This made me think. Millions of people live their whole lives without hope. You can see it in their faces. Thank God that ‘We were were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus we who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ’ (See Eph 2:12-13).
A brother recently sent me a link to a preaching which started with the words.
‘Human beings can live for forty days without food, four days without water, and four minutes without air. But we cannot live for four seconds without hope’.
This made me think. Millions of people live their whole lives without hope. You can see it in their faces. Thank God that ‘We were were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus we who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ’ (See Eph 2:12-13).
We have been made nigh. Let us keep near our Lord and Saviour!
Aasia Bibi’s appeal against death sentence rejected’.
The headline on an email I received this week says ‘Aasia Bibi’s appeal against death sentence rejected’. This young mother has been languishing in prison since being falsely accused by some of her co-workers of defiling the name of Mohammed. The government of Pakistan could well bow to international pressure in such a high profile case. But how many others are there? – in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, North Korea knowing the literality of the verse, ‘Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life’. (Rev 2:10).
Up till now the Roman Catholic church, despite its idolatry, human organisation and wrong teaching, stood for some things that were right – upholding marriage, condemning homosexual activity etc. Protestantism had already bowed to the times. Now even Catholicism is following suit
Up till now the Roman Catholic church, despite its idolatry, human organisation and wrong teaching, stood for some things that were right – upholding marriage, condemning homosexual activity etc. Protestantism had already bowed to the times. Now even Catholicism is following suit. Looking at prophecy, that is not surprising. Let there be a call – not to change the system – but for true hearts to follow Jesus ‘outside the camp’
It would appear that in 520BC Zechariah, Buddah and Confucius were all engaged in their work. Which one brought people back to God? Zech 1:3
It would appear that in 520BC Zechariah, Buddah and Confucius were all engaged in their work. Which one brought people back to God? Who said ‘Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you’ (Zech 1:3). Who had an idea of God’s standard (the measuring line) Zech. 2? Who saw a man’s filthy garments changed to festival robes (Zech 3 – Darby trans. – from our own righteousness to God’s)? And which could speak of the sons of oil (Zech 4 – the limitless supply from God’s Holy Spirit)?
These two wise men from the East were no more than that – giving good advice – but none changing the man which cannot be improved, however much men try!
The First Man and the Second
Freedom from Guilt and Freedom from Sin
A year or so ago a friend of mine gathered a few young people and encouraged them to ask questions – about anything. The majority were of the lines ‘Why are we not allowed to have TV?’ , ‘Why can’t I join a rock band?’ and the like. You can imagine how sad my friend was. Christianity doesn’t have a rule book – the Bible certainly isn’t one, even though it tells us what is pleasing to God and what is not.
I trust that some came away saying ‘I don’t want a TV because of the torrent of filth on it that I cannot control’, and ‘I don’t want to be a member of a rock group, because Jesus would never have been a member.’
John Nelson Darby
The Second Man, and Deliverance from Sin
This caused me to work on two articles for ADOSS based on papers by JND.
The first was based on a preaching. After covering the basics of the gospel, Darby said that sin must be put away perfectly. The sinner brought back to God must be spotless. Christ did not enter heaven again until He had settled the whole question of our sins and of sin itself. The moment I, as a poor sinner, look by faith to Jesus as my divine sin-bearer, all my sins are gone – they are put out of God’s sight for ever. I am pardoned through His blood, peace having been made through the blood of the cross. And the glorified Man is in heaven, appearing in the presence of God for us – of His Father and our Father, of His God and our God. No sin there.
The second paper shows what wonderful freedom we have. Not only as believers are we to be free of guilt, but we are to know deliverance from the law of sin and death. We still have the flesh, its will and lusts, and in our own strength there is nothing we can do. As a result of Christ’s death, the Christian can say, ‘The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death’ (Rom 8:2). As a result we can know newness of life and the liberty of sonship. I am free, because the sin I have discovered in my flesh has been condemned in the cross of Christ. By faith I am crucified with Him; I have a new place before God, beyond death, judgment and Satan’s power. That place is liberty
IT is not with uncertain step
That we tread our homeless way;
A well-known Voice has called us up
To everlasting day.
The voice of Him who, whilom,* trod
Alone the trackless way,
(And marked the road that leads to God),
Where we once, as lost, did stray;
Nor leaves us now alone to trace
Our path across the waste,
But leads us still with living grace
To the home to which we haste.
See! open stands the heavenly door,
Whence the glory shines below,
To light the path where He’s gone before,
And the bliss that awaits us show.
In patience then we may tread the path,
Marked out by His footsteps here,
Who has freed us from the coming wrath,
Who has freed our hearts from fear;
May abide His will, for the longer road
Where patience and faith are tried,
And count on a love which bears each load,
And our hearts from trial may hide.
He will still be there, be it long or brief,
Our strength in every need;
Himself our joy, our sure relief,
Till from care in His presence we’re freed.
the law of God, as to which, if we offend in one point, we are guilty of all
the royal law, “love your neighbour as yourself”
the law of liberty, by which our conduct is to be judged, and where the will of God and the our own nature run together
In James you get the perfect law of liberty applied to the Christian’s path. We should not act in self-will, but be patient with confidence in God, thus acquiring wisdom and strength. If there is evil, it comes from man – if good, from the unchangeable God, who of His own will begat us by the word of truth (chap. 1).
James then introduces sweeping denunciations against riches and the spirit of the world. He speaks of three laws –
the law of God, as to which, if we offend in one point, we are guilty of all
the royal law, “love your neighbour as yourself”
the law of liberty, by which our conduct is to be judged, and where the will of God and the our own nature run together
Mere faith in the head is treated as worthless; the test of a man’s living faith, is in his works. But the works referred to are works of faith. Any other works are bad works (chap. 2).
We do not get redemption in James; but the apostle insists on self-subjection, especially as regards the tongue: hence we are warned against being many teachers. We are to display the true character of heavenly wisdom. The fruits of righteousness are sown in peace.
The epistle closes with a strong exhibition of the power of the prayer of faith. The letter is addressed to the twelve tribes; but faith in Christ, and the existence of the assembly, are distinctly recognised, even though the synagogue is also still in existence.
Originally by JND. Lightly edited by Sosthenes, September 2014
Darby said ‘I do believe the Brethren have something special. But what is important is, not ‘the Brethren,’ but the truth they have. Darby says that God, though full of gracious patience, could set the Brethren aside – if they are not faithful – and spread His truth by others. Their place is to remain in obscurity and devotedness, not to think of ‘Brethren’ (it is always wrong to think of ourselves), but of souls, in Christ’s name and love, and of His glory and truth. Their place is not to press Brethrenism, but to deal with each soul according to its need for Christ’s sake.’
This is based on part of a letter written by JN Darby from America to a Mr J Leslie. The original is in his Collected Writings Volume 31 (Doctrinal 9) entitled Correspondence on recent matters. It is also in JND’s letters Vol. 51 page 339.
John Nelson Darby
Darby thought that Brethren were entering into a new phase of their existence, which increased their responsibility, bringing greater dangers to them. It arose from the general feeling that Brethren have something that other Christians have not got.
What they have is often refuted, hated and opposed. It may be also often be a matter of curiosity, or there may be genuine inquiry. May there be more! But this feeling is real. Worldly people feel it, and would use it to show the inconsistency of the public profession, citing Scripture inaccurately. Other Christians, still clinging to the professing church with partial apprehension of the truth and holding much error, boast that they can have what the Brethren have, without leaving the systems they are in.
The Brethren probably do have something special. But what is important is, not ‘the Brethren,’ but the truth they have. Darby says that God, though full of gracious patience, could set the Brethren aside – if they are not faithful – and spread His truth by others. Their place is to remain in obscurity and devotedness, not to think of ‘Brethren’ (it is always wrong to think of ourselves), but of souls, in Christ’s name and love, and of His glory and truth. Their place is not to press Brethrenism, but to deal with each soul according to its need for Christ’s sake.
But if, through grace, they possess more of the truth, they have greater responsibility. Therefore, if they are not more devoted, they would be a stumbling-block to others. Unworldliness, nonconformity to the world, self-denial, and love to others, is called for: The end of what is enjoined is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith. (1 Tim 1:5). Let brethren walk in love, in the truth, humble, lowly, unworldly, holding all for Christ. May they be as little as when they began, and be content about it. Then God will bless them. If not, their candlestick may go – and, oh, after such grace, what sorrow and confusion of face that would be!
Let there be no mixing with the church-world. May the brethren show grace toward it, as beacon-lights, taking the precious from the vile. Then they will be as God’s mouth. May they be a testimony against it, with that earnest gospel of God’s free love to souls that Christ has for His own. May they do the work of evangelists, humble, lowly, devoted, and simple in ministry, devoted in heart and separated to Christ.
Brethren should rejoice in evangelical activity outside of themselves: it is one of the signs of the time. God is sovereign, and can work in love where and how He pleases, and they should rejoice in it. But in general there is no separation from evil in many places. Indeed there is so much indifference to the truth, especially in America. They even exchange pulpits with infidels. For a year or two, at the beginning, Darby and others would preached wherever they were invited. Though the trumpet was giving an uncertain sound, the gospel was fully preached and some were brought out. Now the testimony has to be clearer, but still the fullest preaching of the gospel and of the assurance of salvation must continue.
We should not be on the attack, but to be superior, in grace, for the truth. Peter never attacked the chief priests, but went on his own way. The high ground of the truth and a full gospel preached in grace should distinguish us. The testimony against evil should be in our own walk and ways. Patience, truth, holiness, and love in the truth and for the truth’s sake, characterise Christ’s revelation of Himself. He influences us in the last days.
God has no need of us, but He does have need of a people who walk in the truth in love and holiness. In the Old Testament it says, ‘I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of Jehovah’ (Zeph 3:12). The same spirit is in Jude, who speaks of the mixture which would bring on judgment: ‘But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.’ (v. 20-21) We may, and must, rejoice in the gospel. That only makes the testimony of Brethren outside the camp more necessary than ever – but the testimony must be real. May we be waiting and watching for Jesus, because we do so love Him!
Original letter written by John Nelson Darby, New York, April 8th, 1875.
Edited for easier reading by Sosthenes, September 2014.
Some account of what took place at the time of the decease and funeral of dear J.N.D.
The dear servant of the Lord fell asleep at 11.05 am on Saturday, April 29th 1882, with the quietness and peace which had characterised him in his long and devoted life at the ? home of our beloved brother Mr. Hammond at Bournemouth whom God graciously allowed to minister comfort and care to His ministering one in his closing days.
He had scarcely said anything for the previous 36 hours except a word recognising his attendant (Bro. —): He took a little nourishment at 4.00 pm on Friday and three or four times during the night as usual: in the morning he was thought to be sinking very rapidly:-
Brothers Hammond, Stuart, Lowe, A. Burton, L. Hewer and Guillaume were gathered round his bedside when his spirit passed away to be with the Lord.
He had said on the Thursday: “I feel just like a bird ready to fly away!” He was also said to have remarked to his attendant and Brother?: “If you see anything in me that is not Christ-like, rebuke me for it.”
On the morning of the funeral we arrived at the house for a prayer meeting at 11.45 am. I suppose quite a hundred of us were closely packed in the large room at our brother’s house. As we entered, in the hall was the coffin containing the precious remains: – on the brass plate was engraved:
JOHN NELSON DARBY
BORN NOVEMBER 18TH 1800
DIED IN THE LORD
29TH APRIL 1882
In passing, the solemn, sad fact for us was: He was gone! A great one had fallen asleep: God’s chosen vessel who had toiled and laboured to feed His flock and unfold the truths and glories of His word and His Christ was gone to his well-earned rest:- his work was done!
