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John Nelson Darby

John Nelson Darby (1800 - 1882). Anglo-Irish Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Plymouth Brethren, born in London to a wealthy family. Educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Dublin, he graduated with a gold medal in classics in 1819 and was called to the Irish bar in 1822. Ordained a deacon in the Church of Ireland in 1825, he served as a curate in Wicklow but left in 1827, disillusioned with institutional religion. In 1828, he joined early Brethren in Dublin, shaping their dispensationalist theology and emphasis on simple worship. Darby translated the Bible into English, French, and German, and wrote 53 volumes, including Synopsis of the Books of the Bible. His teachings on the rapture and dispensationalism influenced modern evangelicalism, notably through the Scofield Reference Bible. Unmarried, he traveled extensively, planting Brethren assemblies in Europe, North America, and New Zealand. His 1860s split with B.W. Newton led to Exclusive Brethren. His works, at stempublishing.com, remain influential despite his rigid separatism.
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John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound relationship between God and believers, portraying them as beloved children who are blessed by grace. He reflects on the joy and confidence that comes from being in the presence of God, highlighting the eternal hope and place prepared for them in heaven alongside Christ. The sermon celebrates the unchanging love of the Father and the shared joy of being sons in His kingdom, encouraging believers to walk in faith and love until they reach their eternal home.
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Hymn: Sons
FATHER, Thy name our souls would bless As children taught by grace, Lift up our hearts in righteousness And joy before Thy face. Sweet is the confidence Thou giv'st, Though high above our praise; Our hearts resort to where Thou liv'st In heaven's unclouded rays. There in the purpose of Thy love Our place is now prepared, As sons with Him who is above, Who all our sorrows shared. Eternal ages shall declare The riches of Thy grace, To those who with Thy Son shall share A son's eternal place. Absent as yet, we rest in hope, Treading the desert path, Waiting for Him who takes us up Beyond the power of death. Unchanging glory fills the place Where Jesus dwells on high; But brighter joy our spirits trace With Him, for ever nigh! We joy in Thee; Thy holy love Our endless portion is - Like Thine own Son, with Him above, In brightest heavenly bliss. His Father Thou, and ours thro' grace, We taste the same delight - Blest in the brightness of Thy face, In heaven's unclouded light. Father! Thy love my portion is, As son, like Christ, with Thee; Oh, who can tell of love like this, So sov'reign, full, and free! O Holy Father, keep us here In that blest name of Love, Walking before Thee without fear, Till all be joy above.
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John Nelson Darby (1800 - 1882). Anglo-Irish Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Plymouth Brethren, born in London to a wealthy family. Educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Dublin, he graduated with a gold medal in classics in 1819 and was called to the Irish bar in 1822. Ordained a deacon in the Church of Ireland in 1825, he served as a curate in Wicklow but left in 1827, disillusioned with institutional religion. In 1828, he joined early Brethren in Dublin, shaping their dispensationalist theology and emphasis on simple worship. Darby translated the Bible into English, French, and German, and wrote 53 volumes, including Synopsis of the Books of the Bible. His teachings on the rapture and dispensationalism influenced modern evangelicalism, notably through the Scofield Reference Bible. Unmarried, he traveled extensively, planting Brethren assemblies in Europe, North America, and New Zealand. His 1860s split with B.W. Newton led to Exclusive Brethren. His works, at stempublishing.com, remain influential despite his rigid separatism.