Book written by Christmas Carol Kauffman
This book is a biographical narrative of the life of Joseph Armstrong.
Joseph’s father, Bennett Armstrong, cared more for his material possessions than he did for his wife and children. Bennet despaired when his horse became ill but was unconcerned about his wife’s heart condition. He refused his family essentials for daily living, unwilling to sacrifice a penny for their wellbeing. Selfish and overbearing, he demanded great measures of labor from his small children and if mere accidents happened, they were mercilessly reprimanded. Praise was unheard from his lips unless it was to his own benefit; only sharp criticism, selfish demands, and mocking scorn issued forth to those under him. All the while, Bennett Armstrong portrayed himself to others as a humble and reverent man, being faithful to attend church services, flawless in conduct and word. The home of the Armstrong’s was one of bitterness, fear, and unrest. “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:9-10)
Were it not for a God-fearing mother, tender-hearted despite the distress of her home, Joseph’s life would have been hopeless. Deceived as all others were, Annie married Bennett Armstrong with beautiful hopes for a union blessed of God and a home filled with joy and peace. Though her eyes were soon opened to Bennett‘s true ways, she kept faith in God. Deprived of a husband’s love and confidence, she clung to her children as a lifeline–without them, her life would be forlorn. She loved them and prayed for them and taught them from the Word of God. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph. 6:1-3)
This is Joseph’s story. As he learned to depend on the Lord, he found sweet victory and the strength to forgive. Through prayer and the acceptance of God's working, his faith was increased. Though his life appeared hopeless to ever possess worth or goodness, he found rich purpose for he pleased God and sought His will.
This book is not doctrinally sound according to God’s Word in regards to several very important issues. In this book, salvation is portrayed as not being by grace alone but as including works, (Eph. 2:8-9). There is no confession of the mouth–prayer to receive salvation by faith, (Rom 10:9-10), but merely a decision to “stand for Christ.”
Baptism exemplified in this book is not Scriptural but is by water being applied to the head. This certainly does not picture Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, nor is it a correct usage of the word baptize taken from the Greek word baptismo, meaning “to immerse.” If baptism (this form of baptism being unscriptural, not to mention) is necessary for salvation, then was the thief on the cross next to the Savior not truly saved? When John baptized in the river Jordan where there was “much water” (John 3:23), I don’t believe it would be very sensible for him to fill a cup with water and pour it over one’s head. Indeed, if baptism is necessary for one’s salvation, why was Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, baptized? Christ was baptized at the beginning of His earthly ministry to prophesy His coming death, burial, and resurrection, (Matt 3:13-17); it was an act of obedience to God which pleased the Father. Baptism is a picture and is given as a command to the born-again believer. In obedience to God and expressing our faith to “walk in newness of life,” we please God, (Rom. 6:4).
The pastor’s role in the local church is not clear in this book, but bishops, pastors, and elders are referred to as being several different men. In 1 Peter 5:1-3, we see that the three offices are held by one man, ordained by God in the local church. He is the elder, an example of the flock, taking the oversight thereof ("to oversee or administrate" is the bishop’s responsibility), and is the shepherd of the flock, feeding them Word of God by sound doctrine with exhortation, (Acts 20:28; Tit. 1:6-9).
Please be aware of these issues when reading this book. Otherwise it gives for a very encouraging read gratefully lacking in unholy lifestyles and worthless characterization found in much of “Christian” literature nowadays.
