This 34th Annual Lectureship book from the Bellview Church of Christ in Pensacola, Florida, contains 559 pages of excellent information and is a companion volume to the previous year’s book on the Major Prophets. Neither volume was designed as a verse-by-verse commentary, but they contain expositions of several key passages. All of the material examines and explains the Word of God.
The introduction contains a two-page chart which dates and shows the overlapping reigns of the 19 kings of Israel and Judah. The Scriptures showing the relationship between the kings’ reigns are also provided (2-3). The next page has a chart of all the minor prophets, including the traditional dates, as well as the date of each based on the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom. All the prophets are then examined in what is thought to be chronological order. Each of the twelve sections contains the rationale for the date, a summary of the message, and three key lessons from the book.
The remainder of the book contains major messages from the Minor Prophets. The four that come from Hosea are: “God’s Love,” “Destroyed for a Lack of Knowledge,” “Forbidden Fellowship,” and “Improper Rejoicing.” Among other things is a description of the two possibilities that occur when the mind is confronted with truth (56). The author also contrasts two views of Gomer and includes a short essay by J. W. McGarvey (67-69).
The next chapter discusses who was responsible for Israel’s sad spiritual condition (76-77) and also deals with the consequences of spiritual ignorance (78-84), along with its cure. The third lesson from Hosea, “Forbidden Fellowship,” describes “The Silly Dove Syndrome” (101-102), which brings certain parallels to mind. The final message based on Hosea is “Improper Rejoicing,”—something all of us should want to avoid, yet some prefer rejoicing in iniquity (1 Co. 13:6).
“God’s Goodness and Severity” is the first subject treated from Joel; the second is an examination of the prophecy and fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (2:28-32), which Peter cited on the Day of Pentecost. After a discussion of the five baptisms in the New Testament (138-41), the writer considers what is meant by the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit” and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The reader finds a section that explores the signs of Jesus, the signs of Moses, and the signs of the apostles (146-48). What is the gift of the Holy Spirit? What is the promise of the Holy Spirit? Several scholars who have researched words and phrases are cited in the course of answering these questions. The reader may agree or disagree with the conclusions, but the material is well worth consideration.
Four themes from Amos follow. The first of these deals with another aspect of fellowship (“Can Two Walk Together?”). The second is the always-sobering declaration given to Israel: “Prepare to Meet Thy God.” Given attention are “The Transgressions of the Atheist,” “Transgressions of Religious Divisions,” and “Transgressions of Selective Blindness” (185-89). Two more chapters are particularly appropriate for this age: “Woe to Them at Ease in Zion” and “A Famine in the Land,” which includes an article by Bill Jackson—“The Best Hamburgers in Town” (220-21).
The one lesson from Jonah is: “Comfort for the Afflicted,” which God promised to Israel when Edom, their troubler, was herself troubled. Jonah was a unique prophet from several standpoints; a significant one is found on page 244 in the chapter titled, “A Whale of a Tale.” How should the story of Jonah and the big fish be regarded? The author here presents the allegorical view, as well as the parabolic, the mythical, and the literal. The rationale behind each view is submitted and analyzed. Each Christian could surely profit from this study of the four views and be better able to defend the truth.
Terry Hightower’s chapter on “Preaching That I Bid Thee” ought to be required reading for every Christian college student majoring in Bible and for every school of preaching. It is both practical and thoroughly Biblical. He starts with a quote from Joel Osteen that represents his philosophy of preaching (such as it is) (264). He points out that Osteen had a difficult time on television shows hosted by Larry King and Bill O’Reilly in answering the simple question, “Is Jesus the way, the truth, and the life”? The audience knows that someone is in trouble when a guest cannot answer the softball questions usually served up by Larry King. Robert Schuller’s philosophy of communicating Scriptures is also examined. One might wonder what convicted criminal, Robert Courtney, has to do with preaching, but he is entirely relevant (269).
Quotations from Brian D. McLaren of the “Emergent Church” also have a bearing on what is happening in today’s churches. Quotations from him will absolutely amaze the reader and make one wonder what would have happened to the Ninevites if God had sent someone like him (271-72). Roy F. Osborne actually had enough arrogance to question whether God gave Jonah the right message (273-74). The kind of preaching that God wants then is discussed for 37 more pages, all of which is well worth reading carefully.
