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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

2-1-1960 Preacher's Magazine Volume 35 Number 02 Lauriston J. Du Bois (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Du Bois, Lauriston J. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 35 Number 02" (1960). Preacher's Magazine. 336. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/336

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]. FEBRUARY 1960 5 L Preacher's M u K j a z m c

Volume 35 February, 1960 Number 2

CONTENTS

Cover—Norman Vincent Peale (see page 6)

Fire Drill in Church, Simeon Stylites ...... 1 Editorial, The Congregation at Worship (II) ...... 2

The Preaching of Norman Vincent Peale, James McGraw ...... 6

Living Nobly, Robert W. Helfrich ...... 9 Not by Bread Alone, John Hoff ...... 12

Holiness the Heart of the Scripture, A. O. Hendricks ...... 16

Gleanings from the Greek New Testament, Ralph Earle ...... 18 “And There Was a Great Calm,” E. Wayne Stahl...... 21 Books Are People, Wise and Good, J. K enneth Grider ...... 22

Queen of the Parsonage, Ruth Vaughn ...... 26

Professionalism in Evangelism, Mel-Thomas Rothwell...... 29 On Judging Our Ministry, Concerned Pastor ...... 32

Elijah the Fiery Preacher, Ira E. F o w l e r ...... 34

The Fine Art of Christian Stewardship, Holmes Ralston ...... 35 Sermon W orkshop ...... 36

Food for Mind and H e a r t ...... 37

Sermon Starters ...... 39

Preaching Program ...... 42 Book Briefs ...... 47

LAURISTON J. DUBOIS, Editor

Contributing Editors Hardy C. Powers Samuel Young G. B. Williamson D. I. Vanderpool Hugh C. Benner

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, Mo. Printed in U .S.A. Fire Drill in Church

By Simeon Stylites*

Romans 8:26

/''V u r a t t e n t i o n has been called— sermon was a vigorous drill in escap­ ^ that is the phrase you use when ing the flames of hell. But the Madi­ you wish to tell an editor that you son Heights church has a different are too highbrow and busy to read kind of “hot gospel.” Now we are his insignificant little sheet, but some all for “safety first.” We are glad the busybody has pointed out to you an congregation will be ready for a fire. item in it— as we w ere saying when There are too few earnest Christians we were interrupted, our attention still extant and we don’t want any of has been called by a dear and non­ them burned up. But we wonder busy friend to a stirring report about whether this drill may not be some a fire drill which was part of a wor­ sort of symbol. Are our churches ship service in the M ethodist church more interested in safety than in ad­ at Madison Heights, Michigan. Since venture? We seem to recall that the we are always on the alert for new marching orders for the first Chris­ advances in worship, we were all in­ tians went in pretty strongly for ad­ terest. We quote from the caption venture. They were promised lots of of a photograph of the congregation tribulations; even a cross was men­ getting out of church in a hurry (we tioned, and mobs, and being haled be­ hope it was not before the morning fore governors and kings. offering was taken!): “These church­ A sentence in the photo captions goers practice a fire drill as a part sticks in our mind: “Other safety of the safety program undertaken by measures have been and will be taken their Methodist church. It took less for the protection of those attending than two minutes to evacuate over church.” What other measures? For 100 persons in the drill.” there are many great dangers to those attending church. We showed this report to a neigh­ bor of ours who tries to keep our con­ There is the danger of being badly science in repair, the pastor of St. cut by the preaching. We read that John’s-by-the Gas-Station. He gave a at the first Christian sermon the hear­ ers were “cut to the quick.” There snort. “ That is nothing,” he said dis­ dainfully. “One of my sermons can are many words in the Bible which evacuate four hundred people in less are sharper than a two-edged sword. than thirty seconds flat. I’ve done it If the danger of drawing blood is to again and again.” Paying no attention be avoided, care must be taken with to his irrelevant remarks, let us pro­ what is read from it. ceed. Then there is often danger (thank God!) of incendiary remarks by the In days long gone every Sunday preacher, following the example of was a fire drill in some churches. The the Great Firebrand, who said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth, and * Christian Century (used by permission). would that it were already kindled!”

1 And there is always danger when carried to a whole town. It has hap­ the Holy Spirit gets loose in a church. pened. If a few people really get on It began that way, you remember—' fire with the gospel, no board of un­ with little tongues of fire descending derwriters can measure the results. on the congregation. The Spirit is You see, there are lots of dangers still inflammatory and the danger is in going to church. Hope you meet ever present that the blaze might be a few.

the EDITOR

II. The Congregation at Worship

/C o n t i n u i n g o u r consideration of worship. And this unique quality of public worship, we want to turn Christian worship reaches its apex in our minds to some matters which the worship of the congregation. have not always been included in the The worship of the individual Protestants’ conduct of the worship Christian is, of course, at the heart services of the church. This has to of all Christian worship. We believe do with the basic Christian concept that man’s approach to God in the ex­ of group worship, or corporate wor­ perience of divine grace must be an ship. This is, the congregational wor­ individual approach. None can be ship experience has some factors in it saved in the mass; none is made a which are more than the sum total of Christian by the sword or by mere the expressions of worship of the social conformity. Likewise at the individuals present. There is a basic heart of every subsequent worship pattern of worship in which the indi­ experience is the individual’s contact vidual becomes a part of the fellow­ with God, apart, if necessary, from ship of worship, which is more than what any others may or may not do. the worship which he as an individual In one sense there can be no corporate may express within the walls of a worship unless there are a personal church. devotion and a personal response to There are varied sorts of worship God. That is why we encourage our experiences which might be discused people to keep up their individual de­ if we could take in the entire sweep votional lives and to maintain with a and the general subject. However, for good degree of consistency their fam­ the sake of brevity and clarity, it ily devotions; and as they come to seems best to push to the heart of our church to be ready to worship, to be study, leaving such areas as non- prayed up, and to come with a sense Christian types of worship untouched. of expectancy that this visit to the We shall start with, then, the obser­ sanctuary is indeed a step into the vation that Christian worship has vestibule of heaven. Without this sort features which are different from and of foundation for worship, the public which surpass every other kind of services will fall far below that which expression which might be called they should be. We must ever keep

2 (50) The Preacher's Magazine before us the importance of this vital, ‘When ye pray,’ said Jesus, ‘say Our personal worship which should char­ Father . . .’ ” acterize the life of every Christian. Douglas Horton, in his Lyman The study of the problems of per­ Beecher lectures at Yale Divinity sonal worship are a study in them­ School, 1958, published under the selves. H owever in this consideration' title The Meaning of Worship, in­ we want to focalize our attention upon cludes this idea under his discussion the public aspects of worship, espe­ of the Church. cially that which is led by the pastor “ So far as I know there is no other in the various services of the week religion in the world except Chris­ within the local church. Herein are tianity, in which the human response the unique characteristics peculiar to deity becomes a worshiping church. to the Christian religion and herein Furthermore, neither of these non- lie those basic features which we as Christian types [Buddhism and Islam] leaders of worship must keep con­ have found love so pronouncedly in stantly before us. Let us notice what God’s disclosure of himself to pro­ have been some of the more recent duce a church as Christians know it. thoughts on this phase of the sub­ There is surely a difference between ject. a Buddhism which stimulates re­ Raymond Abba in Principles of search into one’s deepest self and a Christian W orship points out that it Christianity which, without dis­ is a fundamental principle that Chris­ paraging such research, regards it as tian worship is essentially corporate a means for the enrichment of spir­ activity, being “an act not of isolated itual conversion in the community. individuals but of the whole church. Mohammedan worship in a mosque There has been an increasing recog­ on a Friday morning may appear to nition of this fact during recent have some kinship with the congre­ years.” 1 gational worship of Christians on a “This is not to deny the validity, Sunday morning, but the resemblance or the necessity, of private devotion; is of course only superficial. When it is rather to see it in the proper per­ congregations were banned in Turkey spective. ‘There is a side of our re­ under Mustafa Kema Pasha, worship ligious life which is intimately pri­ in the mosque went unmolested be­ vate, a secret between our souls and cause everybody knew that the rite God, but there are times when we there brought together a number of want to forget ourselves in a larger persons to perform their own indi­ whole; it is to this need that worship vidual orisons with the help of the ministers, directing our minds toward leader in front. Only Christianity, the glory of God and the welfare of I think, has positively required a church.’- The Christian’s private ap­ church as a witness to its belief in a proach to God is on the ground of God of love. . . . union with Christ. But to be ‘in “The man in search of others to Christ’ means to be incorporated into whom God has spoken finds the His body which is the obedient, w or­ church searching for him. The church shiping Church. Christian worship is cannot be the church in its fullness the corporate approach to God of the without all.”3 people of God. It is a family activity. It would seem that this truth would be clear in each of our minds as we 'P. 10. (Used by permission.) -F. H. Brabant, “Worship in General,” in Lit­ urgy and Worship. (Used by permission.) ^Pp. 54-56. (Used by permission.)

February, 1960 (51) 3 would recall the data we have re­ now are we the sons of God,” ring ceived as typical expressions of the across the centuries as the greatest religions of the world. We could add declaration that can come from the to the above the worshipers before lips of mortal men. the shrines of Shintoism and the god- Douglas Horton quotes R. W. Dale worship of the primitive peoples of of Birmingham, England, at this point the world. That is, their worship is as follows: “ To be at a church m eet­ largely individual, and even in the ing, apart from any prayer that is crowd the individual expression of offered, any hymn that is sung, any that worship is paramount. words that are spoken, is for me one Even the expressions of Catholic of the chief means of grace. To know worship, particularly in the more that I am surrounded by men and “primitive” areas of the world, seem women who dwell in God, who have to indicate that the worship is more received the Holy Ghost, with whom nearly that of individuals rather than I am to share the eternal righteous­ a unified group. This worship which ness and eternal rapture of the great draws individuals to the coin boxes life to come, this is blessedness, I and images along the walls of the breathe divine air.” costly temples, which emphasizes the To this Horton adds: “When we confession booth and its related re­ gather with our neighbors on a Sun­ quirements, is not representative of day morning for worship we are not true Christian congregational wor­ far from the Kingdom of Heaven. ship. When we pray that God’s will may be The idea which we wish to convey done on earth as it is in heaven, the as to the centrality of group worship prayer already begins to be answered is seen vividly in the Christian con­ in the relationship of corporate wor­ cept of the “brotherhood of the re­ ship.” 4 deemed.” We speak easily about We have been saying that the “adoption” as one of the three prin­ unique quality of the church is to cipal phases of the conversion experi­ worship. Actually we could take the ence, along with justification and re­ further step and say that whenever a generation. But do we feel it and do group gathers together to worship in we let it work out in our Christian- the Christian sense, it is the church. relationships? Our worship to God As Willard Sperry points out: “There is valid only as our fellowship with remains to the church, then, the con­ our brethren is unbroken. duct of public worship as an office There is no place in the Christian which no other institution has claimed family for the “only child.” True, we as it prerogative and peculiar mission. must seek God alone. True, we must . . . Wherever and whenever men be prepared to “come out from among meet together avowedly to address them, and be . . . separate.” True, themselves to the act of worship, salvation must forever begin our per­ there is a church, clearly and dis­ sonal relationship with God. True, tinctly defined . . . There is no blur­ there must be a personal walk with ring of the lines here . . . the conduct God through life, a personal devo­ of public worship is the original office tional life. But along with this is the of a church and remains, always, its ageless purpose of God to have a distinctive office.”5 “people,” made up of all who have tested His salvation and taken on of 4Ibid., p. 71. (Used by permission.) r,Willard Sperry, Reality in Worship, p. 163. His nature. The words, “Beloved, (Used by permission.)

4 (52) The Preacher's Magazine But we must not stop here lest we of the priestly terms of the Old Tes­ circumscribe the purpose of the tament into the priestliness of the church by limited concepts of what Gospel. ‘That I might be the priest this worship means. It is not just an of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, sacri­ expression of adoration to God which ficing of the Gospel of God, that the is self-centered. As Abba points out: sacrificial offering of the Gentiles “This principle [corporate worship] might be acceptable, being sanctified is a corollary of the New Testament by the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 15:16) doctrine of the priesthood of all be­ The act of this corporate worship, lievers, so dear to Reformed church­ then, becomes the “priesthood of the men. Christians— all Christians— con­ congregation,” which releases saving stitute a ‘kingdom of priests.’ This virtue and saving power whereby the means, however, not only that every unsaved are brought under conviction Christian has direct access to the for their sins and find through the presence of God through the one atmosphere of the churches the re­ Mediator, Jesus Christ; it has an­ demption for which Christ died. This other implication which is frequently worship, then, is more than singing a overlooked. The function of the priest song, saying a prayer, or repeating is to offer a sacrifice. If then Chris­ historic, liturgical phrases. It is the tians form a ‘kingdom of priests,’ as body of believers, moving so close to the New Testament declares (I Peter God that God can release of His 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6, 10) it follows power to fill the individual and col­ that their function as a corporate lective needs represented by the whole is to make an offering to God; group. Here is where we see the ex­ they are to offer the sacrifice of praise tension of the commonly accepted continually and themselves as a rea­ concept of public worship. It is more sonable, holy and living sacrifice. In than personal. It is more than an end this the church, like the priest, acts in itself. It is the force of Spirit-filled vicariously; it offers to God on be­ men making possible the release of half of humanity, what He requires of the grace and power of God to meet all men by giving unto the Lord the human need. glory due His name. This is ex­ pressed in St. Paul’s transformation fiOp. cit., p. 12.

T h e T a s k o f t h e C h u r c h A man once stepped into a church and heard the congregation saying with the pastor: “We have left undone those things we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” The man slipped into a pew and sighed with relief, “Thank God! I’ve found my crowd at last!” Jesus Himself once said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Since His time the church has been not a showplace of saints but a clinic for sinners. To the derelict, the dis­ eased, the distressed, the defeated, the church opens wide its doors as a society of sinners.

