’ She does not hesitate. Again, as throughout the - [THOU HAST DOVES’ EYES WITHIN THY LOCKS: THY HAIR IS AS A FLOCK OF GOATS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-hast-doves-eyes-within-thy-locks-thy-hair-is-as-a-flock-of-goats/) - Three times in this little Song there are references to the eyes of the dove. Twice the Beloved uses the simile when describing the beauty of His bride, 1. 15; 4. 1, and once the bride will employ the same imagery when speaking of her Beloved, 5. 12. It is the lan­guage of Oriental symbolism - [MY BELOVED IS UNTO ME AS A CLUSTER OF CAMPHIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-beloved-is-unto-me-as-a-cluster-of-camphire/) - For the first of many times in the Song, the bride here uses the expression ‘My beloved’ and she likens Him to a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. It is quite remarkable that in the Holy Land camphire is found only at Engedi on the shores of the Dead Sea. In his - [AS NAILS FASTENED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-nails-fastened/) - In a chapter so full of pictures and parables here is an illustration par excellence! The wise preacher diligently searches out accept­able words with which to teach the written word. He must reach the hearts and consciences of his hearers. To those who are unre­sponsive and lethargic his words must act like the goads which, - [IN THE DAY WHEN THE KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE SHALL TREMBLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/in-the-day-when-the-keepers-of-the-house-shall-tremble/) - The preceding chapter concludes with counsel to those who are young, to rejoice in their youth and to remove their heart from sorrow, for the days of childhood are transitory, 11. 9, 10. In light of that, another exhortation is given, ‘Remember now thy Creator’, that is find, fear, love and serve Him, for He - [AS THE CRACKLING OF THORNS UNDER A POT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-crackling-of-thorns-under-a-pot/) - In the concluding verse of chapter six, Solomon asked ‘who knoweth what is good for man?’ In today’s verses, by a series of contrasts, he describes things that are ‘better’: (1) ‘A good name is better than precious ointment’, v. 1. Pre­cious ointment was costly and was frequently employed in the anointing of kings and - [THE DAYS OF HIS VAIN LIFE WHICH HE SPENDETH AS A SHADOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-days-of-his-vain-life-which-he-spendeth-as-a-shadow/) - The general subject of Ecclesiastes is ‘things under the sun’, with particular attention upon the labour of men. In this book Solo­mon seeks to evaluate, from a human standpoint and independent of any personal relationship with God, the mean­ing and purpose of life upon earth, and concludes that considered thus ‘all is vanity’, empty and - [LIKE THE MERCHANTS’ SHIPS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-the-merchants-ships/) - The Hebrew word translated ‘virtuous’ in verse 10 denotes far more than just chastity but embraces every moral virtue and strength. It is often translated ‘valour’, this woman being the counterpart of ‘a man of valour’. In character she is reliable and diligent, a true help, suited to her husband, one in whom he has - [AS A ROARING LION, AND A RANGING BEAR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-roaring-lion-and-a-ranging-bear/) - A lion that roars, either for want of food or when it is over its prey, and a roving bear, departing from its usual haunts in search of food, are animals to be feared and avoided and, as employed in these verses, are just a few of several instances in scripture when rulers are described - [THE RIGHTEOUS ARE BOLD AS A LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-righteous-are-bold-as-a-lion/) - The lion is usually viewed by men as the ‘King of beasts’ and, in Proverbs chapter 30, it is named as the first of four things that are ‘comely in going’. The writer, Agur, focuses attention upon its strength and boldness. An adult male lion can grow to a length of some 3. 4 metres - [AS A BIRD THAT WANDERETH FROM HER NEST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-bird-that-wandereth-from-her-nest/) - One view of these three verses is to see in them a logical develop­ment of truth beginning with an illustration, 27. 8, then the application, 21. 16, culminating with divine cursing, 26. 2. ‘Birds of the air have nests’, Matt. 8. 20, a place of security, shelter and rest, somewhere they can lay their eggs - [AS A DOG RETURNETH TO HIS VOMIT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-dog-returneth-to-his-vomit/) - Dogs are often described as being ‘man’s best friend’, but in the forty-one uses of the word in the Bible virtually nothing positive is said of them, instead they are viewed as a simile for unclean and wicked men, cf. Ps. 22. 16; Phil. 3. 2; Rev. 22. 15. One of their most repugnant habits - [A THORN GOETH UP INTO THE HAND OF A DRUNKARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-thorn-goeth-up-into-the-hand-of-a-drunkard/) - With the exception of verse 2, all of the first twelve verses of this chapter make reference to the ‘fool’, which in its biblical use denotes not so much a person lacking in intellect but rather one who is morally and spiritually perverse. For such to take up ‘a parable’ described as ‘the words’ and - [AS A TROUBLED FOUNTAIN, AND A CORRUPT SPRING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-troubled-fountain-and-a-corrupt-spring/) - In Bible times, and in the Middle East where rainfall was limited, fountains and springs were an invaluable asset as illustrated in the request of Achsah to her father Caleb, ‘Give me a blessing … give me also springs of water’, Judg. 1. 15. If, however, the foun­tain has been fouled, i.e. trampled upon and - [THE WORDS OF A MAN’S MOUTH … AS DEEP WATERS … THE WELLSPRING OF WISDOM AS A FLOWING BROOK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-words-of-a-mans-mouth-as-deep-waters-the-wellspring-of-wisdom-as-a-flowing-brook/) - The passage begins with the words of a good man and conclude with those of an evil man and reflect the saying of the Lord Jesus, ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh’ and the way He applied it to good and evil men, Matt. 12. 34, 35. The meaning behind a - [A GIFT IS AS A PRECIOUS STONE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-gift-is-as-a-precious-stone/) - Initially there might seem little to connect these three verses together but closer examination reveals that they all concern the way in which actions can influence others. The Hebrew word sohad translated ‘gift’, v. 8, is used 23 times in the Old Testament and in every other passage it refers to a bribe and such - [IN HIS LIPS THERE IS AS A BURNING FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/in-his-lips-there-is-as-a-burning-fire/) - Four kinds of troublemakers are brought before us in these verses and sadly sometimes believers can behave just like them. The first is ‘An ungodly man’ who plots evil against his neigh­bour, seeking some fault or failure by which to accuse or rob him of his good name, v. 27. Should no such blemish be - [THE KING’S COUNTENANCE IS LIFE … HIS FAVOUR … AS A CLOUD OF THE LATTER RAIN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-kings-countenance-is-life-his-favour-as-a-cloud-of-the-latter-rain/) - If we wanted a verse to summarise the substance of today’s pas­sage we might well suggest 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 14 where the apostle, speaking of rulers, says they are sent by God ‘for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well’ for these verses in Proverbs chapter 16 - [THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL FLOURISH AS A BRANCH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-righteous-shall-flourish-as-a-branch/) - In these Proverbs the righteous, who rely on God, are contrasted with those who rely on their riches. Ultimately, ‘he that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish’. How up to date and relevant such wisdom still is in today’s modern world. As this article is being written, the world economy - [AS A JEWEL OF GOLD IN A SWINE’S SNOUT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-jewel-of-gold-in-a-swines-snout/) - The word for a jewel here is that usually used for an earring or nose ring, hence the mention of the ‘snout’. It is ‘of gold’ rather than a precious stone, which perhaps we would associate with a jewel. They were used to adorn women’s faces and are first men­tioned in relation to Rebekah in - [A ROE OR BIRD FROM … THE HUNTER OR FOWLER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-roe-or-bird-from-the-hunter-or-fowler/) - Unlike domestic animals the roe and the bird are typically free and unrestrained. Yet, they are both threatened by the hunter and fowler respectively who would seek their harm. In a previ­ous meditation, we considered the bird and applied it to those whose soul has been freed by Christ from the fowler’s cage. Now, we - [BITTER AS WORMWOOD, SHARP AS A … SWORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/bitter-as-wormwood-sharp-as-a-sword/) - In this section of Proverbs, the writer turns to the subject of the words which drip from the lips of a strange woman. While no doubt there is a literal situation at which this instruction is aimed, it seems evident it can also be applied to any enticement to sin. While the appeal, like the - [HE CORRECTETH; EVEN AS A FATHER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-correcteth-even-as-a-father/) - On April 2nd we noticed that God ‘pitieth His children’ like a Father. Now, we find that, similarly, He disciplines them. The pitying we observed was to do with forgiveness and removal of sin. Just as God does not carry this out as an over-indulgent father, but rather only on righteous grounds, so His continual - [MAN … HIS DAYS … AS A SHADOW THAT PASSETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/man-his-days-as-a-shadow-that-passeth/) - We have already considered our own frailty in a previous con­templation where we observed that our ‘days are as grass’. Here, another analogy is used, that of a shadow. Job chapter 14 verse 2 puts both of these together as Job considers himself. In this psalm, David considers the strength of God in com­parison to - [IT IS LIKE THE PRECIOUS OINTMENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/it-is-like-the-precious-ointment/) - Our final contemplation from the Psalms of Ascents concerns the great fundamental principle of ‘unity’ which must be seen among God’s people. The opening verse asks us to ‘Behold’; this should make us aware of the wonder of unity. The verse continues by emphasizing its welfare, stressing that it is ‘good and pleasant’ for us. - [THY CHILDREN … OLIVE PLANTS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-children-olive-plants/) - We now have a family situation presented; something precious to God in His word. The psalmist presents us with a contented man, enjoying the fruit of his labour, surrounded by his wife and children, witnessing the ‘good of Jerusalem’ and living to see his grandchildren. The cause of all this blessing: fearing the Lord and - [OUR SOUL IS ESCAPED AS A BIRD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/our-soul-is-escaped-as-a-bird/) - Today’s consideration brings us into the fifteen Psalms of Ascents which follow Psalm 119, perhaps recited by the peo­ple as they went up to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts. This is the fifth such psalm and the second attributed to David. These psalms are mainly taken up with praise to God for His deliverance - [THY WORD IS A LAMP … AND A LIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-word-is-a-lamp-and-a-light/) - This section of Psalm 119 continues the psalmist’s appreciation of God’s word. If the previous stanza expounds the delights of understanding the word, this one extols the virtue of its guid­ance. The opening verse is one of the best known in scripture, comparing God’s word to a ‘lamp unto my feet’ and ‘a light unto - [HOW SWEET ARE THY WORDS UNTO MY TASTE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/how-sweet-are-thy-words-unto-my-taste/) - This thirteenth section of the psalm is taken up with the psalm­ists love for God’s word. This has not come about simply by reading the word but by meditating on it ‘all the day’. Such exer­cise and effort are rewarded with ‘wisdom’, ‘understanding’ and preservation from evil power and practice. This devotion to the word - [AS FAT AS GREASE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-fat-as-grease/) - This is one of the strangest sayings in the Psalms and somewhat hard to understand. As the word used for fat and the phrase are found only here in scripture, comparisons are not possible. The word used for grease is usually rendered fat and the most com­mon interpretation for the word translated here as ‘fat’ - [AS FOR MAN, HIS DAYS ARE AS GRASS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-for-man-his-days-are-as-grass/) - Having considered man’s failure and need of ‘pity’ or mercy, the psalmist now moves on to contemplate our frailty. In verse 14, if our composition is but dust, in verse 15 our comparison is but grass. For a very brief period, out of the dust of the earth blooms the grass, but having flowered it - [AS A FATHER PITIETH HIS CHILDREN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-father-pitieth-his-children/) - This analogy will be considered in its context, its contrast and its comparison. Pity is not perhaps a word we would immediately associate with a father and his children, but the word used is more commonly translated as ‘have mercy’, as in verse 13 of the previous psalm, or, occasionally, as ‘show compassion’. These ideas - [ALL OF THEM SHALL WAX OLD LIKE A GARMENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-of-them-shall-wax-old-like-a-garment/) - When considering the permanence of God and His people the psalmist contrasts it to the temporary nature of everything else. Even the earth and heavens which might be considered as more stable than most things are only temporary. Through the handi­work of God, they are also to perish. To illustrate this, the simple analogy of - [AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSETOP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-sparrow-alone-upon-the-housetop/) - The psalmist now changes the picture from those of the solitary pelican and owl to that of the sparrow. The sparrow is not usu­ally found alone, as it is a gregarious bird that is often seen in flocks of many hundreds. How lonely therefore must be the experience of the sparrow on the housetop. The - [I AM LIKE AN OWL OF THE DESERT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-am-like-an-owl-of-the-desert/) - The death of Christ is presented typically in the law, propheti­cally in the prophets, historically in the gospels and doctrinally in the epistles. The psalms present His death sympathetically and in them we have the inner thoughts and feelings of Christ as He hung on the cross. This psalm tells of the One who was - [ALL OUR DAYS … AS A TALE THAT IS TOLD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-our-days-as-a-tale-that-is-told/) - We share a common beginning to the tale of our life with every man and woman in the world today. Despite the many objec­tions made by philosophers and theologians, our history is bound up with that of the first man, Adam. We share in his origi­nal sin and, because of it, we are ‘by nature - [A THOUSAND YEARS … AS YESTERDAY … AS A WATCH IN THE NIGHT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-thousand-years-as-yesterday-as-a-watch-in-the-night/) - As these words were written by ‘Moses the man of God’, it is surely the oldest of the psalms and contains wisdom and warn­ings that are applicable to all generations. Time has no meaning for God who dwells in an eternal pres­ent, ‘From everlasting to everlasting thou art God’, v. 2. But man’s life on - [AND AS A FAITHFUL WITNESS IN HEAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-as-a-faithful-witness-in-heaven/) - The psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, was one of King Solomon’s counsellors, 1 Kgs. 4. 31. His psalm is an affirmation of his belief that God will keep the covenant made with David. Throughout the psalm, Ethan links the promise of the ‘seed’ and the ‘throne’ with God’s ‘faithfulness’ and ‘lovingkindness’. The seed of David would - [FOR THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/for-the-lord-god-is-a-sun-and-shield/) - How refreshing is the attitude of the unnamed psalmist towards the house of God. He recognized that to gather in the ‘courts of the Lord’ would bring him into fellowship with ‘the living God’, v. 2. He observed that even the common sparrow realized the benefit of raising her young in the presence of God. - [PRIDE COMPASSETH THEM ABOUT AS A CHAIN; VIOLENCE COVERETH THEM AS A GARMENT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/pride-compasseth-them-about-as-a-chain-violence-covereth-them-as-a-garment/) - This psalm deals with a problem that has perplexed saints in every age and one that the psalmist Asaph was willing to admit caused him to well nigh slip from the path of faith. His mind had been occupied with the peace and prosperity of the foolish and wicked. He was conscious of his own - [MY STRONG REFUGE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-strong-refuge/) - The psalm is an expression of trust in God by someone who has reached old age, vv. 9, 18. In our modern world, a premium is placed on youth that is not recognized in scripture. God has a purpose for the grey-headed saint that cannot be fulfilled by the inexperienced youth, ‘Forsake me not; until - [I SINK IN DEEP MIRE … DEEP WATERS … THE FLOODS OVERFLOW ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-sink-in-deep-mire-deep-waters-the-floods-overflow-me/) - The foundation of the gospel message is that ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’, 1 Cor. 15. 3. Only a divine person could know and fulfil all the prophetic scriptures relat­ing to the sufferings of Calvary. The Lord was able to ‘tell them what things should happen to him’ on the way - [PURGE ME WITH HYSSOP, AND I SHALL BE CLEAN: WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/purge-me-with-hyssop-and-i-shall-be-clean-wash-me-and-i-shall-be-whiter-than-snow/) - This is another of the penitential psalms of David, in which he faced the repercussions of his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder by proxy of her husband Uriah, 2 Sam. 11. Almost a year after the events, he considered the past, vv. 1-5, present, vv. 6-12, and future, vv. 13-19, of his life before - [THE OIL OF GLADNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-oil-of-gladness/) - This psalm is described as a ‘song of loves’ - a Hebrew idiom which could be more literally translated as a ‘song of surpassing love’. It is clear from verses 13 and 14 that it is a song written for the wedding celebration of a king. Yet, before this wedding, the king is seen to - [LIKE SHEEP APPOINTED FOR MEAT](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-sheep-appointed-for-meat/) - This psalm is one of thirteen that are dedicated to ‘the wise’ (Heb. Maschalim) of Israel. They contain special teaching that is often difficult to accept, and this psalm is no exception to the rule. It considers the reversal of Israel’s fortunes on the battle­field and reaches the shocking conclusion, ‘Thou hast cast off and - [AS THE HART PANTETH AFTER THE WATER BROOKS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-hart-panteth-after-the-water-brooks/) - This psalm was dedicated to the sons of Korah, who were leaders of the temple praise. Their presence in the sanctuary was a con­tinual reminder to Israel of the grace of God that had been extended to the posterity of those who were judged for their rebellion, Num. 26. 11. The entire psalm is a - [HE BROUGHT ME UP ALSO OUT OF AN HORRIBLE PIT, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-brought-me-up-also-out-of-an-horrible-pit-out-of-the-miry-clay/) - We are left in no doubt by the New Testament that we are meant to find Christ in this psalm and to appreciate ‘the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all’, Heb. 10. 1-10. The four principal offerings of the early chapters of Leviticus are found in verse 6 of this psalm. - [AND I WAS AS A DUMB MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/and-i-was-as-a-dumb-man/) - The books of psalms do not teach Christian experience but they often reflect the experience of a Christian. There is no doubt that the remnant of Israel in a future day will find their experience mirrored in the psalms, as they wait for their com­ing Messiah. But believers of this dispensation have found much comfort - [LIKE THE GREAT MOUNTAINS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-the-great-mountains/) - Scientists measure items so small that most of us would find it impossible to see them. They also measure distances in space that leave us behind because they are so mindboggling. It was different three thousand plus years ago. You measured items by things you personally knew about or matters you heard about from reliable - [THE ANGEL OF THE LORD ENCAMPETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-angel-of-the-lord-encampeth/) - I suggest that the term, the angel of the Lord, highlights God’s immediate presence to help. In the New Testament, the thought is clearer. In the great commission, the Lord Jesus powerfully stated to His disciples, ‘and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world’, Matt. 28. 20. We are - [BE YE NOT AS THE HORSE, OR AS THE MULE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/be-ye-not-as-the-horse-or-as-the-mule/) - This psalm highlights the problem of hiding sin, for that silence may affect us physically and psychologically, vv. 3, 4. The poet recognized that nothing good comes from silence. Instead, he lays his sin before the Lord: no delay, no hiding and no excuses. In such moments, God is present, the darkness disappears and the - [AS A DEAD MAN … LIKE A BROKEN VESSEL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-dead-man-like-a-broken-vessel/) - Job, a great man from the past, hit rock bottom after many vio­lent adversities shattered his life. He did not follow his wife’s advice and curse God, but he did curse the day he was born, Job 3. 1. Surrounded by enemies who hated him, David knew there was no way out. In his despair, - [A TABLE … MY CUP RUNNETH OVER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-table-my-cup-runneth-over/) - It would be helpful to look at the surroundings in which this festivity is set. The matter is of significance, for, generally speaking, everyone looks for a very pleasant setting for a cele­bration. To say the least, it is somewhat shocking to find out that the whole celebration takes place in the presence of the - [THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death/) - Like stubborn sheep, the fool says, ‘There is no God’. He goes his own corrupt, abominable way that leads to certain destruction, Ps. 14. Religious leaders two thousand years ago flaunted their religion even in the way they dressed, yet the Lord Jesus called them a ‘Brood of vipers!’, Matt. 12. 34 NKJV Sadly, fools - [MY SHEPHERD … GREEN PASTURES … STILL WATERS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-shepherd-green-pastures-still-waters/) - David was perhaps the greatest warrior Israel ever produced. It all began when, as a youth, he killed Goliath with a sling and a stone. During the years David spent as a shepherd, he no doubt practiced with the sling until he could place the stone in exactly the right place. No wonder they sang - [POURED OUT LIKE WATER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/poured-out-like-water/) - There is no doubt that the author of this Psalm is devastated. Fierce, dangerous enemies surround him and he has come to the end of his own resources. Sometimes it does appear that there is no way out. Life has lost its purpose, its challenge, its form. Water on its own has no form. We - [AS A RAVENING AND A ROARING LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-ravening-and-a-roaring-lion/) - Considered by most to be a Messianic Psalm, this phrase sug­gests a longing for any opportunity to destroy God’s anointed leader, whether it be David of Old Testament times or the Lord Jesus of the New Testament period. Surrounding nations did not all look favourably on David and it is not surprising that the king - [AS A FIERY OVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-fiery-oven/) - We would like to believe that in this part of the Psalm the king expresses his confidence in God. In spite of serious obstacles, David is now king, yet his position as king is not always secure and peaceful. The Psalm refers to ‘enemies’, to those who ‘hate’ the king, v. 9, and were planning - [AS A BRIDEGROOM COMING OUT OF HIS CHAMBER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-bridegroom-coming-out-of-his-chamber/) - The psalmist begins his poem recognizing that the whole created order is a witness to God’s glory displayed in His handiwork. Great as this display of divine glory is in creation, it is worth noticing, in passing, that God’s workmanship is displayed now and forever in His unbelievable grace towards people like us. It is - [AS THE DUST BEFORE THE WIND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-dust-before-the-wind/) - Before we begin to look at this phrase, we remember that only because of God’s infinite grace we are not now ‘dust before the wind’. We know that, ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God’, Heb. 10. 31. Yet we rejoice that by knowing Christ, who died for - [HE MAKETH MY FEET LIKE HINDS’ FEET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-maketh-my-feet-like-hinds-feet/) - Different species of deer were common in Israel in Old Testament times. They were well known for the speed with which they could run, sure-footed, almost skipping over the ground. God is the source of the psalmist’s strength, v. 32, and it is God who makes his feet like the feet of a deer. In - [HE IS A BUCKLER TO ALL THOSE THAT TRUST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-is-a-buckler-to-all-those-that-trust/) - While most modern translations employ the word ‘shield’ in place of ‘buckler,’ in Ezekiel ‘buckler’ and ‘shield’, appear together. Shields came in different sizes and were designed for different purposes. The buckler was not large, probably round in shape and made of a wooden frame with specially prepared leather tightly stretched around it. Warriors with - [KEEP ME AS THE APPLE OF THE EYE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/keep-me-as-the-apple-of-the-eye/) - Psalm 17 verse 8 uses a powerful verbal image, evoking thoughts of intimacy and value; David pleads with God to keep him as ‘the apple of the eye’. Literally translated, the phrase reads, ‘the little one of the daughter of your eye’ The IVP Bible Back­ground Commentary. It is rendered ‘pupil’ in some versions (e.g., - [THE LORD… MINE INHERITANCE AND … MY CUP](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-mine-inheritance-and-my-cup/) - Psalm 16 displays unbridled and total joy in the person of the Lord. In this world, men strive to accumulate possessions and earthly wealth, but true satisfaction is to be found alone in the Creator. He offers an eternal inheritance to those who trust in Him, Eph. 1. 11; Col. 1. 12; 1 Pet. 1. - [THE WORDS OF THE LORD … AS SILVER TRIED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-words-of-the-lord-as-silver-tried/) - Peter was once told, ‘Your speech betrays you’, Matt. 26. 73 NKJV; this pithy statement describes most people. Matthew chapter 12 verse 34 demonstrates the disclosing power of words, saying, ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh’. Speech is a faculty that is notoriously difficult to control, as James chapter 3 verse - [FLEE AS A BIRD TO THE MOUNTAIN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/flee-as-a-bird-to-the-mountain/) - Psalm 11 begins with a piece of conventional wisdom, ‘Flee as a bird to the mountain’, v. 1. This expressive word-picture con­jures up the flight of a winged fugitive seeking shelter in a remote citadel of stone. In light of the frequent persecutions that David faced, as well as the multitudinous dangers that prevail in - [HE LIETH IN WAIT SECRETLY AS A LION IN HIS DEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-lieth-in-wait-secretly-as-a-lion-in-his-den/) - The opening lines of Psalm 10 lament the wicked person’s oppression of the poor and call upon God to intervene on behalf of these defenceless victims. Sadly, this type of complaint is familiar to modern readers. The contemporary world is suffused with violence, characterized by the domination of the weak by the strong. Such callous - [MAKE I MY BED TO SWIM](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/make-i-my-bed-to-swim/) - The psalms speak of the full range of human experience - joy, sorrow, outrage, hope, and other contrasting emotions all find expression in this trove of Hebrew poetry. There is a psalm for every occasion. Since they are common aspects of this life, sad­ness and pain are especially well-represented among these classic songs. This is - [THE CHEEK BONE … THE TEETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-cheek-bone-the-teeth/) - The violent imagery of these verses may shock the reader accustomed to New Testament exhortations to turn the other cheek and ‘love your enemies’, Matt. 5. 39, 44. Nevertheless, it is understandable when the context of this psalm is grasped. Throughout his life, David was often threatened by danger­ous enemies, such as Saul and the - [THOU, O LORD, ART A SHIELD FOR ME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thou-o-lord-art-a-shield-for-me/) - David was familiar with adversity and persecution. He spent long years fleeing Saul, hiding in the desert and enduring refu­gee status in foreign territory, 1 Sam. 22. 1; 27. 1. Not surprisingly, the sorrowful tone of Psalm 3 is particularly intense, because his enemies increased and the opposition intensified, v. 1. The title affirms that - [LIKE A POTTER’S VESSEL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-a-potters-vessel/) - The nations to which the psalmist refers project an attitude of indomitable arrogance contrary to God and His dominion. Prior to the inauguration of the Millennial kingdom, He sets forth His Anointed to be the King of all the earth. They respond by uniting to formulate treacherous plans in defiance of this divinely- appointed Monarch. - [LIKE THE CHAFF … THE WIND DRIVETH AWAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-the-chaff-the-wind-driveth-away/) - In comparing them with the righteous, Psalm 1 verse 1 alludes to the ungodly as standing and sitting - seemingly secure postures. They appear to abide and prosper in this world, but their posi­tion is actually transitory. In explaining their transience, the psalmist compares them to chaff driven away by the wind, v. 4. The - [LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-a-tree-planted-by-the-rivers-of-water/) - Psalm 1 contrasts the blessed man with the ungodly man. The former is described by what he does not do. His walking, stand­ing and sitting are all separate from wicked counsellors, standing sinners and seated scorners, v. 1. This obedience of negation keeps him on the right pathway, as well as ensuring that he stands - [AS A WIDE BREAKING IN OF WATERS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-wide-breaking-in-of-waters/) - In chapter 29 Job recounts his past life, when his wisdom and charity earned the respect of young people, older people, rulers, widows, and the poor. Confidently, he assumed that he would have a tranquil future, saying, ‘I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand’, Job 29. 18. - [AS A TALEBEARER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-talebearer-2/) - Talebearing was specifically forbidden in the Law, Lev. 19. 16, and something that the reader of Proverbs is frequently warned against. The talebearer described: Within today’s verses two different Hebrew words are translated ‘talebearer’. In chapter 20 verse 19, the word means literally ‘a slanderer’, one who spreads false information about a person, while the - [CAST THY BURDEN UPON THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/cast-thy-burden-upon-the-lord-2/) - This psalm contrasts the themes of trust and treachery. Follow­ing his repentance, David had experienced the blessedness of ‘sins covered’, Rom. 4. 7. Although God had forgiven him, another nursed a deep sense of grievance and looked for an opportunity for vengeance. David regarded Ahithophel as ‘a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance’, - [THE VOICE OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-voice-of-the-lord-2/) - Before looking at our metaphor, perhaps we should recognize that we feel more comfortable when God comes to us in a still, small voice, 1 Kgs. 19. 12. However, God may raise His voice when necessary. To read that ‘the God of glory thunders’ may unnerve us. After all, a solid clap of thunder can - [THE WORDS … MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-words-more-than-my-necessary-food/) - Job was puzzled by the strange treatment that he was receiving from God. He had diligently followed the Lord’s word and had not violated His commandments. He displayed positive and negative obedience: he had not ‘gone back from the commandment’, and he ‘esteemed the words of His mouth more than’ his daily food, Job 23. - [I SHALL COME FORTH AS GOLD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/i-shall-come-forth-as-gold/) - After enduring the harangues of his three erroneous, ‘miserable comforters’, Job 16. 2, Job wanted his day in court. He was confi­dent of two things: God’s omniscience and his own innocence. If only he could present himself before the Almighty’s throne of judgement, he reasoned, surely he would be exonerated, v. 3. He used the - [ALL MY MEMBERS ARE AS A SHADOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/all-my-members-are-as-a-shadow/) - Job has reached the point where he no longer wants to hear what his three friends say; they are but ‘miserable comforters’, 16. 2. Already shunned by the community, he now feels more isolated than ever. Death is now imminent he feels, and perhaps the sooner the better, 17. 1, 11-16, even though he views - [LIKE AS A SHOCK OF CORN COMETH IN IN HIS SEASON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/like-as-a-shock-of-corn-cometh-in-in-his-season/) - A field full of ripened corn is a fine sight. It has endured various kinds of weather and stages of growth. It has reached maturity and is a visible reminder of God’s providential goodness. The shocks, sheaves standing upright, are made when the corn is cut down, before being taken to the threshing floor for - [AS THE SPARKS FLY UPWARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-sparks-fly-upward/) - ‘Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward’. Later, we read, ‘Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trou­ble’, 14. 1. ‘How proverbial!’ we exclaim. Indeed, we find both quotations in Everyman’s Dictionary of Quotations and Proverbs, 1965, whilst a talk on steam railways in Somerset, 2008, - [AS A SHADOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-shadow/) - The assembly at Corinth in New Testament times made much of man, of particular men and of themselves. Paul remonstrates with them, pointing out that we are not to boast in men, 1 Cor. 3. 21; ‘notable’ believers are but God’s servants and stewards, 4. 1; and what we have is a gift, what we - [AS A MAN WIPETH A DISH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-man-wipeth-a-dish/) - Manasseh undid what his father, Hezekiah, had done, vv. 1-9. The prophets faithfully declared God’s verdict: he has outdone what the heathen did, v. 11, Gen. 15. 16; he has emulated Ahab, the comparison with the Amorites being found elsewhere only of Ahab, whose evil surpassed all his predecessors, 1 Kgs. 21. 26; 16. 