Studying the Word of God

STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD

Those of us who are addicted to the Word realise perhaps more than others, how so much in the Scriptures is very deep. We find it a constant delight to plumb unfathomable depths, to mine for hid treasures buried in places unexplored by mere human wisdom; indeed inexplicable to the unbeliever. These exercises prompted by the Holy Spirit are of precious profit to our spiritual welfare and growth; furnishing us with meditations so sweet as to draw out our worship permeated with sweet smelling fragrances of Christ, and securing Divine approval.

While we must never succumb to "scratching the surface" in our studies, we must not neglect or over-look those gems that lie upon the surface; they too yield food for the soul of the believer.

Permit me to suggest a simple example to direct you as to what I mean. How valuable are the "Headings" to the Psalms! They are an integral part of the Word, but how often we fail to read them when we turn to the Psalter!

You will understand that I am NOT advocating superficial reading, or study of the "BOOK," only reminding your hearts of the necessity to consider the more obvious lines of truth, as well as penetrating to its fathomless profundity.



Love For Divine Persons: A Poem

LOVE FOR DIVINE PERSONS

A POEM

Father, we Thy Son adore,

We will love Him evermore-

When to the blessed "place" we soar,

There in all His grace secure.

Jesus we would worship Thee,

For Thy death on Calvary,

There Thy love we fully see,

Love "told out" upon the "Tree."

The Spirit of the Lord we love,

Divinest Teacher from above-

Who within our hearts hast wove

Thy Word, an o'erwhelming treasure trove. 

TW December 2015.

Brethren and sisters please forgive the simplicity and irregular cadence; it was written in a few minutes one morning as I was about to enter the "Sanctuary" of the Lords' presence.



Evolution--The Hopeless Hypothesis

EVOLUTION-THE HOPELESS HYPOTHESIS

Evolution is nothing more than a hopeless hypothesis-a gigantic guess! Perhaps the very reason that it is constantly referred to as The Theory of Evolution, an admission that it is NOT a Fact! A theory is a supposition; a generalisation explaining phenomena as the results of ASSUMED natural causes; a Speculative IDEA of something; mere hypothesis.

An hypothesis is a proposition assumed for the purpose of argument; a theory assumed to account for something not understood; a mere SUPPOSITION or ASSUMPTION!
Indeed, evolution is a theory devised, promulgated and promoted by men with satanically-blinded minds, groping about in the moral darkness of unbelief.
Furthermore, evolution is unscriptural, unscientific and unsubstantiated. It is nothing more or less than a lie of the devil.
The very first verse of the O.T. Scriptures obliterates this abominable fabrication styled "The Theory of Evolution." I quote from the Word of God referred to:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1.  For the believer, this in itself should be sufficient to enable us to unequivocally reject evolution in any and every form.
But although unnecessary I would add further Scriptures: "The FIRST MAN ADAM became a living soul; the LAST ADAM a quickening (life-giving) spirit."
Thus there was no order of man (mankind) BEFORE Adam; neither will there be another federal head of mankind AFTER the "LAST ADAM," that is Christ!
I continue: "The FIRST MAN out of the earth, made of dust;" proof of the genesis account of the creation of man. "The SECOND MAN, out of heaven." A second, a different "order" of man; for Christ who is spoken of here, was the only One impeccable in His humanity, that is One untainted by the "fall," i.e. sin, and One unable to sin. Now every believer in Him is of that "new order," said to be "in Christ," as opposed to "in Adam."
So, there was no "man" before Adam; and there will never be another "order" of men, for the Lord Jesus Christ is the LAST Adam to whom every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess His Lordship, including celestial, terrestrial and infernal beings!
And He is the Creator! Evolution is a damnable heresy and a denial of the Person and Deity of Christ! To follow its course logically will result in the most awful blasphemy of he Son of Gods' love.


Seventh Day Adventists

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS

Many years ago I was in fellowship in an Assembly in Cardiff. One Lords' Day morning a gentlemen entered the Hall at the close of our Breaking of Bread meeting. Many of us remained after the "Supper" to take responsibility for Sunday School Classes. To the best of my memory he wanted money for a specific train journey. I gave him ten pounds, but I cannot remember if it was from my own pocket or that of another brother. Some weeks later I espied this gentleman on the central station wearing a suit of far superior quality to anything I possessed! So much for his plea of poverty! I don't believe we were overly upset, just felt somewhat naïve. But rather that than having refused him any help to later learn that something untoward had befallen him. The Lord will recompense us in a coming day, and no doubt already has done so! 

