A Whisper of Truth

A Mere Whisper of Truth as to His Birth.

What perfection and perfections we find in the Gospel accounts. The narrative in each is determined by the writers presentation of the Person of Christ. For He has the pre-eminence in each and all of them, as he must!

In reference to His birth into this scene it is instructive to see this principle regarding the peculiar way in which He is set forth by the individual writer.

The promise of His birth as recorded in Matthew, who presents the Lord Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, is revealed to Joseph, thus establishing His lineage.

While the visit of Gentile Magi is recorded in this same Gospel, though primarily addressed to Jews. The magi worship Him as King!

In Lukes' Gospel account, addressed in the first instance to Gentiles, He is worshipped as the lowly Babe in manhood, for Luke presents Him as Son of Man. The revelation of His birth is here vouchsafed to Mary, as His humanity is traced through her.



Pilgrim Songs

"PILGRIM SONGS"

This is the title of a little volume written by a greatly appreciated Bible teacher of the 19th century, Edward Dennett. It has been a long time out of print and thoroughly deserves to be made available to the Lords' people once again.

The sub-title makes clear the nature of the study; meditations on the Psalms of Ascent. 

The first few addresses proved a little disappointing to me, the exposition seemed to be stating the obvious. But having waited so long for a copy I persevered, and was richly rewarded! The more I read, the more delightsome and sweet the meditations proved.

Edward Dennetts' works are superlative and this is a lovely little addition to my "library."

"Scripture Truth Library" is serving the saints with a precious ministry. Some of their reprints are based upon the electronic text provided by STEM Publishing, another profitable ministry for believers today.

The only minimal criticism is the lack of a careful proof-reader. There are a few mistakes, but so insignificant they cannot detract from the edification with which this little volume of "Meditations" thrills the soul. I commend it unreservedly to the Lords' people.

(I bought my copy from a book distributor "post-free.")  

Partial Rapture: Erroneous

A SIMPLE WORD REGARDING A "PARTIAL-RAPTURE!"

In telephone conversation with a brother last night I was reminded of a 19th/20th Century brother of independent thought. I have a copy of his auto-biography, and I have read it twice. He held a "partial rapture" view, as indicated in his writings on eschatology, as well as in his auto-biographical work.

In very real simplicity I would challenge this highly gifted and much-used servant of the Lord as to this error.

If the Rapture is to be but "partial," there are obvious consequences as a result, such as cannot be reconciled as in accord with the Word and will of God.

Simply reminding ourselves of the various figures used in the N.T. to symbolise the Church (Assembly) will reveal the resultant outcome;-

A DISFIGURED "BRIDE,"

A DEFORMED "BODY,"

A DILAPIDATED "BUILDING."

How would it be possible then for the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly Bridegroom, to present to Himself "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish?"

Ephesians 5:27.

A Personal Disclaimer

A PERSONAL DISCLAIMER

I am exercised to publically disassociate myself from the website connected with my "home" Assembly. Publically because it is in the public domain and accessible for any and all to peruse.

Besides being very unprofessional, with grammatical mistakes and incorrect spellings, (which I am able to "live with,") there are fundamental difficulties.

The website is in the hands of a woman who is an UNBELIEVER! Thus it is evident there MUST be CONFUSION!

The only listed "corresponding brethren" are two SISTERS!

The description of the way in which we gather to the Lords' Name is fraught with error.

Bethany Gospel Hall in Filton, Bristol is the building in which an Assembly (Brethren) has met for many decades. It is the premises used historically, practically and in principle for the gatherings of a local (Brethren) Assembly. Until now it has never been suggested to be otherwise.

The website dilutes this distinction, and may well give the impression that the company meeting there are an "Evangelical Church," whatever that misnomer may convey. (A church is NOT a church if it is not evangelical!)

We continue to refer to "it" as an Assembly in all our conversations, but it is apparent that the majority would rather no one knew that we met as "Brethren commonly-so-called."

Every believer repudiates these titles, but it is deceitful to pretend, even if the reason is the refusal to be viewed as just another  "denomination" in Christendom. This too we refuse ABSOLUTELY, acknowledfing it to be sectarianism.

But I further refuse to relinquish my association with a movement of the Spirit which has furnished us with such a legacy, such a heritage.

I wish to state unequivocally that this "post" is my own PERSONAL" statement and

wholly mine alone. Please understand it to be the exercise of heart of one feeble servant of Christ who wishes to maintain a pristine testimony for our soon-coming Saviour, the lovely Lord Jesus Christ.

Never forget He is the Head, and the Lord, and every Assembly answers to Him alone! 



J.G. Bellett: Short Meditations

J.G.BELLETT

I am currently reading "Short Meditations" by J.G.Bellett. His way of expressing truth is totally unique; I mean, if I compare him with many other "Brethren" writers, even of the same "generation."

He has because of the help afforded him by the Holy Spirit, given me new insights into the Word. His method of teaching by means of his written ministry is precious, especially in his reverential handling even of the most profound of subjects.

It is impossible to convey his personal approach to all things spiritual, heavenly, unseen; he needs to be read if his so-refreshing ministry is to be enjoyed by the Lords' people.

The testimony he bore to the last was most Christ-exalting; his contribution to our heritage is of very real and lasting value.

I commend this "work" to the souls of the saints for edification, exhortation and comfort; in order to be built up, stirred up and cheered up in this "vale of tears."   

WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURE? by C.F. HOGG

What Saith the Scripture?

