Bible Student's Radio (2025)

21/12/2024

Paul’s Early and Later Ministries Are NOT the Same

Paul’s early ministry and his later ministry were NOT the same. This is why we are admonished to correctly partition the Word of Truth: in order that we are walking ONLY in the truth of this present dispensation of the SECRET, our marching orders and truth are recorded in Ephesians and Colossians.

If you are interested in growing in truth, it would benefit you greatly to understand the ministry taking place during the Acts era while the barrier wall was UP, separating the Circumcision from the Uncircumcision, and the ministry that is NOW taking place with the wall DOWN to ALL peoples – NO distinctions, NO separations.

— De Trefethen

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18/12/2024

’Tis The Season to Be …

We all know the rest of the line from this 16th century Welsh yuletide carol Deck the Halls: “’Tis the season to be jolly.” A “jolly” season is surely a very delightful thought.

Unfortunately, such is not the reality in the lives of many. December can be a very difficult and stressful time of the year, even melancholy for some, and depressing for others.

There are a number of reasons for difficulties during this season. One is simply that life can be hard and full of heartbreak and disappointment. When one finds themselves in the middle of problems during this time of year, the struggle can increase just by knowing that one is supposed to be “jolly.”

Then, of course, there are those who struggle with living in the past – especially in such a sentimental season. “Living” in the past is not really living though, but just “existing” through the rehearsing of a former life that has already been lived. Sentiment is a heavy burden for many to bear – living with the ghosts of Christmas past.

Certainly, there are also those who become easily obsessed with that 24-hour window of the future – from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day. They get trapped in all of the anxious plans and fretful details that must be managed so that these few hours turn out just right. Sometimes this bo***ge actually originates from a heart that genuinely desires to bring blessing to others – but in the process of all of the activity one can easily lose sight of what is really important, and like Martha of Luke’s Gospel, they become disgruntled by being “cumbered by much serving” (10:40).

The Understandable Version says that she was “preoccupied with all the preparations [i.e., for entertaining her beloved guest].” I am sure that many a host and hostess could easily identify with Martha. Unquestionably, the idea of her being “preoccupied” is that she had been “distracted” (as Young, Weymouth, Rotherham and the CLNT have translated it) from what was of real importance. It is easy to lose heart in our service when undue importance is placed on artificial days or things.

In all of the situations that present seasonal occasions for being sad, depressed, overwhelmed and anxious, it is important that we keep our eyes on Father and His Son. Like Moses, we get through our trials only by “seeing Him Who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). Like Peter, we will begin to sink beneath the waves of circumstances if we take our eyes off of our only source of true joy and strength (Matthew 14:22-33).

Much attention is given in this season for the “Babe in the manger,” but we must look to the “Lord of Glory” Who is now at the right hand of the Father, and we are seated there with Him (Colossians 3:1). As in all other parts of the year we should live our day-to-day lives unto Him, and Him alone (Colossians 3:17, 23).

While we may occasionally look to the past with thanksgiving to Him, and we may plan for the future so as to be His blessing to others, we must keep our bearings in this season by living neither in the past, nor in the future, but in the present. We, or our loved ones, may never come to see the upcoming 24-hour period over which we are so stressed. Our lives are but a v***r, and none of us are promised a tomorrow (James 4:14).

All that we have is today. Seize it. Live in it. Enjoy it,

For in Him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28).

With Him, every day is a glorious season – every day a sacred holiday (Romans 14:5-8; I Corinthians 10:31). During this season, whatever steps you may be taking on your journey, remember to enjoy HIM, Who is your life (Colossians 3:4).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

17/12/2024

The Baby Jesus and the Lord of Glory

Each year at Christmas-time, the “baby Jesus” is the subject of discussion and attention.

Indeed, all year long the Babe in its mother’s arms and the dying Sufferer on the cross are kept constantly before the masses, while our Lord’s resurrection, ascension and present glory in heaven are given but scant attention. This is because so few have taken note of the great message of the Apostle Paul about the glorified Lord in heaven. In II Corinthians 5:16, the Apostle wrote:

… yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.

It is sad that so many still know only “Christ after the flesh.” They love to discuss the “gospel stories” about the “Man of Galilee,” but find themselves strangers in the great Epistles of Paul.

Paul is the apostle for this present “dispensation of the grace of God.” It is he who presents Christ in His present glory as the great Dispenser of redeeming grace, through the merits He won at Calvary. In Ephesians 1:15-23 we have recorded for us the Apostle’s prayer that we might be given “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ” that we might come to experience…

What is the exceeding greatness of [God’s] power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world [age], but also in that which is to come (:19-21).

Let us thank God that the baby Jesus grew up and died for our sins and became the risen, living Savior at God’s right hand.

