CHURCH TRUTH is about faithful compliance and conformity to what God intended in Acts 2: 41- 42 at the beginning of the church, and then the Epistles. It speaks of obeying and honoring God collectively without innovations. One who is saved (Jn.3: 16) ought to follow the Word (see Jn.14:23-24; Jn.17:17; Titus 1: 9; Phil. 2:2); including baptism, the gathering, the collective testimony; and obedience to the Word, a Godly walk, the Lord's glory and honor, etc.
From time to time papers will be set forth here and on the Feature Pages herein, concerning various aspects of this truth. We ought to love all saints everywhere and be a help, even if we cannot walk with all. - RLD
[A few thoughts from another paper to help Christians not reared within a scriptural assembly]
The Gathering Placeaccording to the scriptural order for the church, is probably not like anything one has known from the various Christian gatherings in the world, who often take a name, have leaders, follow rituals and creeds, embrace the world, have entertainment and activities, programs, innovations, etc. That is man's ideas rather than true to the Word of God. One needs to decide if they want to be a part of a scriptural assembly as a worldwide fellowship, and as a local expression of that, or follow traditions and the popular ideas of men. A true believer ought to seek to know church truth, church history, talk with the elders associated with the gathering, be baptized, pray much, and be an observer for a time before asking to be received into the fellowship. Reception is not dependent on knowing all the Scripture, but one should come simply in faith as a learner. One should come with the thought of "unity of the faith" and in truth.
The Word Of Godshould be our only authority for the Christian faith, not rules, creeds, the reasoning of men and personal preferences. One should study the Word, seek counsel from sound teachers, and pray earnestly.
The Assembly Lifeconcerns happy fellowship and the various meetings and function as in Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles, a Godly spirit, and the care and fellowship for all the saints. One should stand apart from various sects and appreciate the truth of expressing the "one body" of Christ as given for the church, rather than the independent ways or mergers of the various religious sects of men. Mergers is not scriptural.
The Holy And Royal Priesthoodis a precious truth given all saints and something different than one will find in the various sects and systems, where the liberty and gifts of God's calling and participation is not allowed. One should study this.
The Order And Government Of Godspeaks of the scriptural form of the collective meetings, unity worldwide, a Godly spirit, correction and discipline, and honor to God; and God's mind and purposes for His testimony from the beginning of the church.
The Honor And Glory Of The Lordought to be paramount among the saints in our personal life and the assembly, rather than pleasing men with their religious ideas.
The Collective Worship And Ministryspeaks of the Lord's table and the supper as worship in both a collective and personal way; and the ministry shared in Bible studies and in messages delivered among the saints.
[It is important to appreciate that in all this it is speaking of God's testimony in the world after His order. There is no such thing in the Holy Scriptures as "a church of your choice", so one ought to seek to find what God intended for the church, rather than look for a popular place of convenience and entertainment. One cannot speak for others, and surely each child of God ought to pray earnestly to find God's mind for one's pathway. - from a paper: CA 8 - RLD
There seems to be three great spheres of Christian experience: Redemption Way, Church Truth, & Spiritual Life (John 14:6).
Most believers can appreciate redemption and spiritual growth, but church truth seems to be much neglected. We need to take "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).
It surely takes time and prayer to fathom things concerning the universal and local aspects of the church, and of course it would all be less difficult if the enemy had not done such a great job of dividing and scattering the saints and opposing God's testimony. We would have been together from the beginning. The first obstacle is getting beyond the sectarian spirit, which Christians have learned through the years in the church organizations of men.
I am just not satisfied with sectarianism, for we will all be one in heaven, and should be so now---only in the truth of the Word. I truly believe that is the mind of God for us. Let us try to look at this step by step, then we can respond as needed in a progressive way:
1) I believe the revival of the early 1800's of which we speak---the so-called "brethren movement", was a true work of God, and not just another innovation of men. If one doesn't see that and know the history, then they cannot fully appreciate the need for change and seeking "unity of the Spirit"; and will continue the way of sectarianism (every one doing that which is right in his own eyes - Judges 21:25).
2) Following the Word of God is essential for church truth, as well as all understanding of God's purposes. Our reasoning can get in the way of this.
3) The early church in the Word was assemblies in each city bound together as one in Christ by the Holy Spirit, written epistles, and visitations by the apostles. Saints seldom traveled beyond their own city in those days, but if they did, letters of commendation were given to maintain the unity and avoid evil and leaven from getting in among the gathered saints. This is a picture of expressing the "one body in Christ".
4) We are told in numerous places in the Word of the need to be of "one accord", "like mind", "in unity", "together", etc. Paul said there should be "no schism"
(division) in the body (I Cor. 12:25). We have a responsibility to express or show forth the "one body" in the world . Independency is not according to God's order for the church.
5) The form of gathering ought to be scriptural, but the form of gathering is not alone the truth of gathering. See the papers I sent, which may help on this.
Well, brother, much more might be said, but I better stop for now. Please see the papers attached here, and together with the other papers I sent, you may be able to get the overall picture. I want to emphasize that I am not saying those in this fellowship "are the only ones" right. I hear that charge at times. We are trying to follow the Word, honor the Lord, and maintain that revival of church truth that had been lost. I don't think we are the only ones who know of that, but I don't know of any others who are doing it in accord with the Word. Each of the points above can be more fully explained, if you are interested.
Look up, brother, and if you cannot accept these things, let us go in peace praising the Lord together.
