Stafford Christadelphians

A Secret of History

20 December 2018

In 1879 when Archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam was excavating in ancient Babylon he uncovered a clay object about the size of a rugby ball. The bottom section was covered with Akkadian hieroglyphics. The content of this inscription was a description of the attack of Cyrus the King of Persia on Babylon in 539 BC.

The battle was fought near the riverside city of Opis, just north of the capital Babylon. The result was a victory for the Persians. A few days later, the city of Sippar surrendered to the Persians and Cyrus’s forces entered Babylon, which was eventually eclipsed by the Persians.

How can that possibly be of interest to us nearly 1400 years later?

The answer is threefold:

• First, part of the content of the inscription itself echoed precisely the words of Isaiah chapter 45 v 1-6 in the Bible. It was recorded during the lifetime of Isaiah BC 742 – 687.
• Second, the event itself did not take place for another 150 years – that is in 539BC. Isaiah’s writing in chapter 45 predicted this great event which was still 150 years in the future!
• Third, not only did Isaiah predict the results of the conflict 150 years in advance but he got the name CYRUS correct too!

Christadelphians have believed since the mid 1850’s that the Bible is inspired — literally, “God breathed”.

Anxiety and stress

5 June 2018

Recent articles indicate that we are living in “troubled times”. Improvements such as in education, information and travel are not providing the consolation in living that many people innately crave. This particularly affects the young. Two in ten feel that their life will amount to nothing however hard they try.

The scourges of depression and anxiety affecting all are growing and widespread and are often more difficult to cure than physical disease. There is a call for as much resource to be put into mental health as into physical.

People who read and believe the Bible come into contact with the comfort and consolation, which have sustained men and women throughout many centuries. If you cultivate a belief in a living Jesus Christ this will help many a depressed moment. For example Jesus pleads:

Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest

Matthew 11:28

Dr S I McMillan advises, “Devotion to kindness and love is unsurpassed liberation.” Again the Bible says:

love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy, love does not parade itself ... is not provoked.

1 Corinthians 13

Survey finds young people failing to find satisfaction

20 April 2018

An ongoing survey by the Prince’s Trust Macquarie for 2018 shows the latest “Youth Index”. This gives an annual measure of happiness and confidence in the main areas of young people’s lives including jobs, prospects, health and money. For the fifth year in succession the survey shows a continuing fall in the Overall Youth Index scores. Worryingly, two in ten young people think that their life will amount to nothing, no matter how hard they try.

The trend of the Findings yields bleak prospects for the next generation. Recent improvements in so many ways - education, information and travel - are not providing the worthwhileness in living that people innately crave.

“Christadelphians,” (‘brothers and sisters in Christ’), have since 1848 been highlighting the wisdom of the Bible message for everyday satisfaction and purpose. During this time, however, Bible teachings have been increasingly ignored.

During the Queen’s Coronation the Archbishop gave her the following advice,

we present you with this Book (The Bible), the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; this is the Royal Law; these are the lively Oracles of God.

This advice is still applicable today. The wisdom and guidance the Bible yields will help to fill the emptiness of young people’s lives as reflected by many of the results in this Survey.

Special Events for Easter 2018

27 February 2018

Easter is the time when the death and resurrection of Jesus are remembered. We are holding special free events this Easter to remember this.

Open House

An evening of Easter praise

On Saturday 31 March at 7.30pm. Join us for an hour to sing praise about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

This event is entirely free of charge.

"The inquest at Golgotha"

On Sunday 1 April at 2pm we will be presenting a live performance graphically examining whether or not Jesus really did rise from the dead as described in the Gospels.

This event is entirely free of charge.

We believe the whole Bible and we are perhaps unique in that we don’t rely on any other authority. One of our members explains that this is why, as a young man, he chose to be baptised and join the Christadelphian faith. He saw at an early stage that the Bible contains a reasonable and logical answer to such questions as what is the purpose of us being here and what happens when we die. The Bible is our guide. It tells us how we may obtain eternal life and it has God’s authority.

The Easter programme is also set out here.

The Balfour Declaration and the status of Jerusalem

11 December 2017

The 2^nd of November 2017 saw the 100^th anniversary of the British government's issuing the “Balfour Declaration”. It announced support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. The historical impact and signficance of the declaration is far greater than its size of one sentence would suggest!

As a step towards realising this objective on 11 December 1917 General Allenby made his formal entry into Jerusalem and Jews started going back to the land amidst threats and battles.

