Sermons on Church Truth
The Consequences of Our Heavenly Calling (44 min)
PART 7 – Michael Penfold preaches on the Christian’s citizenship. God has severed our links with a world under judgment. We are dead to the world, and are now a heavenly people, linked to a “Man in the glory”. But what are the consequences of our heavenly calling and how should we relate to the world in which we still live? Readings: John 12:31, 1 Cor 10:32, Phil 1:27-30, 3:20-21. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 30th Mar 2023) Complete…
Discovering and Using My Gift (51 min)
PART 6 – Michael Penfold preaches on the Christian’s stewardship of time, talent (gift), treasure and truth. Every Christian has one or more divinely given spiritual gifts, but how do you discover and use that gift? Readings: 1 Pet 4:10-11, 1 Cor 12:1, 4-6, 12-28. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 29th Mar 2023) Complete series on “critical assembly issues”: The evangelical revolution (Ownership and Lordship) Why are head coverings in only one chapter? (Headship) What’s involved in being part…
What is the Biblical Church Leadership Model? (54 min)
PART 5 – Michael Penfold looks at the issue of “church leadership” (identification, designation, qualification, classification). Today’s mainline denominations use a hierarchical form of governance involving regional bishops. Large independent evangelical churches tend to have a group of “Pastors” who are responsible to a “board of elders”. Are either of these models scriptural? If not, what is the biblical model for assembly leadership? Readings: Acts 20:17, 28, 1 Pet 5:1-4, Titus 1:5-9. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 28th Mar…
It Matters How We Worship (50 min)
PART 4 – Michael Penfold preaches on concept and character of worship in the present dispensation. How churches worship has totally changed in the past 70 years, as music and emotion have come to the fore, but the Scripture is clear that we cannot just worship as we please, we must worship “in spirit and in truth”. Readings: 1 Pet 2:4-5, 9, Heb 13:13-16, John 4:19-24. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 27th Mar 2023) Complete series on “critical assembly…
What’s Involved in Being Part of an Assembly? (51 min)
PART 3 – Michael Penfold preaches on the privileges and responsibilities of being in fellowship in a New Testament assembly. In light of what Scripture has to say on this subject, what are we to make of an “open table” and inter-denominationalism? Readings: Acts 2:41-43, 9:26-28. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 26th Mar 2023) Complete series on “critical assembly issues”: The evangelical revolution (Ownership and Lordship) Why are head coverings in only one chapter? (Headship) What’s involved in being…
Why Are Head Coverings in Only One Chapter? (52 min)
PART 2 – The present-day use of head coverings is sometimes questioned because “they are only in one chapter of the Bible”. Michael Penfold addresses this issue as he sets out the order, meaning, operation and symbols of the biblical doctrine of “headship”. Readings: 1 Cor 11:1-17, 1 Tim 2:8-15. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 25th Mar 2023) Complete series on “critical assembly issues”: The evangelical revolution (Ownership and Lordship) Why are head coverings in only one chapter? (Headship)…
The Evangelical Revolution (48 min)
PART 1 – The evangelical revolution of recent years has, in many places, turned “the church” into a reflection of the consumer culture that surrounds it. Michael Penfold looks at the topic of the relationship of Christ to the local assembly – He owns it, He dwells in it, He rules it – to refocus our thoughts biblically on this issue. Readings: 2 Tim 4:1-3, 1 Cor 14:37. (Message preached in Manchester, CT, USA, 25th Mar 2023) Complete series on…
Lordship, Leadership and Love (48 min)
Sandy Higgins preaches on three core topics in relation to a local assembly of Christians: the Lordship to which we bow, the leadership which we recognise, and the love which we express to others. Readings: 1 Cor 1:1-3, 9, 1 Thess 5:12-15, Heb 13:17, Rom 12:9-16. (Message preached in Crandon Gospel Hall, Virginia, USA).
