This book does not simply call the faithful back to church attendance; much more is at stake. The concern is that society and the church are in danger of losing touch with the true God of the Bible. In a word, it is a book about modern-day idolatry.
The causes, consequences and cures of this are developed under each chapter heading. The points made are based on key passages in the Old and New Testaments.
This is not an apologetics book, presenting the case for belief in the God of the Bible. Rather, it is assumed that God is who he is: the one uniquely revealed to Israel and the apostles.
Such warnings as Isaiah and Ezekiel gave Israel are shown to be just as applicable to the modern-day church and society, if we (like Israel) proudly turn our backs on God. Graphic examples are given.
Isaiah’s great ‘comfort’ chapter (Isaiah 40) is used to warn readers to be on guard against the modern inclination to seek personal experiences of God, simply in order to affirm ourselves and pander to what we perceive our needs to be.
True affirmation and consolation for mankind are shown to be the result of honouring God as our creator and sustainer. This is not to say that personal experiences and needs are ignored.
The chapter on the Holy Spirit is a delightful chapter, depicting the work of the Spirit in believers in a personal and intimate way. His ministry is always to enlighten, empower and motivate us to gratefully serve and obey God in our daily walk with him.
The book has a couple of good evangelistic chapters, delving into what saving faith entails (over against a vague, mystical faith). The challenging tension between man’s responsibility and divine sovereignty is touched on without diminishing either.
The final chapters deal skilfully with the fact of the second coming of Jesus and the need to fix our eyes on the ‘other wordliness’ of faith, just as our forefathers did (Hebrews 11).
Grahame Wray
Leeds
