More Assembly Closures

MORE ASSEMBLY CLOSURES

I recently heard of two more Assemblies in South Wales who have relinquished their testimony for the Lord in their respective localities. One Meeting has not disclosed any reason for their action, while the other pleads, "lack of numbers." In His omniscience the Lord Jesus provided for such circumstances, by His promise to the twos and threes "gathered to His name," declaring unequivocally the He would be "in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20. Furthermore the Word of God declares, " For all the promises of God in Him, are the yea, and in Him the Amen, unto the glory of God by us." 2 Corinthians 1:20. we wonder if the Assemblies in question have "snuffed out" the light or if the Lord has removed the "Lampstand."

One Assembly in N. Ireland comprises just two brethren in fellowship and no sisters at all. Back in July they held a series of Gospel Meetings! They should thereby put many of the Lords' people to shame!

It is precious to remember that the Lord Jesus in His infinite loving care for His believing ones, has made provision even for the individual saint who is unable to enjoy fellowship with the Lords' people; and that in a Laodicean generation!

Revelation 3:20.

May the Spirit of God, in His grace, effect a revival in the hearts of many individual saints that will transform the weakness of walk, the feebleness of affections and dullness of discernment prevalent in the character of so many Assembly testimonies in these "last days."



E.S.V. The Extremely Subtle Version

E.S.V

The Extremely Subtle Version.

On Lords' Day afternoon our Assembly held the weekly Gospel Meeting, as usual. A brother from a neighbouring Assembly had been entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the "Glad Tidings."

He approached the "platform," laid his Bible on a nearby seat, and announced his "subject" as that of "forgiveness."

He was very eloquent, using three longish illustrations, (true accounts,) as the substance of his address. He told us that there was a real need to be saved. He explained that forgiveness was of considerable benefit. And he indicated that the Lord Jesus was the only Saviour, and that His death paid the ransom that sets us free. But he never ventured to tell us how anyone could be saved! Not one verse of Scripture was quoted, and his Bible remained untouched just where he left it!

I think that is about the third or fourth time in the last few years that a Gospel Meeting I have attended has been conducted without opening the Word of God! I believe this attitude towards the Holy Scriptures to be both reprehensible and inexcusable!

At the close of the meeting the "preacher" went to the cloakroom, leaving his Bible on another chair, next to where I was standing. I noted the version he uses, (when he cares to read from it,) was the E.S.V.

(I have referred to this version in a previous "post," but felt the need to probe it a little further.) It is based upon the textual criticism of WESTCOTT & HORT. Hort called the Textus Receptus, "Vile and villainous."I researched these two scholars and concluded from their own statements that neither were "born anew." They both denied the inerrancy and infallibility of the Word of God; and both were at pains to reject many precious truths earnestly contended for by the saints. Thus their "scholoarship" is to be thoroughly rejected, and the E.S.V. along with it! 
I would carefully enquire if the version has had an unhealthy effect upon this brother already; I find it difficult to accept it is but mere coincidence! 

"HE" - a poem.

 

 

He bore the curse,

He wore the shame,

He bore Gods' wrath

Endured the pain.

 

He bowed to death,

He graced the tomb,

He brake the bars

Dispelled the gloom.

 

He vanquished death,

He ope'd the graves,

He rent the rocks

And freed its' slaves.

 

He "shewed Himself,"

He banished fear,

He whispered "peace"

Dried every tear.

 

He blessed His own,

He clave the sky,

He upward rose

And reigns on high.

 

He comes again,

 He takes His own,

He brings them "there"

to share His throne.

T.W. 2012

 

 



Mans' Hatred: A Simple Poem

MANS' HATRED: A Simple Poem

 MANS’ HATRED

  CROWNED WITH THORNS UPON THE TREE,

SUFF’RING SUCH DEEP AGONY;

HANDS AND FEET NAILED TO THE CROSS,

HANGING THERE IN SHAME AND LOSS.

