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The Kingdom of God is one of the central topics of New Testament teaching; nevertheless there is considerable disagreement about its interpretation. In this study, focussing on the Lord's teaching in the Synoptic Gospels, with Daniel as a background and the Acts and the Epistles as an extension, the writer examines important issues such as the nature and values of the Kingdom; the relationship between its present apparent imperfection and future visible glory; between Israel, the Kingdom and the Church; the action of God in establishing it, and the corresponding responsibilities laid on believers. The writer constantly stresses the necessity that the doctrine of the Kingdom work out in the practice of discipleship, and in living expectation of the Lord's return. "Seek ye first..." ends in "Occupy till I come". The primary purpose of the book is teaching, (and the indexes will help in using it for study and reference), but it constantly reverts to devotional reflections on the beauty of the Lord.

"That pen is made of gold which writes of Him; the ministry which has the all-sufficiency of the Lord Jesus Christ, whether as Saviour, Lord, or Head of His body, for its primary theme is assuredly the ministry of the Spirit of God." John Wilson Smith (1842-1922) of Cumledge, Scotland, regularly contributed articles and poems to Scripture Truth magazine from its commencement in 1909 until shortly before his death. Soon after conversion in his late teens, leaving an army career, he devoted himself to evangelism - that others might know and love Christ as he did. Of private means, associated with such as John Nelson Darby, he preached and taught at home and abroad, marrying his wife at Niagara on a visit to Canada. "He writes, not worn-out platitudes, nor of untried theories, but of a Person, well-known, out of the fullness of a heart that finds its joy in the Lord.""Yes, the servants of the Lord come and go; the ruthless hand of time changes everything beneath the sun; the world itself grows old, but Christ abides; and He is sufficient for all the vast needs of His saints on earth until He comes again; and then shall He still abide, the all-satisfying and eternally glorious object of the heart of His church-the Lamb's wife. And this I know well is the present joy and certain hope of the author." [J T Mawson (from the Foreword)]

In this compendium of Bible Talks, F B Hole sets out the great themes of the Christian faith. As he says in his preface, "The Scriptures themselves speak of the 'great salvation', which has reached us through the Gospel. We, who have experienced the saving grace of God, know something of its greatness, but it is only as we search the Scriptures and investigate its details that the magnitude of what God has brought to pass begins to dawn upon us." With this in view, he sets out to examine systematically the main aspects of salvation, bearing in mind all the time that each is but one part of a great whole. "They are considered separately in order that we may gain a fuller understanding of each part, and thereby more fully understand the whole." Having established a rounded view of what God has done, he then continues with an exposition of the Biblical basis for living the Christian life, covering issues in the Christian's personal relationship with God, and with other Christians. The approach is unashamedly dispensational: "A knowledge of 'dispensational truth', as it is often termed, is indispensable for the intelligent reading of the Bible.Yet many Christians seem to have hardly given it a thought." Through exposition and a series of questions and answers in each chapter, the author seeks to lead the reader's thoughts to a deeper appreciation of God's past, present and future activity.

"I think I have heard the name before," said a young girl the other day. Would that have been your reply, if asked what you knew about Jesus? Or perhaps you've heard the name as a swear word; or, maybe you think Jesus did not exist (though featuring in Roman history). What did Jesus do and say? And how do the various accounts fit together? Ruth Keable has two teenage daughters and has told them about the life of Jesus from an early age. She has also spent many years working on the staff of Christian summer youth camps, where she has listened to many questions about Jesus from young people and provided considered and comprehensible answers. Now she has brought these answers together in sequence in a readable new retelling of the enthralling life of Jesus. The book is intended to give young teenagers a first insight into the life of Jesus. It is Ruth's hope that it will inspire them to move on to study the whole narrative in the Bible for themselves.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume is a chapter by chapter study of each of the four Gospels and the book of Acts.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume contains expositions of Romans and the two epistles to the Corinthians. It is a concise yet comprehensive, practical and challenging, yet thoroughly doctrinally grounded, review of these key writings of the New Testament.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume deals with the epistles from Galatians to Philemon inclusive.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume contains a succinct and lucid study of the later books of the New Testament.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume is a chapter by chapter study of each of the four Gospels and the book of Acts.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume contains expositions of Romans and the two epistles to the Corinthians. It is a concise yet comprehensive, practical and challenging, yet thoroughly doctrinally grounded, review of these key writings of the New Testament.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume deals with the epistles from Galatians to Philemon inclusive.