Recently President Trump announced the USA's formal recognition of Jerusalem as the captial of Israel. This received enthusiastic support from some and angry opposition from others.

Surely disputes about land take place the world over! Why is this so intractable?

There is here a profound difference. Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims – perhaps 37 million people - all believing different things and all convinced they have their own stake in the City! Jerusalem means “City of Peace”, but after such a history can there ever be peace in that city?

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Zechariah 9:9

Will you be there to enjoy the peaceful kingdom?

Some Stafford Christadelphians have produced a book called The Coming Peace in Israel. Find our more about the book here.

God’s Solution to a World in Turmoil

19 October 2017

In general the word “turmoil” describes a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. If we think of world weather threats - hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, storms, and global warming - many would claim they have never seen such a combination of looming threats as we see today.

In the UK the ferocity of storms is exceeded by political and international turmoil, anxiety and uncertainty. The effects of withdrawal from the EU have the potential to produce disturbance, division and confusion in UK – like the fear experienced during the dark days of WW II.

Will these days pass? The Bible promise for the world is clear:

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

Isaiah 11:9

Will this emerge through negotiations – at the United Nations for example?

The answer is “No!”

It will arise from the promised second coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, this time as World King.

Come along to the Presentation (God willing)
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Churchill Room
Tuesday 7th November at 8:00 p.m:
“God’s Solution to a World in Turmoil.”
It will provide the basis for a genuine hope for everyone.
No Charge – Coffee and Biscuits provided

DNA Evidence and the Reliability of the Bible

13 August 2017

An article appeared in the Mail Online on 27 July, with the headline “Bronze Age DNA disproves the Bible's claim that the Canaanites were wiped out...” It refers to a recent scientific study showing that present-day Lebanese people derive over 90 per cent of their ancestry from the Canaanites or a genetically similar population. It sets this against the Bible record of God's command to the ancient Israelite people to destroy the Canaanite people. It says, in effect, that since the evidence shows that the Canaanite people cannot have been destroyed then the Bible must be wrong. This is sloppy and misleading journalism.

It's true that the Bible book of Deuteronomy contains this passage:

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you, and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.”

Deuteronomy 7:1-2

However, the Bible also makes it abundantly clear that the Israelites failed to keep God's commandment. For example:

Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.

Judges 1:27-28

In fact therefore, far from disproving the Bible, the DNA evidence supports the accuracy of the Bible record.

Towards the end of the article we find this rather more truthful statement quoting one of the report's authors: ‘Dr Haber, however, told MailOnline, they don't completely disprove the Biblical accounts’, which contradicts the article's own headline. A headline saying, “Scientific research does not disprove the Bible” would not, perhaps, suit the newspaper's style so well!

We counsel our readers always to take great care before making judgements based on such reports. Sloppy journalism misrepresents and oversimplifies the results of scientific research. The researchers themsleves misrepresent the Bible account. Expertise in DNA and population genetic history gives them no qualification to pronounce on the accuracy of the Bible.

Grenfell Tower Fire

17 June 2017

We awoke on Wednesday to the distressing news of the growing tragedy in London. Fire had raged in the recently-modernised 24-storey Grenfell Tower. Many people are known to have died and hundreds more are left devastated by shock and with no home and no possessions.

There are many questions to be answered in the aftermath of this dreadful event. One more general and perhaps more fundamental question is, “Does God care about all this suffering?” The Bible tells us that He does:

‘... God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’

1 Timothy 2:3-4

The Creator’s purpose is to enable men and women to live happily, if they choose to serve him. Why then do people die, either by horrific accident or just in old age? Here is the answer:

‘... so death spread to all men because all sinned’

Romans 5:12

Jesus spoke of a tower which collapsed, killing 18 people. What was his comment?

‘No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’

Luke 13:5

If we always please ourselves without taking God into account then we all will die sometime from whatever cause. If we obey what the Bible says and try to live a new sort of life now - “to repent”, we can be saved when Jesus returns.

“Step back or it’s war”

15 April 2017

“Step back or it’s War”, says Kim Jong-Un. Once again the whole world holds its breath. Two countries, both possessors of nuclear weapons, square up to one other. 1 million could die in such a confrontation. Is it just a question of chance that the threat will not be resolved at the last moment and World War 3 actually breaks out?

The answer is – “No!” On the contrary, the Bible Promises that the time will come when:

‘They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.’

