(Un) Common thoughts of Christ

In Episode 3 of He That Hath Ears to Hear, we examine the second soil in the parable of the sower — the stony ground.Unlike the hardened wayside, this soil shows immediate response. There is gladness, enthusiasm, and visible growth. But beneath the surface lies hidden rock, and the Lord exposes the fatal issue:“They have no root in themselves.”Why do some respond quickly to the Word of God, yet later fall away? Why does trial expose what emotion temporarily concealed? And what does this parable reveal about shallow Christianity in 2026?This episode explores: the difference between emotional response and true root,  why affliction and persecution reveal the condition of the heart,  the danger of quick spiritual impressions without repentance,  and why being rooted in Christ is essential during the King’s rejection. Special attention is given to: Mark 4 and the phrase “for a while,”  the cost of following a rejected Christ,  John 6 and disciples who “walked no more with Him,”  and Isaiah 53, where the Lord Jesus is revealed as: “a root out of a dry ground.”Though the stony-ground hearer withers under the heat of trial, Christ endured the full heat of rejection, contradiction, and suffering — and never failed. He becomes not only the perfect example of endurance, but the source of life for those who are truly rooted in Him.Main Scriptures: Matthew 13:5–6, 20–21  Mark 4:16–17  Luke 8:13  Isaiah 53:2  John 6:66–68  Colossians 2:6–7  Psalm 1:2–3  Jeremiah 17:7–8Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In Episode 2 of He That Hath Ears to Hear, we examine the first soil in the parable of the sower — the wayside ground.Why can people hear the Word of God repeatedly and yet remain unchanged? What does it mean for the seed to lie only on the surface of the heart? And why did the Lord connect the birds of the air with the direct activity of Satan?This episode explores:the hardened heart,the danger of repeated exposure without response,how the enemy quickly removes the Word,and why the Spirit still warns:“Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”Special attention is given to:Israel in the wilderness as a warning example,the “fowls of the air” and Satan’s activity,the roaring lion of 1 Peter 5,the battle for attention and spiritual hearing in 2026,and how wounded hearts can slowly become hardened hearts.In an age filled with endless content, distraction, noise, and spiritual overexposure, this parable becomes more relevant than ever. The issue is not merely whether we hear sermons or consume religious material — the issue is whether the Word truly enters the conscience and heart.Main Scriptures:Matthew 13:3–19Mark 4:4–15Psalm 95:7–8Hebrews 3:151 Peter 5:8Hosea 10:12This episode asks the searching question: What happens when I hear the Word of God?Does it enter?Or does it remain on the surface where the enemy can quickly take it away?Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this opening episode of He That Hath Ears to Hear, we begin exploring the parable of the sower in Matthew 13 and Mark 4 — one of the most searching teachings ever given by the Lord Jesus.Why did the Lord suddenly begin speaking in parables? Why did some hear and understand while others remained blind? And why is the phrase “He that hath ears to hear” so critical for believers today?This episode examines the turning point in Matthew’s Gospel where the King is increasingly rejected, and instead of publicly establishing the kingdom in power, the Lord begins sowing the Word into hearts. We consider how the “Kingdom of Heaven” explains the present spiritual condition of Christendom during the absence and rejection of the King.Special attention is given to:the hearing ear,the moral condition of the heart,why parables both reveal and conceal truth,childlike faith and receptiveness,and why Matthew 13 may be more relevant in 2026 than ever before.In an age flooded with information, endless voices, and constant distraction, the Lord’s words still search every conscience:“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” — Mark 4:9Main Scriptures:Matthew 13:1–17Mark 4:1–12Matthew 18:1–4Isaiah 5–6Proverbs 4Hebrews 3This episode asks a deeply personal question:What kind of hearer am I?Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