Frank Binford Hole (1874-1964), evangelist, teacher, author, editor and publisher, played a significant role, during the first half of the twentieth century, in the dissemination of dispensational Bible teaching popularised by such as John Nelson Darby and William Kelly in the late nineteenth century. Whether speaking or writing, he was noted for his clarity of expression and apt illustrations. For many years he edited and contributed to two periodicals: "Edification" and later "Scripture Truth". Between 1928 and 1947 he wrote a series of articles in each of which he worked systematically, chapter by chapter, through a book in the New Testament. These have been collected into four volumes: The Gospels and Acts, Romans and Corinthians, Galatians to Philemon and Hebrews to Revelation, to create a substantial commentary covering the whole of the New Testament. Today, in the twenty-first century, they provide as valuable an aid to interpreting and applying New Testament principles as when they were first written. In his clear pithy style, the writer lays bare the heart of the teaching of the New Testament.Difficulties in interpretation are not avoided, nor the need to examine the practical response which understanding truth requires. This volume contains a succinct and lucid study of the later books of the New Testament.

William Kelly (1821-1906) was an outstanding classical scholar in his generation, preacher, teacher, editor of several influential religious magazines and of John Nelson Darby's "Collected Writings", and a prolific author in his own right. He was a major figure in the late nineteenth century return to basic biblical teaching usually known as the Brethren movement, often seen as the cradle of dispensationalism. A Canadian contemporary described him as "second only to Mr Darby in knowledge of the Truth, and first in ability to state the Truth clearly". A frequent lecturer, he subsequently revised and published many of his lectures in book form. His familiarity with the original languages of the Bible led to well-researched expositions of both Old and New Testament books, which were widely read and highly regarded by Christians in his own time, and still today. With a genius for exposition, he combines scholarship and spirituality so that his readers gain a real sense of his unrestrained love for the Lord of whom the inspired pages of scripture speak.This book considers six aspects of the Church of God: formed as the body of Christ; accepting the direction of the Holy Spirit; responsible to Jesus as Lord; engaged in worship, remembrance and prayer; using gifts; and receiving practical resources daily in faith. Accepting the absolute authority of the Word of God, he opens up what the Bible has to say on each of these topics. Getting to the heart of the matter, in a logical way, he challenges every Christian to consider the practical implications for their communion and conduct as members of the Church of God.

William Kelly (1821-1906) was an outstanding classical scholar in his generation, preacher, teacher, editor of several influential religious magazines and of John Nelson Darby's "Collected Writings", and a prolific author in his own right. He was a major figure in the late nineteenth century return to basic biblical teaching usually known as the Brethren movement, often seen as the cradle of dispensationalism. A Canadian contemporary described him as "second only to Mr Darby in knowledge of the Truth, and first in ability to state the Truth clearly". A frequent lecturer, he subsequently revised and published many of his lectures in book form. His familiarity with the original languages of the Bible led to well-researched expositions of both Old and New Testament books, which were widely read and highly regarded by Christians in his own time, and still today. With a genius for exposition, he combines scholarship and spirituality so that his readers gain a real sense of his unrestrained love for the Lord of whom the inspired pages of scripture speak. This book exhibits with unanswerable faith and proof the perfection of Divine revelation.It considers the great subject of the Inspiration of the Bible under the main headings of Divine Authority, Apostolic Doctrine, Its Uniformity, The Human Element and Divine Design. The latter topic, which occupies the major part of the book, consists of an introduction to each book of the Bible in turn, demonstrating the evidence of its inspiration, and relating it to the inspired themes of the whole. The author's purpose in writing the book was to present "the positive proofs that God speaks in it (the Bible) to every conscience and heart, more particularly of Israel in the Old Testament, and of the Christian in the New". He shows us that "one directing Author presides over each several part, imparting a special character to it, and at the same time causing all to contribute to the common purpose of revealing His counsels of glory and His ways of grace, while fully making known the weakness or the wickedness of the creature in resisting His will and doing its own." William Kelly's desire was that this work should be of help to "the spiritual understanding of all who value the Bible from beginning to end."

