http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall Teaching and gospel resources for Christians gathered to the Lord's Name, meeting in gospel halls throughout the world. Links included for direct excerpts from gospel hall web sites, such as www.assemblytestimony.org and others. en dondegr0 dondegr0 Sat, 28 May 2011 14:12:22 +0200 daily 1 The Upper Room Ministry (John 13-17) (5) J Gibson, Derby John 15 This chapter leans upon the Old Testament illustration of Israel as Jehovah’s vine. As such they were responsible to bear fruit for God. Sadly, in this duty they failed. However, Christ succeeded where they failed; hence the description of Himself as "the true vine" (v.1). Since vital union with Christ inevitably leads to persecution (Acts 14.22), He explained the reasons that lie behind the world’s vehement hatred of believers. Through the powerful indwelling Holy Spirit saints are enabled to witness in such a hostile climate. Fruit bearing (vv.1-17) The Vine . "I am" (v.1) is an Old Testament name for the eternal, self-sufficient God. By unreservedly applying this title to Himself, the Lord Jesus witnessed to His own deity. In stating, "I am the true vine" (v.1), He immediately compared and contrasted Himself with Israel the nation. God had delivered Israel from... Sat, 28 May 2011 14:12:22 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-5/70/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-5/70/ The Upper Room Ministry (John 13-17) (4) J Gibson, Derby John 14 Nearing the point of His own tremendous sufferings, the Lord Jesus selflessly comforted the disciples’ troubled hearts. This He did in several ways. For example, He reassured them that although they were soon to be separated it would only be for a season: "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (v.3). He promised them that, despite His physical absence, they would continue to experience God’s power (v.12), and enjoy answered prayers (vv.13,14). By explaining the Holy Spirit’s ministry, Christ further encouraged His disciples with the prospect of "another Comforter" abiding with them, not now for a limited period only, but "for ever" (v.16). He also, at this time of great crisis, granted them supernatural peace (v.27). The Rapture (vv.1-11) The expression "ye believe in God, believe also in me" (v.1) not only... Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:58:02 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-4/69/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-4/69/ The Upper Room Ministry (John 13-17) (3) J Gibson, Derby John 13 In this chapter the Lord Jesus gives an exemplary display of lowly service. He also exposes the traitor, and commands the disciples to love one another. The Setting (vv.1-3) The Passover commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Ex 12.26-27) and looked forward to Christ’s future suffering (1 Cor 5.7). How could the disciples keep the Passover (Mt 26.17; Mk 14.12; Lk 22.8), when their gathering in the upper room preceded it (Jn 13.1), and the Lord Jesus finally died at Passover time (Jn 18.28)? The simple explanation is that Northern Jews reckoned days from sunrise to sunrise, and Southern Jews from sunset to sunset. This "allowed for the feast to be celebrated legitimately on two adjoining days." 1 Christ provided this extraordinary body of teaching, along with His unparalleled example of humility (13.4-15), for the disciples to follow during the period of His absence.... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:49:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-3/68/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-part-3/68/ The Upper Room Ministry (John 13-17) (1) J Gibson, Derby Preface Although "every scripture is divinely inspired, and profitable " (2 Tim 3.16, JND), not every Scripture applies with equal force to the Christian believer. Correct Biblical exposition requires that every passage be examined literally, and in its context. This includes noting the specific time period to which it applies (e.g. church era, tribulation, or millennium), the people for whom it was primarily intended (e.g. Israel or the Church), and significant immediately surrounding events. Once this vital initial step of interpretation has been taken, principles can be extracted, and practically applied to Christians. However, failure to interpret the Bible first of all, and instead jump headlong into application, can throw the whole realm of Biblical understanding into utter confusion. Following Judas’ departure, the Lord Jesus opened His heart to the remaining eleven disciples. Great changes... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:35:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-parts-1-2/67/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Upper-Room-Ministry-parts-1-2/67/ Christ is all and in all (2) M C Davis, Leeds http://www.believersmagazine.com/bm.php?i=20090308   The message of Colossians Chapter 2: Christ All-Sufficient Here Paul deals with the errors facing the Colossian believers and refutes them by asserting the all-sufficiency of Christ alone for salvation and the subsequent Christian life. Just as they had started their Christian lives by faith in Christ alone, so they should continue. Paul was in a spiritual conflict because of them, and longed that they should come to full assurance in understanding the truth about these matters. He was afraid, first of all, in vv.1-10, lest they should be lead astray by false, but fascinating, philosophies of men, for all worthwhile true wisdom and knowledge is found in the Person of Christ alone, not in man-made philosophies. The whole fullness of God’s attributes and characteristics dwells in Christ as the perfect man in bodily form, and all true believers are fully... Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:31:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Christ-is-all-and-in-all-part-2/66/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Christ-is-all-and-in-all-part-2/66/ Christ is all and in all (1) M C Davis, Leeds http://www.believersmagazine.com/bm.php?i=20090207   The message of Colossians The doctrine of Christ is of crucial importance in all matters concerning our faith, spiritual character, and practical daily conduct. Error here can rightly lead to loss of Christian fellowship, as 2 John indicates. Our Lord’s own question, "What think ye of Christ?" (Mt 22.42), remains the most important test in every situation. And unless we acknowledge practically the true doctrine of Christ, as it concerns both His person and work, nothing will really be right in our lives. Now the scope of the true doctrine of Christ must surely include at least the following aspects of His person and work: namely, His absolute deity, His eternal pre-existence as God the Son, His virgin birth, His real humanity in incarnation, His absolute moral perfection and sinlessness, His vicarious and sacrificial death, His literal bodily... Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:28:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Christ-is-all-and-in-all-part-1/65/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Christ-is-all-and-in-all-part-1/65/ My voice... in the morning (Ps 5.3) J Grant When God determined that time would be marked by days He gave His creation not only sleep to enjoy the night hours, but also the beauty of sunrise to usher in the morning. At that hour His compassions are seen afresh, declaring His faithfulness (Lam 3.22-23), and to those beset by trouble and sorrow it is a reminder that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Ps 30.5). David prayed three times per day (Ps 55.17) as did Daniel (Dan 6.10). For them the joy of the presence of the Lord and the liberty that they felt to seek his presence morning, noon, and evening should challenge our hearts. How often do we pray? Prayer is a difficult discipline to master, but if we follow the example of the morning and evening sacrifices we should, despite the pressures of daily life, seek at least twice daily to lift our voices to heaven. Quite apart from this, we can pray as Nehemiah did when faced with the... Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:01:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/My-voice-in-the-morning-Psalm-5/64/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/My-voice-in-the-morning-Psalm-5/64/ The Secret Place (Ps 91.1) J Grant The beginning of another year is a time to take stock. The turmoil gripping the world does not let up. Family and employment pressures make themselves felt. Financial storms have raged; civic unrest is found amongst the nations, terrorism leaves its ugly scar, and the hearts of men at times faint for fear. Believers are not immune from the effects of these forces and may see their hopes banished and their peace of mind attacked. If so, take heart! The Word of God, as always, is the source to which we turn. The Psalmist, as he wrote Psalm 91, had discovered that when in need of a fortress he found it "in the secret place of the most High under the shadow of the Almighty". This "secret place", of which the world knows nothing, is where the believer can find peace and satisfaction, that which is vital in a turbulent age. To be alone with Him and also enjoy His presence and sustaining grace throughout a day is privilege... Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:19:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/The-Secret-Place-Psalm-91/63/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/The-Secret-Place-Psalm-91/63/ My brethren, the reason why you have not got contentment in the things of the world is not because you have not got enough of them - that is not the reason - but the reason is, because they are not things proportionable to that immortal soul of yours that is capable of God Himself. --Jeremiah Burroughs Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them. - John Flavel How shall I depend on Him for raising my body from the dust; and saving my soul at last; if I distrust Him for a crust of bread, towards my preservation. --Joseph Hall As God did not at first choose you because you were high, so He will not forsake you because you are low. --John Flavel whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes... Sun, 12 Dec 2010 04:22:46 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Enough/62/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Enough/62/ Our Almighty Friend! (Mary Winslow, "Words of Loving Counsel and Sympathy") " Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need ." Hebrews 4:16 The Lord knows what we require every step we take through this poor, trying, wilderness world--and stands ready to supply our needs, small and great. He is concerned in all that concerns us. Let it be our daily habit to cast our care upon Him--who cares for us. We must be growing in a better acquaintance with our own souls--as poor and needy; and with Christ--who is all and everything to us. For in Him all fullness dwells--and that fullness is for us! He is our rich storehouse. We need only to go and tell Him--and His heart is open to us in a moment. Let us live upon Him--and go to Him constantly! He is our Almighty Friend! Could we look into His heart, and see how precious we were to Him, and how truly He is... Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:13:17 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Almighty-friend/61/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Almighty-friend/61/ More of Christ! More of Christ! by James Smith, 1860 What is it my soul, which causes this uneasiness, this dissatisfaction, this deep inward yearning after something which you have not, or do not at present enjoy? I am not at rest. I am not rejoicing in God. I am not singing from the heights of Zion. Yet, I have no slavish fears, I have no gloomy doubts of my saving interest in Christ, I have no actual dread of death or the judgment. But I feel a desire to climb higher , to know more, and to enjoy the power of religion within — as I have not of late. It seems to me that all my needs lead me to Christ, and all my desires go out toward Christ. I want — well, what do I want? I want to feel more of my NEED of Christ. I have imagined at times, that I could not have a deeper sense of my need of Christ, and of all that Christ is, and has — than I have already experienced. But I am... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:50:32 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/More-of-Christ/60/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/More-of-Christ/60/ In affliction look to Jesus (Octavius Winslow) God's family is a sorrowing family. " I have chosen you ," He says, " in the furnace of affliction ." The history of the church finds its fittest emblem in the burning, yet unconsumed bush, which Moses saw. Man is "born to sorrow;" but the believer is "appointed thereunto." If he is a "chosen vessel"--it is in the "furnace of affliction." If he is an adopted child of God--"chastening" is the mark. If he is journeying to the heavenly kingdom--his path lies through "much tribulation." But if his sufferings abound, much more so do His consolations. To be comforted by God, may well reconcile us to any sorrow with which it may please our heavenly Father to visit us with. In each season of affliction, to whom can we more appropriately look--than to Jesus? He was preeminently the man of sorrows--and acquainted with grief. If you... Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:29:38 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/In-affliction-look-to-Jesus/59/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/In-affliction-look-to-Jesus/59/ The secret of being content ! (John MacDuff, "THE MIND OF JESUS" 1870) " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed--or hungry, whether living in plenty--or in need ." Philippians 4:11-13 It is from the state of our minds that contentment arises--and not from the amount of our possessions. If we are not content with those things which we have--we are not likely to be content, if we succeeded in attaining all that we desire. The possession of all the good we may think it desirable or even possible to attain--would still leave an aching void; there would still be "a cruel something" unpossessed. But when the mind and the present condition are brought to meet--then, and then only, will true contentment be found! If our heart is brought to our condition--then our condition... Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:54:55 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Secret-of-being-content/58/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Secret-of-being-content/58/ The joys of that eternal banqueting house ! (John MacDuff, "The Night Watches") " He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love !" Song of Solomon 2:4 "HE brought me!" All of grace! He justifies! He glorifies! The banqueting house is entered with shoutings, saying, "Grace, grace unto it!" Believer, contemplate the journey ended, the course finished, the victory won. Seated at the marriage feast of the Lamb in glory, guest talking to guest with bounding hearts--recounting their Lord's dealings on earth--the watchword circulating from tongue to tongue, "He has done all things well!" Angels and archangels, too, will be participants in that banquet of glory; and bright seraphs, who never knew what it was to have a heart of sin or to shed a tear of sorrow. But, for this reason, there will be one element of joy peculiar to the Redeemed, into which the other unfallen guests cannot... Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:04:35 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Joys-of-heaven/57/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Joys-of-heaven/57/ The grand secret ! (Octavius Winslow, "Evening Thoughts") " This is real love. It is not that we loved God--but that He loved us and sent His Son as a  sacrifice to take away our sins ." 