Cornelius R. Stam (1909-2003)
Two Minutes with the Bible

http://www.StudyShelf.com

16/12/2024

Son of an Average Joseph

Is not this the carpenter’s son? (Matthew 13:55).

The Lord Jesus Christ was the Son of God; but the one who had the distinguished role of being His earthly “father” was Joseph.

A simple man, and from all earthly perception, he was what we might call an average “Joseph” – or an average “Joe.” He was a lowly carpenter; making our Lord the son of an average Joe.

This was not an accident, for it is indeed our Father’s method. The Father does not plan and build spiritual life upon social prestige, honor, respect and position. He has made clear the divine method:

For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (I Corinthians 1:26).

Paul goes on to explain:

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence (I Corinthians 1:27-29).

Our Lord Jesus Christ was seen as the “son” of Joseph, the carpenter – the son of the average Joe; but His life was the manifestation of His Heavenly Father! So it can be with us: though we were born a mere human, and may have a lowly lot in life, inside of us dwells the very life of the Father!

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

15/12/2024

Santa Claus and Hell

As believers in the complete and successful work of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and the sovereignty of God in all things, it’s apparent that our previous misunderstanding of hell is a part of our Creator’s perfect plan. This temporary misconception was never out of His perfect plan in our lives.

Most of us, within the circle of believers who have come to see and understand God’s unconditional mercy, came from backgrounds that involved the teaching of hell. What a wonderful thing it is to have that idea behind us and to realize that it’s not true. However, we might ask ourselves, “Was God sovereign over our lives and environment when we were younger, absorbing this concept of hell?”

Yes! God was perfectly and fully in control of the false and incorrect notions we soaked up in traditional churches and our “Christian” culture. Our sovereign God uses all things to fulfill His perfect plan, including erroneous and inaccurate teaching.

Some of us who are parents may be responsible for the exact same strategy. We either told our children about Santa Clause, or at least allowed them to believe in the fictional Santa along with his strategy of rewarding those children who were good.

When we reached the age where we learned that Santa was not true, it was no big deal; we simply matured out of it. However, when one of our friends or siblings told us that Santa wasn’t real – before we were ready to accept it – our young minds denied this information and we may have said, “No! Santa’s real. I know he is. You’re wrong!”

Perhaps this is a microcosm of “the hell concept” that most of us see in our friends and families thinking. Telling others about God’s successful plan to save the world by the finished work of Jesus Christ may be like telling a seven year old, “There’s no Santa Claus.”

— Mike Owens

http://www.StudyShelf.com

14/12/2024

Intersected Lives

Have you ever wondered about the people who come in and out of your life, and you theirs?

At the many different stages of your life there have been acquaintances and friends – some casual and some dearly close to you – and then you both moved on with your lives, taking quite different paths. Some you hear from, or of, occasionally; others seem to be completely lost from your life.

Know this: God always knows exactly what He is doing, and He always is in charge of our lives.

The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23).

This includes the intersection of your life with others.

All of your days were written in His book; they were formed when there was not one of them (Psalm 139:16).

God knows when people – in His Own development of them individually – need to cross each other’s path, or even to linger in each other’s lives for a while. Although it is almost always a mutual need – even if we can’t detect it at the time – often one appears to be the giver and one the receiver. Sometimes we’re the wind, sometimes the sail. God alone knows when people need each other most.

Either way, and whether for a brief moment or an extended time, we can give thanks to Father for the seasons He has given in someone’s path.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

11/12/2024

Consciousness of God

The consciousness of God is my most precious possession. It supports me in my trial and tempers my success. It changes life from a desperate gamble to an exultant assurance that I cannot miss His goal. I would not trade it for all the mines of gold in California. All the pearls of the Pacific could not purchase it from me.

A.E. Knoch (1874-1965)
Faith Fellowship, Vol. 57, No. 2

http://www.StudyShelf.com

10/12/2024

The Final Authority

Thankfully, none of us are the final authorities, but we know exactly where absolute authority lies, and thus we trust that we will all continue to search the Scriptures persistently, and consistently adjust our understanding and teaching accordingly, regardless of our current “positions.”

For well over 45 years I have steadily taken what I have found useful from students of the past. In doing so I believe that I have honored and helped to preserve their faithful labors.

It is my simple desire that you do the same thing with our materials. If you find something of value, build upon it in your own personal studies. If you find, on any issue, that we have gone too far – or not far enough – make adjustments accordingly.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

09/12/2024

The Dangers of the Controversialists

Controversy is fraught with dangers.

Engrossed by the one desire to condemn a contrary view, the judgment of the controversialist becomes warped, and he does injustice to himself while he unconsciously misrepresents the position of his opponent.

We are not saying that our critic has deliberately misrepresented our position, but that his eagerness to condemn has prevented him from viewing the subject in its true perspective.

