DAILY BREAD, TUESDAY, 2/6/07
(left) The VP Black College of Biblical Studies at my alma mater, Faulkner University (Montgomery, AL)
VANDERBILT PIERPONT BLACK
Neal Pollard
Neal Pollard
V.P. Black passed from time to eternity on the Lord's Day, February 4, 2007. He was not too far away from his 90th birthday. He was known and loved to many throughout the decades, one of the finest gospel preachers of the entire 20th century. I can only think of a few times when he was in the audience when I preached, most recently when I was holding a gospel meeting last October at what was his last "home congregation"--Eastern Meadows church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama. He was so kind and encouraging. However, I was blessed countless times from sitting at his feet to benefit from some of the most memorable lessons I have ever heard. Many who read this will have some distinct memories from this preacher of preachers.
Brother Black exemplified enthusiastic preaching. Speaking at the Preacher Enrichment Seminar at Faulkner University one year, brother Black dealt with Joshua. His conclusion was an unforgettable crescendo. His last line was, "If a mosquito would've bitten Joshua at Gibeon that day, he would have left singing 'there's power in the blood!'" Kathy and I heard him preach a sermon on the "Blood of Christ" is a gospel meeting in Waynesboro, Mississippi, and we agree that to this day it was the most masterful, passionate sermon on the subject we have heard. Brother Black always seemed to "bring his A game." His love for preaching was obvious! What an example. Preaching demands passion and zeal.
Brother Black intimately knew the Bible and the Savior. Brother Black was not above showing emotion when he preached. His preaching reflected the doctrinal balance he so emphasized. His lessons were strong, clear, and drew definite conclusions, but his preaching was also so Christ-centered that one was left with the distinct impression that he loved Christ above all. He could quote all of Acts 2, knew the Bible from cover to cover, could handle the most difficult of texts and topics, and had a peerless way of explaining it. Yet, brother Black could not be accused of worshipping the Word over the Lord. He understood that the two were not mutually exclusive. His love of Christ led to his vigorous defense of His gospel.
Brother Black did as much as any one man to encourage generous giving. Most people who know brother Black associate him with his stewardship Sundays and his intense efforts to raise awareness and encourage participation in liberal giving. Many gave to Christian education or just more abundantly to support the work of their local congregations because of the convicting, persuasive lessons from brother Black on the subject. Despite his modest and unassuming approach to this matter, brother Black's generosity became a well-known testimony to his practicing what he preached.
I cannot think of a better hero for young people to have than faithful gospel preachers. We have lost a mighty warrior from among our ranks in the present battle with Satan. Yet, we thank God that his legacy will live, like Abel, beyond his life.
Brother Black exemplified enthusiastic preaching. Speaking at the Preacher Enrichment Seminar at Faulkner University one year, brother Black dealt with Joshua. His conclusion was an unforgettable crescendo. His last line was, "If a mosquito would've bitten Joshua at Gibeon that day, he would have left singing 'there's power in the blood!'" Kathy and I heard him preach a sermon on the "Blood of Christ" is a gospel meeting in Waynesboro, Mississippi, and we agree that to this day it was the most masterful, passionate sermon on the subject we have heard. Brother Black always seemed to "bring his A game." His love for preaching was obvious! What an example. Preaching demands passion and zeal.
Brother Black intimately knew the Bible and the Savior. Brother Black was not above showing emotion when he preached. His preaching reflected the doctrinal balance he so emphasized. His lessons were strong, clear, and drew definite conclusions, but his preaching was also so Christ-centered that one was left with the distinct impression that he loved Christ above all. He could quote all of Acts 2, knew the Bible from cover to cover, could handle the most difficult of texts and topics, and had a peerless way of explaining it. Yet, brother Black could not be accused of worshipping the Word over the Lord. He understood that the two were not mutually exclusive. His love of Christ led to his vigorous defense of His gospel.
Brother Black did as much as any one man to encourage generous giving. Most people who know brother Black associate him with his stewardship Sundays and his intense efforts to raise awareness and encourage participation in liberal giving. Many gave to Christian education or just more abundantly to support the work of their local congregations because of the convicting, persuasive lessons from brother Black on the subject. Despite his modest and unassuming approach to this matter, brother Black's generosity became a well-known testimony to his practicing what he preached.
I cannot think of a better hero for young people to have than faithful gospel preachers. We have lost a mighty warrior from among our ranks in the present battle with Satan. Yet, we thank God that his legacy will live, like Abel, beyond his life.
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