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Serving the Word of GodCelebrating the life and ministry of James Philip, Minister Emritus, Holyrood Abbey Church, EdinburghOne man, one placeSERVING THE WORD OF GOD Seldom, if ever, have I read a Festschrift - a celebratory writing - of such interest and relevance. Its four principal divisions - The Making of the Man, The Holyrood Years, The Wider Mission and Perspectives: Biblical, Theological, Church-Historical - provide a fitting tribute by 24 contributors to a remarkable ministry of 40 years at Holyrood Abbey Church in Edinburgh. They also give an insight into Scottish evangelicalism in the 20th century, with significant lessons for the 21st. A genuine sense of God-glorifying indebtedness pervades all the contributions. Jim Philip's ministry is a telling and powerful example of the usefulness to which God may give one man's ministry, principally in one place. We are not in a position to suggest all the reasons for the amazing worth of such a ministry, but some are obvious because of their biblical nature. Besides personal and private prayer, he ensured that the church prayer meeting was at the heart of the life of God's people at Holyrood. His preaching was marked by the seriousness of one who knew that he spoke always in the presence of God and with great responsibility for people's souls. It was prophetic in that it spoke to the times and issues of the day. Not one part of the Scriptures was neglected in the course of systematic exposition. It highlighted the transcendence of God and the accountability of men and women. Complementary to the preaching ministry of Jim Philip were sermon tapes, and the widely used Daily Bible Reading Notes. The regular writing of the notes was a massive task and responsibility with telling benefit to many, not only within the Holyrood congregation but elsewhere and especially to missionaries. Helpful reference is made to his love and concern for those in training for the ministry and those serving overseas. This book deserves a wide readership - young ministers will prove it inspiring and instructive. Established preachers and ministers will find it confirming and encouraging. Church members will recognise afresh the importance of coming together for corporate prayer. I measure the benefit and usefulness of a book often by the number of things of which I want to take note, and there were many! Perhaps the best tribute I can give is that it made me wish that I could start all over again! Derek Prime, Edinburgh© Evangelicals Now - February 2002 |