Vol 3:2 (February 1957)
Editorial
At a recent meeting of responsible brethren, one made the statement that even a casual survey of the reading habits of Christians among the assemblies would show only a small percentage of the saints read the monthly magazines. In this day of high literacy, there must be some cause for this apparent decline in interest. Of course it may be that God’s people are not Bible students as were their predecessors. This we lament! On the other hand, it might be the poor standards of composition which are being presented to the Lord’s people. From the view point of literature alone, a periodical should be written to approximate favourably High School standards. Let us ever remember the Word of God, the Bible, is a classic in the realm of letters; therefore, anything a contributor to any magazine has to say about that Word should be couched in the best possible phraseology.
We fear that it is not among any questionable standards of literature that we must seek the answer to the problem. Is it not rather in this fact, the saints expect a higher tone of spiritual ministry than they receive? Is it not time to place the emphasis in written ministry where it belongs, upon the strictly spiritual exposition of the Word of God, and not where it sometimes erroneously is placed, upon the opinions of men?
A few decades ago, the Church of God on earth, with relish, profit, and blessing, read the writings of our fore-fathers; but, alas, today saints among the assemblies are turning from some types of literature given to them.
Let us arouse ourselves to the challenge, and according to the ability and the grace given by the Risen Head of the Church, let us write “sound doctrine” in “sound words,” fitting spiritual things to spiritual words.
We are happy to call your attention to the articles by two new contributors to Food for the Flock. Our brother Donald C. Cole, Angola, Africa, has prepared a study on “The Significance of the Prophets.” This we are publishing in two parts which we commend to the careful perusal of the Lord’s people.
James Blackwood, Peterborough, Canada, in the “Devotional Section” has written on three of the special revelations of God to the Apostle Paul; in this article you will find instruction, warning, and comfort.
Dr. John Boyd, Ireland, again has favoured us with a fine message entitled “Fellowship.” Thank God for the wonderful fellowship into which we have been brought! A better understanding of what this fellowship means, will result in a greater measure of experiential enjoyment.
John Robertson, in “Lambs of the Flock,” has placed a challenge before youth, but in so doing he has found it necessary to administer a rebuke to maturity, a rebuke much needed, a rebuke that ought to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby.