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"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" - 2 Timothy 2:15

I offer to the public the following Bible Study Notes:-

ON YOUR MARK: Expository Bible Notes: Mark's Gospel

This is an expository commentary with a strong practical emphasis. The foreward reminds Christians of the prospect of a triumphal entry into heaven but goes on to point out the cost and to emphasise the practical necessity, for those who want to lead lives pleasing to God, to study His Word.

Mr Hamilton is a Presbyterian and open air preacher, who has been appointed minister of Fole Evangelical Reformed Chapel near Uttoxeter. He speaks from long experience of the Christian life and Christian Work. The commentary devotes one page to each day and exponds a verse or a passage. Indeed consideration of the same verse or passage may take two days or up to ten.

Again, the commentary is extremely practical and outspoken. We do not recall one quite like it. This no criticism. Exposition and application are closely knit. It is full of wise counsel based on Scripture and experience. He expounds the text but does not hesitate to confront and challendge the reader to be sure, quite sure, that he is genuinely converted. Mr Hamilton seeks constantly to promote a high standard of Christian living: "Soon, very soon, there will be nothing, no one, just you and God. Health, wealth, hiding places, gone, nothing but eternity! What are you doing with your life?"

The author obviously speaks from a long experience of the Christian life, of Christians and of their failings and difficulties. He emphasises the need to protect children from false teaching. He denounces interfaith and false ecumenism. He warns of everlasting hell. He speaks of the dangers of complaining, and of pride, of fruitlessness. And so on. There is some fresh practical consideration on every page. And yet there is nothing harsh or ungracious. This is an excellent commentary, devotional and practical, and we highly recommend it, perhaps particalarly, but certainly not exclusively, for younger people.

Dr. Napier-Malcolm.

Artical written in the The British Church Newspaper Book Review June 23, 2006.

Price: £7.00 including postage and packing.

WRESTLING WITH ROMANS: Expository Bible Notes:

The author of Wrestling with Romans, the Rev James Hamilton, is minister of Fole Reformed Evangelical Chapel in Staffordshire.

It is not a verse by verse commentary but daily notes to cover four months (120 days). The approach is theological, as any exposition of Romans must be, but the whole emphasis is devotional and practical. To Paul, theology was only of value if it was lived out. Mr Hamilton does not focus on difficulties but presents Paul's arguement in a clear and common sense manner, always emphasising application. He constantly compares Scripture with Scripture and expounds Scripture by itself.

As with his expository notes on Mark. Mr Hamilton obviously speaks from a life time experience of Christian work and of dealing with the problems of Christian people. This makes his book interesting as well as edifying, he challenges the reader at every turn, yet in a kindly manner. Nor does he follow the modern fashion of assuming every reader is a Christian. He constantly emphasises the Gospel and the necessity of a response.

He speaks with all the directness and clarity of a seasoned open air preacher: "not by your following Jesus' example, or applying the so-called golden rule, 'do unto others as others do unto you', no, plainly and simply, under that blood stained cross, seeing yourself as a hell bound sinner, under the wrath of almighty God, and understanding this, if Jesus in his death does not atone for your sin, no one else will or can. More than anything or anyone else in the world, you need Jesus, the Redeemer,the only Redeemer from sin."

Yet Mr Hamilton insists that the open air preacher's duty is to preach the law because, contrary to what most Christian's believe, people do not know that they are sinners.

"The unity of the Church," he says, "is guarded by guarding the teaching of the Church, the truth." So he warns against ecumenism but in the next breath distances himself from the zealots who shut themselves off from all and sundry. Paul would have liked the balanced approach.

This would be an excellent book for the unconverted religious person, for the enquirer, for the newly converted and for the mature Christian who does not want an academic discussion. We strongly recommend Wrestling with Romans.

-- Dr. Napier-Malcolm.

Artical written in the The British Church Newspaper Book Review October 27, 2006.

Price: £ 7.00 including postage and packing.