HERE are three of the best Christian reads around. I got copies of these books through different circumstances, and each book is a different genre altogether. The bounty of the Spirit's wonderful wisdom is manifest in the pages...
A PEOPLE'S LIFE OF CHRIST
by J. Patterson Smyth
(Hodder and Stoughton)
This is a collection of reflections on the life and times of the Lord Jesus Christ; from the heavenly preparation for His First Coming to the Crucifixion and right up to the Ascension. Patterson Smyth's reflections are simple, sweet, nostalgic, poetic. I have not yet encountered any other New Testament commentator who writes with such terms of endearment as he does. Style and substance make this dead British scholar one of the most enduring and treasured authors in Christian literature. Unforgettable essays include Mr. Smyth's takes on the Apostles, i.e. "The First Disciples" and "The Twelve."
[I purchased this worn-out, second-hand book from the Pasig Capitol Community Church bargain bin. Sale was made possible through the network ministry of Roger and Naeda West. Bless their hearts for distributing such timeless classics as A People's Life of Christ.]
A HISTORY OF THE INTERPRETATION OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
by W. Ward Gasque
(Hendrickson Publishers)
Ward Gasque launched his academic career as the protege of the celebrated Bible scholar F.F. Bruce. The Canada-based Professor Gasque took great effort in analyzing the chronology and theology of essays and studies on the Books of Luke and Acts, winnowing through the writings of such heavy hitters as John Calvin, Martin Debelius, and those of the Tubingen School. Gasque isn't afraid to give strong opinion on the interpretation of certain theologians, some of whom took pride in being experts in the Lucan writings. Through careful analysis and painful research, Gasque reveals insights too didactic to ignore. He separates the men from the boys, casting the likes of John Pearson and Henry Hammond (impressive by today's academic standards) as mere second fiddles next to the relatively obscure John Lightfoot, whom the good professor deems is the true theological titan of his time. Lovers of Acts of the Apostles should buy, beg, or borrow this gem of a book.
[I thank missionary pastor Erwin Balanay for pulling out A History of the Interpretation... from his personal library and giving it to me as a belated birthday present. God bless you, dear teacher!]
TOUCHING ALL OF LIFE
by ISAGANI V. DESLATE
(UCCP-National City United Church)
United Church of Christ in the Philippines pastor Isagani Deslate rightly divides the word of truth, adding uncanny insights from everyday life and injecting juicy bits and pieces from both church history and current events. To call him the most exciting exegete on the Quezon City pulpit today may be an understatement. The book of sermons is proof of an academic mind fortified by the 'vitamins of the Spirit' and years of careful study. Emerging magna cum laude from the famous Febias College of Bible, the good-natured theologian would be assigned to shepherd the National City United Church, right in the Philippine capital, where the bulk of this book's preachings have gained entry. His congregation members--and now readers everywhere--are truly blessed by extraordinary Sunday sermons that resound with compassion, clarity, and Christian humor. The garden-variety believers can see themselves in a mirror series set up through anecdotes and antidotes: "Always for All Things," "Youth Can Make a Difference," "A Christian Parent's Legacy." There is also a delightfully practical how-to piece called "Green Church, Green Christians" and a pretty pie-in-your-face called "Portraits of a Churchgoer." Trips to Jerusalem and Holy Land stopovers blend with the realm of the mundane: "In Serving Mode" (James and John, take a bow!), "Women in Jesus' Life" (about Ruth, Rahab, Tamar, and Bathsheba) and "Sardian Syndrome" (Apocalypse then and now). Reverend Deslate instructs, inspires, encrouches, encourages, lectures, and loves. With Touching All of Life, the author succeeds in weaving together Scripture, slice of life and storytelling techniques into one charming compendium. Praise God!
[Get hold of a copy now in specialty stores like Back to the Bible, Q.C.]
