Dear Brethren, Sisters and Young People
The brotherhood is very blessed to have a rich, though somewhat eclectic collection, of material on the topic of the Cherubim.
We are making arrangements for a number of wheelchairs (and assistants) to be available for any who might find it beneficial to help with the route from the meeting rooms to the restaurant this year. If you think that this might be of help to you, please let us know, as it will assist in us knowing how many to make available as they will be provided according to requests received.
We hope you are all coping with the ills and chills of winter - we do have exciting events in the world to focus on as we watch for the return of our Master. Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' has been in the news lately which started as a tool to help the situation in Israel and Gaza but seems to have grown into something much bigger - we do know, from 1 Thessalonians 5v3 that there will be a "peace and safety" cry before the sudden destruction, so we watch with interest!
Our hope is that, at the day of judgment, we may be among those who (as signified by the four living ones in Revelation 5) sing '..for thou…hast redeemed us to God by thy blood…and hast made us unto our God kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth". This makes us think of Bro David Blackhall's study at the forthcoming school, God willing, on 'The Cherubim'. As a foretaste, Bro David sends these introductory thoughts.
We often, in Bible study terms, stand upon the shoulders of giants and, in this instance, it is no different as it is the labours of those who have gone before us that reveals much of the beauty and significance of which this subject speaks. However, and beyond looking at it in isolation, once we get to understand the message it is conveying, it inevitably becomes much more than a merely academic or conceptual matter. Once we get under the surface of the initial visual splendour conveyed, it starts to encroach on us at both the doctrinal and personal levels too.
The Cherubim has had, in days past, a literal manifestation, a symbolic and a corporate one, and then furthermore and even up to this present day it is still perceivable in both symbolic and literal form, as we will hope to demonstrate.
We hope to consider this beautiful topic with the ultimate view of understanding both the impact and effect it should have on us personally, as well as much of the significance of the features, symbols and attributes that accompany its revelation in different sections of the word of life.
We will also hopefully look to consider aspects that are not always covered in previous material.
Since Adam and Eve's sin and its consequence there has been the presence, in some form, of the Cherubim. We also find that, in the ultimate glorification of those found worthy to become the bride in the kingdom age, its presence can still be determined.
It speaks to us of harsh reality; of grace and, above all, of the glorious hope central to its purpose and existence, which surely, we pray, will soon be manifested before our eyes.'
Your Brother in the hope of Israel, on behalf of the Committee
Bro Roy
Dear Brethren, Sisters and Young People
Abraham is a key figure in Scripture. The account of his life occupies many chapters in the Book of Genesis; his name is mentioned scores of times in the Old Testament, and over seventy times in the New Testament. Furthermore, he is called on more than one occasion in Scripture, the "friend" of God. Surely, there will be much for us to learn from such a man.
Abraham is also important because God made a number of promises to him - promises which were not just confined to Abraham himself and his time, but which are relevant to us today as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in the epistle to the Romans, when he declares: "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers" (Romans 15:8).
We are very pleased with the bookings for 2026 God Willing, if you are thinking of joining us please book-in as soon as you can.
As the end of the year approaches there is no doubt that perilous times are upon us, both within the Ecclesia and without in the World. We need to encourage one another in these challenging times as we "earnestly contend for the Faith once delivered to the Saints" we are looking and longing for the return of the Anointed Son of God. "Keep yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" Jud v21.
Our readings at the beginining of December have turned to James reminding us that we must be "doers of the word not hearers only", that "faith without works is dead", "a doer of the work this man shall be blessed in his deed". When we look to Hebrews 11 we have many examples of Great men of Faith who did just this and for our benefit their lives have been recorded. It is then with much anticipation that we share details of our first speaker for next year's School, Bro Roger Long will be speaking on "Abraham the friend of God", to introduce his talks, Bro Roger writes:
In our study we plan to consider some of the main events in the life of Abraham, drawing attention especially to his great faith. We are reminded by the Writer to the Hebrews, in chapter 11, that "without faith it is impossible to please" God. He continues by selecting three particular acts of faith from Abraham's life, which will form part of our study: he obeyed God's call to leave his native home (verse 8); he became a sojourner (a tent-dweller) in the land of promise (verses 9 and 10); and he offered up Isaac (verses 17-19).
