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<BrethrenVoice>
which seeks
to be guided by the New Testament Biblical pattern, is
aimed at reaching
Christians
with words that challenge them to know and fulfil God's purpose
in their lives.
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<GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY> |
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7 March
2003
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Today's
Bible verse: |
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Do not be surprised my brothers if the
world hates you. 1 Jn 3:13 |
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In this
issue:
1) <Devotional>
What's in a name?– Jill Carattini
2) <Doctrinal>
The Church and I - Women's
responsibilities...(Pt-4)–G.I.Harlow
3) <Bible-Study>
Thoughts & Suggestions about Worship (Pt-4) -
C.E.Wigg
4) <Poem> "A
mourner's sorrow and comfort" - J.H. Langley
1) <DEVOTIONAL>
<SLICE-OF-INFINITY>
"WHAT'S IN A
NAME?"
Jill
Carattini
Confucius once
observed that without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men.
Indeed, etymology is truly fascinating, unlocking truth and trivia. I recently
discovered the revealing story behind the word "lucullan." The word, which means
lavish or luxurious, has a very personal attachment to a historical personality
dating back to 66 B.C. The adjective echoes the name of Roman general
Lucius Licinius Lucullus and derives its meaning from his reputation for
extravagant banquets. Interestingly, the general had quite a distinguished
military career, yet it was the grandeur of his retirement that gave his very
name a lasting place in our vocabulary as a synonym for "lavish."
Now, throughout
history the name of Jesus has become synonymous with many things. Ebbing and
flowing with the cultural mood, Jesus has been called "religious zealot," "good
man," and "gentle teacher." In the great hymns he is named Blessed Redeemer,
Living Word, Savior, and Friend. Yet, increasingly in many circles today, mere
mention of his name is deemed an offensive display of intolerance; His name for
some has become synonymous with controversy and narrow-mindedness. Still in
other arenas of thought the life of Jesus is generalized into words calling for
"goodliness." The name of Jesus, like Gandhi or Mother Teresa, points some to
kindness, peace, and right
living.
But step a little
closer to this man and the many synonyms we have given his name throughout
history. The historical proof of his existence is virtually undoubted, his
influence undeniable. Step closer and you readily find a personality that
changed all of history. Think of the way we mark time because of him. Look
around at the churches dotting landscapes throughout the world, hospitals
bearing his influence in their names, gravestones bearing crosses.
Now, will you come
even closer, to the eyewitness accounts of his life? When you read of his
life and death, it is truly evident you have met a living Personality—a Person
with a name and identity that confronts your own. And as you read you become
aware of a personal knowledge of him. When Jesus weeps, rebukes, and
speaks, He reaches out as if the words "Follow me" and "Come to me" were meant
for you. The Good News, dear friend, is that quite sincerely they were spoken
with you in mind.
You see, the
promise spoken through the Prophet Isaiah those many years ago said it all in
one synonym for the Name that would come in the fullness of time. To the people,
Isaiah proclaimed this hope: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:
Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall call his name
Immanuel." (Footnote 1: Isaiah 7:14) Immanuel, that is, God with us! The name of
Jesus holds the promise of God living among us—a Person with a name to call on,
a Personality to know. Consider your response to him, knowing you are in his
presence.
---
Copyright(c) 2003 Ravi Zacharias
International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. A Slice of Infinity
is a ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
2) <DOCTRINAL>
"THE CHURCH AND I - WOMAN'S RESPONSIBILITIES
IN THE CHURCH"* – (PART -
4)
Gertrud Harlow
KINDNESS: The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31
was kind to the poor and needy, v. 20. So was Dorcas, Acts 9:36. Phoebe
was a servant of the church in Cenchrea and a help to many people, Rom.
16:1,2. We too should do good to all people, especially to those who
belong to the family of God, that is, all true believers, Gal.6:10. For example:
* Perhaps a
mother in the assembly has to go to hospital leaving her husband
and several children to cope for themselves.
* We can help a
family like this with meals, washing etc.
* We can do grocery shopping
for the elderly in the assembly, especially during the winter.
* We
can pick them up with the car and bring them to the meetings.
* We can
visit those who are ill. If they are at home we can help by tidying the house,
doing the washing etc.
* We should remember believers who belong to
churches in materially less privileged countries and help them with parcels
of food and clothing.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Deborah was a
prophetess and a judge in Israel. She encouraged Barak to lead the people of
Israel in their fight against their enemies, Judges 4.
We can be an
encouragement to our brethren, especially to the younger ones. How? By a word of
appreciation for what they are doing, by telling them we stand with them in
prayer as they preach or minister the Word or make difficult decisions regarding
problems in the assembly. You see there are many things a sister can do in her
desire to serve the Lord. It is more than just possible that she can do most of
these things better than the average brother.
ASSEMBLY
GATHERINGS: Now we would like to consider our part as women when
the assembly meets together to worship and remember the Lord and for prayer and
Bible study, as well as preaching the Gospel. [To be concluded]
---
* [Copyright 1979 by
G.I.Harlow - published by Everyday Publications, Inc., ON,
Canada]
3) <BIBLE-STUDY>
"THOUGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WORSHIP" –
(PART - 4)
Charles E. Wigg
WORSHIP DOES NOT FLOW
FROM SELF OCCUPATION: Worship does not come from occupation with
ourselves, or with our sins. It flows from our hearts as we are occupied with
God, whether it be the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit.
I have found so often in the time of worship, that believers are thinking
of their sins, of the things that they have done, of all that they have been
forgiven. They are remembering all that Christ suffered because of their sin and
guilt. This can be a subtle form of self-occupation.
In true worship I am not occupied with myself or with my sins, but with my
Lord and Savior, or with my Heavenly Father. In true worship I speak to Him
about Himself. An example of this can be seen in Psalm 45. There David says "I
will speak the things which I have made touching THE KING". As a result of his
thoughts being occupied with THE KING, his heart was welling forth with a good
matter.
By way of contrast, in Psalm 32, David is thinking of his sins and what he
has confessed and been forgiven. But Psalm 45 is so much richer in response and
worship than Psalm 32.
We are told to forget the things which are behind, Phil.3;13. We are told
that God will remember our sins no more, Heb.8;12. Then let us not seek to
remind God of the things He does not wish to remember. Let us go on to maturity,
Heb.5;12 to 6;3.
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP: There are two
aspects of worship, (a). Individual or personal worship. (b). Collective, when
we worship as a company of God's saints, gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
a) Individual or personal:
Individual or personal worship is what I offer to God, when alone in His
blessed presence. I offer to Him my personal appreciation of Himself, of His
Person, of His worth, of His gifts, of His grace and of His work. This is a
sweet and wonderful experience. It enriches our souls, changes our lives and
sometimes like Moses, makes our faces to glow with happiness. This is to be
encouraged. However when we are gathered together it is a little
different.
b) Collective worship:
When in assembly, though the worship and response comes from my heart, yet
when I worship and praise God audibly and publicly, I am expressing the feelings
and adoration of the whole assembly. It is not just my own feelings and
thoughts, but I am leading the assembly. By the Holy Spirit I become their
voice.
So then in collective worship we should generally use the plural pronouns;
we, and us, instead of I, and me. Our and ours, instead of my or mine. We see
this in Rev.4;11, "O OUR God, and in chapter 5;9 & 10, "Thou hast redeemed
US to God....made US kings and priests". When we do this, and the saints respond
with AMEN!, they are saying "it is so", "what he has said is just what we feel
and would say". [To be concluded]
---
[Reproduced by permission]
4)
<POEM>
A
MOURNER'S SORROW AND COMFORT - PS 6:6; 42:1-3,5
J.H.Langley
When shall all my sorrows end?
When my days of mourning cease?
When shall I to Christ ascend?
Only
place of happiness?
Thirsting, panting after home,
Longing for that
happy day,
Still I cry, “My Saviour, come!
Come, Lord Jesus, come away.”
See what tribulations rise;
Earth and sin beset me round;
Sorrows, trickling from my eyes,
Moisten all the weary ground.
Lord, thy pardoning love reveal;
Let my cry ascend thy ears.
Sin, alas! I deeply feel;
Sin, but ah! thy blood appears!
Blood,
that answers every claim,
Tells me, Jesus died for me.
Then, in his
delightful name,
Sin’s subdued, and I am free.
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