Isaiah 11:9

Will this emerge through negotiations – United Nations for example?
The answer again is “No!” It will arise as a result of the second coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, this time as World King:

‘Because he (God) hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.’

Acts 17:31

A time of Judgement is to come – be prepared!

Oliver Cromwell and the Jews

17 February 2017

Travel up Sandon Road to Beaconside, left at the lights, first right, and first right again brings you into Hopton Lane. You might be excused for asking, “how does this imaginary journey, have anything to do with a Sunday afternoon talk at Sheridan Hall?”

The answer is, “A Great Deal!”

Hopton is famous for the battle of Hopton Heath during the English Civil War. It took place on 19^th March 1643. The forces of King Charles I met those of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians. Many were killed.

Again, we would excuse you for saying (as is the case), “we didn’t think you Christadelphians were much interested in wars”. But what we are interested in (and hope you will be too!), is the title of the afternoon presentation at 2pm on Sunday 5 March 2017 God willing at 54 Sandon Road ST16 3HF

“OLIVER CROMWELL AND THE JEWS”.

You’ll never guess the reason why Cromwell wanted the Jews to return to Protestant England...

He actually believed - if they were converted this would hasten the “Second Coming”.

You’ll probably say, “they’re on about the return of Jesus Christ again!”. We confess this is one of our central themes founded on the Bible.

You might well ask, “OK how does that affect me now?” Come and listen and find out:

• The result of Cromwell’s strategy
• The relevance for today
• Whether Jesus Christ really will return
• How that will affect you, your family and everyone else the world over.

You can see the video of the presentation here.

2017 — A year of anniversaries

19 January 2017

2017 will mark the anniversaries of a number of significant events over the last 120 years — events which have played an important part in the fulfilment of Bible prophecies.

February 1917 saw the first Russian Revolution begin the process which led to the withdrawal of the Russian Empire from the First World War and the establishment of the Soviet Union, events which continue to have a profound effect on our century and the future prospects of the world. The Communist Revolution followed in October 1917.

On 6 April 1917, the United States of America finally entered the First World War, - an event which tipped the balance in favour of Britain, France and their allies. It also marked the point where the USA became involved not only in European affairs, but also eventually in the Middle East.

5 June 1967 was the day on which the Six Day War of Israel against its hostile Arab neighbours began, - a war which brought about the re-unification of Jerusalem, the first free access of Israelis to the Wailing Wall and the “occupation” of the West Bank of the Jordan. The 50th anniversary of this event is likely to be the most commented event of all the anniversaries in 2017 and offers an opportunity and a challenge in our preaching concerning the ongoing fulfilment of Bible Prophecy.

29 August will mark 120 years since the First Zionist Congress. This took place in Basle in 1897 and was largely the work of the pioneer of Zionism, Theodor Herzl, who in the previous year had published his book entitled The Jewish State, in which he set out the case for a Jewish State in Palestine. He recorded in his diary: “At Basel I founded the Jewish State”, a statement which ignored the hand of God in the affairs of men, but which demonstrates the conviction of Jewish leaders that they would return to their historic homeland.

31 October 2017 will mark the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, being the day on which Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, setting out his objections to the practices of the Roman Catholic Church, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. This is regarded as the event which sparked the Reformation, which amongst other things came to stress the importance of God’s Word, - the Latin “strapline” of the Reformation was Verbum Domini Manet in Aeturnum, “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” It also stressed the importance of ordinary people being able to read and understand the Bible for themselves. This freedom and privilege is dear to the hearts of all Christadelphians.

2 November 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, widely regarded as one of the key documents in the eventual setting up of the State of Israel. It gave a commitment from the British Government to the establishment of “a Jewish National Home in Palestine”, which was honoured after a fashion, despite the contradictory promises made to different Arab and Jewish nationalists in order to get their support.

40 years ago on November 19th 1977, Egyptian president Anwar Sadat visited Israel. This broke the deadlock in which Arab leaders had previously refused to make agreements with Israel and led to a peace treaty with Egypt on March 26 1979.

Another significant landmark in the development of the State of Israel was the passing of United Nations Resolution 181 which called for the division of the British mandate into separate Jewish and Arab states. This took place on 29 November 1947, so this year will mark the 70th anniversary. Although it was afterwards overtaken by events, the Resolution marked the first acceptance of the right of Israel to have a state and was a fore-runner of the Two State Solution to Arab-Israeli Conflict much favoured by Western Nations in the last decade.