—J o h n R. B r o k h o f f in “This Is L ife” (Fleming H. Revell Company)

February. I960 (53) 5 The Preaching of Norman Vincent Peale

By James McGraw*

T T e p r e a c h e s that Jesus Christ is Wesleyan University. Two years the answer to all personal and later he was ordained, and began his social problems.” first pastorate in the Methodist This was the statement that stood church, Berkely, Rhode Island. He out emphatically in the midst of the continued his studies in Boston Uni­ other remarks in a feature article in versity, and received the M.A. and Look magazine several months ago. S.T.B. degrees in 1924. M eantime he It seemed to express the conclusions had accepted a call to the King’s High­ of the author after he had made his way Methodist Church in Brooklyn. study and written his story about a In five years there he saw the mem­ man who has gained the attention of bership increase from 40 to 900. He the church world today as few others served four years in Syracuse, and have gained it, through his ministry then in 1932 he went to N ew Y ork to millions in books, newspaper col­ City to assume the leadership of the umns, magazine features, radio and oldest Protestant church in America, television programs, and most impor­ the Marble Collegiate Church. He tant of all, in the pulpit of Marble Col­ has been pastor there ever since, legiate Church, where he has been preaching to 4,000 people each Sun­ the m uch-loved pastor since 1932. day morning. That preacher is Norman Vincent A living example of the truth of Peale. the adage, “He who wastes no time Born M ay 31, 1896, in Bowersville, does not complain for lack of time,” Ohio, he had a heritage of holiness in Norman Vincent Peale seems to have his early home life. His father, found the secret of being extremely Charles Clifford Peale, was pastor of busy, yet always relaxed. He spends the Bowersville congregation at that many hours in study as preparation time, and the early influences of this for the challenge of preaching to his deeply religious father and his de­ large congregation, yet he finds time voted, consecrated wife must have to write a regular newspaper column helped to mold their son into the kind and contribute regularly to several of person who has given of himself magazines and journals. Along with to so many people through his busy this activity, he has found the time and fruitful life. since the publication of his first book Peale was converted at the age of in 1937 to write at least two best­ twenty-two in Delaware, Ohio, and he sellers, one of which, The Power of dates his call to preach as having oc­ Positive Thinking, sold over two mil­ curred later that same year, in Bell- lion copies and topped the best-seller fontaine, Ohio. During the year of list in nonfiction for three years. With his conversion and call to the min­ all this, he broadcasts regularly over istry he was graduated from Ohio radio in a program titled “The Art of Living,” and has a television pro­ * Professor. Nazarene Theological Seminary. gram called “What’s Your Trouble?”

6 (54) The Preacher's Magazine Dr. Peale’s philosophy of preach­ thousand people who receive copies ing seems to be best stated in the of his sermons each week would be words of the magazine article men­ proof that a great many people feel tioned above. He sees in Jesus Christ the need for this kind of message. “the answer to all personal and so­ This approach to preaching is illus­ cial problems” of life. And he sees trated in his book The Power of Pos­ life as something to enjoy, something itive Thinking, in which he suggests which offers peace and happiness to the value of prayer in helping people those who find its secret through faith meet life’s problems. He states it this in Christ. He sees his preaching min­ way: “ The formula is, (1) Prayerize, istry as having no worthier aim than (2) Picturize, and (3) Actualize.” By bringing to his listeners the truth that “prayerize” he means daily, syste­ through Christ “there is a way to get matic, regular, “creative” prayer. In the most out of life.” He expresses explaining the meaning of “pictur­ this view of his preaching philosophy ize,” he declares that the man who in his book The Art of Living as fol­ assumes success tends already to have lows: success. He writes: “The hard-pressed man of today, “To assure something worth while surrounded as he is by the most elab­ happening, first pray about it and orate array of problems ever to dis­ test it according to God’s will; then tract human intelligence, earnestly print a picture of it in your mind as wants one question answered and in happening . . . put the matter in God’s terms he can understand and appreci­ hands . . . and follow God’s guidance. ate. The question boldly and badly . . . Do this and you will be astonished stated is, ‘Tell me how to live here and at the strange ways in which the pic- now in a way that will bring me sat­ turization comes to pass. In this isfaction and peace, and give me a manner the picture ‘actualizes.’ ” sense of worth.’ ” Peale believes that He illustrates this truth in another faith in Christ provides the answer to chapter of his book with the story of that question, and it is significant that a man whose student wanted to be a his favorite scripture verse is John trapeze artist but did not have the 10:10: The thief came not, but for to nerve to perform because of the par­ steal, and to kill, and to destroy; but alyzing fear that gripped him when I am come that they might have life, he saw the ground so far below him. and that they might have it more The instructor’s advice was, “Son, abundantly.” He preaches abundant you can do it. Throw your heart over living. He enjoys it himself; he likes the bar, your body will follow.” Nor­ to talk about it; and he practices it man Vincent Peale has been preach­ and exemplifies it in his own spirit ing that if we are willing to expect the everywhere he goes. best we will get it. We must be will­ The keynote of Norman Vincent ing to “throw our hearts over the Peale’s preaching can therefore be bar” and believe we can succeed. said to be comfort and consolation in Don Nicholas has observed in an­ life’s stresses, and courage and stam­ alyzing Dr. Peale’s preaching minis­ ina in meeting life’s tensions. He try that there is a unique “direct saw soon after coming to Marble approach” in his style. This seems Collegiate Church that the response to strike a responsive note among the from his listeners indicated an over­ business and professional men who whelming need for this emphasis. A make up a large part of his audiences. mailing list of some three hundred He knows how to lay aside the cliches,

February, 1960 (55) 7 the shibboleths, the hackneyed and apparent before his sermon has been the trite expressions, and hit hard concluded. and straight at the truth he is trying He uses a wide variety of conclu­ to express. This is not to say that he sions. In one book of his sermons lacks eloquence, or that his language there are two which are brought to is dull or without color. On the con­ an end with short, pungent apho­ trary, there are some excellent flash­ risms; two of them end with brief es, of moving, descriptive, brilliant quotations of poetry; four are con­ prose in his sermons. cluded with illustrations, one of which He spends two days preparing his was from personal experience and Sunday sermon, and two full days in one from the Bible; and two of them reading and study in addition to the close with applications which are time spent in specific sermon prep­ supported by appropriate passages of aration. He usually writes out his scripture. sermons in outline form. He often When he was called to Marble Col­ discusses his sermon ideas with his legiate Church, he began his ministry wife, whose keen insight and alert with sermons that dealt with such response have provided for him a subjects as worry, unhappiness, grief, splendid “sounding board” upon lack of faith, and depression of spirit. which his sermons become clearer in The response of his listeners led him the preacher’s own mind. Perhaps to the realization that people needed this unique method offers at least in help along these lines, and he even­ part some explanation for the ability tually established his church clinic, he has to communicate his ideas to where psychiatrist and minister join his listeners with such a high degree forces in helping people under stress of clarity. and tensions to solve their problems. Dr. Peale uses no notes in his pul­ Thus his message has been, “Christ pit delivery, preferring the extem­ has the answer.” “Why not try God?” poraneous method. His introductions he asks in one of his sermons. “Why are usually very brief, and they are not, indeed? You who have a great often narrative in nature. His open­ burden upon your heart, you who ing illustrations are always interest­ have tried many other devices for ing, and he makes good use of the relief. You have sought elsewhere strong sentence in his introductions. for the balm of Gilead and for In correspondence with Nicholas, heartease. Why not try God? You Peale suggests that he uses some who are out of work and worried and three or four illustrations in each anxious, why not try God? You who sermon. Most of these he finds in the are morally weak . . . You who have Bible, but other sources are life situ­ sorrow . . . Why not try God?” ations and his own experiences. Thousands have found the answer His voice is pleasant; not heavy, but to that challenging question, and they powerful enough to project adequate­ have turned to Jesus Christ in sub­ ly in any reasonably-sized auditorium. missive faith. They have learned He preaches in an enlarged conversa­ through the preaching of Norman tional style, and he uses, in his own Vincent Peale that when the mind is words, “a moderate” type and style filled with thoughts of Jesus there is of gestures. His outlines are not al­ no room in it for worry. Christ does ways clear, but the psychological indeed have the answer to all personal progression of his thoughts becomes and social problems.

8 (56) The Preacher's Magazine Living Nobly* (A Message for Youth)

By Robert W. Helfrich*

T e x t : II Peter 1:3 Godliness in mind and character is achieved through noble aims, noble I ntroduction : thoughts, and a noble life. Let us con­ Several years ago I was faced sider the first of these. with the task of making a major de­ cision—that of choosing what I con­ I. N oble a i m s —“No man can rise sidered the better of two possibilities. above that at which he aims. Should I continue my schooling or In the forty-second chapter of should I enlist in the service, as all Psalms we read: “As the hart pant- my friends were doing? The army eth after the water brooks, so panteth was my choice. Whether or not this my soul after thee, O God. My soul was the best choice is really im­ thirsteth for God, for the living God material. The important thing to note ...” The author is here aspiring after is that I made a choice. W hen I en­ the holy—the only aspiration in which tered college I had to choose one of the human soul can be assured that it several possible majors. Throughout will never meet with disappointment. our lives we all must make choices— The truth of this can be readily seen none of us are exempt. in the lives of countless men and This process of choosing the better women who spend their lives aspiring of two or more possibilities is also a after wealth, prestige, selfish glory, necessary process in the spiritual honor, et cetera—but in the last realm. There are, within this realm, analysis they remain unsatisfied. A two types of issues—-the good and the well-known poet who made his home evil. These issues were, at one time, in Alaska wrote a poem, in his latter judged by outward appearances; but days, which contained the story of his Christ has taught us in the Sermon empty life. The poet told how in his on the Mount that these issues are, days of youth he aspired after wealth, in reality, decided in the heart. So it prestige, honor. He continued to tell is within the heart that we make the how he went about reaching these choice of choices. Either we choose goals. The writer closed his poem by the good and live pure, godly lives or telling that he achieved his aims with­ we choose the evil and live ungodly out exception, but to his agonized dis­ lives. If we were to take a poll today, may he found that he still remained I venture to say that there would be unsatisfied. He had left out God. none who could sincerely say that Just recently I overheard a conver­ they deliberately choose to live un­ sation between two college graduates godly lives. Therefore, let us con­ —one a minister, the other a teacher. sider together just what constitutes a The minister questioned the other as godly life and let us approach the to what he had been doing since col­ problem with the thought that: lege days. The teacher’s reply was that he had been “catching up on his * President, Student Ministerial Association. night life.” This young man has a **Delivered to student body, Eastern Nazarene College, 1959. lot to learn—for this so-called “night

February, 1960 (57) 9 life” always fails to satisfy. Satan habits—and by being ever so careful can charm by “painting” the world of our thoughts. We put undying ef­ with bright lights and laughing faces; fort into guarding our material pos­ he can make one feel superficially sessions; for this, as our psychologists happy with his worldly group and tell us, gives us a sense of seciirity, surroundings. But when the lights which in turn yields us a sense of have gone out, the crowd has dis­ happiness. How much happier we persed, and one has made his way would be if we guarded our thoughts home—he must again come face to as carefully! How many times have face with reality. And he will realize your thoughts caused you to say that this “happiness” was a false something that you wished you could sense—lasted but a fleeting moment. retract? It has failed to satisfy. Only the To the proverb, As a man “thinketh aspirations after the holy will assure in his heart, so is he,” the ancient one’s soul that it will never meet with Buddha, founder of the world’s ma­ disappointment. jor nontheistic religion, would add: The suffering of our sin-sick society “All that we are is the result of what which stems from loneliness, anxie­ we have thought; it is founded on our ties, mistrust, prejudice, has its roots thoughts; it is made up of our in man’s passionate desire for the thoughts; if a man speaks and acts things which, in reality, cannot satis­ with an evil thought—pain follows fy. Thanks be unto our Lord, there him. If he speaks and acts with a is a way out of this “rat race.” pure thought—happiness follows For once one aspires after the holy, him .” 1 he can look ahead and say with Our views are determined by our St. Paul, “Forgetting those things thoughts. Are we jealous? Jealousy which are behind, and reaching forth is not love, but self-love. Are we prej­ unto those things which are before, I udiced? Prejudice has been described press toward the mark for the prize by one as a mist which in our jou r­ of the high calling of God in Christ ney through the world often dims the Jesus.” brightest and obscures the best of all But, needless to say, noble aims do the good and glorious objects that not arise by themselves. There are meet us on our way. Are we envious, factors which affect our aim for a snobbish? Are we conceited, arro­ godly life just as there are factors gant, inflated with pride? It is our which affect our aiming of a weapon. thoughts which determine our views. Perhaps our thought patterns need II. N o b l e t h o u g h t s —a basic factor to be changed. Then “. . . be not in our “aim” for a godly life. conformed to this world: but be ye Ancient Oriental religions held to transformed by the renewing of your the profound conviction that the chief mind . . .” (Romans 12:2). error of man lies in his thinking. Sen­ We have attempted thus far to eca, the great Roman Stoic, created a reach godliness in mind and character simple analogy in which he said that through noble aims and noble the soil, however rich it may be, can­ thoughts. This leads us to our third not be productive without cultivation. and final point for consideration—a And likewise the mind, without cul­ noble life. tivation, can never produce good fruits. We must cultivate our minds ’August K. Ruschauer, edited by E. J. Jurgi, The Great Religions of the Modern World (New with prayer, meditation, good reading Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1947), p. 100. 10 (58) The Preacher's Magazine III. A NOBLE LIFE. In conclusion there is only left to say that we have attempted to show The integrity of man is to be meas­ that sometime in our lives we must ured by his conduct—not his say-so, decide whether to live godly lives or not his profession, not his position in ungodly lives. And if wre choose god­ life. liness, we may realize it through Several years ago, on a Monday noble aims, noble thoughts, noble morning following my conversion, I lives. John Wesley gave a formula returned to my position as an as­ for godliness in his sermon “The Wit­ sistant schedule analyst in a steel ness of the Spirit,” when he said, “Let mill. The first task I perform ed was all our thoughts, words, and works be to inform my fellow workers of the a spiritual sacrifice, holy, acceptable change that had been wrought in my to God through Christ Jesus.”- life because of Christ. Nobody said Alice Carey, a writer of the mid­ anything—the group just listened. nineteenth century, left us this poem, Later on during the same day I left entitled “The Noble Life.” my desk and walked to the water cooler. As I looked up from the cooler my eyes met those of one of True toorih is in being not seem­ the older members of the office. “ So ing, you have ben converted,” he said in hi doing each day that goes by a matter-of-fact tone. “Well,” he con­ Some little good—not in the tinued, “I don’t want you to tell me dreaming how to live and I don’t want you to Of great things to do by and by. tell me how you live. I want to see For whatever men say in blind­ how you live.” I want to see how you ness, live! Time and again since then I And in spite of the fancies of have been made aware that this is youth, the sentiment of most. People want There’s nothing so kingly as kind­ to see how we live before they hear ness, how we say we live. People watch us And nothing so royal as truth. six days a week to see what we mean on our seventh day. It needs to be We get back our mete as we said here that we cannot be careful measure. enough about what we say, either. We cannot do wrong and feel Our speech often betrays us. right; Nor can we give pain and gain In I Corinthians 15:33 we read, pleasure, . . evil communications corrupt For justice avenges each slight. good manners.” Therefore don’t be The air for the wing of the spar­ guilty of telling or listening to those row, seemingly harmless little jokes which The bush for the robin and do so much to undermine your char­ wren, acter. Some may laugh, but their But always the path that is nar­ opinion of your character is not so row funny. Don’t be guilty of gossiping. And strait—for the children of One false or misplaced word can ruin men. your or another’s reputation, and above all—your Christian witness. Be careful of your conduct—don’t let 2John Wesley, The Works of John Wesley (Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1872), anyone find fault with it. V, 123.

