A Tribute to Winford Claiborne by David R. Kenney



Winford Claiborne
March 6, 1926 - November 18, 2014

A Tribute to Winford Claiborne

By David R. Kenney

On November 18^th, I received word brother Winford Claiborne had crossed the Jordan and had taken his flight “to worlds unknown” before 5:00 AM surrounded by family and friends.  I had received word that the battle with pancreatic cancer was taking its toll and the end was approaching. 

Winford Claiborne has been a dear friend to our family for many years.  My father was telling me just the other day that there were two funerals he wanted to be sure to attend when the time came—E. Claude Gardner and Winford Claiborne.  Interestingly, several have commented about how much they resemble each other, close enough to pass for brothers.  These two men laughed over others confusion even when one of their wives was leaving with the wrong husband!  Brothers Claiborne and Gardner were dear friends.  At the funeral, I heard brother Gardner say aloud to the family as they passed by "There was none better!"

I called to tell my mother the news of brother Claiborne's passing.  She asked me to tell dad because we knew he would take this news very hard.  Dad and I have always looked forward to being with Winford at the Central Church of Christ in Martinsburg for his longstanding scheduled gospel meetings, day classes, trips to the bookstores, visits at Freed-Hardeman University, and enjoying each other’s company at the annual International Gospel Hour Dinner during the FHU Bible Lectureship.  Traveling to Fayetteville, TN for the funeral was a long, journey but I would not have wanted to miss this tribute to him, to be there for the family and enjoy the comfort of dear friends who likewise cherish Winford Claiborne.  I only wish that my father's health would have permitted him to go with me.

Winford dearly loved our family.  He doted on my “sweet mother” and my “darling wife” and was always excited to see our “wonderful” children.  He invited dad to speak on the FHU Bible Lectureship.  When dad demurred because he felt unsuited, Winford insisted (Dad spoke 3 times in 1993, and he was invited back after Winford’s retirement in 2004 & 2009.) 

Winford inspired me to be a better student through reading widely and thoroughly which he was known for doing himself.  He would not accept sloppy work, even taking off every time in a paper I had mistakenly failed to capitalize the word “Greek” while letting my now wife misspell his name on the front of the paper without penalty!  Or giving credit for the same answer to one student but not giving me credit because “You are a better student than that.”  When I called my parents to complain, they thanked and praised Winford Claiborne!

In 1995, at the age of 69, he took over the International Gospel Hour at the insistence of E. Claude Gardner.  Winford was able to build extensively upon the foundation laid by V. E. Howard.  He has left the International Gospel Hour on solid footing and turned it over to his choice of the next speaker, our dear friend Jody Apple.  We wish Jody and Evelyn Apple, the staff at International Gospel Hour and the elders at West Fayetteville congregation continued success in this noble endeavor.

Winford loved little dogs.  Our parents had a toy poodle named Sugar that I was rather indifferent toward; however, Winford loved Sugar.  When he had Sugar in his lap, he would pet her.  When Sugar jumped down, she would turn and bark at Winford as it he was a stranger, an intruder.  Brother Claiborne asked  "Are you a schizophrenic dog?" and laughed. 

We also recall Winford’s deep loss at his beloved Molly in 2002 which he spoke of often.  While we miss him here, he is now reunited with his beloved, met the Lord he has served faithfully, and waits for our arrival. 

General Douglass MacArthur was the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces among other titles.  When his time to retire came, he referenced this statement before the Congress in 1951—“Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”  Winford Claiborne has been a soldier of the cross for many years, having preached the gospel for over 70 years in addition to teaching at Freed-Hardeman University for 14 years, directing their annual Bible Lectureship, writing several books, and working as the Speaker for the International Gospel Hour.  When his beloved Molly passed away, he pressed on with her blessing.  When his health failed, he pressed on thanks to the help of Jeremy Baker and others who made it possible to do so.  When I spoke to him a few days ago, he asked about my father, mother, wife and children and was still recording programs for future broadcast after his departure.  He pressed and worked further when others would have ceased.  So, if I may paraphrase MacArthur’s words—“Old soldiers of the cross never die; they just shine on into eternity!”

David Kenney, Winford Claiborne and Warren Kenney at
the Central church of Christ in Martinsburg, WV.  When Winford told
me how much he loved West Virginia, I told dad to go ahead
and invite him for a meeting.  Winford had a standing invitation to
conduct the Fall Gospel Meeting every other year at Martinsburn, WV
including Day Classes.

