The Christadelphian

Transcription

The Christadelphian

the
Christadelphian
D E D I C A T E D W H O L LY T O
THE HOPE OF ISRAEL
New series:
The purpose of
the ecclesia
Conversational
preaching
Bible Giants
Signs: An
Arabian
enigma
Matthew:
Jesus the king
In God’s
hands
Do we allow God
to shape us?
February 2014
who
we are …
The Staff …
The Trustees …
Edward Carr
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Editor, Faith Alive!
Martyn Lawrence
Doncaster
(Marketing & Publishing)
John Morris
Cannock
(Library & Archives)
Michael Morris
Redditch
(Strategy & Finance)
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Gorseinon
(Premises)
Stephen Whitehouse
Birmingham, Hall Green
(Strategy & Finance)
Roger Long
Assistant Editor
Andrew Bramhill
Editor
Design & Production
John Hellawell
Peterborough
Secretary
Colin Walton
Mark Norris
Julian Pavett
Customer service & sales
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Birmingham, Castle
Bromwich
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Editorial
Michael Owen
Seaton
Chairman
Linda James
Jude Norcross
Lynn Murphy
Paul Wasson
“For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:20)
the
Christadelphian
A magazine dedicated
wholly to the hope of Israel
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”
Vol. 151, No. 1796 | February 2014
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Editorial:
John Benson
02 Jesus the
king
052. Letters to the Editor
056. Sunday Morning
The perspective of eternity
Exposition
Where was
Sodom?
David Pearce
Practical Discipleship
070. The purpose of
the ecclesia 01 What are
The purpose
of the ecclesia
Peter Anderton
and Paul Tovell
078. Faith Alive!
A fictional lost son
ecclesias all about?
080. Book Review
072. Conversational
preaching
In the Company of Paul
081. Signs of the times
075. Bible Companion
02 Jesus the king
076. Enhancing our
worship Hymn suggestions
064. The parable of the
potter 02 Roman reflections
70
077. 100 years ago
058. Studies in
Matthew’s Gospel
062. Giants? Just tall men?
Practical
Discipleship
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58 68
Studies in
Matthew’s
Gospel
050. Editorial Fasting
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An Arabian enigma
Themes in the daily readings
for February
083. Israel & their Land
“Bring my sons from afar”
084. Epilogue
Love thy neighbour
067. Archaeology in
focus 02 Stone vessels
068. Where was Sodom?
085. The Brotherhood
Near and Far
A plea for the traditional site of
Sodom & Gomorrah
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The Christadelphian, February 2014
049
Editorial
Fasting
Andrew Bramhill
T
he imbalances in
today’s world are easy to
see. Countries who wrestle
with the problem of food shortages
and malnutrition are many,
and they are all aware of other
countries where food is plentiful.
While some face the challenges
of hunger, the developed world
becomes ever more alarmed with
the problems of excess weight
and obesity. Governments in the
West resort to regular advice about
how to eat to ensure a healthy life,
without becoming too heavy. So
far, it seems that their efforts are in
vain, as people become weightier.
The food industry, with its vested
interests, has few incentives to
help people buy and eat less. Other
enterprising groups have found
there is money to be made from
diet programmes and exercise
regimes. The New Year is a popular
time to encourage people to get
into shape.
Of all the different dieting
schemes around, it is unusual to
find one which includes outright
f a s t i n g , b u t t h e s e a r e n ow
appearing. One diet allows normal
food intake for five days each
week, but on the other two, calorie
intake is dramatically reduced, or
removed all together. The longer
one can manage without food in
a 24 hours period, the greater the
benefit to the body, so they say.
Medical opinion differs about the
050 || Fasting ||
benefits of fasting. Some think
the stress the body is placed under
gets it working better and more
efficiently, while others consider
the unnatural experience of not
eating does more harm than good.
The Almighty’s view
With all the precise eating and
dietary instructions contained
in the Law of Moses, one might
expect to find a stipulation, or at
least a comment, on the benefits
(or otherwise) of fasting, but these
are not to be found directly. The
Almighty was prepared to let the
people endure hunger, so that
they may appreciate the blessings
of food and the one who provides
it (Deuteronomy 8:3). Similarly
He warns about becoming
too comfortable and full, and
thereafter forgetful of Him.
“Take care lest you forget the
LORD your God by not keeping his
commandments … lest when you
have eaten and are full … your
heart be lifted up, and you forget
the LORD your God, who brought
you out of the land of Egypt.”
(Deuteronomy 8:11-14)
Whatever the benefits might
be, there is no direct instruction
in the Law to engage in fasting.
The exception occurs on the Day
of Atonement, when men were to
afflict themselves (Leviticus 16:29),
an instruction that men were to
fast on that day.
Away from the Law, fasting
occurred at times of mourning, of
great sadness and of repentance.
In one of the earliest references,
David fasted when Bathsheba’s
child was born (2 Samuel 12:16,17),
and kept this up while the babe
lived. David, burdened with the
guilt of his affair with another
man’s wife and the subsequent
murder of the husband,
demonstrated his prayer that the
child might live by laying on the
earth and fasting. In that case we
know the Lord answered David’s
prayer with death and not with life.
Motives
Fasting on occasions such as David’s,
was used with good motives, albeit
not with God’s direct instruction.
There is a further example in the
days of Zechariah. The people
had introduced fasts of their own
volition in the fifth and seventh
months, to commemorate notable
days in their history. It was in the
fifth month that Nebuchadnezzar
finally took Jerusalem and burnt
the temple (Jeremiah 52:12,13), and
it was in the seventh month that
Gedaliah was assassinated (41:13). During the 70 years of captivity
the people marked these occasions
by fasting, giving opportunity to
reflect on the powerful events of
the past. On the face of it, even
though God did not require fasting,
the motive was good. If they could
concentrate on the failures of the
past, perhaps they would avoid a
repeat in the future, and be more
obedient as a result.
O n c e t h ey h a d r e t u r n e d
from captivity, however, and
the temple was being rebuilt,
they puzzled over the legitimate
question whether or not it was
appropriate to keep these fasts.
After all, why remember being
taken into exile when in their
current circumstances they could
be celebrating their return?
They asked this question of God,
through the prophet.
“Should I weep and abstain in the
fifth month, as I have done for so
many years?”
(Zechariah 7:3)
The response from God is most
telling. As far as He was concerned
the fasting they had introduced
was of little benefit because it was
not done for Him. He does not
condemn them because they had
introduced fasting, He condemns
them because in pretence they were
doing it for Him, when in reality
they were doing it for themselves.
And while the Lord is condemning
them for this distorted approach to
fasting, He also condemns them for
their eating (their observing of the
feasts), which was not done for His
benefit either.
“When you fasted and mourned in
the fifth month and in the seventh,
for these seventy years, was it for
me that you fasted? And when you
eat and when you drink, do you
not eat for yourselves and drink
for yourselves?”
(verses 5,6)
How challenging this seems. The
people had introduced something
new, with good intentions and
seemingly of spiritual benefit, but
when assessed by God they were
told this was done for themselves.
Perhaps keeping a fast made them
feel holy. Perhaps a little self denial
made them feel righteous, and
good about themselves. It is so
easy, being the kind of people we
are, to let pride get in the way of
our service. As the Lord Jesus says,
‘you did it not to me …’.
Weightier matters
The most disappointing aspect is
not that the people had introduced
something new, but that in doing
so they had let slip the things
God wanted them to be doing. His
remarks are very clear. He didn’t
ask for these periods of fasting, but
wanted the people to execute good
judgements, and show kindness
to one another, and not oppress
the widow, fatherless, stranger or
poor (verses 9,10). But these things
had been overlooked. God expected
that they would have listened to the
prophets on this matter and Isaiah
has a telling passage on this topic.
The real fasting God is looking for
has nothing to do with the denial
of food, but the careful adherence
to the weightier matters of the law.
“Why have we fasted, and you see
it not? Why have we humbled
ourselves and you take no
knowledge of it? … Behold, in the
day of your fast you seek your own
pleasure … Fasting like yours this
day will not make your voice to be
heard on high … Is not this the fast
that I choose: to loose the bonds of
wickedness … to share your bread
with the hungry and bring the
homeless poor into your house … .”
(Isaiah 58:3-7)
God’s desire was that these
we i g h t i e r m a t t e r s r e c e ive d
attention, rather than a selfserving fast.
This has implications for us
today, beyond any thoughts of the
benefits of fasting. There will be
times when we wish to introduce
something new into our ecclesias,
seemingly from a good motive,
and apparently for the spiritual
well being of its members (our
equivalent of fasting in the fifth
month). God may not prevent its
introduction, even if it is not a
direct requirement of His. We
need to be careful, however, that
this new thing is introduced from
a good motive and does not become
self-serving. More importantly, are
the weightier matters (the Lord’s
direct commands), still receiving
appropriate attention, and have we
checked to see what the prophets
say about it? These examples from
the past have a direct relevance
to our ecclesial decision making
today, helping us to ensure we
are not simply doing things for
ourselves, but for the one we serve.
n
Appointment
of new trustees
T w o n e w t r u s t e e s h a ve
been appointed to The
Christadelphian Magazine
and Publishing Association.
B r o t h e r A n d r e w Wa l k e r
(Watford) and Brother Paul
Davies (Coventry West) join
our committee, bringing with
them a love of God’s word,
considerable experience of our
community, and the knowledge
acquired from many years
spent in industry, commerce,
the Civil Service and from
working with other charities.
We pray we will benefit from
their contributions and look
forward to working with them.
John M. Hellawell (Secretary)
n
051
Letters to the Editor …
Military Service Committee
Dear Brother Andrew,
Loving greetings,
A year ago, through the pages of The Christadelphian,
I sought help in collating and recording the
memories of those who had experience of standing
as a conscientious objector during and after the
second World War.
Although recording is not quite complete, we are
now nearing the end of this part of the project and
I would like to express my sincere thanks, on behalf
of the Military Service Committee, to all those who
volunteered help in different ways or provided
information.
We hope that when, God willing, the project
comes to fruition, it will act as a valuable resource
for others whose faith may yet be tested in similar
ways. It is intended that further information
about how and where the recordings will be made
available will be provided in due course.
With fraternal love,
John S. Roberts (Scarborough)
Co-ordinated internet preaching
Much has been discussed about the dangers of the
internet, particularly for our young people. This
is indeed a valid concern and should be taken
on board by all parents. However, there is also a
fantastic opportunity to learn about God’s truth,
using the many online resources now available to
all. More than ever before, anyone interested in a
subject can ‘log-on’ and research it free of charge
in the comfort of their own home. I propose we reexamine our efforts in this area.
Large amounts of money are spent on printed
material with little reward, yet daily, increasing
amounts of Christadelphian-based digital material
is being produced all over the world and uploaded
to the web free of charge, including videos of
Gospel addresses, mp3 talks and various Blogs
and seminars. Many ecclesias now have very
052 || letters ||
well designed websites promoting God’s truth in
numerous ways.
While these are excellent preaching tools
independently, perhaps we as a community should
consider creating one master website under the
control of a group set up to represent the preaching
efforts of all ecclesias within our body. This could
include amongst other things …
1 Links to other ecclesial-run websites.
2Every link to Christadelphian online resource
websites hosting material such as mp3 talks etc.
(of which there are many) e.g. CIL, ALS.
3A preaching resource area for the general public,
perhaps software-enabled to point visitors to
their local ecclesia.
4 A secure members only area that could include
links to (or host) publicly restricted material
such as videos and mp3 talks of exhortations,
fraternal gatherings, weekends, Bible schools
and other sensitive material that is not
appropriate for public distribution.
5An area for blogs and other interactive material.
6 Inclusion of resource areas maintained by
individuals but not represented by ecclesias.
The opportunity for preaching is vast. There are
some obvious benefits. Christadelphians will be able
to visit the site confident that every link has been
approved by the brotherhood and is ‘safe’. The site
would draw upon much of the existing good work
that has already been done. It is sad that people
are less prepared to visit our halls and if we are to
reach those seeking truth, we need to note how they
gather information.
Many other denominations have already
embraced the internet for preaching and some do it
extremely well. As a community, we are very well
blessed with talent and finance and perhaps this is
an area where both can be used productively in the
service of our God. From my own experience I have
seen just how many people can be reached online
and it is quite staggering! At least I hope to generate
some discussion on the subject.
Sincerely your brother in Jesus,
Art Courtonel (Hinckley)
Attitude to the Jews
Love in our most precious hope.
I was delighted to read the letter (January, page 5)
from Brother Ray and Sister Margaret Bilton which
also corresponds with the 75th anniversary of the
Kinderstransport of Jewish children from Germany
to the UK.
Brother R. Alan Overton (Rugby) played an
important role in the ‘Movement for the Care of
Children from Germany’ attending many debates
in Parliament. After Kristallnacht (‘The night of
Broken Glass’) when Jewish shops and businesses
were vandalised and burned, Jews in countries
under Hitler’s influence knew that they were no
longer safe and the first thought of parents was to
get their children to safety as quickly as possible
whilst they wound up their affairs and organised
their own departure. Sadly, very few parents were
successful in saving themselves. It was noted that
the Christadelphian homes the children went to did
not try to convert them but aided them in staying
in touch with their origins. A few children did
embrace the Truth – our actions often speak far
louder than our words.
Nearly all of the countries that could be
considered safe havens had no interest in helping
with the emergency evacuation and Britain stood
alone. Each child was labelled and sent off by
their parents as they boarded special trains to
safety - what happened to most of their parents is
documented all too well.
In the post-war years Christadelphians again
came to the aid of oppressed Jewish minorities, this
time in helping Russian Jews who escaped from
Soviet Russia and also the Ethiopian Jews. As we
know we have a long history of material support to
Israel and this is entirely because of the promise
that ‘I will bless them that bless thee’, as Brother &
Sister Bilton correctly remind us.
It is not up to us to judge the rights or wrongs
of Jewish political policies but to always remember
that they are God’s people, His witnesses and His
will shall be done. We never know what our own
good deeds might achieve but we do them because
we feel that we are commanded to do so.
With love in the Lord,
Philip Measures (Uttoxeter)
Saying ‘no’
Grace and peace to you,
In view of the recent articles on the use of
conscience, and the information from the Military
Service Committee received by all ecclesias, I
thought the following might be useful for all
members of the body of Christ.
If someone asks you to say or do something that
you know is wrong, ask them the simple question,
‘’Do you believe in freedom?’’ They usually reply
with something like, “Of course I do; freedom is a
very important word in my dictionary!” You can
then reply, “In that case you will understand if I say
no”.
I have used this a number of times with good
effect.
With love in Jesus our king,
Malcolm Cross (Thirsk)
Studies in Matthew
Dear Brother Andrew.
Regarding Brother John Benson’s new series
“Studies in Matthew’s Gospel” (January, page 11),
could we raise just one or two minor points?
1 Brother Benson is clearly right in his suggestion
that Jesus and Matthew must have met prior to
the call to “follow me”. And while there is no
direct scriptural support, it is suggested that they
were ‘family’ in the broadest sense, though not
blood related. Alphaeus the father of Matthew
was, it is suggested, the brother of Joseph, the
stepfather of Jesus.
Matthew’s other name is Levi, which means
joined. This leads to the suggestion that he was
possibly the twin of Thomas (Didymus). So it
053
Letters
looks as if Uncle Alphaeus and Aunty Mary have
four sons who became disciples of Jesus. Matthew,
Thomas, James the less and Judas, also known as
Thaddaeus (Acts 1:13; Mark 3:18).
Without any real proof, we like to think
that Uncle Alphaeus and Aunty Mary were
the two that met Jesus on the road to Emmaus
(Luke 24:13). “It appears that Alphaeus is Greek
and Cleopas or Clopas the Hebrew name of the
same person.” (New Ungar Bible Dictionary)
2 Brother Benson writes, “There is the tradition
that the Gospel was originally written in Hebrew.
This based chiefly on the evidence of Eusebius of
Caesarea (c.AD 263-339).”
We have always understood that very few of
the general population spoke or read Hebrew
following their return from Babylon over 450
years earlier and that the Greek Septuagint (c. BC
285) was the main version of the Old Testament
in circulation among Matthew’s Jewish readers.
Your Brother in Christ,
Peter Webb (Studley)
The Potter
I found the article on The Parable of the Potter
(January, page 16) very interesting.
However, and with great respect to the author,
I suggest it is not appropriate to use primarily the
passage in Jeremiah (18:1-10) in the exposition of
Romans 9 (verse 19 onwards). In this passage the
Apostle does not quote from Jeremiah but does
quote extensively from Isaiah, as the marginal
cross references indicate – the references are Isaiah
29:16, 45:9, and 64:8. The use of the ‘potter parable’
in the two prophets is very different, with Isaiah
concentrating on the sovereignty of God and His
right to do as He wills (there is a similar passage
in Isaiah 10:15 using a parallel example), whilst
Jeremiah is also concerned, as Brother Peter points
out, with the response of the clay.
There is a secondary connection with Jeremiah
18:6 indicated in the marginal references, but this
is a connection and not a quotation; the quotation
is only from Isaiah (via the LXX). Paul in Romans
is also speaking of the sovereignty of God and his
054 || letters ||
quotations from Isaiah are apt and instructive and
should be the primary source of our understanding
of Paul’s reference to the potter in Romans. Whilst
following links and connections in developing our
understanding of a particular passage of scripture
can be instructive, when a divinely inspired writer
in the New Testament points us to specific passages
in the Old Testament to explain his use of a
particular term we would be wise to follow his lead.
Your brother by grace
Chris Brook (Solihull)
Rituals
Some time ago I read an interesting article in the
magazine of another community in which a woman
described how she attended her local church for
several weeks without any of the members speaking
to her. Concerned and surprised she finally worked
out that it was because she was not wearing the
same clothing as them. When she later attended,
dressed differently, she was spoken to. For this and
other reasons, it was as she described ‘a tick box’
church where people had to tick all the boxes in
order to be accepted.
If we are serious about preaching to the wider
community then there is no place for ‘tick box’
attitudes or we will only have people from within the
Christadelphian community to speak to. Similarly
we must be aware of the impression our attitudes
and actions have on others. In the Western world, we
are predominantly a white middle-class community
and tend to reflect these values to those around us in
what we say and what we do.
At a recent open day a member of our meeting
was harangued by a passing pedestrian for the fact
that we were clearly a wealthy community who
could have no understanding of ordinary people
and their problems. The basis for this comment
was the fact that during the week an expensive
car was regularly parked outside our meeting
room. It transpired that the car belonged to a local
businessman with no connection to us. However,
this, together with the appearance and dress of our
members, had created an impression that we were
not a community that was open to ordinary people.
Certain of the things we do are not matters of
fundamental doctrine as taught by our Lord but are
merely rituals we have adopted in the past from the
communities in which we live. We must beware that
these rituals do not become barriers to the truth
in the eyes of the wider community or the cause of
divisions within our own community which are not
profitable to us.
In our walk to the kingdom each of us must live
by our own consciences. We are not tainted by the
decisions others make so that we should separate
from them, nor should we seek to enforce our own
views upon others. The Apostle himself was ‘all
things to all men’ in order to further the truth. His
greatest admonition was for those who promoted
schisms and divisions over matters which were not
directly related to the teaching of his master.
With love your brother,
Colin Briley (Halesowen)
of the flesh, one of which is to judge after our sight
and hearing. Jesus we are told, “shall not judge
after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the
hearing of his ears” (verse 3); this is the example
for us. Israel we know thought various issues were
important (for example Micah 6:6,7) but God does
not require these. What He requires is “to do justly,
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”
(verse 8).
By no means am I saying that anything will do.
We all have our views about deportment, but what
matters from the platform is the substance. Our
discipleship is about not conforming to the opinions
of the world which are apt to come into the
brotherhood, but transforming the natural mind to
the spiritual. A consideration of Romans 12:1-21 is
ever timely.
Your brother by the love and grace of Jesus Christ,
Ernest Wisner (Peterborough)
Platform appearance
Speaking brethren
I am a little surprised to read Brother Geoffrey
Brooks’ letter (January, page 7) referring to
deportment on the platform. I am probably of
the same generation and agree with his views,
nevertheless there are probably a number of other
points which could be commented on about the
modern ecclesial world which will not change. We
need to focus more on the foundations which matter.
With respect to what is said by Brother Geoffrey and
Brother Fred Pearce, this is opinion handed down
from the Victorian age which had etiquette for most
things. Indeed, when I started work, anything less
than a suit, tie and polished shoes (let alone hands
in pockets) was unacceptable; these views came
into the ecclesia.
I am also aware of the views of some brethren
that casual dress and deportment possibly indicates
a casual approach to scripture and Almighty
God. The requirement referred to above does not
necessarily automatically give the opposite.
Leaving these opinions we go to the word. Our
walk and conversation should reflect the Lord Jesus.
Isaiah 11:1-5 gives us a listing of the key attributes
of the Lord which are contrary to the natural tenets
Please may I comment on Brother Paul Cresswell’s
lovely article on speaking (December 2013, page
553)?
I write as someone who is always a listener. I
have heard approximately 2,700 exhortations
and 2,700 public addresses. The presentation
is very important in order to hold the attention
of the audience. An exhortation should contain
practical advice on Christian living. An address
for the unbaptized, young people and interested
friends should teach. A Bible class is for study. I
have never met a young speaker who is not humble.
Occasionally an older brother has such knowledge
of his subject that he feels it necessary to give it all
in one address.
We are all extremely grateful to our speaking
brethren. Once they have started to speak they
are there for a lifetime for there is no retiring age
to look forward to. Let is therefore support and
encourage them.
Your sister in Jesus,
Cynthia Lunn (Lydney)
n
055
Sunday Morning
The perspective
of eternity
Kevin Talbot
Taking the long view should influence the
way we behave towards our fellows today
H
av e you t h oug h t
about how we will see this
life’s troubles after 1000
years in the kingdom? How will
today’s conflicts, fears, pressures,
pain or sorrow look after even a
day in the kingdom?
It is easy for us as mortals to
see the events of our lives from
the perspective of mortal man,
rather than from the perspective
of eternity. In this “have it now,
pay later” world where “here
and now” is all that matters, we
may forget that this time of our
mortal life is but a short period of
essential learning, experience and
development in preparation for
living for ever in the kingdom.
When Jesus returns as judge,
he will select those who can live
together in peace and harmony for
ever. For us to be ready for the day
of judgement we must allow the
word to shape us and recognise
that others are likewise being
shaped by the hand of the Father.
The example of Stephen in Acts
7 shows how important it is to do
our best for those who may even
be violently opposed to the truth.
After Stephen had presented a
structured account of the evidence
that Jesus Christ was the Messiah,
the crowd stoned him. Even then
Stephen prayed, “Lord, lay not
this sin to their charge”. He prayed
for those who wanted to destroy
him. From a human perspective
we would expect Stephen to be
filled with hatred and a desire
for vengeance, but rather we
see how the word and his life in
Christ had shaped his character in
preparation for the kingdom.
Stephen’s prayer was heard
and Saul of Tarsus was forgiven
for this particular sin and later he
was cleansed by baptism. But what
if it had been different? What if
Stephen had cursed Saul? What evil
could God have brought upon Saul?
Perhaps God could have turned
his best friends into his mortal
enemies, God could have brought
upon him stoning, shipwrecks and
beatings. The remainder of his life
could have been filled with perils,
hunger, thirst, weariness and pain,
in fact all of those sufferings that
we read of in 2 Corinthians 11. So
what did Stephen’s prayer achieve?