February, 1960 (59) 11 Not by Bread Alone (A Stewardship Message)

By John Hoff*

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8 :1 - 1 0 ; and God’s promise that Moses thun­ Matthew 4:4 ders out God’s proclamation—a warn­ ing against becoming obsessed with In the fourth chapter of Matthew, the material things of life. He speaks the tempter bids the Christ to betray for God: “Man doth not live by bread himself to the powerful grip of hun­ alone, but by every word that pro- ger and to command the stones at His ceedeth out of the mouth of God.” feet to be made bread. But this is more than a text; it is Christ’s answer to Satan is our an eternal principle: that man is es­ test. “Man shall not live by bread sentially a spiritual being, and for alone, but by every word that pro- him to live demands that his soul ceedeth out of the mouth of God.” and mind be fed as well as his body. Here the devil is tempting the Christ It is the principle that the highest to put material things first and to values in life are spiritual. Adam and place the needs of the physical body Eve sinned when fleshly appetites prior to spiritual good. and curiosities pushed aside God’s The devil often tempts us first on command. Moses warned the Israel­ the plane of the physical. His first ites that to give attention to only the recorded temptation in the very be­ physical and material would en­ ginning was to coax Adam and Eve courage the wrath of God. The time­ to eat—to put a physical desire, a less words of Jesus remind us that to material pleasure above the command neglect God and our souls is to com­ of God. mit spiritual suicide. This principle Our text today is a quotation by is the heart of Christian stewardship Jesus from the Book of Deuteronomy, —to be spiritually minded is the be­ the eighth chapter, which is a section ginning of good stewardship. of Moses’ second discourse just before Let us apply this principle, so basic, his death. Moses reminds the Israel­ to Christian stewardship, to some ites of God’s care, in slaking their areas of life. thirst with water from the rock, in

causing their clothes to last through­ S t e w a r d s h i p a n d W o r s h i p out the long journey, in strengthen­ There are some areas of life in ing them for every weary day, and which we neglect to apply the mes­ in miraculously feeding them with sage of stewardship. One of them is the manna from heaven. He then “worship.” Our text says: “Man shall reminded them that they are on the not live by bread alone, but by every eve of the fulfillment of God’s prom­ word that proceedeth out of the mouth ise—that they are soon to march into of God.” To fulfill the physical and the land flowing with milk and honey, material duties of attending church where the grapes of Eshcol grow. It is not enough. Man has a soul that is in this context of God’s providence must be fed if it is to live. To place

♦Berkeley, California. one’s body in the pew is not sufficient.

12 (60) The Preacher's Magazine For this reason there must be active participation in communion stewardship in worship—an earnest Ivith God— instead of daydreaming endeavor to make use of every oppor­ and stargazing. tunity for spiritual advancement. Stewardship practiced in our serv­ There must be an aggressive grasping ices would find folks endeavoring to after the “every word of God,” the add to the meeting by sitting up near slightest touch of His presence, the the front of the sanctuary, by enter­ every truth of His Word. ing into the singing, by sharing their The churches who lose the glory do experiences in testimony. Steward­ not do so because of smaller prayer ship practiced in our churches would meeting crowds, nor because of fewer turn congregations from the prover­ people in the congregation on Sun­ bial bumps on a log into branches of days, nor because of a less dedicated blessings—real fruit-bearing Chris­ leadership or poorer preaching. The tians. reason rather is due to faulty concept of stewardship at the very heart of For the good steward, the preach­ religion, in the very sanctuary of er’s message is not merely putting in God. This comes about when we ac­ time under the sound of the gospel, cept numerical success and a good but rather an opportunity for soul program as being the essence of the growth. It will demand effort, con­ spiritual life. We must not allow our centration, following in the reading “soul sensitivity” to become so dulled of the scripture perhaps, a prayerful that it cannot distinguish between consideration of the message. It will what is materially satisfying and mean a thousand daydreams pushed what is spiritually refreshing. aside. But, oh, the reward when the We must ask ourselves, Are we rec­ soul is fed and it finds the rich, full ognizing God’s plan for the service life, living on the “every word” of and the power of His Spirit? Are we God! The time has come to realize recognizing in actuality that our need that stewardship means the right use of the church is something deeper of opportunities for worship and spir­ than a social need? We have a need itual advancement. This is seen of constant feeding on things spir­ clearly in the story of Mary and Mar­ itual. tha in the tenth chapter of Luke. Stewardship is taking advantage of Man’s soul will starve if it is fed opportunities; it is investing in the only on a conscience salved by at­ spiritual realm. When will we learn tending services three times a week that God wants our hearts in love be­ —on certain religious, but material, successes. Man will die spiritually if fore He asks our hands in service. in his religious tours to church his Love must preceed and empower greatest impressions are materialistic. duty. It is not the bread of dutiful Take for example the opportunity service that nourishes the soul—the for Christian stewardship in time of soul is stamped with the trade-mark, prayer. Vision the blessing to be re­ “Made by Divinity,” and only the ceived as you partake of the pastor’s power of the divine can feed the hun­ burden for the sick and needy. Feel gry soul. the thrill of “spiritual aliveness” as The motivating force in the life of you add your requests to those as­ the good steward is his love for his cending in the morning prayer. Im­ Master and his life of service as built agine the blessing as you use each around his desire to satisfy the Mas­ time of prayer as an opportunity for ter. Jesus said: “God is a Spirit: and

February, 1960 (61) 13 they that worship him must worship It is well to praise God for pros­ him in spirit and in truth.” True perity, but God help us if we do not stewardship must begin with an ag­ teach men how to live with it. Sta­ gressive commitment to the spiritual tistics show that material prosperity qualities in life. and religious piety are not synony­ mous. S t e w a r d s h i p a n d t h e H o m e Statisticians, psychiatrists, educa­ Another area neglected by the tra­ tors, and judicial authorities of our ditional message on stewardship is the land place the blame for our juvenile home. But you say: That is one area delinquents on the home. Spiritual I do not neglect. I do the best I can malnutrition in the home has brought for my children; I try to keep them to society an age of materialism, self- dressed well; we see that they get to centeredness, delinquency, disrespect the dentist every six months and to for parents, and disregard for law and the doctor for a checkup once a year; even God. The sacred is profaned on they have had every type of shot to all sides because our generation has protect them from disease; we try to largely failed to recognize the eternal give them a good and clean home; we principle that man must feed his soul. have most of the modern con­ Stewardship of the sacred must be veniences; they’ll get a good school­ taken into the home. The only anti­ ing, and we see they get three good dote for a cold materialism is a warm meals a day.” religious experience, to come under I commend you, my friend; but re­ the influence of every word that pro- member our text: “Man shall not live ceedeth out of the mouth of God. by bread alone.” Have you taken as Such a stewardship in the home will much care of their souls? Spiritual demand a proper relationship to malnutrition is the cause of most of Christ, to your children, to the society’s ills. W e fill our children’s church. stomachs and starve their souls, till the physical and material desires A P r o p e r R elationship t o G od overrun and completely squelch con­ Don’t play at religion. You can science, good judgment, and even fool some of the people some of the horse sense. time, and some of the people all the This is the age of prosperity. Youth time, and all the people some of today have been called “The Luckiest the time, and even all the people all Generation.” Because of the depres­ the time—but you can’t fool your chil­ sion of the 1930’s and the low birth dren any of the time. The test of a rate during that period, today there vital experience with God is in the are fewer young people between the home. More young people have been ages of sixteen and twenty-five than disgusted with religion because of the ever before. Thus there is less com­ insincere lives of their parents than petition and each has a bigger piece we could possibly conceive. Put spir­ of the nation’s economic pie. These itual things first yourself, and your are the beneficiaries of the very eco­ life will lay claim upon your children. nomic collapse that struck their par­ If “Not by Bread Alone” is the motto ents down a quarter-century ago. of your life, it will cause your chil­ Youth today have better jobs, more dren to hunger after your spiritual money, bigger homes, nicer clothes, food. And this is the place where and more leisure time than ever be­ you must have a proper spiritual re­ fore. lationship with your family.

14 (62) The Preacher's Magazine A P r o p e r R elationship t o Y o u r trains our youth in what the Apostle C h i l d r e n Paul called the “grace” of giving. Giving, for the spiritually minded As surely as they are fed each day man, is not a cold, calculated con­ with bread alone, you must daily pro­ cept of merit and reward—giving vide them with the Living Bread. must be the expression of thanksgiv­ Your children will know God to be ing and soul satisfaction. The proper only as real as you experience Him attitude toward giving must first be together in your family devotions. taught in the home and then strength­ This reality will grow into a vital ex­ ened by the church. perience that will transform the life and build godly character. A s your Christian parent, the attitude you family advances in spiritual things, take toward your giving and toward you will find the strongest tie to God your church will largely influence and right living that can be provided. your children. Train them to tithe Young people with happy, well-fed and be cheerful givers with your ex­ souls don’t plunder, murder, and ample, for “God loveth a cheerful steal. The question should be asked giver.” Do you get the picture? Your of every parent here: Does your daily stewardship will become the steward­ diet include spiritual food—for your­ ship of your children, and their chil­ self and your family? dren. It is your duty to teach them not only to get but to give. Horace Bushnell said: “There is needed one

A P r o p e r R elationship t o Y o u r more revival among Christians, a re­

C h u r c h vival of giving—when that revival comes the kingdom will come in a Because of the nature of steward­ day.” Our stewardship becomes ship, we began with the church and evangelism as we train our young we conclude with the church. It is people to give. in man’s relation to the church that he realizes the full demands of stew­ Our text points out to us that the ardship. We have been considering basis of our stewardship is not any stewardship as taking advantage of externally imposed demands of the the spiritual dimensions of life to church, but the fact that as spiritual broaden our vision, heighten our beings we have certain spiritual obli­ aspirations, and deepen our Christian gations. When we learn that it is “not experience. The church gives man op­ by bread alone,” but that life is a portunity to teach his family what a spiritual stewardship, we are aligning Christian society can be like. The ourselves with His spiritual kingdom Apostles’ Creed describes the Church and we are obeying the “every word as a community of believers. It is in that proceedeth out of the mouth of this spiritual-minded community that God.” When you catch this vision of young people can be taught to express stewardship it will not only transform love and devotion through service your Christian life but will multiply and giving. It is natural for man to your usefulness to God’s kingdom. share. The philosopher John Locke If we go to church in order to keep wrote: “Were all the blessings of life our religion, if we give only to re­ bestowed upon one soul and had that ceive, we are missing the spirit of soul no one with whom to share his stewardship. Our church, our homes, blessings, he would be of all men most and every opportunity should be ac­ miserable.” It is the church that cepted by the Christian as aids in ad-

February, 1960 (63) 15 vancing the kingdom of God. It is with life so long that their souls are often the case that children like calloused, can teach us the true mean- Hattie Wiley, who have not rubbed ing of stewardship.

Holiness the Heart of the Scripture

By A. O. Hendricks*

TJ e r f e c t l o v e is the only perfection love wherewith thou hast loved me here and now. True holiness or may be in them, and I in them.” entire sanctification is a w ork of The purpose of the teachings of grace, instantaneously wrought in the Christ is set forth in the Sermon on heart of a believer by the baptism of the Mount, recorded in Matthew, the Holy Spirit, administered by chapters five, six, and seven. The key Jesus, purifying the heart, making it verse is found in Matthew 5:48, perfect in love. (Ephesians 1:4; where Christ is teaching about love. I Thessalonians 4:7-8; John 17:17; The purpose of Christ’s prayer, as Hebrews 12:14.) recorded in the seventeenth chapter Every important doctrine in the of John, clearly sets forth this truth. Bible has for its end and purpose Here Christ plainly states: “They are the perfecting of God’s people in love. not of the world, even as I am not of In I Timothy 1: 5 we read: “Now the the world. Sanctify them through end [purpose] of the commandment thy truth: thy word is truth. Neither is charity [love] out of a pure heart, pray I for these alone, but for them and of a good conscience, and of faith also which shall believe on me unfeigned.” The Jewish law told through their word” (John 17:16-17, people what was right, but it lacked 20). the power to make them want to do right; the Holy Spirit came to do that. The purpose of the atonement, the The purpose of the Incarnation is shed Blood, is clearly set forth in He­ set forth in Romans 8: 3-4: “For what brews 13:12-13: “Wherefore Jesus the law could not do, in that it was also, that he might sanctify the people weak through the flesh, God sending with his own blood, suffered without his own Son in the likeness of sinful the gate. Let us go forth therefore flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in unto him without the camp, bearing the flesh: that the righteousness of his reproach.” In I John 1:7-9 we the law might be fulfilled in us, who read: “But if we walk in the light, as walk not after the flesh, but after the he is in the light, we have fellowship Spirit.” The twofold purpose of one with another, and the blood of Christ’s coming is set forth in I John Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us 3:5, 8 and in Colossians 1:14-22. from all sin. If we say we have no The purpose of Christ’s revelation sin [to be cleansed from], we deceive of the Father is found in John 17:26: ourselves, and the truth is not in us. “And I have declared unto them thy If we confess our sins, he is faithful name, and will declare it: that the and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous­ •Pasadena, California. ness [inherited sin].” Not one drop

16 (64) The Preacher's Magazine of blood from the Son of God would baths ye shall keep: for it is a sign have been shed on Calvary’s cross between me and you throughout your unless it provided for forgiveness of generations; that ye may know that the sins we have committed, and also I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” the cleansing from the sin we in­ In Ezekiel 20:12 we read, “Moreover herited. I John 1:9 clearly sets forth also I gave them my sabbaths, to be this truth. a sign between me and them, that The purpose of the gift of the Holy they might know that I am the Lord Spirit on the Day of Pentecost is re­ that sanctify them.” corded in Acts 15:8-9. “And God, B a p t i s m : There are three modes which knoweth the hearts, bare them of baptism: sprinkling, pouring, and witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, immersion. In Ezekiel 36:25-26 we even as he did unto us; and put no read, “Then will I sprinkle clean difference between us and them, puri­ water upon you, and ye shall be fying their hearts by faith.” Also in clean: from all your filthiness, and Hebrews 10:10, 14-15: “By the which from all your idols, will I cleanse you. will we are sanctified through the A new heart also will I give you, and offering of the body of Jesus Christ a new spirit will I put within you: once for all. For by one offering he and I will take away the stony heart hath perfected forever them that are out of your flesh, and I will give you sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost an heart of flesh. And I will put my is a witness to us.” spirit within you, and cause you to The purpose of Christ’s administra­ walk in my statutes, and ye shall tion as Head of the Church is clearly keep my judgments, and do them.” seen in the following: Here we have baptism by sprinkling. In Isaiah 44:3 we read, “For I will T h e m i n i s t r y : In Ephesians 4:11- pour water upon him that is thirsty, 13: “ A nd he gave some, apostles; and and floods upon the dry ground; I some, prophets; and some, evange­ will pour my spirit upon thy seed, lists; and some, pastors and teachers; and my blessing upon thine off­ for the perfecting of the saints, for the spring.” Here we have baptism by work of the ministry, for the edifying pouring. In Romans 6:4 we read, of the body of Christ: till we all come “Therefore we are buried with him in the unity of the faith, and of the by baptism into death: that like as knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so stature of the fulness of Christ.” we also should walk in newness of T h e s c r i p t u r e s : The Bible, Old life.” Note, there is not one drop of and New Testaments. In II Timothy water in this. Also in Colossians 2:12 3:16-17 we read: “All scripture is we read, “Buried with him in bap­ given by inspiration of God, and is tism, wherein ye are also risen with profitable for doctrine, for reproof, him, through the faith of the op­ for correction, for instruction in right­ eration of God, who hath raised him eousness: that the man of God may from the dead.” Here we have bap­ be perfect, throughly furnished unto tism by immersion, not in water, but all good works.” in death to sin.