Our critic concludes by saying that his denunciation is prompted by loyalty to Christ. The inquisition claimed the same. We mortals are all too prone to think that our views of truth are the truth, and when differing views are put forth, we imagine that the faith trembles in the balance, and that we must defend it at all hazards; whereas the truth of the matter is that the faith is trying us and our exertions to defend it only mar the testing. Uzzah imagined that the ark was in danger of falling, and lost his life in an attempt to steady it.

Vladimir Gelesnoff
“A Shocking Blasphemy”
Unsearchable Riches, Volume 5

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09/12/2024

Christ Is Greater than Adam

Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came on all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came on all men to justification of life (Romans 5:18.)

Christ’s work on Calvary is greater than Adam’s “fall.” All of God’s creation will be gloriously saved by the successful work of “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

Salvation is not dependent on us at all. Salvation is ALL about Christ and His work alone. Paul taught that the exact same “all” who are condemned in Adam are the exact same “all” who are justified in Christ (Romans 5:18); and that the exact same “all” who die in Adam are the exact same “all” who are “made alive” in Christ (I Corinthians 15:22). What a victorious Savior we have!

Traditional Christianity has an Adam that is greater than Christ; however, it is Christ Who is greater than Adam.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

06/12/2024

Paul’s Priestly Ministry

Prior to the revelation of the present Secret Administration found in Ephesians and Colossians, Paul’s ministry was a prophetic “light of the nations” (Acts 13:47) under the auspices of Israel (Isaiah 49:6), Paul himself “acting as a priest” (Romans 15:15-16, CV).

During his earlier ministry, by his own admission, his teaching was limited to what “the prophets and Moses did say should come” (Acts 26:22), proclaiming “the hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20). This vital key is crucial to the proper understanding of the epistles which Paul wrote prior to Ephesians, letters which were “out of an installment” (I Corinthians 13:9-10, 12, CV).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

04/12/2024

Peace Is the Complement of Grace

Looking at some believers we might be led to think that confrontation, conflict and contention are our divine calling from God.

Their marital lives, their relationships with others, their ministries – even their own hearts – appear filled with discord, strife and fighting. This may indeed be the normal course of some; but it’s not our calling as believers. The fact is that ours is a calling of peace!

… But God has called us to peace (I Corinthians 7:15).

Peace is the divine complement of grace. “Grace and peace” are what this dispensation is all about. This is why Paul begins each and every one of his letters with “Grace and peace.”

Grace to you and peace (Romans 1:7).
Grace be to you, and peace (I Corinthians 1:3).
Grace be to you and peace (II Corinthians 1:2).
Grace be to you and peace (Galatians 1:3).
Grace be to you, and peace (Ephesians 1:2).
Grace be to you, and peace (Philippians 1:2).
Grace be to you, and peace (Colossians 1:2).
Grace be to you, and peace (I Thessalonians 1:1).
Grace to you, and peace (II Thessalonians 1:2).
Grace, mercy, and peace (I Timothy 1:2).
Grace, mercy, and peace (II Timothy 1:2).
Grace, mercy, and peace (Titus 1:4).
Grace to you, and peace (Philemon 1:3).

After all, He’s not only the “God of all grace” (I Peter 5:10); He’s the “God of peace” as well!

… The God of peace … (Romans 15:33).
… The God of peace … (Romans 16:20).
… The very God of peace … (I Thessalonians 5:23).

God is the author of peace!

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, (I Corinthians 14:33).

Our peace comes from Him!

Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace (II Thessalonians 3:16).

In fact, we have peace with God Himself!

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

He made this peace through Christ’s work at Calvary!

… Having made peace through the blood of His stake (Colossians 1:20).

In fact, He Himself is our peace!

For He is our peace … (Ephesians 2:14).

Peace is what spiritual mindedness is about!

… To be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6).

Peace is what we are to pursue!

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace… (Romans 14:19).

As faith is exercise, God fills us with peace!

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (Romans 15:13).

God wants us to live in peace!

… Live in peace … (II Corinthians 13:11).

Peace is the Spirit’s fruit in our lives!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace … (Galatians 5:22-23).

The peace of God keeps our hearts and minds!

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

We are to let God’s peace rule our hearts!

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts … (Colossians 3:15).

We are to be at peace with one another!

And be at peace among yourselves (I Thessalonians 5:13).

Peace is what we are to follow after!

… follow righteousness, faith, love, peace … (II Timothy 2:22).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

03/12/2024

One with Him

When Adam was originally created, Eve was a dormant part of him. God created them male and female and named them “Adam.”

When Eve was formed and given a life of her own, God did not form her from the soil of the ground in a separate creation. Much rather, He took a part right out of Adam and built her from his very flesh.

