Scripture Sevens, compiled by Phil Coulson; published by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £15.95.
Scripture Sevens brings together a wide range of topics for daily reading. For each week of the year there is a short introduction to the subject for the next seven days followed by a reading and meditation for each day. Topics range from "7 Items of Furniture in the Tabernacle" through the "7 ‘I am’ Titles of the Lord Jesus in John’s Gospel" to "7 Items of ‘The Whole Armour of God’". They cover therefore a broad range of topics. Putting together a collection of this kind has provided an excellent and varied selection across Scripture to be considered and enjoyed in the course of the year.
The writers are able teachers most of whom will be well known to readers of the Believer’s Magazine. They have brought their experience as well as their understanding of Scripture to bear on the topics they address.
As one might expect in a volume of this kind the approach and style varies from writer to writer. However, the meditations are always interesting, sometimes they aim to bring comfort and encouragement, and at other times they bring challenge.
For example, writing on "The Whole Armour of God", Phil Coulson in his introduction explains clearly and helpfully the nature of the words used in the New Testament. During the week he challenges us to be courageous and prepared in the face of the assaults of the Enemy by taking full advantage of the armour provided for us. Equally helpful are the comments of Ian Jackson who writes movingly on the experience of the Lord Jesus on the cross in dealing with 7 Things it "Pleased God To Do". He does this in the context of Isaiah 53.10: "it pleased the Lord to bruise him", while earlier in the week he covers 1 Samuel 12.22: "it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people", and gives a call to us to recognise the purpose of God in seeking a people for Himself to "shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light".
These illustrate the breadth of approach taken. There is more than "something for everyone". The believer who reads and digests these readings and notes will have enjoyed a rich source of spiritual food in preparation for the journey that lies ahead each day.
WS
Jenner of George Street, by Dr Raymond Wilson; published by Dr Raymond Wilson; available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £6.95.
Jenner of George Street transports the reader to the Australian city of Sydney and the very first road to be built in that land – George Street.
The author traces how the gospel has been preached on Sydney’s main thoroughfare from the nation’s birth in 1788 down to the present time. Read of individuals such as converted alcoholic Arthur Stace, and how he became known as, "Mr Eternity". Numerous photographs enable the reader to enter the atmosphere of George Street and identify with both the place and its people.
As the title indicates, Raymond Wilson’s main focus is on Frank Jenner. The Christian life and service of this ex-sailor, ex-gambler was based at the Goulburn Street Assembly and Bexley Gospel Hall in Sydney’s southern suburbs.
Frank Jenner’s aim was to speak to ten people about the Saviour every day, and he did so for 28 years. Did he find it easy? You will have to read the book to find out! His method was unique. It is reckoned he challenged over 100,000 strangers on George Street, many of them soldiers and sailors, with the searching question, "If you died within 24 hours, where would you be in eternity, Heaven or Hell?"
Frank Jenner asked this same question in the pulse of Sydney’s heart for 16 years before hearing of any conversions. It was Francis Dixon in far-off Bournemouth who would learn of lasting results from the "Jenner question" – souls had been gloriously saved and lives transformed! Iain Boyden is one, who states, "I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for Frank Jenner". Their testimonies are here.
The chapter entitled, "I’m Another" charts Francis Dixon’s discoveries, and relates how he finally met Frank Jenner and told him of amazing accounts of God’s grace. Frank’s labour had not been in vain.
The author concludes by drawing together practical lessons from the life of Sydney’s soul-winning sailor. These contain much profit.
Jenner of George Street will bring encouragement and challenge to young and old alike, testifying to the fact that God can use a humble and obscure believer, to accomplish a great work for Him on a street corner, to the glory of His beloved Son.
AC
