Jan 1956 - Editorial

This journal is for the teaching of the Word of God, and it is issued by the Churches of God in the Fellowship of the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. The Editors' desire is that those who read it may be edified and built up in the Faith. Problems that affect the Christian life, Godward and manward, are dealt with, and the journal is sent forth monthly with the sincere prayer that those who read therein may come to a knowledge of God's way for them, in godly living, in worship and in service.

Briefly let us indicate our programme for 1956 (D.V.).

Regular readers are familiar with "Jottings." This is a monthly feature from the pen of "J.M." A wide scope of Scriptural lessons are dealt with in almost a conversational way. It is a feature which has been highly appreciated in the past, and we can look to the Lord to provide more grist from this fertile mill.

One word more perhaps not everyone has noted that in addition to the twelve Jottings appearing monthly, there are a further twelve Jottings, printed in the bound volumes, each replacing the front monthly page, which, of course, is not reproduced in the bound volume.

Another feature, of recent years' innovation, is a serial subject, with one article thereon published each month. Different writers will contribute to this series. In 1956 it is purposed to deal with the Return from Babylonian Captivity of God's ancient people, the Jews. The accounts of this great event are found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. You can read those records through in about forty-five minutes for each. The prophecies by Haggai and Zechariah should be read in association with Ezra, and Malachi in association with Nehemiah. In those far-off days the leaders of God's people brought back the Word of God to its rightful place in the nation, and obedience to God's requirements brought joy to the people who had tasted the asperities of Captivity. The key-phrase in both histories is "the hand (or the good hand) of the LORD was upon me."

"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope." In the present day, a remnant day as far as the Truth of God is concerned, many valuable lessons can be learned from the study of this serial subject.

Articles will also appear dealing with "positional" truth, reminding us again and again, of the pattern of Churches of God, as preached and practised in the early days of the Churches' history.

There will also appear articles on the "conditional" aspect of Christian living. This is most important, too, for all who profess Christ are living epistles, read of men. These subjects should deal with our faithfulness to our Master, our service to mankind, and our relationship to the world.

The final four pages are reserved for articles suitable for young believers. Never was there a day in which youth has so many voices calling him or her, hither or thither. We advise our young friends to listen to Wisdom's voice

"All the words of My mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge" (Proverbs 8.8, 9).

Finally, questions on scriptural problems are invited. You will find the name and address of the editor on the back page to whom you can submit your problems. With God's help one or other of the editors will endeavour to give Spirit-guided answers.

We commend you to God, and to the word of His grace.

unknown | Jan 1956
Editorial