Finally, December will bring two further anniversaries if the Lord remains away, both on 9th December.

In 1917 Jerusalem was captured by British forces on 9 December from the Ottoman Turks who had ruled it for four centuries. The significance of this was not lost on the British Government who instructed General Allenby and his staff that they were all to dismount before the Jaffa Gate and walk into the city in deference to the superiority of the Lord Jesus. This happened on 11th December 1917. A film of this event is preserved at https://www.colonialfilm.org.uk/node/6131

Coincidentally, 9 December was the day on which the First Intifada (uprising of Palestinians) began 30 years ago in 1987. This too has proved significant in marking the start of resistance to Israeli rule which persists to this day.

Our thanks to John Botten of the Knowle and Dorridge ecclesia for this information.

A New Year Message for 2017

10 January 2017

A New Year is a time of hope, an opportunity for a fresh start – and even a few ‘New Year resolutions’. I wonder what happened to the ones we made last year!

As we start a new year it is natural to look back on the year that has just passed: we will all have had our own individual joys and sorrows. For some it may truly have been a difficult year, for others a time of new life and fulfilled dreams. On the world stage what a strange year it has been: a man once declared ‘unelectable’ is now the president of the USA; Brexit is on everyone’s lips, totally confounding the predictions of the pollsters; the war in Syria has once again drawn Russian forces into the Middle East; and thousands of refugees across the world are seeking safety and security. It is natural to regard these as all random events in a world that seems to be increasingly out of control, but the Bible tells us that these events are all part of God’s plan and that we can face the future with confidence. ‘Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ is not just a platitude from the Lord’s prayer, it has real meaning and significance for us in 2017.

May Christ’s Peace be with you in 2017.

‘Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near’

Luke 21:28

Peace in Syria for 2017?

7 January 2017

It is being reported that Peace has at last been achieved in Syria. But for how long can it last? Since the beginning 400,000 have been killed in the conflict including over 700 medical personnel and thousands of children have been made homeless. The main cities have been reduced to bomb sites.

Almost 100 years ago President Woodrow Wilson of the USA described the 1914-18 World War as ‘The War to End All Wars’. This hope was so strong that the following quotation from the Bible was carved on the UN Building in New York:

“… Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Isaiah 2:4 KJV

But warfare has continued ever since. Will this bloodshed ever cease?

The answer is YES!

Within the same Book as the above quotation are the following words:

“For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given [Jesus]… of the increase of his government and PEACE there shall be no end…”

Isaiah 9:7 KJV

After singing all those Carols at this Season, when will people realise that Jesus is to return as worldwide King of Peace which the Angels proclaimed at his Ascension?

“This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven”

Acts 1:11KJV

Make it a Resolution to find out more about prospects for Peace by reading the Bible for yourself in 2017. Apply for or download a free Bible reading planner to help you.

Life after death — is cryogenics the answer?

19 November 2016

The heart-breaking case of a bright, intelligent, 14 year old has hit the headlines. Suffering from terminal cancer but feeling too young to die, she expresses her thoughts in emotional terms, which are immediately appealing to all:

“I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance.”

The judge in the case said he had been moved by the “valiant way” in which she had faced her “predicament”.

The father’s view was “Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let’s say, 200 years, she may not find any relatives and she might not remember things”.

By contrast the Bible, in considering the position injects the joyful hope of Resurrection. It holds out the prospect of immortal life on this earth for those who believe in Jesus as King in Jerusalem. There will then be, “on earth peace, goodwill toward men”. (Luke 2:14)

This framework of HOPE with EVIDENCE is available to all who are prepared to look anew for themselves at Scripture.

Daniels’s ‘70 weeks’ Prophecy

New research establishes the year of Jesus’ birth and the accuracy of Bible prophecy

12 November 2016

One of our members, Roger Turner, has just published an article demonstrating the accuracy of Bible prophecy. The author draws on recent astronomical research and calculations as well as historical documents to establish demonstrably accurate dates for the birth and crucifixion of Jesus and other historical events. He shows that the historical events are a precise fit with the details of the prohecy in Daniel chapter 9.

The article was first published in the November 2016 issue of The Christadelphian and is reproduced here with permission. Read the article here.

Epigenetics

14 October 2016

Recent discoveries have shed light on how the human body, consisting of some 37 trillion cells, is made and performs. A few years ago the human ‘genome’ was written down. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain a particular organism. Our DNA in the form of a double helix contains our genes, accounts for why we resemble our parents and carries hereditary information for everything from our height to eye colour.

