Author: Rhi

Jesus will sit on David’s Throne

~ Rhi

Why does the first verse of the New Testament introduce the Lord Jesus as the son of David and the son of Abraham?

“… the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Ma􀆩hew 1:1)

God made key promises to David and Abraham about Jesus in the Old Testament. David, who showed his faith as a youth against Goliath, became Israel’s king and built a palace in Jerusalem. He wanted to build a temple for God, but God
instead promised him:

“I will set up your seed a􀅌er you [have died] … I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son” (2 Samuel 7:12-14)

This was partly fulfilled in David’s son Solomon, who became king and built the temple. However, Solomon did not reign forever and was not God’s son, pointing to a greater future fulfilment in Jesus. When Mary was pregnant, an angel told her:

“the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David … and of His kingdom there will be no end … that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:32-35)

The complete fulfilment of God’s promises to David will be when Jesus returns. Jesus will reign from David’s throne in Jerusalem, his father is God and he is a descendant of David (through his mother Mary). We are also told that he will reign forever. This confirms that the special descendant promised to David would be Jesus. The wonderful message for the future is that Jesus will be King from Jerusalem, the same place where David reigned!

The Significance of the Reformation

~ Rhi

The Reformation changed the course of history and continues to shape our lives today! Want to find out more? Dive into this transformative period with our insightful YouTube presentation, The Significance of the Reformation, where we explore its profound impact on faith, knowledge, and personal growth.

The Reformation was more than a historical event; it revolutionized how we connect with God and Jesus. Our presentation focuses on two key ideas:

  1. Personal Access to the Bible
    Before the Reformation, the Bible was accessible only to a privileged few, often in languages most couldn’t understand. The Reformation made it possible for everyone to read and learn from the Scriptures in their own language, empowering personal faith journeys.
  2. Returning to Original Languages
    The reformers emphasized studying the Bible in its original languages to uncover its true meaning. This commitment to authenticity remains just as important today.

What You’ll Gain
● A clearer appreciation of how the Reformation made the Bible accessible
● Insights into the importance of original languages in understanding Scripture
● Inspiration to engage with the Bible in a more meaningful way

Watch Now
Discover how the Reformation continues to inspire and empower individuals. Visit our channel to watch our YouTube video and explore the legacy of making Scripture accessible and understandable for all: https://www.youtube.com/live/vkaPeRu3ZLg

Let’s rediscover the power of the Word together.

New Year! A new opportunity to set yourself a new goal

~ Rhi

It’s 2025… the beginning of another new year… another opportunity to set yourself a new goal. How about setting yourself a new kind of resolution for this year: to read God’s Word every day!

‘Seek the Lord while He may be found’ – Isaiah 55v6

You may have set yourself many different goals in the past and wondered why some of them were so hard to keep… the trick is to set out some realistic and achievable steps to follow. If you do this, you will find it much easier to keep to your resolution.

‘Receive the word with all readiness of mind… search the scriptures daily’ – Acts 17v11

Here are 5 steps to help you achieve your new goal:

  1. Set aside some time to read the Bible every day, even for just 10 minutes or so…
  2. Find yourself a Bible or download a Bible app onto your phone.
  3. If you like to have something to follow, you could use the Daily Reading Planner (see below) or you could choose a book of the Bible to read through at your own pace.
  4. Read carefully and meditate on what you have read. Think about the meaning… what is God trying to say to you?
  5. Put what you learn into practice – live your life as a follower of Christ.

‘Delight in God’s Word and meditate upon it’ – Psalm 1v2

The FREE Bible Reading Planner suggests a chapter for each day and includes helpful notes. To request your free copy email info@gorseinonchristadelphians.org.uk

Time for a good chat

~ Rhi

Having a chat means different things to different people.  Some might like a “good gossip”.  It can be exciting to hear someone’s news, but we wouldn’t always want others to discuss our personal issues; passing on private information can be hurtful rather than good.

The Bible says,

   “You shall not go around as a slanderer (or talebearer)” (Leviticus 19v16)

Some people want to chat because they are lonely or have a particular problem that they are finding difficult to deal with.

In the Bible, James says,

“let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak”  (James 1v19)

The advice given is to spend more time listening to others, trying to understand their point of view or their difficulties rather than jumping in too soon with our own comments.  We could follow up the standard “how are you?” opener with “are you sure you’re OK?” and then try to really listen and understand the response.  We may make a big difference to someone’s life when we take a few minutes to pause in our busy lives and try to understand what someone is really saying.    Maybe we can then think of a practical way to help them or perhaps there aren’t any solutions to offer but just listening and offering sympathy may still be beneficial.

In the Bible, God offers a lot of practical wisdom on how to live our lives and have good relationships with others, why not open a Bible and read more?