30; - [THISTLE AND CEDAR](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thistle-and-cedar/) - Flush from his victory over the Edomites in the south, v. 10, Amaziah, king of Judah, turns his attention northwards to his counterpart in Israel, Jehoash. ‘Let us look one another in the face’, v. 8, is a statement with confrontational overtones. Did Amaziah see himself as the new David, conquering the Edomites and uniting - [MICAIAH’S VISION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/micaiahs-vision/) - Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, form an alliance against Syria. Before embarking on their mili­tary venture, Jehoshaphat desires a word from the Lord, v. 5. Ahab summons ‘his’ prophets who duly ‘oblige’, v. 6. They say what Ahab wants to hear, in his terms, ‘what is good’, vv. 8, - [ESCAPED CAPTIVE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/escaped-captive/) - ‘To whom much is given’: a son of the prophets, v. 35; a king, v. 13, both privileged in upbringing and position; promises, vv. 13, 14, 20; victory, vv. 27, 29, 30. ‘Much is required’: respon­sibility, v. 22; obedience, v. 36; good stewardship, v. 39. A ‘companion’ JND margin, of one of the sons of - [AS A REED SHAKEN IN THE WATER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-reed-shaken-in-the-water/) - How inconsistent and irrational we can be when trials come; Jeroboam believes the Lord’s prophet, like some fortune-teller, can see into the future (whether his sick son will live), possibly hopes he can influence the future, by healing his son, yet it does not seem to occur to him that he might equally penetrate his - [LITTLE FINGER … FATHER’S LOINS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/little-finger-fathers-loins/) - The advice given by the young men to Rehoboam contains the hyperbole, ‘My little finger shall be thicker’. The visual contrast was easy to imagine - loins are much thicker than little fingers. The burdens pressing down on the people are very light in com­parison with the massive weight of those they are going to - [AS A BEAR ROBBED OF HER WHELPS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-bear-robbed-of-her-whelps/) - Whose advice will they follow? Ahithophel’s surely, one would have thought, but God overruled, v. 14. He does this through Hushai, His servant, fitted and ‘meet for the master’s use’. Hushai presents his thoughts in a straightforward manner; first, he examines his opponent’s plan critically, vv. 8-10; sec­ondly, he puts forward his own proposal, vv. - [THE TWO BRETHREN - AVENGERS OF BLOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-two-brethren-avengers-of-blood/) - A sorry sight, a touching tale: who would not be moved? David would hardly be alone in his response. But all is not what it seems. A little careful consideration and questioning would have arrived at the truth; more importantly, may have prevented an unwise decision, Absalom’s recall, and tragic consequences, rebellion and civil war. - [THE EWE LAMB](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-ewe-lamb/) - Nathan’s parabolic narrative, vv. 2-4, is a succinct story having the appearance of an actual event. David is outraged - as who wouldn’t be? In fact, he overreacts, pronouncing the sentence of death on the heartless offender, in addition to the payment of fourfold restitution. Summary ‘justice’! Who’s next? Then comes Nathan’s identification, straight to - [AS A FOOL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-fool/) - ‘As a fool dieth’: how and why did Abner end up as he did? And how did David, God’s appointed ruler, respond? Abner is not without blame. He acts the part of kingmaker, in his own interests, partly at least, 2. 8, 9. His support for Ishbosheth is rebellion against the Lord as well as - [THE LORD HATH RENT THE KINGDOM FROM THEE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-hath-rent-the-kingdom-from-thee/) - Saul had been sent by God to punish the Amalekites because of their cruelty to Israel when they came up from Egypt, 1 Sam. 15. 2. The instructions were clear. Saul was to destroy all that breathed - whether man or animal. But Saul chose to keep the best of the cattle and he spared - [DREW WATER AND POURED IT OUT BEFORE THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/drew-water-and-poured-it-out-before-the-lord/) - The ark of the Lord had been in the house of Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim for over twenty years, following an abortive attempt to bring it up that led to tragedy, 1 Sam. 6. Now we read, And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord’, 1 Sam. 7. 2. Samuel knew that the people - [HE DREW OFF HIS SHOE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-drew-off-his-shoe/) - In Ruth chapter 4, Boaz was about to take Ruth to himself as his bride, but there was a kinsman nearer than he who must be given the first option. Boaz asked him if he wished to redeem the field that belonged to Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. Indeed, he wanted the field but, once he knew - [THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-lord-god-of-israel-under-whose-wings-thou-art-come-to-trust/) - Naomi had returned to Bethlehem-Judah after a tragic excursion into Moab, where she lost her husband and her two sons. When she decided to return to her home in Israel, she remonstrated with her two widowed daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to remain in Moab. Orpah chose to remain in Moab, but Ruth clave to Naomi, - [AS A THREAD OF TOW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-thread-of-tow/) - The verses under consideration today describe the way in which Delilah sought to discover the source of Samson’s strength and thus to render him powerless before the lords of the Philistines. Samson was so blinded by his fleshly lust that instead of fleeing from the house like Joseph did, he chose to remain at the - [TREES CHOOSING A KING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/trees-choosing-a-king/) - Gideon delivered Israel from the Midianites, and thereafter refused to accept a position as their king, Judg. 8. 23. After his departure, his son Abimelech arrived on the scene; his name means ‘whose father is king’. Abimelech used this falsehood to lay claim to succession, and ruthlessly eliminated all of his breth­ren. Jotham, Gideon’s youngest - [AS A DOG LAPPETH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-dog-lappeth/) - Judges chapter 7 introduces us to a moment of crisis in the nation of Israel. Gideon was about to lead Israel into battle against the formidable Midianites. Gideon had mustered an army of thirty two thousand but, surprisingly, God said to Gideon, ‘The people that are with thee are too many’, Judg. 7. 2. The - [AS THE RAIN … AS THE DEW](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-the-rain-as-the-dew/) - In the land of Canaan, the rains were seasonal - falling in the spring and the autumn of the year - referred to in scripture as the ‘first rain, and the latter rain’, Deut. 11. 14. Between these two ‘rains’ the land was dependent on the heavy dews which fell to sustain fertility and growth. - [A GREAT LION … A YOUNG LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-great-lion-a-young-lion/) - The verses of our meditation are derived from the first and sec­ond parables by Balaam towards Israel. Balaam had been hired by Balak to curse Israel, but instead he blessed them saying, ‘How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?’, Num. 23. 8. Among the many excellences that Balaam identified in Jacob, he prophesied, - [A GIFT FOR THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-gift-for-the-lord/) - The chapters preceding Numbers chapter 18 describe the com­plaint that certain of Israel made against Moses and Aaron, particularly regarding the right to exercise priesthood. All this was despite the fact that God had clearly given this exercise to Aaron and his sons to the exclusion of all others, Exod. 28. 1. This challenge met - [A NURSING FATHER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-nursing-father/) - In the verses today, we learn that Moses was completely over­whelmed by the responsibility of caring for the people of God. He saw himself as ‘carrying them in his bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child’. We cannot fault Moses for his loving concern and there is much here that elders could emulate - [AS A TALEBEARER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-talebearer/) - The tendency to communicate scandalous gossip is almost as old as time, as when Ham ‘saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren’, Gen. 9. 22. The word ‘talebearer’ is used six times in the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures. On three of these occasions the Hebrew word carries the - [AS A MAN SPEAKETH UNTO HIS FRIEND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-man-speaketh-unto-his-friend/) - The background is the incident of the golden calf. There was a subsequent plague and the threat of the divine presence being substituted by that of an angel. In these circumstances Moses pitched a tent at a distance from the camp as a venue for a meet­ing with God, v. 7. He enjoyed the loyalty - [AS A STONE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-stone/) - Today’s picture features as part of a song of praise. Moses and the children of Israel were not only rejoicing in their escape from Egyptian bondage, but in the amazing manifestation of divine power that saw them safe on the wilderness side of the Red Sea. Their pursuers had drowned and were washed up on - [AS A STONE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-stone-a/) - ‘He became as a stone’, v. 37. The word ‘as’ is an interpolation; the Hebrew is ‘became a stone’ (JND - ‘became [as] a stone’). This is a concrete metaphor, tactile and visual, apt in conveying to us lessons from Nabal’s life. The word ‘stone’ suggests someone unresponsive, senseless, insensible, solid, cold and imperme­able. This - [BENJAMIN SHALL RAVIN AS A WOLF](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/benjamin-shall-ravin-as-a-wolf/) - Nothing in Benjamin’s personal history suggests wolf-like fea­tures, but many of his descendants were vicious. In the time of the Judges, the tribe came near to extinction because lewd behaviour among them went unpunished, provoking the fury of the remaining tribes, chs. 19-21. Benjamin the wolf thought that he could stand up to the rest! - [JOSEPH, A FRUITFUL BOUGH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/joseph-a-fruitful-bough/) - Not all boughs are fruitful. Foxes can impair fruitfulness, S. of S. 2. 15. The east wind plays havoc, Hos. 13. 15. An infestation of locusts can wither, Joel 1. 12. Wicked men can reflect these facts of nature, ‘trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots’, Jude 12. By - [JUDAH IS A LION’S WHELP … AN OLD LION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/judah-is-a-lions-whelp-an-old-lion/) - With his death imminent, Jacob gave an assessment of the char­acter of each of his twelve sons, appraisals that were sprinkled liberally with pictures from the world of nature. It must have been embarrassing for Issachar, and Dan and Benjamin to be lik­ened to an ass, a snake, and a wolf respectively. Perhaps Naphtali was - [SEVEN KINE … SEVEN EARS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/seven-kine-seven-ears/) - Pharaoh was perplexed. His two dreams seemed unintelligible, and his regular consultants seemed clueless. The predicament jogged the memory of the chief butler and Joseph was brought from the prison. For him, that day had started like every other of the thousands of monotonous days of his prison life. Suddenly, dramatically, unexpectedly, the whole situation - [BEHOLD A VINE … THREE WHITE BASKETS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-a-vine-three-white-baskets/) - The incident involving the imprisonment of Pharaoh’s butler and baker was crucial to God’s plan for the release of Joseph, and his emergence as the saviour of his people. Evidently, Pharaoh suspected his officials of a conspiracy, or at least carelessness that endangered him, and so they were shut away. Joseph was their supervisor and - [MY SHEAF … YOUR SHEAVES … SUN … MOON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-sheaf-your-sheaves-sun-moon/) - This chapter introduces a new phase of the book of Genesis in which Joseph is now the main figure. Undoubtedly, his experi­ence of humiliation and ultimate glory foreshadows that of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this chapter, his two dreams point forward to his ultimate supremacy, and his authority over brothers who hated him, v. - [THIS IS NONE OTHER BUT THE HOUSE OF GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/this-is-none-other-but-the-house-of-god/) - It was Jacob’s first day away from home and, at nightfall under the stars of heaven and with a stone for a pillow, he dreamed. The experience was so vivid, and the presence of God so obvi­ous, that he named the location Bethel, the house of God. In this present age, there is no location - [THE FIELD OF MACHPELAH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-field-of-machpelah/) - Although ten years his junior, Sarah predeceased Abraham. Interestingly, she died in Hebron, Gen. 23. 2, meaning, associa­tion or fellowship. This woman died in fellowship with her God, and with her husband and with her only son who missed her dearly, 24. 67; she ‘died in faith’, Heb. 11. 13. In the circumstances of her - [DUST AND ASHES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/dust-and-ashes/) - The heavenly visitors had brought the good news that the arrival of the promised son was imminent. Now that news is tempered by heavy tidings as the doom of Sodom is foretold. ‘The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him’, Ps. 25. 14, and, as a friend of God, Abraham becomes privy - [THY SHIELD AND EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/thy-shield-and-exceeding-great-reward/) - This dual picture must have provided great comfort for Abra­ham at a critical time in his life. Violence and bloodshed had been a feature of human behaviour since two separate killings in Genesis chapter 4, but chapter 14 contains the first record of war in the Bible. With courage, Abraham had marshalled his servants to - [THE DUST OF … EARTH … THE STARS OF HEAVEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-dust-of-earth-the-stars-of-heaven/) - Abram was childless; his name means ‘exalted father’, and his subsequent name Abraham, ‘father of a multitude’. Every time someone called his name it must have mocked him, for he was not a father at all. But God had plans for this childless man. He would become the progenitor of Israel, the great nation that - [EVEN AS THE GARDEN OF THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/even-as-the-garden-of-the-lord/) - Many see this first day of the year as a time for decision and choice, an appropriate occasion for a fresh start with new objec­tives for life. It was not the New Year in Genesis 13, but for Lot, decision day had arrived. The combined flocks of Abraham and Lot overstretched the available pasture, v. - [THE FINAL PRAISE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-final-praise/) - The old year has almost gone, for some perhaps a gladsome thought, as the way may have been weary. For others perhaps the year has been a time of great blessing, as great things have been achieved for God. So this year is by now almost history, yet for all of us it is a - [THE CHARACTER OF OUR IMMANENT GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-character-of-our-immanent-god/) - We must have one more look at our God who is so immanent. The view of Him will inspire our hearts for the unknown year ahead. This psalm makes five arresting statements about Him, and we will use them to direct our vision: The Lord is Great: He is Unsearchable, v. 3. The Lord is - [THE IMMANENCE OF GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-immanence-of-god/) - We have been moving through the month with our eyes and hearts fixed on great and coming matters. We have often been in the sanctuary, thirsting for God, and viewing our hopes and prospects. Our eyes have been up to Him, but it is good to remember that His eyes are upon us. The words - [THE PLACE OF BLESSING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-place-of-blessing/) - We must not exclude this psalm from our selection, for the lesson it brings has affinity with the challenge of yesterday’s psalm. When the Lord promises blessing to any chosen place, it behoves us to give attendance there; verse 3 is therefore significant. Yesterday we saw a King associated with the house of God, but - [A MAN WITH AN ASPIRATION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-man-with-an-aspiration/) - We will read the whole psalm, but will extract one thought for our meditation and heart-searching. It is David who conceives in his heart the desire to raise a permanent dwelling for the Lord, vv. 13-17. This was not true of Saul—he was a man after the flesh, and could have no thought for the - [THE FOCUS, FROM THIS TIME FORTH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-focus-from-this-time-forth/) - Many in the world will be waking this day with heads sore because of the foolish excesses of yesterday, but the Christian can wake with a calm and peaceful heart. So may we greet the day in the spirit of Psalm 131. This short psalm of three verses is potently sufficient to express the true - [AT THE RIGHT TIME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/at-the-right-time/) - What better psalm than this for Christmas Day! We note the time-point around which the O-T. swings into the N.T. Luther called this psalm a “Pauline psalm”, and he, Paul, knew both the rigours of O.T. law and the redemption of N.T. grace. The psalm seems to be divided at verse 6. In part one, - [GREAT EXPECTATIONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-expectations/) - To those of us who love the Lord and who think of the original anticipation of His birth, this day has perhaps a special significance. In anticipation, there is joy—that of promises fulfilled in Christ’s coming to earth. We think of the shepherds who sat watching, and saw from heaven what they had never expected. - [LIGHT FOR THE DARKNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/light-for-the-darkness/) - We have reached the darkest stage of the year, the winter solstice, and the darkest day, typical of our spiritual day, yet to get darker still. For the reader, is the day, in some ways, a dark one? The psalm before us seems made for a dark path. The song begins well, v. 1, and - [PROSPECTS DIMMED BUT REALIZED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/prospects-dimmed-but-realized/) - From our psalm today we take a character study that provides us with details not contained in the historical record. Joseph had had dreams that seemed significant. His brethren hated him because of them, Gen. 37. 8, his father rebuked him for them, v. 10, and his brethren envied him. Why? They had all detected - [THE VISION THAT VITALIZES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-vision-that-vitalizes/) - Even saints can have dismal days, and move along paths of dark distress. The sombre clouds are all listed, vv. 1-11, and these seek to hide the glory of the soul’s prospects. Read these verses again, noting once more the depths of the man’s grief. No cause is given for it; as the title says, - [THE KING AND HIS PEOPLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-king-and-his-people/) - Read this psalm as if it relates, not to His coming nation, but to His present church, since there is a message in it for us. Amidst the storm clouds of Psalm 94, a song can be raised and heard. The joyous peals of happy hearts are greater than the thunder claps. There is a - [ASSURANCE AMID THE RISING TIDE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/assurance-amid-the-rising-tide/) - Though this month our sights are being set very high, we cannot disregard the morass of evil through which we travel. For us the heavens are bright, but the earth is dark and the sky is red. Thank God for a glorious prospect and a blessed hope. This psalm is fittingly a follow-up of Psalm - [BEHOLD “THE KING”](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/behold-the-king/) - This is a millennial psalm presenting the hope of every true Israelite. How Isaiah constantly looked forward to the realization of this, and projected the minds of his people forward by repeating, “in that day”. However, we too should pray “Thy kingdom come”, for we also are to know the wonders of that coming age. - [A DIMMED PERSPECTIVE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-dimmed-perspective/) - Rossetti wrote, “Is the road uphill all the way? Yes to the very end!”, but where the road leads highest, the clouds are often heaviest and the prospect dim. Fellow-traveller to heaven, is the day before you foreboding? There have been many before you who have felt thus. Heman was a wise man (see 1 - [MARCHING TO ZION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/marching-to-zion/) - Israel appears still in a strange land, afar from beloved Jerusalem and the temple of God, but faithful hearts are longing for return. Their eyes are toward His house, and our psalm anticipates their heart-throb. To believers today, the psalm would speak of longings for their heavenly home, the Father’s house. What a prospect and - [THE PSALMIST REMINISCES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-psalmist-reminisces/) - The thoughts of the psalmist revert to the days of his forefathers when Israel’s march to Canaan was in progress; recall yesterday’s reading, 77. 20. Asaph was a Kohathite, 1 Chron. 16. 4-7; hence his forebears carried the tabernacle furniture, including the ark, in the midst of Israel as they marched. We remember that the - [THE SANCTUARY IS THE SOLUTION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-sanctuary-is-the-solution/) - Though our hopes and prospects are bright, the world within us can often be dark. At such times, today’s psalm can be encouraging and inspiring. Others before us have been in a similar condition, and have found an answer. The psalm is “after the manner of Jeduthun”, R.V., that is, “the worshipper”. It is encouraging - [WHERE ASSESSMENTS ARE CORRECTLY MADE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/where-assessments-are-correctly-made/) - We meet the value of the sanctuary again. Yesterday, the psalmist had a view there of the power, glory and lovingkindness of God which calmed his soul, and now he has the true view of man which corrects his thoughts. Note how the psalm turns around a twice-stated phrase: (i) “But as for me”, v. - [GOD SEEN FROM THREE POSITIONS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-seen-from-three-positions/) - David is in three positions or stations, (i) in the wilderness, (ii) in the sanctuary, and (iii) in bed. He has learned the truth of yesterday’s psalm. Psalm 63 is in three stages, and stage two, vv. 2-4, seems the pivot of the others. Position One. In spirit he has been in the sanctuary, vv. - [THE ATTITUDE THAT ASSURES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-attitude-that-assures/) - The believer’s prospect has often to be viewed through the mist and confusion of surrounding factors of opposition. Such was the case of David here where, as so often, he is beset by enemies. Observe that the psalm is in four stanzas with a conclusion, forming a simple introversion: David in prospective mood, vv. 1, - [THE FOOLISH AND THE FAITHFUL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-foolish-and-the-faithful/) - The psalm is marked clearly by features of those who live foolishly, v. 13, behaving as if this life were all, never to end, v. 9. Their focus is solely on the accumulation of wealth in which they boast, v. 6, and time seems to be their only consideration, v. 11. They are similar to - [HOPING IN GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hoping-in-god/) - After yesterday’s meditation, surely this psalm is appropriate for today. Is our hope in God?, 39. 7. If so, what are the inner stirrings of our hearts just now? Can we say now with fervour, “Hope in God”? The psalmist seems to be conscious of three important facts: A Remorseful Remembrance. Three times he cries, - [WHAT IS MY LIFE?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/what-is-my-life/) - We are not here for ever, though at times, with many of us, it would appear as if it were so. Earthly-mindedness is often to blame. The psalmist strikes an important note: life is transitory, its term is limited. We are quickly moving on. David requests God to make known to him three things: (a) - [THE SOUL’S UPLOOK AND ONLOOK](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-souls-uplook-and-onlook/) - Note the two divisions of this psalm, with the break at verse 5. Also note that each has two sub-divisions, the breaks being at verses 2 and 7. In each division, the psalmist has an uplook and an onlook. In the first section, he has an uplook of Supplication, vv. 1, 2. His hands and - [THE PSALMIST’S SOLILOQUY OF FAITH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-psalmists-soliloquy-of-faith/) - Once again we have an introversion as follows: Confession expressed, v. 1. Confidence begotten, v. 2. Conquest assured, v. 3. Covert desired, v. 4. Conviction founded, v. 5. The psalmist’s pathway is still troubled. He is encountering evildoers, adversaries, foes, opposition, v. 3, enemies, forsakings, false witnesses, vv. 10, 12. In this world, the saint - [DIRECTION FOR THE UNTRODDEN WAY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/direction-for-the-untrodden-way/) - This contemplative passage is encircled by troubled conditions: enemies, treachery, personal iniquities and sins, an entangling net, desolation, troubles and distresses, affliction and travail, vv. 1-3, 11-22. Round and within, there is only besetment, but he looks up and cries to the Lord, vv. 1, 15,21. In doing so, he considers his prospective way. Does - [THE SANCTUARY’S PRESENT EXPERIENCE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-sanctuarys-present-experience/) - Our psalm is primarily millennial, cf. Isa. 2. 1-3, yet in grace its principles are appropriate now for our application. Yesterday’s psalm warmed our hearts with the prospect of our eternal entrance into that holy place, but what about our practice of it now? Verses 3-6 show our going up into the hill of the - [FROM HEATH TO HOME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/from-heath-to-home/) - Whilst this psalm is initially a song of Israel’s remnant, the eye of the singer being fixed on the earthly goal of “the house of the Lord, to length of days”, v. 6 marg., what a Christian heritage it has become, supplying us with heavenly prospects. The psalm has three stanzas: The Unchanging Care of - [THE SOUL’S GREAT CERTAINTIES](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-souls-great-certainties/) - What a psalm with which to begin our month’s forward looking exercises, providing us with solid rock beneath our feet as our sure vantage ground. What an octave of melodic notes to confront us on our first day! In this “Genesis psalm” truly Abraham in spirit is here, v. 3, and Isaac too, v. 1, - [A PSALM OF REFLECTION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-psalm-of-reflection/) - It is sometimes good to recall the gracious disciplinary acts of God in our spiritual education. In this psalm, the Israelites who had been deported to Babylon and had endured years of cruel captivity look back with mixed feelings. They recall with bitterness the taunts of their captors calling on them to sing songs in - [PRAISE YE THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/praise-ye-the-lord/) - Praise is the outcome of a consideration and estimation that moves us to pleasure, approval and admiration. The word means to exclaim with a loud voice, and so to express our worship of God. The psalm bids us praise His name which describes His character, the Eternal, who was and is and will be, the - [A PLACE FOR THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-place-for-the-lord/) - Here we find king David’s earnest and dominant desire to find a suitable place for the ark as the sacred symbol of the presence of the living God among His people, vv. 1-10. Then comes the equally earnest pledge of God to find a resting place among them for ever, vv. 11-18. This promise must - [GREAT THINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-things/) - This is a record of the relief and rejoicing of the people of Judah on their return from Babylon to their homeland. God had allowed them to be carried as captives into Babylon seventy years earlier because of their persistent idolatry. They had “mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words … till there - [GOD IS IN THE MIDST OF HER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-is-in-the-midst-of-her/) - A nation is naturally proud of its capital city. It is the centre of government, and generally contains the most magnificent buildings and impressive monuments. The nation of Israel had special reason for their admiration of, and reverence for Jerusalem. When God gave Moses His law, He spoke of a place where He would dwell - [TRUST IN THE LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/trust-in-the-lord/) - There is one thing that we cannot exaggerate, the infinite greatness and glory of God. Despite Israel’s waywardness, there were always some among them, maybe a very small remnant, who exulted in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Of Him David said, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness - [SANCTUARY AND DOMINION](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sanctuary-and-dominion/) - Again we recall the mighty power of God in delivering His people from thraldom in Egypt and bringing them into Canaan. The nation’s twofold description shows that it can be viewed in two ways, Jacob means “Supplanter”, describing Isaac’s son naturally from his birth, a man who aimed by fair means or foul to wrest - [MINGLED AMONG THE HEATHEN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/mingled-among-the-heathen/) - God called Israel out of Egypt to be separated from the increasingly immoral nations, whose evil threatened to corrupt the whole of mankind. He saved them to be holy as He is holy. For four centuries, He had waited patiently, but the Canaanites grew worse and worse. “Because sentence against an evil work is not - [WE HAVE SINNED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/we-have-sinned/) - This psalm reviews Israel’s history of failure and God’s patience with man. But first hear The Psalmist’s Call: Praise, vv. 1, 2. First comes a call to thanksgiving, praise and worship. Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious can never praise Him enough. Thanksgiving shows an appreciation of what God has done for - [REMEMBER](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/remember/) - Memory is a remarkable gift of God. There are events in life that we gladly remember; others that we call to mind with sorrow, and yet others that we would rather not remember at all. But memory is invaluable to those who wish to avoid repeating past mistakes. When the Israelites ended their long journey - [FAR ABOVE ALL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/far-above-all/) - Psalms 96-99 speak of God coming to judge the world, just as Enoch foretold before the flood, and just as our Lord Jesus Christ Himself prophesied. Psalm 96 reads, “Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth … for he cometh to judge the earth”, and Psalm 97 begins, “The Lord reigneth”. Clouds, darkness, fire, - [GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-is-thy-faithfulness/) - This psalm celebrates two of the great attributes of God seen vividly in His dealings with king David. The keynote is struck at the outset, “the mercies” and “the faithfulness” of God. Each of these two words occurs seven times in the psalm; the first is sometimes happily translated “lovingkindness”, meaning much more than withholding - [A THREATENING ALLIANCE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-threatening-alliance/) - “Keep not thou silence, O God … be not still, 0 God”, v. 1. The silence of God and His apparent delay in answering our prayers is certainly not indifference. But how often have such prayers arisen when men are in trouble. People often ignore God’s claims upon them, and fail to thank Him for - [NO STRANGE GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/no-strange-god/) - In this psalm, we have already seen God calling for praise from His people. Now He is calling also for their ear, but, sadly, He is doubtful whether they will respond. He reiterates the first of the ten commandments given through Moses: “Thou shalt have no other God before me”, vv. 9, 10; Exod. 20. - [SING ALOUD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/sing-aloud/) - God gave man a voice so that he could commune with his Maker, to make requests and to express his appreciation of all God’s goodness. We read of the morning stars singing together at creation; but singing is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Israel’s deliverance from the angel of death in Egypt and - [THE SHEPHERD, THE VINE, THE MAN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-shepherd-the-vine-the-man/) - Have you or your Christian friends ever been ridiculed or persecuted for faith in Christ or for your simple obedience to His commands? Such has always been the lot of the godly in this wayward world. Such was the experience of the psalmist. It was the more painful because God seemed deaf to His people’s - [THE VALUE OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-value-of-israels-history/) - Divinely recorded history, fascinating though it is, is not given to entertain us. History is rather like a lighthouse, warning us of danger. Yet, often moved by passing pressures and pleasures, we rarely learn from it as we should. Here Asaph the Levite reminds Israel of the history of their nation. They had learned this - [DO YOU KNOW GOD?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/do-you-know-god/) - Here the psalmist celebrates the mighty victory that God gained over enemies attacking Israel, His chosen people, and Jerusalem His chosen dwelling place. “In Judah is God known”: this is the highest knowledge that man can have. Adam knew God, and he was given such a long life that his great great grandchildren could have - [WHY? HOW LONG?](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/why-how-long/) - Two questions are asked in this psalm, two questions often asked in prayer. “Why?”, vv. 1, 11, and “How long?”, v. 10. Why? We are sure that the only wise God has the very best of reasons for all that He does, “wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working”, Isa. 28. 29, in all that - [HOLD UP MY GOINGS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/hold-up-my-goings/) - To lose one’s foothold can be a very frightening and even fatal experience. Whether it is an elderly person on an icy road, a venturesome lad on a cliff face, or a hardened mountaineer crossing a crevass, the very thought can be unnerving. Psalm 73 records a time in Asaph’s life when he had just - [HE MUST REIGN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/he-must-reign/) - How often do we hear people criticize the government, the king or queen, or president, the judge, the magistrate, the police, indeed anyone, good or bad, in authority. It is a fatal flaw in human nature. None of us, not even children, readily submits to authority, and if given it ourselves we often fail to - [GIVE US HELP FROM TROUBLE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/give-us-help-from-trouble/) - When in serious trouble, have we ever felt that God has failed us or even forgotten us? This psalm reveals the nation of Israel in a situation like this. They were shocked and confused, like people in an earthquake, vv. 1-3. This was despite the fact that they had been given a banner, a rallying - [OUR GOD SHALL COME](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/our-god-shall-come/) - Have you ever stood at the railway station, at the quayside, or at the airport, watching the eager, expectant faces of those who await their loved ones? What smiles, what embraces, what tears of relief, when the longed for reunion takes place! It is a very faint foreshadowing of the joyous meeting of our Lord - [PAST TRIUMPHS AND PRESENT PROBLEMS](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/past-triumphs-and-present-problems/) - Psalm 44 is a collective confession and appeal to God. We recognize that private prayer is vitally important, but “Two are better than one … and a threefold cord is not quickly broken”, Eccl. 4. 9-12. Let us seek the active fellowship of the godly; there are problems common to all for which to pray - [GOD MY EXCEEDING JOY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-my-exceeding-joy/) - David begins his song, “The king shall joy in thy strength, 0 Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice”, v. 1. A king has more to rejoice in than most people: wealth, power and comfort such as few enjoy. But David found his joy in God Himself. “We also rejoice in God - [THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-god-of-jacob-is-our-refuge/) - Here is the key to David’s triumphs. He exclaims, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God”, v. 7. He had learned to trust in the Lord with all his heart and not to lean on his own understanding. So he faced the lion - [MY DELIVERER, MY GOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-deliverer-my-god/) - This is the song of king David’s triumph after his final deliverance from his inveterate and murderous enemy king Saul. First of all he gives a ninefold description of all that God has become to him through his chequered career. When hunted by Saul in the wilderness of Judaea, he needed a fortress, a rock - [THE MILLENNIAL REIGN - 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-millennial-reign-2/) - In this psalm the Davidic promises are fulfilled in Christ, and following on from yesterday we see that His reign will be a Time for Restoration, which is expressed in three ways: In Covenant, v. 11. The certainty of the promise is stressed in the fact that the Lord has sworn, and that in truth. - [THE MILLENNIAL REIGN - 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-millennial-reign-1/) - God holds the key. Today we consider thoughts from four psalms, namely Psalms 10, 29, 47, 72. Time for Recompense, Psa. 10. The background of this psalm is the man of sin who precedes the millennial reign, and these references could well be compared with those in Daniel chs. 78 and Revelation 13. The triumphant - [GREAT DAVID’S GREATER SON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/great-davids-greater-son/) - “The fruit of thy body”, Psa. 132. 