This new third edition of William Kelly's outstanding 1898 work includes all of E.E.Whitfield's 1908 second edition notes plus revised indexes and additional appendices. What are the exact words of the original Greek text of the Gospel of John? What do they mean? What is its purpose? What is its significance for us today? William Kelly (1821-1906) examines these questions in a commentary combining scholarly exegesis and analysis with devotional intensity. Edward Elihu Whitfield's additional notes address, in an equally robust manner, theologians' criticisms of the Gospel of John itself during the ten years after Mr Kelly's book was first written. "Mr Kelly's careful expositions are outstandingly weighty in the true spiritual sense. Let any reader give careful attention to his Exposition of the Gospel of John and this point must be agreed. Here is profound and profitable exploration of Scripture, yet still leaving the awareness that there are exhaustless depths yet untapped. Such ministry gains rather than loses from its system and orderliness, which is no more nor less than that of Scripture itself. Here is real living contact with the Word of God" (Colin Curry, Scripture Truth).

Charles Harold Mawson, known as "Charlie", was born in Bradford in 1898. The family settled in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, and as a young man he took up employment in a bank. Around that time, he began to keep a diary, and the entries are notable for the honesty with which he muses on his desire to be a totally committed follower of Jesus Christ. However, following the passing of the Military Service Act in early 1916, on October 25th of that year he was called up for military service in the 2nd Life Guards, and was assigned to the Household Battalion. Diary entries ceased, but letters home (always liable to be censored) began. From the extracts from his letters it is clear that the aspirations expressed in his diary entries were fulfilled in his experiences at the infantry training camp in Windsor, where he took every opportunity presented, informally and in Christian services, to talk about His Saviour. But how would he fare when sent overseas to "France" (more accurately, Flanders, in Belgium)? He was only there for some 4 months, but his letters home reveal how faith can be triumphantly joyful in the most dangerous of circumstances. He is truly inspirational.He was taking part in an action at Poelcappelle, near Ypres, on October 12th, 1917, in the First Battle of Passchendaele, when a shell exploded nearby and he went to be for ever with his Lord and Saviour, no longer to be found on earth.He was 19 years and 8 months old. The effect of his life on his comrades in arms is well evidenced by the letters which they wrote to share memories of him with his family. His name is recorded on Panel 3 of the Tyne Cote Memorial to the Missing in Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium; but, as he himself said of other believers, "How splendid to leave the army with a record in the Lamb's Book of Life." The extracts from his diary and letters home form a fitting memorial: on reading them, the Bishop of Durham could write, "I bless God for this splendid young life, filled and used, first in peace, then in the fiery crucible of soldier-life, not by any vague 'new thought', nor worship of mere manhood, but by the old and unchangeable Gospel of the Grace of God in Christ" [Handley Moule, (May, 1918)].100 years have passed since that day in October 1917 and his story remains a challenge to us all: in these more settled days, do we face our problems with the same uncompromisingly cheerful faith as Charlie faced his?

William Kelly (1821-1906) was an outstanding classical scholar in his generation, preacher, teacher, editor of several influential religious magazines and of John Nelson Darby's "Collected Writings", and a prolific author in his own right. He was a major figure in the late nineteenth century return to basic biblical teaching usually known as the Brethren movement, often seen as the cradle of dispensationalism. A Canadian contemporary described him as "second only to Mr Darby in knowledge of the Truth, and first in ability to state the Truth clearly". A frequent lecturer, he subsequently revised and published many of his lectures in book form. His familiarity with the original languages of the Bible led to well-researched expositions of both Old and New Testament books, which were widely read and highly regarded by Christians in his own time, and still today. With a genius for exposition, he combines scholarship and spirituality so that his readers gain a real sense of his unrestrained love for the Lord of whom the inspired pages of scripture speak.This book considers six aspects of the Church of God: formed as the body of Christ; accepting the direction of the Holy Spirit; responsible to Jesus as Lord; engaged in worship, remembrance and prayer; using gifts; and receiving practical resources daily in faith. Accepting the absolute authority of the Word of God, he opens up what the Bible has to say on each of these topics. Getting to the heart of the matter, in a logical way, he challenges every Christian to consider the practical implications for their communion and conduct as members of the Church of God.

William Kelly (1821-1906) was an outstanding classical scholar in his generation, preacher, teacher, editor of several influential religious magazines and of John Nelson Darby's "Collected Writings", and a prolific author in his own right. He was a major figure in the late nineteenth century return to basic biblical teaching usually known as the Brethren movement, often seen as the cradle of dispensationalism. A Canadian contemporary described him as "second only to Mr Darby in knowledge of the Truth, and first in ability to state the Truth clearly". A frequent lecturer, he subsequently revised and published many of his lectures in book form. His familiarity with the original languages of the Bible led to well-researched expositions of both Old and New Testament books, which were widely read and highly regarded by Christians in his own time, and still today. With a genius for exposition, he combines scholarship and spirituality so that his readers gain a real sense of his unrestrained love for the Lord of whom the inspired pages of scripture speak. This book exhibits with unanswerable faith and proof the perfection of Divine revelation.It considers the great subject of the Inspiration of the Bible under the main headings of Divine Authority, Apostolic Doctrine, Its Uniformity, The Human Element and Divine Design. The latter topic, which occupies the major part of the book, consists of an introduction to each book of the Bible in turn, demonstrating the evidence of its inspiration, and relating it to the inspired themes of the whole. The author's purpose in writing the book was to present "the positive proofs that God speaks in it (the Bible) to every conscience and heart, more particularly of Israel in the Old Testament, and of the Christian in the New". He shows us that "one directing Author presides over each several part, imparting a special character to it, and at the same time causing all to contribute to the common purpose of revealing His counsels of glory and His ways of grace, while fully making known the weakness or the wickedness of the creature in resisting His will and doing its own." William Kelly's desire was that this work should be of help to "the spiritual understanding of all who value the Bible from beginning to end."

Glenn Baxter (1943-2010) spent his working life as an accountant. He became a Christian at the age of eight, and grew up to be an outstanding evangelist, pastor and teacher, with a special gift of challenging ministry for young people. At home in Southport he worked tirelessly with young and old in the activities of the Christians with whom he met, and his ministry extended beyond local Bible studies to camps, houseparties and conferences within the United Kingdom. In recent years, as its chairman, he wisely guided the activities of Scripture Truth Publications, and he was a regular broadcaster on the Truth for Today radio programme. This book contains edited transcripts of all Glenn's radio broadcasts. They cover a wide variety of topics including Old Testament character studies, key Christian teachings, and studies in New Testament books. With the needs of young Christians to the fore in each case, the emphasis is on clarity of exposition and challenge in application. Read, enjoy and share Glenn's delight in "what a God we Christians have!"

Frederick Albert Hughes (1890-1988) was well known among the brethren as a man of God who cared deeply for the honour of the Lord Jesus and the preciousness of the saints. His writings reflect his heart for God and His people. In this book he expounds the importance, relevance, meaning and infinite privilege and joy of observing the Lord's Supper.On the very eve of His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion the Lord Jesus gathered His disciples round Him, and after the Passover Supper He inaugurated this simple memorial of Himself.In the Bread and the Cup He signified that He was about to give Himself - His body and His blood - for us. Then He added, "This do in remembrance of Me"; so challenging the hearts of all the redeemed to obey and respond to such supreme devotion and love.It is sad to record that the import and appeal of our Lord's institution appear largely to have been lost in ritual and formality within Christendom. Many take it as a means of grace for sinners, whereas the Lord's Supper is a simple memorial to believers of the One who died for them.In a day when spiritual truths are being despised or neglected as never before it is necessary to remind all true-hearted Christians of the supreme virtue and recompense in remembering our Lord in obedience to His request. As the Lord Jesus manifests Himself in the breaking of bread we may experience the joy of heart-felt response to the One who gave all for us, and of true worship to the Father whom He came to declare.

The Kingdom of God is one of the central topics of New Testament teaching; nevertheless there is considerable disagreement about its interpretation. In this study, focussing on the Lord's teaching in the Synoptic Gospels, with Daniel as a background and the Acts and the Epistles as an extension, the writer examines important issues such as the nature and values of the Kingdom; the relationship between its present apparent imperfection and future visible glory; between Israel, the Kingdom and the Church; the action of God in establishing it, and the corresponding responsibilities laid on believers. The writer constantly stresses the necessity that the doctrine of the Kingdom work out in the practice of discipleship, and in living expectation of the Lord's return. "Seek ye first..." ends in "Occupy till I come". The primary purpose of the book is teaching, (and the indexes will help in using it for study and reference), but it constantly reverts to devotional reflections on the beauty of the Lord.

Amongst Israel's enemies at the time recorded in the book of Judges were the peoples of Mesopotamia, Moab, Canaan, Midian and Philistia. Each had a bad influence on Israel in a distinct way; each seemed unbeatable; and yet each was capable of being defeated. This book is for Christians who desire to live for Christ, and know they have the power of the Holy Spirit for this very purpose, and yet somehow always find themselves defeated. The author identifies five enemies of the Christian: the World, the Flesh, the Devil, Earthly Things and Carnal Religion. Taking each as illustrated by a particular enemy of Israel, he examines the nature of their opposition and shows how the Christian can overcome each one. A practical guide to 'How to Overcome'.

