The Gospel Preacher”
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TThhee GGoossppee ll PPrreeaacchheerr Issue 1 Summer, 2007 Number 1 “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” – Romans 10:14 Introducing: “The Gospel Preacher” -Andrew D. Erwin- We plan to offer all of this material in only The Middle Tennessee School of Preaching twenty pages (at least initially), three times yearly, and Biblical Studies is pleased to introduce to the at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer brotherhood The Gospel Preacher. Thus far, the term. school has been blessed with a wonderful student Brethren, the need for sound gospel preaching body and faculty and a good reputation for sound and to provide encouragement to all those dedicated scholarship is being established. We trust that this to truth should be evident. More than anything, we paper will complement the fine work being done by hope to encourage all who love the Lord in sincerity so many teachers, alumni, and students and by those to be strong in Him “and the power of His might.” who tell others about the school and those who sup- The body of Christ will grow in spirit and num- port it financially and with their prayers. ber through the preaching of the gospel, the whole The Gospel Preacher is a literary work that we gospel, and nothing but the gospel. We wish that all pray will be known for its standard of excellence in preachers everywhere would accept their responsi- religious journalism. Our hope at the Middle Ten- bility to “preach the word” and the eternal impor- nessee School of Preaching and Biblical Studies is tance and consequences of the messages they to provide a valuable service in upholding the faith preach. Truly, we can sympathize with the pains “once delivered.” Thus, The Gospel Preacher shall and difficulties associated with preaching. But, this be known for presenting valuable restoration is the life we have chosen. We do not simply quit themes. Moreover, the reader will find in this peri- teaching the controversial matters of the faith be- odical a very readable and enjoyable paper. We be- cause some deem them too controversial. Those in lieve The Gospel Preacher will soon become one of darkness have always considered truth to be contro- your personal favorites. You’ll find pages filled versial; and, preachers should know that before they with… ever begin to preach. Therefore, our message to • Timely articles covering a wide array of subject preachers throughout whatever history this paper is matter; able to enjoy is simply and honestly, “preach the • Classic sermon outlines from yesterday and to- word.” Souls are starving for the gospel of Christ day; and they are looking to you, their preacher, to feed • Biographical and historical sketches of preach- them. In the words of Christ to Peter, “Feed my ers, churches, and note-worthy events; sheep.” • Help for your church bulletin in the form of We ask for your prayers of support for the school short articles and poems; and this paper. We welcome your news and notes, as well as any names you wish to add to our mailing • News and notes from around the brotherhood list. Much work is to be done. It is in the spirit of and those associated with the school; faithful service that we now embark on this journey. • Classified ads of churches looking for preachers May God be our strength and stay! (at no cost, of course); • Announcements of events and classes offered by 7103 Varden Ct. MTSP. Fairview, TN 37062 The Gospel Preacher 2 The Preacher is Not God The Gospel Preacher -James R. Lewis- The Gospel Preacher is produced by hoever thought that he was? Why would anyone think your friends in the churches of W such a thing? Obviously, few, if any, really think that a Christ. The precepts discussed herein preacher, any preacher, is God. Nonetheless, let us consider for are set forth in the spirit of declaring, a few moments the work of the preacher and his relationship to defending, and preserving the an- others. cient faith once delivered. We hope It is not an unusual thing for the preacher to be present when these studies will be of great benefit a family is blessed with a newborn entering into this world. At to you in your growth in grace, and in times of illness, especially hospitalizations, the preacher often the knowledge of our Lord and Savior visits to offer comfort or encouragement. Weddings are great Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and wonderful events, and the preacher usually joys in sharing and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). the joyous and solemn occasion. The preacher’s influence is strong in the lives of our children, and our family in general. He Editors preaches and teaches thousands of lessons which impact our lives. He counsels and advises when asked to do so. He visits James R. McGill in our homes and teaches us right and wrong. He baptizes our [email protected] youth, wives, husbands, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and friends into the Lord Jesus Christ. Precious friendships are Andrew D. Erwin made, and much time is spent together, not only in worship ser- [email protected] vices, but also in other church functions and social activities. Death comes to all; often the preacher is present at the passing from this life, and then is honored to conduct a funeral service Free to All to help honor the life of a loved one no longer present and to The Gospel Preacher is privately fi- console and comfort those who are present. nanced and without charge upon re- The previous paragraph fairly represents many of the rela- quest while supply is available. tionships which exist between a preacher and those among whom he lives. The present purpose for noting these relation- ships is simply to point out two truths. Number one, the preacher is indeed greatly honored and blessed to be entrusted to share in a Thanks! very special way the lives of so many precious people. These are Thank you for your help in pro- the people who support him and encourage him in his life. They ducing this paper and allowing it to trust him and share with him many of the most significant events be freely given! in their lives. This is a trust which the preacher must never violate or dishonor. Number two, it is manifestly evident that the preacher, providing he has not dishonored or violated the trust given unto him, is usually held in high esteem by those who have made him an important part of their lives. A mutual high esteem and love for the members of the church by the preacher provides an abundantly The Gospel Preacher joyful and effective relationship in working together in the Chris- 7103 Varden Court tian life. However, there is a danger which, at all costs, must be Fairview, TN 37062 avoided. The preacher is just a man, an uninspired earthen vessel. His first responsibility is to teach and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully. What he says concerning matters of faith must always be weighed in the balance of scripture. His word is not authoritative, and what he says is true only if God’s word says it is true. (Continued on pg. 8) 3 Summer, 2007 Unfinished Prayers -H. Leo Boles- Table of Contents (Copied from “Boles’ Outlines”) Page 1 Introducing: “The Gospel Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:7 Preacher – Andrew D. Erwin Introduction: Man is prone to leave undone tasks; perhaps Dorcas (Acts Page 2 The Preacher Is Not God – 9:36-40) left some unfinished garment. The artist or sculptor James R. Lewis represented the life of man with an unfinished piece of stone. Page 3 Unfinished Prayers – H. Leo Discussion: Boles I. New Testament Teaching about Prayer 1. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Page 4 Remembering W.A. Bradfield 2. Pray for everything (Philippians 4:6). 3. Pray for each other (2 Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews – James R. McGill 13:18; James 5:16). Page 9 The Public Image of Christ II. Some Unfinished Prayers and the Church – Gerald Cowan 1. Pray for health; must obey laws of health. 2. Pray for sick; must help them get well. Page 9 The Living God – Robert L. 3. Pray for the bereaved; comfort them. Waggoner 4. Pray for success in business; must conform to economic principles. Page 11 Notice of Recent Deaths 5. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5); must study. 6. Pray for spiritual growth; must take spiritual food and Page 13 News and Notes exercise. 7. Pray for salvation of sinners; must preach the gospel to Page 17 Classifieds them. 8. Pray for world peace; must work for it. 9. Pray for unity of the church (Ephesians 4:3); must work Page 18 MTSP Summer Term An- for the unity of the church. nouncement 10. Pray for enemies (Luke 6:27); must work and do good to our enemies. Page 18 Who Will Become Your 11. Pray for the church to fill its mission; must be a faithful Teacher – Andrew D. Erwin member of it. God’s Plan of Salvation Conclusion: We have a part in answering some of our prayers; if we fail to Hear the gospel (James 1:21) do our part the prayer is unfinished. Believe the gospel (John 8:24) Repent of sins (Luke 13:3, 5) Confess Christ (Acts 8:37) Editorial Note: According to B.C. Goodpasture who edited Be baptized (Mark 16:16) Boles’ Outlines, “This was the last sermon brother Boles Live faithfully as a Christian (2 Peter 1:5-11) preached.