Chapter 4. When the Church comes together

'How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has a interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.’ (1 Cor. 14:26)

The Apostle Paul gives very clear instructions as to the nature and conduct of the life of the church when it gathers together. As we have seen, he reminds the saints at Ephesus: ‘There is one body.’ (Eph. 4:4) and that, in its local as well as in its worldwide expression, it should be moving together in the unity of the Spirit of the Lord. Jesus’ great prayer was: "that they all may be one." (John 17:21) It seems that there are many reasons why churches are not united together and Paul addresses many of these reasons in his letter to the Corinthian church.

Take Heed how you Build

There is only one foundation upon which the life of the church is built : ‘Jesus Christ and him crucified’ (1 Cor. 2:2). Paul goes on to say: ‘For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 3:11) So often in the preaching of the word from the pulpits of our land, we do not hear truth as revealed in the Scriptures. It is this lack that so often lays at the heart of division in church life.

Called into Fellowship

Paul reminds the church that we have been brought into a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, by the Spirit of God. The mystery of the fellowship into which we have been called is a permanent bond stretching out into the eternal realm of God and His love. We have looked at it in relation to marriage: ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.' ' For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.’ (Eph. 5:25-27,30-32) We see that it is the purpose and desire of God to fuse us into a union and that union is with Christ Himself.
Paul tells us that the Holy Ghost is the seal to confirm entrance into: ‘the Gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.’ (Eph. 1:13-14)

Baptised into one Body

We go on then to consider this union with Christ and to detail the different analogies the Scriptures use to help us understand the life into which we have been baptized. Paul, writing to the Corinthians says: ‘For by one Spirit are were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.’ (1 Cor. 12:13) That is a clear picture of the life of the church as a body.
How tragic it is to see churches divided when the truth is so plain. We have to accept that God has: ‘set the members each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.’ (1 Cor. 12:18) ‘That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it.’ (1 Cor. 12:25-26)
If you are not a committed member of the local expression of the body of Christ, may I exhort you to consider it in the way Paul does, that, if you are an eye, what use is that eye sitting on the sideboard? It needs to be in the head to be of value. What use is a hand if it is not attached to the arm? Paul writes that growth is only possible if the body is fitly framed together: ‘But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him who is the head - Christ - from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.’ (Eph. 4:15-16)

Those not of the One Spirit

I remember with some sadness, a young woman joining the Fellowship and bringing her mother and brother. She seemed to settle in very quickly and was often sharing in our times of fellowship together. After a while she began to draw some of the church into a different kind of ministry, one which we came to see was not of the Spirit of God. It was done very quietly, using two of the homes of the families in the church. One of these couples mentioned these meetings to me in passing, realising of course, that principally there was nothing wrong with extra gatherings to listen to tapes of other ministry, but in this case it was done to draw away some of the church into another spirit. The young woman was furious that I should have been informed, and in a later conversation with her, I discovered that her heart was far from fellowship with me. She disclosed that every Sunday the word spoken brought her into condemnation.
John writes: ‘They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.’ (1 John 2:19) We can be sure that there will be those who will seek to join themselves to us who will not be part of the true body of Christ.

Jesus is the True Vine

Jesus said: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away; and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing." (John 15:1-5)
Here the Lord refers to us as fruit-bearing branches. How sad it is to see trees which were once fruitful, now lifeless. Here we must challenge ourselves as to our church life. ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ ‘For there the Lord commanded the blessing - life for evermore.' (Psa. 133:1,3)
As we have seen previously, the lack of blessing experienced by the disciples in Luke’s Gospel was because they had moved out of fellowship with the Lord and returned to their natural trade of fishing. Such was the challenge to Peter that he fell at Jesus’ feet saying: "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8) Seemingly, fruitlessness is an indication that we are out of fellowship.

Apostolic Covering

As Paul has brought to our attention the foundation laid by the Apostles, may I say that personally, I do not believe the teaching amongst some regarding the Apostolic Covering Principle, or 'shepherding', to be the desire of the Lord for His church. So many have been brought into the bondage of human dominations, depriving them of the spontaneous expression of life that is given to each of us who are in direct relationship with Jesus Christ.
This error is illustrated for us in Exodus.. Seeing the great task Moses had in caring for God’s people, Jethro his father-in-law instituted a structure which would cause the burden to be shared with others.. ‘So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?" ' (Exo. 18:14) Moses was to be drawn away from a reliance upon the call and command of God into reasonable thinking. Jethro said: "You will surely wear yourself out. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." (Exo. 18:18-21)


