That Incredible Christian by A W Tozer; published by Authentic Media and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 167 pages; price £4.99. (9781850780649)
Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897-1963) left an enduring legacy of inspirational, Christ-centred books that have had a profound influence on Christians worldwide. It has been rightly said that "those who drink deeply of Tozer’s writings are refreshed and nourished".
That Incredible Christian is no exception. The book was written to show "how heaven’s children live on earth" and is divided into forty-one short chapters. These are complete in themselves and can be read on their own, although there is a progression to the writing and greater profit will be gained by at least one consecutive reading of the entire book.
The author begins by expressing personal concern at forced attempts to harmonise Christianity with science and philosophy. He makes the point that at the heart of Christianity lies the cross and our witness is most effective when a preacher "declares rather than explains" since "faith rests upon the character of God, not upon the demonstrations of laboratory or logic".
In "The Inadequacy of Instant Christianity" the author addresses the danger of complacency which he warns "smothers the desire for spiritual advance".
The author encourages us to go after spiritual riches in "The Divine Indwelling", and in "The Christian Life is Not Easy" he challenges us to cease living in the glory of past victories like "a spent pilgrim who has given up the journey and sits with a waxy smile trying to get what pleasure he can from sniffing the wilted flowers he has plucked by the way". A W Tozer fervently longs that believers be much more than "spiritual museum pieces".
Always cutting to the core, Tozer uses the analogy that "Doctrinal facts are like the altar of Elijah on Carmel before the fire came, correct, properly laid out, but altogether cold" as an illustration pressing home the need for a faith that functions in the chapter entitled "To be Understood, Truth Must be Lived".
In "The Art of True Worship" the author indicates several necessary elements present wherever true worship is found. You will discover what these features are when you purchase the book! The final chapter, "Meditating on God", concludes on a high note in which the believer is encouraged to "Brood on the Scriptures and let faith show you God as He is revealed there. Nothing can equal this glorious sight".
A Cameron
New Day with Jesus by Shirley Holland; published by the author and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 192 pages; price £8.95. (9781871642407)
This book bears the subtitle "90 devotions for primary school children" and is written by a former primary school teacher.
Her desire is to help Christian children to grow spiritually by developing a good habit of spending time with God in His Word.
The ninety devotions are all taken from the life and work of the Saviour. Familiar stories such as "Storm at Sea", "Lunch for the Five Thousand", "The Lost Son", "The Crucifixion" and "The Empty Tomb" are all included to profit.
There is a rich variety of colourful illustrations, memory Bible verses, questions and answers.
Interactive and engaging puzzles are to be found throughout this children’s devotional book with mazes, dot to dots, codes and word searches.
The desire of the author is that each child who has made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will trust and obey God’s Word in daily life.
A five-step plan has been developed for the child to follow: "1. Pray to God to bless your time with Him. 2. Read the daily devotion and the Bible verses given then think about what has been read. 3. Answer the questions and do the puzzles. 4. Memorise the daily Bible verse. 5. Think about what you have learned".
This book will encourage and help Christian children to grow spiritually by developing a good habit of spending time with God’s Word.
It should prove helpful to parents who have the best interests of their children at heart.
A Cameron
