End Time Prophecy in the Gospels by Donald C B Cameron; published 2011 by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 332 pages. Price £8.99. (9781907731396)
Donald Cameron has spent many years studying the predictive prophecy of the Bible. End Time Prophecy in the Gospels is his fifth book.
The subtitle informs the reader that the purpose of the book is "A review of the direct prophecies and other passages in the four Gospels which have a bearing on events from the Rapture of the Church until the Great White Throne and beyond".
The "Contents" section runs to a substantial seven pages in length, presenting a helpful panoramic view of the entire volume.
In the Foreword Bill Stevely presents his own personal commendation, stating that "This thorough and careful examination of the Lord’s teaching opens up fresh light on well-known but often misunderstood passages. It will add to the author’s reputation as a commentator of distinction on the prophetic Scriptures".
The author commences his subject with a study of "The Nativity Prophecies". He focuses on, "Gabriel’s Message to Mary", "Joseph’s Vision" and "The Shepherds’ Visitation".
Throughout the book, each portion of prophecy being considered in the Gospels is quoted in full from the Authorised Version. This enables the reader to have immediate access to the relevant verses without the necessity of having to go and look them up. One notable feature of End Time Prophecy in the Gospels is that the author draws from a wide range of Scripture references to support his conclusions.
Some prophetic books have a tendency to "gloss over the ‘difficult’ or controversial passages; this book devotes extra space to them". Donald Cameron quotes from familiar names such as: W Kelly, F A Tatford, J N Darby and Harold Paisley. He concludes this profitable study with a practical challenge: "When was the Olivet Discourse last preached…on your platform?". This book will certainly help fill that gap.
A Cameron
Exploring People of the Old Testament: Volume One by John Phillips; published 2006 by Kregel Publications and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 298 pages. Price £14.99.(9780825433849)
Many have found substantial benefit from The John Phillips Commentary Series. This book is written in the same vein, being the first volume in The John Phillips Bible Characters Series, and is similarly characterised by profitable exposition of the Word of God.
Exploring People of the Old Testament: Volume One presents an informative and challenging study of 27 people found in the Old Testament.
The book begins by focusing upon "Adam and His World". The chapter is divided into the following three sections: 1. His world; 2. His wife; 3. His woes. Two points receive further elaboration: 1. How God created him; 2. How God cautioned him. Commenting on the theory of evolution, the author observes, "The Bible makes no apology for introducing God into the nature of things. The theory of evolution, which leaves God out of everything, is not so much a science as a propaganda offensive…for postulating a universe without God".
He then expands upon the amazing complexity of the human body, providing a considerable amount of helpful evidence. He concludes his comments by stating that all this resulting from the blind forces of chance is as preposterous as a dictionary "resulting from an explosion in a publishing house".
The author proceeds with profitable glimpses of Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Lesser known characters are also considered - "Ham: A Shameless Scoffer", "Nimrod: Author of Confusion", and "Leah: The Unwanted Wife".
All of the characters have one chapter devoted to them, with one exception. Joseph receives six chapters. This enables the reader to have a more extensive look at the rich and varied tapestry of his illustrious life.
The book is enhanced by the use of numerous illustrations and quotations. John Phillips urges us to have the Word of God "in our minds and hearts, so that it can flash out at the speed of thought".
A Cameron