Again and again in Scripture the majority proved wrong. The world rejected Noah. Israel believed the fearful report instead of Joshua and Caleb. Hundreds of prophets opposed Elijah and Micaiah. Mobs cried out against Paul. And finally the crowd demanded the crucifixion of Christ. This message explores the biblical principle of the faithful remnant and reminds us that truth is not determined by the crowd but by faithfulness to God.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In 2 Samuel 23, Shammah stood alone in a field of lentils while the people fled from the Philistines. To others, it may have looked like a small piece of ground. But to faith, it was part of Jehovah’s inheritance.This meditation considers what the lentil field speaks of spiritually: the simple, sustaining truths that feed the people of God — Scripture, holiness, obedience, a good conscience, the Lord’s table, and the glory of Christ. It also looks at the Philistine as a picture of religious flesh occupying divine ground without coming by God’s way.Drawing from Ephesians 6, we consider how the believer is called to stand — not in fleshly boldness or personal controversy, but in the whole armor of God: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.The closing question is searching: What lentil field has the Lord placed before us, and will we quietly stand for what belongs to Him?Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In Mark 12 and Luke 21, the Lord Jesus quietly watches as a poor widow places two small coins into the temple treasury. Surrounded by outward religion, public display, and spiritual decline, her simple act of faith became precious in the eyes of Christ. While others gave from abundance, she gave all her living — holding nothing back.This meditation considers the searching reality that the Lord still observes not only what we give, but how and why we give.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on 1 Samuel chapters 4 and 7, we consider a timeless spiritual lesson: when man takes his true place before God, God meets him in grace. Israel first tried to claim victory through religious form, bringing the ark of the covenant into battle without repentance or self-judgment. Their confidence ended in defeat. Yet years later, when the people humbled themselves, confessed their sin, and returned to the Lord, God thundered on their behalf and delivered them. The contrast reveals a powerful truth — the fullness of God waits on an empty vessel.Drawing from the writings of C. H. Mackintosh, this short meditation reflects on the difference between outward religious confidence and genuine repentance before God. Scripture shows that human strength and pretension shut God out, but a broken and contrite heart invites His power. When the vessel is emptied of self, the grace, help, and strength of God can be fully known. This episode invites us to consider our own hearts and to learn the blessing of taking the low place before the Lord.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In a dark and declining period in Israel’s history, God begins His work not with a king or a prophet—but with a grieving woman who turns to Him in simple faith.In 1 Samuel 1–2, Hannah’s story reveals the quiet strength of trusting God when circumstances seem impossible. Provoked, barren, and misunderstood—even by the priest—Hannah pours out her soul before the Lord. Before her prayer is visibly answered, she finds peace simply by leaving the matter with God.Her faith shows us a powerful principle: true faith believes God before the answer appears.In this episode we explore:Why God begins the book of Samuel with a suffering womanHannah’s prayer of dependence: “I have poured out my soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15)The moment faith takes hold before circumstances changeWhy Hannah gave Samuel back to God after receiving the answerThe worship that flows from a life that trusts the LordHannah’s story reminds us that simple faith is not weak faith—it is faith that has stopped leaning on self and has learned to rest in who God is.When Hannah stands before the Lord she trusted, how will God reward the simple faith that trusted Him in sorrow and honored Him in the answer?Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

We often say, “I’m praying for you”… but what actually gives prayer its power?In this episode, we examine a sobering truth from Scripture: God does not separate prayer from obedience. Drawing from passages like Proverbs 28:9, Psalm 66:18, 1 John 3:22, and John 7:17, this message explores how a refusal to hear God’s Word can quietly affect whether He hears us.This is not about technique or saying the right words—it’s about the condition of the heart. When obedience is set aside, prayer becomes uncertain. But when the heart returns to submission, prayer is restored to what it was meant to be: real communion with God.A direct and searching look at the link between hearing God… and being heard by Him.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Proverbs 6:16–35, we consider a solemn passage that begins with the seven things the Lord hates and then turns to the preserving power of His Word. The commandment is described as a lamp, the law as light, and reproofs of instruction as the way of life.This portion searches the heart, warns against pride, lying, false witness, discord among brethren, and the deadly path of moral impurity. With direct Scripture readings from the KJV and commentary from Harry Ironside, this episode reminds us that God’s warnings are not given to burden the soul, but to preserve it from destruction.“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says...” — Revelation 2:29Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