Fruit of the spirit
To prepare him for the kingdom,
the character of Saul of Tarsus had
to be completely re-shaped. When
we look at the early preaching of
Paul, his character seems to be
little changed from that of Saul. He
is still full of anger and impatience.
We read of how, when Elymas
056 || The perspective of eternity ||
obstructed his work, he made
him blind for a season (perhaps
thinking of his own conversion)
and wherever he went to preach
there were riots. We read of his
rejection of Mark and the split
with Barnabas. We read in Acts
17 how the brethren sent him
from Thessalonica to Berea and
then from Berea to Athens (Acts
17:10-15), seemingly so that they
could get him out of the way to
reduce the conflict and establish
the ecclesia. His energy was a
powerful force to spread the
Gospel, but there was little
sign of the “fruit of the spirit”
(love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness) in his character.
The many things which he
suffered, shaped the character of
Paul over a number of years. We
later read of a very different kind
of suffering. In 2 Corinthians
2:4, written many years after his
conversion, we read of his tears
and his love for the dreadful
Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians
11 at the end of the list of his
sufferings we read, “Beside those
things that are without, that
which cometh upon me daily, the
care of all the churches” (verse
28). Paul had been transformed
by those events from an angry
young man to a loving father,
deeply caring and agonising for
his children in Christ.
Paul writes:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not
yourselves, but rather give place
unto wrath: for it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord. Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he
thirst, give him drink: for in so
doing thou shalt heap coals of
the Father had
decided that it
was time for
him to pass
the mantle to
another and to
sleep, awaiting
the day of
resurrection.
He will see
how this very
exceptional
fire on his head. Be not overcome young man who once hated all
of evil, but overcome evil with who followed Christ, now endured
good.” (Romans 12:19‑21) great suffering to continue the
“God’s vengeance”, in response work and far more hardship than
to your prayers for the forgiveness perhaps Stephen could have borne.
of your enemies, may shape them
The exhortation for us is clear.
through the chastening of the There may be situations where we
Father, resulting in their salvation. have those who are, or as a result
That means you will meet them of misunderstandings and human
as beloved brothers and sisters pride, appear to be our enemies,
in the kingdom and live for ever whether in the ecclesia or outside
with them in harmony and peace. in the world. We may feel that it is
Note that the Greek for chastening too hard to achieve reconciliation.
(e.g., in Hebrews 12:6,7) has the This must not prevent us from
general idea of training up a child, praying to the Father for the
rather than the specific idea of forgiveness of the other person for
punishment. As Paul had been any offence against us. We must
forgiven, God was not punishing leave “vengeance” to the Father.
him, but He was developing his What greater blessing could we
character.
pray for than that our enemy will
Paul was very aware from his be found worthy of salvation at the
own conversion that the enemy day of Christ’s return.
may one day be a brother in Christ
and thus the command to show Praying in faith
compassion to our enemies had If we pray, then we must be
a special meaning for him. How willing to believe that God hears
different this is to our own taking our prayers. In Acts 12 we read
of vengeance on our enemies how Peter was thrown in prison
which would result in harm for us and rescued by the hand of an
and for them.
angel. The brethren and sisters
W h e n t h e y m e e t i n t h e were in the house praying, surely
kingdom, Paul will recognise the they were praying for his safe
brother whose prayer brought his deliverance. Peter knocked at the
salvation. Stephen will recognise door. Rhoda heard his voice and
how his death occurred because was so excited that she ran to tell
them. Their response was, “Thou
art mad” (verse 15). It is as if they
were saying, ‘Yes Rhoda, we are
busily praying for Peter, but you
are mad to believe that God would
actually hear and respond to our
prayers’. Let us be like Rhoda, even
if others consider our excitement
about the saving power of God to
be madness!
If we believe that God is active
not only in the lives of our enemies
in response to our prayers, but
also in our lives and those of our
brethren and sisters, then we
must be willing to recognise this
change in others. This means
that we can hold no grudges. God
heard our prayer for the brother or
sister, whose failings and offences
we perhaps fail to forget. To deny
the possibility that the hand of
God has been effectually at work
in transforming the characters of
those who we pray for, is to be like
those brethren and sisters who
mocked Rhoda.
Finally after many years
the effect of Stephen’s prayer
had reached its completion and
Paul could write the words of 2
Timothy 4:7,8 and in verse 11, Paul
recognises the value of Mark, who
he had impatiently rejected so
many years earlier. It may be that
it takes many years of praying for
those who we find difficult to live
with and those who may seem
to be enemies and in some cases,
their prayers for us, before we are
ready to live together for ever. If
we are not already doing so, let us
follow the example of Stephen and
pray in sincerity and love, as our
Lord commanded us, for any who
despitefully use us and persecute
us (Matthew 5:44).
n
057
Exposition
Studies in
Matthew’s Gospel
02 Jesus the King
I
n this study we focus
on Matthew’s portrayal of
Jesus of Nazareth as the
Messiah – the one anointed
as King – predicted by the Old
Testament prophets. In writing
for Jews, it was important that
Matthew should demonstrate
that their hopes of a coming
Messiah had been realised in the
birth of Jesus. By their rejection
of Jesus, the Jewish nation, and
especially their leaders, had
committed a serious error: but
as Peter declared on the day of
Pentecost: “… God has made this
Jesus, whom you crucified, both
Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36).
There were those in danger of
following false messiahs (christs)
in the turbulent years leading up
to the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus had
predicted that this would be the
case. In his first warning in the
Olivet prophecy Jesus said: “Take
heed that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name,
saying, ‘I am the Christ’, and will
deceive many” (Matthew 24:4,5).1
In the context of the times, the
evidence that Jesus was the Christ
was essential for Jewish believers
or would-be believers, for whom
1 Following the RV and NKJV, only
Matthew has "Christ" in this statement.
See Mark 13:6 and Luke 21:8.
058 || Studies in matthew ||
John Benson
Matthew’s Gospel was particularly
intended. In his presentation
of Jesus as the Christ, Matthew
sought to answer the questions
which a Jew might ask: ‘Is Jesus
the one to fulfil the Old Testament
prophecies?’ – ‘Has Jesus descended
from David?’ – ‘Did Jesus uphold
the Law?’ etc.
The “Son of David”
Matthew’s Gospel starts with the
genealogy of Jesus, tracing his
human descent back to David and
Abraham. The promises which God
made to these two Old Testament
characters form the foundation
to the gospel of the kingdom, and
the failure to recognise this, has
lead the majority astray in their
understanding of the kingdom of
God. God had promised to David:
“… I will set up your seed after you,
who will be of your sons; and I
will establish his kingdom. He
shall build me a house, and I will
establish his throne forever … And
I will establish him in my house
and in my kingdom forever; and
his throne shall be established
forever.” (1 Chronicles 17:11-14).
Isaiah takes up this promise in
the well-known words of chapter
9:6,7: “For unto us a child is born,
unto us a Son is given; and the
government will be upon his
shoulder … Of the increase of his
government and peace there
will be no end, upon the throne
of David and over his kingdom,
to order it and establish it with
judgment and justice from that
time forward, even forever.”
In demonstrating that Jesus
is the one through whom these
promises are to be fulfilled,
Matthew gives us the line of
descent through the kings of
Judah from David to Jeconiah,
who was deported to Babylon.
The family line then continues
from Jeconiah to Joseph the
husband of Mary (Matthew 1:16).
Although not the actual father
of Jesus (for Matthew makes it
clear that Jesus was conceived by
the Holy Spirit – verses 18-20),
Joseph would have been regarded
as his legal father. From a Jewish
perspective Joseph’s pedigree
was also important, and uniquely
in the New Testament scriptures,
he also is afforded the title “son of
David”, when the angel appeared
to him in a dream (verse 20).
Matthew therefore demonstrates
that, as reckoned through Joseph,
Jesus was a direct descendant of
the kings of Judah.
In contrast to the other
Gospel records where the title
“Son of David” is infrequently
used,2 we find that it occurs in
Matthew a total of nine times,
once as already mentioned in
reference to Joseph, and eight
times in reference to Jesus.
In the incident of the
healing of the two blind men,
recorded only by Matthew, the
men followed Jesus, crying
2 Three times each in Mark and
Luke and not at all in John.
out, “Son of David, have mercy
on us!” (Matthew 9:27). They
clearly recognised Jesus as the
promised Messiah, of whom it was
prophesied: “Then the eyes of the
blind shall be opened, and the ears
of the deaf shall be unstopped.”
(Isaiah 35:5).
Only in Matthew is it recorded
that the multitudes who witnessed
Jesus’ healing power, responded
with amazement, saying, “Could
this be the Son of David?” (12:23).
Matthew and Mark both record
the occasion when Jesus travelled
north to the region of Tyre and
Sidon, apparently to escape
for a while from the relentless
harassment of the scribes and
Pharisees. It was here that he
healed the daughter of a Canaanite
woman. It is only Matthew who
tells us that, despite the fact that
she was a Gentile, the woman
nevertheless acknowledged Jesus
as the Messiah, and cried out to
him: “Have mercy on me, O Lord,
Son of David!”(15:22).
All three synoptic gospels
record the incident of blind
Bartimaeus (together with a
companion according to Matthew
20:30), who called on Jesus to help
as he passed through Jericho on
his final journey to Jerusalem. The
three evangelists each report that
the blind man (men) twice called
on the “Son of David” to help them
(Matthew 20:30,31, Mark 10:47,48
and Luke 18:38,39). This is the only
incident in Mark and Luke’s record
where Jesus is addressed by others
as the “Son of David”, although in
common with Matthew’s account,
the expression occurs again, when
at the end of his ministry, Jesus
questioned his opponents: “How
can they say that the Christ is
the Son of David?” (Luke 20:41),
challenging them with the words
of Psalm 110: “The LORD said to
my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, till I
make your enemies your footstool’”
(verses 42,43 – see also Matthew
22:42 and Mark 12:35). The point
being, of course, that in referring
to his descendant as “Lord”, David
was acknowledging the superiority
of his son and heir to the throne,
for had not God promised, “I will
be his Father, and he shall be my
son.” (1 Chronicles 17:13)?3
The last occasion recorded
by Matthew when the title “Son
of David” was used by those
addressing Jesus, is at his triumphal
entry into Jerusalem. The incident
is recorded in all four gospels, but
only Matthew records the use of
this title.4 “A very great multitude”
accompanied Jesus on the road to
Jerusalem, no doubt anticipating
a display of messianic authority
that would oust the Romans from
power. The ecstatic crowd were
shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of
David! Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the LORD! Hosanna in
the highest” (Matthew 21:9).
In a sequel, recorded only by
Matthew, children in the temple
prolonged the chant, crying,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
(verse 15), much to the annoyance
of the scribes and chief priests.
Jesus refused to silence the chants
3 David applied this part of the
promise to Solomon in 1Chronicles
28:6, but Hebrews 1:5 makes it clear
that it ultimately refers to Christ.
4 Mark records a similar
expression: "Blessed is the kingdom
of our father David" (11:10).
of the excited children: “Have you
never read”, he replied, “Out of
the mouths of babes and nursing
infants you have perfected praise?”
(verse 16 quoting Psalm 8:2). The
psalm, of course, is significant
because it speaks of the one who
was made “a little lower than the
angels”, being “crowned … with
glory and honour” (verse 5), and
having “all things under his feet”
(verse 6). It is truly a Messianic
psalm.
“Wise men from the East”
Only Matthew records the strange
incident of the arrival in Jerusalem
of wise men (magi) from the East,
searching for the infant Christ:
“Where is he who has been born
King of the Jews? For we have seen
his star in the East and have come
to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
Here Matthew presents further
evidence that Jesus is the Christ,
the promised Son of David.
We must reject the Christmas
card imagine of three kings
arriving on camels to visit the newborn baby cradled in a manger in
Bethlehem. Most of this traditional
story is mythical, and we are
concerned solely with the facts
which are only found in Matthew’s
Gospel.
Firstly, they were not kings, but
wise men (magi) from the East. We
have no means of knowing how
these wise men knew that the
star they observed portended the
birth of the King of the Jews. We
can only speculate that they may
have had some understanding of
Daniel’s prophecy of the Seventy
Weeks (Daniel 9) which revealed
the time which was to elapse “until
Messiah the Prince” (verse 25).
059
Exposition
This would lead to an atmosphere
of expectation at about the time
when Jesus was born.
Secondly, it is wrong to assume
that there must have been three
wise men, simply because they
brought three gifts. The gifts were
significant: the gold representing
t h e f u t u r e k i n gs h i p o f t h e
infant they had come to see, the
frankincense his future role as High
Priest, and the myrrh anticipating
his sacrifice as the Saviour. These
gifts represented the three great
roles to be performed by the Son
of God – King, High Priest and
Saviour. David’s son would indeed
be greater than David and fulfil
the triple role as King, High Priest
and Saviour. This fact has already
been indicated in the information
recorded in Matthew 1:
●● As the Christ he would be the
king to sit on David’s throne.
●● He was called Jesus (God saves),
because he is the Saviour, “for he
will save his people from their
sins” (verse 21).
●● As Immanuel – “God with us” –
he is the one uniquely placed to
be the High Priest, a mediator
between God and man.
Thirdly, the wise men certainly
did not visit Jesus while he was still
a new-born baby in the manger at
Bethlehem. Matthew records in
chapter 2 verse 11: “And when they
had come into the house, they saw
the young child with Mary his
mother …” Notice that the family
are now living in a “house”, and
Jesus is now a “young child”.
Although the wise men had
s o m e k n ow l e d g e a b o u t t h e
new-born king – and as we have
observed, brought gifts signifying
his triple destiny – they were not
060 || Studies in Matthew ||
aware of where the Christ5 was to
be born, and therefore naturally
journeyed to Jerusalem. Matthew
records how Herod enquired of
the chief priests and scribes, who
from Micah’s prophecy were able
to tell him that the Messiah’s
birthplace was to be Bethlehem
of Judea: “But you, Bethlehem, in
the land of Judah, are not the least
among the rulers of Judah; for
out of you shall come a Ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel”
5 As indicated in the RV and NKJV,
supplying the definite article "the
Christ" instead if just "Christ" (AV),
is more appropriate as it reminds
us that "Christ" is not a name, but a
title meaning "the Anointed".
(Matthew 2:6 quoting from Micah
5:2). This detail further adds to
the evidence which Matthew is
giving to his readers in order
to demonstrate that Jesus of
Nazareth is Israel’s Messiah – the
King of the Jews.
“A certain King”
It is not our purpose in this study
to explore in detail the parables
of our Lord. But it is worth
noting that Matthew records
three parables of Jesus not found
elsewhere in the Gospels, each of
which features a king. The first of
these parables arises from Peter’s
query about forgiveness (18:21). As
part of his response, Jesus spoke
the parable of the Unforgiving
Servant: “Therefore the kingdom
of heaven is like a certain king
who wanted to settle accounts with
his servants” (verse 23).
The second parable is the
parable of the Wedding Feast in
chapter 22:1-14. Again, the parable
features “a certain king” – “The
kingdom of heaven is like a certain
king who arranged a marriage for
his sons” (verse 2).
In chapter 25 we read the
parable of the Sheep and the Goats.
The passage begins: “When the Son
of Man comes in his glory, and all
the holy angels with him, then he
will sit on the throne of his glory”
as king judging the nations (verse
31). He is specifically called “the
King” in verses 34 and 40.
In the first and second of these and sitting on a donkey, a colt,
parables, the king represents God the foal of a donkey’” (Matthew
Himself, called the “heavenly 21:4,5 Zechariah 9:9). Jesus has
Father” in chapter 18:35 and by yet to completely fulfil Zechariah’s
inference the “Father” in chapter prophecy, which continues in the
22:2, for he arranges “a marriage next verse: “He shall speak peace
for his son” (representing Jesus). to the nations; his dominion
Ultimately God is the king, but shall be from sea to sea”. Voices
Christ is appointed on God’s behalf of opposition will be silenced by
to reign as king on earth as part the divine declaration: “Yet have
of the fulfilment of the Immanuel I set my king on my holy hill of
title.
Zion” (Psalm 2:6), for, as we read
We h ave n o t e d f r o m t h e in Psalm 48:2, Zion is “the city of
parable of the Sheep and the the great king”. This phrase from
Goats in chapter 25 that Jesus Psalm 48 is quoted by Jesus in his
spoke of a time when “the Son warning about swearing oaths,
of Man … will sit on the throne recorded only by Matthew in the
of his glory” (verse 31). A similar Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus
passage occurs in chapter 19:28, said: “But I say to you, do not swear
where Jesus promises his apostles: at all: neither by heaven, for it is
“Assuredly I say to you, that in the God’s throne; nor by the earth, for
regeneration, when the Son of it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem,
Man sits on the throne of his glory, for it is the city of the great king.”
you who have followed me will (Matthew 5:34,35).
also sit on twelve thrones, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel”. This Summary
was said in the context of Jesus We have seen that one of the
speaking of those who leave all to objectives of Matthew’s Gospel
follow him. Although we read of is to present the evidence that
this in all three synoptic gospels, Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah,
only Matthew’s account includes the “Son of David”, who will
the reference to the future when come to “sit on the throne of his
“the Son of Man sits on the throne glory”. This is most clearly seen
of his glory”.
in the first two chapters of the
Returning to the incident of Gospel, in the genealogy of Jesus
the triumphal entry of Jesus into and in the narrative recording the
Jerusalem, recorded by all four visit of the wise men. However,
evangelists, we can note that it Matthew reinforces this teaching
is only Matthew and John who throughout the Gospel with
make any reference to Zechariah’s frequent references to the kingship
prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus. Matthew’s Jewish readers
of the king to Zion. Matthew could be assured that Jesus was
records: “All this was done that indeed their promised Messiah.
it might be fulfilled which was
To be continued …
spoken by the prophet, saying:
n
‘Tell the daughter of Zion, behold,
your king is coming to you, lowly,
061
Exposition
Giants?
George Booker
“There were giants on the earth in those
days” (Genesis 6:4)
T
h e a b ov e q uot e i s
from the KJV, but – so far
as I can determine – this
translation is not supported by any
modern versions, including the
RV, ASV, RSV, JPS, NEB, NET and
NIV. Most of these versions simply
transliterate the Hebrew word
nephilim, an implicit admission
that the meaning is uncertain.
The rendering of ‘giants’ seems
to have been derived from the
Septuagint, the translation of
the Old Testament from Hebrew
into Greek. This translation was
the work of Jewish scholars in
Alexandria, Egypt, in the third
and second centuries BC. The
Septuagint translates the Hebrew
nephilim into the Greek gigantes,
which approximates to ‘giant’ in
English. Apparently following the
LXX, the KJV chose ‘giants’ for the
three instances of nephilim in the
Old Testament (Genesis 6:4 and
Numbers 13:33, twice).
At times the KJV also uses
‘giant’ to translate:
●● gibbor (plural gibborim), the
Hebrew word meaning ‘mighty’
(Job 16:14); and,
●● repha/rapha (plural rephaim)
(Deuteronomy 2:11,20; 3:11,13;
Joshua 12:4; 13:12; 15:8; 17:15;
18:16; 2 Samuel 21:16,18,20,22; 1
Chronicles 20:4,6,8).
062 || Giants? ||
Image: ‘David and Goliath’
Lithograph by Osmar
Schindler, 1888
Gibbor
This Hebrew word signifies ‘mighty
warrior’, a military term, from a
root meaning ‘to be strong’. It is
also a component of the angelic
name ‘Gabriel’, ‘the mighty one
of El’ (Daniel 8:16; 9:21), and ‘the
Mighty God’ (El Gibbor) of Isaiah
9:6. Gibbor does not mean ‘giant’.
Rephaim
The Rephaim or Rephaites were,
in the first place, a rather obscure
race of Canaanites (Genesis 14:5;
15:20) who seem to have perished
early on in Old Testament history
(Deuteronomy 3:11). Although
the LXX translates it as ‘giant’
or ‘giants’, the derivation of the
Hebrew root word is uncertain.
However, some light may be shed
on rephaim by the parallelism in
some of its occurrences:
“Her [the adulteress’s] house
leads down to death and her
paths to the spirits of the dead
[rephaim].” (Proverbs 2:18)
“Do you [i.e., the Lord] show
your wonders to the dead? Do
those who are dead [rephaim]
rise up and praise you? Is your
love declared in the grave, your
faithfulness in destruction?
Are your wonders known in
the place of darkness, or your
righteous deeds in the land of
oblivion?” (Psalm 88:10-12)
In each passage the second
phrase in bold is used to translate
rephaim, in keeping with its
close association with death
and the grave. By the distinct
parallelism of Proverbs 2:18 and
Psalm 88:10‑12, rephaim plainly
signifies, not only those who are
dead, but especially those who
have no hope of any future life.
What better name for such
than that of an extinct tribe,
whose memory is practically
lost in the mists of antiquity?
Evidently this is all that is
intended by the Hebrew rephaim.
Such a definition is in agreement
with other uses of the word (Job
26:5; Proverbs 9:18; 21:16; Isaiah
14:9; 26:14,19).
In any case, repha (plural
rephaim) does not signify ‘giant’
or ‘giants’ either.
Nephilim
This leaves the particular
word in Genesis 6:4. So, KJV
Giants are those
who are infamous
for their pursuits
of vice
notwithstanding, what does
nephilim mean? According to the
New International Dictionary of Old
Testament Theology and Exegesis
(Zondervan, 1997), naphal is from
a root meaning “to fall”, either to
fall down (i.e., stumble) or to fall
upon (i.e., attack and destroy).
This meaning, and its usage in
the Old Testament, has led many
expositors to the quite reasonable
conclusion that nephilim should be
translated by:
1 “the apostate ones”, that is,
those who are fallen from
righteousness, and/or
2 “the violent ones”, that is, warlike men who fall upon others
weaker than they, to destroy
them.
This is the conclusion, for
example, of H.P. Mansfield in The
Christadelphian Expositor: Genesis,
and Andrew Perry in Noah’s Flood
(The Christadelphian eJournal of
Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 2, No. 3
(July 2008), p. 65).
Both these ideas – of apostasy
and violence – are supported
by the immediate context of
Genesis 6. When the “sons of God”
(the righteous) began to marry the
“daughters of men” (those who had
fallen away from revealed truth)
(verse 2), such unions began to
produce “the Nephilim” (verse 4).
These men were “gibborim”
(“heroes”, or “mighty men”: KJV)
and “men of renown” (verse 4) –
literally, ‘men who make a name
[Hebrew shem] for themselves’.
They came to be notorious for their
“wickedness”, giving themselves
over entirely to “thoughts of evil”
(verse 5). And “the Lord was
grieved [‘it repented the Lord’:
KJV] that he had made man on the
earth” (verse 6).
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s
sight and was full of violence. God
saw how corrupt the earth had
become, for all the people on earth
had corrupted their ways. So God
said to Noah, ‘I am going to put
an end to all people, for the earth
is filled with violence because of
them. I am surely going to destroy
both them and the earth.’”
(Genesis 6:11-13)
Evidently the spirit of such
apostate and violent men, if not
their actual descendants, survived
the Flood, since Nimrod became
renowned as a “mighty warrior”
and a “mighty hunter” in Genesis
10:8-10 (the word gibbor is used of
him three times). Nimrod and his
associates seem to have built the
great Tower of Babel, by which they
were determined to “make a name
[Hebrew shem]” for themselves in
the earth (Genesis 11:1-4).