BLEEDING, BRUISED AND SPIT UPON,

MOCKED, REVILLED, GODS’ LOVELY SON;

ALL MANS’ HATRED VENTED THERE

HIS ALONE THE LOAD TO BEAR.

BITTER GALL TO SLAKE HIS THIRST,

MANS’ INTENT TO DO HIS WORST.

IN THEIR RAGE AND ANGER FIERCE

LAST HIS SIDE WITH SPEAR THEY PIERCE.

T.W. 2012

His Love: A Short Poem

HIS LOVE :  A Short Poem

HIS LOVE

                                                              JESUS ONLY SAVIOUR

IN THY CROSS I BOAST,

FOR ‘TWAS THERE LORD JESUS

THOU DID’ST LOVE ME MOST

NAY, ‘TIS NOT THE TRUTH, LORD,

THOU STILL LOVEST ME

UPON THY THRONE IN GLORY,

AS MUCH AS ON THE TREE

AND THOU LOV’ST ME ALWAYS,

FROM ETERNITY,

WITH A LOVE AS CHANGELESS

AS THYSELF MUST BE

YEA, THY LOVE’S ETERNAL,

VAST, IMMENSE AND FREE,

ONLY, EVER, ALWAYS,

I AM LOVED BY THEE.

T.W. 2012

Redeemed One: A Poem

REDEEMED ONE - A Poem

REDEEMED ONE

REDEEMED ONE LOOK OFF AND SEE

AUTHOR OF FAITH COMPLETE FOR THEE

THE PATH OF FAITH, AND PRECIOUSLY

SECURE THY SOUL ETERNALLY.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK THROUGH AND SEE

ALL THAT HIS WORD REVEALS TO THEE

OF HIM WHO DIED IN LOVE DIVINE

THAT HE MIGHT  CALL THEE “WHOLLY MINE.”

REDEEMED ONE LOOK BEYOND AND SEE

HIS PRESENCE GRACE ETERNITY,

FULLNESS OF JOYS, UNCLOUDED BLISS,

PLEASURES REPLETE THY SOUL CARESS.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK IN AND SEE

WHAT HIS SALVATION WROUGHT FOR THEE,

FORGIVEN SINS, A NATURE CHANGED,

HIS LIFE IMPARTED, HEAVEN GAINED.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK BACK AND SEE

JESUS, GODS’ SON ON CALVARY,

HUNG UP ‘TWIXT HEAVEN AND EARTH FOR THEE,

THAT THOU MIGHTEST LIVE ETERNALLY.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK UP AND SEE

THE SAVIOUR CLEAVE THE SKY FOR THEE,

WITH ANGEL VOICE AND TRUMP OF GOD

HE’LL TAKE THEE HOME TO HIS ABODE.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK UP AND SEE

THE LORD HIMSELF DESCEND FOR THEE,

CAUGHT UP TO MEET HIM IN THE AIR,

WITH ALL HIS OWN HIS THRONE TO SHARE.

REDEEMED ONE LOOK AROUND AND SEE

CREATION ALL SO BLESSED, WITH THEE,

ALL SUBJECT TO GODS’ LOVELY SON,

ALL OWN THE NAME THAT HE HAS WON.

T.W. 2012



Mission Praise or Missing Praise?

MISSION PRAISE or "MISSING PRAISE?

The above hymn book has been foisted upon numerous Assemblies over the last 28 years or so. It has caused immeasurable damage to the distinctive character of these Meetings. Such a statement may well yield both amusement and disbelief in some quarters; others may be outraged. But this is a serious attempt to address this issue.

Inter-denominational "efforts" always prove to be catastrophic for those who gather to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ only, and that in simplicity as the scriptures use that expression.

"Mission Praise" was compiled for "Mission England" back in 1984. That particular venture is well remembered by many of us as a disaster. Any exercised soul, anyone professing faith in Christ, was to be directed to the nearest denomination to their home, to be fed spurious and false doctrine. A huge number of "conversions" were claimed to have taken place, but the subsequent years paint a different picture.