Refreshment and Worship at the Meeting Place (38 min)
Jon Procopio preaches on the importance of refreshment and worship at the meeting place, from the story of the woman of Samaria meeting the Lord Jesus at Jacob’s well. Reading: John 4:1-14. (Message preached at Crandon Gospel Hall, Virginia, USA, 2022)
The Simplicity of the Lord’s Supper (39 min)
Jim Flanigan (1931-2014) outlines the Bible’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper. He looks at it institutionally, historically, doctrinally and devotionally, making a plea for an understanding of the biblical simplicity of “the Lord’s Supper”. Reading: Luke 22:7-20. (Message preached in Ballymena, 24th Oct 1981)
There is a Pattern for the Local Church (50 min)
David Vallance sets out the case for a positive pattern for the local church, contending that how Christians gather corporately is set out in the Bible in a blueprint that ought to be followed by churches in all cultures and in all generations. (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, Michigan, USA, in Sept 2021)
Masculine and Feminine Roles in God’s Order (38 min)
Albert Leckie (1920-1988) outlines what the Bible has to say about masculine and feminine roles in the local church, basing his remarks on portions of Scripture from both Old and New Testaments. Reading: 1 Tim 5:9-10. (Message preached in Ayr, Scotland, 1980)
The 7 Pillars of a New Testament Assembly (31 min)
Albert Ramsay (1913-1993) preaches on the 7 pillars of a New Testament assembly and sets out, from the Word of God, his own convictions as to how Christians should gather. He mentions how he was saved, baptised and gathered into the first New Testament assembly in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Readings: Prov 9:1, Matt 16:13-18, 18:19-20, Luke 24:44-49, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-7, 36-43. (Message preached in the Maritimes, Canada)
Prayer, Participation and Adornment (48 min)
Robert McPheat (1933-1990) looks at Paul’s teaching on prayer, participation and adornment in 1 Timothy Ch 2, highlighting important related themes and making practical applications. (Message preached in Windsor Gospel Hall, Northern Ireland).
What Does “Teachers of Good Things” Mean in Titus 2? (17 min)
Michael Penfold examines the expression “teachers of good things”, which is sometimes cited as an endorsement of “women’s ministry”, and looks at the parties involved in the teaching, the content of the teaching and the context of the passage. (From a message on Titus 2 preached in Chalfont St Peter, 25th Sept 2022)
Eden as a Picture of the Local Assembly (55 min)
Robert McPheat (1933-1990) preaches on the Garden of Eden as a picture of the local assembly – the planting, the provision, the refreshment, the purpose, the employment etc. Mr McPheat also takes up some of the characters who appear in early Genesis. Readings: selections from the early chapters of Genesis. (Message preached in Crowle Gospel Hall, Worcestershire, UK, April 1984).
The Qualifications for Elders (35 min)
David Vallance preaches on the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy Ch 3, dealing with the topic both in general terms and verse by verse, also taking in the topic of deacons and commenting on the verses at the end of the chapter beginning “God was manifest in the flesh” (Message preached in Stark Road, Gospel Hall, Livonia, USA, 23rd Sept 2021)
Is the Local Assembly Unique? (41 min)
David Gilliland makes the case for the uniqueness of a New Testament local assembly. It is distinct from the pagan shrine in its theology; from the Jewish synagogue in its Christology; from Christendom in its simplicity; from denominationalism in its identity; from para-church organisations in its unity; from the body of Christ in its boundary; and from every other local assembly in its autonomy. (Message preached at the Toronto Easter Conference. 2011)
The Roles of Men and Women in the Assembly (17 min)
Jack Hunter (1916-1994) preaches on the roles of the two sexes from the pivotal New Testament passage of 1 Tim 2:8-15, in which the apostle Paul goes back to creation to explain the roles of men and women in the local assembly. (Preached in Ayr, Scotland, in 1993)
Women’s Ministry (28 min)
Andrew Ussher speaks on the “ministry of women” from the Pastoral Epistles. He takes up various topics such as adornment, learning, acceptance of one’s role, character, excelling for God and mentoring the next generation. Readings: 1 Tim 2:9-15, 3:11, 5:9-10, 14, Titus 2:1-5. (Preached in North America, 29th Sept 2019)
The Church and Its Functioning (42 min)
The Church from Eternity to Eternity – Part 5 – John Riddle preaches on the functioning of the local church from 1 Corinthians Ch 12, as he highlights issues the use of gift and the priority of edification. Reading: 1 Cor 12:1-11:19-27 (Message preached in Forres, Scotland, 2010)
The Church and Its Continuation (36 min)
The Church from Eternity to Eternity – Part 4 – John Riddle preaches on the continuation of the church from the book of Acts, highlighting the local assembly at Antioch as an example of the pattern of how God has worked through the ages: gospel preaching, exhortation, teaching and fellowship. Reading: Acts 11:19-30 (Message preached in Forres, Scotland, 2010)
The Church and Its Composition (30 min)
The Church from Eternity to Eternity – Part 3 – John Riddle preaches on the composition of the church from the pivotal passage in Ephesians 2, which shows it to be made up of Jews and Gentiles in one new body, something entirely new and distinct from the composition of God’s people in the Old Testament. Readings: Eph 2:11-21, 3:8-11 (Message preached in Forres, Scotland, 2010)
The Church and Its Commencement (44 min)
The Church from Eternity to Eternity – Part 2 – John Riddle preaches on the commencement of the church on the Day of Pentecost. He explains that the church did not exist prior to Acts 2 and expounds the dispensational purpose of the church. The coming of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues are discussed. Readings: John 20:21-22, Acts 2:1-4 (Message preached in Forres, Scotland, 2010) (Photo: Jerusalem)
The Church and Its Construction (45 min)
The Church from Eternity to Eternity – Part 1 – John Riddle preaches on the construction of the church from the well-known passage in Matthew 16 which is the first mention of the church in the New Testament. The church is built upon “this rock”, but what is the rock? Reading: Matt 16:13-20 (Message preached in Forres, Scotland, 2010)
Judgment Must Begin at the House of God (35 min)
Colin Hutchison preaches on 1 Pet 4:17 – “Judgment must begin at the house of God”. After explaining what the house of God is, Colin develops various themes in connection with it and how the Christian should conduct himself in it (Message preached 1st Oct 2021)
Examining the Lord’s Supper (32 min)
Andrew Ussher gives scriptural, helpful and practical teaching on what the Bible calls “the Lord’s Supper”. He examines its institution by the Lord Jesus in the upper room in Jerusalem, before developing its significance as a remembrance of the Lord and an expression of fellowship. Readings: Matt 26:17-20, 26-28, Luke 22:19-20, Acts 2:41-42, 20:7, 1 Cor 10:16-17, 11:17-30, Rev 3:7-8 (Message preached in Spring Creek Gospel Hall, Illinois, USA, 2018)
Jim Flanigan – “For me, it was like a second conversion” (43 min)
Jim Flanigan (1931-2014) tells the story of how he came from an evangelical denomination into a scripturally gathered local assembly. As a member of his church growing up in Belfast, young Jim just accepted the denominational world around him as normal. He says “I had no idea that assemblies existed”. However, when he learnt the truth of gathering to the Lord’s name, Mr Flanigan says, “For me it was like second conversion”. In this message he outlines, under 4 headings,…
Learning to Teach from the Master Teacher (33 min)
John Fleck draws help and guidance from the way the Lord taught His disciples in the Upper Room, lessons that guide and help those who teach the Word of God today. Readings: John 13:1, 12-14, 34-35, 14:1, 15-17, 15:7-8, 19, 16:29-31, 17:1, 14-15 (Message preached at the Lurgan Conference 2018)
The Gospel among the Hutterite Colonies (31 min)
Jack Gould tells the wonderful story of the progress of the gospel among the Hutterite colonies of Manitoba, Canada. Hutterites are religious group who share a common European ancestry with the Mennonites and Amish, differing with them in that they believe in sharing their possessions in common and thus living in ‘colonies’. Jack Gould has been labouring among the Hutterites for a number of years and here tells the thrilling story of souls being saved and lives being transformed. (Report…
Is the Ministry of Women Public? (61 min)
PART 6 of 6 – In the final part of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “Is the ministry of women public?” He takes up the three main passages about this issue in the New Testament and then divides his remarks up into three sections: women in the creation of God, women in the revelation of God, and women in the administration of God. Readings: 1 Cor 11:1-16, 14:26, 34-40,…
Is Occasional Fellowship Scriptural? (62 min)
PART 5 of 6 – In the fifth of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “Is occasional fellowship scriptural?” Taking up the subject of assembly reception, Mr Bentley asks two pertinent sub-questions: 1. Who should be received? and 2. To what is a person received? A helpful examination, from an experienced missionary and Bible teacher, of an often contentious issue. Readings: Acts 9:26-30, Rom 16:1-2, 1 Cor 16:1-4, 2 Cor…
Is the Local Assembly Democratic? (57 min)
PART 4 of 6 – In the fourth of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “Is the local assembly democratic?” After looking at various forms of “church government” used in Christendom today, Mr Bentley spells out divine order as it relates to scriptural local assembly government and leadership. Readings: Acts 20:25-28, 1 Thess 5:12-14, 1 Tim 3:1-4, Heb 13:7, 17, 24, 1 Pet 5:1-4 (Message preached in Whitehouse Gospel Hall,…
Is the Local Assembly Autonomous? (63 min)
PART 3 of 6 – In the third of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “Is the local assembly autonomous?” The opposite of autonomy is confederation; which is what sadly can be seen in various parts of the world as assemblies centralise to form confederacies and denominations. Mr Bentley ably teaches the vital principle of autonomy under 3 headings: the truth of, the tests of, and the testimony of autonomy.…
“I’m a sister. What can I do?” (44 min)
What is a sister’s ministry and what role can sisters play in the service of the Lord? Living, as we do, in a culture that promotes feminism and much else that is contrary to Scripture, it is vital for us to understand exactly what the Bible says on this issue and why. Michael Penfold outlines 5 particular avenues of service that are open to and designed for Christian women and seeks to strengthen and encourage sisters in fulfilling their potential…
Is the Local Assembly a Sect? (60 min)
PART 2 of 6 – In the second of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “Is the local assembly a sect”? In the first half an hour, Mr Bentley meticulously works his way through the various biblical names and titles of a local assembly, drawing careful distinctions and guidelines. Then he looks at the uniqueness of the local assembly and shows that its very existence is a total repudiation of…
What is the Church? (52 min)
PART 1 of 6 – In the first of a series of 6 messages on “Questions about the assembly”, Tom Bentley (1924-2011) answers the question, “What is the church”? He starts by introducing “the church which is His body”, and makes the all-important point that this church did not exist prior to the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Looking at the “church which is His body” dispensationally, symbolically, mystically and eternally, Mr Bentley distinguishes it from the local assembly, which…
Assembly Unity (44 min)
Peter Orasuk (1948-2005) from Prince Edward Island, in Canada, preaches a powerful word on assembly unity: the means of it, the manifestation of it, the maintenance of it, the marring of it, and the ministry of it. Readings: Psa 133:1-3, Eph 2:4-6, 14-15, 1 Cor 10:16-17, Phil 2:4-13, 4:1-3. (Message preached in North America). Peter Orasuk’s Testimony – Part 1 Peter Orasuk’s Testimony – Part 2.
