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I have read many Christian books but none have moved me as reading the Christian Hero by John Macpherson. This is a small book of 95 pages and is the story or rather a “sketch of the life of Robert Annan.” It is easily readable, but at the same time deep in thought. I finished reading it in one day. This is the story of hope and love as it was intended.
It is the story of one man’s birth, life and death at a specific time in history; it is significant to say that this story is not bound by years. In fact, Robert’s story is relevant to all people regardless of time and place. It is the story from “sin to grace and from grace to glory.”
The story begins with Robert’s birth in 1834 in Hilltown, Dundee, Scotland. It rehearses his early years through young adult, being an accomplished swimmer and acting as a lifeguard assisting others. This quality defined much of his character, but at the same time he spent useless days in cavorting with others in taverns, cursing and fighting. Even though he was filled with the carnality of man, he was also found to be serious, kind hearted and generous.
He tasted of the fruit of failures, unending catastrophe’s, being thrown in prison and being a naval deserter. After each debacle though, his conscience troubled him more each time he failed. He was sorry for his failures, which caused great pain and soul angst. This vicious cycle of sin and repentance went on for many years but God pursued Robert.
TO GRACE-
God brought him to a place of decision. Is he to continue his destructive way or turn to God’s way? Like all sinners, Robert could not help himself; he sinned because he was a sinner! God called him to offer him freedom from his life of pain and bondage. I won’t ruin the story by revealing Roberts decision but I can say that it affected EVERYTHING he said and did from that moment on. The night he met his savior he was infused with the power of God; no longer to be his own man.
FROM GRACE-
Robert wasted no time in reclaiming the days. If he found someone ill or hungry he would take them home and nurse them to health. If walking by a body of water and perchance someone were drowning he would risk his own life, dive in and rescue them. Robert lived his new life to the fullest telling of the Good News of the gospel. Robert assisted where he could with food clothing and lodging and many a woman caught in prostitution heard and saw the Good News from Robert and turned from their means. He once said that he was “compelled by the love of God to love and give.”
TO GLORY-
As Robert entered the last phase of his life, he was well aware of his mortality. Because of that, he left his diary of notes and letters. Reading these caused a great swell of tears to run down my cheeks as It gave me a glimpse of a humble and meek soul; one who favored others over himself; even to death! His God was his life! The way Robert died was surprising but was a great climax to a wonderful story.
It is not how Robert lived or even died that will be the test of time. It is IN WHOM he lived and died that makes the difference. I can suggest this book for all ages to read again and again. Great for Christians, but more importantly those in need of a savior should absolutely read, for eternity is at hand!
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Description
If you've never heard of Robert Annan of Dundee, otherwise known as "the Christian Hero," prepare to be astounded at the amazing grace of God in his life as you turn the pages of this incredible little biography. Its thrilling story will stir you to the depths and almost certainly drive you to your knees with an increased desire to be used for God’s glory. The record of his beginning years reads much like that of John Newton - a life of wandering far from God in the ways of sin and rebellion. At least once he miraculously escaped death through the overruling providence of God. As time passed, he became thoroughly discontented with his sinful life; but he didn't want anything to do with God or Christianity. He thought he could overcome sin and live a morally good life by his own efforts. He soon discovered, however, that he was no match for sin or Satan; and casting himself entirely on God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ, he was gloriously saved. From the very first day of his conversion, he became a tireless seeker of lost souls. He worked during the day time as a stone mason, but his evenings and weekends were spent preaching in the streets or in homes. Frequently he would spend whole nights in secret prayer, pleading at the throne of grace for lost sinners. As he went to his employment in the early mornings, he would often write Scripture verses on the pavement for others to read as they passed by on their way to work or school. Thus he was instant in season and out of season, using every opportunity to present to men the claims of Jesus Christ and the reality of heaven, hell, and the judgment that awaits every human soul. Read his story and be amazed, remembering that what God did for Robert Annan he can and will do for anyone.
Features
Author:
John Macpherson
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781937428334
Pages:
104
Reviews
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One of the many things that touched me through Robert's story is the many faces of "Love." Robert's way of loving the world to draw the lost to Christ is a beautiful picture of how tolerance does not equal love. Loving another does not always look the way we see it, Robert's goal of helping the lost find their way is beautifully portrayed. I too wish to "do something for Christ."
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Robert Annan was not a missionary or church planter or pastor; he was a lay-minister. His dedicated work for the Lord was in his home town, without pay or pretense. He was driven by a constant burden for souls, and he could just as easily speak to the rich and proud as to the poor and needy. He saw the need of their souls was the same, and their destiny the same without God. But he had a particular compassionate heart for the rough and destitute of society, ones among whom others might fear to work. And he did it all while keeping his own job, providing for his family, and living on little means. He was simply driven by God, and it comes through so well in this book.
Another unique quality is that this book was written by Robert Annan’s pastor. The respect this pastor had for Annan comes through every page. Written from a pastor’s perspective, you see the great care the writer had for Annan, and a desire they shared for bringing souls to God. Written from a preacher’s perspective, the writer interweaves the message of truth with the biographical story he is telling.
Thirdly, this biography goes beyond telling about Annan’s ministry and speaks of Annan’s personal walk with God. Robert Annan desired more than just getting souls saved; he desired hearts and lives, saved and unsaved, to come to truly know God and live in holiness. His heart for the Lord was deep, and his unvarnished love for the Saviour is inspiring. This needs to be seen in Robert Annan; his work for the Lord is amazing, and his walk with the Lord is exemplary.
“The Christian Hero” is more than a story of a man’s life; it is a wonderful message of truth. I would recommend this book to any reader, saved or unsaved. It is a valuable little gem for any library.
- Comment
The rest of Robert’s life was spent in ceaseless witness to many of the saving grace of God. He was just as fearless as he had been previously, but his goals were entirely different. He began to witness the day he was converted, handing out tracts. His chief delight was preaching in the street, but he would also save up his meager wage as a stonemason, and travel around the countryside on preaching missions. His heart was tender and he yearned to see the sinner come to the Savior. His favorite topic was salvation by free grace not by works. He loved to sing, and often preceded his speaking with a hymn. He shared his meals with those that were hungry, and was not reticent in speaking with prostitutes, urging them to leave their life of sin. Although he was often attacked and insulted with blows, scorn, and blasphemy in his street meetings, he was able to bear it all with meekness. He was tireless in his work for God. The Lord supplied his physical needs as well, for he married and had children.
Robert Annan’s life should be an example to us all. We need the faithfulness in prayer, the compassion for lost souls, and the love of God’s Word to fill our hearts just as it did his. This book, although written in 1867, is just as applicable today as it was then. It is short and can easily be read in one sitting. I have read many biographies, and this one ranks high on my list. Do not think the language is antiquated, for it is not. The book itself is excellently reproduced, and the typography makes for very easy reading. I add it to my library with joy and thanksgiving. I encourage you to also read it, and I know your life will be blessed.
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This story really gives glory to God for saving Robert out of his sin. We all are sinners before our Holy God, so we all have a story to tell when we become a child of God. Robert's life change was dramatic and a challenge to me in that he lived to help others to be saved from their sin.
Selfless, even to the point of praying without sleeping just to fellowship with Jesus was truly amazing. Although the book does not mention his wife much, she must have been very selfless as well, as Robert spent his evenings witnessing to the poor lost souls.
I love reading of the saints of old and how their time was really the Lords. Such a conviction to my heart, and I really enjoy being challenged. I look forward to ordering more books from Kingsley Press!
