BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘A Time to Mourn’, Will Dobbie (2024)
This is a much-needed, balanced and comforting book which will be well-used by Christians. We encounter the regular, challenging experience of the death of a relative, friend or acquaintance when we may not be sure whether they are believers or not. Will Dobbie, a former soldier now pastor, draws both on his own experience and more importantly on God’s nature to offer us a deft and comprehensive treatment of this important and sensitive subject.
The book provides us with a valuable resource, filling an inexplicable gap in the Christian publishing world as this is such an obvious topic for discussion and support. We know that the gospel divides; there will be always those who know Jesus and those who don’t. But in the face of death this truth becomes more real, acute and stark. Dobbie really helps us face these difficult times by focusing on who God is and does so in a comforting yet uncompromising manner. God, after all, is the one who cares and grieves. He is also the one who knows, judges and heals. It is the glory of God that ultimately matters for the Christian in all the varying circumstances of life. The final chapter draws together the main strands of the book to offer the reader vital applications and real encouragements at a time of loss. I thoroughly recommend this book.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications.
Gari Lewis, Tabernacle Welsh Baptist, Llwynhendy
It isn’t often that we have reviews come in for two very similar books, but it so happens that we have also received a review of Guy Prentiss Waters’ ‘Facing the Last Enemy’ (2023, Ligonier).
Our reviewer, Fiona Talbot, reflects:
“It is soundly based on Scripture… [but] I struggled with his style of writing in this section; I found it impersonal, unemotional and at times pretty unsympathetic to the reality of human pain and suffering… Throughout the book the author continually points to our gospel hope in Christ, and this for me was its redeeming feature.”
This book is available from Mound Books.
‘Made for Friendship’, Drew Hunter (2018)
When I was recently asked to speak at a conference on ‘Bringing Hope – Friendship in a Fractured World,’ I looked around for books on the theology of friendship. I found 1-2 but was disappointed with what I found. One of the books referred to ‘Made for Friendship’ by Drew Hunter and once I’d bought it, I simply couldn’t put it down. It is readable, enjoyable but also full of rich deep theology about all that the Bible has to say about friendship. Drew Hunter splits the book into three sections: The Necessity of Friendship, The Gift of Friendship and The Redemption of Friendship.
In the first section, Drew Hunter builds the foundation of how friendship is a forgotten and despised concept both in society and even in the church. He helpfully defines friendship and goes on to show how needful it is if we want to live life in all its fullness. In the second section of the book Hunter helps us to see the beautiful gift of friendship. As the 19th century Anglican JC Ryle says: ‘This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendships halves our troubles and doubles our joys.’ The third and last section of the book helpfully gives us a theology of friendship and helps us to see ‘The Great Friend’. I was greatly impacted by a deeper understanding of what Jesus said in John 15:15: ‘No longer do I call your servants…I call you friends.’
‘Made for Friendship’ warmed my soul, encouraged me to lean deeper into friendships and helped me to see that the Bible is full of rich theology around friendship. It helped me to see Jesus as the ultimate friend and the importance of cultivating my relationship with the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18: 24).
This book is available from 10ofthose.com.
Andy Murray, Livingston Free Church
‘Hall of Faith: Joni Eareckson Tada’, Catherine MacKenzie (2023)
For those of us who have been following Joni’s story for years, this is such a welcome addition to the literature about her early life for a new generation. She has always been an inspiration because of her raw honesty and vibrant daily dependence on God in her constant chronic suffering. This book does not shy away from confronting the reality of her everyday life with its concomitant implications.
Her diving accident and subsequent spiritual struggles to accept paraplegia as God’s will for her life are portrayed honestly. All her emotions are on display, warts and all, especially the deep depression and bitter anger towards God which descended on her for months when she realised that she would never get back the use of her hands.
The book is well-written and easy to read and is an excellent introduction for all who are new to Joni’s story, although it is aimed primarily at young teenagers. My two ten-year- old granddaughters could read and enjoy this as well, with perhaps the only caveat being the honest discussion in one part about pre-marital intimacy.
Whatever happens in our lives, we are reminded that God is always good and that His plan for our life is always the best one, even if we can’t appreciate it at the time. Read this book and find encouragement for your life.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications
Judith Lewis, Tabernacle Welsh Baptist, Llwynhendy