God at Work in Borneo (49 min)
Borneo is the third largest Island in the world, divided politically by three countries. In 2015, an assembly was planted in the city of Kuching (photo above) in Sarawak, Borneo, through the labours of John and Susan See. In this message, John tells his testimony (first 12 minutes) and then relates his call to the work and how the Lord has saved souls and commenced assembly testimony in Kuching. A fascinating and encouraging listen. Reading: Acts 11:19-30. (Report given in…
Norman Crawford – On 66 Years in Assembly Fellowship (27 min)
Norman Crawford (1927-2013) stood up at the Stark Road conference (Livonia, Michigan, USA) in 2008 and spoke on the preciousness of the local assembly, after 66 years in assembly fellowship. Mr Crawford had seen a number of assemblies planted during his long life of gospel preaching and Bible teaching and held assembly truth very close to his heart. Even on a big conference occasion, and after having spoken on it for many years, Mr Crawford never missed an opportunity to…
The Place (28 min)
Jonathan Procopio preaches on the importance of the place that “God has told us of”. He’s referring to the local assembly and the need to appreciate that this “place” has been revealed in Scripture by the Lord so that we can recognise it and be faithful to it. Jonathan draws this lesson from the picture of Abraham going to the “place of God’s appointing” in Genesis 22:1-18 (Message preached at the Island Conference, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 2013).
Bleeding for the Sheep (33 min)
Jon Procopio preaches a powerful message on the responsibilities of the sheep in an assembly, and the corresponding responsibilities of the shepherds (the elders). Working from John Ch 10, Jonathan’s 4 headings are, 1. Read the sheep; 2. Lead the sheep; 3. Feed the sheep, and 4. Bleed for the sheep. This is a deeply impactful message originally preached in North America. It will repay careful listening. Readings: John 10:1-5, 9-18, 27-30.
Harold Paisley – Why I Believe in the Local Assembly (42 min)
In 1993, at the age of 69, Harold Paisley (1924-2015) visited Northern Ireland from Canada. One Saturday evening in October of that year, before a large crowd in his ‘home town’ of Ballymena, he set out what the Bible teaches about the nature, purpose and order of the local assembly. Although born in Lurgan, Harold had grown up in Ballymena, the oldest child of Reverend James Kyle and Mrs Isabella Paisley. (Rev. James was the pastor of the Waveney Road…
Should Women Wear Head Coverings? (50 min)
“Should women wear head coverings?” is a hugely significant question. It involves, among other things, the great doctrine of headship, the inspiration of Scripture, the distinction between the genders of male and female, and local church order. In this helpful message, David Gilliland sets out to answer what headship is, why women should wear head coverings, and what the head covering symbolises. In the process he answers questions like “Why does Paul seem to contradict himself between 1 Cor 11:5…
Norman Mellish – How I Learned the Truth of the Assembly (38 min)
Norman Mellish was saved as a teenager. You can hear him tell the story of his conversion here. In this recording, he tells the story of his life after God saved him, and how he learnt the truth of the local assembly. In his 20’s Norman got caught up in the Pentecostal movement, and in a dramatic meeting one evening he had an experience of “speaking in tongues”. He then spend 5 years mixed up in charismaticism. However, one day,…
Do You Have a Sectarian Spirit? (39 min)
Jim Flanigan (1931-2014) preaches on “the sin of sectarianism”. Brought up, saved and baptised in a Baptist Church, Mr Flanigan later found that he could not accept a “sectarian name” – Baptist – that divided him from other Christians. He wrote to his Pastor and resigned from the church. At Parkgate Gospel Hall in Belfast he came into local assembly fellowship, which he describes in this message as “the nameless place”. However, Mr Flanigan makes the oft-missed point that while…
The Assembly Prayer Meeting (44 min)
You will go a long way before you hear a more practical message than this! Peter Orasuk preaches on the local assembly prayer meeting under 5 headings: the conviction of it, the conditions of it, the care found in it, the consideration needed in it, and the contribution to it by the sisters. Stirring stuff! Readings: 1 Cor 1:2, 1 Tim 2:1-12 (Message given in Ontario, Canada)
The Significance of the Lord’s Supper (28 min)
Dan Shutt preaches on the importance and significance of the Lord’s Supper. In a practical message, Dan speaks on three aspects of the supper. It is 1. dispensational, 2. periodical (once a week on the Lord’s Day), and 3. Christological. Readings: Matt 26:26-29, Acts 2:41-42, 1 Cor 11:23-26 (Message preached at Toronto Easter Conference 2013)
Investment in an Assembly (51 min)
PART 3 – In his final message in this 3-part series on the local assembly, John Dennison preaches on our “investment” in the assembly. He reads Matt 6:21 “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also” and asks “What are you investing in the assembly?” The key to understanding why a Christian should invest their whole life in the local assembly is to see it as God sees it. Working from Acts 20:28 John speaks of the the…
