International Tract Distribution Day (2018)

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY (2018)

Wednesday 18th April

Dear brethren and sisters in Christ

Just a brief and gentle reminder about this years' International Tract Distribution Day. If the Lord will, we purpose to "nominate" the 18th APRIL as we did last year according to His gracious help. The response last year was absolutely magnificent and humbling. We realise that it is the most simple "exercise" while believing it can be used by the Holy Spirit to great effect in glorifying the Son of Gods' love.

We simply ask, beg, even entreat every believer who is physically able, throughout the whole world, to distribute at least ONE gospel tract, leaflet, booklet, magazine or portion of the Word of God, on that Wednesday; so that a tremendous volume of written testimony to the saving grace of God may saturate the entire world which is still, despite its wickedness, "so loved" by our compassionate God.

Whether you are able to participate or not, beloved of the Lord, we covet your prayers for the glory of out lovely Saviour, and for much "fruit of the travail of His soul" thereby bringing Him to be joyfully "satisfied."

In anticipation of your faithful help in this lowly exercise for Him, I would thank you from my heart and state with total conviction, He will recompense each of us, immeasurably!

Finally, dear brethren and sisters in Christ, I would earnestly seek your prayers for my son Adam. Adam remains tetraplegic, completely paralysed down his left side, and with many accompanying consequences. My wife Bernice and myself, with our other three children are a little fearful for the 19th April, if the Lord will. That day, should it dawn for us, will be the third "anniversary" of the day Adam was cruelly struck down by a spinal stroke. Please pray for him especially on that day that he may be kept from dwelling overmuch on what happened to him, and that he might have peace and tranquillity of heart and mind. Thank you!

Adam has been GREATLY blessed by the Lord in the significant healing he has received, and we believe that the Divine Physician will yet complete His healing process. 

Bless you all for permitting me to ask for your fellowship in these things. Every blessing.

In Him, Tom.

TOM WYATT

Gathering to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, with the saints at Pensford Gospel Hall, Bristol. U.K.



The Second Death

THE SECOND DEATH

How remarkable it is that the Word of God as applied by the Author, the Holy Spirit, is able to confirm every line of truth and that with superlative simplicity.

In my "devotional time" this morning, one of my readings was found in the precious book of The Revelation. The very first verse of the book declares it to be nothing less than "Revelation of Jesus Christ!"  My meditation was upon chapter 20 verses 7-15.  

Immediately I was gripped again by a simple statement in the Word, that destroyed in a moment one of the most heinous fabrications of the mind of men.

"This is the second death!" Physical death cannot be the cessation of being, however much men would have it to be so. If we peddle this devilish delusion we deny the veracity of the Scriptures and make out God to be a liar!

Oh, for the simplicity which is in Christ, and for hearts quickly instructed by the imperishable Word of God.



International Tract Distribution Day (2)

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY

Wednesday 18th April 2018

Brethren and sisters in Christ

If it should please the Lord, we have nominated the above date as the International Tract Distribution Day for 2018. last year was our first exercise for such a humble, simple and yet precious service for the Lord Jesus. it entailed requesting as many believers as possible to distribute a single tract on that designated day. Not limiting it to just ONE tract, Gospel portion, magazine etc. of course, but happy if that was all that some saints could manage. The intention was to saturate the whole earth with the message of Gods' Gospel of grace on that particular day, bringing untold glory to the Lord Jesus and absolute misery to the one who holds sway over the hearts of so many in this "vale of tears."

last year the response was overwhelming, and we received such uplifting feedback from many places in the world! How we long for similar results, though aware we will not know all that transpired for His glory then until the dawn of eternity. So dear brethren and sisters let us seize every favourable moment in time to serve our lovely Saviour whilst we await His coming.

If you feel a response in your own heart, please tell others, please announce it in your Assemblies, and prat earnestly that all will redound to and for His glory alone.

All we have asked from you, and await anticipatively, is of course if He will.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Sincere love and affection in Christ,  Tom.

TOM WYATT

BRISTOL  U.K.

Gathering to the Lords' Name with the saints at Pensford Gospel Hall, Bristol, U.K.



Our Portion for the Lord

Our "Portion" for the Lord

The inclement weather that we have suffered in the last few days here in the U.K. has had dire effects upon our lives; disproportionately so!!

My disabled son was not able to receive his absolutely necessary visits from his Carers; the amount of effort that they were prepared to make was NIL! But they expected us (his family) to substitute for them on a daily basis without any of the training they have received. We did of course do all that we could to ensure his personal safety and quality of life; but  what a sad reflection on the world generally. My son is not able to "take a few days off" from his paralysis; and furthermore we travelled to visit and help him further than the Carers would have had to travel! Two inches of snow and the entire U.K. grinds to a halt. I imagine any of the saints reading this who live in other parts of the world will be astounded.

But what is as heart-breaking for me, is the lack of effort put forth by the Lords' people, those particularly who enjoy Assembly fellowship, in continuing to gather to His Name under these conditions; I realise it is uncomfortable, but could not alternative arrangements be made, e.g. meeting at a different venue, one more accessible; perhaps a home of one of the brethren in the particular Assembly? Or do we feel that there is something "special" about the Gospel Hall building? I do so hope not!