At 2004 FHU Bible Lectureship David was wondering where
Winford Claiborne was at.  Here he came!  Always great
to see him and look forward to the new day.

We traveled to Moundsville, WV to see Winford speak
on the 2007 Victory Lectures.  Winford loves children, and our
children loved him too!

Winford Claiborne and David Kenney at the FHU
Bible Lectureship Book Display in 2010.

David Kenney & Winford Claiborne in 2011.  All were
very concerned about the condition of his health which
took away his physical mobility.  Thankfully, Jeremy & Jenny
Baker were able to look after him carefully.



David Kenney & Winford Claiborne at International
Gospel Hour Dinner in February 2014.  I knew this would probably
the last time I would see him here, but over there....

 

Obituary:
Funeral services for Winford Claiborne, age 88 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Friday at 10 a.m. at the West Fayetteville Church of Christ with Bro. Tom Holland officiating. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at the church building. Bro Claiborne passed away Tuesday morning at his residence.He was a native of Portland, TN and the son of the late Marvin and Susie Dillahay Claiborne. In October 2002, brother Claiborne and his family suffered the loss of Molly, his wife of 53+ years.As of February 2014, Brother Claiborne had been preaching the gospel for 71 years. He was a graduate of both Freed-Hardeman College and Murray State University. His academic work also included graduate studies at Harding Graduate and University of Georgia. While serving as a gospel preacher for numerous congregations, he's had other experiences as well, including high school teacher, business owner and college professor. In the last 71 years, he's been the pulpit minister for congregations in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.After teaching at Freed-Hardeman for 14 years, he retired in 1993 and moved to Fayetteville where he began preaching full-time for the West Fayetteville congregation.In August 1995, Brother Claiborne took over the International Gospel Hour radio program. The operation of the International Gospel is under the direction of the Elders at the West Fayetteville Church of Christ.Survivors include two sons, Doron (Kathee) Claiborne of Murfreesboro, TN and Danny (Gina) Claiborne of Murray, KY; grandchildren, Hannah and Mark Claiborne, Wesley (Heather) Claiborne; brothers and sisters, Edger Claiborne, Lucien (Ellen) Claiborne, Charlie (Paulette) Claiborne, Wilma (Irvin) Hill, Garvin (Beverly) Claiborne; brother-in-law, Chester Hill. He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, William, Eathel, Nadine, Raymond, Douglas and Laura. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m., Friday at the West Fayetteville Church of Christ.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the International Gospel Hour, P.O. Box 118, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or the Freed-Hardeman University Scholarship Fund, Henderson, TN 38340.There will also be a memorial service for Bro. Claiborne on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Williams Chapel Church of Christ in Lynn Grove, KY. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Lebanon Cemetery in Sedalia, KY.Higgins Funeral Home is assisting the family of Brother Winford Claiborne.

Books, Books and More Books, Winford Claiborne

Books, Books and More Books, Winford Claiborne

Through the encouragement of my father, several others, and kindness of Albert Farley, the editor of The West Virginia Christian, I have been honored to have both written and lectured on recommending books of value for church libraries for over 12 years now.  R. R. Bowker, a specialist in Bibliographic material, estimated there are some 479 books published daily.  True are the words of Solomon—“The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.  And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:11-13, NKJV).  Recognizing that the vast majority of books published today would provide little to any value to a church library, one is still faced with the daunting challenge of keeping abreast of the issues impacting the church in the large number of books required.  One has to prioritize their reading in  order to come close to keeping up, but how does one know which books are the better books on a given subject?  If you are a slow reader, as I am, then prioritizing is essential!  One of the resources I use is brother Winford Claiborne’s digest of books, Books, Books and More Books.

Brother Claiborne was a Professor of Bible at Freed-Hardeman University, Lectureship Director for the highly acclaimed Freed-Hardman University Bible Lectureship and is now Director and Speaker for the International Gospel Hour.  One could not conduct such great responsibilities effectively without being an effective reader—on all kinds of subjects.  In an interview for the Huntsville Times, the late Wallace Skipper stated that Winford reads approximately 125 books each year and retains what he reads.  Winford was my teacher for General Epistles.  When my future wife and I had him for General Epistles, he would come to class with an arm full of books.  He would spend a few moments using the books in illustration of the material when appropriate.  Today, I cannot recall the title of any of those books; however, I can tell you that each class period was a totally different set of books.