No one to Care

I recall a young girl knocking on the door of my house at 10.00pm one Sunday evening. She had sought counsel from her House-Group Leader. She was told that she ought to see the Pastor responsible for her area, but he wasn’t free till later on in the week. She called because she needed the care of her church then. Surely the true pattern must be that which is ordered of the Holy Ghost. The shepherd must always be available to hear the cry of the sheep, even if he leaves the ninety and nine and searches out the lost one.
Later on in the book of Exodus we find God’s answer to the needs of His people Israel. ‘So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord, and he gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle. Then the Lord came down in a cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again.’ (Num. 11:24-25)
What we need in the church of Jesus Christ is men raised up by the Holy Ghost whom He may put over the affairs of the church. We must remember the Church is not a business which needs organising but a living organism overseen by the Lord Himself.

Apostles Appointed unto Death

I believe the Apostolic Covering question would be more easily counteracted if we could see the nature and calling of those members who were ordained by God and, who were undoubtedly, founders of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Paul writes : 'According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' (1 Cor. 3:10-11)
We are told to: ‘consider the apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him who appointed him, as Moses also was faithful in all his house.’ (Heb. 3:1-2) Modern day apostleship often provides for those in authority the things usually known only to the managing directors of large individual companies. For example, the freedom to drive in large cars and own luxury homes. I wonder how we would fare if our Lord was upon the earth again - He who came to give His all to gather a group of men around Him who were prepared to give up all to follow Him?
‘Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." ' (Matt. 8:18-20)
I wonder how many would want to be apostles if they saw that their job was to be a foundation and others would build upon them. When we consider our own homes, how many of us have seen the foundations? They are out of sight, but absolutely essential. Let us beware of the false apostles who are: ‘deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.’ (2 Cor. 11:13-14)
The church today is not that powerful force for God that it was in the days of the Acts of the Apostles when the church turned the world upside down. Maybe God sees our church as He did when He spoke through the prophet Ezekiel: "The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then he caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry." (Ezek. 37:1-2)
The prophet was asked whether these bones could live and was commanded to speak to them the word of the Lord. The first great work was a coming together of the bones and the putting on of skin and flesh, but still there was no life. Then the prophet was commanded to call for the Spirit to come and we read: ‘and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.’ (Ezek. 37:10)
What a tremendous challenge a church would be if the Holy Spirit of God was to fill those people and make them the great army that God wants!

The Armour of God

We read in the Scriptures how that many a great battle has been won by following the simple principles which are laid down for us by the apostle Paul under the heading, ‘The armour of God.’ 'Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.' (Eph. 6:14-18)
Let me illustrate it with the story of David arriving at the scene of battle to bring some bread and cheese to his elder brother’s commander. He was confronted by Goliath, the great man of the Philistine army, defying the army of God. David was just a young man in comparison but he was clothed with the armour of God. He knew that when a bear and a lion came amongst his sheep he had gone after them and destroyed them. 'Moreover David said," the Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, he will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." ' (1 Sam. 17:37)
He came to the giant with these words: " You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Sam. 17:45-47)

Prayer - the Greatest Weapon for the Church

The greatest weapon in the church today and the only thing which will draw it together is prayer. How blessed have been the times of our all-night prayer meetings which we have enjoyed as a church and which have always preceded blessings from God. Jehoshaphat faced one of his most acute crises and :‘set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.’ (2 Chron. 20:3) When the word of the Lord came the prophet said, 'Thus says the Lord to you: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you." And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the Lord, for his mercy endures for ever." Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.’ (2 Chron. 20:15, 17, 21.)
Jesus’s great prayer for His church was: " that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one: I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me." (John 17: 21,23)

The Common Life

Unity comes from a common life, by the baptism into a common body and the sharing of a common doctrine. ‘Then those that gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.’ (Acts 2:41-47)

The Ministry of Reconciliation

The ministry of reconciliation will often be required in the course of church life. It is unrealistic to think that there will be no problems or misunderstandings between its members. We must always ensure that we are not party to any schisms in the church but seek to work out amongst us any difficulties until we all come into oneness. Paul writes: ‘Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.’ (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
The process by which we seek unity is clearly outlined by the Lord in Matthew’s gospel. Firstly: ‘if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he hears you, you have gained your brother.’ (Matt. 18:15) Every effort must be made not to speak to others first, damaging the brother in their sight. Love is a powerful protective which ‘will cover a multitude of sins.’ (1 Peter 4:8)
Secondly: ‘But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ (Matt. 18:16) Those that accompany you for the purpose of bringing about reconciliation must be respected on both sides, if not, the one who is at odds with you will feel that others are against him.
I remember being asked to speak to a husband and wife in order to help them to be reconciled. As they sat there it was obvious that she was convinced that her husband did not love her. She was also wrong in her dealings with him. If I had supported the husband I am sure I would have lost the opportunity to help them both. I began to relate a story which was similar to their own and detailed the failures of the other wife and how I had counselled them. Suddenly the wife to whom I was talking burst into life and said, "I am just like that woman you are talking about!" The power of the hurt and rejection was broken.
I believe we are often too premature in our dealings with men and women and don’t give time for the Lord to work in their hearts. Paul writes: ‘I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but he who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will reveal the counsels of the hearts; and then each one’s man praise will come from God.’ (1 Cor. 4:4-5)

