Latest Files RSSWed, 12 Nov 2025 12:45:57 GMTJohn Albert BroadusScholar, teacher, preacher, and denominational leader. The fourth child of Major Edmund and Nancy (Sims) Broadus, he came into a home which, though not wealthy, was distinguished by intelligence, culture, and piety. When he was about 16, he was converted. His early education had been at home and in a private school. From 1844 to 1846 he taught in a small school and engaged in disciplined independent study.In the fall of 1846 Broadus entered the University of Virginia to prepare for ministry, receiving the M.A. degree in 1850. During the next year he taught in a private school in Fluvanna County, Va., serving in small country churches, and diligently studied church history, theology, sermons, and the Bible. During this year two notable events occurred - his ordination, Aug. 12, 1850, and on Nov. 13, 1850, his marriage to Maria Harrison, a daughter of Gessner Harrison (1807-62), professor of ancient languages at the University of Virginia.Calls of various kinds came to the young teacher, and he finally accepted the post as tutor in Latin and Greek at his alma mater and a pastor of the Baptist church at Charlottesville. After one year he resigned his teaching position in order to devote full time to pastoring. This he did with the exception of two years when he was given a leave of absence to serve as chaplain at the University of Virginia.In 1858 Broadus was asked to become a member of the faculty of the new Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Though he had a part in planning the institution, he declined the offer because of his attachment to preaching and pastoral work. After months of struggling with the decision, he agreed to become a member of the first faculty when the seminary opened in Greenville, S. C., in 1859. For the next 36 years he was professor of New Testament interpretation and homiletics, and his life was inextricably bound to the school.The last years of Broadus’ life brought increasing recognition. He published the following work... Read more

]]>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:45:57 GMTQuick take: Here for your inspection is a technical note by a bold pioneer, truly before his time. For those readers with a scholarly bent.Alex is challenging the status quo regarding the imaginary order of "office of elder". Actually there is no such thing any more than there exists an office of older women. Both groups have high standards to perform as examples to the younger ones. Both are to be sober, not using wine in excess, etc.What's the point? The point is that the senior members - PLURAL - are to be shepherds of God's flock. Most Christian seniors today are oblivious to this fact and unknowingly abdicate their role and responsibilities to a single person.God's plan for church oversight is a team effort. A team of co-equals!

]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:23:16 GMTRuination - there's a word we don't often hear...John Owen is called the Prince of the Puritans. He was Vice Chancellor of Oxford University. Wrote a massive 8 volume commentary on the book of Hebrews. Which is still published along with his 20 something volumes of other works.He calls attention here, Hebrews 12, to the fact that every saint is to be an overseer in the church. Really? Roles and responsibilities are fluid and layered, you see. They beautifully overlap as do the watercolors on the paper of a fine artist.Just as a deacon might be an evangelist, table server, or even a civil servant.Owen goes on to say that the failure to be engaged is prevalent, disgusting, and represents the (almost) ruining of Christianity. I would have to agree.This he wrote as an old man, having given the matter much thought. This portion of the commentary was not published until after his death.Should this oversight role (and privilege) of all saints surprise us? No, all saints are priests and ministers one to another. All, according to their gifts and opportunities, can serve, pray, preach, teach, and prophesy. We are not to look upon our own things but those of others.Look carefully at the phrase looking diligently in verse 15. You will see that the true meaning - overseeing diligently - in the English Bibles was obscured. It's the same Greek word which describes the elders role of oversight in 1 Peter 5.Yes, everyone is their brother's keeper. Regardless of gender or age.Remember, our translators were told to "retain the ecclesiastical words". Thus they added "office of" about half a dozen times. There was even a Bishop's Bible, which later influenced the King James Version.But let us not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good!... Read more

]]>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:05:40 GMTPart B, due to file size constraints at google docs. Aproximately 20 mb.

