0.2. Foreword

FOREWORD

It has been our privilege to read "Worship, The Christian’s Highest Occupation" in manuscript. We acknowledge a great debt of gratitude to the author for being the first to bring to our attention, over thirty years ago, many of the precious truths contained in this book; and the acceptance of which radically changed the course and character of our ministry.

Here is a book with which we thoroughly agree and which we can heartily endorse without reservation. The title is challenging and the treatment convincing. The author’s assertion that "worship is associated with a spiritual maturity," is equally true of this book. Even a casual reader would soon detect that it is not the vaporizings of a novice ambitious to become an author; but rather the product of firm convictions based upon a careful searching of the Scriptures, and matured by meditation and by years of deep experience in the Christian path, and strengthened by keen observations. In his own inimitable way, the author proceeds in an orderly and cumulative fashion. His homiletic gift is evident and most helpful to the reader. The book is marked by clarity of thought and expression, made more forceful by vivid figures of speech and graphic illustrations. The reader is soon aware of the fact that worship is not a subject which can be developed and dismissed with a paragraph, but, instead, is impressed with the vastness and importance of the theme. Basic facts on the subject are drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. Practical applications and responsibilities are made clear and inescapable. The truth concerning worship is faithfully presented and false theories and practices are mercilessly exposed, frequently by the apt use of sanctified irony. Clouds which confuse many on the subject are dispelled as a number of distinctions of truth are drawn. We cite several. The contrast between the ritualistic worship of Judaism and the spiritual worship of Christianity and the superiority of the latter, is worth the reading of the book. The difference between worship and ministry is clearly drawn and is most helpful in these days when Christendom seems to know little about, and values less, the privileges of worship. The place of worship, within the veil, is clearly distinguished from the place of meeting; something which most religious systems utterly fail to see. The chapters which deal with the worshipper, his privileges and perils, the things to be sought and the things to avoid, the preparation of the heart and mind for true worship, are most searching. The description of the worship of the wise men is a spiritual classic, and might well be printed in pamphlet form for wider distribution.

Certain adult Bible classes would find this volume suitable for a text book for a series of studies on worship. Elder brethren would render a great service by circulating copies among those young in the faith.

We hope and pray that the book may have the wide reading which it merits, and that it may be used of GOD in leading many into an appreciation and practice of "the highest occupation of the Christian."

George M. Landis

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