The Need to Tell the Church

The third stage in Jesus’ ministry is the saddest: ‘If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.’ (Matt. 18:17)
What terrible agony it is for leaders and congregation alike if it is necessary to expose the sin of anyone at this level. However, it must be done at times, simply to establish the principle that we must be always one. This fellowship into which we have been called is one body. Such dealings must be done after much prayer and waiting on God. May the Lord so move among us that our church life may express the unity that there is in fellowship with God.
These truths from the pen of the Apostle Paul reveal areas of wrong that had crept into the life of the Corinthian church.

Open Immorality

Someone in the congregation was in sexual immorality with his father’s wife, and instead of removing the man from the company the sin was left to continue like a cancer. ‘Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?’ (1 Cor. 5:6) The story of Achan is an example of such devastation caused by an apparently insignificant sin, bringing the whole blessing of God to a halt. The people of God had seen great victory and now without further consultation with the Lord, Joshua summons a small army of about 3,000 men to go up and take Ai, but God was not with them, bringing utter despair as they found themselves beaten and 36 of their comrades killed. We find Joshua on his face before God. ‘So the Lord said to Joshua, "Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned."’ (Jos. 7:10-11) He had to deal with the sin before victory would again be secure.

Legal Summons

The Corinthian church had unresolved problems resulting in members going to court and issuing legal summons against other members, rather than bringing the matters before those who were in a place of responsibility in the church.
Perhaps one reason why members do not come before respected men and women in the church is because they already know in their hearts the answer that is from the Lord. I remember speaking upon the truth of the will of God and afterwards a concerned young woman approached me about the man to whom she was engaged. They were very much in love but he was not the Lord’s and she was in great conflict. She knew the truth but did not want to accept it for herself. ‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ (Amos 3:3) They have now married.

Fellowship in the World

How sad it is to see real Christian folk being drawn away after the things of the world. There is normally evidence of uncleanness and a desire to live without the knowledge of God. Paul records: 'For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.’ (Rom. 1:18-21)
I am staggered by the thought of our loving God, bearing patiently the sight of the sin of this world, when He has so graciously sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to bear away its sin. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) ‘Behold! The Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1.29)
God has concluded that this world is totally incurable and a new heaven and earth are to be built. ‘In which righteousness dwells.’ (2 Peter 3:13) ‘Now we know’ says the Apostle, ‘that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.’ (Rom. 3:19)

This World shall be Destroyed

We have a picture of the final destruction of this corrupt world in Peter’s second letter: ‘But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore! since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens, being on fire, will be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?’ (2 Peter 3:10-12)
Two great characters present themselves to us in the story of Abraham and Lot, one as the ‘Man of Faith' and the other as the ‘Man of the World.' Both were believers in God and yet took such different paths. The first is Abraham. ‘By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterwards receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.’ (Heb. 11:8-10)
He was a pilgrim on the earth, looking to the promise of God that he was to make his seed as many in multitude as the stars in heaven and as the grains of sand upon the seashore. He was deceived for a while and conceived a son through his wife’s Egyptian handmaid. Although he wasted thirteen years of precious time, eventually he died in faith desiring: ‘a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.’ (Heb. 11:16)
His nephew Lot, on the other hand, was drawn into the plains of Sodom, that city of homosexuality. Such was the awfulness of its condition, God found only one remedy which was that it should be destroyed by fire. How tragic to live in an age when AIDS, a sickness which is usually the result of homosexual practices, is spreading through our world in such epidemic proportions that one wonders whether the end of all things is near at hand again! We read of this man Lot: ‘And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterwards would lead a godly life; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed with the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds).’ (2 Peter 2:6-8)
How sad it was that Lot’s wife, having left the city of destruction but finding in her heart a desire to return, looked back, and became the embodiment of the sin of that city.

Can Two Opposites Agree?