T h e S a b b a t h : In Exodus 31:13 we T h e s e c o n d c o m i n g o f C h r i s t : In read, “Speak thou also unto the chil­ I John 3:2-3 we read: “Beloved, now dren of Israel, saying, Verily my sab­ are we the sons of God, and it doth

February, 1960 (65) 17 not yet appear what we shall be: but thing on your keeping of the Sab­ we know that, when he shall appear, bath, whether you observe the first we shall be like him; for we shall see or the seventh day of the week. You him as he is. A nd every man that have not realized on your baptism hath this hope in him purifieth him­ regardless of the mode you may have self, even as he is pure.” observed. The end, object, and pur­ Please note that unless you are pose of all these things are for the sanctified you have not realized any­ perfecting of God’s people in love.

Gleanings from the Greek New Testament

By Ralph Earle*

Romans 8:26

D i v i n e A s s i s t a n c e burden with one with the view of easing him.” 1 Sanday and Headlam n the tw enty-sixth verse Paul as­ give the meaning simply thus: “ ‘to I serts: “Likewise the Spirit also take hold of at the side (anti) so as helpeth our infirmities.” The word to support’ ” ; and this sense is further for “help” is an interesting double strengthened by the idea of associ­ compound, found only here and in ation contained in syn.”4 The Berke­ Luke 10:40. It is the verb synanti- ley Version reads: “In a similar way lambanomai. Abbot-Smith suggests the Spirit joins in to help us in our the meaning: “take hold with at the weakness.” The Amplified New Tes­ side for assistance.” Robertson writes: tament has: “So too the (Holy) “The Holy Spirit lays hold of our Spirit comes to our aid and bears us weakness along with (syn) us and up in our weakness.” carries his part of the burden facing All this means that the Holy Spirit us (anti) as if two men were carry­ takes hold of our burdens with us, ing a log, one at each end.”1 Bloom­ helping us day by day to carry our field says that the verb means “lay load. To offset our weakness He sup­ hold of any weight to be carried, on plies divine power. As long as we the opposite side, and so helping a per­ have Him assisting us we need not son to shoulder it.” He adds: “It of fall under the sometimes crushing course implies our concurrence with weight of life. But we must also do this heavenly aid.”2 Godet writes: our part, furnishing faith, obedience, “ The verb synantilambanesthai, to and willingness to work. support, come to the help of, is one of those admirable words easily Divine Intercession formed by the Greek language; lam- The verb “maketh intercession” is banesthai (the middle), to take a also a double compound— hyperen- burden on oneself; syn, with some tugchano, found only here in the New one; anti, in his place; so: to share a Testament. Moulton and Milligan say that it “does not seem to occur out- ♦Professor, Nazarene Theological Seminary. 1Grammar, p. 571. 8Romans, p. 320. 2The Greek Testament, II, 52. *Romans, p. 213.

18 (66) The Preacher's Magazine side early Christian literature.”5 They tians are familiar with this agony of give its meaning as “ supplicate on b e­ soul which is the Holy Spirit praying half of.” Robertson writes: “It is a in us. This intercession is “accord­ picturesque word of rescue by one ing to the will of God” (v. 27). One who ‘happens on’ ( entugchanei) one of the important ministries of the who is in trouble and ‘in his behalf’ Spirit is that of aiding us in prayer. (hyper) pleads ‘with unuttered groanings’ (instrumental case) or G o d o r T h i n g s ? with ‘sighs that baffle words’ (Den­ Romans 8: 28 is one of the favorite n ey ).”0 promises of all Bible-loving Chris­ As this quotation suggests, there tians. It has been a comfort to thou­ are two possible translations of ala- sands in time of perplexity and test, letois-—unuttered or unutterable. The when everything seemed to be going latter is adopted in almost all English wrong. Most mature believers could translations and is strongly defended recount numerous instances when by some commentators. Both the this promise has proved to be true. Berkeley Version and the Revised Probably every reader can quote Standard Version have “sighs too the first half of the verse from mem­ deep for words.” The Amplified New ory: “And we know that all things Testament brings out the double work together for good to them that meanings of verb, adjective, and noun love God.” But the Revised Standard in its rendering: “ The Spirit H im ­ Version reads: “We know that in self goes to meet our supplication and everything God works for good with pleads in our behalf with unspeakable those who love him.” Why the dif­ yearnings and groanings too deep for ference? utterances.” The answer is that in some ancient Alford describes beautifully the manuscripts “God” appears twice in meaning of this verse. He writes: this verse—not only as the object of “The Holy Spirit of God dwells in us, “love” but also as the subject of knowing our wants better than we, “works.” (The verb is singular, Himself pleads in our prayers, raising synergei; but in Greek this is proper us to higher and holier desires than after the neuter plural, “all things,” we can express in words, which can panta.) only find utterance in sighings and Is this the correct Greek text? No aspirations.”7 one can give a dogmatic answer to That “inexpressible” is the proper that question. But the validity of this meaning here of alaletois, Meyer says added reading has been given further “is decided by the fact that only the support by recent discovery. latter sense can be proved by linguis­ When the King James Version was tic usage, and it characterizes the made in 1611 only about a half dozen depth and fervour of the sighings most manuscripts formed the basis of the directly and forcibly.”8 text to be translated— as against some Intercessory prayer reaches its forty-five hundred today. In 1628, too deepest depths when it passes beyond late to be used by the King James the realm of words and becomes a translators, the great Alexandrian series of groans. Spirit-filled Chris­ manuscript (from the fifth century) was brought to England. About a SVGT, p. 653. “Word Pictures, TV, 377. hundred years ago the Vatican man­ 7The Greek Testament, II, 397. 8Romans, p. 332. uscript (fourth century, and the old­

February, 1960 (67) 19 est known to exist) was made avail­ canus and Sinaiticus, hitherto our able to scholars. Both of these have oldest Greek manuscripts. And this, the added reading, ho theos. So does called Papyrus 46, has the added ho the Sahidic (Egyptian). Origen (third theos. century), the greatest Bible scholar It is not surprising, then, to find of the Early Church, quotes the verse this reading in some recent transla­ this way. tions. The Berkeley Version (N.T., Because of these facts Westcott and 1945) has: “But we know that for Hort placed the added ho theos in those who love God, for those, called their text, but in brackets. This in agreement with His purpose, He famous Greek text was published in cooperates in all things for what is 1881, the same year as the English good.” The amplified New Testament Revised Version. Though the re­ (1958) reads: “We are assured and vision committee had the use of pre­ know that [God being a partner in publication copies of this new text, their labor] all things work together the added reading was not adopted. and are fitting into a plan for good to Nor did it appear in the American those who love God and are called ac­ Standard Version of 1901. The R e­ cording to His design and purpose.” vised Standard Version (1946) has it. The reason the additional reading is Meanwhile some private modern- in brackets is that this new version is speech translations had adopted it. based on the Westcott and Hort Moffatt (1922) has: “We know also Greek text, as clearly stated in the that those who love God, those who Preface. have been called in terms of his pur­ What should be our position? In pose, have his aid and interest in ev­ 1914 (before the discovery of Papyrus erything.” (Goodspeed (1923) makes 46) A. T. Robertson said the reading it still more explicit: “We know that was “more than doubtful.”9 But in in everything God works with those 1931 he com m ented about ho theos who love him, whom he has called in as the subject of synergei: “ That is accordance with his purpose, to bring the idea anyhow. It is God who makes about what is good.” ‘all things work together’ in our lives Scholars today have stronger sup­ ‘for good.’ ”10 That is certainly what port for adopting this reading than the passage teaches. Whether or not did the two just cited. For in the the original Greek text specifically 1930’s the so-called Chester Beatty stated it, w e know that G od is the act­ Papyri were discovered and edited. ing Subject who controls all things The most significant find was almost for our good. an entire papyrus manuscript of Paul’s Epistles from the third century 0Grammar, p. 477. —a hundred years older than Vati- 10Word Pictures, IV, 377.

“He who’s fondest dreams, ambitions, and goals of life have been providentially thwarted may yet have peace; for all these desires (and even more) may be realized through his children! And that surely not by acts of imposition or supposition, but by instruction, inspiration, and supplication.” —Lowell W. Coey

20 (68) The Preacher's Magazine "And There Was a Great Calm"

By E. Wayne Stahl*

was concluding my call on the nearer to you this moment than any Ilady lying on the hospital bed a friend can be.” few days after she had undergone a Fervently I prayed with this trou­ major operation. She did not belong bled soul and then I bade her good-by. to the church I attended but was a Before leaving I gave her a Gospel of member of one of the other denomi­ John. nations in the city. One of her friends For days this lady was on my mind had requested that I, as a minister, and in my prayers. God made my see her. This I was happy to do. heart a fountain of sympathy and con­ She received me appreciatively. cern as I thought of her. After talking with her for a short Only recently I received a report. time, giving her some scripture por­ And a wonderful report it was! I tions, and praying with her, I was learned that a friend of the patient about to leave. Then she made this I went that day to see had called on request. her when she was convalescing at home. The story she related was an “Please go over and speak to that ample reward for my few minutes of patient in the bed in the corner,” interest that day. pointing to a bed diagonally across “For days the lady to whom I di­ the four-patient ward from the one rected Mr. Stahl had been a severe which she occupied. distraction to the other three of us I crossed the room and found a in the ward. Her continual babbling middle-aged patient in a pitiable and exclamations of anguish kept us state. She could be classified at first from sleeping at night and were dis­ glance as a nervous wreck. I intro­ turbing during the day. While she duced myself and with a heart of com­ was somewhat aware of this, she could passion spoke words which I trusted seemingly not help herself in her would be of strength and consolation. nervous condition. As I stood there she confessed that “I don’t know what it was that Mr. she was afraid that she was going to Stahl did for her or what it was that lose her mind. My heart went out to he said to her, but after his call she her that I might help her find the calmed down and gave no more dis­ peace of God. turbance. She was as quiet as we In His strength I sought to show her could have wished.” that Jesus was the Lover of her soul But it was nothing whatever that I and that she could fly to Him while had achieved in myself. It was simply the “nearer waters” of affliction were the power of the One who can quell rolling around her and “the tempest” storms. It was the Lord Jesus, the was at its height. Mighty One, who spoke one day to I recall saying to her, “Jesus is the wind-tossed lake and commanded it to be still. The record tells us that

•Lowell, Massachusetts. “there was a great calm.” It was a February, 1960 (69) 21 similar touch that He gave that dis- quiet to her agitated spirit. Thank tressed, tension-wrought soul that God, such help is available as we min- day in the hospital which brought ister to the needy around us.

Books Are People, Wise and Good

By J. Kenneth Grider*

(Associate Professor of Theology, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri)

D r o f e s s o r J o h n F a u l k n e r of Meth- of the ailing furnace. The famous odism’s Drew University loved his scholar said he was looking for its books. They were stacked ceiling publication date! high against all the walls in the large Books on his mind, he took his wife library room of his home on the to a faculty gathering at a campus campus. Armloads of them he brought home and asked to be excused that home from bookshops in nearby New he might do some reading. Hours York City. A next-door neighbor, later he called a friend, asking if the wife of another professor, used to see friend knew of his wife’s where­ him sneak them into his house—for abouts, not realizing he had taken her Mrs. Faulkner thought he already had to the affair. plenty. He would hide them in a Liking to read to such extent him­ hedge, go into the house to make sure self, he thought the Lord in heaven all was clear, then get them and must surely read also. In class he shelve them. And there were not al­ once prayed, “O Lord, as You must ways shelves for them. Chairs suf­ have read in the Times this morning, ficed, and the floor. the world is in a terrible mess ...” As Dr. Faulkner neared death he Dr. Faulkner might have been an asked to have his bed put into his extremist on books. He certainly was, library, which was done. The day if what one of his colleagues tells is before he passed away he told a true—and that colleague says it ac­ faculty wife: “I don’t mind dying, tually happened. As a young man but I hate to leave all these wonderful pastoring in Wyoming he read so books.” much he hardly gave any time to Dr. Faulkner loved even the rather sociabilities with his parishioners— extraneous details about books. Of or with his own family. Told of his course, he knew their dates of publi­ too great absorption with books, he cation and their publishers. He knew was sure he should be more fraterniz­ even the various editions of particular ing. So when he met a lad on the volumes. Drew’s caretaker was once street one morning he asked, “How called to the Faulkner home to fix a is your mother keeping, Sonny?” To furnace and found the professor in which the little fellow replied, “Aw, his basement, inspecting the surface stop your kidding, Dad.” That professor of church history

•Professor, Nazarene Theological Seminary. saw what books really are. They are

22 (70) The Preacher's Magazine people, real people. Wise people and what they say is too hard for you or good. People who speak only when because deep down you see it quite they are asked to talk and who are otherwise. But what they say, they willing to sit for months and years say. No retracting after you disagree, without intruding upon your time un­ for theirs is an unvarying integrity. less their word is needed. They sit They say it once for you, and twice if self-effacingly wherever you suggest, you will listen again, but without never grumble about their neighbors, changing to suit you. That is hard for never complain of overcrowded con­ you to take, but you accept it from ditions. people who are too solid to be men Their needs are few: an infrequent pleasers. And often you are thereby dusting, a bit of Scotch tape if their deepened in your devotedness, broad­ backs have been overworked or mis­ ened in your sympathies, heightened treated, an altogether new dress if in your capabilities. perchance they have worn themselves If books are all this—and they are— out for you. then they are more to be desired than our era’s many fine things. For the You can pencil arrows and long two fins you would get with a trade- lines and brackets on them right as in on the newest car model, for ex­ they talk with you, and they never ample, you could invite hundreds of flinch. You can even doodle on them folk wise and good into your home as you think over what they have or office, there to serve you long after said. They don’t mind. For they fins will be unfashionable. If books never think of themselves. They seek are all this—and they are—then time only to communicate to you what you to spend with them is more to be need in mind and soul and heart. desired than time to spend with trivia You sometimes fuss about what of this sort and that. One may be a they say to you. You fuss because Faulkner or a fool—as he chooses.