As we reflect on the life of this man, may we share his confidence: "he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:20,21).
Your Brother in the glorious hope we share, on behalf of the Committee, Bro Paul
Dear Brethren, Sisters and Young People
Loving Greetings in The Lord Jesus Christ
It is now over three months since we enjoyed the sweet fellowship together at Yarnfield Park, where we benefitted greatly from the ministrations of our brethren who expounded the Word of Life for us. We are also indebted to our brethren and sisters who worked so hard for the benefit of our children and young people.
But now, as we enter autumn, your committee return to work to make plans for our next Bible School which will commence on 25th May next year, God Willing.
Yet this autumnal weather reminds us of some eternal principles. It is recorded in Lev 26v4-5 'I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.' Which reminds us of Yahweh's glorious purpose because he declared 'My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:' So Leviticus continues '…I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.'
This is exactly the prospect for which The Bible School and other meetings prepare us, especially when we contemplate how this wicked world seems to worsen with every passing moment, for the powers that be, know not where to turn as we continue to see Gog and the sons of Ishmael flexing their muscles. Of the sons of Ishmael, Yahweh declared 'And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him…' Gen 16v12.
The committee have been spending some time pondering the suggestions which we received at this year's school. There was a suggestion to introduce more Daily Bible Reading sessions but we feel that it would increase pressure on the time available and there are no suitable time slots available. A further suggestion was that we reintroduce a 'lighter address'. It is possible that we could alternate that with the 'Signs of The Times' each year. We will welcome any thoughts that you may have on these or any other matters, to improve the experience at the school.
Some of those who went on the organised trip found lunch a bit rushed, but, as Yarnfield serve lunch from 12noon to 1.15pm, it is possible for us to go to the restaurant as soon as our morning session has concluded. This should help to overcome any problems in this area.
We expectantly wait for our redeemer, letting Jerusalem come into our minds, "Even so come, Lord Jesus".
Bro David, on behalf of the committee, in anticipation of The Coming Kingdom and Glory
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
Well, two months has flown by since we were together at the school in our new venue at the end of May! The angels continue to control the nations on Yahweh’s behalf and events continue to excite us that our Master’s return will happen shortly, as the nations speak of peace yet prepare for war and the economic instability continues to increase.
We hope you all had an enjoyable and uplifting time at the school and will spend a few moments now reflecting on our shared experience. Hopefully the exhortation and encouragement from the studies and fellowship of the school has stayed with us, now we are back in our ‘normal’ lives.
In our first study, Bro Andrew Smith led us in a study “Out of Egypt have I called My Son” focussing on the principle of separation from an evil world (taking us to 2 Corinthians 6v14-18), describing how the gods of Egypt were systematically defeated by the power of the One True God and showing fascinating archaeological finds which support the Exodus account.
Bro Wayne Marshall then delivered an extremely thought provoking study on the struggles of Job (“Wrestling alongside our brother”) showing the genuine intentions of his three friends but also the devastating outcome of their actions and words – they gave Job time to consider and try to come to terms with his situation but ended up making matters worse – in this we learned, not only how to view our own trials but much also about how to effectively help (and not hinder) our brethren and sisters who are undergoing such.
In our third, shorter this year, study, we undertook a ‘whistle stop’ tour of the gospel records, piecing together an integrated time sequence of events, discovering interesting reasons for things that were done and said by recognising other events impacting at the time but recorded by other gospel writers. Most of all, we came to appreciate the incredible workload on the Master (and his disciples) and the mounting pressure as the three and a half years passed culminating with Jesus, embattled with the scribes and Pharisees, physically exhausted, emotionally drained but pursuing his course, entering Jerusalem as his impending sacrificial death loomed large.
