DISCIPLE

by Donald Norbie     When Jeroboam led the ten tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam, he decided to set up his own religion in the north. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem” , 1 Kgs. 12. 28. God had commanded His people to go up to Jerusalem several times a year to worship. But Jeroboam was concerned that this practice would weaken his hold on the people. He would make a religion more convenient for them with local shrines.     A friend was recently visiting some families who used to be in fellowship in a New Testament assembly. He suggested that they start meeting together, break bread and form an assembly. Their response? “It is too hard!” For some time they have been going to large denominational churches and had found it very comfortable and easy. They could be absent, go fishing or hiking, and hardly be missed. The preacher was hired to preach and to lead the worship; that was his job. It left the men free from the...

It doesn't matter what the nations, the politicians or the majority think. Israel IS God's unique people and nation. God, not men, will make Jerusalem (Zion) the head not only of Israel but also of all the earth. The following excellent article by David Dunlap highlights the special place Israel occupies in God's thoughts. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - God's Love For Israel      No love surpasses the love of God for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's love for Israel is unparalleled in human history. It is a powerful and unchangeable love that stretches from eternity past to eternity future. It is a love that was not deterred by Israel's unfaithfulness and failure. God's love to Israel was not based upon shifting emotions, but upon the steadfast character of God. Love is said to be measured by what we give to those whom we love. The Lord showed this matchless love in the promises that He gave to Israel, in His protectio...

DISCIPLESHIP IN THE HOME CHAPTER ONE   If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother,  and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.   Luke 14:26 He exclaimed, “A typical politician!  His stand on the issues depends upon where he is and who he is with. It’s like his lips are sewn together in the middle so that he can talk out of both sides of his mouth at the same time!” This expresses the frustration felt by many people over what is called “double-talk”. What a contrast, and what a blessing to be a Christian and belong to a God who never changes and never says anything insincerely. If we can only learn the mind of God on a subject, then we have a basis for behavior in that area for all time. Don’t worry, God will not change His mind! But upon reading the following portions of Scripture concerning the family, one could be excused for doubting!   (1) "So God cr...

by Phillip Mullan, Belfast What an exciting time of life!     Finishing school,     Learning to drive,     Having ever-increasing independence,     Going out with friends,     Meeting new people.     Perhaps you are going to university or starting work! There are new freedoms, more money, maybe a student loan, or your first salary – the opportunities seem endless!     We have a tendency as young people to live inside our comfortable “Christian bubbles”. Going to meetings and conferences, socializing and having fun, shopping, gaming, travelling, dining out and dressing up. Perhaps golfing, playing football or rugby, watching TV, films and the endless online options – Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube and Facebook to name but a few.     Would you let the Saviour interject into your busy life?     “If any man will come after me, let him deny himsel...