“In this world, you shall find tribulation; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33
Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims that no Christian will travel through life without knowing something of the pain of grief and suffering. His promise though, is that He is able to carry us through anything we encounter in this world, because He intends to set our affections on things above; for “flesh and blood do not inherit the Kingdom of God!” –1 Cor. 15:50.
I am persuaded that nothing strikes the human soul with as much awe and solemnity as the scenes of death and the delight or dread that follows it. Meditating on the reality of an impending eternal state certainly touches the springs of every passion and is often the instrument employed by Christ to awaken souls to a deeper consideration of his glorious, heavenly refuge. All must face that unknown region, where spirits dwell, with the most intense consideration; “What is my sentence?”
The intent of Christian Family Journal is to aid the Christian in his pilgrimage towards his true home, in heaven, where righteousness dwells and all sin and suffering have ceased. We also hope to guide the impenitent to consider eternal realities and the vanity of life apart from biblical repentance and faith.
“Ah, believer, it is only heaven that is above all winds, storms, and tempests; God did not cast man out of paradise, that he might be able to find himself another paradise in this world. The world and you must part, or Christ and you will never meet.”—Thomas Brooks
Many from around the world have expressed their concern that the age in which we live has brought particular adversity and suffering. The brokenness I experienced upon the death of my only son has further burdened me to put into print many of the writings of pious, persevering, and often suffering saints of old whose works have blessed and strengthened my family during our season of intense trial. It is truly my desire that each member of Christ’s body yearn for heaven, particularly through conquering the fear of suffering and death. “O death where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?”–1 Cor. 15:55.
“It seems now that I have a child in heaven, and am bound to the invisible world by such a tie, that I can never again be entirely absorbed by this.” –Elizabeth Prentiss
Each issue of Christian Family Journal is comprised of various excerpts from antiquarian Christian literature that promotes eternal solicitude. Many of these great works have not been in print for decades, even centuries. The writings of divines of the Reformation, the Puritans, eminent fathers of the great revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries, and those that followed in their footsteps will be highlighted in ways that appeal to young and old. We will travel to 16th century Germany where the powerful Protestant Reform-ation took form; and to the 17th century where Christians poured out their souls and their lives for the cause of gospel truth. We will journey to 18th century New England for the religious revivals under Edwards and Whitefield, among others. Our journal will also take you to the pulpits of Spurgeon, Wesley, Flavel, Watson, and Owen. You will read the heart and soul of Baxter, Watts, Boston, and Doddridge; and digest pious words from Sprague, Shaw, Abbott, Pike, Newton and More. And you will draw strength and encouragement from many whom the Lord has sustained though deep affliction such as Rutherford, Bunyan, Brainerd, Payson, Prentiss, the Scottish Covenenters and the French Huguenots. All this and more, designed to promote deeper holiness in life and love to Christ, with a preeminent focus on the believer’s journey to and presence in the world to come.
“The Lord hath cut your branches in taking from you many children, to the end you should grow upward, like one of the Lord’s cedars, setting your heart above, where Christ is, at the right hand of the Father.” –Samuel Rutherford, in a letter to a grieving mother.
I have been greatly encouraged by the response to the Christian Family Journal. Many have expressed their thankfulness for such a publication that reaches many individual, family and church needs.
Rev. Maurice Roberts, Pastor of the Free Church of Scotland in Inverness, Scotland; and Editor of the Banner of Truth writes of the Christian Family Journal;
“Christian Family Journal is a magazine aimed at bringing serious Christianity to the attention of parents, children and the wider family circle. It injects a needed note of deep reverence and gravity into so much of the modern religious scene. I personally pray that much blessing may come to the readers of Christian Family Journal.”
I would urge you to prayerfully consider purchasing a yearly (quarterly) individual or group subscription to the Christian Family Journal. I am confident that you will be blessed and encouraged in your walk with Christ, and strengthened to face adversity and tribulation. Your support of CFP would also contribute towards the ministry of the Christian Family Journal being distributed to mission works around the globe. It is our hope and prayer that this publication could be used to minister to and encourage missionaries and their families as well as the peoples being ministered to in foreign lands. If you would like to have a gift subscription sent to another party, please send in a separate subscription form with the name and address of the party to receive the publication.
May our gracious Lord bless you.
In service to our blessed Saviour,
Gene Fedele
Editor
christianfamily@mail.com
(Please send an e-mail for your subscription. We can also provide quotes on odd amounts or larger orders.)
CFJ Reader Testimonials: “I must say thank you over and over again for Christian Family Journal. I have been passing it along to many and they all say so many wonderful things. One thing, in particular, is that it is a good introduction to the Puritan writers in that it is not an entire book to work through. The different writers and articles make it so much easier for beginners and those of us who snatch times to read here and there.” —Mrs. R., California
“I have encouraged our folks, personally, to subscribe to the Journal.” —Rev. M., NH
“We have made copies of the Christian Family Journal available at the church, and many have remarked that the editorials and articles have, indeed, accomplished the desired purpose of helping them ‘set their affections on things above.’ (Col. 3:1ff.) In our day of what seems to be unprecedented worldliness and preoccupation with things temporal, this well-produced aid makes for great reading to bring our thoughts back to what is truly important and eternally valuable.” —Rev. S., New York
“I’m looking forward to receiving the next issue, as I absolutely love the writings of the old Puritans and Reformers. This is indeed a great work for the Church in service to our Lord, and I hope Christ’s church here in America may learn to appreciate such jewels.” —Mr. F., New York
“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful pleasure of reading your Christian Family Journal. It has been God-ordained, coming at a time when I truly have needed encouragement to set my eyes and heart on the things above. This past issue has been so uplifting.” —Mrs. G., Calif.
“I can’t speak too highly of the CFJ. I've been thinking of something like what you’re doing for quite a while, but what you’ve put together far exceeds anything I could have done. I’ve passed on high recommendations.” —Mr. S., Seattle, WA
Send payment to: Christian Family Publications
58 South Bay Ave., Islip, NY 11751
631-581-7322 • christianfamily@mail.com
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