But on recalling this "visit" I was reminded of another "visitor" on a different Lords' Day morning. I met him in the Hall after the Remembrance Feast, and was unaware as to whether or not he had partaken of the emblems. He had befriended one of "our" brethren and either found us or was brought along to the Meeting. I engaged him in conversation during which he volunteered the fact that he was an S.D.A. I was dismayed and surprised. My knowledge of Adventism was very limited then, but I knew they were "law keepers," and placed the "writings" of the self-styled Prophetess, Ellen G. White on a par with the very Word of God! As soon I was able to "escape" from him I reported my findings to an Elder in whom I had real confidence to deal with the matter. He was alarmed and very soon had managed to "evict" the S.D.A. but not without honesty, tact and courtesy.

Some considerable time ago a number of well-taught and highly regarded brethren were deceived by Adventist doctrine, and were happy to have some fellowship with them. Even when remonstrated with over this issue, they declined the exhortation to sever links and publicly reject the false teachings of the Cultists.

There is NEVER any need to know what the Cults and their false teachers espouse; we only need to know what WE believe to safeguard our souls.

While I am only aware of one meeting place designated "Seventh Day Adventist, [in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, U.K.] their literature is both abundant and available. Furthermore it is relatively cheap and finely produced, giving a desirable quality aesthetically! They never mention "Seventh Day Adventists in their literature, and use a simple sounding publishing house. They deny the intrinsic Deity and impeccable Humanity of our Lord Jesus. They teach soul sleep and annihilation. of the lost. Their errors are a deadly poison, a thoroughly abominable system.

Beware of their insidious literature with its attractive presentation and binding. It hides a multitude of heinous error and false teaching.

Ellen G. White [1827-1915] wrote approximately 40 books, and over 5000 articles for periodicals. For more information, especially so as to recognise Adventist literature, may I direct you to the Wikipedia site.

May the Lord graciously garrison His own around with His powerful arm, protecting His people from deadly error in these "the last days."



The Mandrakes Yield Fragrance

"The mandrakes yield fragrance."

Song of Songs 7:13.

A sister recently said to me "I am not concerned about having little knowledge of the Bible, as I will know it perfectly, from cover to cover, when I am in heaven." I remain unconvinced, but that is not the main thrust of that upon my heart.

Nevertheless, if we are content to have scant knowledge of the Word of God, we will know real deficiency in our appreciation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is Centre, Sum, Subject and Object of the written Word, and that precisely and preciously for "His own."

The mandrakes, or "love apples," yield fragrant incense arising from the hearts' affections of the Lords' people. Exhilarated, intoxicated with the Lord Himself, in all His infinite beauty.Thus we further read, "And at our gates are all choice fruits, new and old:" Perhaps answering to the "treasure" brought out by the "instructed" child of God, [Matthew 13:52] from as it were his basket of first fruits, [Deuteronomy26:2] in anticipation of, and for, the sweetest purpose and highest privilege afforded to him, that of worship. "Things new and old" vouchsafed to us by Him; new wonders revealed, old meditations remembered, as day by day we peruse the Word. Solomon himself would teach us that "by knowledge are the chambers filled with all precious and pleasant substance." Proverbs 24:4.

Now, have we "kept," reserved these things for ourselves, for our enjoyment only? Or have we individually, "laid them up" for One who is Beloved? Choice fruits are to be found at "our gates," plural, or so it should be; but have we personally treasured them up for Him alone, the One who then we may call, "MY Beloved."

How precious those brief moments when gathered to His Name, and in remembrance of Him in His death for us, audibly and in silence we present our first fruits to Him, trusting that the Spirit of God will endue them with a savour of a sweet smell ascending to the very Throne of God.

May we be so freighted every time we draw nigh and enter in to the Holiest of all. 

