Spiritual Preachments In The Secular Press

The following essays on the authority and comfort of the Scriptures were written by Brother Frank Winters, an elder of the Culbertson Heights church in Oklahoma City, and printed on the weekly church page of the Daily Oklahoman and Oklahoma City Times. Articles of this type, and on gospel subjects, are being run in the space allotted to the Culbertson Heights church in the two daily papers mentioned each week as a regular feature, and have attracted considerable attention. The pieces are well written, breathe a reverent spirit, and carry some concise suggestions that should arouse some interest in the readers of a secular paper, which may direct their attention to the importance of what the Bible teaches and what it will do for those who believe and obey it. The editor of the Bible Banner wishes for Brother Winters, his personal friend, all the results for which he may hope through this unique medium of trying to contact the minds of his fellow citizens with the vital truths of God's living word. All such efforts are truly worthwhile.

The Authority Of The Bible

We think it must be evident to any student of spiritual conditions today that there is a widespread tendency to ignore and set aside the authority of the Bible.

One of the unique characteristics of this Book is that it claims the right to control the actions of men. It speaks "as one having authority."

It speaks to men, not from the standpoint of human wisdom or morality, but from a plane far above the most exalted human standards and with an attitude demanding unqualified submission. This assumption of authority over men rather contradicts the "democratic spirit of our times that brooks no authority higher than the people," which is to say man himself.

The great mass of men, including most of the leaders of our age, are completely absorbed in the activities of the world and are utterly indifferent to the claims of the Bible. But this Bible nevertheless still has a hold on the consciences of the few, and by its influence wields a mighty power. In some quarters the Bible is assailed and its divine origin disputed in the name of "scholarship" and of "science;" though there is no known principle of science which the Bible contradicts. Sometimes the attack may come from those who concede the inspiration of the Bible, but claim that other writers were also equally inspired. There is no practical difference in these two positions; the result is the same. The unique authority of the Bible is set aside.

We believe that it is of the very highest importance to insist unceasingly upon the sufficiency, finality and completeness of this revealed word of God, and with this attitude the Bible is a chart and compass, "a lamp unto our feet," and an anchor of the soul. With any other attitude the Book is bereft of its power to bless and save mankind, leaving humanity lost and groping in darkness and despair.

The Comfort Of The Scriptures

"Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Isa. 26:3.

"That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.

We believe if the unconverted could know the comfort and peace the holy Scriptures can bring to the Christian the churches could not house the multitudes seeking admission. Yet no beatitude of Christianity is more surely taught than that the living word of God received and kept in the hearts of men shall bless the heart and mind with the "peace of God which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). Not only do the Scriptures say that it shall be, but the experience of every true Christian confirms this truth that the word of God is a source of comfort and happiness far above any earthly pleasure and comparable only to the promised bliss of heaven of which it is undoubtedly a foretaste.

In our meditation we think what comforts the Bible has brought: under the arms of the Pilgrim fathers when they came to this country--in the hands of our minister when death came to our loved ones--in the best libraries of earth--in the humble Christian homes of the poor and lowly--in the tent of the dear boy far away in our country's service--in the hands of his mother as she waits and prays.

One of the scars of this age is the continued failure to find peace. In dismay we must realize that this generation, which has agitated most for peace, has produced the most wars. The words of our text, written by Isaiah in troublous times, give the divine solution. It is an individual matter. These lines are written hoping to help someone toward Christ and His peace, and may not we who have named the name of Christ and who by reason of haste and the cares of life have not always found the comfort the Bible may bring, may we not fail to seek and claim this precious treasure which, through the death of Christ, our elder brother, has been provided for all of us as children of God.