Categories
church

A Distinguishing Characteristic of a True New Testament Church

There is liberty for the exercise of gifts by the Holy Spirit.

Bob Gessner

And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11,12). Having then gifts
differing according to the grace that i given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he
that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him
do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence, he that sheweth mercy, with
cheerfulness (Rom. 12:6-8).

Categories
church

Dangers in Leadership

Steve Hulshizer

The following was first given as a message at the May, 1999 Elders and
Workers Conference in Markham, Ontario.

In my travels among the assemblies it is evident that the general
spiritual condition of many of them is poor. Attendance is often a small portion of those
who would claim to be in fellowship. Worldliness has made inroads and it is manifested in
a lack of commitment to the local assembly and a strong commitment to careers, hobbies,
sports, and recreation.

Categories
church

Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

Steve Hulshizer

As the apostle Paul nears the end of his life, much of which had been
poured out for the Lord, his heart is moved towards Timothy and what his son in the faith
will face in the coming days. Writing from his dungeon, the veteran missionary pours out
his heart and concerns for the younger, and perhaps discouraged Timothy. Surely, the
younger saints of our day would benefit from listening in as Paul, who is about to depart
this world, gives Timothy his final instructions.

Categories
the father worship

The Field of Clover

H. P. Barker

“Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in
our hearts” (2 Cor. 1:22). “Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing
is God, Who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (2 Cor. 5:5).
“….ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His
glory” (Eph. 1:13,14).

Categories
church human

Little Church Members

Ingimar DeRidder

A Lesson from James to the Churches

Watch out when tongues get loose. They can do a lot of damage. Nothing
saddens the heart more than to hear of local churches divided, broken and destroyed by the
Devil. It is especially sad when good churches are needed to be winning souls for Christ.
The Devil has many devices which he uses to split a church and to divide one brother from
another. Let there be no mistake about it, the Devil hates the church. Today, a church is
more likely to be destroyed from within than from without.