The church in Duluth, Georgia, invited Claiborne for a gospel meeting.  This congregation’s gospel meetings included preaching at night but also classes in the day time too.  They requested brother Claiborne spend all the time in the day classes speaking about the importance of reading and recommending various books on an array of topics.  Thankfully, Paul Sain bound Winford’s notes from this meeting into a small book format that we all can profit from.  The book, Books, Books and more Books is available from International Gospel Hour (www.gospelhour.net) for a donation. 

One of my favorite quotations in this book is the one by Mark Twain—“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”  We need to be readers of good books, ones which can be used in the proclamation and defense of the gospel.  This book contains a listing of books under various subjects:  Abortion, Apologetics, Character, Cultic Groups, Ethical Issues, Modesty, New Age Movement, Suicide, Racism, Homosexuality, Evolution, Islam, Pluralism, Post Modernism, and others.  Someone once told me that they needed to be a better reader and just did not know where to begin.  When I heard that, I handed them this book and in an encouraging way said “Start by reading every book in this book.  When you have completed that, you will never have to ask that question again.”  Whenever I am blessed to hear Winford lecture or preach, I always make it a practice to jot down the title of any book he recommends.  I hope someday to be able to say I have read all those titles!  Now, back to my reading.

Originally printed in West Virginia Christian, Vol. 19, No. 11, November 2012, p. 8.  Reprinted by permission.

Silence Can Be Sinful, Vol. 2, Winford Claiborne

Oliver Goldsmith wrote “Silence gives consent.” This is the thrust of this follow-up work to Claiborne’s Silence Can Be Sinful (2002). Are we speaking out against the evils in our society and promoting Christian views? If we are not, who do we think will? If one needs fortification to motivate them to speak out for Christianity, then the Introduction of this book should be read and meditated upon. If one needs fortification to equip himself to do so, then this volume is a must for reading. 

Brother Claiborne is well known for his vast reading and research on a variety of social, religious, history and other pertinent issues. The fruits of his labors are manifested on each radio broadcast he makes on the International Gospel Hour. (There is also a web site, http://www.gospelhour.net/, that contain manuscripts and audio files from the program as well.) 

This work addresses several challenges we face as a nation. Issues such as: macroevolution, eugenics, racism, illegal immigration, cohabitation, alcohol, abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, homosexuality, government corruption, media corruption, marriage, and the sanctity of life. This volume provides excellent material that is well worth the effort to read and share with others when we have opportunity to discuss these issues. My concern is that we are more apt to remain silent than speak out as we have opportunity. Think how much better our nation could be if people spoke out more for God. I have heard reports of a “silent majority” which was believed to be morally conservative. This is sad, not that they are conservative, but that they are silent. Hopefully that will change. This work will well equip one to speak more effectively. 

One of my favorite chapters is “Pesky Bible Verses” where Claiborne quotes a religious advocate for homosexuality attacking scriptures forbidding their chosen lifestyle as “those pesky Bible verses”. Brother Claiborne uses the concept of “pesky Bible verses” against other areas of concern. For example, brother Claiborne writes concerning the Sermon on the Mount:

How do you suppose a liberal theologian reacts to these well-known words from Christ’s great sermon? “Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leads to life, and few there are who find it (Mt. 7:13-14). These verses give bushels of trouble to liberal theologians like Robin Meyers. They are unquestionably ‘pesky Bible verses’ for all Universalists. (Page 75).

Another suggested use for this material--share with our young people. Parents want to shield their children from the harsh and evil realities of the world for as long as they can; however, there comes a time when they must be equipped to face the world. They need to be made aware of the issues they will encounter, how to respond to them, and how to fight efforts to move such evils into the mainstream in various ways including proposed laws. They need to have the resources to make effective arguments against the forces which would destroy our nation.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2010, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Instrumental Music in the Public Worship, John L. Girardeau

Instrumental Music in the Public Worship, John L. Girardeau


There are history books that may mistakenly state the use of the organ began in worship, which is an unauthorized addition to Christian worship, as late as 600-700 AD. Further studies in church history as found that this date is too early by as much as 200 to 300 years since these incidents referred to court proceedings and not actual worship services. Dr. Everett Ferguson, noted church historian, wrote in A Cappella Music in the Public Worship of the Church:

It was perhaps as late as the tenth century when the organ was played as part of the service. This makes instrumental music one of the late innovations of the medieval Catholic Church. (Page 74).

