Collected Popular Articles and Lectures

This book is the culmination of decades of study, Christian teaching, and evangelism by highly regarded scholar Dr. Everett Ferguson of Abilene, TX. Through the years Dr. Ferguson has spoken to different types of audiences in various settings throughout the world--from gatherings of professional societies in large lecture halls to classes at college lectureships to meetings of believers in small churches. His writings likewise include scholarly articles for the academy, instruction for church leaders, and popular articles for the ordinary church member. Everett has written several books but has kept his eye on the interests of general (Christian) readers. Articles based on scholarly research but more expressly intended for the educated layman as well as professional academics and local ministers are being reprinted by ACU Press--The Early Church and Today; volume one of two has been published (2012). In this collection of popular articles and lectures he has brought together works originally presented to general audiences. The articles naturally group themselves according to topics in which Everett has been interested for some time--Biblical texts, baptism and salvation, the Christian life, organization of the church, worship and assembly, Lord s supper, and contemporary issues. Some items indeed began as sermons and are included here as an indication that academics can preach and to show that critical scholarship can offer homiletic insights. Some prayers for different occasions are printed in this collection as a reminder that attention to prayers from the past can elevate and deepen our prayers. The meditations for the Lord s supper similarly draw on insights from older liturgies in order to enrich our experience of communion.