Preface Vol1 No4


	Preface Man! "What is mortal man, that You remember him?" asked the psalmist. Sometimes we too may ponder our value and underestimate our role in God's economy. However, in God's eyes, and even Satan's, man is significant. In this issue of the Fellowship Journal we consider man - in creation, in the fall, in salvation, and in his usefulness for the building up of the church. Beginning with the gospel article, "Where It All Began," we see that God's desire was to be man's source, life, enjoyment, and everything. Although created man was deceived into leaving this simple, trusting realm, the Lord through His salvation has made a way for a return in satisfaction with a full reliance upon Him. The "Born Again" article looks at man's position before and after his regeneration. Formerly we were poor, hopeless sinners in a miserable and desperate position. But now we have nothing to do with our former status. God has transferred us into an entirely new position. Once we are saved and become partakers of the divine nature, we still need a proper humanity. "Our Experience of Acacia Wood" points out that our usefulness and operation before the Lord depend on the quality of our humanity. Though Satan has done his best to damage created man, in this article we learn some secrets of how to cooperate with the Lord to have a humanity that is proper, firm, and solid for the Lord's testimony. The word study on the "Twofoldness of Christ's Sufferings" underscores man's significance in God's purpose. We know that only Christ could suffer for the accomplishment of redemption. If we are to see the Lord's Body built up, however, we have to fill up on our part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ. In "The Experience in Philippians" we see the importance and implications of man's relationship with God and His servants. The saints in Philippi could enjoy the same grace as the apostle, because they had him in their hearts. Finally, "A Biographical Sketch of A. B. Simpson" reviews the life of a man who bore witness to the all-inclusiveness of Christ to be everything to him. By enjoying the Lord as everything, Simpson became, in his time, one of the Lord's treasures and useful vessels for His interests. We hope this issue of the Journal will prove an enjoyment and help in your stand as a man in God's plan.