Miscellaneous

The relatively recent discovery of ocean currents is attributed to Matthew Maury (1806-1873) who was an American naval officer and oceanographer.

In 2 Corinthians 11:21-33 the Apostle Paul enumerates his many trials and afflictions which he had suffered in his service of the Truth. He recalls the humiliating circumstances surrounding his escape from Damascus when he was let through a window and lowered down the wall in a basket. The occasion was the time shortly after his conversion (cp Acts 9:25), and Paul tells us incidentally that at that time there was a governor in Damascus who was subject to Aretas the king.

Since 1982, the Pinetown ecclesia has been involved in the organising of a Summer Bible School in South Africa, which is held at the end of December each year. We have been fortunate to secure speakers from oversees on many occasions, which has added tremendous value to those attending, to enhance …

The Bible describes a “balm” of Gilead that is counted among “the choice fruits of the land” (Gen 43:11). Renowned for its medicinal and aromatic properties, it was a prized product in ancient times as it is today.

In Scripture, we have a contrast portrayed between our nature now and the nature of Almighty God. Ours is a corrupt nature, styled by Paul, “the bondage of corruption” (Rom 8:21); something which once was described as very good, but now, as a result of man’s disobedience, is destined for the grave. 

Recently I opened the green cover of the Christadelphian Unity In Australia booklet published by the Central Standing Committee in 1963 in celebration of five years of Unity in Australia. Yes, confession, I needed to blow off the dust, and looking back, I suspect this was only the second time in 50 years.

The following ideas are offered as helpful suggestions on how to structure an exhortation for Memorial meetings. 

It’s perhaps an understatement to say we live in disruptive times, and it can leave us feeling fatigued and even numb. Let’s spare a thought for our first century brothers and sisters, whose families were torn apart by men like Saul after the death of Stephen (Acts 11:19). We can imagine them fleeing in the night from Jerusalem, having had a father or mother or uncle or aunt brutally murdered or imprisoned. How distressing it would be to have to leave their lives behind: fleeing from their homes, schools, local markets and all the places that were familiar and comforting to them. Many travelled with what few possessions they could carry to places as far as Antioch in Syria and beyond. Antioch lay around 500km north of Jerusalem, some 2-3 weeks journey on foot. In these new places, these believers and their families would try to shape a new life. What a disruptive time for these Christians!

Each year we have the opportunity to connect with the Jewish community as a reminder of the strong connection we have with Abraham’s natural descendants. The Apostle Paul had an incredible desire to see the fulfilment of God’s purpose through His people, for he wrote in Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved”. It is with this same earnest desire that we to look to the fulfilment of those verses and the eventual completion of the promises to Abraham.