我们要继续强调，当我们越明白神的本性和品格的时候，就越能感到有保障，并更能够处理生命中重大的问题。很可惜的是，今天很少讲员愿意阐释有关神的本性伟大的真理，他们多数喜欢作十分钟左右的时事短讲。当然也有例外，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现代人的精神──过份重视人、却太少想到神。」

一个世纪以前，站在讲坛上的讲员从不会让听众对神的本性有任何的疑问，可惜今天已经不是这个样子。举例来说：你上次听到关于神的属性的讲道是甚么时候呢？让我再问另一个更深入的问题：你甚么时候读过一本关于这么重要主题的书籍？我曾经问过一位出版商为甚么他们不出版一些讨论信仰基本课题的书籍？他回答说：「没有人写这类的书，如果写了，读者人数也不可能会多。」这是一件多么遗憾的事。

让我们努力回到关于神的本性和品格这些古老的教导吧。如果你还未读过巴刻的《认识神》（Knowing God）这本书，今天就去买一本来读吧。只要聚焦于对神的认识，你就永远不会再受困于疑惑或犹豫。

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.