FFF 5:2 (Feb 1959)
Current Events
WASHINGTON, D.C.: It now has been determined by the scientists of the United States Atomic Energy Commission that atomic underground blasts can be fully detected to approximately 20 kilo tons, about the size of the Nagasaki—Hiroshima bombs. No wonder that certain political powers refuse to submit to any inspection-detection system of their arms production.
If such are the detective abilities of men, what shall be said of the ability of Christ? We read of Him as He moved in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, “His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow (absolute purity); and His eyes were as a flame of fire (penetrative detective holiness)” — Rev. 1:14.
It would be well for the people of God ever to remind themselves that, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13).
* * *
WESTERN EUROPE: This portion of Europe has taken its biggest step toward unity since the death of Charlemagne 1,145 years ago. The idea of currency convertibility adopted by ten European nations creates a common market which will take its place alongside of the Soviet bloc, the dollar area, and the Sterling area as another mighty force in the economy of the world.
The boundaries of the new entity roughly are those of Charlemagne’s Europe This economical union of political states forms a power undreamed of for many centuries.
Is the recent dream of some of the great political leaders of the world soon to be realized in a United States of Europe? Are we now to witness ominous movements among the Gentile nations as we have seen them in Israel? John the Apostle says of the non-descript fourth beast of Daniel, the fourth ancient empire, the Roman Empire: “The beast which I saw was like unto a leopard (in its speed and agility), and his feet were as the feet of a bear (in its irresistible advancement), and the mouth as the mouth of a lion (in its majestic fury); and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death (slain); and his deadly wound was healed (resurrected): and all the world wondered after the beast” (Rev. 13:2-3). Is the power, spirit, and system of the ancient Roman Empire about to be revived? While the Church looks especially for the return of her heavenly Bridegroom, she need not be blind to the signs of the times.
TIMES, Jan. 19:1959: According to a new report by the Missionary Research Library there are at least 10,000 more U.S.A. and Canadian Protestant missionaries at work around the world than in 1950, and the total figure, 25,058 is more than four times that at the beginning of the century at which time missionary zeal had reached its peak.
The extra missionary increase comes from the smaller church groups rather than from the old established denominations.
First among the North American Protestant mission countries is India with 1,833 workers from U.S.A. and Canada. The second is Japan with 1,549. The Near Middle East only claims less than 3 per cent of the total missionary force. Protestant women missionaries outnumber men by three to two.
These figures raise the question as to how many of these are true evangelical missionaries, preaching and teaching the gospel of redemption. Brethren, even more than sisters, should remember that the great commission of our Lord is ever contemporary.