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8-1-1957 Preacher's Magazine Volume 32 Number 08 Lauriston J. Du Bois (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Du Bois, Lauriston J. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 32 Number 08" (1957). Preacher's Magazine. 311. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/311

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]. AUGUST 1957 ^ J b e preacher 6 ^l licKjazine

Volume 32 August, 1957 Number 8

CONTENTS

C o v e r —Jonathan Edwards (S ee page 9)

Religious News Service Photo

Good Views, or Good News—Which? J. K en n eth G r id e r ...... 1

Editorial, Three-Minute Car Wash! ...... 5

The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards, Jaynes M cGraw ...... 9 Man’s Response to Christ’s Claims, Ross W. Hayslip ...... 12

The Romance of Budgets, Richard F. M c B r ie n ...... 16 Gleanings from the Greek New Testament, Ralph Earle ...... 21 Crusade for Souls, V. H. L e w i s ...... 26

Evangelistic Preaching, H. Ray D u n n in g ...... 28

What Makes a Speaker Effective? Wendell Wellman ...... 31

There Is Healing in Hymns, Glenn B. M artin ...... 32 Sermon Workshop, Nelson Mink ...... 35 B ook Briefs ...... 47

LAURISTON J. DU BOI3, Editor

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

General Superintendents, Church cf 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. Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Kansas City, Mo. Printed in U.S.A. GUEST EDITORIAL

Good Views, or Good News—Which?

By J. Kenneth Grider

o d a n d t h e c h u r c h have somehow —that they commit acts of rebellion G counted us worthy, “putting us against God and have from Adam a into the ministry.” It is our holy call­ radical disharmony at their centers. ing in what is perhaps the time of the But not infrequently we simply moral­ end to beseech men, in Christ’s stead, ize, telling folk they ought to do bet­ to be reconciled to God, sanctified ter, which is like treating acute wholly, and built up in the faith. So appendicitis with T urns. Man’s we preach. We convey God’s prof­ sinfulness is too damnable, too fered grace through what Martin Lu­ destiny-shaping for any kind of ring- ther liked to call the “sacrament” of around-a-rosy religion from our Naza- preaching. rene pulpits. This uncommon task demands an A sapphire in a dull gold setting, uncommon effort. But too often we A sea lower than sea, are busy with “many things” and do A broken promise to a thirsty land, not find the time for adequate sermon A desert’s mockery. preparation. Some congregations That description of the Salten Sea of seem to want our hands rather than the Desert of Southern California our hearts and we easily succumb to could also describe what sometimes the temptation to deploy our efforts passes for preaching. to the less exacting tasks of errand We must not believe that piece of boys. Tell it not in Gath! But one sentimentalism about language being pastor confessed that the “many given us “that we might say pleasant things” in his parish take 95 per cent things to each other.” That would of his time. make us what Dr. Ralph Sockman has The outcome is that instead of dia­ called “wizards of ooze,” instead of mond digging in God’s Word on His watchmen to warn the wayward of grace through Christ we search and the night. And yet it is so easy to get search for interesting wavs of pre­ into the habit of preaching little ideas senting our two-by-four philosophies, that small souls like to hear! Stephen our most intriguing thoughts on cur­ C. Neill says, “Unless we are watch­ rent events, our hobbies of one kind ful, we can so easily slip into preach­ or another. Refer us to the Manual ing morals, or history or philosophy, and the Bible, and we agree that some­ or a general theism— anything, in fact, thing is radically wrong with lost men except the Gospel of the grare of God in Jesus Christ” (Fulfill Thy Ministry, •A sso ciate Professor of Theology, IMazarene Theological Sem inary. p. 68). i Peter at Pentecost, Stephen at his three Persons of the Trinity figured stoning, the Apostle Paul on numer­ in this mission to mankind. And the ous occasions—these talked about a humanity was not put off at Calvary. holy history, a series of what might be Nor did the Resurrection and the As­ called redemption acts, that reached cension conveniently slough it off by their climax in the death and resur­ stages. No! That would have turned rection of Jesus Christ, because of the whole scheme into another tempo­ which God is able to offer redemption rary benefaction. Still Jesus is the to all who will receive it. God-Man. Still He shares with us our For one thing, we need to talk about human woes, Man with man. Still He the Incarnation. is touched with the agony of our many infirmities. T h e I n c a r n a t io n That is what gives such special point Prophets, priests, and kings had had to His intercession for us at the Fa­ their day. Angels had performed their ther’s right hand. Thus the twelfth- ministries. The ark of the covenant, century Bernard found himself sing­ the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, ing: had captured God’s presence for man’s growing-up age. God had con­ Jesus, the very thought of Thee versed with men in all these ways, With sweetness fills my breast. but still something was lacking. It W e can get hold of a God like this. We was often communication by proxy. can grasp Him as our sufficiency. And Always it had to be repeated. Always the thought of a sympathizing Jesus after God had stepped down. He fills our hearts with sweetness. stepped back up again. Always God’s What Job said still obtains: “. . . own being was left unscarred, un­ with God is terrible majesty” (37: 22). humanized. Isaiah still rightly points us to God as But there came the time, the full­ “. . . the high and lofty one that in- ness of time—it was man’s finest hour habiteth eternity, . . (57:15). There —when God climbed down out of the is no outdating of the Psalmist’s “. . . heavens for good, when He went to the voice of the Lord is full of maj­ work with His own hands, when as esty” (29:4). And after Bethlehem, Edwin Lewis says He got into the St. Paul could yet speak of God as arena to fight personally with Satan. . . dwelling in the light which no He enlisted in human history. As man can approach unto; . . .” (I Tim­ Charles Wesley sang it out, he othy 6:16). So God is still God! But . . . contracted to a span, He is still human also! What a story Incomprehensibly made man. here to tell to the nations! What sac­ He invaded this realm of sweat and rifice; what sheer agape! blood and tears. On D day, with all in readiness, He marched right in, open-eyed, into enemy territory, so T h e A t o n e m e n t that with His feet on hard earth He We need to tell about the Atone­ could lift us out of sin. ment also. We need to talk about the Jesus Christ was front Man in all middle cross on which the incarnate this. But His incarnation was ef­ Prince of Glory died a willing substi­ fected by the Holy Spirit, with the Fa­ tutionary death on our behalf. We ther in charge. And all these three need to speak of His blood, given until are one in substance—in the underly­ no life was left, through which we ing ground of their activities. So all have remission of sins and entire sanc­

2 (338) The Preacher's Magazine tification — a n d moment-by-moment ment of those who beliweA^®5nILIbe cleansing from our blunder-life. averted! But let us tell it right. We con­ Another reason why Arminians op­ servative Arminian-Wesleyans often pose the Anselmic view is that if mix alien ideas with our proclamation Christ had taken our punishment at this point. We talk about Christ’s there could be no hell for anyone.1 paying the penalty for us. We say For the Father would never extract that He, the guiltless, received the the penalty twice—once from Christ punishment due us. Such men as An­ and again from the finally impenitent. selm of Bee, John Calvin, and James Calvinists do not concern themselves Denney taught this. But Arminian- with protecting G od’s goodness, as is Wesleyans, following the New Testa­ shown by their doctrine of uncon­ ment, have generally taught a dif­ ditional predestination, but Arminians ferent view. One reason for opposing do so concern themselves. the idea that Christ took the sinner’s Still another reason for opposing penalty is because guilt surely can­ the view is that on that kind of idea not be transferred from the guilty to there could be no forgiveness at all. If the guiltless, so that punishment can­ the Father receives a full payment not be either. from Christ, He cannot forgive the sinner of anything. It is either pun­ Calvinists talk freely about trans­ ishment or forgiveness—it can never ference of guilt. They say that we are be both. And the Christian believes all guilty for Adam’s sin, and thus that there is forgiveness! If Mr. A owed some babies who die go to hell—all Mr. B a hundred dollars and Mr. C babies deserving it, since they were paid it for Mr. A, Mr. B could not “in” Adam and therefore sinned with then forgive Mr. A. the debt. Nor him, although some are elected to could the Father, if Christ paid it for eternal life. Arminian-Wesleyans like sinners. Miley teach that only depravity, and So let us read Miley’s The A ton e­ not guilt, is passed on to the race. The ment in Christ and other writings on Calvinists are consistent: if Adam’s the governmental theory of the Atone­ guilt can be transferred to us, our ment, and pr e a c h Arminian- guilt can be transferred to Christ. But Wesleyanism—which is consistent let us be consistent also, so that if we with the New Testament. Let us say that we cannot be guilty for preach that Christ suffered on behalf Adam’s sin, we ought also to say that of sinners; that because of His death Christ cannot become guilty for ours. the Father is able to be just—a moral In A Tale of Two Cities a man who Governor of His creation—and still apparently has little to live for dies in­ justify the repentant sinner (Rom. 3: stead of another man—who has much 23-26); and that the debt man owes a to live for, but whose life was to be holy God is never paid but, instead— taken. The man who dies suffers vi­ marvel of marvels!—is forgiven when cariously, as a substitute for the other the penitent pleads the blood of man, but he does not take the Christ, the suffering Mediator. In gen­ other man’s punishment since the oth­ eral, this is the way Arminian- er man’s guilt could not be transferred Wesleyan theologians have thought of to him. And so with Christ. He suf­ the Atonement. Such men as Watson, fered intensely—physically and psy­ chologically. Yet this was not the xKarl Barth teaches that all men will be saved because he thinks that our penalty was removed at Christ's death. punishment due sinners but an act of See G. C. Berkouwer's "The Triumph of Grace in the The­ ology of Karl Barth." Grand Rapids: Eerdman, 1956, pp. suffering love whereby the punish­ 267 ff.

August, 1957 (339) 3 Raymond, Miley, and others have cipleship, purifying their hearts from maintained these Gotian leanings, inherited depravity and transforming even if not every one of them would their helplessness into strength; their call his view the governmental theory vacillating lives into invincibleness as such. that could not be deterred from fol­ lowing hard after the Lord; their un­ convincing witness into testimony that T h e R esurrection a n d P e n t e c o s t could not but persuade. Pentecost is Another of the redemption acts is not an epilogue to what we have in the resurrection of Christ. It was cen­ the Gospels; it is an organic part of tral to the proclamation made by the redem ption’s plan. early church. Always Christ was the Besides Incarnation, Atonement, One who had been crucified but who Resurrection, and Pentecost, there are had risen and was alive forevermore. other redemption acts which we who The Resurrection verified the signifi­ preach are to proclaim. Before the cance of the Incarnation and the first of these, and inseparable from Atonement. Indeed, without it there it, there is the election of Israel— a would have been no reconciliation. foretaste of the New Testament idea Without it there would have been no of the kingdom of God. There is also Christian faith, no Christian hope, no the forecast of a Messiah who is to be content for Christian preaching (I Co­ Prophet, Priest, and King— and a Suf­ rinthians 15). Christmas and Good ferer (Isaiah 53, cf. Acts 8). More­ Friday would have been helpless to over history is to be consummated at save. Easter was integral to the whole end-time when at Christ’s coming the redemption scheme. Of the Resurrec­ bodies of both the living and the dead tion, James Stewart writes: “This was will be glorified. All these redemp­ indeed the very core of the apostolic tion acts it is our distinctive calling, as kerygma. . . . It was the theme of ambassadors of Christ, to herald. every Christian sermon; it was the Good views are perhaps all right in master motive of every act of Chris­ themselves. People are challenged to tian evangelism; and not one line of do a little better when moralists phi­ the New Testament was written . . . losophize about the good life. But apart from the conviction that He of men need to hear the Good News. whom these things were written had They need to know that their sinful conquered death and was alive for interiors can be transfigured by the ever.” 2 new birth and the renovating baptism Still another of the redemption acts with the Holy Ghost. So let us, who is Pentecost. Here God poured out preach, declare the Good News about His Spirit upon the inner circle of dis- the transforming grace made possible by that holy history whose towering

-"A Faith to Proclaim," pp. 104-5. figure is Jesus Christ.

T h e P a s t o r ’s C a l l One of our good pastors had had a rough time in his vote. When I called him long distnace and told him that another church had called him, he said right quickly, “What did they call me?”

— B . V . S e a l s

4 (340) The Preacher's Magazine FROM THE EDITOR

Three-Minute Car Wash!

/''X f c o u r s e I have no intention of or even thirty minutes. When people talking about the business of come to seek God we must cover the washing cars, the quick way or the clock and plan to stay with them until slow way. I thought maybe, however, their needs are met. Of course, none that such a title might catch your at­ of us would actually set the alarm to tention since it is so com pletely inap­ close an altar service. We know bet­ propriate for a magazine for ministers. ter than that. And yet our methods But then, again, perhaps the title is and techniques would betray us that not so bad for the subject which I unconsciously we sometimes do set have in mind and about which I have time limits. We are conscientious the been thinking of late. It actually crys­ first ten minutes, to be sure everyone tallized the other day as I was talking is praying. Then with the first lag in with some younger student-preachers prayer we start a song, and if that trying to advise them in this matter of does not clear the line we take to urg­ conducting an altar service or in help­ ing the seekers one by one, falling ing people seek and find God. The into a desperation of “take it by faith” point is this, are we attempting to if there are one or two who do not run a “three-minute car wash” tyoe yield to our assembly line tactics. of altar service or are we taking the This is an extreme description, of time that is necessary to deal ade­ course. We really do not drop to this quately with the particular individual level of operation. But, I say, we must who is there? Putting it that way, we watch ourselves lest we do. can see immediately that there are 2. We must deal with each person grave dangers in trying to push seek­ individually in his quest for God. ers too fast or in attempting to run While we are exponents of personal them all through the same procedure. salvation it is amazing how much we But do we see the implications suffi­ expect to get done en masse. Salva­ ciently to apply them to our methods tion is personal; it is found only as an of dealing with souls? individual meets the conditions of God Perhaps you will feel, as I do, that for him. The choice to go with God this issue is of significant value to take must be a personal choice. We cannot your time and mine to discuss it. Let make it for the seeker. There is no us see some of the factors relating to such a thing as a vicarious choice for it. another, no matter how intensely we 1. The time factor must not be a would want to provide it for him. We consideration when we are dealing also feel, however, that the pattern of with souls. That is, we should not be­ the public altar service is helpful in lieve that we can have an altar service creating a desire to pray and in creat­ of only ten minutes or fifteen minutes ing an atmosphere which is conducive

