Review of Pastorals for Pastors in Evangelical Times November 2021

It was good to see the very positive review by Jeff Haskins of my latest book in this month's ET

Every pastor should get a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed. However other people such as seminary students may also benefit from it; or perhaps someone reading through Paul’s pastoral letters could get this book and read it alongside the Bible.

The book suggests following its reading plan for 30 days and then starting over again. By doing this you would read through the pastoral letters twelve times a year.

Gary Brady writes with clarity and simplicity. I particularly like the way the biblical text is explained with lists and numbering. It means that his thoughts are easy to follow, and it also allows the reader to appreciate the biblical text. The book probably falls into the category of ‘devotional commentary’ but there is much more to glean.

Brady has incorporated many years of pastoral experience into the notes. There are stories to learn from, which preachers could also use as illustrations. The application of the text is very challenging and should stir the reader to take up that challenge. Other notes help shed light on biblical terms and phrases, even those we have become accustomed to.

People might be disappointed that the Bible passage is not included in the sections, but it is woven into the commentary. But perhaps it is better that way, so that the reader has their Bible next to them when reading the book.

Jeffrey Haskins

Lancaster

Evangelical Times Review of What the Bible teaches about being born again

Some of the great teachings of Christianity have surprisingly little written about them. The ‘new birth’ is one of these neglected areas, which is why this book is very welcome.

Gary Brady sets out the doctrine of the new birth, first positively – and then negatively in the light of current misconceptions. Having explained other biblical pictures of regeneration, he tells us why it is necessary to be ‘born again’ and explains that it is a work of God.

He next deals with the ‘evidences’ of regeneration (the fruit it bears in a person’s life) and its place in the order of salvation. Then he considers its significance for eternity and ends with a plea for non-Christians to take this truth seriously and to seek God’s mercy. 

This is a comprehensive treatment for a small book. Throughout, the author quotes the relevant Scriptures and many other writers, old and new, including confessions of faith and hymns.

The style is that of mutual exploration, the material having originated in a series of midweek church Bible studies. The book is clearly written and easily readable.

Matters on which Christians disagree, such as the connection of the new birth with effectual calling, or its timing in relation to conversion, are well argued in a brief compass. The necessity and marks of the new birth, and its origin in God’s will, are clearly and helpfully set out here.

This is an excellent book for anyone, believer or unbeliever, who seriously wants to know what God says in his Word about being born again.

John Palmer, Tredegar 2008

Evangelical Times - Another positive review of Candle in the Wind

This review is in the February Evangelical Times and first appeared here last November

I enjoyed everything about this book. It is a great read on an issue seldom addressed in recent years. Perhaps the absence of books (as well as preaching) on this subject is the reason why some evangelicals have a superficial view of the uses of conscience, and are reticent regarding the function of divine law in the Christian life.

Be that as it may, reading Gary Brady’s book will do anyone the world of good. It is a page-turner; a mine of information, filled with wisdom from the Puritans and beyond, as well as being biblical and pastoral, to boot.

Behind the apparent simplicity of the presentation lies Brady’s deep reflection. He is never unclear. I found myself enjoying pages that I thought I would flip through quickly, such as the chapter on children and the conscience. It’s so easy to forget that ‘the child’s controversy is always with God’ (p.161).

When ‘correcting’, we need to get beyond outward issues to heart concerns. Questions of conscience do not ultimately deal with inbred values or social disciplines; rather, we are facing our ultimate moral regulator, God himself.

Brady examines his subject from every angle, beginning with some general biblical definitions. ‘When we speak of conscience, we are really speaking of an aspect of the heart or the soul, though the word is useful for speaking of a specific function of the soul, namely its moral workings’ (p.24).

Chapters present: the biblical background; the conscience bound by sin; conversion as a conscience awakening, convicting and enlightening work; and the connection with true faith and assurance.

Then follow questions concerning the function of conscience in the Christian life, good, bad or weak. If you did not know that a weak conscience is more likely to accuse you than a strong one (p.120), you had better read Brady. Light will also be shed on those chapters in 1 Corinthians about the weak and strong in relation to idol-meat.

