Ralph Rudolph and 1 Peter 3.15

One of many remarkable things about the Maple Hill Church of Christ is that over the past 40 years of its existence, it has had only three preachers. From a preacher’s perspective, at least, it says something positive about a congregation when the congregation keeps the preacher around for a while. By far, the preacher who stayed longest as preacher at Maple Hill was Ralph Rudolph. He preached for 19 years at Maple Hill. His son, Keith, is still a member of the congregation.

There were many admirable things about Ralph Rudolph. He was a friend of mine. I loved him and had much respect for his love of the truth. He has gone on to his reward and I miss having him around. He loved the Bible, and he was a great defender of it and of the doctrine of Christ. When he read something that he felt dishonored the Bible or in some way attacked Bible doctrine he was unafraid to speak up in opposition to it. The Bible teaches Christians to give a defense of that which we believe (1 Peter 3.15).

One evidence of Ralph’s defense of the faith involved his reaction to an article that appeared in The Paducah Sun, back on February 27, 1983. It was an article from a professor at Murray State. I have recently been shown this article and thought it would be good to present it here on this site. Ralph points out in his “Letter to the Editor,” that he agreed with MOST of the statements in the article from Professor Cartwright. I think the paragraph which caused him to respond was: “‘Humanism is a word that is largely misunderstood today. Some people seem to think it is anti-religion or impractical and I strongly disagree,’ said Cartwright.” Ralph wrote: “He implies that humanism is not anti-religion by stating that some think that it is.” Bible-loving people need to know about humanism and Ralph provided some quotations from Humanist Manifesto 1 and 2 in his reaction to the implied defense of humanism.

It is entirely possible that if many more Christians had studied humanism and spoken up on similar occasions like Ralph did (back in 1983, in this article), some of the present difficulties being experienced in our society could have been avoided. I have scanned Ralph’s article and you can read his reaction by clicking H-E-R-E.

Design of Bible Teaching

Sometimes in reading and researching I come across statements that cause me to pause and ponder exactly what is being communicated. It is a source of enrichment in my life as those moments come. I find that often they come as I am reading material written by Bible students who are no longer around to write. I would like to share some of these treasures with you.

Today please consider what needs to be done as we attempt to teach others the Bible. It was written by E.A. Elam and published in 1927. Find it by clicking H-E-R-E.

TRUTH, September 2020

It is always a blessing to receive the four-article journal, TRUTH, from Roger D. Campbell. I love his discussion of the Great Commission, which he certainly has taken seriously in his life. He has learned two additional languages: Chinese and Russian in order to communicate the saving message to the lost. He has served in Taiwan, Ukraine, and Malaysia. Please read the following excellent articles:

  1. The Relationship between Jesus and the Church
  2. Isaac was a Blessed Man
  3. Be Careful: Christians Can Become Chronic Criticizers
  4. Matthew 28.18-20: The GREAT Commission

Find these in PDF format H-E-R-E.

Study Guide for 2 Samuel

LemmonsAid Study Guides

When we last had Bible Classes PRE-Covid19, we were engaged in a study of 2 Samuel on Wednesday nights. In July our classes will begin again, Lord willing. We have now completed a study guide for the 17th chapter of 2 Samuel. There are eight pages containing several parts including questions, lessons, outline, summary, etc. I hope the guide will be helpful to many in taking a look at this very interesting chapter in the life of King David. You can find the PDF by clicking H-E-R-E. Other guides also are available by clicking H-E-R-E.

TRUTH for May 2020

I have found it always to be profitable to read the four monthly articles produced by Roger D. Campbell in his TRUTH journal. He is an excellent Bible student and preacher of the gospel and world evangelist. This month’s articles include these interesting titles:

  1. Will Every Child Who Honors His Parents Live a Long Life?
  2. Samuel as a Type of the Christ
  3. Giving Our Best to the Lord
  4. Ephesians 2.8-10… By Grace You Have Been Saved

Find them by clicking H-E-R-E.

HTH Special Issue on HOPE

HTH Special HOPE issueTrying times are upon us. In such times negative thoughts seem abundant and the positive optimistic thought becomes a rarity. Such times as this call for an emphasis upon hope, especially biblical hope! House to House has produced an especially helpful discussion of biblical hope. We would encourage YOU to take the time to consider it carefully. Find the PDF by clicking H-E-R-E.

Mountains and Valleys

Mountains and Valleys
CRISIS AND THE CREATOR series: Mountains and Valleys WVBS

World Video Bible School presents Neal Pollard discussing MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS. Here is their description of this video:

As you walk through life, you will experience the “mountains” of happiness and plenty, but you will also experience the “valleys” of sadness and suffering. While the mountains of life bring joy and are easy to walk, the valleys are full of trials and events that test our faith. When you walk through the “valley of the shadow of death,” how will your faith endure? Join Neal Pollard as he brings to mind the biblical teachings for how to handle the mountains and valleys of life.

Do Not Fear

Video from World Video Bible School
World Video Bible School

I have just viewed an encouraging and uplifting video from Wayne Jones produced by the World Video Bible School. Their description of the video is as follows…

What is your greatest fear? If you had been asked this question in months past, it may have been completely different than today during such a time of crisis. In this lesson, Wayne Jones presents a biblical perspective for understanding “Why?” and “How?” the Christian is told to “fear not.” Join in this timely study to help evaluate your fears and to recognize how God has provided help for us.

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