Tell me more about the Bible by Bert Cargill; published by, and available from, John Ritchie Ltd; 118 pages; Price £7.99. (9781910513583)
Tell me more about the Bible is the sixth in the very helpful Tell me more about … series, which is designed for readers whose first language is not English. However, its content is relevant to a wide range of readers; indeed, in my opinion, this volume, more than any other, clearly sets out lessons that relatively few readers of the Bible could comment on with any confidence.
In simple, clear English, the author deals with the origins of the Bible, as inspired by God Himself, its history, and its preservation. He also underscores significant features of the Bible that set it apart from any other publication. More than most books that present an overview of the Bible, Tell me more about the Bible emphasises that God is its author, and sets out the reasons why God Himself communicated in writing to His creatures.
One of the most interesting aspects of Tell me more about the Bible is the section dealing with the impact and influence of the Bible. A number of historical figures are cited, including rulers, scientists and reformers, who gave testimony to the importance of the Bible in their experience. The author also notes that "40 very different individuals at different times over a period of 1,500 years, in different places and circumstances" were chosen by God to participate in the exercise that has given us the Bible. The impact of that exercise has touched millions of lives, with 2,458 million Bibles printed in the 150 years between 1816 and 1975, and 60 million being distributed in China between 1987 and 2012. By 2007, approximately 7.5 billion Bibles had been distributed throughout the world.
In common with other volumes in this series, at the end of each of the 12 chapters there is a summary of its key points and some questions. At the end of Tell me more about the Bible there are also four appendices and an index. Tell me more about the Bible has much to challenge the sceptic, much to help those newly come to the faith, and much to encourage every Christian, no matter what their Biblical knowledge.
T Wilson
Dead Bones Live by Frederick A Tatford; published by, and available from, John Ritchie Ltd; 275 pages. Price £9.99. (9781907731402)
The reviewer first purchased a copy of Dead Bones Live in 1977, which most likely was the first edition of this exposition of Ezekiel's prophecy by Tatford. In the period 1971-75 his expositions on the so-called Minor Prophets had been published. With the exception of his work on Zechariah, these had been brief, but helpful, to those getting to grips with those valuable prophecies. The publication of Dead Bones Live was welcomed in 1977, as is this new edition. A slight change in print size is the only difference in the republished volume.
The author's Preface makes clear that "the exposition is intended for the ordinary reader and not for the scholar". It is equally clear that the author was aware of the issues that some scholars have raised about Ezekiel's prophecy and other prophetic Scriptures.
In the introductory chapters, a clear picture is provided of the historical era to which the prophet Ezekiel belonged, and personal crises in which he endured the loss not only of his priestly privileges, but also of his wife. The waywardness of the exiles to whom he ministered is evident too. Tatford's exposition of the chapter from which the title of the commentary is taken is treated carefully within its context. There are hints that the author is aware of other interpretations that others might hold, but he shows that the vision Ezekiel had was "representational of the revival of the nation of Israel by the hand of God". Tatford writes clearly on the last nine chapters that set out the blessings that one day will be Israel's, including the new millennial Temple, its ceremonies, and the Prince, who will feature in that coming day. However, the Nation must first receive their rejected Messiah.
The republication of Dead Bones Live will be of help to any who have not seriously studied the prophecy of Ezekiel. The confused thinking on prophetic matters evident in some circles does not cloud Tatford's presentation of Israel's future restoration - the very nation whose exile is earlier described by Ezekiel - when Christ will sit on the throne of David His Father.
T Wilson
