Attending Freed-Hardeman University was a great
blessing to my life for many reasons. Not only did I meet my Christian
spouse there (which is sufficient reason for all Christian young
people to attend a Christian college), but we also established
relationships that will last for eternity. I attended a state
university for my graduate degree, and the difference in environment
between the Christian campus and secular campus is striking. Not
only can relationships be established between students, but also
relationships can be established with professors who show such
dedication to their students. One of the blessings my wife and
I received was establishing a relationship with Winford Claiborne
as our professor for General Epistles. We had the privilege of
listening to his instruction on 1 Peter first hand. I remember
his emphasis on 1 Peter being an epistle emphasizing divine relationships,
so the title of this book is very appropriate. Brother Claiborne
also served as Director of the Freed-Hardeman Bible Lectureship
for several years.
The book contains 155 chapters that represent
five-minute messages brother Claiborne delivered on the International
Gospel Hour, the longest continuously produced radio broadcast
program in the world. Brother Claiborne became the main speaker
for the program in 1995, replacing V. E. Howard. The chapters
of the book follow the verses of 1 Peter for easy reference. The
amount of information that can be expounded from 1 Peter is astonishing.
The depth of the subject matter of 1 Peter was impressive in the
classroom and just as impressive in this book. The book deals
with great themes such as our relationship to Jesus, the Gentiles'
relationship to God in the church, our relationship to government,
the relationship between husbands and wives, defending the faith,
suffering as a Christian, relationship with worldly friends, and
our relationship with our adversary the devil, to name a few subjects.
The chapters are brief, which allow for reading
during brief intervals. The chapters are very informative, including
relating texts, word studies, moral applications, and thought
provoking questions.
If you have an opportunity to tune into the International
Gospel Hour then do so and encourage others to listen. International
Gospel Hour also has a web site www.gospelhour.net that contains
sermon texts and audio files of previous lessons. If you enjoy
great "true to the Book" gospel preaching that is direct
and plain, then you will not be disappointed. -29 Flora Dr.,,Bedford,
OH 44146-2011. DRKenney@email.com For previous book reviews, visit
www.streetsborochurch.org