My wife and I felt the need to remember the Lord Jesus in His death for us in answer to His loving, longing invitation. We "broke bread" together in the home ,with no other believer present, but assured that the Lord Jesus was "in the midst." I know some if not many will take exception to this practice, but I am more conscious of failing to render to Him, the One Who loved me even unto death, His rightful portion. I verily longed for a portion from Him, and He faithfully granted it and made me to know His help in "calling Him to mind."

I fear that our lovely Saviour-Redeemer was "robbed" of much that His heart desired from His own during this Lords' Day. But I trust too that many brought their "baskets full" to refresh and rejoice His heart in this dark vale of tears. 

Good News--Thrice Over!

Good News -- Thrice Over.

In the last few days three items of good news have come to my attention and given me, and doubtless other saints too, such encouragement. It is pleasing to be thus spiritual heartened in days seemingly so sad, grief-filled and often really darksome. But this well may cheer every believer with a longing for realised blessing amidst the gloom.

My humble ministry is mainly confined to the South West of England and South Wales, and it is within these bounds I have learned of these things. In an Assembly in Somerset two newly arrived believers, one a young lady the other a young man, have both asked for baptism and will obey the Word in submitting to baptism next Lords' Day! The young lady is a restored backslider; while the young man exhibits a heart for evangelism and has been assisting brethren in open air preaching. 

In a "small" Assembly in Gloucestershire, I mean of course where very few are "in fellowship," the Hall having been closed for an entire year, the saints have determined with the Lords' help and in accord with His will, to re-open and continue a testimony for Him in that locality. There is no other Assembly witness or even "evangelical" denominations for many miles around; another important reason for rejoicing under such circumstances.

Finally, an Assembly in Wiltshire has just received a believing couple into their fellowship, already appreciating the brothers contribution in gathering to call to mind our blessed Saviour in the Breaking of Bread meeting.

These precious instances of Gods' grace thrill my heart, as there seems to be so little to excite it over a good number of years. Some of you dear saints may feel these things to be of little account as you enjoy more largeness of blessing in your native country; but the U.K. is generally so apathetic about spiritual things and our law-makers have made things increasingly difficult. "Political correctness" and "Safety Regulations" have spiralled at almost blinding speed, and can hamper so many endeavours and efforts for the furtherance of the Gospel and the Word of God generally. You need to experience it first-hand to appreciate what I am saying! But nevertheless, our God is still Sovereign and rules in the Kingdoms and affairs of men! 

I still believe it to be my obligation to be subject to the authorities appointed by God, as it is clearly taught in the New Testament; e.g. Romans 13:1; but where such legislation is in definite conflict with that Word, I "must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29.

Abraham Lincolns' Devotional

(Abraham) Lincolns' Devotional

I have just received a copy of a little "vest-pocket" book entitled "Lincolns' Devotional," with an introduction by Carl Sandburg. This "Devotional" published in 1852 was "The Believers' Daily Treasure; bearing the sub-title "Texts of Scripture, arranged for every day in the year." Overall the introduction is a little disappointing, as I expected much more detail about Lincoln himself. What is recorded of him amounts to just 10 or 11 small pages, while the information in respect of Lincolns' faith is scant, with few facts supplemented by conjecture.

My personal judgment regarding Lincolns' belief, purely based on this brief outline was of a  "good" man in the sense of Romans 5:7, nevertheless without appreciation of the Son, as every one of his recorded utterances where in relation to the Father. I would be apprehensive to form any real opinion as to whether Lincoln was really "born anew," if this was the only "evidence" of his faith available to us.

But a number of years ago I learnt of a letter signed by the President in connection with his desire to be baptised as a public confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter was written by him on April 13, 1865, and the baptism was scheduled for the following Lords' Day, April 18.

On April 14, just one day after Lincoln had professed faith in Christ in that written form, he was assassinated. How wondrous is the grace and loving-kindness of our God, preserving Abraham Lincoln from an eternity of loss!

Another "Home-Call"

Another "Home-Call"

Just a little over a week ago I learnt of the Home-Call of another dear saint of God. I feel disposed to just render to his memory a little appreciation.

I met Jacob ("Jake") Andrews on just eight occasions. Each time when I had the privilege in preaching the Gospel at the Gospel hall in Nantgarw in South Wales, U.K.

If ever there was a saint who revelled in hearing the "preaching" it was Jake! He graciously and forcefully "supported" the speaker with constant interjections of "amen." Whenever he "opened up" the meeting for the visiting speaker, he punctuated many lines of the hymns to be sung with fervent affirmations of the truths expressed, repeating in a reverential tone "yes" as it took hold of his heart.

No doubt some brethren found him a little to unabashed and unashamed in adding his little "aside," but I found it to be so precious and knew he was uph9olding me before the "Throne."

After I had met Jake but a couple of times, I expressed this sentiment, and repeat it here unequivocally, "Every Assembly should have a least one Jake!" He is now in the enjoyed presence of the One he loved, and I am sure there is a constant beaming smile, even more apparent than when he was in the body.

It grieves me that he has "departed," but thrills me that for him it is "very far better."

May it please the Lord to raise up more "Jakes" in the Assemblies of His believing people, for His Names' sake and glory.