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7-1-1961 Preacher's Magazine Volume 36 Number 07 Lauriston J. Du Bois (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Du Bois, Lauriston J. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 36 Number 07" (1961). Preacher's Magazine. 361. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/361

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JULY 1961 D L Pr,acU \ m Cl ( j Cl z i n c

Volume 36 July, 1961 Number 7

CONTENTS

C o v e r — N. B. Herrell (See p a g e 5)

Doctrine Is Not Deadly, J. Kenneth Grider'...... 1 The Offering and Announcements in Worship (XIX), Editorial ... 2 The Preaching of N. B. Herrell, James McGraw ...... 5 The Secret of Assurance and Freedom, Arthur Hedley ...... 8 Appreciation, Pauline E. Spray ...... 11 The Sinner’s Next Move (III), Earl E. B arrett ...... 13 Sure Way to Succeed in Ministry, E. O. Chalfant...... 15 The Preacher’s Public Prayer, S. L. M organ, Sr...... 16 Tlie Criterion of Salvation, H. Ray Dunning ...... 18 Calling on the Sick, the Aged, and the Bereaved, E. E. Wordsworth 20 Gleanings from the Greek New Testament, Ralph Earle ...... 21 Eleven O’clock Evangelism, Milo Arnold ...... 26 “Queen of the Parsonage,” Ruth Vaughn...... 28 Some Observations, A. S. London ...... 31 Ministers and “The Ethics of Correspondence,” R. E. Joyce ...... 32 “Let Me Suggest,” Brian L. Farm er ...... 34 Dedication of Hymnbooks, Joseph L. Bright ...... 35 “Unspoken Requests,” Flora E. Breck ...... 36 Why the Same Old Story? An Evangelist ...... 37 Sermon Workshop, Nelson G. Mink ...... 38 Sermon Starters ...... 40 Preaching Program ...... 41 Book Briefs ...... 47

LAURISTON J. DU BOIS. Editor

Contributing Editors

Hardy C. Powers Samuel Young Hugh C. Benner G. B. Williamson D. I. Vanderpool V. H. Lewis

General Superintendents, Church of the Nazarene

Published monthly by the NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE, 2923 Troost Avenue, Box 527, Kansas City 41, Missouri. Sub­ scription price: $1.50 a year. Second-class postage paid at Kansas City, Missouri. Printed in U.S.A. GUEST EDITO RIAL

Doctrine Is Not Deadly

By J. Kenneth Grider*

F r o m C a l i f o r n i a came some news Christ crucified and risen. Even at not long ago. From a pastor it came, Mars’ Hill, that is what he did. The sent to the editor of A m erica’s most Cross was foolishness to the wise widely used magazine for ministers. Greeks at Athens, who did not see Seems the pastor was down on the­ man’s sinfulness. But Paul preached ology. Plenty down on it. Said he, on, preached what had been good for “My people don’t want theology; they simple people in other places. want something to live by.” It is true, of course, that doctrine Go tell the man of God something, can be too deep-down, too difficult. out in the West there. Become It is that kind perhaps that has given prophet to him. Tell him that he no theology a bad name. But doctrine doubt underestimates his people. Tell can be made plain, penetrating, pun­ him also that beliefs are just what gent. It can be made simple and yet give men something by which to live. profound, appealing and yet disturb­ Point out to him that the apostolic ing. preaching bubbled with doctrine. It might be that the gathered con­ Take him at least to the first Christian gregations are much more interested sermon, that by Peter at Pentecost. in it than we think. It might be that Show him that the man who stood up they want something solid, something that day filled to the full had som e­ on which they can stretch themselves. thing to announce that was incandes­ The people called Nazarenes have cent with doctrine, particularly, the never been interested in theology as doctrine of Christ. Peter the Apostle an end in itself. Foremost has been wanted men to believe on the incar­ our purpose of holiness evangelism at nated, crucified, risen Christ. home and abroad. But to the end of That was the approach of the evangelism, to the end of solid evan­ preacher closest to the Christ. With gelism, we have announced the Bib­ Stephen it was just about the same lical doctrines, especially as they way. That deacon, first Christian pivot about the saving, sanctifying martyr, gave them doctrine, gave Christ. them Christ, while they rocked him Tell him, then, that brother in to his death. California. Put him on the Biblical Paul, too. He gave them doctrine. path. Explain how the apostles Follow him from synagogue to syna­ preached—the apostles and Luther gogue, from city to city, from start to and Wesley and Bresee. finish, with Luke as the guide. Not Meanwhile, there is that dying elongated, human-interest incidents. charge by the Apostle Paul to Tim­ Not sensational stories. He gave them othy, and to us all. Paul said, “Preach doctrine, gave them Christ, gave them the word; . . . exhort with all long- suffering and doctrine” (II Timothy ♦Associate Professor of Theology, Nazarene Theological Seminary. 4 :2 ). 3^Ft03VH the EDITOR ■ jMMMjM M—ii

XIX. The Offering and Announcements

in Worship

TP h e s e t w o e l e m e n t s of worship are We must help our people see that placed together, not because they the giving of their money for the sup­ are basically alike, but rather because port of the church and for the exten­ they are thought to be of lesser im­ sion of the kingdom of God is in a portance so far as the service itself is real way a part of all that they do as concerned. Frequently, even, they they worship God. Finance is not one are felt to be nonessentials thrust into thing and prayer another. It is re­ the worship service, or “necessary ligious to support the work of God. evils” without which the church could The gathering of the tithes and offer­ not function but which the service ings is just as religious as singing itself could well do without. Actually, hymns. We must not allow our peo­ however, if these elements would be ple or even a fringe group of the viewed in their proper light, we would chronic complainers to spoil the re­ find that each in its own way can ceiving of the offering as an act of make a contribution to the service. worship. Certainly we must not feel As essential to the ongoing of the ourselves that this is an intrusion of church, they can find their rightful the secular in the midst of the re­ place within the structure of the serv­ ligious. ices of the church. Let us look at each in turn. We must get across the idea that in bringing our tithes and offerings we are in a real sense bringing ourselves T h e O f f e r i n g to God in true worship. People need It is a mistake to start with the a tangible way to express their love premise that the offering is but a and devotion to God. They are in­ crude chunk of the mundane thrust jured if they m erely com e and sing into the heavenly atmosphere of a and pray and listen to a message. worship service. While it is true that There is no possible way that they some may feel that money at the heart can substitute the less tangible forms of the worship service identifies the of worship for the tangible offering church as being mercenary, actually, which they bring. The Old Testa­ if the offering is presented in the ment pattern has in it the inherent proper manner, it can be and should idea of true worship; these persons be a part of the real act of worship. could not come to worship God with­ Here we see the importance of the out an offering of some kind. We minister grasping the proper concept need to recapture this principle of of what the offering is as he presents worship today. The offering is more it. than a “tax” to support the church

2 (290) The Preacher's Magazine and pay the bills. It is in a real sense unimportant, any one of them can the concrete way to say to God, “I destroy the idea of the offering as love Y ou !” worship. Wrapped up in the offering is the T h e A nnouncements whole principle of responsibility, and responsibility must ever be a part of Any one of us could go to great our holy religion. Too many of us lengths in relating accounts of an­ have found a convenient way to wor­ nouncements that have all but de­ ship without accepting our measure stroyed worship services in which we have been participants. And most of of responsibility. This makes for these would be true. Perhaps at no shallow and superficial worship. The other point do we need to watch more Christian who comes to the house of closely than at this one. God with the idea fixed in his mind As an answer to ill-fated announce­ that he is to share as well as to re­ ments, many are advocating that we ceive will find that his worship takes leave them out of the worship service on a new meaning. And the bringing entirely. And there are good argu­ of an offering, with foresight and pur­ ments why this might be advisable. pose, to present it to God in the wor­ At least, if we cannot learn to place ship service will do as much as any them in our services so that they at­ other means to give that sense of “I tract rather than detract, we had bet­ owe something to God.” Perhaps we ter leave them out. Some have tried, have developed a crowd of superficial with a measure of success, to give the worshipers because we have tried too announcements in a block at the be­ often to divorce giving from the ginning of the service, so that the “religious” elements of worship. Cer­ worship service itself can proceed tainly the pastor who is successful in without interruption. Others have getting this idea across will see the sought to bring the whole force of the worship service strengthened. announcements to the congregation To get at this, the offering should through the printed bulletin without be received in an orderly and worship­ any (or with very little) attention ful manner. The ushers should be given to them verbally during the ready in the rear of the sanctuary service. Others have pressed merrily (even if it is a small one) and should on, breaking into the service with come to the front in a dignified and every sort of announcement and feel­ worshipful manner. The prayer for ing as he did that he “chopped in two” the offering, whether offered before his worship service. it is received or when it is brought to However, the solution (as much as the altar after it is received, should a solution can be had) lies not as include the idea that this is an act of much in the mechanics of the an­ worship and not just a “collection” of nouncements as in our attitude toward money. When the money is received, them. Here again we need to see, as it should be handled reverently. It with the offering, that the work of the should be brought to the front and church is a knit whole and that every left or taken to a safe place in another phase of the church’s life is important part of the church. It should not be and a part of our service to Christ. deposited with the treasurer or count­ The announcements, in the main, re­ ed within sound of the congregation late to the activities of the church while the service is going on. While which are to take place at some other all of these suggestions seem trite and time than a particular service. To

July, 1961 (291) 3 tell of these activities and to solicit the weekday activities are the “church the co-operation of the congregation at work,” it would be good to use this with them is as much a part of our time in the service as a “break” or a religious duty as is singing songs or “breather.” Psychologically it is good saying prayers. If these activities are not to attempt to take a service from not of this sort, certainly they should the beginning song to the closing ben­ have no publicity in a service of the ediction on a constant rise and with no church. And there is a real value in opportunity to break the chain of helping our people see that their thought or to break the emotional Christian lives cannot be chopped up pitch. The human being is so con­ and that every legitimate activity of structed he cannot sustain a high pitch their lives fits with every other ac­ and serious concentration without tivity of their lives, including worship. leaving him tired and tense. The an­ It is true that care should be taken nouncements, if handled right, can be with respect to the announcements. a sort of relaxation which, instead of Every possible means should be used detracting from the service, will to alert the people of the church as to actually contribute to the service. their responsibilities. Small groups What went before will be more mean­ should be notified personally of their ingful and what comes after will meetings. Effort should be made to register more firmly in the minds of train our people to remember their the worshipers if they have had this meetings without endless reminders. chance to “catch their breath.” The announcements from the pulpit The offering and the announce­ should be kept short, and those which ments can be contributing factors to are the least relevant to the central true worship if the minister will give purpose of the church should receive them his careful and prayerful atten­ the least attention. However, after tion. Above all, we must help our these general principles have been people see that worship is made up of suggested, it is necessary in many in­ many factors. They should not be stances to call to our people’s atten­ allowed to think of these important tion certain items of the program of elements of Christian living as “non­ the church. religious” or “non-worshipful.” Besides getting across the idea that (To be concluded)

E a r n e s t n e s s a n d B o o k i s h n e s s Speaking on earnestness as essential for the ministry, Joseph Parker says, “Be earnest; be natural; be as unlike a book as possible. That is about all I have to say on the science of homiletics.” Speaking of George Whitefield, Dr. Parker said, “What I mean by being as un­ like a book as possible, look at George Whitefield—the natural, devout, fervid and impressive preacher. I cannot find what may be termed a bookish sentence in any of his sermons. Everywhere there is the vivacity, the point, the abruptness of free and earnest speech.”— Con­ tributed by B. V. Seals.

4 (292) The Preacher's Magazine The Preaching of N. B. Herrell

By James McGraw*

HEN issues come up, and they preach, and began holding services at W will, always take your stand on every opportunity, and two years later the side of the Bible, the Manual, and he married the young lady who had the church, and you will come out all won him to the Lord. Together they right.” This was the advice given to made an effective team for God and a group of young ministers by one the church. who had been a leader of men for Herrell’s first affiliation with the nearly half a century, a district super­ intendent in his church for twenty- holiness movement was in the Holi­ four years, and a pastor and evangelist ness Christian church, which united under whose ministry the kingdom of with the Church of the Nazarene in Christ had been advanced everywhere 1908. In 1910 he was appointed by he had served. This was the advice Dr. P. F. Bresee as the first superin­ N. B. Herrell gave, and it was the tendent of the Pittsburgh District, philosophy he lived by. He took his which at that time took in all territory stand on the side of his church, its east of the Mississippi River and north Manual, and on the side of his Christ, of the Ohio! His salary that first and His holy Word. And he always year was $500. came out all right! His work as a district superintend­ Noah Benjamin Herrell was the son ent in his church included a term in of John Wesley Herrell, and he was northern California, then the Idaho- born March 8,1877, in Miami, Indiana. Oregon District, the Ohio District, The eight sons and one daughter of and finally the Kansas City District. this rugged Indiana farm er w ho had One sees something of the sincere moved there from Virginia learned quality of his character in the fact that early in life about God. It was not he was the sponsor of a resolution to by accident that Herrell’s father had the General Assembly limiting the been given the name John Wesley term of a district superintendent to when he was born. The Wesleyan, eight years. At the time he was su­ holiness tradition extended back far perintendent of the Kansas City Dis­ into the family history of these people, trict. To show good faith in the and the tradition was kept alive and purpose of his resolution he resigned extended further in the vigorous min­ his district office and accepted the istry of N. B. Herrell. pastorate of the Coffeyville, Kansas, church. His son, Paul, recalls that the He was saved and sanctified under Coffeyville church had lost their the preaching of Miss Lillian Belle building due to financial difficulties, Vandebur in 1901, when he was and were worshiping in a new loca­ twenty-five years of age. Almost im­ tion which had been a sheepshed. mediately after the revival in which After Herrell’s term as pastor, the he found Christ he felt the call to church was well established numeri­

♦Professor, Nazarene Theological Seminary. cally, financially, and spiritually, and

