A review of Irenaeus, a Christian biography for young readers, by Simonetta Carr:
Publisher's description:
Irenaeus is remembered for his work in helping the church to preserve the faith handed on by the apostles and to defend it when it was attacked. In this simply written and beautifully illustrated book, Simonetta Carr shows young readers the difficulties the early church faced and how Irenaeus taught Christians to discern truth from error by listening to the Bible. To Christians, the lessons Irenaeus taught are as important today as they were in his time.
This is the fifth book in this series that I have reviewed and I have to say that each time I receive on of Simonetta's books from this series in the mail, I get very excited because I get to share these books with my children. What I do to prepare my review is to read a portion of the book at night to my kids so I can get their input into what they think of the book. The text and accompanying pictures hold their attention, they love it when I show the artwork as I read.
In this latest volume we learn about Irenaeus, the early church father, who was a disciple of Polyarp, who himself was a disciple of the apostle John. As always, the text is chock full of history and doctrine, while the graphics bring the story to life and hold the attention of the reader. These are handsome volumes that will look good in your bookshelf.
Simonetta brings Irenaeus to life as a staunch defender of the Church and her Scriptures. You can see the teachings John taught Polycarp, which he then taught to young Irenaeus, taking root, teachings that have been passed from one teacher to the next. The kingdom advances from one generation to the next as faithful men pass on the apostolic teachings to those coming after them. I was reminded of an incredible truth which I shared with my children, a message that rings out clearly from this book, "Surely we stand on the shoulders of giants." God is advancing His kingdom and neither evil rulers or the gates of hell itself will prevail against it.
This volume also reminds us that even early on in the history of the Church, error was present and led many astray. How amazing to read of a man raised up by God who staunchly defended the faith even in the midst of great persecution. I told my children that in each generation God always raises up faithful men and women to proclaim the truth in the midst of the darkness.
I feel that this book wonderfully brings to life a man who serves as an inspiration and example for not only our children, but for us all. I give this book five stars and heartily recommend it and all the others in this series to you and your family!
I'll close with some comments from my son:
What did my son Samuel (age 11) have to say about this book?
"I like the history in this book and loved how Irenaeus stayed faithful. I really liked the book!"
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Sunday, February 12, 2017
A review of Explore by the Book; John 14-17, Romans, James
A review of Explore by the Book; John 14-17, Romans, James
by Tim Keller and Sam Allberry
Timothy Keller and Sam Allberry sit alongside you as you open up the treasures of three enriching parts of God’s Word. These inspirational readings are presented in beautiful hardback format, complete with ribbon marker and space for journaling.
Carefully-crafted questions, insightful explanations and helpful prompts to apply the Scriptures to your life will take you to the heart of God's word and then push God's word deep into your heart.
These 90 devotionals in John 14-17, Romans and James, taken from the Explore Quarterly range, are a great way to start reading the Bible. If you already spend time each day in God’s word, this book will take you deeper in to the riches of Scripture, drawing you closer to the Lord and gaining fresh appreciation for His love for us in Christ.
This 90 day devotional is what the publisher calls an "open Bible devotional". What does that mean? Well, unlike many devotionals that have you read a small portion of Scripture and then finish up with the main devotional thought, this one forces you to do the daily devotional with your Bible open. In fact, this book is more like a daily study than a devotional.
Each day you have a Scripture reading, in this case systematically working through John 14-17, Romans, and James. As you read the daily Scripture, you also have a series of questions and application that force you to keep your Bible open as you answer them as well as commentary on the passage you are reading. Each day ends with a prayer in response to what you have read and a page for writing down thoughts and prayers.
I really liked this format and found it a good way to have a daily Bible study that was brief but nourishing. I especially liked the emphasis on prayer at the end. I also really appreciate how this book works through large portions of Scripture, which is always more beneficial than cherry picking small passages here and there.
This book would make a great gift for someone you know who wants to study the Bible but doesn't know how, or doesn't have much time to sit and do a regular study. What a great tool!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Martin Luther: Christian biographies for young readers
A review of Martin Luther: Christian Biographies for young readers by Simonetta Carr
Five hundred years ago, a monk named Martin Luther wrote ninety-five questions, hoping to start a discussion about sin and repentance at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. In a few months those questions had stirred the nation; a few years later, the continent. Today we know that those questions changed the course of both the Western church and world history. In this volume for children, Simonetta Carr tells the compelling story of this father of the Protestant Reformation, tracing his quest for peace with God, his lifelong heroic stand for God’s truth, and his family life and numerous accomplishments. The Reformer’s greatest accomplishment, she writes, “has been his uncompromising emphasis on the free promise of the gospel.”
This is the fourth book in this series that I have reviewed and it's always a pleasure to read and review one. My other reviews in this series can be found here (John Knox), here (Jonathan Edwards), and here (Marie Durand). Please feel free to check them out.
We are coming up on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg, so the timing for the release of this book couldn't be better. This book is an excellent way to introduce children to the great German Reformer in a way they can understand. With the great artwork and a biography written at a level they can understand, I can't think of a better way to introduce Luther to my children, and I must say, they loved this book. I read it out loud to them, a chapter at a time, and they didn't want me to stop!
Simonetta has done a great job bringing Luther to life and I was so appreciative that the great Reformation narrative at the center of Luther's life wasn't lost here. To see this tormented monk transformed by the good news of the Gospel and to see him stand firm to reform the Church was exciting to read, and exciting to share with my children. As we read this book, my children could clearly see the need for reformation, and could clearly appreciate that it was God who brought "darkness out of light."
It's important for all of us to understand that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and I'm thankful to Simonetta for helping me introduce my children to the mighty Martin Luther. Thank you!
I'll close with some comments from my children.
What did my son Samuel (age 10) have to say about this book?
"I like how action filled this book was. It was an awesome book! Thank you for writing it!
What did my daughter Hannah (age 7) have to say?
"I really liked the book because of all the pictures. The pictures helped me understand the story better."
What a great way to introduce children to the giants of our faith! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Five hundred years ago, a monk named Martin Luther wrote ninety-five questions, hoping to start a discussion about sin and repentance at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. In a few months those questions had stirred the nation; a few years later, the continent. Today we know that those questions changed the course of both the Western church and world history. In this volume for children, Simonetta Carr tells the compelling story of this father of the Protestant Reformation, tracing his quest for peace with God, his lifelong heroic stand for God’s truth, and his family life and numerous accomplishments. The Reformer’s greatest accomplishment, she writes, “has been his uncompromising emphasis on the free promise of the gospel.”
This is the fourth book in this series that I have reviewed and it's always a pleasure to read and review one. My other reviews in this series can be found here (John Knox), here (Jonathan Edwards), and here (Marie Durand). Please feel free to check them out.
We are coming up on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg, so the timing for the release of this book couldn't be better. This book is an excellent way to introduce children to the great German Reformer in a way they can understand. With the great artwork and a biography written at a level they can understand, I can't think of a better way to introduce Luther to my children, and I must say, they loved this book. I read it out loud to them, a chapter at a time, and they didn't want me to stop!
Simonetta has done a great job bringing Luther to life and I was so appreciative that the great Reformation narrative at the center of Luther's life wasn't lost here. To see this tormented monk transformed by the good news of the Gospel and to see him stand firm to reform the Church was exciting to read, and exciting to share with my children. As we read this book, my children could clearly see the need for reformation, and could clearly appreciate that it was God who brought "darkness out of light."
It's important for all of us to understand that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and I'm thankful to Simonetta for helping me introduce my children to the mighty Martin Luther. Thank you!
I'll close with some comments from my children.
What did my son Samuel (age 10) have to say about this book?
"I like how action filled this book was. It was an awesome book! Thank you for writing it!
What did my daughter Hannah (age 7) have to say?
"I really liked the book because of all the pictures. The pictures helped me understand the story better."
What a great way to introduce children to the giants of our faith! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Wittenberg versus Geneva!
A review of Wittenberg versus Geneva by Brian W. Thomas:
Publisher's description:
On my way to Presbyterianism six years ago I took a look at Lutheranism. In fact I listened to many Lutheran sermons and was a faithful listener to the Issues Etc podcast for years. So I was interested in reading this book because to be honest, I never fully understood where Lutherans were theologically, though I knew enough to always affirm that I would share a foxhole with a confessional Lutheran any day. Brothers in arms we are.
This book has a pretty cool format. It's set up as a seven round bout between Wittenburg (Lutheranism) and Geneva (Calvinism), with each round covering a particular area of dispute.
They are:
1. Atonement: for whom did Christ die?
2. Predestination.
3. The Sacramental Word: an introduction to sacramental thought.
4. Baptism.
5. The Lord's supper - Part one.
6. The Lord's supper - Part two.
7. Kept in the true faith: apostasy and assurance.
This book is written at a laymen level, and the author quotes extensively from both Lutheran and Reformed sources, particularly RC Sproul, who represents the Reformed side.
The arguments against Calvinism where nothing new here, and they have been dealt with elsewhere in greater depth, but it was helpful nonetheless to see the Lutheran positions layed out as they contrasted with Calvinism. I can say that I've come away with a greater understanding of Lutheranism after reading this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is trying to come to a solid biblical theology but is confused by the differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism.
So, at the end of the book was I any closer to leaving Presbyterianism? No. Do I now have a better understanding of what my Lutheran brothers believe? Yes. Lastly, as a former evangelical who eventually became a confessional Presbyterian, I would have loved to hear Brian talk more about his personal journey from Presbyterianism to Lutheranism, I think that would have been a great plus to this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
You can listen to an interview with the author here:
Publisher's description:
What are the differences between Lutherans and Calvinists, and do they really matter? In Wittenberg vs. Geneva, Brian Thomas provides a biblical defense of the key doctrines that have divided the Lutheran and Reformed traditions for nearly five centuries.
