1958 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES " Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were s o " (Acts 17. 11).

JANUARY, 1958.

VOLUME 26.

EDITORIAL Concerning prayer we sometimes sing, " What various hindrances we meet ! " Such hindrances affect us in all our labours in the Lord, and in our study of the word of God, for the adversary seeks to hinder us in word and work. We therefore seek to encourage our fellow-students, assuring them that we are aware of some of the difficulties that confront some of them in seeking to continue in regular study with us. These days in which we live require much diligence on our part, and we would exhort all to labour much in the Lord (Romans 16. 12). In our joint studies, as in all labour in the Lord, if our work is a labour of love (1 Thessalonians 1. 3), evidence will surely be forthcoming that it is so, and much blessing will accrue.

We have commented in this vein, because several of our former contri-butors have now resumed.  We welcome them and rejoice to see them represented once again in Bible Studies: we hope the Lord will enable them to continue with us and to contribute regularly. This may involve a measure of personal sacrifice ; but diligent study of the word of God is very profitable and necessary for the spiritual growth of the child of God, and if through our year’s study we are enabled the better to serve our God, the sacrifice will be more than worth while.

This year’s subject covers the wilderness journey of the children of Israel, and the things that we shall have to examine " happened unto them by way of example ; and they were written for our admonition" (1 Corin-thians 10. 11). God brought these things about for our profit as well as for Israel’s ; God the Spirit moved men to record them for our admonition. If then such be the Source, purpose and authority of the things which we now undertake to study, we ought to apply ourselves with becoming diligence, t h a t we may gather profitable knowledge of the will of God for this present day.

We are happy to present this month the opening pages of " Notes on the Book of the Revelation " by Mr. J. Miller. These will enhance the value of this year’s Bible Studies, both for present reading and for future reference.

We commend these Notes to our readers for close study, and to God for His blessing.

J. B.