HV[Y BEST FIR-OIVE JOHN WESLEY

V/esley's Message Unchanged “What, then, is that holiness which is the true ‘wedding garment,’ the only qualification for glory? In a word, holiness is the having the mind that was in Christ; and the ‘walking as Christ walked.’ “Such has been my judgment for threescore years, without any material alteration. . . . I am now on the borders of the grave; but by the grace of God, I still witness the same confession. Indeed, some have supposed, that when I began to declare: 'By grace ye are saved by faith,’ I retracted what I had before maintained: ‘Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.’ But it is an entire mistake. These Scriptures well consist with each other: the meaning of the former being plainly this, By faith we are saved from sin, and made holy. The imagination, that faith supersedes holiness, is the marrow of Antinomianism.” John Wesley, Works, Vol. VII, Sermon CXX, “The Wedding Garment,” pp. 316-17, March 26, 1790. — Contributed by L. B. M a th e w s Columbia, Tennessee

February, 1960 (71) 23 Make It Easy for Townspeople and 1 Beautiful CENTRAL CHURCH De Luxe OF THE NAZARENE MASTER

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February, 1960 (73) 25 Q,XJE3E3ST o f th e ZF^AJFLSOHNT-A.G-IE”

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

Supplied by Ruth Vaughn*

Portrait of a Queen ingly to advance the kingdom of God

'T' h e m o o n w a s r id in g high; the in her role as parsonage queen. She stars were scatter-pinned on the taught classes of every age when blue velvet of the night. A cool breeze needed, supervised departments, di­ tripped over the campus of Bethany- rected the choir, played the piano and Peniel College touching the faces of organ, directed plays and cantatas, the couple who stood in the night, worked actively in every phase of enthralled with the beauty and magic missionary work. She is currently of love. N.F.M.S. president of the New Mex­ The boy whispered, “Do you love ico District. me—enough to be my wife?” The boy whom Ruth agreed to fol­ She caught her breath sharply. “I low wherever God led is now pastor —let me talk with God about it be­ of El Paso, Texas, First Church. That fore—before I answer that question.” night in Bethany-Peniel College he She looked up at the tall young boy believed she would be the ideal pas­ earnestly. “Harold, I know that God tor’s wife. Through the years he has has called you to be a preacher. I—I found proof of his belief. Recently he feel that no girl should consider being wrote of her: the wife of a minister until she has “Ruth is the ideal minister’s wife prayed about it.” for many reasons. First, she tries to A few days later she had her an­ keep the parsonage clean and in or­ swer from above. With her eyes be­ der, so that the pastor or church mem­ traying the depth of her love, she bers will never be embarrassed by its whispered, “I’m ready to go with you appearance. She is so persistent anywhere God wants you to go.” about it that I have told her if the Soon she became Mrs. Harold Mor­ house would catch fire she would ris and went with her preacher to a wash the dishes before running to small church in New Mexico to live safety. in two very tiny rooms in the rear of “Second—she knows when to speak the building equipped with only the and when to keep quiet. She never barest furnishings and to receive the tries to be the pastor, yet she is will­ stupendous salary of forty dollars per ing and ready to counsel as the min­ month. But because she knew God’s ister’s wife. She doesn’t sit at the plan and was in harm ony with it, the phone by the hour and listen to or two found happiness radiant and spread gossip. Many times I have splendid beyond their wildest dreams. come home at the close of a busy Ruth Morris gave of herself unstint- day to share some of the burdens of

♦Pastor’s wife, Amarillo, Texas. our members with her in full con­ 26 (74) The Preacher's Magazine fidence that she would never repeat O v e r T e a c u p s them. Dealing with the matter of the im­ “Third—the Lord has given Ruth portance of the attitude of the min­ many outstanding talents. She en­ ister’s wife in the success of the joys serving her Christ in every way minister, we are continuing the paper possible, but her consecration is so written by Mrs. James Tucker of complete that she gladly takes a back Butler, Indiana, which we have been seat when a layman can perform the featuring in the last two issues. task. She is willing and glad to do “The matter of criticism is a situa­ anything that others cannot or will tion in which the wife must be very not do. But as soon as she can train tactful if she expects her husband to someone for the job, she quickly slips be the success he should be. There out of sight and rejoices as the other are two kinds of criticism—construc­ person gets the credit. tive and destructive. Constructive, “Fourth—most important of all, she when given wisely, is very helpful. loves her Christ supremely. No one The destructive is the type we must has ever doubted her sincerity. When guard against. It is so easy to give the church extended to us a unani­ destructive criticism that many times- mous recall for three years, giving us things can be said without realizing the privilege to serve the same church the harm that is being done by them. for twenty years, I felt that it was a The wife who is constantly tearing vote of confidence for the ‘Queen of messages to pieces by saying the the Parsonage!’ ” grammar was wrong, or her husband used the wrong tone of voice, or his R o y a l C o o k b o o k gesture or posture was not as it February is the month of love, and should have been, will find that in this pie makes a wonderful expres­ most cases she is doing things that sion of your love for the man you will start his downfall instead of his married—or for your most important success. guests. Though exotic and delectable, “When a compliment can be given, it is quite simple. My husband baked it is our duty to give it. I have heard one for our district superintendent some of our ministers say: ‘Had it recently. Even a preacher can cook— not been for the encouragement of sometimes! This is called “Angel my wife, I’d never have preached an­ Food Pie.” other sermon.’ I think that giving a Place in a bowl 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp. compliment or suggestive ideas is far brown sugar, V2 cup melted butter, better and will be more appreciated and Vi cup chopped pecan meats. Mix than criticism. Unless a minister is and bake until done. When baked, given some measure of appreciation, crumble up and put into pie shell. how can he have the courage to keep Place in pan 1 cup sugar, 2 tbsp. going? Remember, more can be cornstarch, 2 cups water, 1 tsp. done through prayer than criticism at vanilla. C ook together. Slow ly pour any time.” hot mixture over two well-beaten egg whites and beat while pouring. When B o o k s h e l f w i t h L a c e all is poured, put into pie shell. Cool. “More things are wrought by Whip 1 pint whipping cream and prayer than this world dreams of.” sweeten to taste. Place on top of pie In the parsonage, prayer must be the filling. Sprinkle pecan crum bs on top central element of life. Paul S. Rees’s and chill to firmness. book Prayer and L ife’s Highest is an

February, I960 (75) 27 inspiring study of the prayers of Paul you make these quick, cool, de­ the Apostle. Reading this stimulating licious cookies in a land where book will enrich your prayer life there are no sticks of butter, no abundantly. ($2.00, at the Nazarene fresh milk, no white sugar, no Publishing House.) pecans, and no shredded coconuts?’ This leaves me only with the oat­ T h e K i n g ’s H o u s e meal, cocoa, and vanilla. Do you If curtains are a problem in your suppose this might at least make “palace,” have you discovered the an interesting breakfast dish—for a wonderful adaptability sheets have variation? Chocolate and vanilla- for this problem? You may drape flavored oatmeal—every Sunday them, hang them straight, tie them morning???” back, ruffle the edges and trim with And then Elton Wood went on to rickrack, moss fringe, eyelet em­ say that, though the cookies men­ broidery, ball fringe, or whatever is tioned in the August issue of this your fancy. A matching box-pleated magazine sounded wonderful, he real­ dust ruffle and dressing table skirt ized that I certainly wasn’t “slanting” enhances the beauty of your curtains. my writing for Cape Verde preachers’ A slim decorating budget can be wives. Though I grinned at the teas­ stretched glamorously in this way ing of my redheaded missionary with a little ingenuity and effort. brother, I felt the sting of tears. Some­ times the skimping and saving and H e a r t T a l k “making-do” of the parsonage seems I would like to share a letter with hard and trying and even perhaps a you which came to me recently from little unfair. But all of the blessings the Cape Verde Islands. which we take for granted are un­ “Dear Mrs. ‘Queen of the Parson­ noticed. Fresh milk and a stick of but­ age,’ ” ter are as common to us as breathing. “I have enjoyed every one of But what about those who do without your contributions to the Preach­ even these necessities in order to er’s Magazine and was caught with spread the gospel of Christ? Oh, may my mouth watering after reading we understand all of our blessings your latest recipe for cookies. I —and uphold with our prayers and wondered, though, if in your ‘Over offerings those who have denied Teacups’ column, you couldn’t an­ themselves that others might know swer this question for me: ‘How do Him!

B r o t h e r h o o d When an Indian Brahmin, having turned to Christ but having retained nevertheless a feeling of superiority over certain people, was in a crowded bus when it overturned, he suddenly discovered that his life was bound up with the lives of others. His comfortable smugness having been reduced to nonsense, he was ready to be brotherly toward any man. Later he remarked with a smile, “It took a wreck to remake me.” —P a u l S. R e e s in “The Adequate Man” (Fleming H. Revell Company)

28 (76) The Preacher's Magazine Professionalism in Evangelism

By Mel-Thomas Rothwell*

/ ^ a s t b a l e f u l l y over the revival subject fairly, what relation, if any, perspective of evangelical Chris­ professional art has to evangelism. tianity is the shadow of a sardonic foe Herein by professionalism is not of Christian principle and process. meant the pursuit of an occupation Every sincere Christian worker is as a calling and livelihood, nor an es­ distressed by its presence and prac­ tablished and experienced perform­ tices, and yet like a phantom it evades ance of skills as against the ineptness clear identification. Like a pall it of the learner or the apprentice. hangs over the field of evangelistic Therefore the application of art to activity and all intensive occupations evangelism to sharpen its insights of soul winning, pervading and per­ and enhance its methods is not a verting the methods of soul rescue. mark of objectionable professional­ For want of a better title we shall ism, though some may not be able to call it professionalism. But at once distinguish clearly any real differ­ this ascription raises a question as to ence. Experience of many years in artful soul winning in contrast to this type of soul winning teaches the amateurism. Devoted, experienced man of God effective techniques and pastors are apprehensive regarding gives him a depth of insight into the the revival program of the fundamen­ problems of his work. That an evan­ tal movement owing to the increasing gelist develops from an awkward threat of spurious means and devices amateur to an effective, artful soul employed by evangelists and revival winner is to his credit. But when an workers. Impulsively, and in some evangelist resorts to mere human instances accurately, such practices techniques and calculated psycho­ are dubbed professionalism. Inas­ logical trickery, void of love and true much as the term professional can Christian compassion for men’s souls, be applied to legitimate skills as to “put over” evangelistic emphasis well as spurious ones, a definitive he is a professional of the objection­ meaning must be given to the word able sort. which will properly classify it in the light of the forthcoming discussion. The methods of the professional Hence, professionalism in evange­ evangelist are a series of useful tech­ lism here is denominated as an ex­ niques directed to get action where pedient of human art replacing the genuine spiritual motivation is ab­ divine process, an attempt to obtain sent. What is handy, adaptable, is spiritual results by man-made inno­ pragmatically applied; it’s good if it vations and methods. But we need to works. Consequently, many a harm­ know, before we can approach the ful stratagem, artifice, or ruse creeps into the soul-winning conduct, re­ * Professor, Bethany Nazarene College. placing the function of the Holy

February, 1960 (77) 29 Spirit and reducing revival efforts to vival, an actual dangerous subsidence mere human machination. The and depreciation may result, lowering damage to the evangelical emphasis the level of the vital, dynamic life of of the church, and to personality, is the church. incalculable. Inasmuch as indefinite factors per­ This deviation began within the vade all religious activity, it is not lifetime of present mature Christian easy to point out with certainty pro­ workers. It began when quantity fessional traits in evangelism; and rather than quality was stressed. Al­ should the marks of professionalism tars had to be filled at all cost, and be clearly identified, a second indefi­ the evangelist who could precipitate nite factor enters the scene—motive. the crisis which would flood the altars It is possible that a scrupulous, true- was most in demand. Inasmuch as hearted evangelist might employ pro­ he could produce the desired effect, fessionally marked methods and fall his evangelistic slate filled rapidly under the heavy blows of ministerial, and he was secure for years; but the or even public censure. In plain revivalist who did not resort to the terms, it is not always possible to dif­ new techniques not only encountered ferentiate between the genuine and real difficulty in building his slate but the spurious worker even though the frequently was idle, his services un­ methods may be carefully labeled. solicited. Many sincere evangelists Notwithstanding the risk of con­ yielded to the lure of success, some fusion, the writer will designate sev­ perhaps forced into the new way in eral of the most common traits of the order to survive; and since success professional. rating was occupationally related to the numbers an evangelist could get For instance, an undue play on sen­ to the altar, others went all out, seiz­ timent, an emotional appeal to human ing any and all schemes to get re­ softness instead of calling out the sults. There were undoubtedly those best and noblest in the human heart. who believed sincerely in the worth Example: Holding up the half dollar of their methods, never questioning the dead baby cut its teeth on, there­ so long as the semblance of revival by releasing a flood of tears and seek­ prevailed. But the exhausted nerve ers. A second trait is seen in subtle energy, which made each succeeding phychological trickery, some crafty crisis more difficult, the disturbed plot which stimulates but confuses the psychology, and the vain repetition of seeker. A favorite used by an evan­ seekers troubled the minds of gelist was a week-long build-up, tell­ thoughtful, wise soul winners, who ing the people that the Holy Ghost realized that a day of accounting was was to be present at noon Sunday. As inevitable. the zero moment drew nigh, he held A distraught pastor told me that his watch out, counting off the sec­ in a ten-day revival there were 275 onds as in the breathless moments be­ seekers at the altar, but the first fore moon-missle firing. Then at the prayer meeting after the “revival” exact stroke of twelve he would bring failed to reveal a semblance of the his arm down with a flourish and apparent “Pentecost.” To him, and announce, “The Holy Ghost is here; for his church, the expensive cam­ hurry to receive Him.” The altars paign had been a farce. Perhaps worse were generally crowded with seekers. than worthless, for unless a positive The third technique which has phase accompanies and follows a re­ merit if carefully used, but great de­

30 (78) The Preacher's Magazine merit if overworked, is the fear tech­ of sympathy-response. This is similar nique. This consists of telling to sentiment, except that sentiment hair-raising horror tales, each more refers to human softness or weakness, eerie and terrifying than the former, whereas sympathy involves human until the listeners are frightened out relations associated with personal of their wits and rush headlong to an concern. For instance, Christians are altar. It is the use of the goad instead urged to “come and put your son’s of milk and honey. Experiences true picture on the altar,” or “touch the to life need to be told to relate the altar and mention the name of a listener vitally to the message, and loved one,” or “open your Bible on many of life’s experiences are fright­ the altar to a promise.” This simple, ening. There is no point in shielding and sincere, practice often has more the sinner from the impact of real superstition than faith in it, and in- life with its fears, risks, and quiver­ si ead of provoking human sentiment ing reality; but to resort to series of it seeks to find a sentimental strain horror tales for effect without an in God. Other approaches include a ounce of gospel is at the best super­ strong emotional play on mother, ficial and at the worst professional. tragedy, heroism, and the dead. Even Glamour is a professional stand-by: though both sentiment and sympathy dazzling lights, sensational advertis­ are frequently and necessarily con­ ing, announcing catchy but meaning­ tained in appeal and decision, and less subjects, turning revival activity there is a time when sympathy may into the category of a county fair. unlock the heart’s door of the resist­ Anything to attract the curious is ing sinner or backslider, when these used, any bewitching scheme to get normally legitimate human traits are results. Such subjects as “ The United overworked, the procedure smacks of States in Proph ecy” draws the professionalism. crowds, but there is more glamour As the final statement indicates, I than truth embodied in the process. repeat, many times a clear distinction Now the most glamorous of all, heal­ between logically inferable and ac­ ing and prosperity— everybody can be ceptable principles of soul winning healed; everybody can be well fixed. and the unsavory practices of profes­ Another trait of professionalism is sionalism is discerned with difficulty. advantageous strategy. By this is But there is a genuine difference, and meant all useful legerdemain which as yoemen of Christ we should strive precipitates crisis results. The help­ earnestly to attain it, and then to less revival-goer is subjected to a maintain it. variety of hanky-panky, a slang term With hesitancy I approach the sec­ applied by the British to trickery and ond phase of this discussion: how sharp practices. The converts are to avoid professionalism. There are, trapped by one device or another: however, several suggestions which everybody stand up; now the saved have emerged from the foregoing and sanctified sit down. The b e­ study: wildered and embarrassed “convert” 1. Stop placing the emphasis on trudges out to the altar, not because numbers at the altar as a criterion he experiences a real surrender of his of a successful revival. Sane pastors will, but because of the psychological know that a cataloguing of noses at pressure and uncomfortable chagrin. the altar rail may not add anything Finally, let us group a number of to the church’s spiritual uplift and scattered methods under the heading growth. Notwithstanding, this is not

February, 1960 (79) 31 an excuse to neglect the altar and 5. A spiritual bearing and burden fail to bring the people to a decision, in the local church which will make which is the evangelist’s function. professional devices and innovations 2. Eliminate evangelists who con­ unnecessary and sensibly out of stantly resort to professional tactics. place. 3. Call and encourage the evange­ In conclusion, thankfully, this con­ list who has a divine sense of his call­ sideration of our need does not imply ing, who is a soul-burdened soul a personal loss of faith, in our many, winner and not a professional lec­ many godly, devoted evangelists, nor turer. does it indicate a widespread dis­ 4. Prom ote a church-wide re- satisfaction with their work. But by evaluation of what revival is and experience and report I have been what it ought to do. The spectacular confronted with abuses which should mass evangelism of the present period be corrected if our garments are has distorted the concept of revival washed white in the blood of the on the local church level. Lamb.

