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).
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).
The brotherhood is very blessed to have a rich, though somewhat eclectic collection, of material on the topic of the Cherubim.
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.'
A description will be added here later.
The Monday afternoon will be taken up with the Main Studies. On the Tuesday afternoon there will be a Signs of the Times address. On Wednesday afternoon the daily readings will be considered, while the Children's Address and Prize Giving will be held on the Thursday afternoon. There are a number of informal activities arranged for the children and young people.
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.
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.