AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED TO
DR. E. RALPH HOOPER
late dean of the London Bible Institute,
a vessel unto honour and mightily used of God as
a medical man, missionary, teacher, writer and counsellor.
His uncompromising stand for the revealed truth of God's Word,
his energetic spirit and ever-gracious attitude
have been a spiritual stimulant to countless numbers—
and to the author.
“Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, LEST ye be wearied and faint” (Hebrews 12:3).
FOREWORD
HERE IS AN UNUSUAL BOOK by an unusual writer. Here the reader will find a veritable wellspring of joyous refreshing. Pastor Logsdon, as this book clearly reveals, has diligently studied to show himself “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” As a result, “according to the grace of God which is given unto” him, he has become “A wise masterbuilder”; and his skill is revealed in these studies.
There is a sense in which there is nothing new that is true. As another has said, “If it is new it isn't true, and if it is true it isn't new.” But there is a new way of presenting old truth, and our author has found the way. Here the reader will find no hackneyed phrases, no threadbare platitudes. The truth is here, but in a new garb. The food is the good old Bread of God, but it is served in plain dishes. The reader will be benefited as he scans these pages, and he will be delighted as well.
For many years I have known and loved Franklin Logsdon and esteemed him “as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” It is a pleasure to commend this latest of his writings to God's people everywhere.
Keep looking up, my son!
William L. Pettingill, D. D.
Pastor of the First Baptist Church
in the City of New York
INTRODUCTION
DECADENT DAYS CALL FOR CHALLENGE. This is the major theme of the Minor Prophets and the point of emphasis in the second epistles. God's people so readily lapse into complacency of such alarming proportions that all heaven seems to become solemnly disturbed.
“O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee?” (Malachi 6:3).
Such were the intermittent surges from the heart of God in Old Testament days. Nor were conditions much more gratifying in the New. “It is high time to awake out of sleep” (Romans 13:11), warned the Apostle Paul. His colleague also found it necessary to arouse the hearts of the drowsy, careless believers with a challenge to renewed zeal. “I stir up (awaken fully) your pure minds” (II Peter 3:1), Peter commented; and then added, “(II Peter 3:1)” (II Peter 3:11).
In the sad period when the Lord was forced, through Israel's disobedience, to withdraw His Shekinah glory from them, it was with extreme reluctance. The withdrawal was effected slowly—from the holy of holies to the threshold, to the east gate, to the east side of the mountain, thence to be seen no more until the last prophet of the legal period said of Jesus, “We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).
In the midst of the departure of God's glory in ancient times, this sad necessity was expressed, “I will take the stony heart . . . I will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19).
God desires a heart response to His blessed and faithful entreaties, but His people today, as of old, have stony hearts. Christians are unquestionably deficient in the realm of deep, settled convictions.
Standing by one's convictions means to maintain an uncompromising attitude with regard to that which is divinely approved.
- It is a firm refusal to deviate from the paths of orthodoxy.
- It is an avowed adherence to the principles and precepts of God's revealed word.
- It is that kind of spiritual stamina which is able to withstand vicious attacks.
- It is a definite stalwartness of character which remains unaffected in the midst of detracting influences.
- It is that strength of soul which shows no tendency toward surrender.
- It is a determination to press on when others are dropping by the wayside.
- It is a devotion that maintains its warmth when the temperature round about us is dropping.
- It is a vision which continues its focus upon the goal.
- It is a steadfastness which survives the current epidemic of indifference.
- It is purpose in its faithful display of resoluteness.
Many of the personalities of the Scriptures are identified by one particular characteristic. Meekness reminds us of Moses; patience, of Job; weeping, of Jeremiah; doubting, of Thomas; impetuosity, of Peter; while purpose is ever associated with Daniel.
But every true servant of God must of necessity be a person of purpose. The command of the Lord requires it: “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable . . .” Purpose makes for dependability, consistency, dedication, and accomplishment. Purpose allows no room for indecision, listlessness and uncertainty. Purpose is, to the servant of God, what the sense of direction is to the homing pigeon. It develops a desire for obedience to the divine commands and encourages a determination to fulfil His blessed will.
“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men utterly fall; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and shall walk, and not faint.”