Dr. Robert Sumner passed away in December 2016. The Biblical Evangelist newspaper is no longer being published and the ministry of Biblical Evangelism has ceased operation.

The remaining inventory of his books and gospel tracts was transferred to The Baptist Tabernacle of Los Angeles and may be ordered here.

Letters We Love
Dr. Robert L. Sumner

Our first letter comes, in part, from a very gracious and grateful prisoner in a Mexican prison whom we’ve tried to help a little with literature and letters in days gone by. Referring to an issue of The Biblical Evangelist he had just received, he noted: “First, I found the levity of Jim Lutzweiler’s ‘Fundimensionalism’ to be refreshing and enlightening. I plan to use Dr. Van Komen’s article on alcohol when talking to drinkers and young people in the future. ...

“In your ‘Enemies of Jesus Christ’ (he that is not with me is against me and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad), I do not argue nor wish to find fault with your logic. However, a question does come to mind regarding the statement Jesus made in Mark 9:38, ‘Because he who is not against us is for us.’ [Editor: the answer is simple; the first text relates to lost sinners and the second has to do with the service of Christians in getting out the Gospel!]

“In Dr. Welch’s, ‘The Pastor And His Person,’ I found all of his ‘warnings’ to be applicable to any person, and would recommend them as a daily ‘checklist’ for everyone to review. …

“Just so you know, I read every column and article in this publication, including ‘Just for Ladies,’ to try and understand the total overall consistency of God’s Word explained. The story of Tamar I found as an example of God’s overall plan – a plan very logical when you know the future, which we can only see in hindsight, which therefore implores us to have faith.”

He also commented on several other things in the paper, along with some of the books we sent him which he found to be very helpful. Pray for this brother in a hostile environment in a Mexican prison. When he wrote, there was a threat on his life.

A “former Roman Catholic” in Illinois kindly wrote: “I really appreciated the article, ‘The Light of Truth,’ by John Lineberry, which appeared in the May-June issue of The Biblical Evangelist. I also found what you had to say concerning Pope John Paul II and Roman Catholicism very worthwhile reading. The news coverage of this mere man was OVER DONE! ...” Alas, so it was!

From California came a nice note: “Many thanks for your spirit of faith and your Gospel heart which permeates every issue! May the Lord continue to bless you!”

We appreciated an e-mail note where the writer commented about our book, ARMSTRONGISM, saying, “which I consider a virtual treasure trove of information on HWA doctrine. It has been extremely helpful.” (This 424-page hardbound book, along with an up-date, Is Armstrong’s Cult Now Orthodox? is available from our Raleigh office for $15, postage paid.)

From Tennessee came a brief note: “Didn't know your paper was still around, and thought that Dr. Sumner had passed away awhile back. You still kicking? I hope so!” Like Mark Twain, we can report that news of my death has been greatly exaggerated. We are glad he ‘found’ us again.

Another Tennessee minister wrote kindly: “Your Hebrews commentary is stationed at arms length on my small bookrack of three shelves holding my daily working tools for Bible study and sermon preparation. Your commentary remains on the top shelf and is repeatedly used each day. I find it most refreshing at any entrance I make as it always provides the nugget needed at that juncture in my studies and preaching pursuit. The cross-references with the many other related text are simply extraordinary. Indeed, your book should likewise be within reach from the chair of every pastor and student of the Word. I highly recommend this excellent tool to anyone who is in the Word.” Readers may obtain this 546-page commentary from our Raleigh office (5717 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606) for the modest price of $20, which includes shipping and handling.

A 75-year-old brother in Ohio, trying to stay afloat on Social Security, sent a sacrificial gift and enthused, “The Biblical Evangelist is my favorite publication. Keep up the good work. It helps me to keep on keeping on serving our Wonderful God. Twenty-three years ago He led me into fulltime intercessory prayer and I receive 3-4,000 requests each month from all over the world. …Can’t match Sumner Wemp in his columns, but keep trying.” In addition to intercession, he also conducts a strong soul winning ministry, as indicated in his last sentence quoted. In closing, he asked a few questions which we were happy to answer.

One of our senior saints in Michigan wrote kindly, enclosing a very generous offering, and closing: “The Biblical Evangelist will always be welcome here as long as it is being published. Please keep my name on the mailing list.”

For our final offering this time, friends wrote to tell of a nephew graduating from Crown College (TN) and taking the pastorate of a new church in Nevada, and wanting him to get the blessing of this paper. Among other things, the husband wrote:

“I just recently received your May-June issue and it seems to be getting better each issue, if that is possible….

“My wife and I have received your ‘paper’ for many years, even since it’s beginning (and The Sword before that), and we’ve followed your moves across the country. We have received many blessings from it over the years. Years ago, I found my life verse while reading one of it’s articles (II Timothy 1:12). …

“Thank you again for your tireless efforts and your great publication.”

Wasn’t that nice? And now they have a new “move” to follow (see ‘Off the Cuff!’). And how about you? As we’ve said so often, “It is always right to write!” We’d love to hear from you.