Home>>
Among a plethora of voices
I suppose the most natural question that presents itself to one's mind when faced with a new periodical is the question "Why?" Why another piece of literature in the sea of multiplied voices. And my answer is a simple one. And I think C. H. Macintosh back in the 1800's presented it best when he wrote, "If positive truth has slain its thousands, then perverted truth has slain its ten thousands." It is surely to "the Church's shame that, that which God in His providence has provided to be used for positive good, i.e. the printing press, should be so lightly esteemed in the eyes of God's people, while Satan has mastered it completely for the destruction of the souls and the downfall of nations. God help us!"
Pretty relevant stuff, eh? I suppose, if I had not mentioned the author's name and the year in which he lived, we probably would not have thought it be old, we probably would have thought it to be the reflections of a current day writer.
Just take a look around at the books, magazines and papers in circulation today. Two dominant facts will assert themselves. First, the "enemy of souls" is far more active and successful in using the printed page to promote his lies, than the Lord's people are in proclaiming the truth. Second, much of what is passed off as "Christian" today is so imbued with the philosophy of this world (Col. 2:8) and the unrestrained thoughts of men (1Cor. 4:6) that it bears little resemblance to the "scriptures of truth" entrusted to us. The "persuasive words of human wisdom" (1Cor. 2:4, literal) can be found on every hand. Where is the "demonstration in the spirit to the power" (1Cor. 2:4)?
The prophet Zechariah recognized that even in his "day of small things" (4:10), there could be fruit for God but it must be "not by might, not by power but by My Spirit says Jehovah of hosts" (4:6). Having Divine resources at our disposal (Rom. 4:5; 1 Cor. 2:9, 10, 16; 2Cor. 3:18; Eph. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:3,4), we take no outlandish claims to individual insight and power. In weakness we advance on our knees, leaning on "the Everlasting Arms" that we might lend our voice to that "faithful remnant" of publications who dare to believe that God's resources are enough and so have as their "ambition" to be pleasing "acceptable to Him" (2Cor. 5:9, NASB).
We send these papers forth according to God's gracious principle "without money without price". G.H. Lang's words seems appropriate here, "It is the human offering of love to God and His people to some spiritual ends alone and therefore, only those are morally entitled to receive it, who are fully minded to benefit by it spiritually".
The material found in these pages shall seek to amplify the theme - "contending earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) through a positive exposition of the word of God. To serve this end, the contents of this paper needs be serious and weighty, informative, as to the Lord Himself and as to His purposes and projects. It follows that these pages can be helpful only to those who are resolutely determined to follow the Lamb, wither so ever He may lead in this tangled and adverse world and who will therefore give serious study to what is written" (G.H. Lang).
We are not claiming to have "new insight" but simply want to "stir you up by way of reminder" (2 Pet. 1:3). It only remains to urge upon you one last request, "brethren, pray for us".
By His grace for His glory,
George Cofresi (2Cor. 4:5, Col. 1:27-29 )