On Judging Our Ministry

By a Concerned Pastor

T T ow m a n y t i m e s have we heard could be done so far as numbers are this statement, “He has a big concerned, for such is the pattern church,” or, “He is going big guns; when the population is limited. But look at that Sunday school!” But is we came here because we felt it was this always a fair picture? Is it fair God’s will and that He would have to grade a man’s ministry on this us come, and He has blessed accord­ alone? ingly. I am not writing this article by way When we came we had 68 members of an apology or to make excuses for dead and alive on the books of a a man not having a good, big Sunday twenty-seven-year-old church, and school and church in the field that is by actual count (I took a census) we rich in unchurched folk and a place had 1,580 folk in our town. Nearly where he should by every right show four hundred of these were colored, good progress in his church. leaving around twelve hundred to I do not regret personally that it support the seven churches in and has been my lot during my ministry around our community. to have been either in home mission This is probably quite typical of churches or in small towns, with their our small towns and their church sit­ limitations. For the last four and one- uations. Our budgets were small; in half years my ministry has been in a fact the church could not pay them, small town with a small population even though they were not large. Our and with little growth. I knew when District Budget was $200; our Home I accepted this church that there Mission Budget was $150; and our would perhaps be a limit to what General Budget was $250. Four and

32 (80) The Preacher's Magazine one-half years ago w e raised a total discouraged even though they may of $7,100 for all purposes. be smaller than a neighbor. Numbers do count, but often they It is unfair for us to judge a man do not show a true picture of the by the number he has in Sunday church program or of a man’s min­ school or even by the salary he re­ istry. At present our Sunday school ceives, which is often out of propor­ is averaging a little over one hundred. tion to his general and district With practically the same group of apportionments and his other finan­ folk we have now increased our cial responsibilities. budgets as follows: $425 district, $325 A man’s good should be based on home missions, and for General his love for God, his burden for souls, Budget this year over $1,000. Our his care for his people, his co­ total raised for all purposes last year operation with the district and the was $10,500. W e may not be large in general church, and his ability to get numbers but, God willing, we are his people to work and see the whole going to try to get the best of what picture of the church. we have and harness every avenue of Just for the record I would like to help we can. have a “big” Sunday school and I When we say then that a man has a say, Thank God for those who have' small church or Sunday school we them, for each number represents a ought by all means ask what he is soul. But it takes a long time to doing with what he has. W e can make a man a good Christian and have a com paratively small church even longer sometimes to make him and still be doing a big job for the a good church member. Lord and the church. It we organize and get our people to see the picture of our whole Brethren, this pastor has pointed church, they will help and give and up a nagging problem in our minis- work, and at the same time the lerial and church relationships. Let’s church will grow more spiritual, and be careful how we judge each other’s the people will be happier in the ministry by any standard of meas­ work of the Lord. They will not be urement.— E d it o r

C h r i s t 's P o w e r In Shakespeare’s “King Lear” the king had been exiled on the heath, dethroned by his daughters. He was alone and without au­ thority and money. An old general came to King Lear and offered his service. The king could not believe it and asked why he would want to serve one who had nothing. The general answered, ‘Sir, I perceive that in thy countenance which I fain would call master.” Men who have taken a good look into the face of that strange man on Calvary’s cross cannot help but call Him Master. He has a power that pulls men to Him.

—J o h n R. B r o k h o f f in “This Is Li/e” (Fleming H. Revell Company)

February, 1960 (81) 33 Elijah the Fiery Preacher

By Ira E. Fowler*

T e x t : II Kings 1:10 went, there just had to be some heav­ Elijah was a prophet, and a prophet enly fire. Nothing made Elijah feel was one who had been called by God like heading for the “juniper tree” so to serve as God’s mouthpiece. Elijah much as to discover that it was a “bit wasn’t called by man to give out the cold” in his vineyard and no fire fall­ word of the Lord. He didn’t decide to ing from heaven. This spiritual war­ be a preacher. In fact, it wasn’t a rior with a girdle of leather about his tenderhearted grandmother or mother loins might pray and preach until that decided that little Elijah would the heavens were shut tight and no make a fine minister of God. No, rain came upon the earth or he might Elijah was a man called by God to preach and pray until heaven gave do a job, and that job was to act as forth its rain and the land was flooded God’s mouthpiece. with refreshing water, but water Elijah never did get around to pas- wasn’t Elijah’s trade-m ark at all. toring a beautiful new church in the Fire was more to his liking. heart of beautiful and historic old Big names didn’t put the fire out Jerusalem. He never received much in Elijah’s ministry. M en and wom en salary—but he did get to preach the of high estate might pour cold water thundering message of the eternal on some meetings, but not where God to kings and queens, to generals Elijah was the preacher. No matter and captains. And when Elijah if King Ahab and his godless Queen preached and talked about Jehovah, Jezebel were in the congregation or something always happened. Elijah the great King Ahaziah of Samaria never had a dry meeting. He never with his captains of fifties, Elijah kept had a meeting that folks just went his shoulders back and his head high home and forgot! No, sir, they al­ and preached! His faith in God and ways remembered that meeting his preaching from God kept things where Elijah, the man of fire, had so red-hot that wicked Ahab cried, “I been the preacher. hate him,” and prideful old Jezebel Some preachers might be forgotten shouted, “I’ll have your head by this with their “pretty” little sermons. time tomorrow,” and the captain of Their “rose water” smelled nice while Ahaziah’s fifty fell on his knees and it was being sprinkled but it was soon wept, “O man of God, let my life and forgotten when the meeting was over. the life of these thy fifty servants be Not so with “the prophet of fire” who precious in thy sight.” had been called of God. He had a Well, this is what Elijah was trade-mark. It followed Elijah preaching for anyway. His fiery min­ wherever he went to preach. His istry was to bring men to repentance, trade-mark was fire! It seemed as if and when they repented the great Elijah just couldn’t get by without prophet rejoiced. But Elijah knew the fire of the Lord. Wherever he that no preacher could make much *Pastor, Parkersburg, West Virginia. headway getting folks to repent of

34 (82) The Preacher's Magazine their sins unless the preacher had and it was only fitting that the last some heavenly fire to demonstrate picture we see of him he is sitting on God’s message with. Cold preaching the front seat of a chariot of fire, handed out with kid gloves just with an angel of fire driving, and wasn’t a part of Elijah’s stock. horses of fire pulling the heavenly Elijah kept his trade-mark until his chariot toward the eternal city of last day of earthly ministry. Old age God. didn’t cool off this mouthpiece of Grant, dear Lord, that the mantle God. This preacher had lived in the of this fiery preacher may fall upon midst of heavenly fire all of his life me!

The Fine Art of Christian Stewardship

T' h e p r a c t ic e of Christian steward- between the more immediate minis­ ship is a fine art. It cannot be try to human needs and the great solved by the complete renunciation constructive tasks which ultimately of the ownership of material posses­ strike at the heart of human need. sions. It can only be solved as Chris­ Christian stewardship requires also tians use their possessions in a way a sense of values, a sense of propor­ that is Christian. And there is no tion and balance between things tem­ simple rule which can guide the poral and things eternal. It will al­ Christian in the best use of his pos­ ways be true that one of the most sessions. The art of Christian stew­ difficult tasks facing a Christian will ardship requires a fine sense of bal­ be to be a Christian in his use of his ance and proportion. It roots in the money, to hold in a true balance the whole Christian understanding of the various demands made upon him, and meaning and purpose of life. It in­ volves the spending of money to pro­ to render a stewardship of his pos­ vide for our own necessities and for sessions which will be pleasing to the needs of those who are dependent God. Christian stewardship is an art. upon us. It involves a reasonable pro­ It is a difficult art to master. But vision for the hazards of life—for those who master this art will find sickness, unemployment, old age. It that they receive full compensation involves the wise use of money for when they stand in the presence of the enrichment of life in terms of their Lord and receive His, “Well education and culture. In many done, good and faithful servant; you cases a man increases his capacity to have been faithful over a little, I serve as he himself seeks for educa­ will set you over much; enter into tional, cultural, and spiritual enrich­ the joy of your master” (Matthew ment. Christian stewardship involves 25:23). a sense of proportion between what we spend on ourselves and what we —Stewardship in the New give to the causes of the Kingdom. It Testament Church involves also a sense of proportion H o l m e s R o i.s t o n

February, 1960 (83) 35 SERnVLOHNT W O R K S H O P

Contributed by Nelson G. Mink

S h ort L e s s o n s : W orn T rou sers

Bessie said to her aunt: “Don’t you T w o ministers’ wives were in conver­ wish churches were like stores, and sation, and while they talked they sewed. would give us back change?” Said one of the ladies: “I don’t know Said the personal worker: “But you what we are going to do in our church; owe God a larger debt than anybody there seems to be no life. My husband else, Uncle Henry.” “That’s true,” he spends hours preparing his sermons but said, “but He aint pushing Me.” the people don’t come to hear him. His A starving man on an island found a salary is ’way behind, the interest on package—only diamonds. the mortgage is far in arrears, and we Asked how he grew old so gracefully, are discouraged.” one man replied, “I give all my time to “It’s not like that in our church,” the it.” wife of the other pastor replied. “The •—A n o n y m o u s pews are filled every Sunday, and on Wednesday night too. My husband gets

To His S atisfaction joy out of visiting his people and pray­ ing with them. We have added three A tobacco company sent packs of ciga­ new missionaries to our responsibilities rettes to high school boys accompanied this year. God is blessing us abundantly with this explanation: “We are send­ in every way.” ing you a pack of our finest cigarettes. Each of these ladies was mending her We hope you will use them to your sat­ husband’s trousers—the former was isfaction and want more.” One of the working on the seat; the latter, the boys wrote back: “I received the ciga­ knees. rettes and am satisfied. I steeped them —American Journal of Holiness in a quart of water and sprayed our bug- infested roses with them. Every bug died. These cigaretes sure are good S e n t e n c e S e r m o n s poison.” “Hammering hardens steel, but crum­ —Selected bles putty. Can you take it?” “It did not take the Lord long to get

A re Y o u B u sie r t h a n th e P r e s id e n t ? His people out of Egypt, but it took Many people today are saying, “I forty years to get Egypt out of them.” would like to go to church, but I am too “God blessed the Sabbath day and busy.” Those who make such statements hallowed it—rainy ones too!” are actually busier than the President “The man who expects to get to heaven of the United States. According to Paul should study the route that will get him Harvey, Mr. Eisenhower attends church there.” every Sunday; and if he is out of town, —Gathered by the way his wife or secretary telephones the pas­ tor explaining his absence. With the S o m e t h in g to T h i n k A b o u t grave responsibilities for this nation, he Gettysburg Address...... 266 words feels that he must be in the house of Ten Commandments ...... 297 words God for worship every Sunday. Declaration of —A. C. M cK e n z ie in Bethlehem Independence ...... 300 words bulletin O.P.S. order reducing ♦Pastor, Connell, Washington. price of cabbage...... 26,911 words 36 (84) The Preacher's Magazine FOOD for S m a l l S a l a r y MIND and HEAFIT Living on a small income wouldn't be 4 so hard to do, if it weren’t for the effort to keep it a secret. By the Editor — Sunshine

A dvertising R e p u t a t i o n The man who whispers down a well A good name, like good will, is attained about the goods he has to sell doesn’t get by many good actions, and may be lost the silver dollars like the man who by one bad one. climbs a tree and hollers! —Sunshine —Sunshine

S t u p i d i t y B u d R o b i n s o n O n c e S a i d : Most of our troubles are caused by too I have had folks make fun of me for much bone in the head and not enough not using good grammar, when the only in the back. way they had their names in the country —Sunshine paper was when their fathers paid them out of a scrape. I’ve had preachers at

times make fun of my English, when D i s p o s i t i o n the only tears shed under their ministry The leopard cannot change his spots, and were the tears of babies crying for even if he did, the transformation would water. My brother, if I were you and not change his disposition. couldn’t tree a possum, I wouldn’t kill —Chicago Crusader the dog who could. I have heard people say, “I believe in holiness, but I don’t believe in sanc­ A d v ic e tification.” They are like the old woman By accepting good advice, you are in­ who loved mutton, but couldn’t stand creasing your own ability. sheep. She felt like she was getting wool —Sunshine in her teeth. From Sunshine and Smiles F riendliness Folks who find the church cold usually T r o u b l e s sit on the back seat near the door. It’s the water inside the ship that sinks —Chicago Crusader it. —Chicago Crusader R o o m a t t h e T o p Those at the top have reached their po­ L if e sitions by tackling uphill jobs. You cannot control the length of your —Sunshine life, but you can control its breadth, depth, and height.