Involvement in an Assembly (59 min)
PART 2 – After his “introduction” to an assembly in Part 1, John Dennison now takes up what it means to be “involved” in an assembly. He works his way through Acts Ch 2 and draws out vital, fundamental and practical lessons from the 4 steps outlined in vvs 37-42 – “salvation”, “baptism”, “addition” and “continuation”. This is good, wholesome and plain ‘assembly truth” which will be a blessing to young and old. Readings: Matt 18:17-20, Acts 2:37-42 (Message preached…
Introduction to the Assembly (48 min)
PART 1 – John Dennison introduces a 3-part series of messages on the local assembly. In this introduction he looks at the first mention of the local assembly in the New Testament in Matt 18. He outlines the context of the passage, the concept of the assembly it contains, the crisis being resolved in the passage, and some characteristics of assembly found in the passage. Mr Dennison asks “What makes the local assembly unique?” He distinguishes it from the body…
What the Bible Teaches about Assembly Reception (43 min)
David Vallance takes up the important topic of assembly reception. In the first half of his message he explains the distinction between the local assembly and the body of Christ (“the church which is His body”). He contends that the local assembly is neither a miniature nor a microcosm of the body of Christ; nor is it even “an expression of the body of Christ”. It is a doctrinally based gathering of Christians who have been saved, baptised and brought…
The Landmark of the Gospel Meeting (30 min)
Jon Procopio follows up his message on the landmark of the prayer meeting with a message on the landmark of the gospel meeting. In another powerful sermon, Jonathan flags up the importance of preaching the gospel and urges his audience not to abandon gospel preaching, nor to add to it, nor to replace it with other methods that are not found in Scripture. Jonathan’s insightful message is based on Scripture and backed up by decades of experience in gospel work.…
The Landmark of the Prayer Meeting (18 min)
Jon Procopio preaches a rousing message about the importance of the assembly prayer meeting. In the first 8 minutes of his message he speaks about the prohibitions in Prov 22:28 and 23:10 against “removing the landmarks” and makes the point that the first landmark many Christians remove in their lives is attendance at the assembly prayer meeting. The vital part that the assembly prayer meeting plays in the life of the Christian and the local assembly is highlighted powerfully in…
Some Remove the Landmarks (44 min)
We think of a “landmark” today as a notable building that’s popular with tourists. A “landmark” in the Bible, however, was a stone or some other kind of monument used to mark the boundary of a person’s land. People who “removed the landmarks” (Job 24:2) were therefore stealing the heritage that belonged to a family or tribe from ancient times. In a powerful message given in 2013 (in Basingstoke, UK), Ian Jackson applies this idea of “landmark removal” to the…
Congregational Worship and Singing (51 min)
PART 6 – John Dennison give helpful ministry on worship in the context of assembly gatherings. After explaining the meaning and motive for worship, he points out the change the Lord Jesus announced in John Ch 4 and the ramifications for worship in our current era. He spends the rest of the message giving scriptural backing for the format of the open worship (singing, giving thanks, praying etc) at the breaking of bread meeting, and gives practical encouragement for those…
Assembly Reception and Letters of Commendation (51 min)
PART 5 – John Dennison preaches on the topic of “assembly reception” or “coming into fellowship” in an assembly. He outlines the 4 key verbs in Acts 2:41-42 – “received” his Word, were “baptised”, were “added” and “continued”. He expounds the three reasons why a person can be refused fellowship, and the three ways someone can be received into fellowship. Finally he makes a persuasive case for the use of distinct seating at the Lord’s Supper for those who have…
Headship and the Head Covering (49 min)
PART 4 – John Dennison works his way down 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (and 1 Cor 14:33-36) and deals with the Biblical subject of “the hierarchy of headship”, explaining 1. what it means for male and female roles in the local assembly and 2. how its symbolic display is seen in head coverings and hair length. He shows clearly that head coverings are not a “cultural issue” but rather something required of assemblies in all cultures, times and places. He explains…
What is Assembly Fellowship? (44 min)
PART 3 – John Dennison asks the question “What is assembly fellowship?” He distinguishes between different kinds of fellowship in the Bible, each one of which involves three distinct things: partnership, partnering and partners. He then makes a persuasive case that a local assembly of God is a “doctrinal fellowship”. In other words, at its root assembly fellowship is neither a social experience nor a subjective experience but an objective reality; and what will determine if I am in fellowship…
All About the Lord’s Supper (50 min)