August, 1957 (341) 5 to prayer and in yielding to God. How­ too complicated), actually many folks ever, we must be careful lest our “at­ face involved and intricate issues mosphere” and our “spirit of prayer” which they must resolve in their own become just a pressure method to get minds before they are willing to give people to say things and do things God right of way in their lives. To which they have not personally chosen rush these persons faster than they to do. It really does not do any good can resolve these issues is to do them (and it may do harm) to push per­ irreparable harm. We should encour­ sons to make verbal commitments age them; we should teach them the which they have not made in their lesson of faith; we must urge them to hearts. This applies in our attempts have confidence in themselves as well to get people to move to the altar of prayer during the invitation and it as God; we must let them feel that applies after we have them at the God will “take them at their word” altar. Let us remember that there is and go with them to work out the no substitute for a personal choice. particular problems which they feel must be worked out. And yet, with 3. We must see the importance of all of this, we must give them time, growth as well as crisis in G od’s deal­ that their commitment to Christ will ings with people. It is not possible for everyone to know the full light which be from the depth of their souls and you as a mature Christian may have not just from the lips. People will on certain phases of divine truth. It frequently acquiesce to our proposi­ is not possible for all to have a full tions simply to ease tension and to get grasp of all of the demands of God on on their way. Let us not be guilty of their lives, even those demands which betraying them to a life of shallow ex­ are essential in their being either perience by our haste and by our pre­ saved or sanctified. There is a danger determined pattern of operation. of “picking our fruit too green.” We 5. Many people need instruction in must not hurry those too fast with their seeking. While it is true that whom God is just beginning to deal. some need to “pray through” and any We must not use methods on those interference to this would hinder rath­ who have just come in touch with the er than help them, there are others gospel that we have used on those who who do need help and guidance. It have been raised in the church and does not help them to maul them or pretty well know what steps they shout contradictory instructions in should take in seeking God. Let us either ear; they must find help give God a chance to work. Let us through a clear understanding of the beware lest we try to slap a pattern Bible truth, through a knowledge of of seeking and finding God upon those what steps they must take to follow whose hearts are moved upon by the that truth, and through an under­ Spirit but who yet do not know what standing of just how they are to ap­ it is all about. Give them time. God ply this life in Christ to the everyday is faithful. The Holy Spirit can be problems that they face in life. While trusted. it is true that our public altar service 4. Certain people may not yet be is more nearly geared to help those ready to meet the fidl demands which who do not need such personal in­ God is placing upon their lives. After struction, it does not mean that we all. even though we may try to sim­ need completely fail this kind of per­ plify this business of seeking and find­ son. It will mean, rather, that we ing God (and true, some do make it recognize his presence and give him

6 (342) The Preacher's Magazine the personal attention which his needs than we they probably will not find demand. And we cannot hurry this anything anyway. And if, at the place person with a song or with another in­ of prayer, we crowd them to give a tense season of prayer; we must help testimony before they have faced the him with intelligent presentation of issues and counted the cost, we do scripture and with sane counsel. Let them harm. us not sell this type of person short 8. We must apply an unusual by our speed-hungry methods. amount of wisdom in urging seekers 6. Hurried, unintelligible praying to “take it by faith.” Our holiness on the part of a seeker leads to shal­ writers through the years have low and/or ineffectual experience. pointed out that there is a very close Much of the sagging of Christian ex­ relationship between surrender and periences which we have labeled as faith and consecration and faith—so backsliding is really not that at all much so that some have declared that but rather poor praying to begin with. there can be no true saving faith with­ It is the responsibility of the Christian out surrender nor true sanctifying worker who deals with the seeker to faith without consecration. Indeed give him the base upon which he can there is a principle of truth here that pray intelligently. It is the duty of the we cannot ignore. Usually when one pastor or the minister in charge to so is seeking to be sanctified, for exam­ conduct the altar service that the ple, his faith will be all but automatic workers are enabled and encouraged when his consecration is complete. to give this sort of help. And this can­ That is, the real issues are not of not be done in the “three-minute” pat­ whether or not one can believe but tern. Let us be more deliberate in whether or not one will dedicate his order that we might make it possible all to Christ. Of course, there are ex­ to build stronger Christians. ceptions. Some will need guidance at 7. We must not be afraid to urge the point of what sanctifying faith is. people to go home, keep praying, and But these are the exception and the come back to pray at a later time if it worker must exercise real wisdom in seems that is what they need. Too giving that counsel. To misuse this many of us operate under the “now advice is to encourage one to attempt or never” philosophy of dealing with to work a formula of presumption seekers. We have the underlying rather than one of faith. feeling that if folks do not pray 9. L et us follow the Svirit’s lead­ through to a testimony of some kind ings in the use of music. Certainly we they will not want to pray another thank God for the way that music can time. But such an idea is built out of be used to move men’s spirits and the very exceptional cases. Now and souls toward God. All have seen the then there is one whom we must press worth of the God-anointed special to settle every issue now. But by far song or the carefully selected invita­ the greater number of the people with tion hymn. We can also testify to the whom we deal are in our congrega­ value of the wisely used chorus or tions Sunday after Sunday; they will song around the altar of prayer. How­ hear us again, they will move again, ever, we must also see that use of this they are sincerely trying to find God’s last type of song must be with the best for their lives. Most of them are greatest discretion. If we are not care­ just as anxious as we are that they ful we shall develop a pattern of shall find a satisfactory experience— “singing them through” which may in fact if they are not more concerned not have much relationship to true

Auqrust, 1957 (343) 7 praying or a sound meeting of con­ appeals every now and then so that ditions. There is emotion in music and we might encourage these seekers. if the seeker confuses that emotion Let us also amplify our personal work with sincere purpose or even the work program in the homes. A person who of God in his heart he will be left has lifted his hand for prayer or who empty and confused. God does use has come to the altar but who has not appropriate words put to verse and been satisfied should be called on in music to crystallize the thoughts of his own home. The pastor, evangelist, the seekers, to amplify their own or Christian worker should follow him prayers, and to solidify their deter­ up. Many times the different ap­ mination. Let us use them as God proach with a worker who can give may lead us. Let us, however, not wise guidance will be the very thing fall prey to their misuse as a pat­ that the seeker needed to find his way terned application of a purely human through to a satisfactory experience method. in Christ. 10. We must see the place of and There is really no way to discuss the value of personal work with the such a subject as this adequately, for seeker as a supplement to the public there are as many different types of altar. Let us not be intimidated into seekers as there are individuals. No doing away with the private place of one method of approach will work prayer just because we feel that the with all. To throw up some cautions public altar is our first choice in our at one point will merely create hin­ program of evangelism. Some persons drances at another. However, I appeal need the quiet of the pastor’s study to you to give this matter some real or a side Sunday school room rather thought and prayer. I only hope that than the confused (as it seems to we can be effective in making our them) atmosphere of the public altar altar services productive of a stronger service. Let us make a place in our type of Christian.

M o t t o e s You may bring to your office, and put in a frame a motto as fine as its paint, but if you’re a crook when you’re playing the game, that motto won’t make you a saint. You can stick up the placards all over the wall, but here is the word I announce: It is not the motto that hangs on the wall, but the motto you live, that counts. If the motto says, “Smile,” and you carry a frown; “Do it now,” and you linger and wait; if the motto says, “Help,” and you trample men down; if the motto says, “Love,” and you hate—you won’t get away with the mottoes you stall, for truth will come forth with a bounce. It is not the motto that hangs on the wall, but the motto you live, that counts. — Kalends.

8 (344) The Preacher's Magazine The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards

a ^ By James McGraw

W 7 h e n J o n a t h a n E dwards an advantage from the isolation of his * * pi'eached on July 8, 1741, on early life. The beauty of nature, the the subject “Sinners in the Hands of simplicity of the good life, and the se­ an Angry God,” his audience groaned curity of a large Christian household and shrieked convulsively until their doubtless made an impression upon outcries of distress for their souls him in his formative years. drowned the preacher’s voice, and he Ola Elizabeth Winslow, in her bi­ was forced to pause while the crowd ography of Edwards, quotes a letter quieted. This message added the that he wrote to his sister when he spark of fire that sent a revival spirit was twelve years old. “In the news sweeping across eighteenth-century of the revival with which he begins,” New England. she comments, “he talks more like a “I think a person of moral sensi­ deacon than a twelve-year-old boy; bility, alone at midnight, reading that but with his own awakening behind awful discourse, would well-nigh go him he was already on the side of the crazy,” said Henry C. Fish in Pulpit pulpit and yearning toward the un­ E loquence as he described this ser­ converted.” mon later. “He would hear the judge­ As early as the age of seven, Jona­ ment trump, and see the advancing than Edwards experienced what can heaven, and the day of doom would be described most accurately as a begin to mantle him with its shroud.” crisis of regenerating grace. He ex­ Who was this man Jonathan Ed­ pressed his ow n feelings later as a raptness before the majesty and holi­ wards, and what was he like in the ness of God which caused his heart pulpit? His father, Timothy Edwards, to yearn “to lie low before God, as in was the minister for sixty years at the dirt that I might be nothing, and Windsor, Connecticut, where Jona­ that God might be all, that I might be­ than was born in 1703. The only son, com e as a little child.” Sharing in the Jonathan was reared with a family awakened fervor of the village church of ten sisters in a strictly religious en­ vironment characterized with the hard in which his father preached, the lad found a secluded spot in a wooded work and thrifty economy of a fron­ area where he led other children in tier preacher’s home. moments of prayer. It was this sort of life that Edwards A freshman in New Haven College lived during his first thirteen years. at the age of thirteen, Edwards trans­ In many ways he was fortunate, for ferred to Weathersfield after the first he missed some of the pitfalls that year, and graduated in 1720. These waited in the path of those who had a colleges were both a part of Yale Uni­ less pious environment, and he gained versity, where he continued his edu­

^Professor, Nazarene Theological Seminary. cation in the school of theology and

August, 1957 (345) 9 later taught until a long illness inter­ about his preaching that struck deep rupted his work. into the consciences of his listeners, It was in his twenty-four years as and whatever “that something” was, the pastor of the Congregational it is something every preacher should church in Northampton that his min­ cultivate. istry proved most fruitful, for revival Harwood Pattison, in The History of after revival swept through his church Christian Preaching, describes Ed­ and community during his ministry wards’ preaching style: there. His work there came to an end “With the manuscript held close to when he left his pulpit rather than to his eyes, gesture was almost impos­ compromise in his convictions. His sible. The preacher’s voice was not penetrating and discomfiting rebukes attractive, and he had no graces of of sin and his refusal to allow the un­ manner which could commend him to converted to participate in the Lord’s his hearers. His style was rugged Supper led to his resignation. He then rather than careless, but it never became president of Princeton Col­ failed to express his thought in clear lege, but died a few months later at and telling language. Argumentative the age of fifty-five. he was, but not for the sake of argu­ This is the man; what was he like ment; logical, but only under the re­ in the pulpit? Robert Hall said of sistless impulse of the highest reason; him, “He ranks with the brightest doctrinal, and yet not so much for the luminaries of the Christian Church,” sake of doctrine as for the sake of its and Henry C. Fish praised him, “Ed­ application. His intellect was not cold wards has been rarely, if ever, ex­ although it might be calm, it was fired celled since the days of the Apostles.” with intense conviction.” His ability was most certainly not to His sermon “Sinners in the Hands be found in his voice, his eloquence, of an Angry God” was preached from or his style of delivery. His manner the text in Deuteronomy 32:35: was not oratorical or flowery. His “Their foot shall slide in due time.” voice was not unusually pleasant or He used words so real and alive that strong, but on the contrary it was if you could have cut them they would weak and unattractive. His strength have bled. For example, to quote lay in the richness of thought and the from him: overwhelming power of argument in “The devils watch them, they are his appeal to the minds and the hearts ever by them, at their right hand; of his listeners. they stand waiting for them, like Edwards’ eyesight was poor, and he greedy, hungry lions that see their read his sermons from a manuscript. prey, and expect to have it, but are These facts put together suggest the for the present kept back; if God picture of a nearsighted preacher should withdraw His hand by which holding his manuscript close to his they are restrained, they would in a face as he reads his sermon with pains­ moment fly upon their poor souls.” taking care. And in the poor light of In the midst of such extreme emo­ a dim, dark sanctuary, he held a can­ tional intensity as his preaching dle with one hand while he clutched brought, Jonathan Edwards stood his papers with the other! quietly and calmly, seemingly un­ It is unbelievable that such style of moved, while his hearers sobbed and delivery could have conveyed the con­ screamed in fear of hell. His ability tent of his sermons with the power to remain calm seemed significant of they did. But there was something a reserve of power within the wasted

10 (346) The Preacher's Magazine form and thin voice of the one who outlines in many of Edwards’ ser­ seemed to be speaking from the gate mons are not clearly discernible, for of death. There must have been a his transitions are so smooth as to be fearful piercing in the look of his eye unnoticed. One of the characteristics when raised from the manuscript, for of his style is smooth continuity, with on one occasion, according to Patti- no noticeable breaks between points, son, it was said that he “looked off” or between introduction and body, or the bell rope in the steeple so that the body and conclusion. bell fell with a crash into the church. The text is often repeated in the That such a fantasy should be ex­ sermon—perhaps in every paragraph perienced is a testimony as to the —but not merely for the sake of repe­ superstitions of the people of his time, tition or emphasis. It is tied in with but it is also a suggestion as to the what is being said, and the reader, as extreme emotional intensity result­ did the hearers, feels the impact of ing from his preaching. “Thus saith the Lord” in what is pro­ This was only one side of the claimed. preaching of Jonathan Edwards, how­ Edwards’ illustrations are almost ever. He not only preached such ser­ entirely in the form of brief com­ mons as this one, “Wrath upon the parisons. There are few, if any, anec­ Wicked to the Uttermost,” but he also dotes, but frequent associations, preached on such themes as “The similes, and metaphors. He says: “We Christian Pilgrim,” from the text, should travel in this way in a labori­ “These all died in the faith, not hav­ ous manner. Long journeys are at­ ing received the promises, but having tended by toil and fatigue; especially seen them afar off, and were per­ if through a wilderness. . . . So we suaded of them, and embraced them, should travel in the way of holiness, and confessed that they were stran­ improving our time and strength, to gers and pilgrims on the earth. For surmount the obstacles and difficulties they that say such things declare that are in the way.” plainly that they seek a country” (He­ One of his hearer’s said his sermons brews 11:13-14). were “more terrible than Dante’s In­ Few men have been able to weave ferno,” and another of his listeners, into their sermons more of the text John Greenleaf Whittier, wrote a than Edwards did. His introduction in poem expressing his esteem of “the the “Christian Pilgrim” began: “The little giant” with a conception of self Apostle is here setting forth the ex­ as minute and love for others as gi­ cellencies of the grace of faith, by the gantic. Such a pulpit master as F. W. glorious effects and happy issue of it Robertson professed the influence of in the saints of the Old Testament.” Edwards’ ministry upon his own life Then he proceeded with a brief ex­ to be definite and abiding, and Dr. planation of the context, and two ob­ A. M. Fairbairn declared that none servations about the text: (1) What could dispute Edwards’ “claim to stand these saints confessed of themselves amid the great thinkers of the world.” (that they were strangers and pil­ Pattison points out that his greatness grims on the earth) and (2) the in­ as a preacher is to be found “in him­ ference that the apostle draws from self”—gravity of character, spiritual hence (that they sought another insight, vivid imagination, a philo­ country as their h o m e ). sophical grasp of his subject, logical The reader notices few breaks in clearness, and a rare combination of the movement of the message. The masterful will and great tenderness.

