Monday, July 23, 2012

Book Review: Joy in Christ's Presence

Joy in Christ's Presence. Charles Spurgeon. Whitaker House. 208 pages.

I loved this one. I loved the second half a little bit more than the first half, but overall I did love it. Joy in Christ's Presence is a collection of Spurgeon's sermons or teachings.

Mysterious Visits (Psalm 17:3)
Under His Shadow (Psalm 91:1)
Under the Apple Tree (Song of Solomon 2:3)
Over the Mountains (Song of Solomon 2:16-17)
Christ's Delight in His Church (Song of Solomon 4:7)
The Beauty of the Church (Song of Solomon 4:1)
Sweet Fellowship with Christ (John 1:16)
Redeemed Souls Freed from Fear (Isaiah 43:1)
Bonds of Unity (Hosea 11:4)
"I Will Give You Rest" (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus Asleep on a Pillow (Mark 4:38-39)
Real Contact with Jesus (Luke 8:46)
A Word from the Beloved's Mouth (John 13:10)
Comfort and Consolation (John 14:18)
The Sin-Bearer (1 Peter 2:24-25)

I love Spurgeon's passion and vivid imagery. I love how he's able to walk readers through verses and unpack a verse's meaning, making it personal and relevant. I love how direct he is with readers, how he encourages and challenges readers. Joy in Christ's Presence is about having a relationship with God--abiding in Christ, growing in Christ. It is about putting your faith in Christ, coming to know and love Him. It warns against relying on the wrong things. (Just because you go to church doesn't mean you're saved; just because your mother and grandmother were Christians it doesn't mean that you're saved. Saving faith comes not from the company you keep or the money and/or time you donate to good causes.)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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