By Jim Upton
The Scripture tells us that fellowship with the saints is good; it should be encouraged.
It’s one of the pleasant things that’s made even better with a little coffee and banana
bread-or whatever-that the ladies serve before the Family Bible Hour. Sometimes
conversations that get started at these times need” just a few more minutes.
“We’ve got another 10 minutes before the preaching begins; they’re only singing now.
The singing will be better without my monotone, anyhow.”
By Donald L. Norbie
Mrs. Jean Erikson, a famous psychologist and author, is now quite elderly. She was
interviewed recently concerning a book she had written on aging and wisdom.
Samuel Ridout
Where are the pastors today? No time for visiting? Too busy? The
wolves are busy scattering the sheep; divisions and worldliness press on every hand.
Compromise, neglect of Christ?s interests, disregard of His honor ? all these
are present; where are the pastors today? The Church has all the gifts; there are
brilliant orators, scholarly teachers; good men and true. There are schools and colleges;
education can be gained by any desiring it. Surely the Lord has not forgotten the need of
His people, nor is He indifferent when He sees them scattered as sheep without a shepherd.
Where are the pastors today?
Samuel Ridout
It need hardly be said that this gift is one of greatest importance in
the Church, and a rapid glance at its characteristics will be helpful. The gift of teacher
is closely connected with that of pastor; both have to do more specifically with the
saints, though all the gifts are “knit together”. And He Himself gave some to
be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:11). The
tender, firm heart and aptness to teach are most helpful in the evangelist. But his is
necessarily the initial work, followed by the pastor and teacher in the care for and
upbuilding of the flock of God.
Steve Hulshizer
What comes to mind when we think of the word holy? Dictionaries
have great difficulty attempting to define it. Usually it is associated with divinity, but
never really defined. Of course the religious world makes great use of the word, but as
with many Biblical words they are but part of their jargon and empty ritual.