The Real Presence and the Royal Priesthood

THE REAL PRESENCE and THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

I have almost finished reading this book in basically "one sitting!" I have been in possession of it for years, but only "discovered" it a few days ago. It is amazing, instructive and radiates the power of the Holy Spirit in its grasp of these indivisible truths!

If it is possible I would love to purchase a better copy, mine is falling apart! That aside, I would thoroughly recommend it to every believer presently in Assembly fellowship, and any who may be contemplating returning to the "fold."I fear copies well may be rare.

The author is unknown to me, but I am at pains to discover who did write this dynamic (I mean it in the language of Scripture) treatise on these precious privileges that we possess as saints. His pseudonym is "hiereus." If any of my brethren and sisters in Christ could advise me as to the author I would be indebted to them considerably.

"Maranatha," the Lord cometh, may this be our watchword!

The Lord Has Led Us In!

THE LORD HAS LED US IN!

In answer to perseverance in prayer as to the guidance of the Lord in our present difficult circumstances, He has yet again proved faithful! How gracious He is to all, but "specially those who believe," His believing people.

We were really concerned that we would be unable to "break bread" in fellowship with a called out company of saints, even on the coming Lords' Day D.V. But He has "led us in," as clearly as He led us out!

For any and all who lovingly upheld us before the Throne of Grace, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for their love to us in Him. We are assured that He will recompense you each and all.

I may be enabled to furnish you with more details as time moved on in His will, and I certainly will if I know that He would have me so to do.

Our prayers continue for the whole household of faith as well as many individual believers and Assemblies of the Lords' people laid upon our hearts; indeed we pray for everyone who loves our Lord Jesus in sincerity; may God grant that you are numbered among such, for His glory! 

Withdrawal from Local Assembly

WITHDRAWAL FROM ASSEMBLY

I regret to say my wife and I have felt compelled to "withdraw" form our "local" Assembly. For some years we have been distressed and burdened by the evolving character of the "meeting." There has been a moving away from N.T. Church Principles, (as we understand them), to an ever growing attitude of "accommodating" almost anything, (presumably) with a view to "peace at any price."
We have made our dilemma a matter of constant prayer that we might know the will of the Lord and His clear directing. I have asked Him, humbly, over many months to "lead me out and lead me in," if it is His purpose, for His glory.
I exhort my fellow brethren and sisters in Christ, to exercise real discernment. It is apparent today that "love," so called, must make allowances for almost anything. But be warned, Accommodation will lead to Degeneration! "For narrow (how narrow) the gate and straitened the way." Matthew 7:14.
In my experience over a half century "in fellowship" with those commonly called Brethren," it has become ever more clear that many Assemblies I dominated by one or more men (and women), who possess a forceful character and attitude. Often the rest of the saints will "back down," and leave them a free hand, consoling themselves that not confronting the issue is "gracious." Grace and truth subsist together in Christ, you cannot have the one at the expense of the other.
I have little knowledge of the "state" of Assembly testimony much further afield than this S. Western part of England and S. Wales. But many of the Assemblies I know of in this area are "dying on their feet," both numerically and spiritually as the "gate" is opened ever wider!
I was informed only yesterday, that a particular Assembly had "received" a brother into Assembly fellowship. I am not sure how quickly he acted, but certainly he acted decisively, in "compelling" the company to desist from reading the Version of the Scriptures read publically there, and revert to the modern version of his preference! They all "accommodated" him except for one brother who withdrew! This is not an isolated case of "new" believers "infiltrating" unsuspecting, loose or wide Assemblies and causing confusion and division.
We are in desperate need of brethren who will stand up and be counted, to keep His Word and not deny His Name. We need to pray that we will not allow the fear of men, even our brethren, to cause us to move away from the truth that is "in Christ."
There are worse cases of "accommodation leading to Degeneration" of which I am aware; one Assembly even permitting a couple living in an adulterous relationship, to not only be "received," but to allow the brother to take a prominent part in the Assembly gatherings!
I will not continue in this vein, surely this is enough to put us on our guard, and to humble us under the mighty hand of God!
  

Answered Prayer

ANSWERED PRAYER.

My daughter Esther who was very ill and giving us concern is much better. She is responding well to her treatment. Her swelling has lessened considerably and she is now able to see, speak and eat normally. No more hospital visits are envisaged, (unless there is deterioration in her condition), but someone has to remain with her at home all the time.