Many of these features are not “cast in stone!” Epigenetics is the study of mechanisms which are reversible and affect every aspect of life being able to switch genes on or off during our lifetime.

Advances in genetics show how wonderfully we are made:

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14 KJV

Latest research suggests our thoughts, feelings, emotions, diet and other lifestyle factors exert epigenetic influences every minute of every day, playing a central role in ageing and disease.

Dr P Murali Doraiswamy an expert in brain and mind health writes:

‘If thankfulness were a drug, it would be the world’s best selling product with a health maintenance indication for every major organ system.’

Bible writings prove correct again:

But godliness with contentment is great gain

1 Timothy 6:6 KJV

The Olympic Games

16 August 2016

The Olympic Games, currently in progress, have a long history dating back as far as 776 BC. They were originally part of a religious festival held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and staged every four years in Olympia.

Ratings for the London Olympics in 2012 made it the most watched event in history. This is not surprising. The range of expertly managed activities on offer – from the explosive energy and determination of Usain Bolt in the 100 metres, to Laura Trott in her velodrome heroics, makes for compulsive viewing.

These triumphal events provide a very welcome diversion from other events. Refugees, terrorist problems and suffering affect millions of people the world over. Does it have to be like this?

Thousands of years ago the Apostle Paul, aware of the sports surrounding him, records the following in his letter to Timothy:

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness [respect towards God] is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 KJV

Paul recognises that exercise and fitness is but transient at best. Only in seeking the eternal dimension for the future is lasting peace of mind to be cultivated. Why not think about changing your perspective on life to take account of the wisdom of Scripture and the glorious future offered?

An unintended consequence of Brexit

4 July 2016

The pros and cons of voting in the recent Referendum were the subject of countless lines of print and hundreds of discussions in the run up to the day. The resulting debate on the consequences of what has happened has been no less intense.

But is it possible that there is at least one further consequence which has had no mention whatsoever? Christadelphians read the Bible and this, interestingly, sheds light on these events in an unexpected way. This article maintains that the outcome of the referendum is a fulfilment of Bible prophecy. That is surely an unintended consequence!

The prophet Ezekiel chapter 38 has the following passage:

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Ezekiel 38:13 KJV

For a Bible student the phrase “merchants of Tarshish” sparks recognition. The thesis is that Tarshish as used in the Bible is another name for Britain. How well can this be supported?

1. The name Tarshish is used on several occasions in various parts of the Bible without direct reference to its actual location. The records are so consistent, however, that comparisons may be made giving further understanding. For example, the first occurrence of ‘Tarshish’ is as the name given to the Grandson of Japheth in Genesis 10:2,4. The sons of Japheth, according to historians, later migrated and came to inhabit part of Western Europe. Tarshish would be expected to be located there. This is one important factor consistent with Tarshish as being Britain.
2. Later, in the Reign of King Solomon in Israel, extensive trade took place with a location called Tarshish - bringing gold and silver, ivory apes and peacocks to ornament his kingdom (2 Chroncles 9:21) BC 900 – 800. Herodotus the historian reporting on this trade, says they even circumnavigated Africa in search of valuable products to trade. Trading was therefore carried out over great distances, so Tarshish as being Britain, cannot be ruled out on account of distance.
3. A little after Solomon’s reign one of his sons, Jehoshaphat, made ships for trade with Tarshish. To withstand the storms these ships were stoutly constructed and became known as “ships of Tarshish”. Several other references are made in scripture to “ships of Tarshish.” Britain, as a trading nation could well have been included.
4. The record of the Prophet Jonah in the Bible is based on his journey to Tarshish. The record shows clearly that Israel’s port of Joppa on the Mediterranean coast was a long journey away from Tarshish and that therefore the sea voyage would have been in a westerly direction, although its actual location is difficult to work out. But neither is there any reason to rule out Britain from being Tarshish on account of distance.
5. A further important clue is contained in Ezekiel’s prophecy:

   Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.

