The Search for the Ancient Order – A History of The Restoration Movement 1800 – 1865, Volume 1, Earl West

The Search for the Ancient Order – A History of The Restoration Movement 1800 – 1865, Volume 1, Earl West

In the spring of 1996, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Ohio Valley College (now University) for a special Restoration History Workshop conducted by Earl West. At this workshop I was able to hear brother West lecture on key events and figures in the Restoration Movement. Then, I was thrilled to be able to travel a short distance to Bethany, West Virginia (formerly Virginia) to tour the mansion, study, cemetery and other key items relating to the lives of Thomas and Alexander Campbell. The tour climaxed with a visit to Bethany Memorial Church where Alexander Campbell preached for many years, which included a presentation of an overview of the Campbells by brother West. Thomas Campbell had not preached in the building; however, the foundation stones for the Memorial Church were from the stone building where Thomas had preached his final farewell sermon prior to his death. This was truly an exciting event to attend and I wish others would have had the opportunity to do so as well.

The Restoration Workshop was of great interest to me for several reasons, but none of these reasons probably would have materialized if it were not for men like Basil Overton, Earl West, my parents and others who have shared with me stories of the struggles and victories of those who led souls out of man-made denominations and back to pure Christianity. During his life, Brother West has written extensively on Restoration History. In Search of the Ancient Order reminds one of Alexander Campbell’s famed series on restoring New Testament Christianity entitled “Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things” in the famous (or infamous to the denominations), The Christian Baptist.

The first volume in the series takes a look at the early beginnings of the movement. It is important for people to realize that the plea to go back to New Testament Christianity preceded Alexander and Thomas Campbell. In fact, there were those in Europe making similar pleas. In the United States, there were also groups, such as the Christians with Barton W. Stone, who made the commitment to restore New Testament Christianity prior to the Campbells’ arrival in America. Those not as familiar with Alexander Campbell may wonder why his name is held in such regard that those outside the church often stigmatize our movement with his name. The reason should be remembered. Alexander Campbell’s name stands out because he stood up and was so successful in meeting the challenges of foes of New Testament Christianity whether from denominations, the Catholic Church, or even infidels. He is one of the richest scholars in the history of churches of Christ and his legacy is still one to be respected. One should also know that Alexander Campbell, just as Martin Luther pleaded for those who worshipped with him not to name themselves “Lutherans”, resisted and spoke out against the use of his name for the movement with such terms as “Campbellite” or Campbellism”. In fact, one of the reasons he ceased the name of his first journal, The Christian Baptist, was for fear that followers of him (rather than Christ) would call themselves Christian Baptists. So, he changed the name of his periodical to the monumental Millennial Harbinger.

This book deals with both the separate Stone & Campbell movements through the period where both recognized and unified on their commitment for a “Thus saith the Lord” in faith and practice. It deals with challenges of the movement including the missionary society and instrumental music into worship. It also discusses rise of educational institutions such as Bethany College. Several biographical portraits (in words and pictures) are presented including Walter Scott, Moses Lard, J. W. McGarvey, Jacob Creath, Benjamin Franklin and others. In Search of the Ancient Order is a tremendous source book on Restoration History and every church library is incomplete without this important series.

Early Christians Speak, Everett Ferguson

Early Christians Speak, Everett Ferguson

The study of early church history after the close of the apostolic age has been a little intimidating since I have not taken the opportunity to study under a teacher on this subject. But, I have always been intrigued to read about the views of those after the days of the apostles to see what they said in regards to the New Testament books and practices of the early church. We would do well to learn more of this material to help fortify our faith and be able to resist modern day attacks against Christianity by such works as The DaVinci Code or others that seek to erode our faith in Christianity. Of course one always needs to keep in mind that the apostles warned of an apostasy in the church that had already begun in their lifetime. So it is imperative that one does not allow what happened in later centuries to over rule what happened in the first century.

Brother Ferguson makes a valuable point about the Christians in the second century,

All who strive to be New Testament Christians in the present age are in a way second-century Christians. Not that we have, consciously or unconsciously, followed the second-century church or taken it as an authority. But, at best, we stand in relation to the first-century Christians as did the second-century Christians. We can never hope to reproduce the circumstances of the first century with its living apostolic witness, miraculous works of the Spirit, and specific historical setting. Apart from the second century’s geographical and chronological proximity to the first century, we sand in the same relation to the first century as did the second century. Our faith is dependent on the first-century testimony, and we try to carry that faith over into a new setting. So, we can hope to be, in a sense, only “second-century Christians.” Therefore it is of value to see what that second-century church was—what was its life, what were its successes
and failures. That will say something to us about our efforts in our derivative and secondary situation to be faith to the first-century message. (Page viii)

The book begins with an overview of church history from various vantage points: geographical expansion, relationship to Roman Empire, organizational development, and doctrinal controversies. Then the book provides a topical guide to the writings of early Christians and is structured as:
Chapters II – V discusses baptism
Chapters VI – XIII discusses worship
Chapters XIV – XV discusses organization and discipline
Chapters XVI – XIX discusses the Christian lifestyle

The book also includes indices to the materials quoted from the early Christian writers, a scripture index and a general index as well. There is an important Glossary of Terms in the back that is helpful in learning various items as it relates to this period. Plus, there is a listing of the early writers and brief overview of who they were. Also, there is a time chart showing how these writers relate to one another over time. The time chart shows in parallel columns the Christian writers, Non-Christian writers, the Roman Emperors, and key events relating to the material.