August, 1957 (347) 11 Richard Neiderhiser, after an exten­ itual faith, and an expression of true humility.” sive study of his life and ministry, ob­ Perhaps the best summary of the served that many ministers “could characteristic of his preaching are the well take Jonathan Edwards for an last words he spoke before his death in 1758: “Trust in God, and ye need example of sincerity, a tower of spir­ not fear.”

OF THE MONTH

Man's Response to Christ's Claims

By Ross W. Hayslip'

T e x t : What think ye of Christ? (M at­ I. Awed Admiration thew 22:42). II. Sinful Indifference III. Fxdl Acceptation A person’s reaction to the various factors of life is governed largely by I. A w e d A d m i r a t i o n the mental attitudes of that person. This is a psychological principle as All men must of necessity admire old as the human race. We read in Christ. Even the enemies of His day the Old Testament: “As he thinketh were forced to say, “Never man spake in his heart, so is he,” in speaking in like this man.” Pilate, the pagan po­ reference to a sinful man. Likewise, tentate, confessed freely, “I find no from the later section of Divine Truth fault in this man.” We are thrilled we read, “From the abundance of the with admiration as we behold His tri­ heart the mouth speaketh.” “From umphant march across the ages, Dr. the heart are the issues of life,” we J. T. G ordon says: find in the wisdom of the Proverbs. “I know that he was kingly for they What you think about a factor will tell sought to make him king. I know that how you will act toward it. This is he was eloquent for he spake as never true in every realm of life: mental, man spake. I know that he was physical, and spiritual. Tonight, the tender-hearted for he wept at the language of our text brings us face to grave of Lazarus. I know that he was face with the greatest question of time magnetic for the multitudes sought and eternity, as far as mental attitudes to touch him. I know that he was are concerned. What you think con­ fascinating, for a social outcast as low cerning the Son of God is now govern­ as the woman of Samaria exclaimed, ing your treatment of His proffered ‘Is not this the C hrist?’ I know that mercies. There are three great typical he was superb in his mental mould, attitudes commonly held by men re­ for Jewish rabbi affirmed, ‘Thou art a garding this question: teacher com e from G od.’ I know that he was observing, for, as he passed by,

* Pastor, Carthage, Missouri. he saw a man which was blind from

12 (348) The Preacher's Magazine his birth. I know that he was popular, Mr. Ingersoll, what do you think of for the multitude shouted, ‘Hosanna! Christ? Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh “I place Jesus with the great, the in the name of the Lord!’ ” generous, the self-denying of this Ah, yes, we must all gaze in ad­ earth, and for the man Christ I feel miration at a character such as that. only admiration and respect. Let me Allow me to summon some witnesses say, once for all, that to that giant from the ranks of those whom the and serene Man, I gladly pay the world calls great. homage of my admiration and my tears.” We are now in a period of wars. The red-stained talons of this heinous Ah, yes, Mighty Orator, you may monster have sunk deep into our attack the church, but you are forced world order. The war has entered to admit that with its Founder you our mode of life in every realm, and can find no fault. has made us vividly conscious of its Let us now call a man from the presence. Let us call to our witness field of art and literature. Of all the stand the man who was probably the great American poets, none have writ­ greatest military genius of all time— ten with a finer style of sweet lyri­ the little Corsican, Napoleon Bona­ cism than the talented “Singer of the parte. He was never a professed Chris­ Southland,” Sydney Lanier. Great tian. Let us go to the lonely isle of Bard, what think you of Christ? Lis­ St. Helena to confront him with the ten, as Lanier answers: question of our text. Great Emperor, But Thee, but Thee, O sovereign What think ye of Christ? Listen as seer of time, comes his answer: But Thee, O Poets’ Poet, Wisdom’s tongue, “My life once shone with the bril­ But Thee, O man’s best man, O liance of a diadem, but now who cares love’s best love, for m e ?” A perfect life in perfect labor Caesar, Alexander, where are they writ. now? “And I shall soon be forgotten. O, all men’s Comrade, Servant, But Jesus stretches a dead hand [no, King, or Priest, Emperor, a living hand] across the What if or yet, what mole, what centuries, and rules the world. He flaw, what lapse, was crucified 1,800 years ago, after What least defect, or shadow of de­ founding an empire upon love; and fect, at this millions would die for Him.” What rumor tattled by an enemy, Yes, mighty Emperor, you too, al­ Or inference loose, what lack of though you accept Him not as your grace— Saviour, are forced to bow low before Even in torture’s grasp, or sleep’s Him in honest admiration. As an or­ or death’s— ganizer of empires, His powers far Oh, what amiss may I forgive in outshine yours. Thee, Let us summon next to our witness Jesus, Good Paragon, Thou Crys­ chair that mighty politician and ora­ tal Christ? tor, Robert Ingersoll. Mr. Ingersoll, From every walk of life, from every you were a man of great renown. We field of endeavor, rich or poor, bond remember you as an outstanding ag­ or free, regardless of race or language, nostic. Your attacks upon the Bible all men must bow in awed admiration and the church are well remembered. before His flawless life. How sad that

August, 1957 (349) 13 in too few cases submission is blended exceedingly beautiful, and when his with admiration! friends came to see the picture on the easel everyone said, “What beautiful II. S i n f u l I ndifference cups!” “Ah!” said he, “I have made Many people are indifferent to a mistake; these cups divert the eyes Christ. If they have an opinion of of the spectator from the Master, to Him at all, it is only a passive one. whom I wish to direct the attention They may admire Him, and yet re­ of the observer,” and he took the main unconcerned, as far as His prof­ brush and rubbed them from the can­ fers of grace and mercy are vas, that the strength and vigor of the concerned. Many reasons might be chief object might be seen as it should. cited for this state of mind. One of Too many, today, are admiring the these is “the offence of the cross.” It cups of pleasure and indulgence, to is hard for the natural man to love the exclusion of the Man of Galilee. the “Christ of the Cross.” A Euro­ Many People Are Indifferent to Our pean was once taken captive in a Lord Largely Because of Our Failure Mohammedan land. During his cap­ as Christians to Properly Present Him tivity he amused himself by sketching. to a Lost and Dying World. His enemies saw his handiwork. As they gazed at his skillful and curious It is a shame for a sinner to try to production, it struck them that they hide behind a hypocritical professor, might turn his talents to a profitable but it is an evident fact that he will account. He was promised his liberty do so. Insincerity is a poor quality for if he would design a new mosque a professed Christian to incorporate (heathen place of worship). He into his personality. We must be good agreed to the proposal. An elegant representatives of the “Compassion­ and substantial building was planned. ate Christ.” At first it pleased them, and the hour Dannecker, the great German sculp­ of his emancipation seemed near. tor, occupied years upon a marble Some keen eye, however, made a dis­ statue of Christ. When he had la­ covery. It was found that the m osque bored two years the work was ap­ was drawn in the shape of a cross. parently finished. He called into his Disappointed and angry, they put the studio a little girl, and, directing her architect to death. Thus do some re­ attention to the statue, asked her, ject the gospel. They are well pleased “Who is that?” She replied, “A great with the plan of salvation until they man.” The artist turned away dis­ discern in it the cross of self-denial. heartened. His artistic eye had been Others Are Blinded by the Things of deceived. He had failed, and his two the World. years of labor had been thrown away. Too much in love with “this life” to But he began anew; and after several have any love for Christ! To them, years had passed, he again invited the child into his studio, and repeated the the world order is more beautiful than He. inquiry, “Who is that?” This time he A Spanish ai'tist was employed to was not disappointed. After looking quite awhile in silence, her curiosity depict the “Last Supper.” It was his purpose to throw all the sublimity of deepened into awe and thankfulness, his art into the figure and countenance and bursting into tears she said, in of the Master, but he put on the ta­ low and gentle tones, ble in the foreground some chaste “Suffer little children to come unto cups, the workmanship of which was m e.”

14 (350) The Preacher's Magazine It was enough. The artist knew that “I have become a follower of Christ. his fondest hopes had been realized. His life is a long record of affliction He believed then, and afterward, and persecution. His spirit of for­ that he had been inspired of God to bearance, His love, and His benevo­ do that thing. He thought that he lence shine through it all. No more had seen a vision of Christ in his soli­ valuable lesson has come to me out tary vigils. He had but transferred of my Christian experience.” to marble the image that the Lord Let us enter the sphere of industry, had shown to him. His rising fame and call upon Henry J. Heinz, who attracted the attention of Napoleon, made himself famous for his fifty- and he was requested to make a stat­ seven varieties of food products. Mr. ue of Venus, similar to Ariadne, for Heinz, what think you of Christ? In the gallery of Louvre. He refused, answer comes a quotation from his saying, last will and testament. “A man who has seen Christ would “I desire to set forth at the very be­ commit sacrilege if he should employ ginning of this will as the most im­ his art in the carving of a pagan god­ portant item within it, a confession of dess.” my faith in Jesus Christ as my Sav­ Ah! We needs must be good repre­ iour. I also desire to bear witness to sentatives of the Christ. the fact that throughout my life, in

III. F u l l A c c e p t a t io n which were the usual joys and sor­ Let us now consider in our final rows, I have been wonderfully sus­ section of truth the attitude of full tained by my faith.” acceptation. This and this alone is the A man may have wealth, fame, and Christian attitude. It is not enough friends, but when the final hour to admire Him. We must accept Him comes, the most important thing in in all the attributes of His saviour- his perspective is his attitude toward hood. To take Him is to take all that God, for that is the determining fac­ is worthwhile in this present life, and tor in God’s attitude toward him. that which is to come. Let us once Finally, let us call upon our own more summon a few witnesses. In my consciences to testify: mind the three great figures of this My friend, what do you think of war-torn era in the military realm Him? Are you walking blindly on are: Douglas Mac Arthur, our peer­ in the darkness of sinful indulgence? less and dauntless leader; Bernard Has the brassy tinkle of a gaudy world Montgomery, of England’s great drowned from your ears His gentle Eighth Army; and Chiang Kai-shek, voice? Are you so engaged in the mad the leader of China’s forces. All three whirl of our present high speed living of these men are great in my mind be­ that you have no time for Him? If so, cause they are lovers of the Bible and stop and consider! men with faith in God. Let us call Do you remain an admirer from the mighty Chinese leader. MacAr- afar off? H. G. Wells called Christ thur was reared as a devout Episco­ “the world’s greatest man,” but that palian; M ontgom ery is the son of an is not enough. We cannot stop with Anglican bishop; but Chiang was our admiration for Him as a man. We reared as a pagan, yet one day he met must accept Him as our Saviour and Jesus. Mighty Generalissimo, what worship Him as our God. think ye of Christ? Listen to his an­ Let me, in closing, borrow my word swer, as it comes straight from the of testimony from a poet. Let me tell shoulder. you now that testim ony is the great­

August. 1957 0 5 1 ) 15 est form of preaching. W ithout an Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, element of personal testimony, ser­ Flowers with brighter beauty mons degenerate into hot air and ora­ shine, torical displays. My friends, I stand Since 1 know as now I know before you a former sinner, now saved I am His, and He is mine. by grace. My estimate of Christ is: Heaven above is a soft blue. What do you think of Him? Let us Earth around is sweeter green; be able to say, like one of an earlier Something lives in every hue age, Christless eyes have never seen. “My Lord and my God”!

The Romance of Budgets

By Richard F. McBrien

The theme assigned us for this pa­ who can deny that love is both a mat­ per, “The Romance of Budgets,” testi­ ter of romance and adjustment to a fies to the active imagination of my materialistic life? good district superintendent, Broth­

er Ray Hance. Imagine, if you can, W h y B u d g e t s ? please, putting together these two Since as pastors we all do pay ideas often thought so completely budgets, let’s take a few moments to contradictory—“romance” with its ask ourselves, Why do we pay budg­ suggestiveness of love and things of ets, anyhow? In answering this, I’ll -the emotional aspect of living and be making a confession of early con­ “ budgets” with its down-to-earth prac­ cepts I’ve held, concepts of which I’m ticality and a definite relationship to not very proud, but nevertheless true. the material things of life. It is almost I’ve gotten budgets paid at times as though while lovers were walking when my motive was merely “save together through a beautiful summer face,” at other times because “duty” night, the young lady murmured, stared me in the face. I can’t particu­ “John, you are sure you love me more larly say I enjoyed “getting the budg­ than any other? That you’ll love me et paid” but at least the district, down through the years, even when school, or the general church got its I’m no longer young and beautiful?” apportionment. Thus God’s cause You can imagine her shock when John wasn’t hindered by our failing to do answers by saying, “Sure, I’ll pay the our part; but, brethren, I’m afraid I grocery bill, buy your clothes, make received no spiritual blessing, wasn’t the payments on the house, share my spiritually enriched within, and didn’t income with the doctor—you know I develop much vision and sacrifice in love you.” A shock to her, his com­ the churches I pastored. But, thank pletely materialistic response, but God, one day something happened to me—don’t ask me what—but “save ’^Pastor, Winfield, Kansas. face” and “duty” faded away and we

Paper given at District Preachers' Meeting. have enjoyed “paying the budgets.”

