The emphasis of this character study is not so much in re-telling David's story, although some of that has been necessary, but rather in considering the lessons we can learn from the life of David for our lives today. Therefore, this book is devotional and practical in nature, rather than being expository.
If you are a young person, you are at an exciting stage of life and God can do great things for you and through you. However, living as a Christian in the twenty first century takes faith, conviction and courage. Our Western World is becoming increasing secular, and people genuinely think that science has disproved the existence of God. Moreover, the message of the bible flies in the face of modern philosophies, ethics and moral standards. This means that to make headway as a Christian can feel like swimming against the tide. The topics included in this book have already been raised by young people in bible class, or in other contexts, or are related to issues which have impacted young people. Keep your bible handy as you read this book and take time to look up the references. The authors have tried to base all the advice given on God’s word. Understanding something of the Glory of God and being captivated by His son, the Lord Jesus Christ, will enable you to live a happy, purposeful life and save you from many problems and issues.
This is the third of a series, dealing with familiar Bible topics. Craig first covered The Ten Commandments and then The Nine Beatitudes. He now covers The Eight Kingdom Parables. Eight Kingdom Parables! Are we not accustomed to speaking of "The Seven Parables of the Kingdom" in Matthew 13? Craig contends that the reference to the householder at v.52 should be included, and so he speaks of eight parables. Although basically doctrinal, the book is incisive in the challenge it presents regarding our commitment to sow seed. Are we employing every avenue open to us to communicate the Word of God? Stress is laid on the fact that it is the only method whereby souls are reached for the Kingdom. Craig's expositions and conclusions are well backed up with a multitude of Bible references that demonstrate his wide knowledge of the Scriptures, even those parts that we might regard as obscure. In his introduction, Craig suggests that each chapter of his book can be read in five minutes. We recommend that you devote just a little longer to it! If you are going to digest all that is there, and follow up on the Bible references, it will need some diligent thought. We do trust that the little volume will be really enlightening to those of you who are exploring these things for the first time, and an encouraging refresher course for those of you who have known them for many years.
Over the next two decades, Craig became involved in an invigoration of Australian writing and publishing, with University of Queensland Press at its centre. After reading Carey's work in the indie magazine Tabloid Story, Craig published Carey's short-story collection, The Fat Man in History. He went on to edit several of Carey's novels, as well as David Malouf's classic semi-autobiographical novel Johnno. Craig championed the work of Olga Masters and Barbara Hanrahan, edited the stories of a young Murray Bail, and became firm friends with author and Top of the Lake scriptwriter Gerard Lee and his then wife, Jane Campion. Over the course of his long career, he also encountered an irascible Xavier Herbert, hardworking journalist Hugh Lunn, raconteur Herb Wharton, master storyteller Elizabeth Jolley, and then-emerging talent Kate Grenville. Just as importantly, Craig mentored and trained passionate editors who are today well-known agents, editors, and publishers.