His Silent Coming for His Own 

In mulling over the "Lord's descent from heaven" to "snatch" away His waiting people, those "fallen asleep in Jesus," together with those who "are alive and remain," the silent character of His descent to "the air" brought to mind some precious thoughts as to this apparent enigma. While the Holy Spirit has beautifully unfolded the various "mysteries" in Scripture to the saints of this dispensation, the world at large remains spiritually and morally deaf and blind. RefusIng to hearken to the Word of God, both written and Personal, "God having spoken to us" (literally) "in Son;" whilst their "minds (continue to be) "blinded by the god of this world." 

1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Hebrews 1:2.

With those profound truths divinely exercising our hearts, we understand how that the "assembling shout" of "the Lord Himself;"the accompanying "voice of archangel," and the rallying "trump of God," cannot be heard or discerned by a world overshadowed by the Cross of Christ, and plunged into a morass of spiritual defilement, and the impenetrable darkness fo the Lord's absence from this scene.  

Engaged in thought as to these things, I realised another apparent conundrum. The graves the "dead in Christ" vacate, will remain undisturbed! The resurrected saints will "pass through" (if you will allow the phrase), the physical matter that has entombed their bodies; exactly as the Lord Jesus vacated His sepulchre, Himself "the Firstborn of all creation," become "the First begotten out from among the dead," "the Firstfruits of them that slept." "This is the first resurrection."

Colossians 1:15,18; 1 Corinthians 15:20,23; Revelation 20:5.

U.K. Whither Bound? 

In 1965 Britain suspended Capital Punishment for murder, for five years. In 1969 it was suspended permanently, and it was finally abolished for all crimes in 1998. This course of action was taken in flagrant rejection of the Divine Principle of retribution for capital crimes. With that ultimate deterrent being removed murder has become commonplace in this Country. I doubt that a day passes without at least one murder! Indeed, in 2022/23 in England and Wales alone, there were 602 homicides recorded; and 697 the previous year! Thus my estimation falls far short of the actual figures,

Just this week there has been an outcry for corporal punishment to be abolished in England and N. Ireland. It is based on cases of domestic abuse, (which can never be tolerated), and upon reports by so-called "experts" telling us of the dire consequences arising from discipline used in the home. Experts who appear to be able to read minds, assess situations of which they do not have the full details, and dwell on cases of child cruelty to the entire disregard of any other form of evidence.

I totally abhor cruelty to children, adults, and even animals. I endured cruelty for many years as a child and so I feel entitled to question this alarming view that will further diminish any kind of obedience, politeness, and respect in the home, at school, on the streets, and in the workplace. 

But this is yet another example of the flagrant rejection of the clear teaching of the Holy Scriptures and of that is which is an immutable command from God.

Anyone who has no hidden agenda, and has an open mind, cannot gainsay the indisputable evidence of the dreadful lack of discipline in all walks of life in this Land, and indeed throughout the world.

Thus saith the Lord: "Whoso sheddethy man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man." Genesis 9:6. This verse carries us back to the Creation, and obviously pre-dates the Law. It remains a divine command, it has never been abrogated.

"Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth"

 I wonder how often believers notice how the unregenerate in this scene misquote and misinterpret the Word of God. It can only be so for the Wicked One has blinded the minds of those who believe not.

My sadness is that there is no opportunity to reprove such pernicious and deceitful misrepresentation of the Biblical truth.

A prime example of this "activity" is the partial misquotation of the above phrase found four times over in the Word.

"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth;" used by the world in general to convey brutal acts of unjustified vengeance; while it is a divine principle, the means of preventing excessive retribution, a word, a measure of mercy thus demanded by the "Father of all mercies." The simple concept is "thus far and no further."                                                                                                                        See Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21; Matthew 5:38.                                                                                                                       

Believers in this dispensation understand how immensely different is the exhortation for them today; in essence "love your enemies; seek to emulate your Saviour, "Who when He was reviled, reviled not again, when He suffered He threatened not, but gave Himself over into the hands of Him who judges righteously." Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 2:23.

Thoughts as to the Believer and Politics. 

I will begin by announcing my stand on this isuue so that you will be able to conclude your reading as early as you would wish.

I have nothing to do with politics in any shape or form. I have never voted in any election whatsoever, and I never intend so to do.

