Editorial (Jan 1956)

Vol 2:1 (January 1956)

Editorial

James Gunn

As we review the kindness of God to us during 1955, like David we recall the benefits of the Lord.

What a wonderful blessing has been bestowed upon us in that we are permitted to serve Him through these pages! What an honour He has conferred upon us in that we are allowed to serve His people in ministry! What pleasure and satisfaction have been apportioned to us in knowing that many have been instructed, saints have been confirmed and comforted, and the young among believers have been encouraged to more intensive study of the Word of God!

The final triumph of the Church is assured; she will be manifested in glory with Christ. Between that ultimate glory and the present, there may be many difficulties and trials for the people of God. These may cause anxiety, but since our sufficiency is of God, we cast ourselves upon Him, for the future is in His infinite knowledge even as also was the past.

We would therefore value; that the Christians who read Food for the Flock pray constantly that the ministry in these pages be given during 1956 with a tender sympathy for the sheep of Christ’s pasture, and yet with an absolute loyalty to the truth of God; with a sincere intention to edify, exhort, and comfort old and young among believers, yet without partiality or prejudice toward any; with a set purpose for a positive expositionary presentation of the teaching of Scripture, yet without fear to denounce that which is contrary to the mind of God. Pray that each editor may labour, striving according to God’s working in him to present every reader perfect in Christ Jesus; till we all come in the unity of the faith, unto a perfect man, unto the full measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

It is a pleasure to introduce to our readers Dr. John Boyd of Ireland. We thank God for the doctor, and for his care for the saints. Out of his busy professional life he has taken time to instruct us in the true meaning of the cross of Christ. Young and old alike should weigh his words relative to our identification with the crucified Lord.

Brother Wilkie gives us with his usual warmth an important message for the New Year, “The Christian’s Walk.” He calls our attention to the need of a revival of love among Christians. Why should such a word be so necessary among us? Like Ephesus, we have left (not lost) our first love. What a calamity!

Robert McClurkin’s article, “The Song of Deborah” is thought provoking. In it he not only rebukes the sad condition of carnality and declension, but he presents the divine principles of revival. Let us be humble enough to acknowledge these, and to adopt them in our assemblies.

The message by Ernest Sprunt is so practical that every believer should seek grace from God to practise his suggestions.

Supscriptions, new and renewed, have been reaching this office, but if you have not attended to your own please do so immediately. Enjoy the splendid ministry the Lord has already graciously provided for this year.