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The Thought of God
Maurice Roberts' articles speak to the needs of the times. They have God and his Word as their starting place; and their horizon stretches beyond time to eternity.
242 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2014
I do not give five stars lightly, but this is truly one of my favorite books. Almost every chapter either taught me something I didn't know before or said something in a way that made an impression on me that it had never had before. Maurice Roberts obviously has a deep and heartfelt knowledge of the Bible, of people and of the English language.
Let me just choose one quote from the first chapter to illustrate what I mean, "There is in God such a supply of competence and wisdom that he is able to transform every ill into good as soon as it touches us. God has, so to say, the 'Midas touch', by which all the Christian's problems turn to gold in his hands."
This book came into the world first as a series of articles in the magazine Maurice Roberts edited for many years, Banner of Truth. For this reason, the book doesn't have one unifying theme, but each chapter stands alone. However, the chapters have been grouped according to subject matter so there is some continuity. I read it at a book study with some ladies at my church and found that format to be an advantage. Sometimes in a book study you can get bogged down in one subject, but having a book that covered so many different subjects kept the discussions fresh.
Because Mr. Roberts does have such a masterful command of the English language, his writing may be a little hard to follow for some whose reading skills aren't the greatest or a little tedious for some who are looking for a quick and light read. I have a fairly large vocabulary and found myself looking up about one word each chapter, which I loved, but I know that not everyone feels the same way.
It may also be helpful to be aware that towards the end of the book he has a chapter that teaches something I had never heard of before, but something that evidently men like Jonathan Edwards and Robert Murray M'Cheyne taught, and that is that those in heaven will be able to see those suffering in hell. I mention this because some may find this a disturbing chapter. He bases this teaching largely on the story of the rich man looking and seeing Lazarus, treating it as a real-life story. I cannot accept it as a true story (instead I see it as a parable) because it shows the rich man being concerned about his brothers, but in hell, with the absence of God, there will be the absence of everything good, including brotherly love. That is what makes hell so scary. Here even the worst of men have some natural affection, some degree of kindness towards some people at least at some times, but in hell even the men who on earth were best, will be utterly devoid of all natural affection, all semblance of anything good and sweet and lovely. Love is of God, the Bible says, and so where God is not, there will never be love. It is strange to have a name given to someone in a parabolic story, but it would be much stranger, nay impossible, to have someone in hell showing compassion on others.
But besides that chapter, the book was tremendously helpful and encouraging. I very seldom read a book twice, but I plan on making this one of them.
Let me just choose one quote from the first chapter to illustrate what I mean, "There is in God such a supply of competence and wisdom that he is able to transform every ill into good as soon as it touches us. God has, so to say, the 'Midas touch', by which all the Christian's problems turn to gold in his hands."
This book came into the world first as a series of articles in the magazine Maurice Roberts edited for many years, Banner of Truth. For this reason, the book doesn't have one unifying theme, but each chapter stands alone. However, the chapters have been grouped according to subject matter so there is some continuity. I read it at a book study with some ladies at my church and found that format to be an advantage. Sometimes in a book study you can get bogged down in one subject, but having a book that covered so many different subjects kept the discussions fresh.
Because Mr. Roberts does have such a masterful command of the English language, his writing may be a little hard to follow for some whose reading skills aren't the greatest or a little tedious for some who are looking for a quick and light read. I have a fairly large vocabulary and found myself looking up about one word each chapter, which I loved, but I know that not everyone feels the same way.
It may also be helpful to be aware that towards the end of the book he has a chapter that teaches something I had never heard of before, but something that evidently men like Jonathan Edwards and Robert Murray M'Cheyne taught, and that is that those in heaven will be able to see those suffering in hell. I mention this because some may find this a disturbing chapter. He bases this teaching largely on the story of the rich man looking and seeing Lazarus, treating it as a real-life story. I cannot accept it as a true story (instead I see it as a parable) because it shows the rich man being concerned about his brothers, but in hell, with the absence of God, there will be the absence of everything good, including brotherly love. That is what makes hell so scary. Here even the worst of men have some natural affection, some degree of kindness towards some people at least at some times, but in hell even the men who on earth were best, will be utterly devoid of all natural affection, all semblance of anything good and sweet and lovely. Love is of God, the Bible says, and so where God is not, there will never be love. It is strange to have a name given to someone in a parabolic story, but it would be much stranger, nay impossible, to have someone in hell showing compassion on others.
But besides that chapter, the book was tremendously helpful and encouraging. I very seldom read a book twice, but I plan on making this one of them.
August 22, 2017
Not quite a devotional work as there is much meaty content. This is one of those books that is truly written with a rare power.