John Brereton, in the late 1970's and early 1980's gave a 4-part series on the ground of gathering with God found in scripture. This excerpt is from John Brereton’s final talk in a four-part series on the Ground of Gathering.Holiness, Discipline, and the "Within" and "Without" in the Assembly explains  what is morally suited to God does not change between Old and New Testament dispensations: God gathers a holy people by His Spirit around a holy Person, Christ. Using the Corinthian situation, Mr. Brereton  argues that tolerated wickedness “leavens” the whole assembly and must be put outside, noting that while “deliver unto Satan” was apostolic, the principle of exclusion remains. The person dealt with is not set aside as a brother but as “that wicked person,” and obedience to Scripture, not excuses like love or reluctance to judge, requires separation from evil. He emphasizes the biblical reality of “within” and “without,” insisting one cannot be excluded in one place yet received in another among those gathered to the Lord’s name by the same Spirit. Original meeting can be found on www.WhoseFaithFollow.orgSubmit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Book of Proverbs 2:6-19, we consider the solemn difference between merely knowing truth and being governed by it.These verses show that wisdom from God is not simply intellectual understanding or adherence to a theological system. Divine truth is given to preserve the conscience, guard the pathway, and deliver the believer from moral and spiritual danger.Two enemies especially rise before us in this portion of Proverbs: • The evil man — representing proud independence from God and the attraction of walking in darkness. • The strange woman — portraying both moral corruption and the subtle deception of false religion.Drawing from the comments of Harry A. Ironside, this podcast reflects on how truth must not only be searched for, but obeyed and walked in daily. The heart that humbly receives wisdom will find that God Himself preserves the path.Scripture Readings: • Proverbs 2:6-19 • John 7:17“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” — John 7:17Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this meditation on Proverbs 1:2–9, we consider the opening foundation of the entire book of Proverbs and the great theme of true wisdom. Reading from the scriptures and drawing directly from the comments of Harry Ironside, this episode explores wisdom, instruction, understanding, discretion, and the teachable spirit that marks a wise soul.At the center of these verses stands the searching declaration: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This passage reminds us that true wisdom is not merely education or intellect, but humble submission to God and His Word. We also consider the danger of self-confidence, the importance of receiving correction, and the beauty of a heart willing to hear and increase learning.A thoughtful meditation on the pathway of wisdom, the forming of godly character, and the voice of God speaking to the conscience through Proverbs 1.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

What does a life truly called by God look like?In Genesis 12, Abraham’s response to God’s call is not complicated—but it is profound. Two things begin to define his life: an altar and a tent.The altar speaks of worship—real, personal communion with God. The tent speaks of separation—a life that is no longer rooted in this world.In this episode, we connect these Old Testament pictures to New Testament truth, including what it means to worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4), and how believers today are called to live as strangers and pilgrims.This is not about perfection—but direction.A life turned toward God… And a life not settled here.📖 Scriptures Referenced Genesis 12:7–8  John 4:23–24  Matthew 6:21  Romans 12:1–2  1 Peter 2:11  2 Timothy 4:10 🎙️ About This SeriesThis podcast series walks through the life of Abraham, tracing what it means to be called by God and to walk by faith—step by step.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this opening episode, we begin the life of Abraham where Scripture begins — not with a man seeking God, but with God calling a man out.Abram was living in a settled, idolatrous world when “the God of glory” appeared to him and called him to leave everything familiar — his country, his family, and his father’s house — and go to a land God would show him.This episode explores a foundational truth for every believer: faith begins with God’s call, and it advances through obedience. Abram did not receive the full plan upfront. He was given a word — and he had to act on it.You’ll see why: God’s call always involves separation  Obedience brings further light  Partial obedience leads to delay  True faith moves before it understands With Scripture from Genesis 11–12 and Acts 7, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding not only Abraham’s journey, but your own walk of faith.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this episode, we walk through two powerful scenes from Scripture—1 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 13 (alongside 2 Samuel 6)—to uncover a sobering spiritual principle:It is possible to have the right object, the right intention, and even unified agreement… and yet still miss God's mind entirely.In 1 Samuel 7, Israel returns to the LORD with self-judgment, putting away idols and confessing, “We have sinned.” There is no outward display, no reliance on structure—yet God answers, thunders from heaven, and delivers them.Decades later, in 1 Chronicles 13, David and the people seek to bring back the ark of God. The desire is right. The energy is high. The unity is strong. But instead of seeking the LORD according to His Word, they adopt a “new cart”—a method of convenience borrowed from the Philistines. The result is not blessing, but judgment.This episode explores:The Philistine character—handling divine things in the flesh without self-judgmentThe difference between repentance and religious activityWhy God required the ark to be carried on men’s shoulders, not placed on a cartHow easily God’s order is replaced with what “seems right”And why David later confessed: “we sought Him not after the due order”With a probing New Testament close from John 7:17, we are left with a searching question:Are we truly seeking the will of God… or simply moving forward with what works?Because in the end, God’s things must be handled God’s way—or they are not truly handled at all.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

