Editorial (June 1957)

Volume 3:6 (June 1957)

Editorial

James Gunn

“No, I did not go to China to convert China, I went to China to please God,” was the noble reply of Dr. Brown to a friend. This friend attempted to persuade the devout missionary to remain at home, and challenged him as to why he had gone to the far East. Had he gone to convert the whole of China?

The prayer of the Apostle Paul for the saints of Colosse was, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing” (Col. 1:10). Dr. Moule suggests that Paul meant these saints to do anything to meet, to anticipate, the wishes of the Lord, because such action is not only beneficial but most absolutely right to do.

We have placed considerable emphasis in this issue upon the doing of the will of God. Two excellent articles bear almost the same title. The first one, “The Will of God Concerning You,” is by a young man who has only a comparatively short experience in the work of the Lord, brother Ross Rainey of St. Louis, Miss. and he writes for the lambs of Christ’s pasture. The second, “The Will of God,” by Robert McClurkin, Galt, Ontario, is written by a more experienced and matured servant of the Lord, and he writes for older Christians. We are delighted with both. All must recognize, as have our two contributors, that whether we be young in Christ or otherwise, our highest objective here is to please God; His will must ever be supreme.

Our blessed Lord Jesus is the perfect example that we should follow. In anticipation of His incarnation He said, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God” (Heb. 10: 7); and in anticipation of His crucifixion, He said to His Father, “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).

Out of his close experience with demonism throughout the many years of his missionary activities in China, brother Edwin Tharp continues his article, “Demonology.” How thankful we ought to be for the glorious light of the gospel that delivers from the fear of superstition and from the bondage of the spirit. A careful reading of this number impresses upon the mind the deep need for the Christian, even in lands of Bible knowledge and influence, to rely completely upon the Spirit of Truth.

Our brother Donald Taylor, Wheaton, Ill., has repeatedly warmed our hearts through his devotional writings. Once more he elucidates the meaning of the sufferings of our Saviour. We appreciate his keen perception of the doctrine of the cross of Christ, and value his efforts to share his knowledge with us.

A new feature has been added to Food for the Flock, a book review. From time to time new books, and older ones which are not well known, which are considered important and helpful in Bible study, in the development of Christian character, in the ministry of comfort, and in the establishing of believers will be reviewed. As in “The Forum,” we shall endeavour through this means to comply with requests from any of the people of God.