After the Bible, the most helpful books to read are good Christian books. Why not invest some of your free time in reading some? Here are a couple of recommendations from the pastors …
“Christ Our Life”
If you want a richer, deep, fuller, joyful picture of Jesus, then you need to get this book (which means everyone should buy it!).
The author is Mike Reeves – president of my old college “Union” (previously WEST). The book is just over 100 pages, but it couldn’t be more filled with Christ.
The book starts with looking at eternity past. He says “If there is a God behind it all, what is He like?” The answer is Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1v1). The book ends with the second coming, the return of the King, the Lion who is a Lamb.
Throughout the book there are very short character studies from godly men and women through church history. They are a joy to read. But I want to finish the review with Mike Reeves words in the conclusion of the book:
“What do you enjoy most about the gospel? There are so many answers you could give, of course: guilt drowned in the blood of Christ; free salvation; the hope of a new creation; death defeated and all tears wiped away. All indescribably precious and all absolutely true. But the apostle Paul spoke of a deeper treasure, one which does not trivialise any of those great blessings of the gospel, but which stands above and before them as the well-spring of them all. He described his message as ‘the gospel of the glory of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 4v4). For Paul, the gospel could not be about anything else first. It could not be about forgiveness first, or justification first, for what is the point of being forgiven and justified? Not simply that we might stand forgiven and righteous in heaven. We are forgiven in order to know and enjoy Christ. Knowing Him is the only true life.”
Lloyd
“Dying Well”
Unless Christ returns first, we are all going to die.
And, as with every other part of our lives, we want to die in a way that brings glory to God, and in which we show and experience the faith, hope and love which marks those who know the Lord Jesus Christ.
But, how often do we think about, or prepare for, this essential part of living with and for Christ?
This book, by John Wyatt, is absolutely brilliant. It is biblical, wise, compassionate, practical, and beautifully written.
John Wyatt is Emeritus Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics at University College London, and is, I think, in fellowship at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London. He is President of Christian Medical Fellowship. Above all, he is clearly a godly, loving, wise Christian. So he is well equipped in many ways to write on this subject.
The back cover puts it like this:
“We need to talk about death.
Are we in danger of over-medicalizing it? Can we really see death as a time of opportunity, both for us and for our loved ones? What do we mean by resurrection hope?
The author focuses on the ‘ars moriendi’ – quite simply the art of dying well and dying faithfully. He offers clear direction, warm reassurance and rock-solid confidence in the One who has conquered death.”
Rico Tice, who wrote the forward, comments: “I actually got excited about preparing for my own death”!
I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please, please read it: it could massively transform your experience and that of your loved ones.
Tim
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