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.
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.
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!
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.
A description of the theme will be added here.
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.
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.
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.