The Lord uses both the rod and staff. So should we. One of the saddest moments in the life of any assembly must be when discipline of a public nature is required. Thankfully, these occasions are few in number, but when they occur, they are times of collective tears and anguish as the local body […]
Understanding the trials and triumphs of the shepherds of the flock. During his third missionary journey, the Apostle Paul stopped to bid a brief but poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38). The tearful parting on the shores of the Mediterranean was the dramatic culmination of a stirring address that he gave regarding their […]
One key aspect of elder rule is “holding the Head.” Every true believer in the Lord Jesus has a deep appreciation for the Saviour’s death, burial, and resurrection. We value, too, His promised return; but what is our understanding of His present position and ministry in glory? Seven pictures are given to us in the […]
We need men raised up and equipped by God at the helm. The New Testament gives a constant and uniform testimony of the mind of God concerning the provision and work of those to whom is committed the care of local churches. The various passages relating to this subject are not merely the records of […]
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18). The Lord has placed stringent demands on those that are called to be elders. He has called them to a spiritual work and rigorous labor for the Lord. Paul charges the Thessalonian assembly that the elders were to be recognized on the basis of their […]
We can be thankful for, and confident in, the order of leadership which Christ has established for His Body within each local New Testament Church. From within His flock He raises up a plurality of godly men equipped by the Holy Spirit to shepherd His sheep with a firm and loving hand. This spiritual work […]
April 23, 1899 – February 8, 2001 To “remember them which… have spoken unto you the word of God” Hebrews 13:7 tells us, is essential to our spiritual progress. To remember someone that has been a “father in the faith,” mentor, counselor, and close friend, like brother Bramhall, is a joy for which I thank […]
Should we do it? If so, how? The question sometimes arises, “Should we recognize and/or appoint elders in each local church?” Some believers argue that in Scripture elders were only appointed by apostles or their delegates, and so today we should not appoint or recognize elders. It is true that in Scripture it would seem […]
Cherchez la femme. Wherever there is signal blessing, you will always find the woman. When Adam named the animal creation, it exposed to his own heart that he was missing something. The variety and scope of God’s astounding handiwork only accentuated his own need for a help suitable for him. Yet in order to provide […]