Vol 3:10 (Oct 1957)
Editorial
“Ye shall be witnesses unto Me,” the Lord Jesus said to His disciples before He left them. They apparently found it difficult to carry out this injunction, and so do the majority of Christ’s disciples today. Mr. J. N. Darby, while crossing the Atlantic ocean, wrote to a friend expressing disappointment at his own failure to testify of Christ to his fellow passengers. All do not witness for the Lord in the same manner, nor do all attain to the same degree of success; nevertheless, each effort to make Christ known by a sincere attestation of what He means to one personally results in many spiritual compensations. Ruth MacIntosh did this in her Twelfth Grade examinations. As far as academic credits are concerned, she received first class honours, but there may be even greater and more enduring recompenses at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Her examination paper is reproduced in Food for the Flock in order to encourage, not only lambs in the flock, but older ones as well. It would not be proper to copy Ruth’s method; nevertheless, her example should be followed, and opportunity seized to produce courteously and definitely the evidence of the blessed reality of a personal fellowship with Christ.
John Bramhall, in the same section of this issue, vividly pictures for “The Lambs of the Flock” the sphere in which we all must, as lights in the darkness, testify for our Lord.
Surely, we should not find it difficult to boldly affirm our allegiance to One so great as our God! James Hutchinson, in the “Devotional” section reminds us of the greatness of His Divine Person and the greatness of His power, His wisdom and His loving care. Since we are the recipients of such manifestations and of such favours, let us not any longer be reticent in our testimony to God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Ernest B. Sprunt has presented a most thought-provoking article on the Lord’s Supper. It seems a suitable complement to former contributions in the “Doctrinal” department which dealt with human responsibility in the churches of the saints.
Brother Samuel Taylor’s exposition entitled “Gaius and Diotrophes” ought to stimulate deep spiritual exercise. In this we see, “He that is spiritual” in the church a contrast to the one who is carnal. Let us be followers of that which is good.
We gratefully acknowledge the interest shown in the studies of “The Book of Genesis.” May we, by the grace of God, apply the principles discovered in the life of Abraham to our own. We regret so many feel that the monthly “Bible Study” is too short. It may be that in the near future more space will be available for this work.
Several have intimated that they would like an amplification in “The Forum” of certain details relative to the subject of bishops and deacons which were discussed some months ago. One asks that these be more clearly distinguished, and, if possible, viewed in their bearing upon the churches of God in modern times. Before re-opening this inquiry we should know what particular points our readers consider difficult and in need of further development. When these are received, they will be assigned to capable brethren for clarification, after which a summarization of their answers will appear.