As a committee, we were generally very pleased with the way we fitted into the new venue and would thank you all for doing your best in a different situation. There were some problems which we encountered and are aware of and we are working to overcome or mitigate the effects of these. We are grateful for the comments, questions and suggestions made (either verbally or in writing in the suggestions box) and are considering all of these carefully – we will update you on our deliberations on these in forthcoming Bulletins, God willing. However, one suggestion related to the possibility of staggering mealtimes – we were aware of the problems caused later in the week when the other, large group arrived but, due to the nature of their conference organisation and the fact that we are in the hands of the venue management, staggering mealtimes is unlikely to be possible. To the correspondent who had a question on the use of the table of shewbread, we would direct your attention to Exodus 25v23-30, 1 Samuel 25v1-6, 1 Chronicles 9v32, 23v2-30, 2 Chronicles 13v10-11 and Hebrews 9v1-2; we hope this has been of help!
Thank you to all those who have booked in for the 2026 school – it is really helpful to our organisation (and continued existence) to receive early bookings, but we appreciate that this is not possible for many.
Your brother in the Hope of Israel
Bro Roy, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
"In Matthew ch8v23-27, Jesus stills a storm on Galilee and then, later in his gospel (ch13v1-9) he records the parable of the sower. However, in Luke’s gospel, these (or very similar) events are recorded in order the other way round (the parable of the sower in ch8v4-8 and the stilling of the storm in ch8v22-25). Are these the same events and, if so, who is chronologically correct and why the difference?
Your Brother in the glorious hope we share
Since we last wrote the world has completely changed, economic and political tremors all around remind us of the massive change that will take place when the Anointed has returned and righteous rule is established. Events are so fast moving it’s literally difficult to keep up. It is so important to keep our focus on the Word and remember at all times Yahweh keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and walk before him with all their heart.
Our plans for the Bible School (in the Father’s mercy) are taking shape as we prepare for the wonderful talks from our three brethren and make the necessary arrangements for our new venue at Yarnfield Park. As usual with the March bulletin is your invoice, please make arrangements to pay by 30th April as we now have to pay the full amount in advance of the school.
This year’s programme will be distributed soon and we recommend that you pay close attention as not only is the venue different the order of each day has changed to adapt to a new arrangement of 2 studies in the morning and 1 in the evening. We hope to have a choice of two outings this year on Wednesday afternoon, to either 1) Trentham Monkey Forest or 2) Trentham Gardens if you are interested in either please let Bro Matt & Sis Laura Phipps know.
Our third study by Bro Roy Highfield will be 3 addresses to be given during the evenings. His theme is the chronology of the gospels which raises a lot of very interesting questions, for his introduction Bro Roy writes:
How long was John the Baptist in prison for before his execution and how did this impact the ministry of the Master?
Did Jesus speak the parable of the good Samaritan just to teach a lesson of love to fellow man and our enemies or does the Samaritan represent someone in particular, teaching a deeper lesson?
What prompted Peter to ask in relation to forgiveness of his brother “till seven times” and what does it tell us about his thinking at the time?
These and other questions are enlightened by an understanding of the chronology of the gospels. We’ll look at events, such as feasts which locate the timing of the gospel records in relation to one another and also at events commonly recorded by more than one gospel writer (although there are surprisingly few by all four).
Our study will be a mostly internally based investigation to understand the days, the months and the years of our Master’s earthly ministry and, for the sake of time, will largely ignore the early life of the Master and the final week before his crucifixion. However, we hope that it will bring much instruction and encouragement as we see that ministry unfold and feel what it was like to be with the Master from day to day."
Bro Paul, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren, Sisters and Young People
“Our theme is taken from the debate that Job, in his suffering, had with his three friends. They came to mourn and comfort him in his affliction. But having found Job in a more dreadful state than they must have imagined, they quietly sit with him for seven days and nights. Coming to the terrible conclusion, based upon the wisdom of the day, to suffer as Job did, he must have sinned!