What sadness it is to the child of God to be in such a world as this knowing something of the grief it brings to the Father’s heart. We ask again the question: ‘What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? and what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:, "I will dwell in them and walk among them I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." ' (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
The answer to all must be that there is no fellowship between these two kingdoms. One is of God and the other of the prince of the world, the devil. They are total opposites. To be in one confirms we are not in the other. For so many Christians today, a real work of separation has never taken place. New birth has not planted them into the Kingdom of God and they are struggling to find God to be real in a world which seems to be so attractive.
We see therefore, that this world is for the son of God, a no- stopping area. Although the world was created by God it was sold out to the devil by our forefather Adam and has stayed under the power of Satan since the Fall. ‘Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.’ (Rom. 5:12)
‘And you he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.’ (Eph. 2:1-3)

All Sin Excludes us from God

This world is under the rule of Satan and he, the god of this age, has blinded those: ‘ who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.’ (2 Cor. 4:4)
Jesus Christ has come to call you out before it is too late. Please remember that believing that Jesus will come will not save you. You are to be ready now. Jesus tells the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins all waiting for the bridegroom to come. The wise were ready with oil in their lamps, the foolish needed to make some dramatic provision when they heard that his coming was near and sadly missed this crucial time. ‘Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" But he answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." ' (Matt. 25:11-12)
How many will there be who are not in fellowship with Him in that day? All sin separates us from God and they that have been born in this world will remain by birth and nature separated, whether they believe or not. Remember Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, that leading religious ruler:- "You must be born again." (John 3:7)
In Jesus Christ the warfare is at an end for when He died on the cross He destroyed the works of the devil. ‘And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.’ (Rev. 12:7-11)
The purpose of the devil is to keep us in the world. He need not do anything else. If we begin to respond to the Gospel, he will create conflict for us to make it seem that the things of God are of no value. Just look how he attempted to draw our Lord away in the wilderness. We can be sure he will tempt us all. Paul tells us: ‘It is common to man.’ (1 Cor. 10:13)

Two Kingdoms

We see in the Scriptures two distinct kingdoms, the Kingdom of the world and the Kingdom of our Christ. The Bible makes clear for us the difference between the true Christian and the man of sin. Paul records: ‘The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterwards the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly man. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.’ (1 Cor. 15:45-50)
One is the world of sin, coming from Adam, that first man, the other born in us of the Spirit imparting the life and nature of Jesus Christ. Paul writing to the Galatians says: ‘Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revels, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practise such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.’ (Gal. 5:16-23)
We must find ourselves born after one of these men. Jesus says you can only serve one. "You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) He continues in His sermon on the mount to illustrate the point in the story of two trees. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matt. 7:18-20)
There is only one entrance into the life of God. All have already entered with mankind through the wide gate and into the broad way. They must change direction. Jesus says: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)

Traditions

The Corinthian church had cast off traditions received from the apostles. How easy it is to relegate the scriptures to a bygone age or past culture and fail to see the eternal heart of God in providing for us truth that is everlasting. Paul reveals a number of ordinances in his epistle and we shall look at these together.