As the section on Micah begins, the first theme is—“Prophesy Ye Not” (2:6). After a consideration of the context, the remainder of the material involves applications to current situations. For example, brethren in a local congregation can sometimes adopt the same attitude as the enemies of the gospel, demanding that an evangelist not preach on certain topics.
Another reliable test of faithfulness to the Truth is preaching on holiness and righteousness, if specifically applied to such things as drinking, wearing immodest apparel, smoking, dancing, and buying lottery tickets (316-17).
Another problem in the church is compromising on fellowship. This portion refers to at least three current situations in which the Biblical principles concerning fellowship, once upheld by all, are currently being ignored by many (318-28). This essay concludes with a look at various forces in society who likewise wish to silence those who proclaim God’s Word (328-33).
Two more chapters include themes from Micah. The first centers on “Evil Leaders” ((3:1-3) and presents a thorough Biblical summary of those found within the Scriptures—from Satan to Diotrephes. Then evil leaders in society are mentioned, as well as others. The final Micah text is one that is frequently studied (6:8), “What Does the Lord Require of Thee?” A thorough analysis is provided with a look at misapplications as well the true meaning of the verse.
The first message from Nahum is “God’s Jealousy” (1:2). This attribute of God seldom receives attention. The writer includes a chart of the kings of Assyria, from Tiglath-Pileser III (747 B.C.) to Esarhaddon (612 B.C.) (369-700), which aids in understanding the book’s background. The message concerning God’s jealous nature is set forth in the form of an acronym, beginning with “Jehovah is a Jealous God” and ending with “Studied Scripture” (372-88). The other text examined from the prophet Nahum is: “Woe to the Bloody City!” (3:1). Although Nineveh was spared in the days of Jonah, she is now to be destroyed; the prophet enumerates her many sins that make her worthy of destruction.
“How Long?” (1:2) and “The Just Shall Live by Faith” (2:4) are the two messages taken from Habakkuk. The first of these looks at Habakkuk’s verbal wrestling with God; the latter one deals with the popular theme of living by faith; the author cites ten sources used in providing a thorough discussion of the matter.
The people of Zephaniah’s day were complacent, thinking that the Lord would neither do good or evil to them, yet within 25 years they had experienced their first captivity by Babylon, thus learning in a painful way that “The Lord Will Act” (1:12). “No Shame for Sin” (3: 5) usually accompanies complacency. Pertinent data from both of these lectures should provoke us to think about our current condition in America. The chapter on “Shame” includes an Appendix, which also reflects the attitude of many in the church. One of “our” institutions of higher learning, often recommended by conservative brethren, has a teacher which provides students a “Home Cell Group Leader’s Manual.” Brethren need to read these in order to believe them (467-73). Or are we also too complacent?
“Consider Your Ways” is the theme of the only lesson from Haggai. All four of the prophet’s sermons receive attention. The first chapter based on Zechariah is “The Priest King,” which considers seven prophecies about Jesus before explaining the significance of Jesus being king and priest individually, as well as that of the combined meaning. Zechariah 7:1-14 explores “Refusing to Obey.” The author states the formula many are using today to justify unauthorized practices (502).
This outstanding lectureship book closes with three messages from Malachi. The first, “Polluting the Worship” (1:7-14), refutes a common error, as voiced by one editorial writer: “I can’t believe that God cares how He is worshipped, just as long as He is worshipped” (513). The second, “The Wife of Thy Youth,” provides the background for Malachi 2:14-17. Provided is an in-depth analysis of verse 14, and it is unlikely that anyone would find material of this caliber anywhere else—without doing hours and hours of research. The writer lists 27 sources for the information he provides. This information alone is worth the price of the book. Brethren ought to read it studiously. The third reminds us to evaluate ourselves to see if we are guilty of “Robbing God?” (3:7-12).
Preaching from the Major Prophets is available from the Bellview Church of Christ in Pensacola, Florida. One may call (850) 455-7595 for more information.
“WHAT HE DID WAS LEGAL”
Gary W. Summers
On May 31st of this year, Dr. George Tiller, known by many as “Tiller, the Baby Killer,” was shot and killed while serving as an usher of the Reformation Lutheran Church. This murder of an abortionist is the first in over a decade; it is not an occurrence that pro-lifers desire to see. He now has no opportunity to repent of his sins.