[Quotations from JND New Translation]



Paradise

PARADISE

Paradise, the present abode of the departed saints: Paradise, what a beautiful word!
A word that appears to have an Oriental origin; The King of Persia was said to have gardens which were called paradises, full of everything beautiful and good that the earth could produce. (The LXX adopts this word for the Garden of Eden, signifying "delights,") which may account for Eden often being referred to as Paradise,; and perhaps the use of the word in the N.T. as denoting some place of happiness and blessing in the heavens. 

Paradise: this blissful word only occurs three times in the N.T. Scriptures: 
Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:5; Revelation 2:7.
The first reference is that statement our Lord addressed to the penitent robber crucified alongside Him at Calvary. The second Scripture penned by the Apostle Paul equates Paradise with the "third heaven," (as distinct from the dual heavens, atmospheric and stellar,) not "heaven itself." While the third reference differs from the former two verses indicated. They refer to the present disembodied spirits of the saints who are "absent from the body," and "at home with the Lord." Whilst the third occurrence addressed to the over-comer in Ephesus where it is titled the "Paradise of God," is identified with the after-resurrection state as described in Revelation 22:2. It points forward to that moment when all believers will receive their "bodies of glory," their resurrection bodies. Then as suggested saints will not enter into the "Paradise of God," one by one as "put to sleep through Jesus," but ALL reunited "in the air," to meet the Lord and be raptured to the "Fathers' house!"

Of late the import of this precious truth has been upon my heart. Not least because I "found" a couple of lines penned by a saint of old which awoke a responsive "amen" within my breast; he wrote,

" 'Twixt me and the Resurrection

But Paradise doth stand"

And whilst fully admitting "The sky not the grave is my goal," nevertheless a realisation that if I was to pass through the article of death, it would but prove a portal into Paradise, and the immediate presence of my Lord and Saviour, even the Lord Jesus. How wondrously comforting to every frail and feeble waiting saint.

But it has come to my attention that many of the Lords' people are somewhat ignorant about Paradise; often failing to distinguish it from Heaven itself. Frequently failing to note the difference between "heaven" and "the heavens," too! Another reason for using "better" translations in an age where a multiplicity of suspect and subversive translations abound.

It has not been my intention to write a full exposition concerning the true understanding of Paradise. But I am concerned that recently a beloved, highly respected "brother" has given oral ministry, and written an article also, both of which which contain much error, as far as I am able to grasp the truth regarding this precious "place."

In concluding this brief glance at that which lies beyond the grave for the believer who "falls asleep," I would like to remind or inform my fellow saints of the last days of a truly godly brother.

When J.G. Bellett knew that he was to be "called home," he spoke eloquently of his anticipation of Paradise. He made it clear that he was so longing for a "time" ALONE with Christ! He loved the thought of one day being reunited with those brethren and sisters he had so loved during his earthly pilgrimage; to be "caught up together with them" at the Rapture. But in the "meanwhile" he craved a season alone with his Saviour.  

It is recorded that he said these rapturous things, among others, as he neared his transport into Paradise.

"My precious Lord Jesus, Thou knowest fully I can say with Paul, "to depart and to be with Thee, which is far better. Oh, how far better! I do long for it!"
I have Himself - Himself! I am going to be with Himself!"

"Oh, to be with Him BEFORE the glories, the crowns, or the Kingdom appear! It is wonderful, wonderful!"

Brethren, beloved of the Lord, may it be "wonderful" to you and to me, for His glory!

John Metcalfe

John Metcalfe: A man of The Word or the words of a man?

Only yesterday I contemplated purchasing a book written by John Metcalfe. It had to do with the Psalms. I could not decide if it was a commentary or a new "poetic version." I was interested because I love the Psalms, and as an avid book collector suitably impressed by its binding and condition; a hardback with a dust jacket; other collectors will understand! Of course the content was or paramount importance.

But from the outset I was uneasy and decided to research John Metcalfe. I am relieved that I did, and did so before I had committed myself to the purchase.
There exists a John Metcalfe trust and "they" have issued a brief biography of this man. To read it with an open mind and not experience incredulity would be to defy even human logic. Metcalfe is eulogised beyond belief! He is presented as being (practically) unimpeachable.

The account of his conversion is dramatic, (all conversions are I admit,) but his "sensational," I mean in the worldly sense. His labours are portrayed as more abundant than almost any other servant of the Lord. (He is said to work for 17 hours a day, every day, every week, every month, every year! And often with fasting.) Yet he received "ordination" at the hand of men and associated with various denominations and identified himself with different organisations.

