The Good News
(Formerly Howard Prior’s “Studies in the Word”)
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (Psalm 26:7)
Year 23 - Issue 03
During His time on earth, our Lord and
Savior modeled proper “Christian behavior” in
all that He said and did. Today His true followers
are seen among those who are following Him,
walking in His footsteps as best we can.
The great American entrepreneur,
Henry Kaiser, built His businesses
around this simple motto: “Find a
need and fill it.” Borrowed from an
understanding of who Jesus is and
what He came to do, Mr. Kaiser
realized that every heart has a need
– both temporal and spiritual. Mr.
Kaiser chose to pursue the temporal
needs of the world. Jesus came to
uncover and fill the eternal spiritual
needs of everyone. He does it for
those who will trust in Him.
My beloved father, Howard Arthur Prior,
lived out his entire adult life according to his
understanding of the leadership of the Holy
Spirit of God. And it was through his faithful
leadership that this publication was founded.
For the few who remain alive who
worshipped God alongside my father, or who
knew him as a friend, you knew him as a faithful
man of God. Dad did his very best to walk each
day in the footsteps of Jesus. He was a man so
wise in so many ways! Those who rejected his
words of wisdom did so at their own peril.
Dad was known throughout the business
world as one who was always fair, even when it
cost him dearly. His employees knew that he
expected them to earn their pay, but if they
were walking in a valley of despair, Dad was so
merciful and kind – just as he knew Jesus is.
Dad understood that the grace of God is a
free gift that to every believer comes from
above. Through Dad’s in-depth knowledge and
understanding of the workings of God, just as it
was throughout world history, it led him into an
understanding that no one can ever earn their
salvation. That is impossible to do! Salvation
Bill & Linda Prior – 76 Pindo Palm Street East – Largo, FL 33770 - (740) 334-2825 or (740)334-2824
priorgroups@gmail.com
can only be obtained through the blood sacrifice
of a sinless body, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Like Henry Kaiser, my father identified a
need to be filled. He saw there were many of
his friends who loved the Lord but
were not in regular corporate
worship – for a variety of reasons.
So, in the 1990s he began his
monthly publication “Studies in the
Word”. His understandings were
shared with many. I even know of
a prison ministry that used his
studies as a foundation for their
sharing the Gospel behind bars.
Before the Internet evolved
into common use, people like my
Dad communicated by telephone,
by CB radio, or by mail. Mother
and Dad were in regular phone and CB radio
conversation with many friends, but they found
that to do an in-depth Bible study over the air
was not working out that well. They began to
hold small group, in-home Bible studies for
those living close by, but that method did not
reach those who lived a distance away. The
solution was to publish a printed Bible study.
Some twelve years after, Dad was finding his
penmanship was increasingly challenged by the
body changes that are through age. His many
supporters, including those living in Canada and
other places, had looked forward to receiving his
monthly Bible study, his gardening tips, and
other writings. Dad knew the publication must
continue. He transferred it to me, his firstborn.
Over the years between then and now, Linda
and I have done what we can to carry forth the
spirit and intent of a shared Gospel, just as Dad
did. We are very thankful for every reader and
for the support we received over the years.
Most all the original recipients of Dad’s
letters have passed away. Dad would be 105
this April 1. We do miss him so much! We are
http://goodnews4you.weebly.com/
 The Good News
Year 23 – Issue 03
so very thankful for his guidance and direction –
which of course lingers on.
Certainly, a new generation is with us. A
new day is also with us. It is a time when nearly
everyone of age has instant access to the Bible
and to so many great Bible teachers through
their phone and many other electronic devices.
Over our years of continuing my Father’s
letters through publishing “The Good News”, it
has been a rich blessing to us as we seek the
Lord’s guidance in every issue, then write it as
we felt inspired to do. We heartily thank each
and every reader for their support!
We all experience life, and know it is always
about change. Like a river current, life passes
by swiftly. Like being on a river in a boat, if we
stop rowing upstream,
we will soon begin to be
swept downstream. So,
we must continue to row
as best we can.
As the primary
author today of this
publication, it has been
our objective to share
the love of Jesus Christ
broadly - in and through our human living.
Being a mere vessel of the Holy Spirit who lives
within us, it had seemed there were three main
ways for us to share. One was to present a line-
by-line study in “The Word” – which has been
our central section of the monthly publication.
