Oneness of Heart and Soul

ONENESS OF HEART AND SOUL

Just a moment ago I came out from the "sanctuary" where I had been enjoying the good Word of God. One of my "readings" was in Acts 4, reminiscent as it appeared to me, of the close up of the second chapter.

I quote: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and substance, and distributed them to all, according as any one might have need." Acts 2:44 & 45.

"And the heart and soul [both singular!] of the multitude of those that had believed were one, and not one said that anything of what he possessed was his own, but all things were common to them; and with great power did the apostles give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there any one in want among them! [my punctuation] for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling them, brought the price of what was sold and laid it at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to each according as any one might have need." Acts 4:32-35.

A very godly saint commented thus: "Without pretending to return to this happy beginning, let us strive to put into effect the spirit of it in laying aside our selfishness and in seizing every opportunity to sacrifice ourselves for our brethren."

I fully appreciate what he is saying, and I do not wish to denigrate him in any way.

By why should it be a pretence? Do we not long for halcyon days, days of "heaven on earth?" Is our spiritual bankruptcy and low condition of heart and soul attributable in some degree to our failure to "return to that happy beginning?"

Ah, brethren, do we think it is impractical, impossible or just too imposing upon us now? If so is this not a reflection upon our poverty-stricken appreciation of our God and His only-begotten Son?

Finally, were the blessings enjoyed then the response of heaven, and commensurate with the display of their oneness of heart and soul! 



The Hid Treasure

The Treasure Hid in a Field

Matthew 13:44.

A few weeks ago a well-taught brother took responsibility for a Gospel Service and preached very acceptably on the "Parable of the Pearl," Matthew 13:45&46. As an aside he suggested that the "Treasure" in the preceding parable was Israel. Realising that this interpretation is "held" by many of my fellow brethren, I mused upon it again; I had never been comfortable with, or convinced by, this particular view.

While I am able to see merit in the suggestion, I personally feel there are sufficient short-comings in such an interpretation. Nevertheless I would never dare to be dogmatic, but would just like to present some difficulties, as I, and only I, see things. I am not speaking on behalf of anyone else, the responsibility for my judgement rests with me.

Accepting unequivocally that the "Pearl" represents the Church [Assembly] the sum of the saints of this present dispensation, from Pentecost to the Rapture, what then does the "Treasure" set forth?

If we answer "Israel," as did my esteemed brother in Christ, where then are the saints found who lived prior to the commencement of that nation? Adam, Abel, Noah for example, and all the others antecedent to Abraham. They were neither of Israel, nor of the Church! Furthermore, where are the saints who will be alive after the rapture and during the Millennial reign of Christ, to be found, as they too are in neither companies of the redeemed, of Israel, or the Church? And thirdly, where are those who are "sheltered" by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ in this dispensation; Those who are unable to avail themselves of Gospel blessings as not responsible due to tender age, i.e. those who died in infancy, or live without sufficient faculty to believe, and are thus not in the Church as not "having received the Spirit on believing?" Acts 19:2.

If these three "companies" are not included in the "Treasure" then is not Christ "robbed" of some for whom He sold all that He had in order to purchase them? It was the same infinite cost to Him to redeem EVERY believing one in every dispensation!
The "Treasure" then must be ALL the companies of the redeemed!

Political Parties

Political Parties

It seemed appropriate to me to copy an address so pertinent to these times of political unrest and the habit of some saints lending their time and support to the "parties" involved.

J.N. Darby wrote thus, "I need hardly assure you that I have no desire that they (saints) should meddle in politics; I do not so myself, nor do I think that a Christian ought. He believes that God governs, and governs with a view to the glory of Christ, and that He will infallibly bring about His purpose.

                                                                                      Parties are all alike to me; they are all alike guilty, and have all alike had their part in what is going on ... We must remember that politicians have no idea of principles, but only of existing influences to which they must be subject ... I take no side with any party-- I distrust them all...

                                                                                      God holds all the reins or loosens them. The Christian may walk in peace through it all, waiting for Gods' Son from heaven, and keeping the word of His patience; yea, having a specially blessed place of testimony in the midst of it, but a lowly one, content to be nothing in the world which has rejected Christ, and is ripening for His judgment. Their part is to keep His word and not deny His name." 

