Category: Book review

The Land and People of Israel: What does the future hold?

By: Drew Craig
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2010)

“To many in the secular and political world, the modern state of Israel is considered a pariah nation. It is seen as aggressive, territorially ambitious, insensitive to UN resolutions, and indifferent to critical opinion. In this little booklet, Drew Craig demonstrates from the scriptures that, in spite of man’s estimation, there is a divine plan and purpose for both the nation and the people of Israel.

The book is written to counteract the increasingly pervasive teaching that Israel no longer features in God’s plan, they have been rejected, and the church has now become the beneficiary of covenants and promises made long ago to Abraham and his descendents.

Beginning with the divine claim to the land and Jehovah’s acknowledgement of a people for Himself, the writer touches upon the covenants made to Abraham, and promised to Isaac and Jacob, with particular reference to the land and the seed. The importance of Genesis chapter 15 is rightly emphasized, where Jehovah alone passed through the divided pieces, binding Himself to keep the covenant made with Abraham. This chapter, apart from any others, should be sufficient to assure every student of scripture that the promises made to Israel cannot fail.

Attention is drawn in Part 2 to the importance and centrality of Jerusalem in the divine purpose, and prophetic scriptures are chosen in support of this. Parts 3 and 4 take the reader to a future day to consider the Lord’s return in glory and the establishment of the millennial reign of Christ. The writer’s clear acceptance of a literal interpretation of prophetic scripture is evident throughout, challenging the allegorical and spiritualized analysis preferred by many expositors today.

Although this handling of the subject matter is brief, important principles of truth are outlined which will provide a basis for deeper consideration of the interpretation and understanding of prophetic scripture.”

~This book review was first published in Precious Seed magazine, Volume 71, Issue 1.

Order from Gospel Folio Press online.

The Charistmatic Challenge
By: John W. de Silva
Published by: John Ritchie Ltd.

“In recent years, many Christians have become uneasy of mind as reports have filtered through of the inroads made into established churches by the so-called ‘Charismatic Movement’. Its adherents believe all the gifts of the Spirit of God are available to Christians today and, in particular, they are anxious to demonstrate by usage the spectacular gifts of healing and speaking in tongues (unintelligible utterances). That there is a danger from this quarter likely to affect assemblies of believers is undeniable. All the more reason to study, in depth, the emphatic teaching of Scripture on this subject, for to allow ourselves to be influenced by the glowing testimonies and ‘experiences’ of others is an alternative not to be contemplated.

“The author handles his subject well, and with utmost thoroughness considers the matter of supernatural signs throughout the Scriptures and the reasons for their bestowal at particuar times. His assertion, that some gifts demonstrated in the early days of this dispensation have been phased-out, is supported by ample testimony from Scripture. Claims made by devotees of the Charismatic Movement are thoughtfully considered, as is the legacy likely to accrue from such practices. This is a most helpful book, and thoroughly recommended for those holding genuine concerns over this development.”

~This book review was first published in Precious Seed magazine, Volume 55, Issue 4.

Order from Gospel Folio Press online.

The Messiah and the Feasts of Israel
By: Bryan W. Sheldon
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2009)

“In this relatively small volume, Bryan Sheldon considers the Feasts of Jehovah in relation to Messiah, looking at them in detail and recognizing that they describe God’s prophetic calendar for the Hebrew nation and outline His plan of redemption. While the four springtime feasts have already been fulfilled, the autumn feasts still lie in the future. Of special significance to this age is that a period of indeterminate length separates the two.

“The great value of this book arises from the detailed research which the author has undertaken. Not only has he drawn his material from a careful study of the Old and New Testaments but he has also consulted Jewish writings. Such background information has served to enhance the biblical account and to illuminate the events recorded in the scriptures. The chapters are so arranged that the description of a feast is followed by a chapter which relates that feast to the experiences of the Messiah.


“It is well nigh impossible to read this book without being driven back to further study of the scriptures and to marvel again at the minute detail in which the Lord’s life so wonderfully fulfilled the prophecies about Him, as recorded for us in the Old Testament. It would be difficult to single out for special note any part of this work but attention must be drawn to the four chapters dealing with Messiah and the Passover. Here, geographical material and historical information combine to enrich these chapters and provide spiritual refreshment which will benefit all believers. While on the odd occasion one may quibble slightly over some minor point, the overall impact of this book will spur the reader to further study and appreciation of the word of God and also to move him to worship the One who is its theme.”

~Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 64, Issue 3, 2009)

Other books by Bryan W. Sheldon:
The Messiah and the Priesthood of Israel
The Messiah and the Covenants of Israel
More Than Just a Messiah
The Miracles of the Messiah

A Study of First Thessalonians: The Model Church
By: Gary McBride
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2013)

“This is a short book amongst a number of recent very helpful books by this author. The presentation of the Thessalonian church as a ‘model’ church, as is the premise of this book, has much to commend it, although this idea has been outlined by a number of other authors.¹ This is an eminently readable primer for further detailed study and is easily read in a couple of sittings. It covers each section in the Epistle in turn, with a short introduction followed by sections where most verses are commented on. Good practical application flows from sound interpretation of the text. The balance in dealing with the text across the Epistle is about right, although chapter 3 seems to get a little lost amidst coverage of the larger issues.

