Jump Start # 3662

Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Our verse today is an important bridge from the O.T. to the N.T. Our law is the N.T. It is the N.T. that we follow. Many when they hear that come to the conclusion that the O.T. no longer has any value or use. But, that’s far from the case. It is through the lens of the O.T. that we see clearly the N.T. Fulfilled prophecies, roles of sacrifices, priesthood, kingship, concept of the temple and even the Sabbath rest all find larger and more important images in the N.T.

That expression from our verse, “whatever was written in earlier times,” refers to Scriptures. It’s a reference to the O.T. But, in a historical context, much of what we know from that past comes from what was written in earlier times. Passionate about restoration history, I have a collection of old papers, articles from long ago. The writers of those things are now resting on the other side. What they wrote stands true through time. And, except for a few pack rats like myself, most have forgotten or have never seen such treasures found in those articles.

A couple of weeks ago, in writing about the Prodigal Son, I mentioned a special issue of Biblical Insights that I edited several years ago. That issue was published in July, 2003 (Vol 3, no. 7). One of my heroes, L. A. Stauffer, was the editor of the paper. I remember pitching the idea to him for a special issue just on the prodigal son. He quizzed me, asking how would I break it down and who would write the articles. The next thing I knew, I was given the task of producing that special issue.

Below are the articles and authors:

The Prodigal Son—an Introduction by Roger Shouse

The Story—its background and purpose by Sewell Hall

Textual Thoughts by Roger Shouse

He let him go by Roger Shouse

The call of the far country by Bob Dickey

The road back home by Wilson Adams

He came to Himself by Colly Caldwell

The Father Forgives by Gary Henry

Bread and enough to spare by Rickie Jenkins

I will say to my father by Harry Pickup, Jr

He got up and came to his father by L.A. Stauffer

Come home to stay by Jeff Smelser

Why is it so hard to extend grace to others by Kenny Chumbley

The elder brother—what was his problem? By  Don Truex

The Real loser by David Thomley

Books on the Prodigal Son by Roger Shouse

Things parents can learn from the prodigal son by Dee Bowman

How to reach the prodigal by Frank Walton

Concerning the Prodigal by John Pigg

When I look at that list of writers, what an amazing lineup. It’s hard to believe that it all came together so easily and everyone involved helped so much. It was my only attempt at editing a magazine. What a treasure chest of articles these are.

I believe, twenty-one years later, it would be good to resurrect and recirculate that issue. It would make for good class study or a series of lessons for preachers. I want to make this possible for all of our Jump Start readers.

The format is 8.5 x 11, in it’s original size. I do not have any of the originals left but I can and will make copies for any of our readers who would like one. Email me at: Rogshouse@aol.com. Be sure to include your mailing address.

Bringing back to life these ageless articles would help so many.

The things written in earlier times…

Roger