A hymn book may be deemed innocuous in having much if any influence on spiritual things. But that is very far from the truth. Even in our Assemblies we occupy much of our time when we come together in singing. If this is of little account why do why engage in it so frequently? We consider it to be an integral part of our worship and a vehicle for praise. Many of the denominations spend almost all their time singing!

It is impossible to escape the fact that some "truths" owe more to hymnody than the Word of God. Without question those hymns which are in accord with the Scriptures are of real profit. Thus it is of great import to choose our hymnbooks with due care and exercise spiritual wisdom.

(In my own experience the introduction of  "Mission Praise" was a major factor, perhaps the most significant one, in bringing the local Assembly to the dreadful condition it is in today.)

The preface of the book commences with "Music has always been vital to the expression of Christian praise and worship, and a dynamic church will constantly find new ways of expressing Christian truth in hymns and songs." There is not a single suggestion of  those elements in the N.T. Scriptures.

I will not make any further quotations from the preface or indeed the book, that is sufficient for me!

What I will comment on is that which obtains today as regards this publication.

Any and all denominations are happy to use it including Roman Catholics. Many "songs" are not able to be sung without musical accompaniment. None of the hymns contain any reference to the rapture. No distinction is made between the different dispensations. The Holy Spirit is directly addressed in numerous hymns. Familiarity in addressing both the Father and the Son abounds. In the preface there is not one reference to the Son, only "God" is used and that sparingly.

Copyright addresses include: American Catholic Press; Ateliers et Presses de Taize; Rev. Elizabeth M. Dyke; Iona Community and others with no obvious affiliation, and for which I do not have the desire to investigate.

Sadly, my "home" Assembly uses this book for Gospel and even Ministry meetings. But (by the grace of  God,) it has never been considered for use at the Breaking of Bread!) It continues to cause some few of us, and we are a small company, much heartache, but two "reasons" are given for its retention: It was already in use before the majority of the Assembly "members" arrived at Bethany; and (O so sad to hear!) the unbelievers who come to the Gospel Meeting like it, and are encouraged to choose the hymns that are sung on these occasions! 

Lovingly, I would entreat my brethren who have not fallen foul of this publication to shun it, and to those who use it at present please spend a little time in perusal of it and make a careful judgement. If you have similar reservations to mine, be bold and cease to use it, and I believe you will find a blessing. 



Wegweiser: Assembly Address Book

A "WEGWEISER" Listing

The Assembly Address Book for Europe

I felt it to be necessary, even profitable, to advise fellow believers who gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that there is a listing in the above book that needs to be highlighted. The entry for Mataro, Barcelona, Spain is the one in question.

The "Meeting" there does not begin to equate with the Assemblies as we "know" them. They have a "Pastor," sisters are permitted to take an audible part in the "services," instrumental music is used, and the "Remembrance Meeting" for worship is "sandwiched" somewhere between a number of consecutive meetings on the Lords' day morning.

A sister in the meeting there in Mataro told me that there is a "traditional brethren assembly," (her words,) in another part of the town. Unfortunately I do not have any details.

We have "posted" this to preclude others from going to the meeting held there on a Lords' Day with a view to "calling Him to mind," the One whom we love, and thereby being disappointed.

If any brother or sister in the Lord has details of the Assembly in Mataro we would be grateful to hear from you please.
The full listing reads: E-08301 MATARO, Barcelona
                                    Avda. Jaume Recoder, 69-71


Olympics: Mans' Adulation of Man

OLYMPICS - MANS' ADULATION OF MAN

I felt a real perplexity just last night. I had continued watching more of the 2012 Olympic Games here in my country of birth. My desperately wicked, (but redeemed, praise my Saviour,) heart erupted with a sense of joy and pride at times during these games. My proud "British-ness" apparently eradicated "in Christ" came to the fore.

I had been cautious as the Olympics approached, realising the possibility of detriment to the souls of individual believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that we may plead that they are legitimate; but for whom?

Many of us who love the Saviour wasted hours watching men and women lauded to immense heights. Commentators frequently ran out of superlatives as they attempted to exalt this one and that one.

