Numbers in the Bible by Robert D Johnston; published by, and available from, John Ritchie Ltd; price £5.99.
Numbers in the Bible is one of a number of previously-out-of-print books that John Ritchie is publishing at very affordable prices in its Classic Reprint Series. As with other titles in the series, several generations of Christians may have been aware of, but never have opportunity to read, Numbers in the Bible. The Classic Reprint Series offers an opportunity to consider some works that made an impression on many who loved the Word of God.
The reviewer welcomes the reprinting of the works now available in the Classic Reprint Series. He is conscious, however, that without the date of publication of the original volume and a brief biography of the writers, young and not-so-young readers cannot place the writer in the correct period of history, continent or ecclesiastical and doctrinal context. Within any one volume one or more authorities may be cited, again without a footnote the reader may not grasp the full significance of the citation. In Numbers in the Bible Charles E Stokes, Cumming, Dr Brookes, Hastings, Dr A T Pierson, Dr Cunningham Geikie and Andrew Jukes are quoted, most of whom will not be known to a reading public. Other secular figures like Carlyle, Webster, Hume and Gibbon may be recognised.
Wisely the author has devoted one third of the volume’s 120 pages to the origin, durability and authority of the Scriptures. The main thrust of the work comprises studies in the Scriptures’ use of the integers 1-12 and 40 (but not 13!). The author’s illustrations of their use also illustrates the value of having studied and memorised passages of the Word of God. He finds not only groups of seven but also of nine persons stoned and of eleven cities and eleven rulers offended by the truth. In the reviewer’s judgment the weakest feature is the lack of focus on how the author arrived at the conclusion that the integer 12 "is the numeral of manifest sovereignity". Equally, attention is drawn to 7=4+3 and 6=2x3, but no explanation is given of importance to be attached to the functions + and x. Nonetheless, the reader will find profit in Numbers in the Bible.
TW
Walking With God by E A Johnston; published by Gospel Folio Press; available from John Ritchie Ltd; 95 pages; price £6.99.
The aim of the author is to remind us that to walk with God is the believer’s privilege. In the Foreword Ted S Rendall states, "God not only reconciles us to Himself but He invites us to walk with Him in friendship and fellowship".
In the Introduction it is pointed out that men such as Luther, Knox, Wesley, Whitefield, Finney, and Moody shared a common denominator – a close personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Their walk with God was like Enoch’s, of whom it is written, "And Enoch walked with God" (Gen 5.24). The author writes, "God is waiting for each of us to draw near to Him so He can draw closer to us".
Walking With God is divided into two main sections. Part One: Enoch Our Example. Part Two: Enoch Our Model. The first part is sub-divided into the following five chapters: An Extraordinary Life; Biblical Examples to Follow; Historical Examples to Follow; Walking with God – The Benefits; Walking with God – The Conditions.
In the chapter titled "Historical Examples to Follow" various believers down through the centuries are considered. One example is David Brainerd who died at the age of 29 and whose diary is full of entries that show just how close a walk he experienced with his Lord. A fervent and fairly lengthy entry is quoted which you can enjoy when you purchase Walking With God.
Part Two: Enoch Our Model is sub-divided into the following chapters: Why We Should Walk with God; They Walked with God; How to Walk with God; Walking with God in Light and Power; Entering His Presence; The Walk of Joy.
An Afterword entitled "Waiting on God" is followed by an Appendix that warns of hindrances to Walking With God such as pride, self-righteousness, lack of time spent in the Word of God, lack of prayer, unforgiveness toward another, a habitual sin, and greed.
The final relevant appeal of the author in this challenging book is "Remove obstacles! That is what God wants!"
AC