The bereaved saints gathered in the room (where his last words in a Reading Meeting were heard on the closing verses of Ephesians 3 – “Christ dwelling in the heart by faith”.) waiting on God in silence, with much manifest sorrow and a blessed sense of the Lord’s presence:
Our dear Bro.C. S. gave out Hymn 79 “Rest of the saints above” – this was followed by Mr.McAdam leading the saints in thanksgiving to God first: for that bright glory before us and which cannot be taken from us; then: for the all-sufficiency of Christ and the certainty of His blessed presence all the way through the wilderness.
Next: Prayer by H. H. S. that the removal of our beloved brother might be used to our blessing in leading us to more occupation with Christ and devotedness to Him.
Next: Prayer by Mr. Lowe, very touchingly thanking God for His gift to the Church: for his faithful stewardship and his devoted and consistent life … … (our dear brother was so much affected that He was unable to continue in prayer).
Next: Prayer by C. S. Thanksgiving for the blessing that he had been to the whole Church of God: supplication that his death might be used to speak to the hearts of His saints, not only in our fellowship, but at large to those who knew him; and that his writings might continue to be largely blessed to the Church of God.
Next: Prayer by Mr. Kingscote Senior. Mr. McAdam then gave out hymn 284 “Thou hidden source of calm repose”.
At the suggestion of a brother, Mr. Darby’s last written words to his brethren were then read.
The funeral was arranged for 3.30 at the cemetery – the departed one’s great desire was: that there should be no demonstration:- To avoid it brethren gathered at the cemetery:- eight or nine hundred (some say over a thousand) were thought to be present:- some who loved him from Ireland, Scotland as well as from far and near parts of England came: from London perhaps three or four hundred were present
———
Epitaph on JND’s Grave
JOHN NELSON DARBY
“As unknown yet well known”
Departed to be with Christ
29th April 1882
2 Cor 5:21
Lord! let me wait for Thee alone:
My life be only this –
To serve Thee here on earth, unknown;
Then share Thy heavenly bliss.
Dead religion is dead religion. Paul said I’m a Pharisee!’ That was his religion.
I have been thinking: Suppose I was in Iraq and my town was overrun by the ISIS terrorists, forcing me, along with all other Christians to flee. Or worse, I was captured, what would I do?
Dead religion is dead religion. Paul said I’m a Pharisee!’ That was his religion.
I have been thinking: Suppose I was in Iraq and my town was overrun by the ISIS terrorists, forcing me, along with all other Christians to flee. Or worse, I was captured, what would I do?
Assuming I was not shot, they might say ‘Will you convert to Islam?’ How would I answer? Of course I could say ‘No way!’ – so I would be shot – absent from the body and present with the Lord – a blessed end, but is this the end that God would have wanted for me?
I thought about the Lord before Pontius Pilate. He stood His ground – not compromising, but not incriminating Himself. Even more Paul – maybe he overstepped the mark in guile (not like the Lord), when he split the Pharisees and Sadducees, but he said that he was a Pharisee. It did not matter to him if he ws classed as belonging to just another Jewish sect – in the way which they call sect, so I serve my fathers’ God. (Acts 24:14)
So I could say ‘I’m under islam’ (small-s – but I would be speaking anyway). Let’s face it: ‘islam’ means submission [to the will of God and obedience to His law]. I have no problem with that.
Of course if they asked me to deny my Saviour I could not do that. But what if I am told to recite ‘La illaha illa Allah’ – There is no God but God (Arab Christians call God Allah) – I could even say – and Mohammed is a prophet of a god (small-g). Would they notice?
Then I could go on testifying to Jesus – maybe even those terrorist might be brought to repentance,
A brother recently sent me a link to a preaching which started with the words.