Comments were made that defy belief. Almost every athlete interviewed had plans for the the future as if the future lay in their own hands! 

Roman-ism, erroneously termed "Catholicism," was unashamedly exhibited and permitted to give the impression that it was owned of God, as one by one they "made the sign of the cross," and pointed heavenward.

It was abundantly apparent that ambition, aspiration and adulation were the goal of the competitors, while achievement was their god!

Do these appear to be harsh words to the believer in Christ? These men and women from so many parts of this world that is loved by God, have sacrificed immense amounts time, talent, effort and finance to reach their desired reward. Little time, and very likely none, is afforded to things spiritual.

I heard one commentator say "This will be remembered for ever!" What arrogance, what presumption!

At the closure of "time," with the dawn of eternity, not one of these achievements that have dominated the hearts and minds of perhaps billions of people, will ever be recalled. 

Over the ambitions, aspirations and achievements of men God will have written "abomination!" We have seen men almost deified and it is but a portent of what is to come! Mankind will worship a man, the "man of sin," because they will not worship the "Man of Sorrows."

If we, believers may learn but one lesson from these "Games" ought it not to be absolute surrender of our time, talent, energy and finance to our lovely Saviour Who expended everything for us?

Anything that we achieve for His glory will be recompensed with that which is "incorruptible and undefiled and unfading." 1 Peter 1:4.



The Macedonian Call

THE MACEDONIAN CALL

Just recently it was reported that the Assemblies in both Minehead and Taunton had closed. No details are available and we are not happy to speculate. But where and while these closures continue to occur the thought arises as to why? Did the Lord Jesus remove the lampstand or was the closure an Assembly decision?
Of late it has also become apparent that more Assemblies are struggling; this is often because of age, infirmity or lack of support. Many companies of the Lords' people only number a handful in fellowship. Increasingly it has been evidenced that larger Assemblies in near proximity to a smaller, struggling Assembly remain reticent to give any support. It grieves my heart! If I am saddened by this lack of affection for other believers, how much more does it bring sadness to the heart of our lovely Saviour?
My own exercise has been for the smaller companies of Gods' people within reasonable distance from my "home" Assembly, and where I reside. In my experience I have found reluctance of many larger Assemblies to address the needs of fellow belivers even in the same town or district.
The "burden" of quite a number of these numerically small Meetings has weighed heavily upon my soul. Prayer is wont to be made for them, and encouragement given to them. Taking responsibility for preaching the Gospel and ministering the Word of God on occasions, relieves the few who would otherwise have to shoulder all the duties and obligations incumbent upon them, never forgetting for one moment the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus in upholding and advancing their testimony for Him!
Little meetings in the area familiar to me continue the difficult, but rewarding task of maintaining a local witness. But it is evident that some are threatened with closure due to fewness of numbers, frailty and feebleness of body. Some appear to lack necessary gift, this is no censure of them on my part. Often gifted brethren have moved away, citing differing and apparently legitimate reasons! But some of these reasons seem lacking in spiritual support.
I know of brethren who are recognised as elders, yet spend considerable time away from their respective home Assemblies. The Word of God teaches clearly that overseers are a local charge, not a gift to the body of Christ universally. One "elder" is spending the first 27 days hundreds of miles from his (alledged) place of service! Is it any wonder that so many Assemblies continue to lose heart, and often lose their way too.
A whole host of "Meetings" claim to be, (at least ostensibly,) Assemblies as we know them, yet their teachings and practices owe little to the New Testament principles of gathering. These frequently practice clerisy "appointing" Pastors or Ministers. In additon they have Senior Leaders, Associate Pastors,  Assossiate Ministers, Administrators, Worship-Leaders, (many of whom are women!) These are all unbiblical and therefore unscriptural; just as much as Vicars, Curates, Arch-Bishops, Arch-Deacons, Sidesmen, Church Wardens, Prelates, Cardinals, Popes and numerous others! Many are associated with other "churches," and linked with committees and organisations.When brethren in local Assemblies choose to fraternise with these gatherings, then credence is given by them, to these unsound bodies of false-teaching.  By such compromise the distinctive testimony of the Assemblies is under-mined and marred.
This compromise of "peace at any price," and the consequent lack of true affection for the struggling Assemblies, will certainly hasten the final demise of the Assemblies in our much favoured Isle.
I would urge my fellow brethren in Christ to become burdened for the Assemblies in decline. Within the "bounds" of my itinerant ministry many Gatherings are in need of spiritual help and fervent prayer. Little Meetings such as Dursley in Gloucestershire, Burnham in Somerset, Canton in Cardiff and Pencoed in South Wales and quite a few more known to me continue the (humanly-speaking) unequal struggle. Brethren please do not expend your spiritual energies at increasing distances from home. It may well be that there is suited and suitable scope for service, such that the Lord Jesus would love you to engage in, right there on your doorstep.
I continue my itinerant ministry with as little absence from my home Assembly as possible. We are very few in number, with just four brethren, and so, as throughout most of my adult life, my fellowship experience has been in small Assemblies. I am therefore I believe, speaking from a sound position, i.e. first-hand.
Finally I am coming to the "title" I have given to this "Post," "The Macedonian Call."
I am hesitant as to what to say, there has been so much "I" in this Post already; but I want to speak of a Macedonian Call that I received. A dear older brother in Christ had published a history of the local Assembly where he gathered to "the Name" with others of a like mind. He closed his brief history by issuing the call, "Come over and help us." The Meeting in question is about 48 miles from Bristol where I reside, within the "boundaries of my "burden." I wrote to him and received a most gracious reply and an invitation to come and preach the Gospel of the grace and glory of God. Over the course of the next three and a half years I continued to preach the Gospel, and minister the Word of God on 24 occasions there, indeed right up to and just after the home-call of that dear saint. The numbers there have since grown, and the character of the Meeting has changed, thus my service is no longer sort for or needed. Perhaps it was the Lord that "shut the door" there after all, for I had the joy of being of help to a brother in the Lord for the remainder of his time here "in the body."
There is nothing for me to boast about in the for-going narrative, but I earnestly pray that others might see the simplicity, yet the urgency of a Macedoniam Call, and readilly respond for the glory of our soon-coming great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
                                           

Let The Dead Bury Their Dead

"LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD."

(MATTHEW 8:22; LUKE 9:60.)

"But Jesus said unto him, "Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead." A.V.

 J.N. Darbys' translation is even more pointed, "leave the dead to bury their own dead."

These words were spoken by One possessing intrinsic deity, even the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they are "God-breathed!"

Here in this scene, the lovely, impeccable Man Christ Jesus, displayed in unalloyed perfection, divine love, gentleness, tender mercy, kindness and infinite compassion; yet He is Himself the Speaker of these apparently "hard words!"

He was addressing a man, a disciple, who claimed that a filial obligation, the burial of his father, must supercede and thus delay his obedience to follow the Master.

The Saviour NEVER advocated the abandonment of family relations, claims and responsibilities. Indeed, He demonstarated as none other, His real subjection to His mother and to Joseph throughout His childhood; and in His unparalelled loving care for His mother, when in agonising suffering on dread Golgothas' tree, He there entrusted her to the care of His devoted disciple, John.

But while we learn here that in" all things He must have the pre-eminence," and very especially our hearts' affections and consequent faith-obedience; a love excelling all other "loves," so as to render them "hatred" in comparison, even our love for our nearest and dearest kin; there appears, (at least to me,) to be much more embraced in this divine principle.

Who are the dead referred to in these scriptures? was the father already dead or did the son want to remain at home until his fathers' death? Did he want to "postpone" his discipleship?

These questions seem relevant, and I believe they are easily addressed.

The father was definitely physically dead and spiritually dead, having died in his sins.If this was not the case the disciple would have phrased his request differently and the Lord Jesus would have replied in different terms too.

