It ought to affect our hearts to understand that the Son of God is coming. It ought to remind us this world isn't home: it's a world under judgment. But more than that, our hearts should be burning in anticipation of seeing His face and being like Him. (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10)
Are we agreed that the gathering together in one all the children of God is according to God's will as expressed in His word? Can any one believe that “churches” have attained to this end, or are at all likely to attain to it?
Resurrection is the central doctrine of Christianity. The Christian life is a life of resurrection. The fact of Christ's resurrection in history should show itself out in my life here and now.
This work is a compilation of my own thoughts on the subject and rewriting of several works by John Nelson Darby. If you have attempted to read JND than you will grant me this concession. If you would like to read the original works I have listed them here:
As we look at this topic we must do so by first understanding that the Word of God is where the answers to these questions are. They are not found in dogma or by my own feelings on the matter. Secondly, I must bow to what scripture says. Often this is easier said than done but with the Lord’s help and a humble reliance on Him we will attempt it.
Our Judge knows exactly what it's like to live down here. He knows what it's like to be hungry and thirsty and tired and alone. He won't be convinced by "But you don't understand!" He knows exactly what this wicked world is like: He lived in it.
Jude is a short book with a lot of depth. At Shallowbrook this year Tom Kerr covered most of it giving a very good outline of the themes of the book.
The book is addressed to individuals not to the Church. To the individual we see those who are beloved in God the Father. This is power for our daily life, our walk. We have the present and immediate consciousness that God loves us. This love is set apart in God. There is no question of losing something that someone else keeps.