Category: Blog

Thank you, King James: The Tough Life of Robert Hicks
By: James Hastings

“It was the psalmist who wrote, ‘He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings’, Ps. 40. 2. Reading this traumatic and troubling story, it would seem a most apt text to write over the life described.

Robert Hicks was born in Birmingham, spending much of his early life in ‘different overcrowded houses and lengthy stays in care homes’. He grew up without memory of his mother ‘ever hugging or kissing me unless it was to impress visiting social workers. Birthdays and Christmas went unmarked . . . there was just silence born out of sheer disinterest’. His memories of his father, who returned from military service in the Second World War in 1947, were worse, describing him as violent and pitiless, one who ‘took a perverse pleasure in beating, ridiculing and ignoring’ his children.

For a boy tongue-tied, dyslexic, rejected by his parents and poorly educated the future looked grim until Robert discovered a book unknown to him called the Holy Bible. The advice of the surgeon who had performed the simple operation to cut the membrane holding Robert’s tongue was ‘read a book out loud while writing the words’. The only book that Robert could find in his house was the Bible that had been pushed behind the gas meter. Starting at Genesis chapter 1 he began the task that was to transform his life.

From such seemingly hopeless conditions Robert Hicks was saved, baptized and received into the fellowship of Christians meeting in the Gospel Hall, Jiggins Lane, Birmingham. As well as growing physically and spiritually, Robert also developed a talent in retailing, rising quickly from grocer’s boy to relief provisions manager before becoming the manager of his own shop as part of the Mason group.

It is remarkable that out of a home characterized by moral depravity and child abuse there should grow a man who has contributed so much to the work of the Lord in a variety of ways. It is a testimony to the grace and sustaining power of God that saved and has kept Robert Hicks. This is an honest, if initially harrowing, account of how God can, and does, change lives!”

~ This book review was originally published by Precious Seed (2012, Vol. 67, Issue 4), written by John Bennett, Pinxton, Nottingham.

Available online from Gospel Folio Press

The Son of God, as Revealed by John
By: Robert E. Surgenor

“Given all the books which have been written about the Gospel of John, is there room for yet another? Robert Surgenor’s publisher thinks there is, and tells the reader that this work ‘presents things that have never been considered by many. It is thought-provoking, stimulating, Christ-honouring, and presents a fresh view of the book of John’. The author tells us that, although he had read this Gospel many times before, yet in reading prayerfully and more carefully for this publication, things never seen before surfaced before him. His task therefore has been to convey to his readers these new insights.

The author begins by setting down twenty-two questions which, in effect, act as signposts to what is to follow. Although the book moves steadily through this Gospel, the seventeen chapters which form the main part of this work are not tied to the Gospel’s chapter divisions, but address themes – for example, ‘The Deity of Christ’; ‘Christ’s Movements and Miracles’; ‘Christ’s Power over Death’. Exposition there undoubtedly is, but the strength of this work lies in the author’s readiness to explore the spiritual significance of a verse, a word, or an action, moving the reader on from understanding to devotion. Typical of this is a comment on the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary, ‘Furthermore, I have been informed that, when a person’s body is anointed with spikenard, the fragrance of that precious ointment lingers on the skin for ten days. It was less than ten days before Jesus was crucified’. The implication is clear; the soldiers who crucified the Lord would smell the odour of the spikenard.

Those who are acquainted with Surgenor’s other writings will know that he is decided in his views, and forthright in expressing them. And so it is here. Written with clarity, this book will stimulate the reader to further study, and will fulfil the author’s stated aim, which is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.”

~ The book review was originally published in Precious Seed (2013, Vol. 68, Issue 1)

Available online at Gospel Folio Press

WE’VE RELEASED AN UPDATED REPRINT OF THE CHRISTIAN’S AMBITION – CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

The Christian’s Ambtion: A Collection of Spiritual Teachings
By: James Gunn Jr.

While others in the world may be ambitious to gain for themselves a name and fame, may we only be ambitious to please God, preach Christ, and always be quiet and restful.

The Christian’s Ambition is a collection of messages (primarily for young adults) presented by James Gunn Jr. He covers many aspects of the Christian journey with solid teaching and keen insights.

Specific issues addressed include spiritual development, the authority of the Bible, spending quality time in the Word and other cornerstones to the Christian faith.

This book can be read individually or used as a weekly Bible study for a group.

Order your copy from Gospel Folio Press today!

