Some books don't merit a review. They are so bad that time is better spent cutting toe nails. Some books don't need a review because they are so good, efficient and basic that a book note suffices. Good, efficient and basic are strange words to use about a book. Good = content and writing style; Efficient = short with no padding; Basic = dealing with an everyday issue in a straightforward way. Actually, I think I can use these words about all Sinclair Ferguson books I have read.
A Heart for God is about the most important thing in the world - knowing God. Ferguson says "A Christian's real development in spiritual life will always be revealed by how much he or she thinks about God - how much he thinks about him, and how highly he thinks about him." (p. 111) Ferguson starts by giving the biblical data for the importance of knowing God such as:
John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
From here the chapters proceed to discuss the Trinity, the Creator, the Covenant Lord, the Ever Present One, the Saviour, the Wise One, the Holy One, and the Faithful Provider. Once these have been pastorally explained Ferguson then brings the reader to the subject of worship. Very fitting. He says "For worship is, essentially, the reverse of sin. Sin began (and begins) when we succumb to the temptation, 'You shall be as gods.' We make ourselves the centre of the universe and dethrone God. By contrast, worship is giving God his true worth; it is acknowledging him to be the Lord of all things, and the Lord of everything in our lives. He is, indeed, the Most High God!" (p. 112) He ends with a Chapter calling Christians to Remember the Lord. Given how Ferguson helps the reader 'know God' why would we ever want to forget the Lord?
I can recommend this book to all Christians, young or old. It makes for great devotional reading and will make you long for a greater knowledge of God.
* This book was purchased at the Evangelical Bookshop, Belfast.
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