A second was to write about how we are
expected to live out our faith, day by day. And,
lastly, was to download - for our readers - a
portion of our thinking about a variety of topics.
The last recorded Words of Jesus were
these: “…and you shall be witnesses unto
me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth.”
Each year a representation of our
missionaries visit our congregation to report on
their progress in carrying out the Words of
Jesus. As we listened to the pastor who has
pastored in Bethlehem, Israel for over forty-two
years, a beloved brother in the faith whose son
pastors in Jerusalem, we were encouraged to
learn about the continuing growth in the
churches and in the enthusiasm for the Gospel
in that area of the world. As we listened to
others, including those who are serving in some
of the more remote areas of the world that have
not yet received the Gospel, we recalled the
Words of Jesus when He said, “The harvest
truly is great, but the laborers are few:
pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he would send forth laborers into his
harvest.” It must continue to be our prayer.
Although we cannot know for certain, over
the years we feel “The Good News” publication
has stagnated in its growth. Its original
purpose, to fill a void for those who need the
Gospel, but have no convenient
way to receive it, has been filled by
many other means of sharing the
Gospel. At the same time, God has
opened to us other ways to serve
Him, both in the church and in our
surrounding community.
Accordingly, we moved into
making that hard decision to
discontinue this publication.
It has been our rich joy to serve our readers
over the years. Thank you all for staying with
us!
In closing, it is fitting to repeat the promise
Jesus made at His last gathering on earth with
His disciples, the ones He had chosen to walk
with Him throughout His ministry on earth.
After reminding them that “All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth…” He said,
“lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.” We believe this eternal promise
extends to all of us today who have put our faith
and trust in Him. Through Him we will conquer,
whatever the battle may be that we may face.
Our love,
Bill & Linda Prior
 The Good News
Year 23 – Issue 03
Our study last month was about God’s rest,
which only believers will obtain. It was also about
the way Jesus emphasizes with our weaknesses. As
believers, we can be confident in the finished work
of Jesus, which opens the way for God’s mercy and
grace to overshadow and surround us.
“Jesus the Great High Priest”
1For every high priest taken from among
men is ordained for men in things pertaining to
God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices
for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the
ignorant, and on them that are out of the way;
for that he himself also is compassed with
infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as
for the people, so also for himself, to offer for
sins. (Hebrews 5)
Before Christ came to usher in “the day of
salvation”, high priests, following a distinct a
process ordained by God, were set aside to
implement the Plan set forth by God. Theirs
was to lead in a Plan that was specially designed
by God as a surrogate sin covering and also as
a way for mankind to give gifts and public
worship to God, acknowledging God as the
Creator and ruler of the universe.
Every high priest of normal birth had
spiritual infirmities. Therefore, sin reigned in
the high priest as well as in the people. So the
process required the high priest to first purge
his own sins, then give sacrifice for the sins of
the others.
4And no man taketh this honour unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was
Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to
be made an high priest; but he that said unto
him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten
thee. (Hebrews 5)
God set up the priesthood, beginning with
Aaron, the brother of Moses. Every true priest
after Aaron became a priest according to the
divine Plan of God.
The initial, God set role of the priest was to
bring people closer to God. He was not chosen
to be a politician or social worker. He was to be
an ambassador for God, chosen by God for the
special role he was to fulfill.
Jesus was chosen by God to not only be a
priest, but to be the eternal High Priest!
6Ashe saith also in another place, Thou art
a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
(Hebrews 5)
After the Exodus of the children of Israel
from Egypt and until the time of the
appointment of Jesus Christ, by God Himself, to
be the eternal High Priest over the family of God,
only members of Aaron’s family, who was from
the tribe of Levi, could become priests.
However, long before the days of Aaron
there was a picture of Jesus Christ, in the form
of Melchizedek, providing a feast for Abraham.
Notice that Melchizedek (see Genesis 14:18-
20 and Psalm 110:4) is “priest of God Most
High”. Melchizedek is not the founder of a line
of priests. Melchizedek arrives before the
covenant God made with Abraham, and years
before the birth of Isaac and Jacob (Israel).
Therefore, he is not linked to Aaron and the
fleshly priesthood that preceded Jesus Christ.
7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had
offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears unto him that was able
to save him from death, and was heard in that
he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned
 The Good News
Year 23 – Issue 03
he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9And being made perfect, he became the author
of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10Called of God an high priest after the order of
Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5)
Verses 7-10 sets forth the order of things:
o While Jesus was alive and ministering on
earth, He appealed to God, knowing that
God could save Him from the coming and
underserved punishment, the cruel
cross, and sin’s death.
o God heard Jesus and saw the pain and
anguish He was suffering as the sacrifice
for sins that were not His.
o Although Jesus was God’s Son, He
obeyed and took upon Himself the load
of the sins of mankind. For mankind,
there is no hope unless Jesus completes
His mission.
o Through His death, burial, and
resurrection, Jesus perfected (finished)
God’s Plan, to become the author
(originator) of eternal salvation for all
who will acknowledge and obey Him.
o Melchizedek was high priest because God
said so. Likewise, Jesus is our eternal
High Priest because God said so.
11Of
whom we have many things to say, and
hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
(Hebrews 5)
Written in the first century, the Book of
Hebrews may have been written for a group of
Christians who were discouraged. Carefully
examine this verse for clues.
The writer(s) indicates there were many
things (think truths) to share about this
Melchizedek. But there was a dilemma to
overcome. The dilemma was that the audience
were not trying hard enough to understand…or
were just lazy. Learning stops when the intake
stops.
12For when for the time ye ought to be
teachers, ye have need that one teach you again
which be the first principles of the oracles of
God; and are become such as have need of milk,
and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5)
The writer(s) of the Book of Hebrews identify
the outcome of “dull of hearing”. It slows the
growth of the church.
A healthy church has members that are
maturing in the Faith, day by day. But the
recipients of the letter were known to require
the basic foundational principles to be taught
and retaught.
The outcome was a group of people who
remained at the infant stage, requiring milk, not
meat, as their spiritual food. And this made it
difficult to move ahead in spiritual growth.
13For
every one that useth milk is unskilful
in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of
full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and
evil. (Hebrews 5)
Jesus sent forth His disciples to lead the
world to God through Him. The best way for
that to happen is for Christians to learn of
Him…and then share the good news with others.
The writer(s) equate weak spiritual growth
to a lack of skillfulness in understanding the
Word. A person is not ready to carry the Gospel
to the world when they do not yet understand
it. The writer(s) then compared the care needed
for spiritual babes, who need milk for
nourishment, to the constant care that infants
require.
Conversely, the writers notes strong meat
(i.e., the more intricate truths in Scripture),
belong to the mature Christian. Those who grow
in the faith, and rightly apply Scripture to their
heart and life, are better able to discern between
good and evil. Serving God involves a spiritual
battle, which merits spiritual maturity.
Our love,
Bill & Linda Prior
 The Good News
Year 23 – Issue 03
EDITOR’S MUSINGS
Have you ever looked for something and could
not find it? Later you did find it, hidden in plain
sight. How can that be?
The Bible tells us that we are human. And being
human, we are prone to overlook the obvious.
Life surely confirms it. How often do we have
so much good that surrounds us, but we fail to
see it? Why do we fail to count our many
blessings?
Eyesight is in itself a mystery. How does the
eye take in light and then convert it into signals
which the brain will interpret as distinct objects,
beauty, or ugliness? And if eyesight is missing
due to darkness or other, how do those other
senses we possess take over and interpret the
surrounding in place of the missing eyesight?
From the beginning of time until the day of
Christ, God has been at the forefront of all the
successes in life that society about has
experienced. For them and for us, often hidden
in plain sight is God, the God of all creation.
During His time of faithful ministry on the earth,
Jesus continually served among a people of
whom He was sent from God to redeem. If a
society such as theirs has the best there ever
was, living in their midst, and they are failing to
see it, and to really know Him, who are we to
suppose that the obvious presence of our Lord
and Savior will be clearly evident to everyone
around us? It truly is a sobering thought.
Unlike natural vision, spiritual blindness is a
horrific disease that afflicts most of society most
of the time…and for some, all the time. It is a
blindness that usually is self-inflicted. To prove
that premise, we need only to study our Bible.
In it, if we look closely, we will see clear
evidence of the disease. We could deny it till
the cows come home, but the truth still stands,
untouched by the doubt.
For one good example of spiritual blindness, see
the writings of Matthew, as presented in Chapter
16.
That Chapter begins with Jesus conversing with
representatives of the two most prominent
religious groups of that day, the Pharisees and
the Sadducees. They came to Jesus, bringing a
simple request” “Show us a sign.” In making
that request, their spiritual blindness is clearly
evident. We know that is true because the
person they are asking is the Son of God!
