Return To Front Page..............................

Return To Church Truth.........................

See Conditions & Comments................

A CENTER CIRCLE

DO THE READERS KNOW of those believers in Christ holding that recovery of church truth in 1827--- endeavoring to continue the expression of the "one body in Christ" worldwide in the scriptural order, as inten-

ted by God for "unity of the faith"----rather than independency, mergers, and sectarianism? Does one want to know? Such a fellowship does exist today.

Some thoughts here especially for the gathered saints (Mt.18:20) who have an earnest desire to be faithful to our Lord and His Word. See also other pages listed below for some thoughts. Write to the Site Manager if one has questions or comments.

- Bible Counsel: Feature Page 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: For the gathered saints who would like to review further ministry concerning some internal assembly subjects, they might see the Conditions And Comments page, and may write for copies of papers. It would not likely be understood or appre-ciated by other readers. Contact Site Manager with any questions.

CHRIST IS THE CENTER

OF GATHERING

If the "Kingdom of Heaven" is like an OUTER CIRCLE of profession and honor to God and His ways, as we understand, and the "Kingdom of God" is like an INNER CIRCLE of posses-sion of Christ and the "new birth", then we might well look for a CENTER CIRCLE with-in of believers gathered around Christ and His Word for obedience and submission.

This page speaks to those who value the fol-lowing G.R.E.A.T.W.A.Y: Gathering with other saints to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone in love; Receiving "all the counsel of God" and "rightly dividing the Word of Truth"; Expressing the "one body" of Christ in the world; Acknowledging the "priesthood" of all believers; Trusting the Lord and keeping His Word; Worshipping in devotion as pleases God; Appreciating God's assembly, order, and government; Yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In anticipation of those who might have some objections, one ought to say: no one should presume to boast of being in a center circle; nevertheless, it remains and that should be the object and desire of faithful saints.

**************************************

Some Differences With Open Brethren

[This concerns that revival of Church Truth in the early 1800's, called the "brethren movement", and the first major division that arose by those who wanted greater liberty for their own preferences, and to accomodate many kinds of belief. This was the beginning of attacks by Satan against this recovery of the scriptural path, as men began to assert themselves instead of bowing to the Word of God and holding "unity of the faith" as God enjoins us. While this responds to a brother in Christ about OB, it applies somewhat also to other division groups from this testimony. One can request other papers about the history to see details of such sad events. The following is adapted to avoid some references and names.

- RLD: 03/16 ].

8/25/05

Dear brother:

Thank you for your letter. In response I will say: as long as we are sharing our understanding there is no problem. I don't think that should cause any controversy. I want to be careful to not seem to speak against saints in other gatherings, but writing does not always convey what one would like to say in person. Please know that I mean well.

It appears we have now moved beyond the discussion of baptism to the ground of gathering. Let me say: I was with Open Brethren for ten years, as you may know, so I can see things from both of our positions. The matter between Darby and Mueller continues today, so it might just as well have "happened last week", as you remarked, so it is relevant. That conflict must not be disregarded by those who wish to be faithful (note Eccl.3:15). We could all probably be together in one testimony today, as God intended, if that matter was properly judged.

I do not see "hostility" among us, as you said, but our lamentation and great concern that some brethren are always wanting to divide God's testimony of unity (which is dishonorable) to have things according to their preferences. That is a serious matter which disturbs and troubles many of us ---not hostility. Are we guilty of having things our own way? If so, I do not see it here. I pray much in this regard that we might be honorable and in subjection before God. By the way, we don't consider ourselves "exclusive", as you say, but inclusive of all who desire to be faithful. The Raven brethren---followers of F.E.Raven (who had to be disciplined, and went off to start his own gathering), proudly call themselves "exclusive brethren".

I think I have already sent you papers in the past on the difference between our position (also as Darby held), and what the Opens hold (as Mueller held). I believe brother Mueller was not near the teacher that was brother Darby and other of those gifted men, such as W. Kelly,

G.V. Wigram, J.G. Bellett, C.H. Mackintosh, etc. Mueller loved the Lord, no doubt, but he did not understand Church Truth and was "stiff-necked" about things that he should have yielded on (I can speak further on that). The result was a great division of God's testimony (somewhat like Rehoboam, when he caused the division of Israel). I could not continue on that ground, which is sectarian, so I left it. I believe I am bound to endeavor always to express the "unity of the Spirit", "no schism in the body", and "the one body in Christ" as we are told (please note that I do not say we are the one body, as some accuse us).

If you should visit one of the gatherings among us as you supposed (that would be so nice), you would not be received initially at the Lord's table just because you were present there. One needs to understand that gathering is not to the Lord's table, nor because one is a Christian, but it is to the fellowship which gives one privilege to be with others of "like mind" and "one accord" at the Lord's table. The assembly must not receive everyone who walks in the door, for the honor and holiness of the Lord's supper must be upheld (I Tim.5:22). The saints need first to get acquainted. I have written more thorough ministry on this elsewhere.

Well, I won't pursue this here, dear friend. I think this addresses the questions and concerns you expressed. Pray always! - Sincerely in Christ forever, Robert DeWitt