When people who are unfamiliar with New Testament worship first visit worship services of churches of Christ, they often comment on the lack of mechanical instruments or how much they enjoy congregational singing. Some think this is rather odd; however, what they fail to realize is the use of mechanical instruments is truly the oddity. Some may be astonished to learn that the mainline denominations also once opposed the use of instrumental music in worship. They perhaps fail to realize that a capella does not just mean “without instrumental accompaniment” but is an Italian word meaning “in the style of the chapel”. The very word itself speaks to the fact that the early worship of the church was without mechanical instruments!

The International Gospel Hour has reprinted a classic work by a John L. Girardeau. A Presbyterian professor of Columbia Theological Seminary, he was repeatedly asked by his students why he opposed the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. This book was his response. The book was originally published in 1888 and remains a classic reference work on this subject. Brother Winford Claiborne includes a valuable introduction in the book which includes some vital points relating to some errors made by Girardeau regarding denominationalism and such. The book is divided into several sections: The General Argument from Scripture; Arguments from the Old Testament, Argument from the New Testament, Argument from the Presbyterian Standards, Historical Argument, and Arguments in Favor of Instrumental Music. Included are valuable references showing that the early church did not utilize instrumental music and the early denominations recognized this and excluded likewise, at first. 

Consider these words by Dr. Girardeau which he wrote in warning to the Presbyterian Church about the adoption of instrumental music in its worship. A similar warning could be made for us today:

Those of us who protest against this revolution in Presbyterian worship are by some pitied, by others ridiculed, and by others still denounced as fanatics. If we are, we share the company of an innumerable host of fanatics extending from the day of Pentecost to the middle of the nineteenth century. We refuse not to be classed, although consciously unworthy of the honor, with apostles, martyrs and reformers. But neither were they mad, nor are we. We ’speak the words of truth and soberness.’ Mindful of the apostolic injunction, ‘Prove all things,’ we submit arguments derived from Scripture, from the formularies of our church and from the consensus of Christ’s people, and respectfully invoke for them the attention of our brethren. We call upon them to examine these arguments, and either disprove or adopt them. But should they be dismissed without notice, and our faithful remonstrances be unheeded, we humbly, but earnestly, warn the church of the evil and bitter consequences which will, we verily believe, be entailed by that corruption of public worship which has been pointed out; and against it, in the name of the framers of our venerable standards, in the name of the reformers, divines and martyrs of the Presbyterian Church, in the name of Christ’s true witnesses in the centuries past, in the name of our glorious King and Head, we erect this solemn PROTEST. (Page 200).

Here is an excellent resource to give to someone who mistakenly believes this is a “Church of Christ view”. We should give this work lovingly and state this is the New Testament view! Churches of Christ aim to follow the New Testament in her worship to God. We have no man made creeds, confessions of faith, or church manuals. The church belongs to Christ, and it is imperative that we worship according to the will (testament) of Christ.

General Epistles, Winford Claiborne

General Epistles, Winford Claiborne

While a student at Freed-Hardeman University, I was blessed to have the opportunity to study the general epistles directly from brother Claiborne in his General Epistles class. Brother Claiborne and I have developed a close friendship over the years but do not think this review has been impacted by personal bias. One of the many reasons for our enduring friendship is a love of books and serious study of the Scriptures.

I was captivated by the material presented in class and took copious notes. In fact, I have taught the adult Bible class on James, 1 Peter and 2 Peter relying largely on a review of my notes from class. I plan on using the material from this book for the epistles of John and Jude as well. When brother Claiborne began publishing books to support the International Gospel Hour, I reminded him that I was still interested in the rest of the material we did not cover in class due to time. (My class notes stop at 1 John 2:11.) Occasionally I would go further and tease brother Claiborne that he should produce this book so I would
get the full value for the tuition I paid for the class. When he told me that he had completed the book I became anxious for my copy. Bother Claiborne is a serious student of the Scriptures and his lecture on the general epistles was deep and meaningful. This book fulfills my request and then some! Thanks brother Claiborne!

