THANKSGIVING DAY 2011
BIBTF Thanksgiving Day took place with two services held at Orange Street
Congregational Church, London on Saturday 15th October 2011.
It was great to welcome over 50 people at the 2011 BIBTF Thanksgiving Day services held in central London. Some members and supporters unable to attend sent their apologies, but we were blessed to enjoy fellowship with friends old and new, many of whom travelled long distances (including from the West Country, the North of England and Northern Ireland). We appreciate their faithfulness and encouragement for one another and thank God for travelling mercies – even if there are sometimes difficulties on the way! It was good to pray for one another during the day and to thank God for blessings poured out abundantly upon His people. It was wonderful to welcome friends of all ages, ranging from just a few months to those with a handful more decades under their belt. The crypt (with an abundant supply of toys!) was available for children to play or sleep, and this was helpful to parents who brought their little ones along.. |
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The first service (12.00-1.15 pm) chaired by BIBTF Secretary Mr Paul Boyd-Lee was addressed by Dr Michael Bennett – President of the BIBTF who spoke on ‘Good government’ and asked: What is it? When will it come on earth? And, Can we have it now? God created good government in heaven before this creation. It was a kingdom with law and order, with Him as King. Good government puts God’s rights and His will first, because God was first, is holy and wise, and made everything. |
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God created one peculiar nation to enjoy a special covenant relationship as His Chosen Servant People on earth. He planned to dwell among them as ruler, to give them His wisdom, truth and law. He made them responsible to show His good government, and to judge, punish and destroy aggressors in His name, to bring justice, peace and righteousness to other nations. That chosen nation is Israel (which means ‘ruling with God’). God-given government on earth in Israel was modelled on the one He first created in heaven. It had to be a kingdom, because He already ruled as King in heaven. It had to be a holy nation, because God is holy. God’s good government is coming soon on earth when Christ reigns for 1000 years on the throne of His father David. It will be a wonderful success as God’s resources are unlimited, Satan will be bound, and Israel will serve Him willingly with His law written in their hearts. Meanwhile, the principles of good government can be applied now by those who know them. It is no mystery! We can know a lot about the best form and purpose of good government here on earth, by studying the form of government God chose in heaven, and in Israel (based on it), which God gave to Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon and the Apostles. |
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A free buffet lunch was served in the crypt where a good selection of literature was available on the bookstall (some free – including copies of the latest issue of Bible Truth magazine and pre-read literature on biblical and prophetic subjects). The meal break was a really enjoyable time of fellowship (and refreshments), but sadly too short to chat with all the friends present before the call to reassemble upstairs for the next half of the day. |
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The afternoon session (2.15-4.15 pm) was also chaired by BIBTF Secretary Mr Paul Boyd-Lee. We were delighted to welcome Mr Peter Bennett who spoke on 'The importance of God’s Word within Israel past and present'. His interesting power point presentation began by focusing on the opening verses of the book of Deuteronomy before unfolding key themes in the book. He emphasized that ‘the Lord spake to us’; that God is a covenant keeping God, who keeps His promises; that we must not add to or subtract from God’s word; that we must recognise both God’s love and mercy and His holiness and wrath; and the need to teach God’s law to our children in every generation. |
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The central theme is obedience to God’s law which is as relevant today as in Moses’ time. It shows us who we are, and how we should live respecting each other as individuals, families and society. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’. Responsible leadership needs judges, kings, priests and prophets, who must be accessible, impartial, incorrupt, pure and faithful (untainted by false religion). Leaders were required to write a copy of the law, keep it to hand, and read it daily to ensure they knew and kept ‘all the words of this law’ (Deuteronomy 17 v. 18). It would be wonderful if all leaders, including the prime minister, did the same today. |
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After this encouraging talk we were blessed with several wonderful singing items from husband and wife duo Cornelia and Pawel. This Christian couple – originally from Poland – came with their young son and baby and truly enriched the day. Following this, the Thanksgiving Day offering was received during the singing of a hymn. We thank everyone who supported God’s work in this way. |
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The concluding address was entitled ‘Fragmentation of the UK?’ We benefited from Nelson McCausland's experience as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Nelson gave a valuable historical resume of how England and Scotland were united and then how the Northern Ireland political system had arrived at its present position. |
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In the process he pointed to how this currently interacted with our Parliament at Westminster and highlighted how biblical principles had in former days been the basis of this government. This latter point showed the challenges that Nelson says he faces on a regular basis within his daily duties particularly with regard to the developing educational system in Northern Ireland and so on, where secularism is fast replacing Christian teaching. It is heartening that God has raised up such a man as this who has the opportunity to articulate and defend biblical teaching in such a significant body today. |
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The afternoon service was concluded with the Aaronic blessing before enjoying further fellowship and tea in the crypt.
Many thanks must be said again to all those who helped with food, literature, music and in other ways to make the day enjoyable and run so smoothly.
Numbers 6: 23-27
‘… On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.’
God willing we look forward to meeting again at Orange Street on 12 May 2012 for our Annual General Meeting and Bible convention. Please put this date in your diary now if you hope or plan to come, and please pray for God’s blessing on it. Watch this site for details of meeting times, speakers and titles to be announced. Please try and bring a friend.
