Questions & Answers, Vol. 2, Guy N. Woods

Questions & Answers, Vol. 2, Guy N. Woods

Due to numerous requests for a follow-up to Questions & Answers, Vol. 1, Guy N. Woods published a second volume in 1986. (The first volume was published in 1976.) Guy N. Woods edited his second volume in an attempt to avoid duplication in the first volume and another book, Questions Answered by Lipscomb & Sewell (and published by Gospel Advocate). One should seek out all three books on Bible questions and answers.

As discussed in the recommendation of Volume 1, Guy N. Woods conducted the Open Forum for nearly 30 years at Freed-Hardeman. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to hear brother Woods in person; however, I was able to hear Alan Highers who assumed the position as moderator of the Open Forum after Guy N. Woods retired from the position. Alan Highers also demonstrated great ability and poise as he conducted the Open Forum. Brother Highers has great respect for the late Guy N. Woods and stated in the Introduction of Volume 2: “It is truly the product of a lifetime of preparation and study, and an exceptional lifetime at that. The name of Guy N. Woods will take its place in future generations alongside McGarvey, Hardeman, Brewer and others, whose contributions to the Cause of Christ have endured long after the principals themselves have ‘crossed over the river to rest in the shade of the trees.’”

This volume also has a subject and scripture index that makes the material easier to reference. Some of the questions answered by Guy N. Woods include:

· “Was there forgiveness of sins under the Old Testament covenant?”
· “Why is the 37th verse of the 8th chapter of Acts omitted from the American Standard Version of the New Testament?”
· “Why is it wrong to gamble?”
· “What is verbal inspiration?”
· “What is the difference in meaning, if any, in the words, ‘Hebrew’, “Israelite’ and ‘Jew?’”
· “Much is said regarding the qualifications of elders. What are the qualifications of preachers set out in the Bible?”
· “Is it scriptural and, or necessary as Christians to fast in the era which we now live? Would our prayers be more effective if we fast?”

Guy N. Woods was a prolific writer. His first article appeared in the Gospel Advocate in 1934 and it is estimated he wrote at least 937 articles for the Gospel Advocate alone. He also wrote nearly 200 articles for at least nine other periodicals. He wrote the Adult Gospel Quarterly for the Gospel Advocate for about 30 years. He also wrote 12 books and at least three tracts. It is astonishing when one contemplates the preparation and the work involved in writing these works. He was also scheduled for 50 gospel meetings a year. Guy N. Woods not only conducted 50 gospel meetings a year, but he was booked for over 200 meetings in advance. So, if a congregation desired to schedule Guy N. Woods for a meeting, he would not be available until after four years. (A reminder for those who want to schedule well-known preachers for gospel meetings—these men are in demand. Plan ahead!)

This book deals with controversial issues of which Guy N. Woods wrote:

Difficult matters often obscured are frequently dealt with, and the answers, in consequence, will be sometimes controversial. It is not expected that every reader will agree with each sentiment expressed; it is sincerely hoped that all who examine these pages will be stimulated to additional study and investigation in the search for truth, since it is the truth, and the truth alone, which frees from the bondage and thralldom of sin. (John 8:31,32)

Both Open Forum Volumes 1 and 2 should be in every church library and in each Christian home. Brother Woods passed away at the age of eighty-five on December 8, 1993.

Questions & Answers, Vol. 1, Guy N. Woods

Questions & Answers, Vol. 1, Guy N. Woods

Often when I am asked a question, the inquirer is looking for a brief answer rather than a lengthy discussion. Sometimes rather than answering the question directly, I attempt to point them to materials where they can find their answers. I do this not only to encourage the person to study on their own, but to familiarize them with good religious books they can read for profitable study. One of the books I go to repeatedly is Questions & Answers by Guy N. Woods.