PART 2 – John Dennison sets out the Biblical precepts, principles and practices that inform our understanding of the Lord’s Supper or the “breaking of bread”. The Bible’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper isn’t just “narrative”, it’s “normative”! So, why must the bread precede the cup? Why only one loaf and only one cup? Why on the first day of the week, every week? Why not on board a cruise ship while on holiday? And…should the bread be unleavened? John…
Cross-Cultural Evangelism (60 min)
PART 1 – Opening a teaching weekend on basic assembly principles, John Dennison speaks on the need for Christians to engage in cross-cultural evangelism as we seek to see people saved, baptised and gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus in today’s “global culture” – a culture marked by mass emigration, migration and immigration. He gives examples from years of labour in Mexico and Arizona (USA) as he reports on what the Lord has done through the preaching of…
John Grant – How I Found the Assembly (35 min)
John Grant (1942-2020) was from Scotland and travelled widely preaching the Word of God with clarity and energy. A wonderful character, John had a strong sense of humour that was never far away even in the pulpit! Here in this message/testimony John tells the story of his early years, how he was saved and how he found his way to an assembly gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus. (Message preached April 2008)
Ask For The Old Paths (34 min)
Frank Sona preaches on the Lord’s words in Jeremiah 6:16, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, wherein is the good way and walk therein”. He highlights the four verbs in the verse and urges his audience to follow the path of obedience to the Word of God, not the “drive at your own risk road” (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 22nd April 2019)
The Assembly Has a Definite Positive Pattern (37 min)
David Vallance sets out a robust defence of the concept that there is a definite prescribed pattern for the local assembly in the New Testament. He contrasts what is sometimes called the “regulatory principle” with the “normative principle”. While some would propose that “whatever is not prohibited is allowed”, David explains that in actual fact “what Scripture does not mention is prohibited”. He then explains what this means in practice and discusses the ramifications of the principle. A vital thought-provoking…
Bible Reading in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (25 min)
David Gilliland opens up 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, giving the background to the passage and outlining the difference between Lordship and Headship etc. The contribution section of the Bible Reading is not included. (Bible Reading in Bicester, Easter Apr 16th 2017)
The Friends of Truth (32 min)
After a general introduction about the existence and importance of absolute truth, David Gilliland preaches on 7 things that are paired with truth in the Bible: goodness, grace, soberness, sincerity, love, peace and faithfulness. Truth must be defended, displayed and declared in assemblies of God’s people (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 15th April 2017)
Ministry at the Supper (32 min)
Mervyn Hall takes up the subject of ministry of the Word of God at the Lord’s Supper. Using the example of the Lord in the Upper Room and on the Emmaus Road (Luke 22 & 24) and that of Paul in Acts 20, he outlines the scope, style and subject of ministry suitable on such an occasion both before and after partaking of the emblems. Mervyn also gives practical hints in relation to studying for, preparing for and delivering ministry…
Singing at the Supper (37 min)
Michael Penfold takes up the subject of singing at the Lord’s Supper. Referencing verses in Matthew, Colossians, Ephesians and Corinthians, principles are outlined that give us a pattern for the use and selection of hymns when we gather each Lord’s Day to break bread and remember the Lord. Among other things, the issues of ‘musical instruments’ and ‘exclusive Psalmody’ are briefly touched on (Message preached Sept 18th 2016)
The Meaning and Purpose of the Lord’s Supper (42 min)
Mervyn Hall speaks about “the Lord’s Supper” or “the breaking of bread”, taking up its purpose, dignity, responsibility and declarative message. He also delves into history and reveals some interesting facts as to how this central Christian privilege has been viewed over the centuries (Message preached Sept 4th 2016)
Assembly Discipline (36 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the subject of “assembly discipline”. He covers a number of different types of assembly discipline, before concentrating on the two issues that call for excommunication – serious moral evil, and serious doctrinal error. He lists a number of Biblical reasons why assembly discipline is necessary, outlining its role and purpose (Message preached June 2016)
Stewardship and the Local Assembly (44 min)
Leslie Craig preaches on the responsibilities, requirements and the review of the stewardship given to Christians. From Luke 16, 1 Cor 4, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 3, Mr Craig shows that all Christians are stewards – of time, of love, of property and of gift – and will answer to God one day for how we handled the responsibility He put into our hands (Message preached June 2016)
Membership and the Local Assembly (41 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on membership of the local assembly from 1 Corinthians 12. Concepts of necessity, equality, unity and diversity are brought out in connection with the metaphor of the body. The topic is dealt with under three headings: foundation, figure and fruition. Practical teaching is given relative to gift in the assembly (Message preached May 2016)
Lordship and the Local Assembly (37 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the many vital ways in which the “Lordship of Christ” affects the local assembly, all drawn from the first epistle to the Corinthians. He spends the first half of his message distinguishing between the Biblical concepts of “headship” and “lordship”, before expanding on the ramifications of Christ’s lordship over the assembly (Message preached May 2016)
Headship and the Local Assembly (50 min)
“Should women wear head coverings?” is a hugely significant question. It involves, among other things, the great doctrine of headship, the inspiration of Scripture, the distinction between the genders of male and female, and local church order. In this helpful message, David Gilliland sets out to answer what headship is, why women should wear head coverings, and what the head covering symbolises. In the process he answers questions like “Why does Paul seem to contradict himself between 1 Cor 11:5…
How Does an Assembly Function? (38 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches from 1 Corinthians Ch 3 and highlights the three metaphors for the local assembly in the chapter – God’s husbandry, God’s building and God’s temple. After expounding the background to the chapter, Mervyn develops numerous principles essential to the proper, unified and scriptural functioning of a local assembly (Message preached 8th May 2016)
Assembly Fellowship and Reception (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the fact, focus and function of assembly fellowship. He stresses that believers are not “received to the breaking of bread” but rather “to the whole assembly”, with all of its privileges and responsibilities. Being received into an assembly means “continuing stedfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, the breaking of bread, the fellowship and the prayers (Acts 2:42). It’s a matter of conviction, not convenience! (Message preached May 2016)
Governmental Order in the Assembly (44 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on leadership – the role, the appointment, the qualifications and the work of elders/overseers/shepherds in the local assembly. Biblical assembly leadership is always by a plurality of elders, raised up within the assembly by the Holy Spirit, and fitted for their role by their character, attitude, gift and labours, all of which is outlined in this message (Message preached Apr 2016)
7 Purposes for the Local Assembly (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 7 reasons why a local assembly exists. It exists for God’s glory, to manifest His presence, to exhibit divine design, to administer divine authority, to display divine order, to proclaim divine truth and to fulfil the divine commission. Listen for an explanation of why denominational names – Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Lutheran etc. – are both too narrow and too wide at one and the same time (Message preached Apr 2016)
The Local Assembly Overview (38 min)
Tom Armstrong outlines the truth of the “local assembly” from 1 Corinthians. Look out for the 10 C’s from the epistle – community, construction, commemoration, care etc. This is a good introduction to the basics of assembly testimony, its character, function and purpose – vital truth for every believer (Message preached in Bicester 28th Mar 2016)
The Breaking of Bread (37 min)
Sandy Higgins gives an excellent overview of the institution, the purpose, the conduct and the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. This is an ideal message to give a broad understanding of “the breaking of bread” meeting as to how, when, why and where it should be conducted. The significance of the bread and cup are helpfully expounded (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 4th April 2015)
Report on Gospel Work in Brazil (60 min)
Tom Matthews, a veteran missionary from Lurgan, Northern Ireland, who with his wife Dorothy has served the Lord in Brazil for a number of decades, gives a report of his call to the work there and speaks of how the assembly in Novo Hamburgo was formed through labours in the gospel. He recounts a number of interesting cases of conversion (Report given in Bicester, 21st August 2014)
The Assembly and Its Gifts (30 min)
Norman Mellish preaches on spiritual gift in the local assembly (1 Cor 12, Eph 4, Rom 12). He outlines the variety and diversity of gifts and the unity that should mark their use. Gift in the local assembly is given particular attention and practical lessons are drawn from the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians Ch 12. No superiority…no inferiority! (Message preached 15th June 2014)
The Assembly and Its Gatherings (27 min)
