Dismay and Encouragement

Dismay and Encouragement

In the space of a number of weeks three Assemblies in South Wales terminated their local testimonies. This appears to be a general trend in the South West of England and South Wales. Sadly not all the saints involved in these Meeting closures find their continued fellowship in the Assemblies anymore. It fills my heart with sadness and dismay; how we must seek the Lords' help in the maintenance of local witness for Him in these rapidly-closing last days.

Now over the last couple of weeks I have experienced some personal encouragements that may be of similar blessing to my fellow believers in the lovely Son of God. I had the privilege of ministering the Word to a little company 9of the Lords' people in Somerset. They were very appreciative of the Word meditated upon, and a married couple I had not seen there before were particularly blessed. So much so that they intend to "ask for fellowship" there and intend moving nearer to the Hall. But what was precious was to hear the brothers' remarkable testimony. Brought up and practicing Roman Catholicism, he heard the Gospel elsewhere and believed. Immediately the scales dropped from his eyes, and he said, "one moment I was a Catholic, the next I was saved and a Protestant." We both laughed, but he remarked that he was serious having "prayed to idols and to Mary." He owned a gambling establishment and relinquished it immediately. He had no other means of earning his living and lost his house! He said, "I intended to make my living doing an honest days' work. He began by cleaning windows. He recently had a triple heart-bypass operation and needs prayer for this, it does cause one to "get down," I know I have had the same operation. Please pray for this dear brother and his wife that they may grow and be kept in their walk, witness and worship, for the glory of the Lord Jesus.

What a marvellous transformation in a soul and that in an instant; may this encourage us all.

This took place on the first Thursday in June [this month] and on the second Thursday I was invited to minister the Word of God at another little Assembly in the same county. On this occasion after the Meeting we gathered around a table furnished with refreshments and enjoyed conversation of a spiritual character. A sister from a different Assembly felt the need to speak briefly of her conversion; this too was so encouraging. Apparently she was familiar with many of the worlds' practices, including spiritism, and entrenched in these things she was forcefully sceptical of all things connected with the Word of God. Her father was in Assembly fellowship and invited her to the Meeting. It was the "Breaking of Bread," [unfortunately he only attended the Morning Meeting], this sister went along with numerous questions with which to bombard the saints. But every question was answered as the meeting progressed, and before she left the Hall she had repented and been "born from above!" 

Brethren and sisters in Christ, there is "no Gospel like this feast!" 

The Lord encourage our hearts in His will and for His own glory.

A Divine Warning to the U.K. and other Nations

A verse in the Psalms arrested me and has lingered in my mind. The verse is found in Psalm 94, which I purpose to refer to in a moment. But first I would direct your attention to two other quotations found in the Psalms, both of which echo a similar refrain.

"For there is no certainty in their mouth; their inward part is perversion..." Psalm5:9.

"Perversion" is the thought I am tracing in the three Psalms; the word is plural in each instance: "corrupt, depraved desires, wickedness, mischievous things."

"Perversities are in the midst thereof; and oppression and deceit depart not from its streets." Psalm 55:11.

Now I reach the verse that caught hold of my mind and caused me to ponder what repercussions would result from this that characterises this nation at present. How relevant and applicable is this word here and now:

"Shall the throne of wickedness, [lit. perversities] be united to Thee, [i.e. God] which frameth mischief [lit. iniquity] into a law!" Psalm 94:20.

This exactly corresponds with this country right now! Legislation has been passed to defend and promote the most vile of sexual practices which are an abomination to God. A massive lobby has ensnared, duped, frightened and brow-beaten many who make up "those in authority over us;" Thus their designs are being countenanced by officials who see an opportunity to "win" the support of those who practice these perversions, and thereby earn credence with them by implying that it is charitable, kind and democratic to permit, promote and praise these iniquitous practices. It is deemed "right" to adopt such a position, and dangerous to hold a different view. In political circles it has become a great "vote winner."  Meanwhile even various "churches" so called, [and I use that word in the loosest possible way,} not only allow these people to enjoy "fellowship" with them, but welcome them with open arms; some of these "denominations" even recognise "churches" where only those of this persuasion gather! 

Perversities are seated upon the moral "throne" of this country, our laws are permeated with them, and God, of course, has separated Himself from the nation He has so blessed over many centuries with His grace and mercy.

There must be a "remnant testimony, for He is never without witness; brethren and sisters let us determine to sever any and all connections with these things and these people. Do not be deluded by the honeyed words of the evil one, suggesting that it is unkind, unloving and discriminative to so act. 

May the Lord Jesus deign to enable His believing people to maintain that pristine, if feeble remnant testimony for Him amidst the wickedness of this sin-benighted world; and may He be so compassionate as to withhold something of the magnitude of His imminent judgment against a reprobate nation and a rebellious world.