It is especially written to help those who may have an interest in the Lutheran church, but are concerned that her stance on doctrines like predestination or the sacraments may not have biblical support. To get to the heart of the matter, Pastor Thomas focuses solely upon those crucial scriptural texts that have led Lutheran and Reformed scholars down different paths to disparate conclusions as he spars with popular Calvinist theologians from the past and the present.
On my way to Presbyterianism six years ago I took a look at Lutheranism. In fact I listened to many Lutheran sermons and was a faithful listener to the Issues Etc podcast for years. So I was interested in reading this book because to be honest, I never fully understood where Lutherans were theologically, though I knew enough to always affirm that I would share a foxhole with a confessional Lutheran any day. Brothers in arms we are.
This book has a pretty cool format. It's set up as a seven round bout between Wittenburg (Lutheranism) and Geneva (Calvinism), with each round covering a particular area of dispute.
They are:
1. Atonement: for whom did Christ die?
2. Predestination.
3. The Sacramental Word: an introduction to sacramental thought.
4. Baptism.
5. The Lord's supper - Part one.
6. The Lord's supper - Part two.
7. Kept in the true faith: apostasy and assurance.
This book is written at a laymen level, and the author quotes extensively from both Lutheran and Reformed sources, particularly RC Sproul, who represents the Reformed side.
The arguments against Calvinism where nothing new here, and they have been dealt with elsewhere in greater depth, but it was helpful nonetheless to see the Lutheran positions layed out as they contrasted with Calvinism. I can say that I've come away with a greater understanding of Lutheranism after reading this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is trying to come to a solid biblical theology but is confused by the differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism.
So, at the end of the book was I any closer to leaving Presbyterianism? No. Do I now have a better understanding of what my Lutheran brothers believe? Yes. Lastly, as a former evangelical who eventually became a confessional Presbyterian, I would have loved to hear Brian talk more about his personal journey from Presbyterianism to Lutheranism, I think that would have been a great plus to this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
You can listen to an interview with the author here:
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Martyrs of Malatya
A review of Martyrs of Malatya by James Wright:
Publisher's description:
Publisher's description:
"This is a thrilling and yet sobering true story written by a missionary to Turkey.
In the preface Todd Jamison (International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Church) says:
On April 18, 2007, three men gave their lives for Jesus Christ. Two Turkish Christians and one German . . . began their day simply wanting to spend time with local men they thought genuinely wanted to study the Bible. Instead, five hostile young men met their kindness and hospitality with betrayal and treachery.
On April 18, 2007, three men gave their lives for Jesus Christ. Two Turkish Christians and one German . . . began their day simply wanting to spend time with local men they thought genuinely wanted to study the Bible. Instead, five hostile young men met their kindness and hospitality with betrayal and treachery.
Very few followers of Christ in the rest of the world heard the story. Lost in the flood of news in our information age, it appeared to be just another senseless murder. But the deaths of Necati Aydin, Uğur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske, while perhaps ignored or quickly forgotten even among Christians around the world, continue to speak. They proclaim the truth that there are still those among us committed to witnessing to the gospel in difficult locations. They speak loudly of love for Christ and obedience to Him. They testify above the din about their commitment to share Jesus’ own experience of betrayal and sacrifice that purchased salvation for people from every tongue, tribe and nation."
I was already familiar with the story of these three martyrs, so I wasn't expecting an uplifting, easy to read book. I did appreciate getting to know these three men better. Interestingly, the author's name, James Wright, is a pseudonym, as he still works in Turkey as a missionary.
For most Christians in the west there really isn't much of a cost for professing faith in Christ. This story reminds us that their is a cost, and that in parts of our world today, Christians are paying that cost, often with their lives. I was challenged as I read this book to ask myself if I, like those three faithful servants, am ready to be faithful, even unto death.
What a privilege to get to know these men, to hear their story, and to see that despite what the news may tell us each day, God is working across the globe to call men to Himself, and He is using men and women who faithfully share the gospel with their neighbors.
This isn't always an easy read, but reading this book will challenge you and leave you much to think about. Christian are you prepared to profess Christ, even if it costs your life?
Before I talk about what I found lacking with the book, please keep in mind that this book was originally written with a Turkish audience in mind and was written by a working missionary, not a professional author.
For most Christians in the west there really isn't much of a cost for professing faith in Christ. This story reminds us that their is a cost, and that in parts of our world today, Christians are paying that cost, often with their lives. I was challenged as I read this book to ask myself if I, like those three faithful servants, am ready to be faithful, even unto death.
What a privilege to get to know these men, to hear their story, and to see that despite what the news may tell us each day, God is working across the globe to call men to Himself, and He is using men and women who faithfully share the gospel with their neighbors.
This isn't always an easy read, but reading this book will challenge you and leave you much to think about. Christian are you prepared to profess Christ, even if it costs your life?
Before I talk about what I found lacking with the book, please keep in mind that this book was originally written with a Turkish audience in mind and was written by a working missionary, not a professional author.
Which takes me to my next point. I found the Mr. Wright's writing style at times a bit hard to follow and found it distracting from the story. That being said, I understand he is a missionary, not an author, and his writing style doesn't detract from this fascinating story.
Thank you James Wright for telling the story of these three faithful martyrs of the Faith, may their story inspire all of us to be faithful even to death!
Thank you James Wright for telling the story of these three faithful martyrs of the Faith, may their story inspire all of us to be faithful even to death!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
A review of Passing Through, Pilgrim life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
A review of Passing Through, Pilgrim life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
Publisher's description:
As twenty-first-century Christians, we must relate to the world, but the question is, how do we relate to it? Some Christians are scared, others are simply bewildered, and still others capitulate to the spirit of the age. In Passing Through: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness, Pastor Jeremy Walker presents the biblical perspective that Christians are pilgrims passing through this fallen world who must cultivate the spirit of holy separation alongside holy engagement as they serve Christ in all their interactions. Unless we embrace this identity, we will lose our way. Reminding us that we need “the Word of God as our map and the Spirit of Christ as our compass,” Pastor Walker clearly presents principles for holy engagement with the world and separation from it for pilgrims on their way home, seeking to glorify the God of their salvation every step of the way.
For Christians, Scripture tells us that we are pilgrims, aliens and strangers in this earth, and for anyone trying to live a godly life in this present wicked age it doesn't take long to figure out that this world is not our home. This book is for the struggling pilgrim.
Unfortunately in our age, it is very easy to grow comfortable in this world and forget that we are living not for this world but for the next. It's very easy to love this world, and forget that love for this world is enmity towards God. It's easy to let our love for Christ grow cold as our love for this world grows. This book is also for the Christian who is more like a worldly tourist.
At around 250 pages, this book is a thorough and helpful guide for the pilgrim. The book starts out explaining how we should relate to the world and what it means to be a stranger and a pilgrim in it. This lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
From there Jeremy talks about the enemies and dangers we face on our journey, and I found those chapters (Know the enemy and Fight the Battles) particularly helpful. This was an encouraging and valuable part of the book for me.
From there Jeremy begins to explain how we should live as we travel on. We are not called to live our lives as hermits, withdrawing from the world, but we are called to shine our lights, loving God and neighbor. We are to serve God faithfully, wherever He places us.
As we near the end of the book, in chapter 11, Anticipate the destiny, Jeremy exhorts us to keep our eye on the prize. He encourages us to hold fast to the hope that one day our journey will be over, we will rest from our labours, and we will see with our eyes the author and finisher of our faith, our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This book comes to me at a good time, as I am helping teach a children's Sunday School class on John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress. This book is a helpful companion to that classic allegory and is a great resource for exploring the truths found there.
Lastly, let me say that Passing Through is a thorough theological study, but it is also very easy to read and very pastoral. No wonder, considering that Jeremy is a pastor. ;)
For the pilgrim on his way toward the city of God, I would recommend carrying a copy of this book with you, and recommend you refer back to it often.
To learn more about Jeremy Walker and this book, check out Shaun Tabatt's interview here.
To read my review of Jeremy's book New Calvinism considered go here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
As twenty-first-century Christians, we must relate to the world, but the question is, how do we relate to it? Some Christians are scared, others are simply bewildered, and still others capitulate to the spirit of the age. In Passing Through: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness, Pastor Jeremy Walker presents the biblical perspective that Christians are pilgrims passing through this fallen world who must cultivate the spirit of holy separation alongside holy engagement as they serve Christ in all their interactions. Unless we embrace this identity, we will lose our way. Reminding us that we need “the Word of God as our map and the Spirit of Christ as our compass,” Pastor Walker clearly presents principles for holy engagement with the world and separation from it for pilgrims on their way home, seeking to glorify the God of their salvation every step of the way.
For Christians, Scripture tells us that we are pilgrims, aliens and strangers in this earth, and for anyone trying to live a godly life in this present wicked age it doesn't take long to figure out that this world is not our home. This book is for the struggling pilgrim.
Unfortunately in our age, it is very easy to grow comfortable in this world and forget that we are living not for this world but for the next. It's very easy to love this world, and forget that love for this world is enmity towards God. It's easy to let our love for Christ grow cold as our love for this world grows. This book is also for the Christian who is more like a worldly tourist.
At around 250 pages, this book is a thorough and helpful guide for the pilgrim. The book starts out explaining how we should relate to the world and what it means to be a stranger and a pilgrim in it. This lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
From there Jeremy talks about the enemies and dangers we face on our journey, and I found those chapters (Know the enemy and Fight the Battles) particularly helpful. This was an encouraging and valuable part of the book for me.
From there Jeremy begins to explain how we should live as we travel on. We are not called to live our lives as hermits, withdrawing from the world, but we are called to shine our lights, loving God and neighbor. We are to serve God faithfully, wherever He places us.
