Lampasas Gathering
June 2020
Prayer
Friday, June 12
"Not My Will"
"Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)
Jesus Christ was God’s only begotten son - not a second person of a "Trinity." Trinity concept totally false. Christ’s true nature was one of mortality, just as all mankind. He did not pre-exist before his birth. He was made of a woman - made of flesh and blood and therefore partook of our nature, as a representative of the human race. He was not, nor did he die as, a substitute. He was tempted in all points like as we are - yet without sin. He learned obedience by the things which he suffered. He lived in total obedience to the will of his Father - of which will he came to do - namely to condemn sin-in-the flesh; that is, to destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil. Christ was in need of cleansing and redemption himself. He had to save himself (by the shedding of his own blood) first, in order to provide the way of salvation for mankind. Christ’s flesh was like ours - in need of cleansing. Therefore he did not have "clean flesh." Christ had the enemy with him at all times. And he, of necessity, had to have had the enemy with him on the cross in order to get victory. It is essential to understand Christ’s true nature and what was really accomplished in his death and sacrifice.
Presider: Bro. John WolfeSpeaker: Bro. John Tarver
Saturday, June 13
"Preparation for Prayer"
A certain amount of mental preparation is necessary for prayer. We need to think out for what we will pray. Particularly is that the case in times of crisis. Such moments come to every life, and sometimes at the most unexpected moment.
Consider Hezekiah's prayer. Jerusalem was being threatened by the Assyrian army. This city was divided: some wanted to turn to Egypt, some wanted to capitulate to Assyria, and others gave themselves over to the flesh, saying "let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." These all lacked faith in Yahweh.
The nation was in supreme crisis, and that is when Hezekiah rested heavily upon God. He turned to God in prayer, but he did not do so lightly. He took particular pains to rightly approach Him in prayer.
He did three things. Firstly - He "rent his clothes." This revealed his deep concern; it symbolised that he was greatly concerned with the crisis, and that his feelings were open to all to see. Secondly - he "put on sackcloth," the garb of mourning and humiliation, witnessing to all who may care to observe, that he had humbled himself before his God. Thirdly — he "went into the house of Yahweh." He directly sought the help of God in prayer, thus drawing Yahweh into the arena of the controversy.
-- "Making Prayer Powerful" pg 56-57. Section "Hezekiah's preparation for prayer"
Speaker: Bro. Jason Carroll
"Holy For Yahweh"
"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." (Psa 141:2)
The incense is described in Exodus 30:34-38. It was a fragrant spice that symbolic of prayer. The spices constituted a well blended perfume that was wholly consumed by fire (Exo 30:7), teaching that prayer should comprise a complete absorption of one's hopes, desires, will, and purpose in those of Yahweh. It was offered morning and evening (Exo 30:7-8), typifying that the day should both commence and end with God. It was burned in conjunction with the tending of the lamps, illustrating true communion with God, both hearing Him and speaking to Him. It was to be offered perpetually (Exo 30:8), so "men should always pray and not faint" (Luke 18:1). The incense was ignited with coals taken from the brazen altar (Exo 30:9), so acceptable prayer is offered through the Lord Jesus Christ. It was joined with faith, for its altar was of gold; and with works, for it was carried in spoons (Num 7:14), and taken in handfuls (Num 16:12). It was also properly compounded, for prayer should be a balance of praise and petition, of intellect and emotion.
For further details see the book "Making Prayer Powerful."
Speaker: Bro. Todd Smith
"Prophecy Proves God Is In Control"
"For Thine Is The Kingdom, And The Power, And The Glory For Ever" (Matthew 6:13)
He changes the times and the seasons, He removeth kings and setteth up kings. History of Daniel’s terrible beasts and their foundation of present world conditions. The 4th beast and its dragon character, iron teeth and brazen claws. Beast of the sea and the beast of the earth, and the image of the beast. The false prophet and his present day activities. Russia as the latter day "king of the north" and the "clay of the image feet." Tarshish and all the young lions and their divine destiny. The doom of democracy in the solution of Middle East problem. Divine answer to the Jewish question, Jerusalem’s terrible agony and eternal glory.
Presider: Bro. Shane WolfeSpeaker: Bro. Jim Phillips
Sunday, June 14
First Reading: Judges 14, 15
"Importance of Prayer"
Presider: Bro. Nathan Phillips
Speaker: Bro. Seth Brown
Second Reading: Isaiah 38
Third Reading: 2 Peter 1, 2
"Prayer"
Presider: Bro. Nathan Phillips
Speaker: Bro. Chip Edwards