For a period of seven years he withdrew into a monastic way of life. Forsaking the assembling together with other believers; never "breaking bread," (I have no idea whether he ever did or has since.) Another protracted period of isolation from the Lords' people occurred, lasting for three more years.

He is "at present not access, even to the trustees," because he is engaged in an "immense undertaking" writing, now reaching into its 14th year! I take it that he has been isolated during those years too!

Metcalfe lives "a  solitary and celibate life," although his house is kept and cleaned, and his meals provided by a "Dutch housekeeper!" She does not live on the premises.

Sufficient I suggest to cast doubts upon the spirituality of this man as to his practical life.  As to his words: He has written a pamphlet entitled "Premillennialism Exposed." He is entitled to his views, (however false I may deem them to be;) but his remark that "The dispensationalist finds himself however unintentionally the advocate of a system which tears down the edifice of grace and tramples underfoot the Son of God in a humiliating reign of confusion." That is enough to repel me and anger me also. Doubtless numerous other saints present, and saints of a bygone day, who so laboured in the Word would agree. Brethren beware of the "teachings" of this man, whose advocates say he speaks as "thus saith the Lord, when in fact it is not The Word of God, but mere (false) words of a man.



Placing Gospel Tracts

THE PLACING OF GOSPEL TRACTS

Under my present circumstances, having to travel to and from hospitals over some months, to visit my son Adam, I have had cause to reflect on a great opportunity to "place" tracts in various places. Some in a prominent place, on the Bulletin Boards in the Hospital! As I have "pinned" them there with the pages open to view I feel I am able to reach a considerable number of people with the Glad Tidings and that with the least amount of effort expended.

Also at times we have needed to eat "out," and placed tracts in appropriate places in cafes and restaurants, not forgetting the "cloakrooms!" We have no need to use public transport by Gods' goodness, but that is another fine opportunity for those saints who commute, or else use it generally. What possibilities a strategically placed tract could afford under the precious ministration of the Holy Spirit.

I have no doubt that many of you are able to suggest more and perhaps better locations for these missives of grace. Please encourage others!

The distribution of tracts is a simple "ministry" for every child of God to engage in for Him, all you need to remember is to fill your pockets with them each day and be alert to seize "every good and favourable opportunity" for their distribution. Some tracts have been produced relevant for various occasions, e.g. to thank a waiter/waitress for the service received from them; 

Once the tracts have been placed then we must get down to the business of prayer, beseeching the Lord to use this humble means to the salvation blessing of many precious souls, and that for HIS glory!



Tragic Loss of Blessing for Iceland

TRAGIC LOSS OF BLESSING FOR ICELAND!

How sad it is to learn that Iceland have abolished their blasphemy laws. The abolishing was "engineered" by a political party that promotes "human rights" above every other consideration. But their interpretation of human rights is vastly different from many other people in many other countries of this world. The term is used when anything that is contrary to mans' indulgence in a liberty to do as they please, to do that which is right in their own eyes; whether in flagrant rebellion directly against that which God has established, or that determined by the powers that be that He has appointed.

Since 1940 Iceland will have enjoyed a peculiar blessing from God, whether realised or not, for He always honours those who honour Him. This sad turnabout will prove costly to that nation and no doubt it will become evident to the discerning believer. We must uphold those true believers in Christ, (a small minority indeed,) in our prayers for all the Lords' people, it is our responsibility and will encourage them to hold fast in an evil day.

May the Lord lavish His care upon the Icelandic believers at this time, for His own glory. 

Apologies to the Saints

Apologies to the saints.

I must sincerely apologise to the saints who take time to read my "BLOG" and especially those who have upheld my son Adam in their intercession for him at the Throne of Grace. His devastating illness has impinged dramatically on our family life, and I have not found sufficient time to "POST" of late. But D.V. I will continue soon by His grace.

Adam has been transferred to Llandough Hospital in Cardiff, S. Wales and is still in the I.C.U. He is breathing without aid and waiting for his "trachy" to be removed when he will be able t o speak to us for the first time in over eight weeks! We can hear him faintly with the "cuff" of the trachy deflated. I am sorry if this sounds a little complicated to grasp!