July, 1961 (293) 5 since then has grown steadily under the practice of it. The two books he subsequent pastoral leadership. wrote, Christ at the Controls and The Way of Christian Prosperity, are both N. B. Herrell never attended col­ rich in its truth, and especially the lege, but he played a significant part latter is a source book of facts and in the history of at least two Nazarene proofs of the scriptural and practical schools of higher learning. He lived validity of stewardship. in Olivet, Illinois, while serving as district superintendent of the Pitts­ Herrell would preach an exposi- burgh District, and during this time tional sermon on the Book of Malachi, he was instrumental in helping to giving the following points in his out­ bring the Illinois Holiness University line: into the Church of the Nazarene. It became Olivet Nazarene College, and S e v e n I n d i c t m e n t s A g a i n s t I s r a e l he became its first field representa­ I . A break in their love for God tive, which responsibility he assumed (Malachi 1:2). along with his superintendent’s du­ II. A break in their devotion to God ties. (1:6). III. A break in their service to God Then it was providential that N. B. (1 :7 ). Herrell was in Idaho during crucial IV. A break in their testimony for times of uncertainty and confusion. God (2:17). Dr. H. Orton Wiley gives him a great V. A break in their interest in God share of the credit for helping keep (3 :7 ). Northwest Nazarene College alive VI. A break in their support of God’s when its financial problems seemed cause (3:8-9). insurmountable. He helped give it its VII. A break in their desire for God present name, raised thousands of (3:13-15). dollars to support it, and started many of its graduates in the ministry under In his stewardship emphasis he his leadership. knew how to make the truth mean more than merely the one facet of C. T. Corbett, in his book, Our Pio­ financial responsibility to God’s king­ neer Nazarenes, points to Herrell’s dom. He preached that we are stew­ loyalty to the educational institutions ards of Christian faith, stewards in of his church, suggesting proof in the prayer, stewards in personal work, fact that four sons and a daughter of stewards of our talents, stewards of N. B. Herrell received their college our time, and stewards in Christian training in Nazarene schools. marriage relationships. He preached But stronger than his influence in stewardship of example, of purpose, of the superintendency during the early motives, of mental powers, of social and critical periods of his church, and influence, and of moral standards. He more significant than his pastoral min­ could bring the message of steward­ istry or his interest in Christian edu­ ship into prominence, focus attention cation or even home missions—he upon its truth, and challenge the was general Home Missions executive Christian to accept his responsibility secretary for a time—was the con­ in a most effective way. The Church tribution N. B. Herrell made in pro­ of the Nazarene has not seen many moting and preaching Christian stew­ like him. In this area of stewardship ardship. He believed in stewardship, evangelism, N. B. Herrell and J. C. he preached its truth, he practiced it, Henson stand out distinctly. They and he knew how to lead others into were both outstanding in stewardship

6 (294) The Preacher's Magazine emphasis, and both performed a serv­ gaging in the preparation of sermons, ice the church needed. Will there be the writing of articles and pamphlets, anyone to take the place of these men? feeding his soul on the Word of God, N. B. Herrell preached from a va­ composing the words to some sixty- riety of texts and with a variety of one songs he wrote, and otherwise homiletical construction. His sermon giving time to his creative work. He on “Why the Rich Man Went to Hell” was a man of study and prayer, as is textual, with this outline: well as action and leadership. Not many people have heard about his I. The location in which he prayed; large personal library, but it is a fact “. . . in hell.” that he donated more than two thou­ II. The position in which he prayed; sand volumes to the Northeastern “. . . he lifted up his eyes.” Indiana District to start a collection III, The manner in which he prayed! of books which has been named the . . he cried and said.” Herrell Memorial Library. IV. The nature of his prayer; “ . . . have mercy on me.” Perhaps his best-known song is “The Unveiled Christ,” although sev­ A topical outline, rich in Biblical eral others have been sung widely. quotations, is seen in his sermon on “Sweeter than Them All,” “Jesus Will “God’s Free, Full, and Complete Sal­ Stand by Me Then,” and “My Ivory vation,” from the text in Hebrews Palace Home” are well known and 2:3: “How shall we escape, if we much loved. He wrote “Steal Away neglect so great salvation?” Using with Jesus” during a revival cam­ “salvation” as his topic, his outline is paign which was “a hard pull,” as he as follows: called it. He went to the woods to I. The initial work of salvation pray, and victory came so definitely (Luke 1: 77) that he came back rejoicing and sing­ II. The qualifying work of salvation ing the first lines of the song, “Steal (II Thessalonians 2:13) away with Jesus and talk a little III. The final work of salvation while.” His diary records, “This has (I Peter 1:4-5) been a day of communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. My There is an element of didache in soul mounts up.” That night there his sermon on Pentecost, a good ex­ was a victorious altar service and he ample of his doctrinal preaching. He wrote in his diary, “The Lord is work­ saw in Pentecost the climax resulting ing mightily, my soul says, ‘Amen!’ ” from Christ’s death and resurrection, the “signboard on the summit” point­ He used no manuscript in his ing to the event of great significance preaching, and very few notes. He in prophetic history. His outline for gestured frequently, and moved about this sermon. on the platform as he preached. He often engaged the congregation in I. The humiliation of Christ at the illustrating his messages. On one Feast of the Passover. occasion he selected two laymen to II. The resurrection of Christ at the follow him around as angels “Good­ Feast of the First Fruits. ness” and “Mercy,” giving his own III. Pentecost is the revelation of dramatic interpretation of Psalms 23. Christ and His work in His hu­ He took his stand on the side of the miliation and resurrection. Bible, the Manual, the church, and his Paul Herrell recalls that his father Christ, and he always “came out all spent every morning in his study en­ right.” He promoted stewardship,

July, 1961 (295) 7 raising money and encouraging the full salvation. With his ministry and people to honor God with their means. with his life he pointed men to Christ He promoted home missions, organ­ as he did in his song: izing scores of churches and helping the small ones survive and prosper. He proclaimed the evangelistic mes­ Oh, behold the Man of Sorrows! sage, and saw thousands kneel at the Oh, behold Him in plain view; altar and find pardon or purity. He There He stands, the Mighty Con­ preached second-blessing holiness, queror, and led many into the experience of Since He rent the veil in two!

szERJvcoiisr o f tu e m o n t h :

The Secret of Assurance and Freedom

By Arthur HedleyJ

T f y e a b i d e in my word, then are ye discipleship when they saw what His truly my disciples: and ye shall teaching involved. In the parable of know the truth, and the truth shall the sower He spoke of the stony- make you free” (John 8:31-32, ground hearers who, having “heard A.R.V.). the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in them­ When our Lord uttered the above selves, and so endure for a time: words, He was addressing some who afterward, when affliction or perse­ had believed in Him during His dis­ cution ariseth for the word’s sake, im­ course and were now willing to be­ mediately they are offended” (Mark come His disciples. He dealt with 4:16-17). Some were moved by mer­ them very frankly and emphasized cenary motives to profess discipleship, the fact that a profession of disciple- but when our Lord spake things hard ship is not enough. If they would be to be understood, and it was obvious His disciples “indeed,” and have a they would gain no material profit deep, inward assurance that they continuing their discipleship, they were within His fold, then they must “went back, and walked no more with abide in His Word. To abide in him” (John 6:66). There may be Christ’s Word is equivalent to abiding discipleship without continuance in in Christ himself, since He is the Christ’s Word, but it is not real, only Incarnate Word (John 1:1, 14). If nominal and temporary. It takes lit­ His word be neglected, forsaken, then tle to sever so feeble a connection the chief connecting link between the with Christ. Many who profess dis­ Master and the disciple is broken. cipleship at a special mission turn The omniscient Christ knew, only back when they come face to face too well, that many would discontinue with reality, and the chief cause of their desertion is their failure to

♦Herne Bay, Kent, England. “abide” in Christ’s Word.

8 (296) The Preacher's Magazine The believer who dwells in the (John 8: 32). Continuing in His Word, Word, and can say with the Psalmist: men would come fully to know the “It is my meditation all the day” truth, to realize in the very depths of (Psalms 119:97), enters into a very their beings the trustworthy character real and living relationship with of all that Christ uttered. “The Christ. He becomes a disciple “in­ truth” (John 14:6) is one of the dis­ deed,” one in very truth. He is no tinguishing names which Christ takes mere probationer but a full disciple; to himself. He is Truth Incarnate, not one in name only but in reality. being “full of grace and truth” (John As the soul abides in the Word, it is 1:14). This knowledge of the Truth, admitted from stage to stage to the of which our Saviour speaks, is the society and confidence of Christ, and result of true discipleship. Pilate attains the perfection of discipleship asked: “What is truth?” (John by likeness to the Master. As we 18:38) But he received no reply, abide in Christ’s Word, and obey it having no eye to see it, no heart to fully and gladly, “the Spirit beareth receive it, no will to desire and follow witness with our spirit, that we are it. The truth being the element in the children of God” (Romans 8:16). which the believer lives, there is in There is an “if” with regard to the his abiding in it a guarantee of fuller condition: “If ye abide”; but there is knowledge: “In thy light shall we see no “if” with regard to the conse­ light” (Psalms 36: 9). While others quence: “Ye are my disciples in­ are “ever learning, and never able to deed.” It is a great honor, a glorious come to the knowledge of the truth” privilege to be a full disciple of Christ; (II Timothy 3:7) because of moral to be under His direct and constant and spiritual infidelity, the tried and tuition; to be within the circle of His approved disciple receives a fuller guidance, of His light and love. To knowledge. The Spirit reveals to him continue in Christ’s Word and to obey greater revelations of the truth in it whatever the cost is to give proof of Christ (see John 7:17), and he sees the sincerity of our discipleship, of more of the beauty and glory of our love and loyalty to Christ, for He Christ. said: “He that hath my command­ The Lord Jesus, who has revealed ments, and keepeth them, he it is that to us the character and the attributes loveth me” (John 14:21). Abiding in of God, the nature of true holiness, the Word we “abide in the Son, and the wonder of divine love, the re­ in the Father” (I John 2:24 A.R.V.). demptive plan of God, His eternal The soul living and continuing in purposes, the reality of heaven and Christ’s Word is like a good seed in a hell, also gives to those who receive good soil, ever growing up in and and obey the truth the gift of true unto Him. As we abide in His Word, freedom: “The truth shall make you so is our discipleship confirmed, free” (John 8:32). The Jews who strengthened, and we experience the listened to Christ’s words asserted blessedness of being not merely for­ they had no need of freedom. Re­ mal disciples, but disciples “indeed.” lying upon their descent from Abra­ Another blessed consequence of our ham, and their consequent privileges abiding in Christ’s Word will be that in connection with the old covenant, we shall come to “know the truth” the Jews claimed to be free men. and to experience its liberating They were blind to the fact they were power: “And ye shall know the truth, in bondage to Rome and, far worse, and the truth shall make you free” were in bondage to an enemy far

July, 1961 (297) 9 more powerful, tyrannical, destruc­ breaks our fetters; He calls us His tive than any Roman despot. They freemen; He animates us with the were enslaved to sin in many forms: Spirit of liberty. To abide in the to envy, greed, hypocrisy, hate. In Word is to know He is the risen, vic­ their hearts was that spirit of murder torious Christ, who is in us, with us, which was to come to full fruition in to break every fetter which binds us. crucifying the Son of God, the King His life, His grace flow into us and of Israel. The worst cases of bondage give freedom from the tyranny of sin, are those where there is a pretense from the lower passions and appetites, of liberty. Freethinkers, free-livers from the captivity of self-love and are names given to classes who are self-seeking; from the fear of man, of utter strangers to real liberty, who the future, and of death. The soul is are in the most degrading bondage to brought out of the prison house of error and lust. self to breathe the pure air of spir­ It is only when we come to know itual life, love, holiness, and self- the truth about ourselves, through sacrifice. our knowledge of Christ’s Word and Godet beautifully says that “the the revelation of His love at Calvary, empire of sin in a human heart is that we realize our own guilt, our based upon an illusion, a fascination. bondage and helplessness. To realize Let truth shine, and the spell is our bondage is the first step to free­ broken, the will is disgusted with that dom. Trusting in Christ and abiding which seduced it—‘the bird escapes in His Word, we learn the secret of from the net of the fowler.’ ” Evil freedom. At the Cross we learn the has its stronghold in darkness, and truth about our sin and guilt, and how the light of truth exposes and de­ Christ by His death atoned for our stroys it, setting the soul free from sins, that we might stand before God the tyranny of Satan. Apart from with all our sins pardoned, blotted Him we are impotent (John 15:5), out forever. Resting by faith in this and all our efforts to break the fetters glorious truth, the soul is freed from which bind us will be in vain. But the burden of sin and guilt. when we trust entirely in Christ’s Abiding in His Word, we learn with atoning sacrifice for our salvation, and increasing knowledge of Christ, of His daily abide in His Word, then we shall grace and power, that He holds the gain the victory over self and sin, and secret of liberation from all that en­ all that enslaves and oppresses us, and slaves us. He has the mastery of all we shall understand from blessed ex­ spiritual forces and can accordingly perience the meaning of Christ’s set free the bound and trammeled words when He said, “If the Son soul. He smites the enemy who lords therefore shall make you free, ye it over his spiritual captives; He shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Chemical and Engineering News noted this sign on the speakers’ rostrum at National Aviation Trades Association convention, at Phoenix, Arizona: “Caution: Engage Brain Before Starting Mouth.”

10 (298) The Preacher's Magazine Appreciation

By Pauline E. Spray*

'T' h a n k y o u ” is a simple thing to utilities. All else that comes into the -*■ say, yet have we counted the parsonage is “gravy.” And anything number of times we have used it re­ that is given should not be over­ c e n t l y ? It might surprise us to know looked. W hether it is half a hog, or just how few times we say these two a quart of beans, or a nickel’s worth w o r d s . of salt, to every donor of a gift, big It is an easy thing to overlook the or little, thanks should be given. small item of appreciation—of grate­ According to Goethe: “He who fulness, to unintentionally take things wishes to exert a useful influence and people for granted. must be careful to insult nothing.” Brooke warned: “If there be a It is an interesting thing—many crime of deeper dye than all the times those habitually absent from guilty train of human vices, it is in­ services receive more attention than gratitude.” those who never miss a service, sys­ Timothy Dexter’s words are po­ tematically pay their tithe, and faith­ tent: “An ungrateful man is like a fully support every endeavor of the hog under a tree eating acorns, but church. never looking up to see where they Not only should appreciation be ex­ come from.” pressed for material gifts and the Once Shakespeare declared: “I people themselves, but favors should hate ingratitude in man more than be gratefully recognized as well. The lying, babbling, drunkenness, or any members of one’s church are not obli­ taint of vice, whose strong corruption gated to do free baby-sitting or other inhabits our frail blood.” acts of kindness. And again he prayed, “O Lord, who It ought not be a difficult thing to lends me life, lend me a heart re­ say, “Thank you,” yet some have plete with thankfulness.” found it so. W hy? I fear it is an easy matter among “There be three usual causes of in­ those in the ministry to expect our gratitude upon a benefit received— people to give and do for us because envy, pride, and covetousness; envy, we are God’s chosen. It is easy to be­ looking more at other’s benefits than lieve we have certain things coming our own, pride, looking more at our­ to us. But we must remember we selves than at the benefit; covetous­ are to be servants, not lords. People ness, looking more at what we would do not have to “be nice” to the min­ have than at what we have.” So ob­ ister and his family. But when they serves Joseph Hall. are, the least we can do is be grate­ Is this holiness? Envy? Pride? ful— and show it. Covetousness? William James said, “The deepest The church is obligated to pay an drive in human nature is the desire agreed salary plus, in most cases, the to be appreciated.”

