BIBLE-ONLY: General A Bible-only fellowship for such seekers - SEE VARIOUS PAPERS HERE FOR HELP IN APPRECIATING THE FULLNESS OF GOD'S WORD IN GENERAL FOR MANKIND.
If the church was going on in the world as God intended, all believers would own the authority of God's Word, be in subjection to it, and be together of "one accord" and "like-mind", expressing the "one body of Christ" (Rom.12:5; 1 Cor.12; Eph.4; Phil.2:2). They would not forsake the gathering (Heb.10:25). There is such a universal fellowship worldwide, so what should it look like in practice?
A. Our individual conscience before God would not conflict with His collective testimony. There would be no divisions of God's people into various sects, systems, and independency; and though there could be no perfection among men, there would be only one testimony, though many experiences, as in the beginning.
B. The universal church in the world and all local gatherings would be orderly, true to Scripture, and in happy fellowship together showing love, and the truth would be esteemed. God's government would prevail, rather than the religious ideas of men and a rebellious spirit toward Bible-only faith. There would be no man-made sects.
C. There might be those associated with gatherings in various places who would only appreciate it somewhat, as followers after Christ with little understanding and not yet "born of the Spirit"; and some others would be truly "children of God", though perhaps weak and having hindrances making them not ready to be gathered at "the Lord's table". There would certainly be faithful saints gathered in fellowship with varied spiritual discernment, woshipping and studying God's Word; and waiting on the leading of the Spirit, not exalting self and offending God and their brethren.
D. The collective testimony would surely be as follows:
1. GATHERING TOGETHER: There are many papers available on the truth of gathering which are available from the sources listed below. It is important to understand that God does not approve of independency, and the local assemblies after the New Testament scriptural order are simply an expression in a geographical place of the universal testimony in the world, holding the same faith. We need to appreciate that. There is "one body in Christ", and there ought to be a "unity of the Spirit" among the saints everywhere as it will be in heaven (see Rom.12; 1 Cor.12; Eph.4; Phil.2:2; etc.). This surely does not mean a merger of all the sects and religious ideas of men, but holding to God's work of "unity of the faith". The gathering is to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Matt.18:20), not to personalities, a hierarchy, sectarian systems, emotional experiences, programs, rituals, etc., which usurp the Lord. It is good that an assembly is scriptural in form, but is it then falling short by going on independently and with innovations?
2. RECEIVING THE TRUTH: Coming into the fellowship is a two-way thing. The individual must receive the fellowship, as well as the fellowship receiving the individual, so all need to understand the other and get acquainted. We must receive "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), and be "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim.2:15), not holding traditions, entertainment, creeds and pledges, religious ideas and unscriptural things which are for the flesh. The holiness of the Lord's table and the gathering requires that we "lay hands suddenly on no man" (1 Tim.5:22). All things ought to "be done decently and in order" (1 Cor.14:40). There are many lovely saints in the world, but lovely saints is not the ground and truth of gathering. A saint who is gathered in another assembly known to be scriptural and in fellowship with us, ought to bring a letter of commendation (Rom.16:1-2; 2 Cor.3:1; Phil.2:25-29; Phm.10-12). The holiness of God and His honor is paramount. Can one agree with this?
3. EXPRESSING THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST: We cannot say we are the "one body of Christ", but we must endeavor to express the oneness of the body of Christ in the world with "no schism" as God says (1 Cor.12:25), by full fellowship with all scriptural gatherings who are going on in a Godly way, and honoring them; not holding independency, nor mergers and unions, organizational membership, etc., which divides the saints in the world and compromises the truth. Does one appreciate Christians endeavoring to express the "one body" of Christ worldwide? There is such a fellowship today. Should not all believers be with such a fellowship?