As we near the end of the book, in chapter 11, Anticipate the destiny, Jeremy exhorts us to keep our eye on the prize. He encourages us to hold fast to the hope that one day our journey will be over, we will rest from our labours, and we will see with our eyes the author and finisher of our faith, our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This book comes to me at a good time, as I am helping teach a children's Sunday School class on John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress. This book is a helpful companion to that classic allegory and is a great resource for exploring the truths found there.
Lastly, let me say that Passing Through is a thorough theological study, but it is also very easy to read and very pastoral. No wonder, considering that Jeremy is a pastor. ;)
For the pilgrim on his way toward the city of God, I would recommend carrying a copy of this book with you, and recommend you refer back to it often.
To learn more about Jeremy Walker and this book, check out Shaun Tabatt's interview here.
To read my review of Jeremy's book New Calvinism considered go here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
A review of Marie Duran, a Christian Biography for young readers by Simonetta Carr
A review of Marie Duran, a Christian Biography for young readers by Simonetta Carr
Publisher's description:
"In 1730, nineteen-year-old Marie Durand was arrested and taken from her home in a village in Southern France for the crime of having a brother who was a Protestant preacher. Imprisoned in the Tower of Constance, Marie would spend the next thirty-eight years there. Simonetta Carr introduces us to the inspiring life of a woman who could have recanted her Protestant faith and gained release, but held fast to the truth—and encouraged others to do so as well. Beautiful illustrations, a simply told story, and interesting facts acquaint young readers with the challenges facing Protestants in eighteenth-century France and show them that even a life spent in prison can be lived in service to Christ and to others."
This is the third book I have reviewed in the excellent Christian biography for young readers series by Simonetta Carr. (You can read my reviews of the two other books I have reviewed here and here). One of the things I love about these books is to see how excited my children Sam (age 8) and Hannah (age 6) get when we read one together. They always sit attentively as we read them together and I can't think of a better way to introduce children to inspirational figures in church history than this series.
This book came to us at the most opportune time. We do family devotions and just a few days before I received this book I had been telling the children how blessed we were to be able to worship together in freedom. I told them that there are many places in the world today where if we there what we do in our home, we could get dragged off to jail or killed for our faith. How appropriate to be able to reinforce this by telling the story of Marie Durand.
I had never heard of Marie Durand but this book helped bring her to life and show the depth of her steadfast faith in Christ amidst the deepest tragedies and persecutions. Not only does Simonetta bring Marie to life with her writings, the photos and illustrations included throughout this book help us visualize this amazing woman's story.
This was especially helpful for my children when we got to the part of the story where Marie was imprisoned in the Tower of Constance. The pictures and artwork helped them to see how dreadful that place was, and helps drive home how much it cost Marie to not renounce her Protestant faith.
This book was excellent, and a great way to introduce children to the faithful giants of the faith who have gone before us. I can't recommend this series enough.
What did my son Sam have to say about this book?
"I liked that when Marie was captured and in jail for thirty eight years she didn't complain but held on and helped people. Marie Durand was awesome!"
What did my daughter Hannah have to say?
"I liked Marie"...
Every time I read one of these stories I am reminded that as Christians we stand on the shoulders of giants. Surely we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, may all of us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, drawing encouragement from their faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"In 1730, nineteen-year-old Marie Durand was arrested and taken from her home in a village in Southern France for the crime of having a brother who was a Protestant preacher. Imprisoned in the Tower of Constance, Marie would spend the next thirty-eight years there. Simonetta Carr introduces us to the inspiring life of a woman who could have recanted her Protestant faith and gained release, but held fast to the truth—and encouraged others to do so as well. Beautiful illustrations, a simply told story, and interesting facts acquaint young readers with the challenges facing Protestants in eighteenth-century France and show them that even a life spent in prison can be lived in service to Christ and to others."
This is the third book I have reviewed in the excellent Christian biography for young readers series by Simonetta Carr. (You can read my reviews of the two other books I have reviewed here and here). One of the things I love about these books is to see how excited my children Sam (age 8) and Hannah (age 6) get when we read one together. They always sit attentively as we read them together and I can't think of a better way to introduce children to inspirational figures in church history than this series.
This book came to us at the most opportune time. We do family devotions and just a few days before I received this book I had been telling the children how blessed we were to be able to worship together in freedom. I told them that there are many places in the world today where if we there what we do in our home, we could get dragged off to jail or killed for our faith. How appropriate to be able to reinforce this by telling the story of Marie Durand.
I had never heard of Marie Durand but this book helped bring her to life and show the depth of her steadfast faith in Christ amidst the deepest tragedies and persecutions. Not only does Simonetta bring Marie to life with her writings, the photos and illustrations included throughout this book help us visualize this amazing woman's story.
This was especially helpful for my children when we got to the part of the story where Marie was imprisoned in the Tower of Constance. The pictures and artwork helped them to see how dreadful that place was, and helps drive home how much it cost Marie to not renounce her Protestant faith.
This book was excellent, and a great way to introduce children to the faithful giants of the faith who have gone before us. I can't recommend this series enough.
What did my son Sam have to say about this book?
"I liked that when Marie was captured and in jail for thirty eight years she didn't complain but held on and helped people. Marie Durand was awesome!"
What did my daughter Hannah have to say?
"I liked Marie"...
Every time I read one of these stories I am reminded that as Christians we stand on the shoulders of giants. Surely we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, may all of us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, drawing encouragement from their faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
A review of Bitesize Biographies; Ulrich Zwingli by William Boekestein
A review of Bitesize Biographies; Ulrich Zwingli by William Boekestein
Zwingli is someone I knew very little about, even though I have studied church history and the reformers fairly extensively over the last few years, so I was excited to read this book. I wasn't sure what to expect considering the title of this series. After all, even though reading a larger biography can be daunting (and boring), I wondered how anyone could write a biography as short as this one and still be able to bring Zwingli to life.
I'm pleased to say that Pastor Boekestein pulled it off. I thought this book was a fascinating look into the early days of the Swiss Reformation and the life and times of Zwingli. I almost read this book through in one sitting, that's how interesting it was.
One highlight for me as I read this book was that I was able to see Zwingli's influence on later reformed practice. Though for various reasons layed out in the book, Zwingli wasn't a systematic theologian like Calvin, he certainly had a huge influence on the reformers who came after him
Another section I found fascinating was the chapter on the Anabaptists and Zwingli's struggles against them. It amazes me that so much of the thinking and practice of the Anabaptists lives on in the thoughts and practices of American evangelicalism. The teachings Zwingli fought against in his day are still around in ours.
The author brings Zwingli to life, showing us his unwavering commitment to the gospel and sola scriptura, but also shows us his failings. Perhaps, as Boekestein surmises, Zwingli's confusion regarding the separation between church and state, (or what Augustine called the city of God, city of man distinction), strengthened Calvin's later insistence against a state church.
Lastly, the author also includes Zwingli's sixty seven articles at the end of the book which not only gives us an outline of Zwingli's theology, it shows that theology fitting squarely within historic, confessional reformed theology.
I was reminded once more as I read this book, that as a child of the reformation I stand in a long line of godly men. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Thank you Pastor Boekenstein for bringing this giant of the reformation to life!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Ulrich Zwingli (Jan 1484 - Oct 1531) was a leader of the Protestant reformation in Switzerland. Not as well known as other reformers like Luther and Calvin, he nevertheless played a huge role in advancing reformation in the church.
I'm pleased to say that Pastor Boekestein pulled it off. I thought this book was a fascinating look into the early days of the Swiss Reformation and the life and times of Zwingli. I almost read this book through in one sitting, that's how interesting it was.
One highlight for me as I read this book was that I was able to see Zwingli's influence on later reformed practice. Though for various reasons layed out in the book, Zwingli wasn't a systematic theologian like Calvin, he certainly had a huge influence on the reformers who came after him
Another section I found fascinating was the chapter on the Anabaptists and Zwingli's struggles against them. It amazes me that so much of the thinking and practice of the Anabaptists lives on in the thoughts and practices of American evangelicalism. The teachings Zwingli fought against in his day are still around in ours.
The author brings Zwingli to life, showing us his unwavering commitment to the gospel and sola scriptura, but also shows us his failings. Perhaps, as Boekestein surmises, Zwingli's confusion regarding the separation between church and state, (or what Augustine called the city of God, city of man distinction), strengthened Calvin's later insistence against a state church.
Lastly, the author also includes Zwingli's sixty seven articles at the end of the book which not only gives us an outline of Zwingli's theology, it shows that theology fitting squarely within historic, confessional reformed theology.
I was reminded once more as I read this book, that as a child of the reformation I stand in a long line of godly men. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Thank you Pastor Boekenstein for bringing this giant of the reformation to life!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
A commentary on the book of Acts by Guy Prentiss Waters
An EP study commentary on the book of Acts by Guy Prentiss Waters:
I use commentaries quite often in my Bible study. I like to work through a book of the Bible using a commentary and have found that a great way of digging into the text. So it's important that I use a commentary that is theological (from a reformed perspective), but also usable for a layman like myself. This commentary fits the bill perfectly.
This book is part of the EP study commentary series and at just over 600 pages is an incredibly useful volume that is both theological and readable. This is a useful tool not only for layman like myself, but also for anyone who is preaching or teaching from the book of Acts. Dr. Waters walks us through Acts systematically and thoroughly, but I was amazed at how readable this work is. Oftentimes, the more thorough the commentary, the harder it is to read and vice versa, with easy to read commentaries often lacking theological depth. No worries here, this book strikes the perfect balance between both extremes.