All the above suggests that
translating nephilim by “giants” is
misleading. These Nephilim were
not literal giants, but rather men
determined to make themselves
g i a n t s i n t h e eye s o f t h e i r
contemporaries, by their denial of
the Lord, their violence, and their
arrogance. In a figurative sense,
such men did become giants. They
became giants in the same way
that men of later times – men like
Alexander the Great, Napoleon,
Hitler and Stalin – became famous
or notorious for wickedness,
ambition, conquest, and the cruel
destruction of millions of their
fellowmen.
What about the “giants”?
Alongside the accomplishments of
such military and political giants,
the exploits of a Goliath pale into
insignificance. Yes, we know there
were at least a few men in Bible
times who towered above their
fellows. There was one family of
very tall men, including the famous
Goliath, who fought alongside the
Philistines (1 Samuel 17:4; 21:9;
1 Chronicles 20:5; etc.). And there
was Saul, the first king of Israel,
who was “a head taller than any
of the others” (1 Samuel 9:2).
Likewise, there are giants in the
earth today – some of them play
in the NBA and the NFL – but they
have no monopoly on violence or
war or ambition. In fact, they are
no more wicked or apostate than
many men and women who are
much shorter in stature.
Giants come in all sizes. It
has been suggested that giants
were more sinful because flesh is
sinful and the giants literally had
more flesh than the rest of us. The
Bible does speak of “sinful flesh”
(Romans 8:3), but it is not the meat
on man’s bones which is sinful,
but rather the mind or thinking
of fallen human nature which is
inclined toward sin. The “sinful
flesh” associated with human
beings is centered in the brain.
For us as believers the worst
giants are not those who are taller
or heavier than the rest of us, but
those who are infamous for their
pursuits of vice, pleasure, wealth,
and every imaginable form of evil.
n
063
Exposition
Peter Heavyside
The parable
of the potter
02 Roman reflections
The second of two articles considering the
significance of this parable and its use by the
Apostle Paul in Romans
I
n the previous article vessel or nation. We see the same
we have seen from Jeremiah’s in Romans:
parable of the potter that the
“What if God, willing to shew his
Lord is not bound to give blessings
wrath, and to make his power
to a nation for whom He has
known, endured with much
pronounced good things if their
longsuffering the vessels of wrath
behaviour turns to evil. Likewise
fitted to destruction: and that he
we have seen that the Lord is not
might make known the riches of
obliged to perform any evil He
his glory on the vessels of mercy,
has declared against a nation if
which he had afore prepared
they turn from their evil and are
unto glory, even us, whom he hath
converted. The parable of the
called, not of the Jews only, but also
potter teaches us that God is not
of the gentiles?”(Romans 9:22-24)
arbitrary in His dealings with
Note that “willing” and “which
people but that He is altogether he had afore prepared” are
right, even when He repents of the language of God’s purpose
something He has declared about a corresponding to the Lord’s
people. We have also noted that a declarations in Jeremiah’s parable
key to God’s dealings with a nation of the potter. In this context,
is how they respond to His word.
“the vessels of wrath fitted to
Let us now consider how these destruction” and “the vessels of
teachings are taken up in Romans. mercy” correspond to the Lord’s
First, we will consider striking differing declared purposes with
correspondences between the two different nations or groups of
contexts other than the obvious people. The apostle illustrates this
use of the language of Jeremiah when he says “the vessels of mercy”
18:4 in Romans 9:21 that we have are those he called, both of Jews
already noted in the first article.
and gentiles. It is evident from this
In Jeremiah we saw the making that wrath, destruction and mercy
of a particular vessel refers to the speak only of the Lord’s judgment
potter’s declared purpose with the and purpose towards these people.
064 || The Parable of the potter ||
In Jeremiah we saw the
rightness of the potter in
choosing to make another
vessel “as seemed good to [him]”
(Jeremiah 18:4). We see the same
in Romans:
“Hath not the potter power
(authority, exousia) over the
clay, of the same lump to make
one vessel unto honour, and
another to dishonour?”
(Romans 9:21)
Note the mention of the
potter’s “authority” by which the
apostle speaks of the rightness of
the Lord in choosing to make the
vessel as seems good to Him.
In Jeremiah we saw the Lord
interpreting His parable with
a rhetorical question in answer
to challenges from the house of
Israel in captivity. We see similar
language in Romans:
“But indeed, O man, who are you
to reply against God? will the
thing formed say to him that
formed it, ‘why have you made
me like this?’” (Romans 9:20)
Note that these rhetorical
questions respond to a position
contrary to God which is placed
in the mouth of the Roman Jews,
that is, from Israel in captivity:
“You will say to me then, why does
he yet find fault? For who has
resisted his will?” (Romans 9:19)
This structure of God
responding to His people’s contrary
position with a rhetorical question
corresponds to the suggested
reconstruction of the context of
the Lord’s rhetorical response to
the house of Israel in captivity in
Jeremiah’s time.
In Jeremiah we saw that the
Lord’s decision about what kind of
vessel a nation would be turned on
their response to His word. We see
the same in Romans:
“But what does it say [the
righteousness which is of faith]?
The word is near you, in your
mouth, and in your heart … if
you shall confess with your mouth
the Lord Jesus and believe in your
heart that God has raised him
from the dead, you will be saved”
(Romans 10:8,9)
Note how Paul turns to teaching
about hearing and believing God’s
word having addressed in detail the
things we have been considering.
This draws on a key teaching of the
apostle earlier in Romans that the
promise is to the children of God
and not to the children of the flesh
so that the word of God has not
failed (Romans 9:6-9).
Making vessels
These correspondences show that
Romans teaches the same things
as, and draws on, the parable of
the potter in Jeremiah 18. Thus,
the making of vessels in Romans 9
speaks of the declaration God
makes about a nation or people for
their destruction or for their good.
If the nation or people respond
differently from the behaviour that
evoked the Lord’s declaration then:
●● He remakes them into a vessel of
mercy if they were previously a
vessel of wrath; or
●● He remakes them into a vessel
of destruction if they were
previously a vessel of mercy.
The parable of the potter shows
that the rhetorical challenge “Why
have you made me thus?” (Romans
9:20) should not be read as about a
person being made evil or good in
behaviour. Rather it is about being
made to God’s purpose of honour
because of grace and mercy or
being made to God’s purpose of
dishonour because of righteous
judgment of sin.
Prior to this point in Romans,
the apostle has laboured to show
that all sin and fall short of God’s
glory and he has demonstrated
that, because of this, both Jew
and gentile earn death.1 Note, in
particular, this summary of what
Paul had written in Romans 1 and 2:
“We have already charged that all,
both Jews and Greeks, are under
sin.”
(Romans 3:9)
In this context, being made a
vessel of mercy is seen to be exactly
that: God’s purpose with such a
vessel is entirely of mercy and not
of anything Jews or gentiles have
earned. As the apostle affirms:
“So then it is not of him who wills,
nor of him who runs, but of God
who shows mercy” (Romans
9:16). Loving Jacob and hating
Esau (Romans 9:13) was entirely
of God’s righteous volition: both
1 (Romans 1:18-25,26-32;
2:1,3,5,8,9,12,21-24,25,27; 3:4,9-19,23;
5:12,19; 6:17,23; 7:7-11,14-24).
were worthy of God’s judgment of
death because of sin but, willing to
“make known the riches of his glory
on the vessels of mercy” (Romans
9:22,23), God made promises and
graciously provided that any who
has “faith” (Romans 9:30,32) in
these would be saved (Romans
10:9,10). If Esau, like the gentiles
(Romans 9:30), had turned from
unbelief to faith he would have
been saved. If Jacob, like Israel
(Romans 9:32), had sought to earn
favour with God, rather than by
faith, he would have fallen under
the same condemnation as was to
come on Israel in AD70.
If the Lord, as the potter, sets
out making a vessel appointed
by mercy to His goodness but the
vessel, that is the nation or people,
is disobedient, He remakes it to fall
under His condemnation; and if the
Lord, as the potter, sets out making
a vessel appointed because of sin to
His condemnation but the vessel is
repentant, He remakes it to receive
His mercy. Romans 9 teaches
nothing about nations or people
being predestined to behaviour
that results in destruction or
behaviour that results in mercy. It
does teach that God takes account
of behaviour such that He repents
of declarations He has made
about nations or people if their
behaviour prompts this.
Privilege
These things bring us to something
fundamental about the purpose of
Romans. The rhetorical question
opening the Lord’s interpretation
of the parable of the potter is
not something imitated only in
Romans 9. Rather, the letter to the
Romans is peppered with such
065
Exposition
questions2. As in Jeremiah 18, the
apostle’s rhetoric is deployed
against a misplaced notion of
privilege that occupied the minds
of the Roman Jews, that is, the
house of Israel in captivity.
We’ll take a look at a couple of
the apostle’s rhetorical questions
to illustrate this. First:
“What advantage then has the
Jew? or what is the prof it of
circumcision?”
(Romans 3:1)
Here, the apostle Paul
captures a fundamental premise
of the Roman Jews’ reasoning: if
uncircumcised gentiles can share
the same benefits as the house of
Israel, then what advantage and
profit is there to Jews having been
chosen by God’s promise? There
is a sense of incredulity here on
the part of the Jews and it is the
same fundamental incredulity
experienced by the house of
Israel after one hundred years in
captivity; how could the Lord do
this having made the promises He
had? Note that Paul does identify a
particular advantage for the Jew in
His response:
“Much in every way: chiefly,
because to them were committed
the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:2)
As we have seen from our
consideration of the parable of the
potter, all vessels of different kinds
have the opportunity to respond to
the Lord’s declarations, to His word.
2 Rhetorical questions are employed, often
to represent the state of mind of the Roman
Jews to whom the apostle wrote, in at least
the following places: Romans 2:3,4,2123,26,27; 3:1,3,5-9,27,29,31; 4:9,10; 6:1-3,
15,16,21; 7:1,7,13,24; 8:31-35; 9:14,19-21,30;
10:14,15,18,19; 11:1,7,11,12,15,24,34,35; 14:4,10.
Herein lay the Jews’ advantage,
having been chosen. The apostle
pinpoints the special privilege,
and responsibility, that had been
afforded the Jews in having had the
Lord’s word committed to them.
The second rhetorical question,
again representing the state of
mind of the Roman Jews is:
“What then? are we better than
they?”
(Romans 3:9)
We observe proud arrogance
here which is the inevitable
outcome of the Roman Jews’
misplaced notion of privilege.
This is a proud arrogance that
concludes God is obliged to treat
Israel differently from all other
nations irrespective of faith or
unbelief. And it is correction of
this proud, arrogant, misplaced
notion of privilege resulting in
incredulity that gentiles could be
saved without being circumcised
for which Romans was written.
Whilst the detail of the
Roman Jews’ challenge to God
differed from that of the house
of Israel in Jeremiah 18, their
underlying assumption of Israel’s
unconditional privileged position
with the Lord corresponded
exactly. And the historic context
of Jeremiah 18, with the house of
Israel in captivity, provided a stark
reminder to the Jews in Rome of
why they were there!
So, it is clear from these things
that the background to Romans is
that the Christian Jews in Rome
believed they were privileged
with special rights before God
because they were born Jews and
were circumcised. They could not
understand how uncircumcised
gentiles could enjoy the same
066 || The parable of the potter ||
blessings. The parable of the
potter teaches that whilst God had
appointed Israel to be a vessel of
mercy, their blindness, unbelief
and disobedience had resulted in
God remaking them to be a vessel
of destruction. It teaches that the
repentance, belief and obedience
of gentiles meant their prior
appointment to being a vessel of
wrath was something from which
God had repented so that they
could be saved, to become a vessel
of mercy. Paul shows it is faith and
not birth that commends one to
receiving God’s goodness, and that
is of His mercy.
Take heed
And what of us? We are not
Jews by birth nor have we been
circumcised and so is this teaching
relevant to us? Well consider these
things. If we are self-assured
from our attendance of meetings
and gatherings of brothers and
sisters that this is the principal
thing that is pleasing to God, but
our behaviours do not show forth
the Lord’s virtues, we are like the
Roman Jews. If all that we know of
the Lord and His glorious purpose
remains just that, knowledge,
rather than it being knowledge
that creates us anew in Christ Jesus,
we are like them. If we assure
ourselves that christadelphians
“have the truth” but the truth in
Jesus Christ does not set us free
and sanctify us, we are like them.
“Do not boast against the branches
… for if God did not spare the
natural branches, He may not
spare you either.”(Romans 11:18,21)
Concluded
n
Archaeology
Archaeology in
focus 02 Stone vessels
U
nder Old Testament
laws of ritual purity,
earthenware (clay)
vessels could become unclean
upon contact with other
unclean things. For example,
in Leviticus 11:33 the people of
Israel were instructed to break
any earthenware vessel which
had come into contact with the
dead body of an unclean animal.
Similarly in Leviticus 15:12,
earthenware vessels which had
been touched by someone with a
bodily discharge had to be broken
so they could no longer be used.
According to Jewish rabbinical
teaching, developed after the New
Testament period but probably
originating in the first century
BC, vessels made from stone did
not have the same propensity
to uncleanness. The Babylonian
Ta l m u d – a c o m p i l a t i o n o f
rabbinical teachings dating from
the third to the fifth centuries
AD – states that ‘stone vessels…
d o n o t c o n t r a c t i m p u r i t y,
neither according to the Torah
nor according to the scribes’
(Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 58a).
This teaching probably
explains the fact that large
numbers of stone vessels,
chiselled out of pieces of soft
chalk or limestone and dating
from the years 63 BC–AD 70, have
been discovered in archaeological
excavations at Jerusalem and
at the site of ancient towns and
|| Archaeology ||
villages of Judea and Galilee.
Stonecutters’ workshops have also
been discovered, revealing how
these vessels were made. First, the
block of stone was given its basic
shape with a hammer and chisel.
Second, the vessel was worked on
a lathe: while the lathe was turned
with a leather strap, the craftsman
would hold a chisel to it, giving it a
smooth finish. Finally, stone cores
were chiselled out of each object
to produce the completed vessel.
Four types of vessel have been
identified: mugs with handles;
large vessels for serving food and
drink; small dishes for individual
use; and large wide-mouthed jars.
The latter objects are probably
what are referred to in the
account of Jesus’ miracle at Cana:
‘Now there were six stone water
jars there for the Jewish rites of
purification, each holding twenty
or thirty gallons’ (John 2:6). The
alabaster flask containing nard
used to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:3) is
James Andrews
another New Testament reference
to a container carved from stone.
J o h n’s r e f e r e n c e t o t h e
‘Jewish rites of purification’ is an
indication of the function of stone
vessels. Because the number of
such vessels found in each ancient
household is small, archaeologists
conclude they were unlikely to
have been used for everyday eating
and drinking. Instead they were
probably used for ritual handwashing, holding spices, and for
various ceremonies connected
with the weekly Sabbath meal.
As well as providing a
fascinating glimpse into Jewish
daily life in the time of Jesus,
ancient stone vessels bring to mind
Jesus’ warnings about the dangers
of a legalistic and hypocritical
concern with the minutiae of
ritual observance at the expense
of true purity: ‘Woe to you, scribes
and Pharisees, hypocrites! For
you clean the outside of the cup
and the plate, but inside they are
full of greed and selfindulgence. You blind
Pharisee! First clean the
inside of the cup and the
plate, that the outside
a l s o m a y b e c l e a n’
(Matthew 23:25–26). n
Stone household
vessels, Jerusalem’s
Upper City, 63 BC–AD
70, Israel Museum –
Jerusalem
067
Archaeology
Where was
Sodom?
David Pearce
A plea for the traditional site
for Sodom & Gomorrah
Recent archaeological discoveries have located
the ruins of Sodom, but there are reasons for
not dismissing the traditional view completely.
T
h e r e h av e b e e n
several articles lately in
our magazines suggesting
that Sodom was located close to
Jericho, in modern Jordan. But
there are strong scriptural reasons
for sticking to a site at the south
end of the Dead Sea.
Firstly, in Genesis 10:18,19
we have a description of the
boundaries of the territor y
occupied by the Canaanites as
they ‘spread abroad’. It starts in
the north west with Sidon. It then
runs down the coast to Gaza and
Gerar (both occupied later by the
Philistines). At this point it turns
eastwards. The KJV says, “as thou
goest unto Sodom and Gomorrah
and Admah and Zeboim, even unto
Lasha”. Admah and Zeboim are
linked with Sodom and Gomorrah
as four of the five towns that were
attacked by Chedorlaomer and
his allies in the time of Abraham.
Incidentally, this must be a very
early record, because after the
time of Abraham and Lot it was no
longer possible to ‘go unto Sodom’
– it had been destroyed by fire.
Moses must be copying and editing
068 || Where was sodom? ||
an existing account. But the point
is, from Gaza the chronicler is
describing the southern border of
the Canaanites. A quick look at the
map will show this makes no sense
at all if Sodom was east of Jericho.
The line would be turning northeast,
not southeast, and would leave
out many of the important cities
of Canaan, including Hebron (see
Genesis 23:2). But it fits neatly if
Sodom was at the south end of the
Dead Sea.
Secondly, Zoar was a small
town near to Sodom and one of
the five cities of the plain or circle.
It was the one into which Lot
fled, with the permission of the
destroying angel, because it was
nearby (Genesis 19:20). Isaiah, in
his prophecy against Moab (15:5)
sees the people of Moab taking
refuge from their invaders in the
same way. Again, this makes good
sense if Zoar bordered on Moab, at
the south end of the Dead Sea, but
not if it was a long way to the north.
Then there is Deuteronomy
29:23. If Israel was disobedient,
Moses warned, their land would
be laid waste so that “the whole
land thereof is brimstone, and
salt, and burning, that it is
not sown, nor beareth, nor
any grass growth therein, like
the overthrow of Sodom and
Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim …”
This suggests the area around
Sodom was so contaminated by
the residues of the overthrow
that it became sterile, and so
acted as a permanent reminder
of the fate of the unrepentant
wicked. Jeremiah, a thousand
years later, condemns Edom to
a similar judgement (49:17,18)
where, “everyone that goeth by
it shall be astonished and shall
hiss at all the plagues thereof.
As in the overthrow of Sodom
and Gomorrah … no man shall
abide there, neither shall a son
of man dwell in it”. Clearly in
Jeremiah’s time Sodom was still
a byword for destruction, and it
had never been rebuilt. Zephaniah
2:9 also has Sodom as ‘a perpetual
desolation’, and Jude adds that
Sodom and Gomorrah are ‘set
forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire’ (verse 7).
The lifeless, salty area around the
Dead Sea matches this description
better than the plains of Jericho.
And Sodom was not to be rebuilt.
Next, there is the warpath
of Chedorlaomer. It seems from
Genesis 14:5 that Chedorlaomer
k i n g o f E l a m ( Pe r s i a ) h a d
conquered Sodom twelve years
previously, and subjected them to
an annual tribute. But now, like
Hezekiah and Zedekiah centuries
later, they stopped handing over
the tax to their overlord. This
brought a punitive expedition.
Chedorlaomer gathered his allies
and set off south. The important
point is the route he took. If
Sodom and the other cities were
at the north end of the Dead Sea,
he would have come upon them
early in his march. Instead, he
bypasses the plain of Jordan and
in sequence smote the Rephaim,
the Zuzzims, the Emims, and the
Horites in Mount Seir. These are
in a line from north to south along
the east side of Jordan and the
Dead Sea. He then rounded the
south end of the Sea and polished
off the Amalekites and Amorites.
Only now does he face in pitched
battle the objects of his wrath –
the cities of the plain or circle (see
Genesis 14:4-8). And where was
the battle field? Genesis 14:8 says it
was the Vale of Siddim, and Moses
explains to his readers in verse 3,
editing the earlier record, ‘which is
the Salt Sea’. The battle site was no
longer visible. Again, the details of
this campaign make no sense if the
objects of Chedorlaomer’s anger
were in the plain of Jordan.
Finally, there is the definitive
argument of Ezekiel 16:46. Here the
prophet is addressing the people
of Judah. He accuses them of being
even more corrupt than Samaria
and Sodom (Ezekiel 16:48-52). The
crucial point is the geographical
information in verse 46. It is well
known that for the people of Israel
the cardinal point of the compass
was not the north, as it is for us,
but the east. For example, the
tabernacle and temple were both
oriented towards the east, as the
most important direction. Now,
if you were situated in Judah and
facing east, Samaria would, as it
says in verse 16, be on your left
hand, i.e., to the north. But Sodom
would only be on your right hand
if it was to the south of Judah. It
could not be in the plains of Jordan.
n
The Dead Sea
borders Jordan, Israel
and Palestine and is
also known as the Salt
Sea because of its high
salinity. Having high
densities of salt makes
it very difficult for life to
flourish, hence its name.
069
The purpose of
the Ecclesia
Peter Anderton
Paul Tovell
01 What are ecclesias all about?
This new series
examines the roles
and functions of the
ecclesia, all of which
apply in the 21st century
Fulfilling the five roles of the
‘names and denominations of
This is a very real danger:
ecclesia
Christendom’. Believing that without focusing our attention
We have a regular agenda item at
they had the ‘Truth’, they stood squarely on the certainties at the
arranging brethren’s meetings
apart from all the churches, centre, the purpose of the ecclesia
in which we consider ecclesial
refusing any compromise of itself, we become focused solely
progress. It is not about progress
their distinctiveness or any on that which is at the periphery
in terms of change, but whether
association which could lead to of our faith, and there is a shifting
we, as an ecclesia, are fulfilling
their being regarded as merely of balance that, as Brother Sargent
the role that God has called us to
one ‘persuasion’ among many. suggested, could spell the end of
perform. It is a difficult question
They rejoiced in being ‘the sect the brotherhood. We believe the
to answer – how do we know how
ever ywhere spoken against’. greatest challenge faced by the
we are doing? There is a very real
Their essential task was to guard ecclesia today is this shifting of
temptation to simply avoid the
undefiled that deposit of truth balance. Has our community, little
question. But if we do not keep it
which was committed to their by little, lost touch with what the
firmly in mind, we can all too easily
trust, and this they could only do ecclesia is all about?
find the activities of the ecclesia
in strict separation from others.”
Defining the purpose of the
become an end in themselves, He concludes by saying:
ecclesia is tricky. Whilst some
instead of being the means of
“Unless it remains firm on those o f t h e a n swe r i s r e l a t ive ly
glorifying God and encouraging
essentials of truth which a straightforward, much of it is
spiritual growth.
hundred years ago were presented concealed in the teaching of Jesus
Brother Roger Lewis gave a
as a whole body of belief and the and the Apostles. Just as Jesus
fascinating study on the core
way of life, the real work of the challenged us to meditate upon his
purpose of the ecclesia, which
Christadelphian community will parables in order to extract their
became the stimulation for this
have ended and it will be only a true meaning, we are expected to
study. He quoted this passage
matter of time before its light is search the scriptures in order to
from Brother L G Sargent’s book A
put out.”
find the answer to these questions.
Sound Mind:
“If problems at the circumference
Ephesians
1
The Temple of God
“An holy temple in the Lord”
of our faith come to occupy more
2:19-22
thought than the certainties at
1 Corinthians
2
The Body of Christ
“Now ye are the body of Christ”
the hub, there will be a shifting of
12:12-27
balance … In the past there was no
Revelation
“Prepared as a bride adorned for
doubt about it: the very beginnings
3
The Bride of Christ
21:2-10
her husband”
in the work of Dr. John Thomas
“Take heed therefore unto
left a clear line of demarcation.