Everett Ferguson is Professor of Church History Emeritus at Abilene Christian University. He earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University “with distinction”. His works are highly respected and utilized in various religious circles. I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting brother Ferguson and his wife at the Freed-Hardeman University Bible Lectureship. He written and edited several books that are worthy of study.

Onward, Crispy Shoulders! An Extraordinary Life With An Extra Chromosome, Mary Haakenson Perry

Onward, Crispy Shoulders! An Extraordinary Life With An Extra Chromosome, Mary Haakenson Perry

The quality of life is a hot topic in our society. Tragically, there are many who, for the sake of convenience, disregard those whose “quality of life” does not measure to their standards. One group that so many often undervalue is the one with Down syndrome. There are some whose hearts have grown so callous and calculating, that one wonders where our society is heading if more of their thinking pervades our society. Not every decision in life is an economic decision.

How do we teach our children about the sanctity of life and that every human life is special? How to we impress on our culture that life is not something that we should treat so cheaply? What can be done to reach those who have such an “optimization” mentality to show them that what may not be optimal is not necessarily undesirable?

One of the ways we attempt to teach our children about the sanctity of life is to take them to nursing homes. Where we attend, we have a regular nursing home service each month. We make it a point not only to attend but to also be sure your children interact with the residents there. How will they know to love old people or those unable to care for themselves if they do not spend time with them? Where we attend there is a lady who has Down syndrome. She is one of the sweetest residents there. My children enjoy visiting with her. What does one think their attitude will be toward those less fortunate? For parents who say things like “Going to the Nursing Home is not for me”, pray that you never have to be a resident of one yourself! What if your children grow up with such an attitude? I often wonder that if I am in a nursing home some day if anyone from the churches will even care to visit much less conduct a service there.

One of the many wonderful people I had the privilege of hearing about and eventually meeting from my wife’s home congregation is James Haakenson or Jimmy. Jimmy was born with Down syndrome in 1945. In his day, people did not know much about this condition. Even diagnosing his condition was a major challenge for doctors. Imagine trying to rear a child with Down syndrome in Alaska. Jimmy had a tremendous work ethic and was able to rise above assumed limitations to astound everyone who knew him. He was able to hold a job at the local school district and serve in the worship services of the church. While he did not understand everything, he did understand the gospel and, at his insistence, was immersed for the remission of his sins. He knew that baptism was not only a serious matter, it was an imperative matter! The title of this book is Jimmy’s pronunciation of one of his favorite hymns “Onward, Christian Soldiers”.

Anyone whose have ever had the blessings (and yes, burdens) of caring for children with special needs will find this book a balm of encouragement. The Haakenson family’s determination and steadfastness in supporting Jimmy is moving. They were determined to provide all they could for their son and to give him every opportunity to succeed. The life of Jimmy Haakenson will amaze you. For those who do not understand or have never been exposed to this type of situation, the book will give you some insight into the life of the families with children of special needs. It will show you that, while some may consider such conditions as undesirable, God’s blessings and grace outshines all.

President Reagan once stated, “We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life--the unborn--without diminishing the value of all human life.” This is true. One needs to remember what happened when the world allowed a governmental regime the power to begin sterilizing and killing for the sake of society—The Holocaust. If our nation continues to allow the slaughter of innocents on one side of the journey of life, then what makes one believe it will stop its hand at the other side of the journey of life? May we truly be able to wish for God’s love and mercy as we have been demonstrating it to all of our citizens.

The Bible On Trial, Wayne Jackson

The Bible On Trial, Wayne Jackson

In the earlier days of the Restoration Movement, J. W. McGarvey wrote extensively to combat modernists who were attacking the integrity of the Bible. For example, McGarvey’s book Jesus & Jonah is a direct response to the modernistic attack to deny the miraculous intervention of God with Jonah. The modernist seeks to treat the text of Jonah as an allegory in order to claim it was more a work of fiction rather than fact. McGarvey pointed out that Jesus quoted the events as literal and even applied the encasement in the sea creature of Jonah with the encasement of His own body in the tomb (Matthew 12:38-41). Who will you believe--Jesus or the radical critic?

Sadly, there are those of among our brotherhood who have been influenced by such modernists. In October 2008 issue of The Christian Chronicle, there were two reviews of the soon to be released liberal/modernist “hit piece” on the Bible from ACU Press, The Transforming Word, by Editor-in-Chief, Mark Hamilton, Ph.D. In his review, Cecil May made the following observation about its treatment of Isaiah, “So the commentary says at least three authors over the course of three centuries wrote this long, prophetic book, though Jesus and the apostles quote from all parts of it and invariably ascribe its words to Isaiah.” Again, who knows best, Jesus or these radical critics? Make no mistake! This product from ACU is a direct attack on the integrity of the Scriptures. Here is a recommendation—do not buy this product from ACU! An even better recommendation—purchase Wayne Jackson’s book The Bible on Trial in order to protect yourself and the congregation from these assaults on the Bible. I had the pleasure of discussing his book with brother Jackson. He mentioned that the book is partly in response to this one volume commentary from ACU Press. However, there are few direct references to the ACU product in the book since it is broader in scope to include these attacks and others from an array of critics. By the time I finished reading brother Jackson’s book, I had the same feeling as when I have read J. W. McGarvey’s defense against the radical critics of his day--if the matter were not so serious it would be funny how they have twisted themselves into such a ridiculous state! I stand amazed at the Bible, woven-by-God, and its ability to withstand criticisms of its integrity from assaults unknown by its writers when directed by the Holy Spirit.

The Bible on Trial draws on brother Jackson’s excellent material in the Christian Courier plus it is supplemented by additional material he has recently written to make a stalwart defense of the Bible. The material is very enjoyable reading and includes quotations from luminaries of the past who served as presidents, judges, scientists, et al., who recognized the integrity of the Scriptures. Brother Jackson cites conservative writers outside of the brotherhood who have made similar investigations into the Bible. Also, brother Jackson cites the more prevalent works of radical critics so one can know their works as to guard against them. Brother Jackson states the purpose of The Bible on Trial as “The biblical documents are characterized by an amazing variety of evidences that authenticate the Book’s claim of divine origin. In this volume some of these proofs will be discussed. Too, theories and arguments of the Bible’s hostile critics will be addressed. Let infidelity put the Scriptures on trial. Let the prosecution attempt to make the case that the Old Book is a mere fraud. The defense will respond. The reader will be the jury, and the verdict will be reflected in the lives of those who judge the case. Ultimately, all will stand before the Great Judge and give account for their verdict!” (p. xv.)

Do not miss this vital book, The Bible on Trial. Purchase copies for your personal & church libraries, for your children & grandchildren, and begin a signup list for members of the congregation to purchase the book. Possibly the congregation may pay the freight expense as an extra incentive for members to purchase this book for themselves. Encourage lessons from this material to be preached from the pulpit and taught in classrooms. Do not miss this significant contribution by Wayne Jackson to fortify our faith from attacks without, and now sadly within, upon the Christian faith.

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, Stephen D. Renn, Editor

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, Stephen D. Renn, Editor

The study of tracing a word’s origin, meaning and usage over time is known as etymology. It has been said that words are the vehicle of thought and that one cannot know a thought without the use of words. This is a valuable point for those who believe in thought inspiration over word inspiration—without words there is no thought! The study of biblical words has one that has fascinated and enriched my study of God’s word for as long as I can remember, so I am always on the look for valuable reference tools that assist with enriching my knowledge of words. This Expository Dictionary of Bible Words is a valuable resource in learning words and their meanings in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.

The book states it covers over 7,260 Hebrew and Greek words. It groups these words under an English word in the Bible so one can see not only how Hebrew and Greek words relate to one but how they relate to the given English word. The Hebrew word(s) and Greek words(s) is provided with an English transliteration and definition of how the term is used in the Bible. Each Hebrew and Greek term is coded to the Strong’s Numbering System which makes comparative study much easier. In addition, there are valuable articles discussing various points relating to the subject at hand. There are also cross-references to other English words which may be of use. In the back of the book are indices to Hebrew and Greek words which show a listing of every English word that these words appear. These indices show how English words relate to one another and the original term itself.

Included in some editions of this work is a bonus CD that includes the entire book in PDF format that is searchable. It also contains other valuable reference materials such as Young’s Literal Translation, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, Smith’s Bible Dictionary, Torrey’s New Topical Textbook, Bible History in Old Testament, Lightning Bible Atlas and others. The work claims to be “a feature-rich modern replacement for the classic Vine’s Expository Dictionary.” While the work is extremely valuable, I would prefer to think of this work as a strong comparative work to Vine’s work rather than a replacement to it. If you enjoy Vine’s Expository Dictionary, then you will also appreciate this dictionary as well. The structure of this book is unique as to provide further insight that is available with Vine’s. The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words is an extremely valuable reference tool for those who wish to explore the meaning of Hebrew and Greek words more fully and how these relate to our English Bibles. For a more studious review of the work, I suggest reading Wayne Jackson’s article on the material at http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1048-new-expository-dictionary-of-bible-words. One will want to be sure and keep brother Jackson’s observations in mind when utilizing this valuable reference work.

Stephen R. Renn served as the Head of Bible Studies and Academic Dean at the Syndney Missioanry and Bible College where he lectured on Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew for over 15 years. He also serves as Coordinator of Language Teaching in Australia.