The Overflowing Life

By C. R. Meadows

"What we do, as Christians, will influence the world more than what we say, for we are the only Bible many of this world will ever read. It is good to be sound in the doctrines, it is well to be well acquainted with the Bible, but it is of great importance that we live each day a life above reproach."

Originally published over 60 years ago, this classic work by C. R. Meadows is designed for a Study Course on the general theme of the abundant, overflowing Christian life.

As it was for Bro. Meadows when he originally wrote these words, it is our prayer that by republishing this volume, "many who may read and study this book will find information and inspiration to live life at its highest and best."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leopold Press
• Release date: Jul 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215561430

C. R. Meadows

Claude Riley Meadows (1891-1964) served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville (Texas) for 20 years, and eight more years as Pastor Emeritus. He was president of Jacksonville Baptist College during World War II (serving without pay), a teacher of homiletics at the BMA Theological Seminary, former editor of the "Baptist Progress", corresponding secretary of the Baptist Missionary Association, and secretary of the National Baptist Association.

Book preview

FOREWORD

C.R. Meadows was my great-grandfather. I never had the pleasure of meeting him since he went to be with our Lord before I was born. But I have lived my life in the shadow of his amazing legacy.

He was, in physical stature, a very small man of 5’ 2"; but intellectually, he was a giant, well known all over East Texas and beyond. He was a pastor everyone loved.

Throughout World War II, he served as the president of Jacksonville (Texas) College (specifically from 1941-1944). During this time, he worked for no salary, later stating: Money is not the only reward for service rendered to God. ¹

I suppose this might be one of the many reasons why they eventually named one of the campus buildings after him. When I attended the college in the 1990s, this building housed administrative offices and classrooms, and I passed by his giant portrait daily.

My grandmother said that people always seemed to recognize him wherever he went. She once told me this story:

One night, she had a dream that she was with him in his old car, and they drove to the moon. When they stopped for gas, the man pumping it said, Well, hello Brother Meadows! and clapped him on the back.

Yes, everyone knew him -- even on the moon.

Rebecca Jill Emprimo

June 2023

A NOTE ABOUT THE 2023 EDITION

This volume is a reprint of the original booklet printed as part of the Believe Your Bible Series by the Baptist Publications Committee of the North American Baptist Association. While the original publication has no copyright date, conjecture based on diary entries quoted in The Steps of a Good Man can place the publication around or prior to 1958.

When preparing this reprint, all care has been taken to preserve Bro. Meadows’ original text. Only minor corrections have been made, including the addition of notes to cite sources for some of the numerous quotations included. While a few of the lengthier paragraphs in the original have been split for easier reading, the text has been unaltered.

The original purpose of the booklet was that it be used as a study guide and teaching tool within the church. While the material is still sound and we highly recommend it for study purposes, any mentions of mailing in responses for correspondence studies and/or obtaining certificates of completion are, of course, no longer applicable.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TEACHING AND THE STUDY OF THIS BOOK

I. The Teacher

1. Five study periods of one hour each were the basis for the preparation of this material. (Three periods the first week and three periods a second week, using the sixth period for review and examination, is a desirable arrangement.)

2. The Objective: A working knowledge of a few facts rather than a mere knowledge of many facts pays a greater dividend to the individual and to the Lord’s Cause.

3. Teach! This will mean teaching them TO OBSERVE all things commanded.

4. The attaining of mere facts may be only wasted energy.

5. Written work is valuable to the process of learning.

6. The minimum standards set up are for teaching aids and not as goals to be attained.

7. Certificates are available to you for you to award to each class member who has met the minimum requirements and has, in your judgment, otherwise qualified. Order them.

II. The Class Member

(These requirements are set up as guides rather than as mere restrictions.)

1. The class member is to participate in at least four of the five one-hour periods of study.

2. Preparation of lesson assignments (if made) and study of lesson material is to be made before class periods.

3. The entire book is to be carefully read.

4. A minimum average grade of 70% is to be made on written work given along with lesson assignments, or by a final examination.

5. Certificates are available for those meeting the standards. Consult the teacher if certificates are desired.

III. By