What is the Lord’s Supper? Richard D. Phillips answers this important question in a straightforward and biblical way. “The Reformers” writes Phillips, “emphasized that a sacrament – that is, a sacred mystery prescribed for our worship – must have been instituted immediately by our Lord.” Also referred to as the Eucharist (1 Cor. 11:24) orContinue reading “WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER?”
Category Archives: BOOK REVIEWS
WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE?
J.V. Fesko answers the all-important question, “What is Justification by Faith Alone?” The author begins, “All people must at some point in their existence stand in the presence of God and be judged. There are two possible outcomes, either a guilty or not-guilty verdict. Or, in biblical terms, God will either condemn or justify theContinue reading “WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE?”
WHAT IS HELL?
Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson join forces to answer one of the more controversial questions of the 21st century, “What is hell?” Careful readers notice from the outset that the very question implies the existence of hell. The authors begin with the classic formulation, “Would a loving God really send good people to hell?” ThreeContinue reading “WHAT IS HELL?”
WHAT IS TRUE CONVERSION?
We live in a culture where a majority of Americans make some kind of a faith commitment. Indeed, many Americans call themselves Christians. It is in this context that Stephen Smallman answers the question, What is True Conversion? Smallman’s work is somewhat autobiographical as he recounts his conversion experience. He notes the impulse to “reformContinue reading “WHAT IS TRUE CONVERSION?”
What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?
July 10, 2017 marks the 508th birthday of John Calvin. But the streamers and balloons are nowhere to be found. Simply put, we live in a day that is so wrapped up in technology and new inventions that we tend to forget the lessons of the past, especially the lessons of dead guy. Calvin’s lifeContinue reading “What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?”
WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?
Derek W.H. Thomas answers the question, “What is Providence?” with a deep biblical knowledge and an ability to connect with a wide range of people. He begins by citing the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” ThomasContinue reading “WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?”
HOW DO WE GLORIFY GOD?
John Hannah answers one of life’s most penetrating questions in How Do We Glorify God? He surveys the erosion of godlessness in the current post-modern climate and contrasts this condition with the solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola Christus (Christ alone), sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), and soli deoContinue reading “HOW DO WE GLORIFY GOD?”
WHAT ARE ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION?
What Are Election and Predestination? Richard Phillips tackles this thorny question with a biblical mind and precision. Phillips begins with the doctrine of election which he describes as “the foundation on which the salvation of every believer rests: God’s own free and gracious choice of us.” Phillips rightly notes that election takes place before theContinue reading “WHAT ARE ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION?”
WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?
I am thankful for the Basics of the Reformed Faith Series, a collection of booklets released by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. These short treatments (with the exception of the booklet on infant baptism) are extremely helpful and should be a part of every Christian library. Philip Graham Ryken tackles a crucial topic in, What isContinue reading “WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?”
A QUEST FOR GODLINESS: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life – J.I. Packer (1990)
A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J.I. Packer is a superb introduction to the English Puritans. For too long, the Puritans have been marginalized, unfairly caricatured, and relegated dusty boxes of books in the garage. Packer intends to bring the Puritans to the forefront of Christian thought, precisely whereContinue reading “A QUEST FOR GODLINESS: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life – J.I. Packer (1990)”
Veritas et Lux 