Sept 1990 - Editorial

In a foundation statement on collective Christian activity, Luke recorded that the church in Jerusalem continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching ... and the prayers. The role of sound instruction of the disciples was paramount, as it always is if the truth of God is to be preserved and practised. Breathing life into the divine pattern of collective activity was the fellowship, which belonged to and centred on the Lord Jesus and found expression in worship and prayers. Readers can follow some aspects of these subjects in this month's articles: Sound Instruction, as drawn from the Psalms, and The Disciple Life.

The Psalms are helpful to us. They record so much of the heart's stirrings at the prompting of God. It is not surprising then that the writers of the New Testament scriptures so frequently quoted from the Psalms. They contain sound and practical teaching for those who would live godly lives. A practical issue here is the matter of prayer. In this, the example and personal teaching of the Lord Jesus on the subject is the starting point for finding and maintaining "praying power".

Fifteen years ago, Torchlight in the September 1975 issue of this magazine noted that the United States' patience in finding a solution to conflict in the Middle East appeared to be waning. In this month's FOCUS the impatience of Jews in positions of influence in the U.S.A. is examined with reference to the possible impact on the situation in Israel. Bible students instructed in what the Scriptures say of God's purposes for the Jewish people, and alive and alert in their prayers for His will to be done, will take interest in these developments.

unknown | Sept 1990
Editorial