The Three Persons of the Godhead are named in this verse, leading us to marvel at the glory of God and His electing love, secondly to see the work of the Spirit in saving and sanctifying, and thirdly how Christ accomplished redemption.

'The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying, Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.'

Paul, walking alone through the streets of Athens, is moved by the spiritual confusion around him. Summoned to speak to philosophers and the public at Mars Hill, he gives his earnest demolition of the outlook that people still cling to — in modern atheism.

In closing this most practical epistle the apostle lists tendencies that ruin the vital objective of a church, and those that ruin fellowship. He then urges every working believer to support the work of God. Here also is the meaning of 'grace' being with us.

The lifestyle that adorns and commends the Gospel induces here obedience to the civil authorities, the only exception being if God's laws are contravened. Here also are the standards of conduct towards unbelievers generally, and the Gospel doctrines such conduct authenticates and commends.

'Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things. Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.'

The Holy Spirit works in the mind and conscience to show us a) the disaster of ignoring Christ, b) the gift of righteousness secured for us by Christ, and c) the failed and condemned condition of this present world order.

The Apostle emphasises the duty of looking for Christ's return, and here is how this should be done. He then provides aspects of Christ's work to reflect on, urges a sacrificial attitude with fervour for good works, and summarises the work of pastors toward believers.

Why does God allow Satan, sin and the Fall?

We all know much about people we have never met. It is empty religion to have only head knowledge of Christ. To be able to say you have met with Him, and that you know his power and love - this is the greatest objective in life.