16 (352) The Preacher's Magazine God helped us to see “The Romance of the budgets; then we don’t just pay of Budgets,” the human and eternal the budget, but are ministering to the values contained therein. Paying the needs of those for whom the Master budgets has ceased being a duty and gave His all. task and become “the thrill of our lives,” and we have called on our peo­ P r a c t i c a l A s p e c t t o H a v e ple to share with our Christ that oth­ ers might have this glorious gospel of In opening we spoke of romance as grace that He has offered so abundant­ lovers walking together. Can we ly to all who will seek Him. transpose that concept to our task in “paying the budgets”? Those lovers To me, that is all-important of “the are planning to share lives with each why” that we do a thing. When I paid other. Each one has something to budgets to “save face” at the assem­ bring to the marriage and each loses bly, I begrudged what we gave, was something in the sharing. Their de­ rather critical of the whole budget sires and interests are mutual and business, and am afraid was among each of them will sever some ties as the group of Pharisees who were told they unite to walk together through by Jesus that when they prayed long life. Brethren, Jesus asks us to walk prayers to be heard of the people they down life’s road with Him, not a road had their reward—not in the answers of ease and comfort, but down “that to prayer, but in that the people re­ Calvary Road,” where there are blood garded them as long pray-ers, so very and sweat and tears, and finally a religious. My ministerial record may cross and a grave. But beyond these have shown “budgets paid in full,” ■—Easter and an empty grave, the As­ but inside I was poor and naked and cension and the promise of His re­ miserable. The soldier on guard may turn, “The Home Over There”—and spend long hours trudging his beat, it’s better than a “Cabin in the Corner shivering with cold, inwardly rebel­ of Glory Land.” But remember, first lious and longing to be warm and com­ the cross, then the crown. fortable in his bed, but “duty” holds him to the guard duty. How different He asks us to share with Him in this the mother who spends long, weary life. And what He has to offer! Par­ hours at the bedside of a loved one, don, cleansing, the abiding Holy refusing sleep, too concerned for those Ghost, rest to the weary, comfort to ill to take even the needed nourish­ the sorrowing, strength to the weak— ment! Let someone ask her—“Won’t all this and heaven too! But it’s shar­ you go to bed, go rest awhile, take it ing, not just what He can give me, but easy for a while?” She would say, also what I can give Him. Simon of “But this is what I want to do; I don’t Cyrene will never be forgotten, for want to leave here.” What is it that one day he shared the Master’s cross. holds her, tired, weary, and suffering, Today He asks that we share His cross, to that bedside, unconscious of sacri­ not by compulsion, but of choice, and fice and duty? We all know—love. in doing so we shall immortalize our And so love, love for Christ, love for lives. those for whom He died, will hold us Marriage and romance have their to the place of sacrifice and devotion, practical sides. They are more than and all the time we will be doing what clasped hands, sweet words of endear­ we want to do. To have this kind of ment, and strolling through soft spring love, we need to be able to see the nights. After the marriage vows there human value, the spiritual purpose are the rent, the grocery bill, clothes,

August, 1957 (353) 17 doctor bills—and would any of us tion, we find four major items, two of married even a short time say that which, Home Missions and District, this is not an important area of life? we will consider along with the budg­ It is love with its everyday clothes on, ets that are specifically for these pur­ love expressing itself in labor, in sac­ poses. Another is the district meet­ rifice, in sharing with the one we love. ings, assembly and conventions. Are And what wife will feel loved by her there any human values in those, any companion if he grumbles about pay­ soul values there? May I say I’m ing for groceries, the rent, and other human, and two of the high lights of bills? Indeed, she expects him to do my year are those meetings. Often­ all this just as a part of his contribu­ times I’ve come, tired and discour­ tion to the marriage covenant. But, aged, spiritually wan, needing a touch beyond this, if the husband delights from the Master. I’ve feasted many in his companion, he will do the unex­ a time at those meetings, gone home pected, bring home the surprise pack­ refreshed, with new vision and vigor age, the new dress, flowers, something for the Master’s service. I say there he’s heard his wife express a desire is romance in these meetings. to have. That is love in operation. The main item of the District Budg­ If Christians, we are wedded to the et relates to the support of our district Master. As part of our marriage cov­ superintendent, his salary, expenses, enant we have accepted the task of and parsonage. Would we dispense carrying on His mission here in this with the superintendency? To whom world. As we pay month by month would we go for counsel, for help in those budget apportionments, all of changing pastorates, for a challenge which have relationship to extending to greater endeavors for souls and the His kingdom, we are just as the hus­ Kingdom? The district superinten­ band paying the regular bills of the dent renders a service we sorely need home. Should we feel in so doing that and surely, as a laborer, he is w orthy we are compelled to give up some­ of his hire. thing we would like to keep for self? Are there souls in the District Cen­ If so, is love for Christ in operation? ter Budget? How about boys’ and If only we would tarry until we could girls’ camps held each summer, the see the “souls in the budget,” then let district camp meeting? How many love have her way, how much easier find help at the altar during those to pay those budgets! three weeks, besides those times when

S o u l s i n t h e B u d g e t s Youth Institute has been held at the S ome may question our feeling that camp? Would we put an evaluation there are “souls in the budgets.” Let’s on souls, weigh them against the look and see. The old prospector who money invested, then say it isn’t worth goes to find gold doesn’t always— no, it? Not if we estimate as the Saviour, almost never— find it lying on the who counted a soul as m ore than all surface. But with pick and shovel, the world in value! and sometimes with dynamite, he What of the Home Mission Budget, blasts away until the vein is un­ any soul value there? My wife is a covered. Let’s pick and dig, and if Nazarene because of a home mission necessary blast away, until we find campaign sponsored by an Oklahoma “souls in the budgets.” district. She was reclaimed and sanc­ Start with the District Budget. Af­ tified because a district put some ter several smaller items related to money into a revival and purchase of the operation of the district organiza­ property to start a new church. Our

18 (354) The Preacher's Magazine superintendent’s report of last year the lands of heathen darkness. You’ll shows 4 new churches in Wichita in not walk very far with Him until He the last four years—Eastridge, Uni­ will lead you down that road, point versity, Derby, and Park City. Their you to the millions who have never reports show 140 church members heard of His love and mercy, and ask with 405 enrolled in Sunday school. you to do something to lead them to Isn’t there soul value there? Couldn’t the foot of the Cross. God hasn’t we see some rom ance in 140 church called me as a missionary but neither members and 405 being taught the has He indicated I could live in com­ way of the Lord in our Sunday fort and ease and do but little to assist schools? in getting the lost of the world unto Any “souls in the College Budget” ? God. Headquarters tell us that over a Four young people from Winfield en­ million dollars a year goes to mission­ rolled there this year, one studying ary purposes. Big money, isn’t it? to be a preacher and two to teach in But wait, they also tell us that on our public schools. They all couldn’t go own allocated mission fields are 40,- unless the college was backed by that 000,000 who are entirely dependent budget. Some of them have had spir­ upon us Nazarenes for the gospel. itual troubles coping with the world, That means that each year we allocate and I know our college is making a $1.00 for every 40 persons, 2% cents real contribution to their lives. I say invested per soul to get men to God there are “souls in the College Budg­ and save them from hell! Less than et,” and as we send our monthly pay­ the price of a postage stamp invested ment I say we are investing in human each year to get a man to God! lives. Where else can you get more “Souls in the budgets” ? Brethren, for your money as you invest in there is enough need covered by our youth? budgets to break the hearts of men, Are there any spiritual values in make their hearts fountains of tears, the N.M.B.F. Budget? What about and speed their feet around the world the old-timers, the pioneers of the if only (and how great that “if”!) we church? Those who went out preach­ could see that need through the eyes ing holiness without any roof over and compassion of Jesus! For that their heads but the stars of heaven; compassion of His gave Him vision of who started churches in old store a lost world, pulled Him from the buildings, in homes, and in tents; be­ throne beside His Father, and nailed gan without any guarantee of a sal­ Him to Calvary’s cross on that black ary; didn’t know what it was to have Friday. And love, His love, in our a home mission fund to back them? hearts will enable us to see the need, They dug out churches, bought prop­ “the souls in the budgets” and pull erty, built buildings, lived on hard us out to give, to suffer, to serve that scrabble to give us the church we they might know Him. Romance in have! Would we be such ingrates that the budgets? Where else can we find we take their lives and strength, say greater love? I’m glad Jesus in Geth- a polite “thank you,” and leave them semane didn’t say to His Father, “I to the mercy of charity? Heaven for­ can’t go another step, nor give another bid. dollar,” but 1-efused to count the cost, Any “souls in the General Budg­ consigned himself to the Cross, and et”? If Jesus walks down any road, purchased redemption for all who I’m sure it is the road that leads to would come to Him!

August, 1957 (355) 19 A l t e r n a t iv e t o R o m a n c e to take a salary increase from $80.00 to $100.00 a week.” That church didn’t Then, since there is “Romance in decrease its outlay of money—it just Budgets,” why are we so hesitant diverted the direction in which it was about them, dreading the few dollars’ going! increase we may be asked to take, failing to accept the challenge of I recall this event from the life of Dr. Orval J. Nease, as I heard him every church being a 10 per cent tell it. It was in the early days of his church or even a tithing church? Have ministry, pastoring a church that was we forgotten that a few fishes and “in the red” financially. One day, near loaves in the Master’s hands fed a few assembly time, he sat in his study, thousand and left twelve baskets full pondering his problem, what to do for twelve disciples and their Lord? about the unpaid portion of that year’s I like that kind of multiplication from budgets. Seemingly, no money was the Divine Mathematician, don’t you? available from any source. He had Then let’s trust Him—He is still able! already spoken of it to his wife, sug­ Why don’t we do better about budg­ gesting that maybe they could man­ ets since there is romance there? One age to give a little more from their pastor of a large church of a city asked small income and thus encourage the a small-town pastor how the little church to give. Her response had church could raise so much for mis­ been, “O. J., look at the baby’s shoes; sions, equaling the large church in its they are worn out. He has no others, missionary giving. No, the little and if you give another penny, we church didn’t have “moneyed mem­ will have to take the child to assem­ bers,” just wage earners, people from bly without even decent shoes to the common walks of life. The an­ wear!” With these thoughts in mind, swer lay in the pastor of the large he slipped to his knees, and talked church—he had taught them that hav­ with the Lord about the unpaid budg­ ing for self was more important than ets and the ragged shoes of his child. the “souls in the budget,” for that After a while he came up with a shout year, since he was a “musical” pastor, on his lips and fire burning in his soul a fine new organ was installed in the and exclaimed, “It is one or the other, church, lovely new wall-to-wall car­ shoes for the children, or souls for the pet was laid in the parsonage. An un­ Master, and souls are more important willingness in that pastor to share than shoes! We’ll take an offering for with the Master has blighted that the balance of the budgets.” church so that the vision of the people As to be expected, with that spirit is so limited that they can only see and sacrifice in the pastor’s heart, the that which is near at hand! budget was paid. More important, Dr. A pastor came to assembly, met the Nease said, “That was the turning Ways and Means Committee, and point of my ministry, for that day I said, “I’m sorry, but my board de­ saw the romance of budgets.” mands that this budget be cut from May God help us that we too may $950.00 to $500.00.” Six weeks later see the romance—that “souls in the he exclaimed in this writer’s pres­ budgets” are more important than ence, “My board just about forced me even shoes for the children.

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

By Ralph Earle*

Romans 3:25

P ropitiation would distinguish two meanings in the two passages in the New Testa­ In verse 25 it is stated that God “set ment. He suggests that in Hebrews forth” Christ to be a “propitiation.” 9: 5 as “the lid of expiation” it refers The G reek w ord is hilasterion. It oc­ to “the well-known cover of the ark of curs elsewhere in the New Testament the covenant in the Holy of holies, only in Hebrews 9: 5, where it is trans­ which was sprinkled with the blood lated “mercy seat.” An adjective, it is of the expiatory victim on the annual used in both places with the article day of atonement (this rite signify­ as a substantive. ing that the life of the people, the loss The adjective comes from the verb of which they had merited by their hilaskoviai. This was used in the mid­ sins, was offered to God in the blood dle voice in classical Greek in the as the life of the victim, and that God sense of appeasing or conciliating the by this ceremony was appeased and gods. In the Greek Old Testament it their sins expiated) ,”4 But Thayer is used passively with the meaning holds that in Romans 3:25 hilasterion “become propitious, be appeased.”1 means “an expiatory sacrifice.” The verb occurs only twice in the New Deissmann insists that the idea of Testament, in Luke 18:13—of the mercy seat should not be attached to penitent publican in the Parable of the word in Romans 3:25. He says the Pharisee and the Publican (“God that here it signifies “means of pro­ be merciful to me a sinner”)—and in pitiation” or “propitiatory gift.”3 He Hebrews 2:17 (“to make reconcilia­ further writes: “The crucified Christ tion for the sins of the people”) . is the votive-gift of the Divine Love Then there is the noun hilasmos. for the salvation of men.”0 As in the case of the adjective and James Denney suggests this render­ verb, it occurs twice in the New Testa­ ing: “Whom God set forth in pro­ ment. In I John 2:2 and 4:10 it is pitiatory power”—taking hilasterion translated “propitiation” in the King as an adjective. He then makes this James Version. Cremer prefers “ex­ observation: “It is in His blood that piation”; that is, a covering of sin.2 Christ is endued with propitiatory As a neuter substantive, hilasterion power; and there is no propitiatory has the sense “a means of appeasing, power of blood known to Scripture or expiating, a propitiation.”3 Thayer unless the blood be that of sacrifice.”7

*Professor, Nazarene Theological Seminary.

'Ibid. 1Thayer< "Lexicon/' p. 301. D"Bible Studies," p. 130. 2Cremer, "Lexicon/' p. 304. "Ib id ., p. 1 3 3 . 3Thayer, p. 301. 7E G T , I I , 6 1 1 .

August, 1957 (357) 21 In his commentary on The Epistles reconciled to God, and not God to of St. John (Greek text) Bishop West- man.” 11 cott has an additional note on the use In discussing the meaning of hilas- of hilasmos. After pointing out the terion in Romans 3:25, William Owen classical idea of propitiating the gods Carver has this to say: “Greek fa­ —from Homer on—he contrasts the thers generally and prominent modern usage of the Biblical writers as fol­ scholars understand Paul here to say lows: that God appointed Christ Jesus to be “They show that the scriptural the ‘mercy-seat’ for sinners.”12 Dr. conception of hilaskesthai is not Carver prefers this interpretation as that of appeasing one who is angry, the most natural. with a personal feeling, against the Samuel R. Driver has a long dis­ offender; but of altering the char­ cussion of the Hebrew terms used for acter of that which from without the idea of propitiation. His final con­ occasions a necessary alienation, clusion is this: “ ‘Propitiation’ is in and interposes an inevitable ob­ the Old Testament attached especial­ stacle to fellowship. Such phrases ly to the sin-offering, and to the sacri­ as ‘propitiating God’ and God ‘be­ fice of the blood (or life); and Christ, ing reconciled’ are foreign to the by the giving up of His sinless life, language of the New Testament. annuls the power of sin to separate Man is reconciled.” 8 between God and the believer, by a W. E. Vine, in An Expository Dic­ sacrifice analogous to those offered by tionary of New Testament Words, de­ the Jewish priests, but infinitely more velops this truth a little further. He efficacious.” 13 indicates with regard to the Greek Sanday and Headlam object to mak­ gods that “their good will was not ing Christ at the same time the Priest, conceived as their natural attitude, the Sacrifice, and the Place of Sprin­ but something to be earned first.”0 kling. They suggest that the Christian But this idea is entirely foreign to the hilasterion (place of sprinkling) is the Biblical point of view. God’s nature Cross11—an idea we would question. guarantees that His attitude is always They would interpret the term here as based on holy love. Man does not need meaning propitiatory sacrifice. to change that attitude. “It is God In this connection Sanday and who is propitiated by the vindication Headlam give a quotation from the of His holy and righteous character, Jewish Mishna which is worth repro­ whereby, through the provision He ducing: has made in the vicarious and expia­ tory sacrifice of Christ, He has so “When a man thinks, I will just go dealt with sin that He can shew mercy on sinning and repent later, no to the believing sinner in the removal help is given him from above to of his guilt and the remission of his make him repent. He who thinks, sins.”10 In agreement with Westcott, I will but just sin and the Day of he says: “Never is God said to be Atonement will bring me forgive­ reconciled, a fact itself indicative that ness, such an one gets no the enmity exists on man’s part alone, forgiveness through the Day of and that it is man who needs to be Atonement.”15

11 Ibid. 8B. F. Westcott, "The Epistles of St. John/' p. 87. “ "Propitiation," ISBE, IV, 2467. °W. E. Vine, "Expository Dictionary of New Testament “ “ Propitiation," HDB, IV, 132. Words," III, 223. ^"Romans" (ICC), p. 87. 10Ibid . “ Ibid., p. 88.