I never cease to be amazed at the compassion and faithfulness of our lovely Saviour! Once again the prayers of His believing people have been answered in a most wonderful way. We are so very thankful toward Him, and so grateful for the prayers of many saints on behalf of Esther. May this encourage each of us to persevere in prayer! Yours because of Calvary.

Active Service Johns' Gospel

ACTIVE SERVICE JOHNS' GOSPEL

The Scripture Gift Mission have produced a facsimile copy of the original edition of the Gospel of John booklet, given to servicemen during the First World War. It has been produced to commemorate the out break of WW. I only heard about this "outreach" resource last night at a Gospel Service. I wish I had known about it sooner, as it is a very topical subject at this time, and may well be accepted by many who otherwise would refuse it. The cost is a little prohibitive for many believers, (£6 per 10 copies), but may well be affordable for Assembly distribution. The first print-run has been exhausted, but a reprint is due imminently. I thoroughly recommend this innovative effort designed to reach the souls of many hell-bound sinners with the Word of God, for our Saviours' satisfaction of soul, and for His glory.


Urgent Prayer Request

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

My youngest daughter, Esther, is at this moment waiting to go to a local A&E Centre. For more than a week she has been suffering with acute swelling of her face and neck. She has seen at least four G.P's and none have been able to diagnose her problem or give her anything to ease the pain or reduce the swellings. Her face is completely disfigured, even grotesque, (such a hard thing to say about my lovely daughter,) and so far she has just got progressively worse. We so covet your prayers for her, and if you are parents please think of her in that light and beseech our great Saviour-God to move out in healing and blessing. Even to know the cause might give us some relief from our terrible concern.

Please pray, entreat earnestly for her. I implore you in His name.

Yours because of Calvary.

Sunday School Reminiscences

SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINISCENCES

Much of my life has been "touched" by Sunday School experiences. When a very young lad from the most ungodly of homes, I was sent to an Assembly Sunday School. My mother, who was almost completely ignorant of what she was doing, did so to enjoy a Sunday afternoon without my presence at home. I was enraptured on the very first occasion I attended. I realised many years later that they made the "Book" live!

I attended Sunday School in another Gospel Hall whilst in an orphanage. It proved to be an oasis in the desert; occasions when I could escape from that awful period of my life.

Years passed, and later as a young married man, my wife and I began our long involvement in Sunday School teaching. We taught classes in a number of Assemblies over a period of many years. For over eight years we "held" Sunday School every Lords' Day in our Council house. Literally hundreds of children and young people attended over the years. A few were definitely saved! Others may well have been saved as well, only when we reach the "Fathers' House" we will know!

During these countless "meetings" we built up a fine and considerable repertoire of hymns and choruses. Whilst we lived in Cardiff in South Wales, we added many more hymns, and particularly choruses to that repertoire.

Musing upon one very simple and sweet chorus, my mind and heart caused me to reminisce on the days long since past. My wife and I often used to sing it, (along with many other choruses,) while we travelled to various places and meetings. I found myself singing it in the silence of my own heart. You will understand when I say I couldn't get it out of my mind. Today, I was expected D.V. to minister the Word of God some 30 miles or so from our home. I got up early to finalise my thoughts with Gods' help, and felt before I sought His presence for His precious undertaking, that I had some lines to write in the same vein as that chorus. I experienced the precious ministry of the Holy Spirit as later I ministered the Word of Go to a few of His beloved saints; He is so faithful; and I began and subsequently finished two verse to append to that chorus.

I readily own that I do not know the author of this lovely chorus, nor can I find it in any the books I possess. I am not even sure if I will be "word perfect! And finally before I "post" the chorus and my feeble addition to it, I believe that the tune comes from a composition by Puccini, although my knowledge of classical music wouldn't cover a postage stamp! Please bear with me!

MY GOD LOVES ME

AND OH! THE WONDER I SEE

A RAINBOW SHINES THROUGH MY WINDOW

FOR GOD LOVES ME.

HE DIED FOR ME

ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY

THAT I MIGHT BE FORGIVEN

ETERNALLY.

HE ROSE FOR ME

THAT I MIGHT JUSTIFIED BE

THE MAN WHO DIED IN MY STEAD

 TO SET ME FREE.

HE COMES FOR ME

AND OH! HIS FACE I SHALL SEE

HIS HANDS AND SIDE STILL BEJEWELLED

BY CALVARY.

Last 2 Verses T.W.2014.

As I stated, very simple, but equally sweet! (I refer of course to the first 2 verses!

But I had to pen the others.

Every blessing.