His right arm and hand are nearly "normal," and his right leg is improving. He has very little movement down his left side, but is able to wiggle his fingers and thumb; his left leg is still almost completely paralysed, but we are trusting the Lord to perfect the miraculous healing process He has begun and continued to this present time.

Please continue to pray for him, for his complete recovery, especially in the light of his vast improvement over the last few weeks particularly.

Bernice and I would like to express our heart-felt gratitude to Gods' praying and believing people; we love you all in the Lord Jesus.

Republic of Ireland: Beware

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: BEWARE

No individual or nation can rebel against the clear teaching of the Word of God with impunity! "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7. Gay marriage, (what a terrible misnomer,) is an abomination to God! "The powers that be are appointed of God," and directly responsible and accountable to Him!

I would urge every true believer in our lovely Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, to fall on your knees in His presence and beg our God to withhold His indignation and righteous anger. Plead a remnant testimony overshadowed by the Person of His Son, asking Him to view you as sheltered beneath the One who ever delighted and delights His heart. "Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger?" Jonah 3:9. If you do not avail yourselves of His mercy I fear for Eire, already rife with Romanism!

Other nations have already experienced something of Divine ire, and at awful cost. In constraining love in Christ I implore you to act humbly and speedily.

Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING

Updating my sons' medical condition.

Please join with us in giving thanks to our gracious and faithful God for His loving-kindness toward Adam and ourselves. In answer to prayer offered up by saints all over the world we are seeing evidences of the good hand of the Lord in Adams' continuing improvement.

We have been asking the Lord to grant Adam a little improvement each day, or should it please Him a larger blessing. Every day for some weeks He has blessed Adam with more movement down his right side, i.e. his arm, leg and foot; and increased his periods without the assistance of the ventilator, enabling him to breath unaided for 2 hours, 3 times a day. He is eating a little more too. He has considerable dexterity in his right hand as well as increased strength.

We so want to thank you all for your prayers and kind expressions of loving sympathy; we have never known such fellowship of saints before, it is precious and humbling too.

Please, please continue to pray, Adam is a long way from a full recovery, but we firmly believe that the Lord has stepped in and intends to make him physically whole.

May you all be encouraged by the faithfulness of our prayer-hearing and answering God!

May He richly bless you all, and lavish His unconditional love upon you all.

Pleased be assured of our heart-felt gratitude.

Tom & Bernice Wyatt.

Update On My Son Adam

UPDATE ON MY SON

The latest news of my sons Adams' condition is absolutely appalling; while we clung on to little indications of improvement, he has moved a thumb, fingers, ankle and wrist. But last night, Lords' Day evening we spoke to a Doctor in reference to these hopeful signs, but were shattered to learn her opinion of Adams' prognosis. She told us that he was unlikely to be able to move any of his limbs and would be severely disabled for life.

I cannot tell you how devastated we were it was if our whole world had collapsed around us. We had been fervently praying with a multitude of saints in many parts of the world, imploring our great God and Saviour, the Divine Physician to heal and recover Adam. I had asked for these little indications of improvement day by day, and it appeared to be answered. I have not lost all hope, or abandoned these things that I trusted were from Him; but I am distraught and agonise in His presence for His infinite compassion and healing power. He is able! With Him nothing is impossible; and all things are possible to them that believe.

Please continue with me and my family in believing prayer for my sons' full recovery, I beg of you all in His lovely name, with a view to His glory.

With heart-broken affection to all the saints,

In Him Tom. 

Further Update On My Son Adam

UPDATE: Fervent prayer entreated for My son Adams' condition.

My only son Adam, whom we love so much, remains in the Intensive Care Unit in a Bristol Hospital. Last Lords' Day (April 19) he suffered what appears to be a stroke in his spinal chord. He has lost the use of both arms and legs. His brain and vital organs remain undamaged. He has improved during the week he has been in the I.C.U. as his breathing has strengthened, he has "feeling" in his limbs and has experienced muscle-spasms. As of yesterday (Lords' Day) he has been able to shrug his shoulders! His vital signs are good and his condition is stable, and we believe in answer to prayer he is actually improving.

We are still absolutely devastated by what has happened to him, and have no idea "why." But we are cleaving and clinging to our precious Saviour-God, trusting (though feebly) that He will recover our Adam completely. We trust that his improvement thus far is in answer to the fervent prayers of our brethren and sisters in Christ!