For those who have his book CHRIST—Prophet, Priest & King, you will recognize the same outline form in this material as well. It includes treatment of the epistles of James; 1, 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John & Jude. As I read the pages of the book it takes me back to the days I had him in class. It is excellent for preparation of lessons to teach classes for high school, college and adult classes. I plan on recommending the book to Christian men who have yet to teach an adult-level Bible class because they do not have as much time to spend in preparation. This book allows a person to quickly grasp the material on a deeper level so as to enrich any class. In addition, the general epistles (sometimes called catholic epistles) are rich in lessons, which need to be preached from the pulpit. This book does an excellent job of presenting expository material for preaching. Plus, brother Claiborne provides examples from modern theologians that help enrich one’s study (including those who he takes serious issue with.) Those who are familiar with brother Claiborne will recognize his style in his chapter “Jude: An Addendum” where he details some false concepts some have espoused relating to the epistle of Jude. His methodic treatment in thoroughly refuting their error is so reminiscent of the times I have spent with him that I can literally hear his voice as I read through the material. I wholeheartedly agree with brother Sain’s words in the Preface,

“…Winford Claiborne is a dedicated student of God’s Word. Thus, when he speaks, whether orally or in print, he will know his subject well. And, with a fine command of the English language, he knows how to communicate effectively. Not everyone who hears him will agree with him, but all who listen will know what the truth is, and that he will not compromise the truth.” (Page 7)

This book is a product of teaching the material at the college level for at least fourteen years so it has been tried and tested! This is a book to be added to all libraries—members, preachers and churches. Do not miss this invaluable resource to help equip future teachers and preachers of God’s word!

***NOTE***This is a new book so you may need to order your copy directly from International Gospel Hour at http://www.gospelhour.net/. All proceeds to to support preaching the gospel on the radio.

Silence Can Be Sinful, Winford Claiborne

Silence Can Be Sinful, Winford Claiborne

As a former student of Winford Claiborne at Freed-Hardeman University, I was impressed by brother Claiborne’s reading habits. Twice a week he would come in with at least a half dozen books under his arm. Occasionally, he would refer to the books he was reading. I was noticed two things about his reading. First, the books were diverse in subject matter. Second, the reading was voluminous. He had a completely different stack of books each class period. One estimate I read was that he reads at least 125 book a year!

Brother Claiborne commented on the importance of reading in an outline entitled “Read Any Good Books Lately”:

How much time do you have—or rather—how much time do you make for reading—not studying your Bible or preparing your next Lord’s Day’s sermon—but reading? The single most common complaint I hear from preachers is: We do not have enough time for study. Reading time will not come easy—especially if you have a young family which needs and deserves your attention. You should have a book located wherever you are—in the bathroom, in your automobile, at your office, in the living room, in the bedroom. A few minutes here and there can make a difference.
Why should we spend so much time reading? To prevent a major American problem: ignorance. I know there are positive reasons for reading, but we should strive to keep from being ignorant. Many people in our communities will judge our effectiveness by our reading habits. People who come to hear us preach can tell if we read regularly and widely…
Through the years I have made a commitment to reading widely in a number of different fields—sociology, psychology, medicine, bioethics, law, criminology, politics, family studies, etc. When I begin to read in a given field, I buy a number of books in the field so I can have a pretty comprehensive view of what is involved. I have read dozens of books on abortion, on the Women’s Liberation Movement, on our legal system, etc. It is incumbent that we read both sides of every issue. I have read numbers of books by the feminists because I want to know what they actually teach—not what they are accused of teaching.

From reading brother Claiborne’s articles, hearing him teach class, attending his lectures at the FHU Bible Lectureship, listening to him on the International Gospel Hour, and attending gospel meetings in which he was preaching, I can tell you first hand that Winford Claiborne is a great source on a great many subjects threatening the morality of our nation today. That is what Silence Can Be Sinful is about—issues that we as Christians must speak out against in order to save our nation. This book is written to equip us with information we can use to speak out against such evils as homosexuality, abortion, hate groups, gambling, civil disobedience, assisted suicides, Planned Parenthood, prostitution, immoral government leaders, and a host of other related issues. The book contains background information about the issues, explanations of unfamiliar concepts, and teaching from the Bible relating to these subjects.

