The Shenandoah church chose as the subject matter for their 12th annual lectureship things pertaining to practical Christian living, which is always a timely theme. Too many people view religion as something that is done on Sunday instead of being practiced daily.
In fact, the very first chapter stresses this point. After a brief look at passages which emphasize the word daily, one’s thoughts, speech, and actions are discussed. Other activities that touch our daily lives include prayer, Bible study, spiritual growth, concern for the church, and persecution. The chapter concludes with “The Reason for Daily Christian Living.”
The second chapter analyzes and applies the admonition: “Take Up Your Cross Daily.” Chapter three contains four reasons for “The Need For Daily Study and Meditation.” No matter how long we have been members of the Lord’s church, we still have a need for studying the Word and to hear exhortations that encourage us along those lines.
The fourth chapter reminds us all of “The Need For Daily Evangelism,” which cannot be emphasized too strongly. After discussing the command and the need to evangelize (and some other matters), the writer lists seven reasons why the church has failed to carry out this mission. Judging from a lack of growth on the part of many congregations, it would appear that these reasons are in some measure defining the problem. Suggestions are given for ways of overcoming obstacles to evangelism. Christians need to take this responsibility as seriously as they did the one to obey the gospel.The Shenandoah church chose as the subject matter for their 12th annual lectureship things pertaining to practical Christian living, which is always a timely theme. Too many people view religion
“The Need For Patience And Long-Suffering,” on which most of us need improvement, is followed by “The Need For Appreciation, Gratitude, and Thanksgiving.” This chapter contains some excellent material: one brief prayer begins, “Father, we thank you for this sink of dirty dishes. . .” (104). A later paragraph contains information about “leper squints” (110). Several reasons for gratitude are listed, one of which is the great prosperity we have in this nation. Although we often reflect on these matters at Thanksgiving, gratitude should be part of daily Christian living.
“Daily Devotion” is followed by a comprehensive treatment of “Daily Christian Living in Light of God’s Grace.” Equally stimulating is “Daily Exhortation and Provocation of the Brethren,” which contains 21 exhortations from the Sermon on the Mount and a listing of exhortations from the book of Hebrews.
Another area of Christian life, which deserves greater emphasis is “Daily Anticipation of Christ’s Coming.” Losing sight of this great event may lead to sinful activities and staleness of worship. Appropriately, this chapter is followed by “Daily Thoughts of Heaven.” What will heaven be like? All of God’s children occasionally ask this question; some challenging thoughts are herein presented which stimulate one’s imagination.
Next is the highly practical “Overcoming Temptation,” which thoroughly analyzes what the Scriptures teach about the sin process and how to fight against Satan’s various techniques. As so many other topics in this book, this one is fundamental to our spiritual well-being.
“Overcoming Discouragement and Developing Optimism” is a lesson more practical than one might at first imagine. The author disassociates himself with the current crop of self-help books while focusing on a legitimate issue. The Christian has a sound basis for being optimistic. Discouragement is linked to guilt, worry, and other concepts which weigh upon an individual.
“Overcoming Pride and Prejudice” is an outstanding chapter, but it will probably be ignored by those who need it the most because they either do not care or cannot recognize these attitudes in themselves.
The next chapter is ambitious as it sets forth suggestions on “Overcoming Worry, Fear, and Doubt.” They are defined and associated with even greater problems; finally a solution is provided which can lead a person out from under their domination.
In “Coping–A Biblical Perspective” the presuppositions of the field of psychology are challenged–as well they should be. Steven Lloyd has written an entire book on this subject but presents an excellent sampling of that larger work in this brief chapter. He sets forth Biblical principles that afford real solutions to the various problems which people experience.
“The Joy of Christianity” is another positive chapter; it reminds us of the outlook all Christians should possess. “The challenge of Christianity” covers some earlier topics with a fresh perspective. “The Christian’s Speech” can never receive too much attention–especially in today’s world.
“The Christian in the Workplace” was not written as a hypothetical treatise, nor as the result of other people’s experiences; the chapter is written by a preacher who supports his family with a secular job and faces conflicts on a regular basis.
Next there is a section on “The Beatitudes,” followed by “Christians Are To Be the Salt and the Light.” A history of the value of salt is included, as well as a discussion of four of its uses. The properties of light are also considered.
“Doing Alms, Prayer, and Fasting” from Matthew 6:1-18 is followed by a presentation of what it means to “Seek Ye First the Kingdom” (Matt. 6:33). Closing out the chapters from the Sermon on the Mount is “Beware of False Teachers” (Matt. 7:15-20).
Next is “Practical Points From Proverbs,” which by itself is worth the price of the book. There is some excellent material here on “Parenting,” “Responsibility,” “Obedience,” “Virtue,” “Reverence,” “Self-Control,” and a few other topics. Only a few of these are discussed in detail, but the chapter is especially valuable in serving as a springboard to further study.
Another book of the Bible receiving special treatment is the book of James (“Practical Christianity”). After a brief summary of each chapter, some special attention is given to praying and anointing with oil the sick (James 5:14). A variety of other matters complete the chapter. The material was compiled by Johnny Ramsey and is worthy of study, but the reader should also obtain the tape of this lesson, which varies from the book. The oral version is a rich gold mine with a copious supply of nuggets there for the taking.
Another subject that interests most Christians is “Prayer and Providence in the Christian’s Daily Life.” The writer lists factors that are important to our prayers being accepted by God and also analyzes some of the hindrances that will keep them from being answered. Providence is also defined and illustrated. “Prayer and Providence” is followed by the equally alliterative “Possessing Peace Passing Understanding,” a state pursued by men in all the wrong manners but available in Christ.
“Successful Christianity” covers a variety of subjects; it includes an outline for being a successful Christian and some material from the book of Acts. The last regular chapter deals with the question: “How Can I Be Holy As God Is Holy?” The books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Malachi are studied briefly in connection with their emphasis upon holiness, along with numerous New Testament Scriptures. Sin is then defined and presented by its various categories. Finally, suggestions are given as to how to be godlike with respect to holiness.
A new and valuable section has been added to the book this year. The final three chapters are all written by young men, sons of gospel preachers. The first one is titled “The Christian in High School.” The emphasis is on the environment at school and the pressures to engage in drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and dancing. Also there are some practical hints for dating and warnings about some of the false teachings that permeate the public school system.
The second of these is “Daily Christian Living in College.” It looks at some of the challenges of being away from home in a new environment. Some of the temptations that attend this new found freedom are also given some consideration.
The third in this series, “The Christian Athlete,” considers the values taught by athletics: “The Art of Getting Along With Others”; “The Necessity of Following the Rules”; “The Costs of Commitment”; “The Benefits of Discipline”; “The Results of Endurance”; “The Importance of Goals”; “The Reality of Christian Warfare”; “The Power of Unity”; and “The Thrill of Victory.”
The book costs $15.00 and may be ordered from the Shenandoah Church of Christ, 11026 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78230 or from Valid Publications.