When we consider the saints of this present Secret Administration, we are told by Paul that the same concept (in regard to Adam and Eve being one) is also the case as to Christ and the Ecclesia! (Ephesians 5:32).

— Joseph Marcello

http://www.StudyShelf.com

02/12/2024

Leaving Out Grace

Even those of us who are profoundly convinced that grace is the prime spring of God’s dealings with His saints in this administration are inclined to leave it out of our dealings with one another.

We prefer justice because we each feel that we have been just and, in case of a clash, the other has been unjust. We would like to display the justice of our cause before the saints and the world, when we ought rather to consider our fellow saint and hide his injustice, if it is that. Let us not seek to get our rights, to square up accounts now, but rather suffer wrong.

A.E. Knoch (1874-1965)
“The Glorious Gospel of God’s Grace”
Unsearchable Riches, Volume 36 (1946)

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01/12/2024

A Mirage of Freedom

If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Religion offers up an appearance of freedom; but it is not freedom at all, for it can’t actually be lived and practiced – it is only a “freedom” in theory.

If there is even a hint of “freedom” in the religious system, it’s really only a mirage. It is an illusion; and this is exactly what legalism produces – a fantasy of freedom, where no one is actually free at all. There is plenty of talk about freedom; but when it actually comes to living free, the believer has their liberty taken away through the strategic misuse of Scriptures. They enact such twisted standards as “abstain from all appearance of evil” and “be sure not to offend anyone.”

All of this is the classic bait-and-switch. Legalists bait the unsuspecting with language of freedom, and then once they have them under their influence they take away the right to practice the very freedom that they claim to profess – making it merely a delusion of freedom.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

28/11/2024

Thanksgiving Day vs. Daily Thanksgiving

Many years ago as a teenager, after reading Paul’s many exhortations to continued thanksgiving, the thought occurred to me:

Instead of one day dedicated to “thanksgiving,” wouldn’t we be better off dedicating one day to murmuring and complaining, and the remaining 364 to thanksgiving? Instead of a special day of thanksgiving, why not make every day a holiday of thanksgiving as unto the Lord?

Now obviously it would be ludicrous to have a day set aside for complaining, but is it any more ludicrous than devoting only one day to thanksgiving? I am certainly not advocating a day of complaining; but it is a thought that has returned to me every year of my adult life. Although I certainly enjoy a day to break from the normal activities of life and spend it with family and friends, is not “normal” life the real place to give true thanksgiving? Should we not be thankful every day? Should we not have a heart of gratitude even in the middle of trials? Should not every day, for the believer, be Thanksgiving?

One man esteems one day above another: another esteems every day alike (Romans 14:5).

Clearly, as believers we are not bound by man’s traditions, national or otherwise. Why not, then, joining with our Apostle of Thanksgiving, let us rise to a much higher plane and make every single day our own special holiday of Thanksgiving to the Lord? Let’s devote ALL of our days to giving Him the worship of thanks.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

25/11/2024

The Conduct of the Saints

Bless those who are persecuting you: bless, and do not curse (Romans 12:14).

The conduct of the saints in any given economy is based on God’s dispensation. If He dispenses law, He requires conduct in accord with law. Mercy calls for a higher standard, while grace appeals for the highest type of loving deportment under even the most trying circumstances. The law allowed men to hate their enemies, to exact an equivalent, as an eye for an eye, and, indeed, to act toward one another as God dealt with them. God’s grace, then, is the model after which we may pattern our conduct. As He never curses now, we may not curse, but bless even those who are persecuting us.

A.E. Knoch (1874-1965)
Concordant Commentary

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24/11/2024

The Darlings of God

… to all that be at Rome, darlings of God (Romans 1:7, Wycliffe New Testament, 1388).

Over six hundred years ago John Wycliffe, while translating the Greek Scriptures into English, rendered the phrase “darlings of God,” later more commonly translated “beloved of God.”

What a thought this must have been to the first readers of the Bible in their own English tongue, that they were the “darlings of God.”

Our English words “loved” and “beloved” are not identical in meaning. The prefix be- carries the meaning “completely, thoroughly, excessively.” Oxford states that the prefix be- “naturally intensifies the sense of the verb.”

We are beloved by God; “completely, thoroughly, excessively” loved of Father; intensely loved by Him. As Wycliffe rendered it, we are His “darlings.”

Now, how did this happen? Well, as we later learn through the revelation given to Paul, we have been “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Being “in the beloved,” and finding our own acceptance of God there, we are thus also beloved! How could it be otherwise? That is why we are “the darlings of God.”

Father, speaking of His Son out of heaven, called Him, “My Darling” (Matthew 12:18, Wycliffe). Thus, now being in God’s Darling, we, too, are His darlings.

Never forget how intensely precious you are to Father. He could not possibly love you any more than He does. You are His darling.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

http://www.StudyShelf.com

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