22 (358) The Preacher's Magazine It seems best to relate the term seat in the holy of holies, sc^ Christ, as hilasterion to the mercy seat in the our great High Priest took the blood ancient Tabernacle, since all agree of His own sacrifice and offered it as that it clearly has that meaning in the propitiation for our sins. The the Septuagint and in the only other Epistle to the Hebrews seems clearly place where it occurs in the New Testament, Hebrews 9: 5. Just as the to indicate that Christ is himself the high priest once a year, on the Day of Priest, the Altar, and the Sacrifice. Atonement, took the blood of the sin He is the fulfillment of all the ty­ offering and sprinkled it on the mercy pology of the Tabernacle.

Pulpit and Parish. Tips

Pastoral Calling

By E. E. Wordsworth '

o m e t e l l us that the day for pas­ Fletcher said he nursed his “converts S toral visitation is past. They point for many weeks by frequent visits, us to modern ways of contacting the counselling, prayer and Bible instruc­ public by the use of television, radio, tion.” Newborn babies need much at­ the mailing list, and office equipment tention. Without it they sicken and pressed into service. We cannot doubt die. the real merit of the use of such mod­ How long should a call be? It all ern inventions. The church bulletin depends. William Bramwell, of early and newssheet are effective and serve Methodism, thought the average time a w orthy purpose. should be ten minutes for a purpose­ But there is no worthy substitute ful, spiritual call. In many cases ten for the pastor’s calling. It is scriptural or fifteen minutes is long enough. The and meritorious. Dr. Theodore Cuyler, pastor must carefully guard his time famous Brooklyn pastor, received into without seeming discourtesy. A so­ his membership over one thousand cial call usually demands longer time. people, but he states: “I touched every It is not always advisable to force stone.” Even the lay church visitor prayer upon some homes. Tact is in­ cannot take the place of the pastor. dispensable at all times. The pastor, and he alone, brings to On rare occasions the deeply spirit­ his calling a specialized ministry. ual and wise pastor’s wife should ac­ company him, but too often, if she Sick calls should always have prior goes all the time, the calling is quite claim. New converts need a pastor’s social rather than spiritual; it is just counsel and encouragement. John talk rather than Christian devotion and helpful ministry. *Pastor, Goldendale, Washington

August, 1957 (359) 23 Start Your NEW With These Imports Weekly Count and Report Form A carefully prepared form, invaluable in count­ ing any offering— church, Sunday school, mission- ary, young people's, building fund, specials. Special space is provided for listing and total­ ing currency, coins, and checks, which when recorded in the designated place will give the grand total at a glance. Pass this important time- saving information on to the treasurer of each de­ partment. No. R-165 COMES IN PADS OF 50 SHEETS Each pad, 50c Church Treasurer's Report Highly recommended treasurer's record book for Weekly Tithing Envelope System the weekly envelope system. It covers every phase Systematic givers are better givers. Use this a church would want for keeping accurate and up- already successfully proved Every Sunday Tithing to-date records of individual giving. Envelope System to encourage regular weekly Available for both the single and duplex pocket giving. envelope system. Cloth-board binding. (MY) Complete information on several varieties of en­ No. R-1S (320 names) For single-pocket envelopes velopes at popular low prices and free samples $3.00 will be sent upon request. No. R-1D (208 names) For duplex-pocket envelopes $3.10

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Monthly Report Blanks Specially prepared forms to be used with the See Our NEW "Uniform Church Accounting" book when giving GENERAL CATALOG monthly reports to the pastor and church board. For each department there is a pad of twenty-five For many other forms forms, and an annual summary sheet. and books essential for No. R-151 Local Church Report No. R-152 Sunday School Report keeping good records No. R-153 N.F.M.S. Report FREE upon Request No. R-154 N.Y.P.S. Report Each above pad of 25 forms, 25c No. R-160 Set of four above pads, $1.00 Make the Ministry of Your C SEND YOUR ORDER AT ONCE

24 (360) The Preacher's Magazine Assembly Year mt Church Supplies Weekly CHURCH BULLETINS

4 Cycle of Far- reaching Influence

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August, 1957 (361) 25 I EVANGELISM

Supplied by V. H. Lewis'

That We All M ay Be other child attended our Sunday school only when another member Better Evangelists stopped by for her.

P r a y e r a n d W i t n e s s in g “We knew that we could not just ask these folks to come to our church. It is not the flawless argument that We needed to go deeper than that. turns men to Christ. It is the con­ With somewhat fearful hearts, we victing power of the Holy Spirit. And knocked on the door. The man of the the Holy Spirit can use us only when house received us cordially. we pray. The one who desires to be an ambassador of the King of Kings “As we sat there talking, we be­ must understand that honest, heart- came aware of our pastor’s words, searching, sincere prayer is the key ‘Don’t worry. The Holy Spirit will that unlocks the reservoir of power. guide you in what to say.’ As we Daily searching of God’s Word and pressed the conversation in spiritual earnest prayer are essential. But the matters and their needs, they pledged to attend church and give Christ a time we need to pray most is when we find ourselves with lost individuals chance in their lives. whom we want to win for Christ. “After the visit was over and we were back home, one line of the Lord’s W i t n e s s in g Prayer kept running through my Witnessing is the spearhead of at­ mind with thrilling meaning—‘For tack against the forces of evil in this thine is the kingdom, and the pow­ world. It is the vanguard in the con­ er, and the glory, for ever. Amen.’ quest of God’s great army against the We can never forget this call made gates of hell. Witnessing kindles the for Christ and our church and God’s flame of compassion in the heart of blessing upon us. How much greater every Christian practicing it. W ithout is our faith now!” if we drift into cold, clammy formal­ The sequel to this one call made by ism and ritualism. these two Christian laymen is an ex­ ample of results often realized. The P e r s o n a l E v a n g e l is m P a y s family have found Christ as their “ One evening as w e met at the Saviour. The lady requested some church before going out visiting, the scripture to send to a friend of hers pastor gave us the names of a couple whose brother was in prison charged that he expected to be hard to win. As with murder. The sister, hearing of background information, we were in­ her friend’s conversion, asked guid­ formed that this couple had experi­ ance in helping her brother find enced the tragedy of losing a young Christ. child in an unfortunate accident. Their So goes the work of evangelism. The recent convert had thus already

*Executive Secretary, Department of Evangelism, become a soul winner for our Lord.

26 (362) The Preacher's Magazine D. L. Moody Tells How He Received the home of each of his class mem­ a New Impulse bers. Seeing him plead with these I want to tell you how I got the first girls and seeing how God used him to impulse to work solely for the con­ win every single one convinced me version of men. For a long time after that the Holy Spirit could work con­ my conversion I didn’t accomplish viction through personal witnessing anything. I hadn’t got into my right more than in any other way. place; that was it. I hadn’t thought enough of this personal work. I’d get up in prayer meeting, and I’d pray Nazarene Pastor: with the others, but just to go up to a man and take hold of his coat and get Have you sent us the names him down on his knees, I hadn’t got and new addresses of those who are moving away from your around to that. community, so that we might It was in 1860 that the change came. forward their new addresses to In the Sunday school I had a pale, the pastors of the towns to delicate young man as one of the which they are moving? We teachers. I knew his burning piety, must not lose our Nazarene and assigned him to the worst class members and friends to God in school. They were all girls, and it and the church. was an awful class. They kept gad­ Address: ding around in the schoolroom, and DEPT. OF EVANGELISM were laughing and carrying on all the 6401 The Paeso while. And this young man had bet­ Kansas City 10, Mo. ter success than anyone else. One Sunday he was absent, and I tried to teach the class, but couldn’t do any­ thing with them; they seemed farther Ideas for Promotion off than ever from any concern about 1. How about a small plastic disc their souls. Well, the day after his which fits over the center of the tele­ absence, early Monday morning, the phone dial on which could be placed young man came into the store where the pastor’s or church’s phone num­ I worked, and, tottering and blood­ ber, with the words, “For Spiritual less, threw himself down on some Help, D ia l------”? boxes. “What’s the matter?” I asked. 2. How about a personal visitation “I have been bleeding at the lungs kit made up of some “colored slides” and they have given me up to die,” to fit a “true-view” type of viewer? he said. The one who is out contacting new “But you are not afraid to die?” I people could take the viewer and pic­ questioned. ture sets and show pictures of the “No,” said he. “I am not afraid to church, the pastor inviting them, Sun­ die, but I have got to stand before day school equipment, nursery facili­ God and give an account of my stew­ ties, youth activities, etc., and a slide ardship, and not one of my Sabbath or two of scripture. school scholars has been brought to People always like to look at pic­ Jesus. I have failed to bring one, and tures. This would gain entrance, and haven’t any strength left to do it now.” while people are looking at the pic­ He was so weighed down that I got tures, the caller could establish a a carriage and took that dying man to friendship in the home.

August, 1957 (363) 27 Evangelistic Preaching

By H. Ray Dunning

T n A very real sense of the word, all God, but with the need of man. Be­ preaching is evangelistic since it is fore man can seek for a satisfying of done with a view to persuasion. Yet his need, he must be made conscious we all recognize that there is a type of of it. The purpose of evangelism, then, ministry which is strictly evangelistic. is to arouse in man the realization of As pastors and professional evange­ this need, so that he will seek its sat­ lists alike we need a rethinking of the isfaction. Or, in language of scripture, purposes and methods involved in this the great goal is to cause men to cry type of endeavor. out, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” J. N. Hoppin holds that the work of Daniel Day Williams has observed evangelism “represents the aggressive that “it makes no sense to say men are spirit of Christianity in its assaults sinners, that is, wilfully estranged upon the powers of darkness at home from God, unless they have some and abroad,” and is extremely insis­ knowledge of the God against whom tent that it does not “seem to be ad­ they sin.”4 This would involve a proc­ visable to regard the evangelist as a lamation of the holiness of God in con­ separate office or work distinct from trast to the defilement of mankind, that of the pastor.”1 which in historical fact produced Isa­ G. Ray Jordan defines evangelistic iah’s great experience.5 preaching as that which seeks to bring Our chief problem is to discover about a “divine meeting” between our what type of preaching will produce hearers and God by means of which these results and thus determine evan­ the former will find freedom and full­ gelistic preaching par excellence. ness of life by giving themselves com­ Strictly speaking, nothing can produce pletely to God.2 But a little more sat­ the desired result save the activity of isfying to this writer is the reference the Holy Spirit, yet we are convinced of G. Campbell Morgan: “If preaching that a special ministry aids His efforts. is proclaiming good news, that sug­ It seems very clear, then, that the gests two things: the need of man, and preaching which will bring conviction the grace of God.”3 The divine meet­ for sin is the exposure of sin. This in­ ing needs to be between these two ele­ volves bringing the sinner face to face ments. This, then, proposes the bur­ with the eternal standard of righteous­ den of this article, which is to show ness—Jesus Christ— so that he will be how evangelistic preaching is calcu­ made aware of his radical incompati­ lated to bring about this meeting. The bility with that standard. In his dis­ difficulty lies, not with the grace of cussion of conscience, Oswald Cham­

* Pastor, Maryvile, Tennessee. bers poignantly puts this truth: The eye in the body records exactly *J. N. Hoppin, "Pastoral Theology" (New York: Funk & what it looks at. The eye simply re- Wagnalls, 1885), pp. 47-48. 2G. Ray Jordan, "You Can Preach!" (New York: Flem­ ing H. Revell Company, 1951), p. 242. 4Daniel Day Williams, "What Present-Day Theologians Are 3G. Campbell Morgan, "Preaching" (New York: Fleming H. Thinking" (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1952), page 42. Revell Company, 1937), pp. 11-12. fiIsaiah 6 :1 - 8 .

28 (364) The Preacher's Magazine cords, and the record is according to work for revealing to men their need the light thrown on what it looks at. and the contrast between their lives Conscience is the eye of the soul which and the divine standard.”7 By preach­ looks o u t on what it is taught about God, and how conscience records de­ ing the gospel, Wesley meant “preach­ pends entirely upon what light i s ing the love of God to sinners, thrown upon God. Our Lord Jesus preaching the life, death, resurrec­ Christ i s the only true light on God. tion, and intercession of Christ, with When a man sees Jesus Christ he does not get a new conscience, but a total­ all the blessings which in consequence ly new light is thrown upon God, and thereof are freely given to true be­ conscience records accordingly, with lievers.” the result that he is absolutely upset In a letter to Ebenezer Blackwell, by conviction of sin.6 Wesley explained his regular revival If Paul was correct—and who technique: would argue with him?—when he At our first beginning to preach at said, “When the commandment came, any place, after a general declaration sin revived, and I died,” then the of the love of God to sinners and His preaching of the law will arouse the willingness that they should be saved, to preach the law in the strongest, the sinner or any other needy soul to his closest, the most searching manner responsibility. This is perfectly in possible; only intermixing the gospel accord with John Wesley’s view of here and there, and showing it, as it sin which spoke of a “known law.” were, afar off. After more and more persons are convinced of sin, we may Preaching which shuns to mention mix more and more of the gospel, in sin and would preach a nebulous truth order to beget faith, to raise into spir­ without pointing out specific devia­ itual life those whom the law hath slain, but this is not to be done too tions from the standard of righteous­ hastily either. ness is but “prophesying smooth This principle would also apply to things.” It will never “jar” men loose preaching to those who need to be from their sins. It will never make sanctified, and only a cursory reading men “fall out” with the preacher, but of Wesley’s sermon on “Repentance neither will it get them to God. Philip in Believers” will show how he puts Melanchthon sent word to Martin it into practice. He boldly describes Luther to “so preach that they who do in detail the traits of the carnal mind not fall out with their sins may fall as pride, malice, hatred, bitterness, out with thee.” God grant that we as uncharitable conversation with all modern holiness preachers may sub­ their ugliness. scribe to this admonition. Dr. W. B. Godbey follows in Wes­ Lest one think that we are alone in ley’s train. In his booklet Glorifica­ these opinions, let us look briefly at tion, he deals with the preaching of two revered men of another day and what he calls “Sinai Gospel.” The see how they feel. John Wesley ad­ term is self-explanatory. He said, “I vocated the preaching of the law as always preached my revivals into full well as the gospel. By “law” he meant blast, standing on Mount Sinai, and “the commands of Christ briefly com­ hurling the thunderbolts of Jehovah’s prised in the Sermon on the Mount.” awful wrath in all directions.” In his Commenting on this, Dr. Samuel usual verbose style he describes the Young says, “These commands Wes­ results of this type of evangelism: ley insisted should be explained and There is no such thing as a genu­ enforced. This afforded the ground- ine repentance without a conviction

,:0swald Chambers, "The Philosophy of Sin" (London: 7Samuel Young, "The Law and the Gospel," the "Naza- Simpkin Marshall, Ltd., 1941), p. 61. rene Pastor," February-March, 1954.