The diagnosis is not absolutely certain, and the prognosis wide-ranging from that which is terrible through to a complete recovery.

Adam is born-anew; but he is only 27! The first of these phrases is infinitely precious; the second breaks our hearts.

Please, please continue to pray for him! 

We would like to tell every single saint who has cried out to the Lord on our behalf, how overwhelmingly grateful we are to you and verily believe He will bless abundantly the needy one and the supplicating saints.

We are yours because of the lovely Man of Calvary,

Tom & Bernice

TOM WYATT

BRISTOL

U.K.   

Earnest Prayer Request

Earnest prayer request!!

My son, my only Adam, is very ill in the I.C.U. of a Bristol U.K hospital. He is on a life-support machine.

Yesterday, Lords' Day, he had a pain in his left shoulder blade at around 5 p.m. At first he made light of it, but by 7 p.m. he was unable to use his left arm or his left leg, and experienced great difficulty in breathing. He was taken by ambulance to hospital and underwent numerous tests; C.T. Scans, M.R.I. Scan, blood tests and a lumber puncture.

At present (Monday a.m.) he is still being ventilated and feed by tube. He is sedated. Thus far nothing has been found, no cause has come to light. We are awaiting more test results, but everyone is baffled.

We are distraught and so fearful for his safety and well-being; he does know and love the Lord, but we want to keep him, he is only 27!

Please, please, supplicate the Throne of Grace for him and for us! We covet your prayers that the Lord might graciously heal him, whether directly or in His over-ruling, through the skill of men.

Bernice and our children thank you sincerely in assurance of your love in the Lord Jesus.

Yours because His, Tom.



The Highest Part of the Dust of the World

The Highest Part of the Dust of the World

Proverbs 8:26.

Alone in the "sanctuary," perhaps a few weeks ago, my eye fell upon the above expression. It riveted my attention and reverberated in my soul. Fearing lest my immediate thought as to what the Holy Spirit would have me understand by such an infinite phrase, I sought for "helps," and found none! 

How often when we look for aid from our most able brethren do we find that the particular word, phrase or verse, has been "overlooked!" It is frustrating, but very likely beneficial for us, making us deeper thinkers and "miners."

For me it appears to be a wonderful expression of Divine revelation to faith, signifying that MAN is the pinnacle of Gods' creation.

Still without anyone to confirm or show me "more exactly" [Acts18:26] the true import of this phrase, I suggest it is yet another nail in the coffin of evolutionary theories, the "oppositions of science falsely so called."  I Timothy 6:20.

It is tragic that unregenerate men of "science" either relegate "man" to the level of "natural brute beasts," or attempt to elevate him to Deity!

Caution: Unwelcome Literature

CAUTION: UNWELCOME LITERATURE

At this present time a number of leaflets are being sent to Assemblies in the U.K. Presumably there distribution is widespread. we need to be cautious about "displaying" these missives as they are not Assembly-based. Of course, if that does not concern certain Assemblies then such advice is valueless.

I have "inspected" two such publications, sent to two Assemblies in my "area" of service for the Lord.

One is entitled "Let My People Grow." It appears to be promoting the qualifications and abilities of one Ian Coffey. He is apparently "Reverend," although I know that such a "title" belongs exclusively to our God! He is a Baptist Minister, ordained of men! The author, whether himself or another, has gone to great lengths to exalt

Mr Coffey, while the Lord Jesus is NOT mentioned once! I leave you to decide what to make of such a publication.

I have glanced at his "Blog," and was amused, please forgive me, to find this statement, "Being a leader is like being a lady, if you have to go round telling people you are one, you aren't!"

The other leaflet is from "The Maranatha Group." A dangerous title to adopt! Others have taken that title too and it would be objectionable in the view of those who comprise this "Group;" just look on the "net" and you will understand what I am implying. 

Two men are responsible for this invitation to a seminar. Neither are in "Assembly" fellowship, but incorporating the beautiful word "Maranatha," one might expect them to be, and therein lies the danger. Apart from anything else their intention is to decide how to "incorporate teaching about the second coming.....to non-Christians." Aside from warning lost sinners of the return of the Lord Jesus in judgement, any such teaching is surely "casting pearls before swine?" Matthew 7:6. 

