我們要繼續強調，當我們越明白神的本性和品格的時候，就越能感到有保障，並更能夠處理生命中重大的問題。很可惜的是，今天很少講員願意闡釋有關神的本性偉大的真理，他們多數喜歡作十分鐘左右的時事短講。當然也有例外，但正如巴刻（Jim Packer）指出：「今天的潮流是基督徒的思想要更配合現代人的精神──過份重視人、卻太少想到神。」

一個世紀以前，站在講壇上的講員從不會讓聽眾對神的本性有任何的疑問，可惜今天已經不是這個樣子。舉例來說：你上次聽到關於神的屬性的講道是甚麼時候呢？讓我再問另一個更深入的問題：你甚麼時候讀過一本關於這麼重要主題的書籍？我曾經問過一位出版商為甚麼他們不出版一些討論信仰基本課題的書籍？他回答說：「沒有人寫這類的書，如果寫了，讀者人數也不可能會多。」這是一件多麼遺憾的事。

讓我們努力回到關於神的本性和品格這些古老的教導吧。如果你還未讀過巴刻的《認識神》（Knowing God）這本書，今天就去買一本來讀吧。只要聚焦於對神的認識，你就永遠不會再受困於疑惑或猶豫。

We continue making the point that the more we under- stand the nature and character of God, the more secure we will feel and the better equipped we will be to handle life's serious problems. Unfortunately, few preachers today expound the great truths concerning God's nature. They prefer instead to give clever little talks - ten minutes and no more - on topical issues and current events. There are notable exceptions to what I am saying, of course, but as Jim Packer points out: "The trend these days is for Christian minds to conform to the modern spirit - the spirit that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God."

A century ago, pulpits were occupied by men who left their hearers in no doubt as to the nature of God. But not any more. When, for example, did you last hear a sermon on the attributes of God? But let me ask you a more pointed question: When did you last read a book on that important subject? When I asked one publisher why he was not producing books that come to grips with the basic issues of the faith, he answered: "People are not writing them, and if they did few people would want to read them." How sad.

Let me make a plea for the return to old-fashioned thinking on the nature and character of God. If you have not read the book Knowing God by J.I. Packer, then purchase a copy today. Focus on knowing who God is and you will never again be at the mercy of the winds of doubt and uncertainty.