4. ACKNOWLEDGING THE PRIESTHOOD: To exercise the priesthood of believers (1 Pet. 2:5,9), it must be seen as an important truth of the Word to be held; not titles, offices, hierarchy, dominion over the saints with selected ministers to lead, preach, and manage ("nicolaitanism" --rulers over the laity, Rev.2: 5-6), etc., which denies liberty. The gifts of pastors, teachers, and evangelists (in the plural) are gifts within the gathering, not titles and positions. Has the reader considered this?
5. TRUSTING THE LORD AND HIS WORD: The Word of God is the only authority and path for the Christian faith, rather than man's preferences or reasonings, which will lead one astray. Study, prayer, worship and praise, and trusting the Lord is essential. Is this a reasonable thing for Christians?
6. WORSHIPPING AS PLEASES GOD: One ought to understand individual and collective worship, and esteem the Lord's supper at His table as He gave us, rather than entertainment, sermons, activities, etc. Worship is devotion and according to the Word, not some zeal for a show, which is pride. Has the reader thought much about worship?
7. APPRECIATING THE ASSEMBLY: We ought to appreciate the assembly as given and maintain God's collective testimony, rather than the ideas and governmental ways of men; and should desire to have "all things be done decently and in order", as God says. We ought to stand apart from unscriptural assemblies and not give them credibility by associating with those sects and systems, though we love all saints of God. Do we esteem the simplicity of God's universal way, and value the order and local government ordained by God, or do we need man's innovations in the church?
8. YIELDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: The leading of the Holy Spirit as in the early church (2 Cor.3:17), is a precious thing, not ceremonies, schedules, and arrangements quenching the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19), which dishonors God. Prayerful exercise to know the Lord should be practiced, rather than the energies and religious ideas of men. What does one think of this?
The local and universal church must encompass these things and not depart from the Word, if it should be called: God's true testimony in the world.
God's purpose for gathering may speak of things beyond our understanding, so obedience to the Word is essential. It is His testimony, not ours (John 17:11, 21-23; Acts 2:42; Eph.4:3-6). A faithful collective testimony in the world shows forth the "one body of Christ" and our union with Him, which pleases God; and He desires to be glorified before all the creation and desires a testimony for unity and good in the world. We should not oppose the work of God and grieve the Holy Spirit. The simplicity of gathering and God's thoughts on unity can be studied in other papers. Contact the writer.
God's principles for gathering also speaks of obedience, and one ought to appreciate the bigger picture as far as it is revealed through the Word (Matt.18:20; John 14:23; Eph.2:19-22; 2 Tim.2:15; 1 Thess.4:16-18; 3 John 4). We should be "rightly dividing the Word of truth", and holding "all the counsel of God". Saints need to appreciate how the whole of His Word shows His mind that we should be together now as we will for eternity. This does not speak of mergers, but gathering in accord with God's Word. Some papers on the principles, frequent questions, and church history are available through the writer for further study.
God's people for gathering is the church ("called out assembly pertaining to God"). One is in the church (the "body of Christ" which is "the bride") by faith in Christ and the "new birth". That one is then called to "keep the unity of the Spirit", and gather as appointed to remember the Lord Jesus Christ in His death for us; also for fellowship, collective prayer, teaching, and preaching the gospel. God desires a people to love who will also learn to love Him, and will love all His children (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor.11:23-29; Gal.3:28; Eph. 4:3-6; 1 John 3:11-24). They are gathered not by their will, but by the will of God, which means they need to come to the Lord's table in holiness and "unity of the faith". One might view other papers on examining self, and the paths we take.
God's place for gathering is the local assembly in fellowship with the universal church in the world. There are many nice Christians everywhere, but nice Christians (or family or friends) are not the ground of gathering. God has always had a place (see Deut.12:5-8, 13-14; Matt.18:20; Matt.26:17-20). It is a place of His appointment, and the saints "are gathered" by the Spirit, not wherever they choose to gather (Matt.18:20). The local assembly must express the unity of the "one body of Christ" in accord with the Scripture (note Rom.1:7;
1 Cor.1:2; 1 Cor.16:19-20; 2 Cor.1:1; Phil.4:21-22; Col.4:15-16), even though many dear saints of God do not appreciate the place, and set up many different tables after their own preferences. Some believers, not finding the assembly entertaining or involved in worldy activities, leave; and some do not want "all the counsel of God", or they have a conflict with a brother and do not resolve it, or they may rebel against assembly government, so they leave and join or start something new. This has been the history of the church since God's revival of church truth in circa 1800 AD. One can read ministry on this history in other papers and at www.bibletruthpublishers.com and come to find this testimony which has continued.
