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”

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)”

TOP TEN BOOKS OF 2015

2015 was an exceptional year for books.  Here are my top 10: 1. A History of Western Philosophy and Theology – John Frame The best overview of western philosophy and theology in print. See my review         2. Finding Truth – Nancy Pearcey Another landmark book by Nancy Pearcey. See my review    Continue reading “TOP TEN BOOKS OF 2015”

No Final Conflict – Francis Schaeffer (1975)

“It is my conviction that the crucial area of discussion for evangelicalism in the next years will be Scripture.  At stake is whether evangelicalism will remain evangelical.”  So stated Francis Schaeffer in his 1975 landmine, No Final Conflict.  While this treasure was penned nearly thirty years ago, it remains relevant and applicable to 21st-century culture.Continue reading “No Final Conflict – Francis Schaeffer (1975)”

Two Contents, Two Realities – Francis Schaeffer (1974)

Sometimes the best things come in small packages.  Case in point: Two Contents, Two Realities by Francis Schaeffer.  To call it a booklet would be inaccurate.  To call it a pamphlet would be insulting.  The worst accusation one could hurl at this work is irrelevant or outdated.  Originally published in 1974 as a position paper thatContinue reading “Two Contents, Two Realities – Francis Schaeffer (1974)”

SONGS OF THE NATIVITY – John Calvin (1562)

Songs of the Nativity by John Calvin is a collection of sermons taken from Luke 1 and 2. These sermons provide an inside look at the commitments of the great Protestant Reformer. The sermons demonstrate Calvin’s handle on Scripture and his exegetical skill. But above all, these sermons reflect the love that Calvin had forContinue reading “SONGS OF THE NATIVITY – John Calvin (1562)”

WHAT WE BELIEVE – R.C. Sproul (2015)

What We Believe, by R.C. Sproul captures the essence of the well-known Apostles’ Creed. Dr. Sproul alerts readers in the preface, “The renewed mind is initiated by the immediate, sovereign, supernatural work of God, the Holy Spirit, in regeneration. It is developed by the continued operation of the Spirit in the soul and by feeding uponContinue reading “WHAT WE BELIEVE – R.C. Sproul (2015)”

Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity – Tim Challies (2015)

Here’s a lofty claim: “I believe this book can improve your life.” This is a claim we’ve all heard before. Infomercials, hucksters, and television preachers make similar claims. The net result is generally less than satisfying. The consumer usually walks away from such a claim with a lighter wallet, a bruised ego, and more skepticismContinue reading “Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity – Tim Challies (2015)”