Head Covering

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Cornithian church, refers to the ordinances as being certain acts instituted by the Spirit of God. These ordinances include marriage, baptism, breaking of bread and giving. They are all pictures or outward signs of something more fundamental in the purposes of God in His church. To take away one ordinance and leave others would, of course, be inconsistent and indicate that we are free to choose those things in the Scriptures that we desire to have, and leave those we do not. It also reveals to us that there is a divine order in God’s heart. The spirit of the age seeks to change God’s order resulting in the breakdown of relationships. Marriage is not now necessary. Men and women live together and men have sexual relationships with men, etc.
It was in the beginning that the devil sought to usurp God’s order when he exalted himself above the glory of God and fell from his position of grace to perdition. God’s divine order of men in leadership is unchangeable, whatever the culture of the world. Head covering is God’s ordinance and is here to stay, whatever men may say. God will not to move by His Spirit if we change the order which He has revealed in His truth.
It is interesting to note that Jesus, who was totally free from all traditions of men and their laws, did not choose women for an authoritative position. He was moving in His Father’s ordained plan and purpose. Obviously, submission cannot be forced upon any who gather in the company of God’s people, but head covering must be preached by all those in authority and practised by their wives.
To ‘dishonour one’s head’ means ‘to put to shame’. In some ‘liberated’ circles where women have ceased to cover their heads, it would not be unusual to see a man wearing a hat. None of us, at this time, feel we would be happy with this state of affairs and would probably ask the person concerned to remove his hat as a mark of respect in the presence of God. Men would feel uncomfortable in the worship time praying or prophesying with heads covered. It would not have been too long ago that we would have felt uncomfortable with ladies being ‘uncovered’. It seems that Paul reveals the spirit of the age when he says that, ‘it is a shame for a woman to be uncovered’. The influence of the world causes women to uncover themselves, wear their dresses too short and reveal too much of their bodies.
In the Old Testament, when a women was suspected of being unfaithful in her relationship with her husband, the priest would remove her head covering. To have her head uncovered indicated that she was possibly impure and it would be proven by the drinking of a certain mixture administered by the priest, in the temple. ‘Then the priest shall stand the woman before the Lord, uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy. And the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse.’ (Num. 5.18)
The woman of the world was recognised by the fact that she was uncovered. ‘Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, uncover the thigh, pass through the rivers. Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, and I will not arbitrate with a man.’ (Isa. 47 :1-3) The punishment of a woman convicted of prostitution was to be shaven. The apostle says that ‘it is a shame for a woman to be shaven’ and parallels it with her being uncovered.
The man is the image of God and does not cover his head for he represents Christ. The woman represents the church in subjection to Christ. She is the image and glory of the man as the man is the image and glory of God. It is a picture for all to see of the union between the church and its head.
In covering her head the woman is revealing to all the submission of her husband to Christ or, if she is single, she is revealing the submission of the eldership to Christ. To be uncovered reveals that she has no power or authority protecting her or, what is more serious, that the church has no defence against the spiritual powers that would seek to destroy it and thereby undermine the salvation of God.
God may be prevented from moving by His Spirit in a church because devils manifested in lives may enter into those uncovered. The whole weakness of the church may be thus exposed, creating division and disasters such as those spoken of by the Apostle Paul, which at that time were already prevalent in the church at Corinth.
The devil is free to carry away at will those who are uncovered because the leadership has not enforced the ordinance. The woman, by covering her head, is safe under the protection of God and so is the church, for she is a picture of God’s pattern.
Look at nature. Paul writes, doesn’t a man having long hair make him look like a woman? - isn’t he effeminate? - Don’t you wish a man would have his hair cut and look manly?’ So with a woman, natural sense says that a woman should have long hair - it is her glory, but it cannot be her covering in spiritual things because it is her ‘natural’ covering. She covers her hair so that she may reveal the glory of the man and therefore shows the picture, a church in subjection to Christ. Short hairstyles that make a woman look like a man are the product of the spirit of the age. We must realise that the pure, holy base of sexuality has broken down in a world masterminded by the devil, who wants to destroy all God’s principles in the church.
We are not talking of ‘customs’ in church life, relating to the Corinthian Christians alone but an all-out attack of the devil on the ordained principles of God. If we do not follow His principles, the church may be in danger of becoming closed up to the moving of His Spirit.. The truth about head covering forms part of the basis on which the church at Eltham has been established and should be maintained by those ordained of God to build up the church.

The Worship Meeting

Paul again directs us to some aspects of the worship meeting. The three main meeting gifts operate at this time, namely, prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues. The other gifts function in the pastoral work of church life, i.e. a word of knowledge, word of wisdom, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, and discernment of spirits: ‘for to one is given the word of wisdom by the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.’ (1 Cor. 12:8-10) It is always confusing to see gifts functioning in the wrong place, for example, the public declaration of a word of knowledge.

Hearing the Voice

It is always very important to listen to the voice as well as hear the words. ‘There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.’ (1 Cor. 14:10-11)
Men and women, especially those who are developing in the ministry of God, need to be made aware that they must speak the things that come from God. On occasions, it seems we are made to accept things which have no biblical basis as though God has suddenly bypassed all His existing principles and now speaks this new revelation. The Scripture has given us all a safety valve: ‘Test all things; hold fast what is good.’ (1 Thess. 5:21)
I was visiting some very dear friends of mine who had moved from London to take up pastoral responsibility elsewhere. I was firstly introduced to a mighty man of God (by his own confession) who was recognised by the pastor and his wife as having ministry and depth in the realm of the Spirit they had never known before. My own instinct was that there was something seriously wrong with him and others in the same fellowship felt similarly but were but afraid of confessing this, especially when the leader and pastor supported him with such vigour. He was an aggressive man who spoke loudly in tongues, especially when he was supposedly casting out devils. It wasn’t long before he had ‘blown his cover’. He had been crossed and exploded with rage provoking the brother to inquire as to his background. He was in fact a clairvoyant medium.
The witness of the Spirit keeps us safe from these men of whom John writes. ‘Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.’ (1 John 4:1) It always seems hard, when meeting a brother or sister for the first time, having to acknowledge that in your heart there is no witness to the truth. Sadly I have seen as many as fifty people drawn away because I refused to accept the instinct in my heart that a brother (whom I loved dearly) had not the same heart to build alongside us but rather to undermine and by subtle means destroy what God had patiently built over a period of years. Fortunately we survived as a church but lost many good men and women to this deception.

Everybody has a Contribution

Every member must come prepared to bring; ‘a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation.’ (1 Cor. 14:26) With the variety of hymns and choruses available today we all have a vast supply of material to draw on. There is perfect safety in church life as the babes and mature members move together with a leadership that does not discriminate, but allows complete freedom of expression, permitting both men and women to function in their place as God has indicated in the scripture. ‘But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head.’ (1 Cor. 11:5) ‘And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. (1 Tim. 2:12)

How a meeting should proceed

Although we wish to acknowledge that the gathering together of the church is the direct response of the moving of the Lord by his Spirit. It is clear that over the years we have learned things which can be useful as we seek to lay down these principles.

Timekeeping

Leaders and those in responsibility should arrive in plenty of time to prepare for the meeting. Some may need to be there an hour before, to set out chairs, put hymn books neatly in their place and be ready to welcome those who may have journeyed from afar and have arrived early. Those who lead the music or take responsibility for the worship time should be seated already in the meeting before the start with their hearts open and prepared. Some may have already gathered for prayer, seeking God's blessing on the ministry. As we have learned earlier, Jesus tells of the utter despair and disappointment of those five foolish virgins who, although they were waiting, when the time came for them to go and meet the bridegroom, were completely unprepared and while away finding oil for their vessels were locked out of the marriage feast.
On one visit to a church where I was due to speak, I was advised by the leader that the majority of the congregation arrives 20-30 minutes late! I wonder, if the Lord were to return when we agreed to gather, how many of us would be there to meet Him
I have often been challenged by the truth. ‘But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.’ (1 Cor. 14:24-25)
If we arrange our church meetings for 10.30am on a Sunday morning, we should by that time, be moving together in the presence of God. If not the unbeliever will see no more than the coming together of ordinary people.

Coming Prepared

For those men and women not particularly responsible for arrangements or activities, there must still be hearts prepared of God. The meeting is not a place for catching up on our latest news. ‘How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.’ (1 Cor. 14:26) We must deal with sin or any wrong doing in the times of personal worship and prayer after we have risen for the day. The meeting is not the place to break through into God, trying by loud shouting to stir everybody else up to praise, when the need is in the prayer’s heart. Others of the congregation have already moved into a sweet communion with God. There will always be that element of flesh that will need guiding by the wise leader.


Praise and then Worship

As has been indicated the meeting must be allowed to take its own course as the Spirit moves. Meetings do not always start off with a bang. Hearts need to move in and praise is a valid expression which encourages the heart.
Praise in the Scriptures means to bless, shout, and clap. Many times in the Old Testament the men of God lifted up their voices: ‘and when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, for his mercy endures for ever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.’ (2 Chron. 20:21-22)
Worship is much different. It means ‘the kiss of the hand towards’, entering into God. It does not rely on outward circumstances being good. We read that both Abraham and Job worshipped in their most extreme personal crisis: ‘And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." ' (Gen. 22:5) ‘Then Job arose, and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshipped’ (Job 1:20).

The Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit function in this atmosphere of love and worship when hearts are opened and sensitive to God. How often have we experienced such moving of God, when in the midst of worship hearts cry out for deliverance or freedom from sin or just to receive more of Himself? I recall one large conference, when during the time of worship, God came powerfully among us. Many were being moved upon and devils were forcing others to be thrown from their seats to the floor. Men and women were moving around seeking to help these distressed hearts.
One lady visiting from the local area felt faint and sought to leave the hall but was overpowered by the conflict between the Spirit of God and the devil. She collapsed as she reached the doorway where certain people were commanding devils to leave. She had been a believer for many years, having regularly attended the Salvation Army but this night God came upon her. She did not know anything of the moving of God, although William Booth would have powerfully preached it in his day. She had no experience of the presence of God, the devil having operated in her life. I helped her to a chair and sought to explain the strange happenings that were going on all around her and had the privilege of leading her into something more of the Lord. ‘This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.’ (Acts 18:25-26)

Overseeing the Meeting

Those in leadership must pay close attention to those who would seek to lead the meeting off -course and without dominating or interrupting the flow of God, gently bringing people back

The Flow of Ministry

If there is ministry from the Lord it will usually come at this point in the meeting, preached by those who know the leading of the Spirit of God. Preaching is a fire, enabling the ministry to flow, moving men and women into the will and purpose of God. Whether or not the minister may refer to notes, it is important that all ministry be based on the word of God and not on speculation by the preacher.