Realising a Vision through Faith: The Autobiography of Colleen M. Redit
By: Colleen M. Redit with Peggy Loh

“This is a book that traces the most remarkable story and work of Colleen Redit, founder of Christian Missions Charitable Trust, Chennai, India. However, in reading the book I was struck by the simple and very ‘matter of fact’ way in which this story is told. This beautiful book contains many photographs, and, at times, a detailed narrative, yet it does not convey much of the drama of the trials of missionary work amongst some of the poorest and neediest people of India. It is a book that seeks to let the facts speak for themselves.

What makes this book interesting and challenging is the thread that runs throughout. God is faithful!  Yet the reader must pause and appreciate the remarkable nature of events that are recorded so simply. There is no attempt to emphasize the difficulties of financing or staffing a growing work of this nature and magnitude. There is little attempt to convey the burden of such a work on the person responsible for the vision. What is communicated is the warmth, wisdom, and enthusiasm of Colleen Redit.

There is a lot of practical insight that might prove useful to those considering a work for the Lord. Being unfamiliar with the New Zealand background of the author I found it difficult to appreciate the Every Girl’s Rally work. Equally, having never been to India, it is difficult to appreciate the challenges of working in that country. However, the replication of the Rally concept in an Indian context was an interesting insight into how difficulties and tensions can be overcome. Equally, it is encouraging to see something of the support of the commending assemblies, as well as those Indian believers who now share the vision, and the burden for its delivery. It needs to be remembered, this is an on-going work! This is not just a book to read. It is a book to ponder.”

~ This book review was first published in Precious Seed 2013, Volume 68, Issue 4.

Order online from Gospel Folio Press.

Gospel Folio Press interviews Ron Hughes about his book, “Living at the End of the Rope”. Stay tuned for Part 3 where Ron discusses his first book.

“…Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” – Psalm 40:5b

February is a time of year we actively try to think upon one another a little more. We give cards or flowers or chocolates to the ones we love. We do or say things we wouldn’t normally say or do. But God doesn’t need any such reminders. He is always thinking upon us, and His thoughts are beyond computation.

The Psalmist lost himself thinking about the thoughts of God. Like the stars, God’s thoughts are numberless and cannot be recounted in order. Like the stars, His thoughts are “up there” hovering over us, the blessing of their light lightyears away, but swiftly travelling toward us.

Looking up at the night sky, enthusiastic astronomers have frustrated themselves trying to catalogue the number of the stars. Hipparchus was the first, counting 850 of them with the naked eye. Then through his primitive telescope, Galileo discovered the Milky Way was a vast collection of millions and millions of stars. Now, with the help of super telescopes astronomers are realizing their cataloguing efforts are futile. There are just too many stars for human minds to comprehend.

How many more the thoughts of God! How precious and how vast are the sum of them! (Ps.139:17). When we lift our eyes heavenward, trying to count our blessings, naming them one by one, we soon find ourselves lost in His thoughts. And we can only count so many with the naked eye. Well we may ask ourselves, “Can His thoughts be catalogued, measured, or arranged in chronological order? Is it even possible? What were His thoughts toward us yesterday, today, and tomorrow? What were His thoughts toward us during childhood, our rebellious years, our selfish first years of marriage? God’s thoughts cannot be recounted in order, the Psalmist declared, completely confounded in awesome wonder.

How infinite are His thoughts of creation! The elephant and the mosquito are only two of his brilliant inventions; the orange sunrise and the ribbon of moonlight on the lake only two of His beautiful masterpieces.

How compassionate is His providence! Every day we can cast our care upon Him who intimately cares for us. Our daily bread, our daily insight and our daily strength comes from Him.

And how lofty are His thoughts of redemption! Truly His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isa.55:9). Joseph’s story proves that even bad things can be used for good for those who are called.

Time would fail to recount the rest in order. To write them all, as the hymn writer said, would drain the ocean dry.

About the Author: Shane Johnson

Shane Johnson has been commended from Bethel-Park Bible Chapel since 1999.  He resides in Brantford, Ontario with his wife Shelly and his five children.  He has his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in History.  His passions are teaching children, inspiring young people, writing, music and playing soccer.

Shane Johnson has published a number of titles with Gospel Folio Press including “31 Days at Bethlehems Manger“, “Strength for the Journey: 52 Devotions from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Wisdom for Fools: 101 Proverbs to Live By“.

Pick up your copy of Choice Gleanings 2016 today!