Understanding Christianity – serie

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.

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.

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."

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.

To know God better is a compelling reason to study Bible themes from many different angles. The author looks at some word pictures that illustrate the great consequences of Christ's death and resurrection. His desire is that the reader might see something of Christ's wonderful character and consider what He delights in; and, as a result, have a renewed and strengthened affection for the Lord Jesus as they think about the fruit of His work. The focus of this book has been restricted to consider some of the ways in which the Lord Jesus relates to us individually, with the aim of encouraging a greater appreciation of His love to us. Whilst it is intended to be an encouragement to Christians, the author trusts that it may also be helpful to those who do not yet know the Lord Jesus in a personal way, but are curious to find out more.

In this book, the author explores forgiveness from a Biblical perspective. In doing so, he corrects a number of common misunderstandings that hinder authentic forgiveness. He wants his readers not only to receive God's great gift of forgiveness but also to forgive those who have sinned against them. He carefully leads his readers step by step away from the chains of bondage to experience the wonderful freedom which Christ has purchased for them. There is a transforming power in forgiveness! "One of the greatest problems among Christians today is bitterness and lack of forgiveness. It spreads like a poison in our communities."

"The Bible gives instances of two men being translated to heaven without dying at all; of some dead people, who were raised to life, only to die again; but we never read of a resurrected man ascending to heaven, save in the one exception of our Lord. He died, and was raised the third day, and having abundantly proved His resurrection to His doubting disciples, He ascended to glory, and set Himself down at the right hand of God. Such a claim is stupendous. Prove it, and you prove Christianity. Disprove it, and you disprove Christianity...The truth of Christianity hinges on the fact of the resurrection of our Lord. Apart from the resurrection of Christ, there can be no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, no justification, and no gift of eternal life - in short, no Christianity. Remove the central stone of an arch, and the whole structure falls to the ground. So it is with the Deity and Manhood of our Lord Jesus Christ, His spotless life, His atoning death, His resurrection, and His ascension. These are all linked up together, making one complete whole. If one part fails, the whole of Christianity fails."So wrote Algernon Pollock, that indefatigable apologist from the pulpit and in print wherever he saw the Christian faith under attack. Beginning with an overview of the Bible's detailing of the facts and consequences of Christ's resurrection, the author briefly considers Old Testament prophecies of the resurrection, before reviewing Christ's own prophecies of His death. He continues with an examination of the person, life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and their connection with His resurrection. He then considers the circumstances of the Lord's resurrection, before an extensive discussion of all the recorded appearances of the risen Christ. An examination of objections to the inspiration of the Gospel accounts is followed by a look at some theories presented in denial of the resurrection. Significant reference is made to an interesting mid-18th century study entitled "Observations on the Conversion and Apostleship of St. Paul; In a Letter to Gilbert West, Esq." by Sir George Lyttleton, later Lord Lyttleton, Baron of Frankley. Lyttleton and West set out to disprove Christianity by proving two key points of Christianity false: Lyttelton that St.Paul did not convert to Christianity, and West that Jesus never rose from the dead.However, as their researches progressed, they both became convinced of the truth of the events they sought to disprove. The author, himself convinced of the fact of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, plainly sets out his reasons in this book.

Are there strong reasons to believe? Does God really exist? What 'type' of God is that? Is the God of the Bible still active today? Is the Bible reliable? How does Jesus make God known? What is the Christian world-view? Is God really interested in what I do now? How sure can I be of spiritual reality? Why is faith so important for Christians? Is my faith real, when I occasionally struggle with doubt? This is a book for unbelievers who are seeking a dependable faith. It is also a book for believers who sometimes have genuine doubts about their own faith. It is also for Christians who are keen to give answers to honest questions from their thoughtful friends. It is written with the conviction that Christianity is a reasonable faith. Moreover, the Christian story works: it changes people for the better, it is satisfying and it gives meaning to life. Is it worth your faith?

Any Christian wanting to advance in appreciating the spiritual land open to them in the power of the Spirit, will find there are many influences to deter them. A warfare is on! The attacks are Satanic. Some are direct, others are subtle. The Christian's strength is only in the Lord Jesus Christ, but He provides armour to meet the attacks and tricks of the devil.Almost the last item in the armour available is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". It is not our sword, though Christians sometimes refer to their Bibles in that way. The Holy Spirit is the source of it, and the power for right usage of it, whether on the defensive or on the attack.We need skill in its use; we need to let it discern and shape the thoughts and intentions of our own hearts first. Peter, with a sword, was an unskilful user at it: he was more at home with nets! He lashed about with that sword: it was a poor shot! In the Lord's hands the damage done was repairable. We need training in private with the Lord, alone with the Word of God.Then we shall not make wild sweeps with texts of Scripture, but find the skill to use the Word wisely, graciously, and in a way that even the devil will have difficulty in rebutting.In this book the author presents his systematic examination of what the Word of God has to say about each of the two combatants in the spiritual war in which every Christian is engaged: the Holy Spirit and Satan, the Great Adversary. His object is twofold: to help Christians know their enemy, but supremely to enjoy in practice, through the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over Satan at the cross.As the author concludes his section on the Adversary, "Scripture throws light on these things, and it is well for us to gain what help we can from it. Not all subjects in Scripture are pleasant, but all are profitable, and for our learning."

The theme of this book is the light cast by the activities of Joshua, in possessing the land which God gave to Israel, on the present understanding and enjoyment of all that the Christian believer is brought into as a result of the death of Christ - now risen and ascended. For the Israelite nation, escape from Egypt was followed by troubled years in the wilderness before reaching Canaan, the Promised Land. But, having arrived, they were only able to take possession of those parts of it on which they could walk; and this meant warfare. Some see the Christian experience mirrored in this: a constant daily struggle, with little encouragement until the wilderness and warfare experience is ended and rest is obtained eternally in Heaven - the Father's house - the promised land.The author demonstrates clearly from Scripture that enjoyment of the Christian's eternal inheritance begins now. "To know the love of Christ is the corn and the wine, the milk and honey, the wealth and plenty of the Christian's Canaan. It is the pure delight of a day which will know no evening shade."

This book of devotional meditations looks at Old Testament passages in Psalms 23, 16 and 121, and the fourth chapter of the Song of Solomon; the letter to the Philippians; studies in Philippians chapter 4 and 2 Corinthians chapter 3; character studies from the Gospels on Mary and Martha, the Apostle John, and Mary of Bethany; and further New Testament meditations on "following Jesus", "abiding", three "one thing" statements, and "the brokenhearted". This revised edition provides improved layout, additional references for quoted Bible passages, together with source information for prose and poetry works quoted by the author.