Reviews of “True to the Faith”


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“The last time I preached through Acts, True to the Faith was constantly at my side. My copy is marked up on every page—some highlighting, some pencil, some ink, different colors of ink, indicating it has been consulted ‘divers and sundry’ times. With good reason. Gooding not only explains, he stimulates thinking and stirs gratitude. Why any preacher would preach from Acts and not have Gooding at his elbow is beyond me.”
—Dale Ralph Davis, Author, and previously teaching elder at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississipi
“In this valuable book David Gooding applies to the Acts of the Apostles the approach that yielded such dividends in According to Luke—close analysis of the text, acute observation of the inter-relations of the individual sections, a clear understanding of the movement and intention of the whole—and throughout a firm understanding of the Bible as the written Word of God, and a delight in its study, and in the emergence of its truth. Happy are those (and surely they will be many) who ‘catch the bug’ of Bible analysis from David Gooding. His work on Acts proves that this is the way into the Bible, the most fruitful and accurate entry into what the Holy Spirit has planned for our instruction. I commend his book on Acts not only for its intrinsic worth (pure gold!) but as an example to follow and a standard to which to aspire.”
—Alec Motyer, Author, formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol
“I own around a dozen commentaries on the Book of Acts and this is by some distance the best of them. David Gooding combines a remarkable variety of expertise—linguistic, literary, theological, philosophical—with the experience of a lifetime of teaching the Bible to bring us a fresh, original and brilliant analysis, with compelling logic and accessible style. In addition to the superb exposition the reader—and especially the Bible teacher—will find much in the way of contemporary application to some of the biggest issues facing the church.”
—Gilbert Lennox,?Bible teacher and elder at Glenabbey Church
“Insightful comments and warm and piercing pastoral application are the features of this writing. I try only to have three commentaries with me in any series and in both Luke and Acts, David Gooding’s commentaries are part of the trio.”
—David Cook, Author, formerly Principal of Sydney Missionary and Bi­ble College
“What a treasure trove of spiritual riches—gleaned from a lifetime in searching the Scriptures. Read these books, and you will be nourished, stretched, and enlightened, as I was.”

—Dr Lindsay Brown, International Director of the Lausanne Movement

Monday, March 31, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107; Acts 28:17-31

The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)

Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, to do it, and to teach it (Ezra 7:10). As a result, God blessed him with wise speech and he was used to bring revival to Israel. King Rehoboam cherished the counsel of men rather than a word from the Lord and as a result he did evil in the sight of God. Why? Because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord (2 Chron. 12:14). Accordingly, as we read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, we are preparing ourselves for service. We need not worry about what to say when testing comes; the Holy Spirit will guide a heart prepared to seek after God! —W. A. H.

Use me Lord, use even me, just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

Lord’s Day, March 30, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 6:8 to 7:10; Psalm 106; Acts 28:1-16

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. Job 32:21
And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. John 19:19

There is only one “title” mentioned in the Bible and we find it nailed to our Saviour’s cross. God does not flatter any sinful man with a title, yet we see His title nailed to His work—a work so great, so totally selfless, that we can’t add to it or take away from it. That title has not lost its significance for two thousand years. It is still in effect and always will be. May we remember that mighty work today and worship. —Tom Steere

King of my life, I crown Thee now; Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary.
—Jennie Evelyn Hussey

Saturday, March 29, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 5:14 to 6:7; Psalm 105; Acts 27:27-44

The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

How wonderful that the apostle can describe himself as the direct and personal object of the Son of God’s eternal and redeeming love. Then remember that this is the portion of every sinner who turns to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. The Gospel that we are privileged to proclaim has at its centre a powerful and tender heart of love. May that immense love continue to comfort us and motivate us! —Mark Fenn

All of grace, yes, grace surpassing, such a portion to bestow;
But the love, all knowledge passing, grace has taught us now to know,
Love that bore the stripes and sorrow, love that suffered on the tree,
Love that shares the bright tomorrow with the loved ones, you and me.
—Thomas Henry Reynolds

Gooding’s Myrtlefield Encounters Series

Myrtlefield Encounters are complementary studies of biblical literature, Christian teaching and apologetics. Key Bible Concepts explores and clarifies the central terms of the Christian gospel and provides succinct explanations of the basic vocabulary of Christian thought. The Definition of Christianity throws fresh light on the Book of Acts and observes how the first generation of Christians identified and defended the unique features of the gospel. Christianity: Opium or Truth? offers new perspectives on perennial–and crucial–questions such as the problem of pain and the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ. The Bible and Ethics presents a concise survey of leading events and people, ideas, poetry, moral values and ethics across both the Old and New Testaments. The books in this series engage the minds of believers and sceptics. They show how God has spoken in the Bible to address the realities of life and its questions, problems, beauty and potential. 