Bro David, on behalf of the committee, in anticipation of The Coming Kingdom and Glory
Loving Greetings
We now find ourselves gripped by the winter chills, which positively sets before us the understanding that, in due course, Yahweh’s kingdom will be upon us. We recently read of the time when Noah stepped off the Ark onto a cleansed earth. It was in the context of the covenant of the bow, that Yahweh declared “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” These matters were confirmed through Isaiah “as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven… So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
As the world becomes more increasingly wicked, we long for that day of divine intervention and the return of our Lord and Master. To the end that we might be prepared for that time of glory, plans are well in place for another Bible School of fellowship and study around the Word of Life, God willing.
To assist us in these efforts, we are grateful that three brethren are preparing studies for our benefit. Bro Wayne Marshall will be our second speaker, and has prepared the following introduction to his addresses on ‘Job – Wrestling alongside our brother’.
After Job initially laments his state. They with increasing desperation wrestle with Job, seeking to admonish him in love to repent. That he might be restored to fellowship with our Heavenly Father, before he dies. Their intentions and their desires were only good towards Job. Yet at the end of the book our Heavenly Father gives his assessment on their interventions. Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
Chapter forty-two presents us with a mini judgement seat scene and we brothers and sisters have no desire to find ourselves in their position, before our Lord at his coming. In our consideration of the text, we want to draw out what the friends did well for our exhortation. But also, importantly we will also seek to understand from the debate, where they added to Job's suffering and pain for our admonishment. We want to use their example written for our learning. That as we come alongside one another to aid in life's struggles. That we do so with patience and the comfort of the scriptures, that we might give one another hope. For all of us must pass through the valley of Baca (weeping), for our perfection on our journey Zionwards.”
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
"We find the words of this theme title in the gospel through Matthew ch2 detailing Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt with the Lord Jesus to escape the slaughter ordered by Herod. This title thus has its primary application to the Lord Jesus but in type and shadow its scope is much wider. It has relevance to all throughout history who have truly sought after their Creator and the eternal blessings that He will provide to the faithful. In these days of slipping standards when the thinking of the world penetrates ever deeper into the brotherhood the divine principle of being “called out” is in danger of being lost. Yet it is a principle that we forget at our eternal peril. We are not part of this world. By grace we belong to the world yet to come, to be established by the Lord Jesus at his return. Only by the sacrifice of the true Passover Lamb may we flee the Egypt of this day and be fitted to be his help-meet ruling with him in righteousness in the Kingdom of God, an honour infinitely greater than anything this world offers.
We certainly look forward to Brother Andrew’s studies.
As we approach the end of the year there is much we could say about the signs around us, heralding louder and clearer than ever the imminent return of the Anointed Son of God. The earth surely groans under the weight of Man’s wicked rule. This year has seen many political changes not least of all in America and the UK, two nations potentially drawing closer together as the seeds are sown for a changing World Order. Russia strengthening herself and Europe more than ever a mixture of Iron and Clay. Oh how we long for that day, “Even so come, Lord Jesus”.
As we await the consummation of Yahweh’s purpose and overthrow of the beast system that dominates the world “Here is the patience of the Saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ” (Rev 14:12).
We remember that we are called out and separate, but life continues to be a daily struggle. If Yahweh wills, we will once again seek to provide help and encouragement to all at the Bible School in May next year, at the new venue, Yarnfield Park. Our first speaker next year is Bro Andrew Smith of the Earlswood Ecclesia and his theme is OUT OF EGYPT HAVE I CALLED MY SON, his talks should resonate with the issues that confront us every day. To introduce his studies, he has written the following:
In these talks we will, God willing, consider the outworking of this divine principle in the lives of the faithful of old and in the Exodus account. Taking the subject right back to first principles we will find its basis in the Genesis creation record. We will consider also the historical context; the scriptures give indication of when in history the Exodus fell and fascinating detail comes out of this. Alongside this we will look at some astounding archaeological discoveries which accord remarkably well with detail in the inspired word. Above all we must each derive exhortation and encouragement in these last treacherous days of gentile times.”