4
The Flock
Acts 20:28
yourselves, and to all the flock”
Christadelphians were a people
“The seven candlesticks which thou
‘called out’, not merely from the
5
The Lampstand
Revelation 1:20
sawest are the seven churches”
world at large, but from the
070 || Purpose of the ecclesia ||
However, the following simple key of thieves. We can see where they
unlocks the scriptures, revealing went wrong, and warn each other
answers that are both clear and against making the same mistake.
challenging.
If we had the house of God in our
Throughout the New Testament hands, what would we do with it?
f ive different metaphors are
used to describe the ecclesia(see ‘Called out ones’
table opposite). Each metaphor There are three important points
illustrates one of the five roles of to grasp when we reflect on the
the ecclesia. To fulfil the purpose ecclesia as God’s Temple. The first
of the ecclesia we must understand is that it must be separate. The
and apply each one.
Greek word ecclesia means ‘called
This series of studies will work out ones’. James, at the Jerusalem
through each metaphor and its council, talks of God visiting the
associated role in turn. The aim is Gentiles to take out of them a
to help us stop and consider, at an people for His name. Peter talks
individual and ecclesial level, how about it as being ‘called out of
we can work together to ensure darkness’. We are called out from
progress towards the roles God the world to be part of God’s
has called us to fulfil. This article ecclesia. A fundamental part of
begins with the most important this calling is separation from the
aspect of all, the ecclesia as the world around us.
temple of God.
The principle of separation
goes right back to the beginning,
The Ecclesia as the Temple of
to creation itself. In fact, when
God (1 of 3)
reading the creation account
carefully, more is said on the
God’s house – or ours?
process of separation than on
In Matthew 23 Jesus challenges creation itself. We read of light
the Scribes and the Pharisees to being separated from darkness, the
acknowledge their own hypocrisy. land from the sea, the firmament
The woes he proclaims climax that separated the waters above
in verses 37,38: “O Jerusalem, from the waters beneath. Look
Jerusalem, thou that killest the through each day in the creation
prophets, and stonest them which account - separation in one form
are sent unto thee, how often or another is emphasised time and
would I have gathered thy children again.
together, even as a hen gathereth
Throughout Genesis we
her chickens under her wings, and encounter the line of the promise
ye would not! Behold, your house is and the line of the curse, the seed
left unto you desolate.”
of the woman and the seed of the
On f inal inspection Jesus serpent, the sons of God and the
declares the temple is no longer daughters of men – the former
worthy to be God’s house – it was are always to be separate from the
their house, not His. They had latter. The promises to Abraham
profaned it, turning it into a den were dependent upon him leaving
his home and family - Hebrews
tells us he too was “called to go out”.
The same principle is evident in the
Exodus. In Hosea, God says, “When
Israel was a child, then I loved him
and called my son out of Egypt”
(Hosea 11:1), whilst Stephen’s
speech describes those called out
of Egypt as “the ecclesia in the
wilderness” (Acts 7:38).
Exodus 19:4 summarises the
Exodus in one sentence: “Ye
have seen what I did unto the
Egyptians, and how I bare you on
eagles’ wings and brought you
unto myself.” We like to think that
Israel were brought out of Egypt
because of the terrible suffering
they experienced, that Israel
were delivered because God had
compassion upon them. Although
this is true, it is not the primary
reason God had for bringing
Israel out. God brought Israel out
of Egypt that they could be with
Him. “And I will dwell among the
children of Israel, and will be their
God. And they shall know that I am
the LORD their God, that brought
them forth out of the land of Egypt,
that I may dwell among them: I
am the LORD their God,” (Exodus
29:45,6).
Israel were delivered from
Egypt so that God could dwell
among them. This wonderful
privilege has been extended to us!
As we continue in our studies let us
rejoice that we have been called out
of darkness to be with God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, and place them
at the very centre of ecclesial life.
To be continued …
n
071
Conversational
preaching
Beulah Edwards
In his article ‘First Steps’ (The Christadelphian, March 2013) Mark Buckler
suggested some necessary changes, to make preaching in our assemblies more
relevant. Similarly in last month’s article ‘Challenges for preaching in the UK’
(January, page 22) Thomas Gaston highlighted hurdles and possible solutions
to preaching the gospel. Here, encouragement is given to preach individually,
along with ideas that have been tried in New Zealand
I
have found that when
I mention the words ‘Bible’
or ‘God’ there is usually an
immediate glazed look in the eyes.
Before a person is ready to accept
an invitation to attend a meeting,
his mind needs to be turned from
lack of interest in God or the
church. Here are some steps to
overcome these initial reactions.
spot on earth. No-one doubts this
for it is factual. Then I drop in the
information that the Bible predicts
a great earthquake at the coming
of Christ beginning in this area.
No-one disputes it, because the
scientific basis has been laid.
People are often not ready to
take action immediately; it may
take another person to develop
the initial interest at a later stage.
Conversation
Sometimes a well placed comment
Enter the conversation, developing will achieve a shift in the thinking.
it and steering it gently along A new brother in our meeting says
the person’s interest, and then it took him eight years to turn
bringing up something relevant. around. We have to remember the
H e r e i n C h r i s t c h u r c h , N Z , Lord’s longsuffering. Our modern
earthquakes are a regular topic. thinking is geared to quick results.
I add to the conversation by God doesn’t work that way, He
saying, “We seem to be in an age sometimes works over years.
of disasters”. Everyone agrees to
that! Then I tell them that Israel Questions
is monitoring increasing quakes, Use questions. God sometimes uses
and the Danikel Depression in East questions rather than statements
Africa is being monitored. It is a (e.g., Genesis 3:9) because it
fascinating subject, earthquakes stimulates thought. It also helps us
causing land subsidence. This area to see what the other person has
is linked to the African Rift Valley, in mind. If we find a person’s real
and the fault line continues north interest, we can more effectively
west up the Red Sea, turning into give ‘a reason of the hope within
the Gulf of Aqabar, up through the us’. Try an open question. Last
Dead Sea depression, the lowest year I asked, “What do you think
072 || Conversational Preaching ||
of our world now?” The man chose
a subject which astounded me,
yet it led to a discussion on Bible
prophecy.
In conversation we can argue
philosophically before bringing up
a religious idea. Recently a brother
who spoke on “Does it matter what
we believe”, took the idea of gravity,
and argued whether we needed to
believe it existed. By the time he
had finished, the listeners were
thinking, “Of course it matters
what we believe!” The favourite
statement, “We are all going to
heaven by different routes”, can be
answered with logic; “There is only
one way to Invercargill; you have
to take the south road”.
I have written a series of A5
size leaflets on topical matters
to try and engage the interest,
e.g., ‘Have you a purpose in Life?’,
‘Does it matter what we believe?’,
‘Man and Woman’, ‘What is wrong
with the World?’ and Carry them
with me. When in England in
2011, I gave out my A5 leaflets as I
travelled. Sometimes our literature
concentrates on basic doctrines
but in a complex way. I believe we
need to enter the conversation at a
simpler, more topical level.
The Apostle Paul adjusted his
preaching to the situation. While
in Athens he looked for an opening,
and chose one of their altars to
begin his comment. He developed
his case from their point of interest.
We can do this even if there is concordance to show her how we
antipathy. In answer to a virulent check translation. Ai Li understood
anti-Semitic statement about the the need for this, working between
Jews, one brother said, “Did you two languages herself. Then she
know that the Jews are the only made the defining comment:
people to be conquered, dispersed
“Oh, there is more to it than I
throughout the world, and then thought!” This was truly a comment
repatriated?” The questioner from the heart and showed her
stopped and said, “Is that true? outlook had shifted. We waited. In
That’s amazing.” The brother knew ensuing months, she sat in on two
he wouldn’t shift anti-Semitic Bible discussions in her parents’
attitudes quickly but a well placed home and then attended her
comment caused the man to think. parents’ baptism. Several months
Next time he hears about the Jews later, she said suddenly to her
he will remember that there is mother, “After I have finished my
something special about them.
university studies, I think I will
While in hospital recently, the ask Beulah to do Bible lessons”. We
nurse explained he was using were amazed.
alcohol on the swab for hygiene
This is a bit like f ishing,
purposes. I asked, “Do you know dropping in a little bait, or drip
where the doctor who came up feeding.
with the idea of modern hygiene in
the eighteenth century got the idea Follow Up
from?” He didn’t know, so I told him Follow up is critical (ask marketing
that the Jewish Bible has laws of people). Make contact a few weeks
hygiene, quarantine, ecology and later. Offer some information in
safety. He was surprised, but next their area of interest. Say, “I was
time he hears the Bible mentioned thinking about our conversation
he may take some notice.
last week, and …”. I revisited a
neighbour who was very critical
Don’t over talk
of the church (I said I wasn’t the
We can over-talk. It is best to church, I was a member of a laity
introduce only a few ideas that can – do-it-yourself people). He opened
be absorbed. A recent example is the door and said, “Ah, I have been
the daughter of our new Chinese thinking about our conversation”,
Malaysian brother and sister. Ai and we had another talk.
Li wouldn’t listen to her parents
When the carpet cleaner arrived
discuss their new found faith. at my house, he looked around the
What could I do to help? While her room and said, “Are you a church
parents were overseas, I invited person?”. “No”, I said, “I am a Bible
Ai Li over with the idea of taking person”. My comment told him I
an interest in her. She told me saw the Bible as separate from the
about her university studies and church. He told me his story – he
plans. So I said, “Come and see my wanted to go back to church, and
life long interest,” and took her had tried three churches, but given
into the study. She exclaimed at up. He left with some reading
all the books, and I took down the material and a simplified Bible
073
reading chart. It is now my job to
follow this up.
If you felt you didn’t really
answer the question fully, write
down a few notes with Bible
quotations and hand it to your
interested friend.
Sister Jamie Holder f irst
heard about our beliefs from a
Christadelphian teacher at her
High School in Auckland. During
the school holidays, she went
online to check us out and had
email contact with a couple in
England. When they heard Jamie
was moving to Christchurch
to attend university, they were
diligent enough to inform us. We
invited Jamie to our seminars.
Thus several people helped prepare
Jamie for her eventual step.
Israel
& Iran
tremendous cost of crippling
sanctions on its economy?
“Rohani tells us not to worry. He
assures us that all of this is not
intended for nuclear weapons.
Any of you believe that? If you
believe that, here's a few questions
you might want to ask. Why would
a country that claims to only
want peaceful nuclear energy,
why would such a country build
hidden underground enrichment
facilities?
Why would a country with vast
natural energy reserves invest
billions in developing nuclear
energy? Why would a country
intent on merely civilian nuclear
programmes continue to defy
multiple Security Council
resolutions and incur the
074 || Netanyahu’s speech ||
know and it is up to us to inform
them (Romans 10:18).
Sometimes it is wise to tell
people what is available, the
courses we offer, one-to-one Bible
The work is the Lord’s
instruction so that when they are
Remember that we are servants ready they can ask. We need to say
doing the will of our Lord. If some in a non-pressured way, “We offer
plan doesn’t work out, then perhaps Bible courses that you can have a
it is not the time or the place.
look at when you would like to”.
A brother or sister new to our
Share your experiences with
community needs guidance on others. We can learn from each
how to deal with family and friends. other to witness more effectively.
Giving an overview of why God There is only one way to learn
made the world, and His ultimate however, we need to get in the
plans, is more helpful than being driver’s seat and engage.
overly critical. People simply don’t
n
And why would a country with
a peaceful nuclear programme
develop intercontinental ballistic
missiles, whose sole purpose is to
deliver nuclear warheads?
It’s not that it’s hard to find evidence
that Iran has a nuclear programme,
a nuclear weapons programme;
it’s hard to find evidence that Iran
doesn’t have a nuclear weapons
programme.
The last century has taught us that
when a radical regime with global
ambitions gets awesome power,
sooner or later its appetite for
aggression knows no bounds.
The world may have forgotten this
lesson. The Jewish people have not.
Iran’s fanaticism is not bluster.
It’s real. The fanatic regime must
never be allowed to arm itself with
nuclear weapons. I know that the
world is weary of war. We in Israel,
we know all too well the cost of
war. But history has taught us that
to prevent war tomorrow, we must
be firm today.
Israel will never acquiesce to
nuclear arms in the hands of a
rogue regime that repeatedly
promises to wipe us off the map.
Against such a threat, Israel will
have no choice but to defend itself.
I want there to be no confusion on
this point. Israel will not allow Iran
to get nuclear weapons. If Israel is
forced to stand alone, Israel will
stand alone.
In our time the Biblical prophecies
are being realized. As the prophet
Amos said, ‘they shall rebuild
ruined cities and inhabit them.
They shall plant vineyards and
drink their wine. They shall till
gardens and eat their fruit. And
I will plant them upon their soil
never to be uprooted again.’”
Excerpts of Benjamin Netanyahu’s
speech to the United Nations
General Assembly, October 1st,
2013. n
Bible
Companion
John Hingley
Last month we found that links across each of the day’s readings are very
common. Here are some links that apply to the readings for February.
February’s Daily Bible Readings – Themes for each day
Day
1st Reading
2nd Reading
3rd Reading
1
Hardened, lips, work, Moses
Lips, work, heart
Hardened (blinded), mouth, heart, Moses
2
Sacrifice, heart, intreat
Heart, mercy
Sacrifice, beseech, mercy
3
Early, heart, herb
Early, heart
Early, herbs
4
Thy houses, Red sea, hoof
Thy house, the sea
Their house, feet
5
A great cry, his land, shoes, Moses
I cried, dry land, Moses
One crying, desert places, shoes
6
Wilderness, war, chariots, the sea shore, …
out of Egypt
Wilderness, war, chariots,… out of Egypt, the
multitude
The multitude, the sea side
7
My salvation, mighty waters, healeth thee
Thy salvation, deep waters, no standing
Stand forth, healed many
8
Fill/filled/full, on the ground
Filled, the depths of the earth
Full, on stony ground
9
Mount, hill
Mountains, hills
Mountains
10
The sabbath day
All the day long
The sabbath day
11
Redeemed, curseth
Redeemed
Curseth
12
God, the judges
God is the judge
?
13
My Fear
They were afraid, I am so troubled
They were afraid
14
Moses, covenant, rose, sanctuary, testimony,
tabernacle
David, covenant, sanctuary, testimony,
tabernacle
Moses, David, rose
15
Cherubim, shittim wood, the mount
Cherubim, cedar, Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, fig tree, the mount
16
Testimony, children of Israel, pans
Testimony, my people, feast, pots, God of
Jacob
Common people, God of Jacob, feasts
Temple
17
Tabernacles, judgement, anoint
Tabernacles, courts, anointed
18
Pour it on his head, anointing
Risen
Poured it on his head, anoint, risen
19
Holy, sweet spices, cut off
Holy, cut me off, the grave
Sweet spices, the sepulchre
20
The Lord made, He cast, thy servants
I have made, by casting it, saints, thy
servants
Saints
21
Mount, milk, by name, my glory
Mountains, my name, thy glory
Milk, let no man glory
22
Anointing oil, he may teach
Anointed with fresh oil
As I teach
23
Wise-hearted / whose heart
Their heart, law, judge, judgment
A wise man, law, judge, judgment
24
Cherubim, holy, mercy, flower
Cherubim, holy, mercy
Holy, mercy, flower
25
Work, workman, court
Work, worketh, courts
Work, working, temple, cloud
26
Stones, garments, writing, cloud
Stones, garment, written, shadow
Rock, written, cloud
27
East, meat (meal), fowls, his head
East, “satisfieth thy mouth”, eagle
Eat, his / her head
28
Offer, take
Give, givest, takest
Give, given, gifts
|| Bible companion ||
075
Enhancing our
worship Suggestions
for February
John Botten
Some hymn ideas for presidents and
speakers at the Breaking of Bread
N
ow that we are into
Fe b r u a r y t h e d a i ly
readings take us out of
Egypt and into the wilderness with
the children of Israel. On February
2nd we are in Exodus 7 & 8 with the
plagues; perhaps not surprisingly
there aren’t too many hymns on
the plagues themselves, but hymn
85, which starts with Joseph’s
experience as a captive there and
goes on to remind us of how God
“by Moses freed His people with a
hand of might,” is a useful hymn,
going on to take us right through
God’s purpose to the kingdom. On
February 9th in Exodus 17 &18 we
are in the wilderness with Moses
bringing water from the rock,
defeating the Amalekite forces
harassing the rearguard of Israel
and getting to grips with managing
so many people. Hymn 112 is
especially appropriate, with its
many references to the wilderness
journey and its lovely conclusion:“A Rock we have, from whence the
spring, in rich abundance, flows:
/ That Rock is Christ, our Priest,
our King, who life and health
bestows.”
Hy m n 1 0 9 i s a l s o wo r t h
considering; (“O God whose voice
of thunder, once made the earth to
shake; / And Israel at the mountain,
in awe did fear and quake;”) as is
hymn 258 (“A great high priest is
come …”) with its reference to
“holding up failing hands” as Aaron
and Hur did when Moses defeated
the Amalekites with God’s help.
On February 16th we will
be reading about the altar of
burnt offering, the court of the
Tabernacle and the care of the
lamp stand in Exodus 27; one
option is hymn 25 (“O send Thy
light forth and Thy truth, let them be
guides to me”) or hymn 65 (“Behold
how good a thing it is…”) Finally on
February 23rd in Exodus 36, when
we are reading of the building
of the Tabernacle, hymns 258
(again), 260 (“God spoke by seer and
prophet, His will through priest and
patriarch was shown; in type and
shadow …”) or the lovely hymn 262
(“The true Messiah now appears, the
types are all withdrawn …”) are each
appropriate.
More Psalms
On February 2nd Psalms 60 & 61
offer lots of options; - there are
connections with the wilderness
journey in such hymns as 140
(“Father, we Thy children bless Thee
…) and 136 (“Father, hear the prayer
we offer …) as well as great hymns
such as 7 (“The Lord will be a refuge
076 || Enhancing our worship ||
for the oppressed …”) or 31 (“Cast
thy burden upon the Lord …”). On
February 9th we will be reading
Psalm 72 and the hymns almost
pick themselves, with hymn 39’s
pleasing paraphrase of the text
(“O Lord, Thy judgements give the
king …”) and the freer references
in hymn 275 (“Hail to the Lord’s
anointed …”) and hymn 299
(“Jesus shall reign wher’er the sun
…”)
On February 16th, Psalms
81 & 82 take us to Israel’s
repentance and the judgements
of God. There are good hymns
such as 318 (“O God of Abraham
we pray to Thee, for Thine own
people Israel…”), 320 (“O mourn
ye for Zion …”) and 323 (“Wake,
harp of Zion”) which are relevant
to Israel’s repentance; whilst
hymns 399 (“Arm of the Lord!
awake! awake!”) and 403 (“O
quickly come, great Judge of all …”)
deal with the important subject
of God’s judgements, without
which there can never be
justice in this world. Finally on
February 23rd, Psalms 94 & 95
are about holding fast in the face
of the wicked and praising God.
Hymns 42 (“The Lord will come
and not be slow …”), 50 (“All people
that on earth do dwell …”), 159 (“O
worship the Lord in the beauty of
holiness …”) and 48 (“O worship
the Lord …”) are all suitable.
Letters of Paul and the
Gospel of Mark
In the New Testament readings
for February, we are first of all
in Romans 12 on February 2nd,
which is about living sacrifices,
serving God and behaving as true
disciples. Suggestions are hymns
199 (“Blest are the pure in heart …”),
359 (“Ye servants of the Lord …”) and
339 (“Be ye steadfast, immoveable,
always abounding in the work of
the Lord,”) which all provide good
exhortations. On February 9th we
are back in the Gospels, this time
with Mark 5, which includes the
healing of Legion and the raising
of Jairus’ daughter. Unfortunately,
the best hymn is the wonderful
evening hymn 407, (“At even ere the
sun was set the sick, O Lord, around
thee lay …”) but this could be sung
in the morning with the following
slight modification to verses 2
(“Once more in self-same need, do
we, Oppressed with various ills draw
near”) and 5 (“Hear in this solemn
Date
morning hour, and in thy mercy, heal
us all …”). Other options might be
204 (“How sweet the name of Jesus
sounds … it soothes his sorrows, heals
his wounds …”), 215 (“We saw thee
not when thou didst come …”) and
the rousing resurrection hymn 250
(“Jesus lives! thy terrors now, can, O
death, no more appal us …”).
On February 16th, Mark 12 is
the reading with references to the
Parable of the Vineyard, paying
taxes to Caesar, the resurrection
and the greatest commandments.
Suitable hymns could be 163 (“Take
my life and let it be, consecrated Lord
to Thee …”) with its reference to
rendering to God the things that
are God’s, 137 (“Father, I ask that
1st reading
2nd reading
3rd reading
02
85
7, 31, 136, 140
199, 339, 359
09
109, 112, 258
39, 275, 299
204, 215, 250, 407
16
25, 65
318, 320, 323, 399, 403
77, 137, 163
23
258, 260, 262
42, 48, 50, 159
341, 334
all my life may be o’er ruled by Thee”)
and 77 (“All-pow’rful, self-existent
God …”)with its emphasis on the
supremacy of God.
Finally on February 23rd, when
1 Corinthians 6 is the reading, two
hymns are particularly relevant;
hymn 341 (“Brethren, let us walk
together in the bonds of love and
peace …”) which emphasises the
need for unity based on common
faith and, less obviously, hymn 334:
“We gave ourselves to Thee, O Lord …”,
which is a baptismal hymn, with
very appropriate words, which
with a small amendment to verse 4
could be used more generally …
“And we who own our Lord to-day,
/ O keep us true and pure, / May
we Thy glorious grace display, /
And to the end endure.”
(With grateful thanks this month to Sister
Gill MacDonald and Brother Chris Brook
for their helpful suggestions)
n
100 years ago
from The Christadelphian, February 1914
“Provoke not”
Just what is happening every day,
A gathering cloud on a sunny way,
All the fault of a careless word,
Lightly spoken and dumbly heard;
Feathered shaft with fatal art
Winging its way to a tender heart.
Strange how often we wound our own,
Scornful of glance and bitter of tone;
Strange how closely in hand we hold
Treasures of peace more worth than gold,
When, half in earnest and half in jest,
We grieve and hurt whom we love the best.
Little it matters what was wrong
If the discord drop in the tuneful song;
Little it matters which was right
If the shadow blot the household light;
When both are hasty and each is proud,
Both are to blame for the passing cloud.
Then let it pass; ’tis the wiser way
To kiss and be friends, nor mar the day
With the evil blight of a bootless strife,
To stain the spirit and dim the life;Let the lips
that breathed and the ear that heard
Take heed, henceforth, of the thoughtless
word.
n
077
Faith Alive!
A fictional
lost son
Paul Movassaghi
S
o often in our
lives we need to make
decisions, some trivial
but some potentially
life changing. Do you
ever stop and think
about the decisions you make
and consider how things would
have turned out if you had made
a different choice? It can be said
that once we have made a decision
to follow Jesus, as long as we put
our trust in him and our Heavenly
Father, that our path will be
guided and by God’s grace we can
one day be part of the kingdom.
So much of our future
discipleship is unknown and yet
how often does it overtake our
thoughts and emotions? “Hope
deferred makes the heart sick:
but a desire fulfilled it is a tree
of life” (Proverbs 13:12). Do we
take for granted the great gift we
have been promised by following
after God’s way? Or do we not
really let it impact our daily lives?
Do we take time to understand
more fully the precious word
of God? The Apostle Paul says,
“As we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things
that are unseen. For the things
that are seen are transient, but
the things that are unseen are
eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). The
unknown and the unseen can
appear exciting but are we making
decisions that bring us back to
God or take us away from Him?