John Thomas Mawson (1871-1943) was an outstanding evangelist, teacher and author. He edited and contributed to "Scripture Truth" magazine from its inception in 1909 until 1943 (initially sharing the editorship with H D R Jameson, until the latter's death in 1912). The content of some of his books was originally delivered in series of talks to Christians, young and old, and his writings have a pleasant conversational style about them which makes them easy to follow. His comment on the story of Elisha as "enlightening to the mind and delightful to the heart" describes well his own written ministry. This book considers the life of Elisha, a remarkable prophet: of all the men who served God in Old Testament days, he stands out as the prophet of grace, and in that he was a foreshadow of the Lord Jesus Christ in His present place on the throne of grace in heaven, the Administrator of the grace of God to men. Only a shadow, and not the very image of Him, and as the shadow is nothing and the Substance is everything, so Elisha is nothing, except as his thrilling story does pictorially set before us the all-sufficient grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.And that is something, and well worthy of our study, for who can do without the Saviour and His grace? The procession of needy folk with their burdens and ills and problems and sorrows pass before Elisha in its pages. We watch them as they come and go, and recognise our own spiritual needs portrayed in them; but as Elisha was the man for them all, so is his great Antitype the Man for us. It is of Him the author writes, joyfully, thankfully, and with a full assurance. The author uses scenes from Elisha's experience to meditate on the later, and perfect, life of Jesus Christ, as he develops his theme of "the secret of spiritual victory, peace and joy".

John Weston has spent many years leading tours of Biblical sites in the Middle East. Now he has brought together a series of meditations, first on the Isle of Patmos, and then on each of the seven churches in present-day Turkey which are mentioned in the early chapters of the book of Revelation in the Bible. With his attractive, alliterative style, the author transports the reader to the place where the Apostle John saw his apocalyptic vision of Jesus Christ. What was it like? What were the themes which were unfolded to him? Reading the first chapter, one could almost be sitting in the Apostle's cave on the Isle of Patmos as the tour guide sets the scene! At appropriate points the explanation is reinforced with a familiar (or unfamiliar) hymn. John, in his vision, received dictated letters for seven first-century churches in cities of the country which is now Turkey. The author leads the reader to each church in turn and the significance of the correspondence it received is reviewed from historical, prophetic and topical points of view. Strong arguments are advanced for the continuing relevance of these letters to churches and individual Christians today.The tour ends with a grand review of each place visited and the comparative lessons to be learned. So is the book simply a tour guide? As preparation for, a souvenir of, or a virtual replacement for a tour of Patmos and the Seven Churches, this book is ideal. But it is much more than that. As an easy-to-read meditation on the early chapters of the book of Revelation, considered within the framework of the prophetic and practical teachings of the rest of the Old and New Testaments, it is a valuable aid to those who really want to know the relevance of Revelation for the twenty-first century Christian.

People have all sorts of ideas about what the future holds. What is the truth about what lies ahead? The Bible records that Jesus said He would return. Is that true? and, if so, what are the consequences - for the Christian and the world? In a series of Bible studies the author explores these and related issues: considering relevant questions, to which he discovers convincing answers. Importantly, he shows that the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ will be in two stages - the coming for His saints (the Rapture) and with them (the Appearing). In the light of these, we each need to face the challenge, "Am I waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ?"

Hamilton Smith (1862-1943), born in Barnes, Surrey, the son of a sea captain, was employed in the office of his uncle's building firm, where he was later joined by his cousin F B Hole. By 1901, married and living in Sutton, Surrey, with his wife and young family, he had retired from the building trade and entered full-time upon the task of building up the church of God. Later in life, he moved to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, his wife Rachel's home county. His personal ministry was delivered in the United Kingdom, but his written ministry continues to be read worldwide. Along with H P Barker, A J Pollock, J T Mawson and F B Hole he frequently contributed articles to "Scripture Truth" magazine, which often provided the basis for books later published by the Central Bible Truth Depot. Hamilton Smith's written expositions of the Scriptures are brief, clear and very much to the point. This volume is one of a series of Old Testament character studies for which he is probably best known. It traces the major events of the life of Elijah, with all the highs and lows in his work as a prophet. He knew only too well the inadequacies of his own humanity.But Elijah knew the living God, was conscious of His presence, and was aware that prayer brought him into contact with the greatest power in the universe. By experience, he comes to understand that the God of creation, power and judgment, is supremely the God of grace. At each step, the author presents clear, practical lessons for Christians today as they too seek to present God's word with authority to an indifferent or antgonistic world.