The Practice of Godliness

The Practice of Godliness

Jerry Bridges

Navpress

Available from Amazon for £6.34!

Often the best Christian books are the ones which are easy to understand but hard to put into practice. It can definately be said of this book. If you've read Bridges' "Pursuit of Holiness", this is the "how to" sequel to that best-seller and is full of practical advice on living a godly life and growing in Christian character. According to the author "This book should be more studied than read" and having read through it I understand what he means. It has been firmly placed on my "Books to read again" list and I intend to not merely read through it again but study it as Bridges suggests. I would recommend this book to all Christians and I think it would be especially helpful to read it with someone else so that you can discuss how to apply it in your life and encourage each other as you work through the practical message which Bridges brings.

"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

Light Shining Out Of Darkness

Just because I don't believe we should sing hymns as part of worship doesn't mean we can't appreciate them as great poetry. In fact I think this is possibly one of the greatest pieces of poetry I've ever come across. Enjoy.

Light Shining Out Of Darkness

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the LORD by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
GOD is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

William Cowper

Tested By Fire

Tested By Fire

John Piper

Inter-Varsity Press

£7.99



In this book Piper gives brief biographies of John Bunyan, William Cowper and David Brainerd and the fruit of the afflictions which they suffered. This book with three brief biographies is about more than gaining knowledge about the lives of other christians or reading an intriguing story. It is easily read and presents real challenges and lessons to be applied in our own lives. Suitable for all christians as it is simple to read and reinforces the crucial lesson of the link between trials and grace.

"Let go of what holds you back from full and radical service" John Piper

Available online from Amazon and Inter-Varsity Press.


P.S. Interestingly if you click on the Amazon link and scroll down, under "Product Description" it quotes from an RP minister in a certain modern, colourful publication.

P.P.S. Check out this clip from TV series ER. "I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell!" Watch the clip on Between Two Worlds.

Serving Christ: Two Must-Read Books

Here are two books I think you must read this summer and no, neither of them is the new Harry Potter novel!

Total Abandon is the inspiring biography of Gary and Bonnie Witherall a young couple who were missionaries to war-torn country of Lebanon. Bonnie was martyred at the hands of an Islamic gunman in 2002. The website is www.totalabandon.com. Secondly another book which challenged me about how I serve Christ is John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life (check out www.dontwasteyourlife.com).

Many would speak of Bonnie Witherall's death as a tragedy and in one sense they are right. She was a young missionary who was giving her life to help others and share the good news of Christ to the Muslims around her who she had seen celebrating the death of her country men on September 11. She had done nothing to deserve or provoke the attack by the terrorist. John Piper in his book however argues that the death of Christians who have given their lives to serving Christ "is not a tragedy. It is a glory. These lives were not wasted." It is a tragedy, he says, to waste the precious time on Earth that God has given us.

This made me think. What do I want to do with my life? These books challenged me to make my life count for Christ and I hope as you read them (if you haven't already read them) you'll be challenged similarly. John Piper asks "Where are the young radicals for Christ?". Total Abandon asks "Is what you're living for worth dying for?". It is easy to answer "Yes, of course my faith's worth dying for" but do we really live like it is in our day to day lives? Would you're non-christian friends and colleagues think that you would be prepared to die for your faith by how you live your life? In the Reformed Presbyterian Church are there too many who are saved but are wasting their lives? "Radical devotion" sounds like a thing to be avoided to many RPs. Many think it is just for Ministers and Missionaries. Or maybe they think it is just for those Christians who they look down on thinking "they don't have the same understanding as us". Whilst we cling dearly to our doctrines such as exclusive pslamody and non-accompanied singing (and these are good things) we need to be prepare to step outside our comfort zones and serve Christ radically.

James