Chapter 4, the final chapter of Civil Government by David Lipscomb. In chapter 4 Lipscomb highlights writings from the period of the early church into the Reformation period to show the position of various Christian groups through time on the question of Christians participating in civil government. Every Christian should be familiar with this history.
In the series “A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things,” Alexander Campbell’s final article “On The Breaking of Bread No 4” traces the history behind the monthly, quarterly, and annual observances of the Lord’s Supper as commonly practiced among the sects of Christendom.
On The Breaking of Bread, No. 4
Alexander Campbell continues his discussion on the breaking of bread in which he explains the phrase “as often as” in 1 Corinthians 11:26 as it relates to the frequency of observance.
A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things, No. 8 (On the Breaking of Bread No. 3)
Alexander Campbell continues his arguments for weekly communion in “A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things, No. 7 (On the Breaking of Bread No. 2)” from the Christian Baptist, September 5, 1825. The persuasiveness of Campbell’s argumentation and logic is forceful, convincing, and unassailable.
A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things No. 7, On the Breaking of Bread No. 2
Today I post another audio reading from Alexander Campbell’s series of articles titled, “A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things”—this week No. 6 in the series. It is subtitled “On the Breaking of Bread No. 1” and is the first in the series in which Campbell argues for the appropriateness and scripturalness of weekly communion (as opposed to monthly, semi-annual or annual communion).
Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things No. 6
In the 19th century, many men in the church held offices as elected officials in the government. David Lipscomb was opposed to this practice. Chapter 3 of his Civil Government considers 8 individuals in the Bible who are alleged to be examples of godly men whose lives justify the Christian’s participation in civil government—Daniel, Joseph, Matthew, the Ethiopian Nobleman, Cornelius, the Philippian Jailor, Erastus, and Paul. In chapter 3 Lipscomb argues that none of these biblical personalities serve as examples for such participation. Listen to his reasoning here…
A young David Lipscomb below.
Alexander Campbell (below) published a paper called “The Christian Baptist” from 1823 to 1830. Over the course of several issues he wrote 32 articles under the title “A Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things.” This series of articles is ranked among the “classic” of Mr. Campbell’s writings. Today I post “No. 5” of this series, subtitled “Order of Worship,” in which Campbell argues that there is a divinely authorized worship for Christians and that this order should be universally the same among the churches of the Lord. You may listen here: https://restorationaudiobooks.com/audio-articles/alexander-campbell-articles/
Today I post the audio for chapter 2 of Civil Government by David Lipscomb. After dealing with the origins and missions of civil government from the Old Testament in chapter 1, the author turns attention in chapter 2 to the New Testament, specifically to the Christian’s relationship and responsibilities to earthly governments and their leaders. A careful reading of this chapter (or listening, if you prefer) is recommended to all the people of God during these days of political agitation and all the emotional involvement accompanying it. Listen here: https://restorationaudiobooks.com/audio-books/civil-government-david-lipscomb-1913-2/
The presidential primary elections are now in full swing. All eyes are on politics. Thus I have delayed until now to begin my next audio book project—David Lipscomb’s classic work, “Civil Government, Its Origin, Mission, and Destiny, and the Christian’s Relation To It” (Lipscomb pictured below). It was first published in book form in 1913, but its contents were published originally as articles in the Gospel Advocate in the years 1866 and 1867 following the American Civil War (1861-64). Lipscomb’s views on civil government grew out of an intense study of the Bible on the subject following his observation during the war of members of the church in both the North and South joining in the fight on opposite sides. The spectacle of members of the church, north and south, killing each other in the name of the Union on one side and the Confederacy on the other presented to Lipscomb a most unjustifiable contradiction. The results of Lipscomb’s Biblical study on civil government are masterfully presented in this important, but much-neglected book. During this highly-charged election year, every member of the church should reflect upon the Biblical principles developed here by Bro. Lipscomb. I highly urge you to read it or you may listen to chapter one here: restorationaudiobooks.com. Subsequent chapters to follow. (Carnage from the Battle of Antietam, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, 1862, below).
Today I post the final chapter of the audiobook version of The Sun Will Shine Again Someday by Ronny F. Wade. Chapter 10, “Among the Churches,” features four congregations with long and rich histories—Burkhart (Near Joplin, MO), Harrodsburg, IN, New Salem (Brookhaven, MS), and Mozier, IL. This chapter is one of my personal favorites. Along with important history, Ronny relates some humorous and charming stories about these churches. Following chapter 10 is the closing section “About the Author,” also part of the audiobook, which brings this project to completion. I wish to thank Ronny again for granting permission to make the recording and I only hope that my efforts have proved worthy of the task.
https://restorationaudiobooks.com/audio-books/the-sun-will-shine-again-someday-1986/
Restoration Audio Books 