   Ezekiel 27:12 KJV

   There is no doubt that tin has been mined in Cornwall for centuries and that availability is restricted. Tin was in great demand in the ancient world to make bronze. How much of this emanated from Britain (ie Tarshish) or from elsewhere is difficult to determine. But the occurrence of these four metals together, makes its source as Britain very likely. Herodotus describes it as, “from islands … from extreme regions”. Is there a reason for the vagueness of description? There is. When sources of valuable products were found the traders, not unnaturally, went to great lengths to hide them from competitors.
6. There is further evidence for identifying Tarshish with Britain. It so happens that evidence of extensive trading was uncovered when the wreck of a ship was found near Salcombe in Devon. The significance of this find as reported in the “The Daily Telegraph” (15 Feb 2010) was that ‘the 3000 year old shipwreck shows European trade was thriving in the Bronze age’, (the period of the reign of King Solomon).
7. Among other evidence is the fact that Tarshish in the Bible is associated with “merchants”. The extensive Commonwealth of Nations based on Trade is itself evidence of the unique strength of Britain as a trading Nation over many centuries.

The above and a great deal more which could be said lies behind the opening verse above, Ezekiel 38:13, where the ‘merchants of Tarshish’ are mentioned. The verse predicts that this power will be separate from the rest of Europe — just as Britain has now become separated from Europe by the Brexit vote. The result is that Britain has now been freed to become involved in the great end-time battle of Armageddon at some point in the future, as predicted by Ezekiel in these chapters. Many Bible students have been watching out for this development for many years!

HOW’S THAT FOR AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE?

Only time will tell how these things actually work out. But this small study serves to illustrate that there is a great deal more depth to the Bible than some people think. We believe it shows that there really is a God in Heaven who is working in our world towards the Kingdom of God on Earth.

For more information contact us and ask for the FREE boklet, “The Destiny of Britain”.

People are suffering; how can we help?

9 February 2016

It sometimes seems that the world has gone mad!

Millions are coming to consciousness after a fitful sleep hungry and aching in body and mind for absent relatives and friends. They find themselves in crowds on a journey of uncertain duration and unknown destination.

For most of us the new day by comparison is good. But how do we live haunted by the suffering which surrounds us? Yet we feel powerless to help.

 But are we really powerless? 

We can all pray as Jesus taught:

“Your Kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10 NKJV

The picture of that Kingdom is clear:

“they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree and none shall make them afraid, For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.”

Micah 4:4 NKJV

So we each can pray that this time will soon come by Jesus' return. We can also react by foregoing some things so as to be able to contribute to the needs of others.

Happy New Year!

1 January 2016

It is customary to wish each other “Happy New Year” at this Season. Although each Year we are all aware of various problem areas in the world they are usually far enough away from us to be able to push them to the back of our memory. This year, however, we have become so much more conscious of the various forms of suffering around us particularly in the growing tide of migrants for which there seems to be no solution. According to UN figures there are 59.5 million displaced persons in the world. This figure has increased by 40% in the last three years. At this rate and with a growing population the world will become unsustainable.

Have you ever asked yourself “Does it really have to be like this?” Can man not find better ways to share out the resources? The answer is No at the moment. But under a new organisation shortly to be introduced by the Lord Jesus returned from heaven, the answer will be Yes!

“they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree and none shall make them afraid …”

Micah 4:4

Would it not be worth your while to explore such a possibility? After all there is little hope anywhere else.

Why don't we feel safe any more?

11 December 2015

Our article addresses some of the questions that arise, especially from the Paris attacks.

Read the article...

Paris atrocity

1 December 2015

Two weeks ago saw the horrifying slaughter of 130 people in Paris.

It is reported that the Bataclan theatre, where the majority of lives were lost, has Israeli connections.

History shows the Jews were deported from their homeland in AD70 when Jerusalem was destroyed. It was not until 1917 that a return to their historic land commenced. This amazingly fulfilled part of the promise of God in the Bible where the Prophet Jeremiah wrote over 2000 years ago:

Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him.

Jeremiah 31:10

The first part of the prediction has come true. The Jews have been scattered. The second part - the regathering is proceeding - the latest count of Jews in the Land stands at over 6 million. Great events are yet still destined to take place!

We invite you to find out more by requesting a booklet and DVD called "The Coming Peace in Israel". It is entirely free of charge and we offer it with no obligation. Just click the link and fill in the form to request it.

Special Event in Stafford

The onset of World Crisis - God's Answer for You

Where will the events in the Middle East end? This is all part of God’s plan and will affect everyone on the planet. Come and see an interesting presentation on what God says is the answer to the situation and how it affects you.
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Hiroshima and Nagasaki

15 August 2015

The atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 – just 70 years ago - not only ended the Second World War but also destroyed some 129,000 inhabitants. In addition tens of thousands subsequently perished in nuclear related sicknesses and complete devastation of their cities.

