Maurice Roberts

Excellent collection of articles written by longtime Banner of Truth Magazine editor Maurice Roberts. The book is divided up into five major sections titled God, fellowship with Christ, a Christian’s walk, life together, and the glory to come. His writing is vivid and fresh and there is no lack of edifying biblical content in each section. I read each morning as a devotional and it proved to be both challenging and beneficial.

One chapter on the interpretation of providence in history was fascinating. Roberts reveals how our thoughts about God determine our interpretation of the world around us. He cites 1 Kings 18:17-18 where Ahab and Elijah arrive at differing positions based on their own theological grid. Ahab blamed Elijah for God’s judgment and Elijah viewed Ahab’s idolatry as the cause of a 3 year long drought in the land. “It is a notable case of two opposing interpretations of providence,” says Roberts (33). Later on he adds, “the way we interpret providence will determine the way we evaluate history” (39).

The sections on fellowship with Christ and the Christian’s walk are also terrific. Chapters on the management of our pride, redeeming the tongue, a dose of moral courage, and character formation and worship in the home were really good.… (mer)

This short booklet is a good evangelistic tool but I would not recommend it for those who know nothing about the Christian faith. It assumes a basic knowledge. I felt that there was not enough emphasis on God's sovereignty and choice in electing people to be saved but on the positive side there is a clear call to repentance to all the unsaved. I particularly liked the last section which speaks about heaven and hell and how we are foolish if we don't consider these things now and just live for this life. The author is very direct in places and some readers will be offended but that is the nature of the Gospel message.

Recommended for serious seekers of the truth or for use as an evangelistic tool.… (mer)