THE LAND AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Drew Craig
Gospel Folio Press, 2010
£5.99 / 9781897117811 / PB
This is a straightforward book of 60 pages, primarily considering the main issues affecting the nation of Israel in the future. Two of the appendices deal with historical events that have already affected Israel.
There is a brief introduction, after which the writer considers the promises and nature of the Abrahamic covenant along with New Testament teaching about this, chiefly from Romans chapters 9-11 and Hebrews. This is followed by a chapter on Jerusalem’s history, beginning with Genesis 14, and looking at Scriptures (such as Zechariah 8) about its future in the end times. Chapter 3 considers the Lord’s return to earth and how His Kingdom will be established. This section is more detailed; for example, specific geographical references in Zechariah 14 are examined, and again verses from Romans 9-11 are quoted. Chapter 4 deals with features that characterise the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus. Finally, there is a conclusion, plus five appendices.
A happy balance of Old and New Testament Scriptures is considered. The writer interprets Scripture literally where appropriate, and thus makes clear dispensational distinctions. His aim is to give a positive answer to the title’s question, and he has largely achieved his objective. However, as a result, there are few, if any, devotional or exhortatory comments. The actual writing is clear and fluent, with frequent Scripture quotations helpfully paragraphed and italicised. It is a pity, in my judgment, that the quotation on the back cover, “see through a glass darkly” (1 Cor 13.12), has been given an inappropriate interpretation. Nevertheless, this book would be very suitable for younger believers.
[Bryan Charles]
KINGS AND PROPHETS PART 2
Colin Lacey
Precious Seed, 2016
£7.50 / 9781871642704 / PB
The cover describes this book (which surveys 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 21-36, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Joel, Habakkuk and Zephaniah) as an overview, dealing with the end of the divided kingdom. The same format is followed for each Bible book, with six preliminary sections: Introduction; Purpose of the Book; Analysis; Dates and Historical Setting; Author; The Book’s Message for Today. These are extremely good; succinct and getting to the heart of things, and are followed by an overview of each chapter. At the end there is a short, well-chosen bibliography.
The author highlights features of each chapter, breaking it into sections (with headings in the case of 2 Kings and Zephaniah: for example, 2 Kings 6 - The Axe Head Recovered, verses 1-7; The King of Israel Delivered, verses 8-17; The Enemy Spared, verses 18-23). Obviously this is not a full-length commentary, but most main points are touched on, and cross-references given. For example, in 2 Kings 2, regarding the incident where fire came down on the captains of 50, contrasts are effectively made with the Lord’s words in Luke 9.51-56 and, regarding the four places of Elijah’s final journey, we are told that “each … had a story to tell in the history of … Israel”, but we are left to discover more. However, nothing is written regarding the smiting of the ground when Joash visited Elisha in 2 Kings 13. Lessons are drawn continually, and the writer helps us imagine how characters thought and felt, particularly Jehoshaphat. Some applications are made, for instance on Ahaz’s temple innovations (2 Kings 16), but generally readers are left to make their own. Only occasionally are specific words commented on with reference to Strong’s Concordance, or similar. Poetic and literary features are also largely ignored – a pity in the case of Jeremiah and Lamentations, I feel. 2 Chronicles is generally not covered as fully as the other books and, although the comments are just as helpful, they are unfortunately fewer, including those on chapters not found in 2 Kings. However, the writer communicates extremely well, using fairly short sentences and well-chosen vocabulary. Alliteration is also used effectively at times. This is not just a book for preachers and teachers, but for all.
[Bryan Charles]
THE 50 MOST IMPORTANT TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE
Jim George
Harvest House, 2015
£9.99 / 9780736960175 / PB
The most intriguing thing about a book like this is its title: what are the Bible’s fifty most important teachings, and who has the authority to decide? I opened this 230-page paperback with some trepidation. In the event, however, I was relieved to discover that Jim George has penned an orthodox, but streamlined, bite-size systematic theology. Devoting roughly four pages to each topic, he offers easy-to-read introductions to what we would all agree are vital truths of Scripture: The Authority of the Bible; The Creation of the Universe; The Trinity; The Deity of Christ; The Dignity and Depravity of Man; The Way of Salvation; The Christian Life; The Lord’s Return. Sadly (but not surprisingly), there is little on the local assembly. What I especially enjoyed is that, in his limited space, the author quotes much from the Biblical text (mainly using the NIV). He restricts himself to a simple writing style, introducing each topic with a relevant anecdote, and concluding with practical applications. This approach will be useful for many younger believers.
On the other hand, the least appealing aspect of the book is its failure to offer unambiguous doctrinal headings. Instead, each chapter has a chatty caption. “Even when it may not seem like it, God really is in control” is, for example, the title for chapter 19, which provides an excellent summary of the sovereignty of God. But the heading is a distracting mouthful. Here’s the title for a chapter on the resurrection of Christ: “This news is so good, don’t keep it to yourself!” It doesn’t signal its subject with clarity. As a result, the contents page is no help at all in identifying the fifty teachings. That gripe over, I recommend the book as a reliable survey of basic Bible teachings.
[David Newell]
COLOSSIANS: THE THINGS ABOVE
Donald Norbie
Gospel Folio Press, 2015
£5.99 / 9781927521809 / PB
Colossians is one of the great Christ-exalting books of the Bible, and a tonic to every believer because it focuses attention on the supremacy of the Son. But it is not always an easy book to grasp. This slender paperback offers an undemanding way into Paul’s letter. After a brief background introduction, the writer breaks Colossians into major sections which are dealt with in paragraph units. Each paragraph of the Biblical text is quoted in full (usually KJV, but sometimes NKJV), followed by a few thoughts and comments. The style is very simple both in vocabulary and syntax, which makes it appropriate for younger believers. The writer is at his best when considering the letter’s practical section (such as chapter 3, with its challenging instructions about holy living). He is, however, disappointingly sketchy on the great Christological passages in chapters 1 and 2, which cry out for a more detailed exploration. The commentary as a whole is uneven: three pages are devoted to chapter 3 verses 5-9, while there is a mere half page on chapter 2 verses 1-5. Surprisingly for a non-technical study, the book includes a substantial bibliography listing some 45 titles (several not immediately relevant to Colossians), none of which seem to be referenced in the text. Those wanting a rather more thorough, but still reader-friendly, entrance into this marvellous epistle will be well served by the compact studies of Robert Gromacki, Harry Ironside, Homer Kent, W E Vine or Warren Wiersbe.
[David Newell]
@JOHN NEWTON: FROM DISGRACE TO AMAZING GRACE
Jonathan Aitken
Crossway Books, 2007
John Newton is best remembered today for his hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. However, this book offers much more than just a sketch of those famous lines. The book is a biographical account of the life and times of John Newton from birth to death, including his adventures at sea, his married life, his role in the church and his many friendships. It represents a clear account of his salvation, and how he was used in service for the Lord. The account of his travels overseas in early days is both vivid and memorable, for it was used to begin the process that led to the abolition of the slave trade. His marriage to Polly is also a remarkable example of a Christian relationship, showing support for one another through the good times as well as the difficult ones: “Polly was a tower of strength to her husband … an even greater help was his trust in the Lord” (p 157). The work of John Newton as both pastor and evangelist is an example for us all to follow, and the many extracts from his diaries reveal a man who was in touch with the Lord. Of course, the book would not be complete without reference to the compilation of the Olney Hymns, and his friendship with the poet William Cowper. Lessons for Christian living are summarised in the epilogue, and it alone is well worth contemplation. This is a must-read book, and one that has been well researched and written. Numerous extracts from diaries and letters are included, such as “But I would leave a more favourable impression upon your mind before I conclude. The Lord reigns. He has all hearts in his hands. He is carrying on his great designs in a straight line, and nothing can obstruct them” (p 312).
[Graeme Hutchinson]