Eric Smith recounts problems among five meetings in Bolivia led by brothers not assured of the truth of separation, leading to sectarian principles and his painful absence despite them being his spiritual children. After five years, nine principal brothers wrote asking him to come because “there’s something wrong in the testimony.” Smith made a dangerous four-day mule journey in the rainy season, arrived ill, and spoke with them from the Word of God about discipline until 2:30 a.m. on Lord’s Day morning. They acknowledged a false step, repented of leading young lives into loose principles, and were restored. They then communicated their decision to the other meetings, and several named brothers later became faithful servants laboring in Word and doctrine. The address was given in 1966 in Montreal; the recording is available on WhoseFaithFollow.org.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

We read from  Chapter 6 from the pamphlet called “Obedience and Submission—some Healing Principles” by  James Harrison Smith.  Because believers still can act in the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), Christ makes the local assembly responsible as God’s house and grants it authority to “bind” and “loose” (Matthew 18:18), distinguishing delegated authority from infallibility or approval. Using Hagar and Sarah (Genesis 16) and Israel’s division under Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 11–12; 2 Chronicles 11; 30), it presents submission to even unrighteous acts of constituted authority as preserving divine ground while God disciplines abuse without removing authority. It emphasizes Christ’s own submission before Pilate (John 19:10–11) and calls for patience, meekness, and hope of restoration, citing Revelation 3:7–13. “Obedience and Submission—some Healing Principles” (Bible Truth Publishers)Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this 1965 Detroit Bible Conference excerpt, Gordon Hayhoe expounds Ephesians 6:14 on the “girdle of truth,” stressing that the first pieces of the Armour of God relate to personal life and walk. He explains the loins as a figure of emotions and desires, urging believers—especially young people—to keep affections and impulses restrained by God’s Word rather than the world’s push for “freeness” that sets aside biblical restraint. Using the image of tightening loose garments for movement, he warns that one cannot “relax” with the world and cites examples like marrying an unsaved partner and living with hidden sin as defeats enabled by ungirded loins. He stresses for holiness in thought and walk, truthfulness and uprightness, and warns that without this foundation there is no power for faith or spiritual conflict.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

What happens when the path God leads us into suddenly becomes difficult?In Genesis 12:10, Abram faces a severe famine in the very land God had promised to bless him. Instead of waiting on the Lord, Abram chooses his own solution and goes down to Egypt—a place of wealth, security, and worldly comfort. But in doing so, he leaves behind two things that defined his life of faith: his tent and his altar.This short meditation explores how God allows trials to test our faith, and how easy it is—even for a man like Abram—to step out of the path of obedience when circumstances become hard.In this 3–4 minute talk, we consider:• Why God allows trials in the life of faith • Abram’s decision to go down to Egypt • How the world slowly reshapes our priorities • Why the glory of Christ makes the world grow dimJust as Abram faced a test, believers today face the same question: Will we trust the Lord when the path becomes difficult, or will we seek relief in the world?The answer lies in fixing our eyes on Christ— "the light above the brightness of the sun."“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace.”📖 Scripture: Genesis 12:10, Philippians 1:29Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