I have no doubt that the men in question are truly "born anew" and desire to serve the Lord. But I fear that their teaching would undermine Assembly truth and lead to unwise associations. To "flood" Assemblies with such literature is bordering on deceit. I realise that many will accuse me of sectarianism  or worse, but if one believes that meeting as we do is right and best, then anything else must be less desirable.

I will have offended some I know, but that has never been my intention. If anyone risks "putting something in writing" they always run that risk, and that includes me!

I lovingly commend all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, to God and the word of His grace.



Unusual Persecution

UNUSUAL PERSECUTION

During this past week I had the pleasure and privilege of ministering the Word of God to a little company of saints who gather to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, forming an Assembly in Somerset U.K.

At the close of the meeting, and before we enjoyed a little more fellowship, including refreshments, a sister approached me wearing a perplexed look upon her face. She has been convicted over a period concerning believers' baptism. She was in earnest to obey the Spirits' clear exercise within her soul. But she was experiencing persecution from her husband. He makes a profession of faith in Christ, but whether it is genuine or not I have no knowledge at all. He is adamant that infant baptism suffices as he and his wife have both undergone this erroneous "rite." He also harbours some Judaistic teaching, including circumcision, I believe!

Our dear sister, "A" (I refer to her in this simple way so as to protect her, I am sure you will understand,) feels afraid to ask her local Assembly to arrange a baptismal service, fearful her husband will discover her plans, and thwart her. She knows she has to obey him, but realises "we ought to [literally, "must"] obey God rather than men," even her husband. Acts 5:29.

I would covet your prayers for her as she seeks to make arrangements elsewhere so as to avoid confrontation. Her approach to me encouraged me in the things of the Lord, and my heart goes out to her in her difficult dilemma.  

Apart from the Scripture I quoted earlier, the fact that her exercise is "directly" from the Spirit of God, confirms me in my appeal to you for your prayers on her behalf.



The Skin of the Burnt Offering

The Skin of the Burnt Offering
Leviticus 7:8.

Last Lords' Day at the close of the "feast of love divine," having gathered to His Name and remembered Him in the Breaking of bread, I had opportunity to speak with a "visiting" brother. He was to be responsible for the Gospel preaching a little later that morning. During our precious time in worship of the Lord Jesus, announcing His death, our beloved brother "gave a sweet word" on the skin of the burnt offering.

For some time I had linked the "skin" with the "covering of skins" with which Jehovah "clothed" the fallen man, Adam and his wife, Eve. I believed that the skins (notice it is PLRAL, a sacrifice for each of them,) were from a sacrifice of burnt offering, as no "other offering" is recorded until the Law was given. Ever reticent to express this thought "openly," I took courage to ask my brother whether he would be happy to support this little thought, as I have never read or heard it expressed before. He was very gracious and assured me that it was in keeping with the truth, and even thanked me for drawing his attention to it.
Of equal instructio0n I feel is the fact that judgment was pronounced upon them while still in their nakedness, and the "offerings" followed their exercises of faith.

I have "posted" it with not a little "fear and trembling," anxious not to lead astray. Please deliberate upon it in the light of the Divine record.

I leave this with you hoping it may prove of blessing to your souls.

Prayer and Praise Addressed to the Son

Prayer and Praise Addressed to the Son.

Is it unscriptural to address the Lord Jesus in prayer and praise? Many of my beloved "brethren" believe that to be the truth as presented in the N.T. Scriptures.





For a half century or so, I have always addressed the Father in prayer and praise, both privately and in public. I need to qualify that statement a little, because I have sung a myriad praises addressed to the Son! I expect that is true of a considerable number of those who hold this "view."

For some years I have been much exercised as to this question. Although I had not been "fully persuaded" in my own mind, I found myself severed from a dear servant of God over this perplexing dilemma. For quite a few years we had engaged in open-air preaching and distributing tracts very Lords' Day throughout those years. We felt exercised as to commencing an Assembly testimony in our district, where there was no "gathering to His Name alone," and incidentally none still to this day. We "fell out" over the choice of hymnbook to be used; there was no animosity, only heart-break as we could find no "middle ground." To many this may appear to be trivial, but take a moment to reflect upon the amount of time saints spend in "singing." Furthermore I would have had to surrender hymns that had so helped me to give expression to my hearts' worship over so many years.

