by T. Austin-Sparks
With this issue we enter upon the 44th year of the ministry of this
little paper. We begin by laying a further tribute of gratitude at
the feet of our beloved and faithful Lord for all the gracious
enablement given by Him through that period of more than half an
earthly lifetime of service. We can truly, and humbly, appropriate
the words of His great Apostle: "Having received the help which
comes from God, we continue unto this day." We know quite well that
His help comes in answer to the prayerful and practical co-operation
of His people, and, in this mindfulness, we do say that we very
truly thank all those who have encouraged us to go on with this
service. While we conclude from the help given by the Lord, against
trials and adversities, many, and often very severe, that it must
have been something which He needed, we know that it is but a
supplementary and complementary ministry. There is a vast amount of
evangelistic work going on worldwide, by varied and many means; and
work in other ways to help younger and older believers. This is very
much in the public eye and draws a great amount of support and
approbation. We do thank God for everything that can
contribute to His one comprehensive end - "to win for the Lamb that
was slain, the reward of his sufferings".
Yet, at the same time, we have - what we believe to be - a God-given
burden for "the perfecting of the saints" and "the building up of
the body of Christ". This may be less popular and less in the public
eye, but the New Testament does not give a small and unimportant
place to such ministry. We sometimes feel that such ministry is more
fraught with Satanic opposition of every kind than anything
else.
The increased intensity of antagonism to Christ in the world at this
time would justify the conclusion that the time is short, and both
the completing of the number of the elect, and the preparing of them
for heavenly reign and government, say that His coming is very near:
to say nothing of the world-conditions and man's helplessness in
them!
The Lord help us to "hold fast till (he) come", and to be faithful
unto (or until) death. Pray for this ministry that it may not fail,
or lose any strength as the time goes on.
In our last issue we intimated that certain changes are taking place
here at Honor Oak, and that one big development is possible (in
relation to the "Centre" property). There is nothing further of a definite nature to
report. We will inform our friends if anything transpires which
would be of concern to readers of this paper.
T. Austin-Sparks.
In keeping with T. Austin-Sparks' wishes that what was freely received should be freely given and not sold for profit, and that his messages be reproduced word for word, we ask if you choose to share these messages with others, to please respect his wishes and offer them freely - free of any changes, free of any charge (except necessary distribution costs) and with this statement included.