Praise and Reviews
"Thinking of Him" - Review
by
Dr. Chet Weld
I’ve been “thinking of Him” for the past few weeks while
reading Reverend Paula Behrens’ book of the same name. Behrens’ book is short and can be read
quickly, but as with the classic, The Practice of the Presence of God, by
Brother Andrew, there is more benefit in reading slowly, contemplating each
page, than there is in reading the book as if it were a novel.
Thinking of Him is written primarily for these three
noble reasons: To help us have a “higher understanding of God,” to help us know
how God relates to us and to creation, and to guide us into a tangible and
close relationship with our Creator who is a continual source of hope. As Behrens
explains that only God can reveal Himself to man and that these revelations
will not contradict scripture, these intentions begin to be fulfilled. As the
scriptures teach, says the author, our “good works” will not bring us these
revelations or accomplish these longings of the human heart.
Anyone who reads or shares this book with others can be
confident that there is a sound scriptural base for every inspiring word. At a
time when such diverse and false understandings of God permeate our culture,
this book contributes to the stability of a true faith that can change lives.
In simple language, Behrens explains one important
doctrine at a time, follows the explanation with questions, and then provides a
page for writing down “Journal Notes.” As I reflect on each question, I’m aware of
God’s presence and the importance of internalizing the truths of scripture. I quickly forget that I’m reading a book on
theology!
Beginning with the doctrine of the trinity (that the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of the same “substance” and equally God, but
have different functions), Behrens offers Old and New Testament scriptures that
support the reality of the trinity. As
the author launches into this doctrine, she states, “Knowing God goes much
deeper than describing who God is and how He relates to us; knowing God is a
lived experience; it is a personal encounter with the divine.”
Because the author speaks both from her knowledge of the
scripture and from her personal relationship with God, the reader is invited
into more than just a deeper “head knowledge” of God. The reader/seeker is drawn into more intimate
fellowship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the author’s intention, and for all
hungry souls with open hearts, I believe that her goal is achieved with ease.
The seven doctrines that Behrens’ explores are the
following: The doctrine of God, Creation, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the
Church, Salvation, and Eschatology (e.g., end times and everlasting life
considerations). Included in the discussion
are the two sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion), which
help to equip believers to fulfill the mission of the church. Again, each doctrine is briefly and simply
explained, enabling even new believers to firmly grasp eternal truths about our
faith and lives.
As with the lofty spire on a cathedral, Behrens’ final
chapter points us toward the ultimate hope of all believers: Our temporary
experience of the kingdom of God from within and in our midst becomes our
permanent, unshakeable inheritance; and the New Heaven and the New Earth will become
the eternal reality for all who choose life over death, heaven over hell,
Christ over false gods and other oppressive taskmasters.
Thinking of Him is an excellent book for use in small
groups. Groups could meet for seven or
more weeks for fellowship, discussion, and further teaching by a leader. I think that group discussion of this book
could easily stretch to 20 or more weeks.
Thinking of Him seems especially useful for new
believers who may have never heard of any of the doctrines. No longer will they need to see where the
bible flops open in order to “know” what God might be “saying” to them!
Mature believers can also benefit from reflection and
discussion of the doctrines, as well as from Behrens’ insights, e.g., “The
nature of the church is to re-present
Christ to the world.” Well put! Here’s another example: Communion “is a
foreshadowing of the feast to come, God’s own ‘heavenly banquet.’” I’m still reflecting on the heavenly banquet,
and partaking of the Eucharist will never be the same for me! Here’s one more example from the final
chapter that summarizes a number of scriptures: “The kingdom of God is an inward holiness and cannot be merited
by outward works.” Meditation upon Thinking of Him will certainly help the reader to cultivate the inward
holiness that God longs to impart to
His children.
I have John Wesley’s journal on my nightstand, which I
read from occasionally. Behrens is an
ordained Methodist minister, but the purity of the doctrines and of Behrens’
explanations transcend denominational differences. And from what I’ve been able to learn about
Wesley, I think that he would be pleased with Thinking of Him!
How many short devotionals have you read that have focus? I’ve read many devotionals, but none with a
specific focus on the most important doctrines of the church. I don’t know about you, but my highest goal
and value in life is to know God more intimately, as I walk with Him
daily. Because Thinking of Him helps
to accomplish these goals, I highly recommend this book, and I expect that joy
and personal growth will likely come from taking a journey with Reverend Paula
Behrens.
Dr.
Chet Weld is the Director of Pastoral Counseling and the Pastoral Care Dept. of
Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona.
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"Thinking of Him" - Recomendation
by Dr. Louis Markos
In her brief, but concisely
written and organized book, Thinking of Him, Paula Behrens has done
the faith community a great service. In direct, layman terms, free
of academic jargon, she has provided both a theological primer and a catechism
of what C. S. Lewis has called “mere” Christianity. Though Behrens
writes from a Methodist perspective, her book affirms all the key doctrines of
the Nicene Creed (Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection)
and, as such, should be accepted by all orthodox believers. Some may
wish to add to her primer, but there is nothing that can or should be taken
away. She is to be commended in particular for her clear treatment
of the three persons of the Trinity, her affirmation of the Church and
sacraments, and her discussion of justification, sanctification, and prevenient
grace—which affirms fully the sovereignty and prerogative of God while not
robbing man of true freedom of choice. Both orthodox and accessible, Thinking
of Him will help Christians to know what they believe.
Louis Markos,
Professor in English and Scholar-in-Residence, Houston Baptist University;
author of Apologetics for the 21st Century