Click on any of the above book links to visit our webstore and buy one of the Myrtlefield Encounters series by Gooding now.

Friday, March 28, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 4:27 to 5:13; Psalm 104; Acts 27:1-26

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

Genuine faith in Christ weathers the storms of life, for it is grounded in an eternal Saviour. Our great High Priest has said, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32). This faith is displayed in prison cells, cancer wards, and impoverished houses. It moves great obstacles and yet trusts not human power or wisdom. The fire only purges the dross, proving that the life our Lord offers transcends every trial and lasts eternally. Thankfully, difficult times reveal God’s glorious riches in His saints. —K. R. Keyser

O God, we come with singing, because Thy great High Priest;
Our names to Thee is bringing, nor e’er forgets the least. —M. B. Peters

Thursday, March 27, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 4:1-26; Psalm 103; Acts 26:19-32

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:1

Why was it a sin to number the people? David wanted to make sure that he had sufficient material resources to cater for any adverse situations. In Mark 11:22 the Lord Jesus said very simply to the doubters, “Have faith in God.” We must always be responsible believers, but our Father wants us to trust Him for any possible contingency, for He has the wherewithal to supply any need that may arise. —Brian Russell

Master Thou wilt keep us,
By Thy grace divine,
Always on the Lord’s side,
Saviour we are Thine.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

Reviews of Gooding’s “In the School of Christ”


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“Of all David Gooding’s books this is the one that merits the description ‘beautiful’. It is beautiful in its subject matter, as we are privileged to join Mary in ‘sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear his word’. It is beautiful in its discernment of the structure and contours of the Lord’s teaching. It is beautiful in its objective—to create us in the image of the Son of God in holiness. And it is beautiful in expressing its message, for Gooding’s prose seems to me to rise to fresh heights to match the requirements of its subject. I come from this book with a much clearer understanding of John 13–17, but (even more) with a deeper, more informed, longing to be made like unto the Son of God in all things.”
—Alec Motyer, Author, formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol

“If holiness is a reflection of the heart and character of God, then only God himself can teach us to be holy. In his final hours alone with his disciples Jesus does exactly that. The way in which David Gooding unpacks this crucial teaching not only demonstrates his profound scholarly understanding but is at the same time enthusiastic, clear and extremely readable. He reminds the reader that holiness is rooted in a deep personal relationship with God, through Christ, and is expressed in a life that flows out of that intimacy. This book is a treasure trove of insight which I recommend without hesitation to anyone who desires to be more like Jesus.”
—Heidi Johnston, Author Life in the Big Story
“What a treasure trove of spiritual riches—gleaned from a lifetime in searching the Scriptures. Read these books, and you will be nourished, stretched, and enlightened, as I was’.”

—Dr Lindsay Brown, International Director of the Lausanne Movement

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 3; Psalm 102; Acts 26:1-18

A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Together Shem, Ham, and Japheth stood with their father against a wicked society and built an ark. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah strengthened each other to remain faithful; Peter, John, and James were companions in intimacy to the Lord; Joab, Asahel, and Abishai were united in fierce devotion to David. A popular Bible teacher says that big battles are won by teams. The Lord says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I” (Matt. 18:20). Are you part of a threefold cord? —Marilyn MacMullen

I walk alone, and I am sore afraid;
My way is dark, my path with thorns o’erlaid.
Draw near me Lord, and take my trembling hand,
And make me brave to join Thy pilgrim band.
—Henry W. Frost

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 2; Psalms 99-101; Acts 25:13-27

I seek not yours, but you. 2 Corinthians 12:14b

The Apostle Paul had poured his life into the lives of the Corinthian Christians, first as an evangelist, then as a teacher, but most of all, as a spiritual father. Their questioning of him and his authority left him grieved. Often we can be engaged in the life of the church, or individuals within the church, or even our own family, and yet there seems so little to show for it. Like Paul, we may feel aggrieved because our service is unappreciated (vv. 11-13), our love is unreciprocated (vv. 14-18), and our expectations are unfulfilled (vv. 19-21). Don’t give up dear servant. Our part is to remember the One we are serving—and keep our spirit strong towards those we are serving. —Norman Craig Funston

O may all who come behind us find us faithful;
May the fire of our devotion light their way. —Jon Mohr