Some have referred to him as a “hero,” but nothing could be further from the truth. Tiller was one of five or six “doctors” in America that would perform late-term abortions (for a fee of $5,000). Sometimes these abortions would be close to the time of birth, and even many who support abortion “rights” do not agree with taking the life of a baby who would be viable outside the womb.
In fact, Tiller had just been tried in Kansas last March, and some legal experts expected that, in the face of all the evidence, the jury would find him guilty, but for some reason they failed to do so. Many people have commented on the situation in Kansas both before and after Tiller was shot.
One of those was Amy Richards, co-founder of the Third Wave Foundation. She appeared on The O’Reilly Factor awhile back; like most liberals, she failed to answer the first question he asked, which was if late-term abortions were acceptable to her. After trying to go around the barn, she was interrupted by the host, who reminded her that she had ignored the question. Finally, she admitted that she did not think Tiller was killing babies.
Really? Only the most hardened and calloused of people could miss that fact. Had he removed serpents or koalas or tiny elephants from the womb? No. If he had, the animal rights activists would have howled in protest. What was it that was alive but put to death, then? Ms. Richard notwithstanding, then, Tiller did remove babies—some of which were in their ninth month of progress! He did not earn his nickname for refusing to help old ladies across the street!
The abortion doctor will face the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the Day of Judgment with innocent blood on his hands—something that is an abomination to God (Pr. 6:16-19). Those such as Richards may not have done the actual shedding of blood, but they stand guilty, also, by virtue of their fellowship with evil. “He [or she, in Ms. Richards’ case, gws] who justifies the wicked [Dr. Tiller, gws], and he [or she, gws] who condemns the just [babies who have committed no sin worthy of death, gws], both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Pr. 17:15).
Furthermore, no body of people calling themselves Christians should be fellowshipping anyone who makes his living by killing innocent children. Any funds this “church” received by way of contribution from Tiller was blood money.
Another note of importance involves the former governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius. After Tiller’s trial, legislation in Kansas was passed that would have limited the number of late-term abortions. The governor vetoed the protective measure as one of her last official acts before becoming the head of the Department of Health and Human Services in the president’s new cabinet. Thus, former governor Sebelius showed total support for Tiller, which means that she has no respect for innocent human life, either. How sad that she has been given a position of prominence in this nation!
Legality
On another Factor Joan Walsh, Editor of Salon.com, was interviewed. She too was evasive, but she finally admitted that aborting late-term fetuses was all right with her. Whereas, Ms. Richards continually talked at the same time as O’Reilly, Ms. Walsh was more attentive, but in the end it made no difference. When she said that she had seen no evidence that Tiller had done anything wrong, O’Reilly showed her a clip of the results of research on Tiller—testimony from Dr. Paul McHugh, M.D., head of the Psychiatric School of Johns Hopkins University. She was about as interested as viewing a collection of bottle caps from the 60s.
All Walsh could do was muster a lame, “I don’t know what makes these men better experts than Dr. Tiller.” In other words, the evidence of the research had no impact on her whatsoever. She muttered, “You have your experts, and I have mine,”—another lame copout. When all else fails, liberals start chanting mantras. Her mindless chatter was, “What he did was legal. What he did was legal. What he did was legal.” “And if you give me any more facts, I’ll stick my fingers in my ears and start humming.” She didn’t actually say that last line, but she may as well have.
O’Reilly should have immediately asked her what law the Germans violated when they put to death six million Jews. What they did was legal. Societies sometimes make mistakes. Germany made a huge one by not valuing human life. Allowing slavery was legal. One can just imagine Ms. Walsh chanting to President Lincoln all the way to his inauguration, “It’s legal, Abe.”
Abortion itself should not be legal. The Roe v. Wade Decision was not based upon legal precedent. It did not interpret law; it legislated it. Abortion should not be legal, period; certainly late-term abortion should not be legal—unless the life of the mother is imperiled. Every day babies are delivered from the sixth month onward; most of them survive due to the wonderful technology that we have. It is a shame that, as our technology has grown stronger, our morals and ethics have grown weaker. As a society, we have not stood up for those who cannot defend themselves. The rationale that “what he did was legal” reinforces that America at the current time is tragically broken and in need of fixing.