davidsteele1966

AUGUSTINE ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – Gerald Bray (2015)

It is no secret that Aurelius Augustine was a stalwart of the Christian faith; a pagan turned Christ-follower; a man of the world turned to a man of the Word; a man controlled by sin to a man controlled by the Spirit. Gerald Bray offers up a thoughtful overview of Augustine of Hippo in hisContinue reading “AUGUSTINE ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – Gerald Bray (2015)”

THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM – Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards reminds readers that there are on a journey towards heaven. The title of the message is The Christian Pilgrim. Section 1 – A Pilgrimage to Heaven “We ought above all things to desire a heavenly happiness; to be with God; and dwell with Jesus Christ,” argues the Puritan divine. This is a journey toContinue reading “THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM – Jonathan Edwards”

GOD’S GLORY ALONE: The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith – David Vandrunen (2015)

God’s Glory Alone – The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life is the second title in the 5 Solas Series. The first volume by Thomas Schreiner, Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification walked readers through this important doctrine which was rediscovered in the sixteenth century. The latest installment is penned by David Vandrunen, professorContinue reading “GOD’S GLORY ALONE: The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith – David Vandrunen (2015)”

JOYFUL CALVINISM IS THE ONLY KIND OF CALVINISM

Tony Reinke. The Joy Project. Minneapolis: Desiring God, 2015. 122 pp. $8.99 Every human being searches for happiness. No one is exempt. The Creator of the universe has hardwired human beings to be joyful. Tony Reinke makes this argument the centerpiece of his excellent book, The Joy Project. The thesis is simple and breathtakingly profound: “MakingContinue reading “JOYFUL CALVINISM IS THE ONLY KIND OF CALVINISM”

HAPPINESS by Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn. Happiness. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. 480 pp. $14.45. Randy Alcorn is an author who consistently places strong, biblical challenges before his readers. His newest work, Happiness, is no exception. The book is arranged in four parts and is arranged as is summarized below. Part 1: Our Compelling Quest for HappinessContinue reading “HAPPINESS by Randy Alcorn”

THE NATURE AND END OF EXCOMMUNICATION – Jonathan Edwards

The Nature and End of Excommunication is a timely and practical sermon. For many churches in our generation simply refuse to exercise church discipline on the unrepentant. This act of passivity is not only cause for grave concern; it is a violation of Scripture. Edwards utilizes 1 Cor. 5:11 as his text: “But now I amContinue reading “THE NATURE AND END OF EXCOMMUNICATION – Jonathan Edwards”

THE MARKS OF A SPIRITUAL LEADER – John Piper

“Spiritual leadership is knowing where God wants people to be and taking the initiative to use God’s methods to get them there in reliance on God’s power.” John Piper’s definition permeates this little book, appropriately titled, The Marks of a Spiritual Leader. Piper maintains that the essence of spiritual leadership involves helping people move towardContinue reading “THE MARKS OF A SPIRITUAL LEADER – John Piper”

True Worshipers: Seeking What Matters to God – Bob Kauflin (2015)

Bob Kauflin is no stranger to the local church, especially people in the church who are passionate about worship. In his latest book, True Worshipers: Seeking What Matters to God, Mr. Kauflin unpacks the reason for our existence. He explores the very essence of worship and draws practical applications to our contemporary milieu. Kauflin citesContinue reading “True Worshipers: Seeking What Matters to God – Bob Kauflin (2015)”

LET THE EARTH HEAR HIS VOICE – Greg R. Scharf (2015)

Preaching is at the very heart of the New Testament church. Yet many preachers find themselves struggling to prepare, lack the exegetical and theological tools to research adequately, and struggle to deliver sermons that connect with people. Greg R. Scharf identifies some of these homiletical struggles in his new book, Let the Earth Hear HisContinue reading “LET THE EARTH HEAR HIS VOICE – Greg R. Scharf (2015)”

He is There and He is Not Silent- Francis Schaeffer (1972)

I first read He is There and He is Not Silent by Francis Schaeffer in 1992. Multiple readings have ensued and I turn back to Schaeffer’s book again and again for help with apologetics. Schaeffer argues for three basic areas of philosophical thought: metaphysics (being or existence), morals (the dilemma of man), and epistemology (theContinue reading “He is There and He is Not Silent- Francis Schaeffer (1972)”