We know who Jesus is, but who are the
questioners… those men who clearly are
spiritually blind?
History reveals that the Pharisees were a group
of religious people who had emerged from the
scribes and sages (teachers of Moses Law).
Separating themselves from the Gentiles, their
teachings focused of “ritual purity”.
Another religious group, the Sadducees,
represented the upper echelon of Jewish
society. They combined social, economic, and
religion into a practice of religious teachings.
One obvious difference between the Pharisees
and the Sadducees is that the Sadducees did not
believe in a resurrection after death.
Between these two groups the children of God
were now being led. And Jesus was there to
remove spiritual blindness, and bring His people
to their father, the God of the universe, and be
the author of their Salvation.
Using the example of weather forecasting, Jesus
uncovered the depth of their spiritual blindness.
They could interpret the sky, but not the obvious
signs of the times. Their question to Him had
openly revealed their spiritual blindness.
A little while later, Jesus privately shared with
His disciples the danger in opening to the
teachings of those who are spiritually blind. At
first His disciples did not see the truth He was
sharing with them – so they tried to obtain it
through their human reasoning. Jesus saw their
spiritual blindness was evident. So, He opened
their spiritual eyes for them. The obvious, right
in front of them, they had not seen.
Sometime after, and Matthew does not tell us
how long, Jesus decided it was time to show His
 The Good News
Year 23 – Issue 03
disciples the degree of spiritual blindness that is
in the world about. He did that by giving them
a question to answer: “Who do people say I
am?”
And their answer is revealing. It is the same
answer we see easily can receive today, living in
a world that is denying God the place that He
rightfully holds in everything.
Notice that the people were equating Jesus to
sinful, human men of the past. All of these men
of the past were natural born – and all had died.
Although these were men seen in the people’s
hall of fame, they were not seen as supernatural
men. And they were not seen as the coming
Messiah - “God in the flesh”. They proposed:
• John the Baptist, who was a forerunner
of Christ. John preached repentance. He
was beheaded by the king for his
teachings.
• Elijah, who was a prophet who lived in
the Northern Kingdom during the reign
of King Ahab.
• Jeremiah, who the son of a priest.
Jeremiah was called by God to proclaim
the coming destruction of Jerusalem -
because of the sins of the people.
We must ever be diligent to keep our spiritual
eyesight clear. Hidden in plain sight among the
people of that day was the co-creator of John
the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and all the others.
But they did not see it, according to this
testimony of the disciples of Jesus.
Then Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say
I am?” Peter responded by acknowledging Jesus
is the Son of God. And what Jesus said in
response to Peter’s answer is the key to this
month’s writing:
Jesus said,
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for
flesh and blood hath not
revealed it unto thee, but my Father
which is in heaven.
The revelation in the Words of Jesus, a
revelation so plain to all who read it that it
cannot be mistaken, is that human reasoning is
never the answer to knowing Jesus. Knowing
Jesus is through a divine revelation, given to
those who have put their faith and trust in Him.
-----------------------------------------------------
Over the years of writing this publication, it has
been my privilege to share with you, the reader,
the Jesus that I know. And it has been my hope
that you may have seen me mature in the faith,
hidden but perhaps seen a bit in the writings.
One of the best gifts my father gave me was the
gift of allowing me the privilege to carry forth
His ministry. Thank you for reading it!
It has not always been easy to trust God each
month to supply the words. While I do enjoy
writing in a private way, to write publicly for an
audience who may not share in my
understandings can lead… and on occasion has
led…to separation – the exact opposite of the
intent in sharing good news. Indeed, there were
fine Christian friends who have distanced
themselves from the publication because they
do not ascribe to my understanding of Jesus.
That is okay. Didn’t the Apostle Paul explain
that we will not see Him clearly until Jesus
reveals Himself to us after our resurrection?
Yes, it is so easy in this life to affix our sights on
our surroundings. It is also so easy to put our
faith in a led movement, first and foremost.
One of the fun things I look forward to after my
resurrection will be the fellowship that is free
from sin and doubt. But until then, I will rest in
my Savior, knowing that He loves and cares for
us all, regardless of our circumstances in life.
Among the best things in this life, after Jesus, is
the family that God has given me. In closing, I
covet your prayers that for however many days
God has left for me on this side of glory, that I
will do my very best…and leave the rest to Him.
Blessings, love, and peace, according to the
riches of God through Christ
Jesus.