Category: Book review

The Messiah and the Covenants of Israel
By: Bryan W. Sheldon
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2010)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

“In the introduction the author asserts that ‘One of the great foundation blocks of a healthy relationship between God and humankind is His righteousness’ and, because God is righteous, ‘He says what He means and means what He says’ at no time needing to ‘reverse or cancel His promises’, something the writer suggests ‘is especially true in regard to the utterances of the Lord that have covenant status’. 

“The opening chapter demonstrates that central to a right understanding of the covenants is a recognition that God is working all things out for His own glory, and only as we appreciate that can we place into perspective the different economies employed by God in His dealings with men. Five covenants are considered: the Abrahamic; Mosaic; Land; Davidic; and New Covenant, two chapters being devoted to each. A particular focus of these chapters is the way in which the latter four covenants relate to the initial Abrahamic covenant. Six chapters are then devoted to a consideration of the Messiah and the covenants, and that only through Him can each one have its fulfillment. The book concludes with three chapters considering the relationship of the church to the New and Abrahamic covenants with a clear affirmation that the church has not replaced Israel in regard to the outworking of divine purpose. 

“The reviewer…felt that some comments regarding the New Covenant and its relation to Jew and Gentile in the present age (pg. 140) were somewhat misleading. But despite those few reservations this is a most interesting and helpful book and the author has to be commended for taking up a subject that is, sadly, frequently neglected today. It is well worth the modest price.”

~Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, England (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 68, Issue 1, 2013)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

The Church: A Discipleship Manual for the Body of Christ
By: R. P. Amos
Published by: Everyday Publications Inc.

Buy now.

“This book has been written ‘to encourage new and older believers alike to come to a fresh appreciation of the patterns established by the Lord for His church and how he intended and expects it to function’. In recent years very few books have been written on this most valuable subject which makes this one all the more important. The Publishers state, ‘We believe that the contents are both timely and of significant importance for the Lord’s people today’.

“Randy Amos is to be praised for his approach to his subject, and with a modern audience in mind. His use of tables, diagrams, illustrations, highlighted boxes and bullets makes this an easy book to follow and understand. Yet, although the presentation may be modern the content is firmly rooted in scriptural principle, ably demonstrated by the many references to appropriate passages. The writer clearly distinguishes between: the church as the body of Christ and in its local expression; the purpose of the assembly as primarily worship rather than witness; and the role and function of males and females within the church. He is clear on the subject of headship and how this should be evidenced in the local assembly. He is equally clear on mutual responsibility within the church and how fellowship should be maintained.


“Although I felt that more might have been said on the important work of the deacon, this book is most helpful and should be welcomed for its desire to re-emphasize the distinctive character of New Testament churches in a day when many such features are being forsaken.”

~originally published in Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 63, Issue 2 (2008)

Buy now.

Voice in the Darkness
By: Della Letkeman (with initial research by R. E. Harlow)
Published by: Everyday Publications Inc.

Buy now.

“The contents of this book owe a great deal to Dr. R. E. Harlow who had hoped to write an account of the life of the apostle Paul, but was called home before he could complete that project. Della Letkeman has taken over Dr. Harlow’s planned work – not an easy task. She has provided a very readable account of Paul’s life, drawing together the material already prepared, and offering, largely in chronological order, a narrative history of the apostle to the Gentiles.

“The author’s method has been to collate data taken from the New Testament, and from extra-biblical sources, and to bring all this together into a seamless narrative. In order to make that narrative flow, and to enhance its impact on the reader, the writer has used what she describes as ‘artistic licence’ when recreating some of the scenes, imagining the dialogue which might lie behind the raw facts. Although this literary device works perfectly well when she is offering additional factual information, it is not so successful when she attempts to reflect the emotional reactions of the main characters. This can sometimes prove a distraction and, on occasions, comes dangerously close to trivializing significant events. In keeping with the tenor of the book, Scripture quotations are mainly from the New Living Translation. The book consists of a preface, twenty-two chapters, and an epilogue. Some thirty-six maps, charts, illustrations, and photographs support the narrative, and add to its clarity. The material drawn upon is underpinned by very full references and a bibliography contains suggestions for further reading.


“Although no target readership is explicitly defined, and the book is accessible to all age-groups, the style which the author has adopted will ensure that this work will be well received by younger readers. It provides an excellent overview of Paul’s life, and ministry, showing how his epistles dovetail into the record of the Acts, and will help the reader to understand how the apostle’s work of bringing the gospel to the Gentile nations was carried out in the unsympathetic, and often hostile, world of the first century.”

~John Bennett, Pinxton, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 69, Issue 2, 2014)

Buy now.

