Fellowship

-another good article from Truth & Tidings on fellowship, just had to share it- :)

We continue a series of articles by our brother Cain dealing with vital assembly truths. These articles are geared for younger believers.

When a young person, who is spiritually growing, comes to his father with the desire to find more about fellowship in the local assembly, he will perhaps use the words, "What does it mean to be in fellowship in the local church?"

We know that we have all been brought into a fellowship, for Paul addressed the believers at Corinth with the words, "God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (l Cor 1:9). This is a fellowship that embraces every believer and from which no believer is excluded. It is this fellowship of which Jude prepared to write, for he "gave all diligence to write of the common salvation," which is literally "the salvation in which we fellowship" or "the salvation which we share." Every believer then fellowships or shares in this so great salvation, and it is indeed the fellowship of God's Son.

If, as is the case, fellowship is a sharing of things that are held in common, then how do we answer the question of our young believer who wants to know the real meaning of being in fellowship in a local assembly? He has asked the question because he wants to follow the example of Acts 2:41-42 where they "continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine, and in the fellowship, and in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers."

To answer the question the father decides to turn to use of the word "fellowship" found in the story of Luke 5:1-11. The father points out that in verse 7 the word "partners" is from the Greek word "metecho" whereas in verse 10, the word "partners" is the word "koinonia" which is translated "fellowship" in Acts 2:42, 1 Cor 1:9, Phil 1:5, 2:1, 3:10,1 John 1:3,6,7 and in a number of other places. (The Strong's #s are 2841-44). Perhaps as we study "the partnership" in this passage in Luke with them, we, as well as they, will arrive at an appreciation of what it means to be in fellowship in the local assembly. The father is reminded that when he was asking many years ago about coming into the assembly, the overseers talked to him about sharing in "the privileges and the responsibilities of assembly life." Because he does not want to use the standard cliches, they agree to discuss the topic under the headings of the Responsibilities and the Rewards of fellowship in the local church.

However, as they meditate upon the passage and read it over and over again, for it is thus that we feed our souls and those of others, they are impressed by three things in the partnership. First, the disciples shared in the Toils; second, they shared in the Trials, and third, they shared in the Triumphs. Could this be what fellowship is all about?

The Toiling

"Master, we have toiled all the night...". The partnership was not a retirement home. Neither was it a vacation retreat. They had toiled and this word translated "toil" means to labor to the point of weariness. It is used of elders in l Tim 5:17 who toil to the point of weariness in the Word and teaching. Because of their devotion as shepherds, they become physically and mentally wearied in their work within the assembly. What an indictment of those of us who only get weary in our secular spheres!

There are differences in the spheres, for they not only labored in casting the nets but then they had to labor in washing them, and in Mat 4:21, they had to labor in mending them. This reminds us of 1 Cor 12 where we see many different spheres of service based on the gifts of grace, all of which are given for mutual profit. One of the gifts is that of being a help.

Not only are there differences but there is direction in the partnership as shown by Peter's words, "...nevertheless at Thy Word, I will let down the net". It is imperative in the fellowship that all things be done according to the Book. Fellowship cannot exist without unity, and this unity must be based on the apostle's doctrine. The final test of all behaviors is "...at Thy Word!"

Further, in the toiling there is determination, for they "toiled all the night". There was consistency in their labor. With them there was no giving up, no early return to the shore. In partnership there is commitment. "If ye continue in My Word…ye are My disciples indeed."

Our young person is learning quickly that in the assembly there will be responsibility for service. In the words of JFK, he will not ask what the assembly can do for him but what he can do for the assembly. Are you willing to toil?

The Trials

"...And have taken nothing." When we are in the partnership we get to share in the trials. What does a person do during the times when nothing is happening? The answer is to toil on and to remember the expression, "at Thy Word". There will be times of discouragement, and these difficulties will either make us bitter or make us better; they will wear us down or they will polish us up. Paul knew that despondency can be a result of these experiences, for he wrote to the Galatians, "Let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not" (6:9). He had told them of an unchanging law of God: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," so we are to keep on sowing and leave the results with God!

Our young believer is learning that there will have to be consistency and convictions based on the Word He will have to remind himself constantly of the expression, "at Thy Word". He may struggle at times when it may appear that more things are happening in places where there is not strict adherence to "What saith the Scripture." Only convictions born in his own soul will preserve him. In the local church there is seldom difficulty coping with the draught of fishes. There is often difficulty coping with the drought. Not only did they have to cope with the drought but they had to cope with the darkness, for they toiled all the night. Can we toil on knowing that "weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning."

How good that we are learning in this passage that this is a part of being in the partnership! How we cope with these and other trials is the true measure of our character and convictions.

The Triumphs

They enclosed a great multitude of fishes. Now we get to share in the triumphs of the partnership. They beckoned unto their partners (metecho) (5:7). This word speaks of a less close relationship then does our word which is used for partners (koinonia) in 5:10. Is it because of the fact that at that time in verse 7 they were at a distance and there can be no distance in fellowship so "koinonia" cannot be used? Or is it that those in 5:7 were the hired servants referred to in Mark 1:20 who were left to serve with Zebedee when the others became fishers of men? We could not use "koinonia" of hired servants, for in the partnership there is no room for those who are serving for reward, for what they can get out of it. All partners are toiling for the good of the partnership!

Notice that they beckoned that the others should come and help them. This word for " help" is "sullambano" and means, "to take hold of together with". This is what help really is in the assembly, isn't it? "And they came!" Isn't it great that they came? And they took hold! They did not leave the others to do all the work, for this would not be partnership. Are you taking hold?

In relation to all the assembly meetings, can we always say, "they came"? In the outreach of the assembly, can we say, "they came"? In the Prayer meeting, the Bible study, the Sunday school, the visitation, can they say of us, "they came"? When a believer is going through the deep waters of trial, can it be said, "they came?" These are marks of the partnership.

The young person has come with a question. He has found some answers from the Scriptures. To be in the fellowship of the local church means to help in the toil, the trials and the triumphs! May we examine our hearts by these principles!

May the mind of Christ, my Saviour,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling,
All i do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly,
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see i triumph,
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father,
Rule my life in everything,
That i may be calm to comfort,
Sick & sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me,
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing -
This is victory.

May i run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus,
As i onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me,
As i seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

:)

-from the gospel hymn book, no. 570-

Do we really understand the principles of how and why we gather before the Lord?

Are we ready to answer queries on the manner in which we gather for meetings in the assemblies?
It's just that have been hearing a lot of answers to these questions lately, that are indeed a cause of conern

When asked why we do such and such a thing in such and such a way, we often hear the reply:

This is the 'brethren' way of doing things.

This is 'our' way of doing things.


Is this right?

By no means! In fact these answers are dangerous, and will mislead and confuse others, especially the younger in faith. Its a sad situation we live in today, but we must face the reality that sadly many fellow believers are entangled in the world, and the devotion to the Lord and His ways are diverted. This results in a lack of understanding of the Word, and the application thereof.

But for those that know the truth, let us not take a high and mighty attitude, and look down on our fellow believers, but rather to pray for them and reason to them from the Word towards the right path, and if they neglect it, so let it be, but we ought to continue to pray for them nonetheless.

Now, when younger ones hear our reasoning for the practices that we hold, if we merely tell them that it is the 'brethren' way of doing things, what does it imply?

That its merely a way of doing things! There can be other various ways that are correct, we have to be understanding of other's ways.

The above is a 'noble' thought, but wrong scripturally. We ought to do things His way. Whatever we practice has to have valid justification from the Word of God. I do not imply that we should go into the Word seeking to justify whatever whim and fancy that we have, but rather, just in all simplicity, casting aside every thought and preconceived notions, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and live forth what is learned, and that not in compulsion, but that out of love for our Lord. It is so very important! Oh, may the Lord impress this more upon our feeble hearts! The answer we ought to give when asked such questions ought to be 'because The Word God says so'(include scripture reference when answering :))


Many assemblies are sadly not holding the Word of God firmly, and we are merely living of a name and form of soundness. Though this may be discouraging, it's always a comfort to know there are saints gathered in various places that are seeking to know Him and obey Him, and growing as they respond to the light of the Word. Even if one is in a gathering where things seem dismal, dear child of God, do not be discouraged and pity yourself, rather build yourself  up in the Word, seek Him in prayer daily, read and obey His Word, pursue His Wisdom and not the wisdom of the world, as you grow, be weary of pride continually, our hearts ought to be humble, by His grace seek to encourage those He has put in your midst.

Think of the advice of David to Solomon in 1 Kings 2.2ff "...be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgements, and His testimonies,..."

1 Timothy 2.15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

What we have learned needs to be passed to the next generation, and that faithfully, not flippantly.

2 Timothy 2.1-2 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Don't delay, start digging in the Word today! :)

His Hands

Once again, what's written is not my own, but from a magazine(Present Truth), thought would share it with you :) 

The prophet Isaiah has a lot to tell us about the hands of God. His experience of God was so intimate that he gives descriptions of the shape, motion, gestures, and unique features of the hands of God.

Cupped Hand

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (Isaiah 40.12)

Isaiah imagined all the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and puddles of the world as being a drop of water in the hollow of the hand of God. The image of the cupped hand of God holding the oceans emphasies the capacity of His hands. The sheer scale of what He upholds, His strength, support, and power are all beautifully portrayed in this image. It is good to know that such a majestic God upholds us. The cupped hand compliments the image of the flat span of the hand of God measuring the hundreds of billions of galaxies in our universe. Our God is great!

Clasped Hand

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, Saying unto thee,"Fear not; I will help thee." (Isaiah 41.13)

There is always something touching about seeing humans holding hands. Whether it is a wife at the bedside holding onto her husband's hand in the last stages of life, a father holding onto the hand of his young child or a newly married couple holding hands having taken their wedding vows; all these examples evoke emotion. This verse is saying, however, that our Majestic God holds our hand. He then whispers "Fear not; I will help you". This beautiful image of our hand clasped in the hand of God emphasises the tenderness and confidence we gain from His Hands. The blind man in Mark chapter 8 would have had many people take him by the hand and at times no doubt he would lack confidence and stumble, but on one occasion he felt the hand of God. It was Christ Himself that took him by the hand and walked him out of the town. We feel sure he never stumbled that day! He would never have experienced such confidence. Are we not all able to think of moments when we have experienced the very hand of Christ clasped in our own? Like the blind man we often do not know where we are going but we do know that He is with us and cares for us. Our God is kind!

Covering Hand

"... in the shadow of His hand hath He hid Me, and made Me a polished shaft; in His quiver hath He hid Me; (Isaiah 49.2)

In the previous image the cupped Hand of God was facing upwards now it is facing downwards. The hand of God is now covering us. It is above us. The noblest meaning of this image relates to the Person of Christ in His concealment during the days at Nazareth and in Galilee. He was God's "polished shaft" hidden in concealment for 30 years of divine preparation before His years of public ministry and released to the accomplishment of God's purpose. However, Isaiah did not think he was personally exempt from such a promise - "in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me". It suggests protection, concealment, covering of something valuable to God. Is it not wonderful to know that we are covered by the very hand of God? We are in a place of safety. The Saviour could speak of believer being in His hands and His Father's hands adding, "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hands" (John 10.29). With such a double seal of protection surely we are blessed. Our God is good!

Cut Hands

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me" (Isaiah 49.16)

The hands of God are now open. The palms of His hands are clearly seen. The word 'graven' meants to 'cut into'. It signifies the fact that the memory of that which is engraven in His hands cannot be effaced. We are special to God and we are graven in the palms of His hands. The fact that our names are on his shoulders - place of strength - and His heart - place of affection - is wonderful too (Exodus 28.21,29), but it is precious to know that we are cut into His hands. The wounds of Calvary are for us. He is interested in the people, "thee", and the place where His people dwell in the House of God, "thy walls". We are written on His hands. What a thought!

Our God is love!

:)!

Believing is not Seeing

The title for this post and the following content is taken directly from a book i'm reading. May it be an encouragement and a reminder to us all.

Scripture to read: Isaiah 37.1-38

""Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11.1). Perhaps no more graphic illustration of this truth can be found in the Scriptures than the events recorded in Isaiah 36 & 37. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, had opened a campaign against Judah by attacking the fortresses in her southland. He was engaged in the siege of Lachish, a city southwest of Jerusalem, when he decided to send a contingent of soldiers against Jerusalem under Rabshakeh, his chief cupbearer. Apparently the Assyrians felt that King Hezekiah would surrender Jerusalem without a fight if Rabshakeh could dishearten the Jewish warriors.

The Assyrian cupbearer made light of Judah's possibilities of victory. Would she rely on the armies of the Pharaoh of Egypt, armies now so weakened that they are likened to leaning on a broken staff? Would she rely on the God of Israel in the face of the might of Assyria? What would Hezekiah and his Israelites do?

The servants of King Hezekiah came to seek advice from Isaiah, the man of God. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God took the blasphemies of Rabshekeh as uttered against Him personally and would destroy the armies of Sennacherib because of their blasphemy. In destroying the armies of the Assyrians the whole world would know "that Thou art the LORD, even Thou only" (Isaiah 37.20). Isaiah predicted that the king of Assyria would never enter God's holy city nor shoot an arrow at it. God would somehow miraculously deliver His city because of the blasphemy of the Assyrians against Him. Hezekiah and the Jews must live lives of faith for they would not be told how this deliverance would come about; they must trust God.

That very night the predicted catastrophe for the Assyrian armies occurred. "Then the angel of the LORD went forth and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses" (Isaiah 37.36). God had kept His word, even though the Jews could not see through the fog of doubt. Early in the morning they arose to find one hundred eighty five thousand Assyrian corpses. They never had opportunity to move against God's holy city because God always performs what He promises.

On July 4, 1952, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. It was not the distance that was the great challenge to her but the bone-chilling waters of the Pacific. To make matters worse, a dense fog enshrouded the entire area, making it impossible to see the land. After she had swum for fifteen hours and was within half a mile of her goal, Florence Chadwick gave up. Later she told a newspaper reporter, "If i could have seen land, i might have made it."

Not long thereafter she again attempted this same feat. Once again the fog shrouded the coastline and she could not see the shore, but this time she successfully completed her swim because she kept reminding herself that the land was out there, somewhere. With that confidence she bravely swam on and achieved her goal. In fact, she broke the men's record by more than two hours.

Sometimes we do not achieve our goals in life because we cannot clearly see God's hand moving in our behalf. Although we desire with all our heart to reach our goal, the fog of doubt sets in and makes it impossible for us to see clearly. Still, if believing in God we continue to press toward the mark, early in the morning we will see our goal achieved and the battlefield littered with the corpses of the enemy. We must trust God in the dark; we must remember that is the evidence of things not seen."

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate'er I do, where'er I be,

Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me! He leadeth me!

By His own hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, o'er troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,

And never murmur or repine:

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,

When, by Thy grace, the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave i will not flee,

If God through Jordan leadeth me.