THE SPIRIT’S SWORD

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 In this issue:

• He Loved Me (Steven F. Deaton)
• The Preacher's Coffee (Ben M. Bogard)
• Sequel To The Preacher's Coffee (W. Curtis Porter)
• Bible Reading (Alexander Campbell)

He Loved Me

Steven F. Deaton

Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). Paul personalized the selfless sacrifice of Christ when he made the point that Jesus died for him. The same could be said for any man or woman.

Often it is acknowledged that Jesus died for mankind, for the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). This is true and should never be forgotten. Jesus died not only for people in our country, but also for people of all nations--both Jew and Gentile! Not only did He die for whites, but He died for blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and all other races of people (cf. 1 Jn. 2:2). However, let us not "over" generalize the death of the Savior.

Jesus died for each man and woman. You and I can say with Paul, "the Son of God...loved ME, and gave Himself up for ME." The Lord loved you enough to leave heaven, live in the flesh (being subject to ailments, trials, and temptation), be mistreated and persecuted, and die an agonizing death on the cross (cf. Phil. 2:5-8). It was of no personal benefit to Him, but an expression of true love for you.

Friend, the Son of God died for YOU. He did it so that your sins may be forgiven and you may go to heaven (cf. Matt. 26:26-28). Yet, it is manifest that the Lord calls upon you to respond to His love--the benefits of which are not automatically bestowed upon man. You must be willing to follow the Lord, as He said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). Are you willing to do this for One who has done so much for you?

Let us acknowledge that Jesus died "for ME." Let us be submissive to His will in faithful, loving service. Will YOU do this? If so, then listen to the Savior as He tells YOU: "You believe in God, believe also in Me" (Jn. 14:1); Confess "Me before men [and I] also will confess [YOU] before the angels of God" (Lk. 12:8); "Unless YOU repent YOU will...likewise perish" (Lk. 13:3); "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16).

The Preacher's Coffee

Ben M. Bogard

(Ben Bogard was a renown Baptist preacher and debater. -editor)

"I have a pleasant story, which I wish to tell in rhyme,
About a circuit preacher, who lived in recent time.
He was a circuit rider, for good John Wesley's brand,
And rode the finest circuit, in all the blessed land.
At one of his good charges, some members, not a few,
Became quite sorely troubled, about the word 'INTO.'
The good Book says quite plainly, in Acts in chapter eight,
'They went down into the water,' as Baptist people state.

The preacher preached a sermon, of extra zeal and might,
And to his satisfaction, he set the passage right.
'Into' does not mean 'into', but only 'at' or 'near by,'
They went down to the water, and got a small supply.
But near the place of worship, there lived a sister Brown,
And for her splendid cooking, she'd gained a great renown.
Her yellow-legged chickens, her luscious cakes and pies,
Had often made that preacher, roll up his weeping eyes.
And her delicious coffee, In all the circuit round,
The preacher oft admitted, its like could not be found.
So when he preached his sermon, with extra power and length,
He loved, at the Brown's table, to revive his ebbing strength.

But sister Brown was a Baptist, the strongest in the land;
She oft reproved the Methodists, for changing God's command.
She heard the preacher's sermon, and thought the subject o're;
Then asked him home for dinner, as she oft had done before.
She ground her good brown coffee, her kettle steaming hot,
And she put it 'at' or 'near by', the famous coffee pot.

She poured her guest a cupful, (I think it was no sin);
'But you forgot, dear sister, to put the coffee in.'
'No, no, dear sir, that's coffee; I ground a good supply,
And put it 'at' the kettle, ('into' is 'at' or 'near by.')

By the logic of your sermon; (I thought it rather thin),
If 'at' or 'near by' is 'into', I put the coffee IN.

So if you will truly promise, no more such stuff to teach,
I'll go and make some coffee, in line with Bible speech.
And this time I will follow, instructions to the dot,
And put the coffee 'into', not 'at' or 'near by' the pot!

Sequel To The Preacher's Coffee

W. Curtis Porter

(W. Curtis Porter was a faithful gospel preacher. -editor)

"Just then in stepped a preacher, who wears a Bible name;
The simple name of 'Christian', of apostolic fame.
God put into the Bible, no human names to wear,
And hence he was contented, the inspired mark to wear.

Then Mrs. Brown he questioned, if surely she'd admit,
Whether 'into' had the meaning, she had given it.
She said she would most surely, and who would dare say not?
'No coffee's in the vessel, till put 'into' the pot!'

Then gently spoke the preacher; 'Don't censure preacher Jones;
You have spoken condemnation, to yourself in strongest tones.
No need to hold tradition; such never did suffice;
The Bible says that baptism, puts people 'into' Christ!'

'No, no,' replied the hostess; Such preaching is a sin;
Sir, the preacher gives baptism, to those already in.'
'Well, well,' then spoke the preacher, 'it surely gives me fun,
To see this faithful Baptist, throw down her Baptist gun.

If 'into' has the meaning, you have given it at last,
Your shot at circuit riders, has gone into a blast!
Then Philip and the eunuch, went not 'into' the creek,
For they were 'in' already, and had been for a week!'

'When Christians are invited, 'into' that heavenly clime,
They'll really not go 'into' they were in it all the time.
And when the Lord will banish, the wicked 'into' hell;
They'll merely stay 'in' pleasures, on earth they love so well.'

'You thought you put the coffee, 'into' the coffee pot;
But it was 'in' already, and really boiling hot.
Now, Mrs. Brown, please promise, that you'll not have the gall,
To hit folks with the Bible, unless you take it all.

The Bible says so plainly (to which you have referred),
'They went down 'into' the water,' I trust its every word.
It tells us that the righteous, go 'into' mansions fair;
It tells us that the wicked, go down 'into' despair.

It tells us just as surely, not only once, but twice;
That that which is called 'baptism', puts people 'into' Christ.
Now take it all, dear lady; false preachers you can rout,
Or else just raise the window, and throw the Bible out!

Christians, do you read the Bible in your families every day? Do you read it in your closet every day? And do you read it not to quiet your conscience as a work of penance; but do you read it as a pleasure anxiously to be sought after? If you do, I need not tell you what utility, pleasure, and happiness is in the blessed employment. But if you do not, you may rest assured there is something greatly wrong, which, if it is not abandoned, subdued, or vanquished soon, will cause you sorrows, if not agonies, when you will be less able to conflict with them than at present. Resolve this moment, I pray you, that you will begin today to read the Bible, to enjoy God and Christ and the hope of immortality. "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee, bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Then will you say with Solomon, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding: for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared with her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor: her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." "Begin today: 'tis madness to defer." The religious world -- I mean the great majority of all professors, are Bible neglecters. Their ignorance, prejudice, and error show it. I beseech you, daily, habitually, constantly, prayerfully read the Bible in its proper connections, and you will grow in grace as you grow in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. The Lord will bless you, as he has said, in this deed. Read James 1:22-25, and may you prove it true!

The Millennial Harbinger, New Series 3 (January 1839): 35-38
http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/acampbell/mh1839/BIBREAD.HTM

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