Let me just say something about the layout of this commentary. Usually commentaries will print a fairly good size chunk of text that is then followed by many pages of commentary, and I sometimes lose track of the text that I'm reading about, especially if I'm using a kindle version. One of the things I loved here is that Dr. Waters breaks his comments down into smaller bites, so he will list a verse or two, then comment, which allowed me to keep focused on the text as I read. This was a pleasant surprise and is one of the first commentaries I've used that is laid out this way.
Lastly, let me say that in addition to being theological and readable, this work is also pastoral and edifying. At the end of each chapter is an application section that ties what we learn in the text to how we live as disciples of Christ. I loved this feature and this is just another example of the value of this book.
With the abundance of commentaries out there today, it's critical for the frugal book buyer to choose his purchases carefully. This commentary is one that is well worth the price and will hold a welcome place on your bookshelf. This is a well done, readable, and very useful commentary! I have a new go to commentary for Acts!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
I use commentaries quite often in my Bible study. I like to work through a book of the Bible using a commentary and have found that a great way of digging into the text. So it's important that I use a commentary that is theological (from a reformed perspective), but also usable for a layman like myself. This commentary fits the bill perfectly.
This book is part of the EP study commentary series and at just over 600 pages is an incredibly useful volume that is both theological and readable. This is a useful tool not only for layman like myself, but also for anyone who is preaching or teaching from the book of Acts. Dr. Waters walks us through Acts systematically and thoroughly, but I was amazed at how readable this work is. Oftentimes, the more thorough the commentary, the harder it is to read and vice versa, with easy to read commentaries often lacking theological depth. No worries here, this book strikes the perfect balance between both extremes.
Let me just say something about the layout of this commentary. Usually commentaries will print a fairly good size chunk of text that is then followed by many pages of commentary, and I sometimes lose track of the text that I'm reading about, especially if I'm using a kindle version. One of the things I loved here is that Dr. Waters breaks his comments down into smaller bites, so he will list a verse or two, then comment, which allowed me to keep focused on the text as I read. This was a pleasant surprise and is one of the first commentaries I've used that is laid out this way.
Lastly, let me say that in addition to being theological and readable, this work is also pastoral and edifying. At the end of each chapter is an application section that ties what we learn in the text to how we live as disciples of Christ. I loved this feature and this is just another example of the value of this book.
With the abundance of commentaries out there today, it's critical for the frugal book buyer to choose his purchases carefully. This commentary is one that is well worth the price and will hold a welcome place on your bookshelf. This is a well done, readable, and very useful commentary! I have a new go to commentary for Acts!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
A review of God's Battle Plan for the Mind by David W. Saxton
A review of God's Battle Plan for the Mind by David W. Saxton
Publisher's description:
"During the seventeenth century, English Puritan pastors often encouraged their congregations in the spiritual discipline of meditating on God and His Word. Today, however, much of evangelicalism is either ignorant of or turned off to the idea of meditation. In God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, pastor David Saxton seeks to convince God’s people of the absolute necessity for personal meditation and motivate them to begin this work themselves. But he has not done this alone. Rather, he has labored through numerous Puritan works in order to bring together the best of their insights on meditation. Standing on the shoulders of these giants, Saxton teaches us how to meditate on divine truth and gives valuable guidance about how to rightly pattern our thinking throughout the day. With the rich experiential theology of the Puritans, this book lays out a course for enjoying true meditation on God’s Word."
When many Christians think about meditation they either avoid it because of it's modern day association with mysticism and eastern religions, or embrace it in a way that is more associated to those false practices than it is to faithful and true biblical meditation.
Until I read this book, I had no idea how ignorant I was in this area. I was also surprised to learn how central biblical meditation was to Puritan faith and practice. Along with the ministry of the Word, meditation on Scripture was considered a vital part of spiritual growth, especially when for most Christians in their day (and ours too), there were so many tasks and responsibilities that made it hard to have a vibrant, daily walk with God. If that was true then, how much more now in our modern age with all of the endless distractions that permeate our lives? Other than the ordinary means of grace such as preaching and sacrament how can we grow in grace in the midst of our busyness? The author of this book is attempting to show us how, and he does it thoroughly and helpfully. You want practical theology? You got it here!
In this short book (160 pages) David Saxton gives us the historical background of the Puritan practice of biblical meditation, then walks us through what it is, how to do it, why to do it, and what the rewards are for those who do it.
In brief, Saxton affirms how vital biblical meditation is for our sanctification and growth. He also challenges us to look at our own lives and see how much we allow the distractions and entertainments of this world to distract and weaken us in our walks with the Lord. Putting into practice what we read here is the antidote to the spirit of this age that we breathe in all day, every day. This helps us not only to worship as we go through our days, but to remember that we are strangers and pilgrims upon this earth, as we journey to our heavenly city.
Throughout this book I was reminded once more how much we benefit from anytime spent with the Puritans, either reading their works, or in this case, learning about what they believed and practiced. Just reading the many quotes from Puritans on this subject gives you a depth of theology and doxology not often present in our day. Theirs are voices we need to hear.
Thank you David Saxton for teaching me the blessed art of biblical meditation! Get this book and put what you read in it's pages into practice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"During the seventeenth century, English Puritan pastors often encouraged their congregations in the spiritual discipline of meditating on God and His Word. Today, however, much of evangelicalism is either ignorant of or turned off to the idea of meditation. In God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, pastor David Saxton seeks to convince God’s people of the absolute necessity for personal meditation and motivate them to begin this work themselves. But he has not done this alone. Rather, he has labored through numerous Puritan works in order to bring together the best of their insights on meditation. Standing on the shoulders of these giants, Saxton teaches us how to meditate on divine truth and gives valuable guidance about how to rightly pattern our thinking throughout the day. With the rich experiential theology of the Puritans, this book lays out a course for enjoying true meditation on God’s Word."
When many Christians think about meditation they either avoid it because of it's modern day association with mysticism and eastern religions, or embrace it in a way that is more associated to those false practices than it is to faithful and true biblical meditation.
Until I read this book, I had no idea how ignorant I was in this area. I was also surprised to learn how central biblical meditation was to Puritan faith and practice. Along with the ministry of the Word, meditation on Scripture was considered a vital part of spiritual growth, especially when for most Christians in their day (and ours too), there were so many tasks and responsibilities that made it hard to have a vibrant, daily walk with God. If that was true then, how much more now in our modern age with all of the endless distractions that permeate our lives? Other than the ordinary means of grace such as preaching and sacrament how can we grow in grace in the midst of our busyness? The author of this book is attempting to show us how, and he does it thoroughly and helpfully. You want practical theology? You got it here!
In this short book (160 pages) David Saxton gives us the historical background of the Puritan practice of biblical meditation, then walks us through what it is, how to do it, why to do it, and what the rewards are for those who do it.
In brief, Saxton affirms how vital biblical meditation is for our sanctification and growth. He also challenges us to look at our own lives and see how much we allow the distractions and entertainments of this world to distract and weaken us in our walks with the Lord. Putting into practice what we read here is the antidote to the spirit of this age that we breathe in all day, every day. This helps us not only to worship as we go through our days, but to remember that we are strangers and pilgrims upon this earth, as we journey to our heavenly city.
Throughout this book I was reminded once more how much we benefit from anytime spent with the Puritans, either reading their works, or in this case, learning about what they believed and practiced. Just reading the many quotes from Puritans on this subject gives you a depth of theology and doxology not often present in our day. Theirs are voices we need to hear.
Thank you David Saxton for teaching me the blessed art of biblical meditation! Get this book and put what you read in it's pages into practice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
A review of a commentary on Judges and Ruth by Robert B. Chisolm Jr.
A review of a commentary on Judges and Ruth by Robert B. Chisolm Jr.
Publisher's description:
"A thorough exegetical and homiletical analysis of each passage of Judges and Ruth
This masterly commentary sheds exegetical and theological light on the books of Judges and Ruth for contemporary preachers and students of Scripture. Listening closely to the text while interacting with the best of scholarship, Chisholm shows what the text meant for ancient Israel and what it means for us today. In addition to its perceptive comments on the biblical text, it examines a host of themes such as covenants and the sovereignty of God in Judges, and providence, redemption, lovingkindness, and Christological typology in Ruth.
In his introduction to Judges, Chisholm asks and answers some difficult questions: What is the point of Judges? What role did individual judges play? What part did female characters play? Did Judges have a political agenda?
Chisholm offers astute guidance to preachers and teachers wanting to do a series on Judges or Ruth by providing insightful exegetical and theological commentary. He offers homiletical trajectories for each passage to show how historical narrative can be presented in the pulpit and classroom."
Last year I reviewed Tim Keller's commentary on Judges and found it very helpful. This commentary from Robert Chisholm, though much different than Keller's, is also very helpful. This is a detailed, scholarly effort, and quite a bit more exegetical and detailed, going verse by verse through both Judges and Ruth, designed to be an aid for preachers and teachers. The introduction alone is around 100 pages long and was very helpful to me in understanding not only the background of the book and it's historical context, but to see how the apostasy and idolatry practiced by the nation of Israel had it's seeds planted in the days of the Judges.
The structure of this commentary is very detailed with each chapter covering a specific overall theme (example Judges 1:1-2:5, entitled settling down with the enemy). Then each chapter has three components, a detailed outline, a summary of the literary structure of the passage, and an exposition.
The expostion is the normal verse by verse meat and potatoes part of the commentary and is very detailed and instructive. Even though I am a layman, and I do not know Hebrew, Dr. Chisolm's use of Hebrew throughout the book doesn't exclude folks like me from utilizing this rich resource. I should note that Dr. Chisolm uses his own translation of Judges and Ruth, which is not a problem for me, but if that is an issue for anyone, he explains his reasoning in his preface, which is to help us view the text as the original author did. When he does use Hebrew, his explanations are sufficient for someone like me to benefit.
I appreciate Dr. Chisolm's effort to show us the overall themes of these books and to show them as whole literary units, not as just individual portions of Scripture. His literary interpretive method takes all of the smaller thematic elements and ties them all in to the larger overall ones and is very helpful.
As I said the exposition is very detailed and helpful, and their are numerous footnotes on each page for even more detail. Some pages are half text, half footnote. I can't imagine another commentary that will open up Judges or Ruth like this one.
After the exposition portion, each chapter concludes with a message and application section for pastors and teachers. Here Dr. Chisolm outlines thematic emphases, exegetical ideas, theological principles and homiletical trajectories. This looks very helpful for sermon or class preparation, but I will leave it to pastors and teachers to decide for themselves if Dr. Chisolm's work here is useful to them.
Finally, I highly recommend this commentary. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first, as I usually use commentaries that are more in the practical, devotional style, as I work through an individual book. That being said, though this is a highly technical work, designed for pastors and teachers, this is well worth being on your bookshelf.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"A thorough exegetical and homiletical analysis of each passage of Judges and Ruth
This masterly commentary sheds exegetical and theological light on the books of Judges and Ruth for contemporary preachers and students of Scripture. Listening closely to the text while interacting with the best of scholarship, Chisholm shows what the text meant for ancient Israel and what it means for us today. In addition to its perceptive comments on the biblical text, it examines a host of themes such as covenants and the sovereignty of God in Judges, and providence, redemption, lovingkindness, and Christological typology in Ruth.
In his introduction to Judges, Chisholm asks and answers some difficult questions: What is the point of Judges? What role did individual judges play? What part did female characters play? Did Judges have a political agenda?
Chisholm offers astute guidance to preachers and teachers wanting to do a series on Judges or Ruth by providing insightful exegetical and theological commentary. He offers homiletical trajectories for each passage to show how historical narrative can be presented in the pulpit and classroom."
Last year I reviewed Tim Keller's commentary on Judges and found it very helpful. This commentary from Robert Chisholm, though much different than Keller's, is also very helpful. This is a detailed, scholarly effort, and quite a bit more exegetical and detailed, going verse by verse through both Judges and Ruth, designed to be an aid for preachers and teachers. The introduction alone is around 100 pages long and was very helpful to me in understanding not only the background of the book and it's historical context, but to see how the apostasy and idolatry practiced by the nation of Israel had it's seeds planted in the days of the Judges.
The structure of this commentary is very detailed with each chapter covering a specific overall theme (example Judges 1:1-2:5, entitled settling down with the enemy). Then each chapter has three components, a detailed outline, a summary of the literary structure of the passage, and an exposition.
The expostion is the normal verse by verse meat and potatoes part of the commentary and is very detailed and instructive. Even though I am a layman, and I do not know Hebrew, Dr. Chisolm's use of Hebrew throughout the book doesn't exclude folks like me from utilizing this rich resource. I should note that Dr. Chisolm uses his own translation of Judges and Ruth, which is not a problem for me, but if that is an issue for anyone, he explains his reasoning in his preface, which is to help us view the text as the original author did. When he does use Hebrew, his explanations are sufficient for someone like me to benefit.
I appreciate Dr. Chisolm's effort to show us the overall themes of these books and to show them as whole literary units, not as just individual portions of Scripture. His literary interpretive method takes all of the smaller thematic elements and ties them all in to the larger overall ones and is very helpful.
As I said the exposition is very detailed and helpful, and their are numerous footnotes on each page for even more detail. Some pages are half text, half footnote. I can't imagine another commentary that will open up Judges or Ruth like this one.
After the exposition portion, each chapter concludes with a message and application section for pastors and teachers. Here Dr. Chisolm outlines thematic emphases, exegetical ideas, theological principles and homiletical trajectories. This looks very helpful for sermon or class preparation, but I will leave it to pastors and teachers to decide for themselves if Dr. Chisolm's work here is useful to them.
Finally, I highly recommend this commentary. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first, as I usually use commentaries that are more in the practical, devotional style, as I work through an individual book. That being said, though this is a highly technical work, designed for pastors and teachers, this is well worth being on your bookshelf.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Monday, December 15, 2014
A review of A New Apostolic Reformation? A biblical response to a worldwide movement
A review of A New Apostolic Reformation? A biblical response to a worldwide movement:
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This critique provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the widespread but little-known New Apostolic Reformation movement. As the authors state in the preface: “We write this book with two major goals in mind. First, to give people an idea of the sheer size and reach of the NAR movement. And second, to systematize its key teachings and practices and evaluate them on the basis of Scripture and careful reasoning. . . . In our judgment, the NAR perspective crosses these boundaries [that is, certain broad parameters, revealed in Scripture and practiced in the historical orthodox church], and it does so in part because of flawed theology rooted in a flawed understanding of Scripture.
“We wish to warn readers about a possible confusion: Some critics have linked the NAR movement with mainstream Pentecostalism and charismatics. We do not do this. In fact, it is our contention that the NAR movement deviates from classical Pentecostal and charismatic teachings. This movement has emerged out of independent charismatic churches and, thus, has gained a foothold in many of those churches in varying degrees. But we do not argue for cessationism, the view that the ‘miraculous gifts’ listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are no longer active in the church. Whether the miraculous gifts are ongoing has no bearing on the arguments of our book.”
What is the new apostolic reformation (NAR) and why do I care? I'm sure for many Christians, the answers would be "I don't know" and "I don't care". Christian, you do want to know and you should care. As the authors explain, this movement is very large, growing in influence, and at it's core, unbiblical. Chances are, you have Christian friends who are being influenced by NAR teachings, even though they may have no idea what the NAR is.
I actually thought I knew quite a bit about the NAR, but after reading this book, I realized I didn't know as much as I thought, and though I knew it's teachings were off I had no idea how dangerous and unbiblical this movement really is.
The authors do a great job outlining this movement and giving a gracious but biblical response. They are more gracious than I would be, these folks are false teachers, plain and simple. As they explained what the NAR believes and how far it reaches into mainstream evangelism I was shocked. Many odd things I had seen Christian friends of mine do turn out to be tenets of NAR teachings. For example, a few years ago, a friend of mine was talking about doing a spiritual warfare walk around our old church and I wondered where on earth he came up with that. Now I know, it's a NAR teaching, and completely unbiblical. I really did not know how far reaching this monster is or how closely aligned it is with the word of faith movement.
This book systematically and thoroughly does it's job and the more I read the more shocked I was. I don't normally lay out the table of contents in my reviews, but I think you can see below how thorough a job the authors do here:
1. What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?
2. Massive Size and Growing Political Influence
3. Mainstreaming the New Apostolic Reformation
4. NAR Apostles: The Generals
5. NAR Apostles: A Closer Look
6. Apostles in the Bible: The Twelve and Paul
7. Apostles in the Bible: The Other Apostles and False Apostles
I would have given this excellent book five stars, but I felt that there were some cautious continuationist views that I can't agree with. The authors believe that there is a biblical basis for the ongoing gift of prophecy (but not the office of prophet). Of course, I strongly disagree. I would have liked to have seen a more cessationist response, but other than that, I felt this book was very helpful. Educate yourself, practice discernment, and warn anyone you know who's involved with this movement. Four stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
“We wish to warn readers about a possible confusion: Some critics have linked the NAR movement with mainstream Pentecostalism and charismatics. We do not do this. In fact, it is our contention that the NAR movement deviates from classical Pentecostal and charismatic teachings. This movement has emerged out of independent charismatic churches and, thus, has gained a foothold in many of those churches in varying degrees. But we do not argue for cessationism, the view that the ‘miraculous gifts’ listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are no longer active in the church. Whether the miraculous gifts are ongoing has no bearing on the arguments of our book.”
What is the new apostolic reformation (NAR) and why do I care? I'm sure for many Christians, the answers would be "I don't know" and "I don't care". Christian, you do want to know and you should care. As the authors explain, this movement is very large, growing in influence, and at it's core, unbiblical. Chances are, you have Christian friends who are being influenced by NAR teachings, even though they may have no idea what the NAR is.
I actually thought I knew quite a bit about the NAR, but after reading this book, I realized I didn't know as much as I thought, and though I knew it's teachings were off I had no idea how dangerous and unbiblical this movement really is.
The authors do a great job outlining this movement and giving a gracious but biblical response. They are more gracious than I would be, these folks are false teachers, plain and simple. As they explained what the NAR believes and how far it reaches into mainstream evangelism I was shocked. Many odd things I had seen Christian friends of mine do turn out to be tenets of NAR teachings. For example, a few years ago, a friend of mine was talking about doing a spiritual warfare walk around our old church and I wondered where on earth he came up with that. Now I know, it's a NAR teaching, and completely unbiblical. I really did not know how far reaching this monster is or how closely aligned it is with the word of faith movement.
This book systematically and thoroughly does it's job and the more I read the more shocked I was. I don't normally lay out the table of contents in my reviews, but I think you can see below how thorough a job the authors do here:
1. What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?
2. Massive Size and Growing Political Influence
3. Mainstreaming the New Apostolic Reformation
4. NAR Apostles: The Generals
5. NAR Apostles: A Closer Look
6. Apostles in the Bible: The Twelve and Paul
7. Apostles in the Bible: The Other Apostles and False Apostles
8. NAR Apostles Compared to the Bible’s Apostles
9. Testing NAR Apostles
10. NAR Prophets: The Secret Intelligence Agents
11. NAR Prophets: A Closer Look
12. Prophets in the Bible
13. NAR Prophets Compared to the Bible’s Prophets
14. Testing NAR Prophets
15. Strategic-Level Spiritual Warfare
16. A Biblical Analysis of Strategic-Level Spiritual Warfare
17. Unifying the Forces Through “Apostolic Unity”
18. A Miracle-Working Army
19. A Biblical Analysis of a NAR “Miracle-Working Army”
I would have given this excellent book five stars, but I felt that there were some cautious continuationist views that I can't agree with. The authors believe that there is a biblical basis for the ongoing gift of prophecy (but not the office of prophet). Of course, I strongly disagree. I would have liked to have seen a more cessationist response, but other than that, I felt this book was very helpful. Educate yourself, practice discernment, and warn anyone you know who's involved with this movement. Four stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
A review of Calvin on the Christian life by Michael Horton
A review of Calvin on the Christian life by Michael Horton:
Publisher's description:
"John Calvin, a man adored by some and maligned by others, stands as a legendary figure in Christian history. In Calvin on the Christian Life, professor Michael Horton offers us fresh insights into the Reformer’s personal piety and practical theology by allowing Calvin to speak in his own words.
Drawing not only from his Institutes and biblical commentaries, but also from lesser-known tracts, treatises, and letters, this book will deepen your understanding of Calvin’s theology and ministry by exploring the heart of his spiritual life: confident trust and unwavering joy in the sovereign grace of God."
Apart from the study of Scripture, one of the greatest resources available to today's Christian are the writings of the giants of the reformation who have gone before us. Any time spent with them is time well spent indeed.
Of course, one of the greatest of these men is John Calvin. But if you have never read Calvin, where would you start? What books would you spend your hard earned money on? That is where this book shines brightly. Michael Horton gleans from Calvin's writings and give us this book on living the Christian life and in doing so shows us the side of Calvin loved by so many, his passion for godliness and personal piety, a passion he desired to share with others in his preaching and writing.
So for anyone desiring to delve into the writings of Calvin, especially his writings on personal piety and Christian life, Dr. Horton has done all the work for you
The book is divided into four main sections:
Part 1: Living before God
Part 2 Living in God
Part 3: Living in the Body
Part 4: Living in the World
This is not a dry dusty biography or systematic theology, but a warm, theologically dense course on living the Christian life, led by Calvin himself and you will benefit from reading it.
Another strength of this book is it's role as a springboard into reading more of Calvin's work. I own the Calvin's institutes and his commentaries, but if I didn't, this book would have helped me go deeper into his writings. As you would think, it is loaded with Calvin quotes and is extensively referenced so it is the perfect platform to start from if you want to read more of Calvin's great works.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"John Calvin, a man adored by some and maligned by others, stands as a legendary figure in Christian history. In Calvin on the Christian Life, professor Michael Horton offers us fresh insights into the Reformer’s personal piety and practical theology by allowing Calvin to speak in his own words.
Drawing not only from his Institutes and biblical commentaries, but also from lesser-known tracts, treatises, and letters, this book will deepen your understanding of Calvin’s theology and ministry by exploring the heart of his spiritual life: confident trust and unwavering joy in the sovereign grace of God."
Apart from the study of Scripture, one of the greatest resources available to today's Christian are the writings of the giants of the reformation who have gone before us. Any time spent with them is time well spent indeed.
Of course, one of the greatest of these men is John Calvin. But if you have never read Calvin, where would you start? What books would you spend your hard earned money on? That is where this book shines brightly. Michael Horton gleans from Calvin's writings and give us this book on living the Christian life and in doing so shows us the side of Calvin loved by so many, his passion for godliness and personal piety, a passion he desired to share with others in his preaching and writing.
So for anyone desiring to delve into the writings of Calvin, especially his writings on personal piety and Christian life, Dr. Horton has done all the work for you
The book is divided into four main sections:
Part 1: Living before God
Part 2 Living in God
Part 3: Living in the Body
Part 4: Living in the World
This is not a dry dusty biography or systematic theology, but a warm, theologically dense course on living the Christian life, led by Calvin himself and you will benefit from reading it.
Another strength of this book is it's role as a springboard into reading more of Calvin's work. I own the Calvin's institutes and his commentaries, but if I didn't, this book would have helped me go deeper into his writings. As you would think, it is loaded with Calvin quotes and is extensively referenced so it is the perfect platform to start from if you want to read more of Calvin's great works.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
A review of The Foundation of Communion with God: The Trinitarian Piety of John Owen by Ryan McGraw
A review of The Foundation of Communion with God: The Trinitarian Piety of John Owen by Ryan McGraw:
Publisher's description:
“The Foundation of Communion with God” introduces readers to the Trinitarian piety of John Owen (1616–1683). Ryan McGraw’s introduction to Owen sketches the major events of this important theologian’s life and shows how his circumstances shaped his thought on the themes of the Trinity and public worship. The second part of the book presents forty-one brief selections from Owen’s writings that trace his thoughts on knowing God as triune, on Scripture and worship, on heavenly-mindedness, and on covenant and the church. Appendixes provide readers with a chronological list of Owen’s writings and a guide to them for those who wish to delve deeper into this great theologian’s thoughts.
We benefit spiritually when we read the works of the great men of God who've gone before us, men who God gave to His church to assist in her edification and growth. Sadly, not only are there many in the church today who are ignorant of this great treasure, there are also many who struggle to make their way through long volumes filled with now archaic language and grammar. We ignore these great treasures to our own detriment, it is our loss.
This book attempts to remedy this situation by introducing us to the puritan John Owen, a giant of the faith who left us many great works, works that for modern readers are very hard to work through. His writings have been likened to digging for gold in a stony field using a pick axe. It is very hard work, and to make that effort is a daunting task. However their is much pure spiritual gold to be found.
I own some of Owen's works and to be honest, the only ones I can read much of are the modernized versions of Communion with God and his treatment on temptation and mortification, both by Kelly Kapic and edited by Justin Taylor. In fact Ryan quotes extensively from Communion with God in this work.
So like the books I just mentioned, this book takes Owen and using modern language and grammar, gives us the goods, an introduction to his writings on the Trinity, his thoughts on true worship and the means of grace, and his thoughts on how to truly commune with the God who has saved us, all of this tied into a historic, reformed framework. How helpful to see how Owen ties the means of grace (the means God uses to grow us spiritually) into the corporate worship services where we receive Word and Sacrament. We grow and commune with God as we worship together with the saints and hear the Word preached. It is a concept lost on much of modern evangelicalism with it's focus on an individualistic relationship, a "me and Jesus on the beach, drinking Starbucks together" mentality, where church is an afterthought. Maybe I go, maybe I don't.
There are forty one chapters, each fairly brief but every one full of rich spiritual truth. These chapters are divided under the three main sections of the book:
1. Knowing God as Triune.
2. Heavenly mindedness and apostasy.
2. Covenant and Church.
Ryan did a great job here, I loved reading this book and it makes me want to dig deeper into Owen's works, which is exactly what this book is designed to do! This is a helpful and delightful little book and I highly recommend it! Get a copy, read it, and pass it on to someone else. Five stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
“The Foundation of Communion with God” introduces readers to the Trinitarian piety of John Owen (1616–1683). Ryan McGraw’s introduction to Owen sketches the major events of this important theologian’s life and shows how his circumstances shaped his thought on the themes of the Trinity and public worship. The second part of the book presents forty-one brief selections from Owen’s writings that trace his thoughts on knowing God as triune, on Scripture and worship, on heavenly-mindedness, and on covenant and the church. Appendixes provide readers with a chronological list of Owen’s writings and a guide to them for those who wish to delve deeper into this great theologian’s thoughts.
We benefit spiritually when we read the works of the great men of God who've gone before us, men who God gave to His church to assist in her edification and growth. Sadly, not only are there many in the church today who are ignorant of this great treasure, there are also many who struggle to make their way through long volumes filled with now archaic language and grammar. We ignore these great treasures to our own detriment, it is our loss.
This book attempts to remedy this situation by introducing us to the puritan John Owen, a giant of the faith who left us many great works, works that for modern readers are very hard to work through. His writings have been likened to digging for gold in a stony field using a pick axe. It is very hard work, and to make that effort is a daunting task. However their is much pure spiritual gold to be found.
I own some of Owen's works and to be honest, the only ones I can read much of are the modernized versions of Communion with God and his treatment on temptation and mortification, both by Kelly Kapic and edited by Justin Taylor. In fact Ryan quotes extensively from Communion with God in this work.
So like the books I just mentioned, this book takes Owen and using modern language and grammar, gives us the goods, an introduction to his writings on the Trinity, his thoughts on true worship and the means of grace, and his thoughts on how to truly commune with the God who has saved us, all of this tied into a historic, reformed framework. How helpful to see how Owen ties the means of grace (the means God uses to grow us spiritually) into the corporate worship services where we receive Word and Sacrament. We grow and commune with God as we worship together with the saints and hear the Word preached. It is a concept lost on much of modern evangelicalism with it's focus on an individualistic relationship, a "me and Jesus on the beach, drinking Starbucks together" mentality, where church is an afterthought. Maybe I go, maybe I don't.
There are forty one chapters, each fairly brief but every one full of rich spiritual truth. These chapters are divided under the three main sections of the book:
1. Knowing God as Triune.
2. Heavenly mindedness and apostasy.
2. Covenant and Church.
Ryan did a great job here, I loved reading this book and it makes me want to dig deeper into Owen's works, which is exactly what this book is designed to do! This is a helpful and delightful little book and I highly recommend it! Get a copy, read it, and pass it on to someone else. Five stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
A review of Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr
A review of Jonathan Edwards, a Christian biography for young readers, by Simonetta Carr
Earlier this year I reviewed the first book I read in this series, a biography of John Knox, so I am already well acquainted with the Christian biographies for young readers series by Simonetta Carr. Having said that, I was curious to see how Mrs. Carr would pull off a biography of Jonathan Edwards in a way that would hold the attention of 7-12 year olds. I love Jonathan Edwards and own many of his writings, but his story is nothing like Knox's. There are no battles, slave galleys, or confrontations with Queens in this book. So, to see how well this book works with it's intended audience, I read it to my two youngest children, Samuel, who is eight, and Hannah, who is 5. I especially wondered how Sam would respond.