Without looking for help from anyone, not even those godly servants of Christ in an earlier century, those who have "fallen asleep in Jesus;" but wholly trusting that the Holy Spirit of God Himself will act as my Divine Instructor, I pen this for your prayerful consideration.

The U.K. has just engaged in a General Election; and in man's wisdom, but permitted by our God, they have elected an avowed atheist to the highest position in the Land. Before I outline my position before the Lord, I would ask believers who have cast their vote, are you not responsible in any way, guilty of what has taken place? An atheist in power in our nation that once purported to have based its laws and judicial dealings upon the Word of God! 

Now dear brethren and sisters in Christ, did you seek His face that He might guide you? Did you receive any guidance? I believe the answer can only be "I did not!" Why do I dare make such a bold declaration? Because we have a man who denies the very existence of God, and therefore is "without Christ" now occupying that first position. And furthermore why did not EVERY believer vote in uniformity? I heard a snippet of a little discussion among Brethren which grieved me, for they were taken up with the "tomorrow" and in total disagreement about which "Party" to vote for in the Election. How is that possible?

Now to my thoughts as to the Biblical stance I have taken, thankfully along with countless others of the Lord's people, I verily believe.

Now Brethren what is our "standing" in relationship with the world? We are "Saints by calling," or literally "called saints;" we are never called to aspire to sainthood, we are not exhorted to become saints, we are saints, each of us, and all of us! And what does this imply if it is not personal SEPARATION? it is consecration; and its derivatives imnclude, "chaste, clean, pure, innocent, blameless, holy." It is reminiscent of the Nazarite-character of Numbers 6.       Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; See 2 Corinthians 1:1, 13:13; Ephesians 1:12; Colossians 1:4. 

We are "Strangers and Pilgrims," in this world. We are not "at home," and we are only "passing through." A "stranger" in Scripture is simply a guest,  but as to the force of the word, "an alien resident," or a "by-dweller;" A "Pilgrim" has even more emphasis on our "strangerhood" here in this scene; we are said to be "an alien alongside." Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11. 

Indeed, our "conversation is in heaven;" A.V. That word "conversation" is  translated differently in other Versions of the Word of God. "Citizenship," "manner of life," are but two examples. The word in the original is "POLITEUMA," i am using the transliteration for those of us who know little or nothing of the N.T. Greek language. But you only need to look at the word to see that it has reference to our English word "politics." As far as I am aware, you are not permitted to vote in another Nation's elections. Philippians 3:20.

Furthermore we are "Ambassadors for Christ," as was the Apostle Paul, although he was an "ambassador in bonds." Thus, we are in the world as Ambassadors, by implication to "act as a representative;" figuratively "a member of a celestial council;" and figuratively a "preacher."                            2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20.

We need to remind our hearts that we are IN the world but we are not OF it! Listen to the words of the Master, the only begotten Son speaking to the Father: "I have given them Thy word," the Word of God in testimony, "and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world." "I do not demand that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them out of the evil. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world." John 17:14-16.

I conclude that we have no warrant in the Word of God to engage in politics, just the aboslute opposite. Indeed our only responsibility "politically if you will, is to pray for "all that are in authority" over us;" those granted derived authority. 1 Timothy 2:1,2.

Finally Brethren, "The powers that be are ordained (appointed) by God;" In awe-ful reverence I exhort you to "leave it with Him." 

The responsibility for all that I have written in this "Post" lies only with me. I do not pretend to speak on behalf of "Brethren, commonly so called," nor on behalf of the Assembly with which I am peresently identified, nor any other Assembly.

Tom Wyatt Gathered unto the name of our Lord Jesus Christ with the saints at Corsham Wiltshire U.K.

Email: tw007q5184@blueyonder.co.uk

   

Adam Wyatt (Health Update) 

Dear brethren and sisters in Christ

Back on Tuesday 18th June I was privileged to conduct a Funeral Service for a beloved brother in Christ who had been "called home" after a short but very serious illness. 

After the Funeral Service many of the saints came to enquire about my only son, Adam. These wonderfully faithful believers had continued to pray for Adam long after my last update posted on "Blogger." It was truly amazing to realise the constantcy of the love of the Lord's people for my wife Bernice, for myself, and particularly for  our severely disabled son Adam.

Adam suffered a rare Spinal Stroke back in April 2015 when only 27 yeras old. It resulted in total paralysis from his neck down. He remained quadraplegic for some months, until by God's grace, and in answer to fervent prayer, Adam slowly regained his right hand side. At the end of almost two years he was discharged from hospital still paraplegic. His paralysis prevents him from standing, dressing and washing himself, feeding himself until his food has been cut up. He cannot get in or out of bed, and can only sit in a wheelchair. He has no bladder or bowel control, the nerves have been damaged throughout his body. To move from bed to owheelchait, from wheelchair to car, is taxing for him as he needs to use a "sliding board" with help from someone else. He cannot discern temperature, has weakened immunity, and very feeble cough and sneeze reflexes. I mention all these things  because generally speaking very few people are eaware of the numerous attendant difficulties associated with paralysis.

Please forgive the lengthy nature of the above information; I must turn to the present and tell you of recent events.

Adam has kidney stones, and has undergone five operations prior to the latest one. On each occasion he has developd sepsis after the procedure, and miraculously (i9n the infinite mercy of God), survived each time. The last time he suffered anaphylactic shock and was rushed to the Resusitation Unit in haste.They asked him for permission to do whatever was necessary to save his life. he readily concurred, but the rapidity with which they treated him alleviated any furthe action. We are so in awe of the tenderness and compassion of our Saviour in His undertaking and overruling for us all. 

On Friday June 21st Adam had his latest operation to remove kidney stone fragments, along with the intention of removing the stent he has either side of the kidney area. The operation was a partial success, and he was told that a final operation would be needed in six weeks time. He was dischatged the same day, Friday, at around 7.00pm.

Early the next morning he was in excrutiating pain and manifesting symptons of sepsis yet again. An ambulance was called and arrived within six minutes! Paramedics adminstered morphine, and treated his raging temperature, low blood pressure and racing heart rate.

Bernice and I visited him every day for six to eight hours. He was treated with three different antibiotics by I.V. One antibiotic was said to be the most powwerful ever developed! With paracetamol and morphine both hadministerd by I.V. Adam responded well. He was finally dischrged on Lord's Day 30th June. He has remained well up to this moment in time. Nevertheless he has to undergo a further operation in five weeks time, if the Lord will. It will be exactly the same procedure, but should be the final operation in the mercy of our blessed and good "God whom we adore."

How we have appreciated the on-going prayers of the saints, the answers to which have sustained us in the unfailing grace, and uninterrupted love of our precious Lord and Saviour.

Please, please accept our reciprocal love to you all in Him. Please contimue to pray for us, we know that you will!

Yours because we all are HIS! 

Tom Wyatt 

Gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus with teh saints at Corsham Wiltshire U.K.

Climate Change? A Believer's Personal Verdict

Printed below is the title and a short introduction provided by the author, along wit the support of the publisher. After those two paragraphs are some of my personal thoughts.

I must immediately acknowledge that I have not read the book, but sufficient information has been granted in the accompanying statements for me to form an intelligent opinion based on my understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the Scriptures of truth.  

Global Warming - The Christian and Climate Change
According to the Bible, bigger changes to planet Earth are certain in the future, but that is not the reason for Christians to ignore the present implications of climate change and adopt a careless and extravagant lifestyle. We can show others that we care, including willing acceptance of government regulations to protect the environment.

In this helpful guide, Bert Cargill carefully outlines evidences of global warming and climate change, explaining some of the science behind it, and indicates ways in which we can help during our time on earth before our Lord Jesus comes again. 

First of all we are required to accept a theory as factual. This hypothesis has many adherents as those who hold with the Theory of Evolution; I refer to the "Scientists" and their brand of science, as the "experts" in this field. (I know with absolute certainty that the godly Author would view evolution as abhorrent as I do.) But many of these Scientist are advocates of this heinous and blasphemous theory.

Even true scientific facts are thoroughly eclipsed by faith, faith in the Word of God; faith which takes us into things infinite and eternal, and grants to us the divine ministry of the Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of truth," and brings us into intimate fellowship with the Father and the Son.

I know of no teaching in the Word of God regarding "global warming," or "climate change" in this dispensation. And I would not use those terms in connection with the Millenial earth or the ushering in of the eternal state.

It is clear to me that only two things are resposible for awful catastrophies on this earth, whether violent storms of every description, landslides, mudslides, volcanoes and earthquakes etc. namely man's sin and God's providential judgements! Please particularly think on the precious implications of the judgements being providential; what mercy!