—Sunshine V i s i o n Progress begins with getting a clear view

S p e e c h of the obstacles. Three hints on speechmaking: Be sin­ —Sunshine cere, be brief, be seated. —Sunshine S e l f Self-confidence exemplifies moral cour­ To be late reveals your character, to age; egotism is a cloak for moral be absent reveals your spirituality.— cowardice. T h u r l M a n n . —Sunshine

February, 1960 (85) 37 P u n g e n t T h o u g h ts I’d Rather S ee a S ermon “Its risky when the devil is driving. I’d rather see a sermon “Lessons learned in the cradle last Than hear one any day; to the grave. I'd rather one should walk with me “ Some Christians are dying of spirit­ Than merely show the way. ual diabetes—too much sugar. The eye’s a better pupil And more willing than the ear; “Never doubt in the dark what you’ve Fine counsel is confusing, believed in the light. But example’s always clear. “There are a good many fathers who And the best of all the preachers tie up the hound at night, but let their Are the ones who love their creeds, boys run loose. For to see good put in action “ God sometimes puts us in the dark Is what everybody needs. to prove that He is still the light.” I soon can learn to do it If you let me see it done. I can roatch your hands in action, But your tongue too fast may run. S u n d a y S chool E v a n g e l is m And the sermon you deliver The pastor will find it helpful and May be very tuise and true, fruitful if he will teach his officers and But I’d rather get my lesson teachers books on evangelism. He needs By observing what you do. For I might misunderstand you frequent and intimate contacts with his And the high advice you give; officers and teachers about evangelism. But there’s no misunderstanding He will need to plan and pray with How you act and how you live. them for the realization of the primal — S e le c t e d aim of the Sunday school. Other calls, no matter how attractive, will not tempt the pastor to postpone and neglect the serious business of training his officers and teachers in the work of evangelism. V is io n —J. N. B a r n e tte Hope springs not from what we’ve done, but from the work we’ve just begun. —Sunshine

P rejudice Prejudice limits the boundaries of clear thinking. —Sunshine A good tcacher is someone who can understand those who are not good at explaining—and explain it to those not W ea l t h very good at understanding. There are two ways of being rich. One —W. H. P a lm e r is to have all you want, the other is to be satisfied with what you’ve got. —Sunshine Communing with God Here

M e n a n d J obs C o ntr ib u ted b y F lo r a E . B reck The need of a good job for every man If we are lost in worldliness is no greater than the need of a good And fail to find Thee near, man for every job. A blessing will be found by those —Sunshine Communing truly here.

R u t s Oh, bless us, Lord; forgive our ways The toughest form of mountain climbing Unpleasing unto Thee; is getting out of a rut. And keep our thoughts in Thy control, — Sunshine That we may hear and see!

38 (86) The Preacher's Magazine JSBRMON STARTERS Expressions of the Tithing Tongue

I. T - iiankfulness II. I-NTEGRITY Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer I I I . T - houghtfulness — as stewards, not

T e x t : John 17:1-26 owners The prayer may be divided thus: IV. H - ealthfulness ( I I John 2) verses 1-5—Jesus prays for self; verses V. E- t e r n i t y 6-19—prays for sanctification of dis­ A. Laying up for eternity ciples; verses 20-26—prays for all future B. Eternal truths believers. The prerequisite of sanctifi­ C. Eternal investment—souls for cation is to be—“not of the world.” After whom Christ died recognizing this status He prayed, D. Eternal contentment—we shall “Sanctify them.” The provisions of this see Him as He is grace are: fullness of joy, preservation —J o h n Y . T o d d from evil, unity with divinity, fullness Spartanburg, South Carolina of love, and an indwelling Christ (vv. 13-23). The purpose of this prayer The Amazing Grace of God comes from verses 1, 17, 21, and 23 thus: “Father”—“glorify thy Son”—“ Sanctify T e x t : John 3:16 them”—“that they all may be one”— I. T h e D e c l a r a t i o n o f H i s G r a c e . God “that the world may believe”—“may so loved. know.” II. T h e D emonstration . He gave his —P a u l F. W a n k e l . . . Son. Dupo, Illinois III. T h e D i m e n s i o n . That whosoever believeth. IV. T h e D y n a m i c o f H i s G r a c e . That Man’s High Calling all might have everlasting life. —J o h n Y . T o d d T e x t : Philippians 3:7-21 A study of life shows that earth has neither eternal nor spiritual value (v. 7), Vocabulary of Values that our possessions are to be as old 1. F i v e M o s t I m p o r t a n t W o r d s — “ I am castoffs (v. 8), and true value is spirit­ proud of you!” (Matthew 25:21) ual knowledge (v. 10). Our “high call­ 2. F o u r M o s t I m p o r t a n t W o r d s — “What ing” is as a race in life (v. 14), and the is your opinion?” (Matthew 22:42; starting point is conversion. Goal of race 19:25; Acts 16:30) is a prize (v. 14). The prize is the high 3. T h r e e M o s t I m p o r t a n t W o r d s — “If calling of perfection (v. 15). The end you will!” (Mark 9:22-23) of this race determines the fate of both 4. Two M o s t I m p o r t a n t W ord s — sinner and saint. The sinner faces final “Thank you!” (Luke 18:11; 17:15-16; and total destruction (vv. 18-19). Saint I Corinthians 15:57) lives with his vision lifted up; he longs 5. L e a s t I m p o r t a n t W o r d — “ I ! ” (Gala­ for return of Jesus (v. 2). We followers tians 2; 20) shall positively be changed at His return —M e r r i l l D a v i s and we shall be made like unto Him Cleveland, Ohio (v. 21). —P a u l F. W a n k e l The Challenge of Unpossessed Possessions How Are the Mighty Fallen! And the Lord said unto him, Thou Balaam also the son of Beor, the sooth­ art old and stricken in years, and there sayer, did the children of Israel slay remaineth yet very much land to be with the sword . . . (Joshua 13:22). possessed (Joshua 13:1). —N e l s o n G . M i n k —N e l s o n G . M i n k

February, 1960 (87) 39 Sin When Suffering Makes a Man Bitter

S c r iptu r e: Genesis 3:1-19 Scripture: Psalm 73 I. Sin a s a F a c t (Genesis 3:1-5). 1. Pain makes you bitter when you A. In the scripture (Genesis 3:1-5) forget the goodness of God (vv. we see what sin is. 1-3). B. It is an inescapable fact. 2. Pain makes you bitter when you C. Note what this fact of sin is. judge according to outward ap­ D. The Bible defines sin for us. pearances (vv. 4-9). 3. Pain makes you bitter when you II. S i n Is a F a ct W h ic h M a n H a s A l ­ compare the lot of the wicked and w a y s T ried to E vade. A. By concealing it. the lot of the righteous (vv. 10-14). B. By blaming someone else. 4. Pain makes you bitter when you stay away from the house of God C. By denying it. (vv. 15-20). D. By passing it off as righteous­ 5. Pain makes you bitter when your ness. response is immature (vv. 21-26). E. By minimizing it. 6. Pain makes you bitter when you III. S in Is a F a c t W h ic h M u s t B e fail to take the long view (vv. 27- F aced. 28). A. Because it is man’s number one —L e o nar d J. D e a k in s problem. B. Because it has an appetite. C. Because it will continue to The Highway of Holiness manifest itself in various forms. Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-8 D. Because it is an evil tree which bears evil fruit. 1. I t I s E ntered I nstantaneously . Freeways are approached gradual­ E. Because your “sin will find you ly, but there comes a moment when out.” you are suddenly on the freeway. IV. I n th e D e a th o f H is S o n , G od M ade 2. It Is for A ll Believers. What I t P l a in O n c e a n d F or A ll T h a t good is a freeway if it is only for H e Is N o t I n d if f e r e n t to S i n . Cadillacs or only for cars built A. There was a time when God ap­ since a certain year? peared to deal lightly with sin­ 3. It Is Entered by Consecration and ners. F a it h . You can’t get on a freeway B. The Cross reveals God’s real at­ just any old place or any old way. titude toward sin. 4. You May Enter God’s Highway of — Leonard J. Deakins Holiness Now. What good is a Selma, California freeway if you have to drive to another state to enter it? What good is it if the experience of holi­ The Way of Holiness ness can be entered only during the fall revival? S c r ip tu r e : Isaiah 35:8; 40:3-5 5. Let Us Examine This Highway 1. There is a preparation for spiritual More Thoroughly. blessing. a. It is a highway of purity. 2. This spiritual highway runs b. It is a highway of power. through wilderness and desert c. It is a highway of peace, not a (Isaiah 40:3). road full of chuckholes, danger­ 3. This highway is the right way. ous curves, stalled automobiles, 4. This is a “high” way—a plea for and children playing in the higher living. street. 5. This way is the glory way (Isaiah d. It is a highway of faith. 40:5; Psalms 102:16). e. It is a highway of freedom. —L eonard J. D e a k in s —L e o nar d J. D e a k in s

40 (88) The Preacher's Magazine Holiness 4. Cast into a furnace of fire Scripture: Isaiah 6 : 1-8 (Matthew 13:36-43). Introduction: Isaiah’s transformation 5. Put with the hypocrites was the result of a vision of the (Matthew 24:48-51). Lord Jesus Christ. C o n c l u s i o n : Bring out the words of I. How D id I s a ia h C o m e to S ee T h is warning in the parables in Matthew. V i s io n ? —L e o n a rd J. D e a k in s A. He was in the Temple—the place where men should get saved and sanctified. The Sin of Being Ordinary

B. His king had died. S c r i p t u r e : Matthew 5:20; 5:43-47 II. W h a t W a s th e O u t c o m e of th e T e x t : Matthew 5:47 V i s i o n ? 1. Ordinary Christians are satisfied A. It brought Isaiah a new con­ Christians. cept of a holy God. 2. Ordinary Christians are moderate B. It brought Isaiah a sense of sin. Christians. C. It led Isaiah to confess his un­ 3. Ordinary Christians are non-par­ cleanness and the uncleanness ticipating Christians—bench warm­ of his people. ers. D. It led to cleansing. 4. Ordinary Christians cannot give an E. He found and accepted his task. answer for the reason of the hope —L eonard J. D e a k in s that is in them. The Gospel of Judgment (Matthew) 5. Ordinary Christians have a “What’s in it for me?” philosophy. I. C haracter o f th e L a s t J u d g m e n t 6. Ordinary Christians are negative A. Universal (Matthew 25:31-32). and outward. B. Personal (Matthew 25:8-9). 7. Ordinary Christians are easily dis­ C. It is at an unknown hour (Mat­ couraged (Jeremiah 12:5). thew 24:44-51). 8. Ordinary Christians are lukewarm D. God, not man, is to effect the (Revelation 3:14-16). separation (Matthew 13:48-49). 9. Ordinary Christians are noncon- E. It is final (Matthew 25:10) tagious. II. T h e J udge H im s e l f —L eonard J. D e a k in s A. His personal glory and majesty. B. His divine-human character. C. His wisdom and righteousness WHEN ELIJAH PRAYED in judgment (Matthew 20:1-16). III. T he B a s is for th e L a s t J u d g m e n t S c r i p t u r e : I Kings 18:17-39 A. Relationship to Jesus Christ v. 20 Elijah began a revival, (Matthew 21:33-41). v. 21 World looking for God but per­ B. Showing mercy (Matthew 18: plexed. 23-25; Micah 6:8). v. 25 False prophets got first service— C. Love test (service test) (Mat­ pre-service, thew 25:31-46). v. 30 Invitation given, IV. The Outcome of the Last Judgment v. 31 Word convicts, A. Separation (Matthew 13:24-30; v. 32 Separation must be made, 25:19-30). v. 33 Dedication of all. B. Final state of the righteous. v. 36 His prayer—short, to the point, C. Final state of the wicked. humble, expectant, 1. Without excuse (Matthew v. 36 His testimony—was saved, 22:8-14). v. 39 God’s glory revealed, 2. Unrecognized (Matthew 25: v. 39 People had a camp meeting, 11- 12). v. 39 People witnessed. 3. Had their reward in this life —E d B e n n e t t (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16). Corpus Christi, Texas

February, 1960 (89) 41 ^r>R,E3JA.CHXISrG P R O G R A M The SOS Call of Humanity

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34 Provision for Purity T ext: Hebrews 13:12 T e x t : Acts 16:30-31 Introduction: Natural and civilized man requires and demands purity, I ntroduction : We live in a changing cleanness, wholeness, etc., except in world. However, observable the moral and spiritual. His body changes are only on the surface. must have water that has been The basic and ultimate needs of chemically purified and food that man never change. Deep things re­ has been freed from germs, bacteria, main the same. Neither is there etc. by freezing or cooking. So God change in the supply of that need. also provides for us a religion that The words of our text give us the has been made pure. This process SOS call of mankind. It is a uni­ is the product from the counsel versal call. The eternal gospel chambers of eternity. Let us study offers to all the fullest and truest this provision for purity as taught answer to the call of need. Here in the words of our text. is the story of the awakening of one from the sleep of sin. Let us ob­ I. T he P r oblem of T h is P r o v is io n A. God was holy and He could not serve this man’s call and his dis­ covery of help for his soul. compromise His holiness by taking unholiness unto himself. I. A w a k e n e d A n x i e t y B. Man was unholy, very far gone, A. Conviction—“and came trem­ and could not of himself origi­ bling.” nate a holiness. B. Contrition—“and fell down be­ II. T he P l a n for T h is P r o v is io n fore Paul and Silas.” A. The plan required a qualified subject and Jesus was that Sub­ II. S in g l e - m in d e d I n q u ir y ject. He was the divine-human A. Beyond curiosity and specula­ Personality. tion. 1. Conceived of the Holy Ghost. B. Involves the will as well as the 2. Born of the Virgin Mary. mind—“What must I do?” B. This plan required His con­ descension. III. R is in g F a it h A. It sees the possibility of salva­ 1. Passion— “suffered.” tion. 2. Crucifixio n—“his own B. It becomes a saving faith. blood.” 1. The faith that saves is faith III. T he P r o v is io n Itself in a Person, “on the Lord A. It is for “people”—not angels Jesus Christ.” or other beings. 2. The faith that saves is faith B. It is for His people for the pres­ in the heart “on.” ent life. C. It encompasses conversion. C. This provision is a privilege. D. It encompasses confession. C o n c l u s io n : The plan was and is and shall ever be both perfect and prac­ C o n c l u s io n : This SOS call is uni­ tical. The price was fully paid. You versal. It is a yearning and longing and I may miss a lot of things in that defies satiation from any source life but no one need miss this privi­ short of Christ. It refuses to be lege. Praise God! He not only saves posited elsewhere. Christ arose that from wrath but can also make us He might redeem. He will come pure. Let us all live up to our into the awakened heart when one Blood-bought provision for purity. turns in saving faith. Come to Him — L o r e n E. S c h a ffe r now. Miami, Florida —L oren E. S c h affer

