In 1970 the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the International Congregational Council will unite, forming one organization in the service of some 130 autonomous member churches with an estimated communicant membership of 59 millions in 70 countries. A world meeting of delegates representative of the member churches will inaugurate the union.

The theme for the uniting general council is: God reconciles and makes free. In the choice of theme both WARC and the ICC have been deeply conscious of their long-cherished commitment to the ecumenical movement. We firmly believe that the over-all theological and ecclesiastical issues of the world today demand of all of us a fresh grappling with the central elements of the liberating gospel the church is commissioned to proclaim. Such a concern is further accentuated by the ominous, unhealed fragmentation of contemporary national and international life.

This collection of Bible studies is sent out with the prayer that member churches of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the International Congregational Council, sharing together in the fellowship of a common study embracing Christians on six continents, may prepare themselves for the debates and decisions of the uniting general council. We dare to hope that other communities, groups and individuals may find the studies of value.

The author, to whom we are much indebted, is Rev Professor Donald M Mathers, Queen's Theological College, of the United Church of Canada. There are many different approaches to realistic Bible study. Prof Mathers makes no concession to his readers. Here there is no elaborate spoon-feeding of ready-made exegesis. The reader is compelled to turn to the passages and wrestle with the meaning for himself. In the introductory articles Prof Mathers poses possible interpretation and implications which the reader must test for himself over against the witness of the biblical material. A selection of provocative questions suggesting still further issues for discussion is appended to each study.