 

I have just purchased a copy, (secondhand,) of the above book. The condition is somewhat "shy" of the sellers' description! It was nonetheless fairly inexpensive and difficult to obtain in hardback.

Just now I am trying to remember why I decided on buying it. I think I had been reading other ministry by this servant of the Lord, and I must have been impressed. But truthfully I don't know. I have been engaged in reading a number of books at once, probably not the brightest idea!

I must now turn to the purpose for writing  this current "post."

Charles Frederick Hogg was born in 1859 and "called home" in 1943. He was much associated with the Assemblies and laboured in Great Britain, and as a missionary in China for many years. Unfortunately he was connected with one of the better known "Missions." It is not my intention to condemn him, but just to point this out as it may have had some bearing on his teaching. 

I did read a brief biography of him, and learnt something of his legacy to the Lords' people during his life of service, and since in his written ministry preserved to us.  

The book is subtitled "Concerning 200 Questions of Interpretation, Faith and Practice." I readily admit to reading just a few "answers." My immediate and considered judgement was that of surprise; I found it difficult to concur with his replies in a number of cases and that within , as I stated, just a few answers.

Please, if any of you who read my "posts" have any thoughts about this dear man of God and this book in particular, would you aid me by leaving a comment?

 

BAPTISM - WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

BAPTISM WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

This does not purport to be a definitive treatise on the subject of Christian Baptism. it is just a compilation of a few personal thoughts.

I am and have been troubled for some time over the practice of many Assemblies as to the ordinance of Christian Baptism. (Just for your assurance, I do not subscribe to either infant or household baptism, both are contrary to the N.T. Scriptures.)

What does concern me is the commonly held view that an unbaptised believer cannot be "received" into the formal fellowship of an Assembly, and consequently cannot "Break Bread" with a company of the Lords' people.

Such practice indicates that Baptism is the way of entrance into Assembly fellowship, and the essential prerequisite to being permitted to remember the Lord in His death, in His own appointed way, and in answer to the longing of His heart.

Put very simply and briefly, Baptism IS identification with a crucified, buried and risen Saviour; it has to do with discipleship. "Go ye into all the world and make disciples of all nations; baptising them..."

Baptism is NOT the key that unlocks the door into Assembly fellowship. The local Assembly DOES NOT baptise any more than it teaches! The Lords' servants, particularly evangelists baptise. (Teachers and some elders teach.) Indeed baptism has nothing to do with fellowship! 

When asked to defend the practice to which I have referred, almost invariably the answer has been, "a believer who has not been baptised is disobedient." I agree this sounds entirely plausible. But is necessarily the case? Furthermore, if it is so, is this omission of obedience worthy of such magnitude as to require one to be "put away?" This is what it amounts to! Might I also enquire As to what "judgement" is meted out to sisters with short hair; sisters who refuse to wear head coverings; brethren and sisters who "forsake the assembling of ourselves together" and are only present at the Lords' Table? Are these not cases of disobedience? Who of us determines which "disobedience" warrants which particular act of chastisement?

False teaching and immorality are to be dealt with by "putting away;" is the failure to be baptised on a par with these gross sins? I think not.

When one is born anew, born from above, there is the impartation of new life and the introduction of a new nature. Fellowship is enjoyed with the Father and the Son; and in this precious dispensation the babe in Christ becomes a member of His body, the Church. But we determine so much by "LIGHT" when all that is necessary to be received by the saints is "LIFE." We refuse them fellowship while they are enjoying fellowship with Divine Persons! We refuse to allow them a place in the local expression of the Body of Christ when they are already members of the Church universal!

Finally please permit me to use a pertinent personal experience; experience does not begin to vie with the Word of God I readily own, but it can be of help.

When I met my Wife she was in the "denominations." She was poorly taught and I was certainly not a mature believer although in Assembly fellowship. The first Lords' Dy after we were married we went to our local (nearest) Assembly and asked to be received. The brethren were very gracious and on eliciting a confession of faith from us both they welcomed us and we "Broke Bread" with them. (The subject of Baptism was not raised.) The following Lords' Day after the "Remembrance" a dear elderly brother approached me and spoke to me regarding my wifes' uncovered head. I fully agreed with his teaching on this subject and spoke to my wife, as tenderly as he had spoken to me, I hope! That week my wife went out and bought herself a hat and wore it the next week. That lovely man of God came to us and thanked us for our having bowed to the Word of God; so moved was he that he wept in our presence! Imagine how that touched our hearts. My wife had never been Baptised, but for the next few years she was permitted to remember the Lord she loved in His appointed way. Then the moment came when she was exercised as to Baptism, and speedily requested that arrangements might be made for her to identify herself with her Saviour in the waters of Baptism. I was thrilled! Looking back now I wonder what might have been if the saints then had told her she had to be Baptised or she would not be received? I truly shudder to think what consequences may have ensued. Perhaps in these days of such little enlightenment Assemblies of the Lords' people might like to reflect on such a case, it cannot be an isolated one. To be "barred" from remembering the Lord in His death fills me with horror. I cannot imagine the extent of detriment I would experience to my soul.

I know these lines will disturb and perhaps offend not a few; please believe me that is never my intention. But I fear that there are some "out there" that would be identified with us if we were just a little less determined that practices that exist are not NECESSARILY right. Please with an open mind reflect upon these things. Feel absolutely free to comment in any way you desire. I commend you all to God and the Word of His grace.