  I would draw your attention to this sentence: "We can show others that we care, including willing acceptance of government regulations to protect the environment." And my reply to it is simple. Where in the Word of God are we instructed to make this world a better place? Puny, unbelieving man with all his so-called wisdom and power is totally helpless in the face of the elements; and belivers are left here to serve the Lord, "making disciples of all nations;" edifying, comforting and exhorting believers; and above even service for the Master, engaging in the sweetest worship of the Son of God's love. Using our time, abilities, energies and commitments to aught else is a distraction and a deflection from expressing in this scene, our love for the Lord Jesus.

Furthermore, we need to discern whether the "government regulations" are contrary t othe mind of God. These same politicians passed  legislation  (proven unlawful) during the Covid pandemic.The State dictated to the Assemblies what action they should take; since when has the derived authority of man been permitted to overrule the inherent power of God? The Assemblies were crippled by their unsriptural actions, and have never recovered; many of the saints have never returned to Assembly fellowship, and many an Assembly testimony was brought to nought.

Many of the proponents of "climate change" and other organisations hold illegal demonstrations, vandalise property and interrupt events which people have paid to see and enjoy. I should not like to be identified with these in the least!

Finally, why has our wonderful Creator-God provided us with coal, oil, gas and countless other beneficial "rich seams" only for us in awful thanklessness to brand these blessings as "pollutent" and call for the cessation of their use?

"Giving thanks at all times for all things to Him who is God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20.                                                                                                 "In everything give, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you."  1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

Just a little aside: In the U.K. we have recycling crews who collect our recycled waste, crefully sorted, once a week. The waste does not remain separated in many cases, which comletely defeats the objective! But worse of all, and I have experienced this times without number, as they traverse their route they stop the lorry anywhere they feel like it. Blocking roads for as long as a quarter of an hour. It produces a tail-back of vehicles pumping out their emissions, and rendering all efforts to "save the planet" utterly futile! Only yesterday as we approached the hospital, there they were blocking the road in both directions while we with many others were trying to reach teh hospital and two emergency vehicles, ambulances with flashing lights lights and screaming sirens were forced to wait as the "Recyclers" continued their collection at no increased pace. There was ample space further on where they could have left the pathway clear; but they would have had to walk a few yards more! This is just one indication of the futility of man to make the most insignificant difference to the environment.

Tom Wyatt

Gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus with the saints at Corsham Wiltshire U.K.

Email: tw007q5184@blueyonder.co.uk

Everything expressed here is my own personal understanding only.

"The Association Between Our Dates of Birth and Death"

Frequently one or more ridiculous hypotheses are bandied about. Almost as often an hypothesis becomes an undeniable fact as its nonesensical nature is unfolded. A veritable hoch-potch of pseudo-scientific claptrap is its crumbling foundation. 

The latest example to come to light is the one quoted at the top of this "post." "The Association Between our Dates ofBirth and Death." Surveys undertaken by individuals and collectives from America, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Switzerland. In order to have a semblance of a chance to understand its implications, it is necessary to have a spectacular knowledge of "scientific" terms, and a formidable grasp of the English language. I lay no claim whatsoever to either!

As with every false hypothesis it has needed to be investigated, altered, and added to constantly. This particular study appeared in the ambitiously entitled "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health" (1987).

Its two principle idealogies are labelled, "death postponement" meaning exactly what it implies; and "birthday blues," said to be "a stressful event provoking a rise in mortality."  

Further studies were carried out in 2001, 2012, and 2018. As far as I can gather they all disagreed in a number of key elements, in their fatally flawed efforts to no doubt undermine the truth as revealed in the Scriptures.

They all refer to numerous persons of fame, fortune and academic prowess. They used an interminable amount of time, and expended massive fortunes, to no satisfactory conclusion, nor solution in their understanding of death. 

What a terrible waste of time and resources when these supposedly erudite men and women could be engaged in something that would be of universal benefit.

The Word of God states unequivocally that, "The soul that sinneth it shall die;" "The wages of sin is death;" "It is appointed unto men once to die and after this Judgement." That "appointment" cannot be postponed or cancelled! It is inevitable for the Word of God cannot be broken.  

Ezekiel 18:4,20; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27; John 10:35.