Four new books have been published in recent months that preachers, members, and churches can spiritually profit from reading and studying. These will be dealt with in order of publication.
This monumental work is the product of the Memphis School of Preaching, whose director (and editor of the book) is Curtis A. Cates. Some of the songs that are analyzed are: “This Is My Father’s World,” “Give Me the Bible,” “How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” “Ten Thousand Angels,” “Amazing Grace,” “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord,” “Only in Thee,” “Have You Counted the Cost?” “Master, The Tempest Is Raging,” “The Kingdoms of Earth Pass Away,” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Soldiers of Christ, Arise,” “Seeking the Lost,” “The Ninety and Nine,” “Yield Not to Temptation,” “Blest Be the Tie,” “God Is Calling the Prodigal,” “We Are Going Down the Valley,” “Whispering Hope,” “Were You There?” “When All of God’s Singers Get Home,” “Count Your Blessings,” “God’s Family,” and “Does Jesus Care?”
Fellowship is defined in several chapters in the book. Its value is emphasized, along with the bases and limits of it and our obligations toward it. Misconceptions concerning fellowship are discussed, and right attitudes are suggested.
Fellowship is studied in connection with several other subjects, such as the sermon on the mount, “judging” others, Mark 9:38-41, Ephesians 4:1-6, Ephesians 5:11, 1 John 1, the Corinthian church, mission work, and each of the acts of worship. The material on withdrawing of fellowship (from both individuals and congregations) is worthy of consideration by all, as is the chapter entitled “Guilt by Association.”
There are four book reviews: Rubel Shelly’s I Just Want To Be a Christian, Max Lucado’s In the Grip of Grace, the ideology of “the core gospel,” and F. LaGard Smith’sWho Is My Brother? The review of Smith’s book is 94 pages. This lengthy analysis is necessary because of the influence Smith has with so many brethren. Those who have read Smith’s book ought to read this review.
The book, simply titled Premillennialism, covers a wide range of errors inherent in this popular religious topic. The book begins appropriately with a look at “What Does the Bible Teach Concerning Christ’s Mission?” If we understand the purpose and nature of His work, we will better understand the fact that the entire structure of premillennialism rests upon a faulty foundation.
Next is a consideration of what the Scriptures mean by the expression, the last days. Other Biblical phrases focused upon are “When the Books Are Opened,” “The Man of Sin,” “The Day of the Lord,” “The First Resurrection,” “The Thousand-Year Reign,” “The Binding of Satan,” and the battle which takes place at “Armageddon.” A few unscriptural phrases also receive attention: “The Tribulation,” “The Rapture,” and “The Antichrist” (in the unscriptural sense of a world ruler).
The book of Revelation, although not studied completely, commands considerable attention. There is also an analysis of Matthew 24, a look at some passages from 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and a study of the significance of 2 Peter 3.
There are also chapters covering certain groups who have taught and continue to teach premillennial ideas: Anglo-Israelism, Armstrongism (as in Herbert W. and Garner Ted, who just adapted and modified Anglo-Israelism), and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The chapter entitled “Review of a Date Setter” begins with William Miller who convinced himself and a few others that Jesus would return on May 21, 1843 (395). After mentioning a few others, such as Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormons) and Charles Taze Russell (founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses), the writer moves to the most popular datesetter of our age–Hal Lindsey, a man who is well-reversed in the Scriptures and well-revised in his date-setting (as they invariably are). All would do well to recall Matthew 24:36.
This book concludes with “A Study of the Prophecies of the Kingdom/Church of God.” Because so many who call themselves “Christians” believe in the popular doctrine of premillennialism, this book is needed to inform us of the errors of this false system and to fortify us in the truth of God’s word. (This book contains 443 pages.)
The editor exercised great wisdom in including portions of two debates. In 1843 Alexander Campbell debated the Presbyterian N. L. Rice. Campbell’s first affirmative speech from that 912-page debate book is reprinted as the lead chapter. Campbell had thought this matter through extremely well and is quite masterful and concise in defining the issue for the reader. He demonstrated that the Holy Spirit does not operate directly on a person’s heart in conversion but rather convicts the heart through the word that is preached. This material alone is well worth studying (1-29).
The second reprint is the first affirmative speech of Guy N. Woods from the Woods-Nunnery Debate in 1946. The proposition brother Woods affirmed was: “The Bible teaches that a child of God can so act as to be lost in hell” (226-35).
These two chapters serve to introduce the ideas of Calvin’s theology, which has five tenets, all linked closely to one another. Man is, according to Calvin, born totally depraved; he cannot even respond to the gospel by his own power (the Holy Spirit must enable him to do so). Man is saved by faith only (and the Holy Spirit gives him that!). He received that faith because God chose to save him before the world was created (election). Since God already made the decision concerning salvation, there is nothing the person can do to be lost (once saved, always saved); no sin can separate him from God. Jesus did not die for all mankind–only those whom He elected.
All of these doctrines deny the plain teachings of the Scriptures. Literally thousands of Scriptures must be denied to uphold Calvinist doctrine. It is one of the most deadly and dangerous philosophies that a person could believe. The upshot of it is essentially this: It does not matter what an individual says or does; nothing will affect his salvation. God already decided for him whether he will be saved or lost; it is not his choice. And since God made the decision, no amount of humility, love, or good behavior will save him; conversely, no amount of evil conduct will condemn him.
Calvinism provides a complete refutation of this theology in every aspect of its teaching. The chapter on “The Sovereignty of God” reviews some of the statements made by Arthur W. Pink, a rather prolific writer. He absolutely condemns the very idea that mankind is given a choice with respect to his salvation (62-86). This chapter also contains an analysis of Romans 9 and Acts 13:48, two of the passages most relied upon by Calvinists.
The section on “Irresistible Grace” deals with material by Edwin H. Palmer, Calvin himself, and others. “The Last State” describes with the very real possibility of falling from grace (a Biblical fact which Calvinists deny). There are specific chapters on “Unconditional Election,” “Total Hereditary Depravity,” “Limited Atonement,” “The Perseverance of the Saints,” and “Salvation by Faith Only.”
Besides denying the Calvinist positions, several chapters are devoted to the truths that the Bible teaches concerning “Love and Law,” “Redemption,” “Sonship,” “Regeneration,” “Reconciliation,” and “Are Grace and Works Mutually Exclusive?”
There are several chapters devoted to the third member of the Godhead and the work He does: “The Holy Spirit Converts One to Christ by the Word of God,” “The Holy Spirit Sanctifies the Christian by the Word of God,” “The Holy Spirit Convicts One of Sin by the Word of God,” “Calvinism and the Holy Spirit.” Two chapters are also devoted to the subjects of prayer and providence.
There is much, much more, but these few chapter titles convey the gist of the material available. Although most people are unaware of the fanatical positions set forth in Calvinism, it nevertheless remains the predominant philosophy undergirding most Protestant denominations. Many members of these religious groups likely have no idea what their own theology is. It is doubtful that they hear many sermons about how sinful babies are at birth, but such is their belief and the reason that they “sprinkle” infants. Calvinists tell us not to be deceived by that baby’s sweet smile; the kid is totally depraved and incapable of even one decent thought. What an ugly (not to mention erroneous) belief! Calvinism will prepare the Christian to meet and answer this false system of religion.
Below is the cost of each of these books:
Lessons in Lyrics–$18.95 ($17.00)
Christian Fellowship–$12.00 ($11.00)
Premillennialism–$14.00 ($13.00)
Calvinism–$14.00 ($13.00)
The first figure given above is the retail price; the figure in parenthesis is the cost of the book if purchased through Valid Publications, Inc.