The book is a collection of questions that were asked of brother Woods and his answers to the questions during the Open Forum at Freed-Hardeman College (now University) Bible Lectureship. We sometimes get nervous when another person asks us a question, or maybe we get nervous about being asked a question when we teach a class. Imaging being asked any religious question on any subject in front of thousands of people! Imagine these questions being asked during a Bible lectureship in front of multitudes of preachers, professors, elders, etc. Brother Woods did this each year during the Open Forum for nearly 30 years! Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to hear brother Woods on the Open Forum. Fortunately, several of the Open Forum tapes exist when Guy N. Woods was moderator and can be ordered from Freed-Hardeman University Recording Services.

This volume is indexed both by scriptures and subjects for easier reference. I encourage members to purchase this work and keep in their cars to read when they have unexpected parking time. Some of the questions addressed in this book include:

· “Did the witch of Endor actually call up Samuel, from the dead, or did she deceive Saul by trickery?” (1 Sam. 28:1-25)
· “Did David introduce instrumental music into Old Testament worship with divine approval?”
· “Does Matt. 18:15-17 teach that a brother, who holds to, and has publicly advocated false doctrine, must be personally contacted before it is proper and right to refute his errors publicly?”
· Under what law was Cornelius worshipping before Peter’s visit to him?” (Acts 10:1-48.)
· “Why is the birth of Jesus dated from 5 B.C. rather than A.D. 1, since the Christian era is supposed to have begun at his birth?”
· “Please give scriptural proof that Christian colleges have a right to exist.”

Christians should seek out and read the writings of brother Woods. All of his writings are excellent and worthy of our attention. He has written commentary on books of the New Testament that are in the Gospel Advocate Commentaries. Because of my enormous respect for Woods’ scholarship, I will not teach a class on a book he has written a commentary on before reading what he has stated on the subject. His commentary on James is still one of the best and I have several books on the Epistle of James by other authors in my possession at this time.

One should be extremely careful to know the author of a book they are reading; especially when the subject deals with controversial issues. This book is a prime example of one dealing with controversial issues. Woods’ views were put to the test not only during the Open Forum, but he publicly debated over 100 times in his career. I encourage members to request the Gospel Advocate to send them a copy of the February 1994 issue dedicated to Guy N. Woods so they can read for themselves what a monumental scholar Guy N. Woods was. Brother Woods passed away December 8, 1993. He was eighty-five years old. Guy N. Woods donated his library to Freed-Hardeman. One would expect the number of books owned by a scholar to be large. (My guess would be over 1,000.) The actual number of books donated from his personal library to Freed-Hardeman University was over 7,000. Indeed, brother Woods has left us an example worthy of imitation!

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 12, No. 7, July 2005, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

How to Study the New Testament Effectively, Guy N. Woods

How to Study the New Testament Effectively, Guy N. Woods

The importance of studying the New Testament cannot be under emphasized. Even if one studies the New Testament he can still stumble with its content. Therefore it is imperative that one not only studies but also effectively studies the New Testament.

One of the members of the church who is a sterling example of studying the New Testament effectively is Guy N. Woods. Brother Woods’ credentials are so astonishing to this amateur student that he highly recommends each person who reads this review contact the Gospel Advocate and request the tribute issue in honor of brother Woods after he left this world. When I learned this book was available; I immediately purchased and read it with great satisfaction. “How To” books, in my opinion, are only as good as the one who writes them so I was very eager to read this work.

In this book Guy N. Woods emphasizes several important rules of Bible study. One of the rules he emphasized is the importance of understanding the context of the passages we are reading. He writes:

An elementary rule of interpretation is to observe carefully the significance of that which goes before and that which follows the passage under study, before attempting to reach a conclusion as to its intended and proper meaning. Failure to follow this simple rule leads to many absurdities in the field of interpretation. More, it breeds disrespect for the word of God itself. The practice, all too common, of lifting a verse from its setting, and using it according to the whim of the speaker or writer, has led many people to the conclusion ‘that you can prove anything by the Bible’. (Woods, p. 75)

Another principle that I would like to emphasize is the importance of studying in a strictly conditioned and controlled environment. Brother Woods would travel all over the country conducting meetings all the year. To facilitate his studying, he utilized a folding table that he could set his books and typewriter upon as to create the same working environment from place to place. Once his surroundings were more familiar his productivity increased. This is an important lesson for each of us. Having a designated place to study that is designed for that purpose would increase our productivity.

