Σωσθένης Ὁἀδελφὸς – Sosthenes the Brother
ADOSS Newsletter No 7 – April 2014
Dear Christian Friends
Here is my latest newsletter
Easter
I am writing this on what is traditionally known as Good Friday. Do I regard the day as anything special? Not really; there is no scriptural justification for celebrating the Lord’s death at the time of the feast of the Jewish Passover. Indeed many Christians believe, with some justification, that the crucifixion took place on a Wednesday, the first day of the Passover being the Thursday – and this gives time for the Lord’s body to have been in the grave three days and three nights.
I have no problems with those who wish to celebrate Easter in a simple way. Indeed I am very pleased when people remember the One who died on the cross at Calvary, laying down His live for millions, bearing their sins and securing their eternal salvation.
We are told to remember Him. “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Cor. 11:26). The frequency is not specified. It is clear that they gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday – see Acts 20:7), and most Christians who celebrate the Lord’s supper, myself included, do this.
It is a sad thing when Christians who can answer to the Lord’s request fail to do so. I would encourage ADOSS readers to do so, and to ‘call on the Lord out of a pure heart.’ (2 Tim. 2:22)
JND’s Man of Sorrows
I guess it is a good day to post that wonderful poem by John Nelson Darby. Here are a few of the 36 verses. For the full poem click her
O ever homeless Stranger,
Thus, dearest Friend to me;
An outcast in a manger,
That Thou might’st with us be!
We cling to Thee in weakness–
The manger and the cross;
We gaze upon Thy meekness,
Through suffering, pain, and loss;
Still in Thee love’s sweet savour
Shone forth in every deed,
And showed God’s loving favour
To every soul in need.
In death, obedience yielding
To God His Father’s will,
Love still its power is wielding
To meet all human ill.
We worship, when we see Thee
In all Thy sorrowing path;
We long soon to be with Thee
Who bore for us the wrath.
Come then, expected Saviour;
Thou Man of sorrows, come!
Almighty, blest Deliverer!
And take us to Thee–home.
All Roads lead to Rome
There is little doubt that things are moving quickly. At one time Rome persecuted true believers using torture and even the stake. Many dear saints perished in the Spanish Inquisition – and even now this is celebrated in some parades. Manuel, a friend of my father, as a young man during the Spanish civil war, was shown a coffin by a priest and told, ‘That is where you are going!’ He fled. Rome’s heart hasn’t changed.
Its tactics have changed though. Protestants are being lured back – ‘ there isn’t much difference really’. Indeed many are pleased that the Catholic church takes a firm line on abortion, gay rights and promotes moral rectitude, despite the fact that many priests have fallen miserably.
A few weeks ago I came across this video on You Tube Ecumenism: Spiritual Whoredom – a bit frightening. It might have overplayed things, critical of some who have served the Lord. But whoever they are, none are immune from the charms of the harlot.
Recent Postings
In addition to ‘Man of Sorrows’ I have posted other compositions by JND – A Holy Father’s Constant Care, All through this Desert Dry , and others.
I have also posted a couple of articles by Charles Coates bearing on the situation when Satan is active in dividing the Lord’s people.
May you be blessed, awaiting our Lord’s near return
Your brother
Sosthenes
