Assembly Meetings curtailed.
It has become common practice for Assemblies to "curtail" some of their meetings, especially the Gospel Service. There is cause for concern, even alarm!
Firstly, what is the principle or purpose behind this practice? One explanation is that we are not prepared to give more time to these things than as absolutely necessary. A second suggestion is that the "attention span" of those gathered, either believers or a "mixed" company as may be the case for the Gospel Service, is comparatively short compared to earlier generations. I once heard a brother declare that the seats in the hall were "twenty minute chairs," i.e. it was too uncomfortable to sit for any longer. But he and many others were able to sit for far longer when "chatting" once the meeting had concluded!
One concern is that we have less appetite for the things "unseen." Another, is the fact that a brother having something laid upon his heart by the Lord, feels restricted and unable to give full expression to his exercise.
The alarm is that the Holy Spirit may thus be "restricted" too. If it is His purpose that the message is to be a particular length then who are we to place restrictions on His servant or His Person?
It is to be conceded that certain brethren do speak for longer than is the divine necessity, if I may so express it; but it would be more profitable if we suffered this to happen, rather than curtailing the length of our gatherings.
If we MUST shorten the amount of time set aside for preaching, teaching etc. why not sing fewer hymns? Why not give out the notices before the meeting is due to commence? These suggestions would prevent the time being lost for the public reading of the Word of God, and the ministry of that Word to saint or sinner.
Ezra read out of the book of the law of Moses before a considerable multitude "from the morning [lit."light"] until midday." Ezra 8:3.
The Lord Jesus frequently taught the crowds that followed Him, and at great length; so much so that after they had continued with Him for "three days," He was compassionately concerned that on being dismissed to return to their homes, they might "faint in the way" due to their hunger; Matthew 15:32.
On one occasion Paul "continued his speech until midnight." Acts 20:7.
And it may well be the case that some of the "addresses" in the Scriptures were of much greater length than it pleased the Holy Spirit to "record" for us; Stephens' defence in Acts 7 may well be an example.
May I courteously and lovingly exhort you brethren to consider the implications of curtailing the length of time that we spend in worship and service for and to Him.
We speak as willing to occupy our hearts with Him in an unbroken eternity of bliss, why not then in the brief interval between? May we seize every favourable opportunity to "gather t o His name, as LONG as Her would desire of us!
Firstly, what is the principle or purpose behind this practice? One explanation is that we are not prepared to give more time to these things than as absolutely necessary. A second suggestion is that the "attention span" of those gathered, either believers or a "mixed" company as may be the case for the Gospel Service, is comparatively short compared to earlier generations. I once heard a brother declare that the seats in the hall were "twenty minute chairs," i.e. it was too uncomfortable to sit for any longer. But he and many others were able to sit for far longer when "chatting" once the meeting had concluded!
One concern is that we have less appetite for the things "unseen." Another, is the fact that a brother having something laid upon his heart by the Lord, feels restricted and unable to give full expression to his exercise.
The alarm is that the Holy Spirit may thus be "restricted" too. If it is His purpose that the message is to be a particular length then who are we to place restrictions on His servant or His Person?
It is to be conceded that certain brethren do speak for longer than is the divine necessity, if I may so express it; but it would be more profitable if we suffered this to happen, rather than curtailing the length of our gatherings.
If we MUST shorten the amount of time set aside for preaching, teaching etc. why not sing fewer hymns? Why not give out the notices before the meeting is due to commence? These suggestions would prevent the time being lost for the public reading of the Word of God, and the ministry of that Word to saint or sinner.
Ezra read out of the book of the law of Moses before a considerable multitude "from the morning [lit."light"] until midday." Ezra 8:3.
The Lord Jesus frequently taught the crowds that followed Him, and at great length; so much so that after they had continued with Him for "three days," He was compassionately concerned that on being dismissed to return to their homes, they might "faint in the way" due to their hunger; Matthew 15:32.
On one occasion Paul "continued his speech until midnight." Acts 20:7.
And it may well be the case that some of the "addresses" in the Scriptures were of much greater length than it pleased the Holy Spirit to "record" for us; Stephens' defence in Acts 7 may well be an example.
May I courteously and lovingly exhort you brethren to consider the implications of curtailing the length of time that we spend in worship and service for and to Him.
We speak as willing to occupy our hearts with Him in an unbroken eternity of bliss, why not then in the brief interval between? May we seize every favourable opportunity to "gather t o His name, as LONG as Her would desire of us!
