The Centrality and Universality of the Cross

From time to time God lays special stress upon matters which are central and basic to the life and witness of the Church, which is the Body of Christ, which matters are in danger of being lost sight of. His method of doing this is sometimes that of laying His hand upon some and taking them in deep places where their only hope of life and ministry is the revelation which He gives them there. Thus they become entrusted with a testimony which creates a specific ministry to, and in, and through the Body of Christ: only a testimony, not a "movement," a sect, an organization, although He may create or raise up a vehicle or base for such a ministry. Personal interests are ruled out, God sees to that, and any suggestion of a tendency to make anything of the persons or the means swiftly meets His arresting disfavour. By such deep ways and at a "Great price is this freedom bought," but being of God and not of men there is a blessed release from all anxiety as to the outworking of the Divine purpose. Such is the nature of the "Testimony" herein set forth. This revelation through the Word is released in printed form, not as propaganda or in the interests of any "movement," but that - if God will so use it - the "Eternal Purpose" may be served and that there may be won for the Lamb that was slain some reward of His sufferings. "That in all Things He might have the preeminence."