♦Lansing, Michigan. Dale Carnegie taught that one of

July, 1961 (299) 11 the first ways to begin changing peo­ conclude; but “he enjoys much who ple without offending them or arous­ is thankful for little.” ing resentment is through honest ap­ Jeremy Taylor cautioned: “From preciation. And according to another: David learn to give thanks for every­ “Men are won, not by being blamed, thing. Every furrow in the Book of as by being encompassed with love.” Psalms is sown with seeds of thanks­ And, one might add, by appreciation. giving.” Tertullus, in presenting his case Not only does expressing appreci­ against Paul before Felix, knew the ation lift others; it helps one’s own secret of winning friends and influ­ soul. And Jesus embodied it in the encing people. In the beginning of golden rule when He taught us to do his speech, he said, “. . . Seeing that unto others as we wish to be done by. by thee we enjoy great quietness, and Jimmy and Susie are mimics of that very worthy deeds are done unto their parents. Shakespeare observed, this nation by thy providence, we ac­ “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth cept it always, and in all places, most it is to have a thankless child!” We noble Felix, with all thankfulness.” must teach our children to be grate­ Cicero called gratitude the “mother ful for every act of kindness—sin­ of all virtues.” cerely appreciative of every indi­ Samuel Leibowitz, famous criminal vidual. lawyer, is credited with saving sev­ Let ungratefulness not be named enty-eight men from death in the among us. One said, “A grateful dog electric chair. Yet not one ever sent is better than an ungrateful man.” him a Christmas card. And another said, “Ungratefulness is Andrew Carnegie gave one of his the very poison of manhood.” relatives a million dollars. Still he On the other hand, love begets was cursed for leaving 365 million love; joy begets joy; appreciation be­ to public charities and only one mil­ gets appreciation. lion to his kin. Never underestimate the worth of It would be easy to say, “Thank Anne Waters’ observation: “An you,” for a million dollars or escape ounce of appreciation is worth a from the electric chair, one might pound of pressure.”

C h r i s t l i k e M i n i s t e r

In one of our great churches there served for a quarter of a century a wonderful minister. One Sunday at dinner, following the service, the conversation of a family turned on the morning church service and a little boy in the family exclaimed, “Daddy, I smiled at God in church today and he smiled back at me!” To that little boy, God and James Leishman were indistinguishable. So it has ever been. Men transformed by the love of Jesus Christ communicate His presence to others.— E d w a r d L. R. E l s o n , in “And Still He Speaks The Words of the Risen Christ (Fleming H. Revell Company).

12 (300) The Preacher's Magazine Is the Sinner's Will in Bondage?

III. The Sinner's Next Move

By Earl E. Barrett*

Q i n n e r s , after all, have something to love of the Father. In this last story ^ do about their “confrontation” the purpose of Jesus, obviously, was with God. A scriptural “divine-human to answer the criticism that he “re- encounter” is conditioned finally upon ceiveth sinners” (Luke 15:2), and of man’s “drawing nigh.” Efforts to course the receiving of the prodigal ignore the free activity of man under by the father suggested the activity of general revelation and prevenient the son in returning home, in response grace in the interest of magnifying (let it be clear) to the divine exhor­ the grace of God in special revelation tations, “Come unto me,” and, “Draw end in bifurcating grace and dis­ nigh to God.” To see the parable crediting what God has already done thus, in its largest context, the Bible and is doing. The grace has come not the experience of prodigals in general, only perpendicularly from above but we must further safeguard interpre­ also horizontally from around. B efore tation by seeing that God has already He met Paul on the Damascus road, cut across the path of the prodigal God cut across Paul’s path and con­ in giving both revelations (already fronted him in the law, in the homes stressed), and in planting the Cross of persecuted Christians, and in the between every prodigal and his home stoning of Stephen. God spoke to (John 12: 32). Paul through the Old Testament, the In addition to these external “tugs” Christians’ conduct, Stephen’s prayer, of the Father and the Son upon hu­ and the voices of conscience and the man intellects, hearts, and con­ Spirit (Acts 9:5). Paul’s conversion sciences, there are internal motives experience did not occur in a vacuum; arising from memories of home, imag­ the light that shone did not shine into inations of a better life, vague feelings total darkness; the “lightning” that in subconsciousness, unsatisfied long­ fell, fell upon plenty of combustible ings—all augmented by the Holy material. There had been a prepara­ Spirit—that incline the soul, hitherto tion. disposed toward the evil and statisfied As defined by Webster, motivation in the “pigpen,” toward home and is both external and internal. We Father. have seen the truth of this in the cases Motivated thus, the prodigal in the of Adam and Paul, and in the descrip­ dignity of his manhood made in the tion of St. James. It is evident also image of God, in the strength of his in the parable of the prodigal son. God-given self-decision (the highest This is one of the three stories illus­ glory of his personality according to trating the love of God, the parables Curtis) ,8 conscious of his intrinsic and of the lost sheep and the lost coin potential worth in the Father’s esti- emphasizing the seeking love, and the parable of the lost son the receiving sO. Curtis, The Christian Faith (New York: ♦Professor, Olivet Nazarene College. Eaton and Mains, 1905), pp. 23-24.

July, 1961 (301) 13 mation (seen in all three of the say, “It’s all of grace,” without any prables referred to above, and in­ tincture of extreme Calvinism or ir­ calculable in the light of creation, rational Barthianism. There is no redemption, and the judgment), co­ irrational Kierkegaardian either/or operating all the way with the initia­ paradox between a drawing God (in ting, assisting, and saving grace of both general and special revelations) the Father, declares, “ I will [not and a responding sinner with an up­ ‘shall’] arise and go to my father” ward surge in his soul, God-implanted (Luke 15:18). The whole man— desires, which, though slumbering at intellect, sensibility, and will—makes times, can be aroused by the many the decision, repents, forsakes, con­ and diverse divine calls. fesses, and believes. All the way from Let us go back a moment to “the the first internal movement towards teaching grace,” the grace that en­ God to the final act of appropriating lightens every man. Contrary to Au­ salvation by faith, the will, through gustine, grace does not act directly prevenient grace, has been freely co­ upon the will. Grace presents truths operating with God.9 No matter how which, when accepted, act upon the much God helps, all the acts of re­ will. In contrast to Augustine and the sponse to the loving drawings of Fa­ Calvinists, who apply predestination ther, Son, and Spirit are m en’s free to the influencing of the will, Ar- acts (see ibid., pp. 266, 270). If the minians apply predestination to truth will is not really free before the in­ which may convince the mind but not stant of believing for salvation, there coerce the will. Experience as well is no hope for the lost race. as the Bible clearly demonstrates that The sinner should not wait for God grace can be resisted; it is persuasive, to cut across his path (II Corinthians not coercive. God and Satan alike 6:2). God has already done that. It have to approach the human will via is now the sinner’s move. For God intellect, feelings, and desires. in His seeking love went all the way Extreme Calvinists would deny man to Calvary, and now confronts man in the least shred of autonomy. They the Word, in the Cross, in the Church, make God an absolute Monarch. But and in the Spirit. In going all the way the God presented in Scripture is a to the Cross, God has come all the constitutional Monarch, who governs way to man— except one step, the step with the consent of the governed. of faith based upon repentance. For God’s sovereignty is limited—self­ some, as with the prodigal son, this is limited. Thus He remains omnipo­ not a short and easy step. It depends tent; if He did not have this power of upon the distance traveled in sin, and self-limitation, He would not be all- the number and character of the sins, powerful. If history is written by the for every step must be retraced, and sovereign God, i.e., without any limi­ every sin confessed and forsaken. tation of any kind, and not in part by The “one step” man takes. For God the acts of men with free choices, then says, as it were, “I’ve gone more than the unenviable record of war, crime, halfway; draw near Me and I will and all kinds of evil is God’s. God is draw near you.” Man can respond, not exalted by being viewed as a dic­ co-operating freely, without taking tator. But autonomy (freedom of credit to himself. Thus, Wesleyan- decision within limits) is prescribed Wileyan Arminianism can sincerely by theonomy (laws of the will of God). The omnipotent Christ is rep­

“Wiley and Culbertson, op. cit., pp. 263. resented in Scripture as standing at

14 (302) The Preacher's Magazine the door of the human heart, knock­ assisting in prevenient grace, the will ing and waiting for an invitation to is still enslaved, then man is not a enter (Revelation 3:20). moral agent, is not responsible, can­ There is no power in the universe, not be praised or blamed, cannot be God, devil, or man, that can force the a member of an orderly society, is not human will; it is actually free. This on probation, and thus cannot be lost is not a conclusion of Humanism; it or reclaimed. In a sense then, i.e., is not Pelagianism. It is a fact, a fact ultimately, man is the “captain of his of Scripture, experience, and imme­ soul,” the “master of his fate.” diate consciousness. Man knows by Wesley speaks of man having “in the surest of knowledge, the knowl­ himself the casting voice” concerning edge of direct acquaintance, that he his salvation, quoting with favor Au­ is free confronting altei-native choices. gustine, “ ‘He that made us without This emphatic statement on the actual ourselves will not save us without freedom of the will cannot be denied ourselves.’ ”10 The Christ who comes without being affirmed, for the denial aboard as Captain does so by invita­ along with the affirmation proves that tion, and He may leave the same way. the human will is free to choose be­ The will of man, saiiit or sinner, is tween the two contradictory positions. not actually in bondage. If after all that God has done in prescribing a limited autonomy, and 1('Burtner and Chiles, op. cit., p. 146.

Sure Way to Succeed in Ministry

1. Have a good, settled Christian experience. Being genuinely saved and sanctified wholly outwardly and testify to the same. 2. Keep up a constant, regular prayer life—Reading Bible and praying for benefit of your own soul—Never slack or waver here—Be spiritually minded—Pay price every day regardless of activity. 3. Prepare your sermons and messages well—Never get careless in sermon preparation. 4. Preach for a decision—Always have souls saved and sanctified. 5. Contact people—Visit—Visit—Visit. 6. Be loyal to leadership personally in all relationships—Local—District— General. 7. Never be lazy in any way— Save your soul and your families’ souls.

E. O. C h a l f a n t Kankakee, Illinois January 7, 1953 Morris Chalfant, pastor in Seattle, Washington, submitted the preced­ ing, with the following note: “I thought this advice he wrote on the front of my new Bible just a few weeks before he died was very good and am passing it on.”

July, 1961 (303) 15 The Preacher's Public Prayer

By S. L. Morgan, Sr.*

'T' h e m o s t s t r i k i n g concept known T h e P r a y e r C e n t r a l to me of the minister’s Sunday Surely Barth is right; the service morning prayer is that given by Karl is to make God real, and mainly Barth in his book The Word of God through the prayer. The prayer so and the Word of Man. Sunday morn­ viewed is an event momentous, sub­ ing; the waiting congregation, their lime, weighted with destiny! And the presence itself a silent cry for light preacher its agent! As Barth puts it, on the mystery of life; the preacher, “And now before the congregation God’s man, almost their only hope for and for the congregation, he will pray real help in the service—it is one of —you note: pray—to God!” life’s supreme moments. Life a vast And his exalted privilege is not riddle, unsolved, overwhelming; souls merely to help individuals; but in the hungering for—something. Will they congregation there is a sense of to­ getherness through which he can lift go away, their longing unsatisfied, the congregation into a sense of God souls still hungry, not sure even that as present, the windows of their souls God is and that He was present? The open, themselves washed clean, and answer to their cry resting mainly no little through their sense of to­ with the preacher! Can he make God getherness with other worshipers and seem real? That, and not the sermon, God! is what matters greatly. What a challenge to make the Sun­ Whether he makes God real de­ day morning prayer a supreme event! pends, not mainly on the sermon, but Alas, if the pastor lets the oppor­ on the prayer! If so, it will be a sin tunity slip! And depending on the for him to fumble and bungle the prayer, rather than on the sermon, prayer, the people thereby missing will he trifle and bungle it? As Barth the sense of God! Far worse that than puts it, “It is an ultimate event,” re­ the failure of the sermon. Let him not lated to “the end of history!” That forget that! being the prayer, dare any preacher trifle with it? Far better were lax Those who heard Spurgeon mar­ preparation of the sermon than of the veled at the eloquence and power of prayer! his sermons; but often they went away saying, “We can forget his sermon, I testify. I go to church Sunday morning longing for—something. All but we can’t forget his praying!” It week I’ve been burdened, baffled, un­ seemed to lift one up into the very satisfied, frustrated. I pray my pas­ presence of God; and one went away tor’s sermon may help me. But I with a hush in his soul saying, “Surely God was here; I felt him as Spurgeon hardly hope his sermon can satisfy me —what sermon could? Likely my pas­ prayed!” tor will say something to arouse dis­

♦Wake Forest, North Carolina. sent, maybe revolt.

16 (304) The Preacher's Magazine But I’m ready to let go, and to give Jacob at Bethel, “Surely God was here myself over to him when he prays, today; the pastor helped me feel even to pray with him in a longing to H im !” meet God. I really want him to help I love to recall the prayers of par­ me to meet God. All week I’ve tried ticularly one pastor. Beyond any oth­ at times to pray, but I’m ashamed of er, he helped me truly to pray. From my poor, bungling, cold prayers. I his first word he made me feel our long for my pastor Sunday morning praying was a matter of tremendous to help me to say the words I feel importance. Every word came clear, would be worthy of God, and say them strong, earnest beyond question; every with the burning desire I deeply long sentence exact, chaste; the diction to feel-—but can’t! I’d like to follow choice, even beautiful. And gladly I him as he frames for me a real prayer, trusted myself to him, sure he would in exact, fitting, noble— even beautiful not let me down by even one cheap, language worthy both of me and of unworthy sentence. It was the de­ God, and burning with desire. lightful sense of giving myself over All that I deeply wish my pastor to be led in a prayer wholly worthy may do for me—and for a hundred of myself and worthy of God—and others as needy as I. To do that is with a dignity and earnestness that his high privilege— and that would be made me thankful for his help. Sim­ the glory of his ministry Sunday ply how he helped me to pray is my morning, even more than to preach a best memory of any pastor—and far great sermon. It is a privilege angels more than my memory of all his ser­ would covet. Alas, and, oh, shame, if mons. he offers a poor, listless, limping I long for everyone to have a good prayer, when my need is so poignant preacher, but far more for him to —and a hundred others with me! We have a preacher that will help him could easily overlook a poor sermon truly to pray—if only in the crucial if we can say in deep gratitude, as Sunday morning service of worship.

USE WESLEY’S “WORKS’

I n m y s t u d y o f W e s l e y ’ s Works, I have eliminated two methods. I decided not to read the fourteen volumes straight through (with the exception of the Journals and perhaps some letters which provide a biographical picture of the man). The contents are not arranged in a thematic order necessary to grasping the continuity of his thought on any given subject. Second, I determined not to use Wesley as a source book of “unfamiliar quotations,” chosen here and there. This method can too easily distort the man’s wholeness.

—T o m W. B o y d Orange, Texas

July. 1961 (305) 17 The Criterion of Salvation

By H. Ray Dunning*

TT h e “ F i v e P o i n t s o f C a l v i n i s m ” reading is a self-evident fact to those (total depravity, unconditional versed in Arminian doctrine. election, limited atonement, irresistible On the other hand, the Calvinist grace, and perseverance of the saints) protests that he is fulfilling the noble constitute the watershed between two purpose of glorifying the sovereignty great camps of evangelical Christians. of God and giving God all the credit These two groups are generally called for “keeping the man.” Calvinists and Arminians, although There is a glaring blind spot in the these labels are too restricted to define Calvinists’ position, however, which all included in each camp. Despite the they can never seem to see—this in­ clearly drawn lines there has also been volves the problem of man’s proba­ some overlapping on certain of the five tion. Essentially, they must say that points. For example, a good case can man’s probationary period ends with be made that John Wesley was a thor­ the new birth. But they are not con­ oughgoing Calvinist on his doctrine cerned with the laws of logic, especial­ of total depravity, and one monograph ly the law of noncontradiction. is written on the thesis that Wesley This leads us directly to our sub­ was wholly in the camp of Calvin. ject and its relation to the question of Undoubtedly the real Biblical truth eternal security. Let us approach it lies outside the strictly drawn lines of this way. The Calvinist says that if these historical traditions. Be that as a man is ever once saved he is totally it may, we still have the two great secure. The practical outcome of this traditions, constantly at variance. would be that, no matter what a man does, it will not affect his eternal This article is primarily concerned dwelling place. Even if a man were to with the final point of “perseverance die in a drunken stupor or in a har­ of the saints.” We propose to show lot’s bed, heaven is as certain as the that the doctrine is inextricably bound existence of God. up with the criterion of salvation. The However, very few if any Calvinists Calvinist point, as popularly stated, is will admit this extension of their “once in grace, always in grace” or teaching. They will say that if a man “eternal security”; or as they prefer is genuinely saved his life will be in to state it, “ total security.” accord with Bible standards, and many The Calvinist criticizes the Armin- do preach a relatively high standard. ian as conceiving of salvation as some­ Let us suppose, then, that we point thing which he receives in the new to a person who once “lived the Chris­ birth and then “must be held on to tian life” who is now living in out­ until the judgment.” In other words, broken sin. What do the Calvinists it sees the Arminian position as one have to say about this? Their position of human effort. That this is a mis- is that this testifies that he was never genuinely converted. This position has

•Jacksonville, Arkansas. been set forth in a very ironical verse:

18 (306) The Preacher's Magazine If you seek it, you can’t find it! root of the witness of the Spirit—con­ If you are elected, you will seek it! fidence before God. If you get it, you can’t lose it! Second, the fruit of the Spirit can If you lose it, you didn’t have it! be adjudged so only tentatively. We You will no doubt say that this is are assuming of course that these are begging the question, and I agree that in evidence. Since I can never be sure this is the most flagrant example of of my salvation until I get to the end of which I know. Nevertheless it puts the way, I must beware of speaking us to the heart of our subject. of the fruit of the Spirit. It may only be the result of supreme human ef­ The Calvinist maintaining the fort—who knows until the judgment? above-stated position would be forced to say that the criterion of salvation It can be seen that the immediacy is whether or not one endures unto of religion is sorely crippled, if not the end. If one does not remain faith­ rendered totally impossible. While ful unto the end, his “salvation” is this avenue has not been explored, so spurious. This is in some sense a far as I know, it is nevertheless the pragmatic approach. logical outcome of the Calvinist ques­ tion-begging. And one must be willing What are the implications of this to trace his first principles to their position? First, and probably the most logical conclusions. I have found one devastating, is that one can never reference which reassures this posi­ know whether or not he is saved until tion. Dr. Wiley, in commenting on he comes to the judgment. If he must Hebrews 3:12-13 says: hold out faithful unto the end in order to be saved, so long as there is life The technical study of these two there is uncertainty and the original verses serves to .correct two common and hurtful errors: (1) that it is by objective of “eternal security” is de­ our own perseverance that we are made stroyed at the root. Hence we see that partakers of Christ—a salvation sought the Calvinist’s criticism of Arminian- by works and not by faith; and (2) ism is turned in the opposite direction perhaps a more seductive and subtle error, that those who fail to persevere and he is condemned on his own to the end have never made a true be­ grounds. ginning. This denies the witness of the Now we all grant a certain amount Spirit given to all who are born into the family of God; and further still, of uncertainty. But with the Armin- renders groundless any need for these ian there is the possibility of immedi­ w arnings.1 ate, conscious acceptance with God. If one is not willing to follow the The Calvinist will affirm as much; but broad road of antinomianism, he must if there is a return to sin, and the turn into the restricted path of loss person concerned was by this token of present certainty. How much better not genuinely converted, the feeling of it is to be able to affirm m y present immediate acceptance with God was salvation and acceptance with God be­ only illusory—it could not be other­ cause His Spirit “beareth witness with wise because the person was not ever our spirit, that we are the children of saved. God,” and I do not have to wait until While one can readily recognize a later to find out if I have been self­ good point in this position, there is deceived. on the other hand a hesitance which In conclusion, we see that the Cal- it seems to me can never be removed.

This idea surely strikes at the tap- *H. O. Wiley, The Epistle to the Hebrews, p. 132.

July, 1961 (307) 19 vinist criterion of salvation must ever The Arminian view provides for all be on a quantitive basis, a pragmatic the Biblical tests as a criterion without position which adjudges as true only the tentativeness. The fruit of a holy that which proves of an enduring life and the inner witness of the Spirit quality. In a word, it ever awaits the constitute the present assurance that verification of the future. we are accepted with God.

Pulpit and Parish. Tips Calling on the Sick, the Aged

and the Bereaved

By E. E. Wordsworth*

A faithful pastor must make sheep, and the tender ministry as of shorter, but more frequent, calls a nursing mother (I Thessalonians upon the sick and the aged of his 2 :7 ). flock. These people should be given To the bereaved, the pastor should opportunity to present their problems, plan a longer calling period. This no matter how minute, to their pastor. should be during the first week after The pastor must be a good listener the funeral, for that will be the time with a sympathetic heart and seek to for adjustment to the absence of the help where possible. Often such peo­ loved one, and the family will have a ple need divine help and strength to deep sense of loneliness and grief carry their burdens patiently. Saints settling upon them. The clouds will need a lift and sinners need an evan­ hang low. The pastor must stand by gelistic emphasis to lead them to to lift their eyes above the clouds to Christ. the Alpine heights of God. What an The wise pastor will prayerfully opportunity for devoted prayer, Chris­ approach each call with the purpose tian counseling, and helpful ministry! in mind of helping spiritually each Lift the bereaved ones into the heav- person upon whom he calls. Mere enlies and leave them there. Such social chat will not meet such needs. service will pay off in big, divine He will forget himself, his problems, dividends in pastoral labors of love. his burdens, in his solicitation of their And many will call you “blessed.” spiritual welfare. This will call for Fletcher so visited his pastoral flock the heart of a shepherd, the love and at Madeley that they looked upon him compassion of the shepherd for his as an angel among men. He was truly seraphic and heavenly-minded and his parishioners loved him with a

♦Evangelist, Redmond, Washington. devoted love.

20 (308) The Preacher's Magazine Gleanings from the Greek New Testament

By Ralph Earle*

Romans 12:14-21

H a r m o n i o u s T h i n k i n g elsewhere in the NT.) “lowly men.”3 The first clause of verse 16 reads: So did Luther, but Calvin favored the “Be of the same mind one toward neuter. Among the early English another.” The literal Greek is: translations of the Bible, Wyclif’s has “thinking the same thing toward one the neuter sense, Tyndale’s and the another.” Arndt and Gingrich say it Geneva Bible the masculine. Sanday means “be in agreement, live in har­ and Headlam say: “The neuter seems mony.”1 The latter rendering is best to suit the contrast with ta adopted in the Revised Standard Ver­ hypsela (the high things) and the sion. Williams has: “Keep on think­ meaning of the verb.”4 On the other ing in harmony with one another.” hand Brown says the masculine sense Compare, “In your relations with one agrees best with the verb.3 Lange another, cultivate a spirit of harmony” agrees.0 So does Alford.7 Meyer, (20th Cent.). however, says emphatically that the adjective is neuter. The passage means: “Instead of following the im­ L o w l y M e n o r T h i n g s ? pulse to high things, rather yielding The middle sentence of verse 16 to that which is humble, to the claims poses a problem frequently encoun­ and tasks which are presented to you tered in translating and interpreting by the humbler relations of life.”8 the New Testament. “High things” is Godet interprets “high things” as de­ undisputed, for it is clearly the neuter noting “distinctions, high relations, plural accusative. But does the sec­ ecclesiastical honors,” and declares ond clause of the sentence refer to that the reference of “lowly” is to lowly things or lowly men? No final “the most indigent and ignorant, and answer to that question can ever be least influential in the church.”9 He given. As Denney says, “Certainty therefore adopts the masculine sense. on such points must always be per­ So does Olshausen, who draws this sonal rather than scientific.”2 parallel: “The Son of God teaches The problem arises from the fact the faithful to consort with publicans that in the genitive and dative cases and sinners, in order to win them for the forms are exactly alike for the his kingdom.”10 Bengel favors the masculine and neuter. Only the con­ neuter.11 So does Vincent.12 text can decide which of the two is A glance at a few translations dis- preferable. Unfortunately the con­ text in this case does not help us sJbid. much. *Rom ans, p. 364. 6JFF, V I, 267. Denney prefers to take the adjec­ 6R om ans, p. 393. 7Greek Testam ent, II, 445. tive as masculine (as it always is 6Rom ans, p. 479. °Rom ans, p. 437. ♦Professor. Nazarene Theological Seminary. 10Biblical Commentary on N.T., IV, 147. 1L e x ic o n , p. 874. u G rom on , II, 166. JEGT, III, 693. ™Word Studies, II, 161.

July, 1961 (309) 21 covers similar disagreement: “Asso­ C o n d e s c e n d t o o r A s s o c i a t e w i t h ? ciate with humble folk” (Moffat); Part of the problem that has per­ “Accommodate yourselves to humble plexed us is due to difficulty in ascer­ ways” (20th Cent.); “Be content with taining the exact meaning of the verb humble things” (Ballantine); “Keep involved (synapago) . It is rare in on associating with lowly people” the New Testament, being found else­ (Williams); “Accept humble tasks” where only in Galatians 2:13 and (Goodspeed); “Willingly adjust your­ II Peter 3:17. In the former Paul selves to humble situations” (Berke­ speaks of Barnabas being “carried ley) ; “Falling in with the opinions of away with their dissimulation.” In common folk” (Knox); “Condescend the latter Peter warns against “being to the lowly” (Confraternity); “Don’t led away with the error of the wick­ become snobbish but take a real in­ ed.” The meaning in these two pas­ terest in ordinary people” (Phillips) ; sages is clear. “Condescend to things that are lowly” (A.R.V.); “Associate with the lowly” The verb is a double compound. (R.S.V.); “Go about with humble Syn means “with”; apo, “away from”; folk” (New English Bible). It is of and ago, “lead.” Always passive in interest to note that while the English the New Testament, it has the mean­ and American Revised versions took ing “be led or carried away with.” the adjective as neuter, the Revised So Sanday and Headlam would trans­ Standard Version (1946) and the New late this passage: “Allow yourself to English Bible (1961) returned to the be carried along with, give yourself masculine sense adopted by the King over to, humble tasks.”14 This agrees James translators. This was the with Thayer’s understanding of it: meaning favored in the Early Church, “to suffer one’s self to be carried away as especially expressed by Chrysos­ together with. . . , i.e. to yield or sub­ tom: “That is, bring thyself down to mit one’s self to lowly things, con­ their humble condition, ride or walk ditions, employments,—not to evade with them; do not be humbled in mind their power.”1'1 Vine prefers “be led only, but help them also, and stretch along with”10—its literal meaning. forth thy hand to them.” Vincent seeks to bring out the full Is it possible for us to come to any force of the prepositions. He says the kind of conclusion in the matter? idea is this: “Set not your mind on One of the best answers to this ques­ lofty things, but be borne away (apo) tion is that offered by C. K. Barrett from these by the current of your in his volume on Romans in the Christian sympathy along with (syn) “Harper’s New Testament Commen­ things which are humble.”17 taries” series (“Black’s in the British But it seems that the natural mean­ Isles). He writes thus: “. . . it is ing of the verb fits better with the impossible to feel confident that either masculine sense than the neuter. translation is correct to the exclusion Having come to this conclusion we of the other. It is well to remember would definitely prefer “associate that Greek occasionally allows an am­ with” rather than “condescend to.” biguity impossible in English; Paul An attitude of condescension toward may have been aware, and may have others is something less than Chris- approved, of both ways of taking his words.” 13 uO p. cit., p. 364. 1PL e x ic o n , p. 601. 13Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, 10Expository Dictionary, I, 171. pp. 241-42. 1TOp. cit., p. 161.

22 (310) The Preacher's Magazine tian. In fact it is the very thing that h ym on ). If one will maintain this Paul is speaking strongly against here, attitude in a consistent and kindly as Phillips’ translation very well way, much of the trouble between brings out. people can be eliminated. Of course it should be recognized that when the King James Version W h o s e W r a t h ? was made the modern connotations of In verse 19 Paul warns: “Avenge “condescend” were absent. Then it not yourselves, but rather give place meant “to stoop voluntarily and unto wrath.” The American Stand­ graciously . . . ‘to depart from the ard Version reads: “the wrath of privileges of superiority by a volun­ G od.” W hich is correct? tary submission; to sink willingly to The change in the latter (not based, equal terms with inferiours’ . . . to in this instance, on the English Re­ make concessions; to comply, consent, vised Version) is evidently due to the concur, agree.”18 But now it usually fact that the Greek has the definite means “to bestow courtesies with article— “the wrath.” But this loses some air of superiority; to assume a some of its significance in the light of patronizing air; to stoop as a favor or the fact that the Greek usually places benevolence.”19 Such an attitude is the definite article before abstract obviously unchristian. nouns, an idiom which is not followed in English. So it is not always pos­ A s M u c h a s L i e t h i n Y o u ? sible to tell whether the article should This phrase in verse 18 has been be translated into English or left un­ much misunderstood and abused. It translated (as it usually is). Only has been offered as an alibi for failing the context can decide the matter. to live at peace with others. “The Here the latter part of the verse Bible says, ‘as much as lieth in you,’ would seem to suggest that, instead of and it doesn’t lie in me to live peace­ taking personal vengeance on those ably with that person!” who wrong us, we should “leave it to Most modern versions render the the wrath of God” (R.S.V.). The Greek here more accurately. They New English Bible agrees in its ren­ agree rather closely on this transla­ dering: “leave a place for divine tion: “so far as it depends on you” retribution.” That seems to be the (Weymouth). That is the correct correct meaning. After all, what idea. If there is to be any quarreling, does “give place to wrath” mean? do not let it come from you (e x Does it mean we “let go” with our wrath? Clearly not that! Shelve it 1SOxford English Dictionary, II, 783. aside? It seems better to say, “Let Webster's New International Dictionary (2nd e d .), p. 556. God take care of the situation.”

V i t a l P r e a c h i n g Vital preaching is theology made understandable—so under­ standable that the ancient miracle of Pentecost shall be repeated.

