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! :)