Since those days various Nations have engaged in production of tons of nuclear material which would be far more harmful. The United Nations has laboured unceasingly to maintain the unstable peace by various international agreements. This is the position today, often described as a “balance of terror.”

The picture shows the Bible quotation on the wall of the UN building in New York. It is only a part of the full Bible quotation. Earlier in the same chapter we read:

“… many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 2:3

After the advent of the Nuclear age, such dreams seemed to become even more impossible. But God’s words here and throughout the Bible explain His unalterable purpose to bring Peace on Earth. To learn more please come along to one of our free Bible talks.

Bribery and Corruption

30 June 2015

Recent newspaper headlines have rarely lacked comment about how money is interfering with the “Beautiful game”. The President of Fifa has been urged to step down from his Office due to the many claims of “fixing” world sports venues.

Bribery and Corruption is described as the misuse of power or wealth for private gain.

But none of this is new! As long as man has been on the earth there has been corruption. In 700 BC one writer in the Bible precisely described it:

... Every man hunts his brother with a net. That they may successfully do evil with both hands — the prince asks for gifts, the judge seeks a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire; so they scheme together.

Micah 7:2-3

The same writer elsewhere wrote:

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

He went on to predict that man’s corrupting ways will one day be swept away from the earth by God’s intervention. To learn more about that future age please come along to one of our free Bible talks.

What is the Pilot Thinking About?

8 April 2015

As we take our flight on holiday or for some other purpose we might find ourselves pondering on such thoughts as, “What is the pilot thinking about?”

Following the recent tragic crash of the Germanwings airliner and subsequent revelations about the co-pilot Andreas Lubitz it would be entirely natural to have such thoughts. No one knows what others are thinking. How vulnerable we are to the thoughts and intentions of others!

The wise man in the Bible Book of Proverbs has the same problem:

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you..

Proverbs 23:7

There is one who does know what people are thinking and doing without being present. Before Jesus Christ ever met Nathaniel Jesus knew what he was doing:

Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

John 1:48

In His Kingdom which Jesus promises to set up on earth soon, so much of the wickedness and anxiety will not arise because people’s thoughts will be open to the view of the King and correction by his messengers:

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

The Coming Peace in Israel

14 February 2015

The history of the ancient nation of Israel and its survival into modern times can be seen as a fulfilment of the Hebrew prophetical writings in the Bible. Some 3,500 years ago the Book of Deuteronomy predicts that the people of Israel would be scattered out of their own land as a result of their failure to keep the covenant of God. Further, that they would be dispersed into all countries of the world until, in what the Bible describes as “The LAST DAYS”, they would be regathered to their original land again. Millennia later, namely in 1947, with the Jews having survived terrible persecutions throughout their history, as an identifiable people they set up the State of Israel in 1948.

As a result of the clear predictions of scripture, many well-known writers did indeed expect Israel to return to their original land one day. For Sir Isaac Newton in the 1600s, the Jews, “rapidly became one of the central themes of all Bible prophecy.” Newton had no doubt that the letter to the Romans chapter 11 in the Bible, spoke of the ultimate turning of the Jewish nation back to God, not simply as individuals, but as a people. Newton noted that the Jews had been cut off for disobedience but asserted that, “God would restore them again”.

The Bible clearly shows with that long-foretold return of the Jews to their own land, there would develop a time of trouble in the world. Zechariah in his 12th chapter describes it thus “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people”.

When we survey the world as it stands today, few would disagree with the proposition that in the Middle East around Israel, is the greatest likelihood for further unrest to take place and indeed even the third world war to begin!

If you would like to find out more about this fascinating and challenging subject come along to one of our Bible Hour presentations. In addition you could request, via the contact page, a free copy of the new book and DVD entitled, “THE COMING PEACE IN ISRAEL”.

The New Year 2015

30 December 2014

One of the consistent threads of history is shown in the anticipation and celebration of each coming New Year. The Romans originally dedicated the day to their god Janus — the origin of the month name January.

The coming of a new year has always excited imagination and optimism. Looking back just 10 years, however, the optimism then for that new year was brutally overturned by the unprecedented images of the Asian Tsunami in which tens of thousands perished in a matter of moments.

How about our position today for 2015? The omens are not encouraging. Recent headlines have highlighted the dreadful bin lorry accident in Glasgow when 6 people were tragically killed, showing the uncertainty of daily living.

In this new year is there any direction in which we can look to develop some assurance in spite of this often-threatening future?