42 (90) The Preacher's Magazine Life’s Greatest Bargain hearts have been left hungry. Let us be done with our pursuit of S c r ip t u r e : Isaiah 55:1-7 elusive joys. Let us hearken to T e x t : Isaiah 55:1-2 Isaiah’s call and promise. Let us arise and come to Him. I ntroduction : The prophet Isaiah had frequently heard announcements I am reminded of a mother who cried out from Oriental bargain heeded this call at our altar a few courts as merchants offered their days before Christmas of 1951. With wares to the passing people. There her beaming countenance giving was a price tag on everything. He witness to the fact that she had saw the people as they made many found life’s greatest bargain she foolish and false investments. He cried out with joy, “Oh, that is all recognized that the earthly objects I want for Christmas!” Her hap­ purchased did not satisfy. Disap­ piest Christmas—and it cost her pointment was written on the faces nothing! The greatest discovery of many. Even the wealthy were so came to her when she gave atten­ possessed by their possessions that tion to this announcement. Yes, they were not free. Isaiah had deal- friends, it is life’s greatest found the best things in life at bargain, for you get everything— heaven’s bargain counter. I n our for nothing! scripture reading he announces to —L oren E. S chaffer all the news of life’s greatest bar­ Rest for the Weary gain. It was just what the people needed. Let us hear the message of T e x t : Matthew 2:28-30 God’s great salesman today. I ntroduction : Our text is one of the I. T h e B a r g a i n I s P r o v i d e d . most beautiful passages found in A. Cleansing from sin (v. 1). Holy Writ. It is an invitation for B. Soul satisfaction (v. 2). the weary to find rest in Christ. C. Spiritual life (v. 3). There is to be found everywhere D. Spiritual security (v. 3). the “impulse to Jesus,” for in weari­ II. T h e B a r g a i n Is a P r i v il e g e ness and unrest man’s soul craves A. The thirsty find water (v. 1). for peace and repose. Our text tells 1. The intelligence of man us where and how we may find soul thirsts for ultimate laws. rest. This rest is more than merely 2. The immortal spirits of men the outward calm of quiet circum­ thirst for satisfying joy. stances. It is a blessing that only 3. The guilty hearts of men Christ can give and He offers it to thirst for reconciliation. all. People in our so-called “Aspirin B. The poor find plenty (v. 1). Age” need to find this resource of 1. Poor in worldly goods. rest. Let us notice: 2. Poor in spirit. I. T he W e a r in e s s W it h o u t C h rist C. The deceived find deliverance A. Some are laden with sin. (v. 2). 1. Guilt—in need of justifica­ D. The sinner finds salvation (v. 2). tion. III. T h i s B a r g a i n I s P r i c e l e s s . 2. Depravity—in need of sanc­ A. It cannot be earned. tification B. It cannot be purchased. B. Some are laden with Pharisai­ C o n c l u s i o n : Our consciences cry for cal legalism. pardon tonight. Our affections cry C. Some are laden with the dis­ for love. Our intellects cry for tresses of life. truth. Our wills cry for supreme 1. Poverty authority. Only too long have we 2. Sickness invested means and God-given 3. Temptation strength falsely and foolishly. Our 4. Persecution

February, 1960 (91) 43 II. T he R est in C h rist about them. However, shades of A. Rest from a guilty conscience— difference appear in these Bible the peace of justification. answers to the age’s question. Hints B. Rest from a polluted nature— of meaning are great and striking the peace of sanctification. and necessary to a complete con­ C. Rest from legalism. cept of our life. Let us study these D. Rest from anxiety and care. answers at hand. III. T he M e a n s b y W h ic h O n e M a y I. O ur L ife I s a V er y L it t l e T h in g . F in d T h is R est A. Measured by its bearing on A. He must go to Christ. eternity. B. He must obey His commands. B. Measured by the results of one’s C o n c l u s io n : Universally, man is rest­ life on the world. less. Sin is the cause. Sin is the C. Measured by the effects of one’s root of all weariness and weakness. life on time. It is the poison that fevers every D. Metaphors: life. It is the mote that blurs the 1. Shadow (Ecclesiastes 6:12). vision of God. It is the great dis­ a. Unreal—leaves few im­ turber of men’s souls. The Bible pressions; no effect. tells us that there is no rest for b. Illusory—life is a “shad­ the wicked. Rest is a gift of God. owy” thing. Rest begins at Calvary! The Great 2. Shepherd’s tent (Isaiah 38: Physician now is here and invites i2). you to come. No longer listless, 3. Tale that is told (Psalms 90: lukewarm, and indifferent. Think 9). upon your state. Rouse up your soul and say, “I will arise and go.” II. O u r L i f e Is a Very Short Thing. Right now—you can have rest from A. Measured by growth. the weary ways of sin and find that B. Measured by time. “His yoke is easy” and “His burden 1. Outlived by the inanimate— is light.” furniture, books, and ideas. 2. Outlived by the animate— —L o ren E. S chaffer elephant, tortoise, and red­ woods. Metaphors for Life C. Metaphors: S c r iptu r e: James 4:1-15 1. A handbreadth—“span.”

T e x t : James 4:14 2. A weaver’s shuttle (Job 7:6). Introduction : There is no harder ques­ tion to answer than that one pro­ 3. An eagle hasting to the prey, “sweeping.” pounded in our text. Yet there are no fewer than eighteen answers to 4. A swift post (messenger, runner—Job 9:25). all given in the Holy Scriptures. To 5. A swift ship. be totally ignorant of the subject is to confess ignorance of God’s Word. III. L ife Is a T r a n s it o r y T h in g . The Scriptures tell us that life is A. Pilgrimage (Genesis 47:9). a tale that is told; a pilgrimage; a B. Vapor (James 4:14). swift post; a swift ship; a hand- IV. L ife Is a n I rrevocable T h in g . breadth; a shepherd’s tent removed; A. The past cannot be changed. a thread cut by a weaver; a dream; B. The future is yet to be lived as nothing; a sleep; a vapor; a shadow; we choose. a flower; a weaver’s shuttle; water C. Metaphor: Water spilt upon the spilt on the ground; grass; wind. ground, which cannot be gath­ The first thing that strikes one ered up. about these things is that they are 1. Stereotyped forever on plates all “quick” things—there is a sug­ of eternity. gestion of brevity and evanescence 2. We are made in image of

44 (92) The Preacher's Magazine God and create our individ­ II. The Possibility of His Presence ual world as a miniature A. He was accessible during His heaven or hell. incarnation. V . L ife Is a n U n c e r t a in T h in g . B. He is accessible to anyone, any­ A. Weaver’s thread. where, at any time when that 1. The thread of life is to be one is ready to exercise the cut. right means of contact. He is no 2. It means we must die. respecter of persons, place, or B. Grass—life is an “abruptly clos­ times. ing thing.” III. The Power of His Presence Conclusion: Life is what we make it, A. For the dark hour of tragedy, according as we live to the “out­ insufficiency, weaknesses, etc. ward man,” which “perisheth,” or B. Power to make us equal to the to the “inward man,” which is “re­ demand. newed day by day.” Is your life Conclusion: How wonderful to know ready for the swiftly falling knife? the privilege, possibility, and power Have you turned to the Giver of of His presence! How wonderful life for that life which cannot die? was this marriage because the This is life in God’s Son and it is’ couple had desired that it be given for the asking. Ask today in graced by the presence of the Bride­ faith, believing, and ye shall re­ groom of heaven! Visualize the ceive! embarrassment escaped. Lives and — L o r e n E. S c h a f f e r homes today are mute evidence that where His presence is gone tragedy ensues, but at the same time our The Priority of His Presence lives and our homes can testify that Scripture: John 2:1-10 when we make Him Lord of all and when we give priority to His pres­ T e x t: John 2:2 ence we find a power hitherto un­ Introduction: In many lives, Christ is known and can sing— regarded as a trouble shooter, a life­ ‘‘On land or sea, what matters line, or a fire escape. In many where? homes He is only an occasional Where Jesus is, ’tis heaven Guest or perhaps even a Stranger. there.” Many tragic situations are the re­ — L o r e n E. S c h a f f e r sult of lives, homes, or other groups The Gamut of Sin refusing to give priority to His Scripture: James 1:12-21 presence. Our scripture lesson viv­ T e x t : James 1:14-15 idly portrays an event common to Introduction: An essential strategy in all today which too frequently ends modern warfare is to know your “upon the rocks.” This particular enemy, his habits, position, tactics, event would have been most em­ etc. So it is essential in the spiritual barrassing had priority not been realm that the Christian understand given to His presence. In this mes­ something of the sin problem—the sage we shall point out something perils of being overcome by sin of the significance of His presence as well as the privilege of overcom­ in those common events constituting ing it. Temptation to sin is common our lives—recognizing that we can to all, but God makes a way of have His presence only as we rele­ escape. Let us think together on gate to Him the place of priority this most important subject as dealt in our lives. with by this noble apostle. I. T he P rivilege of H is P r esence I. T he G e n e s is of S in A. He is not to be ashamed of. A. Temptation or allurement to sin B. He must be invited. He will not 1. It originates within the de­ intrude. sires of the sinner himself.

February, 1960 (93) 45 2. Every man is personally re­ The Incomparable Speaker sponsible for his own sin. T e x t : John 7:46 B. Consent to sin 1. Union of desire and will. I. C o m p a s s io n A. John 8:11 2. The price of dallying and B. Mark 2:5 toying with temptation. II. C o urage (John 8:44) II. T h e G e n e a l o g y of S in III. C o m f o r t (John 14:1) A. The birth of sin—“lust hath IV. C a u t io n conceived.” A. Beware of false teachers and B. The deed of transgression— doctrines. —“bringeth forth sin.” B. Repent or perish. C. The mother of death—“bring­ —J o h n Y. T odd eth forth death.”

C o n c l u s io n : Sin—when it is finished— kills! It bringeth forth death. Sin 3VEXSSI02SrAJFi.Y kills peace. Sin kills hope. Sin kills usefulness. Sin kills (deadens and A M is s io n a r y S e r m o n numbs) the conscience. Sin kills I. The missionary movement. Acts the soul! The harlot house of lust 15:14-16: “Simeon hath declared and sin becomes the vestibule of how God at the first did visit the perdition. The progeny of sin is Gentiles, to take out of them a death. You need not die. You need people for his name . . .” not live like a galley slave to baser II. The missionary mandate. Mark enticements and allurements; you 16:15: “Go ye into all the world, can live like a king and reign. Christ and preach the gospel to every can be Master and Lord of your creature.” life today. Sin need not run its III. The missionary method. Acts 1: 8: gamut in your life. You can flee “ . . . and ye shall be witnesses from death today. You can crucify unto me . . .” sin today. You can mortify lust to­ IV. The missionary motive, II Corin­ day. Rather than facing death as thians 5:14: “For the love of you leave today, you can turn Christ constraineth us; because about-face and look for the day of we thus judge, that if one died coronation, when you too can re­ for all, then were all dead.” ceive the crown of life reserved for V. The missionary map. Romans all who overcome. 15:20-21: “Yea, so have I strived —L oren E. S chaffer to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named . . .” Forward March VI. The missionary message. II Cor­ inthians 5:19-20: “ God was in T e x t : Exodus 14:15 Christ, reconciling the world unto

I. F o r w a r d w i t h th e P eople of G od. himself . . . we pray you in Christ’s All one body, we are not divided. stead, be ye reconciled to God.” VII. The missionary meditation (God’s II. F o r w a r d in th e P rogram of G od. talk to him). John 4:35: “Lift A blueprint for every life. up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already III. F o rw a r d o n th e P r o v is io n of G od. to harvest.” “My God shall supply all your VIII. The missionary meditation (His need” (Philippians 4:19). response to God). Isaiah 6:8: IV. F o r w a r d U nder th e P r otection of “Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

G od. “The Lord shall fight for you.” —R ev. B ud A t t ic k —J o h n Y. T odd Contributed by Spartanburg, South Carolina Nelson G. Mink

46 (94) The Preacher's Magazine Book of the Month Selection, December, 1959

CONVERSION E. Stanley Jones (Abingdon, $3.25) A thoroughly evangelical and carefully documented study of con­ version. This world-renowned missionary and author of many books con­ denses here his broad experience of long years in evangelism. You will appreciate his loyalty to crisis-conversion as an absolute essential. He clearly warns religious educators of the danger of substituting nurture for new nature. He discusses: What is conversion? How does it come about? What are its effects? All this is supported by a wealth of illustration. The chapter on conversion and health may seem somewhat extreme— but read it and ponder. It would have seemed more appropriate had he been more cautious in recommending his own books, but perhaps that is a famous author’s blind spot. In his reference to confessing sins after conversion he either sags in his holiness theology or else he means mistakes, and thus errs in his ter­ minology. His emphasis on the Holy Spirit is wholesome, and all in all here is a book to cheer the heart of all those who dearly love crisis evangelism.

GOD IN THE SPACE AGE J. H. Martin (John C. Winston, $3.50) Your Book Editor has been waiting rather impatiently for a major treatment of religion in the space age. There have been articles in peri­ odicals, but here has come the first book to his attention which gives substantial, scholarly treatment of the problems that a religious man must face as he peers into the space age. The author of this book sets out to answer the question, “Will the ex­ ploration of space bring us closer to God?” He speaks of the challenge of the space age, gives a very thorough discussion of the relation between science and religion. He devotes one chapter to the question, “Will space explorers discover God and heaven?” He also deals quite basically with the question of whether life will be discovered on other planets. The author of the book is a thoroughgoing scholar, with a background in science and theology. However, he assumes the evolutionary theory and his attitude toward Biblical interpretation seems to us to be quite liberal. Considering all this—a minister who expects to be preaching to space-minded people in the next decade will find here something to help him in his space thinking.

February, 1960 (95) LOVE IS SOMETHING YOU DO Frederick B. S-peakmcin (Revell, $2.50) The author takes as his premise that love is more than emotion; it is the Christian principle revealed in genuine fellowship with Christ and faith that is worked out by love. The author counters much of the weak, anemic teaching on love by showing how inadequate these subterfuges are as they stand over against New Testament religion. The book has practical methods. It encourages daily practice rather than mere theory, and puts emphasis upon life rather than on words.—E. E. Wordsworth.

STUDIES IN THE EPISTLE OF JAMES A. T. Robertson (Broadman Press, $2.75) A scholarly interpretation of the Epistle of James, practical studies of joy and trial, the way of temptation, the practice of the Word of God, class prejudice, governing of the tongue, the wise man, the outer and inner life, God in business, perseverance in prayer, and soul winning. This verse-by-verse exposition has spiritual depth, practical truth touching many areas of human life. There is an occasional Calvinistic bit of exegesis, but the main objective in the book is intensely practical, deal­ ing with social problems and the setting forth of the reality of genuine Chrisianity.—E. E. Wordsworth.

A POCKET GUIDE TO PRAYER FOR WOMEN Louise Miller Novotny (Standard Publishing Company, $.50) This is a delightfully handy little item that could be carried in purse or pocket, giving prayer meditations for women on a wide variety of themes that are particularly within the life experience of homekeepers such as: prayer for absent loved ones, when a friend departs, for an ex­ pectant mother, for a convalescent. While this is far from being a sub­ stantial book on prayer, it’s a handy little item for busy women.

PHILEMON AMONG THE LETTERS OF PAUL John Knox (Abingdon Press, $2.00) This is a well-written, scholarly presentation of the Book of Philemon. You might disagree with the author, for he thinks that the Epistle was ad­ dressed, not to Philemon, but to Archippus. The book is written with the person in mind who has had at least some study in Greek. The Greek text is used frequently. This is a volume that such readers will appreciate having in their Bible study section.—E. E. Wordsworth.

BASIC EVANGELISM C. E. Autrey (Zondervan, $2.95) The language of this book is for the most part on a college level. It reflects the theology of the author—Calvinism. It is certainly scholarly, but does not contain a wealth of new material. It is basically a research study—much of it being materials which have appeared in other books. Its chief appeal is its exhaustive and scholarly treatment.—V . H. L e w is .

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