When we published the first of the "Assembly Testimony"1 books in 2006 we did not anticipate how popular these would become. We have been delighted by their wide acceptability, and the expressions of appreciation have encouraged us to continue publication. We are now very pleased to put this fourth book into the hands of our readers. It is our prayer that this book, in conjunction with the former ones, will prove to be for the spiritual enrichment and edification of all readers, especially the younger saints.
The title will be noted since it is not the "Glory Of The Spirit", as may have been expected from the previous book titles, but "The Spirit Of Glory". In the Scriptures we find the expressions the "God of glory" and the "glory of God"; we read also of "the Lord of glory" and the "glory of the Lord"; furthermore we find the phrase "the Spirit of glory", but nowhere do we read "the glory of the Spirit". This is in keeping with His ministry which is not to stimulate occupation with Himself, but with the Lord Jesus. In days of much false teaching about the Holy Spirit and when some professing Christians are engaged with Him to the neglect of the Lord Jesus, an understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential. We trust this book will be of assistance in this particular regard.
We must once again express our deep appreciation to all the contributors. These brethren are busily engaged in the work of the Lord in various regions of the world and in all its varied aspects. Some combine with the work of the Lord their secular calling and local assembly responsibilities, while others have the burden of the spread of the gospel and the teaching of the saints. Despite the many pressures on their time the authors have worked diligently to ensure the saints have in this book a volume that will assist them in their understanding of Divine truth.
The willing and patient toil of our ‘back room assistants’ has been greatly valued and we know their labour will be richly compensated at the soon coming judgment seat of Christ. Worthy of special mention are our brother Roy Reynolds as he edited the book, and our brother Walter Boyd and sister Joanna Currie who undertook the somewhat thankless task of proof reading. To each of these we express unfeigned thanks.
Brian Currie, N. Ireland, March 2009.
1. "Assembly Testimony" is a bi-monthly magazine which is available on request from John Gordon, ‘Elhanan’, 25 The Rowans, Banbridge, Co. Down, BT32 4DQ, N. Ireland. His email address is johngordon-at[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk. Enquiries regarding the availability of our first book, "The Glory of His Grace", may also be directed to him.