There is a useful chapter regarding the development of conscience in the civil sphere. Perhaps a little more could have been made here of the theoretical impact of Luther and Calvin’s two reigns, and the right of private judgement in, say, Charles Hodge.

Finally, Brady correctly argues that, because conscience is a function of the soul, it is the accuser even down in hell. Moreover, its peaceful disposition will be enjoyed in heaven.

Overall, I enjoyed this book except for one thing: the title. Why did an evangelical publisher inflict this on me? Every time I saw it on my desk, I had horrible images of Elton John behind a piano! ‘Candle of the Lord’ (p.184) would have been more fitting.

Paul Wells Eastbourne

Author Gary Brady

Publisher EP Books ISBN 978-1-78397-042-1

PS The publishers are not to be blamed for the title. I did insist. I wanted to redeem the title!

Pages 242

Another ET Book of the month

The good people at Evangelical Times have made the book 1662 The Great Ejection the book of the month for the month of October 2013. See here.

Evangelical Times Review of 1662 The Great Ejection

Who governs the church, Jesus Christ or the state? In practical terms, what determines the doctrine and practice of the church? Is it the Bible or is it public opinion? Throughout the long history of the church, Christians have had to face and answer such questions. Once again they have been thrown up by the debate about the nature and character of marriage. It is good to be able to consider the way in which our fathers approached such issues. The record of the legislation of 1660-1662 and its aftermath provides us with such an opportunity. The year 2012 was the 350th anniversary of what has become known as the ‘Great Ejection’, when almost 2000 Puritan pastors and their flocks were forced out of the Church of England because they were unable to submit to unbiblical conditions of service. The theses included acceptance of the divine right and authority of diocesan bishops and an allegiance to the Prayer Book in terms which could only be given to the Bible. Hundreds of men, unable to bow to parliament’s decisions on these issues, were deprived of their charges and compelled to accept the prospect of poverty in a social and political wilderness. Gary Brady has given us a fine account of these events. He explains the issues and discusses the reasons why Puritans, who had only recently seemed so secure in their ministries, were suddenly plunged into a crisis of conscience after 1660. The story moves from the high politics of Charles II’s reign to the very human story of the sacrifices and triumphs of hundreds of Christian people. Lists of excluded ministers are included and may be useful for reference purposes, but the great value is the inspiring way in which the experiences of local churches and their members and ministers are described. This inspiring record should be widely read and studied by Christians today. It is very highly recommended.

Robert W. Oliver

ET Book of the month

The good people at Evangelical Times made the book What Jesus is doing now the book of the month for the month of May 2013. See here.

Evangelical Times Review of What Jesus is doing now

We often reflect on what Jesus did for our salvation in the past and look forward in hope to what he will do when he returns. But we don’t tend to give so much attention to what he is doing now.

Gary Brady attempts to make good that gap in our thinking in this most helpful book. Brady writes with clarity and simplicity, but there is nothing trite about this work. His treatment is characterised by theological depth, biblical accuracy and sound pastoral wisdom. The insights of wide range of writers are called upon to help us better understand the subject in hand. The author begins by explaining clearly who he is talking about; the Jesus who is fully God and fully man in one person. It is as the God-Man, exalted to the right hand of the Father that Jesus carries out his present work on our behalf. At the heart of the book is an exploration the multifaceted work that Jesus is doing now. He is our prophet, priest and king who applies the salvation he accomplished to his people by power of the Holy Spirit. Special attention is given to the intercessory ministry of Christ.

In a final chapter, Brady asks ‘How should we live in the light of these facts?’ Here the reader is challenged to live for Christ’s glory and be encouraged by the fact that our ascended Lord will protect us from our foes. Knowing that he ever lives to make intercession for us should embolden us draw near to the throne of grace in prayer.

Taking time to meditate on what Jesus is doing now should move us to worship him and inflame our longing for his return. With that in mind, this book is highly recommended.

Guy Davies