Omega
Lewis R. Walton, Review and Herald, Washington, D.C., 1981, 96 pages, $4.95.
Those familiar with denominational history can identify the beginning of the twentieth century as a time of fearful discouragement for the Seventh-day Adventist Church as some brilliant and respected leaders succumbed to influences resulting in their separation from the movement. Ellen White called the apostasy the alpha, warning that it would be followed by an even greater falling away— the omega. The author of Omega suggests we look at some of the things happening within the church in light of those early events.
Understanding Church Growth
Donald A. McGavran, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1980, 488 pages, $10.95.
McGavran's thesis is that the main burden of the church is evangelism. He analyzes a number of situations around the world in order to find the factors that cause some churches to grow and others to stagnate. Three of the points made in his book are especially significant to a pastor concerned about evangelism. 1. The great est obstacle to conversion is social, not theological, because people usually turn to Christianity in large numbers only when doing so does not mean leaving their loved ones. This results in a homogeneous-unit church. 2. Humanitarian activity will not result in church growth unless the primary emphasis is on evangelism. 3. Revival is the key to evangelism.
McGavran believes that revival in churches follows a distinct pattern: (1) prolonged exposure to the Bible and knowledge of its teachings; (2) persistent prayer for revival on the part of a group or congregation whose members are in kin-contact with a generally Christian population; (3) descent of the Holy Spirit on that group or congregation; (4) confession of sin and restitution in open meeting under circumstances that make these actions seen and known by many nominal Christians and unbelieving relatives and friends; (5) vital, convincing witness and consequent in-flooding of converts from among the homogeneous unit of which the Christians are an integral part.—Rollin Shoemaker
Abortion—Mercy or Murder?
James Londis, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1980, 32 pages, $.95.
Ambiguity may be the only absolute in the issue of abortion. This seems to be the underlying assertion of Londis' compelling booklet. This is not a polemic that seeks to defend the Tightness or wrongness of abortion. Rather, it is educative in nature. Londis' purpose is to inform the reader of the issues raised in dealing with this complex topic.—Dennis Radford
Jesus the Leade
Reinhold R. Bietz, Pacific Press, Mountain View, California, 1980, 125 pages, $3.95.
Jesus the Leader will be useful to church leaders at all levels of responsibility. It emphasizes and describes the leadership qualities that made Christ a great leader, a worthy example to be followed by those who aspire to become successful in their work. The content of this book was the basis for the author's presentations in the well-known leadership seminars.
Jesus is presented as a leader of His church, courageous and full of enthusiasm. When His example is set aside and secular methods are followed, when criticism becomes a tool, those working for the church fail. On the other hand, when Christ's example is followed, the church will be successful.
Jesus delegates His authority and power first to the church itself and then to selected followers. These are individuals who have strong characters and firm convictions, who are not willing to com promise with sin, who will be loyal to their supreme Leader, and who will not succumb to the pressures of their peers. These men and women will be willing to work for Christ with a loving spirit, and will be fair and impartial in their dealings. They will be self-forgetful and have forgiving natures even as Jesus did. Those who follow Him as leader will place God's work in the highest priority and dedicate all their efforts in giving emphasis to Christ's plan.—Walton J. Brown
Delivered from Demon Possession
Vaughn Allen, Pacific Tress, Mountain View, California, 1981, 96 pages, $3.95.
The true story of a young woman possessed by several demons and of the courageous pastor who struggled to exorcise the demons from her. The three appendices include quotations from the Spirit of Prophecy on demon possession and a compilation of Bible texts dealing with the subject.
The Testimony of Jesus
F. M. Wilcox, Review and Herald, Washington, D.C., 1981, 160 pages, $6.50.
This review of the work and teachings of Ellen G. White aims to establish confidence in the Advent message and answer questions that have been asked regarding the nature and sources of Ellen White's revelations. Reprint.