Even though our numbers exceed those of recent years there are still spaces if you haven’t yet booked or know of anyone who is thinking about it. Please book as soon as you can.
Your Brother in the glorious hope we share
Bro Paul, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
A summer has flown by since we were enjoying fellowship together at the school in May – we are a season closer to our Master’s return! The angels are hard at work as we can see from the news each day, preparing the nations for ‘the battle of that great day of God almighty’, with the escalating warfare on Israel’s borders (and further afield), the continuing cry for peace in the Middle East, whilst the destruction continues in Ukraine (and also to some extent in Russia too). We wait to see what the outcome of the forthcoming presidential election in USA will bring and hope that it turns events to the soon return of our Master.
For those of us who were at the school this year, here’s a brief recollection of the themes and exhortations we received. Under the overall theme of “I delight to do Thy will”, Bro Richard Mellowes spoke on The Psalms in Hebrews, showing us how many times the apostle takes recourse to the Psalms to establish the themes and principles he was trying to instil into the Hebrews – we were particularly taken by the number of times that Psalm 110 is referred to, in differing aspects, to establish the supremacy of Christ, through whom we have hope of salvation. Our overall theme for the school was taken from one of these psalms, of course – Psalm 40.
Bro Tim delivered a really positive, exhortational study on The Fruit of the Spirit, illustrating just what it means to ‘delight to do Yahweh’s will’ in our lives, considering the principles of the development of fruit (the natural being typical of the spiritual) and the constant ‘growth’ this requires in us. He then spent time looking at the individual aspect of the fruit and how this should be manifest in the way in which we live, and how we deal with one another, to live and walk in the Spirit.
In the third study, Bro Jonathan looked at the manifestation of Divine glory through the medium of light (Let There be Light), setting a firm and detailed foundation for our understanding of this subject from the early chapters of Genesis and then (eventually…) moving on to establish the development of the manifestation of the light of the glory of Deity in His son and ultimately in us – a great hope, if we delight to do His will.
As you will all be aware, next year’s school will be in a new venue, God willing, Yarnfield Park in Stone, Staffordshire. Although it’s ‘early days’, we are building a good relationship with the management at the centre and, although we do not have their minimum numbers, they have agreed that we can use their ‘Connex’ facility (which is a ground floor, self-contained meeting area with very good facilities). We feel well blessed in this respect. There is much work to do, though, in moving to a new centre, for example, Bro Geoff Jacks has been investigating the audio visual systems to assess whether we need to enhance these to suit our presentation and recording purposes, and also, having more children booked in than at recent schools means we need to review the facilities required to enable them to have as profitable and enjoyable time as the rest of us – we are grateful for the work of all those who assist the committee in many and various ways.
In terms of numbers, we have a relatively large number of bookings (94 currently) so if you are aware of anyone who is thinking of booking in, please let them know that we’re advising to book as early as people are able (although we do still have space both for full bookings and day visitors).
We don’t have any particular welfare news to share in this bulletin but we are aware of a number of brethren and sisters who are or have been recently unwell so please keep them in your prayers.
Your brother in the bonds of the Truth
Bro Roy, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
As we look around the world today, we all appreciate that there are so many signs which indicate that our beloved Lord and Master must be at the door and very soon we will be called away to judgment.
After the past two years of the Ukraine war, it now appears that Russia is now gaining the upper hand, particularly as some of the support for Ukraine from western Europe appears to be waning. Therefore, Russia is inching ever westward in her influence, reminding us that the Gogian confederacy must include Magog, Togarmah and Gomer. We continue to watch with interest as Yahweh positions the nations in place for when he will bring Russia down into his land. We pray with the apostle John, “Lord Jesus come quickly”
Our final main study this year, will be led by Bro Jonathan Legg, to the theme ‘Let there be light”, he has supplied us with the following introduction to his studies.
“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.”