It is not a detailed exposition of the book, and does not set out to be so. Thus, it does not cover in detail a number of exegetical challenges, mostly eschatological in nature, for example, which phase of the Lord’s return is being referred to in chapter 3 verse 13, but covers it sufficiently to whet the appetite for further studies. The brevity does, however, raise some issues: the section dealing with differences between the dispensational and reformed/covenant view of scripture, particularly in the context of future events, is, of necessity, rather scant. Unfortunately, this results in the presentation of a ‘straw man’, which does not present the nuance of the reformed position accurately. What McBride does present might be easily dismissed and, thus, it is open to criticism, albeit this reviewer agrees with his conclusions. The comments throughout the book on the insufficiency of many contemporary presentations of the gospel are welcome (some of which are not the gospel at all), and many of the practical points raised in this regard should be adopted in our proclamation of the gospel. Overall, well worth reading and worth encouraging others to read.”

~John Scarsbrook, Killamarsh, England (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 70, Issue 3, 2015)

Wisdom for Fools: 101 Proverbs to Live By
By: Shane Johnson
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2013)

“The book of Proverbs does not lend itself to analysis, and apart from a six page introduction, Wisdom for Fools does not attempt this. This is just as well, as the introduction is the least successful part of the book. In the remaining 200 pages the author paints 101 miniatures, setting the golden apples of God’s wisdom in word pictures of silver. These are brief sketches, each study is typically about a page long, but they are skilfully drawn. Without cliché or pomposity, the author re-examines each chosen verse, and brings out their enduring relevance to anyone who wants to walk wisely through this wilderness world. The short chapters are best taken in small doses; a couple to be taken morning and evening, a suitable word doing good, like a medicine. The rendering of each chosen text in the KJV and the NKJV echoes the parallelism of the poetry, and the commentary is fresh and thought-provoking even to those familiar with the verses.

Whatever the situation, there is a proverb for it, well expressed, apposite, straight from the Holy Spirit’s treasury of wisdom, and when He is the guide, the wayfarers, though fools, will not mistake their road. It certainly feels as if the author could have easily found another 264 proverbs to complete a day-by-day style diary of Proverbial wisdom. I’ll certainly buy it if it is ever published!

Anyone wishing to follow the Lord in the way of integrity, spiritual good sense, and manner of life, will attain to the wise counsels of the book of Proverbs, the words of the wise and their dark sayings, and this little book illuminates and applies them readably and helpfully.”

~ John Stewart, Killamarsh, England (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 70, Issue 3, 2015)

No King in Israel: The History of the Judges
By: Joel Portman
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2008)

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“‘This book was written to develop the link between the history of the Judges and the letters of Christ to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapters 2-3, as well as to suggest practical teaching applicable to every local assembly today’. So says the publisher’s note on the back cover of this challenging book by Joel Portman. In 14 chapters the author develops his theme. He understands that the Spirit of God has given us the book of Judges so that we may learn from these examples of God’s dealings with Israel and that their history will instruct us in our life and service. ‘God’s principles are unchanged and unchanging’. The author has wisely avoided delving into detail in such matters as the chronology of this period so that he can concentrate on drawing out the pastoral and practical lessons of the book.

“This work is spiritually stimulating and challenging. The style is gentle and persuasive, yet it compels the reader to face honestly many of the problems which confront assemblies today. Uncomfortable truths are clearly identified and the reader is challenged to address them. Above all, this is a book which urges its readers on to further study and meditation. The author will prompt us without spoon-feeding. Nor does he shirk his responsibility to move us to self-examination.


“Inevitably, there will be some matters with which some may disagree. But to travel with the author through the period of the Judges will sharpen our awareness of our own situation and will remind us of the timeless principles which we must observe if we are to be faithful in our own day, which falls just before the setting-up of the kingdom.”

~Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 64, Issue 3, 2009)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

If It Wasn’t For The Lighthouse
By: Bill & Irene Ridgeway
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2015)

“If you want to know if missionaries have the same anxieties as we have, the same fears when confronted with the unexpected, the same doubts and worries, then you will find this book captivating; written in a very conversational style, it can easily be read in one sitting.

Bill Ridgeway’s start in life could reflect so many, with disadvantage and lack of opportunity having the potential to drag him down. He stood on the threshold of reform school, until God, in His infinite grace and mercy, laid hold upon him.

Amidst a wave of patriotism, as America joined the Second World War, this young man, now born again, had a desire to serve with his brothers, fighting in the forces. His heavenly Father, however, had a different plan. He was to serve One ‘who sticks closer than a brother’, first becoming an electrical engineer with the Coastguard. There he learned a skill that would later help him ‘fight the good fight’, as he sought to bring light to the villages of Ecuador, in more ways than one!

