This year’s book will be well worth having, containing somewhere around 675 pages of excellent material on the Gospel according to Matthew.
But this week we want to highlight 579 pages of the recent Power Lectures: Major Lessons of the Major Prophets . The two previous books produced by these brethren in Southaven, Mississippi,were The Providence of God and The Minor Prophets, for which this year’s subject was designed as a companion. It fulfills its purpose well.
Before beginning the review, let me just insert a few personal remarks. The brethren at Southaven are to be commended for their outstanding hospitality. Each morning coffee, orange juice, and donuts were awaiting all who wanted to avail themselves of such “necessities” (and most did). After the morning session, lunch was also provided for those who could stay. The lines always moved swiftly, having been organized quite efficiently. Housing was also provided. Brethren went out of their way to provide not only a spiritual feast but to make the week as painless as possible on visitors’ wallets.
The lectureship book, as well as various displays, were available, as were tapes of the lectures for the unheard of price of $1. [Videos are also available.] B. J. Clarke, who edited the book and directed the lectureship, did an outstanding job and is to be highly commended, as are the elders and deacons, who labored diligently prior to and during the week of the program. These commendations are not intended to demean any other of a number of fine lectureships throughout the brotherhood; they are merely intended to demonstrate that in resuming the Power Lectures (after a five year hiatus), these brethren were fully prepared in their efforts.
The first portion of the book contains nine chapters–two each on Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; one on Lamentations. The first of these introduces the prophet, as well as the book he wrote; the second presents major lessons that can be gleaned from each prophet. The material in this section is worth the cost of the entire book ($15). The introduction to Daniel, for example, considers and answers fifteen assaults of the critics on this glorious and accurate book of crucial, Biblical prophecies. Yet this and more is covered in only twelve pagesand in a way that does not burden the reader with a bunch of technical, “scholarly” lingo. The lessons from these prophets occasionally overlap (as one might expect), but the analyses are rich and meaningful.
The second section is entitled “A Prophetic Look At Christ In The Major Prophets”; chapter titles include: “The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ,” “Christ, The Light of the World,” “Christ, The Branch,” “Christ, The King and Cornerstone of His Church,” “Christ, The Revelation of God’s Glory,” “Christ, The Chosen Servant For The Gentiles,” “Christ, The Comforter of All Who Mourn,” “Christ, The Bearer of Iniquities,” and “Christ, The Mediator of a Better Covenant.” Much of this material is from a perspective different from the usual method of presentation. Some interesting charts are also included.
The next portion of the book contains a variety of topics, all stemming from the major prophets. One chapter deals with the former prophets; one centers on the false prophets of the Old Testament period; another sets forth the courage of God’s men. Two complimentary chapters define the angerand the mercy of God; another discusses the righteous remnant. Others include: “Woe Unto Them That Are Wise In Their Own Eyes”; “Women in the Major Prophets”; “O Earth, Earth, Earth, Hear The Word Of The Lord”; and “Woe Unto Him That Striveth With His Maker.” The major prophets provide an abundance of exhortations for both elders and preachers today.
“Woe Unto Them That Follow Strong Drink” should cause anyone to examine closely any kind of fellowship with alcoholic beverages. Some of the material herein was cited in the series of articles on this subject published in Spiritual Perspectives just a few weeks ago (numbers 10, 11, & 12). This article contains valuable definitions, easy-to-understand statistics, the value of grape juice, and a tragic story from a newspaper column which shows the wisdom of God’s teaching on this subject (447-48). There are 38 “endnotes” to point the reader to more information.
Three “special studies” close out this volume: “A Study of the Captivity in the Major Prophets,” “The Major Prophets Versus Premillenialism,” and “The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel: Fact or Fiction?” Even if one possesses commentaries on the major prophets, the treatment of this subject matter(throughout the book) is well worth having as a valuable tool of study. Copies may be ordered from the Southaven Church of Christ, P.O. Box 128, Southaven, MS 38671.