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Friday 22 August 2014

The Real Presence and the Royal Priesthood


THE REAL PRESENCE and THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
I have almost finished reading this book in basically "one sitting!" I have been in possession of it for years, but only "discovered" it a few days ago. It is amazing, instructive and radiates the power of the Holy Spirit in its grasp of these indivisible truths!
If it is possible I would love to purchase a better copy, mine is falling apart! That aside, I would thoroughly recommend it to every believer presently in Assembly fellowship, and any who may be contemplating returning to the "fold."I fear copies well may be rare.
The author is unknown to me, but I am at pains to discover who did write this dynamic (I mean it in the language of Scripture) treatise on these precious privileges that we possess as saints. His pseudonym is "hiereus." If any of my brethren and sisters in Christ could advise me as to the author I would be indebted to them considerably.
"Maranatha," the Lord cometh, may this be our watchword!

The Lord Has Led Us In!

THE LORD HAS LED US IN!
In answer to perseverance in prayer as to the guidance of the Lord in our present difficult circumstances, He has yet again proved faithful! How gracious He is to all, but "specially those who believe," His believing people.
We were really concerned that we would be unable to "break bread" in fellowship with a called out company of saints, even on the coming Lords' Day D.V. But He has "led us in," as clearly as He led us out!
For any and all who lovingly upheld us before the Throne of Grace, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for their love to us in Him. We are assured that He will recompense you each and all.
I may be enabled to furnish you with more details as time moved on in His will, and I certainly will if I know that He would have me so to do.
Our prayers continue for the whole household of faith as well as many individual believers and Assemblies of the Lords' people laid upon our hearts; indeed we pray for everyone who loves our Lord Jesus in sincerity; may God grant that you are numbered among such, for His glory! 

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Withdrawal from Local Assembly

WITHDRAWAL FROM ASSEMBLY
I regret to say my wife and I have felt compelled to "withdraw" form our "local" Assembly. For some years we have been distressed and burdened by the evolving character of the "meeting." There has been a moving away from N.T. Church Principles, (as we understand them), to an ever growing attitude of "accommodating" almost anything, (presumably) with a view to "peace at any price."
We have made our dilemma a matter of constant prayer that we might know the will of the Lord and His clear directing. I have asked Him, humbly, over many months to "lead me out and lead me in," if it is His purpose, for His glory.
I exhort my fellow brethren and sisters in Christ, to exercise real discernment. It is apparent today that "love," so called, must make allowances for almost anything. But be warned, Accommodation will lead to Degeneration! "For narrow (how narrow) the gate and straitened the way." Matthew 7:14.
In my experience over a half century "in fellowship" with those commonly called Brethren," it has become ever more clear that many Assemblies I dominated by one or more men (and women), who possess a forceful character and attitude. Often the rest of the saints will "back down," and leave them a free hand, consoling themselves that not confronting the issue is "gracious." Grace and truth subsist together in Christ, you cannot have the one at the expense of the other.
I have little knowledge of the "state" of Assembly testimony much further afield than this S. Western part of England and S. Wales. But many of the Assemblies I know of in this area are "dying on their feet," both numerically and spiritually as the "gate" is opened ever wider!
I was informed only yesterday, that a particular Assembly had "received" a brother into Assembly fellowship. I am not sure how quickly he acted, but certainly he acted decisively, in "compelling" the company to desist from reading the Version of the Scriptures read publically there, and revert to the modern version of his preference! They all "accommodated" him except for one brother who withdrew! This is not an isolated case of "new" believers "infiltrating" unsuspecting, loose or wide Assemblies and causing confusion and division.
We are in desperate need of brethren who will stand up and be counted, to keep His Word and not deny His Name. We need to pray that we will not allow the fear of men, even our brethren, to cause us to move away from the truth that is "in Christ."
There are worse cases of "accommodation leading to Degeneration" of which I am aware; one Assembly even permitting a couple living in an adulterous relationship, to not only be "received," but to allow the brother to take a prominent part in the Assembly gatherings!
I will not continue in this vein, surely this is enough to put us on our guard, and to humble us under the mighty hand of God!
  

Monday 4 August 2014

Answered Prayer

ANSWERED PRAYER.
My daughter Esther who was very ill and giving us concern is much better. She is responding well to her treatment. Her swelling has lessened considerably and she is now able to see, speak and eat normally. No more hospital visits are envisaged, (unless there is deterioration in her condition), but someone has to remain with her at home all the time.
I never cease to be amazed at the compassion and faithfulness of our lovely Saviour! Once again the prayers of His believing people have been answered in a most wonderful way. We are so very thankful toward Him, and so grateful for the prayers of many saints on behalf of Esther. May this encourage each of us to persevere in prayer! Yours because of Calvary.

Active Service Johns' Gospel

ACTIVE SERVICE JOHNS' GOSPEL
The Scripture Gift Mission have produced a facsimile copy of the original edition of the Gospel of John booklet, given to servicemen during the First World War. It has been produced to commemorate the out break of WW. I only heard about this "outreach" resource last night at a Gospel Service. I wish I had known about it sooner, as it is a very topical subject at this time, and may well be accepted by many who otherwise would refuse it. The cost is a little prohibitive for many believers, (£6 per 10 copies), but may well be affordable for Assembly distribution. The first print-run has been exhausted, but a reprint is due imminently. I thoroughly recommend this innovative effort designed to reach the souls of many hell-bound sinners with the Word of God, for our Saviours' satisfaction of soul, and for His glory.