]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:40:03 GMTOne of our very favorites. This is a big book. The chapters on overseers and servants (elders and deacons) are eye-opening. As is the Introduction.To my (limited) knowledge he was the first English writer to demonstrate that neither elders nor deacons were church officers in the modern sense. Rather, these were both common terms already in use to which certain obligations were now assigned. In other words, in the church, seniors were required to shepherd and all the saints were to be in ministry. This is summed up very well in the Introduction of the book.Truth is, Church life is so simple, one should need no books at all beyond the Scripture. Most Christian books today are written to refute errors... as they introduce other errors.The early church advanced without the complete volume which we now possess. They trusted the Spirit to lead them into all truth just as Jesus had promised. Of course the Scriptures are the Sword of the Spirit. Both are perfectly joined and both lead us to the Living Word.Part A of two Parts due to the size restraints at google docs. Be sure you are logged in for the download button to function. Good.

]]>Sun, 07 Sep 2025 22:51:22 GMTTruthful words here. Yes, needful words for these present times. Words presented in a very persuasive manner, I might add. This passage was previously published (and previously ignored) in the "Pulpit Commentary" series from the late 19 century.You, do you possess this divine excitement? If so, please share it far and wide. Your gifts and knowledge are not merely for your own edification but for the edification of all the saints.For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 4-8

]]>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 01:44:50 GMT150 years ago, this interesting penny pamphlet appeared on the streets of London.There was a growing movement against Romanism and the Church of England, too. The unnamed author is urging these 'dissenting' Christians to go even further toward finding the lost truths of Scripture.Many of these 20 questions are still being asked... as they should be.

]]>Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:11:46 GMTIn recent years there has been renewed interest in what goes by the names of "worship and liturgy". Not to mention the mysterious and ubiquitous "worship service". What's come to light is the conclusion that eager men in the past have reverted and even changed these meanings back to their Old Testament contexts.This short but keen book addresses a similar word in these recent studies - one which has been distorted way beyond its original import: religion. Religion technically means rituals. I must confess that I have misused it repeatedly in the past.I notice the author writes anonymously, perhaps to avoid those of the status quo. Those who will quickly realize that they, the church, can do this without their well-intentioned assistance.A super-exciting paradise shift has taken place. Yet most people don't get it. The Father now seeks those who will worship, not here or there, but in truth. Every hour - every day. All the types and shadows of the past have now been fulfilled in and by the Son who has sat down at the Father's right hand forever.The previous priesthood, covenant, and rituals have been replaced by new and better things! Namely, every Spirit in-dwelt believer in Jesus, acting full-time in love to serve, minister and encourage others in his Name. Thus, from "worship services" we have been advanced to entire lives of worship and service!But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs (the original priests of old) as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

]]>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:38:38 GMTConsidered by some as the greatest English writer of all time.Here is a product of the days of yore, when the pen was mightier than the sword. Try to wade through his now antiquated language to the very end of the sonnet. He is accusing the Presbyterians, who had just made advances in the civil government, of priestcraft in the last line.But wait. Priestcraft was the same thing the Presbyterians accused the Anglicans and the Catholics of...Ultimately, priestcraft is a denial of the finished work of our Lord. Our Lord who has made all of his saints into a holy priesthood. A brotherhood without rank.This poem reminded me a rock anthem from a few decades back, one by another Englishman: We Won't Get Fooled Again. It ends in the words: "Meet the new boss - same as the old boss."Well, now we know where the phrase "writ large" originated. And yes, priestcraft sadly is still very much alive in the Protestant churches after all these years. And of course in the Catholic church which is quite proud of it.It even rears it's ugly head in non-traditional churches, I must add in all fairness.

]]>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:23:24 GMTHe's been called The Father of the English Bible. But greedy, self-serving, religious leaders - so called Christians - had him strangled and then they burned his body.In this excerpt, he is answering a famous Roman Catholic scholar, Sir Thomas More, who challenged him for not translating the word elder as priest. Tyndale translated it as senior. Senior was dropped in the later versions of his English translation in favor of the word elder... thus opening a world of confusion to this day.We keep bringing up this subject because it has become a stumbling block for those seeking to be a part of a simple non-traditional church.Not to mention the sad fact that multitudes of Christians seniors are sitting around idle, bored, and lonely. Feeling they have no purpose on this earth when in reality they have a very high, God-ordained calling to be deliberately engaged in every day.Thankfully, there are indeed seniors who have figured out the plan via spiritual instinct, I suppose, but... the vast majority are not engaged. More than willing to pass their obligations onto the professional clergy or anyone else believed to be qualified.Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 3.Hundreds - now thousands of years have past since the Son of God walked the earth. We still do not comprehend the most basic things: Older ChristianS, as opposed to "the pastor", are appointed to lead the churches. To love, care for, teach, pastor, shepherd and minister to the younger ones in God's household. None of these responsibilities are of a technical nature, by the way.Yes, you are your brother's keeper.To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but ea... Read more