Norman Mellish preaches on the gatherings of the local assembly from 1 Corinthians Chs 11-16. He outlines the last few chapters of that epistle as follows: Ch 11 Gatherings, Ch 12-14 Gifts, Ch 15 Gospel and Ch 16 Giving. He explains the reason why head coverings are worn in assembly gatherings and as regards the breaking of bread he outlines “not anyone, not anywhere, not any time and not anyhow” (Message preached 8th June 2014)
Contending for the Faith (41 min)
David Vallance preaches a timely message from the epistle of Jude in which he addresses many of the false teachings that abound in our day. From Jude’s key verse 11, he applies the rebellion of Cain, the greed of Balaam and the pride of Korah to today’s world and makes challenging applications for godly living (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 21st Apr 2014)
Is Matthew 18:20 really about our “Ground of Gathering”? (39 min)
David Vallance preaches on Matthew 18:20 (“For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in My name…”) and defends the view of this verse which takes it to be foundational in relation to the gathering together of the local assembly throughout the church dispensation. This message is deliberately technical in some parts and includes an in depth examination of the Greek text behind the verse (Message preached 19th Apr 2014)
What is Fellowship? (45 min)
David Vallance preaches on the vital Biblical subject of fellowship. He distinguishes between “family fellowship” on the one hand, which all believers enjoy by virtue of being saved and in the family of God, and “assembly fellowship” on the other hand, which can be enjoyed by those who have been baptised and added to a local company of believers (Message preached April 17th Apr 2014)
The Cave of Adullam (49 min)
Robert Plant preaches on the Cave of Adullam from 1 Sam 22 and likens it to the local assembly. He brings many practical and profitable truths out of the Cave narrative to enlighten and instruct his audience relative to local assembly order and practice (Message preached 23rd Jan 2014)
What is our Ground of Gathering? (25 min)
A back to basics message from Michael Penfold on what a local assembly is, how it comes to be and how it functions. From Matthew 18:20 we learn that an assembly is summoned by a divine call, submits to divine authority, and surrounds a divine person (Message given 8th Sept 2013)
Personal Devotion, Prayer and Bible Reading (70 min)
Ian Jackson preaches on the biggest thing in the Christian life – a personal consistent walk with the Lord, through prayer and Bible reading. As well as giving helpful hints on the practical side of prayer and reading, he outlines the vital need for devotion and the importance of the Word in our lives, for instruction, growth, guidance, sanctification and discernment (Message preached 9th Feb 2012)
Male and Female Roles in the Local Assembly (23 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on the different roles of men and women in a local New Testament assembly. He discusses the distinctions in role, remit and responsibility that are outlined in passages such as 1 Corinthians Ch 14 and 1 Timothy Ch 2. The topics of subjection vs authority and silence vs speaking are examined in the light of scripture (Message preached 12th May 2013)
Assembly Work in Nepal and North East India (59 min)
Mr R. Raghu recounts his call to serve the Lord and reports on the progress of the gospel in the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as in eastern Nepal. A number of assemblies have been planted in these areas as Hindus and Buddhists and Roman Catholics have turned from idols to serve the living and true God (Report given in Bicester, April 25th 2013)
Spiritual Gifts (44 min)
David West preaches on the use of spiritual gifts in the assembly. After an introduction, he looks at the nature of spiritual gifts, their diversity and the principles that govern their use. He also deals with the analogy of the human body employed by Paul in 1 Cor 12 (Message preached 24th May 2012)
Assembly Discipline (35 min)
David West preaches on the subject of assembly discipline – the maintenance of order in a local assembly. He outlines the meaning of discipline, its necessity, subjects, forms, aims and recognition. This is a sensitive yet faithful handling of a solemn and oft neglected subject (Message preached 17th May 2012)
Deacons (42 min)
David West preaches on the subject of deacons. He defines what deacons are, before outlining their qualifications, proving, selection, function and compensation. This exposition of 1 Tim 3:8-13 and Acts 6 1-7 highlights the fact that “deacon service” involves much more than just the practical needs of a local assembly (Message preached 10th May 2012)
Elders (44 min)
David West preaches on the subject of assembly leadership – “elders”. After introducing the Biblical concept of “rule”, he speaks on the appointment of elders, their qualifications and rewards, majoring on Titus Ch 1. He also touches on the responsibility of the flock towards its shepherds (Message preached 3rd May 2012)
The Role of Women (36 min)
David West preaches on the subject of “the role of women in a New Testament assembly”. After setting the context, David West works his way through 1 Tim 2:9-15 line by line, and outlines the Bible’s teaching on sisters’ sobriety, silence, subjection and salvation (Message preached 26th Apr 2012)
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