The Saviours' reference to the "dead" who were enjoined to bury "their own dead" demonstarated that they were still alive physically, but spiritually, morally dead! They were unbelievers!

Is this incident in the Gospel accounts simply an injunction to the people of God to wholly devoted obedience and service for Him; or is it a divine principle in connection with our involvement with the death of unbelievers?

I believe that it embraces the latter as well as the former and thus believers are enjoined to have NOTHING to do with the death and subsequent burial of unbelievers.

This injunction has been upon my heart for some considerable time. If I give offence to anyone please believe this is not my intention, nor is it my desire to promote controversy among my fellow believers.

Two quotations from true servants of God will, perhaps should it please the Lord, give some explanation as to why I have been so troubled by these scriptures.

Some years ago this report appeared in a "Brethren" magazine; I quote: "I have been asked to take eight funerals in as many weeks here in M...... Seven of them were for people who as far as we can tell, were unsaved and two were brothers who died in sad circumstances. There is always tension between trying to be comforting to grieving relatives and being faithful to the word of God. We pray that words spoken will cause people to think about their own eternal destiny." 

The second quotation is very recent and equally as sad and disturbing. "On many occasions I have the tragic duty of attending these funerals (of unbelievers,) which are most miserable occasions without the Lord.

I have real heart-felt sympathy for these two sincere servants of the Lord, but I feel certain these testimonies only serve to establish the fuller meaning of the scripture exhortations I have referred to in this article. Once again I beg your forgiveness if you feel in any way offended.

I have withheld the names of my two brethren, and the organ in which these quotes are found, in deference to them. All the underlining for emphasis is mine.  

DAVE MACPHERSON -- CHRISTIAN OR CHARLATAN?

DAVE MACPHERSON
Many, many true believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, who love Him "in incorruption," J.N.D. Trans. ("in sincerity," A.V.) Ephesians 6:24, have been vilified by Mr. Macpherson. "Brethren commonly so called," and Mr. Darby in particular have borne the brunt of his spleen, breathing out threatenings in unbridled despite.
Within the household of faith there are numerous differences of interpretation as regards the Scriptures. (While we deplore this condition, it is an irrefutable fact.) The conclusions drawn from the study of prophetic scriptures have probably given rise to the most controversy. However believers' views may differ, and however tenaciously they are "held," this is no sanction for using such vitriolic language, levelled at more godly, and more well-instructed saints than himself. I speak of him, (Mr. Macpherson,) as a fellow saint, but with a real degree of apprehension. Read his comments "on-line," he is more than happy for you to do so. With an open heart and mind decide whether a true child of God would use such spiteful words.
The little I read of his attacks upon those of a different persuasion from himself, (I had to desist in disgust quite early in my perusal of his various "posts,") were based upon so called historical documents, letters, books etc., NOT upon the Word of God!
Decide for yourself after a discerning perusal of his internet postings, is he a Christian or a Charlatan?   

RUTH -- ROMANCE OF REDEMPTION

Ruth - Romance of Redemption.
Just recently I purchased a little gem of a book entitled "The Romance of Redemption." It was published by P. & I. in 1926, and I believe that its author Alfred Mathieson, was in the "Brethren."
I have been unable to substantiate this in my research. But during my search I was quite amazed to find out how many authors had used the same title for their commentaries on the little book of Ruth. I wonder how much plagiarism might be involved!
What appears to be a very scholarly and reverent exposition bearing the same title, is that written by Edward Boone. The 5th edition of his work was published in 1936. Once again my search for biographical details proved fruitless.  
Another book with the same title came from the pen of M.R. Dehann; I am somewhat dubious about him, as I believe he caused much heartache among the Lords' people many years ago with his blasphemous suggestion that the Lord Jesus could have sinned while in this scene. (Please correct me, or confirm this, if you remember the circumstances that obtained back then; I will publish an unreserved apology if I prove to be mistaken.)
Chuck Missler has produced yet another book with the same title. I suspect the best thing to do with it is to "chuck" it in the bin!
If anyone "out there" is able to help me with information on both Alfred Mathieson and/or Edward Boone I would very much appreciate it.

HOW MANY BRETHREN DOES IT TAKE...?

HOW MANY BRETHREN.....
"How many Brethren does it take to change a light-bulb?" I do not usually have anything to do with such "banter," but the answer was as readily given to me as the question was asked of me. The answer may seem quite humorous at first, but I felt some real disquiet. "How many does it take? Answer," None as they never change anything!" Sadly that is so very far from the truth. It may have obtained a generation or two ago, and with precious results ensuing from that position of "no compromise."
From my close and personal experience with many Assemblies, the very reverse seems to be the normal practice. A considerable number of years ago I "withdrew" from a local Assembly. The meeting seemed intent on altering everything possible and as quickly as possible. (Before anyone reading this makes some really stupid remark, such as "the Gospel Meeting must be held at 6.30," or something similar, Brethren never made such a statement. The Gospel meeting was held when it best suited the locality. )
The Assembly from which I "withdrew" decided that musical accompaniment was needed at the Breaking of Bread as there was no "precentor."But there were at least three brethren who were very capable of exercising this "help" for the Lords' people, and one brother readily volunteered! He was ignored. The hymnbook was changed arbitrarily, as was the name of the hall, while many other alterations were also agreed. From the discussions and remarks made during that "church meeting" the writing was clearly on the wall! Loans were to be sought from those in fellowship with a promise of interest being paid to them. The council was to be contacted with a view to asking for financial assistance. There were many other things discussed in a similar vein, and almost everything was decided by "a show of hands!"
Over the next 20 years or so, the meeting lost all resemblance to a New Testament Assembly. A  few brethren "left" during more recent years, (how and why, did they remain for so long?)  when women were permitted to take an audible part in the gatherings, having long since discarded their headcoverings.
The numbers have grown considerably since, with much frenzied activity, but at what terrible cost!
No doubt this is an extreme case, but it is by no means an isolated one.

DEFILEMENT BY ASSOCIATION

DEFILEMENT BY ASSOCIATION.
I must confess to writing this "post" with some trepidation. This "peculiar" phrase was used more often in past decades and is seldom heard at all today. Perhaps this is because separation is largely untaught in the Assemblies of Gods' people now.
I suspect this phrase may well be unacceptable to many, even offensive. Please believe me I mean no offence, but I am much perturbed by what is allowed in "our" meetings.
Many of the local Assemblies are happy to permit believers from the denominations to preach and even teach in the meetings. We are quite ignorant of what is taught and practised in these denominations, and we would be, (or should be,) horrified if we were to learn what transpires at some of their gatherings. Where possible a brief "visit" to their websites are all that is necessary to make a discerning judgment as to their teaching and practices.
If, or rather, as we seem content to allow these men such inestimable privileges in our meetings, are we not then "defiled by association." If it is suggested that certain individuals do not "hold" the teaching and practices of their "church," (their word, not mine,) why do they remain in an unscriptural position? To suggest it is to be "a good, or purifying influence" is tantamount to saying they know better than the Lord! He still pleads with them to come out and be separate. Furthermore, many of these men condone and even promote these false teachings and unscriptural practices. Some even "left" assembly fellowship, and others went as far as to bring disrepute and division into the assembly while in fellowship. If we receive such do we not become partakers, have fellowship, in their sins? If so, then we do become defiled because of such association!
It is to be regretted that many Assemblies have given up the practice of announcing the visitng speaker with reference to his "home" Assembly, only his name and location is given out; thus the meeting is left in ignorance as to his spiritual "home," and an opportunity is lost to think, (if but briefly,) with affection toward another Assembly with which we may be familiar.
A further thought: the buildings in which we gather are of no great account, I mean they are only convenient places for us to meet. (I am not implying that our halls should be neglected in any way.) What does trouble me is the use to which they are sometimes permitted. To "hire them out" in any way seems to me to attract an element of danger in connection with defilement by association. We may well be identified, however tenuously, with those who use the premises. How would we answer such a suggestion or even allegation? We claim our citizenship is in heaven, and then we allow our buildings to be used as polling stations! We pride ourselves on taking nothing from the Gentiles, and then hire out our halls for profit!

