Calendar:Nov. 10th to Dec. 15th.
DAILY BIBLE READING……….Nov. 16th, Jer. 31:Nov. 30th, Jer. 45; Dec.15th, Ezek. 3. MEMORY WORK ……………….. 1 Thess. 5:11-28
GOOD READING ……C. H. M.'s Miscel. Writ's., Vol. 6, "The Three Appearings" to end of "The Remnant."
MONTHLY QUESTION:-What difference are we to make between "the day of Christ" and "the day of the Lord?" ______
Our Memory Work
One more name has been added to the list of those successful in learning 2 Peter and Jude.
Doris Hood…………….Westmount, Quebec.
With this month's portion we complete 1 Thess. I trust many will succeed in the recitation of this epistle. The usual requirements will govern-not more than two minor errors in each chapter are allowed, and the recitation to be before two persons. As previously mentioned the book to be sent to those who succeed is "God's Evangel" by Mr. F. W. Grant.
The Word of God
"If we turn to the internal testimony, there is no book in existence to be compared to the New Testament Scriptures. Nothing in the least degree approaches its simplicity, power, moral depth and moral purity, profound knowledge of God, adaptation of His love to the heart of man; none that displays God so much, brings Him forward so constantly, without ever committing itself by anything unworthy :of Him; brings Him down so near man, and yet only more fully to show Him always to be God; reveals Him in person, in doctrine, in precept, in His ways, in prophecy; it alone has produced the sense of the sympathy of a pure and perfect God, with the sincere worshiper. It has done more; it has manifested Him as the Friend of publicans and sinners. If with a God of law the unclean leper must stand off from man as well as God, Jesus will touch the defiled one with a holy power that dispels the evil, by which it cannot be contaminated, while perfect, suited love is revealed in the act." J. N. DARBY.
Our Daily Bible Reading
At the close of this month we commence reading Ezekiel-a most important prophetical book. We shall find less pathos, less of that poignant sorrow in his expressions than is found in Jeremiah, but in larger measure the manifestation of the holiness of God, dealing with the people because of sin, culminating in the withdrawal of the divine glory because of moral leprosy in Israel. But our prophet does not close in sorrow, as Jeremiah; he is given to see the returning glory filling the new temple, established in the midst of the restored nation, delivered from all enemies. The majestic visions of the glory which open this book give character to the whole. It is in this light that the people's ways and condition are manifested and judged. In view of this, how wonderful the work of grace which produces the blessed revival, and crowns all with that display of resurrection-power in the people, victorious power over all enemies, and holy power governing over all, shown in the closing visions.
It is the triumph of the Throne in holy government, and in wondrous grace. We find this not only in relation to Israel, but extending to all the nations, and flowing from the Sanctuary where Jehovah's glory fills the House.
Some Outlines of Truth
Our last remarks were concerning the service and worship of the assembly. There is also the government and discipline connected with it.
Rule, or government, among God's people is spoken of in Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 3:4, 5; 5:17; Heb. 13:7,17, 24; 1 Pet. 5:1-5. In 1 Cor. 12:28 "governments" is mentioned among the "gifts." There is another word connected with this line of work-"oversight," and in Acts 20:28 those to whom Paul was speaking are called "overseers," they exercised oversight as to the affairs of the assembly. This clearly links with "rule," or rather leadership, which is the real thought in this word. Those called elders and bishops are entrusted with this work. The former designates the person:it simply means one advanced in years, the older men. The latter which is the same word as rendered "overseer," denotes the work that elders are to be-form, namely, that of oversight, providing they have the scriptural qualifications (1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1:6-9). Now the bishop or overseer, was always an elder, but all the older men among the saints may not fill the requirements for the work of oversight. That the elder, bishop, or overseer applies to one and the same person is made clear from Titus 1:5-7. The words "office of" connected with bishop are an unwarranted insertion. There is nothing like officialism connected with the work of which we have been speaking.
As to "deacons,"! Tim. 3:8-13 gives us instruction as to them; and here again the words "office of" are without warrant. The term itself means nothing more than an attendant or servant; indeed it is rendered "servant" in Rom. 16:1, 2. See also Matt. 22:13 and John 2:5. In a number of occurrences it is rendered "minister," and the context of these passages indicate a wide range in the service performed. Acts, chap. 6, gives us an example It is really the doing of any service which the needs of the assembly require. The one performing this work is a deacon, or a servant. The character prescribed as to such, as well as those exercising oversight, shows the godly care to have all connected with the leadership and service of the assembly reputable and commendatory in the eyes of those without, even though it refer only to the temporal welfare of the saints. Nothing can be of small importance when it relates to that company which is considered as the house of God, and which stands directly responsible for the presentation of the gospel of Christ in its life and proclamation of the Word.
Now as to the idea that deacons, bishops, or elders (the latter two terms referring to one person as we have seen) are to be ordained, and that in the manner now in vogue throughout Christendom, it must be said that there is not the slightest scriptural warrant. The instances of appointment to this work among the saints in the New Testament, give no authority or guidance for a continuation of the procedure. To continue it we must fall back upon our own plans and wisdom. This we should never think of doing in carrying out the order of God's house. What then is this order? First, that such action is only carried out by the apostles, or their delegates, as Titus and Timothy. We never hear of bishops or deacons appointing their successors, nor of the assemblies doing it, nor have we any direction for it ; none were designated to take the place of the apostles or their delegates, in such work. Neither ordination nor succession as taught and practiced in Christendom have any scriptural foundation.
In every way the assembly is left to a path of faith, in which dependence upon the Holy Spirit is to be constantly exercised, His authority alone recognized, and His guidance ever sought. This will necessitate the exercise of patience, lowliness, and self-judgment among those where the Spirit's presence and ministry are to be realized. With Him present in and among God's people, and the completed Word of God in our hands, though having neither apostles nor apostolic delegates, we are fully furnished for all responsibility as to ministry, worship, and government. We are simply to recognize and own what the Spirit manifests. That which is of Him will surely fit in with and be according to the Word which is the truth, and He is the Spirit of truth.
We have yet to speak of government in the assembly, but for lack of space must leave it for our next issue.
Do our young readers realize the essential difference between being gathered to the Lord's name alone, and being a member of some purely human organization called "churches"? The organization may be sound in doctrine (though many are not), but even when sound doctrinally, who is the center? who has control, and is counted upon to use whom He will for the edification of God's people? If you are gathered to the Lord Jesus as the Head of the assembly, see to it, dear young friend, that anything which, in your heart or in your ways, would hinder or prevent fellowship with your Lord, the Head of the assembly, be-confessed to Him and separated from, that the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and guide, be not grieved. Each one of us must either be a help or a hindrance to our joy and fellowship in the Lord's presence.
Correspondence for the Y. B. Dept., please address to Mr. John Bloore, co Loizeaux Brothers.
" THE LORD is MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT"