DISCIPLE

Walking With God Is Living Ever As In His Presence “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:13). “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3). We must ever regard Him, not as if He were far away in some inaccessible abode – but nearer to us than our nearest friend. In our chamber, by the wayside, at our work, in our recreation, when mingling with others, or all alone – we must see One whom the world sees not; we must hear a voice that the world hears not. In the life of the sweet Psalmist of Israel, the same truth was ever the joy of his heart. As he lay down to rest, it was his joy to know that the sleepless Guardian of His people was by him: “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for you O Lord alone make me to dwell in safety.” As he arose, he still rejoiced in the almighty Friend who was ever near him: “When I awake, ...

  by Higgins, A. J. The Challenge     Isn’t everyone gathered to the Name of the Lord Jesus? If you have ever tried explaining to one of your friends that you are part of a group of believers who do not take any denominational name but gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you have probably been confronted by this challenge. In their sincerity and simplicity, many take Matthew 18:20 to apply to any and every time that two or three believers meet. It hardly matters whether it is over coffee, pizza, or a Bible. And it certainly applies to when they “go to church” and meet with other Christians.     But what does it mean to be gathered to the Lord’s Name? Is it applicable to any gathering of believers at any time? To any group who meets for whatever purpose? The Context     A reading of Matthew 18 will make it clear that the context for the Lord’s statement in verse 18 is a local church and not an informal gathering of fr...

    Can we refuse the Lord’s Supper to a True Believer? Crawford, Norman    From January 1999, we have printed articles on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. This Person of the Godhead is pleased to make an assembly His residence on earth. His very character is holiness, “For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Cor 3:17). Can we refuse the Lord’s Supper to a true believer? This is a frequently asked question. To some, reception of everyone who comes seems to be a kinder method, but is it scriptural? It is even suggested that in refusing fellowship to anyone, we are professing a higher level of godliness than other believers. This is not true. We believe there are many believers in denominations who may have a deeper devotion to the Lord than we manifest. However, reception to an assembly is not a one-way street. It means reception to the assembly, but it also means reception of the assem...

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers " Acts 2:42. Contemporary assembly conditions often show a marked departure from New Testament simplicity and dependence upon the leading of the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. Often this is due to failure on the part of the elders to provide guidance and teaching from the Scriptures. There is a great need to promote spiritual growth and stability among promising young brethren and sisters. There are five forms of fellowship in the New Testament. 1. Social Fellowship: "Breaking bread (eating of meals) from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" Acts 2.46. This was especially necessary for those who had lost their houses and livelihood because of persecution. It is still good to show hospitality to the Lord’s people in our homes . "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink...