Exhortations

Some criticism Frank George Jannaway had at some ecclesiae their exhortations at the beginning of the 20th century

It is, alas, only too true that some Sunday morning exhortations are not what they profess to be. In many such there is no real exhortation in the Apostolic sense.

Real exhortation is that referred to by Paul when he says:

“Suffer the word of exhortation” (Heb. xiii. 22).

Some exhortations, so far from needing any suffering, are positively delightful — sedative and narcotic! The hearers leave the Table with the conviction of the Pharisee (Luke xviii. 11, 12) instead of in the frame of mind inculcated by the Apostle (2 Pet. iii. 11).

Read the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt, v.-vii.) or the epistles of Paul, with their incessant “Awake to righteousness, and sin not” (1 Cor. xv. 84). We would then recommend every brother appointed to exhort to carefully read Brother Roberts’ “Seasons of Comfort”. There we have true comfort and true exhortation, inasmuch as they beget trust in God and mistrust of man.

The Table of the Lord is not the place or time to discuss first principles, or harmonise the Gospel records; neither is it the place to argue debateable questions, or ventilate personal grievances.

The Exhorting Brother’s sole aim should be to bring Christ to remembrance and induce an examination of one’s self; in short,

“Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat” of the bread and drink of the wine (1Cor. xi. 28).

F. G. J.

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Preceding

Those Belonging to the called ones coming together

How to Form an Ecclesia

Having a small church mentality

A breathing ecclesia

Christadelphian Halls

Ecclesia – Church – Minding your reference

Need of elders

Qualifications of a Presiding Brother

Elders, pastors, paid or unpaid professionals

Paid Hirelings

Leading Brethren

Leading with Fear: Gathering or Scattering?

Elders who are Unfit

Ruleth Well His Own House

Building a Spiritual House

Presiding Brethren’s Failings

Conferences and Evangelists

Unmarried Elders