Enjoy Your Bible
By: William MacDonald & Arthur Farstad
Published by: Gospel Folio Press

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

“In a day when the Scriptures are so often handled superficially, any book which encourages young believers to engage in regular and systematic study of them is to be welcomed. This book is offered ‘to help chart your own early excursions on the limitless seas of adventuring into the written word of God’. It consists of 12 chapters plus two pages of ‘Endnotes’ – references to works quoted in the book itself. It is pitched quite deliberately at young believers. The authors are ambitious in the range of topics which they attempt to cover. They are well aware that, in several of the chapters, the reader will inevitably be wanting more help than can be provided within the compass of this relatively short book. In the light of this, a list of titles for further study would have been welcome.

“Help is offered to the young believer on matters of importance when handling the scriptures. The 12 chapters alternate between the vital principle and practical detail. Bible study is not seen as an end in itself; it must affect a believer’s life. The young believer is made aware of some important distinctions to observe: the last chapter, ‘Three Important Keys’, explains the need to maintain the distinction between Israel and the church, gives an outline of the dispensations, and refers to the matter of the literal interpretation of scripture. By way of contrast, chapter 6 offers an example of how to tackle a difficult passage, the Olivet discourse.

“One question which is touched on all too lightly is that of Bible versions. This is a matter on which young believers, and some who are not so young, need much help. Some versions are aggressively marketed and, unhappily, such versions may be found to be unhelpful on important matters of faith and practice. Overall, this book is a great encouragement to get down to the business of Bible study, for business it is. It will help young believers to get started.”

~Ed Hotchin, Hucknell, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 64, Issue 1, 2009)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

Daniel: Godly Living in a Hostile World
By: William Burnett
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2009)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

“Many books have been written on the prophetic chapters of Daniel but fewer that consider the character of the man that God used and the lessons that can be learned from his life and testimony. On that ground alone this book is to be welcomed.

“The author draws the parallels between Daniel’s experiences and that of modern situations. From the opening chapter, he emphasizes the real difficulties of facing the ‘Babylonian Brain-Washing Machine’, and ‘The Flattery of Selection’ and yet maintaining a relationship with those, such as Melzar, who had the responsibility of carrying out the king’s command. He considers how Daniel turned times of crisis into times of opportunity through united prayer and dependence upon God. The book is not comfortable reading. The writer’s comment, ‘We must avoid music which has Satanic and idolatrous undertones as it will destroy our spiritual life’ is a telling one, ably exemplified from the situation that faced Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Similarly, the task of telling Nebuchadnezzar that he would ‘go completely out of his mind, and start behaving like an animal’, or of delivering the message of coming judgement to Belshazzar, was far from easy. Yet, as the writer stresses, ‘Daniel never flinched from his responsibility’.


“William Burnett is to be commended for this insightful and practical treatment of the life of a great man of God who served in the most hostile of environments. A prayerful reading of this work could produce much of lasting spiritual fruit in the life of any believer.”

~Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 64, Issue 3 (2009)

Available in paperback and ebook formats.

Could You Ever Love Me Again?
By: Bob Cretney
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2010)

Buy now.

“This book is a record of the Gary Weeks story as it was told to the author, Bob Cretney. It is the story of a relatively naïve young man from a Christian, although single parent, home who goes off to university and begins the drift away from his profession of faith in Christ and commitment to Him. It is a story with which many might identify, either from personal experience, or from that of loved ones. The draw of a world of glamour, glitz and false glory becomes the factor that leads Gary into the world of entertainment with the promise of fame and fortune. After a break from the music industry to work as a pilot, a downturn in the aviation industry leads Gary back into music. The success returns and the potential of a major deal beckons before it all comes crashing down in the spring of 1978. However, the real change in Gary’s life came as a result of a cruise and a tourist trip to Jerusalem. This is the beginning of his spiritual restoration and a life committed to the work of the Lord, initially in Ireland.

“The difficulty with any book of this nature is striking the balance. The honesty that reveals the detail of the periods of a person’s life spent away from the Lord is not to show how others might do the same, but it is to convey the unfailing love of God that always seeks to draw the wanderer back to Himself. However, it has to be emphasized that the prodigal can only be restored if they are prepared to heed the warning voice of conscience within, and humble themselves before the Lord. Similarly, Gary’s restoration does not smooth out all of life’s difficulties, but it does provide one who cares for each in the midst of their trials. This is a fascinating and delightfully heart-warming book to read.”

~John Bennett, Pinxton, Nottingham (Precious Seed magazine, Volume 67, Issue 3)

Buy now.

Christian Devotedness (Revised & Updated)
By: Anthony Norris Groves
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (reprint 2010)

Available in paperback and eBook formats.

“Most readers of Precious Seed International will be familiar with the name of Anthony Norris Groves, missionary to Baghdad and India. This is a revised and updated edition of the second version of a book originally published in London in 1829 and included in a biography entitled Anthony Norris Groves, by G. H. Lang. 

“Believing the words of the Lord in Matthew chapter 6 verse 19, ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth’, are to be taken literally, Mr Groves expounds the practical implications of this, especially in connection with a believer’s possessions, salary and wealth. He expresses a conviction that ‘early Christianity owed much of its power to the . . . disciple’s open public display of their love’. Something he saw as being the product of the ‘surrender of themselves, their property, time and talents to Christ’. He develops his theme around two basic principles, the first, ‘The only acceptable way to live the Christian life is by deliberate and continual self-denial’, the second, ‘Because God is our Heavenly Father, we ought to ask Him only for our every need, and rely on Him alone for every provision’, principles that the author himself had sought to live by. Mr Groves considers the meaning of the Lord’s exhortation not to lay up treasure on earth the way it was understood and implemented by the apostles, and how the truth of it is emphasized in the New Testament. He strongly asserts that a Christian should not save his money but rather use it in the cause of Christ and that it is a grave mistake, with potentially serious spiritual consequences, for believers to store up wealth with the sole object of leaving an inheritance for their children. Biblical passages are frequently quoted, the majority of which are from the New King James Version. There are a few printing errors, some of which require the reader to work out for himself exactly what the writer means!

“It is stated in the preface that George Muller likened the reading of this book to a ’second conversion’ and that Hudson Taylor and Amy Carmichael were greatly influenced through reading it. In the overtly material age in which we live, the message of this book is timely and very challenging.”

~Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, England (Precious Seed magazine, Volume 66, Issue 1)

Available in paperback and eBook formats.

Christ Loved the Church
By: William MacDonald
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (reprint 2008)

“The author of this little book shows himself to be firmly committed to the New Testament’s teaching on the church universal and local and believes that these principles hold good for the twenty-first century.

“The book consists of seventeen chapters which divide into two sections: chapters 1-9 cover the essential principles, while chapters 10-16 deal with their application in the life of the local church. A final chapter is an exhortation to the reader to put this teaching into practice in today’s hostile world. The chapters are concise, easy to read and understand and their tone is Christ-exalting. As the author states, ‘The general approach will be to review the great unchangeable verities concerning the church universal, and to show how each local assembly is responsible to witness to these truths in life and practice’. Appropriately, at the very beginning of the book, there is a timely word of caution that correctness of church position must never be divorced from correctness of condition.

“Although the book is relatively short, the writer has managed to cover a great deal of ground. Having offered a definition of the church universal and local and having succinctly described the relationship between the two, he deals with the truth of the one body, the headship of Christ, reception into the assembly, the Holy Spirit in the church, discipline, the proclamation of the gospel, and the priesthood of all believers. Scripture references encourage the reader to go back to the word of God in order to confirm the teaching. The practical chapters cover baptism, the Lord’s supper, the prayer meeting, elders, deacons, finance, and the ministry of sisters. Works on these subjects are not always free from the noise of ‘grinding axes’. This book, however, is thoroughly scripture-based. It is a book which may act as a primer for young believers or a revision course for others. It is largehearted in its approach while holding firmly to the New Testament.”

-Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed magazine, Volume 64, Issue 1)

Available in paperback and eBook formats.

Angola Beloved
By: T. Ernest Wilson
Published by: Gospel Folio Press 

“This is a welcome updated edition of a book first published in 1967. As a boy Ernest Wilson wanted to be a missionary in Africa and, at the age of 18, was exercised to serve God in Angola. In 1923, at the age of 21, he went to Portugal for language study and then to Angola where he served the Lord for some forty years. This book traces the development of the work over those years and records some of the joys and sorrows that were encountered.

“The book is divided into three sections. The first part gives a general background to the work, describing both the people and the country and also refers to the pioneering labours of David Livingstone and Fred Arnot. The second section records Ernest’s early years, his conversion and spiritual development, the way his interest for missionary activity was stirred by reading the biographies of Hudson Taylor and George Muller, and the development of his own exercise to go forth into service for the Lord looking only to Him for the supply of material needs. The third, and largest part of the book, records the subsequent years of service, including the trials of language study, pioneering activity, journeys on foot, and the progress made through the blessing of God. The book is sub-titled ‘A story of God’s faithfulness’ and it is certainly that. This is, as the forward states, ‘a riveting story of danger, adventure and opportunity for the Lord’, and it is gratifying that through this reprint it has now been made available to another generation.”

~Book review by Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, London, UK (Precious Seed magazine, Volume 63, Issue 4)

Available in paperback or eBook format.

An Analysis of the Gospel of Mark
By: Harold St. John
Published by: Gospel Folio Press

Buy now.