This issue of the little paper
sees the beginning of Volume 43, and a new year. It provides the
opportunity for reflection upon this ministry; some
recapitulation, some reflection; and some contemplation. But
first, a note of warm gratitude for all the spiritual and
temporal support given so generously by so many for longer and
shorter periods of time. We have often remarked that, in view of
much opposition - Satanic and human - and many forms of
difficulty, it would not have been possible to continue this
unbroken course of ministry without the very real help of the
Lord and the co-operation of His people. So, we - at this time -
lay a fresh tribute of gratitude at His feet, and an expression
of real thankfulness at the door of our faithful friends. We
would like to say that we truly wish for you very large blessing
in the new year.
The reiterative word at this
time is just a reaffirmation of the nature and purpose of this
ministry. It remains wholly true to the statement inside the
front cover page. [see below] There is no conceit or
spiritual pride bound up with this ministry; that is, we have no
ideas or illusions that it is either unique or more important
than other ministries. The Lord is doing many important
things for both unsaved and saved and it would be most abhorrent
to be selective when anything is really under His blessing.
Everything truly of God is relative, not absolute. The dictionary
says that 'relative' means 'dependent on, or related to something
else; not absolute'.
That is the most that we would
hope or claim for this ministry. It is complementary and
auxiliary. No sect or separate body of Christians stands behind
it to give it the character of a 'Movement'. Our idea or motive
is definitely not to form groups or companies of people
around a special teaching. This is a ministry to all of
God's people, and while it is true that life - spiritual, human,
animal, or vegetable - will inevitably take form, we still stand
to it that it is not for man to make that form, but that
it shall just be the spontaneous obedience to its own laws of
life. While it may seem a bit idealistic, we feel that any true
expression of what is constituted and governed by the Holy Spirit
will have every aspect of Divine truth and function present and
active. Toward that "Fulness of Christ" we pray
that this ministry may make a vital contribution. We would that
it could help the Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the
Pastor and Teacher, in some measure at least.
But having said that, no one
who knows this ministry will call it just general, indefinite,
nondescript, and characterless. It has a very definite
object and character. There is so much of spiritual tragedy in
Christian life and work, due to inadequate foundation and
edification. The tragic loss in so many cases and in so much
earnest effort is so largely due to what is called 'Follow up',
or the absence of it. There is a gap which spells leakage and
waste. There is a superficiality which means lack of stamina
under strain. There is ignorance which means confusion in crises.
There is a testing which sees much "wood, hay and
stubble" going up in smoke. It is to meet such needs that we
have a real burden, and it is a need, a pathetic need!
As to prospect and hope. Again
we have no illusions. We do not know how much longer we may have
for the fulfilment of our given piece of work. Everything in the
world is so uncertain and ominous. The need for the Lord to come,
and come quickly, grows every day. But this only means that we
must be the more about His business. If you feel that this
ministry is needed, please do all that you can to help it by
prayer. We are asking the Lord that we may see a great reduction
of the literature stocks, making it imperative that we keep our
printers very busy with reprinting the existing, and the
production of the so much more that we have, but has not yet been
produced. We do nothing to advertise. We have no commercial
representatives. We make no profits. We pray, and trust that - as
it has been from our beginnings - the growth will be spontaneous,
not of our own natural strength, but "of God". Will you
pray with us?
His blessing be abundantly
yours.
T. AUSTIN-SPARKS,
Editor.
Text from inside front cover of magazine:
The object of the ministry of this little paper, issued bi-monthly, is to contribute to the Divine end which is presented in the words of Ephesians 4:13 - "...till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (literally - full knowledge) of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we be no longer children..."
It is not connected with any 'Movement', 'Organization', 'Mission' or separate body of Christians, but is just a ministry to "all saints". Its going forth is with the prayer and hope that it will so result in a fuller measure of Christ, a richer and higher level of spiritual life, that, while bringing the Church of God into a growing approximation to His revealed will as to its 'attainment', the Church may be better qualified to be used of Him in testimony in the nations, and to the completing of its own number by the salvation of those yet to be added by the Lord.
This ministry is maintained by the Lord through the stewardship of those who value it. There is no 'subscription', but gifts can be sent to the Editor... The paper is sent only to those who personally desire it, and we count on friends to advise us if this is no longer the case, or if they change their address.