DISCIPLE

  “ I sometimes smile when I hear ministers state the assumption that a new type of building will create a worship atmosphere.  In my late adolescence I occasionally worshiped with those known as 'Plymouth brethren'. Meeting in the barest halls, adorned only with signs carrying Scripture verses, they had the most worshipful services that I have ever attended. No organist in whispering conferences, pushing or pulling stops. Greeting, giggling, whispering, and coughing were all hushed by the miracle drug: reverence. Children were quieted. People tiptoed to their places in the circle to sit with bowed heads or read their Bibles. The keen anticipation of the movement of the Spirit of God in leading one of the assembled men to announce a hymn, read the Scripture, or to offer prayer was sensed in these moments of deep reverence, which sharply contrasts with the hubbub of many Protestant services."   quote from John Drakeford, cited in an article i...

"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...

  “There is a common worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have—a cheap Christianity which offends no one, and requires no sacrifice, and costs nothing, and is worth nothing.” J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)     “The preaching of the gospel must come with the understanding the messenger will not be popular and that he will be called to stand where Jesus stood before the world: to be admired by many, loved by a few, and rejected by the vast majority.” A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)  for excellent articles, visit:  http://www.bibleandlife.org/Newsletters