The Chistadelphians have been opening the Bible to people in the Stafford area for over 100 years and the certainty of the outcome and appeal remains the same for 2015:

Why not make the reading of a few verses of the Bible each day one of your New Year Resolutions?

Christadelphians believe that the Bible is God's message to us and that the only way to understand God, His Son Jesus and our own lives is to read that message.

Setting out to read the Bible can be a daunting prospect but for over 150 years the Christadelphian community has been using a reading planner that allows them to read three portions each day. By following this plan we read the whole Bible in a year, the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice.

You can download your own copy of this plan from our Free Offers page.

EBOLA - The shocking facts

8 November 2014

In recent times the Ebola virus causing the present deadly scourge has been responsible for various outbreaks in West Africa. So explosive has been its impact that by 29th October 2014 Ebola deaths amounted to 4951 and the death toll is rising at an exponential rate.

Over the centuries there have been major plagues in various parts of the world probably caused by a related virus. Perhaps the earliest was the so-called ‘Plague of Athens’ in BC 430. Certainly the most well known was the Bubonic Plague which is possibly related to Ebola and may have caused the deaths of some two thirds of the population of Europe between 1347 and 1351. The Bible records various occasions when God sent plagues as a punishment for disobedience – the case of the numbering of Israel is one example (Numbers 21:1-17). On that occasion 70,000 of the people are reported to have died.

The words of Jesus are clear that before he returns to earth as he promised there are going to be troublous times for the people:

Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven... people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luke 21:10-11, Luke 21:26-27

Current conflicts — a Bible perspective

25 August 2014

There are so many conflicts and potential wars taking place currently in the earth that it is increasingly difficult to find areas of comparative peace.

For example, it has been well said that the shape of many Middle East countries, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan will never return to the borders we have grown used to since the second World war. Even now fresh outbreaks of fighting of a particularly barbaric kind are taking place.

Again the armed build up and threats to the Ukraine are gradually increasing with potentially grave humanitarian results. A Russian army remains on the border of the country and convoys of so called ‘aid lorries’ are raising doubts as to what is the true purpose of these military movements.

Looking a little farther to the East we observe the tensions and bloodshed, which still pervades the position in Israel and Gaza.

Any one of these conflicts could easily escalate out of control and threaten world peace. Jesus Christ himself predicts a position of warfare just before his second coming — are we in that time now?

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity,… men's hearts failing them from fear …for the powers of heaven will be shaken.”

Luke 21:25-26

A thought about the D-Day Landings

13 June 2014

Few of us can be unaware that 70 years ago on 6 June 1944 the so-called D-Day landings in occupied France took place. Over 4,000 ships and several thousand smaller craft formed the invasion fleet backed by up to 11,000 aircraft. During that day the Allies landed over 176,000 men in Normandy supported by over 10,000 tanks other vehicles and artillery. By the end of the day the allies had suffered more than 12,500 casualties and enemy losses amounted to 6,000 but the foundations of a victorious battle and the winning of the war had been put in place.

After all these years we might ask ourselves the question was all the suffering and disruption worth it? Certainly there has been a wonderful period of peace in Western Europe in the time since. When we look round the world today we may ask the question are there good prospects of peace for us in the near future? It would be a supreme optimist who replied yes with confidence! Yet there is a place to look, which does provide a real prospect of peace both in our own lives and in the world at large. The Bible has stood the test of time Why not find out more about it for yourself? Request a free copy of the leaflet “What the World is coming to?” from the literature page.

Current conflicts — a Bible perspective

25 August 2014

There are so many conflicts and potential wars taking place currently in the earth that it is increasingly difficult to find areas of comparative peace.

For example, it has been well said that the shape of many Middle East countries, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan will never return to the borders we have grown used to since the second World war. Even now fresh outbreaks of fighting of a particularly barbaric kind are taking place.

Again the armed build up and threats to the Ukraine are gradually increasing with potentially grave humanitarian results. A Russian army remains on the border of the country and convoys of so called ‘aid lorries’ are raising doubts as to what is the true purpose of these military movements.

Looking a little farther to the East we observe the tensions and bloodshed, which still pervades the position in Israel and Gaza.

Any one of these conflicts could easily escalate out of control and threaten world peace. Jesus Christ himself predicts a position of warfare just before his second coming — are we in that time now?

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity,… men's hearts failing them from fear …for the powers of heaven will be shaken.”

Luke 21:25-26