Letters to the Editor

I was impressed by the opposite responses of Kent Holloway and Daniel L. Graham to the article on expository preaching (Letters, April 19). Expository preaching probably is so rare because it requires much study, prayer, and work; but the result of the congregation's grasp of biblical truth should be sufficient motivation for the effort.

Mr. Graham's statement that he "scanned the congregation during relentless theology sermons and each time I observed a blessed few with excitement in their eyes," was more a comment on the messenger than the method. I challenge anyone to go to sleep on an expository message by the late Ray Stedman, which can be heard by going to http://raystedman.org. I suggest the first of 49 messages on Ephesians for a start. Click on the speaker, wait for download, and enjoy a 40 minute message. Time will fly.

Here we go again. The fear gathering over someone in the White House who is of another faith. I will not debate the rightness of or wrongness of Mormonism here but let me say the fears of Romney coming into the Oval Office and Mormonism gaining some sense of legitimacy is completely out of phase. This is the same type of worrying that gripped us when John F. Kennedy ran for President and many thought that the Pontiff would have more say than the American people. I doubt very much that Mormonism will be vaunted by the drive-by media but rather probably will be more closely examined and questioned? No one in that Office can enforce or bring good to their faith through it. G. W. Bush has actually, through bad policy and other means, brought us more criticism and examination. So don't worry.

I would like to respond to John Avant's article in the March 29 Witness, "False alarms distract us from our problems." Mr. Avant asked some questions, "What is wrong with us" What is wrong with our churches?" I can relate to the dear man's feelings and concerns, since I am a 91-year-old man who has seen many changes during my time on this earth.

I don't have the answers to his questions, but I do get great comfort from reading what Jesus said about the church, which is His body. "The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:18 N.K. J.)

The Bible says, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." (II Tim. 3:16-17 N.L.T.)

Jesus said, "The scriptures say, people need more than bread for their life, they must feed on every Word of God." (Matt. 4:4 N.L.T.)

After Jesus rose from the dead, He told the disciples to go and make disciples of the nations. He also said, "teaching them to observe all things as I have commanded you." (Matt. 28:19-20 N.K.J.)

Jesus said to the Sadducee religious leaders, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures and you don't know the power of God." He also said to the church of Sardis, "I know all the things you do and you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead." (Mark 12:24, Rev. 3:1 N.L.T.)

Jesus said to the church of Laodicea, "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold, I wish that you were one or the other." (Rev. 3:15 N.L.T.)

We know that if people fail to eat food they will become weaker and weaker, and will finally die. Isn't it also fair to say that if Christians fail to feed on every Word of God, they will become weak in a spiritual way?

What a joy it was to read in the Florida Baptist Witness March 29 edition the name of Geoff Hammond in your headlines as the North American Mission Board approved him as their next president. The name brought back memories and praises to God.

My Air Force husband, also a Southern Baptist minister, and I, were stationed in Ankara, Turkey in the late 60s. We were sent to Abuja, Nigeria for a one year tour of duty. Of course, we sought out the missionaries in that area.

To make a long story short, I had the opportunity to teach the two and three year olds' Sunday School class there. I believe that Geoff is Geoffrey Hammond, who was one of my "terrible twos," and was about two years older than my daughter.

The psalmist wrote, "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord, shall bear fruit in old age." (Ps. 92:13-14) I believe that Geoff is our fruit in our old age and, as the Apostle Paul said, "Even as we grow older and weaker, our spirit becomes stronger and more vibrant." (II Cor. 4:12) My spirit soars just to know that God let us have a small part in crossing paths with this young man.