The Response

At the end of preaching comes the opportunity for those who have heard the word to respond, not necessarily by coming to the front to be prayed for or standing up from their seats but encouraged to meet God in their own hearts.
I recall a particular response in Gorongoza, Mozambique, where I was speaking at a Pastors’ weekend during the Sunday meeting. My text was taken from the account of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’s garment. I encouraged everyone to reach out their hands to receive of the Lord. The pastor, a lovely man of God, encouraged any who that morning had given their lives to the Lord, to come forward. One young woman responded but also a good dozen more came forward to be prayed for, wanting forgiveness of sins. I was certainly not willing to lay hands on these. My interpreter, a dear brother who had journeyed with us, explained to them that God can meet them in their seats and sent them back to do business with Him. The pastor shared with us that this kind of response had become a habit in the life of their church. In striking comparison, on my return to my home base in Mozambique, I listened to a tape of a brother who, by the laying on of hands, was seeking to bring people into a blessing that would cause them to be knocked backwards. These two opposite illustrations confirm the necessity of reading the Scriptures and following the direction of the Lord.

After the Meeting

After the meeting is an important time for those who have received the word of God and have been challenged. It is at this point in the conversation of many afterwards that the word can be lost and the devil snatch away the seed.

The Breaking of Bread

The breaking of bread, often referred to as communion or the Lord’s supper, is one of the ordinances instituted in Scripture. It was regularly practised by the early church: ‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.’ (Acts 2:42,46) Jesus himself instructed his disciples in the breaking of bread and said: "This do in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19)
The breaking of bread sprang from the celebration of the Passover after God very wonderfully delivered his people from their bondage in Egypt. The sacrifice of the lamb for the forgiveness of sin lay at the heart of this important feast. Jesus now brings His disciples to an awareness that He is the "Lamb of God," (John 1:29) and that to have life they must "eat his flesh and drink his blood." (John 6:53) He is the bread of life.
Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church brings back to their hearts the seriousness of the occasion, reminding them that they are the ‘one bread and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.’ (1 Cor. 10:17) It seems that they were making the eating and drinking of the Lord’s supper an occasion of drunkenness. Maybe we too must ensure that we do not make this precious time just another item on the busy morning worship calendar. ‘Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord, in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 11:27) The result of misuse causes ‘many to be weak and sick among you, and many sleep.’ (1 Cor. 11:30)

Examine Yourselves

The Leader at the time of Communion should encourage the congregation to: ‘examine himself.’ (1 Cor. 11:28)

The Collection

This could be an appropriate time to take up the offering as part of worship and thanksgiving.

The Prayer Meeting

It would seem inconsistent, that any one should desire to go on with God and not be found in the weekly prayer meeting. No Officer, Youth worker or Sunday School teacher is qualified for their job if not found at the times the church gathers for prayer.
The early church was a praying church from its conception. ‘These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication’ (Acts 1:14) ‘And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.’ (Acts 2:42) When Peter and John returned from their encounter with the Jewish leaders they joined their company in prayer .‘And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.’ (Acts 4:31)
All major decisions were made out of praying hearts, seeking for the mind of the Spirit, and crises were resolved as the church gathered for prayer.
Prayer is to find the heart and mind of God, not only as an individual but as a company. One of the great perplexities of the pastor is praying with a number of members who do not come to open up their hearts to seek God. James gives some guidelines to prayer in his epistle. Prayer is to: ‘ask of God’ (James 1:5) to, ‘ask in faith’ (James 1:6) and that ‘you do not have because you do not ask.’ (James 4:2) Prayer is the responsibility of every child of God. ‘Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain.’ (James 5:17-18) There will be times of waiting on God both daily and weekly.

Other Meetings of the Church

The worship meetings on Sunday, both morning and evening and the prayer meeting should be attended by all the church. In addition to those, there are a number of other gatherings which are either added on to the main times or special times, which because of age or family position are optional in church life.

Sunday School

Although it is the responsibility of each parent to teach the things of God to their children at home, there is undoubtedly a place for specific instruction to those children up to the age of twelve years. Added to the times of worship and ministry, other activities in the week give opportunity for friendships to develop. In these gatherings, both on Sunday and in the week, other children from the area can be encouraged to come via childrens evangelism (for instance) thus providing the means to reach unsaved parents also. It is essential that all childrens’ work be kept in context to the whole church as it gathers, so as not to become the main ministry in the Sunday morning worship, drawing all men and women into a Sunday school. There are needs of adults in later life that will never be embraced in a childrens’ gathering. All teachers should be well prepared and not young people who are only seeking an easier option. All Sunday school teachers should attend the main meetings and the prayer meeting to qualify for their task.