Norman Berry  turns to 1 Corinthians 14:33 to stress that God is not the author of confusion but of peace, and that peace characterizes an assembly gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in obedience, serving as a symbol of unity. Mr. Berry emphasizes submission and warns young people that a rebellious spirit—common in resisting parents and authority—will prevent blessing and must be judged quickly. He applies the same principle to the assembly, where obedience acknowledges another authority, leaves no room for self-will, and includes not questioning the authority of the Lord or assembly decisions. He cites statements from Mr. Darby and Mr. Walter Potter that discipline is foundational and explains discipline as the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst, calling it a blessed privilege to be subject to the Word of God.The original address meeting can be found on www.WhoseFaithFollow.orgSubmit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In the closing verses of the Gospel of John, we encounter a remarkable clarification. For decades after the resurrection, a saying circulated among the early believers that the apostle John would never die. Yet John himself records that this was not what the Lord had said.In John 21:23–24, the aged apostle corrects a misunderstanding that had quietly spread among the brethren for nearly sixty years. Observing that John continued to live while other apostles had passed away, some concluded that Jesus had promised he would remain until the Lord’s return. But John carefully returns to the exact words of Christ, showing that the Lord had spoken conditionally — “If I will that he tarry till I come.”This short passage teaches an important spiritual lesson. When circumstances are interpreted without careful attention to the Lord’s words, a misunderstanding can slowly grow into a widely accepted narrative.In this meditation we explore:The historical setting of John 21 by the Sea of GalileeThe 60-year gap between the Lord’s words and John writing the GospelHow a misunderstanding spread among the brethrenWhy John corrects the record at the end of his GospelAnd the deeper lesson the Lord gave Peter: “Follow thou Me.”The Gospel of John closes not with speculation about John’s future, but with a reaffirmation that the record of Christ rests on faithful eyewitness testimony.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

Episode 2 — Why Men Reject the LightIn Episode 1 we saw the powerful witnesses that testified of Jesus Christ in John chapter 5:• John the Baptist • The works of Christ • The Father Himself • The ScripturesYet despite overwhelming testimony, many still rejected Him.Why?In this episode we explore the Lord’s explanation from John 3:19 — why the human heart often turns away from the light.The study also examines the striking example of King Zedekiah in the book of Jeremiah. Three separate times the king was exposed to the word of the Lord, and three times he refused the light. The result was tragic.This message traces the pattern of Light before Love throughout the writings of John and shows why the real issue is often not lack of evidence, but the condition of the heart.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

Episode 1 — The Witness Testimony of ChristIn John chapter 5, the Lord Jesus presents a powerful series of witnesses that testify to who He truly is.According to the law of Moses, every matter had to be confirmed by two or three witnesses. When the Jewish leaders challenged His authority, the Lord did not simply assert His claims — He presented the evidence.In this passage we see four witnesses:• John the Baptist • The works of Christ • The Father Himself • The ScripturesEach one points clearly to the same conclusion: Jesus is the One sent from God.Yet despite overwhelming testimony, many still refused Him.This study walks through John 5:31–47 and explores why the evidence was rejected — and why the same question still confronts every generation today.Because when all the witnesses have spoken, one question remains:What will we do with Christ and His word?Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this Bible review we examine 2 Timothy chapter 3, part of the Apostle Paul’s final letter written shortly before his death. These closing instructions to Timothy contain a sobering warning about the conditions that would mark the last days—times characterized by moral decline, spiritual deception, and a form of religion that denies the true power of godliness.Paul describes the attitudes and behaviors that would appear within the religious world: love of self, love of money, and love of pleasure, all existing under an outward profession of Christianity. Yet in the midst of these perilous times, Paul points believers to a sure and unchanging safeguard.In one of the clearest statements in the New Testament about the Bible, Paul reminds Timothy that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” — God-breathed and fully sufficient to teach, correct, and equip the servant of God for every good work.This short review walks through the chapter verse by verse, highlighting the warnings, the contrasts between false religion and genuine godliness, and the believer’s enduring resource in the Word of God.A timely meditation for Christians seeking clarity and stability in the confusing spiritual climate of our present day.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com

In this episode we consider the striking account of Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and the prophet Micaiah in 1 Kings 22. Four hundred prophets speak with one voice, promising victory, yet one faithful prophet exposes the deception behind their message.Why did Ahab seek voices that confirmed his will rather than the truth? What dangers arise when godly people align themselves with those walking in rebellion? And how did God’s word prevail when a single arrow “at a venture” fulfilled the prophecy of judgment?With reflections from Darby, Kelly, Ridout, and Dennett, this meditation explores spiritual deception, association with evil, and the certainty of God’s sovereign government.Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com