Sam listened intently as I read, and I think one thing that helped with that was the abundance of large colored pictures that helped visualize what we were reading. This series is a great tool for introducing children to our fathers in the faith and bringing them to life. Another feature my kids loved was the Did you know? feature at the end. When you read Sam's review, the comment on the height of Edwards' family comes from that section. It was jokingly said that "Timothy Edwards (Jonathan's father) had sixty feet of daughters" because his ten daughters were so tall. Kids love stuff like that.
I love incorporating Sam's thoughts with these books, so here is Sam's review unedited and in his own words:
"It was sad when most of Edwards' family died at a young age and it was crazy that most of his family was tall. I liked that Edwards' was preaching the Bible, not what was popular."
There are a lot of biographical facts in this book that bring Jonathan Edwards and his family to life, and this book gives children a look into a day much different than ours, a more dangerous and primitive place, a place in desperate need of the gospel, but as you can see by what Sam wrote about Edwards' preaching, there is much more. There is solid theology throughout, and the gospel message proclaimed by Edwards is presented loudly and clearly.
Mrs. Carr did an excellent job fleshing out Edwards as a man and I was touched by the love he shared with his dear wife Sarah. A particularly poignant part of this book was the story of his daughter Jerusa, who lovingly cared for missionary David Brainerd as he lay stricken with tuberculosis. How sad that four months later, this "flower of the family" herself died from fever. I was touched as I read about Edwards searing pain and grief as eight months later he still struggled to understand why this happened, but he faithfully understood that God was teaching him "how to sympathize with the afflicted." This was a side to Edwards that I didn't know. I feel that I know him much better now, he is no longer just the brilliant preacher and theologian, but an imperfect vessel bent, broken, and shaped by His God and Creator into an instrument for His glory and the edification of the Church.
I could go on and on, this book held my attention throughout. I especially enjoyed the appearance of the great Whitfield and also thought Mrs. Carr's treatment of the Great Awakening was an excellent balance of historical and theological truth that was still simple enough for children to understand.
In summary, this is an excellent way to introduce your children to Jonathan Edwards. Read this to them before you have them read Religious Affections or Freedom of the Will! :) Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"Jonathan Edwards lived at a time when many people were seriously questioning long-accepted ideas about the world, life, and God, and his answers to these questions have left a mark on the way we think today. While he is often remembered as the preacher of a scary sermon about a spider dangling over a fire, he remains significant as one of the greatest thinkers America has produced. Simonetta Carr traces the events of Edwards’s life from a young student interested in science to husband and father, pastor, leader of the Great Awakening, missionary, writer, and college president. Colorful illustrations, interesting facts, and a compelling story combine to introduce young readers to this important theologian and life in colonial America."Earlier this year I reviewed the first book I read in this series, a biography of John Knox, so I am already well acquainted with the Christian biographies for young readers series by Simonetta Carr. Having said that, I was curious to see how Mrs. Carr would pull off a biography of Jonathan Edwards in a way that would hold the attention of 7-12 year olds. I love Jonathan Edwards and own many of his writings, but his story is nothing like Knox's. There are no battles, slave galleys, or confrontations with Queens in this book. So, to see how well this book works with it's intended audience, I read it to my two youngest children, Samuel, who is eight, and Hannah, who is 5. I especially wondered how Sam would respond.
Sam listened intently as I read, and I think one thing that helped with that was the abundance of large colored pictures that helped visualize what we were reading. This series is a great tool for introducing children to our fathers in the faith and bringing them to life. Another feature my kids loved was the Did you know? feature at the end. When you read Sam's review, the comment on the height of Edwards' family comes from that section. It was jokingly said that "Timothy Edwards (Jonathan's father) had sixty feet of daughters" because his ten daughters were so tall. Kids love stuff like that.
I love incorporating Sam's thoughts with these books, so here is Sam's review unedited and in his own words:
"It was sad when most of Edwards' family died at a young age and it was crazy that most of his family was tall. I liked that Edwards' was preaching the Bible, not what was popular."
There are a lot of biographical facts in this book that bring Jonathan Edwards and his family to life, and this book gives children a look into a day much different than ours, a more dangerous and primitive place, a place in desperate need of the gospel, but as you can see by what Sam wrote about Edwards' preaching, there is much more. There is solid theology throughout, and the gospel message proclaimed by Edwards is presented loudly and clearly.
Mrs. Carr did an excellent job fleshing out Edwards as a man and I was touched by the love he shared with his dear wife Sarah. A particularly poignant part of this book was the story of his daughter Jerusa, who lovingly cared for missionary David Brainerd as he lay stricken with tuberculosis. How sad that four months later, this "flower of the family" herself died from fever. I was touched as I read about Edwards searing pain and grief as eight months later he still struggled to understand why this happened, but he faithfully understood that God was teaching him "how to sympathize with the afflicted." This was a side to Edwards that I didn't know. I feel that I know him much better now, he is no longer just the brilliant preacher and theologian, but an imperfect vessel bent, broken, and shaped by His God and Creator into an instrument for His glory and the edification of the Church.
I could go on and on, this book held my attention throughout. I especially enjoyed the appearance of the great Whitfield and also thought Mrs. Carr's treatment of the Great Awakening was an excellent balance of historical and theological truth that was still simple enough for children to understand.
In summary, this is an excellent way to introduce your children to Jonathan Edwards. Read this to them before you have them read Religious Affections or Freedom of the Will! :) Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
A review of Songs of a Suffering King by J.V. Fesko
A review of Songs of a Suffering King by J.V. Fesko:
Publisher's description:
"Our Lord has wisely given the Psalms, the songbook of the Bible, for the benefit of the church. But for many people, the Psalms’ contents are mysterious because they no longer have a place of prominence in the church’s worship. Author J. V. Fesko hopes to awaken the church to the majesty, beauty, and splendor of the Psalms through a devotional exploration of Psalms 1–8, a “grand Christ hymn,” in which David, as the suffering king, prefigures the king of kings, Jesus Christ. To encourage readers to come to a greater appreciation for the Psalms, the author includes with each chapter questions for further reflection and study and a metrical version of each psalm. He also recommends Internet resources that provide digital files of the tunes."
This is a short book (only 122 pages long) that guides us through Psalms 1-8, a group of Psalms that Fesko calls a "grand Christ hymn". That is the main theme of this book, that these Psalms, though written by David, prefigure Christ. Here we hear the prayers of our Suffering King to His heavenly Father. Here we get an idea of the types of things Christ may have prayed.
This is a devotional book, not a commentary, but it did give me a greater understanding into the Psalms in general. I have always seen the Psalms as devotional, reading them when I was distressed or struggling, and though I knew there were messianic passages, it wasn't something I reflected on. This book helped me do that, I see Christ in the Psalms like never before. As Fesko comments in the introduction (a helpful overview of the entire Psalter), "the entire Psalter is connected to the person and work of Christ."
The introduction also shows us that unlike my previous understanding of the Psalter, there is a specific organizational structure to the entire thing, a five-fold structure. The introduction is a very helpful overview of the Psalter, and I commend it to you.
From there, we have eight chapters, working through Psalms 1-8. I won't go into an in depth description of each chapter, but as I mentioned above, this is a devotional work. However, don't let that lead you to think that there is no rich theological truth here, there is. An example I found helpful in chapter two was that Paul identifies the resurrection of Jesus as His royal enthronement (comparing Psalm 2 to Acts 13). That's just one quick example. Then helpfully, at the end of each chapter there is a conclusion for reflection and study questions.
My main point? This book exalts our suffering King, our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and opened up these eight psalms to me like never before. For me, this book did exactly what the author intended it to do, it has given me a greater appreciation for the entire book of Psalms.
Finally, at the end of each chapter there is a metrical version of each Psalm, which you can use for personal or family devotions. The author also includes links so you can download the music for each hymn. I think these metrical hymns would also make great prayers to be read in private devotion or in a study group. Which leads to my last point, this book is perfect for private studies or devotional times, or public.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"Our Lord has wisely given the Psalms, the songbook of the Bible, for the benefit of the church. But for many people, the Psalms’ contents are mysterious because they no longer have a place of prominence in the church’s worship. Author J. V. Fesko hopes to awaken the church to the majesty, beauty, and splendor of the Psalms through a devotional exploration of Psalms 1–8, a “grand Christ hymn,” in which David, as the suffering king, prefigures the king of kings, Jesus Christ. To encourage readers to come to a greater appreciation for the Psalms, the author includes with each chapter questions for further reflection and study and a metrical version of each psalm. He also recommends Internet resources that provide digital files of the tunes."
This is a short book (only 122 pages long) that guides us through Psalms 1-8, a group of Psalms that Fesko calls a "grand Christ hymn". That is the main theme of this book, that these Psalms, though written by David, prefigure Christ. Here we hear the prayers of our Suffering King to His heavenly Father. Here we get an idea of the types of things Christ may have prayed.
This is a devotional book, not a commentary, but it did give me a greater understanding into the Psalms in general. I have always seen the Psalms as devotional, reading them when I was distressed or struggling, and though I knew there were messianic passages, it wasn't something I reflected on. This book helped me do that, I see Christ in the Psalms like never before. As Fesko comments in the introduction (a helpful overview of the entire Psalter), "the entire Psalter is connected to the person and work of Christ."
The introduction also shows us that unlike my previous understanding of the Psalter, there is a specific organizational structure to the entire thing, a five-fold structure. The introduction is a very helpful overview of the Psalter, and I commend it to you.
From there, we have eight chapters, working through Psalms 1-8. I won't go into an in depth description of each chapter, but as I mentioned above, this is a devotional work. However, don't let that lead you to think that there is no rich theological truth here, there is. An example I found helpful in chapter two was that Paul identifies the resurrection of Jesus as His royal enthronement (comparing Psalm 2 to Acts 13). That's just one quick example. Then helpfully, at the end of each chapter there is a conclusion for reflection and study questions.
My main point? This book exalts our suffering King, our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and opened up these eight psalms to me like never before. For me, this book did exactly what the author intended it to do, it has given me a greater appreciation for the entire book of Psalms.
Finally, at the end of each chapter there is a metrical version of each Psalm, which you can use for personal or family devotions. The author also includes links so you can download the music for each hymn. I think these metrical hymns would also make great prayers to be read in private devotion or in a study group. Which leads to my last point, this book is perfect for private studies or devotional times, or public.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
A review of Worshipping with Calvin by Terry L. Johnson
A review of Worshipping with Calvin by Terry L. Johnson:
Publisher's description:
Publisher's description:
"In the 'worship wars' which have marked recent times, many aspects have been considered but rarely is the issue of truly Reformed worship addressed. In this pertinent work, Terry Johnson effectually fills a void - countless books have been written about Calvin, but to date there has been scant material on Calvin and biblical worship. The vital historical context is presented, and the practical ramifications for Reformed biblical worship today are explored.'
There is a revival in Calvinist thinking across a broad spectrum of the church today. As he takes notice of that, the author suggests that, in order for Calvinism to thrive, attention must be given to the ministry and worship that will sustain it. The belief is advanced that Calvin would not separate theology from worship and that the new Calvinism of today needs to take seriously the liturgical reforms of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, not merely the theological.
Terry L Johnson takes note of the revival in Calvinist thinking that is evident across a broad spectrum of the church. But, he notes, for Calvinism to continue to thrive, attention must begin to be paid to the ministry and worship that alone will sustain and perpetuate it. The new Calvinism must take seriously the liturgical reforms of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, not just the theological, if today's dynamism is to endure. Calvin would not have approved of the separation of theology from worship. . . . Reformed theology determined Reformed worship; and conversely, Reformed worship was the nurturing womb from which Reformed piety and practice sprang. Theology, worship, and piety are inseparably linked, neither thriving without the supporting presence of the other. This is by no means a polemic against one or two forms of worship. Terry Johnson makes a strong historical and biblical case, so that whatever the readers preferred style of worship, this book will inform and challenge."
I think a more accurate title for this book would have been "Worshipping with the Reformers" because though this book does address Calvin and his views on worship, it really is a broader attempt to lay out the overall Reformed view and practice regarding this vital issue. This is not another book on the "worship wars", this book goes much deeper than worship styles and deals with what worship is. This book addresses how we worship, biblically and how the reformed worshipped historically. We serve a Holy God, and like the Israelites of old, we must come in awe and reverence, careful not to burn strange fire to the Lord. The church needs this book.
At over 300 pages this book is an in depth appeal for the church to affirm and practice the regulative principle of worship (reformed worship and ministry). If you are unaware what that principle is, it simply means that the worship of God is directed by Scripture and Scripture alone. This is the polar opposite of much of evangelicalism where anything goes that isn't specifically prohibited (the normative principle).
That being said, there may be many who read this book and disagree with much written in it's pages, but it will be an eye opening read non the less and will require the reader to challenge much of what he or she has believed regarding worship and the practices of our church services.
As a confessional Presbyterian I already was committed to the regulative principle, but I learned as I read that I didn't know as much about it as I thought. I loved the thoroughness and depth Terry went through to lay out his treatment of this topic and found myself working slowly through it, often with an open bible to look up the many Scripture passages given in support for various points and practices.
As I said, this book is thorough and fairly long, but it is very readable and very helpful. It is basically laid out in two parts, the first being an argument for the importance of the regulative principle and an overview of it's historical roots. The second and largest part of the book details the strengths of reformed worship and ministry. The section on worship and the Church is particularly needed in our day, with our individualized brand of Christianity.
Terry leaves nothing out here and as I have already mentioned, gives plenty of Scripture references to reinforce his argument. I can't say strongly enough how helpful this book was to me and how it has re energized my own desire to worship God in spirit and in truth just as the Reformed have done before me. Whether you agree or disagree with Terry here, you will be challenged to examine the worship practices of your church as well as the worship practices individually.
This book is now my standard reference work for worship, and I am thankful for it. I give this book five stars!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Friday, May 9, 2014
A review of Gospel Assurance & Warnings by Paul Washer
A review of Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer:
This book wraps up Paul Washer's "Recovering the Gospel" trilogy. The first book in the series is called "The Gospel's power and message", and the second is "The Gospel call and true conversion" (read my review of that here). Washer's message of gospel recovery spans three books because for much of evangelicalism the true gospel has been so diluted, so under preached, or so misrepresented that we have to start from square one. Like a modern day prophet, Washer is proclaiming an urgent and unpopular message to a unreceptive audience, the modern, evangelical church.
This book is divided into two sections, Part one, Biblical assurance, and Part Two, Gospel warnings, or warnings to empty confessors.
In part one, Washer does a great job in two ways. First, using 1 John as his primary text, over fourteen chapters he lays out various things that should assure us of our true faith in Christ. I found this to be helpful as often in our daily walks with Christ there is much to discourage us, sometimes to the point that we can question whether we are even truly saved. For the saint, this is a helpful and reassuring read, as Washer lays out how our spiritual nature determines our will and affections.
Secondly, for those who are not showing any of the fruits of true conversion, this book will be like a flamethrower burning through their straw house of false assurance and self-righteousness. For the "carnal" Christian (a false concept which Washer demolishes at the start of the book), for the goat, this will not be a comfortable read, because Washer aims a biblical broadside aimed to destroy any false hope they have, with the aim to bring them to true repentance and faith in Christ.
This is Paul Washer at his best, faithfully proclaiming the true gospel of Jesus Christ to an evangelical church that desperately needs to recover it.
Washer also uses this section to condemn the unbiblical practices so common in evangelicalism today, (many of which I am all too familiar with) that are used to "lead" sinners to Christ. Here is where any criticism I have of this book starts. Section one was fantastic and I think that would have made this book an important read by itself, but coming in at 288 pages, section two just seemed like a rehash of section one, made this seem like a long, long read, and just seemed redundant.
I think we may have been better served by providing the historical and theological origins of the modern evangelical gospel "invitations", fleshing out where these modern altar call practices came from, with some fleshing out why they are unbiblical, and why they are producing false converts, maybe as an appendix or something.
That being said, this is a helpful book, with a message that evangelicalism needs to hear, and hear loudly. Thank you brother Washer for bringing this message to us! Four stars.
For more of Paul Washer and his passion for reformation and revival check out his 10 indictments against the modern church, here. Excellent!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
"It should come as no surprise that misunderstandings about the gospel message and the nature of true conversion result in a problem with genuine assurance of salvation. A pseudo-gospel of “easy believism” has led many into careless presumption, and a poor understanding of salvation has abandoned tender consciences to near spiritual despair. In Gospel Assurance and Warnings, Paul Washer shines the light of gospel hope as he cautions against the dangers of making an empty profession of faith and carefully explains from Scripture the basis for establishing and maintaining a sound assurance of faith."
This book wraps up Paul Washer's "Recovering the Gospel" trilogy. The first book in the series is called "The Gospel's power and message", and the second is "The Gospel call and true conversion" (read my review of that here). Washer's message of gospel recovery spans three books because for much of evangelicalism the true gospel has been so diluted, so under preached, or so misrepresented that we have to start from square one. Like a modern day prophet, Washer is proclaiming an urgent and unpopular message to a unreceptive audience, the modern, evangelical church.
This book is divided into two sections, Part one, Biblical assurance, and Part Two, Gospel warnings, or warnings to empty confessors.
In part one, Washer does a great job in two ways. First, using 1 John as his primary text, over fourteen chapters he lays out various things that should assure us of our true faith in Christ. I found this to be helpful as often in our daily walks with Christ there is much to discourage us, sometimes to the point that we can question whether we are even truly saved. For the saint, this is a helpful and reassuring read, as Washer lays out how our spiritual nature determines our will and affections.
Secondly, for those who are not showing any of the fruits of true conversion, this book will be like a flamethrower burning through their straw house of false assurance and self-righteousness. For the "carnal" Christian (a false concept which Washer demolishes at the start of the book), for the goat, this will not be a comfortable read, because Washer aims a biblical broadside aimed to destroy any false hope they have, with the aim to bring them to true repentance and faith in Christ.
This is Paul Washer at his best, faithfully proclaiming the true gospel of Jesus Christ to an evangelical church that desperately needs to recover it.
Washer also uses this section to condemn the unbiblical practices so common in evangelicalism today, (many of which I am all too familiar with) that are used to "lead" sinners to Christ. Here is where any criticism I have of this book starts. Section one was fantastic and I think that would have made this book an important read by itself, but coming in at 288 pages, section two just seemed like a rehash of section one, made this seem like a long, long read, and just seemed redundant.
I think we may have been better served by providing the historical and theological origins of the modern evangelical gospel "invitations", fleshing out where these modern altar call practices came from, with some fleshing out why they are unbiblical, and why they are producing false converts, maybe as an appendix or something.
That being said, this is a helpful book, with a message that evangelicalism needs to hear, and hear loudly. Thank you brother Washer for bringing this message to us! Four stars.
For more of Paul Washer and his passion for reformation and revival check out his 10 indictments against the modern church, here. Excellent!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
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