August. 1957 (365) 29 going down to the bottom of the heart But one day (amongst all the ser­ superinducing that introspection which mons our parson made), his subject reveals the horrific turpitude of the was to treat of the Sabbath Day, and rebellious spirit in all its aggravated of the evil of breaking that, either enormity of vice, folly, antagonism unth labor, sports or otherwise, where­ to the divine will, disharmony with fore I fell in my conscience under his God’s holy and infallible administra­ sermon, thinking and believing that tion, till the sinner realizes such a he made that sermon on purpose to view of his own black, Satanic simili­ show me my evil-doing. And a t t h a t tude as to see his meetness only for t i m e [capitals mine] I felt what guilt hell fire, and inundate his whole being was, though never before, that I can with the voluntary and ejaculatory remember; but then I was for the confession of judgment against him­ present greatly loaded therewith, and self. . . . The normal effect of such a so went home, when the sermon was conviction is to superinduce a real re­ ended, with a great burden upon my pentance, which rejoices at the oppor­ spirit.8 tunity to restore all ill-gotten gains, and to the utmost ability to make all If we would stir our people to spir­ crooked places straight, and rectify itual awakening we must point out to all ivrongs of a misspent life. them where they are falling short. Our evangelistic message to sin­ “Christians should be told of their ners must carry a direct denunciation duties plainly though kindly. Is the of their sins; to the unsanctified, we spirit of covetousness growing among must reveal the awful condition of them? Are they passing the bounds of the carnal mind. Some may say that Christian temperance? Are they be­ we should never mention the nega­ coming merely selfish and pleasure- tives, but only in this way will the loving people? Are they linked in positives have any value. Seven of with any prevailing form of iniquity? the ten commandments said, “Thou Let them be told this fearlessly in the shalt not . . .” If we want revival, let spirit of love.”9 us begin to preach that type of evan­ However, we must be careful never gelistic message which history has to leave a message without a ray of shown will bring it to pass. hope. Condemnation without redemp­ Our message must be calculated to tion will but produce despair. This help men to see themselves as God we must not do. Ours is a message sees them. Only a vision of the Eter­ of optimistic realism. Our climax nal set in sharp contrast to their own must be a resurrection of those whom putrefaction will cause them to see the law has slain. the “exceeding sinfulness of sin.”

John Bunyan tells of a striking inci­ sJohn Bunyan, "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1948), page 13. dent which illustrates this point. °Hoppin, op. cit., pp. 502-3.

1957 Sermon Contest Did You Forget? You thought you would submit an entry this year to the Preacher’s Mag­ azine contest? You still have time, for the deadline is not until September 30. See the June or July issue for details. Get that message for the Sunday evening service polished up and in manuscript form. The awards are worthwhile. The sense of achievement will be an additional award. Make good your intentions, but get started right away.

30 (366) The Preacher's Magazine What Makes a Speaker Effective?

By Wendell Wellman ' n n o D A Y I h e a r d an effective speaker. Is It a M agnetic Voice and Polished I had been wanting to hear him. P h r a s e s ? His name is a household w ord in A t­ Not in his case. His voice, though lanta. He writes a daily newspaper authoritative and friendly, is sorely column. He preaches to overflowing lacking in quality. There is a raspi- congregations tw ice every Sunday in ness that tells you at once he was not a downtown church. His sermon cut out for radio! topics are the most imaginative and Polished phrases? He doesn’t use intriguing I’ve read. So when I saw them. He talks the language of the his name on the program I found my­ common man. His grammar is cor­ self actually anticipating an after- rect, but he avoids the “purple pas­ dinner speech! sage”; and you get the feeling he does I was not disappointed. The speech so deliberately! He seems bent on was short—about fifteen minutes in communicating with his audience, not length—but its effectiveness was not on captivating them. He succeeds ad­ due to brevity. It could have been mirably! much longer with no loss of appeal. If Not the Above, Then W hat Is It ? The experience set me to thinking— In his case, I think it is this: he be­ quite an accomplishment within it­ lieves what he says, and he makes it self! Why was the speech so effective? interesting, so interesting that you What was there about the man and his soon forget his undistinguished ap­ speech that enabled him to keep the pearance and his raspy voice. His undivided attention of two hundred simplicity and sincerity disarm you. businessmen, rushed as all of them His illustrations—he uses them mas­ are? What really makes a speaker terfully—drive his message home con­ effective? vincingly. His humor—always per­ tinent to his subject—adds to, never Is It Personal Appearance? detracts from, his over-all effective­ ness. Not in his case. By no stretch of the So W h a t ? imagination could he be called strik­ I find personal encouragement here. ing. He is neither tall, dark, nor hand­ We can’t all have Apollo-like phy­ some. You would never mistake him siques. We can’t all have the voice of for a “matinee idol.” He is not likely a Shakespearean actor. Most of us to be named among the “Ten Best will never be known for “pulling Dressed Preachers of America.” In down the star dust” when we preach. short, there was nothing about his But we can believe what we say, and looks to distinguish him from the with sufficient determination and ap­ average businessman sitting there plication we can make what we say with eyes glued on him, drinking in interesting! his every word. These, I believe, are among the basic ingredients of effective speak­

^'Pastor, Atlanta, Georgia. ing.

August, 1957 (367) 31 There Is Healing in Hymns

By Glenn B. Martin

TP h e s i c k have unique emotional musical interests and understandings. and spiritual needs. It must be The choir or group singing hymns in realized that a constructive use of re­ the hospital must take into considera­ ligious hymns for purposes of healing tion the various aspects of the func­ emotional moods requires a careful tion of music as it relates to the sick consideration. When the needs of the entrusted to their ministration. sick are studied and thought is given A hospital is not a church. It is a to the situations they face, the first house of healing. Only those methods step has been taken in understanding and songs which release the healing what the attitude and approach in the forces of God’s love and forgiveness use of music with hospital patients should be considered. It is worth­ should be. while to formulate and re-examine the The best service of which the Chris­ principles upon which an effective tian worker is capable can be given program of religious singing can best when he feels at home in his place of be executed. Only the hymns and opportunity. He can have that as­ tunes which seem desirable and fa­ sured feeling only if there is a clear miliar should be used in a ministry to understanding between himself and the sick. The therapeutic significance the people with whom he works. With­ of faith and love and forgiveness as it out it, he cannot make an effective relates to the gospel of Christ and ex­ contribution to relieving pain and pressed in religious hymns and songs speeding recovery for the sick. cannot be overestimated. The choice of hymns for healing There are many types of hospitals should be so selected as to focus at­ treating a variety of ills. The scope of tention upon the best of the Christian interest here is the general hospital message, namely, the love and for­ which treats surgical and medical pa­ giveness of God through Christ. Pa­ tients. Mental hospital treatment per­ tients are overly sensitive during ill­ mits a more extensive use of religious ness. Often there is a sense of guilt, music than the forms of treatment ap­ a feeling of punishment through sick­ plied in other hospitals or homes where music is mainly used as a ness. For these patients there is only one type of hymn, namely, the hymns means of entertainment or worship. with a theme of forgiveness. The pa­ The patient population in most hos­ tient’s guilt needs no amplification. It pitals represents a cross section of the needs to be dissolved. Hymns of love national population. It includes per­ and forgiveness heal the breach be­ sons of all social, economic, cultural, tween the patient and God. and religious backgrounds with a Alfred B. Haas, professor of prac­ wide variety of emotional and intel­ tical theology, Drew University, has lectual dispositions, interests, training made a valuable comment on the and experience, callings and hobbies. therapeutic value of hymns. He It represents a cross cut of religious pointed out that because of their rich

’’‘Chaplain, Colorado Medical Center, Denver, Colo. emotional associations, hymns reduce

32 (368) The Preacher's Magazine anxiety, alleviate a sense of guilt, Many hymns have very depressing strengthen inner resolves, bring com­ tunes as well as words. The mood re­ fort, and divert self-preoccupation. Of sulting is negative for the patient. He course not all hymns do this. Hymns may conclude the w orld is a sorrow­ can and may produce a negative ef­ ful, gloomy place and that the best fect on the patient. Any reference life holds is to accept his lot of suffer­ made to enemies may only aggravate ing, loneliness, and neglect. the patient’s hostility and rebellion. Religion can be used for an escap­ The nurse or doctor becomes the ob­ ism, and the words of many hymns ject of rebellion and hostility. These suggest retreat from reality. The re­ negative emotions are not only anti- sult may be an avoidance reaction and therapeutic, but malignant in nature, the patient will be encouraged to and may set off a chain reaction among deny the reality of his illness. He may patients throughout an entire ward. accept a false gaiety and faith lead­ Hymns with reference to blood, ing to nonobedience of medical help wounds, and mutilation of the body and instruction, only to do himself are not the best choice for hospital harm in doing so. Hymns suggesting singing. There may be a place for escapism are neither psychologically both the hymn and its theology, but nor theologically sound. The most it seems doubtful if the hospital pa­ outstanding “escape” hymns are ex­ tients appreciate the words, especial­ pressed in “Jesus, Lover of my soul, ly when patients are already an­ let me to Thy bosom fly,” “In the noyed and disturbed by blood and Sweet By and By,” and “When We wounds and sores. Surely there are All Get to Heaven.” There is little other and more healing aspects and in these hymns for the sick who are themes to be found in religious hymns. attempting to accept their lot as a means for character growth and spir­ It does not seem wise to use hymns itual development. whose words strongly emphasize Hymns that heal make full refer­ death. The patient may be encour­ ence to rest and relaxation. Rest and aged to exercise his fears of death. relaxation speed recovery in every The hospital staff is interested in life, illness. It is interesting to note that and extending life. The patient’s dis­ the hymns of every age express man’s comfort may be aggravated by fear of desire for rest. Man is tired in body death. and mind and he encounters these Closely related to death hymns are moods in both health and sickness. the hymns most frequently used at With this fact established, an accept­ funerals. The theme and tunes may able hymn of healing may be James be widely accepted in many church Montgomery’s, “The Lord is my Shep­ groups for church use, but they must herd, no want shall I know” (1822). be ruled out of the hospital worship. J. H. Stockton’s, “Come, every soul Hymns that make reference to by sin oppressed, there’s mercy with “self” are not recommended for the the Lord; and He will surely give you sick. The patients are already overly rest by trusting in His Word,” is an­ self-conscious and self-centered in other hymn worth considering for their thoughts. The objective in sing­ hospital use. ing hymns is to turn the patient from Closely related to the theme of rest himself, to open his eyes, and to turn is the theme of peace and comfort. him from despair and doubt to faith There is a wide selection of hymns in and courage in the Great Physician. which both words and hymns affect

August. 1957 (369) 33 healing through emphasis on peace to offer are two cardinal points to and comfort. Cecil F. Alexander’s guide one in selection. God offers His “Jesus Calls Us o’er the Tumult,” fol­ presence through His Holy Spirit. lowed with William Williams’ “Guide Many Protestant groups have neg­ Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” may not lected this phase of the gospel. The use the word “peace” or “comfort”; sick man wants God with him, es­ however when rendered in their true pecially if there is a crisis to face or spirit, they effect desired feelings of a hard adjustment to make. Isaac faith in God, who will see them Watts has given “Our God, Our Help through their immediate problems and in Ages Past,” which reminds one pain. that God cares, and that God is di­ recting in both individual and cor­ Hymns of forgiveness and love are porate affairs. “Come, Thou Al­ also abundant. Kate Hankey and mighty King” effects the same thought W. H. Doane have left their hymn of and feeling. Markus M. Wells’s “Holy forgiveness and love expressed in, Spirit, Faithful Guide” makes God’s “Tell me the old, old story of unseen presence uppermost in its theme. For things above, of Jesus and His glory, of those who might be bitterly lonely, Jesus and His love.” Ray Palmer and Joseph Scriven and Charles C. Con­ Lowell Mason offer the hymn “My verse have given “What a Friend We Faith Looks Up to Thee,” which is ac­ Have in Jesus!” The hymn suggests ceptable in any audience inclined to prayer and meditation as a means of worship. Elisha A. Hoffman in “What healing for grief, frustration, doubt- a Wonderful Saviour!” has truly pic­ ings, and discouragement. These tured the forgiveness and love of God. moods often hound and bedevil the Many patients have expressed help hospital patient. Let there be brought through T. O. Chisholm’s “ Great Is to him the hymns that heal! Thy Faithfulness.” To the patient Last, but not least, let there be facing a long convalescence, its words hymns of aspiration and assurance in are especially meaningful. Hymns of the hospital. What would be better this nature are abundant, and when than Fanny J. Crosby’s “He Hideth not used with the sick result in a My Soul,” and Henry Ware’s “Lift missed opportunity to stimulate heal­ Your Glad Voices,” with its theme of ing. victory and triumph over death and One does well in seeking for bal­ the grave, over darkness and sin? ance in the choice of hymns for hos­ Within these verses is packed a pital patients. What the patient feels mighty punch for despondency and and what God through the gospel has defeat. Sing it!

S o m e t h in g t o T h i n k A b o u t Anna Sewell in her famous story of Black Beauty put these words in the mouth of a crippled little hostler when James, the groom, com­ mented on how quickly he had rubbed the horses down: “And as to being quick, why, bless you! that is only a matter of habit; if you get into the habit of being quick, it is just as easy as being slow; easier, I should say; in fact, it don’t agree with my health to be hulking over a job twice as long as it need take. Bless you, I couldn’t whistle if I crawled over my work as some folks do!”

