The Gatherings Of God's People

by G.A. JONES | Category: For Young Believers | Jan 1953

"They continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching" (Acts 2.42).

What does this expression-the apostles' teaching-mean? It is nothing more or less than the commandments of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He said many things to His apostles prior to His death, but much instruction in relation to divine testimony was given them when, in resurrection, "He gave commandment unto the apostles whom He had chosen ... speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 1. 1-3).

What a delightful experience it must have been for those early disciples to listen to the Spirit unfolding through Peter the purposes of God for His gathered people to-day! Luke records-" They continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching." Day by day they were gathered to hear the word of God. With the greater part of God's people to-day opportunities abound for finding ourselves under the necessary and helpful ministry of God's word. There are the local meetings for ministry, for Bible reading, and perhaps Bible classes and young disciples' classes. Then there are District Conferences and gatherings of young people. All these meetings have the object of giving instruction in the sound doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ. We may each ask-Do I avail myself of every possible opportunity to be present at such gatherings? Do those who are blessed with having their parents in the Fellowship attend the meetings just to please them or have they a personal exercise to be there for the Lord's sake? Alas! in some cases it may be that the parents have no exercise that their young ones should attend those gatherings, and especially where the young disciple is the sole member of the family this lack of encouragement at home may make attendance difficult at times.

Our appreciation for these gatherings will depend upon our love to the Lord Himself, for if we sincerely love Him we will seek to be present to learn more of His word and will. It is quite a wrong attitude to stay away from a meeting because we do not like the subject to be considered, or perhaps we do not care for a certain brother's ministry. We ought to realize that it is the Lord's will that we should be gathered with His people.

It is helpful to read of the attitude of the remnant people of God, in the days of Nehemiah, to the law of the LORD: (1) They gathered themselves together as one man; (2) they heard the law of the LORD read; (8) "and all the people answered, Amen, amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8.5, 6). The attitude of Cornelius is worthy of imitation. He said to Peter-" Thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the LORD" (Acts 10.83). Is this how we view the ministry of God's word to His saints?

Lastly, let us consider the example of the Lord Jesus Himself in His boyhood days. He was found in the temple. The book of the law was there. The teachers of the law were there. He heard: He questioned: He understood: He answered ... Oh, for a like answer as He gave, who Himself now commands-" Wist ye not that I must be in My Father's house?" (Luke 2.40-52).

IV.

"They continued stedfastly in ... the Fellowship" (Acts 2.42).

According to 1 John 1. we may each individually enjoy fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ (verse 8), but in Acts 2.42 we have the people of God in the church of God in Jerusalem continuing steadfastly in THE FELLOWSHIP which is described in 1 Corinthians 1.9 as "The Fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." As to its Origin, it is "of" the Lord Jesus and it is owned and governed by Him. Those composing the one Fellowship were sharers together and had also a joint responsibility Godward, toward one another as a people together, and also a responsibility toward all men. It is God's will that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2.4), and to this end the message of the gospel must be proclaimed and the truth must be taught.

Surely we who have been called into the Fellowship should be "fellows" to "fellow-workers with the truth" (8 John 8), whether it is truth for the sinner or truth for the saint. Whilst one may preach yet all have a part to play. The preacher has an important work to do, calling for deep exercise in prayer and in the study of the Scriptures so that he may d~ his part worthily of God. He speaks as a minister of Christ, but he is also the mouthpiece of the assembly. Do we pray privately for the speaker? If there is a prayer meeting prior to the gospel meeting are we present? Whilst the gospel meeting is in progress do we silently pray for the speaker and for his message? Are we also interested listeners, realizing that God has a message for us?

As to open air gospel work in the assembly or the district, do we take a constant, lively interest in it? Do we seek ourselves to be as regularly as possible serving the Lord, endeavouring to be proficient fishers of men, successful soul-winners? (Proverbs 11.80).

Thus at all the gatherings of God's people we have a part to play, however young we may be. An all-important matter still calls for attention; it is the need for reverence at all the gatherings. All our service, to be well-pleasing to God, should be with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12.28, 29). Do we gaze about when we ought to be listening, or do we cause distraction by turning round? How sad to think of people who have been invited to the meetings being shocked and

stumbled by any irreverence taking place! Oh, to have increased regard for the place of the Name! the place of God's honour, where His glory dwelleth!

May we seek grace to be found ever showing becoming behaviour in the house of God, continuing "stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and the Fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2.42).

G.A. JONES | Jan 1953
For Young Believers