The foreword, written by Bill and Irene’s daughter Cookie, gives a flavour of the book and draws the reader into the narrative of a moving and exciting read, right through to the epilogue.

Chapter 2 recounts the Lord’s overruling in bringing Bill and Irene together, their love blossoming and growing throughout the chapters that follow. Already with missionary interest at heart, the news that five missionaries had been martyred in Ecuador brought a response from Bill and Irene, ‘Please Lord, let us take their place’.

With Ecuador as their home, now with a young family, it soon became clear that their work was to bring light to darkened villages and bring the light of the glorious gospel of Christ to the lives of a people they came to love, fulfilling the scripture ‘for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’.

This is a good, challenging read, demonstrating that God can, and will, use personal talents and skills for His ultimate glory.”

~Bill Brady, Killamarsh, England, (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 70, Issue 4, 2015)

The Pilgrim Church
By: E. H. Broadbent
Published by: Gospel Folio Press

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“The title of this book is well chosen, and calculated to challenge today’s reader. Events that took place in the initial phase of the church’s history are presented in the record of Scripture, while the most recent events have been well documented. But what of the intervening years, and the chapter of events that bridges the considerable gap between early and latter days?

“The survival of the authentic church is proof that God’s hand of preservation has rested upon this select, unique company over all the years of existence. Not all the attacks that have been mounted by Satan, many issuing from sources of organized religion, have prevailed to the extinction of the church. E. H. Broadbent reveals, through his painstaking research, how faithful companies of God’s people, with clear attachment to the teaching of Scripture, upheld in their testimony and practices that which God had instituted from the beginning. It makes for thrilling reading, and demonstrates the progress of a ‘pilgrim church’ over centuries of darkness, declension and persecution.


“This handsome hard-back edition, of what has long been regarded as a classic account of church history, deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf. Additional to the contents of earlier editions is a collection of maps, in colour, that give clear indication of the locations and movements of these various groups of Christians.”

~review originally published in Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 55, Issue 1, 2000

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Timely Lessons from the Book of Exodus
By: Jim Paul
Published by: Gospel Folio Press

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“In the preface to this book the writer states his belief in the historical accuracy of events recorded in the book of Exodus and that this divine record ‘lays a solid foundation for understanding what it means to be associated with God’s people’. The author rightly says that while the church is not a substitute for Israel we can learn much from Israel’s experiences, lessons concerning salvation, sanctification and service. Consistent with that, the book contains a good balance between gospel appeals and teaching for believers.

“As the title suggests, this is not an exhaustive commentary on the book of Exodus, the main focus being on the actual journey of the children of Israel rather than upon all the associated events. In consequence, there are sections of Exodus that are passed over with either very brief comment or no comment at all, for example, the writer moves from the call of Moses straight to the Passover with virtually no mention of the plagues that God brought on the land of Egypt. Likewise, there is very little on the latter chapters of Exodus concerning the Tabernacle, though what is said is instructive. The sixteen chapters are brief and very readable and the author takes every opportunity to press home truth concerning principles relative to assembly gatherings.


“While some seem to neglect the teaching of the Old Testament, as though it has little relevance for today, the author is to be commended for his lucid, practical and profitable teaching. The book will especially benefit those young in the faith and also clearly demonstrate how the experiences of Israel in the past have a parallel in the pathway of God’s people today.”

~Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, London, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 63, Issue 3, 2008)

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This Jesus
By: Harold S. Paisley
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2010)

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“This Jesus is a study of some of the more prominent names and titles of the Lord Jesus. These include Emmanuel, Jesus, Christ Jesus, The Lord Jesus Christ and The Son of Man, to name a few. The final section of the book also considers the title Alpha and Omega where the author proceeds to briefly reflect on a name or title of the Lord Jesus under every letter of the alphabet (e.g., ‘A’ – Author, ‘B’ – Beloved).

“Although these are by no means detailed expositions, Paisley lays down the primary principles with regard to each name or title, thus providing plenty to provoke the mind to thought and further meditation. In this regard, the primary purpose of the book – to move hearts ‘to praise the Father and the Son by the Holy Spirit’s power’ – has been met.

“Given the brevity of most chapters it is not surprising that some of the author’s comments are not further expanded. This is disappointing, as some are most interesting! For example, it is suggested that the ‘two men’ of Acts 1:9-11 were in fact Enoch and Elijah, rather than angels, as commonly believed. Paisley states, ‘It would seem that being man, the most likely to speak of His coming in like manner, were two men’. Furthermore, it is stated that the phrase ‘filled with wisdom’ concerning the childhood of the Lord Jesus (Luke 2:40) is explained by the fact that ‘He increased in His appreciation of all things He had created’.

“Overall, the book is a most useful introduction to the clear distinctions scripture places on the similar, yet different, names and titles of the Lord Jesus (e.g. Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus). The book is very easy to read, and, due to the short chapters/sections, can also be read at different times without disturbing the flow of thought. As there is much to provoke to further study concerning the glories of our Lord and Saviour, this book is most interesting.”

~Dan Rudge, Bracknell, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 68, Issue 1, 2013)

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