Dear Saints,
Greetings once again in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus! Christmas is almost here as I write this. For so many, Christmas is just a sentimental holiday, but for God’s people it is a reminder of the coming into the world of our Savior.
Can you imagine the One Who spoke the stars into existence being willing to become, at least briefly, a single cell in the womb of a daughter of Adam’s race?! Amazing! And, all the time, and going back before time began, the Father had you and me in mind!
And yet, in the midst of this season we continue to see events in our world unfold. It seems that hardly a day goes by without someone remarking that the world has gone crazy.
Just the other day I had an email from a brother asking advice and encouragement as to how to handle everything going on, particularly the virus pandemic. My answer applies to me and every believer: “The Lord allows many things but He is always in control and His purposes never fail. In that light, come what may, we just actively trust the Lord, looking to Him moment by moment and thanking Him for His presence and His promises.”
As I have thought about all this, an article I wrote in the 1970s came to mind: “Great Tribulation.” It deals, not only with the underlying meaning of “tribulation,” but also with the end of the age. It surely seems more relevant to God’s people than ever.
The other frontpage article is a reprint of part 2 of Bro. Thomas’s teaching on, “A Great Mystery.” In it, he continues to explore the true meaning and expression that God intended for Christ’s body, the Church. I’m sure glad the Lord knows them that are His and how to bring everything together that His Father has purposed! I just want to be an active part of that outworking. I hope you do too! Something to actively pray about.
We have also included several short articles from the writings of Andrew Murray and also Major Ian Thomas that help to unlock practical Christian living in very clear ways. Satan ever seeks to corrupt and complicate the simplicity of what God has given us. And He has given us EVERYTHING we need in Jesus!
That is the glory of the gospel! God saw us totally dead in sin, living under the dominion of Satan’s kingdom (Eph. 2:1-3) but because of His great love He provided a perfect solution. And the solution does not depend in the least upon human goodness (there is no such thing in the light of God’s holiness) or upon human strength or effort but upon grace — divinely supplied power and influence that we could never deserve. Praise God! May He continue to teach us the depth of His great provision through Christ.
Our assemblies continue to meet as we are able as well as including some unable to attend through Zoom. We continue to enjoy the Lord’s presence and blessing regardless of the form. However we are able to gather, the thing that matters is the Lord’s presence. He reigns, and we know how the story ends!
Till next time may God’s rich blessings be yours.
Your brother in Christ,