VIA MAGAZINE

VIA MAGAZINE
This is a simple, personal recommendation for the Gospel magazine "VIA," published in Canada, but available from "Words of Life" in Harrogate, N. Yorkshire.
It is a superb "vehicle" for distributing Gospel literature.
The magazine is published annually and is a high quality publication, with much topical content.
It is of course soundly based upon the the word of God.
At the end of the magazine there is a page of resources that interested enquirers may avail themselves of at no cost; including N.T and PSALMS, Topical Booklets and Bible Correspondence Courses.
On the back inside cover there is a space for local distributors to leave their details in order to be available for contact.
Only "eternity" will reveal the extent of the blessing afforded to this publication by the Lord Jesus.
If any believer has heart-exercise to deliver a Gospel magazine in their own locality, this is a wonderful "tool" for such a method of evangelism.
I would just add that this is an entirely personal recommendation, based solely on my own experience, and I have no other connection with those who are involved in the magazines' production except as a "local distributor," discharging an exercise of heart for my Saviour.

Bishopsworth Gospel Hall / Elvard Road Withywood Sunday School.

From January 1977 until March 1985 my wife Bernice and I conducted Sunday School classes and mid-week Bible Teaching meetings at Bishopsworth Gospel Hall, and later at our own home in Elvard Road, Withywood, Bristol.
Around 310 children and young people attended for brief or lengthy periods. A few came just the once, while some stayed the entire "course." We had to close the Sunday School as my employment dictated a move to Cardiff. It was a very sorrowful time for us all. We have never forgotten the precious times we enjoyed throughout those eight years or so.
We have often wondered if any of "our" pupils would like to contact us, we would so love to hear from any of them.
A few of those children, now young people of course, kept in touch; Nicola OSBORNE; (Now a married young lady!) Maria CLARK, who sends us a Christmas card every year and still lives just a stones' throw from our old house there in Withywood; We have seen Felicia (BARTON) on a least two occasions in recent times; Some of our class we know moved away from Bristol, including Rachel BURTON and Elizabeth and Christine THOMAS. A number of larger families came regularly including Paul, Stephen, Julie and Angela LANGLEY; Julie, Cindy, Sherrie, Bonnetta,and George LOVELL; Helen, Susan and Stephen SPRAY; Marie, Tina, Tracy and Linda JENKINS; Christian, Warren and Dawn FILER; Michelle and Nicola SMITH and Helena PUGH; Samantha, Wendy and Deborah JAMES; Nick, Helen and Cheryl SUMMERS and many, many more! If we haven't mentioned you it is only because of limited space on the "blog," you really have not been forgotten!
Please, please if any of you are out there and remember us, get in touch and let's see if we could have a big reunion!
Our love to you all, we have never forgotten you and the lovely times we enjoyed together with you.
TOM & BERNICE WYATT.

The Septuagint with Apocrypha.

The Septuagint with Apocrypha. Published by Hendrickson, 14th Printing 2011.
I recently bought a copy of the Septuagint as I felt it would be another useful "tool" in my study of the Scriptures. Quite a number of writers make reference to it, but of course they are not able to copy huge portions of it as footnotes or appendices.
I chose to purchase the translation by Sir L.C.L. Brentons as his edition as recommended by Jim Flanigan. He suggested that it was "a most helpful edition." It gives the complete Greek text with an  English translation in parallel columns. The Apocrypha is appended, which did give me some cause for alarm, as it is unequivocally NOT a part of Holy Scripture. As far as I am able to judge the only benefit of the Apocrypha lies in its historical value. This particular edition of the Apocrypha is complete as it includes some books often omitted, such as 3&4 Maccabees.The biggest drawback for the reader/student is that the English text is very small. It is a nice looking and well-bound book, but very expensive!