1 John 4:10 Deal much and closely with a crucified Savior! This is the grand secret of a constant ascending of the affections to God. If you find it difficult to comprehend the love of God towards you--then read it in the cross of His dear Son! Dwell upon this amazing fact, drink into this precious truth, muse upon it, ponder it, search into it, pray over it, until your heart is melted down, and broken, and overwhelmed with God's wondrous love to you, in the gift of Jesus! Oh, how will this rekindle the flame that is ready to die in your bosom! How it will draw you up in a holy and unreserved surrender of body, soul, and spirit! Deal much with Jesus! Whenever you detect . . .   a waning of love,   a... Sun, 10 Oct 2010 21:15:11 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Grand-secret/56/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Grand-secret/56/ The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Having the Source of all things, he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever. -- A.W. Tozer Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:41:28 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-is-our-Treasure/55/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-is-our-Treasure/55/ Source: Joy and Strength Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 10:12   Proverbs 2:25   The Power of a Kind Word The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious. ECCLESIASTES 10:12 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad. PROVERBS 12:25 IT would seem as if very few of us give this power of kind words the consideration which is due to it. So great a power, such a facility in the exercise of it, such a frequency of opportunities for the application of it, and yet the world still what it is, and we still what we are! It seems incredible. Take life all through, its adversity as well as its prosperity, its sickness as well as its health, its loss of its rights as well as its enjoyment of them, and we shall find that no natural sweetness of temper, much less any acquired philosophical equanimity, is equal to the support of a uniform habit of kindness. Nevertheless, with the help of grace, the habit of saying... Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:01:35 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Kind-Words/54/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Kind-Words/54/ Source: Joy and Strength Scripture Reference: Luke 17:14   Deuteronomy 8:6   The Test of Love Thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways. DEUTERONOMY 8:6 And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. LUKE 17:14 GOD calls us to duty, and the only right answer is obedience. If it can be glad and willing and loving obedience, happy are we; but, in any case, whether we ourselves get enjoyment and blessing from the task or not, the call must be obeyed. The will of God must be done for the sake of God, not for the sake of ourselves. Undertake the duty, and step by step God will provide the disposition. We can at least obey. Ideal obedience includes the whole will and the whole heart. We cannot begin with that. But we can begin with what we have. God calls. It is better to obey blunderingly than not to obey at all. GEORGE HODGES The test of love is not feeling, but obedience.... Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:42:53 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Test-of-Love/53/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/Test-of-Love/53/ Source: Joy and Strength Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:1-4   Psalm 100:3   Deuteronomy 32:4   Our Role and God's Role He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are judgment; a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is He. DEUTERONOMY 32:4 We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. PSALMS 100:3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. PSALMS 23:1, 4 DUTIES are ours, events are the Lord's; when our faith goeth to meddle with events, and to hold a court (if I may so speak) upon God's Providence, and beginneth to say, "How wilt Thou do this or that?" we lose ground; we have nothing to do there; it is our part to let the Almighty exercise His own office, and steer His own helm; there is nothing left us, but to see how we may be... Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:12:12 +0200 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-s-Role/52/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-s-Role/52/ Source: Joy and Strength Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6-7   God's Peace for Our Anxieties In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6,7 (RV) JUST think of having His wonderful peace guarding one's heart and one's thoughts all day long. But it is only on condition that we fulfil the sixth verse, "In nothing be anxious,"--this is a distinct command, and, if we fail to fulfil it, we shall not get the blessing. Sorrow even is anxiety, and should be laid upon our blessed Lord. Then in prayer and supplication we must not forget that thanksgiving is also distinctly commanded; we must praise God for His dealings with us, even though we cannot make them out at times. Pray God to make you cease from anxiety about... Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:28:06 +0100 http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-s-peace/51/ http://www.blogigo.com/gospelhall/God-s-peace/51/