Vol 4:7 (July 1958)
Editorial
“For me to live is Christ,” wrote the great Apostle to the Gentiles as he expressed his spiritual ambition to the saints at Philippi. It has been well said that many of our English prepositions may be inserted in this statement, for Paul’s meaning is most comprehensive. Thus we may think, for me to live is in Christ, is through Christ, is with Christ, is for Christ, etc. The man who found special delight in speaking of himself as “the bond-slave of Jesus Christ” knew that Christ had to be the power of life as well as its object, the Guide throughout life as well as its Companion.
We think of Peter, James, and John as forming the inner circle of intimacy during the sojourn of Christ on earth, we also conclude that Paul was one of the inner circle which enjoyed a special nearness to the Lord of Glory.
In order to attain to that place of holy communion and warm reciprocal fellowship, there must be a practical self-abnegation, a sincere sacrificial expenditure of the comforts of life, and a definite renounciation of the claims of nature. These are the lessons which Robert Pile would teach us in his article in the Devotional Section, “The Inner Circle of Discipleship.”
The Editor heard this message given orally and felt the impact of its simplicity and power, and requested that it be written in order that the readers of “Food for the Flock” benefit by its truth and appeal.
Brother Samuel Jardine treats with refinement and conviction the place and function of the Holy Spirit of God in the birth of our Saviour. Each succeeding article that our brother writes upon the subject of God the Spirit deepens the inward conviction that the Holy Spirit is the channel of divine influence and strength in human lives that are lived for God. Oh, that through Him there might be created anew in us, a genuine expression of the Lord Jesus!
Aubrey Delandrea challenges both young and old in regard to our public attitude toward the Lord Jesus. His ministry in this issue reaches the Christian’s walk, and if prayerfully followed, will affect his testimony before the world.
We are very happy to have another article from Arnot McIntee. His former papers on Sunday School work have met a need, and a number have expressed appreciation for the help received. This practical discussion of the Sunday School picnic will provide guidance in a somewhat difficult feature of this type of Christian service.
Last month, we had a paper on prophecy relative to the Great Tribulation. We have followed this with a complementary subject, “The Nation of Israel” by Robert McClurkin. We hope to continue this teaching with a third article on prophecy next month. Let us remember that prophecy is a light that shineth in a dark place.