5.00.01 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

There are important elements in a sermon which cannot be reduced to writing. They cannot be recorded on the printed page. The spoken word of the preacher may be preserved in writing; but "the light in his eye, the glow of his cheek, the sweep of his hand, the attitude of his body, the music of his voice"—these we cannot print. Yet, apart from these, the spoken word may possess such intrinsic value and power as to justify its preservation in writing. Such is true of the sermons delivered by N. B. Hardeman. This is the fifth volume of Tabernacle Sermons. Thousands who heard these sermons when originally delivered have bought them in book form and read them with an eagerness and a satisfaction that can be explained only on the ground that the sermons are sound, fearless, and scriptural. At no time during the history of the "Restoration Movement" has one man preached so much to so many people in one city. We know of no sermons for which there is a greater demand than those of Brother Hardeman. This is no ordinary demand; but N. B. Hardeman is, in point of ability and loyalty to the truth, no ordinary man. The Chapel Avenue congregation sponsored the Fifth Tabernacle Meeting with the hearty cooperation of other congregations in Nashville. H. Leo Boles was first to suggest the wisdom of conducting this meeting. It was planned that the meeting be held in the War Memorial Building, the auditorium of which is considerably smaller than Ryman Auditorium, where the four previous meetings were held. This was done for two reasons: first, the primary purpose of this meeting was the edification of the church in the "unity of the Spirit" rather than the conversion of alien sinners; second, the restrictions and disruptions brought about by the war rendered it advisable to conduct the meeting on a more conservative plan. The objective of the meeting was successfully realized. The necessary funds to pay the expenses of the meeting were easily subscribed; in fact, oversubscribed; the various congregations of the city were well represented in attendance at all services; and Brother Hardeman was shown every courtesy and consideration that Christian hospitality and propriety could suggest. As soon as it was known that he would speak in the War Memorial Building and that the facilities of a radio station were desired, Central Church of Christ extended to Brother Hardeman, through the Chapel Avenue congregation, a cordial invitation to speak daily at the noon hour over WLAC. The invitation follows:

Nashville, Tennessee October 20, 1942.

Chapel Avenue Church of Christ Attention: Brother Lee Jones

Brethren:

Through WLAC we have learned of your desire to have Brother Hardeman speak over the radio during the weekdays at some convenient hour. At our board meeting yesterday afternoon it was unanimously agreed to extend to you the courtesies of Central’s daily radio period. Should you desire to accept this offer, we will see to it that our auditorium is made ready for the daily services. The songs, prayer, etc., can commence in time so Brother Hardeman can have all of the fifteen-minute period granted by the radio schedule. Let us hear from you. Approved by Board of Elders and Deacons. J. S. WARD. This invitation was promptly and courteously accepted in the following letter from R. W. Comer:

Dr. J. S. Ward Central Church of Christ Nashville, Tennessee Dear Doctor Ward:

Brother Jones referred your letter to me. In behalf of Chapel Avenue Church and in the interest of the cause of Christ in general, I want to thank Central Church for its offer. It is our desire to tale advantage of every available opportunity to promote the cause of Christ in general, which should strengthen each congregation and "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond oil peace."

We are glad to accept your offer, believing that Brother Hardeman will have no trouble in arranging his plane accordingly.

We will be glad for you to arrange for your song leader, Andy T. Ritchie, Jr., to take care of! the day services at Central.

Faithfully yours, R. W. COMER.

Accordingly, Brother Hardeman spoke daily over WLAC from Central Church. These services were well attended. No doubt many listened to them over the radio who could not be present in person. The sermons delivered at Central and in the Memorial Auditorium speak for themselves. They measure up to the high standard set in the preceding meetings. All who love the truth will enjoy them and be profited by them. Also during the meeting Brother Hardeman spoke at a chapel service at David Lipscomb College. Of the five Tabernacle Meetings, in which Brother Hardeman has done the preaching, many competent judges who attended them all pronounce this the best. Joe Ridley conducted the song services at the Memorial Building in a manner that was gratifying to all concerned. This volume is sent forth in the hope that it, like its predecessors, may be instrumental in turning many to righteousness. We predict for it a wide circulation and a long period of usefulness.

B. C. GOODPASTURE.