These studies in the prophecy of Habakkuk were originally given in the 1950s, when the chief objects of fear and foreboding in national life were Communism and Atomic Warfare. Against this backdrop, and occupying a prominent position among evangelicals as minister of Westminster Chapel at the heart of London, Martyn Lloyd-Jones pointed his congregation to the same place as Habakkuk was brought to look to - the God of the Bible. This is no less our need in 2016, when Brexit and International Terrorism fill the news. But Lloyd-Jones was also careful to point out that this applies equally to all sources of fear and concern in the individual Christian's life.
After setting out the structure of the prophecy, Lloyd-Jones expounds the theme of Habakkuk's experience: his distress at Israel's sin, his perplexity at God's plans, his agonising over God's justice, his fears for the future, and then the triumph of his faith. How did Habakkuk overcome his concerns such that he finishes the book with confident praise? The answer is by not focussing on the immediate problem, but by fixing his eyes on God. He reminds himself of what he does know for sure - God's nature and character. He knows then that all is under God's control, all sin will be judged sooner or later, Israelite or Assyrian, and yet that in wrath he will remember mercy to sinners. Lloyd-Jones states that when it boils down to it there are only two ways in which to be, the way of reason or the way of faith, and that Habakkuk exemplifies the latter amid his turmoils.
Lloyd-Jones goes on to make a study of the elements of true prayer - humility, adoration and petition, which are seen in Habakkuk. Incidentally, in his remarks on reverence in prayer, I feel that many of today's evangelicals would do well to heed Lloyd-Jones as he decries the attitude of 'easy familiarity'.
This slim book is easily read, but packs a punch. Pack it with your holiday things and you will find it a great help. I did.
Jeremy
From Fear to Faith by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, published by IVP, paperback £4.99.
You may be forgiven for not knowing we even had a January promo. I confess with shame that it is nowhere to be seen on our website! A clue to the reason for this omission is at the top of the home page. Lorna has put out a message that the winds of change are blowing and she is in the midst of the tornado, ie. our new website is less than a month from completion (subject to the Lord's will, as we have always proved on projects past). Anyway too much time is needed on this to allow for full updating of the existing site - hence the missing January promotion. Of course if you have already given permission you will have received the promotion by email in the January bulletin. Something to consider if you haven't already signed up - just drop an email with 'subscribe' in the subject line and Bob's your uncle.On to the promotion itself. We are trying to encourage reading from the section we describe as Biblical Studies. This covers commentaries and sermons, as well as Bible guides and reference books. In other words, serious stuff from past and present, for which a blanket 15% discount applies. Then, within this section, books from some accessible commentary series are available at 25% discount. These are Day One's 'Opening Up' and 'Exploring the Bible' series, which are aimed at giving brief overviews and introductions to Bible books. Also Banner of Truth's 'Let's Study' series which are more in depth and focus on the New Testament books. Some excellent material here and now just one week to come and get it. Sorry I forgot to tell you earlier.Jeremy