078 || A fictional lost son ||
Jesus instructs us to take no
thought for tomorrow (Matthew
6:25) and yet how often do we
forget this? Let us consider an
example of an individual who
took a journey into the unknown.
Had he made the choice not to
venture into the unknown the
outcome would have been very
different. Once his decision was
corrected he did not falter, he did
not question and received a gift
far greater than anything this
world offers.
Lost son
Luke records a parable about two
sons (15:11). The younger son was
all about what he could get now,
Faith Alive! is published
three times a year to help
younger brothers, sisters
and teenagers in their
discipleship
he did not want to wait until the
death of his Father to receive his
inheritance. He wanted his Father
to give him now what would later
be his (15:12). Soon after this
the younger son took all he had
been given and journeyed into a
far country where he wasted his
money on a worthless, godless
existence. How much of our lives
are taken up with the material
things we are surrounded by?
The land where the young man
now lived was struck by famine
and all that he once had was now
gone. The man was forced to get
a job feeding pigs and whilst
sitting amongst them he was so
hungry he even ate the husks he
was supposed to feed
to them. Everyone
who had once been
there for him was now
gone (15:16). No matter
how much success we
have, no matter how
rich we become, if we
do not have treasure
in heaven our life is
in vain (18:22). The
story continues that
once the young man
came to his senses his
mind went back to his
A swedish postage
stamp depicting the
prodigal son, 1971
Father’s house. His Father had
many servants and they would be
eating well and be well cared for.
But he was perishing and hungry.
The young man had a change of
heart; he would return home
and ask his Father to make him
a hired servant. It was no longer
important what he was given but
what he was made (15:19). The
Father in the parable depicts of
our Heavenly Father and we read
that when the young son was a
long way off his Father ran out to
meet him and received him into
his house safe and sound (15:20).
The son recognises his sin and
is received by his Father not as a
servant but as a son.
The Father must have waited
by the gate every day for his son
to return home. So often in our
lives we can become entangled
and focused on the things of this
world. We can waste our time
and energy on things that are
not important. Like the young
son we need to ensure that we
return home to the safety of
God’s house. The LORD God
has appointed a day in which
He will judge the world (Acts
17:31) and if we are not ready,
reading the word of God daily
and praying always for His
guidance, then like the foolish
bridesmaids in another parable
we will be shut out of the
kingdom, Jesus denying he ever
knew us (Matthew 25:12). Had
the younger son not chosen to
return home he too would have
perished.
Taking stock
The years pass, faster than ever
and it is good for us to take stock
and reflect on how close we are
to God. Don’t let our minds be
consumed with the worries and
cares of this world but let us each
renew our vows with God and live
each day for Him. If we have not
yet chosen to serve and follow
God let us ask ourselves why not.
We have one opportunity to serve
God so let us each resolve to do so
in the days ahead. The world has
nothing to offer and will vanish
away in a moment when the Lord
Jesus returns.
The future God has in store
for each of us is beyond our
comprehension and one we
certainly do not want to turn our
backs on. God:
“giveth power to the faint; and
to them that have no might he
increaseth strength. Even the
youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly
fall: but they that wait upon the
LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings
as eagles; they shall run, and not
be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
n
WHAT KIND
OF LIFE?
The prodigal son wanted
it all now, but the life to
come is so much better.
Solomon tried everything
for enjoyment and pleasure
now (see Ecclesiastes 2).
He tried wine, houses,
vineyards, gardens, parks,
pools, servants, possessions,
silver, gold, music, women
… and when he had finished
decided that he hated it!
(Ecclesiastes 2:17). Why
can’t we learn – we don’t
need these things for life to
be good.
Jesus resisted all this,
and found true life. “This is
life eternal, that they may
know you, the only true
God” (John 17:3).
What is our life like
today? Are we behaving like
the lost son, like Solomon?
Do we pretend that doing
these things is ok, as long
as we go to the meeting?
Perhaps we do them with
other Christadelphains,
thinking it is fine. Let’s learn
from Jesus, and live lives
dedicated to him. That is the
only way to secure true life.
n
079
Book Review
In the Company
of Paul by Michael Owen
IN THE COMPANY OF PAUL
In the
Company
of Paul
MICHAEL OWEN
Michael Owen
T
his 112 page paperback
by Brother Michael
Owen comprises a series
of character sketches with a
difference. There are several
good books about the brothers
and sisters who accompanied the
apostle (like Howson’s ‘Companions
of St Paul’, F F Bruce’s ‘The Pauline
Circle’ or Harrington Lees’ ‘St Paul’s
Friends’), but Brother Michael’s
book is not just a set of character
studies. As the title indicates, the
focus is upon the Apostle Paul
himself and the book follows his
progress under the hand of God
from his first encounter with
the gospel in Jerusalem, where
he was outmanoeuvred by the
Spirit-filled Stephen , through his
Damascus Road experience and on
to his encounters with brethren
who would become his lifelong
companions. Thus we
meet Ananias (who
reminded the Lord what
a dangerous man Paul
was!), Barnabas (who
tracked Paul down in
Tarsus and brought him
to Antioch) and off we go
on the First Missionary
Journey, accompanied
for a while by young
Mark.
It is the narrative of
these journeys that holds
the reader’s interest,
for when the Second
Missionary Journey gets
underway, Silas and Timothy join
the company and so does Luke. On
occasions, Michael pauses from
following the narrative to focus on
particular characters, like Timothy,
Titus and Luke himself (who
gets three chapters of his own),
but the sweep of the narrative
carries us right through the three
Journeys, the voyage to Rome and
its aftermath.
This is a well written book
which is easy to read and
instructive. It will appeal to a
wide age range and will equally
appeal to readers who are not
very familiar with Acts, including
young people, and to those who
know Acts already. For Michael
nicely includes background detail
about some of the places visited,
works in references from Paul’s
later letters to these ecclesias, and
080 || In the company of paul ||
Tecwyn Morgan
adds practical observations about
our own ecclesial experiences. For
example, describing the efforts
being made by the apostle to bind
together Gentile converts and
the Jewish believers at Jerusalem,
Michael makes this observation:
“Paul had constantly sought to
maintain fellowship links between
the original ecclesia in Jerusalem
and the new ecclesias of Syria,
Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia and
Asia. It may seem surprising to us
that this was so important to Paul.
But he passionately believed that
‘by one spirit are we all baptized
into one body, whether we be
Jews or Gentiles … For the body
is not one member, but many’ (1
Corinthians 12:13,14)”.
Then, to relate First Century
experience to our own, the author
adds:
“Today, as then, there are those
who like to press a particular point
of view, or to introduce divisive
policies in the ecclesia. All such
should reflect on the heroic effort
made by Paul and his companions
to encourage the ecclesias to ‘stand
firm and hold to the traditions
you were taught by us, either by
our spoken word or by our letter’
(2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)”.
That’s typical of the way that
helpful exhortation is interwoven
with useful exposition and good
insights into the character of the
apostle and his companions. This
is a book well worth reading.
n
Signs of the times
An Arabian enigma
John Morris
As events unfold in the Arabian peninsula, we watch as Sheba and
Dedan come together with the merchants of Tarshish – but what do we
make of the current relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel?
I
N OLD TESTAMENT TIMES,
Arabia denoted the vast desert
area to the east of Israel,
beyond the territories of Ammon,
Moab and Edom, inhabited by
nomadic tribes descended from
Abraham through Keturah (Sheba
and Dedan: Genesis 25:1-3) and
also from Ishmael (Kedah, Dumah,
Tema: 1 Chronicles 1:29-31)*1. These
are the focus of one of the burdens
of Isaiah (21:11-17) and also the
subject of prophecies through
Jeremiah (25:23,24; 49:28). Sheba
and Dedan are of course part of the
confederation who challenge Gog
and his bands, described in Ezekiel
38, and this makes the region of
special significance in connection
with the outworking of latter-day
events.
The modern state of Saudi
Arabia was founded in 1932 by
Ibn Saud, replacing a British
Protectorate dating from 1915. (At
1 Genesis 10:7 mentions another
“Sheba and Dedan”, the sons of Cush, in
the line of Ham. Yet another Sheba is
the son of Joktan, of the tribe of Shem
(Genesis 10:26). Brother John Allfree
(Ezekiel: An Exposition of Chapters 1-39,
p. 408) writes: “The Joktanites founded
a kingdom in Southern Arabia which
for centuries was known as the kingdom
of Sheba. The other Shebas appear to
have mingled with these Joktanites and
it is very difficult to separate them.”
|| An Arabian enigma ||
the time, the British had control
over much of the Gulf region
as well as Aden.) Saudi Arabia
occupies by far the largest part
of the Arabian Peninsula – it is a
huge country, with an area more
than one hundred times that of
Israel. Bordering Saudi Arabia, and
along the coast of the Persian Gulf,
are the smaller states of Kuwait,
Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab
Emirates and Oman, while at the
southern corner of the peninsula
is Yemen (see map).
a joint military command, the
Peninsula Shield Force, which in
1991 deployed troops in Kuwait
and in 2011 moved in to help
suppress Bahrain’s ‘Arab Spring’
uprising. Bahrain’s Shia majority
were protesting against their
Sunni rulers, and Saudi Arabia
was fearful that if the rulers were
overthrown, this would encourage
Shia Iran to expand its influence
and inspire unrest elsewhere.
Saudi Arabia itself has not escaped
street protests but for the moment
King Abdullah has pacified the
The cradle of Islam
protesters by wage increases and
Since the mid-twentieth century, other benefits.
Saudi Arabia has enjoyed enormous
oil wealth and has taken a lead in A new Gulf alliance?
Arab and Middle East politics. As Lately, as a result of what is
the cradle of Islam, it is at the heart perceived as the West’s failure to
of the Moslem world and millions deal with President Assad’s regime
of pilgrims visit Mecca and in Syria, and the more recent
Medina every year. The population American and international moves
is predominantly Sunni and the to rehabilitate Iran, Saudi Arabia
regime is fiercely opposed to Iran has grown frustrated with the
and its Shia allies, including the West. A sign of this frustration
Assad regime in Syria. Throughout was the recent announcement by
most of the conflicts of recent the Saudis that they would refuse
decades, the Saudis have been their newly-won seat on the UN
strategic partners on whom the Security Council. Saudi Arabia
West could rely, and the Americans, has, moreover, been leading a
in particular, have supplied them movement among GCC members
with massive quantities of arms.
to be more self-sufficient. The
In 1981, Saudi Arabia joined Saudis envisage the evolution of
with other Gulf states to form the the GCC into a more integrated
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Gulf Union, to counter Iranian
In 1984, these agreed to create ambitions and assist the Syrian
081
bya
Turkey
Syria
Lebanon
Iraq
Israel
Afghanistan
Iran
Jordan
Kuwait
Pakistan
Egypt
Bahrain
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
United Arab
Emirates
Dedan
Sh
Sudan
Chad
Oman
eba
Yemen
rebels in bringing down the Assad
regime in Damascus. At present,
the smaller Gulf states are nervous
about such a development, which
some of them see as giving Saudi
Arabia too much power.
Saudi ties with Israel
Officially, as a Moslem nation,
Saudi Arabia counts Israel as an
enemy. The Saudis have supported
other Arab states in successive
Arab-Israeli wars. In recent times,
however, Saudi Arabia has exerted
a moderating influence on the
Arab world in respect of Israel,
and in 2002 drafted a peace plan by
which twenty-two Arab countries
would recognise the state of Israel
in exchange for a Palestinian state
and the withdrawal of Israel to its
1967 borders. Not surprisingly, this
plan, though adopted by the Arab
League, was unacceptable to Israel.
Now, several factors have
appeared to bring Saudi Arabia
082 || An arabian enigma ||
and Israel closer together. The
two countries both want regime
change in Syria; both view Iran as
a dangerous neighbour; and they
both back the military government
in Egypt. The suggestions of closer
ties are regularly denied but it
is clear that, behind the scenes,
there is cooperation. In fact, in
a speech at the UN last October,
Prime Minister Netanyahu openly
expressed his hope that Israel
would build relationships with
Arab countries equally threatened
by Iran.
A report in The Sunday Times
(Nov. 17, 2013) revealed that, prior
to the Geneva talks about Iran (see
January magazine, p. 35), Saudi
Arabia and Israel were discussing
contingency plans in the event that
Iran’s nuclear programme was not
significantly curbed. An Israeli
source offers further insight:
“The implications of the confluence
of interests between Riyadh
and Jerusalem should not be
overstated. Saudi Arabia is not
about to give up its position in
the Islamic world by forming
an alliance with Israel, the
perceived enemy of Islam. Yet
quiet cooperation should not
be ruled out. In the event of an
Israeli attack on Iran, Saudi
Arabia could stand down its
radar. It could offer refuelling
and search and rescue backup
for Israeli pilots. Above all, it
could step up intelligence sharing
with Jerusalem … Theoretically,
there is no reason that an antiballistic missile battery based
in Saudi Arabia or Qatar could
not intercept a missile launched
at Israel from Iran. But such
cooperation is extremely risky for
the regime and would require a
greater degree of trust in Israel
than Riyadh probably has.”
(Begin-Sadat Center
Perspectives, Dec. 17)
Signs of the times
American foreign policy
In the short term, Israeli and Saudi
worries about Iran are not so much
about Iran’s nuclear weapons –
which, by the best estimates, are
still some years away – but about
a strategic shift in American
policy in the Middle East. The US,
which for so long has had special
relationships with both Israel and
Saudi Arabia, now seems to be
reaching out to all sides so as to
balance and contain the tensions
in the region:
“Iran’s nuclear program was
not the most pressing issue
[in the Geneva talks] … What
the Americans wanted was an
understanding with the Iranians,
whereby their role in the region
would be balanced against those
of other countries, particularly
Saudi Arabia, the Arabian
emirates and to some extent Israel
… Washington wants to have
multiple relations with regional
actors, not just Israel and Saudi
Arabia … The Americans want
a stronger Iran to contain Saudi
support for Sunni insurgents.”
(Stratfor Geopolitical
Weekly, Dec. 3, 2013)
The final phrase in this extract
hints at the fact that many
radicalised Moslems and terrorists
have emerged from Saudi Arabia
over the years. Al-qaeda had its
origins in Saudi Arabia; Osama bin
Laden was a Saudi, as were fifteen
of the nineteen hijackers involved
in the “9/11” attacks on Washington
and New York in 2001.
The final confrontation
Present developments do seem
very much in accord with our
traditional understanding of the
latter-day events described in
Ezekiel 38. There is, on the one
hand, the northern host, with Iran
as one of its allies; and in the south
the federation of Sheba, Dedan
and Tarshish – surely, in today’s
terms, the peoples of the Arabian
peninsula associated with the
maritime West. As for the Saudi
connections with Israel: these
may, of course, be short-lived, but
bearing in mind that both Egypt
and Jordan have peace treaties
with Israel, there is no reason why
enigmatic Saudi Arabia should not
also, at the last, show friendship
towards their ancient cousins. n
Israel & their Land
“Bring my
sons from
afar”
John Morris
A
CC O R D IN G T O A
BULLETIN from the Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(Dec. 29, 2013), 19,200 immigrants
arrived in Israel in 2013, a modest
increase from the 18,940 who
arrived in the previous year. 2013
saw an overall increase of 35% in
Aliyah from western Europe, the
most dramatic increase being from
France. There were also some 3,000
immigrants from North America,
while the largest group, 7,520, came
|| “Bring my sons from afar” ||
from the former Soviet Union.
From Australia and New Zealand
there were 265 immigrants, a
46% increase over 2012, and 204
came from South Africa, 19% up.
Aliyah from Ethiopia was down
44% due to the conclusion of
Operation Dove's Wings, which
brought the remainder of those
deemed eligible to emigrate to
Israel. A striking characteristic
of last year's Aliyah was its youth:
60% of the migrants to Israel were
under the age of 35. The oldest
immigrant was a 103-year-old
man from the United States.
Israel’s population, at the
close of 2013, reached 8 million
(Jerusalem Post, Dec. 30, 2013).
Of these, 75.2% – approximately
6.1 million – are Jewish. The
Arab population of Israel,
which includes Muslims, ArabChristians, and Druse, makes up
20.6% – 1.6 million. The remaining
4% of the total population –
348,000 – are either non-Arab
Christians, or those with another
(or no) religious aff iliation.
Israel’s population is projected to
reach 11.4 million by 2035.
“Fear not: for I am with thee: I
will bring thy seed from the east,
and gather thee from the west;
I will say to the north, Give up;
and to the south, Keep not back:
bring my sons from far, and my
daughters from the ends of the
earth” (Isaiah 43:5,6).
With acknowledgements to Milestones
Snippets which provided sources for the
above information.
n
083
Epilogue
Love thy
neighbour
Irene Jerome
Here is one example of conversational preaching
084 || “Love thy neighbour” ||
try to end the conversation by
saying that I can plant and water
but it is God that gives the increase,
and the beauty of the flowers is
evidence of His creative power.
This gives plenty of scope for
further conversation if it arouses
interest. One unexpected incident
occurred when a lady who was
visiting Watford stopped to talk
about the flowers and it turned out
that she lives in the same crescent
in Auckland, New Zealand where
Pakuranga Ecclesia have their
meeting room and she knew the
building. You never know!
Seeking an opportunity to
love one’s neighbours can be very
rewarding when it comes to living
the truth.
n
Isaiah 35:1 “The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose”
photograph © Dawn Huczek CC2.0, Flickr.com
J
(in
esus
said
Matthew 22:37-40)
that the first and great
commandment is to love God. The
second is like unto it, to love thy
neighbour. Jesus said that on these
two hang all the law. The expression
“Love thy neighbour” occurs nine
times in the New Testament, but
the word “neighbour” occurs 160
times in the whole of scripture, all
having reference to respect or care
for neighbours in different aspects.
So t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h
neighbours is of great importance.
Jesus gave us the parable of the
Good Samaritan to illustrate the
point.
These thoughts occupied my
mind as I tended the garden at
the front of the house. How do I
fulfil this command? My six near
neighbours belong to six different
religions, including the Muslim
family next door. An excellent
opportunity one may think of
declaring one’s faith, while loving
and not criticising one’s neighbour.
One idea came to mind as many
people walking by stop to comment
on the garden.
I fo u n d a n e f fe c t ive a n d
satisfying approach that I am
happy with. While we talk about
the plants in the garden I always
The brotherhood near & far
News from the ecclesias
“He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11)
Canada
Brantford, ON | Daniel Billington |
We are happy to welcome back our
Sis. Ona Lawton by transfer from the
Barrie Ecclesia and look forward to
our continued fellowship together. We
rejoice with our family in heaven that
after giving a good confession of his faith,
Samuel Riddle, son of Bro. Paul & Sis.
Pauline, was baptized on Oct. 26, 2013.
It is encouraging to us all to see another
of our young people commit his way to
our Lord. We thank Bro. David Griffin
(Birmingham, Kings Norton, UK) for his
ministrations and studies at our October
Thanksgiving Gathering including
“From gifts to gratitude”, a presentation
on the Christadelphian Jewish Relief
programme. We also thank Bro. Neville
Clark (Tea Tree Gully, S. Australia), for
visiting us following winter Bible School,
giving the exhortation and Bible Class
on the prophecy of Daniel. Our annual
Brantford Junior CYC & Little Disciples
Winter Gathering is on Feb. 8, at Camp
Trillium; theme: “Peter”.
Calgary, AB | Paul Aback | We regret
to inform the brotherhood of the
resignation of our Bro. Mike Lindsay,
who is therefore no longer in fellowship.
We pray he may rejoin us before Christ
returns.
Sussex, NB | Cliff Baines | We have been
blessed by visits during the summer
from several brethren and sisters: Phil &
Barb Wilton (Toronto West, ON); Eugene
& Rose & Ben Deadman (Australia);
Jason & Maryann Deadman & family
(Mississauga West, ON); and Peter
& Norma Forbes (Glenfield, UK). We
thank brethren Peter & Jason for their
exhortations and Bible Class study. Our
Thanksgiving Gathering last October
was led by Bro. Ron Hicks (Washington,
DC) and we thank him for his uplifting
studies and fellowship. At this time we
also had several brethren and sisters
from Nova Scotia and the New England
|| News ||
All arrangements “if the Lord will”
States. We are looking forward to the
visit of Bro. Martin Webster (KitchenerWaterloo, ON) on Apr. 26-27 when he will
lead a Study Weekend on “1 John – epistle
of sublime truth & love”. Our Spring
Youth Camp will be held May 16-18, to be
led by Bro. John Mannell (Toronto West,
ON) and the Thanksgiving Gathering
Oct. 11-12 will be led by Bro. Jim Sullivan
(Boston, MA) on “The sons of Zeruiah”.
We welcome Bro. Philip & Sis. Janice
Baines, commended to us in love from
the Cambridge (ON) Ecclesia. We are
pleased to have the Kabangu family from
Tanzania who are now living in Moncton,
NB.
Victoria, BC | Clyde Snobelen | We
continue to be blessed with numerous
visitors from near and far, and we
welcome them all to meet with us. We
have received by transfer from the
Saanich Ecclesia, Bro. Kevin & Sis.
Rebecca Hunter, and Bro. Casey Brown
and his sister, Sis. Becky Brown. From
The Southern New Hampshire Ecclesia
we have received Brethren Micah and
Philip Quindazzi and from Vernon, Bro.
Alex Harper. Bro. Dave & Sis. Kessia
Higgs have been transferred with our
love to the Comox Valley Ecclesia. We
were saddened by the resignation of our
Sis. Rebekah Dixon, who is no longer in
fellowship. Our prayer is that she will
reflect on her salvation and return to
fellowship with us. We rejoiced with
our new Sis. Andrea Ceron at her baptism
into the saving name of Jesus on Oct. 12,
2013. Our new sister came to us following
a campaign surrounding a public
lecture on Israel a few years ago.
We are sorry to report that on Nov.
2, 2013 our dearly loved Bro. Gordon
Dangerfield fell asleep. He was born in
Adelaide, Australia, in July 1946, and was
baptized into Christ there in April 1965.
Bro. Gordon leaves his beloved wife, Sis.
Beth, and his three children, Sis. Leanne,
Sis. Karen and Bro. Mark as well as
their spouses and three grandchildren.
Our brother died in the hope of the
resurrection and the coming kingdom
and because of this we do not mourn as
others who have no hope. However, we
do feel sadness in our hearts as we think
of Gordon. He lived a life which has left
us many good memories. Bro. Gordon
was known throughout the worldwide
brotherhood for his friendly character,
his sense of humour, his Bible studies and
talks, and his direct and practical advice.
His Bible knowledge was shown equally
in Spanish and English. He was guided
and motivated by spiritual principles
which he not only preached but also
practised. He had a genuine interest in
others and could talk with people from
all backgrounds. In meetings with young
people, with the elders of the ecclesia and
in private conversations with his friends,
he showed his energy and enthusiasm.
During the last months of his life his
illness caused him problems in speech
and the last thing he lost was his capacity
to pray. A prayer was one of the final
things he said. Gordon now sleeps in
Christ awaiting the trumpet call, when
by God’s grace he will be transformed.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be
steadfast, immovable, always abounding
in the work of the Lord, knowing that in
the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
We held our second Bible Mission
Fundraiser on Feb. 9, 2013, a great
success, with over $10,000 raised for
Mission activities. Bro. Jim Styles (Simi
Hills, CA) spoke on “God’s wonderful
plan of redemption” at our Fraternal
Gathering in September 2013. Bro.
