The epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish believers to teach and convince them that the Lord Jesus Christ had completely fulfilled the Law of Moses. The rituals and sacrifices of the Law were therefore no longer required in the present dispensation – both then and now. In tandem with this overall objective the inspired apostle has a clear focus on Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of the Law. As one would expect, the apostle makes extensive use of the Old Testament to make his case. But perhaps surprisingly the main body of evidence he uses to make the case is not from the Law, but from the Psalms, at least in the first half of the epistle. Paul (for we believe him to be the inspired author) quotes from or alludes to 21 different Psalms. Two thirds of these quotations or allusions are in the first 7 chapters. In total, 63 out of a total of 303 verses in epistle reference the Psalms; that’s one in every 5 verses on average taking us back to the Psalms. We plan, God willing, to examine the use of 9 Psalms in Hebrews. We shall draw out some key themes; the emphasis on Christ as both King and High Priest. We shall note that Christ is greater than the angels, although they are the ministers of the Almighty. We shall note Yahweh’s purpose in Christ from the beginning, and how that purpose was worked out though his perfect sacrifice. Finally, we shall seek to draw out key lessons and exhortations for our own discipleship.
The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Galatian ecclesias, had many concerns regarding how quickly they had departed from the gospel that he had preached to them. He highlights the influence of those who sought to bring them into subjection to the ritual of the law and, in particular, the law of circumcision.
He spends much of the epistle reminding them that the gospel that he had preached, did not originate from the teachings of men and that his apostleship was not appointed by men but rather, both were from God.
With this context in mind, he reminds them (in the fifth chapter and at verse 19) of the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Clearly, we are all well aware that the works of the flesh do not change, and that each one of us has a natural propensity to bring forth those works, whilst the fruit of the Spirit requires effort and diligence to develop. We look forward, God willing, to spending the week in considering the fruit of the Spirit and how the development of that fruit will result in us living and walking in the Spirit.
These talks are with the intention that we may be caused to consider the principles of light and see the uplifting exhortation contained therein. We hope to show that a believer's faith and hope centres upon THE LIGHT that is revealed within the pages of the Bible and that by considering the scriptural record of light we are considering God, His character and His glory...but most importantly we are considering His purpose. We are told by Jesus Christ to look up, to lift up our heads and know that our redemption draweth nigh, and with that in mind the purpose of this consideration is an exhortation to fix our minds firmly upon the future, to redeem our time, to walk in the light, recognising that our God is light and in Him Is no darkness at all. God manifestation is the purpose of the Spirit, and that purpose will soon be a reality upon this Earth. Let us then consider light, its meaning, and its outworking to the end that our faith is increased, our hope is certain, and our vision is clear. An exhortational consideration of light, as revealed in the scriptures of truth; Light is that which is synonymous with and representative of the glory and character of the one true Eternal Spirit, He who is styled The Creator, and He who is shown forth to His children as The Father. Light is that which was spoken of by the commandment of God back in the beginning and is that which is the source of the manifestation in the future age. It is essential then that those who have a desire to be a part of that future age spend time to meditate upon these things in order that we walk as children of light.
The Monday afternoon will be taken up with the Main Studies while the Children's Address and Prize Giving will be held on the Thursday afternoon. On the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons the daily readings will be considered. There are a number of informal activities arranged for the children and young people such as craft and a sports afternoon.
The consideration of the Daily Readings will is led by a brother on Tuesday and Wednesday, with time given for other brethren to ask questions or to offer some thoughts of their own.
The children and young people attending the school had been busy studying sections of the scriptures and also doing project work and other activities based on the scriptures. Their efforts were rewarded by the distribution of suitable prizes.
The bookshop will open regularly through the week and is stocked with a wide selection of both new and second hand books, together with other items than will help in effective bible study.
For those who were fit and able and felt a need to stretch their legs after sitting Setting out on the Rambleduring the study sessions, a ramble was held in the surrounding countryside. The area has many small woods and copses, some of which can be reached from the grounds of High Leigh without having to venture onto the surrounding roads.
It is important to the organisers of the Bible School that harmony about the things of the Truth is maintained at the school so that a real fellowship may exist amongst those who attend. We also feel that these are troubled times in the Brotherhood where errors of various kinds have been promulgated and tolerated. On account of this and in the interests of harmony and unity, the following guide has been drafted to explain the Scriptural basis and standards expected in the hope that like-minded brethren and sisters may unite around them.
The basis of our association together is the "Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith" ("BASF"), taken in its entirety (including both positive and negative clauses). That means that we share a fellowship with others who both accept the positive aspects of the BASF and also reject the false ideas in the "Doctrines to be Rejected" section.
We do not accept teachings such as a non-literal serpent, immortal emergence, the "clean flesh" theory regarding the nature of Christ and other unsound ideas that have, over the years, gained a foothold within the Christadelphian community despite being contrary to the BASF.
We expect views expressed at the school to be in harmony with the principles of doctrine and prophecy upon which the Christadelphian body has been founded.
We use the Authorised Version in all our readings from the platform, and speakers are asked to substantially base their remarks on that version.
We believe that, in Scripture, sin relates not only to transgression of the law but also to that physical principle of the human nature which causes death. This is inherited from Adam by all his descendants, and was inherited by Jesus by being born of Mary. In this way he was 'made sin for us'1 having 'laid on him the iniquity of us all'2. For sin to be condemned by his death on the cross3, it was necessary for sin to exist in Jesus' body.
By his inherited nature, Jesus was defiled, separated from God and in need of salvation. This nature enabled him to be 'tempted in all points like us'4, both externally and internally, having a will which was independent of his Father's will5. Thus he was a true representative of us and his sacrifice was a covering for his own sin nature as well as ours.
He was 'yet without sin' in terms of actual transgression, submitting his will to that of his Father and in character (but not in nature) was thus at one with his Father and a perfect sacrifice.
1 2 Corinthians 5:21 2 Isaiah 53:6 3 Romans 8:3 4 Hebrews 4:15 5 Luke 22:42
We reject teachings on evolution and theistic evolution (evolutionary creationism) because they contradict scripture and nullify the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible records that marriage is only acceptable in the ecclesial family between one man and one woman for life. Therefore, re-marriage after divorce during the lifetime of the former partner and marriage or similar relationships between members of the same gender are unacceptable to God and within the ecclesia. A person's gender is defined by God at birth and should not be sought to be changed during life.
We have respect for the divine name of Yahweh. We regard its actual use in readings, prayers and addresses as a matter for individual conscience.
In accordance with the principles set out by the Apostle Paul, Sisters are expected to wear head coverings at our formal meetings. Which signifies the submission of the ecclesia to Christ and consequently sisters are also expected to refrain from roles within the ecclesia which conflict with the apostolic injunction for them to keep silence in ecclesial meetings.
We view with concern the evangelical trends that are evidenced within our community, sometimes accompanied by erroneous views suggesting the present possession of Holy Spirit gifts, that national Israel are no longer the chosen people of God and other similar errors. Those who hold these views would not be welcome (nor would indeed find any benefit) at the school.