—E d w i n L e w i s

July, 1961 (311) 23 The Church—Winning Sunday Nights By ORVILLE W. JENKINS The book-of-the-year in this great quad­ SHININ rennial program of Evangelism First, giving special emphasis to Sunday night evange­ Another forward move in the lism. From a successful background in his own ministry and with a heart of deep concern, Dr. Jenkins discusses the purpose of the SUNDA Sunday night service and the serious need of renewing its evangelistic fervor. Its many illustrations and suggestions will be a chal­ lenge to your people. 104 pages, paper. To be used as the Christian Service Training text for the church-wide study course this fall. $1.00; special C.S.T. discount on 6 or more, 80c each, plus postage

"Attend Sunday Night" POSTER Something you'll want to display in every classroom urging Sunday night attendance. Contrasting black, yellow, and white colors makes its message most eye-catching. 11 x 17”. SI-225 50c; 6 for $1.00

"Sunday Night" CAR STICKER Let the community know about your Sun­ day night services. “Go to Church Sunday NIGHT,” printed in a yellow “da-glow” against a black background on a newly processed vinyl plastic that may be easily peeled off. SI-240 25c; 12 for $1.80; 100 for $12.50

"Try Christ's Way" CAR STICKER Another effective way of witnessing. Same vibrant color and material as “Sunday Night” sticker. U-66 25c; 12 for $1.80; 100 for $12.50

"Try Christ's Way" TRACT A prayerfully prepared, four-page folder in yellow and black. Inside contains appropri­ ate scriptures; and back, a friendly invita­ tion to Sunday night services and space for name of church. Size 3 x 6”. T-903 WITH IMPRINT (minimum imprint order, 250) 250 for $3.00; 500 for $4.50; 1,000 for $7.00 Allow two weeks for imprinting WITHOUT IMPRINT: 100 for 75c; 250 for $1.50; 500 for $2.50; 1,000 for $4.00

"Try" PIN Sunday Night Evangelism G An attention-getting purple and white pin imprinted with “TRY.” When people ask what it means, it provides an excellent op­ ORDER These Us portunity to testify. Size PI-201 25 fo r 75c; 50 for $1.25; 100 for $2.00 NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE

24 (312) The Preacher's Magazine "Shining Lights" Kickoff LETTER IGHTS For the busy pastor, here is a pre-typed letter outlining and challenging your mem­ bers to the important “fourteen Sunday lamic program of nights of evangelism” program. By adding name at top and your signature, letter has ChvrchUof tht Nozartnt a personal touch. Designed with “Evange­ JIGHTS lism First” heading. S-2G1 25 for $1.00; 100 for $2.50; 250 for $5.00; 500 for $8.50

"Sunday Night" Attendance SLIDES Make Keep interest in attendance up. Add this slide to your Sunday School Register Board. S a b b a t h Yellow letters against a black background. Available in three sizes. E-91 2 V ’ high £ ? * P l £ T E E-106 3 high E-112 3% ” high Each, 15c

"Try Christ's Way" S0NGB00K V t M ® « U U C H (SING PRAISES) Add new zest to your song service with a specially designed book of 101 evangelistic songs. Durable cardboard binding strikingly SUNDAY printed in black and yellow. Handy 4*4 x NIGHT 6” size. 35c; 12 or more 15c each

"Try Christ's Way" CHORUS "Shining Lights" BANNER B y FLOYD HAWKINS. It’s singable, mili­ Ideal for placing in front of the church. tant, and evangelistic—something that will Silk-screened on high-grade white canvas stir every Nazarene to be a more effective in a dark blue with yellow and white letter­ personal witness. ing. 3 x 10 feet. Weather-resistant. SF-209 25c; 12 for 50c; 100 for $3.00; SI-213 $5.00; 3 for $10.00 500 for $10.00 U-400 Wooden frame for mounting 3 x 10’ banner, hardware included. $3.00 plus postage CHRISTIAN WORKER'S GUIDE

Compiled by V. H. Lewis. ion on this special emphasis, Here is a soul-winner’s lay Night booklet sent to all aid that can be actually lgelism. used w hile witnessing. Uniquely designed with stairstep pages for finger­ tip reference to answers and scripture for any ! Help Your Church to Grow questions a seeker might ask on salvation and holi­ ness. Pocket-size, 4 x 7”. il Tools TODAY 36 pages, paper. 50c; special C.S.T. dis­ J Troost, Box 527, Kansas City 41, Missouri count on 6 or more, 40c each, plus postage.

July, 1961 (313) 25 Eleven O'clock Evangelism

By Milo Arnold*

N the interest of an improved pro­ new people and has influenced them I gram of evangelism I took time to into the church, where they were con­ study the records of my pastorates verted and became members. from 1940 until 1960. M y purpose The Sunday evening services have was to learn what phases of my work been fruitful and provided an evan­ had been most effective in evangelis­ gelistic opportunity in reaching per­ tic outreach. Nearly five hundred sons who were reachable by them. new church members, received by They have been a vital part of the confession of faith, provided the basis total program of the church and are of my analysis. Each pastor making indispensable. Yet as a factor in out­ such a study would come up with an reach, the evening service has not entirely different set of figures due been major. to the personal abilities and methods Most of the new people reached by of the man and the group personality the church made their first appear­ of the churches he serves, but each ance in a morning worship service. man needs to find his own most effec­ Later on they appeared in the other tive areas and use them. services of the church. Without a During the twenty-year period we doubt the revivals and the Sunday averaged two revival meetings a year, school have had a part in their con­ employing the best evangelists with version, but at least 75 per cent of the the usual number of seekers. These persons who have come into church dedicated evangelists rendered a membership from outside the families splendid service and made a great of the church have been brought in contribution to the total church pro­ by means of the eleven o’clock serv­ gram. However, in the matter of ice. They may have been invited by bringing new people into the church friends, interested through radio con­ or extending the outreach of the tacts, or attracted by advertising, but church in the community, the revival they came first to the church service. meetings have accounted for less than Many strangers feel more free to 10 per cent. come to a church service because of The Sunday school has made a fine the greater anonymity it provides. contribution. In it the children of our They are less likely to be hurried into church families have been cultured, new acquaintances, less likely to be assimilated, and sometimes converted. publicly introduced, and more able to On some occasions the Sunday school look the church over without becom­ has been the first point of contact with ing personally involved. Also, many people who fear they would not know

•Pastor, Moses Lake, Washington. where to go if they attended Sunday

26 (314) The Preacher's Magazine school feel quite sure of knowing what Sunday school work, and my evening to do if they go to church. They like­ services, but I am convinced that for wise feel that the church service gives me the richest field of outreach re­ them a chance to find some personal mains the morning service. I find inspiration without being asked to that my people can more nearly get participate. Many other people who their friends to come to church with would not attend a revival meeting them on Sunday morning than to any for fear of being put on the spot will other regular service or revival meet­ feel quite free to attend a regular ing. There is a public acceptance of worship service. the eleven o’clock service which The morning worship service should makes it attractive to many people. also be the best produced service of Many of these people will seek sal­ the week. It should have the best vation in the morning invitation; music, the smoothest operation, and others will find God in private con­ the strongest preaching ministry of sultation; others will find their way which the church and pastor are into evening evangelistic services or capable. revivals. But the obvious fact re­ After looking over my records, I mains that in my particular pastoral am sure I need to improve the effec­ ministry the most fruitful investment tiveness of my revival programs, my has been in eleven o’clock evangelism.

PASTORS: Remember 1961 Emphasis "Evangelism on Sunday Night”

“With ‘Shining Lights’ in our church windows, and the ‘Light of Life’ in our hearts, let us contact, pray, preach, and believe toward our greatest Sunday night harvest of souls.” Dr. H u g h C. B e n n e r General Superintendent

“SHINING LIGHTS ON SUNDAY NIGHTS IN ’61”

Department of Evangelism

E d w a r d L a w l o r , Executive Secretary

July, 1961 (315) 27 QXJEE3N Of tHe PARSONAGE”

May she who in the parsonage dwells be radiant, poised, serene; And every moment of each day be every inch a queen!

Contributed by Ruth Vaughn^

Portrait of a Queen never fill: that of a minister’s wife living in a Nazarene parsonage! When asked to describe Parsonage Queen Mrs. Roscoe Hohn, of Albany, But one bright day she reached the Oregon, one of her closest friends end of her struggle and said, “Yes,” replied promptly and descriptively: to the call of God and the man she “Utter selflessness.” She is consider­ loved. And now, as a veteran “queen ate of others, gracious at all times, of the parsonage,” she says, “I have poised under every type of circum­ found this life of a minister’s wife to stance. She is lovely as a person, be the fullest, the richest, the most tremendous with children, and effi­ wonderful and rewarding that anyone cient in each area of her life. But could ever imagine!” She discovered when summing up this “member of that God’s plans are always best and royalty” in two words, it would be beautiful when we dare to step out “utter selflessness.” What greater and trust Him. description could be given? When Mrs. Hohn entered the par­ sonage, she determined to make each It was at Northwest Nazarene Col­ house in w hich she lived—-no matter lege that she met and fell in love with how awkward, old, or difficult it the young man, Roscoe Hohn, who might be—into a real home. This she was to lead her directly into the role has done with the touch of a master. of a minister’s wife. When she came From her well-kept house to the face to face with the proposition of flower-laden yard, one can instantly spending the rest of her life in a Naza­ determine that this is a haven filled rene parsonage, she shrank from it. with love and warmth. Just to enter This plunged her into a bitter struggle its portals, one is given a refreshing which lasted for a period of time. sense of well-being, for even the at­ During her high school days she mosphere of the home she makes of a had stayed in several pastors’ homes parsonage is saturated with joyous­ helping with the work and care of the ness, love, and God! small children and thus had observed Mrs. Roscoe Hohn has never been closely and at firsthand the demands crowned with a golden circlet in a made upon the pastor and family— ceremony of pomp and glory. She and the deprivations that existed in has never had the band play a salute the parsonage. She made a firm as she rode down the street. She has resolution within her heart that there never been the center of a group of was one place in life which she would famous, inquiring reporters. You will not find her name among the

♦Lubbock, Texas. recipients of the Nobel Prize. But

28 (316) The Preacher's Magazine she has been crowned with a circlet parsonage,” in Moses Lake, Washing­ of love in a children’s service! Her ton, gives a most thorough and en­ only child, Alice, has saluted her with lightening answer to the above di­ a beautiful Christian life of service to lemma. We will be featuring Mrs. her mother’s God! She is consistently Arnold’s paper in the next few issues. the center of a group of loving people This is especially pertinent and im­ who know her as their minister’s portant. Don’t miss a single install­ wife! And you will find her name ment! This paper is entitled “The enshrined with the pearls and rubies Pastor’s W ife as a Hom em aker.” of loving adoration within the hearts “God believes in women. Other­ of all who know her! wise He would not have endowed Truly this a portrait of a queen! them with so much power nor trusted them with so much responsibility. To R o y a l C o o k b o o k women falls most of the responsibility Phyllis Alexander, “queen of the for making of homes; in homes so­ parsonage” in Leeds, Maine, prepares ciety is born; and from society we are a most delectable and simple salad. given a way of life, a religious outlook, Here is her recipe! It’s luscious!! and a moral code. God endowed men Wash, scrape, and grate 1 cup car­ with the ability to build houses but rots with a fine shredder. Slice 2 tart women were left to put the home in apples with a chopper. Chop % cup the house. The house is actually only nut meats. Mix and blend together the packing box in which the home is with V2 cup mayonnaise. Add twelve protected while it fulfills its lofty pur­ large-sized marshmallows which have pose. been quartered with scissors. Blend. “When God would send His Son Serve very cold on lettuce leaves. into the world, He asked a young woman to help Him and become the

O v e r T e a c u p s mother of our Lord. When He would “Recently I have felt mentally and have His only begotten Son cared for physically drained. I just feel like I in a very cruel and unfriendly world, would love to find a desert island He did not put Him in a fort and sur­ where no one could find me but my round Him with a garrison of soldiers. family—and just make a home! Al­ He put Him in the home under the though expressed in a rather out­ care of a young mother who loved landish manner, I must confess, what Him and ministered to Him. role, exactly, am I supposed to play “Women are trusted with many as a ‘parsonage queen’ ? There are outside activities and employments meetings, socials, programs, showers, but they have no other assignment so committees, and a hundred other great as the making of a home. No things demanding my attention in ad­ matter what other renown may come dition to my housework, my children, to a woman, if she fails in the making my runny nose—and my ironing! I of a home, she is frustrated and de­ want to be a good minister’s wife! feated.” I am not complaining—only asking for a definition of my task and an outline B o o k s h e l f w i t h L a c e of my responsibilities. I feel that I A must for the minister’s wife is must have my values mixed up—or I the book Witnessing to Win, by Pon­ would not feel so depleted within der Gilliland. This is designed to help m yself!” you to be a more effective soul win­ Mrs. Milo Arnold, “queen of the ner. It is not written for campaigns

July, 1961 (317) 29 or organizations, but is written on a “I believe the greatest gifts we can personal basis to help you become a give to our people are those from our daily witness. (N.P.H.—$1.00.) hearts, lighting up the lives of those with whom we come in contact: with H e r M a j e s t y : A M o t h e r a kind word, an expression of sym­

T o M y C h il d pathy, a note of congratulation, a note of thanks sent through the mail for a You are so young; lovely dinner enjoyed the night be­ And I, who love you so, fore, a ‘God bless you! I’m praying Am held responsible for you,’ or maybe just a smile and That you may know handclasp. Others! And in helping God’s love! others, we find a great happiness for ourselves. You are so small; And I, myself so weak, “Being is infinitely more important Must lead you to my Christ than doing! No greater accomplish­ Before you seek ment comes than to show forth the Another way! beauty of Jesus. I love the making of little gifts, the raising of flowers so Your little life that I might always have on hand a Is in my keeping here; remembrance, a bouquet, or a potted God grant me wisdom, grace, violet to give to one who is ill, a dis­ And godly fear, couraged one, a happy one, on anni­ I pray! versaries, etc. — Selected “I believe the greatest joy of being ministers’ wives is the joy of seeing H e a r t T a l k our husbands’ ministry fruitful—of Mrs. Roscoe Hohn was possessed, seeing souls find God in saving and upon entering the parsonage, with a sanctifying power and seeing them deep desire to be the best minister’s grow in grace, becoming established wife possible. But she did not feel Christians. These joys will fully greatly talented and wondered within compensate for anything else we her heart how she could best make a might be called upon to bear. Life in contribution to God, the church, and the parsonage is the most wonderfully those about her. After years in the rewarding life even for those equipped parsonage she shares her discoveries with few ‘showy’ talents. I thor­ concerning this problem. oughly enjoy being a minister’s wife!”

S p e e d Our grandfathers could wait for a twice-a-week stagecoach with­ out running a temperature; modern man gets mad if he misses one section of a revolving door. Life is gulped down, not savored. The only new vice of the past three hundred years is the breathless blasphemy of speed. Pascal’s profound word is considered mere gib­ berish: “The unhappiness of mankind is due to one thing, we have not the wisdom to remain in tranquility at home.”— J a m e s W. C l a r k e in “Dynamic Preaching” (Fleming H. Revell Company).

30 (318) The Preacher's Magazine Some Observations

By A. S. London*

T h a v e m a d e some observations of become one of the beloved citizens. -*■ pastors and laymen in our travels A pastor wrote us a few days ago of three-quarters of a million miles, in stating that he never expects to take twenty different denominations, and another pastorate. He is a good man, touching two thousand local churches. has wrought well, and has nothing First, the average pastorate is too against his character. But he is tired short. The average pastorate to be of being shifted from place to place effective must be a settled ministry. over incidental matters. His family It is generally essential to the build­ is tired. He is taking secular work, ing of a strong church. There are and preaching as open doors cross his exceptions. pathway. It is true that the longer the pastor­ The fourth observation is that when ate, the greater influence the church the church does not move as it should has in a community. This is especially the people go to talking, criticizing, true of a city church. It takes time finding fault with the pastor and his to build a strong church. family. Second, I have observed that pas­ The late Dr. J. B. Chapman often tors become restless. I talked with said, “Any church can make most any one today. Things have not been going pastor, and most any church can ruin so well in his church, and he feels the a pastor.” I went several times to a effect of disgruntled people. He is large city church, and the Sunday a godly man, a good pastor, but does school superintendent would say that not do his work as some before him he was glad for visiting preachers and have done. A pastor does not neces­ workers to come their way, but next sarily have to move on because a few Sunday all would be glad to know people are dissatisfied. It is hard to that the pastor would fill the pulpit. please all the church membership. This pastor became one of the great Third, I have observed that it takes preachers in our denomination, and from one to three years for a pastor he built one of our strongest churches. to get his feet down in a city church. A leading magazine says that in one Many of the greatest churches of the western state there are 15,000 idle nation in different denominations preachers. The inner urge in too keep a pastor from ten to twenty many instances has gone. They heard years. There is no need to look complaints, criticisms, and faultfind­ around for “greener pastures” if a ing until their hearts bled and broke. church does not move right in the Many are good and strong men out beginning of a pastorate. of place. A leading pastor once said, It takes time to get acquainted, “I am preaching out of my head, for know the problems of the people, and my heart is cut out.” An old writer long ago said, “These

•Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. are days that test the souls of men.”

July, 1961 (319) 31 Well, it is certainly a day that tests to the cause of God such that we can the souls of pastors! keep our poise and our religion and maintain our usefulness in spite of A prayerful, kindly attitude on the it all. part of the laymen would go a long The searchlight must be turned on way in saving many a good man and our hearts, with a prayer treatment, pastor from giving up the fight in his honest confession of our own failures. effort to save men. But even in the We must do as we would that others face of an improper (as we would would do unto us. Such a spirit would feel) attitude on the part of the lay­ go far to revolutionize lagging church­ men, we must as preachers find a es and help to bring on the revival of depth of devotion and an allegiance religion which we feel we need.

Ministers and "The Ethics of Correspondence"

By R. E. Joyce

\ lady living in another state, some was less, I am sure, than what she had distance from us, had let my wife hoped to find and which she could and myself know that she was much have found if I had been able to get dissatisfied with the growing modern­ the information through. ism and worldliness of the church to On another occasion I had noted which she belonged. We learned that in a religious paper a request from a she wanted to be in a denomination minister for the gift of a certain help­ which stood fully for Bible teaching. ful book. I had a copy of this book, and though I greatly valued it, I sent So I wrote a minister living in the it to the requester, happy to supply general area in which she had her it to the brother. But herein is a mar­ home, asking him to give me the name velous thing: though the donation and address of some spiritual, ortho­ was made a considerable time ago, dox preacher in the large city where there has not been a word of ac­ she resided. It was my purpose to knowledgment. write this second minister, informing But the most astonishing failure of him of this lady’s desires, and suggest­ acknowledgment followed my learn­ ing that he call on her and seek to ing of a striking incident that had give her the spiritual help she needed. taken place in the life of a minister. Though I enclosed postage for a re­ So unusual and instructive was it that ply, a number of days went by, and I I felt I could write an article about it, had no response. I wrote the second which some editor would be glad to time. Still I received no response. accept. Then I tried, after some days, the So I wrote this particular preacher, third time. Very belatedly I had a asking for details, telling him of my reply, with the desired name and ad­ purpose in gaining the information. To dress. But it was too late! The lady make his reply easy and time-saving had already found a church which I prepared a questionnaire about var­

32 (320) The Preacher's Magazine ious aspects of the happening, with In his wonderful Idyls of the King, space below each question in which Tennyson brings out this thought. he could reply in just a few words. Knight Geraint, one of the courtiers Again I enclosed postage for his reply. of regal Arthur, came to the house of But what was the result? A vast Earl Eniol, but did not at once let silence! I wrote this brother a second it be known who he was. But when time, but still I had no response. his host at last learned his identity, At last, in my desperation, I made he said to the knight: the request a third time. And to show my appreciation in his furnishing the “When first desired data I mailed him a valuable I saw you . .. book from my library. Felt you were somewhat, yea, and Believe it or not, though all this by your state took place some years ago, I have And presence might have guessed never had a word from this minister. you one of those True, ’tis a pity; and pity ’tis, ’tis true. That eat at Arthur’s hall in Came- Not for a moment would I condemn lot.” these three dear brothers through As a minister dwelling by faith in whom I had had the trilogy of disap­ the courts of the King of glory, as pointments. They are noble, sacrifi­ His courtier (and also His courier, cial, soul-winning men. Perhaps they fully intended to reply, but post­ Romans 10:15), I ought, even in rela­ poned doing this until the matter tively minor matters, such as faithful­ slipped from their minds. ness and promptness in the “ethics of correspondence,” to seek to . . adorn If so, they illustrate the saying, “By the street of ‘By and By’ we arrive the doctrine of God our Saviour . . .” (Titus 2:10), even the doctrine of at the house of ‘N ever.’ ” These three frustrations are full of perfect love. God give me grace so to practice the celestial courtesies that instruction for me. They impress upon me, as never before, the scripture people will take knowledge of me “. . . be courteous” (I Peter 3:8), and that I have been with the One who is strengthen my will highly to resolve “altogether lovely,” that the “beauty that as a letter answerer I will not be of the Lord” may be upon me, the belated. beauty of His holiness in my everyday We get that lovely word courtesy living. from the word “court,” a residence Thus my life shall be a living epis­ of a king. Those who frequented such tle known and read to all men, a a place were termed “courtiers.” lovely letter revealing something of There they acquired a gracious and the winsomeness of the King in His graceful demeanor, suitable for such beauty (Isaiah 33:17; II Corinthians a royal residing. 3 :18 ).

Joy, Mirth A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs, in which one is caused disagreeably to jolt by every pebble over which it runs.

—H e n r y W a r d B e e c h e r

July, 1961 (321) 33 "Let Me Suggest"

By Brian L. Farmer*

T n t h e p u l p i t , “let me suggest” is a a public phrase. The phrase is easily bad phrase but a good policy. The avoided, but it is only with the help words we should seldom speak, but of the Lord that a man can make the method we should always adopt. successful suggestions of the whole But why shun the phrase if we em­ counsel of God. brace the technique? Allow me to For suggestive power, the message suggest an answer. must be feasible, forceful, and faithful In popular thinking suggestion is to the Word of God. Unless a subject weak; it is of the nature of advice the is probable and important it will never probable rejection of which is to be carry the weight of valid suggestion expected. “Now this is only a sug­ Dr. Gossip disapprovingly observed gestion,” spoken half apologetically, is that there are preachers who spend often heard in common conversation. their time in the pulpit “pirouetting Because preaching must be authorita­ with some pretty bit of a text on the tive, preachers must avoid any phrase outskirts of things.” Further, a force­ ful presentation of gospel truth is nol which would lead their hearers to think of the message as anything less normally achieved by a learned dis­ than the Word of the Lord. cussion of a Hebrew point or a Greet particle. Such a study is both inter­ Yet to make a suggestion—a good, esting and necessary in its place, bu1 compelling, irresistible suggestion un­ it is hardly calculated to be a powerfu der the guidance of God is surely the suggestion of the way of eternal sal­ business of all who preach. vation to the masses of men. To se­ A good argument is not so effective cure its chief end the message must be in preaching as a good suggestion, presented clearly and authoritatively because an argument, by its very and both clarity and authority are nature, arouses in the mind the criti­ best gained by a simple and reverenl cal faculties of defense. Even a flaw­ preaching of the Bible as the Word less argument seldom captures the of God. will, whereas a good suggestion nearly Dr. W. R. Maltby bemoaned one always does. The merit of suggestion preacher w ho “ spoke of great things is immediately seen, therefore, when and made them small, of holy things we think of effective preaching as and made them common, of God and effective persuasion for God. St. Paul made Him of no account.” This is no writes: “Knowing therefore the ter­ way to make a suggestion for the ror of the Lord, we persuade men” Lord. Our Christ, if He is lifted up (II Corinthians 5:11). confidently with reverence and with For these reasons, “let me suggest” love, will draw all men unto Him. must be a private prayer rather than “Let me suggest”—these words a preacher ought constantly to keep on

♦Pastor, Calvary Road, Barlanark, Glasgow. his mind but under his hat!

34 (322) The Preacher's Magazine onsnE jve^ jnts m e t h o d

Dedication of Hymnbooks

By Joseph L. Bright*

I) e c e n t l y we purchased new hymn- 2. I am your hymnbook. I contain books for our congregation. We messages of comfort to those who are were very proud of them. However in sorrow, peace to those in conflict, we wanted to impress our people as conviction to those in sin, hope to the much as possible with the value and hopeless, help to the helpless, a chal­ responsibility of them to keep the new lenge to the church for service to God, books as nice as possible for as long prayers for the worshipers, praise and as possible, so a dedication service thanksgiving to all people, and con­ was worked out. The plan was as fol­ fessions to the Heavenly Father for lows: their guilty hearts. “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all We had the dedication at the close means save some.” of Sunday school, when as many as 3. I am your hym nbook. A t all possible would be there and espe­ times and under all circumstances cially the children. The members of treat me with reverence. When I am the teen-age class assisted in the serv­ once damaged, I can never be the ice. They came upon the platform same again. Please do not use me one at a time, each holding a new for a kneeling pad or back rest. book and a card upon which I had 4. I am your hymnbook. When the typed the message to be read. There singing is over, please close me care­ were eleven cards, each numbered as fully and stand me upright in the follows: bookrack and leave me there until it 1. I am your hymnbook. I will is time to sing again. serve you faithfully for many years, 5. I am your hymnbook. I should and the more people that use me, the not be used for a writing desk. If you happier I am. I will make your church must write, please use something else services happier and more successful to press on. because of the messages I convey to 6. I am your hymnbook. Please you. I am the product of poets, min­ do not close me upon any object such isters, rulers, peasants, musicians, and as pencils, pens, or sticks. It will politicians, who have written and put weaken and break my binding until to music the beautiful hymns and I will soon come apart. songs I contain. Consecrated men and 7. I am your hymnbook. Please do women of all walks of life have given not bend my pages to mark a place. birth to these many wonderful mes­ When even a corner of a page is once sages, and the church has been in­ bent, it can never be the same again. strumental in bringing them together 8. I am your hymnbook. I like the into one book for your convenience children and want to get acquainted and service. with them as soon as is practical, but please do not let small children play

♦Pastor, Watseka, Illinois. with me. If I could speak I would

July, 1961 (323) 35 cry out in thunderous tones every determine my usefulness. May the time a small child reaches his hands Heavenly Father, who has made our out to take hold of me. relationship possible, make us a bless­ 9. I am your hymnbook. Please do ing for many years to come. not mark me in any way. If each per­ When the teen-agers had finished reading their cards and were seated, son made only one small mark every the congregation stood and the pastor time I am used, I would not be pre­ prayed the dedication prayer. As soon sentable to your friends and visitors in a very short time. as the people were seated, two teams of young men stepped to the front. 10. I am your hym nbook. W hen The first team as rapidly as possible you pick me up, please do not lift me collected all the old hymnbooks. The by one side of my back or part of my second team followed, distributing the pages. You can easily break my back new books. Then an appropriate hymn or tear my binding and render me was sung. useless. There seemed to be a spirit of bless­ 11. I am your hym nbook. I have ing on the little service; and our peo­ been designed for long service, and ple, both old and young, have seemed if I am treated right I will serve you to have a new appreciation for the long and well. You are the stewards books and have been taking better of my well-being and you alone can care of them.

"Unspoken Requests'7

By Flora E. Breck*

T Tnspoken requests” are good, but are not likely to gossip unkindly ' “'sometimes it pays for prayers to Somehow, too, Christians feel thal be specific! Quite often we hear in there is more power attached to the church and prayer meeting, “Will all definite prayer. pray for so-and-so in such-and-such Yet I know of one church especially condition? This is an unspoken re­ which emphasizes considerably the quest.” Such prayers often are an­ “unspoken request.” And to hear the swered in accordance with the needy answers from Above would thrill you person’s request; still, when the min­ Testimonies given later by the persons ister mentions just what the petition who had requested the prayers of the is, and whom for, church members are church people sometimes greatly able to comply more intelligently, please—-and amaze those knowing the more effectively. circumstances. A preacher who often People just naturally take more in­ has requested his hearers to pray for terest in praying for the needy if they definite things and people tells his know something of what the need is. flock: “Be definite in your praying. No confidences need be divulged; Pray for the one who conducts the prayer meeting is sort of a “family worship service. Pray for the preach­ affair” anyway, and those who attend er by name. Remember the choir members and ushers, that their serv­

“'Portland, Oregon. ices may be blessed. Also be sure to

36 (324) The Preacher's Magazine pray for the person you brought to through His children if they are not the service.” “The effectual fervent being a hindrance. Shall we pray prayer of a righteous man availeth “not to be obstructions to His plans much” (James 5:16) . for our lives” ? Effective praying must be definite Here again, definiteness in our —and answerable—if an affirmative prayer-petitions pays: not simply, answer is within God’s will. Having “God bless the shut-ins.” Name them. read God’s Word, it is legitimate and They as w ell as missionaries feel a right to feel, I am on praying ground. special empowerment when Chris­ But we must learn to be submissive; tians pray for them. And speaking sometimes it is God’s will that we of praying, we can live constantly in should wait. Unfavorable circum­ the atmosphere of prayer. A special stances cannot always be changed at prayer room, a special prayer meeting the moment, but it can be that prayer helps, but we are not limited to time changes people as well as things in and place when there is an impulse such a way that the impossible burden to pray. “Pray without ceasing” can be borne. God’s power may flow (I Thessalonians 5:17).

Why the Same Old Story When It Could Be New?

By an Evangelist

/"" o d b l e s s y o u . We hope you can we must remember he has obligations come back again. We wish your to meet since he too has auto pay­ offering were more. Maybe the next ments, gasoline bills, a home to look place will do better by you.” (This is after, etc.” (And this does not need heard over and over again until it’s to be overdone.) But do inform the an old, old story.) And so the evan­ congregation and give them a chance gelist goes on his way wondering, or opportunity to support the evan­ dazed, half sick, how he will meet his gelist. So many times pastors merely obligations. say, “Will the ushers please come forward and receive the offering?” Why not change the story? It can But if the pastor would only inform be changed if the pastor and the the people where the money is going church board will consider the high or that it is for the evangelist, they cost for the evangelist to stay in the would contribute, and generously, if field. An expensive trip may be in­ they saw the need. Evangelistic or volved for the evangelist to reach the revival offering envelopes for the church. Also the evangelist has auto evangelist, passed among the congre­ payments, house payments, taxes, in­ gation, are a very good way to meet surance, fuel, lights, water, and other the needs. bills just like everyone else has. However, to cover these expenses and Why not have a new story? Inform leave the evangelist a fair salary the the people and give them an oppor­ pastor must get these facts across. It tunity to give. Have a goal set and would be so easy to say, “We appre­ tell the people what is needed to reach ciate our evangelist and his work and it.