Chris Sales spoke at our Fall Study
Weekend on Nov. 9, 2013 on “Pictures of
redemption”. We thank our brethren for
their work among us. We look forward
to our Spring Study Weekend, Mar. 1516, when Bro. Jason Hensley (Simi Hills,
CA) will speak on the theme “And I will
send you the comforter”. Our annual
Pacific Northwest CYC Conference is
scheduled for the Easter Weekend, Apr.
18. Speaker: Bro. Jay Mayock (Hamilton
Book Road, ON). Our 2014 Fraternal
Gathering is on Labour Day, Sep. 1. For
085
further information please contact the
oversigned (e-mail: xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xx).
China
Beijing | Steven Cox | We have enjoyed
several visits from brothers and sisters
from Australia and New Zealand.
Particular thanks to those who have
given classes, whether in person or by
video call. We welcome Sis. Judy Wei who
transfers to Beijing from the meeting in
Shanghai.
Hong Kong | Peter Heavyside | We
have been encouraged by the visits of
the following brothers and sisters: from
Australia: Rosemary Pearce (Hurstville);
Jonathan Lawson (Blackburn); Michael
New m a n ( M t . Wave r l ey ) ; K a r e n
Oosthuizen and Emily O’Toole (West
Ryde); from Canada: Benjamin &
Lydia Abel (Shelburne); Doug Jackson
(Mississauga West); from China: Dan &
Sylvia Jorgensen (Shanghai); from New
Zealand: Simon Alderson (Waitakare);
from Philippines: Rowena Gimeno
Viernes (Laguna); and from UK: Mary
Greenwood (Bishops Stortford). We thank
Simon, Jonathan, Michael, Benjamin and
Doug for their edifying and encouraging
words at the breaking of bread. We
benefit greatly from the fellowship of
visitors so please keep us in mind if you
are travelling to this part of the world.
Our contact details as follows: 3rd Floor,
12 Crown Terrace, Pokfulam, Hong Kong,
PRC, (tel. +00000000000; e-mail: xxxxx.
xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx).
France
Brittany | Andrew Norcross | Our
Study & Fellowship Week is on Sep. 6-13.
Speaker: Bro. Alf Allfree (Pershore, UK);
theme: “Called to be saints; encounters
with early disciples”. Cost, £230 per
person; accommodation with brethren
and sisters. Booking forms from Bro.
Luke Twelves, (e-mail: xxxxxxxxx @
xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx) or contact me on tel.
+0000000000000.
Kenya
Coast Area | Zakayo Mutunga | We are
saddened to report the falling asleep of
Sis. Mary Ndululu on Dec. 24, 2013 and
her husband Bro. Festus Mutinda on
086 || News ||
Dec. 26, 2013 in very sad, unfortunate
and disturbing circumstances. We
sorrow with Sis. Christine & Bro. Samuel
Mutunga and Sis. Pauline & Bro. Jonathan
Kiindu and their families and pray that
God will comfort all those who mourn.
Also we sorrow with Sis. Anna Kalekye
following the falling asleep of Sis. Esther
Mutio of Godo ecclesia on Dec. 1, 2013.
Sis. Esther was among the first baptisms
at Godo and was a regular attender when
she was in good health.
North Nyanza Area | James Mijuanda |
The following were baptised during
our area Fraternal Gathering at the end
of 2013: Manyuanda ecclesia, Rose
Mary Achieng; Migwena ecclesia, Denis
Ochieng; Chianda ecclesia, Pamela Owino
and Nerea Atieno. We seek God’s blessing
on their walk to the kingdom.
Western Area | Clement Fwamba | We
are pleased to report the baptisms of the
following brothers and sisters on Aug.
25, 2013, at the Western Youth Camp.
Mayanja ecclesia, Bro. Hanningtone
Waliaula and Sis. Magdalene Waliaula.
Kikwechi ecclesia, Bro. Silas Kimachesi,
Sis. Dorcas Simiyu, Bro. Samuel Masinde
and Sis. Lilian Tumweti. Myanga ecclesia,
Bro. Amos Kamau.
Chwele Township | We regret to
announce the passing away on Oct. 5,
2013 of our loved Bro. Kennedy Wanjala.
Bro. Kennedy was an elder brother of
Chwele Township ecclesia. We hope that
the Almighty God will send His Son to
raise him from the dead on the last day.
Kikwechi | We report the baptisms
which took place on Oct. 27, 2013 at
CBM Kikwechi ecclesia; Bro. Dennis W.
Soita (this is one of those friends who
were reported to have been attacked and
injured at Kikwechi), Sis. Dorcas Wanjala,
Sis. Nancy Barasa, Sis. Rose N. Soita and
Sis. Jane N. Nyongesa. We pray for God’s
blessing on them all.
New Zealand
Wanganui | Jonathan Godfrey | Bro.
David & Sis. Jeanette Boothway and their
daughters arrived in Wanganui from
Durban, South Africa, almost nine years
ago. Due to David’s recent change of
employment it has been to our loss to see
them move to Whakatane. We commend
them in love to the Bay of Plenty Ecclesia
which meets at Tauranga.
South Africa
East London | John Shrosbree | It is
with deep sorrow that we report the
falling asleep of our Sis. Lovie Coetzer on
Dec. 21, 2013, whilst with her son Derek
in Cape Town. Sis. Lovie was baptized 63
years ago and her life was an example of
faith and courage. Our sister now rests
from her labours and awaits the call on
the resurrection morning. We offer our
loving sympathy to family, friends and
her ecclesial family. We were pleased
to have Bro. Simon Peter Shrosbree and
Sis. Angelique Olwage during December
from Nelspruit. We thank them for their
fellowship and positive input at the Kei
Road Bible Class. We pray for the healing
hand of our Heavenly Father on all the
sick and aged. May 2014 be the year of
our Lord Jesus’ return.
West Rand | Dave Hopkins | Bro. Byron
Hooper is our newest brother, who I
had the honour to baptize a year and a
half ago. We rejoice that he gave himself
over to God completely and appreciate
the work he now undertakes in the
ecclesia. During November 2013 Bro.
Byron’s grandmother fell asleep, Sis. Iona
Wooton (Pinetown). Bro. Byron travelled
to Durban for the funeral, where he had
the opportunity to meet number of the
brethren there. Bro. David Hopkins is
now our Recording Brother. It is fitting
that our students are mentioned, as they
continue their search for truth and we
also pray for all those who struggle with
ill health in our ecclesia.
Spain
Costa Blanca | Paul Ward | Our
sympathies are with our Sis. Carmen
Melean following the death of her father
in Venezuela, and with our Bro. Nick
Morton whose mother, Sis. Mazel Morton
(Chesterfield), fell asleep in Christ on
Dec. 10, 2013.
United Kingdom
Amersham | Trevor Hughes | We
commend Sis. Joyce Ebling to the
love and fellowship of the Cambridge
Ecclesia following her move to that area.
We pray that she will be happy in her
new ecclesia as they walk together to
God’s kingdom.
Ardingly | Gary Holman | Our Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 1, at 4, at the Village
Hall, High Street, Ardingly, RH17 6TB.
Speaker: Bro. Alan Clarke (Daventry);
theme: “Glory ye in His Holy Name”
(Psalm 105): (1) “He hath remembered
His covenant”; (2) “He sent Moses His
servant”. Tea between the addresses.
We would once again like to express
our grateful thanks to all our visiting
brethren who have served us throughout
2013, making it possible for our small
ecclesia to remain a witness to the Truth
in this area. Would those intending to
attend our meetings please telephone the
above signed on 00000000000 first, to
check that we do have meetings on the
dates they intend to visit.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch | Mark Buckler |
On Dec. 29, 2013, our dear Sis. Audrey
Wileman fell asleep in the Lord. Our
sympathy is with her husband Bro. David,
daughters Sis. Lynne and Glenis and their
families. We are again reminded of our
mortality and the need for our Lord to
come.
Barton-under-Needwood | Reg Carr |
We offer our sincere sympathy to our Bro.
David Lister and his family on the death
of his stepfather, Bro. Gordon Eglen
(Halifax, Balmoral Place), and to our Sis.
Julia Lister and her family on the death
of her mother, Sis. Jean Walker (formerly
of Middlesbrough and Bradford), in the
Peacehaven Home at Leamington Spa.
Bath | Rob Taylor | Will intending
visitors please note that on Mar. 2 the
annual Bath Half Marathon means
that the city centre will be closed off all
morning and into the early afternoon.
Consequently the breaking of bread on
that day will be at 3.30.
Bexhill-on-Sea | Lloyd Hammer | With
sadness we report the falling asleep of
Bro. Ray Handley on Dec. 6, 2013, aged 85.
He was baptized in 1945 at Portsmouth
and had been a faithful member of the
Bexhill-on-Sea Ecclesia since transferring
from London (Forest Hill) with his wife
Sis. Mary in December 2004. He served
the meeting diligently as a speaking,
presiding and arranging brother in his
own knowledgeable and quiet way. Bro.
Ray will be missed by all of us. Those who
have visited our Ecclesia will remember
his gentle and warm manner.
Birmingham (Acocks Green) | Mike
Pugh | We are happy to report the
baptism on Dec. 14, 2013, of Hannah
Esther Harper, daughter of Bro. Stephen
& Sis. Marina Harper. We look forward
to working with and encouraging each
other until our Lord’s return. Please note
that our ecclesial telephone number has
changed to 00000000000 (in use only
during meeting times).
Birmingham (Bournville) | Tim Plant |
We hold our next Fraternal Study on
Mar. 8, at 5. Speaker: Bro. Mark Johnson
(Lye); theme: “O Daniel”: (1) “Stopped
the mouths of lions”; (2) “A man greatly
beloved”. Refreshments during the
interval.
Birmingham (Kings Heath) | Colin
Briley | We transfer in love our Sis.
Vicky Sanders to the care of the brothers
and sisters of the Birmingham (West)
meeting and thank her for her help and
support whilst a member of Kings Heath.
Birmingham (Longbridge) | Robin
Beeson | Our annual Fraternal Gathering
is on Apr. 5, at 4 (please note earlier time).
Speaker: Bro. Stephen Whitehouse (Hall
Green); theme: “The Father and His only
begotten Son”: (1) “Many good works have
I shown you from my Father”; (2) “The
brightness of His glory and the express
image of His person”. Refreshments
during the interval. Later in the year we
hold two Study Evenings; on Oct. 18, at 4:
Bro. Simon Collard (Cambridge); and on
Nov. 15: Bro. Tim Hughes (Longbridge).
More details nearer the time.
Birmingham (South) | Clive Martin |
Our annual Study Day is on Mar. 22, 9.30
coffee for 10am start. Speaker: Bro. Jon
Davies (Watford); theme: “Differences in
the Gospels … why?”
Birmingham (West) | Tony Watkins |
We are pleased to welcome again Sis.
Vicky Sanders who has transferred back
to us from the Birmingham (Kings Heath)
Ecclesia.
B l a c k p o o l | A d r i a n We b s t e r |
Please address all correspondence to
the new Rec. Bro., xxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx. Our thanks go
to Bro. Rob Capper for faithfully serving
the Lord’s light stand in Blackpool for
many years in this capacity.
Bournemouth (Winton) | Philip
Mundey | Sis. Margaret Cheadle has
transferred to Parkstone Ecclesia. We
shall miss her fellowship after 30 years at
Winton, but we commend her in love, and
wish her well in her new spiritual home.
Bridgend | Brian Wallace | It was with
sadness we heard of the closing of the
Neath Ecclesia after so many years as a
faithful light stand in our area. However
we are delighted to welcome Bro. Ron
MacMullins from Neath, to join us at
Bridgend. We pray that Bro. Ron will be
happy with us as we walk together to the
kingdom.
B r i s t ol ( B r i s l i n g t o n) | G o r d o n
Rawlings | Sis. Sarah Wootton has
requested that she be transferred to the
Wells Ecclesia to meet with her family
more often. We are sorry to lose her but
commend her in love to the brethren and
sisters at Wells meeting.
Bristol (Downend) | Adrian
Mothersdill | The joint Bristol Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 1, at 5, at Downend
Hall. Speaker: Bro. Andrew Walker
(Doncaster); theme: “The coming of
the King”. Buffet supper to follow. It’s
lovely to have Sis. Esther Harding back
with us following her transfer from the
Cambridge Ecclesia.
Broadstone | John Butler | We warmly
welcome Sis. Sybil Hughes who has
transferred to us with the love of the
Llanelli Ecclesia following her move to
Broadstone. We look forward very much
to her company and fellowship.
Caerphilly | Richard Mellowes | Our
next Study Evening is on Feb. 15, at 5,
at Caerphilly Guide Hall, off Nantgarw
Ro a d . S p e a ke r : B r o. Pa u l Da n ks
(Napton-on-the-Hill); theme: “Ezekiel’s
prophecy – preparing for the kingdom”:
(1) “Visions of glory”; (2) “A house of
prayer for all nations”. Refreshments
served afterwards.
087
Cambridge | John Drury | We are
delighted to welcome by transfer
from Amersham, Sis. Joyce Ebling;
her joy in the things of God since she
has been working here, has enhanced
our fellowship already. Our Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 8, at 3, and will take
the form of a presentation by Bro. David
Griffin (Birmingham, Kings Norton)
on the work of Jewish Clothing Relief
Organisation, then a devotional talk “A
willing heart”, followed by tea at 5.15.
Cannock | Alistair Firth | We rejoice in
the baptism on Dec. 14, 2013 of one of
our Sunday School scholars, Joshua Luke
Robinson, son of Bro. Justin & Sis. Carolyn
Robinson. We pray for our Father’s
blessing on his walk to the kingdom, and
that we shall be a mutual support in the
days that remain until the appearing of
our Master.
Cardiff (Museum Place) | Dafydd
Jenkins | We are saddened to report
the sudden falling asleep of our Bro.
Derek Horton. Bro. Derek underwent an
operation on Dec. 23, 2013 which seemed
to go well, and he returned home on Dec.
27, but was readmitted the following day
and fell asleep early on the 29th. Bro.
Derek faithfully served his Master for
almost 43 years, 36 of these in Cardiff
where he gently and diligently worked
in many capacities including that of
recording brother. He now rests in the
sure hope of resurrection and we pray
that glorious day will dawn shortly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sis.
Fiona, his daughters Sis. Rachel Harper
(Vernon, BC, Canada), Sis. Ruth Harding
(Bristol, Downend) and all his family.
Our Fraternal Gathering will be held on
Mar. 8, at 5, at the Lisvane Memorial Hall.
Speaker: Bro. Andrew Bramhill (Shirley);
theme: “The house of God”: (1) “The
blessing of fellowship”; (2) “The pillar
and ground”. Refreshments afterwards.
Chesterfield | Peter McEvoy | We are
sorry to report the death of Sis. Mazel
Morton, aged 91. Sis. Mazel was baptised
as Mazel Smith (in Manchester) in 1939,
so lived 74 years following God’s way.
She married Bro. Noel Morton and from
1950 they were members of Sheffield
Ecclesia for 35 years. They were members
at Morpeth from 1985 to 1992 following
which they came to Chesterfield. We
088 || News ||
will miss her quick wit and ready sense
of humour but we recognise she had
become very frail and God’s providence
in releasing her from further struggle is
not difficult to recognise. Our sympathies
go out to her son, Bro. Nick and his wife
Sis. Liz and their family.
Coventry (East) | Kevin Sweeney |
We are pleased to welcome Sis. Rebecca
Pachu who is commended to us by the
Winnipeg (Canada) Ecclesia. Sis. Rebecca
is the eldest daughter of our Bro. John &
Sis. Carol Wane. We are also pleased to
see her family who attend our meeting.
Coventry (Grosvenor Road) | Colin
Bicknell | Our loving sympathies are
with our Sis. Hannelore Ryan and her son
Gerard following the recent falling asleep
of her husband Barry. Although Barry
was not baptized, he attended over many
years both Sunday Bible Talks, Special
Efforts and would discuss all aspects of
scripture. As we share Sis. Hannelore’s
sadness our sympathies are also extended
to our Sis. Margaret Ryan, Bro. Rob Ryan
and Sis. Sue Honey (Coventry, East) and
other members of their family and pray
that each may be comforted as we await
the day of resurrection. Our annual
Fraternal Gathering is on Apr. 21 (Easter
Monday), at 6. Theme: “Walking by faith
not by sight”: (1) “Be not conformed to
this world” – Bro. John Owen (Mumbles);
(2) “Faith is the substance of things hoped
for” – Bro. Michael Owen (Seaton). Buffet
tea before the meeting from 4.30-5.15.
Crewe | Jon Hale | Our Study & Serve
Day is on Mar. 15, from 10am. Speaker:
Bro. Michael Lewis (Weston-superMare); theme: “Visions of the kingdom
in Zechariah”. We will be engaging in
a variety of preaching activities in the
afternoon “Serve” sessions.
Derby (Mill Hill) | Edwyn Firth | Our All
Ages Day is on Apr. 5. Speaker: Bro. Cedric
Twelves (Chesterfield); theme: “Freedom
in Christ”. Doors open 1:30 for coffee;
2:00, introduction; 2:15, demonstration
with live owls; 3:15, “Freedom in Christ”;
5:00, tea (bring and share – drinks
provided); 6:15, devotional; 6:45, finish.
Doncaster | Andrew Walker | From Bro.
Malcolm Cross: We give our sympathy
to our Bro. Andrew Walker, and all his
relatives, in the recent falling asleep of
his mother Sis. Jean Walker (Leamington
Spa); may we see her again very soon.
Dudley (Queens Cross) | Michael
Harrison | Our sympathies are with
Bro. Martin & Sis. Jayne Eyre and their
family on the recent death of Bro.
Martin’s mother. It is with sadness that
we recognise the desire of Sis. Laura
Parker to cease fellowship with us. We
pray that in God’s grace her faith may be
restored. Our next Study Evening is on
Mar. 15, at 4.30. Speaker: Bro. Andrew
Johnson (Birmingham, Kings Norton);
theme “Israel’s calendar – a parable of
our salvation” (two talks). A light supper
will be served at the end of the meeting.
Dundee | Kenneth Yuile | We are very
pleased to report the baptism on Jan. 11
of Jamie MacDonald, younger son of Bro.
Neil & Sis. Helen. We are encouraged
by his response to the call of the Gospel
and pray for God’s blessing on his life in
Christ. With sadness, but in hope of the
resurrection, we report the falling asleep
of our Sis. Mabel Brown on Dec. 18, 2013.
Sis. Mabel was baptized in 1947 after first
learning of our Bible-based beliefs during
a campaign in Dundee. Our thoughts are
with her sons Martin and Kenneth and
their families in their loss. Bro. Rodger
& Sis. Amanda Yuile have transferred
to the Stirling Ecclesia following their
recent house move. We are thankful for
their energy and input to the welfare of
our ecclesia and commend them in love to
those in Stirling, confident that they will
continue their work there.
Ellwood | Colin Tanner | Our Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 15, at 4. Speaker:
Bro. Nigel Patterson (Newquay); theme:
“Luke encourages Theophilus … and us”:
(1) “Go in peace”; (2) “A heart that burns
within?” Refreshments served between
the two talks.
Exeter | Gareth Avery | Our Bro.
Sam Ridgway is currently studying in
Swansea and has asked to be transferred
to Mumbles Ecclesia, so we commend him
to the love and care of his new ecclesial
family. We will miss his fellowship and
cheerful help.
Fairhaven | Paul Williamson | Our
next Study Afternoon is on Feb. 15,
at 3.30. Speaker: Bro. Mark Guntrip
(Barrow-in-Furness); theme: “Called and
chosen”: (1) “Principles”; (2) “Practice”.
Refreshments at the close.
Glasgow (Kelvin) | Mike Faulks | With
great joy we witnessed the baptism
on Dec. 21, 2013, of Bethany DawsonBowman, daughter of Bro. Stephen &
Sis. Fiona Dawson-Bowman. We pray
that our Heavenly Father will bless her
richly in her walk to the kingdom with
her brothers and sisters. Once again,
we thank Glasgow (Central) Ecclesia
for their assistance and the use of their
hall. Our annual Fraternal Gathering is
on Mar. 1, at 3, at the Chryston Cultural
Centre, Lindsaybeg Road, G69 9DW.
Speaker: Bro. Mark Vincent (Stirling);
theme: “The story of a secret”: (1) “The
end at the beginning”; (2) “Walking in the
way”. Refreshments will be served after
the meeting.
Gorseinon | Daniel Pearce | We are
pleased to welcome Bro. Gareth & Sis.
Dawn Cottrell who have been commended
to us in love by Swansea Ecclesia. We look
forward to their support and fellowship
as we wait for our Lord’s return.
Guildford | Chris Clementson | Our
Sis. Constance Woollam fell asleep on
Dec. 23, 2013, aged 99. She was baptized
in December 1929 at Brixton and joined
us from Camberley when that ecclesia
closed in 2007. Sis. Constance remained
faithful through much suffering in her
final years and is now released from pain.
She leaves no surviving near relatives.
We look forward to the time when “we
shall all be changed”.
Halifax (Balmoral Place) | Roger
Eglen | With sorrow, yet with hope of
God’s glorious kingdom, we report the
falling asleep of Sis. Sylvia Marshall
on Dec. 31, 2013, aged 93. We express
our deepest sympathy to all her family,
especially Bro. David & Sis. Jean Holden,
Bro. Darren & Sis. Karen Guy, and Bro.
Richard & Sis. Gill Holden. Sis. Sylvia
was baptized in 1939 and has been a
helpful, willing and generous worker for
the Truth, and a member at this ecclesia
since then. Also, we reluctantly accept
the resignation of Bro. Kevin & Sis. Julie
Firth, and pray that they will reconsider
their situation before Jesus returns.
Kinver | Matthew Slater | Our Youth
Afternoon, for ages 7-12, is on Apr. 5, at
Ashwood Park Primary School, Wordsley.
Speaker: Bro. Dan Bott (Kinver); theme:
“The armour of God”. For booking
enquiries please contact Bro. Paul & Sis.
Becky Round (tel. 00000000000; e-mail:
xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xx.xx).
Knowle and Dorridge | Paul Ogden |
Love and sympathy are extended to our
Sis. Christine & Bro. Andrew Walker
and all the family following the falling
asleep of Sis. Christine’s father, Bro. Bob
Hadley (Birmingham, Erdington). We
were pleased to see Bro. Bob visiting our
ecclesia on a reasonably frequent basis
until ill health made this impractical.
He sleeps in the sure knowledge of the
resurrection.
Leamington Spa | Roger Evans | Sadly
our Sis. Jean Walker fell asleep in Christ
at Peacehaven on Jan. 4, aged 95. Sis. Jean
was faithful in her attendance at the
meeting right up to the end, after some 69
years of service to her Lord and Master.
We offer our sympathy to her son Bro.
Andrew Walker (Doncaster) and to her
daughter Sis. Julie Lister (Barton-underNeedwood). Sis. Jean rests awaiting that
glorious day of resurrection. We are
pleased to welcome Sis. Olive Baines
(resident at Bethany) who transfers to us
with the love of the brethren and sisters
at Nottingham (Jarvis Avenue) and we
pray to be of mutual benefit as we walk
towards the kingdom.
Leicester (Glenhills) | John Fidler |
Please note that our Asst. Rec. Bro. is now
Bro. Matthew Briggs (details in CALS
Diary).
Leicester (Westleigh) | Neil Bolton |
The above-signed is now the ecclesial
Secretary (details in CALS Diary; e-mail:
xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxxxx.xx.xx) and our
Assistant Secretary is Bro. Nigel Smith
(tel. 00000000000; e-mail: xxxxxx
xxxxxx@x xxxx.xxx). We are very grateful
to our Bro. Philip Monk for over 25
years of dedicated service as Assistant
Secretary and latterly as Secretary.