Youth Meetings

Youth meetings certainly give opportunity for those of the same age to fellowship together and learn to lead in the things of God while also having a basis for practical friendship. It is in these times that instruction should be given on relationships and how to live the Christian life at school, in the home and in the church.

Missionary Meetings

As God reaches into the hearts of the members of the church, He puts within them the burden of the lost world. This results in the call of God to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Those that go out will be supported regularly by prayer and the missionary meeting gives special opportunity to hear news, not only of its own members, but of other work going on in the world. I recall how powerfully challenged I was when attending the wedding of Andrew and Sarah Ledger, when on the Sunday, Mr North spoke on the reasons why we should NOT go to Africa.! I was so challenged that I made immediate plans to go! As a result I became involved very closely with the work of John and Celia Valentine, at one time being responsible for its UK support.

Baptisms

Baptism is another of those ordinances referred to in Scripture to be regularly practised by the church. Jesus instructed His disciples: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:19-20) Like the other ordinances of spiritual life, it is an outward sign of something more fundamental than may appear on the surface.

Physically, it is the total immersing of a believer into water. Pictorially, it is a picture of death and resurrection. Ministry by the pastor should make it clear that it is not an optional extra. As we look again at the Scriptures that illustrate this fundamental practise, we will see it’s necessity.

When Peter preached his first sermon on the day of Pentecost men and women responded to the gospel of Jesus Christ and asked what we should do to be saved. Peter’s reply was: " Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation." (Acts 2:38-41)

The early church followed closely the teaching of the Lord Jesus and always baptised men and women, both in water and in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes men received the Holy Spirit as they were baptised. ‘And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.’ (Acts 19:1-7) Others received the Holy Spirit, after they had been baptised in water. ‘While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ (Acts 10:44-48)

One of the great dilemmas of baptism is how soon to baptise those who believe in the Lord Jesus. Scripture seems to indicate that it was an immediate response to hearing the truth and part of repentance. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch illustrates that after receiving a knowledge of the truth he was baptised as soon as water was available. ‘Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water; what hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.’ (Acts 8:35-39)
It is important that every heart should know the reasons for baptism which are understood by looking into the whole of Scripture. Some early experiences through which God took his people are the basis for the new life of God and is the picture that baptism illustrates.

Baptism into New Life

It is thrilling to see how baptism in water can show us so clearly what God has intended for us all. That is, a complete separation from all that is old, and a coming into all that is new. ‘If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) Make no mistake, baptism into Jesus Christ and regeneration or new birth are synonymous terms referring to the work that welds us together with Christ as new men and women. ‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.’ (Eph. 2:13-15)
I know that there are some who want to separate the experiences known as, the new birth and the baptism in the Spirit, but in looking closely at accounts in the Scriptures, I cannot see how anyone can come to any other conclusion than that it is one complete work.
Let me first refer to Paul’s comment to the Roman church: ‘Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.’ (Rom. 6:3-6) This destruction of the old man is the basis of new birth and is the work done through baptism into Jesus Christ.

The Days of Noah

Let us return to the days before the flood. ‘For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away.’ (Matt. 24:38-39) What a devastating experience for the men of the known world. The Scripture records: ‘Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”’ (Gen. 6:5-7)
Although Noah, the man who found grace, preached this news for nearly one hundred years, only he and his family were saved. Baptism involves the total eradication of the sin that so grieves the heart of God. The Old Testament laws failed in their purpose to remove sin from the heart. The New Covenant was introduced in Jesus Christ to fulfil the total purpose of God. ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them, their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”’ (Heb. 10:16-17)

Israel In Egypt

As the history of the children of Israel unfolds, we find them again in bondage, this time oppressed by the Pharaoh of Egypt, unable to be free. Moses is raised up of God to be the saviour and to lead the people through baptism into the Promised Land. ‘And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more for ever.”’ (Exo. 14:13) What a tremendous promise! Their enemy is going to be utterly destroyed. God had already provided the basis of their redemption when they sacrificed the lamb and sprinkled the blood on the doorpost and lintels of their homes. They had to abide to be saved. There is no entrance into this regenerate state except through the shedding of the precious blood of Christ. ‘Almost all things are purged with blood; and without shedding of blood there is no remission.’ (Heb. 9:22)
As they approached the Red Sea, the waters opened up and they all went through. Then we read: ‘And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.’ (Exo. 14:23-27)
What a promise - that into this baptism the enemy cannot follow! Jesus Christ has triumphed over him. ‘Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.’ (Col. 2:15)
The pastor, having assured himself that the ones seeking to be baptised understand the truth should be free to immerse these in the water before the congregation with much rejoicing.