The Lampstand Magazine

Bombardier beetles are remarkable creatures, truly deserving the attention they have received. The term “bombardier” originates from 16th century French and military history, specifically referring to a soldier who managed cannon, mortar, or bomb firing. Since this beetle is able to make tiny…

The Gospel of the Perfect Priest Introduction “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good…

2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day”. Before reading this article, look at your mobile phone. You might have some stickers on the back. A search of the internet shows that a range of phone…

Ecuador, a small country on the west coast of South America, quietly played a significant role in offering refuge to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. When nation after nation closed its doors to them, Ecuador provided an unexpected sanctuary for those attempting to escape Hitler’s persecution. Along…

Marcus Aurelius is quoted as having said, “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it”. Good advice, but how often is it not followed when it involves personal information about someone? So often gossip is not true, but even if it is true, it should not be said if it is not…

Of All Men Most Miserable One of the most remarkable aspects of the crucifixion story is the complete unravelling of Jesus’ disciples in its aftermath. Despite all the preparation Jesus gave them, his repeated warnings about his suffering, and his promises that he would rise again, they were…

Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman The following morning, Boaz went straightway to the gate of Bethlehem (Ruth 4:1). The gate was the most important place in a city (Deut 16:18; Josh 20:4; Job 29:7) and many people would pass through it each day. Boaz knew he was likely to see the nearer kinsman here to…

Throughout our series we have highlighted the unique place of the book of Chronicles in Holy Writ. It is important to note that Ezra was not seeking to rewrite history or ignore the earlier record of the book of Kings; his purpose for writing was different. Under the Spirit’s guidance, he assembled…

Dear Brothers and Sisters Earlier this year, my wife and I were travelling in the remote and rugged far north of Western Australia. We enjoy exploring out-of-the-way areas, where there are fewer people and wide, open spaces. On this particular day, we turned off the main highway onto a less…

In the first part of this editorial, we had a glimpse of this remarkable man, Apollos, together with his interesting background. We saw that the record was drawing a parallel between John the Baptist’s work in Judea and the work of his 12 disciples in Ephesus. The fact that we find disciples…