Lichfield | Nevan Kitchen | In love,
we commend the following brethren
and sisters to the Stafford Ecclesia –
Bro. Andrew Nichols, Bro. Phil & Sis.
Elisabeth Pearson, and Bro. Roger & Sis.
Janet Turner. We thank them for their
extensive contribution to our ecclesia
over many years serving in various roles
for the benefit of each of us.
Llanelli | Robin Aston | We commend
Sis. Sybil Hughes to the love and care of
the Broadstone Ecclesia. We thank her for
her contribution to the Llanelli Ecclesia
for a period of well over 50 years and we
trust and pray that she will be happy in
her new ecclesial home.
London (Ealing) | Steve DeWilde |
We are pleased to welcome Sis. Colette
Barker by transfer from Mount Waverley
Ecclesia in Australia, Bro. Charles
Sheppard by transfer from Oxford
Ecclesia, Sis. Claire Pinington, who rejoins us from Tewkesbury ecclesia and
Sis. Lydia Jones as a member by transfer
from Newquay Ecclesia.
London (Finsbury Park) | Alan Tanner |
Bro. Will & Sis. Beki Jarvis have asked
to be transferred to the Maidenhead
Ecclesia, nearer where they now live. We
pray for God’s blessing on them in their
continuing discipleship.
Maidenhead | Martyn Crossley |
Following his move back to Germany
we transfer Bro. David Cramer to the
love and care of the Rhineland Ecclesia
and thank him for his enthusiasm
and support during the time he was at
Maidenhead. After their move last year,
we also transfer Bro. Colin & Sis. Jacqui
Barton to the Windermere Ecclesia and
hope they are settling well into their new
surrondings. We welcome by transfer
Bro. Will & Sis. Beki Jarvis from London
(Finsbury Park) and look forward to their
fellowship and help. Our Youth Day (1014 year olds) will be held on May 17, from
2-7.30, at Holyport Village Hall (near
Maidenhead).
Milnsbridge | David McEvoy | Our
annual Fraternal Gathering is on Mar.
1, not Mar. 3 as incorrectly stated in the
January magazine.
Morecambe | John Moss | Our Study
Day is on Mar. 8, at 3. Speaker: Bro.
Peter Forbes (Glenfield); theme: “Gospel
cameos in Genesis”. Refreshments after
the meeting.
089
Mumbles | Ke n A n d e r t o n | We
welcome by transfer from Exeter Bro.
Sam Ridgway. Bro. Sam is a student at
Swansea University and already has
endeared himself to the ecclesia – both
young and older alike. I commend him,
and encourage any student, to join an
ecclesia local to their college / university.
Napton-on-the-Hill | Colin Clark |
Our next Saturday Study is on Feb. 8, at
5, in the village hall, Napton. We shall be
starting a study of “The Gospel of John”.
Speaker: Bro. Philip Jannaway (Fawley);
theme: “God’s manifestation in the Gospel
of John”. Refreshments at the conclusion
of the meeting.
Newark | Edward Purver | We thank
all those brethren and sisters who have
supported us during the past years and
look forward to their continuing support
as we await the Master’s return. We are
greatly saddened by the loss of one of
our members yet rejoice in the glorious
hope of resurrection. Bro. Cecil Thurston
Butler fell asleep on Jan. 6, aged 92. Bro.
Cecil and his late wife, Sis. Margaret,
transferred their membership from
Nottingham (Forest Road) to our small
ecclesia at Newark, to give us much
needed support, for which we shall
always be grateful. He served in many
roles from Rec. Bro. to doorkeeper and
in delivering exhortations, studies and
public addresses. He assisted the abovesigned in many ways behind the scenes,
not least in encouraging support from
visiting speakers and arranging their
appointments. He was always available
for advice, had an amazing memory and
his knowledge and recall of scripture was
without question. His service to the wider
brotherhood will be remembered by
many, from his services with the Military
Service Committee, the CBM, leading
campaigns, conducting weddings and
funerals and as a speaker. Bro. Cecil was
born in August 1921 and baptized at the age
of 15 at Dartford. He later joined Welling,
then Sidcup before moving to Nottingham
(Forest Road) in 1954. He served there
until 1992 when he joined Newark. We
express our sympathies to his family and
their families, and will remember him
affectionately as an example to us all.
Bro. John Morris writes: I met Bro. Cecil first
when he was an energetic Secretary of the
090 || News ||
CBM Europe Committee, with a particular
personal interest in the preaching
work undertaken in the Canadian
Maritimes. He paid a number of visits to
Newfoundland and New Brunswick in the
1970s. In 1981 Bro. Cecil became a member
of the Military Service Committee and
was its chairman from 2001 to 2007.
During his membership, MSC’s remit was
widening to include conscience matters in
other spheres of life besides the bearing
of arms. The 1980s saw the rise of union
power, which affected many brethren and
sisters, and Bro. Cecil wrote the helpful
pamphlet The Disciple of Christ and Trade
Unions. Later, he completed a work which
Bro. Alfred Norris had begun on litigation
and associated topics such as business
ethics and insurance, and this was
published under the title Dare any of you ...
go to law? – a valuable scripturally-based
study. In relation to every topic, Bro. Cecil
would resolutely uphold the need for us
to separate ourselves from the world and
its thinking. In his principled and incisive
way, he made lasting contributions to the
work of the MSC and the brotherhood,
and will be affectionately and gratefully
remembered.
Sis. Audrey Harrison writes: Bro. Cecil
Butler had for a long time encouraged the
Oxford Conference to look at Nottingham
as a venue, using his association with
the University to his advantage. His
enthusiastic supervision resulted in
our residence there for five years. Bro.
Cecil was a considerable contributor to
our activities over a long period and his
kindly, professional interest, along with
the company of dear Sis. Margaret, added
momentum to our regular conferences.
Cecil & Margaret were given to generous
hospitality and a delightful welcome was
always given to visitors. No trouble was
spared and a visit to their home always
left in its wake, a very warm glow.
Newcastle (Staffs.) | Glynn Cherry | We
are very pleased to welcome Bro. Andrew
Hale, commended by Crewe Ecclesia, as
he now finds it more convenient to meet
with us. We look forward to helping one
another on our walk towards the kingdom.
Newport | Terry Moore | We commend
in love to Ellwood Ecclesia, our Sis. Mary
Brittain who has easier access to this
ecclesia.
Newquay | Philip Brown | Having
moved to London for work, our Sis. Lydia
Jones wishes to transfer her membership
to the London (Ealing) Ecclesia. She has
been a regular attendee at Newquay and
has helped in many areas of ecclesial
life and we will miss her fellowship and
support. We transfer her to the care and
love of our brothers and sisters at Ealing.
Northampton | Paul Hart | Our 18+
Study Day is planned for Mar. 29, at
Rothersthorpe School / Village Hall,
NN7 3HS. Speaker: Bro. David Honey
(Coventry, East); theme: “The epistle of
James”. Cost £5; lunch and tea included.
Couples with young children welcome.
Booking via www.youthweekends.co
.uk or contact Sis. Liz Freeman (e-mail:
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx).
Nottingham (Forest Road) | Jonathan
Millar | Our love and sympathy are with
our Sis. Brenda Aucott in the falling
asleep of her sister, Sis. Audrey Wileman
(Ashby-de-la-Zouch), this coming only
two months after the falling asleep of
their other sister, Sis. Joyce Griffiths.
We were also sorry to hear of the falling
asleep of Bro. Cecil Butler (Newark) who
was a member here for 38 years prior
to his transfer to Newark in 1992. We
pray for the resurrection morning. Our
14+ Youth Day will be held on Mar. 8.
Speaker: Bro Phil Basten (Manchester,
Sale); theme: “Hezekiah”. Cost: £10.
Spaces are limited on a first-come, firstserved basis. To book on contact Bro.
Stephen Green (tel. 00000000000;
e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxx @ x xxxxxxxxx
-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx). Bookings
can also be made on the Youth Weekends
website ( www. y outh w eekends . co
.uk). Places will be confirmed on receipt
of a booking form and payment.
Nottingham (Jarvis Avenue) | David
Hemingray | Following her move to
Bethany in December 2013, we commend
in love Sis. Olive Baines to the Leamington
Spa Ecclesia and thank her for her love
and fellowship during her time with us
over the last 15 years.
Nottingham (South) | David Ryde | Sis.
Hillary Bedson has requested a transfer
back to the Plymouth Ecclesia and we
therefore commend her to the brothers
and sisters there with our love. Although
she was with us for only a short time she
will be missed.
Oldbury | José Garcia | Our Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 1, at 6. A presentation
of the Meal-a-Day Fund will be given by
Bro. Gordon Dawes (Ware). Refreshments
afterwards.
Oxford | Peter Jeavons | We commend
in love our Bro. Charles Sheppard to the
care of the London (Ealing) Ecclesia,
following his recent move to that area.
Parkstone | Martin Riley | We welcome
Sis. Margaret Cheadle who joins us from
the Bournemouth (Winton) Ecclesia.
We look forward to her company and
fellowship as we await our Lord’s return.
Peasedown St. John | Philip Noakes |
Our Fraternal Gathering is on May 10.
Speaker: Bro. John Parry (Leamington
Spa); theme: “Proverbs” (two talks).
Further details to follow.
Pembroke Dock | Nigel Bernard |
We are pleased to welcome Bro. James
Hemingray from the Nottingham (South)
Ecclesia who has taken up work in the
area. We pray that he will be happy with
us as we journey together towards the
kingdom.
Pershore | James Morgan | Our annual
Youth Weekend will take place from
Feb. 28-Mar. 2. Details on www.youth
weekends .com or contact Bro. Mike
Page (tel. 000000000000).
Peterborough | Ernest Wisner | Our
11+ Youth Weekend will be held from Feb.
28-Mar. 2. Speaker: Bro. Dennis Brown
(Kings Lynn); theme: “Pressures of
growing up in a godless world”. Cost, £10;
bookings to Bro. & Sis. Simon Bell (tel.
00000000000; e-mail: xxxxx@xxxxxx.
xxxxxxx.xx.xx).
Plymouth | Andrew Collard | We
welcome Sis. Hilar y Bedson who
has transferred back to us from the
Nottingham (South) Ecclesia. We pray for
our Father’s blessing on her as we walk
together to the kingdom.
Reading | John Leinster | We are
delighted to welcome Sis. Radika
Gurung who has transferred from the
Kathmandu Ecclesia (Chabahil, Bulbule)
in Nepal. We trust that she will be happy
with us and look forward to her company
and fellowship as we wait for the return
of our Lord. We are planning to hold
a campaign in Reading from Aug. 2331. Activities will include a children’s
holiday club, the Bible Today exhibition
in our hall, outdoor street preaching,
and billing for an Autumn “Learn to
Read the Bible Effectively” seminar.
Accommodation will be with brothers
and sisters. Visiting campaigners should
book via the campaigns website: www.
calscampaigns.org.uk.
Solihull | Paul Davison | Our Fraternal
Gathering is on Mar. 1, at 6. Speaker:
Bro. Mark Whittaker (Crewe); theme:
“One body, many members”: (1) “God
has placed the members”; (2) “The pillar
and ground of the Truth”. The Bible Class
Secretary entry in the 2014 CALS diary
is incorrect and should read: Sis. Marian
Caulton (tel. 00000000000; e-mail:
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx).
Stafford | Andrew White | Having
struggled in recent years to maintain our
small lightstand here in Stafford, we have
now been encouraged by an increase in
our membership and give a very warm
welcome to Bro. Phil & Sis. Elisabeth
Pearson, Bro. Roger & Sis. Janet Turner
and Bro. Andrew Nichols who have
been commended to us in love from the
Lichfield Ecclesia. We are grateful to our
Heavenly Father to be strengthened by
their fellowship and look forward to their
help in the days that remain.
Stirling | John Shemeld | With sadness
we report the falling asleep on Dec. 23,
2013 of Sis. Grace Salton, aged 94. She
was baptized in Glasgow in 1940 and was
therefore a sister in Christ for more than
70 years. She transferred from Glasgow
(South) Ecclesia in 2007 taking up
residence in Gowanlea Care Home before
being moved to another local home for
higher care. Our thoughts are with the
members of her family. We commit
our sister into the care of our Heavenly
Father and await the day of resurrection
when we are confident we will see her
again.
Sutton Coldfield | Mark Greenway |
We very pleased to welcome Bro. Howard
& Sis. Gwenda Gray who transfer to us
from Leicester (Glenhills), and Sis. Rachel
Mills from Llandudno. We look forward
to sharing their fellowship as fellowlabourers and servants of our Master.
Tewkesbur y | Andy Walton | We
transfer in love Sis. Claire Pinington
to the care and fellowship of London
(Ealing) Ecclesia. Sis. Claire has found
new employment in London and we pray
for God’s blessing on her – she will be
very much missed.
Torquay | Dave Bradbeer | During
the months of January, February and
March our weekly Bible Class at 7.30pm
on Wednesdays will be held at the
Bethesda Home, 25 Croft Road, Torquay
instead of in the Ecclesial Hall on the last
Wednesday of each month. The dates are
Jan. 29, Feb. 26, and Mar. 26. For further
information or directions please contact
Bro. D. Southall (tel. 00000000000).
Walton-on-the-Hill | David Bonner |
We give a very warm welcome to Bro.
Robin & Sis. Barbara Kirton who join us
from Horley Ecclesia and look forward to
their help and fellowship.
Wells | James Thomas | We are very
pleased to welcome by transfer from
the Bristol (Brislington) Ecclesia, Sis.
Sarah Wootten and her young family. We
pray she will be happy in our small part
of God’s family, and joins her parents,
Bro. Michael & Sis. Naomi Reed, who
have been members for many years. We
thank all the brethren who have helped
us during 2013, and pray we will be
able welcome them again – and many
other visitors – during 2014, if the Lord
remains away and is willing.
Weston-super-Mare | Peter Rogers |
It is with sadness but with the sure hope
of the resurrection, we report the falling
asleep of Sis. Margaret Snape on Dec. 5,
2013. Sis. Margret was in her 93rd year
and had lived in Weston since 1979. Bro.
George & Sis. Margaret had faithfully
served this Ecclesia and on a previous
occasion from 1960-1966. Bro. George
now asleep in Christ Jesus also served
as Rec. Bro. at Weston Ecclesia for many
years. Sis. Margaret kept her faith with
a positive outlook to the end and was
noted for her keen mind and faithful
091
membership. Her sister Joyce, nephews
Brethren Peter and Simon WinterMoore and their families were latterly
in touch with Margaret and our prayers
and thoughts are with the family. Sis.
Margaret & Bro. George now await the
Master’s call at his return.
Wigan | David Coulton | On Dec. 22,
2013, at the breaking of bread, Darren
Hill, husband of Sis. Helen Hill was
baptized into the saving name of the Lord
Jesus. Our brothers and sisters have been
encouraged by his witness and we thank
our heavenly Father for His continued
unfailing love.
Wolverhampton | David M. Miles |
To avoid clashing with other events we
have changed the date of our Fraternal
Gathering to Mar. 29. Further details next
month.
United States of America
Meriden, CT | Stephen Harper | During
2013 we enjoyed the company of many
brothers and sisters who visited from
across the United States and Canada.
We thank all who joined us at the Lord’s
table, and we thank the visiting brothers
who exhorted us: Bro. Chris Sales of
Shelburne (ON); Bro. Jim McKelvie of
Moorestown (NJ); Bro. Peter Hemingray
of Royal Oak (MI), and Bro. Jim Barton
of Kingston (ON). In January, Bro. Chris
Sales led a very instructive set of classes
on “The life of Joseph”, and in October,
Bro. Peter Hemingray presented a helpful
series on the theme of unity. We thank
these brethren for their efforts. Bro. Brad
Sabean and Sis. Alyssa Tuck were united
in marriage in May. Our prayers are
with them as they embark on their life
together in the Lord. We are pleased that
Bro. Bryan Camarillo has transferred to
Meriden from the Austin-Leander (TX)
Ecclesia. We, in turn, have commended
Sis. Sarah Waite to the Atlanta North
(GA) Ecclesia and Sis. Rosamond Smith
to the Worcester (MA) Ecclesia. 2013 has
been a monumental year for us. After
ten years of planning, hard work, and
much needed and answered prayer, the
Meriden Ecclesia moved into a lovely
new ecclesial hall in August (further
pictures are posted on www.meriden
christadelphians.com). It is difficult
to extend adequate thanks to the many
092 || News ||
Meriden (CT) new ecclesial hall
brothers and sisters who have supported
us in this project. And we are thankful
to the worldwide brotherhood for its
generous response to the building
appeal that we made during the year.
Bro. Mark O’Grady of Tawa, Wellington,
New Zealand led our inaugural service
on Aug. 6: a midweek Bible Class on “The
Lamb’s book of life”. Many visitors from
around southern New England joined us
for dinner and Bible Class that evening. It
was a very special occasion.
Monroe, WA | Eric Hawthorne | On
Nov. 3, 2013, the Monroe Christadelphian
Ecclesia, a new ecclesia in Central
Fellowship, was established in the
metropolitan area of Seattle, Washington,
USA. The brethren together have
purchased an ecclesial hall and meet at
235 S. Lewis Street, Monroe, Washington,
which lies thirty miles northeast of
downtown Seattle. Our ecclesial activities
are: Sunday School (9.15 am), memorial
service (11.00 am), Wednesday Bible
Class (7.30 pm), and a combined CYC
with the Seattle ecclesia (Saturdays, 7:30
pm in homes of the brothers and sisters).
The following brothers and sisters are
the founding members, all of whom are
former members of the Seattle ecclesia:
Tony & Amy Ball, Emily Ball, Bethany
Bleichner, Dan & Linsdey Bleichner, John
& Dawn Bleichner, Tim Cooper, Steve &
Mindy Faver, Eric & Susan Hawthorne,
Shindano & Deta Ikola, Sifa Ikola, Alice
Lake, Dan & Michelle Lake, Ethan Lake,
Krista Lake, David & Liz Luaulu, Amber
Onstot, Adam & Amanda Seagoe, and
Dan & Penny Whitcomb. All ecclesial
correspondence should be sent to the
Monroe Christadelphian Ecclesia, 235
S. Lewis Street, Monroe, WA 98272,
USA or by e-mail to xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.
Paris Avenue, OH | Jack Vogelgesang |
We have enjoyed fellowship with brothers
and sisters from other ecclesias during
the Second Semester of 2013. Words of
exhortation were given on Oct. 6 by Bro.
Henry Ternent (Pittsburgh, PA). For
our Fall 2013 Study Weekend we were
led in classes dealing with the temple of
Ezekiel entitled “Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving and into His courts with
praise” by Bro. Stan Isbell (North Houston,
TX). Nearly 200 were in attendance with
visitors from Ontario and Newfoundland
(Canada), Virginia, Michigan, Indiana,
South Carolina, Texas, Washington and
Pennsylvania. We are pleased to report
the addition of Sis. Ashley Harris to our
ecclesia and her subsequent marriage to
Bro. Phillip Prater on Aug. 3, 2013. One
week later, on Aug. 10, we celebrated
the marriage of Bro. Mike Cooper and
Sis. Danielle Walker. We wish both
couples God’s blessing on their new lives
together. It is with much sadness that we
acknowledge Sis. Victoria Bates’ decision
to separate from fellowship and the
breaking of bread. We continue to pray
for her return and the Father’s care. With
great joy we welcome back into fellowship
Sis. Jennifer (Snyder) Needs. Our annual
ecclesial picnic was held at Snyder Lake
on Aug. 17 with visitors joining us from
Ontario and Pittsburgh. Our ecclesia
hosted a Preaching Campaign on the topic
“Signs of the Times” at the Foltz Center in
East Canton on three Thursday evenings in
October. On Oct. 19, all three lectures were
presented at a shopping mall in Alliance,
OH. Then from Oct. 24 through to Dec. 19
a follow-up seminar was presented back
at the Foltz Center dealing with the topic
“Fundamentals of Bible prophecy” for
which the attendance was heartening.
Upcoming events this year will be our
Spring Study Weekend on Mar. 8-9 with
Bro. Ken Styles (Royal Oak, MI). Our Fall
Study Weekend is planned for Sep. 13-14
with Bro. Michael Owen (Seaton, UK). For
further information on either of these
Study Weekends, contact Bro. Derek Elder
(tel. 0000000000; e-mail: xxxxxx@xxxx.
xxx). We ask that, if you plan to attend
either event, that you register with Bro.
Derek for purposes of planning.
Sarasota, FL | James Wilkinson | We
are pleased to announce the baptism into
Our
Seattle, WA | Harley Young | As of Nov.
3, 2013, the Seattle Ecclesia recognizes the
formation of a new ecclesia in Monroe,
Washington. We therefore transfer the
following brothers and sisters from the
Seattle Ecclesia as founding members
of the Monroe Ecclesia: Tony & Amy
Ball, Emily Ball, Bethany Bleichner,
Dan & Linsdey Bleichner, John &
Dawn Bleichner, Tim Cooper, Steve &
Mindy Faver, Eric & Susan Hawthorne,
Shindano & Deta Ikola, Sifa Ikola, Alice
Lake, Dan & Michelle Lake, Ethan Lake,
Krista Lake, David & Liz Luaulu, Amber
Onstot, Adam & Amanda Seagoe, and Dan
& Penny Whitcomb.
n
work & fellowship
Christadelphian Care Homes
Chesswood Lee | Robin Beeson
This is a vibrant scheme situated in
pleasant surroundings and there are
available two one bed flats for rent
or for sale. Our new Assisted Living
Coordinator, Gillian Cooper, starts work
towards the end of January 2014 and
she will be working with us ensure all
the needs of residents are met to enable
them to remain in their homes longer,
rather than having to transfer to a local
home because of support which might be
facilitated within Chesswood Lee.
If you are interested in living near
the sea and moving to Worthing a warm
welcome awaits you from those already
living at Chesswood Lee and from
Worthing Ecclesia which is only a mile
away in Worthing itself.
New care home and assisted
living apartments (Eden House)
| Robin Beeson
The new home is under construction
with the brickwork now up to first floor
level with first floor slabs being fitted. We
are working closely with the developer
to achieve our target of being open in
November 2014. Bro. David Morgan, who
has been appointed Manager, has been
introduced to the residents at Peacehaven
and Bethany and has also met with most
of the staff at these two homes.
Over the coming months we shall
be planning the move from Leamington
|| Work ||
the saving name of Christ of Tabitha Hall,
daughter of the late Marge & Ted Forbes.
Our prayer is that Sis. Tabitha feels the
presence of the Lord in her new walk in
Christ.
and preparing the residents and staff
for this process. Sis. Jacqueline Webb is
coordinating the list for the apartments
(tel. 0121 764 3540; e-mail: jacqueline
w e b b @ c c h - u k . c o m ). We a r e
contacting everyone who has expressed
interest and confirm that we shall have
fourteen apartments for sale and four for
renting by those with insufficient funds
to purchase or who already live in rented
accommodation.
Vacancies | Robin Beeson
We have a few vacant rooms at one or two
homes which you might like to consider
for holidays or respite and in which case
you should contact the home direct.
For further details regarding any
of the above please contact Bro. Robin
Beeson, General Manager, CCH (tel. 0121
764 3541; e-mail: rbeeson @ c ch-uk
.com).
Christadelphian Isolation
League
Annual Meeting and Fraternal,
Coventry: Mar. 1 | Richard
Austin
The CIL Annual Meeting and Fraternal
will be held on Mar. 1, at Coventry
(Grosvenor Road). The Annual Meeting
at 2.15 includes addresses by Bro. George
MacDonald on the work of the CBM in
Russia, and on the work done in the CIL
Sunday School by Bro. David Harvey. Tea,
4.30. Fraternal Gathering, 6. Speakers:
Brethren Tecwyn Morgan (Birmingham,
Castle Bromwich) and John Hellawell
(Peterborough); theme: “The life of
the 21st century disciple”. Further
information from the oversigned (e-mail:
richardaustin@isolationleague.free
serve.co.uk).
Christadelphian Support
Network
CSN South West Gathering,
Pershore: Apr. 18-20 | Hannah
Menty
Our South West Gathering is from Apr.
18-20, at Holland House, Pershore.
Speaker: Bro. Don Graham; theme: “The
name above every name?” For further
details and bookings contact Sis. Hannah
Menty (tel. 00000000000; e-mail:
[email protected]).
Milestones
Don Pearce
Milestones 2013 should now be ready
for distribution. Electronic versions, £2.
Printed copies, £3.70 each, including UK
postage (£3 for 4 or more copies). Contact
the author, Bro. Don Pearce, xx xxxx
xxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxxx, xxxxx xxxx
xxx, UK (tel. 00000000000; e-mail:
[email protected]) or contact your
nearest CSSS Agent.
093
Conferences and other
Gatherings
Rugby Prophecy Day: Feb. 22 |
Don Pearce
A reminder that the Rugby Prophecy
Day is on Feb. 22, and can be heard
online via the CVC, but one needs to
register beforehand with www. c vc.
christadelphianmeetingroom.co.uk.
It will also be broadcast live on YouTube.
For details of how to receive this, please
contact ther ugbychristadelphians@
gmail.com.
Birmingham Day of Study: Mar.
15 | Dennis Redshaw
The Birmingham Day of Study is on
Mar. 15, at 10.25, at Hatton Village Hall,
Birmingham Road, Hatton, Warwick CV35
7LR. Speakers: Brethren Roy Highfield
(West Bromwich), Simon Griff iths
(Coventry, West), Dennis Redshaw (West
Bromwich), David Taylor (Sedgley), John
Thompson (Earlswood); theme: “The Ark
of the Covenant – prophetic of Christ
and the saints”. Supervision for children
is available by prior arrangement with
Bro. Geoff & Sis. Sarah Jacks (tel. 0000
00000000000; e-mail: xxxxxxxxxx
@xxx.xxx ). Further information from
Bro. Dennis Redshaw, xxxxxxx, xx xxx
xxxx, xxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxxx xxx
xxx (tel. 00000000000; e-mail: xxxxxx.
[email protected]).
Kent Prophecy Day: Apr. 5 |
Peter Moore
The Kent Prophecy Day is on Apr. 5, at
East Malling Village Hall, New Road, East
Malling ME19 6DD. Theme: “The hope of
Israel”. 3.30pm, 1st address: “Prophecy
fulfilling – the establishment of the State
of Israel” – Bro. Peter Moore (Erith).
4.30pm, Interval for tea. 5.30pm, 2nd
address: “The work of Elijah” Bro. John
Owen (Mumbles) – (1) “I will send you
Elijah”; 6.20pm (2) “I will gather you”.
Please bring packed food. Tea, coffee, cold
drinks provided. For further information,
please contact Bro. Peter Moore (tel.
00000000000; e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxx@
xxxxxxxx.xxx).
Swanwick Bible Weekend: May
2-4 | Philip Lawrence
Our Family Friendly Weekend is on May
2-4. Speakers: Brethren Kitson Reid
(Birmingham, Acocks Green) and David
094 || Work ||
Smith (Wardley); theme; “Supporting
acts”. Together we shall consider some of
the smaller characters in Acts to discover
that “one person can make a difference”.
Discount family rate (£345) and student
rate (£70) are available, and bookings
can be made through our website (www.
swanwick b ible w eekends . org ) or
though Bro. Andrew & Sis. Jacinth White
(Stafford).
Vancouver Island Sisters’
Retreat: May 8-10 | Rosa Bailey
Vancouver Island Sisters’ Retreat is from
May 8-10, at Beach Acres, Parksville,
Vancouver Island. Theme: “The whole
armour of God”. Cost, $190; but if
registered before Mar. 1, $180. Deposit of
$90 by Mar. 1 with final payment by Apr.
1. Send to Sis. Rosa Bailey, xxx xxxx xxxx,
xxxxx, xx, xxx xxx, Canada (tel. 000 000
0000; e-mail: [email protected]).
Mid-Atlantic Bible School,
Shippensburg (PA): Jun. 28Jul. 6 | Robert Kling
The Mid-Atlantic Bible School will be held
Jun. 28-Jul. 6, at Shippensburg University,
Shippensburg (PA). Theme: “O LORD God
of Israel, there is no God like thee” (2
Chronicles 6:14). The youth programme
theme will be “The life & works of
Solomon”. Speakers and subjects: Bro.
Jim Cowie (Moreton Bay, Qld., Australia)
– “Contending earnestly for the faith”
(adults) and “Cameos of the kingdom”
(teens); Bro. Jay Mayock, Jr. (Hamilton,
Book Road, ON, Canada) – “All in all (a
study of Psalm 8)” (adults and teens); Bro.
Stephen Palmer (Mumbles, UK) – “Simon
Peter: learning lessons in discipleship”
(adults) and “Digging for treasure in the
epistle of Peter” (teens). Rates: prior to
May 1 – adults, $505; teens (ages 12-19),
$430; ages 3-11, $265; ages 0-2, $25. May
1 or later: adults, $525; teens (ages 1219), $450; ages 3-11, $285; ages 0-2, $25.
Registration forms and other information
will be e-mailed and mailed in January
to previous attendees and Recording
Brethren. This information will also be
available on the MACBS website (www.
midatlanticbibleschool.com).
Whatshan Lake Bible School,
Vernon (BC): Aug. 9-15 | Tim
Osborne
The Whatshan Lake Bible School will
be held from Aug. 9-15, at Whatshan
Lake Retreat near Vernon (BC, Canada).
Speakers and subjects: Bro. Stephen
Palmer (Mumbles, UK) – “Habakkuk”;
Bro. Mark O’Grady (Tawa, New Zealand)
– “One in Christ Jesus – complimentary
roles”; Bro. Stephen Whitehouse
(Birmingham, Hall Green, UK) – “Our
compassionate high priest”. For further
details please see the website ( www.
wlbs.okanaganchristadelphians.org).
Acknowledgements
The following donations are received
with thanks. By CCH, an anonymous
donation of £40 towards Garswood’s
hairdressing salon refurbishment,
postmarked Yorkshire. By Solihull
Bible Learning Centre, £4,000 from the
Coventry Building Society, initials PHM.
By CSF, an anonymous donation of £1,000
for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal, and
an anonymous donation of £888.
CALS Diary 2014: corrections
and amendments
Bro. Walter Power (Waterford) – e-mail:
[email protected]. Bro. Les Shears
(Ghana linkman) – tel. 00000000000.
Bro. Mark Sheppard (CBM Chairman
a n d M a l aw i l i n k m a n ) – e - m a i l :
xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx. Bro. Peter
Tyer (Parkstone) – tel. 00000000000.
Bro. Graham Hobbins (Solihull) – address
is x xxxxxxxx xxxxx. Solihull Bible Class
Secretary – Sis. Marian Caulton (tel.
0000 000 0000; e-mail: x.xxxxxxx@
xxxxxxxxxx.xxx).
Changes of address
Recording Brothers – West Rand
(South Africa): now Bro. David Hopkins.
Blackpool: now Bro. Adrian Webster,
xxxx xxxx xxxx, xxxxxxxxxx xxx xxxx,
xxxxxx xxx xx. Leicester (Glenhills): Asst.
Rec. Bro. now Bro. Matthew Briggs (details
in CALS Diary). Leicester (Westleigh): now
Bro. Neil Bolton (details in CALS Diary;
e-mail: [email protected].uk); Asst.
Secretary now Bro. Nigel Smith (tel.
0000000000; e-mail: xxxxxxxx@gmail
.com). Watford: now Bro. Geoff Elford,
xx xxxxxx xxx, xxxxxx xxxx xxx (tel.
00000000000). Monroe (WA, USA): all
ecclesial correspondence to Monroe
Christadelphian Ecclesia, 235 S. Lewis
Street, Monroe, WA 98272, USA or by
e-mail to xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
com.
Others – Bro. Geoff Cave (Nottingham,
Fo r e s t Road ) t o x x x x x x x x x x x,
xxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxx xxx xxx (tel.
00000 000 000). Bro. Paul Tanner
(Birmingham, Castle Bromwich) to xx
xxxxxxxxx xxxxx, xxxx xxx xxx (tel:
00000000000).
Ecclesias – Birmingham (Acocks Green):
ecclesial tel. number now 00000000000
(in use only during meeting times).
New Ecclesia – Monroe (WA, USA)
meet at 235 S. Lewis Street, Monroe,
Washington, which lies thirty miles
northeast of downtown Seattle. Sunday
School, 9.15 am; memorial service, 11.00
am; Wednesday Bible Class, 7.30 pm; and
a combined CYC with the Seattle Ecclesia,
Saturdays, 7:30 pm in homes.
Notice board
Leica 35mm slide projector and slide
cartridges available free of charge,
in good condition. For collection or
arrangement of suitable handover point.
Please contact Bro. Mark Whittaker (tel.
00000000000; e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxx@
xxxxxxxx.com).
Viscount CL35, 2 manual organ with
single octave foot pedals, freely available
to anyone who can make use of it. Approx
30 years old and in full working order;
the dimensions are depth 59cm, width
113cm, height 65 cm. Anyone interested
should contact Bro. Jamie Whittaker
(Morpeth) on 00000000000.
Fraternal Gatherings & Youth
Weekends
Feb. 1: CSN Fellowship & Praise Afternoon
at Leicester (Westleigh); Horley Praise
Day; Preston Study Afternoon. Feb. 8:
Cheshire Christadelphian Choir Evening
at Manchester (Sale); Napton-on-theHill Study. Feb. 15: Caerphilly Study
Evening; Campaigns Fraternal; Fairhaven
Study Afternoon; Heckmondwike. Feb.
22: Rugby Prophecy Day; Weston-superMare Study Afternoon. Feb. 28-Mar. 2:
Pershore Youth Weekend; Peterborough
Youth Weekend (11+).
Mar. 1: Ardingly; Joint Bristol Ecclesias
at Downend; CIL AGM & Fraternal at
Coventry (Grosvenor Road); Glasgow
(Kelvin); Milnsbridge; Oldbury; Solihull.
Mar. 7-9: The Kettering Weekend. Mar.
8: Birmingham (Bournville) Fraternal
Study; Cambridge; Cardiff (Museum
Place); CSN Awareness Day at Ashbyde-la-Zouch; Morecambe Study Day;
Nottingham (Forest Road) 14+ Youth
Day. Mar. 14-16: Hoddesdon Weekend;
Spalding Youth Weekend (13+). Mar. 15:
Birmingham Day of Study at Hatton,
Warwick; Crewe Study & Serve Day;
Dudley (Queens Cross) Study Evening;
Ellwood. Mar. 22: Birmingham (South)
Study Day; Napton-on-the-Hill Study.
Mar. 29: Joint Chelmsford, East Ham,
Rayleigh / Southend; Northampton 18+
Study Day; Wolverhampton.
Apr. 5: Birmingham (Longbridge); Derby
(Mill Hill) All Ages Day; Kent Prophecy
Day; Kinver Youth Afternoon. Apr. 1113: Rugby Youth Weekend (11+). Apr. 12:
Ormskirk Study & Serve Day. Apr. 18
(Good Friday): Peterborough. Apr. 1820: CSN South West Gathering, Pershore.
Apr. 18-21: Paris (France) Easter
Weekend. Apr. 21 (Easter Monday):
Coventry (Grosvenor Road). Apr. 26:
Earlswood Study Evening.
May 2-4: Swanwick Bible Weekend.
May 3-5: Ammanford Family Weekend.
May 10: Napton-on-the-Hill Study;
Peasedown St. John. May 17: Maidenhead
Youth Day (10-14); Taunton. May 24:
Mumbles.
Jun. 7: Cambridge Summer Family Day;
Ormskirk. Jun. 14: Birmingham Family
Study Day. Jun. 21: Napton-on-theHill Study. Jun. 27-29: Southport 18+
Fellowship & Fun Weekend.
Jul. 12: One day Bible School at
Crockham Hill.
Sep. 6: Napton-on-the-Hill Study. Sep.
6-13: Brittany Study & Fellowship Week.
Sep. 13: Shrewsbury Study & Serve Day.
Oct. 4: Horley. Oct. 18: Birmingham
(Longbridge) Study Evening;
Birmingham (South); Napton-on-theHill Study. Oct. 25: Weston-super-Mare
Study Afternoon.
Nov. 8: Cambridge Autumn Family
Day; Earlswood Study Evening; South
West Wales Prophecy Day. Nov. 15:
B i r m i n g h a m ( L o n g b r i d ge ) S t u dy
Evening; Taunton Study and Sale of
Work. Nov. 29: Napton-on-the-Hill
Study.
North American Gatherings
Feb. 8: Brantford (ON) Junior CYC &
Little Disciples Winter Gathering, at
Camp Trillium; theme: “Peter”.
Mar. 8-9: Paris Avenue (OH) Spring
Study Weekend: Bro. Ken Styles (Royal
Oak, MI).
Mar. 15-16: Victoria (BC) Spring Study
Weekend: Bro. Jason Hensley (Simi Hills,
CA): “And I will send you the comforter.”
Apr. 18: Victoria (BC) annual Pacific
Northwest CYC Conference: Bro. Jay
Mayock (Hamilton, Book Road, ON).
Apr. 26-27: Sussex (NB) Study Weekend:
Bro. Martin Webster (Kitchener /
Waterloo, ON); theme: “1 John – epistle of
sublime truth & love”.
May 8-10: Vancouver Island (BC) Sisters’
Retreat. Theme: “The whole armour of
God”.
May 16-18: Sussex (NB) Spring Youth
Camp: Bro. John Mannell (Toronto, West,
ON).
Sep. 1: Victoria (BC) Fraternal Gathering.
Sep. 13-14: Paris Avenue (OH) Fall Study
Weekend: Bro. Michael Owen (Seaton,
UK).
Oct. 11-12: Sussex (NB) Thanksgiving
Gathering: Bro. Jim Sullivan (Boston,
MA); theme: “The sons of Zeruiah”.
Conferences & Bible Schools
Feb. 23-28: Palm Springs Bible School,
at the Miracle Springs Resort, Desert
Hot Springs (CA): Bro. Wilfred Alleyne
(Birmingham, Handsworth, UK) and
Bro. David Jennings (Pomona, CA). To
register, please contact Bro. Jeff Gelineau
(e-mail: register @ c hristadelphian
bibleschool.org), or visit the website
(www.californiabibleschool.org).
095
May 25-30: 37th Family Bible School,
Swanwick. Speakers and subjects:
Bro. David Bailey (Christchurch, New
Zealand) – “The story of Ruth”; Bro.
John Owen (Mumbles) – “Romans: the
righteousness of God”; Bro. Andrew
Jenner (Cardiff, Museum Place) –
“Building a house for God’s name” and
Bro. Mike Jenner (Rugby) – “1 Peter –
feed the flock of God”. Booking forms
and further information can be obtained
from Bro. Matt Baines, or Bro. Jonathan
Cope. Further information can also be
obtained, and bookings made, via the
website: www.familybibleschool.co
.uk.
Jun. 28-Jul. 6: Mid-Atlantic Bible School,
Shippensburg University, Shippensburg
(PA). Theme: “O LORD God of Israel, there
is no God like thee” (2 Chronicles 6:14).
The youth programme theme will be “The
life & works of Solomon”. Speakers and
subjects: Bro. Jim Cowie (Moreton Bay,
Qld., Australia) – “Contending earnestly
for the faith” (adults) and “Cameos of the
kingdom” (teens); Bro. Jay Mayock, Jr.
(Hamilton, Book Road, ON, Canada) – “All
in all (a study of Psalm 8)” (adults and
teens); Bro. Stephen Palmer (Mumbles,
UK) – “Simon Peter: learning lessons in
discipleship” (adults) and “Digging for
treasure in the epistle of Peter” (teens).
For registration information, contact Bro.
Robin Colby, or check our website (www.
midatlanticbibleschool.com).
Jul. 6-12: Southwest Bible School, at
Schreiner University, Kerrville (TX): Bro.
Jim Cowie (Moreton Bay, Qld., Australia),
Bro. Stephen Palmer (Mumbles, UK), and
Bro. Leen Ritmeyer (Cardiff, Museum
Place, UK). More information will be
posted on the Bible School website as it
becomes available (www.swcbs.com).
Jul. 19-27: Midwest Bible School,
Hanover College, Hanover (IN): Bro. Jim
Cowie, (Moreton Bay, Qld., Australia) –
“Nazarites unto God”; Bro. Matt Norton
(Lismore, NSW, Australia) – “Impressions
of Christ”. For registration information,
contact Bro. Mike Livermore, or visit
www.midwestbibleschool.com).
Jul. 20-26: Pacific Coast Bible School,
Idyllwild Pines Camp in Idyllwild (CA):
Brethren Mark Vincent (UK), Rob
Oosthuizen (New Zealand) and Joseph
Palmer (USA). For further information,
096 || Work ||
contact Bro. Jeff Gelineau. To register, go
to www.californiabibleschool.org.
Jul. 26-Aug. 3: Eastern Bible School,
Connecticut College, New London
(CT); theme: “That we may know him”.
Speakers and subjects: Bro. Ted Sleeper
(San Francisco Peninsula, USA) – “That
I may know him”; Bro. Andrew Bramhill
(Shirley, UK) – “The Lord’s encounters
with women”; Bro. Tecwyn Morgan
(Birmingham, Castle Bromwich, UK)
– “God has spoken”. For registration
information, contact Sis. Cindy Nevers.
Jul. 27-Aug. 1: Gold Coast Bible
School, at Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast,
Queensland, Australia. Speakers and
subjects: Bro. Phil Perrot (Waitakere,
NZ) – “Spiritually agile or spiritually
fragile – so run that you may attain”; Bro.
Paul Gresham (South Adelaide, South
Australia) – “Jesus in John’s Gospel”.
For further details and bookings please
contact Bro. Barry Spall.
Aug. 1-7: Flensunger Hof Bible Study
Week: Bro. John Owen (Mumbles, UK)
and Bro. Joseph Palmer (San Diego,
USA). There will be a special Young
People’s Programme led by Bro. Peter
Owen (Mumbles, UK). For further
information, or to register, visit: www.
Aug. 18-23: Brecon Bible School, Christ
College, Brecon. Theme: “Teach me thy
way, O Lord”. Speakers and subjects:
Bro. Andrew Johnson (Birmingham,
Kings Norton) – “Songs of deliverance”;
Bro. Alan Sutton (Mumbles) – “Of
priests, pride, principles & praise”; Bro.
Nicholas White (Pershore) – “Strangers
and pilgrims: following the faithful to
the kingdom”. Full details and booking
forms are available from UK Recording
Brethren, the School website ( www.
brecon b ible s chool . org . uk ) or the
Bookings Administrator: Bro. Peter
Banyard.
Aug. 18-23: Christadelphian Conference,
Lane End Conference Centre, High
Wycombe HP14 3HH. Speakers &
subjects: Bro. John Parry (Leamington
Spa) – “The Angels of God”; Bro. Adrian
Standeven (Nottingham,South) –
“The tabernacle”; Bro. James Walker
(Milnsbridge) – “The Day that shook the
earth”. Full details available from the
Booking Secretary, Bro. John Mallinder.
n
christadelphian.de/esslingen/bibel
studien wochen , or contact Bro. Neil
McQueen.
Aug. 4-9: Harper Adams Bible School,
Newport, Shropshire. Theme: “To God
be the glory”. Speakers: Bro. Andrew
Bramhill (Shirley) – “Judah’s early kings”;
Bro. Martyn Lawrence (Doncaster) –
“Power and glory (2 Corinthians)”; Bro.
Arne Roberts (Dunstable) – “Ecclesial life
through the ages”. Further details and
booking forms available from Recording
Brethren, from the website ( www.
christadelphian-bibleschool.org) or
from Bro. Tony & Sis. Julia Evans.
Aug. 9-15: Whatshan Lake Bible School,
Whatshan Lake Retreat near Vernon
(BC, Canada). Speakers and subjects:
Bro. Stephen Palmer (Mumbles, UK)
– “Habakkuk”; Bro. Mark O’Grady
(Tawa, New Zealand) – “One in Christ
Jesus – complimentary roles”; Bro.
Stephen Whitehouse (Birmingham,
Hall Green, UK) – “Our compassionate
high priest”. For further details please
see the website (www.wlbs.okanagan
christadelphians.org).
Study Guides
James
Study Guide
James
by Michael Lewis
Paperback: £7.00
eBook: £6.00
STUDY GUIDE
The James Study Guide is
our latest. It will help get your
study of this wonderful letter
underway by sharing some of
the key themes, concepts and
facts in an easy accessible
format.
Other guides available include:
The
66 Books Bible
of the
STUDY GUIDE
Micah
STUDY GUIDE
Daniel
STUDY GUIDE
Revelation
STUDY GUIDE
Visit w w w.thechristadelphian.com for our full range of study G uides
Later this year we will be adding to this series with the
Job Study Guide (due summer 2014)
SUBSCRIPTIONS – 2014
Annual subscriptions are available as paper or electronic copies. Prices are per copy. Payment online or to the address below.
Single copies and parcels collected: £2.50 per copy.
UK subscriptions (By post / Electronic): £39.60 / £24.00. Overseas subscriptions (Airmail / Electronic) – Europe (€): €55.00 / €30.00;
USA (US$): $72.00 / $38.40; Canada (Can$): $72.00 / $38.40; Australia (Aus$): $82.00 / $38.40; New Zealand (NZ$): $90.00 / $43.20;
South Africa (SAR): R300.00 / R240.00; Rest of world (GB£): £46.80 / £24.00.
Young people (aged 25 and under) – £1.00 per issue or currency equivalent (postage extra). For audio version please enquire.
Extracts from the AV, rights vested in the Crown in the UK, reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press.
Published by The Christadelphian Magazine and Publishing Association Limited, at 404 Shaftmoor Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8SZ, UK.
Available from the
Christadelphian Office
New Book
The sign of his coming
by Sid Levett & Geoff Henstock
THE
SIGN
OF HIS
COMING
Sid Levett & Geoff Henstock
Available now
Paperback: £7.00
eBook: £6.00
This book is about Bible prophecy, particularly
in relation to Israel. It demonstrates the hand
of God at work, especially over the last 120
years as the remarkable events associated
with Israel’s restoration unfold. This points to
the nearness of Christ’s return.
Special offers: Psalms
Paperback:£9.00 Hardback:£12.00 Hardback:£12.00 Hardback:£12.00 Hardback:£8.00
Hardback:£12.00 eBook:£9.00 eBook:£9.00 eBook:£9.00
eBook:£7.00
Over 40 titles are now available in electronic format. For full details please see
www.thechristadelphian.com/ebooks.htm or ring us on 0121 777 6328 for more information.
For more details about these books and all our publications please
go to www.thechristadelphian.com or request a price list

The Christadelphian

Transcription

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