I have read the different arguments put forward regarding this somewhat perplexing question, and have formulated my own "view", forgive this term please, you understand what I am saying, my own thought based upon the Word of God and concluded that the Son MUST be afforded EQUAL honour with the Father.

Now I address both my God and Father and His lovely Son and my Saviour in prayer privately as well as in praise publicly. Just to clarify that statement; I still am not able to address the Son in the meetings, no doubt fear of man, and the "unspoken law" among many "brethren," for decades: "Prayer and praise is to be addressed to the Father only, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit." The different prepositions "through" an d "by" may well be transposed or even replaced with others, but that is the general "idea" of the "unspoken law."

As ever it is NOT my intention to give offence, far be the thought; just an "airing" of my experience regarding this matter that has weighed upon my heart for so long. Finally I must say what a joy it has been to speak directly to my Saviour, it has thrilled my soul! 



New King James Version

NEW KING JAMES VERSION

Some time ago I asked why this version was needed. I have yet to receive any answer of reasonable validity or authority. That numerous "Brethren" have been gripped by it gives no weight to the arguments set forth for its use.

Many assert that the A.V. is inexplicable to modern man, as it is couched in ancient language. But it has been used for over 400 years, why suddenly has it become unintelligible? God has been pleased to bless this translation as none other!

Are we to kowtow to the worlds' thinking?
Strange that the population of today has no difficulty with the language of Shakespeare or even Chaucer!

What of the argument that suggests it was written in the language "of the day," i.e. the population then used "Thee" and "Thou" when addressing one another? That is fallacious! One has only to refer to the preface preceding the text of that Translation to see that this was NOT the case!

In my own experience I discovered very early, by Gods' grace, the inestimable value of reading the Authorised Version of the Scriptures. When in my early teens I received a copy of the New English Bible New Testament, I read it eagerly thinking that this would solve my difficulty in understanding the Word, imagining that it was the archaic language of the A.V. that prevented me from grasping the truths of the Bible! I was saved, but ill-taught, yet very soon I set it aside as lacking any authority  or power.

In my latter teens, a "brother" persuaded me to adopt the R.S.V. Again my reading a "new" version stopped abruptly, under the good hand of God I verily believe. The "brother" held Christadelphian views, denying every fundamental truth of the Scriptures. The R.S.V. obviously was easily used to apply their false interpretation of the Word of God! 

I am not slavish when it comes to the A.V. but I read it every day of my life, (in conjunction with J.N.Ds' version,) and I read it publicly, believing this to be respectful and diminishing confusion. The A.V. has its faults, but they are easily addressed by referring to more literal translations.

One very serious problem associated with the N.K.J. Version has to do with the distinction between singular and plural numbers in grammar. This may appear at first as of little account. But the personal pronoun "you" in our English language can be either singular or plural, and the context will not always help one distinguish which is meant. Many Scriptures are "robbed" of their precision, preciousness and power where the text reads "you." Furthermore I judge that it leads to familiarity when addressing the Person of our God (and His lovely Son.) Put it to the test, you may well be surprised. Believe it or not, this is sufficient to prevent me from reading this version!

Psalm 119

SOME UNDERLYING THOUGHTS IN THE LONGEST PSALM

I am in possession of a booklet with the above title. It is a precious, succinct and profound spiritual "help" in the understanding of this beautiful Psalm. There is just a line or two of "deep" commentary on every verse. No name is appended to this delightful little work, no date given, nor is the publisher noted anywhere in this brief meditation on this Psalm.

I have tried to learn what I can regarding these details, but without any success. It is not to be found on "Stem" or the Rylands Collection.

In addition there is a short address  entitled "Some Searching Thoughts from Psalm 119," and another brief address with the arresting title, "An Earnest Plea for Loving, Learning, and Living Psalm 119." Altogether, a little gem within the treasures of the labours of Gods' servants to open up the Scriptures of truth.

If any dear child of God could furnish me with any details regarding this publication, it would be greatly appreciated.

(Many years ago copies could be obtained from:- 61 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, London E7.)

May you know richest spiritual blessings during another year of the extension of Gods' grace to us-ward,  should it be His will.