HOW TO LIVE AS A CHRISTIAN
Editor Joel Beeke
Evangelical Press. 116 pages. £5.99
ISBN 978 1 783 971 923
A collection of 36 short articles that originally appeared in The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible, this book was written by 28 different authors under the editorship of Dr Joel Beeke. The helpful articles cover many practical aspects of the Christian life, from being assured and persevering, to worship and the means of grace.
Some subjects covered are basic and obvious, such as ‘Reading the Scriptures’, ‘How and why to pray’ and ‘Fellowship with believers’. Others are perhaps less obvious or more neglected – ‘How we regard ourselves’, ‘Godly contentment’ and ‘Using leisure time well’. It was a pleasant surprise to see, alongside articles on ‘Being a Christlike spouse’ ‘Raising children’ and ‘Honouring your parents’, one on ‘Being a Christian grandparent’. The chapter on ‘How to kill pride’ is potentially redundant next to the one on ‘Humility’.
The style is concise and the best contributions make a series of numbered points. For example, seven points are made on the fear of God – respect and revere God as holy, worship him as he instructs, hate and flee from sin, live out the forgiveness promised in Scripture, be spoiled and ruined as far as this world is concerned, long to commune with other God-fearers, and always desire to know God better.
Coping with criticism
Half way through the book we find some excellent points on coping with criticism. We are urged to consider its inevitability, source, and timing (wait 24 hours before responding if possible). Furthermore, we are encouraged to consider ourselves, the content of the criticism and the importance in eternity.
This book would make a fine resource for a new or young Christian, but would also make for valuable reading for those more mature in the faith, or a pastor looking for help on what to include in a course on Christian basics.