God's plan for gathering is not our ways (Isa.55:8), so we must follow His plan. The Lord's table and the supper is a collective thing, not something done in private devotions. He gave us baptism for a standing with Christ as a seeker, and then asked us to keep in remembrance His sacrifice by the Lord's supper at His table. One ought to also understand the distinction between the table and the supper. Acts 2:42 shows also God's intent for the gathering of His people. Papers written on baptism, the Lord's table, and assembly conduct might help one to see some things which must not be compromised (1 Cor. 14:40). Contact the writer at the site: biblecounsel.net on the Internet.
1. On the first day of the week the saints should gather together to remember the Lord Jesus in His suffering and sacrifice for us as He requested (Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). This is when the Lord's table is spread in collective worship to "show the Lord's death" (1 Cor.11:23-29), give thanks, sing praises, and meditate on His love. It is a holy and quiet time of devotion, not a time for preaching or other activity.
2. A time might also be set for Scripture reading before or after the remembrance meeting to study together, and the children might also be taken aside during this time for special classes.
3. Other reading meetings might be held later in the day, and a time set for preaching the gospel in a public way, where lost souls are invited to come and hear words of life.
4. It is also good to have a special prayer meeting time during the week to gather for collective prayer for the testimony, help, and intercession for all saints ---especially those in need.
5. At times it is nice to have a special fellowship day for the saints to gather for sound ministry by those with an exercise to share Godly thoughts and encourage the saints, and all to enjoy fellowship in the things of God; and at times to have a special meeting during the week when a fulltime ministering servant visits to help, teach, and be an encouragement.
This is all in accord with the Word, and should be done in fellowship with every other scriptural assembly in the world.
God's priorities for gathering include order, holiness, government, and soundness in doctrine. One should understand what an assembly holds, and know its history, before being associated with it. Many are independent groups, or descendants of divisions, and though they may have a similar form of gathering they do not hold the truth of gathering.
There is room for conscience (Rom.14), but some things must not be compromised. A believer is gathered into the local fellowship and is then part of the universal testimony in the world, and is welcome wherever this truth is maintained. Papers on subjects concerning the man, the woman, the elders, the priesthood, and church doctrines, etc. are available to study.
Some Christians find the scriptural assembly too limiting for their interests, but one must be reminded that it is God's place in holiness and not a social club. It should be a place of Christian love, care, teaching, faithfulness, and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. Social activities and fun times for saints are good, but outside the assembly meetings, for that is not the purpose of Bible testimony.
[ADDENDUM 12/09: With reference to government and the assembly elders (overseers), as mentioned above, it should be noted that in a truly scriptural gathering God sets forth a few brothers as elders with a Godly spirit and scriptural discernment, and holds them accountable to maintain the truth and guide the testimony, though the whole church should be concerned and involved. Elders are not appointed by men, and they may not be preachers, but are seen as Godly and have the unction of the Spirit for oversight. The saints need to consider them. This writer has other papers on this calling of God.
It is also important to see that children of God are not given approval to go off independently, for we are "bought with a price", and we belong to God. We are always members of the "one body of Christ", and thus we are responsible to the local church, which is part of the universal church. There is no such thing as "a church of your choice", as many Christians like to say. This church truth was recovered in AD 1827, and we really need to appreciate God's revival, and learn dependency and unity. -RLD: CF12]
God's Testimony In The World Today
By Robert DeWitt, '05; add: 12/17
[The testimony of God is revealed in His Word, which shows deity, creation, history of man and God's care; God's covenants with Israel, the purposes and mind of God, redemption, expectations, blessings, judgments, the future and God's glory, etc. In this day, called the dispensation of grace (Eph.3:2-7), it includes the Christian experience: redemption way, church truth, and spiritual life - John 14:6. Real Christians have been given the bigger and overall picture, and need to be balanced believers and take "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27); and know: "...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" - Luke 12:48.]By Robert DeWitt, '05; add: 12/17
If the church was going on in the world as God intended, all believers would own the authority of God's Word, be in subjection to it, and be together of "one accord" and "like-mind", expressing the "one body of Christ" (Rom.12:5; 1 Cor.12; Eph.4; Phil.2:2). They would not forsake the gathering (Heb.10:25). There is such a universal fellowship worldwide, so what should it look like in practice?
A. Our individual conscience before God would not conflict with His collective testimony. There would be no divisions of God's people into various sects, systems, and independency; and though there could be no perfection among men, there would be only one testimony, though many experiences, as in the beginning.
B. The universal church in the world and all local gatherings would be orderly, true to Scripture, and in happy fellowship together showing love, and the truth would be esteemed. God's government would prevail, rather than the religious ideas of men and a rebellious spirit toward Bible-only faith. There would be no man-made sects.
C. There might be those associated with gatherings in various places who would only appreciate it somewhat, as followers after Christ with little understanding and not yet "born of the Spirit"; and some others would be truly "children of God", though perhaps weak and having hindrances making them not ready to be gathered at "the Lord's table". There would certainly be faithful saints gathered in fellowship with varied spiritual discernment, woshipping and studying God's Word; and waiting on the leading of the Spirit, not exalting self and offending God and their brethren.
D. The collective testimony would surely be as follows:
1. GATHERING TOGETHER: There are many papers available on the truth of gathering which are available from the sources listed below. It is important to understand that God does not approve of independency, and the local assemblies after the New Testament scriptural order are simply an expression in a geographical place of the universal testimony in the world, holding the same faith. We need to appreciate that. There is "one body in Christ", and there ought to be a "unity of the Spirit" among the saints everywhere as it will be in heaven (see Rom.12; 1 Cor.12; Eph.4; Phil.2:2; etc.). This surely does not mean a merger of all the sects and religious ideas of men, but holding to God's work of "unity of the faith". The gathering is to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Matt.18:20), not to personalities, a hierarchy, sectarian systems, emotional experiences, programs, rituals, etc., which usurp the Lord. It is good that an assembly is scriptural in form, but is it then falling short by going on independently and with innovations?
2. RECEIVING THE TRUTH: Coming into the fellowship is a two-way thing. The individual must receive the fellowship, as well as the fellowship receiving the individual, so all need to understand the other and get acquainted. We must receive "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), and be "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim.2:15), not holding traditions, entertainment, creeds and pledges, religious ideas and unscriptural things which are for the flesh. The holiness of the Lord's table and the gathering requires that we "lay hands suddenly on no man" (1 Tim.5:22). All things ought to "be done decently and in order" (1 Cor.14:40). There are many lovely saints in the world, but lovely saints is not the ground and truth of gathering. A saint who is gathered in another assembly known to be scriptural and in fellowship with us, ought to bring a letter of commendation (Rom.16:1-2; 2 Cor.3:1; Phil.2:25-29; Phm.10-12). The holiness of God and His honor is paramount. Can one agree with this?
3. EXPRESSING THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST: We cannot say we are the "one body of Christ", but we must endeavor to express the oneness of the body of Christ in the world with "no schism" as God says (1 Cor.12:25), by full fellowship with all scriptural gatherings who are going on in a Godly way, and honoring them; not holding independency, nor mergers and unions, organizational membership, etc., which divides the saints in the world and compromises the truth. Does one appreciate Christians endeavoring to express the "one body" of Christ worldwide? There is such a fellowship today. Should not all believers be with such a fellowship?