I trust that these words from one who ever championed the truths found in the Word of God, and with such faithfulness and energy, may be acceptable to any who read them. For the glory of our soon-coming "God and Saviour" the Lord Jesus Christ.



Edit Regarding "Referendum" Post

Edit regarding "Referendum" post.

If you have already read my Post entitled "Referendum," I would ask you to reread it as some of the lines were "displaced" and gave little sense, I fear!

Forgive the failing of an old saint, please!

G.V. Wigram --Psalms

G.V. Wigram--Psalms 

Many of my fellow brethren will be familiar with the name of George Vicesimus Wigram 1805-1879. He was one of the earliest "brethren" who gathered to the Name of the Lord Jesus with the saints in Plymouth U.K. He appears to have financed the production and printing of the "Englishmans' Greek and English Concordance to the New Testament" in 1839and in 1843 its' corresponding volume entitled the " Englishmans' Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance to the Old Testament." Both have proved invaluable to the scholarly believer.

G.V.W. also penned among many other very helpful works, "A Study of the Psalms." This is very well known too, I believe. But yesterday I discovered his "Translation of the Psalms," I have no idea how I have overlooked it in the past! Having just read one Psalm I already value you it greatly.

It is found in his "Memorials" volume 2, the second part, Critical. I have managed to purchase a second-hand copy, but I know "it" can be found on the Stem website. Please avail yourselves of it and feel free to comment.

I do hope and pray that this may be of benefit to some of the Lords' people seeking such help. 

Referendum

REFERENDUM

An exercise of heart caused me to telephone a brother to enquire as to how his wife was feeling having undergone an operation and therapy for cancer. I have know him for over 45 years and assisted him in open-air preaching, distributing tracts etc. for many of those years.

Having heard directly from his wife I was able to speak with him too. We talked about a number of spiritual things and our current service for the Lord and our experiencing fellowship with the saints.

Suddenly and unexpectedly he asked me regarding my "vote" in the imminent referendum. He has always liked being humorous and I really thought he  was jesting. But he was absolutely serious and I was astonished. He had "always voted," and his experience among "Brethren" had influenced his decision as they taught it to be "their democratic right," and the vast majority of them voted!

I am fully aware that teaching regarding these things is almost unheard of today, but I can barely take in the thought of previous generations teaching such blatant error!

Can any "brother" provide information as to this practice? Was it generally "received" that dabbling in the politics of men was not only a Right," but a duty for the Lords' heavenly people?

Endeavouring to "prevent" what may "appear" to be in the prophetic Word, no matter how persuasive or plausible this argument may seem, is contrary to the Scriptures and thus the mind of God!

We are exhorted to pray for those in authority over us, remembering that the powers that be are ordained of God! We must realise that His will MUST be done, and He needs no help from us to accomplish it! 

Once again I am distraught at the ignorance of professing believers, both in the denominations and the Assemblies, alike. And frustrated that teaching on these things is non-existent or wilfully ignored or rejected.

It nevertheless quietens my fears, and banishes my disappointments, to know that God rules in the Kingdoms and affairs of men; He is STILL on the Throne!



Mercy

MERCY

Mercy, or loving-kindness, appear to be entwined together and all Gods' believing people will have experienced and enjoyed this precious attribute of a Saviour-God.

I simply want to testify concerning His mercy toward me. Having come under chastisement as a son, I cried out to Him taking up something of the sentiments of Hezekiah when he knew he was to die.

I too stood on the brink of eternity, eleven years ago today! My Consultant had described my condition as a "walking time-bomb!" I desperately needed a triple heart-bypass operation. A terrifying prospect, I cast myself upon the mercy of my God and implored Him for the sake of the Name of His lovely Son that He would bring me safely through the procedure. HE DID!

I have enjoyed quite good health ever since, and not a single pain or complication connected with my previous condition. Not only have these precious blessings been vouchsafed to me, but He has helped me to view more fully, all things in the light of eternity, to see them somewhat as He does; and He has permitted me to serve Him, though falteringly, ever since.

"For Thy mercy (loving-kindness) is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds;" "For great is Thy mercy (loving-kindness) toward me;" 

"Mercy glories over judgement;" "Ye have....seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is full of tender compassion (tender mercy) and pitiful."

Psalm 57:10 & Psalm 86:13; James 2:13; 5:11.

I allow the Scriptures of truth, Old and New Testaments alike, to speak for themselves, and thereby for Him!