For our 500th book review, we are delighted to spotlight another homegrown Free Church author; Dayspring MacLeod. Dayspring has written a compelling addition to CFP’s ‘Hall of Faith’ series. We also have some other titles that are bound to captivate and challenge.
BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘Hall of Faith: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’, Dayspring MacLeod (2023)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Theologian/Pastor and one of the heroes of World War II. He spoke against the evils of the Nazi regime and was found to be one of those in the Resistance movement who had plotted to assassinate Hitler, he was arrested and eventually martyred. This short story of his life is simply told in this little book which is part of the ‘Hall of Faith’ series by Christian Focus Publications.
The author plots the story when Bonhoeffer was moved from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp to Schönberg where the political prisoners were held. She retells his story through the ‘conversations’ he has with the other prisoners in his room. In these conversations we learn why he thinks the way he does, what has led him to be the man he is and the things which have shaped his life. We see not only his faith in God shining through, but also his compassion for his fellow man, particularly those despised by society. We also see his struggle with pacificism, the evil of war and the evil of man.
A short easy read for anyone who just wants a little flavour of this Hero of Faith.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications
Fiona Talbot, Plockton & Kyle Free Church
‘Following Jesus in An Age of Quitters’, John D. Gillespie (2024)
This book of devotions adopts the novel idea of using Jonathan Edwards’ 1722 set of seventy Resolutions as its framework. Following on from Edwards’ set of commitments, the book offers us meaningful challenges as Christians in our daily walk with Jesus. Gillespie’s justification for this approach is that Edwards’ Resolutions illustrate his ‘holiness of heart and life’ and applying these to the 21st century should prove transformational for the Christian reader. Initially, I found that I needed to overcome my reservations about whether the resolve and utmost dedication shown by the young (18 years old!) and great 18thcentury Edwards could speak to me and other readers in present day contexts as we seek to follow Jesus. My concerns, however, were unfounded as it soon became apparent that Gillespie was adept in bringing these Resolutions alive to a modern audience. I was constantly made aware of the all-sufficient grace and mercy of our Saviour and how much I needed to depend on it. The only jarring note was the way the author referred to Jonathan Edwards in over familiar terms at times, such as Jonny. Nonetheless, this does not detract from the serious purpose of the book of presenting lessons from a committed and valuable servant of God.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications
Gari Lewis, Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Llwynhendy
‘Seeing the Unseen God’, John Davis (2023)
This book explores the seeming contradiction between Scripture telling us that no-one can see God and live, and at the same time calling us to see Him in all His glory. The author deftly examines the many strands of the subject found scattered throughout scripture and draws them together into a series of short chapters that create a clear and coherent narrative on a much-neglected area of Christian doctrine. There is a good emphasis in the latter chapters on how we see God, the need for discipline and hard work in the pursuit, and the rewards that come with it. All this is done in a conversational style that simultaneously delivers solid teaching and which therefore makes this book suitable for Christians of all ages and stages.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications
Duncan MacPherson, North Harris Free Church
‘Christ & Creed’, Nate Pickowicz
Creeds and Confessions are important historic documents which provide a summary of vital theological beliefs. They help us understand what we believe and connect us to the wider church throughout the world and in history. And yet often they are neglected today and little understood. This is where Nate Pickowicz’s book ‘Christ & Creed’ is such a helpful introduction to them. The book begins by asking the question Why do we Need Creeds? Pickowicz draws on Old Testament and New Testament examples of creeds and confessions to help us see the Biblical case for the use of Creeds.
After introducing the need for creeds, the book then introduces the reader to four of the most important ecumenical creeds – the Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon and the Athanasian Creed. In each case the wording and meaning of the creed is explored and we are invited to delight in the truths clearly communicated. Finally, the book also introduces some of the longer Protestant Confessions encouraging the reader to go and read these for themselves. The book concludes by looking at the use and benefits of creeds today – in particular for magnifying Christ, understanding the Holy Spirit and embracing the Trinity.
This book is a short and succinct introduction to Creeds and Confessions which manages to cover a lot of ground and expose us to some of the riches of our Christian heritage.
This book is available from 10ofthose
Stephen Allison, Kiltarlity Free Church