4. ACKNOWLEDGING THE PRIESTHOOD: To exercise the priesthood of believers (1 Pet. 2:5,9), it must be seen as an important truth of the Word to be held; not titles, offices, hierarchy, dominion over the saints with selected ministers to lead, preach, and manage ("nicolaitanism" --rulers over the laity, Rev.2: 5-6), etc., which denies liberty. The gifts of pastors, teachers, and evangelists (in the plural) are gifts within the gathering, not titles and positions. Has the reader considered this?
5. TRUSTING THE LORD AND HIS WORD: The Word of God is the only authority and path for the Christian faith, rather than man's preferences or reasonings, which will lead one astray. Study, prayer, worship and praise, and trusting the Lord is essential. Is this a reasonable thing for Christians?
6. WORSHIPPING AS PLEASES GOD: One ought to understand individual and collective worship, and esteem the Lord's supper at His table as He gave us, rather than entertainment, sermons, activities, etc. Worship is devotion and according to the Word, not some zeal for a show, which is pride. Has the reader thought much about worship?
7. APPRECIATING THE ASSEMBLY: We ought to appreciate the assembly as given and maintain God's collective testimony, rather than the ideas and governmental ways of men; and should desire to have "all things be done decently and in order", as God says. We ought to stand apart from unscriptural assemblies and not give them credibility by associating with those sects and systems, though we love all saints of God. Do we esteem the simplicity of God's universal way, and value the order and local government ordained by God, or do we need man's innovations in the church?
8. YIELDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: The leading of the Holy Spirit as in the early church (2 Cor.3:17), is a precious thing, not ceremonies, schedules, and arrangements quenching the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19), which dishonors God. Prayerful exercise to know the Lord should be practiced, rather than the energies and religious ideas of men. What does one think of this?
The local and universal church must encompass these things and not depart from the Word, if it should be called: God's true testimony in the world.
God's purpose for gathering may speak of things beyond our understanding, so obedience to the Word is essential. It is His testimony, not ours (John 17:11, 21-23; Acts 2:42; Eph.4:3-6). A faithful collective testimony in the world shows forth the "one body of Christ" and our union with Him, which pleases God; and He desires to be glorified before all the creation and desires a testimony for unity and good in the world. We should not oppose the work of God and grieve the Holy Spirit. The simplicity of gathering and God's thoughts on unity can be studied in other papers. Contact the writer.
God's principles for gathering also speaks of obedience, and one ought to appreciate the bigger picture as far as it is revealed through the Word (Matt.18:20; John 14:23; Eph.2:19-22; 2 Tim.2:15; 1 Thess.4:16-18; 3 John 4). We should be "rightly dividing the Word of truth", and holding "all the counsel of God". Saints need to appreciate how the whole of His Word shows His mind that we should be together now as we will for eternity. This does not speak of mergers, but gathering in accord with God's Word. Some papers on the principles, frequent questions, and church history are available through the writer for further study.
God's people for gathering is the church ("called out assembly pertaining to God"). One is in the church (the "body of Christ" which is "the bride") by faith in Christ and the "new birth". That one is then called to "keep the unity of the Spirit", and gather as appointed to remember the Lord Jesus Christ in His death for us; also for fellowship, collective prayer, teaching, and preaching the gospel. God desires a people to love who will also learn to love Him, and will love all His children (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor.11:23-29; Gal.3:28; Eph. 4:3-6; 1 John 3:11-24). They are gathered not by their will, but by the will of God, which means they need to come to the Lord's table in holiness and "unity of the faith". One might view other papers on examining self, and the paths we take.
