Inter-Denominational Service

There is real hesitancy on my part to broach this subject, but withal a heartfelt constraint to rehearse it for the consideration of the saints. I am totally responsible for these thoughts, and have the earnest desire that not even one of the Lord's people will be offended by this sorrowful unfolding of that burdening my heart. I have truly been troubled by this subject for many years, and I still have misgivings in daring to air my thoughts. But I am in the sunset years of my life, if the Lord will, and I am less afraid of the consequences in daring to expose something of the departure, decline and declension of the testimony of many Assemblies who abandoned their distinctiveness for varying reasons. I have no intention of naming any Assembly, that would be most unrighteous. My knowledge of these things extends no further than the South East, and South West of England, and South Wales. This should assure readers that my information is based on personal  experience and communications with other believers.

Various "movements" and "missions" have done much to introduce an ecumenical spirit throughout Christendom, whether openly or covertly. Some of that feature has permeated many of the Assemblies over a number of decades. their distinctive character has disappeared gradually, and in many cases abruptly. This sad course of things continues to the present. 

Ecumenism is not alone in seducing Assemblies, and infiltrating their fellowships. "Popular evangelism," to give it an easily understood title, decimated the peculiar witness maintained by the Assemblies; "Crusades" in the U.K. took place during the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Claims were made of substantial numbers of "converts," tens of thousands; but the impact of such a number was so incredibly negligible as to render these figures as gross exaggeration at best.

The very real and dreadful failing during the latter crusades, was the practice of sending "converts" to the "church" nearest to their own homes, even if it was Roman catholic! Ecumenism was the accepted order of the day. And many years later the celebrated evangelist was photographed knelt at the feet of the Pope and kissing his ring! 

Besides ecumenism and popular evangelism the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement periodically reared its hoary head, and beguiled many true believers with its "showy," emotion-driven way of "worship;" contending for a distinction between believers who had received the Holy Spirit, (not immediately on conversion,) but subsequently by their "tarrying" for Him, and their request to Him, (though there is no Scripture warrant for addressing Him,) to come. "Speaking in tongues" was the sole evidence that He had answered! I have witnessed this phenomenon on two occasions. Both were incoherent babblings, and caused me much alarm of spirit, proving it was not according to God. I hurriedly departed the meetings.

Finally I have discovered the introduction of that which is character of Judaism leavening the Assemblies of Gods people. There seems to be the idea that this addition to the Assembly's testimony somehow elevates them above others. But it is the exchange of the heavenly nature, call and inheritance of Christianity, for the "beggarly elements" of  that which has been brought to a close by God. Morally in the death of the Lod Jesus, publicly in the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and doctrinally in the Epistle to he Hebrews, [Galatians and chapters in the Acts  Judaism has thus been set aside by God, and unequivocally demonstrated. 

I am suggesting that these erroneous teachings, ecumenicalism, mass-evangelism, charismatic emotion with its so-called practice of "sign gifts" that are "done away," and Judaism, are in the main the result of Interdenominational involvement. Separation from these things are vital if any of the current Assemblies are to continue to bear a testimony for the Lord Jesus "until He come."

I have witnessed the closure of many of the Assemblies in South Wales; and in the City of Bristol where I presently reside I doubt whether even two Assemblies now exist. Back in the 70's there were at least 27 and in Cardiff S. Wales, just in the city alone, some 20. I do not know how many remain thee, but the vast majority have permanently closed.

T.W.

Just to repeat these thoughts are mine alone, I am not speaking on behalf of any other believer.  

 

A Simple Exercise Continued 

Unfortunately  I am not able to trace the commencement of the simple exercise I am still engaged in. I am aware that it was some years ago, but I would li8ke to remind those who read the communication back then, and anyone who might read this "Post" now, what this exercise of heart entails.

Well, I often received unsolicited mail at home, with prepayment envelopes enclosed for my response. For a long time I quickly discarded them as "junk mail." But a fellow believer suggested it would be a great idea to return these unwelcome mailings with a tract placed i9n the prepayment envelope. I must emphasise that ONLY the unsolicited mail that one receives may be thus utilised.

The amount of such mailings has declined considerably, but I returned one envelope with a tract inserted only today. I keep a record of how many I send, and after this long period of time I have returned 131 envelopes.

I fully understand reticence on the part of any believer, and only request that this particular exercise might be considered. It would be unrighteous to use any prepaid envelopes where the mailing was requested.

My prayer is that more than 131 individuals have received "the implanted word, which is able to save their souls. " James 1:21.  

T.W.

G.H. Lang: A Little insight

Last Lord's day a brother in the Assembly kindly brought along a quantity of books that he wanted to give away, the alternative was the rubbish tip. He had already managed to find "homes" for a good number.

As I am an avid reader and collector of all things "Brethren" I availed myself of not a few. I already owned copies of some of the books that I took gratefully, as some might be in better condition than mine and the thought of some real treasures being destroyed was quite unbearable.

One of the books was G.H. Lang's "The Churches of God." I admit that I have had a copy for years, but have never read it! Although I have his autobiography, "An ordered Life" which I did read a long time ago. Also I remember reading another of his writings relating his experiences while accompanying E.H. Broadbent in ministering in the U.K. and Europe, I believe. E.H. Broadbent as the author of a precious volume titled "The Pilgrim Church," it will provide the reader with an exceptional amount of knowledge regarding the various "remnant testimonies" down through the centuries. I thoroughly recommend it to every believer who has the desire for this subject matter.

I digress, please bear with me. The book by Mr. Lang has a chapter of some twenty six pages on the subject of "The public Ministry of Women." I commenced reading it and quickly found to be thoroughly confusing and tedious. His conclusion was clearly his support for women participating in the Assembly gatherings. I was very surprised, but that surprise was tinged with a little "revelation;" (I trust that is not an unfortunate word), as I called to mind how G.H. Lang "held" the false notion of a "partial rapture." My judgement (not condemnation), is that he did not view things that were believed among us as reclaimed within the "Brethren Movement" as it is commonly referred to by many.

I own him as a brother beloved, but refuse some of his teaching, believing them to be false. nevertheless I would personally testify that he was a gifted man of God. 

Finally, just to clarify things, I own that tis "Post" is entirely my thoughts and responsibility. T.W.    

I.T.D.D. (9) Personal Report

 International Tract Distribution Day (9) 

If the Lord will, as for the past eight years, we hope that on the 18th April 2025 the day will be viewed as the "International Tract Distribution Day." The object being that every believer throughout the world who is able to find the time, and may feel an exercise, will distribute at least ONE Gospel tract or similar missive on this designated day. Of course there is NO LIMIT as to how many each one may be able to deliver, but let us flood this sin-benighted world with the precious Word of God, particularly the Glad Tidings concerning His lovely Son., "the Word of the cross."

I fear in latter years some of the enthusiasm for this humble ministry has somewhat waned. But please recall to mind, and heart, the countless blessings that have resulted  from lost sinners just reading a Gospel Tract; so many have been gloriously saved as the Holy Spirit has wonderfully applied the living Word to their consciences and hearts, leading them to repentance in His goodness, and to the exercise of faith in the Son of His love. Our God has not changed! The same Word declares that there is nothing too hard for Him; no matter too wonderful for Him. 

Please, if you are able to participate, in the will of the Lord, please do so. If you are not able, but feel a like-mindedness to those who will be involved, please pray earnestly for the Lord's rich blessing, and for Him to thereby be glorified in the salvation of precious souls.  

Thank you for reading this brief request and simple exhortation. Please let everyone you know who would be interested in this ministry, learn of this endeavour to serve the Lord, so that they may seize the favourable opportunity to have fellowship in it.

In Him, the altogether-lovely One, our Beloved, and the Lover of our soul.

Tom Wyatt

Bristol U.K.

Gathering to the name of the Lord Jesus with the saints at Corsham Gospel Hall

Corsham Wiltshire U.K.