Category: Book review

Be Angry and Sin Not
By: Warren Henderson
Published by: Gospel Folio Press


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“This is an interesting book on an unusual subject and one that the author has thoroughly researched. Throughout the book, the subject is placed in its correct scriptural setting and human anger is explained and contrasted with the anger of God. The writer is quick to expand on the importance of his subject when he quotes from another, ‘In the Garden, Peter was slow to hear, swift to speak, and swift to anger – and he almost killed a man with the sword. Many church fights are the result of short tempers and hasty words’.

“The book covers the truth as to the character of divine anger, as well as the testimony of Moses, King Saul, and King David, and teaches us what righteous anger is, but how anger can also be mishandled. In investigating the causes of anger he deals with the cases of Samson, Nehemiah, Cain, and Rachel. In seeking to present the antidotes to anger he mentions the example of the Lord and offers four practical techniques to manage our problem.

“Living in a hostile world we are bombarded by things that are grieving and dishonouring to God. We still possess a nature that can respond to those external factors and lead us into sin. This book is worth reading for its sage advice: ‘If you are full of Christ when you get bumped in life – Christ will come out, if you are full of the flesh – the flesh will come out’.”

-This book review was first published in Precious Seed magazine, Volume 61, Issue 2.

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What’s Up with Worship?
By: Gary McBride
Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2013)

“In relatively few pages, the author has picked up on a much-neglected subject and focused our minds on a matter of paramount importance. As the author stresses in his conclusion, ‘What is being lost is a sense of worship as the believer’s highest priority’.

“In six fairly short chapters the book covers: 
‘The Lord’s Supper and Worship’; 
‘The Principles of Worship’; 
‘The Lord’s Table and Worship’; 
‘The Practice of Worship’; 
‘The Priority of Worship’; 
and ‘The Production of Worship’. 

“What is particularly helpful in the author’s handling of his subject is his ability to deal with what has scriptural warrant and guidance, and what has not. Too often discussion about worship has centred around form and structure yet, as McBride states, ‘There may be the singing of hymns, reading of the Word, and praying, but all with no concept of what worship entails’.

“Gary McBride provides much food for thought. His handling of the essential difference between the Lord’s Table and the Lord’s Supper is fundamental to his treatise, and of particular value. As he writes, ‘Those who love much will want to spend time at the Lord’s Table learning from their blessed Saviour. Worship will flow from this time spent with Him’. This is a book that should stimulate heart-searching as to what we bring to God.”

~review originally printed in Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 69, Issue 1 (2014)

Available in paperback.

Other titles by Gary McBride at Gospel Folio Press:
–A Study of First Thessalonians
–The God of Glory

Dining with the Master
By: Dr. Boushra Mikhael
Published by: Gospel Folio Press

Available in paperback and eBook formats.

“As Roy Hill writes in his Foreword, ‘This delightful little book deals with the Gospel records of the Saviour at breakfast, lunch, dinner and even at a wedding feast’. Within that span of meals, Dr. Mikhael covers Matthew’s house, the house of Simon the Pharisee, the first supper at Bethany, the house of Zacchaeus, Bethany again, and the Upper Room, before concluding with the meal beside the sea of Galilee in John chapter 21. In relation to the topic chosen, this is an unusual book, this reviewer being unaware of anything similar. Although the book is largely devotional in character, the writer has not avoided the issues surrounding some of the passages. For example, the events in the house at Bethany as recorded in John chapter 12 have to be reconciled with the seemingly parallel passages in Matthew and Mark’s gospels. Dr. Mikhael considers the various views before stating his own and his reasons for holding that view. As the writer concludes each chapter, he presents us with a summary of the major points covered and seeks to apply any practical lessons that are present. In this way he seeks to maximise the value of the material dealt with. This is a book that will warm the heart, challenge the soul, and provide answers to difficult issues that surround some of the events considered.”

~This book review was first published in Precious Seed magazine, Volume 65, Issue 1, 2010.

Available in paperback and eBook formats.

Daniel Reconsidered
By: J. Allen
Published by: Scripture Teaching Library (2014)

“Those who have read or referenced Allen’s commentary on the book of Revelation in the What the Bible Teaches series will readily recognize that it is one of the best. This long anticipated ‘prophetic sequel’ on the book of Daniel will prove to be of similar ilk. There is meticulous attention to detail, a lucid style of writing, and comprehensive discussion of the more controversial scriptures and their various interpretations that have been propagated throughout the years. The reader is never left in any doubt as to the author’s view, and his arguments are most persuasive.

“First and foremost, this is a commentary. Every verse is treated in detail, and Allen first seeks to give the sense of the original Hebrew before interpreting the verse or section in its historical and prophetic context. In addition, there are charts and maps, and a series of appendices, such as the ‘History of Judah’ and ‘The Maccabees and their Times’. Some chapters have their own excurses or preliminary questions, which are of great interest and ensure that no stone is left unturned. One such excursus is entitled: ‘Why does Scripture make no reference to a Revived Roman Empire?’ It would be useful to see these listed as an addition to the contents page of future editions. 

“There are many points of particular interest which could be included in this review, but here follows just two:

“Many will agree with Mr Allen’s support of Sir Robert Anderson’s calculations in relation to Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy (Dan. 9). It is concluded, from scripture, that the prophecy begins with the decree of Artaxerxes issued to Nehemiah (1st Nisan 445 BC, Neh. 2. 1-9, Dan. 9. 25) and the 69th week ends 173,880 days later when the Lord Jesus rode into Jerusalem (10th Nisan AD 32).

“However, not all will agree with the suggestion that the Antichrist is the False Prophet of Revelation chapter 16 verse 13 rather than the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 3-4. In addition, the identification of the four beasts of Daniel chapter 7 with future kingdoms, such as a possible British-American coalition (lion with eagle’s wings, Dan. 7. 4) will not be met with unanimous support. Yet, all of Allen’s suggestions are very carefully presented, and, most importantly, fully supported by careful exegesis and references to many other scriptures.

“All in all, this commentary is a must for every serious student of prophecy, or the book of Daniel. It uses very recent worldwide political events to indicate the nearness of the fulfilment of these prophecies, and seeks to exalt the person of the Lord Jesus. The book is well published, and, in my opinion, sensibly priced. It will sit very comfortably next to J. F. Walvoord’s classic Daniel: The Key to Prophetic Revelation. This reviewer, for one, only hopes that the book will get the circulation it deserves. Very highly recommended.”

~Daniel Rudge, Bracknell, England (Precious Seed magazine, Volume 70, Issue 1)

Available to order from Gospel Folio Press.

An Unshakeable Kingdom: The Letter to the Hebrews for Today
By: David Gooding

In a clear and concise manner informed by pastoral concern, David Gooding explains the meaning of Hebrews’ warnings as he expounds the letter as a whole. He carefully examines the position and temptations of its original readers in the first century. Many were undergoing such severe persecution that they might easily have wondered why, if Jesus really were the Messiah, they had to experience such pain and loss. He expounds its major themes in order to show that its unified message is that hope and enduring faith in Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, will never be put to shame. As he guides us step by step, he reaches outside the limits of the letter itself in order to explore rich fields of Old Testament history, prophecy, ritual and poetry from which the letter has drawn so many of its insights.

Reviews:

A few weeks ago we posted a list of titles by Warren Henderson here on the GFP blog. Now we’re adding another one!

Pre-order a copy today:

The Hope of Glory: A Preview of Things to Come