God's place for gathering is the local assembly in fellowship with the universal church in the world. There are many nice Christians everywhere, but nice Christians (or family or friends) are not the ground of gathering. God has always had a place (see Deut.12:5-8, 13-14; Matt.18:20; Matt.26:17-20). It is a place of His appointment, and the saints "are gathered" by the Spirit, not wherever they choose to gather (Matt.18:20). The local assembly must express the unity of the "one body of Christ" in accord with the Scripture (note Rom.1:7;
1 Cor.1:2; 1 Cor.16:19-20; 2 Cor.1:1; Phil.4:21-22; Col.4:15-16), even though many dear saints of God do not appreciate the place, and set up many different tables after their own preferences. Some believers, not finding the assembly entertaining or involved in worldy activities, leave; and some do not want "all the counsel of God", or they have a conflict with a brother and do not resolve it, or they may rebel against assembly government, so they leave and join or start something new. This has been the history of the church since God's revival of church truth in circa 1800 AD. One can read ministry on this history in other papers and at www.bibletruthpublishers.com and come to find this testimony which has continued.
God's plan for gathering is not our ways (Isa.55:8), so we must follow His plan. The Lord's table and the supper is a collective thing, not something done in private devotions. He gave us baptism for a standing with Christ as a seeker, and then asked us to keep in remembrance His sacrifice by the Lord's supper at His table. One ought to also understand the distinction between the table and the supper. Acts 2:42 shows also God's intent for the gathering of His people. Papers written on baptism, the Lord's table, and assembly conduct might help one to see some things which must not be compromised (1 Cor. 14:40). Contact the writer at the site: biblecounsel.net on the Internet.
1. On the first day of the week the saints should gather together to remember the Lord Jesus in His suffering and sacrifice for us as He requested (Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). This is when the Lord's table is spread in collective worship to "show the Lord's death" (1 Cor.11:23-29), give thanks, sing praises, and meditate on His love. It is a holy and quiet time of devotion, not a time for preaching or other activity.
2. A time might also be set for Scripture reading before or after the remembrance meeting to study together, and the children might also be taken aside during this time for special classes.
3. Other reading meetings might be held later in the day, and a time set for preaching the gospel in a public way, where lost souls are invited to come and hear words of life.
4. It is also good to have a special prayer meeting time during the week to gather for collective prayer for the testimony, help, and intercession for all saints ---especially those in need.
5. At times it is nice to have a special fellowship day for the saints to gather for sound ministry by those with an exercise to share Godly thoughts and encourage the saints, and all to enjoy fellowship in the things of God; and at times to have a special meeting during the week when a fulltime ministering servant visits to help, teach, and be an encouragement.
This is all in accord with the Word, and should be done in fellowship with every other scriptural assembly in the world.
God's priorities for gathering include order, holiness, government, and soundness in doctrine. One should understand what an assembly holds, and know its history, before being associated with it. Many are independent groups, or descendants of divisions, and though they may have a similar form of gathering they do not hold the truth of gathering.
There is room for conscience (Rom.14), but some things must not be compromised. A believer is gathered into the local fellowship and is then part of the universal testimony in the world, and is welcome wherever this truth is maintained. Papers on subjects concerning the man, the woman, the elders, the priesthood, and church doctrines, etc. are available to study.
Some Christians find the scriptural assembly too limiting for their interests, but one must be reminded that it is God's place in holiness and not a social club. It should be a place of Christian love, care, teaching, faithfulness, and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. Social activities and fun times for saints are good, but outside the assembly meetings, for that is not the purpose of Bible testimony.
[ADDENDUM 12/09: With reference to government and the assembly elders (overseers), as mentioned above, it should be noted that in a truly scriptural gathering God sets forth a few brothers as elders with a Godly spirit and scriptural discernment, and holds them accountable to maintain the truth and guide the testimony, though the whole church should be concerned and involved. Elders are not appointed by men, and they may not be preachers, but are seen as Godly and have the unction of the Spirit for oversight. The saints need to consider them. This writer has other papers on this calling of God.
It is also important to see that children of God are not given approval to go off independently, for we are "bought with a price", and we belong to God. We are always members of the "one body of Christ", and thus we are responsible to the local church, which is part of the universal church. There is no such thing as "a church of your choice", as many Christians like to say. This church truth was recovered in AD 1827, and we really need to appreciate God's revival, and learn dependency and unity. -RLD: CF12]
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