11. The eventual restoration of Israel rests on God’s faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, all fulfilled in Christ. It is a covenant of grace ratified by the precious blood of Christ. Big issues hinge on seemingly small details; thus Ruth’s choice at the crossroads in the presence of - [DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/divine-sovereignty/) - “Clay in the potter’s hand”, Jer. 18. 6. Extracts from these three psalms show how God is sovereign on three counts. A study of Romans 9 will show this subject dealt with to a fuller extent. Sovereign in Creation, Psa. 8. 3, 6, 7; 24. 1, 2. The heavens in all their vastness are only - [MY FIRSTBORN](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/my-firstborn/) - “The chiefest among ten thousand”, Song 5. 10. As we consider David, we find it remarkable that Jesse’s youngest son became the firstborn with respect to the privileges enjoyed under Jewish customs. In the narrative it seems that everyone had forgotten about the youngest in the family, and God had to remind them that He - [THE MAN OF THY RIGHT HAND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-man-of-thy-right-hand/) - The primary reference in this psalm is to Israel in her national recovery through the imagery of the vine, and consequently pointing to Christ, the True Vine. The Jewish custom was that the master of the feast should place at his right hand the person whom he loved best, and then he would lay his - [THE GREAT SHEPHERD—SATISFACTION GUARANTEED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-great-shepherd-satisfaction-guaranteed/) - Here is the Great Shepherd because He rose again from the dead, Heb. 13. 20. We must not forget that He is the Good Shepherd, because He laid down His life, John 10. 11, and the Chief Shepherd because He is coming back, 1 Pet. 5. 4. There are so many ways in which this - [THE MELCHIZEDEK HIGH PRIESTHOOD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-melchizedek-high-priesthood/) - Psalm 110 is another Messianic Psalm. In fact, it is quoted in the N.T. more frequently than any other O.T. passage, and on every occasion it relates to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself used this psalm to prove that He was not only David’s Son, but also David’s Lord, Matt. 22. 41-46. This - [UNCOVER HIS FEET](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/uncover-his-feet/) - In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gave legislation regarding the responsibilities of a man towards his brother’s widow. We read, ‘her husband’s brother shall… perform the duty of an hus­band’s brother unto her’, Deut. 25. 5. In this chapter, Ruth, with Naomi’s encouragement, is laying claim to this brotherly obliga­tion from Boaz, who was related - [AS A MAN CHASTENETH HIS SON](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-man-chasteneth-his-son/) - The subject verses recount the faithfulness of God towards His people during the wilderness journey. God also reminds them that along the way, they had experienced His fatherly chastening, v. 5. The idea of chastening not only embraces the application of correction or punishment, but it also includes the idea of teaching and guiding in - [AS A FIELD DEVOTED](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/as-a-field-devoted/) - Leviticus chapter 27 has to do with ‘things devoted to the Lord’. In some instances, the Lord made certain claims upon His peo­ple that were mandatory, but, in this case, the decision to devote was entirely voluntary. Certain conditions were attached, in that once a person had devoted his field he could redeem it, but - [GOD WILL PROVIDE HIMSELF A LAMB](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/god-will-provide-himself-a-lamb/) - The idea of the lamb is employed extensively in the Bible as an illustration of the Lord Jesus, John 1. 29, but this is the first time the word is used in scripture. However, the concept features ear­lier when Abel ‘brought of the firstlings of his flock’, Gen. 4. 4. Think of the lamb and - [A CONSUMING FIRE](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/a-consuming-fire/) - The passages before us remind us of an attribute of our God that is often forgotten in our day - that our God is ‘a consuming fire’, Deut. 9. 3. There are several different ways in which this aspect of the character of God is revealed in scripture: A Purging Fire God assures His people - [THE BRIDEGROOM-KING](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-bridegroom-king/) - Psalm 45 describes the marriage of the King with a king’s daughter and their subsequent posterity and renoun. It is a Messianic psalm, verses 6, 7 being quoted in Hebrews 1. 8, 9. The King is the main subject of the psalm, which points to our Lord Jesus as the King of kings and Lord - [THE EXALTED CHRIST—AT GOD’S RIGHT HAND](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-exalted-christ-at-gods-right-hand/) - From this psalm, four verses under three headings are extracted to stress the great truth of the Exalted Christ. Exalted and Waiting, v. 1, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool”. He is seated, indicating that the work of the cross is completed. The tone of the verse is - [THE EXALTED CHRIST—EXALTED ON HIGH](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-exalted-christ-exalted-on-high/) - Here we look at verse 18, which according to the spirit of the text of the psalm, stresses the greatness of Christ and refers to Zion in the expression “ascended on high”. The thought of Zion in verse 18 is set in contrast with Sinai in verse 17. At Sinai, in effect, God descended, put - [THE EXALTED CHRIST—UPON MY HOLY HILL](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-exalted-christ-upon-my-holy-hill/) - Verses 6-8 emphasize the exalted Christ in contrast with the opening verses, where the nations are seen in all their pride, stubbornness and self-assertion. The Unshakeable Power, v. 6. Here the “I” is emphatic, and the word “set” means not only placed, but settled, established and appointed, stressing the permanence of the things of God - [THE ASCENDED LORD](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-ascended-lord/) - Psalm 68 is “The Victory Psalm”. This magnificent psalm traces God’s march to victory, linking past victories connected with Israel to the future and final victory of God. The Messianic passage is, “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men”, v. 18. Paul applies the verse to - [THE RISEN CHRIST](https://www.preciousseed.org/daily_thought/the-risen-christ/) - Both Peter and Paul quote from Psalm 16 in their preaching, Acts 2. 25-28; 13. 35. Furthermore, they both interpret the latter section of the psalm as referring to the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. Verses 8-11 find their adequate realization only in the risen Christ Himself. Some view His resurrection as a fraud-, others ## Book Review - [Collected Writings of E. W. Rogers - Volume 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/collected-writings-of-e-w-rogers-volume-2/) - Collected Writings of E. W. Rogers - Volume 2 Compiled by Mervyn Wishart 412 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN 13. 978-1-914273-16-2. We are grateful to Mervyn Wishart for undertaking the work of compiling a second volume of the writings of E. W. Rogers. The first volume was reviewed - [Christian Experiences and Spiritual Growth](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christian-experiences-and-spiritual-growth/) - Christian Experiences and Spiritual Growth by Winston G. Litchmore161 pages, Paperback. Published by Austin Macauley Publishers, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA.ISBN: 978-1-398467-89-7 Winston Litchmore and his wife served the Lord as missionaries in their native Jamaica for twelve years. Since 2018, they have been in fellowship with the assembly at Kirkby in - [Penned for His Praise](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/penned-for-his-praise/) - Penned for His Praise by Joanna DanielHardback, 106 pages,Published by Moriah Ministries, PO Box 7193, 31-33 Water Tank Road, MMDA Colony, Arumbakkam, Chennai 600 106, India.ISBN 978-81-938892-9-9. Poetry, like a Picasso painting, attracts different emotions and varying levels of appreciation. For example, Picasso’s Guernica is, to some, an intensely powerful masterpiece, valued in excess of - [Ezekiel – Coming Back From Exile](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/ezekiel-coming-back-from-exile/) - Ezekiel - Coming Back From Exile by John Riddle576 pages, Paperback.Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland.ISBN-13. 978-1-914273-15-5 This latest in a series of books taken from notes made available by the author is a welcome addition to the library of any serious student of the scriptures. John Riddle is well - [The Training of a Shepherd](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-training-of-a-shepherd/) - The Training of a Shepherd, by James Gunn,29 pages; 60p plus 10p postage (or $1. 50 plus 10% postage).From Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K., or Everyday Publications, Toronto, Canada. A very helpful book for those with a shepherd heart, dealing with the shepherd’s authority, with his use of Scripture, with his conduct and - [Precious Seed Websites](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/precious-seed-websites/) - Regular users of our websites - preciousseed.org and youngpreciousseed.org - will be aware of the refresh which came into effect at the end of January and the beginning of February. Our previous sites had served us well over the years, but for some time we have been conscious that a degree of modernization was required - [Design Dissected - Is the design real?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/design-dissected-is-the-design-real/) - Design Dissected - Is the design real? by David J. Galloway224 pages, Paperback.Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock.ISBN 13. 978-1-914273-00-1. The past few years have seen a number of books published on evidence of design in nature and how this is a compelling pointer to the Creator. This book is an interesting addition - [One Is Your Master Even Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/one-is-your-master-even-christ/) - 192 pages, Hardback, Published by The Bereans Publishing Ltd., 38 Mountain Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4BB.ISBN: 978-1-913232-20-7. As the back cover summary indicates, this book has been written ‘as a handbook for all believers who desire to faithfully labour in service for Christ at home or abroad’. Chapters include: God’s commission; Personal responsibility and - [Daily Shall He Be Praised](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/daily-shall-he-be-praised/) - A day by day anthology of Hymn writers and their work.Paperback, 221 pages. Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Northern Ireland.Available from Ards Bookshop, Newtownards, Northern Ireland. ISBN: 978-1-909789-55-5. The book is the first of four volumes arranged to take the reader through the year in a daily reading format. This book covers the period January - [An Unshakeable Kingdom, by Dr. David Gooding](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/an-unshakeable-kingdom-by-dr-david-gooding/) - An Unshakeable Kingdom, by Dr. David Gooding (172 pages); £1.21; 2.50 U.S. dollars. Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada M4C 3T4. (Postage included in price. Cheques in Sterling are acceptable). It is good to see another book from the pen of our brother and one-time contributor, Dr. David Gooding, although as the author explains - [The Surprising Saviour](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-surprising-saviour/) - Paperback, 68 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Northern Ireland and available from Ards Evangelical Bookshop, Newtownards. ISBN: 978-1-909789-56-2. This book is a compilation of the eleven articles that the author wrote for Truth and Tidings magazine, Canada, from 2019 to 2020. They are centred around the single Greek word thaumazo which, as the writer - [Abolition!](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/abolition/) - Newton, the ex-slave trader, and Wilberforce, the little liberator. Paperback, 107pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK Price £5.00, ISBN 1-903087-99-2 For those of us living more than 200 years after most of the events dealt with in this book, it is difficult to imagine why the abolition of the - [All you need to know about the Bible – Brian H. Edwards](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-bible-brian-h-edwards/) - Paperback, 6 volumes, each of 144 pages. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. ISBN’s 978-1-84625-584-7, 585-4, 586-1, 587-8, 588-5, 589-2. This review concerns not just a book, but a whole set of books amounting to 864 pages in total. Don’t, however, be put off by the sheer volume of writing, nor - [Battles Christians Face – Tackling big issues with confidence - Vaughan Roberts](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/battles-christians-face-tackling-big-issues-with-confidence-vaughan-roberts/) - Paperback. 162 pages. Published by Authentic Media Ltd, 52 Presley Way, Crownhill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0ES. ISBN 978-1-78078-115-0. This book was first published in 2007 and has undergone a number of reprints, the latest in 2017. This may well be an indication of its popularity, as the issues it deals with are undoubtedly the challenges - [Zion](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/zion/) - Mount Zion is the most prominent mountain in Scripture, and as such it is found to be the most prolific for spiritual study. Two papers will develop its historical import; in a third paper its prophetical implications will be examined. Jerusalem was built upon four hills, but it was Zion, known also as ‘the city - [‘Assembly Writers Library’: The Temples, The Parables, The Revelation](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/assembly-writers-library-the-temples-the-parables-the-revelation/) - 461 pages; £3 • 50 -f 65p postage. Gospel Tract Publications, 48 York Street, Glasgow G2 8JW. A similar case-bound volume is promised every six months, the object being to re-print writings of “early brethren”. This first volume is reprinted from the original sheets, but renumbered consecutively with a complete list of contents at the - [Missionary Interest – Sending Money](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/missionary-interest-sending-money/) - [Shepherding the Sheep – Mark Sweetnam and Walter Boyd](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/shepherding-the-sheep-mark-sweetnam-and-walter-boyd/) - 248 pages. Paperback. Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Northern Ireland. Available from Ards Evangelical Bookshop, Newtownards. ISBN 978-1-909789-54-8. The sub-title of this book from STL is ‘Tracing the theme of shepherds and shepherding through scripture’, and it does exactly what it says on the cover. The writers will be well known to many throughout the - [Seven Postures of Christ – Mervyn Wishart](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/seven-postures-of-christ-mervyn-wishart-2/) - 128 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Publishing, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13: 978-1-912522-62-0. Benefits arising from the pandemic lockdown of 2020/21 are not easy to quantify. But one area in which significant expansion has been noted is in the sale of books online. W. H. Smith, the stationers, reported a 400% increase in mid-2020 - [The Suffering Servant of the Lord: A Prophecy of Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-suffering-servant-of-the-lord-a-prophecy-of-jesus-christ/) - Author – David J. MacLeod. Paperback, 225 pages, Published by Emmaus Bible College, Dubuque, Iowa, 2016 ISBN 978-0-692-53824-1. David MacLeod, a Professor at Emmaus Bible College and a commended teacher among American Bible Chapels, has written a fine, if very scholarly, exposition of Isaiah’s fourth Servant Song from a thoroughly conservative evangelical and pre-millennial standpoint. - [The Essential Attributes of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-essential-attributes-of-god/) - 80pp. £4.90. Published by Challenger Publishing, 3 Netherton Place, Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland EH47 8JG. ISBN 0-9541240-0-6 Knowledge of God should be recognized as the highest point attainable in any process of learning. It is something begun in time, that for the child of God holds promise of its pursuance, and development, for evermore. The - [Remember the Children and the Adults at Christmas](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/remember-the-children-and-the-adults-at-christmas/) - Stepping stones through the Bible day by day This book fills a gap in the children’s book market and comes in full colour. The target purchasers are parents and grandparents of children in the age range 4-12 years. Parents can read the stories to their younger children. Older children will prefer to read the book - [Biblical Balance on Election and Free Will](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/biblical-balance-on-election-and-free-will/) - 63 pages; 80p. - [‘The Lover and the Preacher’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-lover-and-the-preacher/) - Studies in Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Published by Everyday Publications, Canada. A concise and practical study in these two Books of Wisdom offers useful help, especially to young people. There is a brief introduction to each of the books and for Ecclesiastes a very helpful analysis of contents. The verse-by-verse style makes sure of - [Global Crises in Bible Prophecy – Donald Cameron](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/global-crises-in-bible-prophecy-donald-cameron/) - Paperback, 75 pages. Published by Crimond House Publications, 48 Francis Street, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 7DN. ISBN 978-1-908618-25-2. The author notes that this book was intended to be available by mid-2020, but publication was delayed in view of the uncertainties generated by the Coronavirus pandemic. It was maybe thought that as the year progressed the - [The Matter of our Mind – A. J. Higgins](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-matter-of-our-mind-a-j-higgins/) - Paperback, 115 pages.Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Northern Ireland. ISBN 978-1-909789-52-4. The sub-title of the book is ‘Measuring our minds by scripture’, and that very adequately sums up the contents of this latest work by Sandy Higgins. It is not an academic treatise on psychology, though the author is well qualified to undertake such a - [Dining with the Master](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/dining-with-the-master/) - Paperback, 102pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £5.99 ISBN 978 1 897117 84 2. As Roy Hill writes in his Foreword, ‘This delightful little book deals with the Gospel records of the Saviour at breakfast, lunch, dinner and even at a wedding feast’. Within - [Beginnings: Old Testament Overview Volume 1 – Richard Catchpole](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/beginnings-old-testament-overview-volume-1-richard-catchpole/) - Paperback, 323 Pages, Published by Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, UK. ISBN 978-1-871642-66-7. Precious Seed Publications set themselves the very worthy task of providing Christian readers with a series of books that offer an overview of a number of books of the Old Testament at once, arranged according to their chronological rather than - [Windows on Paradise](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/windows-on-paradise-2/) - (14 Studies in the Gospel of Luke), 144 pages; £1.90; $3.24, postage included. - [William Grimshaw – Living the Christian Life](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/william-grimshaw-living-the-christian-life-2/) - Hardback, 90pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, UK Price £7.95 ISBN 978-0-85234-691-4. For most people, the Yorkshire town of Haworth is associated with the Bronte family. However, as this little book shows, there was a mighty man of God called William Grimshaw who also left an indelible imprint on - [Treasury of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/treasury-of-bible-doctrine-3/) - Readers will have seen our advertisements in several past issues of this forthcoming companion volume to Church Doctrine and Practice, and we are pleased to say that this new 468-page book is now available at a very It is our conviction that every servant of the Lord–and all believers are His servants in one way - [Treasury of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/treasury-of-bible-doctrine-2/) - Edited by J. Heading and C. E. Hocking. 468 pages with indices, (see rear cover). The need in our day for a clear re-statement of “those things most surely believed among us" is always apparent. Vagueness in understanding of truth is too often evident among Christians today. In this book the editors have gathered together - [The Song of Zechariah – Timothy Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-song-of-zechariah-timothy-cross-2/) - Paperback, 106pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £5.99 ISBN 978-1926765-64-8. In the preface, Timothy Cross describes the song of Zechariah, recorded in Luke chapter 1 verses 67 to 79, as ‘no ordinary hymn’ but one that owes its origin ‘to the working of the - [The Lord’s Supper](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-lords-supper-2/) - “The Lord’s Supper,” by J. M. Davies. (J. M. Davies, Nellikunnu, Trichur, T.C.S., S. India.9d., postage extra.) This is a well-written booklet on a familiar but important Subject. In dealing with this, the great open meeting of Christianity, Mr. Davies has shewn himself to be “a workman, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” A quotation - [New Testament Church Principles](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/new-testament-church-principles-2/) - (102 pages). £1 post paid. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. Originally published as a series in Precious Seed during the years 1954-1956, the committee immediately published them in book form. The demand for the book being so great, the above publishers have produced a series of editions over the years, and we are glad to see - [Book Reviews](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-reviews-3/) - The Church and the churches. By W. E. Vine, M.A. Pp. 144. 12s. 6d. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. We are glad to see that a third edition of this work is now available to the Lord’s people, written by an author whose other works have appeared so regularly in Precious Seed. Many of our older - [Book Reviews](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-reviews-2/) - Bishops, Priests and Deacons. By William Hoste, b.a. Pp. 184. 15s. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. This book is a ‘must’ for all the Lord’s people who love the spiritual order for service that God has instituted in the local assembly. Service in the assembly, whether God-ward or saint-ward, occupies a prominent part of the time - [Book Review](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-review-3/) - First Epistle to the Corinthians. By Dr. John Heading. Pp. 284. 25s. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. As a joint Editor of Precious Seed the writer of this excellent book is well known. Here is a volume of real worth; lucid, thoughtful and eminently practical. In an opening paragraph the author informs us that his aim - [According to Luke](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/according-to-luke-2/) - A New Exposition of the Third Gospel, by David Gooding. £5.95. Inter-Varsity Press. 362 pages. This very readable exposition is divided into two major sections described as “The Coming”, covering Chs. 1 to 9.50, and “The Going”, covering Chs. 9.51 to 24.53. Each of these sections is divided into 5 stages. Opening pages deal with - [According to Luke](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/according-to-luke-2-2/) - A New Exposition of the Third Gospel, by David Gooding. £5.95. Inter-Varsity Press. 362 pages. This very readable exposition is divided into two major sections described as “The Coming”, covering Chs. 1 to 9.50, and “The Going”, covering Chs. 9.51 to 24.53. Each of these sections is divided into 5 stages. Opening pages deal with - [Day by Day – Pictures and Parables](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-pictures-and-parables-2/) - The following article forms the Introduction and two pages of our latest book in the ever popular Day by Day series. The theme for this volume is ‘Pictures and Parables’ and these selections are to give the magazine reader a flavour of what will be available when the book is published later this year. See - [Book Review](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-review-2/) - Graphic Guide to Modern Versions of the New Testament. By Herbert Dennett. pp. xiv + 142. 12s. 6d. Samuel Bagster & Sons Ltd. This Guide is written for those who believe that the original Scriptures were given by divine inspiration, this holy concept applying to the original languages chosen by God through which to make - [Our Three New Publications …](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/our-three-new-publications/) - Day by Day Bible Questions, edited by Ken Totton The Day by Day series has proven its value as an aid to study and meditation in the scriptures, and has been well received by the Lord’s people. Encouraged by this, we are delighted to announce our latest title, Day by Day Bible Questions. Each daily - [Why there really is a God: and what you need to know about Him – Andrew Wilson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/why-there-really-is-a-god-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-him-andrew-wilson/) - 482 pages, Paperback or eBook. Published by Believer’s Publications, Australia. Available on Amazon. ISBN-13:978-0-994397-75-1. Books written to oppose and refute the doctrine of atheism are not in short supply. Many are written by authors from a scholarly or scientific background for a readership with similar interests and understanding of the issues being discussed. This latest - [‘The Mystery of the Second Coming of Christ’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-mystery-of-the-second-coming-of-christ/) - Here is another booklet from the pen of a gifted writer. It is written in the same incisive manner that characterised his “light on the Church of God,” recently reviewed in these pages. We confidently command this pamphlet to all who “love His appearing,” knowing, they will gain much practical information and important truth from - [‘Church History as Seen and Foreseen in the New Testament’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/church-history-as-seen-and-foreseen-in-the-new-testament/) - “I Have a Message.” 1/6, 1/7 post-free. “Here is the News.” 25 copies for 2/- (post-free). “Here is the News Summary.” 100 copies 3/- (post-free). By Leslie Greening. (Leslie Greening, 13, Woolaston Rd., Dorchester, Dorset.) The history of tine Church’s life here on earth constitutes the most significant the moat momentous period of all history. - [Triumphs of Faith in France](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/triumphs-of-faith-in-france/) - 2/6 post-free from Mr. Buckeridge, 54, Oak Wood Road, Portsmouth. An extract from the Preface will give the reader some idea of the character of this book. “To the glory of God, and in token of His never-failing goodness during thirty-four years of service for Him in Roman Catholic France,” Here is a volume, not - [Short Papers on Some Fundamental Truths](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/short-papers-on-some-fundamental-truths/) - Thames Valley Publishing Company, 15. Clarence St., Staines, Middlesex. The gifted author of this little hook has published a useful volume. Each one of these thirteen papers is a fine and edifying example of Biblical exposition. The paper on the Atonement is outstanding. We have read it again and again, and we trust with profit. - [Brother Beloved – the life of R. C. Chapman](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/brother-beloved-the-life-of-r-c-chapman/) - The book has been well produced by the Victory Press and is obtainable at (5/- (postage, fid. extra) from K. Swaine Bourne, 352 Ridgaire Rd, Birmingham 32, or from bookshops and colporteurs. It has not been published for profit and is good value. “Brother Indeed.” This is the title of a fresh study of the - [Silverton](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/silverton/) - Our introduction to Silverton must be in the year 1941, although to say the work began then is to overlook the prayers and labour of faithful believers longer ago. If we take a look at this picturesque mid-Devon village (of about 1,200 inhabitants) as it was in that dark war-torn year, we shall see a - [Bible Problems and Answers](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/bible-problems-and-answers/) - This large, neatly bound, well-printed volume of 445 pages is a series of Questions and Answers reprinted by request from the pages of The Believers’ Magazine of a half a century ago Both the writers responsible for the answers were well-known, and able and faithful teachers of the Word of God. The subjects treated cover - [How are we to understand the title Firstborn as applied to our Lord?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/how-are-we-to-understand-the-title-firstborn-as-applied-to-our-lord/) - THE WORD ‘BIRTH’ conveys the thought of a beginning, the bringing into being of a personality not having had previous existence, whilst the word ‘firstborn’ indicates the order of birth – the first-to-be-born. From a general reading of Scripture we know that this definition cannot be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ because He had - [Book Review – Second Epistle to the Corinthians. By Dr. John Heading.](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-review-second-epistle-to-the-corinthians-by-dr-john-heading/) - Pp. 241. 25s. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. Distributed in U.S.A, and Canada by Walterick Publishers, Kansas City. We have already noticed the first of these two volumes and registered our opinion of its value. In both these volumes we have a contribution of real merit and worth to Biblical exposition, and they deserve a wide - [Two New Books by J M Davies](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/two-new-books-by-j-m-davies/) - The Lord and the Churches, pp. 188. 215. Pickering & Inglis. Believing that readers of Precious Seed are deeply concerned, both practically and doctrinally, with the subject of the Church in its universal and local aspects, we are pleased to have the opportunity of recommending this book for their earnest consideration. It is the reviewer’s - [Book Review](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-review/) - The Women of the Bible. By Herbert Lockyer, Pp. 321. 37s. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. This valuable book represents the last of a long series of encyclopaedic works by this well-known author. The book will appeal to brethren and sisters alike, and it embraces every named (such as Priscilla), unnamed (such as the queen of - [Asia News Report](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/asia-news-report/) - Asia News Report This is the title of a new quarterly missionary periodical edited by Michael Browne of Hong Kong. Its objectives are, to quote the Editorial, “to make a positive contribution to missionary information in an area practically untouched by existing assembly publications … aiming at readable style, professional standards, reliable news and responsible - [Colossians and Philemon – A New Precious Seed Booklet](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/colossians-and-philemon-a-new-precious-seed-booklet/) - Colossians and Philemon. By J. M. Davies. Pp. 82. 2jp, including postage. The author of this new Booklet has been a contributor to Precious Seed since its inception in 1945. We are thankful that he has recently found time in his busy life of service to write a commentary on Colossians and Philemon specially for - [Turning the World Upside Down – A Century of Missionary Endeavour](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/turning-the-world-upside-down-a-century-of-missionary-endeavour/) - A record by W. T. Stunt, A. Pulleng, A. Pickering, G. P. Simmons, D. K. Boak, and S. F. Warren. Upperton Press in conjunction with Echoes of Service. Illus. 663pp. £3.00 plus 25P postage from 1 Widcombe Crescent, Bath. To present an exhaustive account of an entire century of missionary work is a mammoth task. - [‘Have ye Here any Meat?’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/have-ye-here-any-meat/) - LUKE 24. 4I-43 The word “meat” here means, as it so often does in the New Testament, any kind of food or provision for the nourishment of the body. Being perfect Man as well as perfect God, our Lord knew what it was to be hungry, tired and weary. Even in resurrection He asked the - [Galatians and Philippians](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/galatians-and-philippians/) - Galatians and Philippians, by the late William Trew (64 pages). 24 including postage (see rear cover of magazine). The Committee believe that many readers will appreciate the publication in booklet form of some of the past written ministry of Mr. William Trew. The fragrance, spirituality and power of his ministry are captured in permanent form - [Our Heritage](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/our-heritage/) - By James Anderson Pp. 49; 25p. Copies available from the author, Millbank, Privick Mill Road, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5JA. The following article, Missionary Endeavour, is a chapter of the helpful booklet entitled “Our Heritage*”. The booklet is largely devoted to various aspects of “Church Truth”, its twelve chapters treating such things as Evangelism, Baptism, The - [Acts, A Study in New Testament Christianity](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/acts-a-study-in-new-testament-christianity/) - (652 pages). U.K sales only, £2 from the author (address on front page). Overseas sales, $6.95 from Walterick Publishers, P.O. Box 2216, Kansas City, U.S.A., or their overseas distributors. The author of “Acts, A Study in New Testament Christianity" is aware that “there are many commentaries, expositions and theological works on the Book of the - [The Epistles to the Corinthians](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-epistles-to-the-corinthians/) - (XII-f 224 pages). Gospel Literature Service, Bombay. 6op plus postage. Available from Pickering and Inglis; J. Ritchie, and Northern Publishing House, Northern Ireland. Many have profited over the years from the written ministry of J. M. Davies. His more recent titles include The Lord and the Churches, The Christian’s Statue of Liberty, and in our - [Floods upon the Dry Ground -The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/floods-upon-the-dry-ground-the-person-and-work-of-the-holy-spirit/) - (122 pages). 60p plus 5p postage (see rear cover of magazine). This latest addition to our range of Precious Seed publications should satisfy the spiritual appetite of every reader. In these days when foreign teaching is abroad relating to the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, it is needful and refreshing that an exposition - [The Lord’s Supper](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-lords-supper/) - The booklet by a missionary in Mexico is a translation from the Spanish. Four chapters deal with Remembrance, Covenant, Communion and Hope. An unusual treatment, in the sense that why is stressed perhaps more than how. And helpful too, since many of the thoughts expressed under why are not usually dealt with in brethren’s zeal - [Practical Principles of Gathering](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/practical-principles-of-gathering/) - The book is a novel presentation of important truth. As stated in the introduction, “The contents of this book were presented as a series of five minute messages to instruct young believers in the principles on which Christians meet together” in the author’s home assembly. There are eighteen chapters, covering every aspect of the life - [The Church of God, a Symposium](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-of-god-a-symposium/) - (111 pages); £1.50; $2.50, postage included. From: Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada M4C 3T4. Readers in the U.K. may obtain copies from Roy A. Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth PL3 4HD. (Books previously reviewed from these publishers may also be obtained from Mr. Wood.) David Gooding’s latest book contains 14 papers grouped into - [Symposium of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/symposium-of-bible-doctrine/) - The reception given by the Lord’s people to our previous publication Church Doctrine and Practice has encouraged us to prepare a new 400-page book covering a wide variety of Christian doctrines. Consisting of just under one hundred papers, about half of which have been specially written for the book, the symposium will con-tain sections: The - [What the Bible Teaches about the Gift of Tongues](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-about-the-gift-of-tongues/) - $0.60, 30/0 plus 10% postage; 32 pages. From Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada. Or Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K. The first booklet contains ten chapters on baptism, presenting all aspects of the subject. Very useful to present to young converts contemplating this step. The second book, with two similar ones noted - [Spiritual Renewal](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/spiritual-renewal/) - 85p; 144 pages. Quest (Western Publications), South Molton, N. Devon. The ten chapters of this book are written by several well-known teachers of Scripture. The subtitle “The Charismatic Question” denotes the scope of the book. Many believers these days are faced with the challenge of this “interdenominational thrust”, and the authors examine its doctrine, practice - [Believer’s Baptism](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/believers-baptism/) - $0-75, 40p plus 10% postage; 32 pages. - [Letters of the New Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/letters-of-the-new-testament/) - $2.75 or £1.50 plus 10% postage; 128 pages. From Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada. Or Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K. An excellent idea to produce a book that summarises and explains all the NT. Epistles in order. These are very substantial bird’s eye views of the Epistles written in a particularly - [Bible Notes and Expositions](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/bible-notes-and-expositions/) - (339 pages plus preliminaries and Index); Hard Case with Dust Jacket; £3-95, by post £4-40, Ritchie, Kilmarnock. The late William Rodgers was well known and greatly appreciated by the older generation of the Lord’s people. Many were profited by his wide-ranging, penetrating, and balanced understanding of the Word of God through an oral teaching ministry - [Analytical Studies in the Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/analytical-studies-in-the-psalms/) - (372 pages); Hard Case with Dust Jacket; £3.00, by post £3.50; Ritchie, Kilmarnock. This is the third edition of this pearl of primers on the Psalms. Every Bible reader that values aids to its understanding should have a copy of this book readily to hand. That such could be written in the setting of prisoner-of-war - [The Unchangeable and Impeccable Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-unchangeable-and-impeccable-christ/) - $0.65 or 35p plus 10% postage. 32 pages. From Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada, or Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K. The second booklet is a sweet doctrinal and devotional meditation on the Person of Christ, dealing in a sanctified way with many aspects of the Sonship and Manhood of Christ, including - [Headship and Covering](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/headship-and-covering/) - $0.40 or 20p plus 10% postage. 14 pages. The booklet is a helpful and positive restatement of truth firmly believed in by the Lords people, but being neglected today by many in a modern age. Very worth while reading and passing on. - [Come and Dine: Old Testament Readings for Every Day](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/come-and-dine-old-testament-readings-for-every-day/) - $3.95, £1.95 plus 10% postage; 254 pages. From: as above. This book is complementary to the corresponding Come and Dine with New Testament readings, reviewed on page 111 of the September 1976 issue. This Old Testament volume of daily readings throughout the year covers selected pas-sages from Genesis to Ecclesiastes, interspersed with relevant parts of - [That Wondrous Name](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/that-wondrous-name/) - £1.85; 135 pages. The book represents the sweetest possible meditation on the names of the Lord, completed by the author during periods of increasing weakness before he passed into the presence of the Lord. Treated in detail are, “Jehovah; the Anointed Prophet, Priest and King; the Lord; the Mediator; the Shepherd; the Lamb; the Root - [Types and Shadows in the Epistle to the Hebrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/types-and-shadows-in-the-epistle-to-the-hebrews/) - This is a fresh commentary of more than 200 pages, published by Gospel Tract Publications, 48 York Street, Glasgow G2. Available from the author (see rear cover). Price £1 -50. Canadian and U.S.A. distributors: Everyday Publications, Toronto, Canada. The Epistle to the Hebrews was written because “believers (that is, Jewish con-erts to the faith prior - [The Church and I](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-and-i/) - 24 pages. A sweetly written and winsome booklet for sisters, showing privileges and responsibilities in assembly and service. - [Beyond the Wedding Day](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/beyond-the-wedding-day/) - 16 pages. In the form of an open letter to engaged couples, this booklet shows from the Scriptures what is before them. Both booklets 30p each plus 10% postage, from Everday Publications, Toronto, Canada, or Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K. - [The Complete Thing](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-complete-thing/) - 23 pages; 40p. From Roy Wood, 94 Alma Road, Plymouth, U.K. (Add 10% postage). Published by Everyday Publications, Toronto, Canada. In the first book, the three authors helpfully and solidly tackle a difficult problem, and they shed much scriptural light on it. The second book, in the series “Current Concerns”, explains 1 Corinthians 13. 8-13. - [Hidden Gleams of the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hidden-gleams-of-the-deity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/) - 100 pages, hard cover. $3.75 (83-50 per volume if more than 10 ordered) from Don Wager. Route 4, Willmar, Minn. 56201, U.S.A. Or J. D. McColl, P.O. Box 314, Toowong, Qld. 4066, Australia. Or £2.20 inc. postage from Hilton Lowe, 474 Shore Road. Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, N.I. Originating from Scotland, the author has gathered together - [Day by Day – Through the New Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-through-the-new-testament/) - Day by Day through the New Testament, edited by Denis Clapham, John Heading, Malcolm Horlock. 408 pages, £2.20 (including postage), from Precious Seed Publications, 43 Chantry Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8DN, U.K. For readers in U.S.A. and Canada : Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada. Readers in India: Evangelical Literature Service, 158 Purasawalkam High - [If any Man Speak](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/if-any-man-speak/) - The book has the subsidiary title ‘Sermon and Speeches: Their Preparation and Delivery’. If you think that your service for the Lord needs improvement in this direction, or whether you are satisfied with your present attainment, then take this counsel from an experienced preacher and writer. - [‘Ephesians: In the Beloved’ and ‘Colossians: Christ in you’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/ephesians-in-the-beloved-and-colossians-christ-in-you/) - The books are verse-by-verse explanations of the two Epistles, and are written in the simpler style that marks many of the books available from Everyday Publications. As such, they are suitable for younger believers, giving them a good introduction to the message and details of these two Epistles. - [‘Day by Day through the New Testament’ and other books available](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-through-the-new-testament-and-other-books-available/) - On the rear cover of the magazine we always print a list of books available by post, or by personal request when possible, since some committee members have copies with them when they visit other assemblies for meetings. The latest book, “Day by Day through the New Testament” (408 pages), has already been appreciated by - [Understanding 1 & 2 Chronicles – The House of God and its Service](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/understanding-1-2-chronicles-the-house-of-god-and-its-service/) - 405 pages. U.K. sales: available from the author (see rear cover for address); £2 plus 50p postage. U.S.A. and countries with these distributors: Walterick Publishers, Kansas City, U.S.A.; $7.95. There are not many studies on the books of Chronicles to be found. In the preface the author remarks on the fact that such are unusual. - [Will the Church go through the Great Tribulation?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/will-the-church-go-through-the-great-tribulation/) - 48 pages; 75p or $195 (plus 10% postage) The book will be recognized by older readers as a reprint of the original 1955 edition by Pickering Mr. and Mrs. This re­print will provide a stimulus to prophetic understanding and thought by a new generation of readers often confronted and troubled by the same question that - [The Infallible Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-infallible-christ/) - 63 pages; £1.15 or $2.95 (plus 10% postage) The book has a title that is very precious to believers, yet the subject of the book is presented so as to combat an unpleasant doctrine prevalent in some quarters, namely that Christ could sin although He did not. Sincere believers must have their spiritual sensitivities based - [The Priesthood of Women](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-priesthood-of-women/) - $0.50 or 20p (plus 10% postage). 12 pages. The book is a tract on an important subject; Scripture is spiritually adhered to, so as to show the Lords will for the service of sisters. - [The Farewell Ministry of Christ, John 13-17](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-farewell-ministry-of-christ-john-13-17/) - 96 pages; $2.50, from Loizeaux Brothers, U.S.A. (Christian bookshops in the U.K. will know how to obtain copies.) Another book from our brother is greatly appreciated; (see Precious Seed, vol. 29, 1978, page 154). Such a medi-tation for heart and life is valuable for the edification of the Lord’s people. The chapters are analysed and - [Never Turn Back, Studies in Hebrews](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/never-turn-back-studies-in-hebrews/) - $2.95 or £1.15 (plus 10% postage). 88 pages. The book represents in simpler style a commentary on Hebrews, with every verse explained and commented upon. Young believers will obtain a lot of help from this book. - [Luke’s Life of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/lukes-life-of-christ/) - £2 (including 48p postage). 288 pages. U.K. sales: from the author (address on rear cover). Canada and U.S.A.: Everyday Publications, Canada (sec rear cover), $6.50. This book is more than just a life of Christ, dealing with recorded facts. The author tells us that for three years this material formed the basis of Bible Study - [Gambling and Drinking](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gambling-and-drinking/) - $1.00 or 40p (plus 10% postage). 40 pages. In the “Current Concerns" series, contains wise counsel for young converts, and also for elders who may have to deal with these problems if they exist amongst the flock. - [The Birth of the Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-birth-of-the-bible/) - (192 pages; $7.25 or £3.60). A fascinating book, dealing with Revelation, Inspiration, Inerrancy, Authority, Canonization, Textual Criticism, Translation. Every believer can profitably read this unusual book. Many questions and projects are provided; we could hope that an “answer book” will be published. J.H. - [That the World May Know](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/that-the-world-may-know/) - That the World May Know is a comprehensive work of reference in 10 volumes relating to 150 years of Worldwide Assembly Missionary Work. Obtainable from Echoes Publications, 1 Widcombe Crescent, Bath 6AQ, U.K., who are to be complimented both on obtaining Dr. Tatford’s co-operation in the production of such a monumental under-taking, and in the - [Proverbs: The King’s Wisdom](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/proverbs-the-kings-wisdom/) - (126 pages; $3.85 or £1.90). Pithy and spiritual comments on every proverb. Chs. 1-9; 30-31 are treated in order, by verse and by paragraph. Chs. 10-29 are treated by subjects, every proverb being considered in about 70 groups in a masterpiece of compilation. - [Matthew; Presenting Jesus the King](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/matthew-presenting-jesus-the-king/) - (175 pages; $5.50 or £2.50). A helpful introduction, presenting the King throughout. - [Jesus and Divorce](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/jesus-and-divorce/) - Jesus and Divorce, is a major new work of over 200 pages, plus notes and indices, published by Hodder and Stoughton at £5.95 net in the U.K. Gordon Wenham tells us that he and William Heth were brought up to believe “that in certain circumstances both divorce and remarriage are justified for Christians”. But although - [Ritchie New Testament Commentaries](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/ritchie-new-testament-commentaries/) - Ritchie New Testament Commentaries, Volume 2 (hard cover). What the Bible Teaches. Matthew, by John Heading (viii 4-414 pages), and Mark, by Harold Paisley (176 pages). Published by J. Ritchie, Kilmarnock. Available from bookshops, £7.95, or from the first author (see rear cover of this magazine). Such a commentary as this is much needed by - [Revelation, the Coming King](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/revelation-the-coming-king/) - 120 pages, $3.95. Published by Everyday Publications Inc., 421, Nugget Avenue, Unit 2, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, or from Roy Wood, 8 Beaconsfield Road, Beacon Park, Plymouth, U.K. It is good to know that there is still a great interest in the subject of prophecy, and although the period covered by the Book of Revelation is - [Ritchie New Testament Commen­taries, Volume 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/ritchie-new-testament-commentaries-volume-3/) - (hard cover). What the Bible Teaches. 1. Thessalonians, by T. E. Wilson; 2. Thessalonians, by T. W. Smith; 1. Timothy, by J. Allen; 2 Timothy, by J. R. Baker, and Titus, by D. West. Published by J. Ritchie, Kilmarnock. Available from bookshops, £9.50, or from the publishers (p & p £1.50). The nine volumes in - [‘Divorce and Remarriage’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/divorce-and-remarriage/) - Available from Mr. C. B. Pamment, 11 Russell Baron Road, Foraham St. Martin, Suffolk IP31 1TA. The absolute indissolubility of marriage is often challenged today, but here is a helpful booklet that presents sound scriptural teaching on the subject. - [One Day at a Time](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/one-day-at-a-time/) - The author has selected 366 verses from the Bible and written a short message on each one, showing how the truth should be applied to the daily life of the believer. 376 pages. Can be obtained in the U.K. from Roy L. Wood, 38 Dovedale Road, Beacon Park, Plymouth, Devon PL2 2RS. - [In the Beginning](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/in-the-beginning/) - The first words of Genesis and the first words of John are brought together in this lovely devotional study. The author has for many years contributed to Precious Seed. 152 pages. Price £2.95 (£3.25 incl. p.p.), from Mr. Roy L. Wood, address as above. - [Day by Day – In the Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-in-the-psalms/) - We have been encouraged by the reception that our readers have given to our two previous “Day by Day” books. Knowing that many use these books daily, we have been exercised about providing a fresh publication for 1987. We are glad to announce that the writing, editing and typesetting of “Day by Day in the - [That the World May Know (Volume 7-10)](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/that-the-world-may-know-volume-7-10/) - That the World may Know is now complete in ten beautiful volumes. We have already reviewed volumes 1-6, and welcome this opportunity to review volumes 7-10, and to pay our tribute to their author. Vol. 7 Asian Giants Awake price £7.95 plus £1.35 p&p. Vol. 8 West European Evangel £9.95 plus £1.45 p&p. Vol. 9 - [From Idolater to Friend of God; Studies in the Life of Abraham](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/from-idolater-to-friend-of-god-studies-in-the-life-of-abraham/) - £3.95 (incl. postage), from J. Ritchie, Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock. 280 pages, with 21 chapters and 2 appendices. The publishers intend to produce a series of O.T. character studies, of which this is the first. And if those which follow are as attractive and helpful as this, readers are in for a store of good - [What the Bible Teaches: Volume 4. 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-volume-4-1-corinthians-and-2-corinthians/) - What the Bible Teaches: Volume 4. 1 Corinthians, by J. Hunter; 2 Corinthians, by A. McShane. Published by John Ritchie, Kilmarnock. 427pp., £9.50. This latest volume in Ritchie’s New Testament Commentaries continues the high standard of exposition found in previous volumes. Each exposition is prefaced with a useful introduction which, as well as covering the - [Timothy and Titus](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/timothy-and-titus/) - Published by Everyday Publications, Canada. This is a brief but succinct commentary on the Pastoral Epistles. It deals verse by verse with the material in these books. There is no wasted space, and each truth is dealt with clearly and to the point. There are some useful summaries and thought-provoking questions. We would commend this - [Operation World: 4th. Edition](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/operation-world-4th-edition/) - Operation World: 4th. Edition. A Day by Day Guide to Praying for the World, by Patrick Johnstone. STL Books. WEC Publications. 500pp., £3.95. This is an up to date survey of conditions relating to Christian missions in the world. Its comprehensiveness is amazing, and this is obviously the result of a wide-ranging research into world - [Christian Verses](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christian-verses/) - Obtainable from the author, 3 Orchard Close, Exmouth, Devon. Price £2 (including postage). This is a small book of poems, spiritual in tone, reminiscent of J. N. Darby’s “Spiritual Songs”. The content of each poem is devotional, centering around the Person and work of Christ, and the believer’s need and enjoyment of His presence. There - [‘Why Me?’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/why-me/) - Published by Gospel Tract Publications, Glasgow; also obtainable from the author at 64, White Road, Quinton, Birmingham B32 2AG. Price 80p. (including postage). This small book, which is built around the author’s own experience of suffering, reveals in 13 short chapters much of the Bible’s answer to suffering in the life of a Christian. Comparatively - [The Church of the New Testament](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-of-the-new-testament/) - £1.40. Plus 20p post. 48 pages. Published by Every Day Publications. We commend this book for its conciseness and comprehensiveness. It deals in a practical way, through twelve chapters, with New Testament assembly teaching. Useful outlines, simple in style – all the statements are backed with relevant references. Especially of value for introducing new converts - [Jesus Christ, God the Son](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/jesus-christ-god-the-son/) - £1.60. Plus 20p post. 56 pages. Published by Every Day Publications. With all that is being taught about our Lord Jesus Christ today, the truths centred around His Person and Work cannot too often be reaffirmed. This is a book of 12 lessons, each of which deals with some aspect of this vital subject in - [20 Reasons Why I Neither Seek Nor Desire the Present Day Gift of ‘Tongues’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/20-reasons-why-i-neither-seek-nor-desire-the-present-day-gift-of-tongues/) - 19 pages. Obtainable from the author, 42 Huia Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland. N.Z. Within the compass of these few pages the author has stated in a remarkable way valid truth regarding the perils and evils of tongues-speaking. Here is a booklet to be highly recommended to all who face the problems posed by the upsurge in - [Daily Bible Readings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/daily-bible-readings/) - Gospel Tract Publications, Glasgow, xiii + 376 pp. £3.95 + p. & p. As the title suggests the author has sought to provide more than a book of daily devotional thoughts. It is obvious that this volume incorporates much that is the result of bible study over many years. This gives value in that there - [Why the Shepherd?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/why-the-shepherd/) - 96 pp. £3.25 incl. p. & p. Available from Professional Book Services, Acorn House, Salisbury Road, Bath, BA1 6QX. This is an unusual book, written by a world renowned expert in the international sheep and wool industry, and a brother active in preaching the gospel. Its background is the 23rd. Psalm. For over 30 years - [The 1989 Christian Year Diaries](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-1989-christian-year-diaries/) - Desk Diary, £3.45. Pocket Diary, £2.80, Sunday School & Children’s Diary, 85 pence. For post and packing add 50p. Professional Book Services, Acorn House, Salisbury Road, Bath BA1 6QX. The objective in publishing these new diaries is to provide spiritual helps for Christians and to enable believers to have a specialist diary compiled by Christians - [New Testament Church Principles](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/new-testament-church-principles/) - 102 pp. £2.50 plus p. & p. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. This valuable writing, first published in 1955, is a welcome reprint of a book which is a comprehensive guide to matters relating to assembly gathering and practice. In a day when there is so much confusion and departure regarding church doctrine and its importance - [Going on for God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/going-on-for-god/) - 115pp. £1.95, plus p. & p. John Ritchie, Ltd, Kilmamock. This small book, attractively produced, is a publication in book form of two series of articles which appeared in the Believer’s Magazine. It is designed to help young believers with issues to be faced in early Christian days. These have to do with local assembly - [Rise Up My Love](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/rise-up-my-love/) - Rise Up My Love, ‘The Drama of Salvation History and the Song of Songs’, by C. E. Hocking, 424 pages. Precious Seed Publications, P.O. Box 8, Neath, West Glamorgan SA11 1QB. Price, incl. p. and p. £7.95 paperback, £9.95 hardback. This book represents much more than just a commentary on this often overlooked book of - [Notes from My Bible – The Old Testament (and The New Testament)](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/notes-from-my-bible-the-old-testament-and-the-new-testament/) - Notes from My Bible The Old Testament 162 pp, £4.60 plus p.p. Notes from My Bible The New Testament 258 pp, £5.60 plus p.p. Both by Don Roberts, Cardiff, Gospel Tract Publications, 411 Flillingdon Road, Glasgow G52 4BL. These books contain the results of a life time’s consistent bible study. They reveal, perhaps above everything - [What the Bible Teaches Vol. 6 John](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-vol-6-john/) - 349 pages £10.95 plus p&p. John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH This latest volume in the series of commentaries ‘What the Bible Teaches’ is a worthy addition to a useful and significant New Testament Commentary. As with all the author’s works on the scriptures, this commentary on John’s Gospel is comprehensive and clear. - [The Prophet Isaiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-prophet-isaiah/) - The Prophet Isaiah, R. E. Harlow, 304 pp, £3.60 plus p&p. Everyday Publications Inc. Obtainable from Roy Wood, 38 Dovedale Road, Beacon Park Plymouth PL2 2RS This is an attractive commentary, incorporating some most useful features in the exposition of Isaiah. There is an overall outline of the book which is clear and comprehensive. A - [Jacob – Supplanter to Prince with God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/jacob-supplanter-to-prince-with-god/) - Jacob Supplanterto Prince with God by J. H. Laegs;. 365 pp, £6.95 plus p&p. John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. In this, the second Old Testament character study from the author, the outstanding feature is its comprehensiveness. A very full study is presented of the life and character of the enigma Jacob, who - [Word Definitions](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/word-definitions/) - 16'1 pages. £2.95, from Gospel Tract Publications, Glasgow. The author gives us the reason for writing this book, the ignorance concerning spiritual matters coupled with the progressive corruption and ill-usage of the English language. It is a word book-just bible words, Each word is treated in three ways-first mentions, synonyms and then further illustrations from - [The Epistle of Jude](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-epistle-of-jude/) - 90 pages. £1.95, from Gospel Tract Publications, Glasgow. Here is a concise and helpful commentary on the Epistie of Jude: The matter came out of a regular bible study class and this gives an approach which is essentially practical. The book is very readable and can be commended especially as a helpful story for young - [1st 2nd 3rd John and Jude](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/1st-2nd-3rd-john-and-jude/) - 64 pages £1.15 plus p&p. Everyday Publications Inc., from Roy Wood This is another of these concise but helpful commentaries for which the author is known. There is much material of helpful exposition contained in these pages. The outlines and appendices make possible an easy approach to the Epistles. For young believers such a commentary - [What the Bible Teaches, Vol. 7. Luke](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-vol-7-luke/) - 415 pp. £10.95 incl. p. and p. John Ritchie Ltd., Kilmarnock. The latest volume of Ritchie’s N. T. Commentaries, completes the four gospels. It is a requisite in any study of the third gospel, that there should be sensitivity of approach because of the beauty of the Subject considered, Jesus the Son of Man. It - [The Believers Hymn Book Companion](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-believers-hymn-book-companion/) - 419 pp. £11.20 incl. p. and p. Gospel Tract Publications, Glasgow. It is true to say that many of us sing our hymns without considering very much about their authors and why they were written. Here in this ‘Companion’, we have laid out spaciously part of each hymn, and printed on the facing page brief - [Assemblies Address Book](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/assemblies-address-book/) - 160 pages, 120 X 180 mm, paperback. Price including postage and packing £3.95. The publication, after so many years, of an updated assembly address book is designed to meet a need felt by many, in view of so many changes that have taken place. It covers not only the British Isles but also North America - [The Pilgrim Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-pilgrim-church/) - 456pp, published by Gospel Folio Press, P.O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2041, USA. Available in the U.K. from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. (ISBN 1-882701-53-4). The title of this book is well chosen, and calculated to challenge today’s reader. Events that took place in the initial phase of the church’s history - [Day by Day – With Bible Characters](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-with-bible-characters/) - Published by and available from Precious Seed Publications, P.O. Box 8, Neath, West Glamorgan, UK. £7.95. ISBN 1871642 14 0. Available in North America from Gospel Folio Press, P.O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2041. In His written word, with infinite wisdom, God has seen fit to include accounts, long and short, of the lives - [Windows on Paradise](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/windows-on-paradise/) - 192 pp. £7.95, published by Gospel Folio Press, P.O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2041, USA. Available in the U.K. from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH (ISBN 1-882701-47-X). The publisher’s preface informs us that this is a new edition of a book originally published in 1976. It provides a commentary on the - [Travelling Homeward](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/travelling-homeward/) - (Welwyn Commentary Series). 352pp. £9.95, published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL3 0PH. ISBN 0-85234-429-5 The sub-title of this book reads, ‘Exodus simply explained’, and from this we are entitled to assume it to be a commentary of the ‘easy-to-read’ variety. My own feeling is that there is a genuine - [The Coming of the Son of Man](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-coming-of-the-son-of-man/) - The main purpose of this second article is to outline the background to the coming of the Son of man (‘The Scene’). The third, and concluding, article will suggest a possible order of events both for the coming itself (‘The Sequence’) and for the period immediately following (‘The Sequel’). But it is necessary first to - [The Church: A Symposium of Principles and Practice](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-a-symposium-of-principles-and-practice/) - 254pp, £7.95. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. ISBN 0-946351-86-4. Of similar order to the above, this collection of articles illuminates, with much clarity, the constitution and functions of the church. Although many years have passed since its original publication, the provision of such a book to our generation of readers - [Take Care in the Bath](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/take-care-in-the-bath/) - 192pp, £7.95, Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL3 0PH. ISBN 08523-4171. We have in the past reviewed others of Jim Cromarty’s books and are pleased to do so again with this latest offering. It is one of a series aimed at encouraging sessions of Bible teaching for the family, - [Faith: A Symposium of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/faith-a-symposium-of-bible-doctrine/) - 359pp, £8.95. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. ISBN 0-946351-85-6. The list of books that are devoted to a review of Bible doctrine is long, and ever lengthening. Therefore, the reissuing of this particular volume, almost half a century after its original publication, might be considered extravagant in that it adds - [The Charismatic Challenge](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-charismatic-challenge/) - 210pp. £6.95, published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. (ISBN 0-946351-88-0). In recent years, many Christians have become uneasy of mind as reports have filtered through of the inroads made into established churches by the so-called ‘Charismatic Movement’. Its adherents believe all the gifts of the Spirit of God are available to - [Church Symbols For Today](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/church-symbols-for-today/) - 314pp, £9.90, published by Walterick Publishers (U.S.A.) and available from Muasdale Evangelical Books, Siavonga House, Muasdale, By Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6XD. There is an enigmatic quality about the book’s main title, so that we are grateful for sub-titles on the front cover, and title-page, that state the following: ‘ye do show forth’ and ‘The Water, - [The Church at Work](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-at-work/) - 184pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, P.O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 - 2041. Available from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. (ISBN 1-882701-62- 3) This challenging book provides a timely reminder that we are ‘saved to serve’, and that work for God in the context of the church should be regarded - [Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/grace-abounding-to-the-chief-of-sinners/) - (in the series, Living Classics for Today). 160pp. £6.95/U.S. $12.99, published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL3 0PH. ISBN 0-85234-438-4 This recent publication will be welcomed by all who take inspiration from the honestly recorded soul-searchings of great saints of God. Bunyan tells of his transformation from a foul-mouthed sinner - [A Son is Revealed](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-son-is-revealed/) - 160pp. £5.95, published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington, D13 0PH. ISBN 0-85234-418-X The style of Mark’s writing in this shortest of the gospels is matched, in measure, by that of Dr. Uprichard in this brief survey of Christ’s life and ministry as presented by Mark. So much detail, of deeds - [What the Bible teaches – Genesis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-genesis/) - 308pp. £16.50, published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. (ISBN 0-946351-95-3) We greet with pleasure this first publication in a new series of commentaries; it has been eagerly awaited by all that have benefited from the now completed New Testament series. A first glance reveals it to be markedly different in composition - [Matthew’s Messiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/matthews-messiah/) - 240pp, and published by the author, it is available free of charge to all individuals asking for a copy. Requests, or other enquiries about the book, should be addressed to ‘Matthew’s Messiah’, c/o P.O. Box 55, Bexley, N.S.W. 2207, Australia, or by e-mail to: agwilson@one.net.au The importance of Matthew’s Gospel cannot be overemphasized, presenting distinctively - [Sharing Christ with Muslims – A Basic Guide](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/sharing-christ-with-muslims-a-basic-guide/) - 20pp. Available at £2.00 (Church pack, min. 20 copies, £1 ea. plus carriage) from FRONTIERS, P.O. Box 600, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9UG. This booklet has come to hand, and in the light of the tremendous incursions being made into our society by adherents of the Muslim faith, and their availability to those who would take - [Saved to serve](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/saved-to-serve/) - By John W. de Silva 124pp, £5.95. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. ISBN 0-946351-96-1 This volume, in its third edition, relates the life story of Wasyl Boltwin, born in 1925 in Russian Siberia and now, after residence in various locations, engaged in the Lord’s work in Australia. The remarkable account - [Angels. A Short Biblical Survey](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/angels-a-short-biblical-survey/) - by James B Currie. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, ISBN 0-946351-90-2 Literature devoted to this somewhat neglected (one wonders why!) subject is rare indeed, which gives an added incentive to peruse this particular book. God’s awesome servants, spirit-beings of immense power and authority, have played their part in human history, fulfil an essential service on - [Heaven is a far better place](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/heaven-is-a-far-better-place/) - By Eryl Davies; 256pp, £7.95. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington DL3 0PH. ISBN: 085234-423-6. Every believer in Christ looks ahead, with glad anticipation, to a reserved place in heaven. But what kind of place is heaven? This well-written book attempts to clarify by means of sound biblical teaching many - [An Unknown Road](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/an-unknown-road/) - 33pp. £9.95. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland KA3 1RH. ISBN 1-904064-03-5 The sub-title of this most interesting book, A record of the faithfulness of God, indicates the tone adopted by its authors in telling their story of life-long service in the mission field. As World War 2 took its course, the - [The UK Assembly Address Book](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-uk-assembly-address-book/) - 224 pages, ISBN 1 872734 25 1, £6.50 including p. and p., from Christian Year Publications, The Glebe House, Stanton Drew, Bristol, UK, BS39 4EH. This, the fifth edition of the popular Address Book, is now available and replaces the fourth edition published in 1997. It is in its usual format and lists all the - [The Early Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-early-church/) - Rediscovering truth for the churches, Donald L. Norbie, 126pp. Published by Christian Missions Press, P.O. Box 2222, Oklahoma City, OK 73101, U.S.A. The vast changes that have taken place in our own society in recent times are advanced by some Christians as sufficient grounds for making wholesale changes in church practices. By common consent, the - [Parenting, Based on God’s Word for His People](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/parenting-based-on-gods-word-for-his-people/) - This 234 page book, reviewed in the November 2001 (Vol. 56 No. 4) issue of the magazine is now available in the UK from Precious Seed at £6.95 including p. and p. It has been very favourably reviewed by Bill MacDonald and Ivan Steeds. You may order through our web site or by post or - [What the Bible Teaches – Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-psalms/) - By Jim Flanigan. 640pp. £17.95, published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland KA3 1RH. ISBN 1-904064-02-07. The publication of this weighty volume provides the second in the series of Ritchie Old Testament Commentaries. It is a worthy addition to the long list of books devoted to detailed study of the Psalms, for not - [The End of The Nation](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-end-of-the-nation/) - Studies in the book of Obadiah. By Paul Young. 72pp, £2.00 (incl. p. and p.) published by the author, 33 Kings Terrace, Nantyffyllon, Maesteg, Mid. Glamorgan, CF34 OHD. ISBN 0-9523478-4-9. Obadiah holds the distinction of being the shortest of all the books in the Old Testament, and it must be one of the most neglected. - [Day by Day – Christ Foreshadowed](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-christ-foreshadowed/) - ‘GLIMPSES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT’ The next book in the ever popular Day by Day series will be published in time for Christmas and the New Year and will be available from Precious Seed for delivery in November. For advance orders received and paid for by 31st October the pre-publication price is £7.95. Thereafter it - [Bible Plants, Fruits and Products](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/bible-plants-fruits-and-products/) - By Tom Ratcliffe. ISBN 1 872734 26 X. Published by Christian Year Publications, Bristol, and distributed by John Ritchie Ltd, and in N. America by Gospel Folio Press. Hardback, spine blocked in gold and with a four-colour dust jacket, 278 pages in full colour throughout. £16.95. A number of authoritive books dealing with this specialist - [The Forgotten Command: Be Holy](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-forgotten-command-be-holy/) - By William MacDonald. 240 pages. John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland. ISBN 09 463513 76. It is ever a pleasure to review a book by William MacDonald, especially one so practical in its teaching as this. The skilled physician is able to present and accurate diagnosis of a patient’s problem before prescribing - [The Person of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-person-of-christ/) - By John J. Stubbs 64pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. £3.50 This is another booklet made up out of a series of articles that first appeared in Believer’s Magazine. In its present form it includes eleven chapters that review Christ’s person, work, present ministry, and future reign. It is - [The Believer’s Library](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-believers-library/) - By David J. Newell. 64pp, published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. £3.50. ISSN 1 904064 04 3. In similar vein to the first publication reviewed comes this excellent compilation of a series of articles that first appeared in Believer’s Magazine. In his own inimitable way, the author writes of those - [Between The Leaves](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/between-the-leaves/) - Published by Autumn Leaf Ltd., P.O. Box 140225, Grand Rapids, MI 49514-0225, U.S.A. Bi-monthly, available by subscription only. Annual rates: Single - £10.00. Bulk - (5) £22.00, (10) £30.00 This paper has the sub-heading ‘Book Reviews for Serious Christians’. Its 8 pages of approximately A4 size provide sufficient space for contributors to review a greater - [Tabernacle in the Wilderness](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/tabernacle-in-the-wilderness/) - By John Ritchie. 128 pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. £5.95. ISBN 1 904064 15 9. Here is a book first published over a century ago, the contents of which have proved a great blessing to generations of students. Every believer should be encouraged to make a study of - [Mining for Wisdom](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/mining-for-wisdom/) - By Derek Thomas. 192 pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, England, or PO BOX 84, Auburn, MA 01501, U.S.A. £7.95. ISBN 0 85234 531 3. A book brought to my attention, and worthy of recommendation, is this collection of 28 readings selected from the somewhat neglected book of Job. - [Treasury of Bible Doctrine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/treasury-of-bible-doctrine/) - What days these are! Surely every thinking person would recognize them as ‘perilous times’. Among their many dangers, Paul said they would be perilous to faith. The apostle prescribes as the antidote being ‘nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine’. I recommend (with some reservations) L. S. Chafer’s Major Bible Themes - [Lights Shining in the Darkness](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/lights-shining-in-the-darkness/) - By Peter Jeffery. Large paperback, 128pp. £5.95.Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH (or Evang. Press U.S.A., PO BOX 84, Auburn, MA01501, USA) ISBN 0 85234 505 4 Many of our readers will already be acquainted with the writings of Peter Jeffery, and will welcome this recent addition to his lengthening - [Israel in History and Prophecy](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/israel-in-history-and-prophecy/) - By Professor Alan Linton. 128pp, paperback. £5.75. Published by Christian Year Publications, available from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, and Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street west, Port Colborne, ON Canada, L3K 5A6 On many occasions the author has led parties of Christians on organised visits to Israel thereby gaining a deep - [Themes and Issues from Pilgrim’s Progress](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/themes-and-issues-from-pilgrims-progress/) - By Barry Horner. 400pp. Large paperback. £11.95. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, England (or Evangelical Press U.S.A., P.O. Box 84, Auburn, MA 01501 U.S.A.). ISBN 085234 529 1. An accepted classic, and a story that has provided pleasure, even inspiration, to generations of readers, Pilgrim’s Progress remains the best - [The Holy War, A Modern English Version](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-holy-war-a-modern-english-version/) - By Thelma H. Jenkins. Published by Evangelical Press. 176pp. Paperback. Price £5.95 ISBN 0 85234532 1 This is a long awaited reprint of one of Bunyan’s best writings. Thelma Jenkins in her version, has succeeded in retaining the beauty of Bunyan’s style, whilst rendering the book more accessible to the 21st century reader. In his - [In Trouble and Joy, Four Women Who Lived for God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/in-trouble-and-joy-four-women-who-lived-for-god/) - By Sharon James. 288pp. Cloth bound, £13.95. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington. DL3 0PH (or Evangelical Press U.S.A., P.O. Box 825, Webster, New York 14580, USA.) ISBN 085234 546 1. This book, published in a special limited edition, provides fascinating insight into the lives of four individual Christian women. Two earlier - [What the Bible Teaches – Numbers](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-numbers/) - By John J Stubbs. 453pp. £17.95. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. ISBN 1-904064-19-1, and in N. America for Gospel Folio Press. The fourth book of Moses describes the wilderness experience of God’s people on their protracted journey from Egypt to Canaan. Obviously, its teaching holds particular relevance for God’s - [God is Faithful](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/god-is-faithful/) - Thrilling missionary stories of the Lord’s care for those He tenderly calls ‘His own’. Complied by J. B. Nicholson Jnr. 280pp., Paperback. ISBN 188270189-5 Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. What an uplifting experience it is for us to read the testimonies of various of God’s - [The King and His Kingdom – Matthew Simply Explained](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-king-and-his-kingdom-matthew-simply-explained/) - or Matthew Simply Explained, by John Legg, 544 pages, paperback, published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL3 0PH. This book is the latest in the Welwyn Commentary series and is a worthy addition. It is written by John Legg and is very readable while at the same time dealing adequately with the - [Day by Day – Bible Promises](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-bible-promises/) - Published by Precious Seed Publications, P.O. Box 8, Neath, West Glamorgan, SA11 1QB and available from October 2004 from John Ritchie Ltd. and Gospel Folio Press. Also from Precious Seed Direct at £8.95 incl. p&p. Paperback, 384 pages. Edited by John Bennett. This is the latest PS offering in its devotional Day by Day series - [A Pastor in New York](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-pastor-in-new-york/) - Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Industrial estate, Darlington, DL3 0PH, hardback, 224 pages, ISBN 0-85234-512-7. Spencer Houghton Cone (1785-1855) is a name unknown in the secular world and not well known to the Christian community, but a name well known to God. He faced the many and varied challenges of his day including slavery, - [The God of all Comfort – Reflections on Isaiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-god-of-all-comfort-reflections-on-isaiah/) - THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT. Reflections in Isaiah with Roger Ellsworth, 276 pages. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, England, (or PO BOX 825, Webster, New York 14580, USA). ISBN 0 85234 549 6. In his book, Roger Ellsworth offers us a heart-warming collection of devotional readings based on the - [A Life of Faith and Works](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-life-of-faith-and-works/) - ISBN 0-9548283-0-5, hardback, 256 pages, published by and available from Olivet Books, 36 Clachnaharry Court, Clachnaharry Road, Inverness, Scotland, IV3 8LT, Price £8.95 plus £1.75 postage. This book, compiled by Robert Boyd, with a foreword by Dr. Stephen S. Short is a beautifully produced volume of the life and witness of Emily Gosse together with - [On-Line Bible version 1.41](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/on-line-bible-version-1-41/) - On-Line Bible Foundation, 12 Birkfield Place, Carluke, Midlothian, Scotland. Timnathserah Inc, 11 Homewood Street, Winterbourne, Ontario, Canada. Available from John Ritchie Ltd and prices are: Deluxe £45.00; Classic £25.00; Basic £12.50; Audio £20.00. This Bible software program is available in various versions but that reviewed here is the Classic Edition. It comes as a single - [Great Truths of the Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/great-truths-of-the-bible/) - By Phil Coulson. Paperback, 48 pp, Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. Price £3.50. ISBN 1-904064-25-6 This book is a collection of short articles previously published in the Believer’s Magazine on nine great gospel words – redemption, justification, sanctification, consecration, propitiation, predestination, identification, election, and glorification. It has now been printed - [What the Bible Teaches – Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-exodus/) - By John Grant. Hardback, 509 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH Price £18.95. ISBN 1 904064 26 4 This is the most recent production in the ‘What the Bible Teaches’ series from John Ritchie Ltd. The author, John Grant, is well known for both his oral and written ministry, and - [Mighty to Save](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/mighty-to-save/) - By Clifford Pond. Paperback, 140 pp. Published by Grace Publications Trust, 175 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AH. Distributed by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Industrial Estate, Darlington DL3 0PH. Price £7.95 ISBN 0 946462 704. Author Clifford Pond is associated with Grace Baptist Mission, which indicates that he would be of the ‘Reformed’ school of - [Evangelicals Then and Now](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/evangelicals-then-and-now/) - By Peter Jeffery. Paperback, 128 pp, Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £7.95. ISBN 085234 564X. Peter Jeffery may not be an author well known to readers of this magazine. As an ordained minister, much of what he says in this personal consideration of forty years service reflects the context in - [The John Ritchie Library](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-john-ritchie-library/) - Prior to his homecall, our esteemed brother Mr. Denis Gilpin had a great interest in establishing a library at Kilmarnock of all John Ritchie publications. It was his desire, that when completed, the library would also be of interest to the Lord’s people, particularly those who visit Kilmarnock. A considerable number of publications have already - [A Year with Your Children in the Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-year-with-your-children-in-the-bible/) - Jim Cromarty. Hardback, 740 pp, Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £18.95, ISBN 0 85234 518 6 Most family devotions books have been published in North America and that has added certain difficulties for those of us on this side of the Atlantic. As their approach has tended to be to - [Where is God when things go wrong?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/where-is-god-when-things-go-wrong/) - Paperback, 40pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH Price £14.95 per pack of ten, ISBN 0 85234 590 9. John Blanchard is well known as a writer of Christian apologetics and this is the latest booklet from his pen. For those who read his previous volume on the atrocity of September 11th, - [Seeds of Destiny – A Genesis Devotional](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/seeds-of-destiny-a-genesis-devotional/) - Hardback, 382pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1 905 835 9166 Warren Henderson writes in his preface to this book, ‘Seeds of Destiny is a commentary style devotional which upholds the glories of Christ while exploring Genesis from the whole of scripture. Seeds of Destiny contains - [Preachers who made a difference](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/preachers-who-made-a-difference/) - Paperback, 112pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £8.95, ISBN 0 85234 5755 The collection of names and preachers chosen by Peter Jeffery may not be ones known to many readers of this magazine unless they have a particular interest in church history. However, the writer has drawn lessons of great - [It’s not about me](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/its-not-about-me/) - Paperback, 173pp. Published by Integrity Publishers, 5250 Virginia Way, Suite 110, Brentwood, Tennessee, USA. Price £8.95, ISBN 1 59145 169 8 Whilst to many on this side of the Atlantic Max Lucado may be an unknown, but with thirty other titles in print he is obviously a very popular writer. It is likely that this - [Islam: What every Christian should know](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/islam-what-every-christian-should-know/) - Hardback, 287pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind., Est. Darlington. DL3 0PH. ISBN 0 85234 573 9. Dr. Chedid was brought up in Damascus and has a particular ministry to Arabs and Muslims. With his background and understanding of the subject, he has written a book which is both readable and informative. It will - [Holy Ground](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/holy-ground/) - Hardback, 232pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1-897117-02-7 The compiler says in his preface that this book has been put together with the idea of assisting the saints in worship. ‘It is a collection of meditations on the beloved Isaiah 53’ and, as such, is designed - [Babylon to Jerusalem with five great men](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/babylon-to-jerusalem-with-five-great-men/) - Paperback, 348pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1 882701 97 6 The style and content of Robert Surgenor’s book becomes evident from the first page. For the present reviewer, it would seem that the writer writes as he speaks for there are many phrases in the - [An Analysis of the Gospel of Mark](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/an-analysis-of-the-gospel-of-mark/) - Paperback, 200pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada.Available in the UK from John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. Price £7.99, ISBN 1 882701 96 8 This book was originally published in 1956 by Pickering and Inglis when the writer was well known and highly respected as - [William Kelly – The Irish Saint and Scholar](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/william-kelly-the-irish-saint-and-scholar/) - Hardback, 180 pp, Published by Chapter Two, Fountain House, Conduit Mews, London SE18 7AP. Price £19.95. ISBN 1 85307 130 7. It is clear from the very outset that this book, which charts the life of William Kelly, is thoroughly researched and the fruit of extensive reading. As the author states of Kelly, ‘Like his - [The Assemblies Address Book – Sixth Edition](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-assemblies-address-book-sixth-edition/) - Christian Year Publications, The Glebe House, Stanton Drew, Bristol, BS39 4EH. Price £7.00. ISBN 1-872734-30-8. Available from Gospel Folio Press and John Ritchies Ltd. The latest edition of this well known book will be welcomed by those who travel either on business or on holiday. As with its predecessors, it provides a wealth of material - [Scriptures Sevens](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/scriptures-sevens/) - Hardback, 434pp, Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. Price £15.95. ISBN 1-904064-28-0. This is an unusual but nonetheless fascinating and beautiful book that could provide hours of profitable meditation. Phil Coulson is to be commended for the idea and the effort of turning that idea into reality. There is a great - [Day by Day – Divine Titles](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-divine-titles/) - Paperback, 384pp, Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 8, Neath, West Glamorgan, SA11 1QB, UK. Price £8.95. ISBN 1-871642-18-3. Available in N. America from Gospel Folio Pres, St. Catherines, Ontario and also in the UK from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. This is the ninth volume in this popular series of - [War and Grace](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/war-and-grace/) - Paperback, 288pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est. Darlington. DL3 0PH. Price £8. 95, ISBN 0 85234 594 1 Don Stephens is a graduate of the University of London and for 32 years pursued a career in teaching. In the preface to this book he asserts that twentieth-century history has been dominated by - [Preaching Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/preaching-christ/) - Paperback, 80 pp, Published by Evangelical Times, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, England. ISBN 0 9500129 1 2 In a day when other methods of ‘getting people to church’ are being implemented it is good to read a book that focuses upon the responsibility of believers to preach Christ. This book is a collection of - [If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/if-you-want-to-walk-on-water-youve-got-to-get-out-of-the-boat/) - Paperback, 230pp, Published by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Price £8.95. ISBN 0 310 23927 3 This book was the winner of the 2002 Christianity Today Book Award and has been, in Christian circles generally, a best-seller. The author’s argument is that, ‘Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent - [Be Angry and Sin Not](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/be-angry-and-sin-not/) - Paperback, 118pp, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1-897117-05-1 This is an interesting book on an unusual subject and one that the author has thoroughly researched. Throughout the book, the subject is placed in its correct scriptural setting and human anger is explained and contrasted with the - [What the Bible Teaches – Song of Solomon and Isaiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-song-of-solomon-and-isaiah/) - Authors: J. M. Flanigan and J. M. Riddle. Hardback, 636pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, UK. Price £18.95, ISBN 1 904064 30 2 Both writers of this latest volume in the What the Bible Teaches series will be well known as contributors to this magazine or its publications as well - [What God hath Joined](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-god-hath-joined/) - Edited by William Banks and Tom Wilson. Hardback, 140pp. Published by Gospel Tract Publications, 7 Beech Avenue, Glasgow, G41 5BY. Price £7.95. ISBN 0-948417-85-4 James Paterson, in his foreword to this book, puts its importance into context, ‘Divorce, and issues leading to divorce, have caused heartbreaks and affected many New Testament churches … never have - [The Return of Jesus Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-return-of-jesus-christ/) - Paperback, 136pp. Trafford Publishing Ltd., Enterprise House, Wistaston Road Business Centre, Wistaston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7RP. ISBN 1 41205484 2 Richard Salmon has written an interesting book about future events but one that is difficult to review for it is not clear who the author intends his audience to be. The book could be - [The Kingdom – What the Bible teaches about the Kingdom of God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-kingdom-what-the-bible-teaches-about-the-kingdom-of-god/) - Paperback, 76pp. Published by Authorhouse at www.authorhouse.co.uk and available from the author at 15 The Cedars, Albert Park Road, Malvern, WR14 1 HW. Price £7.25, ISBN 1 4208 5731 2. Initially, this book charts the author’s search for a better understanding of the truth of the kingdom and draws us to follow him in his - [Hold Your Course](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hold-your-course/) - Paperback, 200pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est., Darlington. DL3 0PH. Price £8. 95, ISBN 0 85234 592 5. The author has a number of books in print and has contributed several books in the Welwyn Commentary Series. This particular book is sub-titled ‘22 Daily Readings from the book of Colossians’ but embraces - [Day by Day – Bible Commands](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-bible-commands/) - Edited by John Bennett Paperback, 384pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 8, Neath, West Glamorgan, SA11. 1QB, UK. Price £8.95 ISBN 1-871642-19-1 In his introduction to the tenth volume in this popular series of daily readings, the editor writes, ‘In the upper room ministry of the Lord Jesus He revealed to His disciples - [Being a Christian Husband](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/being-a-christian-husband/) - Paperback, 116pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est., Darlington. DL3 0PH. Price £6.95, ISBN 0 85234 577 1. This is an unusual book in that this reviewer has seen very little written on issues so vital in today’s society. In his introduction the writer gives a chilling catalogue of the impact of the - [What the Bible Teaches – Joshua, Judges and Ruth](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-joshua-judges-and-ruth/) - Hardback, 526pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, UK Price £19.95, ISBN 1 904064 34 5. All three writers of this latest volume in the What the Bible Teaches series will be well known for their oral ministry over a wide area as well as two of them being contributors to - [The Word and the Spirit](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-word-and-the-spirit/) - Hardback, 240pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est., Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £9.95, ISBN 0 85234 545 3. This book is a collection of ten sermons preached by Charles Spurgeon on the theme of the Holy Spirit. Michael Daly’s task has been to edit these sermons for today’s readers. For some who have - [The Guide: Volume 2, Truth Under Attack](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-guide-volume-2-truth-under-attack/) - Paperback, 288pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est., Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £10, ISBN 0 85234 587 9. ‘The Guide, topical series’, embraces commentaries on individual books of the Bible as well as publications on Christian topics. This particular book is the second of a trilogy written under the general title of Truth - [The Fruitful Vine](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-fruitful-vine/) - Paperback, 172pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Price £8.95, ISBN 1-897117-13-2. Any author who dares to write on such an important subject as ‘Biblical Womanhood’ in these difficult days deserves our thanks, particularly so when he turns our minds away from twenty-first century cultural pressures and back - [Rapture Fiction and the Evangelical Crisis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/rapture-fiction-and-the-evangelical-crisis/) - Paperback, 160pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est. Darlington. DL3 0PH. Price £7.95, ISBN 0-85234-610-7. This book takes a critical look at the extremely popular ‘Left Behind’ series of novels and other products that have emanated from them. Whilst coming from a ‘Reformed’ background, Dr. Gribben’s main issue is not with the eschatology - [Philippians – The Mind of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/philippians-the-mind-of-christ/) - Paperback, 220pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. ISBN 1-897117-21-3. This book arises from the author’s ‘desire to put into writing some of the precious things that the Lord has revealed to him’. As such it is the second book from the pen of a man - [Must I really go, Lord?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/must-i-really-go-lord/) - Paperback, 230pp. Published by Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Price £8.95, ISBN 1-897117-03-5. This book is an account of the missionary endeavours of Betty and, later, Gordon Bisset who served the Lord in Bolivia. As such, it is a record of the overruling presence and power of - [Islam, The Challenge to the Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/islam-the-challenge-to-the-church/) - Paperback, 126pp. Published by Isaac Publishing, The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, SN9 5DB. Price £5.95, ISBN 0 9547835 4 9. As a convert to the Christian faith from Islam Patrick Sookdheo is well qualified to write a book which seeks to help Christians to understand the impact which Islam is having on Western society, - [The Jesus Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-jesus-gospel/) - Paperback, 196pp. Published by Authentic Media, 9 Holdom Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1QR, UK. Price £7.99, ISBN 1-85078-698-4. Many of us may not be aware of the rising appeal in evangelical circles of a different gospel. This ‘gospel’, which focuses upon the love of God, rejects the seriousness of sin and diminishes the importance - [The Jericho Sanction](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-jericho-sanction/) - Hardback, 556pp. Published by Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. Available from John Ritchie Limited, Kilmarnock. Price £8.95, ISBN 0 8054 2551 9. Whilst it is unusual for these pages to contain a review of a novel, The Jericho Sanction is a remarkable book. Written by Oliver North, it is a tale of espionage, arms - [Realities of Revival](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/realities-of-revival/) - Paperback, 148pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £7.95, ISBN 1-897117-19-1. Dr. E. A. Johnston is a fellow of the Stephen Olford Institute for Biblical Preaching and has written a number of books including A Heart Awake, the authorised biography of J. Sidlow Baxter. In - [No Turning Back](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/no-turning-back/) - Paperback, 120pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Price £7.50, ISBN 1-897117-22-1. This book may not be the last word on the subject of discipleship, but it may well be a good place to start – or restart. While it betrays its American provenance, it challenges the reader - [Nelson’s Ultimate Bible Reference Library](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/nelsons-ultimate-bible-reference-library/) - Software. Published by Nelson Electronic Media. Available from Sunrise Software, Wesley House, PO Box 300, Kingstown Broadway, Carlisle, CA3 0QS. Price £44.95 (discounts available). For a price as low as £14.95 (the discount price at the time of writing this review) this software contains a mountain of helpful material for those who like to do - [It’s Your Choice](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/its-your-choice/) - Published by Time for Truth, PO Box 1146, Kidderminster, DY10 1WG, UK. Price 15p each, including postage and packing. This is a twelve-page, full-colour evangelistic booklet designed to bring the truth of the gospel before the minds and hearts of the lost. As the title suggests, its starting point is the eternal destiny of the - [Gathering to His Name](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gathering-to-his-name/) - Paperback, 590pp. Published by Paternoster Press, 9 Holdom Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1QR, UK. Price £29.99, ISBN 1-84227-220-9. A glance at the extensive bibliography indicates this to be a book of scholarship and erudition. There are many similar works that chart the history of this movement but few will have been as well researched, - [The Shepherd’s Hut](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-shepherds-hut/) - Paperback, 156pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. Price £8.95, ISBN 1-897117-20-5. While there are many books available on the interesting subject of the tabernacle, Maxwell gives his reasons for writing when he says, ‘this book will hopefully give a resumé of the pertinent truth and - [The Miracles of the Messiah](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-miracles-of-the-messiah/) - Paperback, 166pp. Published by Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. Price £7.50, ISBN 1-897117-39-6. Works emanating from assembly-based publishers of an Apologetics character are somewhat rare. For this reason alone, BRYAN SHELDON’s book is interesting. It is a work of some scholarship making reference to Jewish - [Reach out for Him](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/reach-out-for-him/) - Knowing the unknown God. Paperback, 36pp, Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK Price £1, or £8.50 for 10, ISBN 1-84625-018-7 GARY BENFOLD’s thirty-six page booklet is a substantial tool with which to evangelize the lost. Using the apostle Paul’s experience and preaching in Athens, the writer seeks to establish the - [On-line Bible, Version 2.10](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/on-line-bible-version-2-10/) - On-Line Bible Foundation, 12 Birkfield Place, Carluke, ML8 4PZ, Scotland or Timnathserah Inc, 11 Homewood Street, Winterbourne, Ontario, Canada This new version of the popular Bible software program, previously reviewed in the February 2005 issue of the magazine, is available in various versions but that reviewed here is the Classic Edition. It comes as a - [My People](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/my-people/) - The History of those Christians Sometimes Called Plymouth Brethren. Paperback, 428pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. Price £16.99, ISBN 1-897117-28-0. The scope of this book is daunting. In four major sections plus four appendices ROBERT BAYLIS sets out to chronicle the growth and progress of - [Hallowed be Thy Name](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hallowed-be-thy-name/) - Paperback, 150pp. Published by Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. Price £8.95, ISBN 1-897117-45-0. Not since reading the late ROBERT ANDERSON’s book, The Honour of His Name, has the present reviewer seen anything written on this important subject. As WARREN HENDERSON states in his Preface, ‘Our - [Gofors & Grumps](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gofors-grumps/) - Paperback, 176pp, Day One Publishing, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £8, ISBN: 1-903087-97-8 This well-written and attractively illustrated book looks at twenty-six Bible characters, each being either a Gofor (good) or Grump (bad). Each story is written in a style which brings the characters to life. Extra activities and explanations of difficult words and - [Catherine Mackenzie’s Books](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/catherine-mackenzies-books/) - Can brown eyes be made blue? Amy Carmichael ISBN: 1-84550-108 X Are all of the watches safe? Corrie Ten Boom ISBN: 1-84550-109-8 Could somebody pass the salt? Hudson Taylor ISBN: 1-84550-111-8 Does money grow on Trees? George Müller ISBN: 1-84550-110-1 Hardbacks, 24pp. Published by Christian Focus Publications, Geanies House, Fearn, Tain, Rossshire IV20 1TW, Scotland, - [The Challenge of Revival](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-challenge-of-revival/) - Paperback, 64pp. Published by Fairmeadow Books, 31 Fairmeadows, Cwmfelin, Maesteg CF34 9JL, UK. Price £4.50, ISBN 0 9523478 6 5. Paul Young is no stranger to the readers of Precious Seed as he has contributed many articles on a variety of subjects. In fact, this book has been worked from a series of lectures that - [Romans Chapters 1-8](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/romans-chapters-1-8/) - Paperback, 144pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 573, Fareham PO14 9FB, UK. Price £5.95, ISBN 978 1 871642 22 3. For nearly thirty years Albert Leckie conducted annual Bible Readings in the south-west Wales village of Trimsaran. These were held in August each year and the years 1981-84 were devoted to the study - [Opening up Luke’s Gospel](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/opening-up-lukes-gospel/) - Paperback, 224pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £8.00, ISBN 1 846250 30 9. As part of the ‘Opening up’ series, this book seeks to re-tell Luke’s gospel account, adding practical points of explanation and application. In keeping with the study guide genre, it includes issues for further study - [Morning Meditations – For each Lord’s Day of the Year](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/morning-meditations-for-each-lords-day-of-the-year/) - Paperback, 136pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £5.95, ISBN 1 897117 43 4. ‘And they shall not appear before the Lord empty’, Deut. 16. 16. Here we are offered fifty-three meditations with the express wish that, when they break bread, the Lord’s people come - [Day by Day – Paradise to the Promised Land](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-paradise-to-the-promised-land/) - Paperback, 384pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 573, Fareham PO14 9FB, UK. Price £8.95, ISBN 978 1 871642 21 6. Paradise to the Promised Land, being the eleventh volume in the popular Day by Day series, seeks to encourage the daily reading of scripture by providing a passage and a meditation derived from - [Cross Words](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/cross-words/) - Paperback, 252pp. Published by Christian Focus Publications, Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire IV20 1TW, UK. Price £7.99, ISBN 1 84550 118 7 Cross Words is sub-titled ’The Biblical Doctrine of the Atonement’, the author indicating in the opening chapter that the object of the book is to examine ‘why it was necessary for God in Jesus - [Apocalypse Facts and Fantasies](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/apocalypse-facts-and-fantasies/) - Paperback, 426pp. Published by Twoedge Sword Publications, PO Box 266, Waterlooville PO7 5ZT, UK. Available from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH, UK. Price £15.00, ISBN 1 90544707 8. As the title suggests, this book expounds truth (facts), and exposes error (fantasies), relative to the end times. The writer considers the many promises - [The Complete Gathered Gold](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-complete-gathered-gold/) - Hardback, 704pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North Ind. Est. Darlington, DL3 0PH Price £24.95, ISBN 0-85234-644-1 Not since reading 1200 Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes by A. Naismith can the present reviewer remember seeing any book quite like this one. Based upon previous compilations by the author, this new book brings together 16,000 quotes on - [People in the Passion of Jesus](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/people-in-the-passion-of-jesus/) - Paperback, 96pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ Price £5, ISBN 1-84625-061-3 Not since reading Andrew Borland’s book, Personalities at the Crucifixion, has the present reviewer read anything on the subject of people who were present at, or associated with, the crucifixion of the Lord. This book was developed from sermons - [My book of Hobbies and God’s book, the Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/my-book-of-hobbies-and-gods-book-the-bible/) - Paperback, 288pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ Price £6, ISBN 1-84625-024-2 The substance of this book is a series of addresses that the author gave, over a number of years, at Trinity Road Chapel in South London. Following the example of the Lord Jesus, ‘who often taught the people by - [Making the Right Impression](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/making-the-right-impression/) - Paperback, 220pp. Published by Home Service, 48 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4NX, UK or www.homeservice. org Price £7; ISBN 0-95558-550-0 For someone with over twenty-five years teaching experience I felt it would be difficult to review this book objectively. There are so many questions that need to be answered by the proponents of home - [Gowandale Adventure and other stories for boys](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gowandale-adventure-and-other-stories-for-boys/) - Paperback, 96pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ Price £5, ISBN 1-84625-070-5 ‘It is hard being a Christian, and trying to live for God among our friends. Mark is a normal boy who, like us, doesn’t always find it easy to understand and put into practice what God says in the - [C. S. Lewis: Clarity and Confusion](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/c-s-lewis-clarity-and-confusion/) - Paperback, 144pp. Published by Day One Publishing, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK Price £6, ISBN 1-84625-046-0 So, how far should we go in our admiration of C. S. Lewis? Andrew Wheeler has set out to write a balanced introduction to Lewis’ Christian beliefs. On the cover, Dr. Hadden Wilson neatly summarizes the book by - [What the Bible Teaches About Guidance](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-the-bible-teaches-about-guidance/) - Paperback, 204pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £6.95 ISBN 0-85234-611-3. In this book the author seeks to address the question ‘How can I know God’s will’? In the opening chapter he insists that traditional views need to be discarded, that it is wrong to think that God has a perfect - [The Olive Plants](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-olive-plants/) - Raising Spiritual Children. Paperback, 122 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £9.99. ISBN 978-1-897117-51-4. On cannot but admire WARREN HENDERSON for daring to tackle the difficult subject of bringing up children in the fear and admonition of - [The Church, A Discipleship Manual for the Body of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-a-discipleship-manual-for-the-body-of-christ/) - 126 pages, Paperback. Published by Everyday Publications Inc., 310 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £5.99. ISBN 978-0-888730-83-1. This book has been written ‘to encourage new and older believers alike to come to a fresh appreciation of the patterns established by the Lord for - [Striving against Satan](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/striving-against-satan/) - Paperback, 126pp. Published by Bryntirion Press, Bryntirion, Bridgend, CF31 4DX, Wales, UK. Price £6.95, ISBN 1-85049-219-0. No believer can doubt the importance of this book. DR. BEEKE, president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, states, ‘we must know our enemy … we must know how to withstand him, and what spiritual weapons to take up against - [Oh Death Where is thy Sting?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/oh-death-where-is-thy-sting/) - Paperback, 122 pages. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St West, Port Colborne, ON, L3K 6A6, Canada. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £6.95. ISBN 978-1-897117-47-7. This is an interesting book which focuses upon what the writer in his Foreword describes as ‘the positive side of Christian death’. Through chapters entitled Resurrection, - [Lost at Sea, Found in Heaven](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/lost-at-sea-found-in-heaven/) - The Arthur Taylor Story Paperback, 136 pages. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St West, Port Colborne, ON, L3K 6A6, Canada. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £7.95. ISBN 978 1 897117 23 1. It is always fascinating to read of the ways of God in the life of an individual and - [Can we be good without God?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/can-we-be-good-without-god/) - Paperback, 40pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £1.50. ISBN 978-0- 85234-651-8. Most of the readers of this magazine should be familiar with JOHN BLANCHARD’s growing range of Christian apologetics that have rapidly established themselves as a strong defence of the faith as well as an excellent tool for evangelizing the - [Timely lessons from the Book of Exodus](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/timely-lessons-from-the-book-of-exodus/) - Paperback, 96pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99, ISBN 1-897117-40-X. In the preface to this book the writer states his belief in the historical accuracy of events recorded in the book of Exodus and that this divine record ‘lays a solid foundation for understanding - [Take the Challenge](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/take-the-challenge/) - George D. Campbell with Gaius C. Goff. Paperback, 152pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Canada, ON L3K 6A6. Price £6.99, ISBN 978-1897117-55-2. This is a reprint of a book first published in 1985 in which the primary author George Campbell records his experiences in the service of Christ as - [Notes and Reflections on the Psalms](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/notes-and-reflections-on-the-psalms/) - 622 pp, hardback, Published by Chapter Two, Fountain House, Conduit Mews, London SE18 7AP, UK. Price £25.00, ISBN 1-85307-231-1. This book is part of the Facsimile Series of reprints of nineteenth-century writers and was first published by James Nisbet in 1869. Running to over 600 pages it forms a weighty volume but one that seeks - [John Rogers – Sealed with blood](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/john-rogers-sealed-with-blood/) - Paperback, 144pp, Day One Publishing, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £7.00, ISBN 978-1-84625-084-2. This book is a further volume in the History Today series and charts the story of one of the first Protestant martyrs of Mary Tudor’s reign. It is clear that TIM SHENTON has researched his book well. He traces the - [Even If … Even When …](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/even-if-even-when/) - Hardback, 16pp with 7 gatefold flaps. Published by Pupfish Ltd., Lathkill Old Farmhouse, Over Haddon, Bakewell, DE45 1JE, UK. Price £6.99, ISBN 1-904637-08-6 and 1-904637-07-8. These two delightfully illustrated children’s books are written for 3-6 year olds. They are written about a boy called George and what he discovers about God and the Bible. Even - [Anne Boleyn](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/anne-boleyn/) - Paperback, 144pp, Day One Publishing, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £7.00, ISBN 978-1-84625-083-5. It is difficult to imagine the life in medieval England that forms the background to this book. Equally, the problem of determining fact from fiction after a lapse of 500 years is immense, particularly when major forces were at work - [The Dawn of Heaven Breaks](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-dawn-of-heaven-breaks/) - Paperback, 156pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £8.95 ISBN 978-0-85234-641-9 Sharon James has collected an anthology of hymns, Bible readings and other writings under the sub-title of ‘Anticipating Eternity’. The book is divided into five sections – ‘Anticipating Heaven’; ‘Times of illness and pain’; ‘Aging’; ‘Facing Death’; and ‘And Then - [Stepping stones … through the Bible day by day](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/stepping-stones-through-the-bible-day-by-day/) - Edited by Ian Rees, illustrated by Honor Ayres Laminated flexible cover, 384pp, Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 573, Fareham, PO14 9FB, UK. Distributed in UK by John Ritchie Ltd., or direct from Precious Seed. Price £12.95, ISBN 978-1-871642-24-7 This is a book to support and encourage daily Bible reading and prayer. It is - [Is that you Lord? Hearing the voice of the Lord](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/is-that-you-lord-hearing-the-voice-of-the-lord/) - Paperback, 112pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £6.95 ISBN 978-0-85234-652-5 In a world which places so much emphasis on the subjective, the professing church has largely succumbed to cultural pressures. In many areas of its activity it has elevated experience over scripture, while still claiming to submit to the authority - [Happily Ever After? Avoiding the pains of divorce](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/happily-ever-after-avoiding-the-pains-of-divorce/) - Paperback, 64pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster HR6 8NZ, UK Price £4, ISBN 978-1-846250-96-5 In a frank and often hard-hitting book MARTIN HOLDT tackles an issue that is a symptom of the moral and spiritual decay of modern society. Early in the book he states, ‘Divorce is serious and sad. It grieves - [Beyond Bars. Looking inside the inside story](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/beyond-bars-looking-inside-the-inside-story/) - Paperback, 140pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster HR6 8NZ, UK Price £7, ISBN 978-1-846250-94-1 GERARD CHRISPIN, director of DAYLIGHT Christian Prison Trust, writes a telling account of individuals whose lives have been changed by the saving grace of God. Different prisoners with different stories are presented as records of what God can - [Angola Beloved](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/angola-beloved/) - Paperback, 216pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99 ISBN 978-1-897117-44-2 This is a welcome updated edition of a book first published in 1967. As a boy Ernest Wilson wanted to be a missionary in Africa and, at the age of 18, was exercised to - [Walking with God](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/walking-with-god/) - Paperback, 100pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99 ISBN 978-1-897117-58-3 DR. E. A., JOHNSTON is a fellow of the Stephen Olford Institute for Biblical Preaching and has written a number of books that have been reviewed in this magazine. In Walking with God the - [The Fragrance of Christ in the Levitical Offerings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-fragrance-of-christ-in-the-levitical-offerings/) - Paperback, 95pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99 ISBN 978-1-897117-63-7 As the author says in his introduction, ‘The study of the Old Testament offerings is a fascinating way to enrich your spiritual walk with the Lord and to open your inner eyes to the - [Key Bible Concepts](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/key-bible-concepts/) - David Gooding and John Lennox Paperback, 144pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.95 ISBN 978-1-882701-41-0 This is a reprint of a book first published in 1997 and contains a series of seventeen articles initially published in the Russian Teacher’s Newspaper Uchitelskaya Gazeta. The preface - [In Remembrance of these things](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/in-remembrance-of-these-things/) - Paperback, 92pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99 ISBN 978-1-897117-41-5 The author of this book, born in the Netherlands, was for thirty years a missionary in Japan. He returned to Holland in 1986 where he continued to be active in the Lord’s work until - [Enjoy your Bible](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/enjoy-your-bible/) - William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad. Paperback, 124pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.95 ISBN 978-1-882701-58-5 In a day when the scriptures are so often handled superficially, any book which encourages young believers to engage in regular and systematic study of them is to be - [Christ Loved the Church](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christ-loved-the-church/) - Paperback, 108pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Price £6.99 ISBN 978-1-897117-60-6 The author of this little book shows himself to be firmly committed to the New Testament’s teaching on the church universal and local and believes that these principles hold good for the twenty-first century. - [What is the World coming to?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/what-is-the-world-coming-to/) - Paperback, 284pp. Published by Trafford Publishing (UK) Limited, 9 Park End Street, 2nd floor, Oxford, OX1 1HH, UK. Price £10.32, ISBN 978-1-425112-66-0. As the writer states on the cover of his book, ‘A casual scan through any daily newspaper will reveal that there is much that causes many to worry concerning the future’. It is - [Six-Day Creation. Does it matter what you believe?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/six-day-creation-does-it-matter-what-you-believe/) - Paperback, 64pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £4.00, ISBN 978-1-84625-097-2. This book offers ‘a succinct and important argument in favour of a literal reading of Genesis 1-11’. Within the limits of a relatively small volume, Robert Gurney has produced a spirited defence of ‘Six-Day Creation’. His aim is - [One God One Message](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/one-god-one-message/) - Paperback, 396pp, Published by Xulon Press, c/o of The Way of Righteousness, P.O. Box 4006, Greenville, SC 29607, USA. Available from John Ritchie, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, UK. Price £8.99, ISBN 978-1-60266-317-6. The ‘Prologue’ of this book states that it ‘offers the chance of a lifetime; to take an unhurried journey through the world’s - [God’s Undertaker. Has science buried God?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gods-undertaker-has-science-buried-god/) - Paperback, 192pp. Published by Lion Hudson plc, Wilkinson House, Jordan Hill Road, Oxford, OX2 8DR. Price £8.99, ISBN 978-0-745953-03-8. This book should be required reading for pupils and students who find themselves on the ‘back foot’ when faced with teachers and lecturers who have become infected with what Professor Alister McGrath has termed ‘The Dawkins - [Collected Writings of Les Rainey, Volume 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/collected-writings-of-les-rainey-volume-2/) - Paperback, 614pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £19.99, ISBN 978-1-897117-30-9. Within this single volume three books are brought together on Old Testament studies. The first, ‘The Bible in Brief: The Old Testament’, divides the testament into four - [The Messiah and the Feasts of Isreal](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-messiah-and-the-feasts-of-isreal/) - Paperback, 192pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. L3K 6A6. Available in the UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £7.50. ISBN 1-897117-59-0. In this relatively small volume Bryan Sheldon considers the Feasts of Jehovah in relation to Messiah, looking at them in detail and recognizing that they describe - [Rahab – Encountering the woman snatched from destruction](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/rahab-encountering-the-woman-snatched-from-destruction/) - Paperback, 80pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-135-1. This is part of the Face2Face series of books edited by Simon Robinson. As its title suggests, it covers the scriptural record of Rahab, both in terms of the New Testament as well as the Old Testament passages. - [No King in Israel – The History of the Judges](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/no-king-in-israel-the-history-of-the-judges/) - Paperback, 224pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £9.99. ISBN 978-189711-762-0. ‘This book was written to develop the link between the history of the Judges and the letters of Christ to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation - [Love Letters To The World](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/love-letters-to-the-world/) - Paperback, 264pp. Available from Bible Educational Services, 19 Cog Road, Sully, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 5TD, UK. Price: £10.00, incl p&p. ISBN: 978-184030-204-2. The book is subtitled ‘The Inspiring Story of 50 Years of Postal Bible School’, and inspiring it is. Many of us will have been influenced or affected by the work of Postal - [Daniel – Godly Living in a Hostile World](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/daniel-godly-living-in-a-hostile-world/) - Paperback, 86pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in the UK from John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RH. Price £8.99. ISBN 978-189711-773-6. Many books have been written on the prophetic chapters of Daniel but fewer that consider the character of the man that - [Collected Writings of Les Rainey, Volume 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/collected-writings-of-les-rainey-volume-3/) - Paperback, 420pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £12.99. ISBN 978-189711-731-6. Volume 3 of these Collected Writings follows an identical format to Volume 2 with the exception that while the former united in one book three separate publications - [When Heaven Calls your Name](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/when-heaven-calls-your-name/) - Paperback, 104pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-102-3. The book is sub-titled ‘People in the Bible who heard God speak’. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals God called by name, but only seven men to whom, in calling, God repeated their name, beginning with - [The Shack](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-shack/) - Should I read it? Would I enjoy it? Many will have heard of, if not read, a Christian fiction book called The Shack. The book has enjoyed huge recent popularity. It has topped the USA Today and New York Times bestsellers lists and remained the number one bestseller on the latter for thirty-three straight weeks. - [The Levitical Offerings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-levitical-offerings/) - Paperback, 48pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 573, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 9FB, UK. Price £4.00 (incl p&p) ISBN 978-1-871642-27-8. This booklet was first published as a series of articles in Precious Seed magazine over the years 1965-66. Their publication in booklet form has been undertaken that it might stimulate a new generation to - [Discipline with Care](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/discipline-with-care/) - Paperback, 96pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-125-8. It is unusual to find a book entirely devoted to the subject of church discipline. Stephen McQuoid is to be commended for not only dealing with such a difficult subject but also for doing so in a sensitive and - [Day by Day – Pictures and Parables](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-pictures-and-parables/) - Paperback, 384pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, PO Box 573, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 9FB, UK. Price £8.50 (incl p&p) ISBN 978-1-871642-26-1. As the twelfth book in this popular series, this volume concentrates on the Bible’s rich use of metaphor. With authors well known to many of the Lord’s people, the book follows the pattern of - [Choise Gleanings 2010 – Daily Devotional Planner](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/choise-gleanings-2010-daily-devotional-planner/) - Paperback, 394pp, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1897117-35-3. The first edition of the Choice Gleanings Devotional Calendar was published in 1940. The 2010 edition marks 70 years of continued publishing of the Calendar. Over the years the print runs have continued to grow and the distribution - [William Grimshaw – Living the Christian Life](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/william-grimshaw-living-the-christian-life/) - Hardback, 90pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, UK. Price £7.95. ISBN 978-0-85234-691-4. For most people, the Yorkshire town of Haworth is associated with the Bronte family. However, as this little book shows, there was a mighty man of God called William Grimshaw who also left an indelible imprint on - [The Tabernacle, the Priesthood and the Offerings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-tabernacle-the-priesthood-and-the-offerings/) - Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland KA3 1RL. Price £5.99. ISBN 978 1 904064 55 8. This book is part of Ritchie’s Classic Reprint Series of publications and, as the title suggests, is split into three sections. The first section, which considers the Tabernacle, concentrates upon the structure itself, meditating upon - [Prophecy Matters](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/prophecy-matters/) - Paperback, 52 pages, Published by and available from the author, 5 Craigie View, Perth, PH2 0DP, UK. Price £2.00. The author of this helpful little book defines his purpose as being ‘not to provide an in-depth exposition of future events’, but rather ‘to whet the appetite of the readers to start their own research on - [Look Straight Ahead – A Call to Men for Moral Purity](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/look-straight-ahead-a-call-to-men-for-moral-purity/) - Paperback, 164 pages. Everyday Publications, 310 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6 Canada. ISBN 978-0-88873-464-8. This is a scripturally-based and balanced consideration of the temptations to sexual sin in Western society. It is a book of pastoral ministry for men and its aims are: to prevent men from falling into sexual sin; to - [William Tyndale. England’s greatest Bible translator](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/william-tyndale-englands-greatest-bible-translator/) - Paperback, 128pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £10.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-160-3 The size of this little book masks its worth. In its ‘Travel with’ series, Day One Publications have provided another very valuable volume, an introduction to William Tyndale’s life and work. His sterling efforts lie behind our KJV New - [Visit the Sick](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/visit-the-sick/) - Paperback, 92pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-143-6. Brian Croft is senior pastor in a Baptist church in Louisville, Kentucky, and has had some twelve years’ experience in pastoral ministry. No one will doubt the importance of the subject which he seeks to address in this book. - [The Church in Revival](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-in-revival/) - Paperback, 182 pp, Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON. L3K 6A6, Canada. Price $12.99. ISBN 978-1-897117-82-8. This is a well-written and well-presented book. It is good to note that scripture references are generally set out in full. There is emphasis given to the importance of the prayer meeting, the discipling of - [Simon Peter: Challenging Times](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/simon-peter-challenging-times/) - Paperback, 112 pp. Day One, Ryelands Road, Leominster, England HR6 8NZ. Price £5; ISBN 978- 1846251573. This book is one of two that chart the life of Peter from a fisherman of Galilee to Spirit-inspired preacher and fisher of men. It is written with young people, probably teenagers, in mind, presenting events in the life - [Exposition of The Revelation of Jesus Christ and Prophetic Outlines](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/exposition-of-the-revelation-of-jesus-christ-and-prophetic-outlines/) - Paperback, 466 pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. Price £10. 99, ISBN 978-1-904064-58-9. The publishers are to be thanked for re-issuing Walter Scott’s classic work on Revelation, thus making it available to another generation. Although in some minor ways this commentary may be showing its age, nevertheless its clarity, - [The Pilgrim Church – E. H. Broadbent](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-pilgrim-church-e-h-broadbent/) - Hardback, 456 pages, Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON. L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £19.50; ISBN 978-1-882701-53-7. First published in 1931, E. H. BROADBENT’s The Pilgrim Church was warmly received by many in assembly fellowship, not only because of the painstaking research which had gone into the book, but also because of - [Opening Up James](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/opening-up-james/) - Paperback, 176 pages. Day One, Ryelands Road, Leominster, England HR6 8NZ. Price £6.00; ISBN 978-1846251658. The author writes lucidly, divides up the letter helpfully, dealing with a section at a time and following each with relevant questions. His comments are generally helpful. However, although this is basically an introductory book and one does not expect - [Jesus Christ: The Prince of preachers](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/jesus-christ-the-prince-of-preachers/) - Paperback, 172pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £8.00; ISBN 978-1-84625-108-5. In his introduction the author observes that while many books have been written on the subject of preaching, few have given attention to the actual preaching of the Lord Jesus. He expresses the concern that, ‘The church has exchanged - [Hallmarks of Design](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hallmarks-of-design/) - Paperback, 230pp. Published by Day One Publications, PO Box 66, Leominster. HR6 0XB. Price: £8.00; ISBN 978-1-84625-139-9. The book is subtitled ‘Evidence of purposeful design and beauty in nature’. The author, Professor STUART BURGESS, sets out to present a number of clear arguments that nature declares and reveals a Designer. This is accomplished well with - [Chains of Grace](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/chains-of-grace/) - Paperback, 128pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £6.00; ISBN 978-1-84625-127-6. The book is sub-titled ‘Peter Jeffery’s Story’. In a foreward to the book the author is described as being ‘First and foremost … an evangelist’ and this is an autobiography of his experiences in the service of the Lord. - [The Good Shepherd in Action](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-good-shepherd-in-action/) - The central chapters of John’s Gospel are interconnected and developed in a very interesting way. The central theme is the activity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the good Shepherd. This study follows His involvement in word and action as He establishes His credentials as the one sent to accomplish the Father’s will by ‘laying - [Book Reviews](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/book-reviews/) - Books are available from the publishers shown (or from John Ritchie in the UK or Gospel Folio Press in N. America), and NOT from Precious Seed Publications. The divorce dilemma John MacArthur. Paperback, 104pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-846251-07-8. In a world that has come to - [R. B. Jones – Gospel Ministry in Turbulent Times – N. Gibbard](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/r-b-jones-gospel-ministry-in-turbulent-times-n-gibbard/) - R. B. Jones – Gospel Ministry in Turbulent Times N. Gibbard. Paperback, 232pp. Published by Bryntirion Press, Bridgend, CF31 4DX, Wales. ISBN 978 1 85049 231 3. In the first part of this book the author gives an extremely well researched and fairly detailed account of Jones’ life. He focuses on: his time as a - [Prayer Moves Mountains – John Williams](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/prayer-moves-mountains-john-williams/) - Prayer Moves Mountains John Williams. Paperback, 110 pp, Published by Guardian Books, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 978 1 55452 339 9. The sub-title of this book is ‘Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer’, and the publisher’s note describes this work as ‘an easy-to-understand exposition of Jesus’ teaching’ on this subject, which ‘challenges us “to practise the presence” in - [Open-Air Preaching](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/open-air-preaching/) - Introduction ‘Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’, Mark 16. 15. It is with this commission from the Lord Jesus Christ in mind that we mention the opportunity that there is to preach the gospel in the ‘open air’. The word for preach that is used in the verse - [Christian Devotedness – Anthony Norris Groves](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christian-devotedness-anthony-norris-groves/) - Christian Devotedness Anthony Norris Groves Paperback, 54pp.Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £2.99. ISBN 978 1 89711 797 2. Most readers of Precious Seed International will be familiar with the name of Anthony Norris Groves, missionary to Baghdad - [Bible and Church Conference 2009 – Peter Williams, Dirk Jongkind, Simon Gathercole](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/bible-and-church-conference-2009-peter-williams-dirk-jongkind-simon-gathercole/) - Bible and Church Conference 2009 Peter Williams, Dirk Jongkind, Simon Gathercole. DVD; 138 minutes; Tyndale House, 36 Selwyn Gardens, Cambridge, CB3 9BA, England. Price £17.50. This DVD is a visual record of three lectures given at Westminster Chapel, London in June 2009. As the cover of the DVD states, ‘Society is being bombarded with misinformation - [The Church the Body of Christ](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-church-the-body-of-christ/) - The Church the Body of Christ Andrew Craig. Paperback, 36pp. Published by Brooklands Gospel Centre, c/o 2 Cherryhill Crescent, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1JQ, Northern Ireland. Price £2.95. This booklet covers two main issues as a record of ministry given by the author in the Brooklands Gospel Centre during 2009. As the author states, the first - [Psalm 119 For Life: Living Today In The Light of The Word](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/psalm-119-for-life-living-today-in-the-light-of-the-word/) - Psalm 119 For Life: Living Today In The Light Of The Word Hywel R. Jones. Paperback, 156 pp. Publisher: Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price: £9.50. ISBN: 978-0-85234-703-4 Under the title ‘Psalm 119 For Life’ Hywel Jones offers twenty-two studies in this psalm, with the sub-title, ‘Living Today In The Light Of God’s - [On wings of prayer](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/on-wings-of-prayer/) - On wings of prayer Reggie Weems. Paperback, 106pp, Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-178-8. One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is prayer. As the author says in his introduction, ‘Reading a book on prayer can inspire you, but only praying can transform you’. - [Empty Arms – Keren Baker](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/empty-arms-keren-baker/) - Empty Arms – Keren Baker. Hardback, 128pp. Published by Evangelical Press, Grange Close, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH. Price £7.95. ISBN 978-0-85234-704-1. ‘This book is about my journey through grief, a journey that is still continuing … It is simply a collection of lessons learnt, some of which have been forged indelibly on my heart - [A Practical Theology of Missions: Dispelling the Mystery; Recovering the Passion](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-practical-theology-of-missions-dispelling-the-mystery-recovering-the-passion/) - A Practical Theology of Missions: Dispelling the Mystery; Recovering the Passion Eric E. Wright Paperback, 380pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price: £12.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-198-6. This book addresses the ever-important subject of the church’s responsibility to bring to all men and women the message of the gospel. The author, Eric - [This little church had none](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/this-little-church-had-none/) - This little church had none G. Gilley with J. Wegter. Paperback: 236 pages. Publisher: Evangelical Press Books, Faverdale North, Darlington DL3 0PH, England. ISBN 9 780852 347089. The title with its sub-title – ‘A church in search of the truth’ – is somewhat misleading. In fact, the author examines some churches in the USA and - [The Magnificent](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-magnificent/) - The Magnificent Magnificat Timothy Cross. Paperback; 72pp Publisher: Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W., Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price: £5.00 ISBN 978-1926765-08-2 This is a short, mainly devotional, consideration of Mary’s praise of God, in Luke chapter 1, identified as her ‘Magnificat’ and ‘song’. There are some very helpful thoughts and applications, - [Laridian Bible Software](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/laridian-bible-software/) - Internet Download, Published by Laridian Electronic Publishing, 4430 Sundance Drive, Cedar Rapids 52411, USA and available from: http://www.laridian.com. Price: £6.70 with additional resources at a variety of prices – some free. With the advent of the iPod, iPhone, Palm device, Blackberry and Windows Mobile phones many believers may be interested in knowing what spiritual resources - [God and the Nations](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/god-and-the-nations/) - God and the Nations Harry Lacey. Paperback, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W. Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price: £8.95; ISBN 0-946351-82-1. This book was first published in 1942 in the dark days of the Second World War. At that time the author’s oral ministry was much appreciated as he sought - [The Times of the Gentiles – Norman Mellish](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-times-of-the-gentiles-norman-mellish/) - Paperback, 216pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-09-9. It is good to see a further volume in the writings of Norman Mellish. Those who have enjoyed his previous books on Revelation and Philippians will find much to kindle their interest in this commentary on - [The Structural Principles of the Bible – F. E. Marsh](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-structural-principles-of-the-bible-f-e-marsh/) - Paperback, 440pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RL. Price: £10.99 SBN 978-1-904064-57-2. This book is part of Ritchie’s ‘Classic Reprint Series’ and is sub-titled How to study the Word of God. The author demonstrates that there is a unity and divine design to the sixty-six books of the Bible, a discernable - [The Heavenly Physician – Rommel Ghossain](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-heavenly-physician-rommel-ghossain/) - Paperback, 204pp. Published by Decapolis Press, The Glebe House, Stanton Drew, Bristol, BS39 4EH, UK. Price: £8.95 ISBN 978-0-646-45987-2. This book, the first of a series, seeks to cover the first eight chapters of Luke’s Gospel, dealing with the narrative as well as the application of the teaching it contains. The writer states his purpose - [Life’s Greatest Quest – to become more like Christ – Clark Logan](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/lifes-greatest-quest-to-become-more-like-christ-clark-logan/) - Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RL. Price: £6.99. ISBN 13: 978-1-904064-95-4. ‘God is as interested in what we are becoming as in what we are doing. His work in us is as important as His work through us… The cultivation of true likeness to Christ should be our chief aim… - [Esther: God’s Invisible Hand – Helen Clarke](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/esther-gods-invisible-hand-helen-clarke/) - Paperback, 128pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £5.