July 30, 2020
Excellent collection of articles written by longtime Banner of Truth Magazine editor Maurice Roberts. The book is divided up into five major sections titled God, fellowship with Christ, a Christian’s walk, life together, and the glory to come. His writing is vivid and fresh and there is no lack of edifying biblical content in each section. I read each morning as a devotional and it proved to be both challenging and beneficial.
One chapter on the interpretation of providence in history was fascinating. Roberts reveals how our thoughts about God determine our interpretation of the world around us. He cites 1 Kings 18:17-18 where Ahab and Elijah arrive at differing positions based on their own theological grid. Ahab blamed Elijah for God’s judgment and Elijah viewed Ahab’s idolatry as the cause of a 3 year long drought in the land. “It is a notable case of two opposing interpretations of providence,” says Roberts (33). Later on he adds, “the way we interpret providence will determine the way we evaluate history” (39).
The sections on fellowship with Christ and the Christian’s walk are also terrific. Chapters on the management of our pride, redeeming the tongue, a dose of moral courage, and character formation and worship in the home were really good.
One chapter on the interpretation of providence in history was fascinating. Roberts reveals how our thoughts about God determine our interpretation of the world around us. He cites 1 Kings 18:17-18 where Ahab and Elijah arrive at differing positions based on their own theological grid. Ahab blamed Elijah for God’s judgment and Elijah viewed Ahab’s idolatry as the cause of a 3 year long drought in the land. “It is a notable case of two opposing interpretations of providence,” says Roberts (33). Later on he adds, “the way we interpret providence will determine the way we evaluate history” (39).
The sections on fellowship with Christ and the Christian’s walk are also terrific. Chapters on the management of our pride, redeeming the tongue, a dose of moral courage, and character formation and worship in the home were really good.
March 20, 2022
It has taken me forever to finish reading this wonderful book. That is because I have used it more as a devotional rather than a study.
Maurice Roberts was a church minister in Scotland, a preacher all around the British Isles, and the editor of the Banner of Truth magazine. The book was edited from a series of articles written by Roberts for the magazine.
The book covers many subjects of interest to the Christian, and I found myself giving thanks to God every time I picked it up to read. His warm and experiential tone make it a pleasure to dive into, although his wonderful command of the English language may cause some to run for the dictionary. There were insightful thoughts in every chapter and his final chapters on the nature of Heaven were a joy to this old man!
Maurice Roberts was a church minister in Scotland, a preacher all around the British Isles, and the editor of the Banner of Truth magazine. The book was edited from a series of articles written by Roberts for the magazine.
The book covers many subjects of interest to the Christian, and I found myself giving thanks to God every time I picked it up to read. His warm and experiential tone make it a pleasure to dive into, although his wonderful command of the English language may cause some to run for the dictionary. There were insightful thoughts in every chapter and his final chapters on the nature of Heaven were a joy to this old man!
April 3, 2022
#LitLife2for22 Essays from Past Decades or Centuries
4.5 stars. Excellent. I thought at first this was written 400 years ago like most Puritan paperbacks, but this is actually a collection of essays written by the former editor of the Banner of Truth publishing company's periodical. He writes like a Puritan, with warm affections, and I recommend this to any Christian for a thought-provoking and convicting devotional.
4.5 stars. Excellent. I thought at first this was written 400 years ago like most Puritan paperbacks, but this is actually a collection of essays written by the former editor of the Banner of Truth publishing company's periodical. He writes like a Puritan, with warm affections, and I recommend this to any Christian for a thought-provoking and convicting devotional.
November 16, 2018
I especially enjoyed the last section of the book which had a detailed description of heaven.
June 17, 2022
4.5 stars. Definitely one of the best devotional books I have read. Full of theological depth, sound wisdom, and pastoral warmth.
July 2, 2022
Some rare gems here! One of the best parts of this one is the broad array of topics covered.
January 3, 2023
30 insightful articles with lively use of Scripture, history, and application.
December 10, 2024
A beautifully written book with short chapters that provide rich devotional material. A great read for any serious Christian who wants to grow in "the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Chirst".
December 4, 2011
This devotional book deserves more circulation. Every morning I to time to read this book I found my heart soaring high into the great truths of God. The writing itself is excellent, and the content is superb.
August 23, 2008
Compilations/essays of an excellent pastor and orator, I've found very encouraging. Two that are remarkable: "Christian Friendships" and "Where Godliness is Leaking".
September 10, 2009
Roberts writing is poetic and insightful. This is a book that should be read frequently and the subjects meditated upon daily.
January 4, 2013
One of my all-time favorite devotional books - truly wonderful!!!
June 23, 2016
A devotional classic in the reformed tradition. Had the pleasure to meet the author in person, and was greatly edified by his godly demeanour and sermons.
April 8, 2024
Extremely Excellent!
February 10, 2016
One of my favorites!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews