I wonder how many of our lady readers may have in their possession a cameo brooch, or perhaps a cameo ring? Perhaps it was made by the prestigious Wedgwood firm. If so, then it will probably be moulded in “Wedgwood blue” acolour known throughout the world due to the popularity of Wedgwood ware. Josiah Wedgwood founded his pottery business in 1759, when he was just 29 years of age. He became known as “the father of English potters.” In 1787, as a result of his concern for social reform, he helped Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp to form the “Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade.” Sadly he never lived to see this come to fruition in the days of William Wilberforce, having died in 1795. He produced the Abolition Society’s seal which showed a black slave in chains, kneeling, hishands lifted up to heaven. The motto read: “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?” [Read more…]
61. Cameo. Part 2
In this part of our investigation I should like to draw upon a portion of a teaching prophecy that we were privileged to hear during a meeting on 17th July 1980. The tape recorder was on, so we were able to make a transcript. Here it is. [Read more…]
62. Cameo. Part 3
The Book of Job is to be treasured above all others in respect of the Cosmic Chess Game. No matter if theological criticism tries to destroy the credibility of the book, it remains as the only clear portrayal of what goes on “behind the scenes” in respect to cosmic warfare. In this number we shall first of all make a list of the lessons to be learned, mainly from the first two chapters of the book, and then ask ourselves what the book as a whole represents in terms of Cameo. [Read more…]
63. Cameo. Part 4
Our dear brother in Christ, David Lee, of Southern California, has been writing to us recently about the Cameo series, and we have shared some good fellowship together. One of the interesting things he mentioned concerned the origin of the words pioneer and pawn. He found from Webster’s Dictionary that they had both derived from an Old French word for a foot soldier, one who plods along at the command of his commanding officer into regions unknown. What better way of expressing the work of the humble pawn in the cosmic chess game, the one that reached the “other side” and enabled the Queen to return. What David didn’t know was that we intended to finalise this series by introducing the pioneering concept. [Read more…]
64. In His Hands
“He’s got the Whole World in His hands”, is a well-known and well-liked traditional spiritual song. There are many slight variations in the words, and in fact anyone can add extra verses appropriate to their situation and audience. [Read more…]
65. The Starlings
Have you ever seen an aerial display by the Red Arrows? Their nine aircraft are the pride of the Royal Air Force, based at Scampton near Lincoln. The pilots receive special training to fly in close formation and perform amazing feats. [Read more…]
66. “Dead Truth”
Part 1 of a four-part series. That which is “dead” is inert, inoperative, and lifeless.
Polly approached a “City Gent” as he was leaving the Bank of England, attired in bowler hat, pin-stripe suit, and neatly furled umbrella.
“Excuse me, sir. May I have a couple of minutes to ask a few questions? I’m doing research on Christian belief patterns.”
Man. “Yes, by all means. Fire away.” [Read more…]
67. “Dead Sin”
Part 2 of a four-part series. That which is “dead” is inert, inoperative, and lifeless.
Romans 7:8 “Without the Law sin is dead.”
In the midst of Paul’s great doctrinal thesis in Romans, we find him making this statement. Many times, especially in the New Testament, we find the word “dead” used to signify something is inoperative, rather than dead in the full sense. Such is the case here. Paul was not saying that people who have never been under God’s Law never sin. Let us see more fully what Paul’s argument was. [Read more…]
68. “Dead Faith” and “Dead Works”
Part 3 of a four-part series. That which is “dead” is inert, inoperative, and lifeless.
“So Faith by itself, if it has no works, is Dead.” (James 2:17, 20. 26)
“Repentance from Dead Works, and faith towards God.” (Heb.6:1)
Both of these verses are well known, and provide us with the foundation of this third article. Suffice it to say that the writer to the Hebrews is speaking about works, actions, desires, etc., that precede New Birth. [Read more…]
69. “Dead Worship”
The Final Part of a four-part series. That which is “dead” is inert, inoperative, and lifeless.
The expression “Dead Worship” doesn’t occur in the New Testament. However, from a careful reading of the N.T. text, one soon realises that when the form (or should I say, lack of form) of worship in Apostolic Christianity is compared with that which pertains to Churches today, the word “dead” is frequently applicable to the modern setting. I should like to start this number by quoting from two sources from a century ago. [Read more…]