Disappointments

Disappointments!

In a previous "Post" I referred to the sad decline in the Assemblies in connection with the introduction of shorter meetings. This gives those who serve in the Gospel and in ministry less opportunity to express what the Spirit of God has laid upon their hearts; and it is frustrating! When contention is the "short attention span" of visitor to the various gatherings. This is invariably a reference to the "lost" who attend a Gospel service. But it appears to me more often than not that it is the saints who want to shorten the meetings! Latterly I was asked to speak for a shorter time as there was to be a cup of tea after the meeting! This is not an isolated case in my experience; at least five Assemblies where I have the privilege to preach/teach have cut the length of their meetings, particularly in connection with the Gospel preaching.

                                                                                                                                       But this is not all that disappoints. I received a reminder from a "corresponding" brother that I am responsible for the preaching of the Gospel on an approaching Lords' Day. Please allow me to quote, "the temporary ban on the prodigal son, good Samaritan and serpents on poles has not yet been lifted," his exact words!

                                                                                                      Thirdly and finally, at least for now D.V., it breaks my heart to hear of the closure of more of the Assemblies, and with it the absence of any assembly testimony in various districts, some covering huge areas saturated with lost souls and needy saints. In addition, so many who maintained by the grace of God,a witness for the Lord Jesus as gathered to His name alone, have resorted to changing their peculiar character; opting for an evangelical church stance, with a paid pastor! How a believer who has enjoyed days of heaven on earth as "calling Him to mind" Lords' Day by Lords' Day, can give up this infinite privilege and portion is beyond the limits of my understanding. I know that in past times, both latterly and recently, saints have confessed their great loss at having abandoned the position that once occupied.

                                                                                         It is of little account to disappoint a mere believer like me; perhaps a little more grievous to disappoint many of the saints; but how much more is it a grief to the One who requested "this do in remembrance of ME!"

Germany Beware!

GERMANY BEWARE!!

It seems that Germany has joined the growing ranks of those nations who stand in bold refusal of the counsels of God regarding the abomination of homosexuality! Make no mistake, God is not mocked, and those who are "in authority," the "powers that be are appointed by God," and directly answerable to Him for their administration in the affairs of their fellow citizens. God will surely and perhaps speedily bring judgement to bear upon your nation.

                                                                                        My fellow-believers in that favoured land, beseech the Lord to have mercy, repent on behalf of the nation, and throw yourselves, and cause those whom you love, to cast themselves upon the grace of God. Plead His lovely Son as overshadowing you, a remnant company in the midst of that nation.

                                        May the "Father of compassions" (mercies) prove Himself                                     merciful to the people of Germany!

"This Mystery is Great"

"This Mystery is Great"

Ephesians 5:32 [J.N.D. trans.]

"This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly."





Quite a little while ago I contacted a "Brethren" author for information about the condition of Assembly testimony is his native country. He replied briefly and I thought honestly, when he told me he had no idea as to the state of "Brethren" there as he had left the local assembly for a "denominational" (my wording,) church.

                                                                                       Last year a sister from his natal country visited the local Assembly here in the U.K. and in conversation his name came up. This sister told me that he had left the "Brethren" as he was a practising homosexual. I felt that he had deceived me, and thereby implied he knew his way of life was shameful, why else would he withhold the full truth?

                                                                                                              Sadly and tragically there are many, many calling the Name of Christ upon themselves, professing allegiance to Him, yet engaging in that which is abhorrent to Him, and to God the Father and to the Holy Spirit!

                                                                                          The Scripture quoted above took hold upon me of late. By the Spirit of God through the apostle Paul, God has made clear how wonderful and holy the marriage between a man and wife is in His purposes. And further, that He should use that sanctified union to express this "great mystery" to unfold in fullest disclosure the "the marriage of the Lamb,"of the heavenly Bridegroom to His heavenly bride, the assembly is profoundly beautiful!

                                                                                                                   Any other "relationship" in which love is to be expressed as "becoming one," is a flagrant denial, act of rebellion, and gross disobedience to the revealed Word of God; it is an abominable caricature of "Christ and the church!" This being so, no practising homosexual can be "received" into any form of fellowship, and the permitting and/or promoting of such a heinous sin in a company of the Lords' people, will only serve to leaven the whole lump! 

Throughout the world this sin is being paraded as something of which to be proud! What defiant effrontery to God and His Word! No wonder that over, and over again, the nations allowing these things, and defending the perpetrators of such ungodly deeds, are coming under the judgement of God! And be reminded brethren and sisters in Christ, "for the time of having the judgement begin from the house of God is come; but if first from us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the glad tidings of God? " 1 Peter 4:17.