Our beloved country is in serious trouble. Read about the conditions of Israel before their downfalls and you will see a striking parallel to our day. Unless we speak out against evil in every medium available to us, a book may soon be written entitled the “Decline and Fall of the United States” with the same contributing factors which led to the collapse from the inside out of another great empire as recorded in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Winford Claiborne delivers a regular radio address on the International Gospel Hour. The International Gospel Hour also has a web site www.gospelhour.net that contain sermon texts and audio lessons. If you enjoy great “true to the Book” gospel preaching that is direct and plain, then you will not be disappointed. Tell your friends about the program.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 11, No. 6, June 2004, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Restoring God’s Pattern For The Home, Winford Claiborne

Restoring God’s Pattern For The Home, Winford Claiborne

Many know of brother Claiborne’s teaching on controversial issues and textual lessons at Freed-Hardeman College. Some may not realize he also taught “Marriage and the Family” for fourteen years at Freed-Hardeman College. He comes from a family of twelve children. His Christian wife, Molly, passed away in 2002. They had been married for over fifty years. They have two sons, Doron and Danny, who are faithful to the church and their families. I often remember brother Claiborne speaking excitedly of the grandchildren. In fact, the paperback version of this book includes pictures of his grandchildren on the cover. So, brother Claiborne has lived and knows the principles that make a sound family and has taught these principles to others.

The main element that makes this book on the family superior to others is Winford Claiborne’s respect for both the authority and all sufficiency of the Scriptures. He realizes that the family was not created by politicians, educators, committees, or focus groups. Who better to teach us the proper functioning of the family then the Creator of the family? Where else can we go to learn the principles of successful family then the Bible in which God taught the proper roles and functions of the family? So a book that calls us back to God’s pattern for the home is worth consideration. There are destructive books on the family with supposed “experts” with perverted ideas on how the family ought to operate. Restoring God’s Pattern for the Home reveals some of those who would destroy the family as God has designed it. Brother Claiborne then speaks from his knowledge of the Scriptures, family experience, and keen mind to expose the utter folly of the bizarre ideas that some have for the family.

The book discusses God’s pattern for the home, for husbands, and wives. It discusses the relationship of the church and the home. It also discusses the fact that marriage is for mature adults, not the immature. Too many people enter into marriage too flippantly which is reflected in the statistics on divorce and broken homes. As my father often says “Love is blind, but marriage is the eye opener.” Every couple considering marriage should seek a qualified premarital counselor who is a Christian.

Some in the church think it is unnecessary to have lessons on the home. These speak from ignorance and not from examination of the condition of families among the brotherhood. We need strong lessons on God’s pattern for the family from pulpits, class lecterns, college campuses, and in the home. My father recommends for every Christian married couple to attend the Brecheen-Faulkner Marriage Enrichment Seminar whenever possible. This is good advice. My wife and I have been able to attend the seminar (not to mention taking Marriage and the Family at Freed-Hardeman University as taught by Mike Cravens). I made the same suggestion to a married man and he stated that he did not need any marriage enrichment. I, jokingly, suggested that maybe he should get a second opinion from his wife. We all can use teaching or reminding on the fundamentals relating to the family.

Winford Claiborne delivers a regular radio address on the International Gospel Hour. There is also a web site www.gospelhour.net that contain sermon texts and audio lessons. Tell your friends about the program and the web site.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 11, No. 4, April 2004, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Divine Relationships (Five Minute Gospel Messages From 1 Peter), Winford Claiborne

Divine Relationships (Five Minute Gospel Messages From 1 Peter), Winford Claiborne

Attending Freed-Hardeman University was a great blessing to my life for many reasons. Not only did I meet my Christian spouse there (which is sufficient reason for all Christian young people to attend a Christian college), but we also established relationships that will last for eternity. I attended a state university for my graduate degree and the difference in environment between the Christian campus and secular campus is striking. Not only can relationships be established between students, but relationships can be established with professors who show such dedication to their students. One of the blessings my wife and I received was establishing a relationship with Winford Claiborne as our professor for General Epistles. We had the privilege of listening to his instruction on 1 Peter first-hand. I remember his emphasis on 1 Peter being an epistle emphasizing divine relationships so the title of this book is very appropriate. Brother Claiborne also served as Director of the Freed-Hardeman Bible Lectureship for several years.

The book contains 155 chapters that represent five-minute messages brother Claiborne delivered on the International Gospel Hour. Brother Claiborne became the main speaker for the program in 1995 after retiring from teaching at Freed-Hardeman after the aging V. E. Howard was looking to turn over the longest continuously produced radio broadcast program in the world. The chapters of the book follow the verses of 1 Peter for easy reference. The amount of information that can be expounded from 1 Peter is astonishing. The depth of the subject matter of 1 Peter was impressive in the classroom and just as impressive in this book. The book deals with great themes such as our relationship to Jesus, the Gentiles’ relationship to God in the church, our relationship to government, the relationship between husbands and wives, defending the faith, suffering as a Christian, relationship with worldly friends, and our relationship with our adversary the devil, to name a few subjects.

