Sermons on Assembly Truth (Page 2)

Sermons on Assembly Truth (Page 2)

Singing and Worship

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…

What is Assembly Fellowship?

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…

Headship and the Head Covering

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…

Assembly Reception and Letters of Commendation

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…

The Lord’s Supper

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

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…

Spiritual Gifts (44 mins)

PART 7 – 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 mins)

PART 6 – 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 mins)

PART 5 – 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 mins)

PART 4 – 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 mins)

PART 3 – 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)

Baptism and Assembly Reception (41 mins)

PART 2 – David West preaches on the subjects of baptism and reception to assembly fellowship. He also deals with the subject of letters of commendation and give some helpful scriptural advice about their use. In his introduction he outlines 9 different baptisms in the Bible (Message preached 19th April 2012)

The Church and the Churches (43 mins)

PART 1 – David West preaches on the subject of “the church and the churches”. He takes time to lay out the clear Biblical differences between a local church – composed of those who have been saved, baptised and received into fellowship in a specific locally gathered company – and “the church which is His body”, composed of all believers from Pentecost to the rapture. A vital message on an often misunderstood subject (Message preached 12th Apr 2012)

Conducting Conversational Bible Readings (31 mins)

Ian Jackson give guidance as to opening and contributing in local assembly conversational Bible Readings. He explains the need to prepare by studing the context, the verses and the words of the chosen passage. Any brother “leading the Reading” should read distinctly, give a short opening, move the conversation steadily through the verses and ensure with the Lord’s help that everyone goes home helped and edified (Message preached 12th Feb 2012)

Conducting Gospel Meetings (53 mins)

Ian Jackson preaches on conduct and order in connection with gospel meetings. He touches on practical issues in connection with preaching, such as the use of the human voice and intelligent interaction with one’s audience. In a wide-ranging message, he deals with the need for punctuality, dignity in delivery and dress, avoidance of long public prayers, what kind of hymns are useful, and the impact of sincere welcomes and handshakes. A most practical message. (Message preached 11th Feb 2012)