Bro David, on behalf of the committee, in anticipation of The Coming Kingdom
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
The New Year has started lively to say the least, with more named storms up to 10 so far this season (at the time of writing) we have no doubt that stormy wind is fulfilling His word (Psalm 148:8). Since named storms began in 2015 only one year has seen more (2016 – 11 storms in total) but this season we still have over 2 months to go!
Looking wider a field there is a great deal of significant development in the world all heralding the approaching storm of Armageddon. 2024 has been dubbed the election year with 64 countries holding elections including Britain and America. It is then quite possible that by the end of this year the world will be a very different place. There are warnings sounding about impending war with Russia, the possible need for conscription to form an “army of the people” to back up the shrinking armed forces of the UK. A time of trial and testing like we have not seen for 70 years may soon be upon us. With many of our young people and young baptised perhaps needing to prepare for a time they thought may never come. There is nothing new under the sun and whilst faces change and the setting, the heart of man is just the same – deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9).
We must do our best in the time that remains to hold fast and resist the works of flesh and bring forth the fruit of the spirit, to this end at the school this year Bro Tim Plant will lead us in his studies on the fruit of the Spirit. Bro Tim writes:
“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”.
We certainly look forward to Brother Tim’s studies.
Your Brother in the glorious hope we share
Bro Paul, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People,
Loving Greetings in the Hope of Israel that we share.
So, another year draws to a close as we wait patiently for the return of our master and the establishment of Yahweh’s righteousness in the earth. The events around the world but particularly in Israel and Gaza shout loud and clear to us of the constant work of the angels bringing the nations to “the battle of that great day of God Almighty”. So, in a world without hope, we can take great comfort from the Scriptures and, if our lord remains away, our studies at the forthcoming school will bring this comfort before us. Bro Richard Mellowes will focus our attention on ‘Psalms in Hebrews’ and has produced the following introduction to set the scene:-
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.
We have been continuing to make arrangements for next year’s school, looking into the evening studies and other activities. We have been in regular contact with the staff at High Leigh and have secured formal agreement for the use of the same suite of meeting rooms which we used this year (this had previously been verbally agreed but we wanted to make sure!) and the bedrooms which will be allocated to us. There are some changes taking place at the centre with regards to bedrooms and, understanding these, we believe we have secured the most suitable mix and location of bedrooms.
With much love in the Truth,
Bro Roy, on behalf of the committee
Dear Brethren and Sisters and Young People
Loving Greetings in Yahshua Anointed
It is difficult to imagine that since we met together at High Leigh for our last Bible School that summer has passed and now we are in autumn. One of the positives of these lengthening nights is that it is time for the Bible School Committee, to prepare for our next school, God willing, which is only some eight months away. We look forward to studies from our three speakers: when Bro Richard Mellowes will speak on ‘Psalms in Hebrews’, Bro Tim Plant on ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’, while in our third session we will study the subject ‘Let there be light’ under the guidance of Bro Jonathan Legg.
However, our expectancy of the imminency the Lord’s soon return is real, so these plans may not be necessary. As we survey the world of today, it is clearly in a worse state than ever before, and we reflect on the words of Daniel the prophet. “…there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book”. We remember that as Daniel commented “at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people”. We recognise that the war in Ukraine rumbles on and, without doubt, in our Father’s good time, Gog will move south and enter into the glorious land. The Geneva Academy amongst other things monitors how many current conflicts the world is experiencing. It estimates that there are presently 45 armed conflicts in The Middle East & North Africa, a further 35 in the rest of Africa, 21 in Asia, 7 in Europe and 6 in Latin America - a total of well over a hundred cases of armed conflict. Then there are all the problems with economies, morals, gender, violence on the streets – the list goes on – surely this is a time of trouble such as never was, so we echo with the Apostle John, “Lord Jesus come quickly”.
For your information, the committee visited a different conference centre, to see if we could have future schools there. Much of it was acceptable for our use but the bedrooms would not satisfy our requirements and there is very little outside seating available. With these issues in mind, we have taken the decision to stay at High Leigh for now, but we will continue to look for other venues.
With much love in expectation of the coming kingdom and glory
Bro David, on behalf of the committee