34 (370) The Preacher's Magazine SERMON WORKSHOP

Contributed by Nelson G. Mink'

J o h n F l e t c h e r o n P e r f e c t i o n — Courage T h e L e s s o n o f t h e T h o r n s for the Christian I. Ruin, through the curse of Adam “Do not confound angelical with (Genesis 3:18) Christian perfection. Uninterrupted II. Redemption, crown of thorns on transports of praise, and ceaseless rap­ Christ (Matthew 27:29) tures of joy, do not belong to Christian III. Regeneration, Israel in the mil­ but to angelical perfection. Our feeble lennium (Isaiah 55:13) frame can bear but a few drops of that —Selected glorious cup. In general, that new wine is too strong for our old bottles; that power is too excellent for our earthen, A L e s s o n o n H a b i t s cracked vessels; but, weak as they are, they can bear a fullness of meekness, Churchgoing is a habit. of resignation, of humility, and of that To attend regularly is a good habit. love which is willing to obey unto death. Not to be regular is a poor habit. . . . Remember that your Christian per­ Habits are difficult to break. fection does not so much consist in build­ Mind your habits. ing a tabernacle upon Mount Tabor, to Don’t forget that church attendance is rest and enjoy rare sights there, as in a mighty good habit. resolutely taking up the cross, and fol­ —Anon. lowing Christ to the palace of a proud Caiaphas, to the judgment hall of an un­ just Pilate, and to the top of an igno­ T h o u g h t G e r m s minious Calvary.” Everyone is of some use, even if noth­ (Fletcher on Perfection, pp. 107-8) ing more than to serve as an horrible example. “A man who walks with God always gets to his destination. Enoch did! “God has put enough money in the “H a p p y B i r t h d a y ” pockets of Christians to do everything “ On Christmas morning my little He expects the Church to do.” daughter was downstairs opening her —Selected packages before anyone else was out of bed. I was amused when I heard her singing the birthday song, thinking C a r n a l T r a i t s a s V i e w e d b y J o h n she had become confused with all the F l e t c h e r : festivities in the air, but as she sang on I realized it was I who had been con­ “Selfish views, sinister designs, invet­ fused. “Happy birthday, dear Jesus,” the erate prejudice, pitiful bigotry, party little voice caroled, “happy birthday to spirit, self-sufficiency, contempt of oth­ You.” ers, taking advantage of each other’s —Selected infirmities, magnifying innocent mis­ takes, putting worst construction upon

* Pastor, Waco, Texas. others’ words and actions.”

August, 1957 (371) 35 O u r C h u r c h T h e P r e a c h e r ’ s A d v ic e Standing for the purity of the gospel “Don’t wait to die before you go to Striving for the unity of the saints church. A hearse is a poor thing to Seeking the lost for Christ, our Lord come to church in. I would prefer hold­ ing a service with you than over you. Better go on your own feet than to be carried in by your friends. Besides you will be of little use to the church, or the

H o l y G h o s t I n f l u e n c e church to you after you are dead.” —Anon. “And there was Mary McAfee down in Kentucky, a humble woman but she had the Holy Spirit in her life and witnessed to it. One day an enterprising reporter S a m p l e B r o m i d e s came out and wrote up the story of her These will infallibly produce a quies­ religious experience and had it pub­ cent conscience, and gently put the lished in the Louisville Courier-Journal. patient to sleep.—F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h , He thought it ought to be an interesting W a t h e n a , K a n s a s . feature story for the readers. A scrap of newspaper blew to the feet of a tired minister. He picked it up and found the testimony of Mary McAfee on it. He H o n e y f r o m t h e R o c k o f L i f e said, “She’s got something I need. I’d like to go and see her.” Someone sent With honey out of the rock should 1 him some money in a letter. He bought have satisfied thee (Psalms 81:16). You his ticket with it, and went to see her and can get honey from the rock of life by got sanctified. When he got back home the help of the bees (Bible). he commenced holding meetings and 1. Be Thankful—Psalms 100:4. telling others about it. Dr. Carradine 2. Believe—Acts 16:31. got sanctified under him. Some of his 3. Be in Christ—II Corinthians 5:17. converts went to China and Africa and 4. Be Born Again—John 3:7; 3:3. all over the world. And so the witness­ 5. Be a Witness—Acts 1:8. ing went on in an ever-widening cir­ 6. Be Holy (Queen Bee) I Peter 1: cle. When Mary gets to heaven and they 15, 16. bring to her the yellow and black and 7. Be Perfect—Matthew 5:48. brown and white people and say, ‘These 8. Be Kind—Ephesians 4:32. are the ones you’ve testified to,’ she’ll 9. Be of Faith—Galatians 3:9. probably be surprised and say, ‘There’s 10. Be Prayerful—Matthew 26:41. some mistake. I’ve never been out of my 11. Be Still—Psalms 46:10. own country.’ ‘Ye shall be witnesses 12. Be Careful—Titus 3:8. . . . unto the uttermost part of the 13. Beware—Deuteronomy 6:12. earth.’ ” 14. Be Watchful—Matthew 24:42; 26:41. —H . C. M o r r i s o n 15. Be Faithful—Revelation 2:10. 16. Be Patient—James 5: 7. 17. Be Fruitful—Colossians 1:10. 18. Be Friendly—Proverbs 18:24. 19. Be an Example—I Timothy 4:12. L o v e T e s t e d 20. Be Content—Hebrews 13:5. When I see people come to church 21. Be Like Christ—Philippians 2:5. Sunday mornings, I know they love their 22. Behave—Psalms 101:2. church. 23. Be of One Mind—II Corinthians 13: When I see people come Sunday night, 11. I know they love their preacher. 24. Be Followers of Good—I Peter 3:13.

When I see them come on prayer meet­ —P a u l W. U r s c h e l ing night, I know they love God. Hemet, California

36 (372) The Preacher's Magazine for August PREACHING PROGRAM

August 4, 1957

Morning Subject: THE LORD AND THE LEPER

T e x t : Matthew 8: 2-4

I. T h e P l e a d in g L e p e r , v . 2 A. His condition—“a leper.” 1. Ceremonially defiled. 2. Socially ostracized. 3. Morally symbolic. B. His petition—“Make me clean.” 1. Posture expressing reverence—“Worshipped.” 2. Prayer expressing confidence-—“Thou canst.”

II. T h e R e s p o n d in g L o r d , v v . 3 -4 A. The compassion He displayed—“Touched him.” B. The cleansing He bestowed—“Cleansed.” 1. The authority of the command—“I will.” 2. The immediacy of the cleansing—“Immediately.” C. The charge He gave. 1. A secrecy enjoined—“Tell no man.” 2. A testimony expected—“Shew thyself to the priest . . . for a testimony unto them.” — W . E . M c C u m b e r , Pastor Thomasville, Georgia

Evening Subject: YOUR RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL

T e x t : A c t s 17:22-34

I. T h e M e s s a g e P a u l P r e a c h e d , v v . 22-31. A. He stormed the citadel of idolatry, vv. 22-29. B. He thundered the call to repentance, v. 30. C. He proclaimed the coming of judgment, v. 31.

II. T h e R e s p o n s e P a u l R e c e iv e d , v v . 32-34. A. A mad response—“Some mocked,” v. 32. B. A sad response— “Others said, We will hear thee again of this matter,” v. 32. C. A glad response—“Certain men clave unto him, and believed,” v. 34.

III. T h e I n c id e n t N ow A p p l ie d A. Your response to the gospel, necessarily, is being made tonight. B. Your response to the gospel, ultimately, is the umpire of your destiny (II Thessalonians 1: 7-10). — W . E . M c C u m b e r

August, 1957 (373) 37 August 11, 1957

Morning Subject: THE IMPOTENT MAN AND

THE OMNIPOTENT MASTER

T e x t : John 5:1-14

I. T h e S t o r y E s t a b l is h e s t h e V a l u e o f t h e I n d i v id u a l . A. A multitude—“A great multitude of impotent,” v. 3. B. A man—“A certain man was there,” v. 5. C. The Master finds the man within the multitude—“Jesus saw him,” v. 6.

II. T h e S t o r y E m p h a s i z e s t h e D e p t h o f H i s S u f f e r i n g . A. Dreadful in its cause—“Sin,” v. 14. B. Harmful in its effect—“Impotent,” v. 7. C. Terrible in its duration—“A long time,” v. 6. D. Awful in its consequences—“I have no man,” v. 7.

III. T h e S t o r y E x a l t s t h e G r a c e o f O u r R e d e e m e r . A. Friend of the friendless!— “No man . . . He,” vv. 7-11. B. Hope of the hopeless!—“Another steppeth down before me,” v. 7. “Wilt thou be made whole?” v. 6. C. Help of the helpless! “Rise . . . and walk,” v. 8. 1. Strengthened physically—“Made whole,” v. 9. 2. Strengthened morally—“Sin no more,” v. 14.

— W . E . M c C u m b e r

Evening Subject: THE KNOWLEDGE AND POWER OF JESUS

T e x t : John 1: 42

I. J e s u s K n o w s E x a c t l y W h a t M e n A r e —“T h o u A r t .” A. Men do not know each other—John 13: 27-29. B. Men do not know themselves—Jeremiah 17:9. C. Jesus perfectly knows men—John 2:23-25.

II. J e s u s K n o w s W h a t M e n M a y B e c o m e —“T h o u S h a l t B e .” A. Leaders often fail to see the possibilities in defeated men—• A cts 15: 37-39; II Tim othy 4:11. B. Jesus knows every man’s potential goodness and greatness— Luke 22:31-34.

III. J e s u s H a s P o w e r t o T a k e M e n a s T h e y A r e a n d M a k e T h e m W h a t T h e y O u g h t t o B e ! A. He has power to create life anew—Mark 1:17; John 1:12. B. That power flows from His cross—John 1:13; 3:7-15.

— W . E . M c C u m b e r

38 (374) The Preacher's Magazine August 18, 1957

Morning Subject: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CONVERSION

T e x t : M atthew 9: 9-13

I. T h e C o n v e r s io n o f M a t t h e w ’ s H e a r t , v . 9. A. A characteristic observation—“As Jesus passed forth . . . he saw a m an.” B. A contemptible occupation—“Sitting at the receipt of custom.” C. A challenging opportunity—“Follow me.” D. A consequent obedience—“He arose, and followed.”

II. T h e C e l e b r a t io n i n M a t t h e w ’ s H o u s e , v v . 10-13. A. The attending crowd, v. 10. B. The contending critics, v. 11. C. The defending Christ, vv. 12-13. 1. The defense of logic—“They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick,” v. 12. 2. The defense of love— “I am come to call . . . sinners to re­ pentance,” v. 13.

— W . E. M c C u m b e r

Evening Subject: THE REIGNING LAW OF LIFE

T e x t : Romans 8: 2

I. T h e L a w o f S i n a n d D e a t h A. Defined: A master principle that drives to rebellion against God, ultimates in separation from God. B. Delineated: Its operation marked by— 1. Perversion—7:14. 2. Possession— 7:20. 3. Pollution—7:24.

II. T h e L a w o f t h e S p i r i t o f L i f e i n C h r i s t J e s u s A. Defined: A master principle of submission to Christ and, con­ sequently, of possession by the Spirit. B. Delineated: Its operation marked by— 1. H oly purposes— 8: 5. 2. Holy practices—8: 4. 3. Holy peace—8:1, 6.

III. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death A. By the condemnation of sin—8: 3. B. By the incarnation of the Spirit—8: 9.

— W . E . M c C u m b e r

August, 1957 (375) 39 August 25, 1957

Morning Subject: CHRIST AND THE CENTURION

T e x t : Matthew 8: 5-13

I. The Character o f the Centurion, vv. 5-9.

A. A man of authority—“Soldiers under me,” v. 9. B. A man of sympathy—“Lord, my servant,” v. 6. C. A man of charity—“Built us a synagogue,” Luke 7: 5. D. A man of humility—“I am not worthy,” v. 8.

II. T h e C o n f id e n c e o f t h e C e n t u r i o n i n C h r i s t , v v . 10-13. A. His faith astonished Christ—“Jesus . . . marvelled, and said . . . I have not found so great faith,” v. 10. B. His faith presaged the expansion of the church—“Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abra­ ham . . . v. 11. C. His faith condemned the unbelief of Israel—“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness,” v. 12. D. His faith was rewarded by a miracle of healing— “His servant was healed in the selfsame hour,” v. 13.

— W . E. M c C u m b e r

Evening Subject: THE RELIGION OF DEMONS

T e x t : James 2:19

I. S o m e t h i n g H i g h l y C r e d it a b l e A. The demons have sense enough to believe. 1. In the deity of Christ—Mark 3:11. 2. In the sovereignty of Christ—Luke 4:33-34. B. The demons have conscience enough to tremble. 1. They don’t swallow their own lie!—Genesis 3: 4. 2. They fear the judgment of God!—Matthew 9: 29.

II. S o m e t h in g D e e p l y L a m e n t a b l e A. Their faith intellectual, not saving from sin. B. Their fear impractical, not turning to God.

III. S o m e t h in g W id e l y A p p l ic a b l e A. Faith without obedience will not save! v. 20; Acts 8:13-24. B. Fear without repentance will not save! Acts 24: 24-27; Hebrews 10:26-27.

— W . E . M c C u m b e r

40 (376) The Preacher's Magazine THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS CONVICTIONS

S c r ip t u r e : Romans 14

I ntroduction : A. Everyone has convictions, for everyone has a conscience 1. Social and civic convictions 2. Moral and religious convictions

I. D i v e r s it ie s o f C o n v i c t i o n s A. Among the Christians at Rome 1. Regarding meats and days 2. Involving Jewish and gentile believers B. Among Christians today 1. Regarding externals 2. Regarding nonessentials to salvation C. Reasons for diversities 1. Convictions take on local coloring. 2. Ideals are attained under varied circumstances. 3. Convictions are not static.

II. D a n g e r s o f V a r ie d C o n v i c t i o n s A. Two classes of people are involved: 1. Those weak in the faith 2. Those stronger in the faith. B. Dangers regarding the weak in the faith: 1. Danger of being refused fellowship, v. 1 2. Danger of judging and unchristianizing the stronger, vv. 3, 13 3. Danger of discouragement, v. 15 4. Danger of overriding the conscience, v. 23 C. Dangers regarding the stronger in faith: 1. Danger of being snobbish, v. 1 2. Danger of parading one’s liberty, v. 16 3. Danger of creating stumbling blocks, v. 13

III. D e s ig n s o r P r in c ip l e s R e g a r d in g O u r C o n v i c t i o n s A. God accepts people with varied convictions, v. 1. B. God is the final Judge of all, vv. 4, 10, 13. C. No man is the final authority of another’s convictions, v. 7. D. Nothing of itself is unclean, v. 14. E. Convictions are binding, vv. 14, 23. F. Acceptableness with God is paramount, v. 17.

IV. D ir e c t iv e s R e g a r d in g O u r C o n v i c t i o n s A . The directive of love, v. 15 1. Love will receive the weaker brother, v. 1. 2. Love will not despise another, v. 3. 3. Love will not criticize the stronger, v. 13. 4. Love will sacrifice personal liberty, v. 21.

August, 1957 (377) 41 B. The directive of peace, v. 19 1. Despising others does not promote peace. 2. Judging others does not promote peace. 3. We are to subordinate convictions for peace, v. 21. C. The directive of edification, v. 19 1. We are to edify our brother, v. 15. 2. We are to edify the Kingdom, v. 20.

