THE truth of God never changes. Man may fail in maintaining it, but the truth abides.
In the most difficult days faith may act upon the unchanging truth of God.
All that is needed on our part is a single eye for God’s glory; an undivided heart for the honor of Christ’s name; a firm adherence to God’s Word, and a simple dependence upon the Holy Ghost.
Let Christ and His glory be the all-absorbing object of our hearts, and the all-engrossing purpose of our lives.
Men speak of the different churches: God’s Word speaks of the Church. In men’s churches there are many dead members. In “the Church which is His body” there are no members but those who have life, and are united to Christ the living Head in heaven. The Church’s birthday was the day of Pentecost. Old Testament saints, though truly the children of God, were not united to a glorified Christ at the right hand of God. Christ as Man in heavenly glory is the Head of the Church, which is His body, and the Church here on earth is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Eph. 1:19-2319And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:19‑23)).
All true Christians are members of that Church, and in that Church are none who are not true Christians. Though true Christians are now divided one from the other, and scattered amongst the various churches of man’s making, yet in God’s sight they are one, and presently will be manifested as one in glory.
They ought to manifest that unity on earth. But so far as the outward expression of it is concerned the Church is in ruins.
It is never God’s way to restore what man spoils, yet there is a path for faith in these difficult and perilous times.
Christ has promised His presence in the midst where two or three are gathered to His name (Matt. 18). It will be the privilege of those gathered to His name to show His death “till He come” (1 Cor. 11). It is the duty of those thus gathered to welcome in the name of the Lord all who are sound in the faith, godly in walk, and separated from evil associations. Those gathered to Christ’s name need no minister or president to take control, for Christ is in their midst. In proportion as the Holy Spirit is ungrieved by the individuals so gathered, and unquenched in the assembly, worship and prayer will flow and edification be given.
Scripture knows of no membership other than that of being members of the body of Christ. To exclude any who are known to be Christians, and separated from what dishonors Christ, is to adopt sectarian ground.
To attempt to restore the Church to its Pentecostal state would prove insensibility of conscience, and would lead to confusion and shame. With all lowliness and meekness, in spite of weakness, to seek to keep Christ’s Word and not deny His name, will be the privilege of faith until the Lord comes.
No amount of failure in the Church should deprive us of the privilege of showing His death “till He come,” nor does it relieve us of the responsibility to do this “in remembrance” of Him.
On that same night, Lord Jesus,
When all around Thee joined,
To cast its darkest shadow
Across Thy holy mind,
We hear Thy voice, blest Saviour,
“This do!—Remember Me!”
With joyful hearts responding
We would remember Thee.