Philippians: The Mind of Christ, by Norman Mellish; published by Gospel Folio Press. Available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £8.99.
The Publishers’ note indicates that "Norman Mellish has had a desire to put into writing some of the precious things the Lord has revealed to him". His is a worthy exercise, for so often over the centuries little has been left in permanent record that might have been of help to the people of God.
Philippians: The Mind of Christ addresses the main doctrinal issues in the Epistle. In his studies the author has read widely as the extensive bibliography would suggest. He quotes extensively from his reading, in respect both of the Greek text and matters of interpretation. Some readers may find the many references to Greek words and their occurrences elsewhere in the New Testament a distraction from the exposition of the Epistle. However, readers will find that Philippians: The Mind of Christ speaks well of Christ. It also offers explanation of verses that often discussed in Bible Readings: "the name of Jesus" (2.10); "work out your own salvation" (2.12), "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (3.11).
The reviewer would have valued a more extended commentary on the important passage that provides the title to this book – "the mind of Christ" (2.5-11). It is critical to the author’s understanding of the force of the message the Spirit is delivering through Paul. The author’s approach to its teaching is reverent. He shows due care in his references to the Lord Jesus and His "being found in fashion as a man" (2.8).
The author’s delight in the Philippian Epistle is evident in the 216 pages of this paperback. He writes out of devotion to Christ and with a desire to see the lessons of the Epistle worked out in the reader. His commentary leaves the reader conscious that the Epistle sets out the Spirit’s requirement that the mind of Christ be seen among the saints in every locality and in every age.
TW
No Turning Back by E A Johnston; published by Gospel Folio Press. Available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £7.50.
No Turning Back sets a high standard of commitment before its readers. It also portrays a disturbingly low standard of Christian lifestyle on the part of individuals who profess Christ. In uncompromising terms it asserts boldly that "television has ruined us. It has de-sensitised us to sin". Indeed the author writes of "pastors (sic) (who) only spend ten minutes a day in prayer", of some professed believers who have developed a taste for questionable DVDs and monthly spend more on sports than they give to missionary enterprise. He goes as far as to say: "There is a wide, worldly, self-focused way and many there are upon it – it is jammed-packed with church goers driving luxury cars on the their way to the country club or health spa".
Dr Johnston is as forthright about what he sees in churches. A new gospel has been "foisted on congregations", who are never told that "God is angry with the wicked every day" (Ps 7.11). Those attending many of the churches he sees around are made to feel good about themselves, and never caused to see their sins and shortcomings. These things he deplores. However, his emphasis on the Christian’s responsibilities to the Lord in respect of personal living is not placed within the wider context of the assembly. Those energies that he sees wasted on selfish living and worldliness are not seen channelled into pleasing the Lord among His people. Indeed there is a degree of attention paid to the pastor and, as a result, a standard raised for him that is seen as higher than, and different in character from, that expected of other Christians. Yet, elsewhere he owns that godliness is a requirement for every saint.
The Publishers note that the author was saved in an assembly in Chicago. He bears testimony to their lack of conformity to the world in fashion and habit. The Lord was "the main thing in their lives". What he saw in them he seeks to promote in others. Both as individuals and assemblies of God the Lord still seeks conformity to His will and not to the world, moral or religious.
TW