C o n c l u s i o n : A. Let us examine our convictions and attitudes 1. That they are in accord with truth 2. That they are exercised according to the Scriptures 3. That they are timely and not static and arrested 4. That they are not substitutes for “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”

—M u r r a y J. P a l l e t t , Pastor Billings, Montana

“YE SHALL BE MY WITNESSES”

S c r ip t u r e : Acts 1:8

As W i t n e s s e s : 1. We have power to do the work (Matt. 28:18-20). 2. We must tarry until we have that power (Luke 24:49). 3. We must learn that self-service is fruitless (John 21:3-5). 4. We must learn that God’s will produces its fruit (John 21:6).

There are some factors which balance and make effective our service.

I. O u r M a n n e r o f S e r v ic e A. It must be with a vision. (John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes, and look . . .” ) B. It must have volition (John 17:17). C. It must have vitality, and strength (Eph. 6:10).

II. O u r M a n o f S e r v ic e A. He must needs be filled with holy desire. (Rom. 10:1, “that they might be saved.” ) B. It requires a full dedication to the task (Rom. 6:19). C. To this, add determination (I Cor. 2:2).

III. O u r M i n d f o r S e r v ic e A. It requires alertness (Rom. 13:11, “It is high time to awake out of sleep”) . B. It requires diligent attention (Rom. 12:12). Illustration: Nature’s means of preparing and making pearls is long and costly. Our cause is costly, and inattention at any moment might ruin its value. C. It requires action (Jas. 1:22). Illustration: Running water keeps itself clear of stagnant conditions.

—D e l m a r S t a l t e r Nappanee, Ind.

42 (378) The Preacher's Magazine YOUR RELIGION AND YOU

T e x t : Matt. 5:20

I ntroduction : The greatest need in the Christian Church today is for people who will live up to what they profess, and for that profession to be up to the standard that Jesus set for us. How does your religion in practice compare with what you sing about in church, read in your Bible or church manual?

I. Y o u r R e l ig io n a n d Y o u r S o n g b o o k A. We sing, “Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,” and then we act like goats. B. We sing, “Hallelujah! I have found Him, whom my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies my longings; thro’ His blood I now am saved.” 1. Then long after the things of the world. 2. Long for the praise of men. 3. Long for treasures on earth. C. We sing, “Oh, I love to walk with Jesus like the publican of old.” 1. Then walk alone all week. 2. Jesus says, “Go this way,” and you rebel.

II. Y o u r R e l ig i o n a n d Y o u r C h u r c h A. The articles of faith are to be believed. B. The general and special rules of the church are to be practiced. 1. “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the un­ godly and the sinner appear?” (I Pet. 4:18.) C. It is your duty and blessed privilege to live soberly and godly.

III. Y o u r R e l ig io n a n d Y o u r B ib l e A. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). B. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolish­ ness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Cor. 1:18). 1. Judging from their infrequent attendance, some who are professing to be saved are among those that perish. C. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (I Cor. 3 :17 ). 1. The temple of God can be defiled by evil thoughts. 2. By evil associations. 3. By evil habits. 4. By the appearance of evil.

C o n c l u s i o n : Talk or walk?

—W i l l i a m C . S u m m e r s , Pastor Union City, Pennsylvania

August, 1957 (379) 43 Sermons on the Beatitudes

7. THE PEACEMAKERS—ARE YOU ONE?

S c r ip t u r e : Matt. 5 :9

I ntroduction : We live in a world of war, strife, bloodshed, tensions, frustrations, disunity, quarrels, church antagonisms, intolerance, bitterness, hatreds, demonism, and satanic rule. How can we live at peace under such conditions?

I. G iv e n P r i m a r i l y t o C h r i s t ’s I m m e d i a t e D i s c ip l e s A. Governments are ordained of God. B. The Church operates in a Christian sphere. C. A distinction should be made in our thinking between the world and the Church.

II. G od Is t h e A u t h o r o f P e a c e (I Cor. 14: 33) A. Peace consistent with His moral universe. B. Peace in the Christian brotherhood. C. Peace in the church family. D. God loves and promotes peace. But not at the sacrifice of right and justice and holiness.

III. C h r i s t Is the Prince o f P e a c e (Isa. 9 : 6) A. At His birth—“Peace on earth.” B. He bequeathed peace to His disciples—“My peace I leave with you .” C. On the Cross—“Father, forgive them.” D. Christ imparts peace to the believer (Rom. 5:1). E. Christ imparts deep and tranquil peace in our sanctification (Phil. 4:7; Jas. 3:17; Rom. 8:6; 15:13).

IV. P e a c e i n O u r S o c i a l R elationships A. Abraham, Lot, and herdsmen. B. Isaac, wells—Philistines.

V. S p i r i t u a l a n d C h u r c h R elationships A. Disciples disposed to misunderstandings, strife, etc. (Luke 22:24.) B. The carnal-minded often destroy peaceful relations (I Cor. 3:1-4; Jas. 4:1-3). C. Holiness makes us Christian peacemakers (Heb. 12:14).

VI. O u r R esponsibility o f R e c o n c il in g a L o s t W o r l d t o C h r i s t (II C o r . 5:18-20) A. We have an ambassadorship to a foreign land and people. B. Take the missionary as an example. C. The soul winner in the homeland.

VII. P e a c e m a k e r s A r e t h e T r u e C h i l d r e n o f G od A. We are first peace receivers. B. Then peace transmitters, or diffusers.

— E. E. W o r d s w o r t h , Pastor Goldendale, Washington

44 (380) The Preacher's Magazine HOW TO GET YOUR BIG PRAYERS ANSWERED

I ntroduction : A. Why so few definite answers? B. Most of us fear to pray big prayers. C. Relevance to revival.

I. T h e B ib l e R e c o r d s M a n y A n s w e r s t o B ig P r a y e r s . A. Abram for a child (Gen. 15:1-6). B. Joshua for sun to stand still (Josh. 10:12-14). C. Jonah for deliverance from whale (Jonah 2). D. Samson for water (Judg. 15:18-19). E. Elijah for victory over Baal (I Kings 18:36-38). F. Elijah for drought and for rain (Jas. 5:17-18).

II. The Bible Encourages U s to Pray Big Prayers. A. For the salvation of the lost (Ps. 2:8). B. For divine revelation (Jer. 33:3). C. For the healing of the sick (Jas. 5:13-15). D. For that which is humanly impossible. 1. Matt. 17: 20 2. Matt. 18:19 3. Mark 11:22-24 4. I John 5:14 E. Assuring us that we can’t ask too largely. 1. Eph. 3:20-21

III. T h e B ib l e T e l l s U s H o w t o G e t O u r B ig P r a y e r s A n s w e r e d . A. Be sure you are thoroughly right with God and men. 1. No sin in your life (Ps. 66:18; Prov. 15:29; 28:9). 2. No ill feelings toward anyone (I Tim. 2: 8; I Pet. 3: 7). B. Be sure your prayer is within God’s will. 1. I John 5:14; Jas 4:3. 2. Like a check Jesus must endorse. C. Enlist the aid of a prayer partner (Matt. 18:19). D. Expect your prayer to be answered. 1. Wage war on doubt (Mark 11:23). C o n c l u s i o n : — W e n d e l l W e l l m a n Atlanta, Georgia

HEAR THE BELLS RING AGAIN

T e x t : P s . 51:12a

I ntroduction : Joy once lost can be found. I. T h e J o y s o f S i n l e s s S u r e t y II. The Joy of Sterling Sincerity III. The Joy of Spiritual Reality — L. J. Du B ois

August, 1957 (381) 45 YESTERDAY’S HEADLINE, TOMORROW’S NEWS

T e x t : For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2: 39).

I ntroduction : Picture a Jerusalem newscaster telling of Pentecost and the resultant sermon of Peter to a group in the market place. Include a brief resume of these events with the final prediction of more such events as designated by the text. Climax with “Yesterday’s headlines are tomorrow’s news.”

I. Y e s t e r d a y ’s H e a d l in e s . “For the promise is unto you ...” A. The promise of the Holy Ghost to the apostles (Acts 1: 5b). 1. The promise was given by Christ (Acts 1:4; Luke 24:49). 2. The promise was prayed by Christ (John 17:15-17). 3. The promise is the result of Christ (Heb. 13:12). B. The promise fulfilled (I Thess. 5:24). 1. The promise fulfilled with the Presence (Acts 2:2). 2. The promise fulfilled with cleansing (Acts 2:3). 3. The promise fulfilled with power (Acts 2:4).

II. T o m o r r o w ’ s N e w s . “For the promise is .. . to your children, and to all that are afar off ...” A. The promise presented to the Jews, “to your children.” 1. The promise extends to the Samaritan Jews (Acts 8:14-17). 2. The promise received by the Corinthian Jews (Acts 19:1-6). B. The promise perpetuated in the Gentiles (John 17:20). 1. The promise received by Cornelius (Acts 10:44). 2. The promise witnessed by Peter (Acts 11:15-18). C. The promise is to be fulfilled in us (Rom. 15: 8-11). 1. The promise is available now (Matt. 7:7-8). 2. The promise should be sought now. “ . . . tarry . . . until” (Luke 24:49).

C o n c l u s i o n : Yesterday’s headlines are tomorrow’s news. The time has come when “tomorrow” is here. Accept this promise now.

—W a l t e r G . G r a e f l i n Anderson, Ind.

PERILS OF THE UNSANCTIFIED

T e x t : M a r k 14: 31b

I. T h e P e r il o f M a r g in a l L iv i n g

II. T h e P e r il o f a M a n - f e a r in g S p ir i t

III. T h e P e r il o f a n U n c e r t a in C o m m i t m e n t — L. J. D u B ois

46 (382) The Preacher's Magazine BRIEFS

BOOK OF THE MONTH SELECTION, August, 1957

NOTICE: In answer to several queries: ALL MONTHLY BOOK SELEC­ TIONS ARE CHOSEN FROM PUBLISHERS OTHER THAN OUR OWN NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE. This is done because we know all of our ministers have ready access to all our books anyway.

THROUGH GATES OF SPLENDOR By Elizabeth Elliot (Harper, $3.75) I try to maintain a cool objectivity toward all the books that I recom­ mend for the Nazarene Ministers’ Book Club, but with Through Gates of Splendor I confess to a lapse. This book swept me off my emotional feet. It brought a catch to my throat and sent arrows of searching through my heart. It was an “event” in my book reviewing labors. The story is familiar. The entire continent waited day by day when the five missionaries were lost in the jungles of Ecuador. They had gone to the Auca Indian tribe and did not return. Then came the sad report of total massacre. Millions shed tears. Here is the entire story, written with a relish and loyalty to spiritual reality. No compromise to please a worldly reading public. It hits right at the heart. These missionaries were deeply devoted to God and the author never pulls her punches. And how it is written! You are not a spectator from afar—rather you find yourself right in that little plane over the rain-jungles of the Andes; you live with them the dangerous, thrilling life of a missionary. And when the Auca Operation begins you are right there in the most intimate detail. This book should be read by every pastor, every young person. It will give fresh impetus to the missionary call and the missionary vision among our youth. This is a “scoop.” The price is higher than most of our Book Club selections. For that reason you may feel you cannot afford the book. But can you afford not to feed the goose that lays the (missionary) golden eggs?

A LIFT FOR LIVING By Ralph W. Sockman (Abingdon, $2.00) He does not come to issues with any objectional theological questions, for he in no way deals with anything basic in theology. His approach is based on what our mental attitude should be rather than dealing with anything pertaining with the conditions of the heart. He has little or nothing to say about prayer or Bible reading in the process of growth and development. In all his writings he would be more prone to uphold growing into a mature Christian relationship than being “born again.” Much of the material is taken from some of his other writings. (At least three of his divisions are taken directly from Now to Live.)

P r e s t o n T h e a l l

August, 1957 (383) 47 EXPOSITION OF ZECHARIAH By H. C. Leupold (Wartburg Press, $4.00) A scholarly and satisfying exposition of the prophecy of Zechariah, and a welcome addition to the rather meager literature on this neglected book. Leupold is thoroughly conservative and his scholarship is evidenced on every page. He is loyal to the Masoretic text, rejecting the reconstruc­ tions of “criticism,” and showing in every instance that sane interpretation is frustrated, not abetted, by the critic’s juggling of the Word. Following the order of the Masoretic text he unfolds the meaning of the book in a warm, rich, stimulating manner that will delight the serious students of our church. Not in every detail of interpretation will one agree with Leupold, but any minister will immeasureably augment his knowledge of the Word by studying this commentary. Every minister who accepts the Bible as inspired and infallible would welcome this addition to his library. For anyone weary of the critics who bring a prejudice to the text and then “butcher” it to support that personal prejudice, this is the book to have on Zechariah. W. E. M c C u m b e r

MILLENNIUM IN THE CHURCH By D. H. Kromminga (Eerdmans, $3.00) The author does not subscribe to all the positions usually taken by premillennialists. But at the points of details there are many positions taken even among the “pre’s.” Neither is this a popular treatment of the Second Coming. It is rather a history of the teaching regarding millennialism from the time of the early church. For anyone desiring a thorough study of the millennium this book is incomparable, of undoubted scholarship.

HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE By Lloyd M. Perry and Walden Howard (Revell, $4.00) For all who desire to engage more seriously in Bible study (and what Christian shouldn’t?) this book is impressive. It has a definite evangelical tone and has a wealth of suggestions. It does strongly endorse the Revised Standard Version as a near MUST for the Bible student. This is unwarranted, but apart from this the book has definite value.

DID MAN JUST HAPPEN? By W. A. Criswell (Zondervan, $2.00) A series of messages preached by the pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, beamed to his high school youth, to help them counter the evolutionary teaching of classrooms. There is a very surprising amount of careful and detailed material to help the high schooler feel scientific and still true to the Bible. The creationism of the Bible is loyally defended and done without rant or bitterness.

JUST FOR FELLOWS By Howard Clark (Zondervan, $1.00) This is extremely well written and couched in teen-age language. Its approach is wholesome and soundly Christian. It deals with a young fel­ low’s problems, placing Christ at the center of them all the way through. Naturally there is some very frank treatment but it is careful and sane. As to its theological position it is assumed that Christians cannot expect to live free from daily sinning. Noting that factor, however, there is a lot of help for young fellows caught in the process of growing up.

48 (384) The Preacher's Magazine Here are some of the reasons . . . Why So Many Nazarenes Are Buying T H E BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

. . is stimulating, “I have used THE . . like the wid­ scholarly, and rich BIBLICAL ILLUS­ ow’s cruse of oil. in sermonic sugges­ TRATOR for many You dip into it tions. Any preach­ years. I recom ­ again and again er will find his own mend it to all who and it still remains soul enriched in strive for excel­ fresh to thrill you.” using i t !” — D r . lence in Bible —D r. E d w a r d L a w - G eorge C o u l t e r , preaching!” — D r. lor, Canada. California. G. B. W il l ia m s o n , General Superin­ tendent. 57 volumes of the world's largest and finest collection of sermon material. A systematic treatment of the entire Bible! A library for a lifetime!

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