July, 1961 (325) 37 SEJZRJVEOJSr WORKSHOP

Contributed by Nelson G. Mink^

C o n f e ssio n P e n t e c o s t Last night my little boy confessed Pentecost was the emergence from Some childish wrong; discipleship to apostleship. And, kneeling at my knee, A disciple is one who learns some­ He prayed with tears— thing. “Dear God, make me a man An apostle is one who does something. Like Daddy, wise and strong. I know You can.” Then while he slept I knelt beside his bed, “ I D i d n ’ t S t a y f o r C h u r c h !” Confessed my sins, Last Sunday I didn’t stay for church. And prayed with low-bowed head, I just walked out after Sunday school. “O God, make me a child Like my child here—• By doing this— Pure, guiltless, 1. I told my church that I did not need Trusting Thee with faith sincere.” it. —Author Unknown 2. I walked out on God. It was God’s house and God’s day. 3. I told the smaller children in Sun­ A B o y ’s A n s w e r day school that I didn’t think it necessary to stay for church in order to be the right Asked to tell something about the kind of Christian. great philosopher Socrates, a boy gave this answer: “Socrates was a great man, 4. I told my family it would be better that told the people what they ought to for us to go home. do, and they poisoned him.” 5. I told the stranger passing the church, and the first-time visitor coming in, that we did not like our worship pro­ gram nor our pastor’s preaching. Dr. V. B. S eals s a id : 6. I told my unsaved friends that I “You can’t tell how seaworthy a vessel wasn’t interested in them. is in the harbor. You must see it in the 7. I told God I had had enough of Him storm. for today . . . “You don’t bless unless your heart So, you see, I did not stay for church bleeds. Only the poured-out life is this morning. worth living. “A winning combination—a man and —Bridgeton, N.J., “Midweek Messenger" wife. It is great when two souls get together; so often it is a sole and a heel. “We live in a day when you have to study well your contracts. They give C o n c e r n i n g T i m e ! it to you in the big print on the front, “Did you ever find time to do any­ and take it away from you in the little thing? No, never! You never find time print on the back.” to do anything. It is not the ones who have the most time, but the ones who

* Pastor, Connell, Washington. organize their time.”— M i l o A r n o l d .

38 (326) The Preacher's Magazine G a t h e r i n g b y t h e W a y A L i t t l e R etrospection “Doing an injury puts you below your A look into the contents of the first enemy; revenging one makes you even copy of the Preacher’s Magazine under with him; forgiving one sets you above the date of January, 1926. Dr. J. B. him.”— B e n F r a n k l i n . Chapman, editor. Editorials were “Pub­ “Supermarket: a place where you lisher’s Explanation,” “Doing the Right travel farther than your money.” '— Thing the Right Way,” “The Importance L a v o n n e M a t h i s o n . of Good Preaching,” “Why Do People Power is what everybody wants, few Stay Away from Church?” and “A Sane acquire, and none seem to survive. Interpretation of the Scriptures.” “Happiness is like potato salad—share Other articles appeared under the it, and you have a picnic.” —S a m H a m p ­ names of F. M. Messenger, H. Orton t o n . Wiley, A. M. Hills, R. H. M. Watson, “The faults of others are like head­ W. D. Shelor, E. E. Wordsworth, and lights on an automobile. They only C. E. Cornell. seem more glaring than our own.”— These sentence sermons appeared: “If Defender. you are seeking an office, do not try “The future is something which every­ to push another brother ‘out,’ for you one reaches at the rate of sixty minutes may lose your footing—‘getting in.’ ” an hour, whatever he does, whoever he “Seeing God has His eye on the spar­ is.”—Fort Worth Record-Telegram. row, He will in due time recognize your ability.” “Do not cultivate the habit of saying—‘He is all right—but.’ ” “Be

C ongratulations t o Y o u ! positive, be practical, be prayerful, be If you are an active, hard-working punctual, be pronounced, be persuad­ member of the church, and you go along ing, and be patient.” year after year, unhonored, unrecog­ Dr. C. B. Widmeyer gave this sug­ nized, and unsung . . . may I congratulate gestion: you? A Sermon Should Be: No higher mark of appreciation could 1. Scriptural be paid to you than being taken for 2. Doctrinal granted. That just means you are con­ 3. Educational sidered a member of that inner circle 4. Homiletical of faithful, dependable, hard-working 5. Spiritual folk who in truth really make the church 6. Oratorical go. 7. Rhetorical The most genuine, the sincerest mark 8. Evangelical of deep appreciation is sometimes to be 9. Devotional taken for granted. Beware of lavish 10. Practical attention, constant expressions of your 11. Powerful value, and overflow thank-you’s. They 12. Helpful may be genuine. But then again, it may 13. Logical be that people are not quite sure about 14. Truthful your staying in line. Or perhaps they 15. Intellectual know you have a reputation for sensi­ In 1926 our foreign missionary work tiveness, so the demand for attention is was limited to just ten fields, which of simply being met. course included China.—N. G. M. Just being ignored can be an honest tribute in your church. People probably feel that they know you well enough T h e W a y Y o u L o o k a t I t ! to depend on you. They trust you! So Commenting on the death of the father they depend on you and spend their time of a colored boy, the man asked, “What trying to oil the friction in others, and was the cause of the death of your keep the less stable ones producing. father?” “I don’t know,” was the reply, —Dunbar, West Virginia, bulletin “but it wasn’t anything serious.”

July, 1961 (327) 39 Outline on A cts 1:8 I. Power for effective personality II. Guidance III. The Inner Flame Isaiah’s V ision ■—M i l o L . A r n o l d S c r i p t u r e : Isaiah, chapter 6 Moses Lake, Wash. I. H e H a d a V i s i o n o f t h e S a v i o u r . . I saw also the Lord . . . high and lifted up . . (v. 1). Thoughts from John 16 II. H e H a d a V i s i o n o f S i n . “Nevertheless” in v. 7, the big word “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am the Holy Spirit uses to turn us from undone . . (v. 5). sorrow to joy. III. H e H a d a V i s i o n o f S anctification . The Holy Spirit’s office work is three­ . . thine iniquity is taken away, fold here: and thy sin purged” (v. 7). 1. Reproves of sin. IV. H e H a d a V i s i o n o f S e r v i c e . 2. Creates hunger for holiness. . . Here am I; send me” (v. 8). 3. Reminds and prepares us for the —W e s l e y T r a c y Judgment, in vv. 8-11. Kansas City, Kansas C o m f o r t s o f t h e C o m f o r t e r 1. Gives sweet ministry of guidance (v. 13). The Cords That Bind 2. He “glorifies” Christ (v. 14). 3. Turns sorrow into joy (v. 20). T e x t : His own iniquities shall take the 4. Furnishes us with overcoming wicked himself, and he shall be holden cheer while in the world (v. 33). with the cords of his sins (Proverbs 5:22). —N. G. M. The story of Samson (Judges 13—16) is an illustrative picture of how a man Things That Matter Most is bound by his own disobedience. The cords of sin will bind slowly but surely. T e x t : II Corinthians 5:9-11 1. Habits of sin bind us. I. A conscience read and known of 2. The depraved nature of man is a God binding force (Romans 7). II. The terror of the Lord 3. Cords of sin can be broken (R o­ III. The final judgment mans 6:15-18; Galatians 5:1). IV. The matter of being accepted of Him —N. G. M. —C l a u d e E. P i t t e n g e r Chanute, Kansas What Simon Should Have Known

A Prayer for Spiritual Victory T e x t : Luke 7:39 I. That he was inviting more than an Exposition of Paul’s prayer in Phi- ordinary Guest for dinner. lippians 1:1-11. II. That Jesus is the Friend of sinners I. He prays for their spiritual direction. III. That this anointing was in divine Abounding love, abundant living, order abiding Lord. IV. That a sin-burdened soul finds re­ II. He prays for their spiritual discern­ lief at His feet ment. V. That Christ appreciates the least Spiritual relationships, spiritual services done for Him. riches, spiritual rewards. VI. That He is never too preoccupied to III. He prays for their spiritual diffusion. forgive a sinner. The excellency of their behavior, VII. That the greater the sinner, the being, and bestowment. greater the joys of forgiveness. —N. G. M. —N. G. M.

40 (328) The Preacher's Magazine A PREACHING PROGRAM C o n c l u s i o n : A. Conditions: You do this; God will do thus. First Things First B. People who are really seeking for S c r i p t u r e : Matthew 6 : 1 6 - 3 4 something aren’t sidetracked eas­ I ntroduction : By use of homiletical ily- hammer, this passage is broken into First things first! three portions. —B o b E. H a r m o n Helena, Montana I. W h a t W e A r e N o t t o D o . A. Don’t fast and pray like Pharisees (vv. 16-19). The Bible: 1. Right and wrong way to ad­ The Best Book for a Bad Time vertise spirituality. 2. Don’t parade your piety. S c r i p t u r e s : Isaiah 34:16a; Psalms 119: B. Don't lay up treasures on earth 105: Acts 17:11

(vv. 19-22). I ntroduction : 1. Moth and rust consume and A. A lot of foolish words have been thieves break in and steal. addressed to this faltering world. 2. Lay up treasures in heaven. B. Need to be aware of problems to C. Don’t try to serve two masters find solutions. (v. 24). 1. Hate one and love the other. I llustration : 2. Of Arturo Toscanini, the great In late days of Roman Empire a orchestra conductor, someone small landowner could deed his property has said, “As you heard him to a powerful military man to obtain conduct a Beethoven sym­ protection and security. This plan was phony, you felt that not only called precarium, from which we get our had he mastered Beethoven, word precarious. but Beethoven had also mas­ This precariousness is nothing new, tered Toscanini.” for man in this world has a continual D. Don’t be anxious about your life sense of uncertainty. (vv. 25-32). I. T h e B i b l e I s t h e A n s w e r f o r O u r 1. Supposed to be concerned, but B ig g e s t P r o b l e m : S i n (II Timothy worry usually magnifies little 3:15). things out of proportion. A. Sin is an unchanging problem. 2. Paul learned to be content in 1. Sin didn’t come in the twen­ all conditions. tieth century. 2. On the question, Which came II. W h a t W e A r e t o D o . first? (like the chicken and the A. Seek first the kingdom of God egg)—sin came first; people (v. 33). have acted mysteriously since. 1. Luke 9:60. 3. Drinking is a big problem, but 2. Matthew 19:21. it is outgrowth of a bigger or 3. Matthew 16:24. our biggest problem. 4. Luke 14:26. B. There is an unchanging answer. B. Seek first His righteousness 1. Hebrews 13:8. (v. 33). 2. There have been some new 1. Matthew 13:45. ways and theories advocated, 2. Matthew 5:6. but we must all turn to the Good Book for the answer. III. W h a t G o d W i l l D o f o r Us.

A. God knows what you need I I. T h e B i b l e I s P r o f i t a b l e f o r T e a c h ­

(v. 32b). i n g , R e p r o o f , C o r r e c t i o n , a n d I n ­ B. God will add these things to you s t r u c t i o n m R ighteousness ( I I Tim­ (v. 33b). othy 3:16).

July, 1961 (329) 41 A. More than a Source Book for the Assyrian Empire, repented salvation. and was accepted in the sight B. It is the living Word of the living of God. God for living and dying men B. Inclusive invitations. today. 1. God’s (Isaiah 5 5 : 1 ) . 2. Jesus’ (Matthew 1 1 :2 8 and I llustration : Story told of young man working on John 6 :3 7 b ) . a Model-T Ford. After a long time of 3. The Spirit’s (Revelation 22: no success, a fine automobile stopped 1 7 ). beside him. A well-dressed man stepped C. Peter wanted this straight at the out and told the young man to make a start of his sermon; everyone and certain minor adjustment in the timing. every nation who fears God and Rather reluctantly the young man did so. does what is right is acceptable “Now, said the man, your car will run.” to Him (vv. 3 4 - 3 5 ) . The young man turned the crank and, D. Peter preached a short gospel sure enough the car did run. Surprised, message with these points: he asked, “How is it that you know just I. T h e C h r is t W h o L iv e d ( v . 3 8 ) what to do to my car to make it run? II. T h e C h r is t W h o D ie d ( v . 3 8 b ) Who are you?” “I’m Henry Ford,” said III. The Christ W ho Lives (v. 4 0 ) the man. IV. T h e C h r is t W h o C a n S a v e F r o m C. Maybe your life is out of time. S i n N o w ( v . 4 3 )

I I I . T h e B i b l e I s t h e S w o r d o f t h e C o n c l u s i o n : S p i r i t (Ephesians 6:17). A. The following lines were written A. Isaiah 11:4. by William Hone to describe his B. Revelation 1:16. own experience: C. The Christian is to use the Word The proudest heart that ever beat of God because in it is the power Hath been subdued in me; of the Holy Spirit. The wildest ivill that ever rose to scorn

C o n c l u s i o n : Thy cause and aid Thy foes A. “The Bible is as up-to-date as Is quell’d my God, by Thee. newsprint wet upon the presses, Thy will, and not my will, be done; and as sturdy and old-fashioned Confessing Thee, the mighty Word, as Grandfather’s hickory stick.” my Saviour Christ, my God, my B. “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, Lord, and read” (Isaiah 34:16a). Thy cross shall be my sign. —B o b E. H a r m o n B. Yes, rich man, poor man, beggar, thief, doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief—the gospel is for everyone.

—B o b E. H a r m o n The Gospel for Everyone

S c r i p t u r e : Acts 10:24-44 Victory Through Responsible Living I ntroduction : A. Correcting exclusiveness. S c r i p t u r e : I Corinthians 15: 54-58: I John 1. Peter’s words swept away the 5 :4 racial prejudices of centuries I ntroduction : and from all countries. A. Victory is the achieving of a goal. 2. One of our favorite characters B. Victories come in many areas of of the Old Testament was not life. a Jew, but Job was a good, C. Responsible living is not only perfect, and upright man. accepting blame for faults, but 3. Another man who was not a living so little fault can be found. Jew but who repented and D. It is facing facts, accepting real­ found God is Naaman. ity, and doing something about it. 4. The city of Nineveh, capital of E. Our challenge is, with the help of

42 (330) The Preacher's Magazine God, to make our way, earn and D. Of our selves. prove our true worth. II. To H a v e T h a t V i c t o r y , W e M u s t I. I n t h e R e a l m o f t h e T e m p o r a l W i t n e s s V ictoriously . A. Learn the changeableness (while A. In the Spirit, our most effective spiritual is unchangeable). witness. B. Learn that things are not the B. With spiritual understanding, our final goal. best key. C. Learn the lessons of change: life C. In midst of trials and tempta­ not static, time changing every­ tions, our best opportunity.

thing, including yourself. III. To H a v e T h a t V i c t o r y , W e M u s t II. I n t h e R e a l m o f M o r a l s P r a y V ictoriously . A. Parents are responsible to “hold A. Temptations are overcome in vic­ a line” of moral fiber. torious prayer. B. Youth must learn to hold the line, B. Trials become victories through especially of moral standards. prayer. C. Children learn from (1) parents, C. Victorious prayer gives us cour­ and (2) church, and the (3) age to stand for our convictions. world. It is up to us to make D. Victorious prayer enables us to God’s standards their very own. stay free of sin. Any two of these swing the trend E. Victorious prayer leads us to seek in the child’s life. His image in our lives.

