Sex, the Ring and the Eucharist: Reflections on Life, Ministry & Fighting in the inner city
Rev. David B. Smith (The 'Fighting Father')
Fighting Father Ministries Pty Ltd 2003

This is a courageous and honest book. David has outlined transparently what it is like for him to be working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. He leads a youth minsitry in Dulwich Hill Parish where he is rector (senior pastor). He combines his skills as a fight professional with his Bible training and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus. The book reveals a non-self -righteous compassion. He also opens a window on what it is like for his wife, Angela, to be involved in this ministry.

The book is controvertial: at times in its language, its criticism of the diocese and the legal system, and his views on public figures such as Ray Williams (ex HIH) and Mordechai Vanunu (imprisoned by Israel for 15 years). He writes from his own experience of these people, and thus reminds us that what we hear through the media may not be the whole story, any more than is his own experience or view.

Dave writes movingly of his own father. He combines fight with care, honesty with vulnerability.

Reviewed by Lindsay Johnstone

The Letter to the Ephesians
Peter T. O'Brien
Eerdmans 1999

Dr. Peter O'Brien is the only Australian to have produced major commentaries on three Pauline epistles: Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. That on Ephesians takes into account the latest scholarship, and yet presents it in a user-friendly manner both for scholars and for church members unfamiliar with Greek. This is a rare ability.

I came to appreciate Peter's mind and his Christian humility as he mentored my post-graduate studies in Christology and Ephesians.

This commentary includes an intriguing summary of the drift of the books message. He deals helpfully with the underlying themse of unity, the church, God's plan, the "principalities and powers", and how to fulfil our parts within "the family table" and within the church.

Anyone interested in revival, evangelism and the connection between theology, prayer and walking in God's plan will do well to read this book thoroughly. The challenge then for those with the "ministry gifts" of Ephesians 4 is to see how these principles may be fulfilled practyically within the strategy and relationships of churches working together. How, for instance, can we move practically to maintaing the unity which the Holy Spirit has, in principle, achieved?

Reviewed by Lindsay Johnstone

Firestorm of the Lord
Dr. Stuart Piggin
Hodder & Stoughton 2000

Stuart is keen to see revival in Australia. His theological and historical discussion is characterised by an underlying passion to see God work. He has researched for many years, and his balanced treatment is peppered with engaging accounts of God at work. There are practical chapters on preaching, praying and preparing for revival. There is also an extensive bibliography.

We studied history together as undergraduates. He is a product of Sdney Diocese, and Master of Robert Menzies College, He deals effectively with issues raised by people who are unsure about revival, or who doubt its importance. This is done in an helpful and caring manner.

Stuart writes of an event of profound renewal which occurred in his life in 1996 at a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Lindfield. This is not armchair stuff!

This is one of the best books I have ever read on revival.

Reviewed by Lindsay Johnstone

Come Holy Spirit:
Learning How to Minister in Power
Bishop David Pytches
Hodder & Stoughton 1995

This is an excellent handbook on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, written by one who has been a missionary in South America, and then in parish ministry in England.

It includes many short and succinct chapters in note form. It draws very heavily on Scriptural references in its teaching on the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit and on healing. Pytches has added a supplementary chapter on "The Toronto Blessing".

The book is practical, and is very balanced in its outlook.

Reviewed by Lindsay Johnstone

The Divine Romance
Gene Edwards
Tyndale House 1993

Though I know that the story of God, from the Bible, is true, and have heard it retold in many different ways, I had never seen it the way Jean Edwards puts it in "The Divine Romance".

Perhaps this version of the most beautiful love story ever told was what drew me in. I've always loved a good love story! There's a lot of lip service, and prose service, done to the word love, but what it really means to the heart is there to be experienced, not just heard.

Written in prose and poetry it was hard to put down, racing through the chapters, becoming involved in what was transpiring between the two lovers. It drew me back to a place of understanding the love of God, and rekindled my love for Jesus.

If you are curious as to how people can say that they are in love with Jesus, this book goes some way to explaining things.

Reviewed by Rebecca Johnstone