I have read these two Bible studies by Nicky Gumbel and am impressed (as always) by his in-depth work by himself and his associates in writing. My first introduction to Nicky Gumbel was through the Alpha Course. He has taken over this highly worthwhile and enriching introduction to the Christian faith, designed through the Church of England, and instructs throughout the world on how to run Alpha courses.

They have written these excellent books with two ages of Christians in mind. The first book is "to introduce, in a simple and practical way, a key letter in the New Testament (Paul's letter to the Philippians) to those who are starting the Christian life and beginning to read the Bible." The second book could be for those Christians who may have had Christ in their lives for some time. It has been described as a "look at the text of Isaiah 40-66 and to see what lessons can be learned for today's church."

Let me give an overview of both books and then I hope you will take the initiative to read one or both of these fine examples of "practical and encouraging insights for living the Christian life". Both books should be used in conjunction with a Bible and the associated Bible readings given.

Nicky has come to see that one question often asked after Alpha courses was what do I do now. This led to A Life Worth Living. Jesus Christ brought much to Paul and to the lives of the Philippians. Jesus can through the Bible and this book (and many other ways) give us the same life worth living as well.

Nicky breaks this first book into 9 chapters revealing where and how a new Christian can change his/her life style and character. The chapter titles reveal the areas in our lives that Nicky believes should be examined. They stretch from a new heart, purpose, attitude and on to new resources and a new generosity. The study questions at the back of the book are challenging and open up much more of the books exciting insights to the book of Philippians.

The second book, The Heart of Revival, is given to open our eyes to the encouraging call for revival in our own time. Nicky believes that events such as the Alpha course can be the beginnings of growth of Christian faith in our churches, homes and communities. This book is offered as study materiel for small groups. This is one of the first to cover material from the Old Testament.

We are introduced to the book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 to find out what revival really is. We see areas around the world such as China, Argentina and Brazil which are experiencing growth and revival today and in the past few years. Even in the United States areas are accounting for revival in many churches. Nicky defines revival in its widest sense to include renewal, restoration, refreshing and awaking.

Revival, Nicky writes, "involves more than personal renewal". As we become more alive with Christ in our lives we can pass this on to others and the church will become united in faith and purpose. These themes of revival are found in the Book of Isaiah chapters 40-66. These chapters are described as the "Bible in miniature" and are critical in our understanding of the New Testament.

Through-out the book Nicky looks into who God will use for revival, what is at the heart of revival, its message, the source of revival among many other areas. One chapter reveals our need to pray for "a transformation in the Christian church so that our ‘righteousness shines out like the dawn' so that people see a Christian community which is united in love". If we have the correct relationship with Christ then and only then can we shine as a community united in love. We are to pray not only as individuals but also together for the Holy Spirit to revive the church.

The study guide opens up more insights to the book of Isaiah through review and thought on what has been described in The Heart of Revival. It can be used on an individual or group study basis.

Both of these two impressive Alpha resource books are great reading and give a deeper understanding of God in our lives. I would encourage you to read them and recommend them to you for two main reasons: they are both well written and easy to understand; and both can assist us in our journey to follow Jesus and encourage us in coming into a closer relationship with Him.