I I I . I n t h e R e a l m o f t h e S p i r i t 1. This was challenge to apostles A. Keeping a personal, up-to-date at Transfiguration. experience. 2. Isaiah’s vision caused him to B. Keeping a burden for family (Job pray to real victory. daily prayed for his family). 3. Paul’s vision brought real C. Aggressively making spiritual prayer, and revealed Christ. conquests. Not only praying for C o n c l u s i o n : Victorious prayer is the children’s salvation, but also their time of meeting Divinity, and rightly calling. meeting Divinity means real victory.

C o n c l u s i o n : —D e l m a r S t a l t e r A. Is your living responsible? B. Is your living victorious? C. These go together to make all of life a real blessing. Neglect brings frustration and defeat. Called to Battle

—D e l m a r S t a l t e r S c r i p t u r e : Joshua 1:2

Churubusco, Indiana I ntroduction : The call to cross Jordan not a call to peace, but to warfare. I. T h i s C a l l O n e o f S a c r i f i c e . What It Takes to Stay on Top! A. Self-denial.

S c r i p t u r e : I Thessalonians 3:12-13 B. Separation. C. Limitations. I ntroduction : A. Man has many formulas for suc­ II. T h i s C a l l W a s t o S u f f e r i n g . Some cess. would give their life for the sake of B. God has one—surrender and sub­ the group, (they left their easy mission. chairs). I. T o H a v e T h a t V i c t o r y , W e M u s t I I I . T h i s C a l l W a s t o T r u s t a n d O b e d i ­

G iv e V ictoriously . e n c e (v. 9). A. Of our time—realizing time given IV. T h i s C a l l W a s O n e t o H o n o r G o d to God is most valuable. (Moses, Numbers 20:7-12). B. Of our talents. V . T h i s C a l l W a s O n e t o R e a l V i c ­ C. Of our tithes—see that it is God’s, t o r y , f o r B o t h I s r a e l i t e a n d not a gift to men. C a a n a n i t e .

July, 1961 (331) 43 A. For enemy it meant change in ciating others’ work, being rulership. cranky, cynical, and narrow­ B. It meant a whole new set of reg­ minded, while pretending to be ulations to govern their lives. “righteous” and a big thinker.

C. It meant a change in the en­ —D e l m a r S t a l t e r vironment, with sin gone. D. For the Jew, it meant peace in fullfillment of God’s will, the oc­ cupation of the place of spiritual A Crucified Life victory. —D e l m a r S t a l t e r S c r i p t u r e : John 17:13-26

I ntroduction : A. Jesus’ life characterized by a Are You a Religious Beatnik? “must.” 1. As a Youth of twelve. S c r ip t u r e : Matthew 23:1-13 2. As He went through Samaria. T e x t : Matthew 23:13 B. The reason for His “must” was I ntroduction : Definition of Beatnik: that He was already crucified, “an offbeat, lazy, aimless, indulgent, even though the Cross was yet in selfish individual that indulges in music, the future for Him. In this ex­ poetry, or any whim of fancy, without perience He faced each situation rhyme or reason.” He expresses hos­ victoriously. tility and suspicion, accepting little from I. N o t e t h e M a n n e r o f F a c i n g H i s others and certainly giving nothing. He E n e m i e s ( v . 14). hides behind drink, dope, beards, loony A. Sought to help them. music and verse, ignoring reality and B. Revealed their needs to them. feelings to indulge his own unsatisfactory C. Never vacillated, faced issues lusting. firmly, knew where He stood. I. A B e a t n i k Is S e l f is h ( v . 4 ) . I I. N o t e How H e F a c e d H i s T a s k A. He is a person who refuses to (v. 19). share his testimony. A. Trouble among disciples; sought B. He is a person who refuses to to unite them. share his money. B. Faced hatred with love and pa­ C. He is a person who refuses to tience. share his time. C. Faced vicious pride with hu­ D. He refuses to share himself. mility. II. A B e a t n i k Is L a z y . A. He is a person who is unwilling I I I . N o t e H o w H e F a c e d H i s F r ie n d s to work, using any excuse. (v. 24). A. Sought to lead them in His way. B. He is a person unwilling to take B. He knew His way was not easy, responsibility. C. He is unwilling to disturb his yet persistently urged them to selfish pattern of life. follow into fullness of work. C. He recognized eternal value, and D. He is willing to see a work fail sought to lead us to enjoy the rather than put forth any serious effort himself. fullness of the blessing. III. A B e a t n i k Is F e a r f u l . He is re­ I V . N o t e H o w H e F a c e d H i s F a t h e r fusing to face life as it is, hiding (v. 25). behind this mask of superiority. A. It was with great rejoicing He A. He is “better” than others. could face His Father. B. The daily life struggle defeats B. In facing His friends, He could him, for he is not willing to pay rejoice, for the redemption was the price for real victory. full and complete. C. He can’t stand the normal enthu­ C. It was complete victory. siasm of people, always depre­ —D e l m a r S t a l t e r

44 (332) The Preacher's Magazine THE ALL-SUFFICIENT CHRIST

Scripture: I Corinthians 1: 26-31; James 3:13-18

T e x t : I Corinthians 1:30

I ntroduction : Four p o s s ib le lines of approach to this tremendous text and its titanic context. A. National—Wisdom, the quest of the Greeks; Righteousness, of the Jews; Redemption, of the Romans; Sanctification, of the mystics of every nation—we can see the text as an enlarge­ ment of the inscription upon the Cross, Christ, the King, and “desire of all nations.” B. Summary—the text as summary of New Testament teaching: Wisdom, of Epistle of James; Righteousness, of Paul’s writ­ ings; Sanctification, of Hebrews; Redemption, of Peter’s. As there are four Gospels of the life of Jesus, so we can see the fourfold glory of salvation through the eyes of James, Paul, Peter, and the unknown author of Hebrews. C. D evotional—interpreted from the context: Wisdom for the “foolish”; Righteousness for the “weak”; Sanctification for the “base”; Redemption for the “are not’s” (slaves)—exalt the wisdom and power of God in fact that “salvation suits them all.” D. Evangelical—from this angle of approach we gain three stim­ ulating, saving truths:

I. G od D i s p l a y s H i s G l o r y i n t h e M o s t N e e d y S o u l s . A. Three times the phrase, “God chose . . . ,” deliberately, the most needy as foundation members of His Church—unedu­ cated, ignoble, unrecognized—so that those He blessed would glory in Him. B. A principle of God’s choice—Illustration: John 5. Jesus deliberately chose the “worst case,” to show that He can plumb the depths of sin and suffering. He “quickeneth whom he w ill.” C. In that fact, power to take away hurtful inferiority and depression. At some time all thrashed by devil, and thrash ourselves over lack and limitation; “buffeted,” as Paul over weakness, until we recognize inferiority precedes invasion of divine grace.

II. C h r i s t Is t h e A n s w e r t o E v e r y S e e k in g S o u l . A. The Greeks sought after wisdom. This was the first deepest urge of the Grecian soul. The first thing offered by Christ to every human heart is the satisfaction of the strongest, deepest desire. B. Initial satisfaction in Christ must not blind us to the further “riches of his grace.” The Vatican manuscript reads, . . made unto us wisdom, also righteousness, also . .

July, 1961 (333) 45 III. C h r i s t Is S u f f ic i e n t f o r E v e r y N e e d o f a B e l ie v e r ’ s E x p e r i e n c e . A. Wisdom has to do with disposition in its fullest sense-—coming “from above,” the “pure,” “peaceable,” “gentle,” truthful na­ ture of Christ; this in contrast to earthly wisdom, worldly and devilish. Some believers are fractious and crooked be­ cause they never asked for wisdom in fervor and faith. B. Righteousness has to do with character and conduct. Phari­ sees sought to be right before God by their own merits, before men by keeping the rule and code; that righteousness exceeded by being made right and living right by imputed and imparted righteousness of Another. C. Sanctification has to do with whole personality—body, soul, and spirit. New Testament emphasis upon cleansing aspect of sanctification in Christ, embodying Old Testament em­ phasis upon separation with view to cleansing; an instantane­ ous work, which must be progressively perfected in the whole personality. D. Redemption has to do with deliverance and destiny. We are the spiritual “are not’s,” slaves of sin, as so many in the Corinthian church were slaves of Rome (and of sin). In grace Jesus has ransomed our souls; in glorification He will ransom our bodies.

C o n c l u s i o n : The only conclusion, “that no flesh should glory in his presence.” We can glory only in the wonder that we, even we, are God’s choice! In the wealth of grace inexhaustible in Christ, from initial salvation to perfect holiness!

—A l b e r t J. L o w n Lisburn, N. Ireland

DIVINE TOUCH

T e x t : Matthew 8:3 I. T h e S i m p l i c i t y o f T h e i r P l e a . “ L o r d .” A. The length of their prayer. B. The source of their petition.

II. T h e S i n c e r it y o f T h e i r P r a y e r . “ I f T h o u .” A. Their dependence upon Him. B. Their determination in getting assistance.

III. T h e S a n s - n e s s o f T h e i r P e t i t i o n . “ M a k e M e C l e a n .” A. Away from society—sin separates. B. Away from services—sin robs men of responsibilities. C. Away from security—sin, darkness, future, etc.

I V . T h e S a v io u r o f T h e i r P a r d o n . A. Immediate response. B. Immediate cure.

C o n c l u s i o n : All unsaved people in God’s sight are unclean—thus we all need a Saviour. Why not turn in the direction of the One who can give you help just now? —Author Unknown

46 (334) The Preacher's Magazine BRIEFS

THE UNFOLDING MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE G. Campbell Morgan (Revell, 1961, 416 pages, cloth, $5.50) It never ceases to amaze us that the veteran, world-renowned Bible scholar, G. Campbell Morgan, should have left so much material, yet un­ published, behind him at his death. The Unfolding Message of the Bible sets out to show the unity of the Bible. The author states the purpose in this material as follows: “Bible teachers insist upon the fact that the Bible is a library, and that is an important fact to know and to remember. We have sixty-six books, as we find them in our Bible, bound together and written over a period of fifteen hundred years, mostly in Hebrew and Greek, and some small portions in Aramaic. But it is a library, and that must be insisted upon again and again when studying the Bible. “But while that is perfectly true, these books form a whole in a simple, and yet very remarkable way. This series of studies is intended to show that wholeness: that although we treat the Bible as a library and advise students desiring to begin the study of it to take a book at a time, it is certainly true that we shall far more intelligently study any part of the Bible in proportion as we have some conception of its entirety, a view of the wholeness of it. That unity is what we are attempting to show.” G. Campbell Morgan maintains a steady, conservative approach to the Bible. He is loyal to the best meanings and shies away from liberalism at every point. This book is a good one for ministers to have when they want a quick run-down of any particular book in the Bible as to its basic meaning and message. It will be also of value to laity who like to get a quick pre­ view of any of the books in the Bible before beginning a detailed study of them. You will note in his study of Romans, and at other spots where he deals with the doctrine of sanctification, his emphasis is basically upon gradualism rather than on crisis. Remembering this, you will find in this one volume a vast amount of warm, appreciative background to make the Bible live.

WHEN WOMEN MEET Edna V. Rowlingson (Henry E. Walker Ltd., 1959, 108 pages, paper, $ .75) This is a book of six chapters designed for leaders of Christian women’s groups. The first two chapters offer suggestions for conducting and ad­ dressing the meetings. The last four chapters give suggestions for talks on various themes such as the Bible and Christian study. Each of these carries Bible readings and suggested hymns. This would be especially beneficial to the woman who is inexperienced in leading women’s groups. These suggested talks would also be helpful in sickrooms. They have beautiful tones and depth of inspiration.—R o x i e A n n W e s s e l s .

July, 1961 (335) 47 THE DYING AND LIVING LORD Helmut Gollwitzer (Muhlenburg Press, 1960, 128 pages, paper, $1.25) In looking forward to Easter season, 1962, here’s a book that will be of distinct merit. Fifteen sermons from the Passion narrative of Luke’s Gospel that were preached first in Germany. The minister was warned by Nazi officials not to preach them. This suggests an urgency that you could normally expect to find in such a case, and you will not be disappointed. These are profound and reverent messages displaying deep spiritual insight. The doctrinal emphasis, while not Wesleyan, would not be found offensive. There is a moving quality to these sermons. The author has an uncanny power of relating gospel history to current spiritual problems. He who reads this book will find his own soul blessed—not so much because it provides ready-made sermon outlines or easily discovered ante- dotes. Here are most certainly depth treatments. They speak to and probe the inner man.—W . E. M c C u m b e r .

A CHRISTIAN IN EAST GERMANY Johannes Hamel (Association Press, 1961, 128 pages, cloth, $3.00) This is a study of how Christians practice their faith under totalitarian domination in East Germany. The author deals with Marxist students, holds conventions with officials of the government, preaches the Word of God, and faces subversive conditions in homes, schools, factories, and every­ where. Here are pictured in an enlightening way the actual conditions behind the iron curtain. The book is a vivid recital of living for Christ under adverse conditions. It could well be read by our young people, by laymen and pastors alike. But if you are satisfied as a weakling, then don’t read the book.—E. E. W o r d s w o r t h .

DANGER AHEAD C. W. Scudder (Broadman Press, 1961, 180 pages, cloth, $3.25) Here is a hard-hitting survey of current problems of racial tension, Communist infiltration, delinquency, and crime which imperil our nation. The degrading influences of sex exploitation in advertising, of the liquor and dope traffic, of salacious literature, of movies, dancing, and gambling are clearly portrayed. The antidotes, the author feels, are an awakened, invigorated Christian Church and an alerted attention to home and school. There is a reference reflectively toward what the author considers “sinless perfection,” and at one spot the author seems to endorse “good” movies. This is a minor strain in an otherwise splendid book, worthy of the time and price for ministers and laymen alike.—W . E. M c C u m b e r .

FAITHFUL WITNESSES Edward Rochie Hardy (Association Press, 1960, 96 pages, paper, $1.00) This is a thrilling record of martyrs of the first three centuries of the Christian era. It tells how they sealed their testimony with their blood. In this book the early Christian heroes and heroines speak for themselves. Here is proved again beyond all doubt the famous adage, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” I wish every layman, young and old, would read it once.—E. E. W o r d s w o r t h .

48 (336) The Preacher's Magazine ONE PASTOR ENTHUSIASTICALLY REPORTS "I sent each of my young people Teen-ager, You Can Be a Christian Too on his thirteenth birthday.”

ANOTHER ONE TELLS . . how his ministry has become more effective since leaving Now That Illness Has Come when visiting the sick, and giving Now That Bereavement Has Come to those mourning the death of a loved one.

§ N o w

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