The
substance of this volume is messages given at the annual
conference in Switzerland, 1963.
The
messages are - with little editing - produced here in
their spoken form, which accounts for the freer style
than that of a meticulously literary form.
The
conference was composed of friends of a number of
nationalities, but one of its most precious features was
the spirit of real fellowship and joy in the Lord. We
would wish that something of the atmosphere of those days
with the Lord might be sensed in the messages here passed
on in book form.
I
anticipate that there will be some big questions arising
in relation to the setting aside of the first Israel and
the establishing of another. Undoubtedly it will be asked
whether all that is said on the matter means that we do
not believe in a future for the literal earthly, historic
Israel or Jews.
Let us
say at once that we have said neither 'Yes' nor 'No' to
this question. That is another subject and might require
a book to itself. What is said here is positively what we
believe to be the teaching of the New Testament as to the
nature and purpose of God's work in this dispensation,
and the calling and vocation of the Church, now
and for ever.
T.
Austin-Sparks.
FOREST HILL, LONDON 1963-4