The chapters are brief which allows for reading during brief intervals. The chapters are very informative including relating texts, word studies, moral applications, and thought provoking questions. Due to the great esteem and love that my family has for Winford Claiborne, it may appear that I am being biased in favor of brother Claiborne. My response is that my great respect for Winford Claiborne was formed as I sat and listened to him deliver the gospel truths from 1 Peter first-hand in the spring of 1990. I am thankful that God has preserved brother Claiborne so he could prepare this volume and you have the opportunity to see why brother Claiborne is worthy of your respect and attention. If you have an opportunity to tune into the International Gospel Hour then do so and encourage others to listen. International Gospel Hour also has a web site (www.gospelhour.net ) that contains sermon texts and audio files of previous lessons. If you enjoy great “true to the Book” gospel preaching that is direct and plain, then you will not be disappointed.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 14, No. 7, July 2007, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Christ: Prophet, Priest and King (An Analysis of Hebrews), Winford Claiborne

Christ: Prophet, Priest and King (An Analysis of Hebrews), Winford Claiborne

While attending Freed-Hardeman University I became friends with two great men of our brotherhood, Winford Claiborne and E. Claude Gardner. Brother Claiborne was one of my professors and brother Gardner was president of the school. I see them regularly at the lectureship and look forward to any opportunity to be in their presence. This book is dedicated to brother Gardner by Winford Claiborne. So the book is precious to me for various reasons, but the subject of Hebrews is important to every man, woman, and child. The subject of Hebrews is the superiority of Jesus Christ over every other being—men, beasts, and angels. It stresses the superiority of Jesus and Christianity over every other religion. Yes, Jesus is superior to Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha, Moses, Abraham, Luther, and any other man you can name. Yes, Christianity is superior to Islam, Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Satanism, Judaism, the New Age Movement, and any other religion you can name.

Winford Claiborne is a very meticulous student of the Scriptures. I know this because he was a very meticulous teacher in class. As an illustration, my wife and I had to write a term paper for his class. Upon returning the graded papers he asked me if he should penalize a student who had spelled his name incorrectly. Now, I had looked in the FHU Catalog to make 100% sure I had spelled his name correctly, but I considered there could be a misprint in the catalog. So I said that he should be lenient since his name could be easily misspelled. (In fact, he explained they had misspelled his last name on his birth certificate.) His reply was, “Well, I agree. That is why I am giving your girlfriend an A even though she misspelled my name.” When I looked at my paper it received a lower grade. I had made the mistake of not capitalizing “Greek” and misspelled judgment as “judgement”. Being a religious paper one can imagine how many times those two words can show up on a term paper. Well, he discounted my grade for the same error at every occurrence of these two words. I can laugh about it now, but it sure was not funny then! It was a lesson in being meticulous and illustrates the high level of performance he expected and strove for in his studies.

This book is an analytical outline of the epistle of Hebrews. It contains a well-written introduction, brief but poignant commentary, illustrative quotations from modern day writers and observers, and very appropriate application for our lives. The book is divided into chapters corresponding to the chapters in Hebrews and is for assisting in study to prepare and teach a class on Hebrews. Each chapter closes with review questions, which makes the book a suitable tool for use in the classroom as the student’s book.

Brother Gardner and Max Patterson kept encouraging Winford Claiborne to publish this manuscript on the epistle of Hebrews. I was hesitant to buy another book on Hebrews since I have several excellent books on this wonderful epistle, but because of my deep admiration for brothers Gardner and Claiborne I decided to purchase a copy. Reading through the book has been very rewarding and exciting. I highly recommend using this book to study one of the greatest pieces of writing from the greatest book man has ever been given. A study of the book of Hebrews will strengthen your faith.

Winford Claiborne delivers a regular radio address on the International Gospel Hour. This is his fourth book published by the International Gospel Hour. All proceeds from the sale of his book are used solely to support the gospel radio program. The International Gospel Hour also has a web site www.gospelhour.net that contain sermon texts and audio lessons. If you enjoy great “true to the Book” gospel preaching that is direct and plain, then you will not be disappointed. Tell your friends about the program.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 13, No. 4, April 2006, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.