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-204-4. The biographical details of the author indicate she became a Christian at the age of sixteen, followed a career in nursing for fifteen years and, in her spare time, has been involved in youth work. She is married - [Baptism – Jack Hay](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/baptism-jack-hay/) - Paperback, 32pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RL. Price: £1.35 ISBN 978-1-904064-97-8. It is good to see a booklet like this one, designed to provide clear biblical counsel on this important subject. In eight short sections Jack Hay covers the topics of the command to baptize, the method to be used, - [You Shall Go Out With Joy – Robert Muir](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/you-shall-go-out-with-joy-robert-muir/) - Paperback, 136pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. £6.99. ISBN 978-1-907731-11-2. This delightful book charts the missionary work of Robert and Margaret Muir as they sought to serve the Lord in Congo and Zambia. As Bert Cargill states in the foreword, ‘At a time when many people taking early retirement - [True Love – Understanding the real meaning of Christian love](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/true-love-understanding-the-real-meaning-of-christian-love/) - James M. Renihan. Paperback, 144pp., Published by Evangelical Press, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, UK. Price: £8.99. ISBN 978-0-852347-13-3. This book will speak to the conscience. James Renihan has not set out to expound 1 Corinthians 13, but rather to describe the essential meaning of its central message, and to challenge his readers to live - [History Today – James Montgomery Paul S. Taylor](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/history-today-james-montgomery-paul-s-taylor/) - Paperback, 134pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £7.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-209-9. James Montgomery was the author of some 400 hymns, among the best known are: ‘Hail to the Lord’s Anointed’; ‘Forever with the Lord’; and ‘According to thy gracious word, in meek humility’. In the preface to this book - [God’s Care for the Widow – Austin Walker](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gods-care-for-the-widow-austin-walker/) - Paperback, 128pp, Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-199-3. For over thirty years the author has been a pastor at a Reformed Baptist Church in Crawley and it is from this background that he writes. In his role as a pastor he has been involved for many - [Exemplary Spiritual Leadership – J. Wragg](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/exemplary-spiritual-leadership-j-wragg/) - Paperback, 154pp, Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. £7.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-200-6. There is much here that is helpful. There is good use of headings and sub-headings as different aspects are dealt with: in the chapter ‘Leaders that God resists’ we have ‘the begrudging leader’, ‘the greedy leader’, ‘the belligerent leader’, - [Titanic. The Ship of Dreams – Robert Plant](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/titanic-the-ship-of-dreams-robert-plant/) - Paperback, 176pp. Published by Christian Focus Publications, Geanies House, Fearn, Tain, Rossshire, IV20 1TW, Scotland. Price: £5.99. ISBN 978-1845506-41-4. As 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy, this book, which is a story of aspects of that fateful maiden voyage, is of interest. Based upon historical research, it weaves an account which is - [S.O.S. Titanic – Jill Silverthorne](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/s-o-s-titanic-jill-silverthorne/) - Paperback, 126pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price: £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-308-9. This is another book written with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy as its background. Based upon historical research, it also weaves an account, which this time is largely fictional, that charts the days of this fateful - [No Other Doctrine – The Gospel and the Modern World – John F. Parkinson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/no-other-doctrine-the-gospel-and-the-modern-world-john-f-parkinson/) - Paperback, 198 pp, Published John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland. Price £7.99. ISBN 978-1-904064-29-9. This book has arisen from its author’s firm conviction that the message of the gospel is as relevant and as necessary for the people of our day as it was for those of the first century. It has - [Mountains & Valleys in Christian Living – Donald Norbie](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/mountains-valleys-in-christian-living-donald-norbie/) - Paperback, 90pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W., Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price: £7.50.ISBN 9-781897-117941. Mountains & Valleys in Christian Living is a delightful, easy reading and encouraging volume which contains a number of devotional and challenging meditations from the pen of Donald Norbie. As suggested within the preface, although - [Anticipating The End Times: A Concise Commentary on the Book of Daniel – Malcolm C. Davis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/anticipating-the-end-times-a-concise-commentary-on-the-book-of-daniel-malcolm-c-davis/) - Paperback, 144pp, Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland. Price £6.99. ISBN 978-1-907731-02-0. Given the number of works already available on the prophecy of Daniel, some may question whether another book is needed. Those who read this commentary will readily appreciate that it fills a place in the market by providing - [The Tabernacle and the Offerings – Albert Leckie](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-tabernacle-and-the-offerings-albert-leckie/) - Paperback, 176pp. Published by Precious Seed Publications, The Glebe House, Stanton Drew, Bristol, UK, BS39 4EH. Price: £6.50. ISBN 978-1871642-44-5. This is the second volume of the ministry of the late Albert Leckie of Airdrie, Scotland. Although the name may not be known to the present generation, this book is written in a style that - [The Man Sent From God – Samuel W. Jennings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-man-sent-from-god-samuel-w-jennings/) - Paperback, 160pp. Published by The Ministry for Europe Trust, 39 Ardmore Road, Holywood, Northern Ireland. BT18 0PJ. Price: £7.99. ISBN 5-060165-210565. The Man Sent From God is a comprehensive character study of John the Baptist. Jennings leaves no stone unturned as he systematically analyses the life of the forerunner of the Lord Jesus. There is - [Roses, Marys & Others – Betty Holt](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/roses-marys-others-betty-holt/) - Paperback, 48pp. Published by Xulon Press. It is available from the author, Mrs. Betty Holt, ‘Bethshan’, 39 Worcester Close, Farnborough, Hants. GU14 8JW. Price: £15.00. ISBN 978-1609579-26-5. This is a full-colour publication that explores something of the scripture record of the lives of fourteen women. It was written with women in mind, particularly ‘those who - [Could you ever love me again? – Bob Cretney](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/could-you-ever-love-me-again-bob-cretney/) - Paperback, 190pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, ON, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-14-3. This book is a record of the Gary Weeks story as it was told to the author, Bob Cretney. It is the story of a relatively naïve young man from a Christian, although single parent, home - [‘Help!’ Booklets Edited by Dr. Paul Tautgers](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/help-booklets-edited-by-dr-paul-tautgers/) - Paperback, 60 pages each. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, U.K. HR6 8NZ. ISBN all: 978-18462552; then: 150/167/174/228/198/ 211/204/181. ‘My Baby Has Died; I Have Breast Cancer; Someone I Love Has Cancer; Someone I Love Has Been Abused; My Marriage Has Grown Cold; My Toddler Rules The House; My Spouse Has Been Unfaithful; - [Redemption Hymns](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/redemption-hymns/) - Published by the Emmaus Correspondence School, Wellington New Zealand; www.redhymns.com. ISBN Words: 987-0-473-15052-5 Music; 978-0-473-15053-2. The decision to change a hymnbook is often a controversial one with competing desires to embrace good modern hymn-writing and maintain the timeless hymns which have been loved and sung for generations. With many congregations now using projected words at - [Men in God’s Service – N. John Jeyanandam](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/men-in-gods-service-n-john-jeyanandam/) - Paperback, 288pp. Published by Moriah Ministries, Post Box No. 2540, 51-57, East Park Road, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, India 6000 030 Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £10.00, ISBN 978-81-907600-7-2. In the preface the author indicates that this book is the product of a personal exercise concerning the character and conduct that the Lord - [Hints and signs of the coming King (Author: Kurt Strassner)](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hints-and-signs-of-the-coming-king-author-kurt-strassner/) - Paperback, 110pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-208-2. This book is sub-titled ‘Pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament’. It comprises the substance of a series of sermons preached by the author. The Lord Jesus said, ‘Search the scriptures … they are they which testify of me’, - [Galatians & Ephesians – L. Strauss](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/galatians-ephesians-l-strauss/) - Paperback, 250 pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-17-4. This is a helpful commentary which provides the reader with a good grasp of two of Paul’s Epistles. The author is concerned primarily to give the meaning of the text, but he writes warmly; he - [“Thank You, King James” – the tough life of Robert Hicks – James Hastings](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/thank-you-king-james-the-tough-life-of-robert-hicks-james-hastings/) - Paperback, 160pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster. HR6 8NZ. Price: £6.00. ISBN 978-1-846252-32-7. It was the psalmist who wrote, ‘He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings’, Ps. 40. 2. Reading this traumatic and - [This Jesus – Harold S. Paisley](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/this-jesus-harold-s-paisley/) - Paperback, 86pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W., Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6. Price: £6.99 ISBN 978-1926765-20-4. This Jesus is a study of some of the more prominent names and titles of the Lord Jesus. These include Emmanuel, Jesus, Christ Jesus, The Lord Jesus Christ and The Son of Man, to name - [The Son of God, as Revealed by John – Robert E. Surgenor](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-son-of-god-as-revealed-by-john-robert-e-surgenor/) - Paperback, 240 pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON. L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-34-1. Given all the books which have been written about the Gospel of John, is there room for yet another? Robert Surgenor’s publisher thinks there is, and tells the reader that this work ‘presents things that - [The Messiah and the Covenants of Israel – Bryan W. Sheldon](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-messiah-and-the-covenants-of-israel-bryan-w-sheldon/) - Paperback, 181pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6. Available in UK from John Ritchie Ltd. Price £7.99, ISBN 978-192-676-5105. In the introduction the author asserts that ‘One of the great foundation blocks of a healthy relationship between God and humankind is His righteousness’ and, because God - [The Lord’s Day – A Medical Point of View – Professor Verna Wright](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-lords-day-a-medical-point-of-view-professor-verna-wright/) - Paperback, 17pp, Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. ISBN 978-1846252-39-6. ‘“Hurry, Worry, Bury” is the epitaph for many people in this century’. So begins this pamphlet as it examines the implications of 21st Century life on the physical, mental, and spiritual welfare of the population. While many will not agree with - [A Glimmer of Light – Studies in the Book of Lamentations – Paul Young](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-glimmer-of-light-studies-in-the-book-of-lamentations-paul-young/) - Paperback, 309pp. Price: £10.00. Published by Authorhouse UK Ltd., 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2BE, UK. ISBN 978-1-4520-1686-3. Available from the author at 31 Fairmeadows, Cwmfelin, Maesteg, Mid Glam., CF34 9JL. The Book of Lamentations is, in Paul Young’s own words, ‘one of the neglected books of the Bible. It is not often the - [Travel with John Blanchard – Brian H. Edwards](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/travel-with-john-blanchard-brian-h-edwards/) - Paperback, 128pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price: £10.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-161-0. Travel with John Blanchard is a book which combines a biography of Blanchard’s life and a travel guide to sites of special interest throughout his life. These include Guernsey (his birthplace) and various places where he has lived - [Out of the Shadows Faith Cook](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/out-of-the-shadows-faith-cook/) - Paperback. 156 pages. Published by EP Books, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PH, England. ISBN: 978-0-852347-49-2. This is another interesting book from Faith Cook. Out of the Shadows is a collection of nine short biographies of men and women who sought to do a work for God in their lives. It is a testimony to the - [Living above the Average – W. Macdonald](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/living-above-the-average-w-macdonald/) - Paperback, 150 pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON., L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 188270176-3. This is a collection of brief anecdotes of various believers, plus a couple of potted autobiographies. The latter are of Eric Liddell and Robert Cleaver Chapman, of around 2000 words each. Most of the former, - [Henry Moorhouse; The English Evangelist – John Macpherson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/henry-moorhouse-the-english-evangelist-john-macpherson/) - Paperback, 150 pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON. L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN: 978-1-926765–32-7. This is a reprint of a biography written in the 1880’s, shortly after Moorhouse’s death at the early age of 40 years. The writer presents his material under various headings, such as, ‘Conversion’, ‘Work in - [Divine Principles – R. McClurkin](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/divine-principles-r-mcclurkin/) - Paperback. 156 pages. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON LEK 6A6, Canada. ISBN: 978-1-926765-15-0. This book focuses on the truth and practice of the local church as taught in scripture. The articles, in separate chapters, are fairly short, in the main comprising of three to seven sections and dealing - [Twelve Hidden Heroes – Rebecca Parkinson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/twelve-hidden-heroes-rebecca-parkinson/) - Paperback, 102pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price: £5.00 ISBN 978-1-84625-273-0. This is one of a short series of four books that considers ‘hidden heroes’ from both the Old and New Testaments. It is stated that the author believes the Bible to be ‘a living book that is full - [Realising a Vision through Faith (the Colleen Redit story)](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/realising-a-vision-through-faith-the-colleen-redit-story/) - 208 pages of text plus 32 pages of photos, hardback, 6.5" x 9.5". £11.95 plus p&p £2.50. Colleen left New Zealand for India in 1964 and is still there today. She has achieved what many would consider to be impossible, often in face of great difficulties. From the beginning God blessed this work and Colleen - [Rays of the Messiah’s Glory – David Baron](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/rays-of-the-messiahs-glory-david-baron/) - Paperback, 150pp., Published by Crimond House Publications, Crimond House, 48 Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DN. ISBN 978-0-9549922-7-9. Those readers who are familiar with the writings of David Baron will be pleased to learn that this book has now been reissued for the benefit of another generation of believers. During the second half of the nineteenth - [Learning from the Past, Facing the Future – Neil Summerton](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/learning-from-the-past-facing-the-future-neil-summerton/) - Paperback, 182 pp, Published by Partnership Publications, 2 Blenheim Close, Cambridge, CB1 8DU, UK. ISBN 978-1-907098-05-5. This has been a difficult book to review. Firstly, it is couched in language which is not easily accessible to a general readership, and, secondly, it is written from a perspective that many will not share – I doubt - [Knowing and Doing – John McQuoid](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/knowing-and-doing-john-mcquoid/) - Paperback, 130pp. Published by Opal Trust, 1 Glenannan Park, Lockerbie, DG11 2FA, Scotland. ISBN 978-1-907098-03-1. This book is designed for those new to the faith who wish to know more about God and His word and, through that knowledge, to obey Him. Composed of twenty short chapters, ranging from God, Creation, Sin and the Fall - [Judges – Book of Heroes – Tim Mather](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/judges-book-of-heroes-tim-mather/) - Paperback, 236pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON., L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-29-7. There aren’t too many books on the Judges of Israel. In that sense this book should be welcomed. However, it is far from a gap filler! This work is thought-provoking, challenging, and Christ-exalting and a worthy - [Islam: The Religion of Peace?](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/islam-the-religion-of-peace/) - 128 pages of text, paperback, A5. £6.00 plus p&p £2.50. The purpose and aim of this book is to examine the primary Islamic texts to ascertain the validity, or otherwise, of the accusation that Islam is the most belligerent religion in the world. Examine the evidence for yourself, trace the history and understand where Islam - [Indispensable Ordinance](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/indispensable-ordinance/) - by Romel Ghossain, 148 pages, paperback £6.00 plus p&p £2.50. This is a new book by Romel Ghossain (edited by John Bennett) setting out biblical teaching on Baptism, the Breaking of Bread, and Headship and its expression as seen in the local fellowship. An excellent publication to add to your bookshelf and for young believers - [The Principles and Practices of the New Testament Church – William McCormack](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-principles-and-practices-of-the-new-testament-church-william-mccormack/) - Paperback, 44 pages, Published by John Ritchie Limited, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN 978-1-907731-27-3. Although there are many books that have been published on this subject, it is appropriate that each new generation should be reminded of those things that distinguish the New Testament assembly. In the five chapters that make up this little booklet, - [The Parables: Truth Illuminated – Donald Norbie](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-parables-truth-illuminated-donald-norbie/) - Paperback, 190 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-926765-22- 8. This is a straightforward consideration of the Lord’s parables. There is a helpful introduction which seeks to identify and define terms such as parable, metaphor, allegory, etc., and which also addresses the issue of - [The Desire of All Nations – B. R. Mikhael](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-desire-of-all-nations-b-r-mikhael/) - Paperback, 166pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price: £9.99 ISBN 978-1926765-77-8. The Desire of All Nations (Hag. 2. 7) is a series of ‘meditations on the manifold glories of the Lord Jesus Christ’. The book is divided into five sections in which Mikhael considers: The - [Realising a Vision through Faith Colleen Redit with Peggy Loh](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/realising-a-vision-through-faith-colleen-redit-with-peggy-loh/) - Hardback, 205 pages, Published by Christian Missions Charitable Trust, Chennai, India. Available from Precious Seed International. Price: £11.95. ISBN 978-1871642-57-5. This is a book that traces the most remarkable story and work of Colleen Redit, founder of Christian Missions Charitable Trust, Chennai, India. However, in reading the book I was struck by the simple and - [What’s up with Worship? – Gary McBride](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/whats-up-with-worship-gary-mcbride/) - Paperback, 60pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-927521-35-9. In relatively few pages the author has picked up on a much neglected subject and focused our minds on a matter of paramount importance. As the author stresses in his conclusion, ‘What is being lost is - [C. H. Spurgeon’s forgotten prayer meeting addresses](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/c-h-spurgeons-forgotten-prayer-meeting-addresses/) - Hardback, 291pp., Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. ISBN 978-1-846-25-238-9. Here are nearly forty addresses and in keeping with Spurgeon’s many sermons they are invariably well-structured and straightforward. They are sub-divided under headings: for example, on ‘We have seen the Lord’, John 20. 25. We have an introduction, followed by what they - [A Tender plant from the dry ground – Timothy Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-tender-plant-from-the-dry-ground-timothy-cross/) - Paperback, 144pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-314-0. This book is part of the Day One ‘Reflections’ series and is sub-titled ‘A vision from Isaiah of the crucified Jesus’. In twenty short chapters the writer seeks to gather up the leading themes of Isaiah chapter 53. - [A Lonely Path of Discipleship: A biography of George W. Hunter, pioneering missionary in remotest China](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-lonely-path-of-discipleship-a-biography-of-george-w-hunter-pioneering-missionary-in-remotest-china/) - Hardback, 260 pages. Published by Chapter Two, Fountain House, Conduit Mews, London. ISBN 978-1-853072-44-4. George Hunter’s life [1861-1946] is traced from early years. Apart from one furlough, he spent 57 years in Chinese Turkestan, modern Xinjiang, a primarily Muslim area. Most of that time he served alone, though there was one fellow worker who spent - [A Faith that endures – Brian Croft](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-faith-that-endures-brian-croft/) - Paperback, 112pp. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ. Price £5.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-292-1. This is another of the Day One ‘Reflections’ series, and is sub-titled ‘Meditations on Hebrews 11’, although in the closing chapters of the book attention is given to the Saviour’s endurance of the cross in Hebrews 12 and the - [Voice in the Darkness – Della Letkeman](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/voice-in-the-darkness-della-letkeman/) - Paperback, 286 pages, Published by Everyday Publications Inc. 310 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-0-88873-723-6. The contents of this book owe a great deal to Dr. R. E. Harlow who had hoped to write an account of the life of the apostle Paul, but was called home before he could - [The Messiah in the Temple – Roger Liebi](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-messiah-in-the-temple-roger-liebi/) - Hardback, 610 pages, Published by Christlicher Medien-Vertrieb, Postfach 300 430, 40404 Düsseldorf, Germany. Price: £27.50. ISBN 978-3-943175-05-9 This full-colour volume, originally published in German, has now been translated into English to reach a wider audience. Its author, Roger Liebi, is a Messianic Jew, and, as such, is ideally placed to bring out the symbolism and - [The Journey of Life – Pilgrim’s Progress for Contemporary Africa](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-journey-of-life-pilgrims-progress-for-contemporary-africa/) - Paperback; 158 pages, Published by Opal Trust, 1 Glenannan Park, Lockerbie, DG11 2FA, Scotland. ISBN 978-1-907098-04-8. Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, a wonderful narrative of life as a journey, caught the imagination of the English-speaking world for many years, and no Christian book has probably had a bigger impact after the Bible. Let us hope that this - [Show & Tell – Colin D. Jones](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/show-tell-colin-d-jones/) - Paperback, 16 pages each, Published by Day One Publications, Rylands Road, Leominster, HR6 0NZ, England. Price: £2.50 each, ISBN 978-1-84625-374-4; 978-1-84625-375-1; 978-1-84625-380-5; 978-1-84625-377-5; 978-1-84625-378-2. [5 volumes covering Adam and Eve, Joseph and his family, Elijah and the false prophets, Palm Sunday, and The lame man healed]. These are the first five in what the publishers - [Old but not out – James Taylor](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/old-but-not-out-james-taylor/) - Paperback, 108 pages, Published by Day One Publications, Rylands Road, Leominster, HR6 0NZ, England. Price: £6.00. ISBN 978-1-84625-306-5. The sub-title of this book is ‘Purpose and Discipleship in Old Age’. Written by James Taylor, a retired Baptist minister with considerable pastoral, administrative, and academic experience, it does not set out to provide answers to all - [Theos: The Greatest Title of Christ – Rick Morse](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/theos-the-greatest-title-of-christ-rick-morse/) - Paperback, 66pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price: £5.99. ISBN 978-1926765-97-6. This book is a ‘consideration of the biblical doctrine of the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ’. As such, it treats a doctrine which is of the utmost importance, and one which is being - [The Song of Zechariah – Timothy Cross](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-song-of-zechariah-timothy-cross/) - Paperback, 106pp. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. Price £5.99. ISBN 978-1926765-64-8. In the preface, Timothy Cross describes the song of Zechariah, recorded in Luke chapter 1 verses 67 to 79, as ‘no ordinary hymn’ but one that owes its origin ‘to the working of the - [The Saviour God and His Servant King – Malcolm C. Davis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-saviour-god-and-his-servant-king-malcolm-c-davis/) - Paperback, 260 pp. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. Price: £7.99. ISBN 13-978-1-907731-83-9. The subtitle of this book is ‘Isaiah’s Prophecy – An Introduction, Concise Commentary, and Practical Studies in his Major Themes’. It is, in essence, two books in one: the first part is an introduction to the prophecy - [Life in the Big Story – Your Place in God’s Unfolding Plan – Heidi Johnston](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/life-in-the-big-story-your-place-in-gods-unfolding-plan-heidi-johnston/) - Paperback, 192 pp. Published by IVP, Norton Street, Nottingham, NG7 3HR, UK. Price £8. 99. ISBN 978-1-84474-579-1. ‘What a refreshing change this is’. So writes a well-known academic, author, and Bible teacher in his endorsement of this book. Indeed this is a volume which will perhaps offer some surprises for some readers. It encourages readers - [Led by His Hand – Malcolm Coombes, ex- R.N.](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/led-by-his-hand-malcolm-coombes-ex-r-n/) - Paperback, 198 pp. Author: M. J. Coombes [Micro-Entreprise], Orange, France. ISBN: 978-20-9530290-1-7. This book is an extended personal testimony by a servant of the Lord who will be known, at least by name, to many PS readers. It complements Safe in His Hands, written by his wife, Hannah. It mainly traces his life from 1959, - [Replacement Theology – David Dunlap](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/replacement-theology-david-dunlap/) - Paperback, 141 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. ISBN 978-1-926765-87-7. In many places, ‘Replacement Theology’ is gaining ground. Professing evangelicals are turning away from dispensational eschatology and embracing the view that there is no future for Israel. Replacement theologians argue that the church has replaced - [Possessing the Inheritance – a Concise Commentary on the Book of Joshua – Malcolm C. Davis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/possessing-the-inheritance-a-concise-commentary-on-the-book-of-joshua-malcolm-c-davis/) - Paperback, 125 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. ISBN 978-1-909789-12-8. What exactly is a ‘concise commentary’? This seems to be a key question in reviewing this book. Clearly, one should not expect a detailed verse-by-verse, or even section-by-section, exposition of the book. The author rightly avoids the detailed and technical. Similarly, an - [Making Disciples – The Thessalonian Way – Tim Mather](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/making-disciples-the-thessalonian-way-tim-mather/) - Paperback, 190 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, L3K 6A6. ISBN 978-1-926765-99-0. The notes on the back cover of this book provide a helpful outline: ‘This book has been written primarily for the benefit of those who have the wonderful privilege and responsibility of helping to bring - [Christ the Lord – surveying the glories of the Saviour – Frank McConnell](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christ-the-lord-surveying-the-glories-of-the-saviour-frank-mcconnell/) - Paperback, 254 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, IBSN 978-1-909789-05-0. This book was originally published in 1971. It is an excellent devotional book of the same style and quality as H. C. Hewlett’s The Glories of our Lord. The tone of both is warm and devotional. Both can be highly recommended, and - [Biblical Principles of Leadership – Dr. Alexander Kurian](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/biblical-principles-of-leadership-dr-alexander-kurian/) - Paperback, 120 pages, Published by GLS Publishing, Udygog Bhavan, 250D, Worli Colony, Mumbai, 400030, India. ISBN 978-81-78203-49-2. This is a valuable book on a most important aspect of the corporate life of every believer. As Dr. Kurian states, ‘A healthy relationship between the elders and the congregation is tremendously important. It is the prerequisite for - [Poisoned Soul – the deadly effects of bitterness – Paul Young](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/poisoned-soul-the-deadly-effects-of-bitterness-paul-young/) - Paperback, 66 pages. Published by the author, 31 Fairmeadows, Maesteg, Wales, CF34 9JL. Price: £1. It would be easy to dismiss this unprepossessing booklet. It is only a few pages. However, for anyone who has felt, or been in the company of someone consumed by bitterness, it is a booklet that is timely. The author - [Living with the glory of the Lord – Ezekiel’s Prophecy – Malcolm Davis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/living-with-the-glory-of-the-lord-ezekiels-prophecy-malcolm-davis/) - Paperback, 276 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1 RH. Price: £8.99. ISBN: 978-1-909803-78-7. The origins of this helpful book are to be found in a conversation which the author had with a young believer who expressed a desire for help in understanding the prophecy of Ezekiel. Whilst the resulting - [Facing Death – Franklin D. Taylor, Sr.](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/facing-death-franklin-d-taylor-sr/) - Paperback, 72 pages. Published by Everyday Publications International, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. ISBN: 978-0-888737-34-2. Death is ubiquitous in our fallen world. The scriptures affirm that ‘it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment’, Heb. 9. 27NKJV. Given its universality, it is not surprising that death is a necessary subject to - [Daniel Reconsidered – J. Allen](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/daniel-reconsidered-j-allen/) - Hardback, 689 pages. Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. Price: £19.99 ISBN: 978-1909789-11-1. Those who have read or referenced Allen’s commentary on the book of Revelation in the What the Bible Teaches series will readily recognize that it is one of the best. This long anticipated ‘prophetic sequel’ on the book of Daniel - [Travel with Jonathan Edwards – A God-centred life, an enduring legacy](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/travel-with-jonathan-edwards-a-god-centred-life-an-enduring-legacy/) - Paperback, 128 pages, Published by Day One Publications, Rylands Road, Leominster, England, HR6 8NZ. ISBN 978-1846253-90-4. To many readers of this magazine the name Jonathan Edwards may be largely unknown. Of American origin, Edward’s place in the annals of Reformed theology is unchallenged, and it is for this reason that many will find this book - [The New Calvinists, Changing the Gospel – E. S. Williams](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-new-calvinists-changing-the-gospel-e-s-williams/) - Paperback, 69 pages, Published by The Wakeman Trust and Belmont House Publishing, 38 Walcot Square, London, SE11 4TZ, England. ISBN 978-1-908919-32-8. For those who do not follow events in evangelical circles, this book will seem to have little relevance. Whether it is ‘old Calvinism’, or so-called ‘new Calvinism’, many may feel that the turmoil affecting - [Of No Reputation – Stephen Grant](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/of-no-reputation-stephen-grant/) - Paperback, 90 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland. ISBN (ebook) 978-1-483522-30-2 (paperback) 978-1-909803-92-3. The key theme of this book is that most Christians are ‘more like the people who received Paul’s letters than [like] the apostle who wrote them’. Grant explains how Christians should aspire to live quietly, as - [Learning to Lead – Next Generation – David Clarkson and Stephen McQuoid](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/learning-to-lead-next-generation-david-clarkson-and-stephen-mcquoid/) - Paperback, 182pp. Published by Opal Trust, 1 Glenannan Park, Lockerbie, Scotland, DG11 2FA. ISBN 978-1-907098-15-4. It is clear, from the focus of this book, that the authors are aware of the importance of spiritual leadership within each local church. They set the tone early by stating, ‘It is vital the church is guided by quality - [Indispensible Ordinance: Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the Head Covering – Romel Ghossain](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/indispensible-ordinance-baptism-the-lords-supper-and-the-head-covering-romel-ghossain/) - Paperback, 142 pp, Published by Decapolis Press, Pitcot Farm, Pitcot Lane, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock BA3 4SX, England. Price £6.00 ISBN 978-1871642-51-3. A book that brings together these three important strands of truth is quite rare, unless it is dealing with church truth as a whole. However, in this relatively short book, the writer covers what might - [Wisdom for Fools – 101 Proverbs to Live By – Shane Watson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/wisdom-for-fools-101-proverbs-to-live-by-shane-watson/) - Paperback, 218 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne ON L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN 978-1-927521-50-2. The book of Proverbs does not lend itself to analysis, and apart from a six page introduction, Wisdom for Fools does not attempt this. This is just as well, as the introduction is the least - [The Riches of Divine Wisdom – David Gooding](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-riches-of-divine-wisdom-david-gooding/) - Paperback, 425 pages, Published by Myrtlefield House, 180 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, BT52 1TD. ISBN 978-1-874584-21-6. Over forty years ago, Prof. John Heading and I had the privilege of sitting in on an informal debate between Dr. David Gooding and a number of modernist theology professors in the staff common room of the Theological College of - [A Study of First Thessalonians: The Model Church – Gary McBride](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/a-study-of-first-thessalonians-the-model-church-gary-mcbride/) - Paperback, 102 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6 Canada. ISBN 978-192752-145-8. This is a short book amongst a number of recent very helpful books by this author. The presentation of the Thessalonian church as a ‘model’ church, as is the premise of this book, has much - [Looking for the Glory – An Exposition of the Epistle to Titus – Adam D. Thropay](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/looking-for-the-glory-an-exposition-of-the-epistle-to-titus-adam-d-thropay/) - Paperback, 103 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. ISBN 978-1-909789-22-7. Adam D. Thropay has been involved in Bible teaching in assemblies in North America for many years, and readers of this and other magazines will probably have benefited from his written ministry already. His other writings include Local Church Essentials. His aim - [If it wasn’t for the Lighthouse – Bill and Irene Ridgeway](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/if-it-wasnt-for-the-lighthouse-bill-and-irene-ridgeway/) - Paperback, 112 pages. Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6. ISBN 978-1-927521-56-4 If you want to know if missionaries have the same anxieties as we have, the same fears when confronted with the unexpected, the same doubts and worries, then you will find this book captivating; written in - [The Land and People of Israel, what does the future hold? – Drew Craig](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-land-and-people-of-israel-what-does-the-future-hold-drew-craig/) - Paperback, 63 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W. Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6. ISBN 978-1897-1178-11. To many in the secular and political world, the modern state of Israel is considered a pariah nation. It is seen as aggressive, territorially ambitious, insensitive to UN resolutions, and indifferent to critical opinion. In this - [How to Master the Bible – Martin Anstey](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/how-to-master-the-bible-martin-anstey/) - Paperback, 138 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, NI. ISBN 978-1-909789-16-6. This is a revised reprint of a book first published in 1931. In view of this, I imagine that the author is now in the glory and will not be too concerned if comment is made on the title of his book. When - [Gleanings from the book of Ruth – Alex Dryburgh](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/gleanings-from-the-book-of-ruth-alex-dryburgh/) - Paperback, 104 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. W. Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6. ISBN 978-1927-5216-18. A book review is, by its very nature, a subjective exercise. The style and format of a book, though brief and merely suggestive in character, will appeal to some; others favour a more detailed and systematic - [The Nature of the Atonement – James Morison](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-nature-of-the-atonement-james-morison/) - Paperback, 99 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. ISBN 978-1-909789-19-7. James Morison (1816-1893) was a Scottish minister of the Gospel who was greatly used by God to bring many souls to Christ. Both this small treatise and his companion work The Extent of the Atonement went through many editions during the author’s - [The Extent of the Atonement – James Morison](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-extent-of-the-atonement-james-morison/) - Paperback, 167 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. ISBN 978-1-909789-23-4. James Morison (1816-1893) was ordained in the Scottish United Secession Church, but was suspended from his ministry because he did not hold the doctrine of limited atonement. He continued to preach the gospel, and saw many souls saved. This treatise, and his - [Stories from Luke’s Gospel – Robert Craig](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/stories-from-lukes-gospel-robert-craig/) - Paperback, 160 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6. ISBN 97-81927521-63-2 Although this book is just a brief summary of selected accounts in Luke’s Gospel, there are gems on each page; it is well worth reading, and definitely holds the attention. The book is pithy in its - [Precious Seed 70th Anniversary Edition](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/precious-seed-70th-anniversary-edition/) - Paperback, 212 pages, Published by Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, UK. ISBN 978 1 871642 77 3. This well presented book incorporates scanned copies of the Precious Seed Magazines from their inception in September 1945 to the May-June 1948 issue. It is attractively bound and the front cover is a copy of the - [Insects of the Bible – Tom H. Ratcliffe](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/insects-of-the-bible-tom-h-ratcliffe/) - Paperback, 81 pages, Published by Bell and Bain Ltd, Glasgow. [Available from John Ritchie Limited]. ISBN: 978 1 871642 810. It may be that if you have never had an interest in entomology then you may not naturally pick this book up. However, the book does live up to its promise in the foreword that - [Day by Day – Through the Bible Edited – Ken Totton](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/day-by-day-through-the-bible-edited-ken-totton/) - Paperback, 381 pages, Published by Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, UK. ISBN 978 1 871642 80 3. The latest publication in the tried and tested Day by Day series does exactly as stated in the title. The scriptures are divided into three readings for each day through the year, two from the Old - [Christian Frontline Series: The Christian and Money – Hansruedi Graf](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/christian-frontline-series-the-christian-and-money-hansruedi-graf/) - Paperback, 94 pages, Chapter Two, Fountain House, 3 Conduit Mews, London, SE18 7AP, United Kingdom ISBN 978-1-85307-257-4. Programmes or articles about money are usually deadly boring. Who can listen to ‘Moneybox Live’, or read the financial pages of their newspaper without their pulse slowing to 40 b.p.m. and fear of slipping in and out of - [Prove it How you can know and show that the Bible is God’s word – Paul McCauley](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/prove-it-how-you-can-know-and-show-that-the-bible-is-gods-word-paul-mccauley/) - Paperback, 270 pages, Published by Decapolis Press (an Imprint of Precious Seed), 19 Alfreton Road, Pinxton, NG16 6JZ, UK. - [Is the Bible Really the Word of God? – Andrew Wilson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/is-the-bible-really-the-word-of-god-andrew-wilson/) - Paperback, 214 Pages, Published by Believers Publications, North Lakes, Qld, Australia. ISBN: 9780994397713. There can be few more fundamental issues for Christianity than the trustworthiness and authority of scripture. In recent times the diversity and intensity of attacks on the Bible have been increasing. This contribution is therefore timely, and the author deals comprehensively with - [Chitokoloki Celebrating a century of the Lord’s work in North-western Zambia – Alma Turnbull](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/chitokoloki-celebrating-a-century-of-the-lords-work-in-north-western-zambia-alma-turnbull/) - Paperback, 163 pages, Published by Gospel Folio Press, 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN: 9781927521557. This is an interesting and informative book, written by Alma Turnbull, recording how the Lord has worked in a mighty way in a settlement on the banks of the Zambezi River called Chitokoloki. The remarkable - [Opening up Proverbs – Jim Newheiser](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/opening-up-proverbs-jim-newheiser/) - Paperback, 182 pages, Published by Day One Publications, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, UK. ISBN 978-1-84625-110-8. The ‘Opening up’ series covers many of the books of scripture, written by a number of respected, mainly American, authors. The book of Proverbs does not lend itself easily to analysis, nor to a verse-by-verse approach. The wise man sets out - [Prove it: how you can know and show that the Bible is God’s word](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/prove-it-how-you-can-know-and-show-that-the-bible-is-gods-word/) - Paperback, 270 pages, Published by Decapolis Press (an Imprint of Precious Seed), 19 Alfreton Road, Pinxton, NG16 6JZ, UK. [Available in the Precious Seed shop: - [Israel’s broken-hearted prophet](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/israels-broken-hearted-prophet/) - Hosea’s prophecy: an introduction and concise commentary Malcolm C. Davis Paperback, 96 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. ISBN: 978-1-910513-73-6. As Fraser Munro writes in the Foreword to this book, ‘Those who have benefitted from previous commentaries by Malcolm Davis will be grateful to him for turning his attention to - [Cornerstone Magazine Edited by David Dunlap](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/cornerstone-magazine-edited-by-david-dunlap/) - On-line magazine, 20 pages, Published by Cornerstone Magazine, 30 Maricona Way, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2T 1H2. Available at: - [Pocket Commentary Series – 1st John](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/pocket-commentary-series-1st-john/) - Paperback, 104 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd. 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. ISBN: 978-1-910513-68-2. What is a pocket commentary? As the Foreword states, ‘A need has been identified … for something smaller and shorter and cheaper – a mini commentary series’. Thus, a series of articles originally written for the Believer’s Magazine has now - [New Treasury of Bible Doctrine: ‘Things most surely believed’](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/new-treasury-of-bible-doctrine-things-most-surely-believed/) - Paperback, 590 pages, Published by Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, Sheffield, S21 1HW, UK. ISBN: 978 1 871642 84 1. First published 1977. Revised and updated 2017. This symposium of articles, mainly selected from the Precious Seed magazine, was originally issued as a companion volume to a similar symposium entitled Church Doctrine and - [Truth for Today – Paul’s Letter to the Colossians – Edited by J. D. Rice](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/truth-for-today-pauls-letter-to-the-colossians-edited-by-j-d-rice/) - Paperback, 82 pages, Published by Scripture Truth Publications, 31-33 Glover Street, Crewe, CW1 3LD, UK. ISBN: 978-0-901860-58-3 As the Foreword suggests, this book might be best described as ‘suitable Bible Study material for young Christians’. It is a compilation of chapters taken from a series of talks given by different speakers on the Truth for - [Cuckoos in the nest … apostasy in the church – Sam Gordon](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/cuckoos-in-the-nest-apostasy-in-the-church-sam-gordon/) - Paperback, 145 pages, published by Christian Year Publications, available from John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH. ISBN 978-1-872734-43-9. A book review is, by its very nature, a subjective exercise; it is just one person’s thoughts and opinion. The sub-title of this book is, ‘Jude made simple’, yet on first reading, the writer does - [Bethlehem to Bethany – Jack Strahan](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/bethlehem-to-bethany-jack-strahan/) - Hardback, 192 pages, Published by Scripture Teaching Library, Cookstown, Northern Ireland. ISBN: 978-1-909789-31-9 From the title alone one might consider this book to deal with familiar places in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus. In that sense, the assumption is accurate. The author does indeed cover places such as Bethlehem, Bethabara, Bethsaida, Bethesda, Bethphage, - [The People’s Bible – The remarkable history of the King James Version – Derek Wilson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-peoples-bible-the-remarkable-history-of-the-king-james-version-derek-wilson/) - Paperback, 222 pages; Published by Lion Hudson plc, Jordan Hill Rd. Oxford, OX2 8DR. Available from Amazon, also in Kindle, epub and PDF formats. ISBN 978-0-7459-5559-9 ISBN: 978-1-909789-31-9 Derek Wilson is an acclaimed author and historian who transports the reader back to the fourteenth century when the vast majority of people were illiterate, and scripture - [False Apocalypse, False Gospel, False Witnesses – Donald C. B. Cameron.](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/false-apocalypse-false-gospel-false-witnesses-donald-c-b-cameron/) - Paperback, 390 pages Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN 978–1–910513–80–4. No doubt most readers of this magazine will have encountered representatives of the Jehovah’s Witness cult either on their doorsteps or, increasingly, with placards and literature in our town centres and shopping malls. Broadly speaking, these JWs, as they are widely - [Truth and Training from Titus – Stephen G. Baker](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/truth-and-training-from-titus-stephen-g-baker/) - Paperback, 62 pages. Available from: Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, Sheffield, S21 1HW, UK. ISBN: 978-1-871642-94-0. The substance of this book, which runs to sixty-two pages, first appeared as a series of ten articles in the Precious Seed magazine. The writer’s stated intention is to ‘look at each phrase and statement in the - [New Testament Priests, Speak Up! – Mike Stephenson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/new-testament-priests-speak-up-mike-stephenson/) - Paperback, 79 pages. Published by ECS Ministries, PO Box 1028, Dubuque, IA 52004-1028. ISBN: 978-1-59387-229-8. The title and theme of this book will strike a chord with many who would love to hear more audible contribution from certain fellow brethren, particularly at the Lord’s Supper. The writer explains that participation in worship is not a - [His Coming – A Guide to Future Events – Various Authors](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/his-coming-a-guide-to-future-events-various-authors/) - Paperback, 140 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd. 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN: 978-1-910513-42-2. Books dealing with future events are not in short supply and cover every shade of opinion that has been put forward since the scriptures were completed. This publication, however, brings together nine subjects written by authors who are currently engaged in - [The World, the Flesh and the Devil – Jack Hay](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-world-the-flesh-and-the-devil-jack-hay/) - Paperback, 88 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. ISBN: 978-1-912522-32-3. The subjects under consideration in this brief, yet concise, study were addressed at a conference in South Wales in 2017. Now available in print to a wider audience, the importance of an acknowledgement and understanding of these topics cannot - [New Testament Church Basics – Understanding Local Assembly Character and Purpose – Michael J. Penfold](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/new-testament-church-basics-understanding-local-assembly-character-and-purpose-michael-j-penfold/) - Paperback, 60 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RL, Scotland. ISBN: 978-1-912522-29-3. For one who was brought up listening to some of the same speakers mentioned in the acknowledgements at the end of this book, it might almost appear as if this book was unnecessary. Sadly, it is not. Whilst the - [From Glasgow to Garenganze – Ian Burness](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/from-glasgow-to-garenganze-ian-burness/) - Paperback, 339 pages, Published by OPAL Trust and Echoes International, 1 Glenannan Park, Lockerbie, DG11 2FA, UK. ISBN 978-1-907098-32-1. A debt of gratitude is owed to the writer for the very readable style in which he has written this book. His extensive and detailed research is reflected in the large number of reference documents identified - [Collected Writings of J. M. Davies Vols. 1-3 Compiled by Mervyn Wishart](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/collected-writings-of-j-m-davies-vols-1-3-compiled-by-mervyn-wishart/) - Paperback in 3 volumes, 1428 pages, Published by STL, Cookstown, N. Ireland ISBNs: 978-1-909789-25-8; 978-1-909789-26-5; 978-1-909789-27-2. Mr. J. M. Davies was born in South Wales, UK, in 1895. He attended the Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College in the USA where he acquired knowledge of Greek which was a great help to him in the - [Pleased to Dwell – A Biblical Introduction to the Incarnation – Peter Mead](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/pleased-to-dwell-a-biblical-introduction-to-the-incarnation-peter-mead/) - Paperback, 207 pages. Published by Christian Focus Ltd. Geanies House, Fearn, IV20 1TW. The aim of this book as noted in the introduction is to provide ‘a biblical introduction to Christmas’. Reaching beyond all the commercialism and gratuitous materialism associated with the season, the author seeks to focus the mind of the reader on the - [Job, part of What the Bible Teaches series of Old Testament Commentaries – David Newell](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/job-part-of-what-the-bible-teaches-series-of-old-testament-commentaries-david-newell/) - Hardback, Published by John Ritchie Ltd. 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH ISBN 978-1-912522-25-5 This commentary by David Newell in the What the Bible Teaches series is a detailed and learned exegesis, dealing thoroughly with the difficulties and profundities of this ancient book, yet at the same time managing to be highly readable. The author - [Evolution and the Christian Faith – Theistic evolution in the light of Scripture – Philip Bell](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/evolution-and-the-christian-faith-theistic-evolution-in-the-light-of-scripture-philip-bell/) - Paperback. 320 pages. Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ, ISBN 978-1-84625-607-3. There is no shortage of good books written under the broad heading of ‘apologetics’, dealing with the subject of evolutionary theories as compared with the scriptures. In this book, however, Bell challenges those who seek to find a compromise between - [The Ten Commandments – Craig Munro](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-ten-commandments-craig-munro/) - Paperback 105 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. ISBN: 978-1-912522-21-7 This book is the first in a planned series by Craig Munro under the general heading ‘10-1’, dealing with numerically identified subjects, e.g., The nine Beatitudes, the eight Kingdom Parables, etc. All will be familiar themes to most readers - [Everyday Evangelism – Sharing the Gospel in Conversation – Paul McCauley & David Williamson](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/everyday-evangelism-sharing-the-gospel-in-conversation-paul-mccauley-david-williamson/) - Paperback, 336 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland KR3 1RL. ISBN: 978-1-912522-45-3 Books on the subjects of effective evangelism and Christian apologetics are not in short supply. Many of these emanate from the United States and have gained acceptance to a greater or lesser degree among those desiring to engage in - [Can science explain everything? – John C. Lennox](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/can-science-explain-everything-john-c-lennox/) - Paperback, 127 pages, Published by The Good Book Company, Blenheim House, 1 Blenheim Rd, Epsom, KT19 9AP, UK. ISBN: 978-1-784984-11-3 Those familiar with the name John Lennox will be encouraged to know that he has written another book. However, for those who plodded through Gunning for God or God’s Undertaker, this shorter volume may provide - [1 Corinthians – John M. Riddle](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/1-corinthians-john-m-riddle/) - Paperback, 352 pages, Published by John Ritchie Publishing, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, UK. ISBN: 978-1-912522-42-2 As the back cover of the book indicates, the content of this book is ‘the substance of Bible Class discussions held at Mill Lane Chapel, Cheshunt’, the author’s home assembly. However, such a comment should not be taken to suggest - [When Christians roamed the earth](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/when-christians-roamed-the-earth/) - Authors, Henry Morris, Ken Ham, Jack Cuozzo and others. Paperback, 192 pages, Published by Master Books, Inc., PO Box 727, Green Forest, AR 72638. ISBN: 978-0-89051-319-8 This title caught my eye and invited further examination. I found it to be a rather satirical take on the title of a book by Stephen Attmore, ‘When Dinosaurs - [The Messianic Jewish Epistles: An Exposition of Hebrews,  James, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-messianic-jewish-epistles-an-exposition-of-hebrews-james-1-2-peter-and-jude/) - Author, Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum Th.M, Ph.D. Hardback, 478 pages, Published by Ariel Ministries, P.O. Box 792507, San Antonio, TX 78279-2507 ISBN 978-0-914863-11-8 It is extremely difficult for a twenty-first-century Gentile to identify with a first-century Jew when considering the impact of the New Testament teaching on their way of life, culture and religious heritage. The - [The Nine Beatitudes – Craig Munro](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-nine-beatitudes-craig-munro/) - Paperback, 94 pages, Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13: 978 1 912522 49 1. This is the second book in a series bearing the overall title 10-1. The author’s plan is to deal with important subjects identified by numbers in a descending order, hence The Ten Commandments is followed now by - [The New Believers Hymn Book](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-new-believers-hymn-book/) - 700 Hymns, Hardback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RL. ISBN: 978-1-912522-38-5. Hymns and hymnbooks, suitable for the regular meetings of the Lord’s people can be a very sensitive, and on occasion, controversial subject. In many places today there is an inclination toward the use of twenty-first century arrangements, many of which - [Seven Postures of Christ – Mervyn Wishart](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/seven-postures-of-christ-mervyn-wishart/) - Paperback, 128 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13: 978 1 912522 62 0. As the Psalmist takes up his pen to write, he immediately directs our attention to one man whom he calls ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’. He notes particularly where he does not walk, when he does not stand and - [Hope – Anchor of the soul](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/hope-anchor-of-the-soul/) - Author: Robert Plant and Amanda Le Bail Paperback, 77 pages, Published by John Ritchie Publishing, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, KA3 1RH. ISBN: 978-1-912522-56-9. This small, full-colour booklet is made up of thirty-one readings consisting of Bible verses, simple meditations, hymns and poems. As the introduction indicates, ‘it is written with the sole intention of helping - [Church Doctrine and Practice (Revised Edition)](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/church-doctrine-and-practice-revised-edition/) - Author: Ken Totton (editor). Paperback, 394 pages, Published by Precious Seed Publications, 34 Metcalfe Avenue, Killamarsh, Sheffield, S21 1HW, UK. ISBN: 978-1-871642-93-3. This year will see the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of this helpful book, now revised. The fact that the original volume was reprinted in 1971, 1975, 1984, 1999, and 2004 bears some - [Searching Messages from the Minor Prophets – Malcolm C. Davis](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/searching-messages-from-the-minor-prophets-malcolm-c-davis/) - 192 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, KA3 1RH, Scotland. ISBN: 978-1-912522-54-5 This is the latest book from the busy pen of Malcolm Davis and is the second volume on the Minor Prophets. This volume covers the prophecies from Nahum to Malachi, with the exception of Zechariah, which is the subject - [Collected writings of E. W. Rogers – Volume 1 – Compiled by Mervyn Wishart](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/collected-writings-of-e-w-rogers-volume-1-compiled-by-mervyn-wishart/) - 400 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn. Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN: 978-1-912522-60-6 Few people today under the age of sixty would have had the privilege of hearing the spoken ministry of E. W. Rogers. For that reason alone, this first volume of written ministry compiled by Mervyn Wishart is very welcome. It is, - [Traditions to Treasure – Continuing Steadfastly](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/traditions-to-treasure-continuing-steadfastly/) - Bert Cargill and James Brown 242 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13: 978-1-912522-67-5. I recall as a young boy, that my father had a book called Chief Men among the Brethren. My memory is of grainy photographs of be-whiskered, gloomy faces, without a ghost of a smile; I did not - [How shattered dreams became reality (Lessons from the life of Joseph) – Jack Hay](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/how-shattered-dreams-became-reality-lessons-from-the-life-of-joseph-jack-hay/) - 139 pages, Paperback. Published by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13: 978-1-912522-74-3. The life and character of Joseph has attracted the attention of many writers over the years. No doubt it is because in this narrative Genesis record the sovereign and overruling hand of God is seen; practical lessons can be drawn, and - [Have you caught the 3:16? Have you gone down in the 8:36? Are you following the 2:42? – Robert Plant](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/have-you-caught-the-316-have-you-gone-down-in-the-836-are-you-following-the-242-robert-plant/) - Paperback, 34-60 pages. Published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland. ISBN-13:978-1-910513-34-7; 978-1-912522-59-0; 978-1-910513-66-8. These three 15cm x 10.5cm booklets have been written by Robert Plant with both gospel and teaching content, primarily for young and new believers, although the subjects are relevant and readable for all ages. For those who are acquainted with - [Election and Predestination – Peter A. Kerr](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/election-and-predestination-peter-a-kerr/) - Paperback, 298 pages. Published by Everyday Publications Inc.,310 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6A6, Canada. ISBN-13:978-0-88873-747-2. The sub-title of this new publication dealing with a subject which over the years has generated more heat than light in Christian circles, is ‘Looking for Answers – not Arguments’. The author explains at some length and - [Golden Thread Series — Alan Jenkins](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/golden-thread-series-alan-jenkins/) - 518 pages, Paperback. Published by Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd, Link House, 140 The Broadway, Tolworth, Surrey, KT6 7HT. ISBN-13:978-1-839750-55-7. This book is evidence of a great deal of time spent by the writer in studying the scriptures. It is,in essence,a series of character studies under four general headings:the Patriarchs, the Pioneers, the Prophets and the - [The Glories of our Lord - James McBroom](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/the-glories-of-our-lord-james-mcbroom/) - 300 pages. From W. S. Penfold, T.C.S.L., Claremount House, Bicester 0X6 7BW, or Gospel Tract Publications, 48 York Street, Glasgow G2. £1 -25 plus 45p postage (10 copies for £10, postage £2-50). Consisting of seven small booklets written many years ago, the book is now republished in one paperback volume. This is not to be - [An Exposition of Second Timothy - Phillip Harding](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/an-exposition-of-second-timothy-phillip-harding/) - 110 pages. From Gospel Tract Publications, 48 York Street, Glasgow G2 8JW, or through bookshops. £1 plus 20p postage. In living through the last days of his life, the apostle Paul looked beyond to “the last days” when “perilous times shall come”. The author examines the message of the Epistle in great detail - words, - [Principles of Assembly Rule as Illustrated in First Samuel by A. McShane](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/principles-of-assembly-rule-as-illustrated-in-first-samuel-by-a-mcshane/) - Principles of Assembly Rule as Illustrated in First Samuel by A. McShane; 67 pages; 25p. plus 9p. postage (20 copies post free), from the author, 39 Russell Drive, Lurgan, N. Ireland BT66 8HD. To many readers, the author is but a name often appearing in the Reports Section in connection with the Lord’s work in - [God and the Nations, by Harry Lacy](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/god-and-the-nations-by-harry-lacy/) - God and the Nations, by Harry Lacy; Paper back, 168 pages plus indices; £1.35 plus 13p. postage. Ritchie, Kilmarnock. The republication of this book, after so many years, is a fitting tribute to the ministry of our late brother, Harry Lacy. Many of us remember him as a brother who gave help and blessing to - [Come and Dine, by R. E. & G. J. Harlow](https://www.preciousseed.org/book_review/come-and-dine-by-r-e-g-j-harlow/) - Come and Dine, by R. E. & G. J. Harlow (173 pages); £1.10; 2.25 U.S. dollars. Everyday Publications, 230 Glebemount Avenue, Toronto, Canada M4C 3T4. (Postage included in price. Cheques in Sterling are acceptable). Many believers like a set portion of Scripture to read each morning, together with suitable comments on the passage. Come and ## Faith Matters - [Faith Matters 2023 Issue 11](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2023-issue-11/) - [Faith Matters 2021 Issue 10](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2021-issue-10/) - [Faith Matters 2019 Issue 9](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2019-issue-9/) - [Faith Matters 2018 Issue 8](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2018-issue-8/) - [Faith Matters 2016 Issue 7](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2016-issue-7/) - [Faith Matters 2015 Issue 6](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2015-issue-6/) - [Faith Matters 2015 Issue 5](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2015-issue-5/) - [Faith Matters 2014 Issue 4](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2014-issue-4/) - [Faith Matters 2013 Issue 3](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2013-issue-3/) - [Faith Matters 2012 Issue 2](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2012-issue-2/) - [Faith Matters 2011 Issue 1](https://www.preciousseed.org/faith_matters/faith-matters-2011-issue-1/) ## Web Links - [Young Precious Seed](https://www.preciousseed.org/web_links/young-precious-seed/) - A website providing bible teaching and good advice for young Christians. - [Scripture Teaching Library](https://www.preciousseed.org/web_links/scripture-teaching-library-2/) - Scripture Teaching Library is a publisher of expository and devotional Christian literature. - [Gospel Folio Press](https://www.preciousseed.org/web_links/gospel-folio-press-2/) - The Mission of Gospel Folio Press. To gain and keep the trust of those seeking dependable Bible teaching presented in a fresh way, by providing one source for a wide variety of carefully selected, value priced, first-rate Christian resources. - [Faith Matters](https://www.preciousseed.org/web_links/faith-matters/) - Faith Matters is an evangelistic magazine which is UK written, published and distributed to readers freely. 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[1994](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1994/) - [1993](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1993/) - [1992](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1992/) - [1991](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1991/) - [1990](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1990/) - [1989](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1989/) - [1988](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1988/) - [1987](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1987/) - [1986](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1986/) - [1985](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1985/) - [1984](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1984/) - [1983](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1983/) - [1982](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1982/) - [1981](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1981/) - [1980](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1980/) - [1979](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1979/) - [1978](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1978/) - [1977](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1977/) - [1976](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1976/) - [1975](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1975/) - [1974](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1974/) - [1973](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1973/) - [1972](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1972/) - [1971](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1971/) - [1970](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1970/) - [1969](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1969/) - [1968](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1968/) - [1967](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1967/) - [1966](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1966/) - [1965](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1965/) - [1964](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1964/) - [1963](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1963/) - [1962](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1962/) - [1961](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1961/) - [1960](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1960/) - [1959](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1959/) - [1958](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1958/) - [1957](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1957/) - [1956](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1956/) - [1955](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1955/) - [1954](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1954/) - [1953](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1953/) - [1952](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1952/) - [1951](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1951/) - [1950](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1950/) - [1949](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1949/) - [1948](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1948/) - [1947](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1947/) - [1946](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1946/) - [1945](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/1945/) - [2022](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/2022/) - [2023](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/2023/) - [2024](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/2024/) - [2025](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/2025/) - [2026](https://www.preciousseed.org/issue_years/2026/) ## Book Review Alphas - [A](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/a/) - [B](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/b/) - [C](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/c/) - [D](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/d/) - [E](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/e/) - [F](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/f/) - [G](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/g/) - [H](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/h/) - [I](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/i/) - [J](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/j/) - [K](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/k/) - [L](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/l/) - [M](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/m/) - [N](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/n/) - [O](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/o/) - [P](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/p/) - [R](https://www.preciousseed.org/bookreview_alpha/r/) - 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