Category Archives: Book Reviews

Run to Glory The Story of Eric Liddell by Ellen Caughey

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This book tells the fascinating life story of Eric Liddell, Olympic gold medallist in the 400 metres at the 1924 Paris Olympics. This feat was of course immortalised in the award winning film “Chariots of Fire”.

The book however paints a much broader picture of Eric Liddell, the athlete and evangelist.  It describes how Eric turned his back on athletics to respond to God’s call.  The book details some of the trials and triumphs of working as an evangelist amongst the poor rural communities in China.  In this setting “Uncle Eric” as he is known is recognised as much for his work amongst the local children as for his prowess on the athletic track. 

Eric Liddell can truly be said to have “ran the race that was set before him” but, in doing so, he turned his back on the fame and adulation that he had known as an athlete.  This short book is certainly worth reading and raises the perennial question of what might we be prepared to “give up” in order to respond obediently to God’s call on our life?

C H Spurgeon The People’s Preacher by Peter Morden

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Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a remarkable preacher who at his funeral service was called the “Prince of Preachers.” By his early 20′s he was regularly preaching to crowds of several thousand and his sermons are still read widely today. He obviously had a very special gifting and calling from God.

However what he was really like in private? What was his prayer life like? What was his attitude towards the Bible? Peter Morden in this very readable biography endeavours to answer these questions as he seems to reveal the real Spurgeon to us.

The book contains twelve chapters in which the author looks at different aspects of Spurgeon’s life. Each chapter ends with sections entitled “Digging Deeper” and “Engage” in which we are challenged to see what we can learn about Spurgeon’s life and how God may be speaking to us through this famous preacher.

If you are looking for a book that covers Spurgeon’s life and ministry in great depth then this book is not for you. However if you want to really know what Spurgeon was like and if you believe there are lessons that you can learn from Spurgeon’s life and are prepared to think through the issues raised in each section then this book is certainly for you.

The author recommends that you have a notebook with you and take notes as you read each chapter. I would recommend this too. Also I would suggest that you read one chapter a day of the book rather than read it straight through as that will help you gain more from it.

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Scandalous

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Scandalous written by D A Carson is a book about the cross and resurrection of Jesus. On the back cover of the book the author says that the death and resurrection of Jesus is the most central thing in the Bible and it is important for us to know what these events mean.

The book is based on a series of five sermons that were preached by the author and cover the following:

  • The Ironies of the Cross (Matthew 27:27-51a)
  • The Center of the Whole Bible (Romans 3:21-26)
  • The Strange Triumph of a Slaughtered Lamb (Revelation 12)
  • A Miracle Full of Surprises (John 11:1-53)
  • Doubting the Resurrection of Jesus (John 20:24-31)

As D A Carson looks at each subject he brings out fresh and exciting thoughts from the texts which helps the reader really understand afresh the importance and significance of these events. The early followers of Jesus had their lives turned upside side by the death and resurrection of Christ and we too need to experience that not only this Easter but everyday.

The book is only 168 pages long so it can be read over a weekend and is very easy to read. I thoroughly recommend it!

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Trials of Biblical Studies

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The trials of Biblical Studies is a chapter in a book called “The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business.”

This chapter is written by D A Carson and in it he looks at the following five areas that students in biblical studies must address:

  • Four forms of integration 
  • Polar temptations re: work
  • Five facets of pride
  • Pressures to manipulate Scripture
  • Three priorities

Andy Naselli  has written some bullet points on each heading. I particularly was interested in the comment that Andy makes that we should not separate technical and devotional Bible study.  I myself am currently studying a theology course, by distance learning, and I think I need to bear that in mind.

The whole chapter can be read online – The trials of Biblical Studies.

The Shaming of the Strong by Sarah Williams

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Thanks to my wife Carole for the following book review on The Shaming of the Strong by Sarah Williams.

This is a challenging book which looks at how one family deals with the awful knowledge that their longed for third child is severely deformed and unlikely to survive beyond birth.

Sarah and Paul Williams are initially delighted to discover that they are expecting another child. However, at the 20 week scan, their joy turns to sorrow when the baby is found to have a lethal skeletal deformity. Sarah is then faced with the heartbreaking choice of having an abortion or continuing with a difficult and at times painful pregnancy knowing that her child is severely deformed and likely to be stillborn. With her husband Paul they reach a decision – which some will no doubt disagree with. The rest of the book deals with the effect that this decision has on them, their family and friends and indeed members of the medical profession who they come into contact with.

This is a book which asks all of us to consider how we respond to the most vulnerable members of our society and to what lengths we might be prepared to go to protect those who cannot look after themselves. Ultimately the book suggests that in caring for the weak we can ourselves become stronger.

Marking Time by Nick Baines

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If you are thinking of doing some extra Bible study, prayer and reflection during Lent and you are not sure what to do then Nick Baines’ book looking at the Gospel of Mark is one to consider. The book has 47 reflections for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Each day consists of a passage from Mark, some thoughts from the author and a closing prayer. On each Saturday there are some personal reflections and also some questions for group discussion.

The studies are divided into seven sections: Beginnings, Callings, Healings, Teachings, Happenings, Friends and Enemies and finally Endings and Beginnings as you journey through Mark’s Gospel. I’ve used this book myself and would recommend that you consider it if you have not yet decided what to read during Lent.

From Medicine to Miracle by Dr Mary Self and Rod Chaytor

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Thanks to my wife Carole who has written the following review on ”From Medicine to Miracle by Dr Mary Self and Rod Chaytor.”

I first came across this book in an article “How do we pray for the sick?”, Woman Alive (Jan 2010).

This is a well written and uplifting book that seeks to honestly recount, warts and all, the story of Dr Self’s battle with cancer. It deals with the highs and lows of her long and at times painful journey to overcome the disease.

The story begins with her losing a leg at age 17. Then, some 17 years later aged 34, she is again forced to confront her worst fears when the disease cruelly returns. The book deals with the impact this has on her faith and those closest to her.

It is honestly written and is not afraid to ask why God would allow this to happen. However, sensibly the book does not attempt to address the question of why God may appear to choose to heal some people but not others. It is certainly well worth reading if you are a fan of the biographical/human interest genre of writing.

The One Year Devotions for Men by Stuart Briscoe

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During 2009 I have been working my way through Stuart Briscoe’s “One Year Devotions” for Men. The book is specifically aimed at men and especially those who have a busy life and find difficulty in fitting in regular Bible reading.

There are 365 daily readings – one for every day of the year in the book. Each day consists of a passage from the Scriptures from which the author will pick a key verse. He will make some points on that verse and passage in general and then build the theme from the day around it. The final paragraph normally includes either a challenge to reflect on or a word of encouragement.

There are many devotional books that one can choose to use but I personally have found it very helpful and if you have not yet decided upon a Bible reading plan for 2010 or you find it difficult to fit in regular Bible reading then this could be the book for you. And of course you can start any day of the year you wish and work your way through it. You don’t have to wait until 1 January!