]]>Sat, 24 May 2025 14:23:58 GMTMost words can be fluid in their usage, no doubt. A child may say: Dad, why are you always preaching at me about staying out late?We allow for and we enjoy such usage, of course. Jesus himself frequently used hyperbole and exaggeration.Biblically speaking though, there is no justification for applying the word preaching to the verbal activity among the gathered saints. Much less, for using it in reference to a "sermon."The word preach is generally misunderstood. The implications are sad and they are far reaching. Harmful even, I must add. And that is an understatement.I submit: This is not a mere semantic curiosity.Several fine books have touched upon this troublesome subject but I don't see where this extensive material by George Campbell was referenced. It's from his commentaries on the Gospels.In his day the author had great respect. He even wrote a notable book on church history as well as headed a major university in Scotland. Thus, his portrait above from the National Gallery. Obviously, he took great pride in his appearance. :)

]]>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:19:52 GMTAs an amateur historian, I realized that church history could be long and tedious for many. In 2011 I compiled as much as I could condense and keep interesting as possible into this book. Printed copies can be purchased on Amazon, but I thought some on this site might be willing to use the PDF to be downloaded freely here.

]]>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:24:31 GMTThis extract is from a real church history book written by a real scholar with a real D.D. As you have noticed, in today's world, unearned doctorates are given out like candy bars to unlearned clergy.This tiny pdf file (330k) - these few pages could have a great effect and actually free up 10's of billions of dollars each year if put into practice. I pray that it will happen. These words are merely echoing the teachings of scripture regarding needs-based financial assistance for those in the Christian communities.Not just the money is what is in view. Many so-called laymen must be called up for duty. A duty which they will come to love, I know. Never forget that when one person is elevated above others - the influence of others is lessened. Therefore Jesus urged us not to call any man master. And not to be as heathen who order their affairs by rank. "You are brothers."We are not blaming any individual today. Let God be the judge. It is the traditional system itself which must be adjusted. Or overhauled in a major way.If you are in a hurry, just scan the the high-lighted text in the above document.

]]>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:00:20 GMTCan you or someone you know refute the thesis of this interesting book? I think not. But if so, please be our guest.

]]>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:25:01 GMTLike many scholarly works, Alastair Campbell's Elders - Seniority book began as a university thesis. He describes his goals here, a couple of years before the book was published. Naturally, by the time of publication, some of his views were slightly modified (corrected).Modern scholarship is finally undergoing a much needed shift regarding the identity of the elders. And a more biblical position, I might add. Needless to say, "modern scholarship" and the "seminary / clergy system" are inextricably tied together. They are not going to bite the hand which feeds them.

]]>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 18:53:07 GMTHere for your examination is a keen essay which could truly and immediately change the whole church - not to mention the whole world.Money - misappropriated. And hierarchy, forbidden in Scripture, have been a big hindrance to the spread of the Gospel and to our beloved Saviour's Kingdom as well.Yes, these are delicate subjects because we are talking about the livelihoods of well-meaning although misinformed people.The key to unlocking this subject is the phrase "needs based".And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:35.The early churches, often small and meeting in homes, did not supply salaries for all the elder men (elders) or elder women. Only those who qualified received assistance. 1 Timothy 5. Likewise for those itinerant evangelistic workers who were "in the field".Notice how the clever author of the essay cloaked his name to avoid blow-back in his own day. A. P. Brother stands for: A poor brother.Notice also the magazine title which published this article: Millennial Harbinger. Obviously, they expected good things in the future and were thus highly motivated by their optimistic views. Unlike today, where pessimism usually reigns.As always, you must be logged into this site in order to download your own free pdf copy.

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