Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching

John Koessler, Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 150 pp. $13.10 Most books devoted to exploring the mandate to preach the Word of God focus on homiletical method. They help young preachers craft an introduction and a conclusion. They help young theologians with good exegetical skills. They discuss tone,Continue reading “Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching”

Embracing Followership

Allen Hamlin Jr, Embracing Followership: How to Thrive in a Leader-Centric Culture. Bellingham: Kirkdale Press, 2016, 237 pp. $14.99 True leaders will always have followers. At the heart of leadership is the assumption that a certain group of people is committed to following a given leader. Most books that address leadership focus on role ofContinue reading “Embracing Followership”

The Temple and the Tabernacle – J. Daniel Hays

J. Daniel Hays, The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God’s Dwelling Places From Genesis to Revelation Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2016, 208 pp. $11.89 A good book review will help readers determine the good, the bad, and the ugly in a given title. There is nothing bad or ugly in J. Daniel Hays’Continue reading “The Temple and the Tabernacle – J. Daniel Hays”

Release the Prisoners!

  Andy Farmer, Trapped Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2016, 180 pp. $17.99 Thousands of Americans flock to Alcatraz, the penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. Of course, this intimidating fortress has since closed its doors to violent criminals and lawbreakers. Brave guests may choose to stand for a few moments in one of the tiny cellsContinue reading “Release the Prisoners!”

Resting in Free Grace – Resisting the Free Grace Movement

Wayne Grudem, Free Grace Theology: How Free Grace Diminishes the Gospel. Wheaton: Crossway, 2016, 160 pp. $11.42 Theological disputes have a tendency of generating more heat than light. The controversy surrounding the so-called Free Grace movement is no exception. Ever since the landmark book by John MacArthur was published, The Gospel According to Jesus, competingContinue reading “Resting in Free Grace – Resisting the Free Grace Movement”

The Bride(zilla) of Christ

Ted Kluck & Ronnie Martin, The Bride(zilla) of Christ: What To Do When God’s People Hurt God’s People. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2016. 198 pp. $10.15 Anyone familiar with the writing of Ted Kluck knows that he’s an expert at keeping real, sharing from the heart, and applying the truth of the gospel to everydayContinue reading “The Bride(zilla) of Christ”

What Christians Ought to Believe – Michael Bird (2016)

Michael F. Bird.  What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016. 237 pp. $18.99 What Christians Ought to Believe by Michael F. Bird examines the Apostles’ Creed and guides readers step-by-step through this important document. In chapters 1 and 2, the author highlights the importanceContinue reading “What Christians Ought to Believe – Michael Bird (2016)”

Battling Discouragement in Pastoral Ministry – C.H. Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon. Autobiography, Volume 2: The Full Harvest, 1860-1892. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, 1973. 524 pp. $36.00 In his excellent piece, 21 Maxims for Discouraged Pastors, Douglas Wilson reminds us that discouragement is part and parcel of pastoral ministry. Here is a piece of advice for men in pastoral ministry. Whenever you face the firesContinue reading “Battling Discouragement in Pastoral Ministry – C.H. Spurgeon”

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance – Bruce A. Ware (2005)

Recent years of scholarship have surfaced some terrific books on the doctrine of the Trinity.  Father, Son, & Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles & Relevance by Bruce A. Ware is among the best.  Dr. Bruce Ware defines and defends the doctrine of the Trinity with biblical precision, Christ-exalting passion, and theological muscle. Chapter one unfolds the importanceContinue reading “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance – Bruce A. Ware (2005)”