Knowing the Times
by Dr.M.lloyd-Jones

The publishers of this book, (with others who likewise consider this collection to be his best work), believe,
“that they have the potential to be used in the preparation of another generation who will be like the children of Issachar” in the Chronicles of old, “Men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”.
The 17 chapters cover a variety of subjects and dilemmas, many of which still trouble and threaten the modern ‘Church’.

However, Dr.lloyd-Jones addresses them both logically and Biblically. Issues such as ‘The Presentation of the Gospel’, ‘Religion Today and Tomorrow’, ‘What is Preaching’ and ‘How can we see a return to the Bible’ are just some of the topics raised within this work, and it would serve many Christians well to associate themselves with such material.

For me the highlights of the book are the two addresses on ‘The Basis of Christian Unity’ and ‘Evangelical Unity: An Appeal’.

The differences between ‘Godly divisions’ and ‘Ungodly divisions’(schism), are balanced and held in tension based
on the evidence of Scripture, not mere wishful thinking or the philosophy of the age, and again these need to be
read by all wishing to understand the complex problems which presently threaten to split the universal ‘Church’
and blight individual lives.

I was also mightily strengthened and uplifted by Dr.lloyd-Jones’s talk on ‘What is an Evangelical’.
At a time, when it seems all are claiming this title, it is expedient to define what this term actually means,
and to whom it applies. L-J more than scratches the surface; questioning ‘experiential theology’,
‘the ecumenical movement’, and explores the characteristics which he feels defines an evangelical.
One who: ‘is always ready to act on his belief’, ‘is concerned about the doctrine of the church’,
‘puts emphasis upon rebirth and regeneration’, ‘is evangelistic in nature’, ‘puts emphasis on personal Holiness’,
believes in ‘the Authority of Scriptures’, has ‘a healthy interest in revival’ and ‘an active prayer flfe ‘
with the influence of the Holy Spirit guiding him.

All these attributes help make up the ‘man’ which Dr.lloyd-Jones defines as evangelical. (He also investigates deeper, looking into the importance of ‘maintaining negatives’,
‘no subtractions or additions’, ‘priorities’, ‘watchfulness’, and ‘foundational and secondary truths’.)

I feel the ‘Moody Monthly’ review on this book, captures its essence more than I can ever hope to express. ‘If you have grown weak on shallow teaching and fuzzy application, this work will provide strength for the spiritual muscles and courage for the struggle’

Easy to read and understand, I thoroughly recommend this book to the Church and two copies are available in the
library, alternatively you can purchase your own copy from the Christian bookshop for £14.99 and this would go a
long way in helping to support Christian outreach.

Matt Collier

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‘Run Baby Run’ by Nicky Cruz

‘Run Baby Run’ is a biography of the life of Nicky Cruz.
Nicky starts out his life living in Puerto Rico, a small island, where his parents practice the art of voodoo, and for the first few years of his life he lived in fear and without parental love and attention. His angry behaviour causes his father to send him to New York to live with one of his brothers.
Nicky soon learns that New York in the 1950’s is far from ideal and he quickly joins a gang called the Mau Maus, into which he fits perfectly with the other lonely, angry wild youngsters. His life takes a turn for the worse and begins a time of solitude, pain and anger in which the deaths of both enemies and friends feature largely.
After years of this way of life, in which he becomes President of the Mau Maus, he meets David Wilkinson, a preacher who came to New York to help teens. After this meeting Nicky finds himself caught up in an emotional roller- coaster after which he declares his faith and becomes a Christian, along with his best friend —Israel.
David Wilkinson helps him into Bible School, (but by a stroke of misfortune, Israel is left behind, and ends up backsliding.) Here he meets the love of his life-Gloria and finds himself baptized in the Holy Spirit. Nicky gives his testimony at several churches and finds people become Christians because of it and eventually his voodoo practicing parents and family also turn to God.
Nicky and his wife Gloria go back to New York to help David Wilkinson with a youth programme to keep kids off the street and to help people come to God. His life carries on with many becoming Christians. He eventually travels to California and sets up another youth programme for younger children.
The emotional loneliness Nicky went through and how dramatically his life changed, from gang leader to preacher is amazing. This true story really is a testament to how powerful God’s love for us is and how he forgives each and every one of us no matter what we have done. I really enjoyed this book and think most people would do too, so anyone who has not read it should read it.

Reviewed by Ben Collier, aged 13.

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