Guy N. Woods also emphasized the importance of having a good reference library. He stressed that it is not the volume but the quality of books that makes for an effective library. Recommending books has a times caused some people grief because sometimes a book is not sound in every section. Some will criticize a person if they recommend a book that has an obvious weakness and will try to ascribe the weakness to the person who recommended the book. This is sad in because it discourages those who know of excellent works makes them hesitant to recommend them for fear of having to defend the entire content of a book. If the popular translations are the product of people in denominations, subject to error, and we use and recommend them, then we should at least be as gracious to those who recommend a work that is by a denominationalist. Woods provides a complete chapter on books that he has found to be of tremendous value. I appreciate his willingness to recommend books that contain content he would not agree with. I refer to this list constantly and have discovered some of the books I have written reviews on from this very list. I highly recommend this book to not only help one to study the New Testament more effectively, but to equip one’s self to do the job properly each day of our lives.

Originally printed in West Virginia Christian, Vol. 8, No. 7, July 2001, p. 2. Reprinted by permission.

Biblical Backgrounds of the Troubled Middle East, Guy N. Woods

Biblical Backgrounds of the Troubled Middle East, Guy N. Woods

The recent events of September 11, 2001 will be etched in our memories for a long time to come. Some think that our country will never be the same and that the future of our children and society will be cloaked in fear because of this heinous act by Islamic terrorists. This writer does not subscribe to this pessimistic forecast. Men and women arose during a similar period of darkness to secure the blessings of freedom and prosperity for Americans after December 7, 1941. I am fully convinced that the same will happen here if America truly seeks God’s blessings rather than just requesting God’s blessing. It is one thing to say “God Bless America” but it is another matter to act in a way that God would bless America.

The conflict between Arabs and Jews is not new to most Americans; however, the background for this conflict is not understood by many. Some are surprised to realize that the conflict between Arabs and Jews goes back to Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. The conflict has been one of the longest running conflicts except for the conflict between good and evil. Jerusalem is a focal point for much of the conflict. The main reason for this is that this piece of land is sacred to three major competing religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. To appreciate the delicate and volatile relation of the Jews and Arabs, one only needs to know that the site of the Jewish Temple is now the location of an Islamic Mosque. So the Jews desire to rebuild the temple on the site ordained by King David that would require the destruction of an Islamic Mosque which is holy to the followers of Mohammed. This is only one aspect of the conflict.

Biblical Backgrounds of the Troubled Middle East traces the history of this conflict from the call of Abram in Ur of the Chaldees to the establishment of the nation of Israel. It traces the history of the nation of Israel through the division of the kingdom and the period between the testaments. It discusses the events of Jesus day and continues to the destruction of the Jewish nation by the Romans in 70 A.D. The book continues to explain historical events such as the establishment of Islam and its impact on the Arab world. The book explains the holocaust and the rise of Zionism, which led to the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948. The Jews were allowed to take back the land that was once theirs but was now home to the Arabs of Palestine. Palestinians were driven from their homes because of the United Nations resolution permitting the Jews to take back land that they had once left. The book does a very concise but thorough treatment showing the complexity of this deep-rooted problem that will most likely never be resolved until Christ returns. The two groups will not live in peace with one another and both reject the one hope they have of reconciliation and peace—Jesus Christ and Christianity.

Gospel Advocate has recently reprinted this work by Guy N. Woods and is also making a cassette available on the same topic based on a Guy N. Woods teaching a bible class on the same subject. Considering the renewed interest in this subject, I would suggest getting both the book and the cassette. Your congregation may have members that will profit from listening to the cassette if they are unable to read the book.

Originally printed in West Virginia Christian, Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2002, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.